Alcohol Components Research Articles

Mediterranean diet lowers risk of new-onset diabetes: a nationwide cohort study in China

BackgroundThe Mediterranean diet (MD) has shown promising results in preventing type 2 diabetes, particularly in Mediterranean and European populations. However, the applicability of these benefits to non-Mediterranean populations is unclear, with contradictory findings in the literature.MethodsIn this study, we included 12,575 participants without diabetes at baseline from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS). Dietary intake was measured by three consecutive 24-h dietary recalls. The Mediterranean diet adherence (MDA) was measured by a score scale that included nine components of vegetables, legumes, fruits, nuts, cereals, fish, red meat, dairy products, and alcohol. New-onset diabetes was defined as self-reported physician-diagnosed diabetes during the follow-up.ResultsDuring a median follow-up of 9.0 years, 445 (3.5%) subjects developed diabetes. Overall, there was an inverse association between the MDA score and new-onset diabetes (per score increment, HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.76–0.90). Moreover, age, sex, BMI, and energy intake significantly modified the association between the MDA score and the risk of new-onset diabetes (all P interactions < 0.05). Greater fruit, fish, and nut intake was significantly associated with a lower risk of new-onset diabetes.ConclusionThere was an inverse association between Mediterranean diet adherence and new-onset diabetes in the Chinese population.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Optimization of Antimicrobial Biolubricant Derived from Ocimum lamiifolium and Lactic Acid

Optimal extraction parameters were determined, yielding 12.4% oil at 4.5 hours, with a particle size of 1.375 mm and a solute-to-solvent ratio of 0.28 w/v. The extracted oil exhibited high yield (15% moisture, 0.92 g/mL specific gravity), a volatile lubricant component (3%), a pH of 4.2-5.91, low ash (11.5%), high saponification value (19.7 g KOH/g) and moderate acid number (8.9 mg KOH/g), iodine value of 35.3 g/L, low viscosity (0.1160 Pa.s), and high diffusion capacity (95%). Chemical analysis using UV-Vis spectrophotometry was employed to identify the constituents present in the extract, while FTIR spectra indicated the presence of alcoholic and phenolic components, suggesting interactions with lactic acid. Through GC/MS analysis, a total of 32 phytochemicals were identified, with seven significant ones: Eugenol (Phenol), Isocaryophyllene, Elemicin (benzene), Hexadecanoic acid with methyl ester, Octadecanoic acid with methyl ester, Neophytadiene and Squalene. Evaluation against E. coli, B. subtilis, S. typhimurium, and S. aureus revealed the O. lamiifolium extract and biolubricants most active against S. aureus and E. coli, suggesting potential for superior antibacterial lubricants with this plant extract and lactic acid.

Resilient 3D porous self-healable triple network hydrogels reinforced with graphene oxide for high-performance flexible supercapacitors

The application of gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) in flexible supercapacitor (FSC) has attracted much attention due to its excellent mechanical properties and chemical stability. However, traditional polymer substrates have high crystallinity, resulting in sluggish ion migration and low ionic conductivity. This study reports the successful fabrication of a resilient highly porous triple hydrogel network (TNH) comprising the natural polymer of sodium alginate and biocompatible components of polyvinyl alcohol and graphene oxide (GO), exhibiting remarkably high ionic conductivity and astonishing mechanical strength, self-healing, and flame retardant properties. The physical and electrochemical features of the GPEs were optimized by tuning the GO wt% within the polymeric matrix. Adding a low wt% of GO (0.8 wt%) led to remarkable improvements in ionic conductivity (83.33 mS cm−1), mechanical strength (2.21 MPa), and self-healing and flame-retardant properties of the resulting PVA/SA/GO GPE than the pristine GPE. This was attributed to the formation of a microporous three-dimensional polymeric network based on reversible non-covalent bonds. The carbon cloth-based symmetric SC prepared based on this GPE exhibited a long cycle life, high specific capacitance of 633.3 mF cm−2 at 0.5 mA cm−2, and an energy density of 84 mWh cm−2 at a high power density of 500.2 mW cm−2 (at 1 mA cm−2)), which surpassed the values reported in previous studies. The electrochemical performance of the FSC prepared based on PVA/SA/GO GPE remained constant when subjected to bending deformation, indicating the harmonious physical, chemical, and electrochemical properties of the developed GPE and its suitability for flexible energy storage devices, and wearable electronics

Physical and chemical characterization of guava (Psidium guajava L.) genotypes grown in subtropical condition

Guava is a high-value tropical fruit that is widely grown in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. In the adaptation studies carried out in Turkey, guava was determined as the most prominent species with its cold resistance feature. The use of seedlings in cultivation created a genetic variation and differences were observed between the resulting genotypes, especially in terms of fruit size, shape and colour. Based on this observation, this study aimed to characterize 13 different guava fruit genotypes based on physical, chemical, bioactive and aroma properties. In the adaptation studies carried out in Turkey, guava was determined as the most prominent species with its cold resistance feature. There is only one commercial variety namely ‘Ruby Supreme’ grown in Turkey. Presently, the interest of the guava cultivation has been increased and farmers were used seedling material instead of vegetative to establish orchard. Due to the cross pollination, it has been observed great variation in the population. Therefore, it is important to select promising genotypes according to fruit size, shape and colour. The present study was evaluated 13 different guava genotypes according to physical, chemical, bioactive and aroma properties. Significant differences were observed among the genotypes. One genotype was found superior over all the genotypes, in terms of fruit weight (131.44 g) and length (82.00 mm). Although three genotypes were having lower values than the other samples in results of total soluble solids, they had higher results in terms of antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content. Two genotypes formed a separate group from all other genotypes in terms of (Z)-3-Hexen-1-yl acetate (sweet, pear, melon), 3-Hexenal (melon, tropical) and Ethyl alcohol (fruit and sweet) components. The flavor components are distinctive for the guava samples, as are the physical properties. It was also determined that the white guava genotypes had very different chemical and aromatic properties from other genotypes. The promising genotypes can be utilized in the future breeding programme to improve new guava varieties.

Development of nickel vanadium-impregnated activated carbon nanocomposites for electrocatalytic conversion of furfural into fuels

Abstract Furfural, derived from biomass, is crucial for achieving carbon neutrality through biomass utilization. It can be converted into furfuryl alcohol and other valuable components used in the chemical industry. Electrochemical methods offer improved selectivity in the conversion of furfural under mild conditions compared to traditional hydrogenation. This study investigates the electrocatalytic conversion of furfural using a hydrothermally synthesized nickel-vanadium-impregnated activated carbon catalyst. The developed catalysts were characterized by x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The as-developed catalyst was used to synthesize electrodes for the electrochemical conversion of furfural. The behavior was investigated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and linear sweep voltammetry. The study optimized the Ni:V ratio, applied voltages, electrolyte molarity and reaction time and found that a Ni:V ratio of 1:1 resulted in maximum furfural conversion. The Ag/AgCl cathode at −0.9 V showed a low reaction rate, thus requiring higher voltages for efficient conversion. LC-UV-ESI MS analysis of the cathode half-reaction revealed the formation of a nitrogen-containing compound, likely stemming from the reaction between furfural and acetonitrile under the influence of the catalyst. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of NiV/AC catalysts in the electrocatalytic conversion of furfural, with a conversion rate of 90% and a faradaic efficiency of around 30% at −1.3 V. Furthermore, a plausible reaction mechanism was proposed.

An increased wax load on the leaves of goji plants (Lycium barbarum) results in increased resistance to powdery mildew

Abstract Background Goji (Lycium barbarum) is an important economic crop that is widely cultivated in Northwest China and is known as superfood. Goji plants are often affected by powdery mildew (Arthrocladiella mougeotii) in the field, resulting in considerable reduction in production and serious economic losses. The long-term reliance on agricultural chemicals to control powdery mildew not only leads to environmental pollution, but also causes excessive residues to accumulate in fruits, endangering human health. The plant epicuticular wax is the first physical barrier between land plants and the atmospheric environment, and plays an important role in the interactions of plants with pathogenic microorganisms. However, the relationship between epicuticular wax and powdery mildew resistance in goji plants is not well understood. Results The leaf epicuticular wax crystals of ‘Ningqi I’ goji were dense and small, and the wax load was 121.74 μg/cm2, which was 3.36 times greater than that of ‘Huangguo’ goji. The ratio of alcohol components in ‘Ningqi I’ goji was 121.18% greater than that in ‘Huangguo’ goji. The incidence rate and disease index of ‘Ningqi I’ goji inoculated with powdery mildew were significantly lower than those inoculated ‘Huangguo’ goji, showing high resistance and moderate susceptibility, respectively. After mechanical wax removal, the disease indices of the two goji varieties increased significantly, indicating extreme susceptibility. Seventeen differential expression genes showing significantly greater expression in ‘Ningqi’ goji leaves than in ‘Huangguo’ goji leaves were enriched in genes involved in fatty acid elongation and the wax biosynthesis pathway. The FAR activity and relative expression levels of LbaFAR and LbaWSD1 in ‘Ningqi I’ goji were significantly greater than those in ‘Huangguo’ goji. The relative expression levels of these genes significantly increased in the overexpression tobacco lines FAR-OE and WSD1-OE, and the wax load were augmented by 46.10% and 22.23%, respectively. Conclusions The increased expression of the LbaFAR and LbaWSD1 genes in ‘Ningqi I’ leaves led to increased FAR and WSD1 activity, increasing the wax load and alcohol content of the epicuticular of leaves, and improving leaf glossiness, resulting in strengthened resistance to powdery mildew. Therefore, the production of leaf epicuticular wax mediated by the LbaFAR and LbaWSD1 genes could be the main reason for the difference in powdery mildew resistance between the two goji varieties, which can provide a theoretical basis for the selection of resistant varieties to control goji powdery mildew. Graphical Abstract

Thermo physical properties and IR spectral studies of some binary liquid mixtures and correlation with the Jouyban–Acree model

ABSTRACT Excess molar volume, excess isentropic compressibility, deviation in viscosity and excess Gibbs free energy for activation of viscous flow for binary mixtures of propargyl alcohol (J) with benzyl aldehyde (J1), benzylamine (J2) and benzyl alcohol (J3) components with selected compositions were determined from the measured values of densities (ρ), viscosities (η), and speeds of sound (u) of pure components and their mixtures from 303.15 K to 313.15 K. The effect of various functional groups on the excess properties has been discussed in terms of attractive forces between the components. The results of the Jouyban-Acree model are discussed in terms of the mean relative deviation and individual relative between the calculated and experimental densities, speed of sound, and viscosities as an accuracy criterion.FTIR studies have also been added to confirm the experimental findings of the investigated mixtures

Resolution of the Expert Forum "New therapeutic horizons of NAFLD"

Aim. To present the materials of the Expert Forum "New therapeutic horizons of NAFLD," held on December 19, 2023, on the updated nomenclature of fatty liver disease (FLD), its main issues of diagnosis and treatment, the burden of cardiovascular risk in FLD patients. Executive Summary of the Resolution. It is recommended that the latest update of the FLD nomenclature be considered for adaptation to the clinical practice of doctors of all therapeutic specialties. Due to the high prevalence of a combination of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and an alcoholic component in the Russian Federation, it is essential to distinguish this subgroup of patients. Numerous clinical conditions associated with NAFLD include cardiovascular disease, pre-diabetes/type 2 diabetes mellitus, polycystic ovary syndrome, obstructive sleep apnea, sarcopenic obesity, cholelithiasis, and chronic kidney disease. Once a diagnosis of NAFLD has been made, further examination of patients should be aimed at detecting the presence of fibrosis using non-invasive methods such as transient liver elastography, FibroTest, and calculation of the FIB-4 fibrosis index. The original ademethionine can be considered a universal drug in treating NAFLD due to reducing oxidative stress and correcting concomitant fatigue and asthenia.

Determination of volatile aroma composition of some hazelnut varieties grown in Akçakoca conditions.

Türkiye is leading country for hazelnut production and hazelnut orchards are widely established in Black Sea belt. Akçakoca district belongs to Duzce province is accepted as one of the most important production areas. In this research, volatile aroma components in nuts (kernels) of Çakıldak, Kara, Sarı (Mincane), Tombul and Yomra hazelnut varieties grown in Akçakoca district were determined by SPME/GC-MS. The analysis revealed the presence a total of 55 different volatile aroma components. These analyzes identified the presence of 39 descriptive volatile aroma compounds with significant differences between varieties. Çakıldak variety differed from the other varieties in terms of Isopentyl alcohol and Ethyl acetate components. At the same time, some volatile aroma compounds are commonly detected among the all varieties. This study has shown that the climate and soil conditions of Akçakoca cause the emergence of unique taste profiles through the effect of hazelnut varieties on volatile aroma components. The findings emphasize that regional diversity and local ecosystem factors play a critical role in determining flavor in hazelnut kernels. This study also emphasizes that variety selection is a critical factor in ensuring sustainability in hazelnut cultivation and that determining volatile aroma components is an important indicator in this selection.

Thermophysical properties of binary liquid mixtures at various temperatures, supported by FTIR spectral studies and correlation with the Jouyban–Acree model (allyl alcohol, benzyl aldehyde, benzylamine and benzyl alcohol)

ABSTRACT Excess molar volume, excess isentropic compressibility, deviation in viscosity and excess Gibbs free energy for activation of viscous flow for binary mixtures of allyl alcohol (C) with benzyl aldehyde (C1), benzylamine (C2) and benzyl alcohol (C3) components in selected compositions were determined from the measured values of densities (ρ), viscosities (η) and speeds of sound (u) of pure components and their mixtures at 303.15–313.15 K. These results were analysed by different theoretical models, such as PFP and Jouyban–Acree model. The effect of various functional groups on the excess properties was discussed in terms of disruption of H-bonding and dipole–dipole interaction between the components of the mixtures. The thermodynamic results of the present investigation have been correlated with FTIR spectral studies and have obtained a good agreement.

Effects of co‐fermentation of high‐yield ester Zygosaccharomyces rouxii and Saccharomyces cerevisiae on the quality of rice wine

AbstractBackgroundAt present, rice wine has the characteristics of fast fermentation, energy saving, and simple production due to the addition of commercial Saccharomyces cerevisiae. However, this kind of fermented rice wine has the disadvantages of single flavor and weak taste. To address this concern, the combination of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and non‐Saccharomyces yeast has been identified as an effective approach to enhance the quality of fermented rice wine. This research aims to further enhance the ethyl ester and higher alcohol components of rice wine by utilizing the co‐fermentation method of high‐yield ester Zygosaccharomyces rouxii and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, thereby increasing the aroma complexity of rice wine.ResultsAccording to the fermentation performance and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis, it was found that S. cerevisiae GJM and Z. rouxii SC01 have a strong metabolic ability for glucose and sucrose. Furthermore, the crucial alcohols such as isobutanol, isoamyl alcohol, and phenylethyl alcohol increased by 85%, 29%, and 138%, respectively, when compared to single S. cerevisiae GJM. Additionally, the ethyl acetate and phenylethylene acetate were increased by 1.35 and 1.45 times, respectively, when compared to single S. cerevisiae GJM. These findings were comparable with the results of sensory evaluation and electronic nose analysis, where the fruit flavor score and the content of mellow substances were found to be higher.ConclusionThese findings suggest that the co‐fermentation of S. cerevisiae and high‐yield ester Z. rouxii has the potential to enhance the quality and diversity of aroma in liquid rice wine.

Compatibility of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)/ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH)/EVA films with gamma, electron-beam, and X-ray irradiation

Many polymer-based medical devices are sterilized by gamma irradiation. To reduce the use of cobalt-60 gamma-ray sources, transition from gamma ray to alternative irradiation technologies was proposed, namely electron beam (e-beam) and X-ray. A major impediment for such a transition is the knowledge gap in material compatibility with the different radiation sources. In this study, multi-layer films consisting of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) components were irradiated to target doses of 30, 45, and 60 kGy by gamma-ray, e-beam, and X-ray sources. Effects of irradiation were evaluated on 12 material properties, and statistical comparisons between gamma irradiation and alternative technologies were conducted using the two one-sided t-test (or “equivalence test”) and classic t-test. Melting temperature and UV absorbance below 300 nm showed dose dependencies, while other investigated properties such as discoloration and mechanical durability did not change with dose up to 60 kGy. Based on these results, there is no material compatibility issue associated with the transition from gamma to e-beam or to X-ray as source of sterilization radiation of the studied multi-layer film.

One-Pot, Five-Component Condensation Reaction of Isatin, Secondary Amines, Malononitrile, Alcohols, and Molecular Oxygen to Access 3-Functionalized 2-Oxindoles.

An efficient five-component condensation reaction of isatin, malononitrile, secondary amines, alcohols, and molecular oxygen was discovered. The reaction was performed in a one-pot fashion, and it does not require any metal catalyst. It gives straightforward access to structurally diverse 2-oxo-3-aminoindoline-3-carboxylates in moderate yields (70-88%). The scope of the reaction was successfully demonstrated by synthesizing a series of 3-functionalized 2-oxindoles by varying the isatin, amine, and alcohol components.

The nature and magnitude of heterosis for the economic traits of vetiver{Chrysopogon zizanioides (L.) Roberty}

A total of 65 F1 vetiver hybrids were developed using the L × T design by mating 13 males with 5 females. The goal of this endeavor is to increase the possibility of developing high-yielding, quality essential oil varieties by utilizing heterosis and genetic variability. The heritability (%) was high for the traits CH4, CH7 to CH11 (81.90–99.69%). A positive and highly significant association exists between the features of CH2 and CH3. The trait CH8 showed the highest direct contributions to CH4, followed by CH-3, CH-5, CH4, and CH1. Heritability, correlations, and heterosis components all have an impact on the nature and degree of heterosis. It recommends that when selecting superior hybrids, breeders should take into account the genetic correlation between key traits. Based on average performance and heterosis for the root yield/plot, the top two crosses were determined to be L13 × T1 and L10 × T3. While hybrids L10 × T5, L2 × T3, and L4 × T5 showed high essential oil yield, four hybrids, L1 × T2, L3 × T3, L9 × T4, and L2 × T5, had the highest essential oil (%). A nor-sesquiterpene aldehyde (khusilal), two cedrene family chemicals (α-cedrenal and α-cedrenol), and one sesquiterpene alcohol, or khusol constitute the oil composition. The inclusion of just alcoholic and aldehydic components makes the oil fingerprint distinct. Further research was conducted on these hybrids to take advantage of heterosis and employ them in further hybridization programs to create superior genotypes.

A study of correlation between clinical profile of patients with non- alcoholic fatty liver disease and individual components of metabolic syndrome at a tertiary care centre in Uttarakhand region: an observational cross-sectional study

Background: Research indicates that the occurrence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in India is reported to range from approximately 9% to 32%. This study aims to examine the clinical characteristics of subjects diagnosed with NAFLD and investigate the association between NAFLD and individual components of metabolic syndrome. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, hospital-based study, conducted over a period of 2 months from May 2017 to June 2017 in patients attending medicine OPD or admitted in IPD in AIIMS Rishikesh. Study population included sonologicaly diagnosed cases of NAFLD of age group 18 to 70 years. Patients with a history of jaundice, positive viral markers for hepatitis C or hepatitis B, pregnant women, individuals who consume alcohol, and patients with a history of hepatotoxic drug consumption were excluded. Results: A total of 40 NAFLD cases, as confirmed ultrasonographically, were included in the study. Out of all the patients diagnosed with NAFLD, 26 (65%) were found to have metabolic syndrome based on the NCEP ATP III criteria. Upon investigating the correlation between NAFLD and individual components of metabolic syndrome, a significant association (p&lt;0.05) was observed with BMI, waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as well as serum triglyceride levels. Conclusions: Uttarakhand being hilly region mainly, it is expected that lifestyle will be healthy due to cultural and environmental factors, but rapid urbanisation has led to change in lifestyle which needs to be addressed in the population of this Himalayan state.

Synthesis of Cyclopropanes via Hydrogen-Borrowing Catalysis.

Cyclopropanes are highly useful motifs that are often incorporated into drug candidates to improve potency, metabolic stability, or pharmacokinetic properties. An expedient method for the α-cyclopropanation of ketones using hydrogen borrowing (HB) catalysis is described. The transformation occurs via HB alkylation of a hindered ketone with subsequent intramolecular displacement of a pendant leaving group affording the cyclopropanated product. The leaving group can be installed in either the ketone or alcohol component of the HB system, giving access to α-cyclopropyl ketones via two complementary approaches. Conversion to the corresponding carboxylic acids can be achieved in a simple two-step sequence to afford synthetically useful 1,1-substituted spirocyclopropyl acid building blocks.

P75 Are ‘hypoallergenic’ personal care products truly safe?

Abstract It is estimated that one-fifth of the general population may have allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) to common environmental allergens. Skincare companies are increasingly advertising their products as ‘hypoallergenic’, targeting consumers who seek personal care products (PCPs) that are less likely to cause an allergic reaction. However, there are no Food and Drug Administration standards to regulate the use of the term hypoallergenic, allowing manufacturers to use the term freely. We evaluated PCPs marketed as hypoallergenic from two health and beauty retailers in the UK for the presence of allergens in the British Society of Cutaneous Allergy (BSCA) baseline series. Product and ingredient lists were obtained from www.boots.com and www.superdrug.com in November 2022 using the term hypoallergenic in the search box. PCPs without the term hypoallergenic in the product description, unrelated products (plasters, jewellery, sanitary towels, tampons, clothing, facial brushes) and duplicates (same products in different sizes) were excluded. In total, 208 PCPs met the inclusion criteria: 47 (22.6%) were rinse-off and 161 (77.4%) were leave-on products. At least one substance from the BSCA baseline series was an ingredient in 79 (38.0%) PCPs. Of these, 54 (26.0%) had 1 potential allergen, 21 (10.2%) had 2, and 4 (1.9%) had 3 potential allergens from the series. The frequently encountered allergens were cetearyl alcohol and paraben mix, found in 42 (20.4%) and 37 (18.0%) of products, respectively. Other BSCA baseline series allergens identified in PCPs included 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, lanolin, decyl glucoside, diazolidinyl urea, methylisothiazolinone, limonene and linalool. In addition, PCPs had chemicals that were related to and may cross-react with allergens in the BSCA baseline series. Parfum/fragrance, which can cross-react with fragrance mix I and II, was found in 85 (41.3%) PCPs. Sodium benzoate and/or benzoic acid, often used as preservatives in PCPs, were found in 66 (32.0%) products. Forty (19.4%) PCPs had ingredients that belong to the Asteraceae family and therefore may trigger an ACD in those with positive reaction to Compositae and/or sesquiterpene lactone mix. Twenty-three (11.2%) PCPs contained cetyl alcohol and/or stearyl alcohol, the two major components of cetearyl alcohol. Overall, 153 (74.3%) of 206 PCPs marketed as hypoallergenic contained BSCA baseline series allergens or ingredients that may cross-react with them. This highlights the need to increase public awareness and education about the potential dangers of purchasing ‘hypoallergenic’ PCPs.

CD10 (P75) Are ‘hypoallergenic’ personal care products truly safe?

Abstract It is estimated that one-fifth of the general population may have allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) to common environmental allergens. Skincare companies are increasingly advertising their products as ‘hypoallergenic’, targeting consumers who seek personal care products (PCPs) that are less likely to cause an allergic reaction. However, there are no Food and Drug Administration standards to regulate the use of the term hypoallergenic, allowing manufacturers to use the term freely. We evaluated PCPs marketed as hypoallergenic from two health and beauty retailers in the UK for the presence of allergens in the British Society of Cutaneous Allergy (BSCA) baseline series. Product and ingredient lists were obtained from www.boots.com and www.superdrug.com in November 2022 using the term hypoallergenic in the search box. PCPs without the term hypoallergenic in the product description, unrelated products (plasters, jewellery, sanitary towels, tampons, clothing and facial brushes) and duplicates (same products in different sizes) were excluded. In total, 208 PCPs met the inclusion criteria: 47 (22.6%) were rinse-off and 161 (77.4%) were leave-on products. At least one substance from the BSCA baseline series was an ingredient in 79 (38.0%) PCPs. Of these, 54 (26.0%) had one potential allergen, 21 (10.2%) had two, and four (1.9%) had three potential allergens from the series. The frequently encountered allergens were cetearyl alcohol and paraben mix, found in 42 (20.4%) and 37 (18.0%) of products, respectively. Other BSCA baseline series allergens identified in PCPs included 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, lanolin, decyl glucoside, diazolidinyl urea, methylisothiazolinone, limonene and linalool. In addition, PCPs had chemicals that were related to and may cross-react with allergens in the BSCA baseline series. Parfum/fragrance, which can crossreact with fragrance mix I and II, was found in 85 (41.3%) PCPs. Sodium benzoate and/or benzoic acid, often used as preservatives in PCPs, were found in 66 (32.0%) products. Forty (19.4%) PCPs had ingredients that belong to the Asteraceae family and therefore may trigger an ACD in those with positive reaction to Compositae and/or sesquiterpene lactone mix. Twenty-three (11.2%) PCPs contained cetyl alcohol and/or stearyl alcohol, the two major components of cetearyl alcohol. Overall, 153 (74.3%) of 206 PCPs marketed as hypoallergenic contained BSCA baseline series allergens or ingredients that may cross-react with them. This highlights the need to increase public awareness and education about the potential dangers of purchasing ‘hypoallergenic’ PCPs.

Alcohol Consumption and Measures of Sarcopenic Muscle Risk: Cross-Sectional and Prospective Associations Within the UK Biobank Study

Alcohol intake is a major modifiable risk factor for many diseases. Alcohol can also damage skeletal muscle health during ageing which in turn increases risk of sarcopenia, frailty and falls but this relationship is understudied. The aim of this study was to model the relationship between a full range of alcohol consumption and components of sarcopenic risk, skeletal muscle mass and function, in middle-aged and younger older-aged men and women. A cross-sectional analyses was undertaken of 196,561 white participants from the UK Biobank with longitudinal analysis also in 12,298 of these participants, with outcome measures for the latter repeated after around four years. For the cross-sectional analysis fractional polynomial curves were fitted in models of measures of skeletal muscle mass, appendicular lean mass/body mass index (ALM/BMI), fat-free mass as a percentage of body weight (FFM%) and grip strength, all predicted from alcohol consumption with models fitted for men and women separately. Alcohol consumption at baseline was based on the mean of up to five dietary recalls, typically over 16 months. Linear regression was used for longitudinal analyses to model the effects of alcohol consumption groups on these measures. All models were adjusted for covariates. In the cross-sectional analysis, modelled values of the muscle mass measures all showed a peak at medium levels of alcohol consumption and a steep decline with increasing alcohol consumption. Modelled differences in muscle mass from zero consumption of alcohol to 160 g/d ranged from 3.6 to 4.9% for ALM/BMI for men and women, respectively, and 3.6 to 6.1% for FFM%. Grip strength consistently increased with alcohol consumption. No association between alcohol consumption and muscle measures were seen in the longitudinal results. Our results suggest that higher levels of alcohol consumption could have detrimental effects on muscle mass in middle- and older-aged men and women.

Aerosol Alteration of Behavioral Response to Pheromone in Bombyx mori.

Because of the complexity to study them, aerosols have been neglected in nearly all studies on olfaction, especially studies dealing with odor capture. However, aerosols are present in large quantities in the atmosphere and have the physico-chemical ability to interact with odor molecules, in particular the many pheromones with low volatility. We submitted male moths of Bombyx mori to bombykol puffs, the main fatty alcohol component of its sex pheromone, depending on whether the air is free of aerosols, charged with ambient concentration aerosols or supplemented with aqueous aerosols and recorded their arousal behavior. Aerosols and pheromone do interact consistently over all experiments and moths react better in low aerosol-concentration conditions. We propose four hypotheses for explaining this impediment, the two most likely resorting to competition between odor molecules and aerosols for the olfactory pores and postulate a reversal to a positive impact of aerosols on communication, depending on the particular physico-chemical properties of the multiphasic interaction. Studying the partitioning between gas and particulate phases in the transport and reception of odors is key for advancing the chemico-physical understanding of olfaction.