Enhancement of mechanical properties in ethylene propylene diene monomer/natural rubber nanocomposites through Ti3C2TX reinforcement and EPDM-g-MAH compatibilization
https://url-shortener.me/83UV This research explores elastomeric nanocomposites consisting of ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber/natural rubber (NR/EPDM) in various ratios (100:0, 80:20, 60:40, 40:60, 20:80, and 0:100 phr). The study incorporates EPDM grafted maleic anhydride (EPDM-g-MAH) as a compatibilizer, along with different quantities of Ti3C2TX reinforcement (1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 phr). To assess the dispersion and morphology of Ti₃C₂TX reinforcement in the NR/EPDM matrix, this study employed transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). These analyses revealed that, in the presence of EPDM-g-MAH, higher Ti3C2TX concentrations led to rougher fracture surfaces in the samples, indicating the excellent dispersion of Ti3C2TX in the NR/EPDM matrix. The investigation of mechanical and rheological properties demonstrated significant enhancements with increasing Ti3C2TX concentration in conjunction with EPDM-g-MAH. The study further explored the relationships between the nanocomposites’ morphology and their theoretical and experimental mechanical properties through Mori-Tanaka analysis and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), respectively. These analyses revealed a strong correlation between theory and experimentation. The mechanical behavior of the composites exhibited notable improvements in tensile strength, hardness, modulus, elongation at break, and fatigue strength with the addition of Ti3C2TX, particularly in the presence of EPDM-g-MAH. Ultimately, our findings highlight the compatibility between theoretical analyses and experimental outcomes, validating the efficacy of Ti3C2TX incorporation in enhancing the properties of nanocomposites. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.diamond.2025.112535
The burden of cardiovascular events according to cardiovascular risk profile in adults from high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries (PURE): a cohort study
https://url-shortener.me/83U6 Background: Current strategies to prevent adverse cardiovascular outcomes focus primary prevention in high-risk groups and secondary prevention in people with known cardiovascular disease. We aimed to determine the proportion of events occurring in lower-risk groups globally. Methods: We included people aged 40 years to younger than 75 years who were enrolled in the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study, which is an ongoing, international, prospective, population-based cohort study that started recruiting adults from households selected to be broadly representative of the sociodemographic composition of their communities. We prospectively documented fatal or non-fatal myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, or any other fatal cardiovascular event stratified by history of cardiovascular disease and by the 10-year predicted disease risk scores based on WHO 2019 laboratory risk tables (<10% [low], 10% to <20% [intermediate], and ≥20% [high]) in people without previous cardiovascular disease from 26 high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries. Outcome event rates were standardised for the cohort’s age and sex distribution. Findings: Between July 11, 2000, and May 6, 2019, 128 973 participants were included from 26 countries (mean age 53·6 years [SD 8·2]; 75 858 [58·8%] were female and 53 115 [41·2%] were male). We observed 11 483 outcome events affecting 8·9% of the cohort during a median follow-up of 12·3 years (IQR 9·8–14·6). Among participants, 89 508 (69·4%) had a low cardiovascular disease risk, 22 363 (17·3%) had an intermediate cardiovascular disease risk, and 5529 (4·3%) had a high cardiovascular disease risk, while 11 573 (9·0%) had known cardiovascular disease. The age-standardised and sex-standardised cardiovascular disease incidence rates per 1000 person-years was 4·1 (95% CI 4·0–4·2) in the low-risk group, 17·7 (15·2–20·2) in the intermediate-risk group, and 40·8 (25·1–56·4) in the high-risk group. Overall, 41% of outcome events occurred in cardiovascular disease-naive participants at low risk. The proportion of adverse cardiovascular outcomes occurring in this low-risk group was inversely related to country income level (32% in high-income, 38% in middle-income, and 54% in low-income countries) and was higher in women (51%) than in men (32%). Interpretation: To achieve a substantial population-level reduction in cardiovascular disease, a fundamental change is needed, so that preventive strategies for cardiovascular disease extend beyond those at high or even intermediate predicted risk to include those at considered to be at low risk. Funding: The funding bodies are listed in the appendix (p 29). https://doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(25)00155-X
Exploring the efficiency and scalability of using algae as a biomass feedstock for biofuel production
https://rebrand.ly/dmuxay2 Sustainability is paramount to preserving essential resources for future generations. The widespread use of fossil fuels generates significant pollution, severely impacting both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems through phenomena such as acid rain. Despite their rapid growth, high photosynthetic efficiency, and ability to thrive in a variety of conditions, algae have become a viable alternative biomass feedstock for biofuel production. This review explores the efficiency and scalability of algae-based biofuels, focusing on key factors such as biomass yield, lipid content, and conversion technologies. Algae have a higher lipid yield compared to traditional biofuel feedstocks such as corn or soybeans, making them an attractive option for large-scale fuel production. However, several obstacles hinder the widespread adoption of algae-based biofuels, including high production costs, energy-intensive cultivation, and water consumption. This paper also examines the efficiency and suitability of various cultivation technologies, including open ponds and photobioreactors, for large-scale production. Algal biofuel production could become more economically viable and environmentally sustainable through the integration of carbon capture technology and wastewater treatment. Advances in genetic engineering and metabolic optimization are further increasing lipid productivity, offering promising prospects for large-scale applications. This review additionally provides an analysis of genetic engineering techniques aimed at increasing biofuel yields. The study emphasizes the potential of algae-based biofuels to serve as environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional fossil fuels, highlighting these innovative approaches. While the evaluation acknowledges that algae-based biofuels can reduce dependency on fossil fuels and help mitigate climate change, it also notes that further research and development are necessary to overcome current financial and technological challenges. This review explores the recent advancements in algae cultivation, harvesting techniques, and biofuel extraction processes. Its goal is to present a comprehensive understanding of the current state of algae as a sustainable and effective feedstock for biofuel production, along with future prospects. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.algal.2025.104251
Next-Generation sequencing in a Native American patient with sea-blue histiocytosis: A case report and genomic analysis; Secuenciación de Nueva Generación en un paciente Nativo Americano con histiocitos azul marino: Reporte de caso y análisis genómico
https://rebrand.ly/hlhfiro This study presents a case of a 25-year-old Native American woman from Otavalo, Ecuador, diagnosed with sea-blue histiocytosis and myelodysplastic syndrome. Bone marrow aspiration revealed sea-blue histiocytes, and next-generation sequencing identified a likely pathogenic stop-gain mutation in the gene, associated with myelodysplastic syndrome. Additionally, variants of uncertain significance were found in the and genes. Ancestral analysis showed a predominantly Native American composition, suggesting a potential genetic predisposition specific to Andean communities. The report underscores the importance of understanding genetic and ancestral backgrounds in diagnosing and managing hematological disorders. http://doi.org/10.5867/medwave.2025.07.3051
The positive impact of the Life’s Essential 8 in the prevention of incident heart failure
https://rebrand.ly/eejc8x6 Heart failure (HF) prevalence is increasing rapidly, particularly in middle- and low-income countries, contributing to considerable treatment costs and weakening their health systems.1 Individually, cardiovascular risk factors are associated with a higher risk of developing HF. For example, the NHANES I study reported that smoking is an independent risk factor for incident HF, apart from coronary artery disease (population attributable fraction = 17%).2 A recent meta-analysis showed that hypertension is associated with a 71% increase in the risk of HF and that a 20 mmHg increase in systolic blood pressure is associated with a 28% increase in HF risk.3 Similarly, a pooled analysis of 61 prospective studies on blood pressure and mortality from HF reported a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.53 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.48–0.59] for a 20 mmHg lower systolic blood pressure.4 However, few studies have examined the combination and the effect of the trajectory, the burden of lifestyles, and the control of risk factors in large observational studies. https://doi.org/10.1093/eurjpc/zwaf066
Use of peach palm flour in the formulation of a papaya paste; Utilização de farinha de pupunha na formulação de pasta de mamão
https://rebrand.ly/ytmsp80 The incorporation of functional ingredients into processed foods represents a promising strategy to enhance their nutritional and sensory profiles. This study evaluated the effect of adding peach palm (Bactris gasipaes Kunth) flour on the physicochemical, functional, microbiological, and sensory characteristics of a papaya (Carica papaya L.) paste. Four formulations were developed with increasing concentrations of peach palm flour (10, 20, 30, and 40% w/w). The 10% formulation showed the highest sensory acceptance, with mean scores of 6.78 for color, 6.67 for odor, 6.89 for flavor, and 6.78 for texture (7-point hedonic scale). This formulation also showed a significant increase in protein content (from 0.3% to 2.2%) and fat content (from 0.1% to 1.6%), along with a reduction in carbohydrate content (from 72.6% to 69.8%), compared to the control, without compromising sensory perception. The product remained microbiologically stable (<1.0 log CFU/g for aerobic mesophilic bacteria and molds/yeasts) for 45 days at 15–20 °C. A total of 87% of consumers reported that they would consume the product “always” or “often”, confirming its acceptability. These findings support the use of peach palm flour as a value-adding ingredient in tropical fruit-based functional products.Keywords: Bactris gasipaes Kunth; Carica papaya L.; functional snacks; nutritional improvement; tropical fruit products. https://doi.org/10.31413/nat.v13i3.19462