Developmental ethanol exposure produces deficits in long-term potentiation in vivo that persist following postnatal choline supplementation.

BACKGROUND: Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is one of the leading causes of neurodevelopmental disorder for which there is a pressing need for an effective treatment. Recent studies have investigated the essential nutrient choline as a postnatal treatment option. Supplementation with choline has produced improvements in behavioral tasks related to learning and memory and reverted changes in methylation signature following third-trimester equivalent ethanol exposure. We examined whether there are related improvements in hippocampal synaptic plasticity in vivo. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley offspring were administered binge-levels of ethanol from postnatal day (PND) 4 to 9, then treated with choline chloride (100 mg/kg/day) from PND 10 to 30. In vivo electrophysiology was performed on male and female offspring from PND 55 to 70. Long-term potentiation (LTP) was induced in the medial perforant pathway of the dentate gyrus using a theta-burst stimulation (TBS) protocol, and field-evoked postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) were evoked for 60 min following the conditioning stimulus. RESULTS: Developmental ethanol exposure caused long-lasting deficits in LTP of the slope of the evoked responses and in the amplitude of the population spike potentiation. Neither deficit was rescued by postnatal choline supplementation. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to our prior findings that choline can improve hippocampal plasticity (Nutrients, 2022, 14, 2004), here we found that deficits in hippocampal synaptic plasticity due to developmental ethanol exposure persisted into adulthood despite adolescent choline supplementation. Future research should examine more subtle changes in synaptic plasticity to identify synaptic changes that mirror behavioral improvements.

Profile of red wine partially dealcoholized with a membrane-based technique and strategies to mitigate the loss of volatile compounds.

In recent years, climate change has led to higher grape must sugar content and, consequently, increased alcohol by volume. Evaporative or pertraction is a common method for post-fermentation ethanol removal from wines, but it selectively removes some less polar volatile compounds along with ethanol. To mitigate volatile substance loss, this study investigates blending of the red wine (Marzemino-Cabernet blend) with obtained dealcoholized samples from it by industrial evaporative pertraction system, while maintaining the final product within a two-percentage-point reduction in ethanol. Thus MIX 1 and MIX 2 blends were prepared, reducing the ABV of the initial wine (12.5% alcohol by volume) to 10.5% and 9.5%. Chemical analyses highlighted that most alcohols, acetates, and ethyl esters of fatty acids decreased with alcohol by volume reduction. However, compounds with polar groups (acetoin and acetovanillone), C13-norisoprenoids, and certain lactones showed increasing trends. Sensory analysis indicated high scores for sweetness and smoothness in the blended wines, with a decrease in acidic taste. Floral scents notably increased, particularly in MIX 2, closely resembling the initial wine's sensory profile. The blending of initial wine with appropriately dealcoholized wine samples has proven to be an effective strategy for preserving bouquet and color of dealcoholized wines. This approach broadens the consumer base by catering to people who prefer low-alcohol options, have dietary restrictions, or are health-conscious, but who still wish to savor wines with aromatic quality rather than a flat taste. This strategy is crucial in the wine industry as it successfully addresses technical challenges and ensures economic viability.

Preparation of Pueraria lobata Root-Derived Exosome-Like Nanovesicles and Evaluation of Their Effects on Mitigating Alcoholic Intoxication and Promoting Alcohol Metabolism in Mice.

Purpose: Pueraria lobata (P. lobata), a dual-purpose food and medicine, displays limited efficacy in alcohol detoxification and liver protection, with previous research primarily focused on puerarin in its dried roots. In this study, we investigated the potential effects and mechanisms of fresh P. lobata root-derived exosome-like nanovesicles (P-ELNs) for mitigating alcoholic intoxication, promoting alcohol metabolism effects and protecting the liver in C57BL/6J mice. Methods: We isolated P-ELNs from fresh P. lobata root using differential centrifugation and characterized them via transmission electron microscopy, nanoscale particle sizing, ζ potential analysis, and biochemical assays. In Acute Alcoholism (AAI) mice pre-treated with P-ELNs, we evaluated their effects on the timing and duration of the loss of the righting reflex (LORR), liver alcohol metabolism enzymes activity, liver and serum alcohol content, and ferroptosis-related markers. Results: P-ELNs, enriched in proteins, lipids, and small RNAs, exhibited an ideal size (150.7 ± 82.8 nm) and negative surface charge (-31 mV). Pre-treatment with 10 mg/(kg.bw) P-ELNs in both male and female mice significantly prolonged ebriety time, shortened sobriety time, enhanced acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity while concurrently inhibited alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activity, and reduced alcohol content in the liver and serum. Notably, P-ELNs demonstrated more efficacy compared to P-ELNs supernatant fluid (abundant puerarin content), suggesting alternative active components beyond puerarin. Additionally, P-ELNs prevented ferroptosis by inhibiting the reduction of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and reduced glutathione (GSH), and suppressing acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) elevation, thereby mitigating pathological liver lipid accumulation. Conclusion: P-ELNs exhibit distinct exosomal characteristics and effectively alleviate alcoholic intoxication, improve alcohol metabolism, suppress ferroptosis, and protect the liver from alcoholic injury. Consequently, P-ELNs hold promise as a therapeutic agent for detoxification, sobriety promotion, and prevention of alcoholic liver injury.

Unveiling Highly Sensitive Active Site in Atomically Dispersed Gold Catalysts for Enhanced Ethanol Dehydrogenation.

Developing a desirable ethanol dehydrogenation process necessitates a highly efficient and selective catalyst with low cost. Herein, we show that the "complex active site" consisting of atomically dispersed Au atoms with the neighboring oxygen vacancies (Vo) and undercoordinated cation on oxide supports can be prepared and display unique catalytic properties for ethanol dehydrogenation. The "complex active site" Au-Vo-Zr3+ on Au1/ZrO2 exhibits the highest H2 production rate, with above 37,964 mol H2 per mol Au per hour (385 g H2 g-1 Au h-1) at 350 oC, which is 3.32, 2.94 and 15 times higher than Au1/CeO2, Au1/TiO2, and Au1/Al2O3, respectively. Combining experimental and theoretical studies, we demonstrate the structural sensitivity of these complex sites by assessing their selectivity and activity in ethanol dehydrogenation. Our study sheds new light on the design and development of cost-effective and highly efficient catalysts for ethanol dehydrogenation. Fundamentally, atomic-level catalyst design by colocalizing catalytically active metal atoms forming a structure-sensitive "complex site", is a crucial way to advance from heterogeneous catalysis to molecular catalysis. Our study advanced the understanding of the structure sensitivity of the active site in atomically dispersed catalysts.

Adolescent binge ethanol impacts H3K9me3-occupancy at synaptic genes and the regulation of oligodendrocyte development.

Introduction: Binge drinking in adolescence can disrupt myelination and cause brain structural changes that persist into adulthood. Alcohol consumption at a younger age increases the susceptibility of these changes. Animal models to understand ethanol's actions on myelin and white matter show that adolescent binge ethanol can alter the developmental trajectory of oligodendrocytes, myelin structure, and myelin fiber density. Oligodendrocyte differentiation is epigenetically regulated by H3K9 trimethylation (H3K9me3). Prior studies have shown that adolescent binge ethanol dysregulates H3K9 methylation and decreases H3K9-related gene expression in the PFC. Methods: Here, we assessed ethanol-induced changes to H3K9me3 occupancy at genomic loci in the developing adolescent PFC. We further assessed ethanol-induced changes at the transcription level with qPCR time course approaches in oligodendrocyte-enriched cells to assess changes in oligodendrocyte progenitor and oligodendrocytes specifically. Results: Adolescent binge ethanol altered H3K9me3 regulation of synaptic-related genes and genes specific for glutamate and potassium channels in a sex-specific manner. In PFC tissue, we found an early change in gene expression in transcription factors associated with oligodendrocyte differentiation that may lead to the later significant decrease in myelin-related gene expression. This effect appeared stronger in males. Conclusion: Further exploration in oligodendrocyte cell enrichment time course and dose response studies could suggest lasting dysregulation of oligodendrocyte maturation at the transcriptional level. Overall, these studies suggest that binge ethanol may impede oligodendrocyte differentiation required for ongoing myelin development in the PFC by altering H3K9me3 occupancy at synaptic-related genes. We identify potential genes that may be contributing to adolescent binge ethanol-related myelin loss.

Administration of 4% tetrasodium EDTA lock solution and central venous catheter complications in high-risk pediatric patients with intestinal failure: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Selection of central venous catheter (CVC) lock solution impacts catheter mechanical complications and central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) in pediatric patients with intestinal failure. Disadvantages of the current clinical standards, heparin and ethanol lock therapy (ELT), led to the discovery of new lock solutions. High-risk pediatric patients with intestinal failure who lost access to ELT during a recent shortage were offered enrollment in a compassionate use trial with 4% tetrasodium EDTA (T-EDTA), a lock solution with antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and antithrombotic properties. METHODS: We performed a descriptive cohort study including 14 high-risk pediatric patients with intestinal failure receiving 4% T-EDTA as a daily catheter lock solution. CVC complications were documented (repairs, occlusions, replacements, and CLABSIs). Complication rates on 4% T-EDTA were compared with baseline rates, during which patients were receiving either heparin or ELT (designated as heparin/ELT). RESULTS: Patients initiated 4% T-EDTA at the time they were enrolled in the compassionate use protocol. Use of 4% T-EDTA resulted in a 50% reduction in CVC complications, compared with baseline rates on heparin/ELT (incidence rate ratio: 0.50; 95% CI, 0.25-1.004; P = 0.051). CONCLUSION: In a compassionate use protocol for high-risk pediatric patients with intestinal failure, the use of 4% T-EDTA reduced composite catheter complications, including those leading to emergency department visits, hospital admissions, additional procedures, and mortality. This outcome suggests 4% T-EDTA has benefits over currently available lock solutions.

Transcriptomics to evaluate the influence mechanisms of ethanol on the ester production of Wickerhamomyces anomalus with the induction of lactic acid.

Wickerhamomyces anomalus is one of the most important ester-producing strains in Chinese baijiu brewing. Ethanol and lactic acid are the main metabolites produced during baijiu brewing, but their synergistic influence on the growth and ester production of W. anomalus is unclear. Therefore, in this paper, based on the contents of ethanol and lactic acid during Te-flavor baijiu brewing, the effects of different ethanol concentrations (3, 6, and 9% (v/v)) combined with 1% lactic acid on the growth and ester production of W. anomalus NCUF307.1 were studied and their influence mechanisms were analyzed by transcriptomics. The results showed that the growth of W. anomalus NCUF307.1 under the induction of lactic acid was inhibited by ethanol. Although self-repair mechanism of W. anomalus NCUF307.1 induced by lactic acid was initiated at all concentrations of ethanol, resulting in significant up-regulation of genes related to the Genetic Information Processing pathway, such as cell cycle-yeast, meiosis-yeast, DNA replication and other pathways. However, the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and the inhibition of pathways associated with carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism may be the main reason for the inhibition of growth in W. anomalus NCUF307.1. In addition, 3% and 6% ethanol combined with 1% lactic acid could promote the ester production of W. anomalus NCUF307.1, which may be related to the up-regulation of EAT1, ADH5 and TGL5 genes, while the inhibition in 9% ethanol may be related to down-regulation of ATF2, EAT1, ADH2, ADH5, and TGL3 genes.

Ethanolic extract from Sophora moorcroftiana inhibit cell proliferation and alter the mechanical properties of human cervical cancer.

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is one of the most common gynecological malignancies. Previous studies have shown that the ethanol extract of Sophora moorcroftiana seeds (EESMS) possesses an antiproliferative effect on several tumors in vitro. Therefore, in this study, we assessed the impact of EESMS on human cervical carcinoma (HeLa) cell proliferation. METHODS: The proliferation and apoptotic effects of HeLa cells treated with EESMS were evaluated using 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay, dual acridine orange/ethidium bromide double staining, flow cytometry, and western blotting. Single-cell level atomic force microscopy (AFM) was conducted to detect the mechanical properties of HeLa cells, and proteomics and bioinformatics methods were used to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of EESMS. RESULTS: EESMS treatment inhibited HeLa cell proliferation by blocking the G0/G1 phase, increasing the expression of Caspase-3 and affecting its mechanical properties, and the EESMS indicated no significant inhibitory effect on mouse fibroblasts L929 cell line. In total, 218 differentially expressed proteins were identified using two-dimensional electrophoresis, and eight differentially expressed proteins were successfully identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The differentially expressed proteins were involved in various cellular and biological processes. CONCLUSION: This study provides a perspective on how cells change through biomechanics and a further theoretical foundation for the future application of Sophora moorcroftiana as a novel low-toxicity chemotherapy medication for treating human cervical cancer.

Advancing ethanol content determination in hydrogels: non-destructive and operational methods for health and criminal inspections.

The significance of accurate determination of ethanol content in hydrogel formulations was accentuated during COVID-19 pandemic coinciding with the heightened demand for sanitizing agents. The present article proposes three robust methodologies for this purpose: Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, and Densitometry with matrix effect correction by Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIR). All three methods demonstrated outstanding linearity (R2 ≥ 0.99) and minimal errors (< 1.7%), offering simplicity and operational efficiency. FTIR and Raman, being non-destructive and requiring minimal preparation, enable practical on-site analysis capabilities, underscoring the potential of the spectroscopic methods to expedite health investigations and inspections, empowering on-site ethanol determination, and relieving the burden on official laboratories. Additionally, the densitometry with NIR-based approach showcased superior accuracy and precision compared to spectroscopic methods, meeting validation criteria while offering operational advantages over the costly official distillation-based method. Therefore, it stands as a reliable and reproducible technique for comprehensive health and criminal compliance assessments, making it a compelling alternative for both industry and official laboratories.

The Comparison of Efficacy and Safety between Radiofrequency Ablation Alone and Ethanol Ablation Followed by Radiofrequency Ablation in the Treatment of Mixed Cystic and Solid Thyroid Nodule.

Purpose: To compare the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and ethanol ablation (EA) followed by RFA in treating mixed cystic and solid thyroid nodules. Materials and Methods: We included 243 nodules from 243 patients who underwent RFA for mixed cystic and solid benign nodules. The nodules were divided into two groups (RFA alone and EA + RFA). We evaluated volume reduction rate (VRR), therapeutic success rate, improvement in symptomatic and cosmetic issues, complications, and adverse effects. Results: The RFA group included 204 patients, and the EA + RFA group included 39 patients. The long-term success rates in the RFA only and EA + RFA groups were 90.2% and 97.4%, respectively. The mean VRR at the last follow-up in the RFA and EA + RFA groups were 81.6% and 87.2%, respectively. Therapeutic results were similar in both groups at the last follow-up. Cosmetic and symptomatic problems markedly improved in both groups. No major complications were observed. Conclusion: Both RFA alone and EA + RA are safe and effective methods for treating mixed cystic and solid thyroid nodules, although EA + RFA is slightly more effective.

Energy and protein levels in dairy cow diets to recover milk ethanol stability.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of energy and protein in the diet on the recovery of milk ethanol stability (MES) induced by feed restriction. Twelve Holstein and Holstein x Jersey crossbred cows with an average of 146 ± 50 d in milk, 575.4 ± 70 kg of body weight, and 18.93 ± 5.46 kg/d of milk yield were distributed in a 3x3 Latin square design with 3 treatments and 3 experimental periods. Each experimental period lasted 24 d, comprising 3 phases: a 13-d adaptation phase (100E+100P), a 4-d induction phase for milk ethanol instability (50E+50P), and a 7-d recovery phase for MES (3 treatments). The 3 treatments during the recovery phase consisted of 3 diets aiming to meet the requirements of energy and protein (100E+100P), only energy (100E+50P), or only protein (50E+100P). The diet during the adaptation and induction phases was common for all cows. The energy and protein levels to meet each cow's requirements were based on the group average. Restriction of energy and protein reduced dry matter, crude protein, and total digestive nutrient intake for cows fed 100E+50P and 50E+100P. The lowest body weight was observed for cows fed 50E+100P, with no difference for body condition score. During the induction phase, MES "was" reduced by 9 percentage units. Cows fed 100E+100P recovered MES in the first days of the recovery phase, while 100E+50P slightly improved MES, and 50E+100P had a constant decrease in MES. Cows fed 100E+50P and 50E+100P produced, respectively, 3.6 and 5.9 kg less milk than those fed 100E+100P. The 50E+100P treatment exhibited the highest milk fat content and somatic cell score, along with the lowest milk lactose content. Protein content was higher in the 100E+100P treatment. Cows fed 50E+100P showed higher serum albumin levels compared with those on the 100E+100P treatment, not differing from the 100E+50P treatment. We concluded that the complete recovery of MES in cows with feed restrictions is possible only by supplying both the energy and protein requirements in the cows' diet. However, restricting energy intake poses a greater limitation on MES recovery compared with restricting protein.

Escalating caffeine dose-dependently increases alcohol consumption in adult male, but not female, C57BL/6J mice.

Although previous research has illustrated the effects of the consumption of alcohol and caffeine individually, less research has focused on the popular combination of the two drugs. The increase in alcohol consumption when combined with caffeine has led to the idea that the stimulant effects of caffeine may mask the depressant effects of alcohol, and this may contribute to increased binge drinking as the individual feels more awake and stimulated. Preclinical research has shown various effects of combined alcohol and caffeine where several studies show decreased alcohol consumption and others show increased alcohol consumption and even binge-like drinking. Results from a previous study in our lab indicate that intermittent access (IA) to steady levels of low (0.015 %) but not moderate (0.03 %) caffeine increased alcohol consumption in male C57BL/6J mice. The current studies further investigated the sex and dose differences in adult mice receiving varying concentrations of caffeine on combined alcohol intake. In Experiment 1, adult mice (n = 50, 25 males and 25 females) had IA to one of the following experimental bottles throughout the 4 week period: water, alcohol (10 % v/v), caffeine (0.015 % w/v), or 10 % alcohol +0.015 % caffeine. In Experiment 2, adult mice (n = 70, 35 males and 35 females) were given IA to one of the following experimental bottles: water, alcohol (10 % v/v; steady, maintained throughout the 4 weeks), caffeine (increasing 0.01 % to 0.015 % to 0.02 % to 0.03 % weekly), or 10 % alcohol+increasing caffeine (at the previously mentioned concentrations). When both caffeine and alcohol concentrations remained steady throughout the 4 weeks, there was no change in alcohol consumption. Chronic exposure to IA caffeine led to increased locomotor activity and decreased freezing episodes when tested in the open field test approximately 6 h after removal of the bottles. In Experiment 2, caffeine dose-dependently increased alcohol co-consumption in male mice whereas female mice consumed less alcohol when it was presented in conjunction with caffeine. The results in males are in line with clinical literature suggesting that the combination of alcohol and caffeine may lead to increased stimulation and alcohol drinking. Additionally, these studies provide evidence that the escalation of caffeine is crucial when investigating alcohol and caffeine co-consumption using the IA paradigm.

Gaining insights into the responses of individual yeast cells to ethanol fermentation using Raman tweezers and chemometrics.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae is the most common microbe used for the industrial production of bioethanol, and it encounters various stresses that inhibit cell growth and metabolism during fermentation. However, little is currently known about the physiological changes that occur in individual yeast cells during ethanol fermentation. Therefore, in this work, Raman spectroscopy and chemometric techniques were employed to monitor the metabolic changes of individual yeast cells at distinct stages during high gravity ethanol fermentation. Raman tweezers was used to acquire the Raman spectra of individual yeast cells. Multivariate curve resolution-alternating least squares (MCR-ALS) and principal component analysis were employed to analyze the Raman spectra dataset. MCR-ALS extracted the spectra of proteins, phospholipids, and triacylglycerols and their relative contents in individual cells. Changes in intracellular biomolecules showed that yeast cells undergo three distinct physiological stages during fermentation. In addition, heterogeneity among yeast cells significantly increased in the late fermentation period, and different yeast cells may respond to ethanol stress via different mechanisms. Our findings suggest that the combination of Raman tweezers and chemometrics approaches allows for characterizing the dynamics of molecular components within individual cells. This approach can serve as a valuable tool in investigating the resistance mechanism and metabolic heterogeneity of yeast cells during ethanol fermentation.

Alcohol exposure during pregnancy induces cardiac mitochondrial damage in offspring mice.

BACKGROUND: Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) has been linked to congenital heart disease and fetal alcohol syndrome. The heart primarily relies on mitochondria to generate energy, so impaired mitochondrial function due to alcohol exposure can significantly affect cardiac development and function. Our study aimed to investigate the impact of PAE on myocardial and mitochondrial functions in offspring mice. METHODS: We administered 30% alcohol (3 g/kg) to pregnant C57BL/6 mice during the second trimester. We assessed cardiac function by transthoracic echocardiography, observed myocardial structure and fibrosis through staining tests and electron transmission microscopy, and detected cardiomyocyte apoptosis with dUTP nick end labeling assay and real-time quantitative PCR. Additionally, we measured the reactive oxygen species content, ATP level, and mitochondrial DNA copy number in myocardial mitochondria. Mitochondrial damage was evaluated by assessing the level of mitochondrial membrane potential and the opening degree of mitochondrial permeability transition pores. RESULTS: Our findings revealed that PAE caused cardiac systolic dysfunction, ventricular enlargement, thinned ventricular wall, cardiac fibrosis in the myocardium, scattered loss of cardiomyocytes, and disordered arrangement of myocardial myotomes in the offspring. Furthermore, we observed a significant increase in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species content, a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, ATP level, and mitochondrial DNA copy number, and sustained opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pores in the heart tissues of the offspring. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicated that PAE had adverse effects on the cardiac structure and function of the newborn mice and could trigger oxidative stress in their myocardia and contribute to mitochondrial dysfunction.

The protective effects and potential mechanisms of fulvic acid against ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury in mice.

Fulvic acid (FA) is a kind of natural organic acids extracted from lignite, which is the active ingredient in Wujin oral liquid, a proprietary Chinese medicine used to treat gastric and duodenal ulcers. However, our understanding of the mechanisms of FA remains limited. Currently, the protection of FA and its mechanism were explored using the ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury mouse model. The histopathological examinations showed FAs at three doses effectively reduced gastric congestion, oedema caused by ethanol, and prevented gastric epithelial cell fall-off. When compared to the model group, FAs reduced IL-1ß and IL-6 levels in serum, as well as IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, and COX-2 expression levels in tissue. Furthermore, FAs significantly inhibited p65, P38 MAPK, and Erk1/2 phosphorylation in damaged gastric tissue. It was indicated FA has good protection against ethanol-induced gastric mucosa injuries in mice and this effect was related to NF-κB and MAPK signalling pathways.

Enhancing casein micelle dissociation in diluted skim milk systems using combined processing techniques.

The present work aims to evaluate the dissociation of casein micelles in diluted skim milk (SM) systems after undergoing solvent- or emulsifying salt-based dissociation coupled with ultra-high-pressure homogenization (UHPH). Specifically, Part I evaluated dilute SM solutions combined with varying ethanol concentrations (0- 60%) at varying temperatures (5 - 65°C) in combination with UHPH (100-300 MPa), and Part II evaluated dilute SM solutions combined with varying concentrations (0-100 mM) of either sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) or sodium citrate (SC) in combination with UHPH (100-300 MPa). In Part I, high concentrations of ethanol (40-60% vol/vol) at elevated temperatures (45-65°C) achieved extensive dissociation of casein micelles, especially in combination with UHPH at ≥200 MPa, as shown by an ca. 6-fold reduction in sample absorbance and an ca. 3-fold reduction in casein particle size compared with the control (ca. dilute SM, 65°C) under optimum conditions (dilute SM, 60% ethanol, 65°C, ≥ 200 MPa). In Part II, the level of casein micelle dissociation using emulsifying salts (ES) was dependent on the ES type and concentration. Considerable casein micelle dissociation in dilute SM systems was achieved with SHMP concentrations ≥1 mM and SC concentrations ≥10 mM, resulting in decreased sample absorbance (>6-fold decrease in absorbance), bimodal casein size distributions, and increased hydrophobicity (ca. 2-fold increase in intrinsic fluorescence) compared with the control (dilute SM). This dissociation was further enhanced with UHPH (≥200 MPa). These results indicate that both solvent- and ES-based casein dissociation techniques can be optimized when used in combination with UHPH. Together, these processing techniques can be used to extensively dissociate casein micelles with the potential to use these altered systems for value-added applications such as functional ingredients or encapsulation agents.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate alleviates ethanol-induced endothelia cells injury partly through alteration of NF-κB translocation and activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway.

Ethanol (alcohol) is a risk factor that contributes to non-communicable diseases. Chronic abuse of ethanol is toxic to both the heart and overall health, and even results in death. Ethanol and its byproduct acetaldehyde can harm the cardiovascular system by impairing mitochondrial function, causing oxidative damage, and reducing contractile proteins. Endothelial cells are essential components of the cardiovascular system, are highly susceptible to ethanol, either through direct or indirect exposure. Thus, protection against endothelial injury is of great importance for persons who chronic abuse of ethanol. In this study, an in vitro model of endothelial injury was created using ethanol. The findings revealed that a concentration of 20.0 mM of ethanol reduced cell viability and Bcl-2 expression, while increasing cell apoptosis, intracellular ROS levels, mitochondrial depolarization, and the expression of Bax and cleaved-caspase-3 in endothelial cells. Further study showed that ethanol promoted nuclear translocation of NF-κB, increased the secretion of TNF-α，IL-1ß, IL-6 in the culture medium, and inhibited Nrf2 signaling pathway. The aforementioned findings suggest that ethanol has a harmful impact on endothelial cells. Nevertheless, the application of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) to the cells can effectively mitigate the detrimental effects of ethanol on endothelial cells. In conclusion, EGCG alleviates ethanol-induced endothelial injury partly through alteration of NF-κB translocation and activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway. Therefore, EGCG holds great potential in safeguarding individuals who chronically abuse ethanol from endothelial dysfunction.

Continuous chain elongation process for carbon resource recovery from excess sludge: Enhanced n-caprylate production and specific microbial functionalities.

Thermal hydrolyzed sludge (THS) exhibits considerable promise in generating medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) through chain elongation (CE) technology. This study developed a novel continuous CE process using THS as the substrate, achieving an optimal ethanol loading rate (5.8 g COD/L/d) and stable MCFA production at 10.9 g COD/L, with a rate of 3.6 g COD/L/d. The MCFAs primarily comprised n-caproate and n-caprylate, representing 41.5 % and 54.3 % of the total MCFAs, respectively. Utilization efficiencies for ethanol and acetate were nearly complete at 100 % and 92.8 %, respectively. Key microbial taxa identified under these optimal conditions included Alcaligenes, SRB2, Sporanaerobacter, and Kurthia, which were instrumental in critical pathways such as the generation of acetyl-CoA, the initial carboxylation of acetyl-CoA, the fatty acid biosynthesis cycle, and energy metabolism. This research provides a theoretical and technical blueprint for converting waste sludge into valuable MCFAs, promoting sustainable waste-to-resource strategies.

Phytochemical Research and Anti-inflammatory Activities of the Ethanol Extract from Anoectochilus roxburghii (Wall.) Lindl.

Anoectochilus roxburghii is a well-known and valuable traditional Chinese herb due to various medicinal and functional benefits. In-depth investigation is necessary to discover active ingredients and expand its application. In this study, four new compounds (1-4) along with ten known compounds (5-14) were isolated from the ethanol extract ofA.roxburghii. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic data interpretation. The isolates were screened for their inhibitory activities on the production of NO in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Among them, compounds 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13 and 14exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity through inhibiting the release of NO.

Illustration of the Intrinsic Mechanism of Reconstructed Cu Clusters for Enhanced CO2 Electroreduction to Ethanol Production with Industrial Current Density.

Copper-based catalysts have been attracting increasing attention for CO2 electroreduction into value-added multicarbon chemicals. However, most Cu-based catalysts are designed for ethylene production, while ethanol production with high Faradaic efficiency at high current density still remains a great challenge. Herein, Cu clusters supported on single-atom Cu dispersed nitrogen-doped carbon (Cux/Cu-N/C) show ethanol Faradaic efficiency of ∼40% and partial current density of ∼350 mA cm-2. Quasi in situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy results suggest the generation of surface asymmetrical sites of Cu+ and Cu0 as well as Cu clusters by electrochemical reduction and reconstruction during the CO2 electroreduction process. Density functional theory calculations indicate that the interaction between Cu clusters and the Cu-N/C support enhances *CO adsorption, facilitates the C-C coupling step, and favors the hydrogenation rather than dehydroxylation of the critical intermediate *CHCOH toward ethanol in the bifurcation.