Alcohol Group Research Articles

Insights into the electrochemical oxidation selectivity of hydroxymethylfurfural over humin-layered Au nanoparticles

Au nanoparticle catalysts are promising electrocatalysts for biomass upgrading. Starting from a pristine Au electrode, herein we demonstrate a simple route for the electrochemical preparation of Au NPs supported on thin layers of humin (Au/H). Utilizing an oxidized Au surface as a precursor, these electrocatalytic structures are formed upon reduction of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) in alkaline media while performing a potential sweep. We subsequently utilize this Au/H structure for the electrochemical oxidation of ethanol and HMF in a rotating disk electrode (RDE) configuration and perform additional analysis via electrochemical surface-enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS). The RDE test reveals Au/H has different reaction kinetics towards alcohol and aldehyde functional groups, enabling a mechanistic understanding of the reaction pathway for HMF oxidation. The SERS experiment identifies the favorable reduction pathway from Au2O3 to gold, suggesting the possible active site on this catalyst for HMF oxidation.

Acute alcohol consumption modulates corneal biomechanical properties as revealed by optical coherence elastography

Acute alcohol ingestion has been found to impact visual functions, including eye movement, but its effects on corneal biomechanical properties remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the influence of acute alcohol consumption on corneal biomechanical properties using optical coherence elastography (OCE). An air-coupled ultrasound transducer induced elastic waves in mice corneas in vivo, and a high-resolution phase-sensitive optical coherence tomography (OCT) system tracked the mechanical waves to quantify the elastic wave speed. In vivo measurements were performed on three groups of age- and gender-matched mice: control, placebo (administered saline), and alcohol (administered ethanol) groups. Longitudinal measurements were conducted over a one-hour period to assess acute temporal changes in wave speeds, which are associated with inherent biomechanical properties of the cornea. The results showed a significant decrease in wave speed for the alcohol group after 10 min of ingestion in comparison to pre-ingestion values (p = 0.0096), whereas the temporal wave speed changes for the placebo group were statistically insignificant (p = 0.076). In contrast, the control group showed no significant changes in elastic wave speed and corneal thickness. Furthermore, a significant difference was observed between the wave speeds of the placebo and alcohol groups at each measurement time point between 10 and 50 min (p < 0.05), though both groups exhibited a similar trend in corneal thickness change. The findings of this study have important implications for clinical assessments and research in corneal disorders, highlighting the potential of OCE as a valuable tool for evaluating such changes.

Phytomediated Synthesis of Zinc Oxide (ZnO) Nanoparticles via Vitex negundo Leaf Extract: Characterization, Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Activity

This study provides evidence for the green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using Vitex negundo leaf extract. The UV–Visible (UV–Vis) spectrum of ZnO NPs and calcinated ZnO NPs (ZnO-C) showed peaks at 370[Formula: see text]nm and 374[Formula: see text]nm, respectively, confirming zinc ion reduction to zinc oxide. The ZnO NPs and calcinated counterparts were further characterized by FTIR, XRD, FE-SEM and EDX. FTIR results revealed the presence of alcoholic and aromatic groups, like flavonoids, in the leaf extract. The XRD pattern showed a distinctive Wurtzite crystalline phase with a hexagonal shape. The Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis data revealed that ZnO’s surface area and pore size is 22.8[Formula: see text]m2/g and 12.9[Formula: see text]nm, whereas ZnO-C exhibited a surface area of 23.5[Formula: see text]m2/g and pore size of 13.1[Formula: see text]nm. The SEM data demonstrated numerous irregular and agglomerated flakes fusing to form a roughly spherical morphology with the size, in the range of 15–20[Formula: see text]nm and 11–16[Formula: see text]nm for ZnO and ZnO-C NPs, respectively. The results of the antimicrobial assay by disc diffusion method and MIC testing revealed that ZnO and ZnO-C NPs exhibited moderate to high antimicrobial activity against various microorganisms, indicating their application against bacterial infection. In addition, the ZnO NPs significantly disrupted the biofilm of Bacillus cereus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, as confirmed by CV assay and fluorescent microscopy.

Psychosocial and medication interventions to stop or reduce alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

Despite the known harms, alcohol consumption is common in pregnancy. Rates vary between countries, and are estimated to be 10% globally, with up to 25% in Europe. To assess the efficacy of psychosocial interventions and medications to reduce or stop alcohol consumption during pregnancy. We searched the Cochrane Drugs and Alcohol Group Specialised Register (via CRSLive), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, and PsycINFO, from inception to 8 January 2024. We also searched for ongoing and unpublished studies via ClinicalTrials.gov and the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP). All searches included non-English language literature. We handsearched references of topic-related systematic reviews and included studies. We included randomised controlled trials that compared medications or psychosocial interventions, or both, to placebo, no intervention, usual care, or other medications or psychosocial interventions used to reduce or stop alcohol use during pregnancy. Our primary outcomes of interest were abstinence from alcohol, reduction in alcohol consumption, retention in treatment, and women with any adverse event. We used standard Cochrane methodological procedures. We included eight studies (1369 participants) in which pregnant women received an intervention to stop or reduce alcohol use during pregnancy. In one study, almost half of participants had a current diagnosis of alcohol use disorder (AUD); in another study, 40% of participants had a lifetime diagnosis of AUD. Six studies took place in the USA, one in Spain, and one in the Netherlands. All included studies evaluated the efficacy of psychosocial interventions; we did not find any study that evaluated the efficacy of medications for the treatment of AUD during pregnancy. Psychosocial interventions were mainly brief interventions ranging from a single session of 10 to 60 minutes to five sessions of 10 minutes each. Pregnant women received the psychosocial intervention approximately at the end of the first trimester of pregnancy, and the outcome of alcohol use was reassessed 8 to 24 weeks after the psychosocial intervention. Women in the control group received treatment as usual (TAU) or similar treatments such as comprehensive assessment of alcohol use and advice to stop drinking during pregnancy. Globally, we found that, compared to TAU, psychosocial interventions may increase the rate of continuously abstinent participants (risk ratio (RR) 1.34, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.14 to 1.57; I2 =0%; 3 studies; 378 women; low certainty evidence). Psychosocial interventions may have little to no effect on the number of drinks per day, but the evidence is very uncertain (mean difference -0.42, 95% CI -1.13 to 0.28; I2 = 86%; 2 studies; 157 women; very low certainty evidence). Psychosocial interventions probably have little to no effect on the number of women who completed treatment (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.02; I2 = 0%; 7 studies; 1283 women; moderate certainty evidence). None of the included studies assessed adverse events of treatments. We downgraded the certainty of the evidence due to risk of bias and imprecision of the estimates. Brief psychosocial interventions may increase the rate of continuous abstinence among pregnant women who report alcohol use during pregnancy. Further studies should be conducted to investigate the efficacy and safety of psychosocial interventions and other treatments (e.g. medications) for women with AUD. These studies should provide detailed information on alcohol use before and during pregnancy using consistent measures such as the number of drinks per drinking day. When heterogeneous populations are recruited, more detailed information on alcohol use during pregnancy should be provided to allow future systematic reviews to be conducted. Other important information that would enhance the usefulness of these studies would be the presence of other comorbid conditions such as anxiety, mood disorders, and the use of other psychoactive substances.

The Influence of Stress and Binge-Patterned Alcohol Drinking on Mouse Skeletal Muscle Protein Synthesis and Degradation Pathways.

Adverse experiences (e.g., acute stress) and alcohol misuse can both impair skeletal muscle homeostasis, resulting in reduced protein synthesis and greater protein breakdown. Exposure to acute stress is a significant risk factor for engaging in alcohol misuse. However, little is known about how these factors together might further affect skeletal muscle health. To that end, this study investigated the effects of acute stress exposure followed by a period of binge-patterned alcohol drinking on signaling factors along mouse skeletal muscle protein synthesis (MPS) and degradation (MPD) pathways. Young adult male C57BL/6J mice participated in the Drinking in the Dark paradigm, where they received 2-4 h of access to 20% ethanol (alcohol group) or water (control group) for four days to establish baseline drinking levels. Three days later, half of the mice in each group were either exposed to a single episode of uncontrollable tail shocks (acute stress) or remained undisturbed in their home cages (no stress). Three days after stress exposure, mice received 4 h of access to 20% ethanol (alcohol) to model binge-patterned alcohol drinking or water for ten consecutive days. Immediately following the final episode of alcohol access, mouse gastrocnemius muscle was extracted to measure changes in relative protein levels along the Akt-mTOR MPS, as well as the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway (UPP) and autophagy MPD pathways via Western blotting. A single exposure to acute stress impaired Akt singling and reduced rates of MPS, independent of alcohol access. This observation was concurrent with a potent increase in heat shock protein seventy expression in the muscle of stressed mice. Alcohol drinking did not exacerbate stress-induced alterations in the MPS and MPD signaling pathways. Instead, changes in the MPS and MPD signaling factors due to alcohol access were primarily observed in non-stressed mice. Taken together, these data suggest that exposure to a stressor of sufficient intensity may cause prolonged disruptions to signaling factors that impact skeletal muscle health and function beyond what could be further induced by periods of alcohol misuse.

Potentiation of the depressant effect of alcohol by flunitrazepam in rats: an electrocorticographic, respiratory and electrocardiographic study.

Alcohol, a widely commercialized psychotropic drug, and the benzodiazepine Flunitrazepam, an anxiolytic widely prescribed for patients with anxiety and insomnia problems, are well known drugs and both act on the central nervous system. The misuse and the association of these two drugs are public health concerns in several countries and could cause momentary, long-lasting and even lethal neurophysiological problems due to the potentiation of their adverse effects in synergy. The present study observed the result of the association of these drugs on electrophysiological responses in the brain, heart, and respiratory rate in Wistar rats. 8 experimental groups were determined: control, one alcohol group (20% at a dose of 1ml/100g VO), three Flunitrazepam groups (doses 0.1; 0.2 and 0.3mg/kg) and three alcohol-Flunitrazepam groups (20% at a dose of 1ml/100g VO of alcohol, combined with 0.1; 0.2 and 0.3mg/kg of Flunitrazepam, respectively). The results showed that there was a more pronounced reduction in alpha and theta wave power in the alcohol-Flunitrazepam groups, a decrease in the power of beta oscillations and greater sedation. There was a progressive decrease in respiratory rate linked to the increase of Flunitrazepam dose in the alcohol-Flunitrazepam associated administration. It was observed alteration in heart rate and Q-T interval in high doses of Flunitrazepam. Therefore, we conclude that the association alcohol-Flunitrazepam presented deepening of depressant synergistic effects according to the increase in the dose of the benzodiazepine, and this could cause alterations in low frequency brain oscillations, breathing, and hemodynamics of the patient.

Biodegradation of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS) microplastics by floc-forming bacteria, Bacillus cereus strain SHBF2, isolated from a commercial aquafarm.

The ubiquitous proximity of the commonly used microplastic (MP) particles particularly polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS) poses a serious threat to the environment and human health globally. Biological treatment as an environment-friendly approach to counter MP pollution has recent interest when the bio-agent has beneficial functions in their ecosystem. This study aimed to utilize beneficial floc-forming bacteria Bacillus cereus SHBF2 isolated from an aquaculture farm in reducing the MP particles (PE, PP, and PS) from their environment. The bacteria were inoculated for 60 days in a medium containing MP particle as a sole carbon source. On different days of incubation (DOI), the bacterial growth analysis was monitored and the MP particles were harvested to examine their weight loss, surface changes, and alterations in chemical properties. After 60 DOI, the highest weight loss was recorded for PE, 6.87 ± 0.92%, which was further evaluated to daily reduction rate (k), 0.00118 day-1, and half-life (t1/2), 605.08 ± 138.52 days. The OD value (1.74 ± 0.008 Abs.) indicated the higher efficiency of bacteria for PP utilization, and so for the colony formation per define volume (1.04 × 1011 CFU/mL). Biofilm formation, erosions, cracks, and fragments were evident during the observation of the tested MPs using the scanning electron microscope (SEM). The formation of carbonyl and alcohol group due to the oxidation and hydrolysis by SHBF2 strain were confirmed using the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic (FTIR) analysis. Additionally, the alterations of pH and CO2 evolution from each of the MP type ensures the bacterial activity and mineralization of the MP particles. The findings of this study have confirmed and indicated a higher degree of biodegradation for all of the selected MP particles. B. cereus SHBF2, the floc-forming bacteria used in aquaculture, has demonstrated a great potential for use as an efficient MP-degrading bacterium in the biofloc farming system in the near future to guarantee a sustainable green aquaculture production.

Efficient hydrodeoxygenation of tetrahydrofuran 2,5-dicarboxylic acid to adipic acid over Pt-MOx catalysts: An experimental and computational study

The production of adipic acid (AA) from the ring-opening hydrogenolysis (hydrodeoxygenation - HDO) of tetrahydrofuran 2,5-dicarboxylic acid (THFDCA) by metal-metal oxide catalysts (Pt-MOx/TiO2 and Pt/MOx) was evaluated. Correlations between AA yield, or products distribution, and the type of active centers in the catalyst surface were established by studying the type (MOx: WOx, MoOx, and ZrOx), the amount of metal oxide (MOx:Pt molar ratio), and the reaction temperature (180ºC, 220ºC, and 240ºC) in Pt-MOx/TiO2 and Pt/MOx. The activity results show that only the catalysts that contain both Pt and Mo produced AA at 220ºC, with yields of 24% for Pt-MoOx/TiO2 (4 wt% Pt, 1:1 Mo:Pt molar ratio) and 34% for 4 wt% Pt/MoO3. At 180ºC, these catalysts exhibited high selectivity towards reducing the carboxyl group. Computational studies using DFT suggest that this behavior is due to the preferential interaction between the oxygen vacancy (O-VAC) in MoO3 and the CO bond in the carboxyl group in 2-hydroxyadipic acid (2-HAA), the first observed intermediate from the HDO of THFDCA. Coverage of this adsorption configuration decreases at temperatures above 200ºC, where the interaction between the alcohol group in the 2 C position in 2-HAA and the Brønsted acid site (BAS) on the surface of MoO3 is preferred. This latter interaction could promote the acid-catalyzed dehydration of the alcohol group to obtain AA. Increasing the amount of Mo to 5:1 Mo:Pt in Pt-MoOx/TiO2 and decreasing the Pt content to 0.1 wt % in Pt/MoO3 decreases the selectivity to alcohols, increasing the AA yield to 55% at 220ºC and 65% at 240ºC for both catalysts. This enhancement in performance is consistent with the findings from the DFT studies. To our knowledge, this is the highest yield reported for AA production from THFDCA or FDCA by metal-metal oxide catalysts.

Volatile Profiling of Spirulina Food Supplements.

Spirulina, a cyanobacterium widely used as a food supplement due to its high nutrient value, contains volatile organic compounds (VOCs). It is crucial to assess the presence of VOCs in commercial spirulina products, as they could influence sensory quality, various processes, and technological aspects. In this study, the volatile profiles of seventeen commercial spirulina food supplements were determined using headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME), coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The identification of volatile compounds was achieved using a workflow that combined data processing with software tools and reference databases, as well as retention indices (RI) and elution order data. A total of 128 VOCs were identified as belonging to chemical groups of alkanes (47.2%), ketones (25.7%), aldehydes (10.9%), alcohols (8.4%), furans (3.7%), alkenes (1.8%), esters (1.1%), pyrazines (0.8%), and other compounds (0.4%). Major volatiles among all samples were hydrocarbons, especially heptadecane and heptadec-8-ene, followed by ketones (i.e., 4-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexen-1-yl)-3-buten-2-one, β-ionone, 2,2,6-trimethylcyclohexan-1-one), aldehydes (i.e., hexanal), and the alcohol oct-1-en-3-ol. Several volatiles were found in spirulina dietary supplements for the first time, including 6,10-dimethylundeca-5,9-dien-2-one (geranylacetone), 6,10,14-trimethylpentadecan-2-one, hept-2-enal, octanal, nonanal, oct-2-en-1-ol, heptan-1-ol, nonan-1-ol, tetradec-9-en-1-ol, 4,4-dimethylcyclohex-2-en-1-ol, 2,6-diethylpyrazine, and 1-(2,5-dimethylfuran-3-yl) ethanone. The methodology used for VOC analysis ensured high accuracy, reliability, and confidence in compound identification. Results reveal a wide variety of volatiles in commercial spirulina products, with numerous newly discovered compounds, prompting further research on sensory quality and production methods.

A deep-curing UV-LED light photoinitiator based on diphenylpropanetrione

Benzophenone is a widely used type II photoinitiator, whose application is somewhat limited due to these shortcomings, such as short absorption wavelength, requirement for initiation with a co-initiator like tertiary amine and propensity to yellowing. In this study, 1,3-diphenylpropyltriacetone (DPPT) was synthesized and its photopolymerization was evaluated. Due to the adjacent conjugation of the tricarbonyl group, it has an absorption band at 400–500 nm. The photopolymeirzaition process of DPPT was tested by using real time FT-IR under 365 and 405 nm LED irradiation for various acrylate monomers. Interestingly, the results showed that the initiation efficiency of DPPT was improved by OH-containing monomers or alcohols. ESR-ST and steady-state photolysis experiments demonstrated that the benzoyl radicals were generated, but the photoreaction was expedited by the structure of the addition products of the central carbonyl group of DPPT and alcohol. Furthermore, the DPPT/alcohol initiator could be used for deep curing due to the light bleach property.

One‐Step Nickel‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Alpha‐Arylidene and Gamma Hydroxy‐Substituted N‐Methyl‐2‐Pyrrolidones

AbstractThis study describes a method to synthesize compounds with an arylidene group at the alpha position of N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (NMP) and an alcohol group at the gamma position in a single‐step reaction using NMP and aldehyde. The highest yields were obtained with Ni(glyme)Cl2 as a nickel catalyst and tert‐butyl hydroperoxide as the oxidant, and various aryl aldehydes reacted under optimal conditions to yield the target compounds.

Alcohols as Substrates in Transition-Metal-Catalyzed Arylation, Alkylation, and Related Reactions.

Alcohols are abundant and attractive feedstock molecules for organic synthesis. Many methods for their functionalization require them to first be converted into a more activated derivative, while recent years have seen a vast increase in the number of complexity-building transformations that directly harness unprotected alcohols. This Review discusses how transition metal catalysis can be used toward this goal. These transformations are broadly classified into three categories. Deoxygenative functionalizations, representing derivatization of the C-O bond, enable the alcohol to act as a leaving group toward the formation of new C-C bonds. Etherifications, characterized by derivatization of the O-H bond, represent classical reactivity that has been modernized to include mild reaction conditions, diverse reaction partners, and high selectivities. Lastly, chain functionalization reactions are described, wherein the alcohol group acts as a mediator in formal C-H functionalization reactions of the alkyl backbone. Each of these three classes of transformation will be discussed in context of intermolecular arylation, alkylation, and related reactions, illustrating how catalysis can enable alcohols to be directly harnessed for organic synthesis.

Hydrochar Derived from Sewage Sludge and Water Hyacinth and Its Characterization

Population and urbanization increase the sewage generation. Sewage treatment plant (STP) generates the sewage sludge. Agricultural runoff and sewage water discharge into water bodies proliferates the growth of water hyacinth and creates environmental issues. Managing the sewage sludge and water hyacinth are difficult task because of high water content, environmental concerns, regulatory measures and high operational cost. Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) converts the wet biomass into condensed solid product called hydrochar at moderate temperature range of 180 – 250°C under auto generated pressure. Through HTC process, the sewage sludge and water hyacinth were mixed and converted into hydrochar @ temperature of 200℃ and 4h resident time with L/S ratio of 9:1. The produced hydrochar showed desired functional groups viz., CH – methyl groups, C-O-C – alcohol groups, esters, ethers and Oxygenic functional groups (-C=O, -OH, -CO-O, C-O-C) with particle size of 494.8 nm, BET surface area of 369.70 m2 g-1, Zeta Potential of -27.9 mV. The hydrochar recorded slightly acidic pH (5.8) with appreciable levels of C (24.4%), N (2.51%), P (0.44%), K (0.98%), Ca (1.24%), Mg (0.68%). These properties of sewage sludge and water hyacinth derived hydrochar exhibits its potential use in agricultural and environmental applications.

Application of TiO2 Supported on Nickel Foam for Limitation of NOx in the Air via Photocatalytic Processes.

TiO2 was loaded on the porous nickel foam from the suspended ethanol solution and used for the photocatalytic removal of NOx. Such prepared material was heat-treated at various temperatures (400-600 °C) to increase the adhesion of TiO2 with the support. Obtained TiO2/nickel foam samples were characterized by XRD, UV-Vis/DR, FTIR, XPS, AFM, SEM, and nitrogen adsorption at 77 K. Photocatalytic tests of NO abatement were performed in the rectangular shape quartz reactor, irradiated from the top by UV LED light with an intensity of 10 W/m2. For these studies, a laminar flow of NO in the air (1 ppm) was applied under a relative humidity of 50% and a temperature of 28 °C. Concentrations of both NO and NO2 were monitored by a chemiluminescence NO analyzer. The adsorption of nitrogen species on the TiO2 surface was determined by FTIR spectroscopy. Performed studies revealed that increased temperature of heat treatment improves adhesion of TiO2 to the nickel foam substrate, decreases surface porosity, and causes removal of hydroxyl and alcohol groups from the titania surface. The less hydroxylated surface of TiO2 is more vulnerable to the adsorption of NO2 species, whereas the presence of OH groups on TiO2 enhances the adsorption of nitrate ions. Adsorbed nitrate species upon UV irradiation and moisture undergo photolysis to NO2. As a consequence, NO2 is released into the atmosphere, and the efficiency of NOx removal is decreasing. Photocatalytic conversion of NO to NO2 was higher for the sample heated at 400 °C than for that at 600 °C, although coverage of nickel foam by TiO2 was lower for the former one. It is stated that the presence of titania defects (Ti3+) at low temperatures of its heating enhances the adsorption of hydroxyl groups and the formation of hydroxyl radicals, which take part in NO oxidation. Contrary to that, the presence of titania defects in TiO2 through the formation of ilmenite structure (NiTiO3) in TiO2/nickel foam heated at 600 °C inhibits its photocatalytic activity. No less, the sample obtained at 600 °C indicated the highest abatement of NOx due to the high and stable adsorption of NO2 species on its surface.

Non-traumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head induced by steroid and alcohol exposure is associated with intestinal flora alterations and metabolomic profiles

ObjectiveOsteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a severe disease that primarily affects the middle-aged population, imposing a significant economic and social burden. Recent research has linked the progression of non-traumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head (NONFH) to the composition of the gut microbiota. Steroids and alcohol are considered major contributing factors. However, the relationship between NONFH caused by two etiologies and the microbiota remains unclear. In this study, we examined the gut microbiota and fecal metabolic phenotypes of two groups of patients, and analyzed potential differences in the pathogenic mechanisms from both the microbial and metabolic perspectives.MethodsUtilizing fecal samples from 68 NONFH patients (32 steroid-induced, 36 alcohol-induced), high-throughput 16 S rDNA sequencing and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) metabolomics analyses were conducted. Univariate and multivariate analyses were applied to the omics data, employing linear discriminant analysis effect size to identify potential biomarkers. Additionally, functional annotation of differential metabolites and associated pathways was performed using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database. Subsequently, Spearman correlation analysis was employed to assess the potential correlations between differential gut microbiota and metabolites.ResultsHigh-throughput 16 S rDNA sequencing revealed significant gut microbial differences. At the genus level, the alcohol group had higher Lactobacillus and Roseburia, while the steroid group had more Megasphaera and Akkermansia. LC-MS/MS metabolomic analysis indicates significant differences in fecal metabolites between steroid- and alcohol-induced ONFH patients. Alcohol-induced ONFH (AONFH) showed elevated levels of L-Lysine and Oxoglutaric acid, while steroid-induced ONFH(SONFH) had increased Gluconic acid and Phosphoric acid. KEGG annotation revealed 10 pathways with metabolite differences between AONFH and SONFH patients. Correlation analysis revealed the association between differential gut flora and differential metabolites.ConclusionsOur results suggest that hormones and alcohol can induce changes in the gut microbiota, leading to alterations in fecal metabolites. These changes, driven by different pathways, contribute to the progression of the disease. The study opens new research directions for understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of hormone- or alcohol-induced NONFH, suggesting that differentiated preventive and therapeutic approaches may be needed for NONFH caused by different triggers.

Evaluating the efficiency of silver nanoparticles prepared using &lt;i&gt;Pseudomonas fluorescens&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;Bacillus thuringiensis&lt;/i&gt; subsp. &lt;i&gt;tenebrionis&lt;/i&gt; in controlling eggs and adults of &lt;i&gt;Callosobruchus maculatus&lt;/i&gt; (F.) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)

This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) which are prepared biologically by two bacterial species, Bacillus thuringiensis tenebrionis (Btt) and Pseudomonas fluorescens (P.f) to control southern cowpea beetle insect, Callosobruchus maculatus. Many features of the prepared nanoparticles were examined, and the results obtained showed that the highest absorption value of AgNPs was at 262 nm. Whereas the results of FTIR analysis showed that several compounds played a role in the silver ions reduction process, which included alcohol, alkane, primary amine, and amine group. The scanning electronic microscopic images showed that the average diameter of nanoparticles which was created by P.f was 48.52 nm, while it was 56.08 nm for the nanoparticles prepared by Btt. The study showed no significant differences between the activity of both AgNP types against C. maculatus eggs, while a significant preference was recorded for the activity of Btt AgNPs against the C. maculatus adults. The highest percentage of unhitched eggs was 53.8% recorded at 3000 ppm concentration, while Btt AgNPs gave 59.6% at 3000 ppm. The highest mortality rate of the adults who were treated by Btt AgNPs was 58.8 % at 3000 ppm concentration, while it was recorded 50% at 3000 ppm with P.f AgNPs treatment. The current study demonstrates the efficiency of biologically prepared AgNPs in controlling C. maculatus insect life stages, which encourages using of these nanoparticles as a modern strategy in management of insect pests.

Level of Self Esteem among Children of Alcoholic and Non Alcoholic Parents

The National Association of Children of Alcoholics estimates that there are 11 millions children of alcoholics under the age of 18 years. A study was conducted to assess level of self esteem among children of alcoholic &amp; non alcoholic parents. The objectives were to assess, compare and find out the association between the level of self esteem and socio personal data. Methodology adopted for the study was descriptive comparative design with multistage sampling. Sample size was 128. Structured questionnaire was used to collect socio personal data of participants and Children of Alcoholics Screening test was used to identify children of alcoholic and non alcoholic parents. After that the standardized tool State Self Esteem Scale was used to assess the level of self esteem The study findings revealed that in children of alcoholic parents group, 82.8% (53) were having poor self esteem and 17.2% (11) were having good self esteem where as in children of non alcoholic parents group, 78.1% (50) were having good self esteem and 21.9% (14) were having poor self esteem. On the basis of comparison between the level of self esteem among children of alcoholic and non alcoholic parents, revealed that there is statistically significant difference between level of self esteem score among children of alcoholic and non alcoholic parents group.

Polyurethanes by ring‐opening polymerization initiated from alcohol moiety‐tethering acylazide

AbstractAn orthogonal agent having both alcohol and acylazide groups was used to construct novel polyurethanes by a simple synthetic process. Ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of δ‐valerolactone from the orthogonal agent afforded a crystalline polymer having acylazide initiation end, while that of δ‐decanolactone resulted in an amorphous polymer. Since acylazide groups undergo thermally induced Curtius rearrangements to yield isocyanate groups, simple heating of above polymers gave macromonomers having both an isocyanate initiation end and an alcohol termination end, which afforded corresponding polyurethane by self‐polyaddition in a bulk condition without any additives. Meanwhile, kinetic analysis of the Curtius rearrangement revealed that a quantitative conversion was reached within a short reaction time, for example at 110°C for 30 min, or at 100°C for 1 h. Moreover, obtained polyurethane species showed unique self‐immolative type thermal degradation behavior. Considering the above, this orthogonal agent turned out to be useful to construct various polyurethane structures by a facile synthetic process, which would contribute to precise polymer synthesis and sequence defined polymer synthesis.

Emerging concepts in alcohol, infection & immunity: A summary of the 2023 alcohol and immunology research interest group (AIRIG) meeting

On December 8th 2023, the annual Alcohol and Immunology Research Interest Group (AIRIG) meeting was held at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, Colorado. The 2023 meeting focused broadly on how acute and chronic alcohol exposure leads to immune dysregulation, and how this contributes to damage in multiple tissues and organs. These include impaired lung immunity, intestinal dysfunction, autoimmunity, the gut-Central Nervous System (CNS) axis, and end-organ damage. In addition, diverse areas of alcohol research covered multiple pathways behind alcohol-induced cellular dysfunction, including inflammasome activation, changes in miRNA expression, mitochondrial metabolism, gene regulation, and transcriptomics. Finally, the work presented at this meeting highlighted novel biomarkers and therapeutic interventions for patients suffering from alcohol-induced organ damage.

Effect of docosahexaenoic acid and olive oil supplementation on pup weight in alcohol-exposed pregnant rats.

Low birth weight has been observed in offspring of alcoholic mothers due likely to unresolved inflammation and oxidative injury. Dietary lipids play a role in inflammation and its resolution. The primary objective was to investigate the effect of DHA and olive oil on the birth weight of pups born to alcohol-exposed dams. Pregnant rats were randomized to the control or three treatment (alcohol) groups. From gestational days (GD) 8-19, the control group received daily olive oil and malto/dextrose, whereas groups 2 and 3 received olive oil and low-dose alcohol or high-dose alcohol, respectively. Group 4 received daily DHA and high-dose alcohol. The dam's blood was collected on GD 15 and 20 for cytokine analysis. Dams were sacrificed on GD 20. The mean birth weight of pups was compared by one-way ANOVA with post hoc Duncan's test. There was a significant increase in the pups' mean birth weight in the high-dose alcohol/DHA and high-dose alcohol/olive oil. Higher pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and IL-12p70) were noted in the alcohol-exposed dams. DHA and olive oil supplementation in alcohol-exposed pregnant rats significantly increased their pups' birth weight despite having high pro-inflammatory cytokines. The mechanism of this effect remains to be determined.