Tuning the electron donation-acquisition relationship through vacancies for balancing the ethanol and total alcohol selectivity trade-off in syngas conversion over CuZn catalysts

First high-resolution spectral study of the far infrared fundamental OH- torsional band of ethyl alcohol (CH3CH2OH), using synchrotron radiation

Optofluidic whispering gallery mode microbubble cavities offer several advantages, including high quality factors, small mode volumes, and real-time detection capabilities, making them well-suited for applications in high-precision sensing. The sensing mechanism of microcavity-based solution sensors typically relies on detecting mode shifts, broadening, or splitting induced by variations in the refractive index of the analyte. In this study, we introduce a novel, to the best of our knowledge, detection method that integrates cavity photothermal oscillation spectroscopy with a deep neural network. This hybrid technique enables high-precision detection of anhydrous ethanol concentrations in multi-component mixture solution while remaining insensitive to mode shifts. Experimental results demonstrate a predicted accuracy of 0.992 and a mean squared error of 5.29 × 10-4 within the 0-1% concentration range.

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted the development of innovative approaches to the treatment of severe forms of pneumonia with pneumo-pleurofibrosis. An IV regimen based on intravenous administration of ethyl alcohol solutions of different concentrations with glucose in patients with COVID-19 (intervention group and control groups of comparable number) was proposed and clinically evaluated. The use of 10% Ethanol has been introduced: 150 ml intravenously drip 2 times a day for 7 days. In both groups, hyperthermia, tachypnea, dry cough, pleural pain, diffuse cyanosis, severe general condition, a significant decrease in oxygen saturation, leukocytosis and lymphopenia were found at the beginning of treatment. In the intervention group, the normalization of indicators occurred much faster: body temperature returned to normal on the fifth to seventh day versus the twelfth-fourteenth in the control; respiratory rate – on the fourth to fifth day versus the sixteenth to eighteenth; saturation reached normal on the sixth to eighth day against the twelfth-fifteenth; leukocytes returned to normal on the tenth to eleventh day against the sixteenth to eighteenth; Lymphocytes stabilized on the sixth to eighth day versus the twentieth to twenty-second. On the seventh day, a satisfactory condition was observed in most patients in the intervention group without deaths, in the control - much later and in smaller numbers. The technique of using intravenous ethanol is based on the classical principles of detoxification therapy: elimination of the toxic factor with subsequent elimination of the consequences of intoxication, which provides an etiotropic-pathogenetic effect in acute vasculitis and pneumo-pleurofibrosis. The proposed scheme reduces the duration of treatment, reduces costs, and requires further clinical, pharmacological and pharmacoeconomic studies.

Visceral leishmaniasis is transmitted by infected female sand flies. However, entomological data from refugee camps remained limited. This study aimed to describe sand fly fauna and assess natural Leishmania infection in selected refugee camps in Ethiopia. The study was conducted in four refugee camps. Sand flies were collected using a CDC light trap and sticky trap. Both male and female sand flies were dissected, and morphologically identified. The female sand flies were preserved in 95% ethyl alcohol for Leishmania DNA screening. A total of 2196 sand flies were collected. Phlebotomus rodhaini, the only Phlebotomus species identified, accounted for 1.7% of the collections. Sergentomyia antennatus was the most abundant species (50.8%), followed by S. africanus (15.8%), S. schwetzi (14.3%), S. bedfordi (10.9%), S. clydei (5.2%), S. squamipleuris (1.2%), and S. adleri (0.1%). Species richness was highest in Terkidi camp, whereas overall diversity was greatest in Sherkole. Indoor collections were limited (< 2.3%), confirming predominantly exophilic resting behavior. Termite hills and peridomestic habitats harbored the highest sand fly densities. Polymerase chain reaction screening showed no evidence of Leishmania infection. This first entomological survey conducted in refugee camps in Ethiopia documents a sand fly fauna dominated by outdoor collections, a very low abundance of Ph. rodhaini, and no detectable Leishmania infection. These findings suggest the need for longitudinal monitoring to capture seasonal variation.

The relationship between alcohol consumption-particularly at low-to-moderate levels-and liver steatosis or fibrosis remains controversial, and the potential pathways involved are incompletely understood. Given that iron homeostasis is frequently disturbed in individuals who consume alcohol and may contribute to liver injury, we aimed to investigate whether alterations in iron metabolism link alcohol intake to hepatic injury. We analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and UK Biobank to examine associations between alcohol consumption and liver steatosis/fibrosis. Associations were assessed using multivariate logistic, Cox proportional hazards, restricted cubic spline (RCS), and Mendelian Randomization (MR) analysis, where appropriate. Mediation analysis was conducted to evaluate the role of iron-related biomarkers. We observed a J-shaped association between daily pure alcohol intake and liver fat (proton density fat fraction, PDFF), where low intake inversely and moderate-to-heavy intake positively associated. Higher alcohol consumption increased the risks of incident steatosis (HR=1.16, 95%CI: 1.13-1.19) and fibrosis (HR=1.47, 95%CI: 1.42-1.52). Iron homeostasis biomarkers partially mediated these associations, with liver iron showing the strongest mediation effect (19.44%). MR analysis further supported a causal link between genetically predicted alcohol intake and elevated liver iron and PDFF. These findings indicate that alcohol consumption is associated with higher liver fat and a detrimental impact on fibrosis risk, in part through disruption of iron homeostasis. Monitoring iron metabolism in individuals with alcohol exposure may therefore offer clinically relevant insights for identifying individuals at higher risk and informing strategies to prevent alcohol-related liver disease progression.

The high density and large amount of extractives of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus maculata) wood are very unfavorable for the production of its finger-jointed timber. This study examined the mechanical properties of finger-joint nodes during the pressing and unloading processes at the ends, and investigated the effects of chemical agents and heat treatment methods on the performance of finger-joint connections. The results indicated that high end-pressure was crucial for maintaining the stability of finger joints, as a reduction in pressure led to significant displacement relaxation and springback. The high extractive content in eucalyptus had different effects on the bonding performance of different adhesives: polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) adhesive exhibited superior bonding performance, with tensile strength and flexural strength reaching 12.21 MPa and 52.61 MPa, respectively. Furthermore,heat treatment and anhydrous ethanol pretreatment can effectively reduce the impact of extractives at the joint interface, thereby enhancing the bonding strength. Compared to untreated controls, heat treatment improved tensile and flexural strength by 5.7% and 0.6%, respectively, while anhydrous ethanol pretreatment resulted in increases of 3.8% and 7.6%.

Introduction. Virgin five-leaf grape ( Parthenocissus quinquefolia (L.) Planch.) is a perennial wild or cultivated liana that is widespread. The plant is classified as understudied, which is why recommendations regarding optimal conditions for harvesting plant raw materials are still lacking. Currently, one of the key tasks in pharmacognosy is to identify new promising plant species among the representatives of the national flora that form a rich resource base. These species should be suitable for obtaining plant raw materials, which serve as the foundation for phytomedicines and/or dietary supplements. This underscores the relevance of the present study. Aim. Rationalization of the procurement process and the development of quality indicators for plant raw materials "Virgin five-leaf grape leaves". Materials and methods. The study involved the five-leafed maiden grape leaves harvested in the Voronezh Region during various phenological phases of the plant's life. Tests aimed at developing quality indicators of the studied plant raw materials were performed according to the methods presented in the State Pharmacopoeia of the Russian Federation XV and the State Pharmacopoeia of the Russian Federation XIV editions. Results and discussion. The rationality of harvesting virgin-leaf grapes during the phase of mass fruiting and reddening of the leaves is shown. It is proposed to collect plant raw materials with a petiole, no more than 5 cm in size, in order to avoid difficulties during drying. Acceptable admixtures to maiden grape leaves are leaves that have changed color, as well as other parts of the plant. Criteria for assessing the quality of a new type of vegetable raw material "Maiden five-leaf grape" are proposed: the amount of flavonoids in terms of rutin is at least 0.9 %; the content of the sum of anthocyanin compounds in terms of cyaniding-3-O-glycoside is not less than 7 %; extractive substances extracted with 70 % ethyl alcohol – not less than 25 %, extractive substances extracted with water – not less than 25 %. Conclusion. Criteria for assessing the quality of a new type of vegetable raw material "Virgin five-leaf grape leaves" are proposed. The experimental data obtained in the framework of the study were used in the development of instructions for harvesting and drying virgin leaf grapes, which was introduced into the scientific and production activities of the Botanical Garden named after Professor Boris M. Kozo-Polyansky VSU.

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, poses a major threat to global maize production. Reliance on synthetic pesticides has contributed to pest resistance and environmental degradation, underscoring the need for sustainable alternatives. In this study, ethanolic extracts of neem (Azadirachta indica) and moringa (Moringa oleifera), together with maize-associated bacterial isolates, were evaluated for their biocontrol potential against fall armyworm. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis for bioextract identification revealed tissue-specific chemical diversity, identifying eight key phytochemicals, including octadecanoic acid, trimethyl fluorosilane, and hexadecanoic acid in neem, and trimethyl fluorosilane, ethyl oleate, ethyl (9Z,12Z), octadecanoic acid, and benzenedicarboxylic acid in moringa extracts. Eighty-nine bacterial isolates were screened for extracellular enzyme activities (cellulase, chitinase, glucanase, and protease) and siderophore production, among which four strains, DR-55 (Bacillus subtilis), HL-7 (Bacillus cereus), HL-37 (Bacillus cereus), and DR-63 (Enterobacter sp.), exhibited >50% biocontrol efficacy under greenhouse conditions. A strong correlation (r = 0.88) was observed between in vitro antagonistic activity and greenhouse performance, validating the screening approach. Fall armyworm mortality was the highest in larvae (up to 80%), moderate in pupae (15-17%), and the lowest in adults (6-7%), respectively. Overall, plant bio-extracts and maize-associated microbial isolates represent a promising, non-hazardous strategy for sustainable fall armyworm management while preserving maize plant health.

Ultradry ethanol is widely and crucially used in industry, primarily owing to its excellent solvent properties, reactivity, relatively low toxicity, and volatility. However, trace amounts of water present within it can significantly diminish its efficacy. Herein, we designed a low-cost and green-synthesized metal-organic framework material (ZNU-68) for kinetic ethanol/water separation. Owing to its larger kinetic diameter compared to water, ethanol diffuses more slowly within the pores, consequently leading to differences in both the adsorption capacity and adsorption rate. Ten cycles of dynamic vapor adsorption tests for water confirm that ZNU-68 possesses excellent stability and regenerability. Under a feed composition of ethanol/water = 95/5, a high productivity of anhydrous ethanol (18.36 mol/kg) is achieved. Density functional theory calculations and water-loaded single-crystal structures indicate that ZNU-68 has two distinct adsorption sites for water molecules.

To describe alcohol consumption and preferences among both drinkers, and high-risk drinkers; to compare consumption before and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic across eight European countries. Secondary analysis of a dataset from 24 946 respondents 18-90years old from eight European countries who reported having drunk any alcoholic beverages during the week prior to the online interview (October-November 2022). Weekly alcohol consumption across countries was between 123.6 and 197.2 grams of pure alcohol per person, with a male/female ratio between 1.1:1 and 1.5:1. Traditional wine-drinking pattern was confirmed for France, Italy, and Greece, as well as for Great Britain. Prevalence of high-risk drinkers (daily consumption >30grams for females, >40 grams for males) was highest in Great Britain; M/F ratio was between 1.1:1 and 1.3:1, except in Belgium, Great Britain, and Greece, where females outnumbered males. Those older than 65years and those who resided in the countryside were less likely to be high-risk drinkers. Most respondents reported drinking the same amount of wine and beer in 2022 as before the COVID-19 outbreak, with high-risk drinkers increasing their drinking frequency of all types of alcoholic beverages. Our results confirm a downward trend in alcohol consumption in most European countries. The gender gap between male and female high-risk drinkers is narrowing or, in some cases, reversing. In 2022, compared with before the COVID-19 outbreak, the majority of respondents reported drinking the same amount of alcoholic beverages, whereas high-risk drinkers increased the frequency of their drinking.

Currently, the potential of 1,2,4-triazole derivatives in the development of anticonvulsants is attracting special attention of researchers, as such compounds can modulate the activity of receptors responsible for the development of seizure syndrome. 1,2,4-triazole derivatives can affect the GABAergic system and ion channels, which play a key role in the mechanisms of seizure development. It is known that 2-[5-(furan-2-yl)-4-phenyl-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-ylthio]-1-(4-chlorophenylethanone) has anticonvulsant activity. Therefore, it is extremely important to develop sensitive and specific methods of analysis on the way to introducing this substance. Development and validation of a simple, economical and eco-friendly UV-spectrophotometric method for the quantitative determination of 2-[5-(furan-2-yl)-4-phenyl-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-ylthio]-1-(4-chlorophenylethanone). A working standard sample of 2-[5-(furan-2-yl)-4-phenyl-4n-1,2,4-triazol-3-ylthio]-1-(4-chlorophenylethanone), ethyl alcohol of grade chemically pure" and the following analytical equipment were used in the study: Specord 250 Plus spectrophotometer, ABT-120-5DM electronic balance, Sonorex Digitec DT100H ultrasonic bath, class A measuring glassware. The optimal parameters for the quantitative determination of 2-[5-(furan-2-yl)-4-phenyl-4n-1,2,4-triazol-3-ylthio]-1-(4-chlorophenylethanone were investigated - the solvent was chosen, the stability of the analyzed solutions in time was studied, and the concentration limits at which the Bouguer-Lambert-Beer law is observed were determined. It was found that the maximum value of light absorption of the substance under study is observed at a wavelength of 280 nm in the medium of ethyl alcohol. On the basis of the obtained data, a spectrophotometric method was developed for the quantitative determination of 2-[5-(furan-2-yl)-4-phenyl-4n-1,2,4-triazol-3-ylthio]-1-(4-chlorophenylethanone by the standard method. The linear dependence within the range of application of the proposed method (80-120%) was estimated. The calculated metrological characteristics confirm the linearity of the method in the concentration range of the substance under study from 0.64 to 0.96 mg/100 ml. The possibility of using the spectrophotometric method in other laboratories with obtaining reliable results by predicting the total uncertainty of the method was proved. As a result of the study, a simple and reliable spectrophotometric method for the quantitative determination of 2-[5-(furan-2-yl)-4-phenyl-4n-1,2,4-triazol-3-ylthio]-1-(4-chlorophenylethanone) by intrinsic absorption was developed. The results were statistically processed, which indicates a high reproducibility of the developed method. The practicality of the proposed method and minimal environmental impact were confirmed using modern analytical tools.

ABSTRACTEthylene glycol (EG) is a hazardous alcohol present in various household and industrial products. After being metabolized by ethanol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase, it can produce glycolate, acetaldehyde, and oxalate, leading to acute kidney injury. Renal failure is mainly caused by tubular damage induced by metabolites such as glyoxylate and oxalate, and may also be related to tubular obstruction caused by oxalate crystal precipitation. A 35‐year‐old Chinese man was brought to the emergency department in an unconscious state with a suspected history of EG ingestion. Laboratory examination revealed significant metabolic acidosis with elevated anion gap, acute kidney injury, and hyperkalemia, suggestive of possible EG poisoning. Renal biopsy revealed acute tubular necrosis, with numerous oxalate crystals forming in the tubules of the patient, confirming the diagnosis of EG poisoning with oxalate nephropathy. Treatment included fluid resuscitation, bicarbonate therapy, ethyl alcohol administration, and hemodialysis. After early and active treatment, the patient's consciousness recovered, acidosis improved significantly, and no further dialysis treatment was required.

This research focuses on the acid value reduction in crude palm oil (CPO) achieved through an esterification process with different types of ethanol in batch and circulation processes. The esterification process was optimized by varying three independent variables, the ethanol content, sulfuric acid (H2SO4) concentration, and reaction time, using a response surface methodology to determine the optimal conditions for the acid value reduction in the esterified oil. Three grades of ethanol—95% hydrous ethanol, 99% anhydrous ethanol, and 99% analytical reagent (AR) ethanol—were used to study the batch esterification process. The optimal conditions for hydrous ethanol were 82.7 vol.% ethanol content, 10.6 vol.% H2SO4 concentration, and 25.4 min reaction time; for anhydrous ethanol, the optimal conditions were 78.1 vol.% ethanol content, 10.2 vol.% H2SO4 concentration, and 26.3 min reaction time; for AR-grade ethanol, the conditions were 77.7 vol.% ethanol content, 10.5 vol.% H2SO4 concentration, and 28.6 min reaction time. The experimental results indicate that the acid value of esterified oil could be reduced under optimal conditions using hydrous ethanol, anhydrous ethanol, and AR-grade ethanol at concentrations of 1.85 mg KOH/g, 0.97 mg KOH/g, and 0.95 mg KOH/g, respectively. Anhydrous ethanol had the most cost-effective production. Therefore, anhydrous ethanol was selected to study acid value reduction in esterified oil in a circulation esterification process to increase process efficiency. The results showed an acid value of 1.42 mg KOH/g under optimal conditions of 66.9 vol.% anhydrous ethanol content, 7.3 vol.% H2SO4 concentration, and 27.7 min circulation time, with a production cost of 0.460 USD/batch. The circulation esterification process can reduce ethanol content, H2SO4 concentration, and production costs by 14.34%, 28.43%, and 16.21%, respectively, compared to the batch esterification process, resulting in significant reductions in chemical and production costs.

Syngas serves as a crucial link between non-petroleum-based carbon resources and commodity chemicals. Among various conversion routes, the catalytic transformation of syngas into ethanol and other mixed alcohols represents a highly attractive option. K-modified MoS2 systems exhibit notable activity and selectivity in low-carbon alcohol synthesis. To elucidate the correlation between product selectivity and catalyst structure, and to design efficient catalysts for the synthesis of specific single products, density functional theory (DFT) was employed to explore the transition states of elementary steps involved in syngas conversion to mixed alcohols on bilayer (K)/MoS2 catalysts. The results indicate that CO hydrogenation on the S-edge sites of the MoS2(100) facet mainly yields C1 species, whereas ethanol is primarily produced at the Mo-edge sites. Moreover, K doping enhances CO activation and C–C coupling at the Mo-edge. The most favorable pathway for ethanol synthesis at the Mo-edge is identified as CO → HCO → CHOH → CH → CHCO → CH2CO → CH3CO → CH3CHO → CH3CH2O → CH3CH2OH, with the key step being the hydrogenation of CH3CO to CH3CHO, which requires an energy barrier of 0.73 eV. This work offers comprehensive and valuable guidance for the subsequent modification and design of C–C coupling catalysts.

The increasing demand for renewable energy has driven research into sustainable biofuel alternatives. This study evaluates the carbon balance of bioethanol produced from the sap of the Nipa palm ( Nypa fruticans ), a mangrove species with significant carbon sequestration potential. A cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment was conducted to estimate the total carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions from bioethanol production and compare it with the CO 2 absorbed by the Nipa palm. The assessment covered emissions from transportation, fermentation, distillation, and distribution. The findings show that Nipa palms exhibit a substantial CO 2 sequestration capacity, averaging 21,785 kg CO 2 /ha/year. The gate-to-gate emissions for producing 95% hydrous ethanol (H95F) and 99% hydrous ethanol (H99F) were calculated to be 1,075.91 kg CO 2 /ha and 11,552.94 kg CO 2 /ha, respectively. By comparing emissions against sequestration, the study reveals a significant positive carbon balance. The net balance for H95F production was -20,709.09 kg CO 2 /ha/year, and for H99F, it was -10,232.06 kg CO 2 /ha/year. This indicates that the bioethanol production system from Nipa sap is not only carbon neutral but carbon negative, as the Nipa palm cultivation absorbs more CO 2 than the entire production process emits. Furthermore, compared to gasoline, which emits approximately 2.91 kg CO 2 -eq per liter, Nipa bioethanol presents a much lower carbon footprint. These results underscore the potential of Nipa palm bioethanol as a sustainable and environmentally beneficial fuel source that contributes to mitigating climate change by reducing greenhouse gas concentrations.

Hyperuricemia (HUA) is becoming increasingly prevalent, and is associated with kidney dysfunction, metabolic issues, and heart disease. Fructus Gardenia (FG) has demonstrated a dual action of inhibiting uric acid (UA) production and enhancing its excretion, showing promise for treating HUA. We herein employ a combination of metabolomics and network pharmacology to explore the bioactive compounds and underlying mechanisms of FG in HUA. Upon oral administration of FG to HUA rats, serum UA levels, kidney function, and tissue changes were measured. Serum metabolomics was conducted to identify key metabolites and associated metabolic pathways. Network pharmacology and molecular docking were employed to reveal active compounds and their potential targets. Treatment with FG at a low dosage reduced the levels of UA and xanthine oxidase (XOD) to 39.7% and 54.1%, respectively, and ameliorated kidney damage induced by HUA. Xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH), hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT1), purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP), catalase (CAT), and glycogen phosphorylase-liver form (PYGL) were identified as the potential gene targets, which were linked to purine metabolism, inflammation, and oxidative stress. The activity of HPRT1, PNP, and PYGL was restored by FG administration, as well as the mRNA expression of P2X purinoceptor 7 (P2X7R) and solute carrier family 22 member 12 (SLC22A12). FG improves purine metabolism, reduces inflammation, and mitigates the risk of renal damage. These effects are achieved through the combined action of various compounds, including quercetin and ethyl oleate, involving the regulation of P2X7R and SLC22A12 expression, as well as the activities of XOD, HPRT1, PNP, and PYGL. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: As a natural food pigment, FG can be used to treat HUA and protect the kidney from damage caused by high UA levels, which is safe and effective within the recommended dosage. With further development into solid beverages or oral liquids, FG as a potential functional food and dietary supplement would meet the growing demand for natural management of UA.

Production, optimization and characterization of cellulase produced from Aspergillus niger in submerged fermentation through response surface methodology.

Currently, surface-active agents (surfactants) have found widespread application in various industries, including detergents, foaming agents, emulsion stabilizers, fluorogens, hydrophobizers, and corrosion inhibitors. As a result, the synthesis of surfactants has become a critical area of study. This paper presents the results of an investigation into the oil-repelling and oil-dispersing properties of complex salts formed by heptadecane (HA) and octadecane (OA) acids with triethanolamine (TEA), in distilled, potable, and seawater contaminated with Balakhani oil. The study measured the surface activity of these complex salts at various concentrations using a tensiometer, and the elemental composition was determined through calculation methods. Infrared spectroscopy was employed to analyze the composition of the newly synthesized complex salts, confirming that the reaction followed the proposed scheme. The comparative study of the complex salts formed by HA and OA with TEA revealed that the OA – TEA complex salt demonstrated superior oil-dispersing properties, particularly in potable and seawater. Specifically, the HA- TEA complex salt reduced surface tension from 72.0 mN/m to 33.3 mN/m, whereas the OA-TEA complex salt reduced surface tension from 72.0 mN/m to 29.4 mN/m, indicating its higher surface activity. The elemental composition of the complex salts formed by both acids with TEA was calculated and revealed the following mass fractions: for HA-TEA (%): C 65.8, H 11.7, O 19.1, N 3.4; for OA-TEA (%): C 66.4, H 11.8, O 18.5, N 3.3. Solutions of the complex salts in various concentrations exhibited a mixed effect when tested in seawater contaminated with Balakhani oil. Both complex salts were soluble in ethyl and isopropyl alcohols. The study also highlighted that the OA-TEA complex salt, in particular, displayed promising characteristics in terms of its composition and performance in environmental applications.

A detection method for industrial methanol and ethanol two-component gas leakage based on transient response sequence