Alcohol Solution Research Articles

Investigation of the micellization of cationic tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide in aqueous solution of crystal violet dye: Understanding of the impacts of alcohols and temperature

Exploring dye-surfactant interactions is crucial for understanding the properties of their mixtures in various applications. It is of utmost importance to explore the effects of experimental factors on the dye-surfactant interactions. This study examines the micellization of the cationic surfactant tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide (TTAB) in the presence of crystal violet (CV) dye in different alcohol solutions including methanol (MeOH), ethanol (EtOH), 1-propanol (1-PrOH), and 1-butanol (1-BuOH). Through conductometric analysis, the effects of varying alcohol compositions and temperature on the critical micelle concentration (CMC), degree of ionization (α), counterion binding (β), and thermodynamic parameters (∆Gm0, ∆Hm0, and ∆Sm0) were investigated. The findings show that alcohol causes an increase in CMC, with longer-chain alcohols (1-PrOH and 1-BuOH) having a stronger effect on TTAB + CV aggregation. The CMC values of the investigated system in 5 % alcohol solutions were found to follow this order: CMC (aq. 1-BuOH) > CMC (aq. MeOH) > CMC (aq. EtOH) > CMC (aq. 1-PrOH). As temperature rises at a constant alcohol concentration, CMC initially decreases but then increases due to dehydration of the surfactant’s hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions. Thermodynamic analysis reveals that micellization is mainly entropy-driven at lower temperatures, with dominant hydrophobic interactions. As temperature increases, both enthalpy and entropy play significant roles, on the micellization to be occurred through hydrophobic and ion-induced dipole interactions. The molar heat capacity (∆Cm0) assessment indicates the identical orientation of the alcohol chain within the TTAB micellar core. The study also highlights the enthalpy-entropy compensation effect, revealing a strong correlation. By exploring these relationships between alcohol chain length and temperature with thermodynamic and physicochemical properties of surfactant systems, this research offers valuable insights for developing surfactant-based applications in academic and industrial fields.

Data-Driven Gas Holdup Correlation in Bubble Column Reactors Considering Alcohol Concentration and Carbon Number

Due to the complex relationship between various parameters affecting gas holdup in bubble column reactors, a unique correlation for gas holdup does not exist. The available correlations proposed in the literature for gas holdup prediction in aqueous alcohol solutions in bubble columns fail to predict gas holdup over a wide range of conditions. Therefore, based on around 1000 data points from the previous studies, an empirical correlation and a trained model were derived using the dimensionless numbers Reynolds, Froude, Eötvös to Morton ratio, and alcohol carbon number. The predictions were compared to experiments with different water–alcohol mediums at various concentrations to validate the correlation and trained model, and a good agreement was observed. However, the ML model was predicting more accurately, and it was indicated that the Reynolds number had the most significant impact on gas holdup, followed by the Eötvös to Morton ratio.

SYNTHESIS AND STUDY OF PHOTOCATALYTIC ACTIVITIES OF CdZnS AND CdZnAl-LDH/POLYMER NANOCOMPOSITES

Cadmium zinc aluminum layered double hydroxides (CdZnAl-LDH) were synthesized by urea hydrolysis and co-precipitation method in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) solution. Cadmium - zinc sulfide (CdZnS) nanoparticles were synthesized on the obtained nanocomposites by the direct sulfidation method both at room temperature (250C) and 400C, and the photocatalytic degradation was studied for the removing of m-cresol from aqueous solutions under visible light. Ultraviolet (UV) spectra, X-ray diffractograms (XRD), Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra of the obtained nanocomposites were characterizated and the average size of nanoparticles was determined according to the Scherrer formula. The average crystallite size of CdZnAl-LDH/PVA, CdZnS@CdZnAl-LDH/PVA (250C), and CdZnS@CdZnAl-LDH/PVA (400C) nanocomposites is 14.25 nm, 19.05 nm and 16.5 nm, respectively. It was found that the degree of photocatalytic degradation of m-cresol from water was 18% with CdZnAl-LIH/PVA, 25% with CdZnS@CdZnAl-LIH/PVA (250C), CdZnS@CdZnAl-LIH/PVA (40°C) is 29% under visible light for 3 hours

Natural helical carboxymethyl cellulose fibers-based actuator for smart controller applications

Water-responsive polymers have received great attention in the field of smart actuators due to their mechanical response to humidity without energy consumption. Natural polymers-based actuators are competitive because of their green, sustainable, and biocompatible characteristics. In this paper, we report a natural twisting carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) fiber-based actuator (TCFA) with remarkable performance under water and moist stimulation. The water-responsive CMC fibers were prepared using wet spinning and twisting. Owing to the helical structure, good water absorption, and swelling performance, the CMC fiber exhibits excellent rotational motion with a rotation speed of 4615 rpm and recovery speed of 1538.4 rpm under water stimulation. In addition, the actuator revolutions remained almost constant after more than 254 cycles, thus demonstrating the excellent cyclic stability of this untwisting recovery process. Moreover, the CMC fiber shows application in a smart rainy curtain, smart crane, and concentration detection for alcohol solution. We offer an easy and scalable method to obtain a CMC fiber-based actuator with low cost, sustainability as well as excellent driving performance. Our work inspires a new idea in the design of cellulose-derived actuators and their application in future intelligent systems.

EDI&S SO03 Replacing Single-use Chloraprep with Low Carbon Cost-effective Surgical Skin Preparation: A QI Project for Sustainability in Surgery

Abstract Background Operating theatre waste accounts for approximately 50% of all hospital waste produced in the NHS [1] and two-thirds of carbon contributions come from single-use items [2]. With a major goal of the NHS being net-zero, surgeons have a collective responsibility for reducing the carbon footprint through eliminating single-use equipment and plastic waste such as Chloraprep wands. The aim of this quality improvement project was to introduce the use of chlorhexidine solution poured into reusable gallipots and applied using reusable sponge-holders into local practice, which is more environmentally friendly, significantly cheaper and is the first-line skin preparation recommended by NICE [3]. Method Chloraprep use in consecutive operations performed by the trust in a month before and after the intervention was retrospectively collected and categorised based on specialties. The intervention was a series of local oral presentations, leaflets and posters to highlight the benefits of chlorhexidine solution over Chloraprep. The change in percentage of Chloraprep use in all cases completed in 1 month pre- and post-intervention was retrospectively collected and analysed. Further qualitative data was obtained through pre- and post-intervention surveys. Results There was a reduction in use of Chloraprep across all specialties targeted by the intervention, with 27% of cases pre-intervention and 24% of cases post-intervention using Chloraprep. The highest percentage reduction was seen by the local upper gastrointestinal surgery team (37%). The percentage reductions in the cases using Chloraprep 10 days post intervention were general surgery 9%, upper GI 3%, colorectal 1% and vascular 6%. The pre- and post-intervention surveys also showed a decrease in Chloraprep use from 94.1% to 80% and corresponding increased use of swabs and antiseptic solution. 100% of the responders agreed with using the sustainable option. Conclusion The educational intervention has proven to be effective in achieving the aims of this project. Critical analysis of the literature has shown no difference in surgical site infection rates between the two options [2]. However, there is a need for high quality trials that directly compare the clinical effectiveness of both methods of application. We hope to encourage surgeons and theatre staff to opt out of using Chloraprep and consider the use of swabs dipped in chlorhexidine alcohol solution. Thus, we recommend the re-usable low carbon low-cost alternative method and encourage efforts to promote sustainability in surgery.

Molecular diffusion in aqueous methanol solutions: The combined influence of hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic ends.

Although the nonmonotonic variation in the diffusion coefficients of alcohol and water with changing alcohol concentrations in aqueous solutions has been reported for many years, the underlying physical mechanisms remain unclear. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we investigated the molecular diffusion mechanisms in aqueous methanol solutions. Our findings reveal that the molecular diffusion is co-influenced by hydrogen bonding and the hydrophobic ends of methanol molecules. A stronger hydrogen bond (HB) network and a higher concentration of hydrophobic ends of methanol molecules both enhance molecular correlations, thereby slowing molecular diffusion in the solution. As methanol concentration increases, the HB network weakens, facilitating molecular diffusion. However, the increased concentration of hydrophobic ends counteracts this effect. Consequently, the diffusion coefficients of water and methanol molecules exhibit nonmonotonic changes. Previous studies have only focused on the role of HB networks. For the first time, we have identified the impact of the hydrophobic ends of alcohol on molecular diffusion in aqueous alcohol solutions. Our research contributes to a better understanding and manipulation of the properties of aqueous alcohol solutions and even liquids with complex compositions.

On the mechanism for work function change of gold electrodes by ultrathin polyethyleneimine (PEI) films: Effect of molecular order.

Polyethyleneimine (PEI) is a widely used cationic polyelectrolyte. In organic electronics, it is a universal surface modifier for shifting the electrode work function (Φ) and improving charge injection into electronic devices. This effect may depend on the conformation and dipolar order of the PEI ultrathin film, but their detailed experimental evaluation has not yet been reported. Thus, we used sum-frequency generation (SFG) spectroscopy to probe the net orientation of polar groups of PEI films on glass and gold. The films were fabricated by spin-coating from alcoholic solutions or by dip-coating from aqueous solutions of various pH values, with both branched (b-PEI) and linear (l-PEI) structures. The obtained SFG spectra and atomic force microscopy (AFM) images indicated that the conformational ordering of the PEI layers increases over the period of 14 days after fabrication, being slightly more pronounced for l-PEI vs b-PEI, and for dip-coating vs spin coating fabrication. Furthermore, both the pH of the dip-coating solutions and the substrate nature influence the final morphology and order of the adsorbed films. On glass, they are optimized at an intermediate pH 5, while on gold, the greatest homogeneity is observed at pH 2 and the largest dipolar order is observed at pH 10. The pH dependence of changes in the work function of gold by PEI (|ΔΦ|) suggests that the electronic contribution is dominant. Nevertheless, the evolution of the PEI dipolar ordering was accompanied by small variations of |ΔΦ|, suggesting that it does have a significant contribution, especially at conditions for which the electronic contribution is reduced.

Comparison of ultraviolet C light and isopropyl alcohol for the disinfection of cellular phones in a paediatric intensive care unit setting.

A considerable proportion of cellular phones (cell phones) used by healthcare workers (HCWs) have been shown to be contaminated with pathogenic micro-organisms, making these devices reservoirs to infect susceptible patients. Although many units have well-defined infection control protocols, methods for the decontamination of cell phones are scarce. To compare the efficacy of ultraviolet C (UVC) light with that of 70% isopropyl alcohol in disinfecting cell phones used by HCWs in a paediatric intensive care unit (ICU). A randomised controlled study in a paediatric ICU setting was conducted. Cell phones of HCWs or other personnel entering the ICU were swabbed prior to and after decontamination with either the 70% isopropyl alcohol or UVC light method. The reduction ratio of colony-forming units (CFUs) before and after intervention was analysed using the Mann-Whitney U-test. In addition, the effectiveness of the disinfection methods was compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank paired test. A total of 74 cell phones were acquired from HCWs working in the paediatric ICU. After excluding 5, 69 samples were therefore available for statistical analysis, with 34 samples subjected to disinfection using 70% isopropyl alcohol-based swabs and 35 samples treated with UVC light disinfection. Disinfection with 70% isopropyl alcohol (z=5.16; p<0.000001) and with UVC light (z=3.28; p<0.005) were individually statistically significantly effective in reducing CFUs. The CFU reduction ratio indicated that disinfection using a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution was 67% more effective than UVC light disinfection (Mann-Whitney U-test score 968; p<0.001). Although both 70% isopropyl alcohol and UVC light disinfection effectively reduced CFUs following decontamination, 70% isopropyl alcohol was determined to be much more effective.

Multi-functional polysaccharides composite film containing cashew and jik leaf carbon dots: Properties and bioactivities

Carbon dots (CDs) from the leaf powders of cashew (C-CDs), jik (J-CDs) and the mixed cashew/jik (1:1) (CJ-CDs) using hydrothermal method were synthesized and characterized. All three CDs were incorporated into chitosan/starch composite (CS) film at the level of 3 % (w/w). Microstructure images revealed that all films had slight differences in surface and internal structure. Thickness of the CS film increased with the inclusion of fillers (CDs). Inclusion of CDs slightly reduced the tensile and water vapor barrier properties of the CS film. CS film containing C-CDs exhibited the improved elasticity, UV barrier and antioxidant activity among all the films tested. Color and opaqueness of the resulting films were governed by the yellowish CDs. Distinctive peaks of resulting CS film were detected in FTIR spectra, while all CDs had no marked effect on the spectra. The release of CDs from films was more pronounced in water than in alcoholic solutions (10–95 % ethanol). Strongest antibacterial activities against Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli were recorded for CDs added film, in which the highest activities were found for CS/CJ-CDs film. Thermal stability was also enhanced in CS/CJ-CDs film. Thus, the CS film loaded with CDs, especially from the mixture of cashew and jik leaf powders could serve as a promising active packaging for inactivation of some pathogens in food products.

Investigation of surfactant-laden bubble migration dynamics in self-rewetting fluids using lattice Boltzmann method

Self-rewetting fluids (SRFs), such as aqueous solutions of long-chain alcohols, show anomalous nonlinear (quadratic) variations of surface tension with temperature involving a positive gradient in certain ranges, leading to different thermocapillary convection compared to normal fluids (NFs). They have recently been used for enhancing thermal transport, especially in microfluidics and microgravity applications. Moreover, surface-active materials or surfactants can significantly alter interfacial dynamics by their adsorption on fluid interfaces. The coupled effects of temperature- and surfactant-induced Marangoni stresses, which arise due to surface tension gradients, on migration bubbles in SRFs remain unexplored. We use a robust lattice Boltzmann method based on central moments to simulate the two-fluid motions, capture interfaces, and compute the transport of energy and surfactant concentration fields, and systematically study the surfactant-laden bubble dynamics in SRFs. When compared to motion of bubbles in NFs, in which they continuously migrate without a stationary behavior, our results show that they exhibit dramatically different characteristics in SRFs in many different ways. Not only is the bubble motion directed toward the minimum temperature location in SRFs, but, more importantly, the bubble attains an equilibrium position. In the absence of surfactants, such an equilibrium position arises at the minimum reference temperature occurring at the center of the domain. The addition of surfactants moves the equilibrium location further upstream, which is controlled by the magnitude of the Gibbs elasticity parameter that determines the magnitude of the surface tension variation with surfactant concentration. The parabolic dependence of surface tension in SRF is parameterized by a quadratic sensitivity coefficient, which modulates this behavior. The lower this quantity, the greater is the role of surfactants modifying the equilibrium position of the bubble in SRF. Furthermore, the streamwise gradient in the surfactant concentration field influences the transient characteristics in approaching the terminal state of the bubble. These findings provide new means to potentially manipulate the bubble dynamics, and especially to tune its equilibrium states, in microchannels and other applications by exploiting the interplay between surfactants and SRFs.

Allergic contact dermatitis to chlorhexidine in children.

Hypersensitivity to chlorhexidine is rare in children. The usefulness of different diagnostic tests for allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is unknown. We aim to describe a case series of children with hypersensitivity to chlorhexidine and to compare the results of different diagnostic tests. Nine children with hypersensitivity to chlorhexidine were included. Only six of these children and their parents consented to a comprehensive allergy assessment, which included the prick test, intradermal test, patch test, and repeated open application test (ROAT). Seven children (78%) presented symptoms of chlorhexidine hypersensitivity within the first 5 years of life; two of them before the age of 1 year. In four children, the dermatitis lesions were suggestive of wound superinfection. All six children who participated in the comprehensive diagnostic evaluation had negative results on the prick test. The immediate-reading intradermal test was positive in one case and uncertain in two cases. The patch test was positive in five cases, and the ROAT was positive in all six cases when using 2% chlorhexidine alcohol solution. ACD to chlorhexidine in children appears to be rare and can be difficult to detect. Clinicians should consider this diagnosis when wounds worsen with chlorhexidine. Although the patch test is the most standardized method for detecting ACD, the ROAT with 2% chlorhexidine alcohol solution was the most sensitive test in our patients.

Continuous preparation of hydro-alcoholic gel with antimicrobial complex nanoparticles via cascaded reactive confined impinging jets micromixing

Hand hygiene was crucial for suppressing a spread of infectious diseases. A gel hand sanitizer (GHS) can be used in circumstances of a water shortage and suitable for outdoor usages. A hydro-alcoholic gel formation required mixing a viscous aqueous solution of a thickener with an alcohol solution of a gelling reagent. The homogeneity of the mixing and the gelling reaction dominantly affected the product quality and the expiration period. Moreover, a GHS was typically only able to kill the pathogens rather than also to inhibit a successive pathogen growth. To overcome this mixing issue as well as prolong antimicrobial persistence, this study employed a confined impinging jets (CIJ) microreactor to generate a GHS with suspending antimicrobial nanoparticles of carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC)/Zn(II)/proanthocyanidins (PAC) via the reactive flash nanoprecipitation (RFNP), intensifying shear thinning in turbulent mixing. The pressure drops and the energy consumption of the CIJ micromixing were theoretically analyzed. The developed process was continuous, effective and energy-saving and the device was compact but capable of massively producing the GHS, enabling a distributed production and beneficial to infection controls in undeveloped areas.

Characterizing the photoluminescence of fluorescein-labeled cellulose in aqueous and alcohol solutions: influence of the cellulose backbone

Although many dyes have been introduced into cellulose, whether bound to its backbone or within a cellulose matrix, few studies have determined whether the backbone statically or dynamically quenches the photoluminescence of the dye. To advance cellulosic fluorescent films, the influence of the cellulose backbone on photoluminescence must be understood. We determined the fluorescence properties of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) and fluorescein-labeled cellulose (FLC) in water and alcohol, including their quantum yields \\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\boldsymbol{\\phi}_{\ extit{\ extbf{PL}}}$$\\end{document}, lifetimes \\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${\\boldsymbol{\ au}}$$\\end{document}, and rates of radiative \\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${\ extit{\ extbf{k}}}_{\ extit{\ extbf{r}}}$$\\end{document} and nonradiative \\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${\ extit{\ extbf{k}}}_{\ extit{\ extbf{nr}}}$$\\end{document} decay. Dissolved FLC had a ~ 30× lower \\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\boldsymbol{\\phi}_{\ extit{\ extbf{PL}}}$$\\end{document} than FITC, suggesting that incorporating FITC into the cellulose backbone remarkably reduces the fluorescence efficiency. The FLC solutions had a six-fold lower \\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${\ extit{\ extbf{k}}}_{\ extit{\ extbf{r}}}$$\\end{document} than their FITC counterparts but a 10–20 times higher \\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${\ extit{\ extbf{k}}}_{\ extit{\ extbf{nr}}}$$\\end{document}. Presumably, this was because the cellulose backbone interacted weakly with the fluorescein moieties, suggesting a quenching mechanism that can be termed quasi-static, corresponding to static quenching between the fluorescein moieties and cellulose backbone, in addition to the fluorescence quenching caused by the intramolecular nonradiative processes of fluorescein, as observed in conventional molecules. Using the Strickler‒Berg formula, we deduced the analytical radiative decay rate constants \\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${\ extit{\ extbf{k}}}_{\ extit{\ extbf{r}}}^{\ extit{\ extbf{S.B.}}}$$\\end{document} and eventually estimated the number of very short-lived fluorescein moieties per single fluorescent fluorescein moiety, corresponding well with static quenching.

A simple and low-cost method for determination of methanol in alcoholic solutions

Methanol poisoning can occur through consumption of methanol-containing alcohols, especially in areas where production, distribution, sale and consumption of alcohol is lawfully prohibited. Due to its toxic potency, determination of methanol in alcoholic solutions is important. The aim of the present study was to develop a rapid, simple and inexpensive method for quantification of methanol in alcoholic solutions that uses minimal equipment available in most laboratories. The method developed is based microdistillation and chromotropic acid, which can be conducted without sophisticated instruments or personal. The system consists of a micro-tube suspended in a falcon tube to function as a collector. Methanol is separated from wine by microdistillation at 90°C in water bath and converted to formaldehyde in the collector. The collector contains an acidic permanganate solution that converts methanol to formaldehyde. Formaldehyde was then quantified by use of chromotropic acid in concentrated sulfuric acid. Experimental variables were optimized by using central composite design (CCD). Method detection and quantification limits were 183 mg L−1 and 584 mg L−1, respectively. The percent relative standard deviation (RSD%) were between 6.4 and 7.9. Accuracies were between 89.6 % and 92.4 %. Concentrations of methanol in five alcoholic solutions were between 2.9×104 and 3.0×104, mg/L, v/v (ppm). Due to its simplicity and cost effectiveness, this method can be used for routine, real-time determination of methanol in alcoholic solutions.

Analysis of the mechanical properties and micro-reinforcement mechanisms of loose accumulated sandy soil improved with polyvinyl alcohol and sisal fiber

As one of the world’s most fragile and sensitive ecological regions, Xizang risks significant environmental damage from using traditional materials, including cement and lime, to improve and reinforce loose accumulated sandy soil slopes. To address this issue, this study utilized a low-concentration biodegradable polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) solution combined with sisal fibers (SFs) to stabilize loose accumulated sand in southeastern Xizang. A series of physical, mechanical, and microscopic analyses was conducted to evaluate the properties of the treated sand. The results indicated the following. 1) The stress-strain curves of the improved samples exhibited an elastic-plastic relationship. Failure was observed in two stages. At a strain of 3% or less, the samples demonstrated elastic deformation with a linear increase in stress, whereas the deviator stress increased rapidly and linearly with an increase in axial strain. Once the strain exceeded 3%, the deformation became plastic with a nonlinear increase in the stress-strain relationship, and the growth rate of the deviator stress gradually decreased and leveled off. 2) Under varying confining pressure conditions, the relationship curve between the maximum (σ1-σ3)max∼σ3 for both untreated loose accumulated sandy soil and soil improved with the PVA solution, and the sisal fiber was approximately linear. 3) The SFs created a skeletal-like network that encased the soil particles, and the hydroxyl functional groups in the PVA molecules bonded with both the soil particles and the fiber surface, thereby enhancing the interfacial properties. This interaction resulted in a tighter connection between the soil particles and SFs, which improved the stability of the structure. 4) The incorporation of a PVA solution and SFs significantly enhanced the mechanical strength and deformation resistance of the loose accumulated sandy soil. The optimal ratio for the improved soil was SP = 3% and SL = 15 mm, which increased the cohesion from 24.54 kPa in untreated loose accumulated sandy soil to 196.03 kPa. These findings could be applied in engineering practices to improve and reinforce loose accumulated sandy soil slopes in southeastern Xizang and provide a theoretical basis for such applications.

Corticotropin releasing hormone receptor 1 in the medial prefrontal cortex mediates aversion resistant alcohol intake.

Alcohol consumption despite negative consequences is a core symptom of Alcohol Use Disorder. In animal models, this is studied by pairing aversive stimuli with alcohol access, and continuation of drinking under these conditions is known as aversion resistance. Previously, we found that female mice are more aversion resistant than males. Corticotropin releasing hormone (Crh) and the Crh receptor 1 (Crhr1) regulate stress-induced reinstatement, alcohol dependence, and binge-like drinking. However, the role of the Crh system in aversion resistance has not been assessed. We aimed to identify sex differences in the Crh system during quinine-adulterated alcohol intake. We used two-bottle choice and adulterated the alcohol solution with quinine. Next, we measured Crh and Crhr1 levels in brain tissue using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and RNAscope in situ hybridization. We then infused a Crhr1 antagonist into the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) prior to quinine-alcohol intake. After quinine-alcohol consumption, females exhibited increased mPFC Crhr1 mRNA levels as measured by RT-qPCR. This was confirmed with greater anatomical specificity using RNAscope, with females exhibiting an increased number of Crhr1 + cells in the dorsomedial PFC and the ventromedial PFC. mPFC Crhr1 antagonist treatment reduced quinine-alcohol consumption in females but did not impact consumption in males. Quinine-free alcohol intake was unaffected by Crhr1 antagonist treatment. Our findings suggest that Crhr1 in mPFC plays a role in aversion resistant alcohol intake in females. Future experiments will examine the sources of Crh innervation to the mPFC and their distinct roles in alcohol seeking.

Assessment of the effect of solid herbal extract of primula veris l on the physical performance of rats after chronic alcohol intoxication

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of solid herbal extract of Primula Veris L. and comparison drugs phenotropil and mildronate on the physical performance of female rats after chronic alcohol intoxication (CAI). CAI was modeled by replacing drinking water for 6 months with a 10 % solution of ethyl alcohol with sucrose (50 g/l). At the age of 16 months, the “Rotarod performance test”, “The horizontal rope walking test” and “Forced swim test with weight load” were performed. After CAI, rats show a deterioration in coordination and motor activity, a decrease in muscle strength and aerobic-anaerobic endurance. Solid herbal extract of Primula Veris L., phenotropil and mildronate contributed to an increase in the physical performance of animals after CAI.

Nanosecond Pulse-Driven Oxygen Bubble Plasma Activation of Low-Concentration Alcohol Solutions and its Sterilization Mechanism.

To address the current use of high-concentration (70-75%) alcohol solutions as disinfectants, which are known for their drawbacks such as flammability and strong odor, a new approach based on nanosecond pulse-driven bubble discharge in low-concentration ethanol solutions is proposed. Research findings indicate that O2 bubble plasma activated ethanol solution (PAES) exhibits superior sterilization efficacy. A 3 min treatment using 10% alcohol eliminated all bacteria (reducing the bacterial count by 7 orders of magnitude) with an energy requirement of only 10.9 J/ml, whereas the same treatment with air PAES achieved less than a one-order reduction and O2/N2/air plasma activated water (PAW) achieved even less. Furthermore, to delve deeper into the key factors of PAES sterilization, concentrations of inorganic reactive species (H2O2, NO2 -, NO3 -, ONOO-, pH) and organic components resulting from alcohol decomposition (CH3CHO, CH3CH2OH, CH3COOH, and CH3COOOH) were analyzed using assay kits and GC-MS. Their variations at different storage temperatures (4 °C and -20 °C) were compared with the corresponding bactericidal effects. The results identified peroxyacetic acid (CH3COOOH) as a key bactericidal factor in PAES, showing that CH3COOOH over time at different storage temperatures correlated with their bactericidal effects. The study also revealed that O2 PAES stored at -20 °C maintained complete bacterial elimination even after 4 days. Therefore, PAES has the potential to replace high-concentration alcohol solutions for sterilization.

A, the synthesis and evaluation of Polyvinyl Alcohol/Silver Nanoparticles (PVA/AgNPs) via electrochemical method: a model test for antioxidant and antibacterial activities

Background: Silver nanoparticles that are artificially created have electrochemical properties that work as antibacterial agents and are widely used in several areas ofresearch. Purpose: This work aimed to generate silver nanoparticles by the electrochemical method, using PVA as a stabilizer, and assess their antioxidant and antibacterial characteristics. Experimental procedures: Silver nanoparticles were synthesized using an electrochemical method, utilizing a stabilized polyvinyl alcohol solution at a concentration of 1 g/L. The validation of the PVA/AgNPs synthesis was performed using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The AgNPs were characterized by FT-IR, DLS, Zeta potential, and AFM. The antioxidant capabilities of PVA/AgNPs were assessed utilizing DPPH methods. The antibacterial activity of PVA/AgNPs against Salmonella enterica, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis was assessed using the bacterial growth inhibition method. An assessment was conducted to determine the susceptibility of silver nanoparticles to limit the growth of microorganisms, as well as to determine the lowest concentration required to achieve this inhibitory effect. Results: The results confirmed that the AgNPs were generated by the electrochemical method with the assistance of a PVA stabilizer. The nanosilver had a mean particle size of 53.1 nm. The antioxidant experiments revealed that PVA/AgNPs exhibit more antioxidant activity than ascorbic acid at higher dosages. PVA/AgNPs exhibit substantial antibacterial effectiveness. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of PVA/AgNPs against E.coli, S.enterica, S.aureus, and B.subtilis was found to be 12.5 μg/mL. Conclusion: The bioactive chemicals found on the surface of AgNPs are responsible for the antioxidant and antibacterial characteristics of electrochemical PVA/AgNPs composites.

Differential effects of chronic and intermittent administration of taurine on alcohol binge drinking in male rats

Episodic consumption of high doses of alcohol in a short period (binge drinking - BD) among adolescents is known to be harmful to their brain development. Chronic use of taurine increases voluntary alcohol consumption and shows an anxiolytic-like effect in rats. In this study, we evaluated the differential effects of chronic and intermittent taurine administration on alcohol consumption and behavioral changes in adolescent and young adult rats subjected to the BD model. Male Wistar rats (35 days old) were divided into 4 groups for daily intraperitoneal administration of saline (SAL); taurine, 100 mg/kg (TAU); taurine on BD days and saline on intervals (TAU/SAL); and saline on BD days and taurine on intervals (SAL/TAU). They were exposed to 4 cycles of BD, with free access to alcoholic solution (20 % w/v), for 2 h, 3 days per week. At the end of the 3rd cycle, anxiety-like behaviors were assessed using the light-dark task. After euthanasia, plasma and prefrontal cortex samples were collected to measure corticosterone and BDNF levels, respectively. Chronic taurine treatment did not alter alcohol consumption in rats, whereas intermittent administration increased alcohol intake after 4 BD exposures (TAU/SAL: +19.4 % and SAL/TAU: +21.6 %). No anxiolytic-like effects were found by taurine administration, nor were there changes in serum corticosterone or BDNF levels in the frontal cortex of young adult rats. Intermittent taurine, but not chronic treatment, increased alcohol intake among rats after the second week of exposure. The translation of these results to humans is concerning since the combination of alcohol and drinks containing taurine is common among adolescent and young adult individuals.