Near full-length genome analysis of HEV 4b subtype in pigs showed a similarity up to 99.944% compared to a patient in Guangdong province, China.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a prevalent pathogen responsible for acute viral hepatitis, HEV genotypes 3 and 4 infections causing zoonotic infections. Currently, the nucleotide similarity analysis between humans and pigs for HEV genotype 4 is limited. In this study, stool samples from an HEV-infected patient who is a pig farmer and from pigs were collected to obtain the near full-length genome of HEV, phylogenetic trees were constructed for genotyping, and similarity of HEV sequences was analyzed. The results showed that HEV-RNA was detected in the stool samples from the patient and six pigs (6/30, 20.0%). Both HEV subtype in the patient and pigs was 4b. Additionally, similarity analysis showed that the range was 99.875%-99.944% between the patient and pigs at the nucleotide level. Four isolates of amino acid sequences (ORFs 1-3) from pigs were 100% identical to the patient. Phylogenetic tree and similarity analysis of an additional nine HEV sequences isolated from other patients in this region showed that the HEV sequence from the pig farmer had the closest relationship with the pigs from his farm rather than other sources of infection in this region. This study provides indirect evidences for HEV subtype 4b can be transmitted from pigs to humans at the nucleotide level. Further research is needed to explore the characteristics of different HEV subtypes.

Near-infrared dual-gas sensor for simultaneous detection of CO and CH4 using a double spot-ring plane-concave multipass cell and a digital laser frequency stabilization system.

A novel double spot-ring plane-concave multipass cell (DSPC-MPC) gas sensor was proposed for simultaneous detection of trace gases, which has lower cost and higher mirror utilization than the traditional multipass cell with 129 m, 107 m, 85 m, 63 m and 40 m effective optical path lengths adjustable. The performance of the DSPC-MPC gas sensor was evaluated by measuring CO and CH4 using two narrow linewidth distributed feedback lasers with center wavelengths of 1567 nm and 1653 nm, respectively. An adjustable digital PID laser frequency stabilization system based on LabVIEW platform was developed to continuously stabilize the laser frequency within ∼±30.3 MHz. The Allan deviation results showed that the minimum detection limits for CO and CH4 were 0.07 ppmv and 0.008 ppmv at integration times of 711 s and 245 s, respectively. The proposed concept of DSPC-MPC provides more ideas for the realization of gas detection under different absorption path lengths and the development of multi-component gas sensing systems.

Overlooked competition and promotion effects in electrochemical oxidation of humic acid and ammonia in landfill leachate.

Electrochemical oxidation (EO) can effectively reduce the degree of humification and toxicity of landfill leachate by generating highly active oxidative species in situ. However, the selective and competitive oxidation of humic acid (HA) and ammonia (NH4+) and the role of different oxidative species during the EO process in complex aqueous conditions remain unclear. In this study, a nanostructured tin-antimony electrode (Ti/Sb-SnO2 NFs) was prepared and compared with three types of commercial electrodes (Ti/Ir-RuO2, Ti4O7, Ti/Sb-SnO2) in terms of electrochemical properties and electrocatalytic oxidation of HA and NH4+. The de-humification capacity, interactive effects of HA and NH4+ on each other's oxidation by different oxidative species, as well as the related oxidation byproducts were investigated. The differences in pollutant electrooxidation among the different electrodes were found to be insignificant. The presence of HA was found to be detrimental to NH4+ degradation while reducing the N2 conversion rate. Interestingly, NH4+ initially inhibited the degradation rates of HA while promoted the degradation and reduced the accumulation of organic chlorine during the later EO process. A proposed mechanism accounts for both competitive and promotional effects for simultaneous HA and NH4+ oxidation during the EO process.

Ultra-processed food consumption, genetic susceptibility, and the risk of hip/knee osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: The associations between ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption, genetic susceptibility, and the risk of osteoarthritis (OA) remain unknown. This study was to examine the effect of UPF consumption, genetic susceptibility, and their interactions on hip/knee OA. METHODS: Cohort analyses included 163,987 participants from the UK Biobank. Participants' UPF consumption was derived from their 24-h dietary recall using a questionnaire. Genetic risk scores (GRSs) of 70 and 83 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for hip and knee OA were constructed. FINDINGS: After 1,461,447 person-years of follow-up, 11,540 patients developed OA. After adjustments, compared to participants in the low quartile of UPF consumption, those in the high quartile had a 10 % (hazard ratio [HR], 1.10; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-1.18) increased risk of knee OA. No significant association was found between UPF consumption and hip OA. Replacing 20% of UPF diet weight with an equivalent proportion of unprocessed or minimally processed food caused a 6% (HR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.89-0.98) decreased risk of knee OA, respectively. A significant interaction was found between UPF consumption, genetic predisposition, and the risk of knee OA (P = 0.01). Participants with lower OA-GRS scores experienced higher knee OA risks due to UPF consumption. INTERPRETATION: UPF consumption was associated with a higher risk of knee OA but not hip OA, particularly in those with lower genetic susceptibility. These results highlight the importance of reducing UPF consumption to prevent knee OA.

Global epidemiology of type 2 diabetes in patients with NAFLD or MAFLD: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) shares common pathophysiological mechanisms with type 2 diabetes, making them significant risk factors for type 2 diabetes. The present study aimed to assess the epidemiological feature of type 2 diabetes in patients with NAFLD or MAFLD at global levels. METHODS: Published studies were searched for terms that included type 2 diabetes, and NAFLD or MAFLD using PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Web of Science databases from their inception to December 2022. The pooled global and regional prevalence and incidence density of type 2 diabetes in patients with NAFLD or MAFLD were evaluated using random-effects meta-analysis. Potential sources of heterogeneity were investigated using stratified meta-analysis and meta-regression. RESULTS: A total of 395 studies (6,878,568 participants with NAFLD; 1,172,637 participants with MAFLD) from 40 countries or areas were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of type 2 diabetes among NAFLD or MAFLD patients was 28.3% (95% confidence interval 25.2-31.6%) and 26.2% (23.9-28.6%) globally. The incidence density of type 2 diabetes in NAFLD or MAFLD patients was 24.6 per 1000-person year (20.7 to 29.2) and 26.9 per 1000-person year (7.3 to 44.4), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The present study describes the global prevalence and incidence of type 2 diabetes in patients with NAFLD or MAFLD. The study findings serve as a valuable resource to assess the global clinical and economic impact of type 2 diabetes in patients with NAFLD or MAFLD.

Full-Length Transcriptome Sequencing and Comparative Transcriptomic Analyses Provide Comprehensive Insight into Molecular Mechanisms of Flavonoid Metabolites Biosynthesis in Styphnolobium japonicum.

Styphnolobium japonicum L. is a commonly consumed plant in China, known for its medicinal and nutritional benefits. This study focuses on the medicinal properties influenced by flavonoid metabolites, which vary during flower development. Utilizing full-length transcriptome sequencing on S. japonicum flowers, we observed changes in gene expression levels as the flowers progressed through growth stages. During stages S1 and S2, key genes related to flavonoid synthesis (PAL, 4CL, CHS, F3H, etc.) exhibited heightened expression. A weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) identified regulatory genes (MYB, bHLH, WRKY) potentially involved in the regulatory network with flavonoid biosynthesis-related genes. Our findings propose a regulatory mechanism for flavonoid synthesis in S. japonicum flowers, elucidating the genetic underpinnings of this process. The identified candidate genes present opportunities for genetic enhancements in S. japonicum, offering insights into potential applications for improving its medicinal attributes.

Enhancing Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells with Ionic Liquids: A Review.

Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) represent a promising clean energy solution. However, their widespread adoption faces hurdles related to component optimization. This review explores the pivotal role of ionic liquids (ILs) in enhancing PEMFC performance, focusing on their role in polymer electrolyte membranes, catalyst modification, and other components. By addressing key obstacles, including proton conductivity, catalyst stability, and fuel crossover, ILs provide a pathway towards the widespread commercialization of PEMFCs. In the realm of PEMFC membranes, ILs have shown great potential in improving proton conductivity, mechanical strength, and thermal stability. Additionally, the utilization of ILs as catalyst modifiers has shown promise in enhancing the electrocatalytic activity of electrodes by serving as an effective stabilizer to promote the dispersion of metal nanoparticles, and reduce their agglomeration, thereby augmenting catalytic performance. Furthermore, ILs can be tailored to optimize the catalyst-support interaction, ultimately enhancing the overall fuel cell efficiency. Their unique properties, such as high oxygen solubility and low volatility, offer advantages in terms of reducing mass transport and water management issues. This review not only underscores the promising advancements achieved thus far but also outlines the challenges that must be addressed to unlock the full potential of ILs in PEMFC technology, offering a valuable resource for researchers and engineers working toward the realization of efficient and durable PEMFCs.

Sema4D as a biomarker for Predicting rheumatoid arthritis disease activity.

OBJECTIVE: The semaphorins are membrane or secreted proteins first identified in neural development. Semaphorin 4D (Sema4D) is the first family member found to have immune properties. We evaluated the potential of Sema4D as a marker for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease activity, singly and in combination with other known biomarkers including rheumatoid factor (RF) and C-reactive protein (CRP). METHODS: Three hundred and eleven RA patients were enrolled. The patients were divided into three groups based on their disease activity in 28 joints (DAS28): mild, moderate, and severe. The healthy group included 40 healthy individuals. SerumSema4D was measured by quantitative ELISA and the specificity and sensitivity of biomarkers were evaluated by generating a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to analyze their diagnostic accuracy. RESULTS: Serum Sema4D levels in the moderate and severe RA groups were elevated significantly above those of the controls (P < 0.01), while levels in the mild RA and control groups did not differ significantly (P > 0.05). The Sema4D cutoff threshold was 15.7 ng/ml when the DAS28 was applied as a reference. Compared to the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR and CRP, Sema4D had the highest specificity (96.8%) and area under the curve (0.80) for diagnosing RA activity. The highest specificity (100%) for the biomarker combinations was obtained when Sema4D was combined with CRP and anti-CCP, the combination of the Sema4D combined with ESR and anti-CCP had the highest sensitivity (99.35%). According to this result, a new model for jointly calculating RA activity of Sema4D,anti-CCP and CRP was constructed. Meanwhile another model is established by using the method of multivariate analysis.Model comparison results showed the the multiple regression algorithm method fitted the patients' disease activity better. CONCLUSION: The serum Sema 4D level effectively reflects moderate to severe RA activity. Sema4D levels can be used together with conventional RA biomarkers to increase the diagnostic power of RA activity. The multiple regression algorithm method is promising in disease activity calculation.

Geographical distribution and conservation strategy of national key protected wild plants of China.

National key protected wild plants (NKPWPs) are considered flagship species for plant diversity conservation in China. Using data for 1101 species, we characterized NKPWPs distribution patterns in China and assessed conservation effectiveness and conservation gaps. In total, 4880 grid cells at a 20 × 20 km resolution were filled with occurrence records for NKPWPs. We identified 444 hotspot grid cells and 27 diversity hotspot regions, containing 92.37% of NKPWPs. However, 43.24% of these hotspot grid cells were fully or partially covered by national nature reserves (NNRs), where 70.21% of species were distributed. Approximately 61.49% of the NKPWPs species were protected by NNRs, but the populations or habitats of 963 species were partially or fully outside of NNRs. With global warming, the overall change in the extent of suitable habitats for NKPWPs is expected to be small, however, habitat quality in some areas with a high habitat suitability index will decrease.

Optogenetics-inspired manipulation of synaptic memory using all-optically controlled memristors.

Memristive synapses compatible with optogenetic techniques allow for the fast and low-power manipulation of memory activities using light in artificial neural systems. However, most of the optoelectronic memristors operate in the hybrid optic-electric mode; the reversible regulation of memristive states solely using light for optogenetic emulation is difficult. In this work, an all-optical controlled optoelectronic memristor (Au/Cs2AgBiBr6/Au) is developed for mimicking optogenetics-tuned memory formation and erasing behaviors in biological synapses. We show that the memristor exhibits positive and negative persistent photoconductivity effects under different light wavelengths, attributed to light-regulated carrier de-trapping/trapping at the Au/Cs2AgBiBr6 interface. This device can emulate both excitatory and inhibitory synaptic plasticity and associated learning and memory effects under light illumination. We constructed a prototype optoelectronic synaptic array and implemented the all-optically controlled memory implantation, erasing, and modification, demonstrating the light-reconfigured cognition capabilities. Our findings will inspire the development of all-optically controlled artificial neural systems with good reconfigurability for efficient neuromorphic computing and machine vision.

Structure, Property, and Performance of Catalyst Layers in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells.

Catalyst layer (CL) is the core component of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, which determines the performance, durability, and cost. However, difficulties remain for a thorough understanding of the CLs' inhomogeneous structure, and its impact on the physicochemical and electrochemical properties, operating performance, and durability. The inhomogeneous structure of the CLs is formed during the manufacturing process, which is sensitive to the associated materials, composition, fabrication methods, procedures, and conditions. The state-of-the-art visualization and characterization techniques are crucial to examine the CL structure. The structure-dependent physicochemical and electrochemical properties are then thoroughly scrutinized in terms of fundamental concepts, theories, and recent progress in advanced experimental techniques. The relation between the CL structure and the associated effective properties is also examined based on experimental and theoretical findings. Recent studies indicated that the CL inhomogeneous structure also strongly affects the performance and degradation of the whole fuel cell, and thus, the interconnection between the fuel cell performance, failure modes, and CL structure is comprehensively reviewed. An analytical model is established to understand the effect of the CL structure on the effective properties, performance, and durability of the PEM fuel cells. Finally, the challenges and prospects of the CL structure-associated studies are highlighted for the development of high-performing PEM fuel cells.

Physiology and transcriptome analysis of the response mechanism of Solidago canadensis to the nitrogen addition environment.

Solidago canadensis is an invasive plant that can adapt to variable environmental conditions. To explore the molecular mechanism of the response to nitrogen (N) addition conditions in S. canadensis, physiology and transcriptome analysis were performed with samples that cultured by natural and three N level conditions. Comparative analysis detected many differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including the function of plant growth and development, photosynthesis, antioxidant, sugar metabolism and secondary metabolism pathways. Most genes encoding proteins involved in plant growth, circadian rhythm and photosynthesis were upregulated. Furthermore, secondary metabolism-related genes were specifically expressed among the different groups; for example, most DEGs related to phenol and flavonoid synthesis were downregulated in the N-level environment. Most DEGs related to diterpenoid and monoterpenoid biosynthesis were upregulated. In addition, many physiological responses, such as antioxidant enzyme activities and chlorophyll and soluble sugar contents, were elevated by the N environment, which was consistent with the gene expression levels in each group. Collectively, our observations indicated that S. canadensis may be promoted by N deposition conditions with the alteration of plant growth, secondary metabolism and physiological accumulation.

Dairy product consumption was associated with a lower likelihood of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background and aims: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common causes of chronic liver disease. Several epidemiological studies attempted to assess the association between dairy product and the likelihood of NAFLD, but the contribution of dairy consumption to NAFLD remains controversial. We conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the association between dairy product consumption and NAFLD. Methods: We conducted a literature search using the PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases, we conducted a thorough search of the literature published before January 5, 2023. Combined odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of NAFLD in relation to dairy product intake were estimated using random-effects models. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were performed according to the study design, region, sex, body mass index (BMI), type of exposure, NAFLD diagnostic criteria, and exposure assessment tools. Results: We initially identified 4,634 relevant studies, of which 25 complied with the inclusion criteria, including seven cross-sectional studies, six case-control studies and one cohort study. A total of 51,476 participants (14,546 patients with NAFLD) were included in the meta-analysis. There was an inverse association between dairy product consumption and NAFLD (OR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.94-0.99). Subgroup analysis demonstrated that lower likelihood of NAFLD was associated with dairy product consumption in subgroups of Asian populations, women, patients diagnosed using NAFLD-related scores, patients with a BMI of 18.5-24.9 kg/m2, dairy intake assessed using a food frequency questionnaire, milk consumption, and yogurt consumption. No noteworthy connection was observed in the other subgroups. Conclusion: Our meta-analysis findings revealed that dairy product consumption is inversely associated with NAFLD. Consumption of dairy products could help prevent the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Ultrathin Ultralow-Platinum Catalyst Coated Membrane for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells.

Catalyst coated membrane (CCM) is the core component of proton exchange membrane fuel cells and is routinely fabricated by spraying Pt/C slurries onto membrane, resulting in low activity and thick catalyst layer (CL, 5-10 µm) with an unaffordable Pt loading of 0.2-0.4 mg cm-2 and a large mass transfer resistance at cathode. Highly active ultrathin ultralow-Pt CL (UUCL) is urgently required, but remains rare. Herein, wet-chemical direct growth of UUCLs on both sides of membrane to achieve integrated ultrathin ultralow-Pt catalyst coated membranes (UUCCMs) with a cathodic CL thickness of 79.7 ± 15.0 nm and a Pt loading of 20.2 ± 1.6 µg cm-2 is reported. The key to this unique fabrication is the release of proton from membrane to regioselectively initiate the growth of interconnected Pd nanoneedle clusters array on membrane, followed by high-density deposition of Pt nanoparticles on Pd (Pt/Pd UUCLs). The single cell of UUCCMs exhibits the highest mass peak power density of 59.9 W mgPt,Cathode -1 in the literature. The exceptional activity originates from high electrochemically active surface area, remarkable oxygen reduction reaction activity closely correlated with strain, and electronic effect at Pt/Pd interface, as well as improved mass transfer and optimal water management.

Clinical characteristics of liver injury in SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant- and Omicron subvariant-infected patients.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Liver injury in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron variant- and Omicron subvariant-infected patients is unknown at present, and the aim of this study is to summarize liver injury in these patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this study, 460 SARS-CoV-2-infected patients were enrolled. Five severe or critical patients were excluded, and 34 patients were also excluded because liver injury was not considered to be related to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Liver injury was compared between Omicron and non-Omicron variants- and between Omicron subvariant-infected patients; additionally, the clinical data related to liver injury were also analyzed. RESULTS: Among the 421 patients enrolled for analysis, liver injury was detected in 76 (18.1%) patients, including 46 Omicron and 30 non-Omicron variant-infected patients. The ratios did not differ between Omicron and non-Omicron variant-, Omicron BA.1, BA.2 and BA.5 subvariant-infected patients (P>0.05). The majority of abnormal parameters of liver function tests were mildly elevated (1-3 × ULN), the most frequently elevated parameter of liver function test was γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT, 9.5%, 40/421), and patients with cholangiocyte or biliary duct injury markers were higher than with hepatocellular injury markers. Multivariate analysis showed that age (>40 years old, OR=1.898, 95% CI=1.058-3.402, P=0.032), sex (male gender, OR=2.031, 95% CI=1.211-3.408, P=0.007), serum amyloid A (SAA) level (>10 mg/ml, OR=3.595, 95% CI=1.840-7.026, P<0.001) and vaccination status (No, OR=2.131, 95% CI=1.089-4.173, P=0.027) were independent factors related to liver injury. CONCLUSIONS: Liver injury does not differ between Omicron and non-Omicron variants or between Omicron subvariant-infected patients. The elevations of cholangiocyte or biliary duct injury biomarkers are dominant in SARS-CoV-2-infected patients.

Association between blood selenium levels and gestational diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: The association between blood (serum or plasma) selenium concentrations and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has been evaluated in some studies. However, the reported findings are debatable, and only case-control and cross-sectional studies were included. Objective: This research aimed to assess the association between blood selenium levels and GDM by analyzing existing literature. To provide a reference for the prevention and treatment of GDM, we included prospective studies which are not included in previous studies to collate more high-quality evidence and better test the etiological hypothesis between blood Se concentrations and GDM. Methods: The PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases were retrieved for literature up to September 2022, and relevant references were manually searched. Raw data from relevant studies were extracted, and a random effect model was adopted for meta-analysis. The total effects were reported as weighted mean differences. All data were analyzed using Stata 16.0 software. Results: Fourteen studies involving 890 pregnant women with GDM and 1618 healthy pregnant women were incorporated in the meta-analysis. Pregnancies with GDM had significantly lower blood selenium levels than those with normal glucose tolerance (weighted mean difference = -8.11; 95% confidence interval: -12.68 to -3.54, P = 0.001). Subgroup analyses showed that the association between blood selenium levels and GDM was consistent in the residents of Asia and Africa, but not in European. This trend was significant in the second and third trimester subgroups, but not in the first trimester subgroup. Articles published in 2006-2015 also showed this trend, but those published before 2005 and 2016-2019 did not show significant results. This difference was evident in non-prospective studies, but not significant in prospective studies. Studies using the Carpenter and Coustan diagnostic criteria were consistent with this trend, whereas studies using other diagnostic criteria found no differences. In addition, in terms of blood selenium measurement methods, atomic absorption spectrometry showed more significant differences than other methods. In the subgroup analysis based on the sample size of included studies and the quality of the studies, each subgroup showed statistical differences. Conclusion: Lower blood selenium concentrations are associated with GDM as shown in our study. Therefore, supplementing an appropriate amount of selenium may be helpful for GDM prevention and treatment.

Controlled Synthesis of Carbon-Supported Pt-Based Electrocatalysts for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells.

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells are playing an increasing role in postpandemic economic recovery and climate action plans. However, their performance, cost, and durability are significantly related to Pt-based electrocatalysts, hampering their large-scale commercial application. Hence, considerable efforts have been devoted to improving the activity and durability of Pt-based electrocatalysts by controlled synthesis in recent years as an effective method for decreasing Pt use, and consequently, the cost. Therefore, this review article focuses on the synthesis processes of carbon-supported Pt-based electrocatalysts, which significantly affect the nanoparticle size, shape, and dispersion on supports and thus the activity and durability of the prepared electrocatalysts. The reviewed processes include (i) the functionalization of a commercial carbon support for enhanced catalyst-support interaction and additional catalytic effects, (ii) the methods for loading Pt-based electrocatalysts onto a carbon support that impact the manufacturing costs of electrocatalysts, (iii) the preparation of spherical and nonspherical Pt-based electrocatalysts (polyhedrons, nanocages, nanoframes, one- and two-dimensional nanostructures), and (iv) the postsynthesis treatments of supported electrocatalysts. The influences of the supports, key experimental parameters, and postsynthesis treatments on Pt-based electrocatalysts are scrutinized in detail. Future research directions are outlined, including (i) the full exploitation of the potential functionalization of commercial carbon supports, (ii) scaled-up one-pot synthesis of carbon-supported Pt-based electrocatalysts, and (iii) simplification of postsynthesis treatments. One-pot synthesis in aqueous instead of organic reaction systems and the minimal use of organic ligands are preferred to simplify the synthesis and postsynthesis treatment processes and to promote the mass production of commercial carbon-supported Pt-based electrocatalysts. Graphical Abstract: This review focuses on the synthesis process of Pt-based electrocatalysts/C to develop aqueous one-pot synthesis at large-scale production for PEMFC stack application.

Effects of Endic Anhydride Grafted PPC on the Properties of PHBV Blends.

Poly(ß-hydroxybutyrate-co-ß-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) was modified with endic anhydride grafted poly(propylene carbonate) (EA-PPC), and then PHBV/EA-PPC composite polymers were prepared by melt blending under the catalysis of stannous octoate (Sn(Oct)2). The blends were characterized by an electronic universal testing machine, cantilever impact testing machine, and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), as well as dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Effects of the amount of Sn(Oct)2 on the mechanical properties, thermal properties, and morphology of the blends were discussed. The results showed that the addition of Sn(Oct)2 promoted the transesterification reaction between PHBV and EA-PPC, and the compatibility between PHBV and PPC was greatly improved. When the amount of Sn(Oct)2 was 3 wt%, the impact strength and elongation at break of the PHBV/EA-PPC blend increased from 3.7 kJ/m2 and 4.1% to 5.9 kJ/m2 and 387.5%, respectively, and there was no significant decrease in tensile strength. Additionally, four esterification reaction mechanisms for PHBV/EA-PPC blends were proposed.

Meta-analysis of sugar-sweetened beverage intake and the risk of cognitive disorders.

BACKGROUND: Previous epidemiological studies revealed inconsistent associations between sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption and cognitive disorders, but there have been no meta-analyses of the pooled results. Thus, a meta-analysis was performed to determine the association between SSB consumption and cognitive disorders. METHODS: A systematic search of the literature prior to May 20, 2022 was performed using the PubMed and Web of Science databases. Random effects models were used to calculate and combine odds ratios (ORs) depending on the degree of heterogeneity. RESULTS: 13 studies met the inclusion criteria. A total of 242,014 participants (2752 in three cross-sectional studies and 239,262 in ten cohort studies) were included. A random effects meta-analysis, according to the comprehensive analysis of SSB consumption, was associated with a greater prevalence of cognitive disorders (OR = 1.17, 95 % CI = 1.05-1.29; I2 = 90.1 %). Subgroup analyses of study design, type of SSB, or cognitive disorders outcome was performed. In subgroup analyses, we found that SSB intake was associated with a higher prevalence of cognitive disorders in cohort studies, middle-aged and elderly population, and participants with sugar-sweetened soft drinks. However, no significant association was found in other subgroups. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that SSB intake is positively associated with the prevalence of cognitive disorders. Therefore, attention should be paid to reducing SSB intake as an early intervention for cognitive disorders.

Synergistic Flame Retardancy of Phosphatized Sesbania Gum/Ammonium Polyphosphate on Polylactic Acid.

Phosphating sesbania gum (DESG) was obtained by modifying sesbania gum (SG) with 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide (DOPO) and endic anhydride (EA). The structure of DESG was determined using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-NMR). Flame-retardant polylactic acid (PLA) composites were prepared by melt-blending PLA with DESG, which acted as a carbon source, and ammonium polyphosphate (APP), which acted as an acid source and a gas source. The flame retardancy of the PLA composite was investigated using vertical combustion (UL-94), the limiting oxygen index (LOI) and the cone calorimeter (CONE) test. Thermal properties and morphology were characterized via thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), respectively. Experimental results indicated that when the mass ratio of DESG/APP was equal to 12/8 the LOI value was 32.2%; a vertical burning test (UL-94) V-0 rating was achieved. Meanwhile, the sample showed a lowest total heat release (THR) value of 52.7 MJ/m2, which is a 32.5% reduction compared to that of neat PLA. Using FESEM, the uniform distribution of DESG and APP in the PLA matrix was observed. The synergistic effect of DESG and APP effectively enhanced the flame retardancy of PLA. Additionally, the synergistic mechanism of DESG and APP in PLA was proposed.