bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Habitual Fish Oil Supplementation and Incident Chronic Kidney Disease in the UK Biobank
Authors: Liu Mengyi , Ye Ziliang , Yang Sisi , Zhang Yanjun , Wu Qimeng , Zhou Chun , He Panpan , Zhang Yuanyuan , Hou Fanfan , Qin Xianhui
Published: December 2022

Background: To explore the relation of habitual fish oil use with the risk of chronic kidney diseases (CKD). Methods: 408,023 participants (54.2% female) without prior CKD and with completed information regarding their consumption of major food groups and fish oil in the UK Biobank were enrolled. Fish oil use and dietary intakes were assessed by touch screen questionnaire and food frequency questionnaire, respectively. Incident CKD was recorded from hospital inpatient records. Results: At baseline, 128,843 (31.6%) participants reported taking fish oil supplements. During a median follow-up period of 12.0 years, a total of 10,782 (2.6%) participants developed CKD. With adjustments for important confounders, habitual fish oil use was associated with a significantly lower hazard of incident CKD (hazard ratio [HR], 0.90; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.87–0.95), compared with non-use. Consistently, participants reporting ≥2 servings/week of oily fish (HR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.79–0.94) and nonoily fish (HR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.77–0.97) consumption had a lower hazard of incident CKD compared to those reporting no consumption ever. Additionally, among the 97,914 participants with data on plasma fatty acid, there were significant inverse relationships of plasma omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) (per SD increment, HR, 0.89, 95% CI, 0.84–0.94) and eicosatetraenoic acid (per SD increment, HR, 0.91, 95% CI, 0.87–0.96) with incident CKD. Conclusions: Habitual fish oil use was associated with a lower hazard of CKD, which was further confirmed by the consistent inverse relations between fish consumption and circulating omega-3 PUFA concentration with incident CKD.
Body Fat Reduction Effect of Bifidobacterium breve B-3: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo Comparative Clinical Trial
Authors: Sung Hyun Kyung , Youn Sang Jun , Choi Yong , Eun Sang Won , Shin Seon Mi
Published: December 2022

This double-blind, randomized clinical trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Bifidobacterium breve B-3 (BB-3) for reducing body fat. Healthy individuals were randomized into the BB-3 or placebo group (1:1). Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to evaluate body fat reduction objectively. In the BB-3 group, body weight was lower than before BB-3 ingestion. Regarding waist circumference, hip circumference, and waist/hip circumference ratio, waist circumference and hip circumference were lower in the BB-3 group than in the placebo group at 12 weeks; the waist/hip circumference ratio was found to decrease at each visit in the BB-3 group, although there was no significant difference in the amount of change after 12 weeks. BB-3 did not cause any severe adverse reactions. Body fat was significantly lower in the BB-3 group than in the placebo group. In conclusion, ingesting BB-3 significantly reduces body weight, waist circumference, and hip circumference. Thus, BB-3 is safe and effective for reducing body fat.
How Does Consistency of Food and Nutrition Support Effect Daily Food Consumption among Children Living in Poverty? Recession-Era Implications
Authors: Schuler Brittany R. , Vazquez Christian E. , Hernandez Daphne C.
Published: December 2022

Underutilization of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) food safety net programs may compromise child nutritional benefits for families with limited incomes. Using a sample of children surveyed before (2003–2006) and after the Great Recession (2007–2009), we examine whether consistent access to WIC and SNAP during times of increased economic stress moderated the association between poverty level (i.e., income-needs ratio [INR]) and fruits and vegetables (FV) or foods high in saturated fats and added sugars (SFAS). Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study income-eligible mothers/children (≤185% of poverty) with available FV and SFAS data at the 5- (2003–2006) and 9-year (2007–2010) waves (n = 733) were included. Main effects of INR and interaction effects of consistency of WIC, SNAP, and dual WIC and SNAP support from birth through age 5 were examined. INR was associated with decreased FV consumption frequency from age 5 to 9, conditional upon consistency of dual WIC/SNAP enrollment. FV declined when there was low consistency (<1 year) of dual support. FV consumption was stable across INR when combined WIC/SNAP support lasted at least 2 years. Results can inform strategies for optimizing the nutritional impact of WIC and SNAP by focusing on those most at risk for underutilization of multiple benefits.
Care Needs of Highly Complex Chronic Patients in the Canary Islands: An Observational Study
Authors: Rodríguez-Álvaro Martín , Fernández-Gutiérrez Domingo Ángel , Cabeza-Mora Antonio , Barrios-Torres Rosario ,   Nursing Methodology Group General Directorate of Health Care Programs of the Canary Islands Health Service (Primary Care), Brito-Brito Pedro Ruymán
Published: December 2022

In the last few decades, the impact of chronic health conditions on health systems, as well as on the quality of life, frailty, and dependence of those affected, has been brought to light. The objective of this study was to describe the population care needs of highly complex chronic patients (HCCPs). Methods: An epidemiological observational study was conducted. Results: A total of 13,262 patients were identified, 51% of which were elderly women. Among all patients, 84.4% had received a nursing assessment related to health patterns. Three diagnoses were established in 25% of the sample: readiness for enhanced health management, impaired skin integrity, and risk for falls. There were significant differences according to age, most importantly in terms of impaired skin integrity (39% of patients under 80 years old). Risk for falls, social isolation, situational low self-esteem, chronic low self-esteem, impaired home maintenance, anxiety, ineffective health management, ineffective coping, impaired memory, insomnia, and self-care deficits were more common in those living alone. A total of 37 diagnoses featured differences according to frailty/dependence. Approximately 23% of HCCPs suffered from frail elderly syndrome. Conclusions: This study presents the most common care needs of HCCPs, describing the sociodemographic profile of this part of the population. The planning of HCCP care varies in nature. Factors such as the dependence level and frailty of these people should be taken into consideration.
Possible Implication of Nrf2, PPAR-γ and MAPKs Signaling in the Protective Role of Mangiferin against Renal Ischemia/Reperfusion in Rats
Authors: Gendy Abdallah M. , El-Gazar Amira A. , Ragab Ghada M. , Al-Mokaddem Asmaa K. , El-Haddad Alaadin E. , Selim Heba Mohammed Refat M. , Yousef Einas Mohamed , Hamed Najat O. , Ibrahim Sherihan Salaheldin Abdelhamid
Published: December 2022

Mangiferin (Mang) is a known glucosylxanthone that has proven its shielding effect against ischemia/reperfusion (Is/R). However, its full underlying mechanistic perspective against renal Is/R induced lesions is not fully revealed. Consequently, the purpose of this study is to track further non-investigated modulatory signals of Mang against the renal Is/R model involving nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf)2/heme oxygenase (HO)-1, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ/nuclear factor (NF)-κB, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling. To ratify our aim, Mang was administrated (20 mg/kg, i.p for seven days) before the induction of bilateral Is/R. Mechanistic maneuver revealed that Mang balanced oxidative state via increasing the expression of the antioxidant Nrf2/HO-1 cue with subsequent enhancement of GSH besides MDA lessening. Additionally, Mang enhanced PPAR-γ mRNA expression and declined p-p38 MAPK and p-JNK expression with concomitant NF-κB downsizing leading to iNOS/NOx and TNF-α rebating. Furthermore, the Mang anti-apoptotic trait was affirmed by enriching Bcl-2 expression as well as decreasing Bax and caspase-3 expression. All these potentials were in the line with the molecular docking results and the improved histopathological findings and renal function biomarkers. Consequently, Mang provided plausible protective mechanisms against renal Is/R-related events, possibly by amending oxidative status, inflammatory mediators, and apoptotic cell death through the involvement of Nrf2, PPAR-γ, MAPK, JNK, and NF-κB signaling.
Correction: Gandhi et al. Ultrasound-Mediated Blood–Brain Barrier Disruption for Drug Delivery: A Systematic Review of Protocols, Efficacy, and Safety Outcomes from Preclinical and Clinical Studies. Pharmaceutics 2022, 14, 833
Authors: Gandhi Kushan , Barzegar-Fallah Anita , Banstola Ashik , Rizwan Shakila B. , Reynolds John N. J.
Published: December 2022

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Antidyslipidemia Pharmacotherapy in Chronic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review and Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Liao Guangzhi , Wang Xiangpeng , Li Yiming , Chen Xuefeng , Huang Ke , Bai Lin , Ye Yuyang , Peng Yong
Published: December 2022

Background and Aims: The benefits and safety of antidyslipidemia pharmacotherapy in patients with chronic kidney disease were not well defined so the latest evidence was summarized by this work. Methods: This systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA) included searches of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library from inception to 28 February 2022, for randomized controlled trials of any antilipidaemic medications administered to adults with chronic kidney disease [CKD: defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≤ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 not undergoing transplantation], using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) tool to assess the certainty of the evidence. Results: 55 trials and 30 works of them were included in our systematic review and NMA, respectively. In comparisons with no antidyslipidemia therapy or placebo, proprotein convertase subtilisin/Kexin type 9 inhibitors plus statin (PS) was the most effective drug regimen for reducing all-cause mortality (OR 0.62, 95% CI [0.40, 0.93]; GRADE: moderate), followed by moderate-high intensity statin (HS, OR 0.76, 95% CI [0.60, 0.93]; I2 = 66.9%; GRADE: moderate). PS, HS, low-moderate statin (LS), ezetimibe plus statin (ES), and fibrates (F) significantly decreased the composite cardiovascular events. The subgroup analysis revealed the null effect of statins on death (OR 0.92, 95% CI [0.81, 1.04]) and composite cardiovascular events (OR 0.94, 95% CI [0.82, 1.07]) in dialysis patients. Conclusion: In nondialysis CKD patients, statin-based therapies could significantly and safely reduce all-cause death and major composite cardiovascular events despite the presence of arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease and LDL-c levels. Aggressive medication regimens, PS and HS, appeared to be more effective, especially in patients with established CAD.
Safety of Rifampicin at High Dose for Difficult-to-Treat Tuberculosis: Protocol for RIAlta Phase 2b/c Trial
Authors: Espinosa-Pereiro Juan , Ghimire Samiksha , Sturkenboom Marieke , Alffenaar Jan-Willem , Tavares Margarida , Aguirre Sarita , Battaglia Arturo , Molinas Gladys , Tórtola Teresa , Akkerman Onno , Sanchez-Montalva Adrian , Magis-Escurra Cecile
Published: December 2022

Previous clinical trials for drug-susceptible tuberculosis (DS-TB) have shown that first-line treatment with doses of rifampicin up to 40 mg/kg are safe and increase the early treatment response for young adults with pulmonary tuberculosis. This may lead to a shorter treatment duration for those persons with TB and a good baseline prognosis, or increased treatment success for vulnerable subgroups (age > 60, diabetes, malnutrition, HIV, hepatitis B or hepatitis C coinfection, TB meningitis, stable chronic liver diseases). Here, we describe the design of a phase 2b/c clinical study under the hypothesis that rifampicin at 35 mg/kg is as safe for these vulnerable groups as for the participants included in previous clinical trials. RIAlta is an interventional, open-label, multicenter, prospective clinical study with matched historical controls comparing the standard DS-TB treatment (isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol) with rifampicin at 35 mg/kg (HR35ZE group) vs. rifampicin at 10 mg/kg (historical HR10ZE group). The primary outcome is the incidence of grade ≥ 3 Adverse Events or Severe Adverse Events. A total of 134 participants will be prospectively included, and compared with historical matched controls with at least a 1:1 proportion. This will provide a power of 80% to detect non-inferiority with a margin of 8%. This study will provide important information for subgroups of patients that are more vulnerable to TB bad outcomes and/or treatment toxicity. Despite limitations such as non-randomized design and the use of historical controls, the results of this trial may inform the design of future more inclusive clinical trials, and improve the management of tuberculosis in subgroups of patients for whom scientific evidence is still scarce. Trial registration: EudraCT 2020-003146-36, NCT04768231.
Antiparkinsonian Agents in Investigational Polymeric Micro- and Nano-Systems
Authors: Paccione Nicola , Rahmani Mahdieh , Barcia Emilia , Negro Sofía
Published: December 2022

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive destruction of dopaminergic tissue in the central nervous system (CNS). To date, there is no cure for the disease, with current pharmacological treatments aimed at controlling the symptoms. Therefore, there is an unmet need for new treatments for PD. In addition to new therapeutic options, there exists the need for improved efficiency of the existing ones, as many agents have difficulties in crossing the blood–brain barrier (BBB) to achieve therapeutic levels in the CNS or exhibit inappropriate pharmacokinetic profiles, thereby limiting their clinical benefits. To overcome these limitations, an interesting approach is the use of drug delivery systems, such as polymeric microparticles (MPs) and nanoparticles (NPs) that allow for the controlled release of the active ingredients targeting to the desired site of action, increasing the bioavailability and efficacy of treatments, as well as reducing the number of administrations and adverse effects. Here we review the polymeric micro- and nano-systems under investigation as potential new therapies for PD.
Frontiers in Preparations and Promising Applications of Mesoporous Polydopamine for Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Ma Hualin , Peng Jingwen , Zhang Jianing , Pan Li , Ouyang Jiayi , Li Zimu , Guo Baochun , Wang Zhen , Xu Ying , Lian Daizheng , Zeng Xiaowei
Published: December 2022

Polydopamine (PDA) is a natural melanin derived from marine mussels that has good biocompatibility, biodegradability, and photothermal conversion ability. As a new coating material, it offers a novel way to modify the surface of various substances. The drug loading capacity and encapsulation efficiency of PDA are greatly improved via the use of mesoporous materials. The abundant pore canals on mesoporous polydopamine (MPDA) exhibit a uniquely large surface area, which provides a structural basis for drug delivery. In this review, we systematically summarized the characteristics and manufacturing process of MPDA, introduced its application in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, and discussed the existing problems in its development and clinical application. This comprehensive review will facilitate further research on MPDA in the fields of medicine including cancer therapy, materials science, and biology.
The Therapeutic Potential and Clinical Significance of Exosomes as Carriers of Drug Delivery System
Authors: Li Tianwei , Li Xiaoqing , Han Guiping , Liang Ming , Yang Zongrui , Zhang Congyi , Huang Shizhuan , Tai Sheng , Yu Shan
Published: December 2022

Drug delivery system (DDS) realizes the drug delivery process through the drug carrier. As an important part of DDS, the selection of the drug carrier material is extremely critical, which requires the carrier material to possess excellent biocompatibility and targeting and not affect the pharmacological action of the drug. As one of the endogenous extracellular vesicles, exosomes are 30–100 nm in diameter, which are considered a new generation of a natural nanoscale delivery system. Exosomes secreted by different types of cells carry signaling molecules (such as proteins and nucleic acid) playing an important role in cell behaviors. Owing to their ability to specialize in intercellular communication, exosomes provide a distinctive method to deliver therapeutic drugs to target cells. In this concept, exosomes as the natural liposomes carry endogenous biomolecules, have excellent biocompatibility, and could be loaded with cargo both in vivo and in vitro. In addition, modifications by genetic and/or chemical engineering to part of the exosome surface or complement the desired natural effect may enhance the targeting with drug loading capability. Notably, exosomes weakly react with serum proteins prolonging cargo half-life. Overall, exosomes as natural carriers integrate the superiority of synthetic nanocarriers and cellular communication while precluding their limitations, which provides novel and reliable methods for drug delivery and treatment. Our review focuses on the therapeutic potentials and clinical values of exosomes as a carrier of drug delivery system in multiple diseases, including cancer, nervous, immune, and skeletal system diseases.
Structured Light Laser Based on Intra-Cavity Modulation
Authors: Guo Pan , Wang Sha
Published: December 2022

Structured light fields carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM) have been widely studied, and a variety of applications have been found. The exploration of the generation of the structured light beams with higher purity, order, and efficiency has become an inevitable trend. In early years, structured light beams are normally generated with the extra-cavity methods, as it is simpler in principle. However, the intra-cavity generation of the structured light has a better beam purity and higher light conversion efficiency. Here, the current advance in the production of structured light directly from lasers based on spatial light modulators (SLMs), metasurfaces, and microrings is reviewed.
Role of Lipids of the Evergreen Shrub Ephedra monosperma in Adaptation to Low Temperature in the Cryolithozone
Authors: Nokhsorov Vasiliy V. , Senik Svetlana V. , Sofronova Valentina E. , Kotlova Ekaterina R. , Misharev Alexander D. , Chirikova Nadezhda K. , Dudareva Lyubov V.
Published: December 2022

Lipids are the fundamental components of cell membranes and they play a significant role in their integrity and fluidity. The alteration in lipid composition of membranes has been reported to be a major response to abiotic environmental stresses. Seasonal dynamics of membrane lipids in the shoots of Ephedra monosperma J.G. Gmel. ex C.A. Mey. growing in natural conditions of permafrost ecosystems was studied using HPTLC, GC-MS and ESI-MS. An important role of lipid metabolism was established during the autumn-winter period when the shoots of the evergreen shrub were exposed to low positive (3.6 °C), negative (−8.3 °C) and extremely low temperatures (−38.4 °C). Maximum accumulation of phosphatidic acid (PA), the amount of which is times times greater than the sum of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine (PC + PE) was noted in shoots of E. monosperma in the summer-autumn period. The autumn hardening period (3.6 °C) is accompanied by active biosynthesis and accumulation of membrane lipids, a decrease of saturated 34:1 PCs, 34:1 PEs and 34:1 PAs, and an increase in unsaturated long-chain 38:5 PEs, 38:6 PEs, indicating that the adaptation of E. monosperma occurs not at the level of lipid classes but at the level of molecular species. At a further decrease of average daily air temperature in October (−8.3 °C) a sharp decline of PA level was registered. At an extreme reduction of environmental temperature (−38.4 °C) the content of non-bilayer PE and PA increases, the level of unsaturated fatty acids (FA) rises due to the increase of C18:2(Δ9,12) and C18:3(Δ9,12,15) acids and the decrease of C16:0 acids. It is concluded that changes in lipid metabolism reflect structural and functional reorganization of cell membranes and are an integral component of the complex process of plant hardening to low temperatures, which contributes to the survival of E. monosperma monocotyledonous plants in the extreme conditions of the Yakutia cryolithozone.
Floral Scent Chemistry and Pollinators of a Sexually Dimorphic Neotropical Orchid
Authors: Milet-Pinheiro Paulo , Pinto Carlos E. , Navarro Daniela M. A. F. , Silva João B. F. , Brandt Katharina , Ayasse Manfred
Published: December 2022

Catasetum is a speciose Neotropical orchid genus of which male and female flowers emit scents acting both as attractant and reward for their exclusive pollinators, male orchid bees (Euglossini: Apidae). In Catasetum, it is well known that flowers display a remarkably morphological sexual dimorphism. However, it remains poorly investigated whether this is also true for floral scents. Here, we investigated the pollination ecology and floral scent traits (chemistry and total emission) of C. maranhense, a species endemic to the Brazilian N/NE region. Males of Euglossa securigera are the only pollinators of C. maranhense. The floral scent of C. maranhense is composed of 29 volatile compounds, with eucalyptol, indole, (E)-Methyl p-methoxycinnamate, and (Z)-Methyl p-methoxycinnamate accounting for more than 80% of the scent bouquet. No sexual dimorphism was detected in any of the traits investigated. We discuss the ecological and evolutionary significance of our findings to Catasetum species and other unisexual perfume plants.
Pedoclimatic Conditions Influence the Morphological, Phytochemical and Biological Features of Mentha pulegium L.
Authors: Cornara Laura , Sgrò Federica , Raimondo Francesco Maria , Ingegneri Mariarosaria , Mastracci Luca , D’Angelo Valeria , Germanò Maria Paola , Trombetta Domenico , Smeriglio Antonella
Published: December 2022

In this study, Mentha pulegium leaves and flowers harvested in three different Sicilian areas were investigated from a micromorphological, phytochemical and biological point of view. Light and scanning electron microscopy showed the presence of spherocrystalline masses of diosmin both in the leaf epidermal cells and in thin flower petals. Two different chemotypes were identified (I, kaempferide/rosmarinic acid; II, jaceidin isomer A). Phytochemical screening identified plant from collection site II as the richest in total phenolics (16.74 g GAE/100 g DE) and that from collection site I as the richest in flavonoids (46.56 g RE/100 g DE). Seventy-seven metabolites were identified both in flower and leaf extracts. Plant from site II showed the best antioxidant (0.90–83.72 µg/mL) and anti-inflammatory (27.44–196.31 µg/mL) activity expressed as half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) evaluated by DPPH, TEAC, FRAP, ORAC, BSA denaturation and protease inhibition assays. These data were also corroborated by in vitro cell-based assays on lymphocytes and erythrocytes. Moreover, plant of site II showed the best antiangiogenic properties (IC50 33.43–33.60 µg/mL) in vivo on a chick chorioallantoic membrane. In conclusion, pedoclimatic conditions influence the chemotype and the biological activity of M. pulegium, with chemotype I showing the most promising biological properties.
Diuretic and Natriuretic Effects of Hesperidin, a Flavanone Glycoside, in Female and Male Hypertensive Rats
Authors: de Souza Priscila , da Silva Rita de Cássia Vilhena , Mariano Luisa Nathália Bolda , Dick Sabrina Lucietti , Ventura Giovana Cardozo , Cechinel-Filho Valdir
Published: December 2022

Hesperidin (HSP) is a major flavanone glycoside in citrus fruits, including sweet oranges and lemons. It demonstrates numerous pharmacological activities, such as antihypertensive effects and cardiac and kidney tissue protection. However, its effect on modulating renal function has yet to be properly explored. Female and male Wistar spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were used to test the effect of HSP on renal function. The rats were divided into different groups, treated orally, and placed in metabolic cages for urine collection for 8 h. HSP, at doses of 0.3–3 mg/kg, led to an increase in urine volume in both female and male SHR. This effect was associated with increased Na+ elimination (3 mg/kg) without causing any change in K+ excretion or pH and conductivity values. When given HSP in combination with hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) or amiloride (AMLR), urine volume and Na+ elimination were significantly increased compared to the group that received only HSP. In relation to K+ excretion, the depleting effect of HCTZ and the sparing of AMLR prevailed in both groups. Pre-treatment with a non-selective cholinergic receptor antagonist, atropine, partially prevented HSP-induced diuresis and natriuresis in male SHR, but this effect was not demonstrated with the non-selective inhibitor of the enzyme cyclooxygenase, indomethacin. This study shows the diuretic action of HSP in hypertensive rats, an activity probably associated with the cholinergic pathway. Although various biological actions have already been defined for HSP, this pioneering research reveals its potential as a diuretic medicine.
Spatiotemporal Effect of Land Use on Water Quality in a Peri-Urban Watershed in a Brazilian Metropolitan Region: An Approach Considering GEP-Based Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Bressane Adriano , Loureiro Anna Isabel Silva , Gomes Raissa Caroline , Ribeiro Admilson Irio , Longo Regina Marcia , Negri Rogério Galante
Published: December 2022

The suppression of natural spaces due to urban sprawl and increases in built and agricultural environments has affected water resource quality, especially in areas with high population densities. Considering the advances in the Brazilian environmental legal framework, the present study aimed to verify whether land use has still affected water quality through a case study of a peri-urban watershed in a Brazilian metropolitan region. Analyses of physical–chemical indicators, collected at several sample points with various land-use parameters at different seasons of the year, were carried out based on an approach combining variance analysis and genetic programming. As a result, some statistically significant spatiotemporal effects on water quality associated with the land use, such as urban areas and thermotolerant coliform (R = −0.82, p < 0.01), mixed vegetation and dissolved oxygen (R = 0.80, p < 0.001), agriculture/pasture and biochemical oxygen demand (R = 0.40, p < 0.001), and sugarcane and turbidity (R = 0.65, p < 0.001), were verified. In turn, gene expression programming allowed for the computing of the importance of land-use typologies based on their capability to explain the variances of the water quality parameter. In conclusion, in spite of the advances in the Brazilian law, land use has still significantly affected water quality. Public policies and decisions are required to ensure effective compliance with legal guidelines.
A Brief Evaluation of Antioxidants, Antistatics, and Plasticizers Additives from Natural Sources for Polymers Formulation
Authors: Almeida Suzete , Ozkan Sila , Gonçalves Diogo , Paulo Ivo , Queirós Carla S. G. P. , Ferreira Olga , Bordado João , Galhano dos Santos Rui
Published: December 2022

The circular economy plays an important role in the preparation and recycling of polymers. Research groups in different fields, such as materials science, pharmaceutical and engineering, have focused on building sustainable polymers to minimize the release of toxic products. Recent studies focused on the circular economy have suggested developing new polymeric materials based on renewable and sustainable sources, such as using biomass waste to obtain raw materials to prepare new functional bio-additives. This review presents some of the main characteristics of common polymer additives, such as antioxidants, antistatic agents and plasticizers, and recent research in developing bio-alternatives. Examples of these alternatives include the use of polysaccharides from agro-industrial waste streams that can be used as antioxidants, and chitosan which can be used as an antistatic agent.
Magnetic Field Effect on Coagulation Treatment of Wastewater Using Magnetite Rice Starch and Aluminium Sulfate
Authors: Sibiya Nomthandazo Precious , Amo-Duodu Gloria , Tetteh Emmanuel Kweinor , Rathilal Sudesh
Published: December 2022

The use of synthetic coagulants to reduce suspended particles from drinkable water and wastewater is prompting new issues because it poses many health and environmental risks. Hence, improving the coagulation process using sophisticated nanotechnology with a magnetic field (MF) for quick recoverability emerges as being useful. In this study, the effects of magnetite rice starch (MS) and aluminum sulfate (alum) were investigated at a constant dose (3 g or 3000 mg/L) using a Jar test (six beakers) as potential low-cost coagulants for industrial wastewater treatment. At a high magnification of 1000× and a surface pore size of 298 µm, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray (SEM/EDX) analyses were utilized to elucidate the morphology of the coagulants. Coagulation was performed at 150 rpm (quick mixing) for 2 min, and 30 rpm (slow mixing) for 15 min. Thereafter, samples were allowed to settle (10–60 min) with and without MF. The findings showed more than 65% contaminants removal (turbidity and TSS) and 30% chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal using alum while MS showed 80% contaminants removal (turbidity and TSS) and 50% COD removal. MS showed an increase of more than 3% in contaminants removal (COD, turbidity, and TSS) when exposed to MF. As a result, the use of MS together with MF in water and wastewater treatment is anticipated as an environmentally benign and effective coagulant.
Preparation of Environmentally Friendly Glueless Boxwood Timber by Acidic Environmental Treatment and High-Temperature Pressing
Authors: Huo Hongfei , Song Feifei , Yang Yang , Zhang Lei , Zhang Xu , Zhang Jijuan , Yue Kong , Zhang Zhongfeng
Published: December 2022

In the context of high-quality development, environmental issues are being paid more and more attention to, and the release of free formaldehyde has become a major problem that needs to be solved. Glueless plywood mainly adopts natural substances as raw materials, without adding chemical products, such as resin adhesives, and it does not contain harmful substances, such as formaldehyde. Glueless plywood is a green product that causes no pollution in the environment and no harm to the human body. In this study, the corresponding weak-phase components in boxwood were pre-delivered by an acidic environmental treatment, and the high-temperature and high-pressure compacting process produced a glueless boxwood panel with excellent water resistance and mechanical properties, while remaining environmentally friendly.
Pyrolysis Kinetic Study of Polylactic Acid
Authors: Alhulaybi Zaid , Dubdub Ibrahim , Al-Yaari Mohammed , Almithn Abdulrahman , Al-Naim Abdullah F. , Aljanubi Haidar
Published: December 2022

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biodegradable polymer and is mainly used in the textile and food packaging fields. The aim of this work is to build knowledge on the kinetics of the pyrolysis of PLA with the help of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) using four model-free methods, namely Friedman, Flynn–Wall–Qzawa (FWO), Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose (KAS), and Starink. Additionally, two model-fitting methods (the Coats–Redfern and Criado methods) were applied. TGA data at 5, 10, 20, and 30 K/min heating rates were collected. The obtained activation energies of the pyrolysis of PLA at different conversions by the model-free models were in good agreement and the average values were 97, 109, 104, and 104 kJ/mol for Friedman, FWO, KAS, and Starink, respectively. The Criado model was used together with the Coats–Redfern model to identify the most appropriate reaction mechanism. As per this work, the best controlling reaction mechanism of the PLA pyrolysis can be expressed by the geometrical contraction model (R2).
Direct Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles in Polymer Matrix
Authors: Pham Quang Truong , Ngo Gia Long , Nguyen Xuan An , Nguyen Chi Thanh , Ledoux-Rak Isabelle , Lai Ngoc Diep
Published: December 2022

We report an original method for directly fabricating gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) in a polymer matrix using a thermal treatment technique and theoretically and experimentally investigate their plasmonic properties. The polymeric-metallic nanocomposite samples were first prepared by simply mixing SU-8 resist and Au salt with different concentrations. The Au NPs growth was triggered inside the polymer through a thermal process on a hot plate and in air environment. The Au NPs creation was confirmed by the color of the nanocomposite thin films and by absorption spectra measurements. The Au NPs sizes and distributions were confirmed by transmission electron microscope measurements. It was found that the concentrations of Au salt and the annealing temperatures and durations are all crucial for tuning the Au NPs sizes and distributions, and, thus, their optical properties. We also propose a simulation model for calculations of Au NPs plasmonic properties inside a polymer medium. We realized that Au NPs having large sizes (50 to 100 nm) play an important role in absorption spectra measurements, as compared to the contribution of small NPs (<20 nm), even if the relative amount of big Au NPs is small. This simple, low-cost, and highly reproducible technique allows us to obtain plasmonic NPs within polymer thin films on a large scale, which can be potentially applied to many fields.
Development of an Immunoassay Method for the Sensitive Detection of Histamine and Tryptamine in Foods Based on a CuO@Au Nanoenzyme Label and Molecularly Imprinted Biomimetic Antibody
Authors: Peng Xinli , Chen Yongfeng , Gao Chunhui , Sun Yufeng , Waterhouse Geoffrey I. N. , Xu Zhixiang
Published: December 2022

In this paper, a novel biomimetic enzyme-linked immunoassay method (BELISA) was successfully established for the detection of histamine and tryptamine, based on catalytically active cupric oxide@gold nanoparticles (CuO@Au NPs) as a marker and a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) as the biomimetic antibody. Under optimized conditions, the detection limitations of the BELISA method for histamine and tryptamine were 0.04 mg L−1 and 0.14 mg L−1, respectively. For liquor spiked with histamine and tryptamine, the BELISA method delivered satisfactory recoveries ranging from 89.90% to 115.00%. Furthermore, the levels of histamine and tryptamine in fish, soy sauce, and rice vinegar samples were detected by the BELISA method and a high performance liquid chromatography method, with no significant difference between the two methods being found. Although the catalytic activity of nanozymes is still lower than that of natural enzymes, the BELISA method could still sensitively determine the histamine and tryptamine levels in food samples.
Photocatalytic Performance and Kinetic Studies of a Wood Surface Loaded with Bi2O3-Doped Silicon–Titanium Composite Film
Authors: Liu Zhigao , Xu Jinchi , Cheng Si , Qin Zhiyong , Fu Yunlin
Published: December 2022

In this paper, a surface self-cleaning wood was obtained by loading Bi2O3-doped silica–titanium composite film on the surface of wood by the sol–gel method. The effects of different Bi doping amounts on the structure and photocatalytic properties of the modified wood were investigated. The doping of Bi2O3 inhibited the growth of TiO2 crystals and the phase transition from anatase to rutile. In addition, Bi2O3 could improve the photocatalytic activity of the composite film by appropriately reducing the grain size of TiO2 and increasing the crystallinity of TiO2. Furthermore, doping with Bi2O3 shifted the absorption wavelength of the wood samples back into the visible range, indicating that the increase in Bi content favoured light absorption. The wood samples loaded with Bi2O3-doped Si–Ti composite membranes had the best photocatalytic activity and the highest reaction rate when n (Ti):n (Bi) = 1:0.015. Degradation rates of 96.0% and 94.0% could be achieved for rhodamine B and gaseous formaldehyde, respectively. It can be seen that wood samples loaded with Bi2O3-doped Si–Ti composite films on the surface exhibit excellent photocatalytic activity against both gaseous and liquid pollutants.
Overcoming the Dependence of the Yield Condition on the Absence of Macroscopic Structures
Authors: Scholtz David , Wang Chang , English Martin , Mynors Diane
Published: December 2022

A growing demand for cheap, strong, and lightweight structures has resulted in an increasing need for materials incorporating macroscopic structures such as surface textures in the form of dimples or internal non-uniformities such as porosity. This has highlighted the potential for misleading results when applying the current standards for the determination of yield strength to materials incorporating such non-uniformities. In the present study, discontinuous, continuous, and severely continuous (departure from linearity significantly prior to macroscopic yield) yield behaviours during tensile loading have been explored with respect to the determination of yield strength. This has clearly shown the limitations of standard measures as well as the incompatibility of different measures, making the comparison of yield strengths deceptive. Therefore, a novel derivative yield method has been proposed. Based on the second derivative of stress with respect to strain, this method is independent of both yield type and the presence or lack of macroscopic structures, and it correctly identifies the upper yield for discontinuous yield as well as the first significant departure from linearity for continuous yield. Furthermore, the derivative yield method is shown to more accurately characterise the behaviour of dimpled steel, non-arbitrarily quantifying the yield strength for severely continuous yielding. This wide applicability, in many cases, eliminates the need for the comparison of results produced by mutually incompatible yield criteria, e.g., when quantifying strengthening due to dimpling.
Christian Theodicy: A Critique of William Gass’s Anti-Theology
Authors: Sansom Dennis Lee
Published: December 2022

This paper presents a justification for a Christian theodicy. It starts by critiquing William H. Gass’s depiction of Christianity as superstitious, ignorant, and evil. It shows that his view is based on a caricature (that is, God as a quasi-gnostic Demiurge) of the Christian understanding of God and evil and totally ignores and misses the contributions of (what I call) the Classical View of theodicy within the Christian intellectual tradition (that is, from Origen to Karl Barth). I also evaluate the underlying nihilism of Gass’s writings as self-refuting and furthermore argue that a Christian theodicy overcomes this nihilism and encourages a “vocation of the good”.
From Heretical Beggars to Protestant Organizers: The Reception of the Reformation by the Waldensians
Authors: Palombaro Ottavio
Published: December 2022

This article takes up the question of how the Poor Waldensians of Lyon, a predecessor of the medieval Franciscan movement, managed to become one of the main Reformed ecclesiastical bodies starting from the sixteenth century. The Italian Waldensians are an interesting ecclesiological case since during the time of the Protestant Reformation they underwent a significant transformation, from a nomadic and sectarian heterodox group to an ordered Reformed church body inserted within the broader international network of Reformed churches. This meant their survival through the support of Protestant diplomacy and public opinion, opening a door for Protestantism in the stronghold of Roman Catholicism. Their ideological move was not without changes on many ecclesiological points (Scriptures, sacraments, justification, etc.), in addition to the abandonment of their former pauperistic roots. The study shows how struggling religious minorities can at times undergo essential changes in order to guarantee their survival.
Youth Attitudes towards Religious Education in Poland
Authors: Kiełb Dominik , Pierzchała Michał , Gazda Marcin
Published: December 2022

This article presents a sociological and catechetical-pastoral overview of the results of an empirical survey that was carried out at the beginning of 2022 among 257 pupils aged 13–18 who were taking part in religious education in public schools in Poland. In the empirical measurement, a computer-assisted interview technique was applied (i.e., computer-assisted web interview). Participants of religious education were asked about their independence in making the decision to attend religious classes, about their motivations, activity during the lessons, and their opinions on the lessons and teachers. The students were asked about the content, methods, atmosphere at the classes, and the impact on their knowledge and their attitudes to life. The analysis of data framed in an interdisciplinary approach indicated that the students had mildly positive attitudes towards religious education, despite secularisation changes and the confessional character of religious education in Poland. This research shows that religious education classes have an impact on particular aspects of the student’s life, their knowledge and faith, and their good assessment of the educational content, methods, and atmosphere during classes. The main conclusion of this research is that it is necessary to develop a less confessional and more open concept of religious education in Poland, which will be more inclusive and more interesting for pupils.
The Role of Emotions and Knowledge on Preference for Uncertainty: Follow Your Heart but Listen to Your Brain!
Authors: Saraiva Tânia , Gonçalves Tiago Cruz
Published: December 2022

This paper analyzes the joint association of emotions and knowledge in decision-making under uncertainty on a TV game show setting. The objective of this research is to understand the impact of emotions and knowledge on the preference for uncertainty (PU), which have mostly been investigated separately in Economics and Psychology until now. We examine the preference for uncertainty, proxied by a preference for gambling against a sure payoff, in 59 contestants in the TV game show “JOKER”. The data used contain individuals’ characteristics, as well as the decisions regarding the game, including the choice to carry on playing or accept a sure payoff, the level of knowledge of the topic, and the emotions experienced by the contestant. The methodology adopted includes a bivariate association between PU and knowledge and emotions, respectively. Additionally, we test a multivariate association using a Classification and Regression Tree (CART) method, which is suited for a complex nonlinear decision process that robustly mimics human decision-making. We find that preference for uncertainty increases when the contestants have a full domain or total absence of knowledge. Our results suggest, also, that emotions are the factor that only determines the preference for uncertainty when contestants have a restricted level of knowledge. Our results are robust across different proxies for knowledge and emotions and for different methodological thresholds. Results matter for investors, regulators, and policymakers, since it provides novel insights about the relative impact of knowledge and emotional status on risk behavior in general.
Inversion of Glacier 3D Displacement from Sentinel-1 and Landsat 8 Images Based on Variance Component Estimation: A Case Study in Shishapangma Peak, Tibet, China
Authors: Yang Chengsheng , Wei Chunrui , Ding Huilan , Wei Yunjie , Zhu Sainan , Li Zufeng
Published: December 2022

Offset tracking technology is widely studied to evaluate glacier surface displacements. However, few studies have used a cross-platform to this end. In this study, two heterogeneous data sources, Sentinel-1 and Landsat 8, from January 2019 to January 2021, were used to estimate the offset, and then the optimal estimation of the 3D deformation rate of a Himalayan glacier was obtained based on the joint model of variance component estimation. The results show that the maximum deformation rates of the glacier in the east–west direction, north–south direction, and vertical direction are 85, 126, and 88 mm/day, respectively. The results of the joint model were compared and analyzed with the results of simultaneous optical image pixel offset tracking. The results showed that the accuracy of the joint solution model increased by 41% in the east–west direction and 36% in the south–north direction. The regional flow velocity of the moraine glacier after the joint solution was consistent with the vector boundary of the glacier cataloging data. The time-series results of the glacier displacement were calculated using more images. These results indicate that the joint solution model is feasible for calculating temporal glacier velocity. The model can improve the time resolution of the monitoring results and obtain further information on glacier characteristics. Our results show that the glacier velocity is affected by local terrain slope and temperature. However, there is no absolute positive correlation between glacier velocity and slope. This study provides a reference for the joint acquisition of large-scale three-dimensional displacement of glaciers using multi-source remote sensing data and provides support for the identification and early warning of glacier disasters.
A Concise Method for Calibrating the Offset of GPS Precise Satellite Orbit
Authors: Yang Hu , Tang Longjiang , Zhu Huizhong , Xu Aigong , Li Bo
Published: December 2022

A set of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) satellite orbit and clock offset are an essential prerequisite for precise application. However, abrupt changes in accuracy at the boundaries are prevalent in products provided by international GNSS services, resulting in decreased orbit interpolation precision near the daily boundary. In addition, the effect of this phenomenon is reflected in the deterioration of accuracy and the fluctuations in subsequent applications. In this study, time-weighted and equal-weighted calibrated methods were utilized for adjacent Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite orbits and the orbit variations were then corrected for the clock offset to ensure their consistency. The calibration method is evaluated based on the accuracy and smoothness of post-processing kinematic precise point positioning (PPP) and low earth orbit (LEO) precise orbit determination (POD) near the day boundary. In a variety of scientific applications, the results indicate that the proposed calibration method can effectively reduce the excessive differences near the day boundary between adjacent days. Near the boundary, maximum improvements for post-processing kinematic PPP, dynamic LEO precision orbit, kinematic LEO precision orbit are 41.5%, 9.4%, and 20.5%, respectively.