[Yeast extract improves the inflammatory response of HepG2 cells induced by ethyl alcohol and lipopolysaccharide]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the ameliorative effect of yeast extract(YE) on the inflammatory response of human hepatoma cells(HepG2) induced by ethyl alcohol(EtOH) and lipopolysaccharide(LPS), and further explore the potential molecular mechanism based on Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB) signaling pathway.

METHODS

HepG2 cells were induced by 50 mmol/L EtOH and 1 μg/mL LPS combined with YE intervention. The expression level of inflammatory cytokines was detected by ELISA. The expression level of TLR4 and the nuclear translocation of NF-κB were detected by immunofluorescence staining. The expression levels of TLR4, NF-κB, phospho-NF-κB-P65(P-NF-κB-p65), nucleus-phospho-NF-κB-p65(N-P-NF-κB-p65), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-6(IL-6), and interleukin-1β(IL-1β) were detected by Western blot.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, the cells in EtOH+LPS group produced a large number of inflammatory factors and had a significant inflammatory response. YE intervention significantly alleviated EtOH+LPS induced hepatocyte inflammatory response. Further molecular mechanism studies showed that YE significantly reduced TLR4 expression level and inhibited NF-κB nuclear translocation in hepatocytes.

CONCLUSION

YE can effectively inhibit the inflammatory response of HepG2 cells induced by EtOH and LPS, and its molecular mechanism may be related to the down-regulation of TLR4/NF-κB pathway.

Treatment of nail clippings with ethyl alcohol improves the efficacy of Raman spectroscopy in the diagnosis of Trichophyton rubrum onychomycosis

The purpose of this work was to enhance the diagnostic accuracy of nail Raman spectroscopy for fungal nail infections, specifically onychomycosis caused by Trichophyton rubrum. The study assessed the different ethyl alcohol retention rates between control and infected nails after soaking nail clippings in ethanolic solutions and drying. Results revealed that ethyl alcohol completely evaporated from infected nail samples, while significant amounts were still present in control samples. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to discriminate control from infected nails and showed superior group separation when nails were treated with ethyl alcohol. PCA loadings plot attributed the efficient classification to the ν_s (CCO) Raman vibrational mode of ethyl alcohol. As Raman spectroscopy can detect minute concentration changes of ethyl alcohol in nails and the deterioration caused by onychomycosis accelerates its evaporation, a simple and rapid method for detecting T. rubrum onychomycosis is proposed.

Effect of ferulic acid on testicular damage caused by torsion-detorsion in rats

Testicular torsion is twisting of the spermatic cord around its axis, which impairs blood flow and causes ischemia and formation of free radicals. Ferulic acid is a phenolic acid of the hydroxycinnamic family that is found in the seeds and leaves of plants; it is present in substantial amounts in fruits and vegetables. We investigated the protective effect of ferulic acid on experimental testicular torsion in rats. Animals were divided randomly into five groups: control, ethyl alcohol, torsion, torsion-detorsion, and torsion-detorsion + ferulic acid. Histopathology was assessed using hematoxylin and eosin, and periodic acid-Schiff staining. Tissues were assessed using TUNEL, active caspase-3, myeloperoxidase and inducible nitric oxide synthase immunostaining. Biochemical changes were assessed using assays for superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione. Ferulic acid reduced the levels of free radicals and increased the levels of antioxidants. Ferulic acid also reduced histopathological changes and germ cell differentiation in the testis following torsion-detorsion. Ferulic acid should be investigated further as a potential treatment for sequelae of torsion-detorsion injury.

Xanthohumol-Enriched Beer Does Not Exert Antitumorigenic Effects on HeLa Cell Line In Vivo

Xanthohumol is a hop-derived flavonoid that has been widely examined for its health-protecting and antitumorigenic properties, but not yet in a natural beer matrix. The aim of the study was to investigate the antitumorigenic potential of a xanthohumol-enriched beer in vivo. Four groups of 4 × 10 nude mice were formed. Following the injection of HeLa tumorigenic cell lines, the treatment groups were administered a xanthohumol supplementation for 100 days, either dissolved in beer or in an ethanolic solution with the same alcohol strength as beer. The control groups received un-supplemented material. The terminal tumor masses, liver weights, and plasma antioxidant capacities (FRAP and ABTS methods) were measured. For the statistical analysis, a two-way ANOVA test was performed (p < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in tumor size between the groups. Xanthohumol did not induce higher levels of plasma antioxidant capacity, neither in beer nor in the water-ethanol matrix. The terminal liver weights were significantly higher in the control group receiving the unsupplemented ethanol solution. Xanthohumol dissolved in beer or in the water-alcohol matrix did not have a protective effect on tumor growth, nor did it have a positive effect on plasma antioxidant capacity either. However, beer with added xanthohumol had a less harmful effect on the liver compared to the supplemented water-ethanol solution. Our results indicate the possible negative countereffect of ethanol; however, further investigations are needed.

No-Touch Automated Disinfection System Based on Hydrogen Peroxide and Ethyl Alcohol Aerosols for Use in Healthcare Environments

Healthcare-related infections are sustained by various bacteria and fungi. In recent years, various technologies have emerged for the sanitation of healthcare-related environments. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a no-touch disinfection system that aerosolizes 5% hydrogen peroxide and 10% ethyl alcohol. After selecting an environment, the Total Bacterial Count and the Total Fungal Count in the air and on a surface of the room were determined to evaluate the effectiveness of the aerosolization system. In addition, sterile stainless-steel plates inoculated with S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and Aspergillus spp. isolated from hospitalized patients and reference strains were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the system. For each organism, three plates were used: A (cleaned), B (not cleaned), and C (control). The A plates were treated with non-ionic surfactant and the aerosolization system, the B plates were subjected to the aerosolization system, and the plates C were positioned outside the room that was sanitized. Following sanitization, air and surface sampling was conducted, after which, swabs were processed for bacterial and fungal enumeration. The results showed that the air sanitization system had good efficacy for both bacteria and fungi in the air and on stainless-steel plates, particularly for the A plates.

Manipulating Crystallization Kinetics in High-Performance Blade-Coated Perovskite Solar Cells via Cosolvent-Assisted Phase Transition

Manipulating the perovskite solidification process, including nucleation and crystal growth, plays a critical role in controlling film morphology and thus affects the resultant device performance. In this work, a facile and effective ethyl alcohol (EtOH) cosolvent strategy is demonstrated with the incorporation of EtOH into perovskite ink for high-performance room-temperature blade-coated perovskite solar cells (PSCs) and modules. Systematic real-time perovskite crystallization studies uncover the delicate perovskite structural evolutions and phase-transition pathway. Time-resolved X-ray diffraction and density functional theory calculations both demonstrate that EtOH in the mixed-solvent system significantly promotes the formation of an FA-based precursor solvate (FA₂ PbBr₄ ·DMSO) during the trace-solvent-assisted transition process, which finely regulates the balance between nucleation and crystal growth to guarantee high-quality perovskite films. This strategy efficiently suppresses nonradiative recombination and improves efficiencies in both 1.54 (23.19%) and 1.60 eV (22.51%) perovskite systems, which represents one of the highest records for blade-coated PSCs in both small-area devices and minimodules. An excellent V_OC deficit as low as 335 mV in the 1.54 eV perovskite system, coincident with the measured nonradiative recombination loss of only 77 mV, is achieved. More importantly, significantly enhanced device stability is another signature of this approach.

Impact of Alcohol Consumption on Male Fertility Potential: A Narrative Review

Alcohol abuse disorder is a serious condition, implicating more than 15 million people aged 12 years and older in 2019 in the United States. Ethanol (or ethyl alcohol) is mainly oxidized in the liver, resulting in the synthesis of acetaldehyde and acetate, which are toxic and carcinogenic metabolites, as well as in the generation of a reductive cellular environment. Moreover, ethanol can interact with lipids, generating fatty acid ethyl esters and phosphatidylethanol, which interfere with physiological cellular pathways. This narrative review summarizes the impact of excessive alcohol consumption on male fertility by describing its metabolism and how ethanol consumption may induce cellular damage. Furthermore, the impact of alcohol consumption on hormonal regulation, semen quality, and genetic and epigenetic regulations is discussed based on evidence from animal and human studies, focusing on the consequences on the offspring. Finally, the limitations of the current evidence are discussed. Our review highlights the association between chronic alcohol consumption and poor semen quality, mainly due to the development of oxidative stress, as well as its genotoxic impact on hormonal regulation and DNA integrity, affecting the offspring’s health. New landscapes of investigation are proposed for the identification of molecular markers for alcohol-associated infertility, with a focus on advanced OMICS-based approaches applied to the analysis of semen samples.

[Features of obtaining of biological material during emergency incidents with human victims, its referral and forensic chemical examination]

In this article, we consider features of the referral of biological material and assessment of medical and legal chemical researches at emergencies of technogenic character, plane crashes, the fires with the numerous human victims. Practical recommendations on obtaining of biological material for a research on volatile organic compounds, including ethyl alcohol and its metabolites, volatile products of burning, including monoxide of carbon and cyanides are made. Features and the recommended order of conducting judicial and chemical examination at emergencies are designated.

The Effect of Ethyl Alcohol upon Pedestrian Trauma Sustained in Traffic Crashes

INTRODUCTION

Every year more than 1.2 million people worldwide die due to trauma sustained in road crashes, with an additional number of people injured exceeding 50 million. To a large extent, this applies to so called "unprotected road users", including pedestrians. The risk involved in a traffic crash for pedestrians can result from many factors, one of which is participation in road traffic when under the influence of alcohol. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of alcohol use among pedestrians as unprotected road traffic participants, and the consequences of them being struck by motor vehicles.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The source of data was the medical documentation of the Department of Forensic Medicine at the Medical University of Warsaw. The sample for this research consisted of 313 pedestrians who were victims of fatal road crashes resulting from a collision with a mechanical vehicle. The obtained results were subjected to statistical analysis using the STATISTICA version 12.5 program (StatSoft Polska, Cracow, Poland).

RESULTS

Male fatalities constituted the majority of the study sample. Nearly half of the fatal pedestrian victims were found to be under the influence of alcohol. The statistical analysis demonstrated a significant relationship between the gender and age of the victims, as well as between the place of the event, the place of death, the mechanism of the event, and the presence of alcohol in pedestrians.

CONCLUSIONS

Among pedestrians, victims of road crashes who were under the influence of alcohol were predominantly drunk young males. Victims under the influence of alcohol were more likely to become fatalities in crashes where the mechanism of the incident was being struck by a passenger car, and when the place of the incident was a rural area, in these cases the rates of death directly at the scene were much more frequent. The eradication of alcohol consumption by all road users should be the overriding objective of all measures aimed at reducing the number of road crashes.

[The development and validation of the method for the identification of ethyl glucuronide and ethyl sulfate as the markers of the consumption of ethyl alcohol during one's lifetime]

The objective of the present study was the development and validation of the rapid reproducible method for the identification of ethyl glucuronide and ethyl sulfate allowing to store and transport the study specimens without the loss of the substances of interest by placing the samples on the paper. We have developed the validated technique for the detection and quantitative determination of ethyl glucuronide and ethyl sulfate in the cadaveric blood and urine by means of low-resolution tandem mass-spectroscopy with the use of deuterated derivatives of these substances as the internal standards. The low threshold for quantitative determination of both above substances is 50 ng/ml for the blood and 100 ng/ml for the urine. The method is characterized by the accuracy and precision with the coefficient of variation below 15% and the influence of the matrix with the coefficient of variation below 15%. The evaluation of stability of the two analytes in blood when stored in the dry condition on the paper carrier during 2 weeks showed that the coefficient of variation did not exceed 6.4%. The comparative study of ethyl glucuronide and ethyl sulfate in the samples of cadaveric blood and urine containing from 0 to 5.2% of ethyl alcohol was carried out. The methods for the transportation of the biological fluids and for the extraction of ethyl glucuronide and ethyl sulfate placed on the paper carrier (Whatman 903) have been proposed. The possibility has been demonstrated to use ethyl glucuronide and ethyl sulfate as the markers of the consumption of ethyl alcohol during one's lifetime for the purpose of investigation of the putrifactive changes of the blood components.

Cyclodextrin-based oral dissolving films formulation of taste-masked meloxicam

This work deals with fast-dissolving drug delivery systems of meloxicam (MX) derived from electrospun polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)/2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) nanofiber mats. Electrospinning of solutions with different solvent systems [dimethylformamide (DMF) and ethyl alcohol (EtOH)] was performed. Prepared films were evaluated for morphology, physical, and mechanical properties. MX content, dissolving time, MX release, and cytotoxicity of films were investigated. In vivo studies were also performed in healthy human volunteers. The results showed that MX/HPβCD complexes improved the solubility of MX. PVP also increased MX solubility and the stability of MX/HPβCD complexes. Films were successfully prepared by two solvent systems with fiber in the nanometer range. MX was well incorporated into the films (100% efficiency). The X-ray patterns and DSC experiment indicated an amorphous form of MX. A fast disintegration time and burst release of MX was obtained from EtOH system. Cytotoxicity testing of the films produced by EtOH system proved safer than the DMF system. In vivo studies revealed that films rapidly dissolved in the mouth and had a less bitter taste than MX. These results suggest that electospun films from EtOH system may be a good candidate for fast-dissolving drug delivery systems to increase palatability of dosage forms.

Drugs in hair. Part I. Metabolisms of major drug classes

Currently, hair can be reliably tested for the presence of drugs. However, one major drawback to the use of parent drugs is the question of potential external or environmental contamination. The analysis of metabolites to confirm the use of the parent drugs was proposed in this short review. The development of hair as a test matrix and the incorporation of xenobiotics, in general, into the hair matrix were discussed. What constitutes an appropriate metabolite for drug testing to mirror the use of a parent drug was proposed and discussed. The use of metabolites rather than parent drugs to indicate unequivocal use rather than external exposure was also discussed for amphetamines, cannabinoids, cocaine, opiates (codeine, morphine, 6-acetylmorphine, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, oxycodone, oxymorphone), phencyclidine, fentanyl, benzodiazepines, and ethanol. This, however, was discussed in terms of class and/or individual drug. In addition, selection or potential selection of appropriate metabolites was reviewed. The actual incorporation of drug metabolites into hair versus the metabolism of drugs which was incorporated into hair were also considered.

[Peripheral nerves alcoholization in the spasticity managament]

INTRODUCTION

Spasticity is velocity dependent increased resistance to passive lengthening of the muscle. Mild spasticity doesn't require treatment, but severe impede with hygiene, constrict range of motion and mobility, interfere with gait pattern and can be the cause of pain and discomfort. Proper spasticity management is crucial for correct rehabilitation.

THE AIM OF THE STUDY

The assesment of chemodenervation with ethyl alcohol in spasticity treatment.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

13 patients (5 female, 8 male) age 18-68 yrs (mean 46,8±13,3). Qualification to the procedure requiered high level of spasticity (mean 3,4 ± 0,5 in Ashworth scale), no response for pharmacological treatment, low level in Bartel scale. Patients were evaluated with VAS pain scale, EQ-5D before, day after and 6 weeks after procedure.

RESULTS

Ashworth scale before procedure: 3-4 (mean 3.44±0.52), after procedure: 0-3 (mean 2.0±1.26), 6 weeks after procedure: 1-3 (mean 2.0±1.0). VAS before procedure: 0-4 (mean 1.49±1.9), after procedure: 0-2 (mean 1.33±1.0), 6 weeks after procedure (mean 1.0±1.0). Bartel scale before procedure: 0-16 (mean 9.25±6.7), after procedure: 0-16 (mean 6.0±8.71), 6 weeks after procedure: 0-16 (mean 9.25±6.7). EQ-5D results showed on Fig 5-19.

CONCLUSION

Results shows improvement in every examinated aspect (decrease in spasticity level, decrease in pain, increase in quality of life and disability scale).

Effect of L-ornithine L-aspartate on Liver Injury Due to Acute Ethyl Alcohol Intoxication in Rats

OBJECTIVE

Ethyl alcohol is a substance that is widely used worldwide and known to exert toxic effects on liver. In this study, we aimed to examine the effect of L-ornithine L-aspartate (LOLA) on the toxicity of a single dose of ethyl alcohol in rats.

SUBJECTS AND METHOD

We used 32 randomly selected male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 200-250 g. The rats were grouped into four groups with each group containing eight rats: Group 1: the control group, Group 2: the ethyl alcohol group, Group 3: the LOLA group and Group 4: the ethyl alcohol+LOLA group. Ethyl alcohol was administered orally through a nasogastric tube at a dose of 6 g/kg after diluting with distilled water. One hour after ethyl alcohol administration, LOLA was administered to pre-specified groups orally through a nasogastric tube at a dose of 200 mg/kg after diluting with distilled water. Liver tissue and blood samples were obtained from all rats 24 hours later to study total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) levels in liver samples, and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transferase (ALT), TAC, TOS and OSI levels in blood samples.

RESULTS

Serum TAC, TOS and OSI levels were higher in the groups that were administered ethyl alcohol. In addition, tissue TAC level was higher and TOS and OSI levels were lower in groups that were given ethyl alcohol. No significant changes were observed in serum and tissue TAC, TOS, OSI, ALT and AST levels in the LOLA administered groups.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that LOLA was not biochemically effective and exerts no oxidative stress reducing activity in liver injury due to acute ethyl alcohol toxicity.

Magnetic resonance imaging features of brain and spinal cord injury in a fatal case of isopropanol intoxication

A 60-year-old man presented with headache, dizziness, and disorientation one day after consumption of isopropanol along with ethanol. Computed tomography (CT) of the brain performed immediately was unremarkable. The patient collapsed within the hospital 30 minutes after the CT scan was done, and remained comatose until death, showing no improvement with symptomatic treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and spine done 6 days after admission revealed bilaterally symmetrical hyperintensities involving the cerebral and cerebellar cortex and white matter, basal ganglia, thalami, and brainstem on T2-weighted, fluid attenuated inversion recovery and diffusion weighted images; similar hyperintensities were seen involving the swollen and edematous cervical spinal cord and cerebellar tonsillar herniation compressing the proximal cervical cord. Petechial hemorrhages were also noted within the brainstem. These features are compatible with toxic injury to the brain and cervical spinal cord. To our knowledge, the magnetic resonance imaging features of brain and spinal cord injury and cerebellar tonsillar herniation, secondary to isopropanol intoxication have not been reported in the published literature before.

Formulation and in vitro/in vivo evaluation of levodopa transdermal delivery systems

This study aims to investigate the feasibility of Levodopa transdermal delivery systems (TDSs). Levodopa TDSs were formulated using various vehicles and permeation enhancers, and in vitro permeation and in vivo pharmacokinetic studies were carried out. In the in vitro study, ester-type vehicles showed relatively high enhancing effects; propylene glycol monocaprylate and propylene glycol monolaurate showed the highest permeation fluxes from both solution and pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) TDS formulations. Lag time was dramatically shortened with PSA TDS formulations as compared with solution formulations. In the in vivo study, the addition of fatty acids increased blood drug concentrations regardless of the kind or concentration of fatty acid; the AUCinf increased up to 8.7 times as compared with propylene glycol (PG) alone. PSA TDS containing 10% linoleic acid exhibited prolonged Tmax as compared with oral form. Total clearance of L-dopa from PSA TDSs was significantly lower than from oral form (up to 86.8 times). Especially, PSA TDS containing 10% linoleic acid (LOA) revealed 76.2 fold higher AUCinf than oral administration. Based on our results, the L-dopa PSA TDS containing PG with 10% LOA could be used as a good adjuvant therapy for Parkinson's disease patients who experience symptom fluctuation by L-dopa oral administration.

Expression profiling of genes involved in ascorbate biosynthesis and recycling during fleshy root development in radish

Ascorbate is a primary antioxidant and an essential enzyme cofactor in plants, which has an important effect on the development of plant root system. To investigate the molecular mechanisms of ascorbate accumulation during root development and reveal the key genes of the ascorbate biosynthesis and recycling pathways, the expression of 16 related genes together with ascorbate abundance were analyzed in the flesh and skin of radish (Raphanus sativus L.) fleshy root. The content of ascorbate decreased with root growth in both the flesh and skin. Expression of GDP-d-mannose pyrophosphorylase, GDP-d-mannose-3',5'-epimerase and d-galacturonate reductase were also decreased and correlated with ascorbate levels in the flesh. In the skin, the expression of GDP-d-mannose pyrophosphorylase and l-galactose dehydrogenase was correlated with ascorbate levels. These results suggested that ascorbate accumulation is affected mainly by biosynthesis rather than recycling in radish root, and the l-galactose pathway may be the major biosynthetic route of ascorbate, and moreover, the salvage pathway may also contribute to ascorbate accumulation. The data suggested that GDP-d-mannose pyrophosphorylase could play an important role in the regulation of ascorbate accumulation during radish fleshy taproot development.

A progressive review of Sandhana kalpana (Biomedical fermentation): An advanced innovative dosage form of Ayurveda

Sandhana kalpana (biomedical fermented formulations) are one of the best dosage forms of Ayurveda in practice since thousands of years. In order to prepare these medicaments, certain sets of conditions are prearranged, which lead to fermentation. Thus, products bequeath with self-generated ethyl alcohol, which potentiate these preparations (Asava–Arishta), pharmaceutically and therapeutically. Commonly, medicinal and commercial components of these formulations are prompting many researchers to contribute in manufacturing, quality control, safety, and efficacy of these formulations. To cope up with this, literature related to Asava–Arishta has been surveyed from the Vedic period to recent publications of Government of India, ie, Ayurvedic Formulary of India, and presented briefly here. In this review paper, we have discussed pioneering facts such as nature and amount of carbohydrate, type of containers, optimum temperature, variety and relevance of initiator of fermentation, manufacturing, regulatory rules, and business aspects of Asava-Arishta. After going through this basic information, any academician or researcher may show a way to further strengthen this dosage form.

Red wine alcohol promotes quercetin absorption and directs its metabolism towards isorhamnetin and tamarixetin in rat intestine in vitro

Moderate consumption of red wine has been associated with beneficial effects on human health, and this has been attributed to the flavonoid content. Factors that influence the bioavailability of this group of polyphenolic compounds are therefore important. Using the rat cannulated everted jejunal sac technique, we have investigated the effect of alcohol on the intestinal absorption of quercetin and its 3-O-glucoside from red wine. Tissue preparations were incubated in whole or dealcoholised red wine, diluted 1 : 1 with Krebs buffer for 20 min at 37 degrees C, after which the mucosa was removed and processed for HPLC analysis. Tissues exposed to red wine had significantly higher amounts of both quercetin (x 3; P < 0.001) and quercetin-3-O-glucoside (x 1.5; P < 0.01) associated with them, compared with sacs incubated in the dealcoholised equivalent. In addition, both tamarixetin (T) and isorhamnetin (I), in the mucosal tissue from sacs exposed to the whole wine, were significantly elevated approximately two fold (P < 0.05; P < 0.01, respectively). Similar results were obtained when sacs were incubated in Krebs buffer containing a mixture of pure quercetin and quercetin-3-O-glucoside with or without alcohol, and, although effects on the apparent absorption of Q and Q-3-G were not so marked, concentrations of the metabolites quercetin-3-O-glucuronide and I were significantly increased by the presence of alcohol (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively). It is therefore plausible that the moderate alcohol content of red wine contributes to its beneficial health effects in humans by both increasing the absorption of quercetin and quercetin-3-O-glucoside and by channelling their metabolism towards O-methylation to yield compounds (T and I), which have potential protective effects against cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

Calcium Signaling Is Involved in EthanolInduced Volume Decrease and Gap Junction Closure in Cultured Rat Gastric Mucosal Cells

Ethanol is a well-established "barrier breaker" in gastric mucosa, but its detailed effects at the cellular level remain unclear. We have previously shown that the intracellular free calcium concentration is increased, gap junctions are closed, and cell volume is decreased after exposure to 5% (v/v) ethanol in primarily cultured rabbit gastric epithelial cells. Rat gastric mucosal (RGM) cells were grown to confluence on a coverslip or on a filter membrane. Gap junctional diffusion was measured in 5-carboxyfluorescein-loaded cells by bleaching a small area with a laser and measuring the recovery with confocal microscope. Intracellular calcium was measured spectrofluorometrically in fura-2-loaded cells. For cell volume measurements the cell monolayer was loaded with calcein and imaged along the Z-axis with a confocal microscope. The changes in fluorescence intensity were intercepted as a measure of cell volume change. TMB-8 was used to inhibit intracellular calcium release and lanthanum to block plasma membrane calcium selective ion channels, while BABTA served as an intracellular calcium chelating agent. Results showed that ethanol (7.5%, v/v) exposure increased intracellular calcium from 69± 7 to 142± 11 nM (N = 5; P < 0.05), decreased cell volume by -23± 5% (N = 8; P < 0.05), and induced gap junction closure (fluorescence recovery from 37± 9 to 15± 3%; N = 6; P < 0.05). A serosal potassium channel blocker, quinine, almost completely prevented the ethanol-induced cell volume decrease (from -23± 5 to -3± 3%), suggesting that opening of basolateral potassium channels underlies cell shrinkage. BABTA inhibited completely (from 35± 3 to 39± 4 nM; N = 6; P < 0.05), and TMB-8 + lanthanum partially (from 60± 6 to 92± 12 nM; N = 6; P < 0.05), the ethanol-induced intracellular calcium increase. BABTA also abolished the ethanol-induced volume decrease (from -23± 5 to 1± 4%; N = 6; P < 0.05), while TMB-8 + lanthanum had a lesser effect on it (from -23± 5 to -11± 3%; N = 9; P < 0.05). They also abolished the closure of gap junctions induced by ethanol (fluorescence recovery, 38± 5% for BABTA and 30± 4% for TMB-8 + lanthanum). We conclude that luminal ethanol opens basolateral calcium-dependent potassium selective channels with resultant shrinkage of the cells and blocks the intercellular gap junctions. These actions are mediated by intracellular calcium signaling.

Combination of Hot Water and Ethanol to Control Postharvest Decay of Peaches and Nectarines

Spores of Monilinia fructicola or Rhizopus stolonifer were immersed in water or 10% ethanol (EtOH) for 1, 2, 4, or 8 min at temperatures of 46 or 50°C to determine exposure times that would produce 95% lethality (LT95). EtOH reduced the LT95 by about 90%. Peaches and nectarines infected with M. fructicola were immersed in hot water alone or with EtOH to control decay. EtOH significantly increased the control of brown rot compared to water alone. Immersion of fruit in water at 46 or 50°C for 2.5 min reduced the incidence of decayed fruit from 82.8% to 59.3 and 38.8%, respectively. Immersion of fruit in 10% ethanol at 46 or 50°C for 2.5 min further reduced decay to 33.8 and 24.5%, respectively. Decay after triforine (1,000 μg ml^-1) treatment was 32.8%. Two treatments, 10% EtOH at 50°C for 2.5 min and 20% EtOH at 46°C for 1.25 min, were selected for extensive evaluation. The flesh of EtOH-treated fruit was significantly firmer, approximately 4.4 N force, than that of control fruit among seven of nine cultivars evaluated. No other factor evaluated was significantly influenced by heated EtOH treatments. The EtOH content of fruit treated with 10 or 20% EtOH was approximately 520 and 100 μg g^-1 1 day and 14 days after treatment, respectively.