Investigating the Mechanical, Thermal, and Crystalline Properties of Raw and Potassium Hydroxide Treated Butea Parviflora Fibers for Green Polymer Composites.

The only biotic factor that can satisfy the needs of human species are plants. In order to minimize plastic usage and spread an immediate require of environmental awareness, the globe urges for the development of green composite materials. Natural fibers show good renewability and sustainability and are hence utilized as reinforcements in polymer matrix composites. The present work concerns on the usage of Butea parviflora fiber (BP), a green material, for high end applications. The study throws light upon the characterization of raw and potassium hydroxide (KOH)-treated Butea Parviflora plant, where its physical, structural, morphological, mechanical, and thermal properties are analyzed using the powder XRD, FTIR spectroscopy, FESEM micrographs, tensile testing, Tg-DTA, Thermal conductivity, Chemical composition, and CHNS analysis. The density values of untreated and KOH-treated fibers are 1.238 g/cc and 1.340 g/cc, respectively. The crystallinity index of the treated fiber has significantly increased from 83.63% to 86.03%. The cellulose content of the treated fiber also experienced a substantial increase from 58.50% to 60.72%. Treated fibers exhibited a reduction in both hemicelluloses and wax content. Spectroscopic studies registered varying vibrations of functional groups residing on the fibers. SEM images distinguished specific changes on the raw and treated fiber surfaces. The Availability of elements Carbon, Nitrogen, and Hydrogen were analyzed using the CHNS studies. The tensile strength and modulus of treated fibers has risen to 192.97 MPa and 3.46 Gpa, respectively. Thermal conductivity (K) using Lee's disc showed a decrement in the K values of alkalized BP. The activation energy Ea lies between 55.95 and 73.15 kJ/mol. The fibers can withstand a good temperature of up to 240 °C, presenting that it can be tuned in for making sustainable composites.

Prevalencia del haplotipo de riesgo GA de los polimorfismos rs1554483 y rs4864548 del gen CLOCK asociados a la obesidad y el sobrepeso en 26 poblaciones / Prevalence of the GA risk haplotype of the rs1554483 and rs4864548 polymorphisms of the CLOCK gene associated with obesity and overweight in 26 populations

Introducción: el haplotipo GA de los polimorfismos rs1554483 y rs4864548 se ha asociado con componentes del síndrome metabólico como la hipertensión arterial y los niveles de triglicéridos. Sus portadores presentan un riesgo de obesidad 1,5 veces mayor que el resto de la población. Metodología: se obtuvieron los SNP rs1554483 y rs4864548 de 2504 individuos desde la base de datos “1000genomes phase 3”. Los datos se agruparon en cinco macropoblaciones (África, Asia Oriental, Asia Meridional, Europa y Latinoamérica) cubriendo un total de 26 poblaciones. Se analizaron las diferencias en la frecuencia del haplotipo entre las macropoblaciones y las poblaciones, para lo cual se utilizó el estadístico F de Fisher. Resultados: la macropoblación de África presentó la menor frecuencia (17,9 %) y la del Este de Asia la mayor (57,4 %). Dentro de las poblaciones existe una relativa homogeneidad en las frecuencias, excepto en el caso de las que componen la macropoblación de Latinoamérica, donde la población peruana de Lima y la puertorriqueña presentan frecuencias mucho mayores que el resto. Conclusiones: el haplotipo GA presenta heterogeneidad entre las macropoblaciones, lo que sugiere procesos microevolutivos altamente diferenciados entre los continentes. Se propone estudiar la asociación del haplotipo GA con otros polimorfismos, como rs3749474, rs11932595 y rs6859524, que también se han asociado con el riesgo de obesidad y factores asociados al síndrome metabólico. (AU)

Introduction: the GA haplotype of polymorphisms rs1554483 and rs4864548 has been associated with components of the metabolic syndrome such as high blood pressure and triglyceride levels; its carriers have a risk of obesity, 1.5 times higher than the rest of the population. Methodology: SNP rs1554483 and rs4864548 were obtained from 2504 individuals from the "1000genomes phase 3" database. Data were grouped into five macro populations (Africa, East Asia, South Asia, Europe and Latin America) covering a total of 26 populations. Differences in haplotype frequency between macro populations and populations were analyzed, for which Fisher's F statistic was used. Results: the macro population of Africa presented the lowest frequency (17.9 %) and that of East Asia the highest (57.4 %). Within the populations there is a relative homogeneity in the frequencies, except in the case of those that make up the macro population of Latin America where the Peruvian population of Lima and the Puerto Rican population present much higher frequencies than the rest. Conclusions: the GA haplotype presents heterogeneity between macro populations, which suggests highly differentiated micro evolutionary processes between continents. We propose to study the association of the GA haplotype with other polymorphisms such as rs3749474, rs11932595 and rs6859524 that have also been associated with risk of obesity and factors associated with metabolic syndrome. (AU)

Characterisation of Sodium Acetate Treatment on Acacia pennata Natural Fibres.

The present study concerns the physico-chemical, structural, mechanical and thermal characterization of Acacia pennata, a natural and almost inexpensive fibre, as a potential reinforcement in polymer composites. The effect of treating the fibre with sodium acetate to increase its qualities has been seen through the use of thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), mechanical property tester, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). According to XRD analysis, the elimination of lignin and wax-like impurities resulted in an increase in the AP fibre's crystalline index (79.73%). The fibre's thermal stability was also discovered to be 365 °C. Tensile strength (557.58 MPa) and elongation at break both increased by 2.9% after treatment with sodium acetate. The surface nature and quality of AP fibres improved after sodium acetate treatment. It was confirmed by the reduction of chemical compositions (such as hemicellulose, lignin and pectin). Given its density, the fibre can be suggested as a reinforcement in polymer composites for light-weight applications because its lightweight property will be more useful for composite manufacturing.

Investigation on Properties of Raw and Alkali Treated Novel Cellulosic Root Fibres of Zea Mays for Polymeric Composites.

Today, new materials based on natural fibres have been emerging day by day to completely eradicate plastics to favour our environmental nature. In this view, the present work is based on the extraction and characterisation of the novel root fibres of the Zea mays (Zm) plant, grown by the hydroponic method. Both the dried untreated and alkali treated root fibres are investigated using a variety of structural, morphological, thermal, elemental and mechanical tests by subjecting both the samples to p-XRD, FT-IR, SEM-EDAX, TGA-DTA, CHNS and tensile strength analyses. Thermal conductivity of the untreated and treated fibres is found using Lee's disc experiment. From p-XRD analysis, the Crystallinity Index, Percentage Crystallinity and Crystallite size of the samples are found. FT-IR studies clarify the different vibrational groups associated with the fibre samples. SEM images show that the surface roughness increases for the chemically treated samples, such that it may be effectively utilised as reinforcement for polymeric composites. The diameter of the fibre samples is found using SEM analysis. According to the EDAX spectrum, Zm fibres in both their raw and processed forms have high levels of Carbon (C) and Oxygen (O). The TGA-DTA tests revealed that the samples of natural fibre have good thermal characteristics. CHNS studies show that Carbon content is high for these samples, which is the characteristic of many natural fibres. Chemical analysis is used to ascertain the prepared samples' chemical makeup. It reveals that both samples have significant amounts of cellulose. The density of the fibres is found to be in the range 0.3-0.6 g/cc, which is much less than any other natural fibre. Therefore, it can be used in light weight applications. From the tensile strength analysis, physical properties such as Young's modulus and micro-fibril angle are determined. The fibres in the roots exhibit a lower tensile strength. Thus, these fibres can be used in powdered form as reinforcement for natural rubber or epoxy composites. After examining all of its properties, it could be reasonably speculated that Zea mays root fibres can be considered as an efficient reinforcement for various matrices to produce attractive bio-composites.

[Prevalence of the GA risk haplotype of the rs1554483 and rs4864548 polymorphisms of the CLOCK gene associated with obesity and overweight in 26 populations]. / Prevalencia del haplotipo de riesgo GA de los polimorfismos rs1554483 y rs4864548 del gen CLOCK asociados a la obesidad y el sobrepeso en 26 poblaciones.

Introduction: Introduction: the GA haplotype of polymorphisms rs1554483 and rs4864548 has been associated with components of the metabolic syndrome such as high blood pressure and triglyceride levels; its carriers have a risk of obesity, 1.5 times higher than the rest of the population. Methodology: SNP rs1554483 and rs4864548 were obtained from 2504 individuals from the "1000genomes phase 3" database. Data were grouped into five macro populations (Africa, East Asia, South Asia, Europe and Latin America) covering a total of 26 populations. Differences in haplotype frequency between macro populations and populations were analyzed, for which Fisher's F statistic was used. Results: the macro population of Africa presented the lowest frequency (17.9 %) and that of East Asia the highest (57.4 %). Within the populations there is a relative homogeneity in the frequencies, except in the case of those that make up the macro population of Latin America where the Peruvian population of Lima and the Puerto Rican population present much higher frequencies than the rest. Conclusions: the GA haplotype presents heterogeneity between macro populations, which suggests highly differentiated micro evolutionary processes between continents. We propose to study the association of the GA haplotype with other polymorphisms such as rs3749474, rs11932595 and rs6859524 that have also been associated with risk of obesity and factors associated with metabolic syndrome.

Introducción: Introducción: el haplotipo GA de los polimorfismos rs1554483 y rs4864548 se ha asociado con componentes del síndrome metabólico como la hipertensión arterial y los niveles de triglicéridos. Sus portadores presentan un riesgo de obesidad 1,5 veces mayor que el resto de la población. Metodología: se obtuvieron los SNP rs1554483 y rs4864548 de 2504 individuos desde la base de datos "1000genomes phase 3". Los datos se agruparon en cinco macropoblaciones (África, Asia Oriental, Asia Meridional, Europa y Latinoamérica) cubriendo un total de 26 poblaciones. Se analizaron las diferencias en la frecuencia del haplotipo entre las macropoblaciones y las poblaciones, para lo cual se utilizó el estadístico F de Fisher. Resultados: la macropoblación de África presentó la menor frecuencia (17,9 %) y la del Este de Asia la mayor (57,4 %). Dentro de las poblaciones existe una relativa homogeneidad en las frecuencias, excepto en el caso de las que componen la macropoblación de Latinoamérica, donde la población peruana de Lima y la puertorriqueña presentan frecuencias mucho mayores que el resto. Conclusiones: el haplotipo GA presenta heterogeneidad entre las macropoblaciones, lo que sugiere procesos microevolutivos altamente diferenciados entre los continentes. Se propone estudiar la asociación del haplotipo GA con otros polimorfismos, como rs3749474, rs11932595 y rs6859524, que también se han asociado con el riesgo de obesidad y factores asociados al síndrome metabólico.

[Variability of the genetic marker CLOCK rs3749474 and its impact on research and clinical trials on obesity and circadian rhythm]. / Variabilidad del marcador genético CLOCK rs3749474 y su impacto en la investigación y ensayos clínicos sobre obesidad y ritmo circadiano.

Introduction: Introduction: circadian rhythms influence eating behavior, with the CLOCK gene being one of those responsible for its regulation. The rs3749474T/C of the CLOCK gene has been associated with an increased risk of obesity. Those who carry the T allele have greater weight loss on a diet low in carbohydrates and lipids than those who have the CC form. Methodology: using the 1000 Genomes database, the genotype of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs3749474 was obtained from 2,504 individuals, covering five macro-populations (Africa, East Asia, South Asia, Europe and Latin America) and 26 populations. CT and TT were treated as non-risk genotypes and CC as risk. Fisher's exact test was used to compare the frequencies of risk and non-risk genotypes among the five macro populations. Results: there is a high differentiation for the frequency of genotypes carrying the T allele among the macro-populations: Africa reached only 31.47 %, Europe 56.86 %; Latin America 66.28 %; South Asia 68.3 % and East Asia 81.15 %, with significant differences (pFisher < 0.05) in all comparisons, except between Latin America and South Asia. Low heterogeneity was observed between populations within each macro population. Conclusions: the high heterogeneity for the genotypic frequencies of CLOCK rs3749474 in the studied macro-populations indicates that the decrease in the consumption of carbohydrates and lipids will have a heterogeneous impact, from the epidemiological point of view. This suggests including the genetic ancestry in later studies of association between circadian cycles, eating behavior and obesity, in order to develop personalized clinical tests.

Introducción: Introducción: los ritmos circadianos influyen en la conducta alimentaria, siendo el gen CLOCK uno de los encargados de su regulación. El rs3749474T/C del gen CLOCK ha sido asociado a un mayor riesgo de obesidad y quienes portan el alelo T presentan una mayor pérdida de peso ante una dieta baja en carbohidratos y lípidos que quienes poseen la forma CC. Material y métodos: usando la base de datos 1000 Genomes se obtuvo el genotipo del polimorfismo de nucleótido único (SNP) rs3749474 de 2.504 individuos, abarcando cinco macropoblaciones (África, Este Asiático, Sur Asiático, Europa y Latinoamérica) y 26 poblaciones. CT y TT fueron tratados como genotipos de no riesgo y CC, como de riesgo. Se utilizó la prueba exacta de Fisher para comparar las frecuencias de los genotipos de riesgo y no riesgo. Resultados: existe una alta diferenciación para la frecuencia de genotipos portadores del alelo T entre las macropoblaciones: África alcanzó solo el 31,47 %; Europa, un 56,86 %; Latinoamérica, un 66,28 %; el Sur Asiático, un 68,3 %; y el Este Asiático, un 81,15 %, con diferencias significativas (pFisher < 0,05) en todas las comparaciones, excepto entre Latinoamérica y Sur Asiático. Se observó una baja heterogeneidad entre poblaciones dentro de cada macropoblación. Conclusiones: la alta heterogeneidad para las frecuencias genotípicas de CLOCK rs3749474 en las macropoblaciones estudiadas indica que la disminución del consumo de carbohidratos y lípidos tendrá un impacto heterogéneo desde el punto de vista epidemiológico. Esto sugiere incluir la ancestría genética en posteriores estudios de asociación entre ciclos circadianos, conducta alimentaria y obesidad, con el objeto de desarrollar pruebas clínicas personalizadas.