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This study examines the interface of biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) fiber-reinforced thermoplastic starch composites to address market demand for their mechanical properties. We first used a combination of solution treatment (acid/alkali) and plasma modification to modify fibers. This method improves surface roughness and increases oxygen-containing groups of the fibers, which enhances the mechanical interlocking at the interface and promotes stronger hydrogen bonds between fibers and starch, respectively. Their synergy effect significantly strengthens interfacial adhesion and interfacial shear strength (IFSS). In contrast, cold plasma modification alone results in a smaller increase in IFSS because of its lower roughness and fewer oxygen-containing groups. Alkaline treatment and increased cold plasma power level are more conducive to higher IFSS through stronger synergistic effects. Although IFSS improved from 2.41 to 4.40 MPa after alkali and plasma treatments of 200 W, the tensile strength decreased from 811.46 to 351.55 MPa. To optimize the mechanical properties of composite materials, it is crucial to choose a kind of modification method that balances IFSS enhancement and tensile strength reduction.

Background. Calibration models were developed for rapid assessment of crucial agronomic indicators in the grain of winter and spring triticale from the VIR collection using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). These calibration models will enable users to find the most optimal utilization trends for individual triticale accessions. Materials and methods. Indicators of agronomic value (coloration, moisture, and the content of ash, protein, starch, amylose and fiber) were studied on a set of 32 grain samples collected from winter and spring triticale forms (Triticosecale Wittm. & A. Camus) reproduced in 2021–2022 at the Dagestan Experiment Station, a branch of the N.I. Vavilov All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources (VIR). Calibration models for the assessment of the said agronomic characters in triticale grain were developed on the platform of the MATRIX-I IR analyzer (Bruker Optics, Germany) and based on the values obtained by classical methods of biochemical analysis adopted at VIR. Results. Reliability of the calibration models was tested on a randomized batch of triticale grain samples: the results of the new calibrations were compared with those of the conventional biochemical analysis. This verification showed that the data obtained through the use of calibration curves were reliable for protein and ash content, while other models required further improvement. Conclusion. Calibration models for measuring protein and ash content developed on the basis of the MATRIX-I IR analyzer can be used to perform rapid assessment of the winter and spring triticale grain. This method makes it possible to accelerate the process of obtaining crop characteristics for a number of basic agronomic characters and preserve valuable breeding material.

Abstract Background Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is emerging as the most prevalent liver disease in overweight and obese children. While no cure exists, dietary and lifestyle modifications have been shown to improve the condition. This study investigates the relationship between fructose and fiber consumption, physical activity, and NAFLD in children. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 378 overweight and obese children aged 6–13 years. NAFLD diagnosis was confirmed via ultrasound, and dietary intake was assessed using a 147-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Physical activity was evaluated using the Modifiable Activity Questionnaire (MAQ). Multivariable logistic regression models were applied to determine the associations. Results After excluding 53 participants due to incomplete data, 325 were included in the final analysis. The mean age was 9.2 ± 1.7 years, and 35% had NAFLD. No significant association was found between fructose intake and NAFLD (OR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.35–1.29, P = 0.221). However, higher intake of legume fiber (OR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.26–0.90, P = 0.03) and nut fiber (OR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.28–0.95, P = 0.04) was significantly associated with a reduced risk of NAFLD. Physical activity showed a trend towards reduced NAFLD risk but was not statistically significant after adjustments (OR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.22–1.04, P = 0.07). Conclusions While fructose intake was not significantly linked to NAFLD in this population, fiber from legumes and nuts appeared protective. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings and clarify the role of physical activity in NAFLD prevention.

Introduction. The active development of construction technologies entails the need to improve the properties of traditional materials, including giving them specific functional characteristics such as photocatalytic activity. One of the promising methods for solving this problem is the introduction of specialized additives into standard building mixes, which include photocatalytic composite materials. Within the framework of this article, the influence of various methods of fiber activation on the surface properties of a photocatalytic composite material created on its basis is considered. Materials and research methods. The effect of pre-activation of basalt (BF), glass (GF) and glass alkali-resistant (GAF) fibers on the surface properties of photocatalytic composite materials (PCM) based on them has been studied. The activation of the fiber surface consisted in thermal (T) and chemical (AA) treatment. The research methodology included: analysis of changes in the concentration of active centers of Brensted acids on the fiber surface before and after activation of their surface, after direct deposition of titanium dioxide on the obtained samples of various types of fibers, followed by an assessment of morphological changes. Results and discussions. The following growth trend has been established for the total number of active centers for PCM: PCM(BF+Т) → PCM(GF+AA) → PCM(BF+AA) → PCM(GAF+AA) →PCM(GF) → PCM(GAF+Т) → PCM(GAF) → PCM(GF+Т) → PCM(BF). According to the results of scanning electron microscopy, it was found that PCM(GF) and PCM(GAF+T) are characterized by a more uniform distribution of titanium dioxide particles over the entire surface of the fiber, creating a film-like appearance, unlike samples of PCM(BF) and PCM(GF), as well as PCM(GAF+AA), on which titanium dioxide particles are unevenly distributed, forming growths or aggregates. The analysis showed that sol-gel deposition of titanium dioxide has a significant effect on the properties of the fiber surface, which may affect the physical and mechanical characteristics of composites and their ability to self-clean, and should be taken into account when developing new functional materials with photocatalytic properties. Conclusion. The results obtained made it possible to evaluate the effectiveness of activation of the fiber surface for subsequent use as a substrate in the composition of photocatalytic composite materials

Abstract Background The association between macronutrient consumption and the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) remains equivocal. Here, we investigated whether the quantity and quality of macronutrient intake are associated with T2D incidence in a West Asian population. Methods T2D-free adults (n = 2457, mean age 38.5 ± 13.6 years, 54.2% women) who participated in the third examination cycle (2005–2008) of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study were followed for a median of 8.6 years. We estimated the macronutrient quality index (MQI), its individual sub-indices (carbohydrate quality index (CQI), fat quality index (FQI), and healthy plate protein quality index (HPPQI)), as well as the macronutrient quantity. The risk of T2D in relation to macronutrient quantity, quality, and their combined effects was examined using Cox proportional hazard models adjusted for known risk factors for T2D. Results During the study follow-up, 257 incident cases of T2D were documented. Individuals in the highest tertiles of MQI and CQI had a 27% (HR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.54, 0.98) and 29% (HR = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.51–0.99) lower T2D risk than those in the lowest tertiles. The T2D incidence was 35% lower in the middle HPPQI tertile than in the lowest (HR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.47, 0.89). The multivariable adjusted model showed that individuals in the middle and highest tertiles of carbohydrate intake had 32% (HR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.49–0.95) and 26% (HR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.55–1.00) lower risks of T2D than individuals in the lowest tertile. A high-quantity, high-quality carbohydrate diet (≥ 58.5% of energy from carbohydrate with a CQI ≥ 13) and a low-glycemic index (GI), high-fiber diet (GI

Abstract Folk contract documents (FCD) are valuable materials for studying social history, and the paper they use reflects the social realities of different eras and social classes. Research and scientific analysis of numerous FCD samples after the fourteenth century are rare. We conducted a study on 96 Tianshui folk contract documents (TFCD, 107 paper samples) from the Tianshui area of Gansu Province, Northwest China, taking into account both the textual content and the materiality of paper carriers, and interpreted the results from multiple lines of evidence and discussion. Physical performance analysis revealed that the paper used by the northern folk exhibits a lower apparent density, which is not conducive to the long-term preservation of paper. The preservation status investigation, curtain pattern analysis, and fiber analysis show that the paper used in the TFCD differs from traditional cultural paper regarding disease types, production precision, and fiber materials, providing a basis for its protection and restoration. The analysis of chemical components indicated that the aging and yellowing of paper can be correlated with the content of sulfur and carbonyl groups. The feasibility of using pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) analysis to quickly identify papermaking fibers in a large number of paper samples was proposed. By utilizing various techniques to inspect the paper of documents, this study helps to enhance the academic understanding of FCD materials. In addition, it expands the knowledge base of Northwest handmade paper.

Nanomaterials, particularly nanofibers produced through electrospinning, have garnered significant attention due to their unique properties and diverse applications. This research explores the influence of collector design, electrode geometry, and collector speed on the properties of electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers. Finite element analysis (FEA) was employed to simulate electric fields, revealing the impact of collector geometry on field intensity. The experimental setup, enclosed in an isolated chamber, employed various collector types and electrode configurations. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis showcased the effect of collector speed on fiber alignment and diameter. Furthermore, FEA simulations elucidated the role of electrode geometry and voltage in shaping the electric field, impacting fiber properties. The study introduces a novel, in-house method for producing highly aligned nanofibers and provides insights into optimizing electrospinning parameters for enhanced fiber properties. A testing protocol is devised to minimize surface damage when conducting mechanical tests on nanofiber films, employing a dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA). Mechanical testing demonstrated the correlation between alignment and tensile strength. Overall, this research contributes valuable insights for tailoring electrospinning processes for tissue engineering and energy storage.

Appropriate protection and guiding are crucial during peripheral nerves repair. New generation nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) should not only provide mechanical support for the damaged nerve but also support healing processes. One of the most promising tissue regeneration applications is fibrous biomaterials since they are characterized by high porosity, flexibility, and strength. Additionally, they enable cell adhesion and proliferation. In this study, novel fibrous nanocomposites were obtained by applying the electrospinning technique, using polylactic acid (PLA) as a polymeric matrix which was further modified with metallic nanoparticles coated with conductive polymers. Such an approach resulted in the obtainment of biomaterials with a potential ability to conduct nerve impulses. The chemical structure of the obtained composites, as well as the morphology of ready products and separate nanocomponents, were investigated using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) techniques. Furthermore, conductive and swelling properties in various media were determined. Finally, biomaterials were confirmed to be non-cytotoxic to L929 mouse fibroblasts and 1321N1 human glial cells. Based on the presented results, it can be concluded that nanofibrous nerve guidance conduits have all the key properties in the process of peripheral nerve regeneration and may constitute an important step in novel NGCs development.

Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is a multifunctional raw material with a wide spectrum of applications. A huge interest in hemp has arisen in the food industry comparatively recently. Seeds and cake of hemp have the high protein content (20.00-38.70% and 27.90-40.70%, respectively), which makes them a promising raw material for production of concentrates, isolates, and hydrolysates for the food industry. Hemp cake is distinguished by the high content of fiber (17.41-60.38%) and can be used as a prebiotic component of food. In terms of the amino acid content, the amino acid composition of hemp exceeds the corresponding indicators of the reference protein recommended by WHO. The content of lysine is the only indicator, in which hemp protein is inferior to the “ideal” protein. Digestibility of protein of hulled hemp seeds is in a range from 90.8% to 97.5%, which is comparable to digestibility of casein. Digestibility of hemp isolate is 88-91%, which is 21.9% higher than that of soy protein isolate. Peptides and amino acids contained in hydrolysates of hemp protein can show the high biological activity. Hydrolysates attract interest among researchers not only because of their bioactivity but also because of their high digestibility and nutritional value. Targeted proteolysis is a tool that facilitates an improvement in the functional-technological properties of protein. Seeds and cake are a promising raw material for using in food technologies to produce vegetable oil, dietary fiber, protein preparations and functional products. The aim of this paper is to analyze the main methods for industrial hemp processing and promising directions of using protein products from waste of hemp oil production in the food industry.

Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC), as one of the most eye-catching building materials, has been the subject of extensive research by scholars. On this basis, to expand the application of UHPC for offshore wind turbine towers in complex marine environments, three different fiber materials - copper-plated microfibre steel fibers, carbon fibers, and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) - have been selected for the study of the possibilities of further improving the mechanical properties of UHPC. This study focused on understanding the impact of various fiber combinations and dosages on the flowability, compressive strength, flexural strength, and tensile strength of UHPC. Our findings indicate that carbon fiber, when present at a concentration of up to 0.5%, the effect on the fluidity of UHPC is only about 1.05%. However, the addition of CNTs significantly diminishes the flowability of UHPC, with a consistent decrease observed as the CNT content increases. Notably, when carbon fiber and CNTs are used in combination, the maximum reduction in flowability reaches 7.8%. Furthermore, as the dosage of these fibers increases, the compressive strength, flexural strength, and tensile strength of UHPC all demonstrate a positive trend of improvement. It is observed that the optimal performance is achieved when both carbon fiber and CNTs are present. In particular, carbon fiber exhibits a more profound impact on enhancing compressive strength and flexural strength, when carbon fibers were doped by volume at 0.5%, the compressive and flexural strengths were increased by 6.7% and 11.7%, respectively, compared to the control group, while carbon nanotubes increased the tensile strength by 7.4% at lower dosage. These findings highlight the potential of fiber combinations to optimize UHPC’s mechanical properties for various engineering applications..

Abstract The present study proposes an innovative transdermal drug delivery system using ferrocene-incorporated fibers to enhance the bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate. Using electrospinning technology, the authors created ferrocene polymer fibers capable of highly efficient drug encapsulation and controlled release in response to reactive oxygen species commonly found in wound sites. The approach improves upon previous methods significantly by offering higher drug loading capacities and sustained release, directly targeting diseased cells. The results confirm the potential of ferrocene fibers for localized drug delivery, potentially reducing side effects and increasing patient convenience. The method could facilitate the application of bioactive compounds in medical textiles and targeted therapy.

Background. Spring oats play an essential role in the search for a comprehensive solution of urgent problems associated with the development of a solid fodder resource base that could meet the need of animal husbandry for high-quality feeds. Adequate animal feeding is possible when high-quality fodders are available and the rations are well balanced in basic nutrients. Materials and methods. Field studies were conducted in Tyumen Province on the experimental field of the Research Institute of Agriculture for the Northern Trans-Ural Region in 2016–2023. The tested materials included spring oat cultivars and breeding lines, with cv. ʻTalismanʼ serving as the reference. Productivity was assessed according to the harvested dry matter, crude and digestible protein, crude and digestible fat, crude and digestible fiber, and crude and digestible nitrogen-free extracts (NFE). To do this, the yield of green biomass in the phase of milky ripeness was taken into account, and the contents of dry matter and nutrients in it were measured. Results. Promising breeding lines were evaluated for their fodder productivity (green biomass yield and the collected dry matter, protein, fat, fiber, and NFE). Digestible energy value of the tested oats was calculated in feed units (FU) and in joules of metabolizable energy (ME) and gross energy (GE). Energy digestibility (ED) and concentrations of digestible energy (DE) andmetabolizable energy (ME) were measured. Conclusion. Cvs. ʻTobolyakʼ, ʻRaduzhnyʼ and ʻSiriusʼ were the best in fodder productivity. Cvs. ʻMegionʼ, ʻOtradaʼ, ʻFomaʼ, ʻTobolyakʼ, and line TM 07-95-16 were identified for the highest digestible energy value. They provided 0.85–0.86 FU per 1 kg of dry matter and formed 835.5–842.5 kJ of ME and 1708.1–1734.6 kJ of GE per 100 kg of dry matter. Their ED was 63.5–65.8 %, with 1092.87–1141.36 kJ/kg of DE and 896.15–935.91 kJ/kg of ME.

Excessive iron content in well water can degrade water quality and cause health problems such as indigestion, poisoning, intestinal damage, bleeding gums, and arthritis. Immobilization of activated carbon from refill water and coconut shells on yarns is an alternative adsorption method for reducing dissolved iron levels within wells. Activated-carbon-immobilized yarns are packaged in the form of fiber filters to widen the application and make separation easier without further filtration. The purpose of this study is to determine the adsorption characteristics of ferrous metal adsorption in the relatively new adsorbent design with contact times of 10, 20, 30, 60, and 120 min. The research process began with the production of activated carbon, followed by the characterization, activated-carbon immobilized yarn, and adsorption study. Diluted HCl was the activating agent for samples (regenerated-water-refilled carbon and coconut shells carbon) and tapioca was the adhesive to stick carbon on the yarn. The best formula composition was just from the carbon-immobilized yarn stability, thickness, and surface homogeneity. The surface pores were observed by SEM and the metal absorbed was analyzed with the AAS method. The research finding shows that the optimum contact time of carbon-immobilized yarn with iron solutions was 30 min. Both the regenerated refilled carbon and coconut shell carbon follow the adsorption characteristics of the Freundlich isotherm model.

The structure of vascular bundles and the mechanical properties of fibers are crucial factors determining the utilization of bamboo. This study investigated the structure of vascular bundles and evaluated the morphological and micromechanical properties of the fibers in Oligostachyum sulcatum. The results showed that the fiber length and width of O. sulcatum meet the requirements of raw materials for the papermaking process. However, the fiber content in O. sulcatum is relatively low, which may increase the cost of papermaking. The vascular bundle growth exhibited non-uniformity, especially at the top part, with no discernible pattern in bundle area changes. The nanoindentation testing demonstrated that the bamboo's indentation modulus of elasticity (IMOE) and hardness values were comparable to those of moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis), suggesting its potential as a substitute in engineering applications.

The structure of vascular bundles and the mechanical properties of fibers are crucial factors determining the utilization of bamboo. This study investigated the structure of vascular bundles and evaluated the morphological and micromechanical properties of the fibers in Oligostachyum sulcatum. The results showed that the fiber length and width of O. sulcatum meet the requirements of raw materials for the papermaking process. However, the fiber content in O. sulcatum is relatively low, which may increase the cost of papermaking. The vascular bundle growth exhibited non-uniformity, especially at the top part, with no discernible pattern in bundle area changes. The nanoindentation testing demonstrated that the bamboo's indentation modulus of elasticity (IMOE) and hardness values were comparable to those of moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis), suggesting its potential as a substitute in engineering applications.

In 2023, the State Register of Breeding Achievements of the Russian Federation included and approved for use in the Middle Volga region a variety of monoecious drug-free cannabis sativa ʻLyudmilaʼ. In connection with the introduction into production and for the purpose of propagating seeds of a new variety in the Penza region in 2021–2023, wide-row (with row spacing of 45 and 70 cm) and ordinary (15 cm) sowing methods and seed sowing rates were studied, taking into account the main directions of crop use. With the studied methods of sowing and seeding rates, the yield of stems on average over the years of research reached 11.3–14.4 t/ha and was maximum with ordinary sowing with a seeding rate of 3.0 million pcs/ha. On the contrary, higher seed yields were obtained with wide-row sowing – 1.15 t/ha (row spacing 70 cm, seeding rate 0.9 million pcs/ha) and 1.04 t/ha (45 cm, 1.2 million pcs/ha), with ordinary sowing for all studied – 0.90-0.91 t/ha. An increase in the seeding rate from 2.0 to 3 million pcs/ha during ordinary sowing was accompanied by an increase in the yield of stems by 3.1 t/ha (27.4 %), the fiber content in stems from 30.9 to 31.8 % and its collection from 3.91 to 5.54 t/ha. By wide–row sowing with row spacing of 70 cm, the stem contained 26.5–28.7 % fiber with a total yield of 3.37–4.18 t/ha, by sowing with row spacing of 45 cm, the fiber content in the stem increased to 29.8–30.4 %, which made it possible to harvest 3.71–4.77 tons of fiber per 1 hectare. Economically effective methods of sowing and seeding rates of ʻLyudmilaʼ cannabis variety have been identified, ensuring the profitability of seed production at the level of 129–147 %.

Background: The age at menarche tends to be younger in the last few decades, even though earlier or later menarche can impact physical and psychological health. Nutritional factors, including eating habits, are important and modifiable predictors of menarche age. Objectives: To analyze eating habits’ effect on the menarche age by considering factors of nutritional status, level of physical activity, psychological state, and socioeconomic conditions. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 420 female students from 15 junior high schools in DKI Jakarta Province in May 2023. Eating habits were measured using the Semi-FFQ questionnaire, while the menarche age and other factors were obtained through interviews, questionnaires, and weight and height measurements. Results: The menarche age ranged from 8.92 years to 14.33 years, with an average of 11.74 years. Respondents tend to consume carbohydrates, fat, protein, sugar, and salt ≥100% RDA. However, 70.7% of respondents have

Abstract The good combination of high strength and high toughness is a long‐standing challenge in the design of robust biomaterials. Meanwhile, robust biomaterials hardly perform fast and significant mechanical property changes under the trigger of light at room temperature. These limit the application of biomaterials in some specific areas. Here, photoresponsive alginate fibers are fabricated by using the designed azobenzene‐containing surfactant as flexible contact point for cross‐linking polysaccharide chains of alginate, which gain high mechanics through reinforced plastic strain and photo‐modulating mechanics through isomerization of azobenzene. By transferring molecular motion into macro‐scale mechanical property changes, such alginate fibers achieve reversible photo‐modulations on the mechanics. Their breaking strength and toughness can be photo‐modulated from 732 MPa and 112 MJ m−3 to 299 MPa and 27 MJ m−3, respectively, leading to record high mechanical changes among the developed smart biomaterials. With merits of good tolerance to pH and temperature, fast response to light, and good biocompatibility, the reported fibers will be suitable for working in various application scenarios as new smart biomaterials. This study provides a new design strategy for gaining highly‐strong and highly‐tough photoresponsive biomaterials.

Background: Avocado intake has been associated with improvements in diet quality. Whether this response is because of avocado intake, per se, or combined with a food and/or nutrient displacement (D) has yet to be determined. Objectives: This secondary analysis, conducted using dietary data from the Habitual Diet and Avocado Trial, sought to assess the effect of consuming a large avocado (168 g, 281 kcal) daily in the avocado-supplemented diet (AD) group compared with the habitual diet (HD) group on food and nutrient D. Methods: Using data from 3 unannounced telephone 24-h dietary recalls conducted during the 6-mo intervention period, food intake data were evaluated for 898 participants, aged 25–87 y, and a BMI range of 20.5–60.3 kg/m2. The food group distribution, energy, and nutrient intake of the AD group (n = 436) were calculated and compared with those of the HD group (n = 462). Results: The AD group had a higher daily intake of energy (159 ± 575 kcal) (P < 0.001), potassium (3193 ± 817 mg compared with 2419 ± 843 mg) (P < 0.005), fiber (30 ± 8 g compared with 19 ± 9 g) (P < 0.05), and a lower daily intake of animal protein (49 ± 33 g compared with 55 ± 24 g) (P = 0.02) compared with the HD group. Partial D with an avocado was observed for energy (43%), total fat (23%), and carbohydrate (87%), indicating a lower intake of these nutrients from non-avocado sources in the AD group. Food group analysis revealed a lower consumption of animal-derived protein from red meat, processed meats, poultry, and fish in the AD group, with no significant differences observed in dairy and egg intake between groups. Conclusions: Incorporating 1 avocado daily led to favorable modifications in the dietary composition of participants, including an increase in potassium and fiber intake, which can improve diet quality.This trial was registered at https://clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03528031.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) affects 30 million Americans. Previous epidemiologic work has shown that diet can impact pulmonary function in those with and without COPD. Diet is also a major driver of gut microbiome composition and function. Importantly, the gut microbiome has also been associated with lung health (i.e., the gut-lung axis) in both preclinical and clinical studies. Despite this growing body of evidence, many questions remain regarding the gut-lung axis. Specifically, how the microbiome impacts the relationship between diet factors and spirometry or stage of disease in people with COPD is little understood. We hypothesize that there are taxonomic differences in the gut microbiome among the different stages of COPD and that diet microbiome interactions influence pulmonary function. This study aimed to identify how the GI microbiota correlated with the severity of respiratory disease in COPD patients and how the microbiome may mediate the relationship between diet, including fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, and lung function outcomes.

Background The purpose of this intervention was to investigate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of an online weight loss program, EMPOWER, in rural, underserved communities. Methods Adults with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2 living in rural counties were recruited through collaboration with University of Illinois Extension. The intervention lasted 1 year including online educations sessions, nutrition and lifestyle coaching, and diet and weight monitoring via a novel web application, MealPlot. Feasibility was measured by enrollment attainment, participant retention, online education session completion, and completion of anthropometric and dietary measures. Acceptability was measured by survey using Likert scales of satisfaction for all program components. Anthropometric measurements, 24-h dietary records, and food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) were measures of program efficacy. Additionally, two interviews were collected for program feedback. Results Enrollment of 16 participants was attained, however due to higher than anticipated dropout (retention 62.5%, N = 10) at 3-months, 62.5% of the education sessions were completed and 75.0% of anthropometric and dietary measures. The average satisfaction rating for the comprehensive program was 4.2/5 with lowest satisfaction being the MealPlot web application 2.7/5 (N = 11). On average a clinically significant (≥5% baseline weight) weight loss of 6.2 ± 6.0% body weight or 5.7 ± 5.3 kg and improvements to protein and fiber intake at 12 months (N = 10) were observed. Conclusions A novel online weight loss program showed adequate to strong feasibility and acceptability and preliminary results indicating efficacy among a pilot sample of rural residents. Future studies are required to investigate means of improving retention and reducing the burden on program collaborators.

Mounting evidence supports the potential of dietary bioactives to reduce chronic disease risk. N-trans-caffeoyltyramine (NCT) and N-trans-feruloyltyramine (NFT) have been hypothesized to drive regulation of gut permeability, but these components have not yet been studied in the context of the human gut microbiome. This work examined whether purified NCT and NFT, or a hemp hull product containing NCT and NFT (Brightseed® Bio Gut Fiber™), can impact the gut microbiome using an in vitro fermentation assay. Representative human gut microbiomes were treated with Bio Gut Fiber™ or NCT and NFT and compared to starch and methylcellulose, as controls, in vitro. Stronger changes were exerted by Bio Gut Fiber™, NCT, and NFT. Communities treated with Bio Gut Fiber™ saw increased productivity and diversity. We found a dose-dependent effect of NCT and NFT on microbial communities. Here, we describe novel potential for hemp-derived bioactives to shape the gut microbiome.

Cotton is globally known for its high-priority cellulose-rich natural fiber. In addition to providing fiber for the textile industry, it is an important source material for edible oil, livestock feed, and fuel products. Global warming and the growing population are the major challenges to the world’s agriculture and the potential risks to food security. In this context, improving output traits in cotton is necessary to achieve sustainable cotton production. During the last few years, high throughput omics techniques have aided in identifying crucial genes associated with traits of cotton fiber, seed, and plant architecture which could be targeted with more precision and efficiency through the CIRPSR/Cas-mediated genome editing technique. The various CRISPR/Cas systems such as CRISPR/Cas9, CRISPR/nCas9, and CRISPR/Cas12a have been employed to edit cotton genes associated with a wide range of traits including fiber length, flowering, leaf colour, rooting, seed oil, plant architecture, gossypol content, somatic embryogenesis, and biotic and abiotic stresses tolerance, highlighting its effectiveness in editing the cotton genome. Thus, CRISPR/Cas-mediated genome editing has emerged as a technique of choice to tailor crop phenotypes for better yield potential and environmental resilience. The review covers a comprehensive analysis of cotton phenotypic traits and their improvement with the help of the latest genome editing tools to improve fiber, food, feed, and fuel-associated genes of cotton to ensure food security.

Microplastics have emerged as pervasive contaminants, and determining their occurrence in aquafeed is key for evaluating their risks to farmed animals and, by extension, humans. However, knowledge about microplastic in aquafeed is still limited. Herein, we determined microplastic characteristics in aquafeed for five important aquaculture animals with different feeding habits. Aquafeed samples were collected for spotted sea bass, shrimp, grass carp, Tilapia, and frogs from main companies in China. The samples were digested using chemical digestion, and the residuals were subjected to a density separation. Microplastics were identified under the microscope and characterized by their shape, color, size, and polymer type. The results showed that microplastics are highly abundant in the feed of frogs, followed by spotted sea bass, Tilapia, grass carp, and shrimp. We found that feed size contributes to the total microplastic abundance in the feed. Further, microplastics were mainly in microfiber form, and the dominant polymer type was propylene, suggesting that packaging and processing are the main sources of pollution. Additionally, the most abundant size of microplastics was 100–1000 μm. Calculating microplastic ingestion risk, the spotted sea bass had the greatest recorded risk of microplastic ingestion, followed by grass carp, frogs, Tilapia, and shrimp. This study lays a foundational step toward understanding microplastic effects on aquaculture animals and calls for further environmentally relevant laboratory experiments to assess the risk of microplastic ingestion on animals and potential transfer to humans.

Fiber composites must be evaluated to achieve correct use in various fields. Their properties, performance, condition, and integrity can be quickly predicted and optimized by machine learning (ML), after extensive training, compared with experiments and conventional computational simulations. In this document, papers on ML applications in fiber composites were collected and critically reviewed. It was revealed that kind learning environments have been primarily used. Supervised ML has been more frequently used than unsupervised ML, whereas some specific semi–supervised ML (e.g., reinforcement learning) or deep predictive control have been overlooked. Most ML applications have been successful on the laboratory scale and in the short term. Furthermore, the deployment of ML applications has been overlooked. In addition, retroactive feedback from the manufacturing of fiber and polymers to the manufacturing of composite laminates and structures was neglected. Accordingly, a control loop in the chain of manufacturing processes was discussed. Additionally, language processing tools and statistics were used to summarize and analyze the papers. Finally, it was proposed that multiscale modeling using ML and physics is a potential approach to advance predictions for future applications. Therefore, physicochemical interactions (van der Waals or electrostatic) from nanoscale can be included.

The use of natural fiber as composite material is growing rapidly due to excellent characteristics, environmentally friendly quality and low price. For this reason, natural fiber breaks the dominance of synthetic fiber composite previously used in industries, especially in automotive manufacturing. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of fiber orientation on the flexural and tensile strength of water hyacinth-sugarcane fiber composite with epoxy matrix. The composite then be tested as an alternative to doortrim. Fiber orientation applied to specimens was random for sugarcane fiber, but continuous on water hyacinth fiber with angle variants of -45/45, 45/90, 45/45, and 90/90. Specimen standard for flexural test is ASTM D790-15 and ASTM D638-14 for tensile test. The study results show that the highest average value for flexural strength is 51.7 MPa of the 45/90 variant, while the lowest average value of 16.6 MPa is the 45/45 variant. Both 45/90 and -45/45 variants have the highest tensile strength of 30 MPa. The 90/90 variant records the weakest tensil strength value of 20 MPa. The highest flexural and tensile strength values exceed minimum score of the SNI 01-4449-2006 and equal the values of panel assy backdoortrim. This experiment proves that fiber orientation affects mechanical properties of composite materials, especially in terms of flexural or tensile strength.

Abstract Background The present study aimed to evaluate nutritional intake among a group of male patients in the dental clinic with and without periodontal disease to search for associations between nutritional profile and periodontal health. Methods To this purpose, nutritional intake of macronutrients, fiber, vitamins, and minerals were compared evaluating both clinical parameters and periodontal status. Non periodontitis patients were compared with stage III and IV periodontitis and its extension according to the 2017 classification. Results After multivariate analysis, statistically significant associations were found between the dietary intake of energy, total fat, cholesterol, calcium, saturated fat, monounsaturated fat and folic acid and iodine and periodontitis status. This study reports an inverse association between cholesterol and iodine and periodontitis and a direct association with saturated fat, monounsaturated fat, and folic acid. Conclusions Maintaining an adequate intake of fat, iodine, calcium, and cholesterol and avoiding an excessive intake of energy, saturated fat, monounsaturated fat, and folic acid could be important to controlling periodontitis.

Abstract Plant cells are uniquely characterized by exhibiting cell walls, pigments, and phenolic compounds, which can impede microscopic observations by absorbing and scattering light. The concept of clearing was first proposed in the late nineteenth century to address this issue, aiming to render plant specimens transparent using chloral hydrate. Clearing techniques involve chemical procedures that render biological specimens transparent, enabling deep imaging without physical sectioning. Drawing inspiration from clearing techniques for animal specimens, various protocols have been adapted for plant research. These procedures include (i) hydrophobic methods (e.g., Visikol™), (ii) hydrophilic methods (ScaleP and ClearSee), and (iii) hydrogel-based methods (PEA-CLARITY). Initially, clearing techniques for plants were mainly utilized for deep imaging of seeds and leaves of herbaceous plants such as Arabidopsis thaliana and rice. Utilizing cell wall-specific fluorescent dyes for plants and fungi, researchers have documented the post-penetration behavior of plant pathogenic fungi within hosts. State-of-the-art plant clearing techniques, coupled with microbe-specific labeling and high-throughput imaging methods, offer the potential to advance the in planta characterization of plant microbiomes.

The pursuit of compact and integrated devices has stimulated a growing demand for multifunctional sensors with rapid and accurate responses to various physical parameters, either separately or simultaneously. Fluorescent fiber sensors have the advantages of robust stability, light weight, and compact geometry, enabling real-time and noninvasive signal detection by monitoring the fluorescence parameters. Despite substantial progress in fluorescence sensors, achieving multifunctional sensing in a single optical fiber remains challenging. To solve this problem, in this study, we present a bottom-up strategy to design and fabricate thermally drawn multifunctional fiber sensors by incorporating functional nanocrystals with temperature and pressure fluorescence responses into a transparent glass matrix. To generate the desired nanocrystal-in-glass composite (NGC) fiber, the fluorescent activators, incorporated nanocrystals, glassy core materials, and cladding matrix are rationally designed. Utilizing the fluorescence intensity ratio technique, a self-calibrated fiber sensor is demonstrated, with a bi-functional response to temperature and pressure. For temperature sensing, the NGC fiber exhibits temperature-dependent near-infrared emission at temperatures up to 573 K with a maximum absolute sensitivity of 0.019 K−1. A pressure-dependent upconversion emission is also realized in the visible spectral region, with a linear slope of -0.065. The successful demonstration of multifunctional NGC fiber sensors provides an efficient pathway for new paradigms of multifunctional sensors as well as a versatile strategy for future hybrid fibers with novel combinations of magnetic, optical, and mechanical properties.

Nowadays there are many attempts for sustainable development due to rapid industrialization. In this context, thymol and carvacrol, which are obtained from many plants, are highly promising components in many industries due to their multifunctionalities. However, their water insolubility, instability, and volatility are significant drawbacks that must be addressed. To overcome these issues, they are commonly incorporated into fibrous structures for applications in the food and human health-related industries. With advances in technology, thymol/carvacrol containing fibrous structures have been generated using various techniques, widening their applications in the related fields. While their anti-bacterial properties have been widely exploited in various applications, this review article covers their anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-septic, anti-cancer, anti-microbial (anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-biofilm, and anti-viral), anti-parasitic (insecticidal, anti-malaria, anti-acaricidal (anti-mite and anti-tick), anti-toxoplasmosis, and anti-leishmaniasis) properties, considering all the broadened applications of thymol/carvacrol containing fibrous structures. Ever-increasing food and human health-related incidences will accelerate the uttermost exploitation of all functionalities of thymol and carvacrol in multifaceted ways. Nanoscale containers and fibrous structures will be the pioneers for finding new and more effective applications of thymol and carvacrol. For example, they could find applications not only in packaging for market shelves but also in entire food chain, including plant protection in agriculture (pre-harvest and post-harvest), transportation, and storage of food/crop. Fibrous structures containing thymol/carvacrol will also enable new and diverse applications in hygiene & preventive care, comfort & well-being in addition to wound healing and tissue engineering in the human health. A detailed future perspective is provided related to all these applications.

Abstract Background Consumption of dietary fiber has been suggested as an important aspect of a healthy diet to reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS), including cardiovascular disease. The role of fiber intake in MetS might differ by individual genetic susceptibility. APOA5 encodes a regulator of plasma triglyceride levels, which impacts the related mechanisms of MetS. This study investigated the association between dietary fiber and the risk of MetS, assessing their associations according to APOA5 genetic variants. Methods A total of 1985 participants aged 30–55 years were included from a cross-sectional study based on the Korean Medicine Daejeon Citizen Cohort study at baseline (2017–2019). Dietary fiber intake was measured using a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. The APOA5 polymorphisms (rs2266788 A > G, rs662799 A > G, and rs651821 T > C) were genotyped using the Asia Precision Medicine Research Array. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Results A higher consumption of dietary fiber was associated with a lower prevalence of MetS (P = 0.025). Among the components of MetS, an inverse association with dietary fiber was observed in increased waist circumference (OR, 95% CI = 0.60, 0.41–0.88, P for trend = 0.009) and elevated triglycerides (OR, 95% CI = 0.69, 0.50–0.96, P for trend = 0.012). Regarding the interaction with APOA5 genetic variants, a stronger association with dietary fiber intake was shown in G allele carriers of rs662799 than in A/A carriers (OR, 95% CI = 2.34, 1.59–3.44, P for interaction = 0.024) and in C allele carriers of rs651821 than in T/T carriers (OR, 95% CI = 2.35, 1.59–3.46, P for interaction = 0.027). Conclusions The findings of this study suggest that the benefits of dietary fiber on the risk of MetS could be modified by genetic variants of the APOA5 gene, providing a more effective strategy for preventing MetS.

Wearing hats and caps in sunny areas to protect from sunrays is frequent in hot areas or as a requirement for fashion lines, especially in summer and spring times. A number of fabrics were woven, their permeability properties were measured, and the extent to which they protected hair from airborne dust and sunlight, by measuring the porosity of the tested fabrics. The best tested fabrics for permeability and porosity were selected and coated with copolymer to increase protection from the sun's rays by measuring the sun protection factor (UPF) using diffuse transmission spectrophotometer. Cap was designed using Gerber software. The results showed that choosing the appropriate fabrics in the manufacture of hats and caps prevents damage to the hair.

ABSTRAK Kulit buah naga merah mengandung serat, antioksidan, dan antimikroba yang cukuptinggi sehingga apabila digunakanpadapembuatanmi basah dapat memperkaya kandungan nutrisi dan memperpanjang umur simpanmi basah.Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh penggunaankulit buah naga merah dalam bentuk sari terhadap kadar serat kasar, daya simpan, karakteristik sensoris pada mi basah.Penelitian dirancang menggunakan Rancangan Acak Lengkap terdiri dari 5 ulangan dan 4 perlakuan yakni penggunaan sari dengan konsentrasi 0% (P0); 30% (P1); 60% (P2); dan 90% (P3). Sampel mi basah dengan perlakuan P3memberikan hasilterbaik dengan kadar serat kasar sebesar 2.10%, daya simpan selama 43.2 jam, tekstur kenyal serta berwarna merah muda. Peningkatan konsentrasi sari yang digunakan meningkatkan kandungan kadar serat kasar, daya simpan, dan daya terima panelis terhadap produk mi basah. Kata kunci: Daya simpan, Kulit buah naga merah, Mi basah, Serat ABSTRACT Red dragon fruit peel contains high fiber, antioxidants, and antimicrobials, so when used in making wet noodles, it can enrich the nutritional content and extend the shelf life of wet noodles. The purpose of this research was to determine the effect of using red dragon fruit peel in the form of juice on crude fiber content, shelf life, and sensory characteristics of wet noodles. This research was designed using a completely randomized design consisting of 5 replicates and 4 treatments, namely the use of juice with a concentration of 0% (P0); 30% (P1); 60% (P2); and 90% (P3). Samples wet noodles with P3 treatment experienced the best treatment with crude fiber content of 2.10%, shelf life for 43.2 hours, chewy texture and pink color. Increasing the concentration of juice used increases the crude fiber content, shelf life, and panelist acceptance of wet noodles products. Keywords: Shelf life, Fiber, Red dragon fruit peel, Wet noodles

Palm oil processing in the industry produces products and waste; the waste generated from the palm oil processing process will have a negative impact on the environment if it is not processed. Oil palm empty fruit bunches are lignocellulosic solid wastes that contain cellulose, lignin, and hemicellulose content, so they have the potential to be raw materials for making bioethanol. In the process of producing bioethanol, delignification is an early stage that aims to reduce the lignin content in lignocellulosic materials with alkaline or alkaline pretreatment solutions such as the use of NaOH can be used to help separate lignin from cellulose fibers. This study aimed to analyze the effect of NaOH concentration and delignification temperature on the lignocellulosic content of oil palm empty fruit bunches. The research method was arranged descriptively with two treatments: the concentration of NaOH consisting of 3%, 4%, and 5%, and the heating temperature consisting of 100 oC, 110 oC, and 120 oC. Lignocellulosic content can be calculated using the Chesson method analysis with the Microsoft Excel 2016 application as a data processor. The results showed that 1 M NaOH concentration with heating temperature had an effect on the observations of hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin. The best treatment of 1 M NaOH concentration and heating temperature on hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin was produced by the treatment of 5% NaOH concentration with a heating temperature of 120 0C.

The rates of in vivo bioresorption of composite monofilaments based on polylactide (PLA) containing chitin nanofibrils of two types (pure chitin (CN) or chitin modified with poly(ethylene glycol) (CN-PEG)) or silver nanoparticles stabilized with poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) (Poviargol) were studied. The in vivo bioresorption rate and its dependence on the degree of orientational drawing of the samples (which varied from 1 in non-oriented samples to 4 in oriented samples) were investigated up to 12 months after implantation. Bioresorption of the samples was monitored using differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, and mechanical tests. Using the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) method, it was shown that there is a gradual decrease in molecular weight due to a decrease in the temperatures of phase transitions and changes in peak shapes. It has also been shown that the addition of fillers containing water-soluble polymers accelerates the bioresorption of composite sutures. A thread made from pure PLA lost half its strength by the 9th month of implantation, whereas for threads with the addition of CNPEG or Poviargol, this happened after 3.5 months. This causes leaching of water-soluble agents and changes in the supramolecular structure of the filament. This study shows the promise of using these composite threads as a suture material.

Abstract In recent years, wearable electrochemical biosensors have received increasing attention, benefiting from the growing demand for continuous monitoring for personalized medicine and point‐of‐care medical assistance. Incorporating electrochemical biosensing and corresponding power supply into everyday textiles could be a promising strategy for next‐generation non‐invasive and comfort interaction mode with healthcare. This review starts with the manufacturing and structural design of electrochemical biosensing textiles and discusses a series of wearable electrochemical biosensing textiles monitoring various biomarkers (e.g., pH, electrolytes, metabolite, and cytokines) at the molecular level. The fiber‐shaped or textile‐based solar cells and aqueous batteries as corresponding energy harvesting and storage devices are further introduced as a complete power supply for electrochemical biosensing textiles. Finally, we discuss the challenges and prospects relating to sensing textile systems from wearability, durability, washability, sample collection and analysis, and clinical validation.

Gravitropism is an adaptive reaction of plants associated with the ability of various plant organs to be located and to grow in a certain direction relative to the gravity vector, while usually the asymmetric distribution of the phytohormone auxin is a necessary condition for the gravitropical bending of plant organs. Earlier, we described significant morphological changes in phloem fibers with a thickened cell wall located on different sides of the stem in the area of the gravitropic curvature. The present study is the first work devoted to the identification of genes encoding auxin transporters in cells at different stages of development and during gravity response. In this study, the flax genes encoding the AUX1/LAX, PIN-FORMED, PIN-LIKES, and ABCB auxin transporters were identified. A comparative analysis of the expression of these genes in flax phloem fibers at different stages of development revealed increased expression of some of these genes at the stage of intrusive growth (LusLAX2 (A, B), LuxPIN1-D, LusPILS7 (C, D)), at the early stage of tertiary cell wall formation (LusAUX1 (A, D), LusABCB1 (A, B), LusABCB15-A, LusPIN1 (A, B), LusPIN4-A, and LusPIN5-A), and at the late stage of tertiary cell wall development (LusLAX3 (A, B)). It was shown that in the course of gravitropism, the expression of many genes, including those responsible for the influx of auxin in cells (LusAUX1-D), in the studied families increased. Differential expression of auxin transporter genes was revealed during gravity response in fibers located on different sides of the stem (upper (PUL) and lower (OPP)). The difference was observed due to the expression of genes, the products of which are responsible for auxin intracellular transport (LusPILS3, LusPILS7-A) and its efflux (LusABCB15-B, LusABCB19-B). It was noted that the increased expression of PIN genes and ABCB genes was more typical of fibers on the opposite side. The results obtained allow us to make an assumption about the presence of differential auxin content in the fibers of different sides of gravistimulated flax plants, which may be determined by an uneven outflow of auxin. This study gives an idea of auxin carriers in flax and lays the foundation for further studies of their functions in the development of phloem fiber and in gravity response.

A series of experiments was conducted to study the performance and mechanisms of Cemented Ultrafine Tailings Backfill (CUTB). Firstly, the optimum fiber type was selected by single factor multilevel test. Secondly, the effects of cement content, rice husk ash content, fiber content and fiber length on backfill properties were analyzed by orthogonal test and microstructure test, and the influence mechanism of fiber and rice husk ash content was revealed. Finally, fuzzy mathematics theory is used to optimize the ratio parameters. The results show, compared to glass and basalt fiber, polypropylene fiber yields the most substantial enhancement in backfill strength. The increase of cement content, polypropylene fiber content and length can reduce slump, but the change of rice husk ash content has no obvious effect. Increased cement or fiber content effectively restrained the formation of primary fractures in CUTB, thus enhancing its integrity. Adding an optimal dosage range of 0–4 % of rice husk ash boosted the early compressive strength, albeiting at the expense of later compressive strength. Fiber addition with the optimum content range between 0.1 and 0.4 % enhanced the strengthening effect of cement content on compressive strength. Fiber primarily enhances the macroscopic strength of backfill through the dispersion and co-loading of forces, whereas rice husk ash enhances strength by optimizing void structure distribution. The optimal ratio parameters of a cement content of 310 kg/m³, rice husk ash content of 8.0 %, fiber content of 0.4 %, and fiber length of 9 mm were proposed finally.

The utilization of coal gangue (CG) as a substitute for cement in building materials offers an effective solution to mitigate resource wastage and environmental pollution caused by CG accumulation while also reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. This paper employs orthogonal experiments to examine the effects of CG content, water/binder ratio (w/b), and foam content on the mechanical, thermal insulation, and durability properties of coal gangue foam concrete (CGFC). Additionally, we explored the properties of CGFC incorporating organic agricultural waste. Microscopic analyses focused on phase composition, morphology, and pore structure, providing crucial insights into how these experimental factors affect FC properties. The results indicate that foam content significantly impacts the mechanical properties of the concrete, while the w/b ratio is critical for its thermal insulation and water absorption capabilities. Introducing agricultural waste fibers notably enhances thermal insulation and freeze-thaw durability. Specifically, adding 1 % of 15 mm processed straw fibers (PST) optimally improved CGFC performance by creating a stronger bond with the hydration products. Preparing FC using inorganic coal gangue and organic solid waste is essential for effective waste management and the development of energy-efficient insulation applications in the construction sector.

Flax is a versatile crop grown for its fiber and seed oil. Despite extensive conservation efforts in Ethiopia, the genetic potential of flax accessions conserved in the gene bank remains largely underexplored for fiber and seed yield. Here, we aimed to assess the genetic variability and association of morpho-agronomic traits and identify potential accessions for fiber and seed yield among 150 flax accessions. The study was conducted at Holeta Agricultural Research Center during 2022/23 growing season using an augmented design. Data were collected on flowering and maturity dates, plant and technical height, basal and secondary branch, boll and seed numbers, 1000-seed weight, and yield. Results revealed significant variation both between blocks and within treatments, with flowering time, maturity, plant height, boll number, seed weight, and yield contributing for the highest variability (58.7%). Cluster analysis revealed nine distinct genetic groups, each exhibiting specific trait patterns. Seed yield had strong associations with maturity, plant height, and boll number. High broad-sense heritability for days to flowering, plant height, and yield traits suggests selection could be effective based on phenotypic expressions. The study highlights the potential of Ethiopian flax genetic diversity for enhancing fiber and seed yield, suggesting effective selection based on key traits.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic and progressive autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS), with both genetic and environmental factors contributing to the pathobiology of the disease. While human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes have emerged as the strongest genetic factor, consensus on environmental risk factors are lacking. Recently, trillions of microbes residing in our gut (microbiome) have emerged as a potential environmental factor linked with the pathobiology of MS as PwMS show gut microbial dysbiosis (altered gut microbiome). Thus, there has been a strong emphasis on understanding the factors (host and environmental) regulating the composition of the gut microbiota and the mechanism(s) through which gut microbes contribute to MS disease, especially through immune system modulation. A better understanding of these interactions will help harness the enormous potential of the gut microbiota as a therapeutic approach to treating MS.

Industrial hemp cultivation was restricted years ago in most countries, thus wiping out centuries of science and genetic resources. It is only since the 1990s that hemp has been experiencing its renaissance, which is nowadays driven by new cultivation strategies. The objective of review was to compile and summarize the latest hemp research and achievements. The focus was on research from 2018 to 2023. VOSviewer software was used to define the main research areas and trends. Most articles were discussed, among others determination average yield loss due to water stress (8.7 Mg ha−1) and due to low temperatures (0.4 Mg ha−1); yield increase up to 25% achieving by rejecting the smallest seeds; or definition the optimum dose of sewage sludge application (25 Mg ha−1). Regarding composition and properties: identification caflanone flavonoid (selective activity against certain neoplasms); determination of 71 compounds (monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes and CBs) in the EO; determination antioxidant capacity of EO (63 mg TE g−1 and 438 mg TE g−1); or comparison the content of EO from monoicous, female and male inflorescences (0.10%, 0.15% and 0.07% respectively). The current possibilities of using, e.g. for phytoremediation or for bioenergy, were presented. Also knowledge gaps and the areas for future research were identified.

In recent years, functional foods have gained attention for their potential health benefits beyond basic nutrition, serving as rich sources of proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and dietary fiber. Enriched with bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, tannins, flavonoids, and alkaloids, these foods have shown promise in inhibiting cell signaling pathways related to proliferation, communication, and apoptosis. Key components in functional foods offer health benefits. Omega-3 fatty acids scavenge free radicals, reducing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer. Antioxidants in foods such as sesame seed oil promote cardiovascular health and have anti-inflammatory effects. Curcumin inhibits cancer by suppressing inflammatory cytokines. Understanding their mechanisms of action is crucial for realizing therapeutic benefits. However, identifying suitable bioactive substances and comprehending their role in disease prevention are challenging. As we enter the functional food era, this review aims to present the current state of functional foods and nutraceuticals, exploring their applications for human wellness. Recognizing nutrition's individualized nature of nutrition is a central theme, emphasizing the importance of tailored dietary recommendations based on diverse responses to these functional elements, ensuring that personalized approaches are aligned with individual health goals.

ABSTRACTDemand for alpaca fiber is subject to an increase, which is due to its beneficial properties. The study aimed to determine the differences in physical and mechanical properties, as well as heat insulation properties of alpaca fibers differing in color. The research material consisted of Huacaya alpaca fiber samples of white (W), light fawn (LF), medium fawn (MF), dark fawn (DF), and black (BLK) colors. The following properties were examined: diameter, comfort factor (CF), breaking force, elongation at break, tenacity and heat transfer rate. The finest fibers were found in W and DF fleece, while the coarsest ones in MF. CF was the highest in DF fibers. Breaking force LF varied between 6.4 (DF) and 11.7 cN (BLK), while elongation at break was 43.6 (LF) to 54.7% (BLK). No significant differences were found in case of tenacity. The best insulation properties were found for DF fibers. Correlations were confirmed between diameter and mechanical properties, and they differed slightly depending on colors.

ABSTRACTAs a tropical fruit, the banana is one of the favorite fruits, and the banana herb only bears fruit once in its lifespan; it is chopped off after harvesting, and only 40% of it is adequately utilized, leaving the remaining 60% as trash rich in cellulose, hemicellulose, and natural fibers. The pseudostem accounts for 75% of the waste, with the rest accounting for 25%. The purpose of this paper is to raise important awareness about the bioactive chemicals found in banana pseudostems hence they can be considered as sustainable foods and their applications as culinary raw materials and in other sectors. Even though bulk waste is biodegradable, it causes many problems in our environment, so sustainable waste usage with proper management and utilization of the residues can not only help in the utilization of the bioactive and nutrient compounds present but also increase the economic and environmental issues associated with the problem. The banana pseudostem is used in various businesses as culinary ingredients, fibers, and hazardous removers. Even when used for heavy metal treatment in wastewater, the fiber in it is strong enough to manufacture cardboard and food packaging materials. Some pseudostem types can even be extracted for pectin and used as food additives. The powdered pseudostem is used to boost the nutritional content of numerous recipes. In summary, the banana pseudostem can be divided into two first the central core part that can be used as food raw material and other outer sheaths in various different industries.

In recent years, O-band bismuth-doped fiber amplifier (BDFA) have been rapidly developed due to the fluorescence properties of bismuth-doped glass in the near-infrared (NIR) band, while there are still few studies on bismuth-doped fibers (BDF) with large mode fields as of now. In addition, although the use of a double-pass structure on the amplifier can lead to gain improvement, this also deteriorates the noise figure (NF). Therefore, the study of bismuth-doped fibers with large mode-field areas is a promising path to develop high-performance BDFA. In this work, taking a commercial bismuth-doped fiber as an instance, we first measured the refractive index distribution of the BDF in the O-band using a self-developed fiber refractive index tester, and thereby obtained its actual mode-field area. Then, based on this we further propose an irregular Bragg bismuth-doped fiber with the refractive index growing layer by layer. The results suggests that the effective mode-field area of this fiber reaches 401 um2 at 1320 nm, which is nearly 5.8 times that of a common single-mode BDF. Finally, we performed numerical simulations of the amplification performance based on this fiber. Under the condition of total pumping power of 8 W, the signal with −20 dBm input power obtains a gain of more than 54 dB and an NF of less than 5 dB at 1320 nm wavelength. This work demonstrates the great potential of this Bragg bismuth-doped fiber as an O-band high-gain amplifier and high-power laser.

Aquatic environments can be severely harsh, so structures need suitable materials to endure them. Among the materials promising for aquatic environments are cementitious composites; however, their ability to withstand degrading environments should be evaluated. This study aims to evaluate cementitious composite's mechanical and fracture behavior with seven mix designs in three aquatic environments submerged in fresh and saltwater and exposed to a simulated offshore tidal-splash regime. Environmental exposure durations were chosen as 28, 90, and 365 days. Cementitious composites were developed with glass, PVA, and PP fibers. The results show materials with different behaviors, from fully brittle (without fiber) to strain-hardening (made of PVA and PP fibers). In the simulated splash zone environment, up to 25% strength degradation is seen in the most severe conditions. Among the parameters, fracture indexes are reduced more severely. The failure patterns were investigated, some SEM photos were presented, and some statistical evaluations (including trends and correlations) were presented.

The use of Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastics (GFRP) bars in coastal concrete structures can effectively prevent steel reinforcement corrosion, but research on the evolution of their performance in seawater and alkaline concrete environments is lacking. The analysis of the degradation process and mechanism of GFRP is thoroughly conducted in this paper through various characterization methods of morphology, mechanics, and material tests. Furthermore, the degradation law of GFRP in various erosion environments is assessed via multi-dimensional indexes. The findings indicate that the erosion of GFRP in an alkaline environment result in the debonding of resin and fiber, thereby causing the formation of cracks. As the erosion age and OH- concentration increase, the size of the cracks expands. Since the dissolution rate of the resin composed as part of GFRP is very low, the salt in seawater has minimal impact on the degradation of GFRP. Vickers hardness of the fiber with age decreased linearly and remained unchanged. Meanwhile, Vickers hardness of the resin with age can be divided into three stages: linear decline stage, linear rise stage, and stabilization stage. Under the erosive conditions, a hydrolysis reaction of the resin occurs resulting in the shortening of its molecular chain. The increase of alkalinity in GFRP attributed to the rising of O-H to C-H chemical bond ratio in the environment leads to the debonding of the fiber and resin. As a result, the resin flows out, and the hydrolysis rate slowly increased first, then accelerated, and finally stabilized.

Abstract Background Currently available behavioral and dietary weight‐loss programs lack magnitude and sustainability compared with bariatric surgery. A novel dietary weight‐loss program was developed to assist participants in achieving sustainable diet changes by building knowledge and skills in food self‐selection. Although the approach worked, a large variation was observed in outcome among participants. Objective Determine factors affecting weight‐loss outcomes among participants to further improve the efficacy of the program. Methods Participants attended 19 dietary educational sessions during a 1‐year intervention which included prescribed homework. Changes in weight, diet, and body composition were assessed. Results Participants (n = 22) achieved mean body weight loss of −6.49(8.37%, p 5% of initial bodyweight; two reached a Body Mass Index 25 kg/m2. A large divergence in weight loss among participants was observed; successful (n = 9) achieved −12.9(9.6)% while unsuccessful achieved −2.03(2.78)%. Dietary protein and fiber density by 24‐h records showed a significant and inverse correlation with weight loss (%) throughout the program. Weight loss at 3 months and 12 months showed a strong correlation (r = 0.84). Participants with self‐reported depression lost significantly less weight than those without depression at 12 months (p

ABSTRACT The composition of the human gut microbiome varies tremendously among individuals, making the effects of dietary or treatment interventions difficult to detect and characterize. The consumption of fiber is important for gut health, yet the specific effects of increased fiber intake on the gut microbiome vary across studies. The variation in study outcomes might be due to inter-individual (or inter-population) variation or to the details of the interventions including the types of fiber, length of study, size of cohort, and molecular approaches. Thus, to identify generally (on average) consistent fiber-induced responses in the gut microbiome of healthy individuals, we re-analyzed 16S rRNA sequencing data from 21 dietary fiber interventions from 12 human studies, which included 2,564 fecal samples from 538 subjects across all interventions. Short-term increases in dietary fiber consumption resulted in highly consistent gut bacterial community responses across studies. Increased fiber consumption explained an average of 1.5% of compositional variation (vs 82% of variation attributed to the individual), reduced alpha-diversity, and resulted in phylogenetically conserved responses in relative abundances among bacterial taxa. Additionally, we identified bacterial clades, at approximately the genus level, that were highly consistent in their response (on average, increasing or decreasing in their relative abundance) to dietary fiber interventions across the studies.IMPORTANCEOur study is an example of the power of synthesizing and reanalyzing 16S rRNA microbiome data from many intervention studies. Despite high inter-individual variation of the composition of the human gut microbiome, dietary fiber interventions cause a consistent response both in the degree of change and the particular taxa that respond to increased fiber.