Perineuronal Nets in the Insula Regulate Aversion-Resistant Alcohol Drinking

One of the most pernicious characteristics of alcohol use disorder is the compulsion to drink despite negative consequences. The insular cortex (insula) controls decision-making under conditions of risk or conflict and regulates maladaptive behaviors in the context of addiction. Cortical activity is tightly controlled by fast-spiking inhibitory interneurons that are often enclosed by specialized extracellular matrix structures known as perineuronal nets, which regulate neuronal excitability and plasticity. Using a mouse model of compulsive drinking in which alcohol was adulterated with the bitter tastant quinine, we demonstrate that disrupting perineuronal nets in the insula rendered mice more sensitive to quinine-adulterated alcohol. Activation of the insula, as measured by c-fos expression, occurred during aversion-resistant drinking and was further enhanced by elimination of perineuronal nets. These results provide fundamental insight into neuroanatomical and cellular mechanisms that control compulsive drinking.

Catalytic myrtenol amination over gold, supported on alumina doped with ceria and zirconia

In the current work gold catalysts supported on both commercial oxides and oxides synthesized by the sol-gel method were used for the one-pot alcohol amination of myrtenol. In general, utilization of metal oxides synthesized by the sol-gel method as the gold catalyst support enhanced the knowledge regarding key parameters determining catalytic behavior. Synthesized alumina was characterized by stronger acid sites favoring primary amine accumulation on the catalyst surface, as compared to the commercial oxide. Utilization of mixed metal oxides synthesized by the sol-gel method resulted in the non-additive behavior of different oxides enhancing the catalytic activity. Introduction of ceria into alumina modified the support basicity resulting in more efficient alcohol activation.

A Bench-Stable Vilsmeier Reagent for in situ Alcohol Activation: Synthetic Application in the Synthesis of 2-Amino-2-Thiazolines

A robust, chemoselective direct condensation/cyclization of thioureas and amino alcohols is described. Employing a bench-stable Vilsmeier reagent, methoxymethylene-N,N-dimethyliminium methyl sulfate, the selective in situ activation of alcohols is achieved with high efficiency and broad functional-group tolerance. The reversible interaction of the Vilsmeier reagent with substrate was key to the success of this activation strategy.