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1.
To disinfect or not to disinfect in postharvest research on the fungal decay of apple?
Naets, M, van Dael, M, Vanstreels, E, Daelemans, D, Verboven, P, Nicolaï, B, Keulemans, W, Geeraerd, A
International journal of food microbiology. 2018;:190-199
Abstract
Postharvest losses of fruit and vegetables can reach up to 30%, the main cause being microbial decay. For apple fruit, mostly fungal pathogens, such as Penicillium expansum, Colletotrichum spp., Neofabraea spp. and Botrytis cinerea, are important. As such losses are unsustainable in many ways, it is necessary that research is conducted to prevent them. Generally, for plants and fruit grown under non-sterile field conditions, disinfection is carried out prior to the start of a phytopathological experiment. The motivation for this practice is the removal of background contamination so that it will not affect the experimental outcome and its interpretation. In literature, a plethora of disinfection methods exists, differing in disinfectant, strength and duration. The following two disinfectants are commonly used: sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and ethanol. This article presents a targeted investigation into the effects of these two disinfectants on apple fruit surface and physiology. The results clearly demonstrate that both were affected by both disinfectants. NaOCl caused oxidative damage to the apple's wax layer, causing it to crack. Ethanol affected a redistribution of the wax on the fruit surface and altered the wax composition and/or metabolism. Both NaOCl and ethanol treatment resulted in an increased respiration rate. Therefore, apple and possibly other fruit should not be disinfected in phytopathological studies. A negative control, as is typically used, is not solving this issue, as we clearly demonstrate that the living tissue shows metabolic effects following disinfection, and hence the study objects are changed, hampering a clear interpretation of the experimental outcomes. Moreover, fungal inoculation during experiments is typically taking place at rather large levels in wounded tissue (as infection success is the exception), outnumbering the variable levels of background population, if present.
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A Prospective Comparative Study in Skin Antiseptic Solutions for Posterior Spine Surgeries: Chlorhexidine-Gluconate Ethanol Versus Povidone-Iodine.
Yoshii, T, Hirai, T, Yamada, T, Sakai, K, Ushio, S, Egawa, S, Yuasa, M, Kato, T, Inose, H, Kawabata, S, et al
Clinical spine surgery. 2018;(7):E353-E356
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN This is a prospective comparative study. OBJECTIVE We evaluated the efficacy of 2 standard antiseptic solutions, chlorhexidine-gluconate (CHG) and povidone-iodine (PD-I), in eliminating bacterial pathogens from surgical sites in posterior spine surgeries. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Previous studies have shown that CHG is more effective for skin antisepsis than PD-I in joint surgeries. However, few studies have investigated the preoperative use of antiseptic solutions in spine surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 190 patients who received posterior spine surgeries were included in this study. The patients were allocated to the group treated with 0.5% CHG in ethanol (N=98) or 10% PV-I (N=92). Sterile culture swabs were used to obtain samples from the skin area adjacent to the planned incision site before preparation, after preparation, and after wound closure. RESULTS No differences were found between the CHG-treated and the PD-I-treated groups in the patients' age, sex, disease status, surgical site, operating time, and intraoperative blood loss. Before surgical skin preparation, bacteria grew in the cultures of specimens of 83.7% of the patients; no significant difference was found between the 2 groups. The common organisms isolated from both the cervical and lumbar spine surgical sites were Staphylococcus sp., Corynebacterium sp., and Bacillus sp. After the skin preparation, there were no significant differences observed in the culture positive rate between the CHG (3.1%) and PD-I (5.1%) (P=0.49) solutions. The culture positive rates became higher after wound closure (preop=4.2%, postop=8.4%; P=0.07). The positive rate after wound closure in the CHG-treated group (5.1%) was smaller than in the PD-I-treated group (14.1%) (P=0.046). However, no difference was found in infection rates between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS While CHG-ethanol and PD-I were equally effective at eliminating the bacterial flora from the surgical site, CHG-ethanol showed a more favorable long-lasting effect for skin antisepsis in posterior spine surgeries.
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3.
Glutathione and Transsulfuration in Alcohol-Associated Tissue Injury and Carcinogenesis.
Chen, Y, Han, M, Matsumoto, A, Wang, Y, Thompson, DC, Vasiliou, V
Advances in experimental medicine and biology. 2018;:37-53
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Abstract
Glutathione (GSH) is the most abundant non-protein thiol, attaining cellular concentrations in the millimolar range. GSH functions to protect cells against endogenous and exogenous electrophiles. In addition, GSH serves as a cofactor for the GSH peroxidase family of enzymes which metabolize H2O2 as well as lipid peroxides. Through the action of glutathione S-transferase family of enzymes, GSH is conjugated to a variety of electrophilic endogenous compounds and exogenous chemicals, and thereby facilitates their efficient and safe elimination. Through the transsulfuration pathway, GSH biosynthesis is metabolically linked with cellular methylation, which is pivotal for epigenetic gene regulation. Accumulating evidence suggests that the underlying mechanisms of alcohol-associated tissue injury and carcinogenesis involve: (i) generation of the electrophilic metabolite acetaldehyde, (ii) induction of CYP2E1 leading to the formation of reactive oxygen species and pro-carcinogen activation, and (iii) nutritional deficiencies, such as methyl groups, resulting in enhanced susceptibility to cancer development. In this context, clinical and experimental investigations suggest an intimate involvement of GSH and related enzymes in the development of alcohol-induced pathological conditions. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the GSH biosynthesis, cellular transsulfuration/transmethylation pathways, and their implications in the pathogenesis and treatment of alcohol-related disease and cancer.
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Sleeve gastrectomy surgery: when 2 alcoholic drinks are converted to 4.
Acevedo, MB, Eagon, JC, Bartholow, BD, Klein, S, Bucholz, KK, Pepino, MY
Surgery for obesity and related diseases : official journal of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery. 2018;(3):277-283
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Abstract
BACKGROUND While it is well established that Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) causes a rapid and heightened peak blood alcohol concentration (BAC), results from previous studies on the effects of sleeve gastrectomy (SG) on alcohol pharmacokinetics are conflicting. Data from 2 studies found SG did not affect BAC, whereas another study found SG caused a heightened peak BAC after alcohol ingestion. Moreover, these 3 studies estimated BAC from breathalyzers, which might not reliably estimate peak BAC. OBJECTIVES The aims of this study were to evaluate (1) the effect of SG, relative to RYGB and a presurgery group, on alcohol pharmacokinetics and subjective effects, and (2) whether breathalyzers are reliable in this population. SETTING Single-center prospective nonrandomized trial. METHODS We performed alcohol challenge tests in 11 women who had SG surgery 1.9 ± .1 years ago (body mass index = 35.1 ± 6.6 kg/m2), 8 women who had RYGB surgery 2.2 ± .4 years ago (body mass index = 30.0 ± 5.2 kg/m2), and 9 women who were scheduled for bariatric surgery (body mass index = 44.1 ± 4.0 kg/m2). BACs were estimated from breath samples and measured by gas chromatography at various times after consuming approximately 2 standard drinks. RESULTS BAC increased faster, peak BAC was approximately 2-fold higher, and feelings of drunkenness were heightened in both SG and RYGB groups relative to the presurgery group (P values<.001). BAC estimated from breath samples underestimated BAC by 27% (standard deviation = 13%) and missed peak BACs postsurgery. CONCLUSIONS SG, similar to RYGB, causes marked alterations in the response to alcohol ingestion manifested by a faster and higher peak BAC. The breathalyzer is invalid to assess effects of gastric surgeries on pharmacokinetics of ingested alcohol.
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Concise review on ethanol production from food waste: development and sustainability.
Anwar Saeed, M, Ma, H, Yue, S, Wang, Q, Tu, M
Environmental science and pollution research international. 2018;(29):28851-28863
Abstract
The development of sustainable bioethanol fuel production from food waste has increasingly become an attractive topic. Food waste is recognized as the most available and costless feedstock. Therefore, ethanol production has been adopted as cost-efficient and an ecological way for FW disposal. This paper reviewed the microorganisms utilized for ethanol fermentation, the effect of enzymatic hydrolysis on ethanol concentration, optimization of accurate process parameters, and recycling of huge volumes of stillage for ethanol production towards reducing any incurred environmental burdens and minimizing the cost. The statistical tools which may enhance the process efficiency had been presented. Also, the perspective and the future development were introduced. All these aimed to fully utilize the food waste and also reduce the cost for side-product in this process; proper operation conditions and the control methods for stillage recycling were considered as the methods to improve ethanol fermentation from food waste.
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A randomised controlled trial exploring the effects of different beverages consumed alongside a nitrate-rich meal on systemic blood pressure.
McDonagh, ST, Wylie, LJ, Morgan, PT, Vanhatalo, A, Jones, AM
Nutrition and health. 2018;(3):183-192
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ingestion of nitrate (NO3-)-containing vegetables, alcohol and polyphenols, separately, can reduce blood pressure (BP). However, the pharmacokinetic response to the combined ingestion of NO3- and polyphenol-rich or low polyphenol alcoholic beverages is unknown. AIM:: The aim of this study was to investigate how the consumption of low and high polyphenolic alcoholic beverages combined with a NO3--rich meal can influence NO3- metabolism and systemic BP. METHODS In a randomised, crossover trial, 12 normotensive males (age 25 ± 5 years) ingested an acute dose of NO3- (∼6.05 mmol) in the form of a green leafy salad, in combination with either a polyphenol-rich red wine (NIT-RW), a low polyphenol alcoholic beverage (vodka; NIT-A) or water (NIT-CON). Participants also consumed a low NO3- salad and water as a control (CON; ∼0.69 mmol NO3-). BP and plasma, salivary and urinary [NO3-] and nitrite ([NO2-]) were determined before and up to 5 h post ingestion. RESULTS Each NO3--rich condition elevated nitric oxide (NO) biomarkers when compared with CON ( P < 0.05). The peak rise in plasma [NO2-] occurred 1 h after NIT-RW (292 ± 210 nM) and 2 h after NIT-A (318 ± 186 nM) and NIT-CON (367 ± 179 nM). Systolic BP was reduced 2 h post consumption of NIT-RW (-4 mmHg), NIT-A (-3 mmHg) and NIT-CON (-2 mmHg) compared with CON ( P < 0.05). Diastolic BP and mean arterial pressure were also lower in NIT-RW and NIT-A compared with NIT-CON ( P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS A NO3--rich meal, consumed with or without an alcoholic beverage, increases plasma [NO2-] and lowers systemic BP for 2-3 h post ingestion.
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Voltage-Sensitive Potassium Channels of the BK Type and Their Coding Genes Are Alcohol Targets in Neurons.
Dopico, AM, Bukiya, AN, Bettinger, JC
Handbook of experimental pharmacology. 2018;:281-309
Abstract
Among all members of the voltage-gated, TM6 ion channel superfamily, the proteins that constitute calcium- and voltage-gated potassium channels of large conductance (BK) and their coding genes are unique for their involvement in ethanol-induced disruption of normal physiology and behavior. Moreover, in vitro studies document that BK activity is modified by ethanol with an EC50~23 mM, which is near blood alcohol levels considered legal intoxication in most states of the USA (0.08 g/dL = 17.4 mM). Following a succinct introduction to our current understanding of BK structure and function in central neurons, with a focus on neural circuits that contribute to the neurobiology of alcohol use disorders (AUD), we review the modifications in organ physiology by alcohol exposure via BK and the different molecular elements that determine the ethanol response of BK in alcohol-naïve systems, including the role of an ethanol-recognizing site in the BK-forming slo1 protein, modulation of accessory BK subunits, and their coding genes. The participation of these and additional elements in determining the response of a system or an organism to protracted ethanol exposure is consequently analyzed, with insights obtained from invertebrate and vertebrate models. Particular emphasis is put on the role of BK and coding genes in different forms of tolerance to alcohol exposure. We finally discuss genetic results on BK obtained in invertebrate organisms and rodents in light of possible extrapolation to human AUD.
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A prospective double blind randomized controlled study on the use of ethanol locks in HPN patients.
Salonen, BR, Bonnes, SL, Vallumsetla, N, Varayil, JE, Mundi, MS, Hurt, RT
Clinical nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland). 2018;(4):1181-1185
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Ethanol lock therapy (ELT) has been shown to reduce the rate of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) in high-risk home parenteral nutrition (HPN) patients. The aim of this study was to determine whether ELT therapy for all patients newly started on HPN would reduce the incidence of CRBSI. METHODS This study was a prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial that was carried out from July 2014 to April 2016. The study participants were patients newly started on HPN, and they were randomly assigned to either treatment with ELT or our current standard of care with saline heparin locks. The primary outcome was occurrence of CRBSI. RESULTS Thirty eight patients that were newly started on HPN were randomized to either treatment with ELT (n = 18) or to our current standard of care with heparin locks (n = 20). Four patients in the ELT group and one patient in the control arm had a CRBSI (p = 0.17). No significant adverse side effects were noted during the study. CONCLUSIONS This study did not show improvement in the rate of CRBSI with ELT in all patients started on HPN. ELT therapy may be most helpful to reduce in CRBSI in high-risk HPN patients, but further studies with a randomized control trial design of high-risk patients are needed to further clarify this important issue in HPN patients. The study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov prior to patient enrollment (NCT02227329).
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Ethanol stress in Oenococcus oeni: transcriptional response and complex physiological mechanisms.
Bonomo, MG, Di Tomaso, K, Calabrone, L, Salzano, G
Journal of applied microbiology. 2018;(1):2-15
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Abstract
Oenococcus oeni is the dominant species able to cope with a hostile environment of wines, comprising cumulative effects of low pH, high ethanol and SO2 content, nonoptimal growth temperatures and growth inhibitory compounds. Ethanol tolerance is a crucial feature for the activity of O. oeni cells in wine because ethanol acts as a disordering agent of its cell membrane and negatively affects metabolic activity; it damages the membrane integrity, decreases cell viability and, as other stress conditions, delays the start of malolactic fermentation with a consequent alteration of wine quality. The cell wall, cytoplasmic membrane and metabolic pathways are the main sites involved in physiological changes aimed to ensure an adequate adaptive response to ethanol stress and to face the oxidative damage caused by increasing production of reactive oxygen species. Improving our understanding of the cellular impact of ethanol toxicity and how the cell responds to ethanol stress can facilitate the development of strategies to enhance microbial ethanol tolerance; this allows to perform a multidisciplinary endeavour requiring not only an ecological study of the spontaneous process but also the characterization of useful technological and physiological features of the predominant strains in order to select those with the highest potential for industrial applications.
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Acute effect of Ethanol and Taurine on frontal cortex absolute beta power before and after exercise.
Paulucio, D, Terra, A, Santos, CG, Cagy, M, Velasques, B, Ribeiro, P, da Costa, BM, Gongora, M, Alvarenga, R, Alonso, L, et al
PloS one. 2018;(3):e0194264
Abstract
Ethanol (ET) is a substance that modulates the Central Nervous System (CNS). Frequently, ET intake occurs combined with energy drinks, which contain taurine (TA), an important amino acid found in the body (i.e brain and muscles). Although TA administration has been used in the improvement of physical performance, the impact of TA, ET and exercise remains unknown. This study aimed to analyze the acute effect of 6g of Taurine (TA), 0.6 mL∙kg-1 of Ethanol (ET), and Taurine combined with Ethanol (TA+ET) ingestion on the electrocortical activity before and after a moderate intensity exercise in 9 subjects, 5 women (counterbalanced experimental design). In each of the 4 treatments (Placebo-PL, TA, ET and TA+ET), electroencephalography (EEG) tests were conducted in order to analyze changes in absolute beta power (ABP) in the frontal lobe in 3 moments: baseline (before ingestion), peak (before exercise) and post-exercise. In the PL treatment, the frontal areas showed decrease in ABP after exercise. However, in the ET+TA treatment, ABP values were greater after exercise, except for Fp1. The ET treatment had no effect on the Superior Frontal Gyrus area (F3, Fz and F4) and ABP decreased after exercise in Fp1 and Fp2. In the TA treatment, ABP increased after exercise, while it decreased at the peak moment in most of the frontal regions, except for Fp1, F3 and Fz. We concluded that after a moderate intensity exercise, a decrease in cortical activity occurs in placebo treatment. Moreover, we found a inhibitory effect of TA on cortical activity before exercise and a increased in cortical activity after exercise. A small ET dose is not enough to alter ABP in all regions of the frontal cortex and, in combination with TA, it showed an increase in the frontal cortex activity at the post-exercise moment.