Different Concentrations Of Ethanol Research Articles

Cannabidiol (CBD) modulates the transcriptional profile of ethanol-exposed human dermal fibroblast cells.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is abundant in the Cannabis sativa plant and exhibits complex immunomodulatory, anxiolytic, antioxidant, and antiepileptic properties. Several studies suggest that CBD could be used for different purposes in alcohol use disorder (AUD) and alcohol-related injuries to the brain and the liver. In this study, we focused on analyzing transcriptional alterations in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) cell line challenged simultaneously with ethanol and CBD as an ethanol-protective agent. We aimed to expose the genes and pathways responsible for at least some of the CBD effects in those cells that can be related to the AUD. Transcriptome analysis was performed using HDFs cell line that expresses both cannabinoid receptors and can metabolize ethanol through alcohol dehydrogenase activity. Fibroblasts are also responsible for the progression of liver fibrosis, a common comorbidity in AUD. With the use of a cellular test, we found that CBD at the lowest applied concentration (0.75μM) was able to stimulate depressed metabolism and reduce the level of apoptosis of cells treated with different concentrations of ethanol to the level observed in the control cells. Similar observations were made at the transcriptome level, in which cells treated with ethanol and CBD had similar expression profiles to the control cells. CBD also affects several genes connected with extracellular matrix formation (especially its collagen constituent), which can have potential implications for, e.g., fibrosis process.

Restoring CFTR function with Orkambi decreases the severity of alcohol-induced acute pancreatitis.

Heavy alcohol intake is one of the most common causes of acute pancreatitis (AP). We have previously shown that ethanol (EtOH) decreases the expression and activity of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), which plays a key role in alcohol-induced AP development. The prescription drug, Orkambi (a combination of ivacaftor and lumacaftor) can correct impaired CFTR function and expression in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate whether Orkambi can mitigate alcohol-induced AP. Intact guinea-pig pancreatic ducts were pre-treated with different concentrations of ethanol (EtOH; 30, 50 and 100mm) for 12h alone or in combination with ivacaftor (VX770) and/or lumacaftor (VX-809), and CFTR expression and activity were evaluated by immunostaining and by the patch clamp technique, respectively. Alcoholic AP was induced in Orkambi-treated guinea-pigs, and standard laboratory and histological parameters were measured. Ivacaftor and lumacaftor alone or in combination dose-dependently restored the apical expression and activity of CFTR after EtOH treatment in vitro. Oral administration of Orkambi reduced the severity of alcohol-induced AP and restored impaired CFTR activity and expression. Orkambi is able to restore the CFTR defect caused by EtOH and decreases the severity of alcohol-induced pancreatitis. This is the first in vivo pre-clinical evidence of Orkambi efficacy in the treatment of alcohol-induced AP. KEY POINTS: Acute pancreatitis is one of the leading causes of hospital admission among gastrointestinal diseases in which the lack of a specific drug therapy plays a crucial role. The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) plays an essential role in pancreatic ductal HCO3 - secretion; inappropriate CFTR function, as seen in heavy alcohol consumption, increases the risk of pancreatitis development. CFTR modulators are able to prevent the inhibitory effect of ethanol and reduce pancreatic ductal injury and the severity of alcohol-induced pancreatitis. CFTR modulators present a novel option in the pharmacotherapy of alcohol-induced pancreatitis by enhancing pancreatic functions or preventing recurrence.

Effect of ethanol addition on enhancing the cooling performance improvement of spray system

The widespread application of spray technology has significantly improved outdoor environmental thermal comfort. However, the spray system is unable to fulfill special comfort requirements. Utilizing mechanical ventilation and control systems effectively enhances the cooling performance of spray systems; however, those approaches are associated with elevated costs and maintenance complexities. The combination of ethanol and water has been demonstrated to produce a lower surface tension and a higher latent heat of evaporation, a property that contributes to the heat transfer efficiency and evaporation rate of the droplets. Considering the convenience and cost-effectiveness of adding ethanol as an additive, it emerges as the optimal choice. To evaluate the effectiveness of ethanol on the evaporative cooling performance of the spray system, a comparative study was conducted, comparing the cooling performances of different concentrations of ethanol with a spray system without ethanol addition. Five operating conditions were designed, including a no-spray case, a non-additive case, a 0.5% ethanol concentration case, a 1.0% ethanol concentration case, and a 1.5% ethanol concentration case. The results demonstrated that adding ethanol effectively enhanced the cooling performance of the spray system. At 1.7m above ground level (0.4m away from the nozzle), compared to the non-additive case without ethanol, the 0.5% ethanol concentration case, 1.0% ethanol concentration case, and 1.5% ethanol concentration case further reduced the temperature by 0.95°C, 1.64°C, and 2.27°C. Moreover, the relative humidity grew by 3.57%, 9.25%, and 13.5%, respectively. Adding ethanol significantly enhanced the evaporative cooling effect of the spray system, with the optimal concentration observed at 1.5%. The results demonstrate that enhancing the evaporative cooling efficacy of a spray system by introducing ethanol into the spray medium represents a viable strategy and improve urban thermal environment in summer. Furthermore, this study aims to examine the impact of droplet evaporation on relative humidity, establishing a foundation for future enhancements aimed at addressing the issue of over-humidification in spray systems.

The Components of Buyang Huanwu Decoction with UPLC-MS

Objective: Buyang-Huanwu Decoction is often used as an adjuvant therapy for ischemic stroke in clinical practice. At the same time, various laboratories have found that it has the potential to treat ischemic heart failure, lower extremity varicose veins, pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary fibrosis, and hyperlipidemia. Previous studies in our laboratory have found that different concentrations of ethanol were used to separate the polar components of Buyang-Huanwu decoction, and the therapeutic effects of each group on pulmonary fibrosis and hyperlipidemia were different. Therefore, we analyzed and explored Buyang Huanwu decoction and its products. Methods: The isolated components were obtained by treatment with absolute ethanol, 30% (v/v), 50% (v/v), 75% (v/v), and 90% (v/v) ethanol, and the components were analyzed by UPLC-MS. Results: The separation method used in our laboratory could well separate the components of Buyang Huanwu Decoction, and simply enrich carbohydrates, organic acids, phenylpropanoid compounds, lipids, nucleotides, and lignans. Conclusions: The products treated with different concentrations of ethanol have different therapeutic potentials. The high content components of 30% ethanol eluate and 50% ethanol eluate have good therapeutic effects on osteoarthritis and bone loss, while the high content components of the precipitate components and 75% eluate are more likely to be related to glucose and lipid metabolism disorders and cardiovascular diseases.

Influence of Solvent Concentration on the Amount of Individual Phenolic Compounds in Apple and Sour Cherry Pomace

Apple and sour cherry pomace, by-products resulting from fruit processing for juice production, were analysed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to identify and quantify individual phenolic compounds. In order to determine the most efficient method of extracting these phenolic compounds from pomace, different concentrations of ethanol were used as the organic solvent. The following phenolic compounds were analysed: gallic acid, neochlorogenic acid, (+)-catechin, (−)-epicatechin, chlorogenic acid, vanillic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, sinapic acid, salicylic acid, ellagic acid, rutin, and myricetin. The amounts of these compounds varied depending on the concentration of ethanol used in the extraction process. Neochlorogenic acid, a potent antioxidant, was quantified in apple and sour cherry pomace extracts, showing significant variation with solvent concentration. In apple pomace, the highest amount was found in ethanol 100% (46.44 mg 100 g−1 DW), followed by ethanol 75% (32.09 mg 100 g−1 DW) and ethanol 50% (7.66 mg 100 g−1 DW). In sour cherry pomace, the highest amount was also extracted into ethanol 100% (45.20 mg 100 g−1 DW) and the lowest in ethanol 50% (29.12 mg 100 g−1 DW). Catechin was detected exclusively in cherry pomace, with a maximum yield observed in 75% ethanol (137.86 mg 100 g−1 DW), which was significantly higher compared to the other phenolic compounds analysed. The obtained results demonstrate the importance of apple and sour cherry pomace as valuable by-products, with the potential to be used in the production of functional foods.

Optimization of long-term incubation of precision-cut kidney slices

Precision-cut kidney slices (PCKS) provide a powerful model to close the gap between in vivo and in vitro research. Publications by various authors favor different incubation conditions, media, and antibiotics, that have not yet been compared in a standardized manner. After preparation, rat-PCKS were incubated in a total of nine combinations of incubation media and antibiotics for four days. We found that a combination of DMEM/F-12 and gentamicin showed the highest levels of viability. Utilizing both qualitative and quantitative methods, we observed stable levels of cellular viability for 10 days when incubated in the most suitable medium combination of DMEM and gentamicin. Additionally, a calcein acetoxymethyl/ethidium homodimer-1 based live/dead staining, analysis of total protein content and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were explored to assess both short- and long-term tissue viability. PCKS showed a significant decrease in total protein content, leveling off at around 60% over the duration of 10 days. To be able to evaluate viability irrespective of decreases in total protein detected, we chose to utilize the alamarBlue Cell Viability Assay. Quantifying both intra- and extracellular activity of LDH, while using different concentrations of ethanol as a positive control, we explored enzyme content as a parameter for cell membrane damage and cytotoxicity in PCKS. Overall, we showed that PCKS are suitable for both short- and long-term observation by optimizing incubation parameters, with numerous possibilities for other assays and methods in future studies.

Embryonic ethanol exposure induces oxidative stress and inflammation in zebrafish model: A dose-dependent study

Alcohol, or ethanol, is a major contributor to detrimental diseases and comorbidities worldwide. Alcohol use during pregnancy intervenes the developing embryos leading to morphological changes, neurocognitive defects, and behavioral changes known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Zebrafish have been used as a model to study FASD; however, the mechanism and the impact of ethanol on oxidative stress and inflammation in the zebrafish FASD model remain unexplored. Hence, we exposed zebrafish embryos to different concentrations of ethanol (0 %, 0.5 %, 1.0 %, 1.25 %, and 1.5 % ethanol (v/v)) at 4–96 hours post-fertilization (hpf) to study and characterize the ethanol concentration for the FASD model to induce oxidative stress and inflammation. Here, we studied the survival rate and developmental toxicity parameters at different time points and measured oxidative stress, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, apoptosis, and pro-inflammatory gene expression in zebrafish larvae. Our findings indicate that ethanol causes various developmental abnormalities, including decreased survival rate, spontaneous tail coiling, hatching rate, heart rate, and body length, associated with increased malformation. Further, ethanol exposure induced oxidative stress by increasing lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide production and decreasing glutathione levels. Subsequently, ethanol increased ROS generation, apoptosis, and pro-inflammatory gene (TNF-α and IL-1β) expression in ethanol exposed larvae. 1.25 % and 1.5 % ethanol had significant impacts on zebrafish larvae in all studied parameters. However, 1.5 % ethanol showed decreased survival rate and increased malformations. Overall, 1.25 % ethanol is the ideal concentration to study the oxidative stress and inflammation in the zebrafish FASD model.

Tolnaftate-Loaded Ethosomal Gel for Topical Delivery: Formulation and In Vitro Evaluation

Abstract Objectives Tolnaftate (TOL) is used as a topical antifungal agent but has poor skin penetration. Therefore, the present study is designed to formulate an ethosomal gel of TOL to enhance drug penetration through the skin. Methods Using the cold method ethosomal formulations with different concentrations of ethanol and soy phosphatidylcholine (SPC) were formulated. The formulation of ethosomes was characterized by vesicle size, polydispersity index and zeta potential, % drug entrapment efficiency (EE), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The optimized ethosomal formula was incorporated in a 1% Carbopol hydrogel dosage. Evaluation of in vitro penetration of prepared gel was performed on goat skin using Franz diffusion cells and compared with conventional gel. Result The ethosomal formulation EF5 showed the highest % EE (76.82%) with a small vesicle size of 210.1 nm and was selected as the optimized formulation. The SEM result shows that the vesicles were spherical, smooth, and in the 200-nm range. In vitro, permeability study shows that steady-state flux of TOL from ethosomal and conventional gels were 6.667 and 3.685 µg/cm/h, respectively (p < 0.001). It indicated that the flux of Ethosomal hydrogel (EHG) is 2.0-fold higher than conventional hydrogel (CHG); this may be due to the flexible nature of ethosomes and ethosomal core containing ethanol, which dissolves the lipid bilayer of skin and overcomes the barrier. In vitro, an antifungal study shows that the incorporation of TOL in ethosomal hydrogel retains their activity. Conclusion From the results, it was concluded that TOL topical ethosomal gel for antifungal activity will possibly be a good choice.

Valorization of Sour Cherry Kernels: Extraction of Polyphenols Using Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADESs).

The objective of this research was to optimize the natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES) extraction process from sour cherry kernels (Prunus cerasus L.). For polyphenol isolation, conventional solid-liquid extraction was employed using different concentrations of ethanol (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, and 96%), as well as the innovative NADES extraction technique. In the initial phase of the research, a screening of 10 different NADESs was conducted, while extraction was carried out under constant parameters (50 °C, 1:20 w/w, 60 min). NADES 4, composed of lactic acid and glucose in a molar ratio of 5:1, exhibited the highest efficiency in the polyphenol isolation. In the subsequent phase of the research, response surface methodology (RSM) was utilized to optimize the extraction process. Three independent variables, namely temperature, extraction time, and solid-liquid (S/L) ratio, were examined at three different levels. The extracted samples were analyzed for total phenol (TP) and antioxidant activity using the DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. ANOVA and descriptive statistics (R2 and CV) were performed to fit the applied model. According to RSM, the optimal extraction conditions were determined as follows: temperature of 70 °C, extraction time of 161 min, and S/L ratio of 1:25 w/w.

SCF-MMF based Michelson interferometer for ethanol multi-parameter measurements

A optical fiber Michelson interferometer (MI) for multi-parameter ethanol measurements is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. The sensor consists of a brief seven-core fiber (SCF) and a section of multimode fiber (MMF). With the SCF, multiple high-order modes are coupled into MMF, while the core fundamental mode and high-order modes are reflected back by the MMF end face and recoupled to the SMF by the SCF. When the surrounding ethanol changes, the reflection spectrum of the MI shift for the intermodal interference strongly integrates with the surrounding medium. Experimental results show that the sensor has an ethanol concentration sensitivity of −0.041 dB/% over the range of 0–90 %. The level sensitivities are −0.0795 nm/mm and −0.1052 nm/mm in the 0–5 mm range for 5 % and 10 % ethanol solutions, respectively, while in the 5–20 mm range, the sensitivities are −0.2773 nm/mm and −0.2243 nm/mm, respectively. Moreover, the volatilization time and volatilization stability are tested under different concentrations of ethanol, and the volatilization sensitivity is 0.071 dB/% in the range of 0–60 %. Response and recovery time of 1.008 s and 0.514 s for 15 % ethanol volatilization molecules is achieved. This MI has advantages of compact structure, easy fabrication, good stability and dominant ability to achieve multi-parameter ethanol measurement via reflective operation.

Design and Characterization of Chitosan-Based Smart Injectable Hydrogel for Improved Sustained Release of Antinarcotics.

The treatment adherence of narcotics-addicted individuals with reduced incidences of relapse can be enhanced by a sustained drug release formulation of antinarcotics. So far, different drug formulations have been reported with sustained drug release periods of 28 and 35 days. To further enhance this duration, different formulations of injectable hydrogels (IHs) have been developed by combining low molecular weight (LMW) and high molecular weight (HMW) chitosan (CS) with guar gum (GG) and crosslinking them by sodium bi phosphate dibasic. The structural, morphological, and physicochemical properties of LMW-CS IH, and HMW-CS IH were evaluated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and rheological, swelling, and biodegradation analysis. The HMW-CS IH showed high crosslinking, increased thermal stability, high mechanical strength, elevated swelling, and low biodegradation. The antinarcotic drugs naltrexone (NTX) and disulfiram (DSF) were loaded separately into the HMW-CS IH and LMW-CS IH. The release of NTX and DSF was investigated in phosphate buffer saline (PBS) and ethanol (0.3%, 0.4%, and 0.5%) over a 56-day period using an UV spectrophotometer. The drug release data were tested in zero-order, first-order, and Korsemeyer-Peppas mathematical models. In PBS, all prepared formulations followed non-Fickian drug release, while in ethanol, only NTX HMW-CS IH followed non-Fickian release in all three different concentrations of ethanol.

A study of the migration behavior of formaldehyde in different concentrations of ethanol in paper food materials.

To ensure the safety of food contact materials, a liquid chromatography method was established to determine the migration of formaldehyde in paper packaging with various food simulants (10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 95% ethanol by volume) and to investigate the migration behavior of formaldehyde after various durations and with various materials. The results showed that the method has good linearity with a correlation coefficient of R2 > 0.9990, a detection limit of 0.0011 ~ 0.0027mg L-1, and a spiked recovery of 89.7 ~ 103.2% in the range of formaldehyde determination; the migration of formaldehyde in all six paper contact materials showed a trend of gradual increase with time until equilibrium was reached. At the same time and temperature, the migration of formaldehyde in paper packaging was the highest in low-concentration ethanol. With the same food simulants and materials, the maximum migration of formaldehyde in printed materials was greater than that in nonprinted materials; with different materials and the same food simulant, the thickness value was higher, with the use of water-based ink as a printing material, and the maximum migration value of formaldehyde by offset printing technology was low.

Identification of cholesterol in different media by using the FT-IR, FT-Raman and UV–visible spectra combined with DFT calculations

In this investigation, the experimental FT-IR and FT-Raman spectra of cholesterol in the solid phase and in ethanol solution have been combined with the B3LYP/6–311++G** calculations and the scaled quantum mechanical force field (SQMFF) methodology, normal internal coordinates and transferable scaling factors to obtain the complete vibrational assignments of 216 vibration modes expected. Hence, complete vibrational assignments for that steroid of greatest biological importance are reported for first time in gas phase and ethanol solution together with its scaled force constants. Changes in the positions of some bands and in force constants values are observed in the different media due to the predicted intra-molecular interactions between CH3/CH3, CH3/CH2 and CH2/CH2 groups by atoms in molecules (AIM) calculations. The 1H- and 13C NMR chemical shifts of normal and deuterated cholesterol in aqueous solution confirm that the H atom of OH group is involved in the formation of H bonds in solution. Studies of experimental electronic spectra of cholesterol in different concentrations of ethanol revealed that the positions of peaks maxima increase conform increase the solution concentration. The natural bond orbital (NBO) analyses reveal that the polar OH group and the four fused rings play important roles in the stability and properties of cholesterol than the large hydrophobic moiety. Frontier orbitals predicted low reactivity of cholesterol in ethanol probably due to its high ω value in this medium.

Treatment with inhaled aerosolised ethanol reduces viral load and potentiates macrophage responses in an established influenza mouse model

Aim Treatment options for viral lung infections are currently limited. We aimed to explore the safety and efficacy of inhaled ethanol in an influenza-infection mouse model. Materials and methods In a safety and tolerability experiment, 80 healthy female BALB/c mice (20 per group) were exposed to nebulized saline (control) or three concentrations of ethanol (40/60/80% ethanol v/v in water) for 3x30-minute periods, with a two-hour break between exposures. In a separate subsequent experiment, 40 Female BALB/c mice were nasally inoculated with 104.5 plaque-forming units of immediate virulence “Mem71” influenza. Infection was established for 48-h before commencing treatment in 4 groups of 10 mice with either nebulized saline (control) or one of 3 different concentrations of ethanol (40/60/80% ethanol v/v in water) for 3x30-minute periods daily over three consecutive days. In both experiments, mouse behavior, clinical scores, weight change, bronchoalveolar lavage cell viability, cellular composition, and cytokine levels, were assessed 24-h following the final exposure, with viral load also assessed after the second experiment. Results In uninfected BALB/c mice, 3x30-minute exposures to nebulized 40%, 60%, and 80% ethanol resulted in no significant differences in mouse weights, cell counts/viability, cytokines, or morphometry measures. In Mem71-influenza infected mice, we observed a dose-dependent reduction in viral load in the 80%-treated group and potentiation of macrophage numbers in the 60%- and 80%-treated groups, with no safety concerns. Conclusions Our data provides support for inhaled ethanol as a candidate treatment for respiratory infections.

Indium-Doped SnO2 Based Surface Acoustic Wave Gas Sensor with Ba0.6Sr0.4TiO3 Film

SnO2-based gas sensors have been widely synthesized and used for the detection of various hazardous gases. However, the use of doped SnO2 in sensing applications has recently attracted increased interest due to the formation of a synergistic effect between the dopant and the host. Moreover, in the case of a surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor, the piezoelectric material used in the fabrication of the sensor plays a crucial role in defining the response of the SAW sensor. As a ferroelectric material, barium strontium titanate (Ba0.6Sr0.4TiO3) has recently been studied due to its intriguing dielectric and electromechanical properties. Its high acoustic velocity and coupling coefficient make it a promising candidate for the development of acoustic devices; however, its use as a piezoelectric material in SAW sensors is still in its infancy. In this paper, we present the design, fabrication and validation of an indium doped SnO2-based SAW gas sensor on Ba0.6Sr0.4TiO3 thin film for room temperature (RT) applications. Pulsed laser deposition was used to deposit thin films of Ba0.6Sr0.4TiO3 and indium-doped SnO2. Different characterization techniques were employed to analyze the morphology and crystallization of the films. The performance of the fabricated sensor was validated by exposing it to different concentrations of ethanol and then analyzing the recorded frequency shift. The sensor exhibited fast response (39 s) and recovery (50 s) times with a sensitivity of 9.9 MHz/Δ. Moreover, the sensor had good linear response and reproducibility. The fabricated indium-doped SnO2-based SAW gas sensor could be suitable for practical room temperature applications.

Optimization of the Extraction Conditions of Polyphenols from Red Clover (Trifolium pratense L.) Flowers and Evaluation of the Antiradical Activity of the Resulting Extracts.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of the type of extraction solution (water, different concentrations of ethanol), temperature and time on the polyphenol content and antioxidant properties of red clover extracts and the effect of the addition of selected extracts on the antioxidant properties of enriched blackcurrant beverages. In both the extractions carried out under different conditions and in the enriched beverages, the content of selected polyphenols was determined by HPLC. This study confirmed the significant effect of the alcohol content of the extract, extraction time and temperature on the antioxidant properties of clover extracts. Ethanolic extracts had better antioxidant properties than aqueous extracts. The addition of ethanol extracts had a significant effect on the antioxidant properties of the fortified beverages. Increasing the temperature, time or ethanol content in the extracts mostly resulted in an increase in the total polyphenol content in the obtained extracts. Based on the analysis of the response surface, it was found that for the DPPH radical, the best activity was obtained by extraction for 20 min with a solution of approximately 65% at low temperatures. In the case of the ABTS radical, the best antiradical activity was obtained after extraction for 60 min at 80 °C with a solution of approximately 50% ethanol. It was also found that the use of a solution of approximately 60% ethanol after extraction for 60 min at 80 °C would provide an extract with high antiradical activity against both radicals.

Study on Chemical Composition and Biological Activity of Psidium guajava Leaf Extracts.

Guava (Psidium guajava) is a plant widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. Its leaves contain a large amount of physiological molecules such as flavonoid, sesquiterpene, triterpenoid, coumarin, alkaloid, and tannin molecules with antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, the use of concentrated P. guajava leaf extract molecules as a functional natural material was evaluated by confirming the extract's antioxidative, antibacterial, tyrosinase activity inhibition, and collagenase activity inhibition effects and its trans-2-nonenal removal ability. As a result of the analysis of the antioxidant and antibacterial components of concentrated P. guajava leaf extract molecules through GC-MS, a large amount of aromatic hydrocarbon molecules were detected. When different concentrations of ethanol were used for extraction, the leaf extract concentrated with 70% ethanol showed the most effective active molecules. As a result of measuring DPPH radical scavenging activity, a concentration-dependent antioxidant activity was confirmed. The antioxidant activity tended to increase when the ethanol content used for extraction was increased. Molecules such as 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol, caryophyllene oxide, and γ-muurolene in P. guajava leaf extract concentrate appeared to have antibacterial activities against S. aureus bacteria known to cause atopy. As ethanol content increased, the inhibitory effect on tyrosinase activity was increased. In addition, when ethanol content was 50%, the concentrated leaf extract was able to remove trans-2-nonenal by 52.4%. As a result of determining the concentrated leaf extract's collagenase inhibition activity, an inhibition rate close to that of ascorbic acid, a positive control, was confirmed. The concentrated guajava leaf extract molecules were confirmed to have whitening and wrinkle-improving functionality. Thus, the P. guajava leaf extract has high potential as a food and natural cosmetic material.

Stability of Cytoplasmic Membrane of Escherichia coli Bacteria in Aqueous and Ethanolic Environment.

The mechanism of action of any antibacterial agent or disinfectant depends largely on their interaction with the bacterial membrane. Herein, we use the SPICA (surface property fitting coarse graining) force-field and develop a coarse-grained (CG) model for the structure of the cytoplasmic membrane of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and its interaction with water and ethanol. We elucidate the impact of different concentrations of ethanol on the cytoplasmic membrane bilayers and vesicles of E. coli using the CG molecular dynamics (CG MD) simulations. Our modeling approach first focuses on the parametrization of the required force-field for POPG lipid and its interaction with water, ethanol, and POPE lipid. Subsequently, the structural stability of the E. coli bacterial membrane in the presence of high and low concentrations of ethanol is delineated. Both flat bilayers as well as vesicles of E. coli membrane were considered for the CG MD. Our results reveal that, at low ethanol concentrations (<30 mol %), the size of the E. coli vesicles increases with discernible deformations in their shapes. Because of ethanol-induced interdigitation, thinning of the E. coli vesicular membrane is also observed. However, at higher ethanol concentrations (>30 mol %), the integrity of the vesicles is lost because of deteriorating invasion of ethanol molecules into the vesicle bilayer and significant weakening of lipid-lipid interactions. At higher ethanol concentrations (40 and 70 mol %), both the multivesicle and single-vesicle bacterial membranes exhibit a similar rupturing pattern wherein the extraction of lipids from the membrane and formation of aggregates of the component lipids are observed. These aggregates consist of polar head groups of 3-5 POPE/POPG lipids with intertwined nonpolar tails.

Oral administration of resveratrol reduces oxidative stress generated in the hippocampus of Wistar rats in response to consumption of ethanol.

Chronic ethanol intake has been found to favor hippocampal deterioration and alter neuronal morphological maturation; resveratrol has been suggested as an antioxidant that may counteract these effects. The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of resveratrol on oxidative stress markers, endogenous antioxidant system in the hippocampus, and the behavior of male Wistar rats administered different concentrations of ethanol. The animals, at 3 months old, were randomly distributed into 11 study groups (n = 6/group), orally administered (5 days on, 2 days off) with water (control), ethanol (10, 20, 30, 40 or 50%), or ethanol (10, 20, 30, 40 or 50%) plus resveratrol (10 mg/Kg/day) for 2 months. Subsequently, the production of nitrites, malondialdehyde, and 4-hydroxy-alkenal (HNE) and the enzymatic activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were quantified. The levels of nitric oxide and lipid peroxidation products were significantly increased in each ethanol concentration and were statistically different compared to the control group; however, resveratrol significantly reduced oxidative stress caused by high ethanol concentration. The SOD and CAT did not present significant changes with respect to the controls in any of the study groups. In the different concentrations of ethanol used, GR increases significantly in the groups administered with resveratrol but not GPx. Resveratrol was shown to maintain the results similar to the control at most ethanol concentrations. Our results suggest that resveratrol prevents oxidative stress induced by ethanol in the hippocampus by decreasing cellular lipid peroxidation, but does not prevent the activation of catalase or SOD enzymes; however, allows glutathione to be kept active and in adequate concentrations in its reduced form and avoids alterations in the locomotor system.

Redução do crescimento de begônia envasada via tratamento com etanol

Abstract The application of plant growth regulators is a viable tool to produce potted plants, but its use is limited due to the risk of toxicity. Alternative treatment with ethanol has shown potential in restricting growth, but its morphological effects on ornamental plants are not yet well-explored. This study evaluated the application of different concentrations of ethanol (0, 2%, 4% and 6%) on the growth of potted Dragon Wing Begonia, a hybrid of great ornamental potential that presents vigorous growth, seeking to select the best concentration to reduce plant height. The experiment was conducted in a 2x4 factorial scheme, with two varieties, ‘Red’ and ‘Pink’, and four concentration levels of ethanol treatment. Plant growth and development aspects were evaluated. Ethanol showed great potential to reduce plant size, as it linearly restricted all growth variables (height, diameter, number of leaves, leaf area, shoot, and root dry mass) and flowering variables (dry mass and number of flowers and buds). The highest concentration (6%) caused phytotoxic symptoms and senescence in plants. On the other hand, treatments with concentrations of 2% and 4% resulted in compact plants with great market quality. In conclusion, ethanol treatment can be a viable alternative to reduce the growth of potted ornamental plants.