High Mass Research Articles

Global burden and cross-country inequalities in diseases associated with high body mass index from 1990 to 2019: Result from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019.

High body mass index (BMI) has gradually become an increased risk factor for the global burden of diseases (GBD). As the disease burden and the number of elders globally increase, it is crucial for policymakers to realise the associations between high BMI and disease burden worldwide in a timely manner and to develop effective interventions for different countries and ages. We used the GBD 2019 database to analyse the deaths and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) in the disease burden associated with high BMI and indicated the health inequality at the global, regional, and national levels. We applied the slope index of inequality and concentration index, two standard metrics of absolute and relative gradient inequality recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), to quantify the distributive inequalities in the burden of diseases associated with high BMI. These rates were reported per 100 000 population as crude incidence rates, death rates, and DALYs rates. All the estimates were generated with a 95% uncertainty interval (UIs). Globally, we revealed that an estimated age-standardised mortality rate associated with high BMI is 6.26 million (95% UIs = 3.99, 8.91). The age-standardised DALYs rate is 19.32 million (95% UIs = 12.77, 26.40), and the global population attributable fraction was 9% (95% UIs = 5, 12) in 2019. The largest number of high-BMI-related deaths in women mainly concentrated in the age group of 65-79 years, whereas the largest number in men was in the age group of 60-69 years. The age-standardised DALYs rate of diseases associated with high BMI was larger in the high-middle and middle socio-demographic index (SDI) (population attributable fraction (PAF) = 11 and PAF = 9) regions than those with high SDI (PAF = 1) and low SDI (PAF = 5) regions. In this study, our results showed that the disease burden of global deaths and DALYs associated with high BMI has substantially increased between 1990-2019. Furthermore, we demonstrated that countries with higher SDI development levels shoulders higher burden of diseases associated with high BMI. Future policies to prevent and reduce the burden should be developed and implemented based on country-specific development status.

Global trends in ischemic stroke burden attributable to high BMI.

We aimed to assess the worldwide burden of ischemic stroke (IS) associated with high body mass index (BMI) using data from the Global Burden of Disease 2019. This study examined the impact of high BMI on IS-related age-standardized death rates (ASDR) and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Estimated annual percentage changes (EAPC) is estimated annual percentage change. Trends were assessed using EAPCs. Over the past 3 decades, there has been a declining trend in the global burden of IS associated with high BMI, especially in Western Europe (EAPC = -3.09 for DALYs) and high-income Asia Pacific (EAPC = -4.6 for ASDR). However, certain developing regions, notably Southeast Asia, have experienced significant increases in ASDR (EAPC = 3.7) and age-standardized DALY rates (EAPC = 3.64). The most substantial increase in burden was observed in Southeast Asia for both males (EAPC = 3.85) and females (EAPC = 3.53). Importantly, the burden was most pronounced in regions with low to middle sociodemographic index. The rising disease burden linked to high BMI is largely due to insufficient medical infrastructure and ineffective public health policies in the region. Urgent action is needed from decision-makers to improve these areas and implement effective interventions. This study reveals a consistent global decline in IS related to high BMI, with a more significant burden observed in males under the age of 65, particularly in Southeast Asia, where increases in IS associated with high BMI are notable. Public health officials and global policymakers need timely and reliable quantitative data. This information is essential for implementing effective behavioral interventions, such as monitoring diet and physical activity, to address identified risk factors and reduce the burden of high BMI.

Weight-based disparities in perinatal care: quantitative findings of respect, autonomy, mistreatment, and body mass index in a national Canadian survey

BackgroundQualitative studies document episodes of weight-related disrespectful care, particularly for people with high body mass index (BMI ≥ 30) and reveal implicit and explicit biases in health care providers. No large quantitative studies document the pervasiveness of weight stigma or if experiences change with increasing BMI.MethodsThe multi-stakeholder RESPCCT study team designed and distributed a cross-sectional survey on the experiences of perinatal services in all provinces and territories in Canada. From July 2020 to August 2021, participants who had a pregnancy within ten years responded to closed and open-ended questions. Chi square analysis assessed differences in mean scores derived from three patient-reported experience measures of autonomy (MADM), respect (MOR), and mistreatment (MIST). Controlling for socio-demographic factors, multivariate logistic regression analysis explored relationships between different BMI categories and respectful care.ResultsOf 4,815 Canadians who participated, 3,280 with a BMI of ≥ 18.5 completed all the questions. Pre-pregnancy BMI was significantly associated with race/ethnicity, income sufficiency, and education but not with age. Individuals with higher BMIs were more likely to experience income insufficiency, have lower levels of education, and more frequently self-identified as Indigenous or White. Those with BMI ≥ 35 exhibited notably higher odds of reduced autonomy (MADM) scores, with an unadjusted odds ratio of 1.62 and an adjusted odds ratio of 1.45 compared to individuals with a normal weight. Individuals with BMIs of 25–25.9, 30–34.9, and ≥ 35 exhibited odds of falling into the lower tercile of respect (MOR) scores of 1.34, 1.51, and 2.04, respectively (p < .01). The odds of reporting higher rates of mistreatment (top 33% MIST scores) increased as BMI increased.ConclusionsWhile socio-demographic factors like race and income play significant roles in influencing perinatal care experiences, BMI remains a critical determinant even after accounting for these variables. This study reveals pronounced disparities in the provision of respectful perinatal care to pregnant individuals with higher BMIs in Canada. Data suggest that those with higher BMIs face disrespect, discrimination, and mistreatment. Identification of implicit and explicit weight bias may give providers insight enabling them to provide more respectful care.

Lateral Mn5Ge3 spin-valve in contact with a high-mobility Ge two-dimensional hole gas

Abstract Ge two-dimensional hole gases (2DHG) in strained modulation-doped quantum-wells represent a promising material platform for future spintronic applications due to their excellent spin transport properties and the theoretical possibility of efficient spin manipulation. Due to the continuous development of epitaxial growth recipes extreme high hole mobilities and low effective masses can be achieved, promising an efficient spin transport. Furthermore, the Ge 2DHG can be integrated in the well-established industrial complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) devices technology. However, efficient electrical spin injection into a Ge 2DHG—an essential prerequisite for the realization of spintronic devices—has not yet been demonstrated. In this work, we report the fabrication and low-temperature magnetoresistance (MR) measurements of a laterally structured Mn5Ge3/Ge 2DHG/ Mn5Ge3 device. The ferromagnetic Mn5Ge3 contacts are grown directly into the Ge quantum well by means of an interdiffusion process with a spacing of approximately 130 nm, forming a direct electrical contact between the ferromagnetic metal and the Ge 2DHG. Here, we report for the first time a clear MR signal for temperatures below 13 K possibly arising from successful spin injection into the high mobility Ge 2DHG. The results represent a step forward toward the realization of CMOS compatible spintronic devices based on a 2DHG.

DART isotope dilution high resolution mass spectrometry and 19F-NMR detection of fluorotelomeric alcohols in hydrolyzed food contact paper

Fluorotelomer-based acrylate polymers and surfactants used to grease-proof food contact paper (FCP) are potential sources of dietary exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Food contact substances (FCS) containing polyfluorinated long-chains (≥C8) were voluntarily removed by their manufacturers from the U.S. market in 2011 due to health concerns and largely replaced with FCSs containing short-chain (≤C7) PFAS. In 2020, FDA findings of potential biopersistence of 6:2 FTOH (CF3(CF2)5CH2CH2OH) similarly prompted an additional voluntarily phase-out of FCSs containing 6:2 FTOH by their manufacturers that was completed by the end of 2023. To monitor the phase-out process, a screening method was developed to detect FCPs containing ester-linked polyfluorinated pendant chains. Direct Analysis in Real Time-Isotope Dilution-High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (DART-ID-HRMS) enabled rapid semi-quantitative detection of 6:2 FTOH in FCP saponification reaction headspace without requiring sample concentration or chromatography. 19F-NMR analysis confirmed 6:2 FTOH pendant chain identity and detection dependence on saponification. The speed and specificity of this approach arise from ester saponification in the presence of stable isotopically labeled 6:2 FTOH; high FTOH differential volatility relative to nonfluorinated matrix, and the facile production of FTOH gas-phase anions (e.g., [M + O2]·−, [M-H + CO2]−) under ambient ionization conditions. The efficiency of this simple workflow makes it well-suited for monitoring the phase-out of FCS containing ester-linked polyfluorinated chains from the U.S. marketplace.

In Situ Construction of PANI/SHG/CNT Composite Electrodes with High Mass Loading for Flexible Supercapacitors by Rapid Frozen Interfacial Polymerization

In Situ Construction of PANI/SHG/CNT Composite Electrodes with High Mass Loading for Flexible Supercapacitors by Rapid Frozen Interfacial Polymerization

HighSpin-State Modulation of Catalytic Centers by Weak Ligand Field for Promoting Sulfur Redox Reaction in Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

The spin state of transition-metal compounds in lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) significantly impacts the electronic properties and the kinetics of sulfur redox reactions (SRR). However, accurately designing the spin state remains challenging, which is crucial for understanding the structure-performance relationship and developing high-performance electrocatalysts. Herein, the CoF2, specifically the Co2+ with 3d7 electrons in a high-spin state distribution (t2g5eg2), were tailored predictably for the first time through the weak coordination field effect of the F element. Both DFT calculations and experimental results confirm that the spin state of Co2+ transitions from low- to high-spin configurations and strongly interacts with sulfur species through Co-S and Li-F bonds during the SRR process. This interaction weakens the S-S bond, promoting its facile cleavage from both ends while also facilitating the rapid and uniform nucleation of Li2S2/Li2S, thus resulting in LSBs with a capacity of 447.7 mAh g-1 at 10 C rates and stable cycling for 1000 cycles, with an acceptable practical capacity of 585 mAh g-1 at a high sulfur loading mass of 10 mg cm-2. This work achieves rational control of the active Co2+ d electron state through the field effect and enriches the application of spin control to accelerate SRR in LSBs.

Interfacial Electric Field Enhanced Free-Standing VO2/rGO Aerogel Anode with Ultra High Mass Energy Density for Aqueous Ammonium Ion Battery.

Aqueous batteries have become a promising means of energy storage due to its environmental friendliness. Nevertheless, it often exhibits limited energy density that hinder their application. Considering that ammonium ion (NH4 +) has a low mass and a small hydration radius, aqueous ammonium ion batteries (AAIBs) are expected to solve the problem of low energy density. Herein, we obtain Vanadium dioxide/reduced graphene oxide aerogel (VOGA) by in-situ growth of VO2 on the graphene surface for interfacial electric field enhanced AAIBs to achieve high mass energy density. The VOGA free-standing electrode achieves a specific capacity of up to 655 mAg-1 at a current density of 0.5 Ag-1. And the mass energy density of the VOGA.

A hand-held in-situ nucleic acid detection device based on dual-function GHz acoustofluidic resonator

Microfluidic-based nucleic acid testing (NAT) has been proven as an alternative approach for in-situ and rapid NA detection. However, these on-chip methods still require complex peripherals, which contradict the purpose of point-of-care (POC) applications. One of the major challenges is the integration of NA purification and amplification in a miniaturized setup with high mass and heat transfer efficiency. Here, we propose a hand-held in-situ nucleic acid detection device featuring a dual-functional GHz acoustofluidic resonator. The device is designed to utilize GHz acoustic streaming and acoustothermal effects to address both liquid mixing and heating issues, ensuring uniform reaction conditions and consistent thermal management in the microfluidic channel. By replacing traditional magnetic beads with polystyrene beads as matrix for solid-phase microextraction, the redundant washing and elution steps are eliminated, thereby simplifying the NA extraction process. The mixing and heating functions can be seamlessly switched by adjusting the applied power, thereby enhancing NA processing without the need for additional peripherals. The developed hand-held NAT apparatus achieved a detection limit of 10³ copies per milliliter in complex plasma samples within 35 min. Our method simplifies workflows, improves NA retention, and is suitable for processing complex biological samples, making it ideal for POC and in-field testing applications.

High-κ monocrystalline dielectrics for low-power two-dimensional electronics.

The downscaling of complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor technology has produced breakthroughs in electronics, but more extreme scaling has hit a wall of device performance degradation. One key challenge is the development of insulators with high dielectric constant, wide bandgap and high tunnel masses. Here, we show that two-dimensional monocrystalline gadolinium pentoxide, which is devised through combining particle swarm optimization algorithm and theoretical calculations and synthesized via van der Waals epitaxy, could exhibit a high dielectric constant of ~25.5 and a wide bandgap simultaneously. A desirable equivalent oxide thickness down to 1 nm with an ultralow leakage current of ~10-4 A cm-2 even at 5 MV cm-1 is achieved. The molybdenum disulfide transistors gated by gadolinium pentoxide exhibit high on/off ratios over 108 and near-Boltzmann-limit subthreshold swing at an operation voltage of 0.5 V. We also constructed inverter circuits with high gain and nanowatt power consumption. This reliable approach to integrating ultrathin monocrystalline insulators paves the way to future nanoelectronics.

Simulation of Space Charge Effects in Fourier Transform Quadrupole Ion Traps (FT-QITs).

We present ion dynamics simulations regarding the effect of space charge on the performance of Fourier transform quadrupole ion traps (FT-QITs) with special attention to signal stability, mass resolving power, and sensitivity. Ion trajectory simulations within an idealized QIT geometry are performed by applying a dedicated application (QITSim) using an in-house developed open simulation framework (IDSimF). Image current detection transients are generated by the application and are subsequently transformed into frequency spectra of ion secular motion. Such frequency spectra are the basis for the calculation of mass spectra in FT-QIT instruments. The simulation results are used to assess the extent of space charge induced effects regarding the analytical performance of FT-QIT systems. The simulation results for two Cl+ and seven Xe+ isotope ions exhibit diverse space charge induced phenomena. Most prominently, complete isotope signal fusion, quantitative individual signal suppression, and severe signal distortions are observed even at low absolute numbers of trapped ions. Furthermore, significant shifts of the secular oscillation frequencies occur, even when the signal shape appears to be mostly unaffected and when the frequency separation for trapped ions with different masses is large. This significantly limits the applicability of FT-QIT systems for high resolution mass spectrometry. An increase of the RF amplitude of the trapping field as well as increasing the extent of ion excitation partly mitigate these adverse space charge effects; nevertheless, the usable operational range of the simulated FT-QIT system for analytical applications remains rather narrow.

Breaking Mass Transport Limit for Hydrogen Evolution-Inhibited and Dendrite-Free Aqueous Zn Batteries.

It is commonly accepted that batteries perform better at low current densities below the mass-transport limit, which restricts their current rate and capacity. Here, it is demonstrated that the performance of Zn metal electrodes can be dramatically enhanced at current densities and cut-off capacities exceeding the mass-transport limit by using pulsed-current protocols. These protocols achieve cumulative plating/stripping capacities of 11.0 Ah cm-2 and 3.8 Ah cm-2 at record-high current densities of 80 and 160 mA cm-2, respectively. The study identifies and understands the promoted (002)-textured Zn growth and suppressed hydrogen evolution based on the thermodynamics and kinetics of competing reactions. Furthermore, the over-limiting pulsed-current protocol enables long-life Zn batteries with high mass loading (29 mgcathode cm-2) and high areal capacity (7.9 mAh cm-2), outperforming cells using constant-current protocols at equivalent energy and time costs. The work provides a comprehensive understanding of the current-capacity-performance relationship in Zn plating/stripping and offers an effective strategy for dendrite-free metal batteries that meet practical requirements for high capacity and high current rates.

Synergistic Regulation of Anode and Cathode Interphases via an Alum Electrolyte Additive for High‐Performance Aqueous Zinc‐Vanadium Batteries

AbstractA zinc (Zn) metal anode paired with a vanadium oxide (VOx) cathode is a promising system for aqueous Zn–ion batteries (AZIBs); however, side reactions proliferating on the Zn anode surface and the infinite dissolution of the VOx cathode destabilise the battery system. Here, we introduce a multi‐functional additive into the ZnSO4 (ZS) electrolyte, KAl(SO4)2 (KASO), to synchronise the in situ construction of the protective layer on the surface of the Zn anode and the VOx cathode. Theoretical calculations and synchrotron radiation have verified that the high‐valence Al3+ plays dual roles of competing with Zn2+ for solvation and forming a Zn−Al alloy layer with a homogeneous electric field on the anode surface to mitigate the side reactions and dendrite generation. The Al‐containing cathode–electrolyte interface (CEI) considerably alleviates the irreversible dissolution of the VOx cathode and the accumulation of byproducts. Consequently, the Zn||Zn cell with KASO exhibits an ultra‐long cycle of 6000 h at 2 mA cm−2. Importantly, the VOx cathodes (VO2, V2O5 and NH4V4O10) in the ZS−KASO electrolyte showed excellent cycling stability, including Zn powder||VO2 cells and Zn||VO2 pouch cells. Even better, the full cell exhibits excellent cycling stability at low negative/positive (N/P) ratio of 2.83 and high mass loading (~16 mg cm−2). This study offers a straightforward and practical reference for concurrently addressing challenges at the anode and cathode of AZIBs.

High‐Entropy Electrolyte Driven by Multi‐Solvation Structures for Long‐Lifespan Aqueous Zinc Metal Pouch Cells

Aqueous zinc metal batteries (AZMBs) are promising for grid‐scale energy storage due to their low cost and high safety. However, poor stability and an unfavorable freezing point hinder their actual application. Herein, a ternary salts‐based high‐entropy electrolyte (HEE) composed of Zn0.2Na0.4Li0.4(ClO4)1.2·7H2O is proposed to address the above issues. The addition of perchlorate salts with different cations reduces the size of ion clusters, significantly increases the solvation structure species, and promotes the anion‐rich Zn2+ solvation structures, resulting in an enlarged electrochemical stability window, favorable viscosity and ionic conductivity, and low freezing point. Furthermore, characterization and calculations confirm that multiple types of solvation structures effectively increase the electrolyte entropy. As a consequence, the Zn/Zn symmetric cells in HEE can sustainably cycle for at least 1000 hours and 1500 hours under room and subzero temperatures, respectively. The Na0.33V2O5/Zn and polyaniline/Zn full cells can even last for 30000 and 20000 cycles without capacity decay at −20 °C, respectively. The pouch cells employing HEE deliver promising capacity and stability, even at high mass loading of active materials. This strategy of introducing multiple salts with different cations to construct a high‐entropy environment provides a facile approach for high‐performance and long‐lifespan AZMBs across a wide temperature range.

Engineering Metal‐Support Interaction for Manipulate Microenvironment: Single‐Atom Platinum Decorated on Nickel‐Chromium Oxides Toward High‐Performance Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution

AbstractRational construction of platinum (Pt)‐based single‐atom catalysts (SACs) with high utilization of active sites holds promise to achieve superior electrocatalytic alkaline HER performance, which requires the assistance of functional supports. In this work, a novel catalytic configuration is reported, namely, Pt SACs anchored on the nickel‐chromium oxides labeled as Pt SACs‐NiCrO3/NF. The mechanism associated with the metal‐support interaction (MSI) for synergy co‐catalysis that empowers efficient HER on Pt SACs‐NiCrO3/NF is clarified. Specifically, the modulated electron structure in Pt SACs‐NiCrO3 manipulates the interface microenvironment, mediating a more free water state, which is beneficial to accelerate front water dissociation behavior on the oxide support. Besides, the homogeneously distributed Pt sites with the created near‐acidic state ensure the subsequent fast proton‐involved reaction. All these determine the comprehensively accelerating HER kinetics. Consequently, Pt SACs‐NiCrO3/NF deliverers considerable HER performance, with overpotentials (η10/η100) of 23/122 mV, high mass activity of 382.77 mA mg−1Pt. When serving in an alkaline water‐based anion exchange membrane electrolytic cell (AEMWE), Pt SACs‐NiCrO3/NF also presents excellent performance (100 mA cm−2 at the cell voltage of 1.51 V and stable up to 100 h), confirming its good prospect.

High-Entropy Electrolyte Driven by Multi-Solvation Structures for Long-Lifespan Aqueous Zinc Metal Pouch Cells.

Aqueous zinc metal batteries (AZMBs) are promising for grid-scale energy storage due to their low cost and high safety. However, poor stability and an unfavorable freezing point hinder their actual application. Herein, a ternary salts-based high-entropy electrolyte (HEE) composed of Zn0.2Na0.4Li0.4(ClO4)1.2·7H2O is proposed to address the above issues. The addition of perchlorate salts with different cations reduces the size of ion clusters, significantly increases the solvation structure species, and promotes the anion-rich Zn2+ solvation structures, resulting in an enlarged electrochemical stability window, favorable viscosity and ionic conductivity, and low freezing point. Furthermore, characterization and calculations confirm that multiple types of solvation structures effectively increase the electrolyte entropy. As a consequence, the Zn/Zn symmetric cells in HEE can sustainably cycle for at least 1000 hours and 1500 hours under room and subzero temperatures, respectively. The Na0.33V2O5/Zn and polyaniline/Zn full cells can even last for 30000 and 20000 cycles without capacity decay at -20 °C, respectively. The pouch cells employing HEE deliver promising capacity and stability, even at high mass loading of active materials. This strategy of introducing multiple salts with different cations to construct a high-entropy environment provides a facile approach for high-performance and long-lifespan AZMBs across a wide temperature range.

Identification of sensitive periods of weight status transition over the lifespan in Chinese population

BackgroundThe prevalence of high body mass index (BMI) is increasing in both children and adults worldwide. However, it is unclear whether vulnerabilities to maintenance and transition of weight status vary throughout the lifespan.ObjectiveWe aimed to characterize dynamic transitions of weight statuses across different life stages and to identify the sensitive periods for maintenance, onset, and resolution of obesity.MethodsThis longitudinal study included a total of 23,179 participants aged 6–80 years with 95,994 BMI measurements from the China Health and Nutrition Survey 1989–2015. To examine the heterogeneity in transitions of weight statuses across different life stages, we divided participants into 8 sub-cohorts based on baseline ages by 10-year intervals, i.e., 6–10 years, 11–20 years, 21–30 years, 31–40 years, 41–50 years, 51–60 years, 61–70 years, and 71–80 years. We estimated the probabilities of transitioning between weight statuses at a given follow-up year by baseline age using generalized linear mixed-effects models.ResultsThe predicted prevalence of obesity decreased from 6 years, bottomed at around 20 years, increased thereafter, peaked at around 55 years, and then decreased gradually. In general, participants with underweight had lower probabilities of maintaining the same status compared to those with normal weight, overweight, or obesity for all age groups. For 10-year follow-up, individuals aged 21–30 years had the highest probabilities of transitioning from normal weight to obesity and transitioning from overweight to obesity compared to those in other age groups. Individuals aged 6–20 years had the highest probabilities of transitioning from obesity to normal weight and transitioning from overweight to normal weight. Individuals in all adult age groups had higher probabilities of maintaining obesity status than children and adolescents.ConclusionsYoung adulthood is the most sensitive period for obesity onset, whereas childhood and adolescence are the most sensitive periods for obesity resolution. The findings suggest the heterogeneity of susceptibilities to weight status transitions across different life stages and highlight the importance of the development of age-appropriate approaches for the prevention and intervention of obesity.

Molecular Mechanism of Physical and Mechanical Improvement in Graphene/Graphene Oxide-Epoxy Composite Materials.

The performance provided by graphene (Gr) and graphene oxide (GO) additives can be improved by achieving strong adhesion and uniform dispersion in the epoxy resin matrix. In this study, molecular modeling and simulation of DGEBA/DETA based epoxy nanocomposites containing Gr and GO additives were performed. Density functional theory and molecular dynamics simulations were used to investigate interfacial interaction energies and Young's Modulus. Improvement in the interaction energies was studied by controlling the epoxy:hardener ratio, type and the number of oxygen-containing functional groups on the GO, the mass percentage of Gr/GO filler in the epoxy matrix, size and dispersion of GO in the cell. It was demonstrated that functional groups with up to 10 % oxygen content in GO significantly increase interfacial interaction energy for large size Gr/GO. Increasing DETA type amine ratio in the preparation of epoxy polymers increases the interaction energy for high oxygen content while decreasing the interaction energy for low oxygen content in GO for small size GO with edge functional groups. The performance of material dramatically decreased even at high DETA hardener and high GO mass percentages when the aggregation factor of Gr/GO was included in simulations that explain lower Gr/GO percentages in the experimental studies.

Investigating the Matrix of Factor V Leiden (G1691A), Factor II Prothrombin (G2021A), MTHFR C677T and A1298G Polymorphisms in Greek Population: A Preliminary Study

Background: Thrombophilia, characterized by an increased risk of thrombosis, can result from genetic polymorphisms in clotting factors. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of factor V Leiden (G1691A), factor II prothrombin (G20210A), and MTHFR (C677T and A1298C) polymorphisms in a Greek population, evaluating not only their association with thrombophilia, but also broader health implications. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study involving one hundred apparently healthy adults from Thessaloniki, Greece. After obtaining informed consent, DNA was isolated and analyzed using real-time PCR to detect the frequencies of the aforementioned polymorphisms. Results: The genetic distribution of the examined polymorphisms aligns closely with that observed in Northern Europe. Factor V Leiden (FVL) and prothrombin G20210A mutations were predominantly wild types, with a small percentage showing heterozygous mutations. The MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms showed a higher variation in allele frequency. Certain lifestyle factors such as smoking and high body mass index were significantly associated with the occurrence of combined MTHFR genotypes, suggesting an interaction between genetic and environmental risk factors. Family cancer and cardiovascular history was significantly associated with combined FVL and prothrombin G20210A and MTHFR polymorphism heterozygous carriers. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that these genetic polymorphisms are not only pivotal in understanding thrombophilia but also have broader implications for cardiovascular disease and cancer. This study highlights the need for further research into the combined effects of genetic and epigenetic factors on health, which could lead to improved screening and personalized preventive healthcare strategies.

An efficient process for decomposing perfluorinated compounds by reactive species during microwave discharge in liquid

Abstract Microwave discharge plasma in liquid (MDPL) is a new type of water purification technology with a high mass transfer efficiency. It is a kind of low-temperature plasma technology. The reactive species produced by the discharge can efficiently act on the pollutants. To clarify the application prospects of MDPL in water treatment, the discharge performance, practical application, and pollutant degradation mechanism of MDPL were studied in this work. The effects of power, conductivity, pH, and Fe2+ concentration on the amount of reactive species produced by the discharge were explored. The most common and refractory perfluorinated compounds (perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in water environments are degraded by MDPL technology. The highest defluorination of PFOA was 98.8% and the highest defluorination of PFOS was 92.7%. The energy consumption efficiency of 50% defluorination (G50-F) of PFOA degraded by MDPL is 78.43 mg/kWh, PFOS is 42.19 mg/kWh. The results show that the MDPL technology is more efficient and cleaner for the degradation of perfluorinated compounds. Finally, the reaction path and pollutant degradation mechanisms of MDPL production were analyzed. The results showed that MDPL technology can produce a variety of reactive species and has a good treatment effect for refractory perfluorinated pollutants.