Effect of Controlled Atmosphere Storage(CAS)Technology of Flue-cured Tobacco Laminas on the Alcoholization Quality of Tobacco

To achieve the continuous maintainence of optimum quality state of flue- cured tobacco laminas and the effective regulation and control on alcoholization time for controlled atmosphere storage （CAS） method in the process of storage, the lam- ina samples of natural alcoholization for 1 year were selected. Comparable analysis on the appearance quality, chemical components and sensory quality of flue-cured tobacco laminas in the process of alcoholization was carried out by using the meth- ods of CAS and natural alcoholization. The results showed that appearance and color through the treatment of natural alcoholization were deep, browning and ac- companied by the phenomenon of oil, while color scale of flue-cured tobacco lami- nas through the treatment of CAS was uniform, fullness was better, and these two methods were close or identical after opening for 3 months. The contents of total sugar and reducing sugar during the process of alcoholization were also gradually decreased, but the ratio of reducing sugar to total sugar of laminas via CAS was higher than that of the natural alcoholization treatment. Compared with the natural alcoholization,the descending trends of total nitrogen and nicotine contents during CAS were gentler, the ratio via CAS was closer to 1, and the coordination of chemical components was more superior. During the period of alcoholization for 6 to 12 months, sensory quality of laminas via the natural alcoholization treatment was more superior than that of CAS treatment. However, after 18 months of alcoholiza- tion, sensory quality of laminas via the CAS treatment was more superior than that of the natural alcoholization treatment, and the CAS treatment could improve opti- mum sensory quality by 0.5 to 1.5 scores. Additionally, the CAS treatment could prolong the time of optimum alcoholization quality for 6 months, compared with the treatment of natural alcoholization. The CAS method could influence the alcohoJiza- tion quality of flue-cured tobacco laminas and prolong the retention period of opti- mum quality status for flue-cured tobacco laminas by regulating the environmental aas composition, thereby realizin.q quality control of flue-cured tobacco laminas.

Protective mechanism of Coprinus comatus polysaccharide on acute alcoholic liver injury in mice,the metabolomics and gut microbiota investigation

Coprinus comatus polysaccharide(CCP)has significant hepatoprotective effect.To explore hepatoprotective mechanism of CCP,the study analyzed preventive effect of CCP on acute alcoholic liver injury in mice by histopathological examination and biochemical analysis.Simultaneously,hepatoprotective mechanism was also analyzed in conjunction with metabolomics and proliferation of gut microbiota.The results showed that CCP significantly decreased alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST)and triglyceride(TG)levels in serum of alcoholic liver disease(ALD)mice.Histopathological examination showed that CCP can significantly improve liver damage.Metabolomics results showed that there were significant differences in the level of metabolites in liver tissue of control group,ALD group and CCP group,including taurine,xanthosine,fumaric acid and arachidonic acid,among others.Metabolites pathways analysis showed that hepatoprotective effect of CCP was related to energy metabolism,biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids,amino acids metabolism and lipid metabolism.Additionally,CCP inhibited an increase in the number of Clostridium perfringens,Enterobacteriaceae and Enterococcus,and a decrease in the number of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in the gut of ALD mice.All these findings suggested that CCP treatment reversed the phenotype of ethanol-induced liver injury and the associated metabolites pathways.

A Polyvinyl Alcohol/Acrylamide Hydrogel with Enhanced Mechanical Properties Promotes Full-Thickness Skin Defect Healing by Regulating Immunomodulation and Angiogenesis Through Paracrine Secretion

Hydrogel-based tissue-engineered skin has attracted increased attention due to its potential to restore the structural integrity and functionality of skin.However,the mechanical properties of hydrogel scaffolds and natural skin are substantially different.Here,we developed a polyvinyl alcohol(PVA)/acrylamide based interpenetrating network(IPN)hydrogel that was surface modified with polydopamine(PDA)and termed Dopa-gel.The Dopa-gel exhibited mechanical properties similar to native skin tissue and a superior ability to modulate paracrine functions.Furthermore,a tough scaffold with tensile resistance was fabricated using this hydrogel by three-dimensional printing.The results showed that the interpenetration of PVA,alginate,and polyacrylamide networks notably enhanced the mechanical properties of the hydrogel.Surface modification with PDA endowed the hydrogels with increased secretion of immunomodulatory and proangiogenic factors.In an in vivo model,Dopa-gel treatment accelerated wound closure,increased vascularization,and promoted a shift in macrophages from a proinflammatory M1 phenotype to a prohealing and anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype within the wound area.Mechanistically,the focal adhesion kinase(FAK)/extracellular signal-related kinase(ERK)signaling pathway may mediate the promotion of skin defect healing by increasing paracrine secretion via the Dopa-gel.Additionally,proangiogenic factors can be induced through Rho-associated kinase-2(ROCK-2)/vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)-mediated paracrine secretion under tensile stress conditions.Taken together,these findings suggest that the multifunctional Dopa-gel,which has good mechanical properties similar to those of native skin tissue and enhanced immunomodulatory and angiogenic properties,is a promising scaffold for skin tissue regeneration.

Effect of Polyvinyl Alcohol in Inner Aqueous Phase on Stability of Millimeter-scale Capsules

The millimeter-scale capsules with controllable morphology,ultra-low permeability and excellent mechanical stability were fabricated by millifluidics.Viscosity of inner phase was adjusted to control the morphology and properties of the capsules.In detail,as the concentration of polyvinyl alcohol(PVA)increased from 0 to 8% in the inner phase of the capsules,the diameter of capsules decreased from 3.33 ± 0.01mm to 2.97 ± 0.01 mm,the shell thickness of capsules decreased from 0.183 ± 0.004 mm to 0.155 ± 0.003 mm.While the capsules had round shape and high sphericity.Notably,the capsules with 2% PVA in the inner phase had remarkably decreased water permeability and good morphological stability.Specifically,the end-time of water losing of the capsules was up to 49 days,while the dehydrated capsules maintained spherical appearance,and crushing force of the capsules was up to 13.73 ± 0.79 N,which ensured stability during processing and transportation.This research provides a new strategy for stable encapsulation of small molecules.

Effects of alcohol on digestion,absorption and metabolism of sea cucumber saponins in healthy mice

Sea cucumber saponins have attracted more attention in recent years due to biological activities.It is a popular practice to soak sea cucumber in Baijiu at home and being applied to industrial manufacturing in China.However,knowledge of the effect of alcohol on the absorption and metabolism of sea cucumber saponins is limited.The effects of alcohol on digestion,absorption and metabolism of sea cucumber saponins in BALB/c mice were investigated after gavage and tail intravenous injection.The results showed that the content of saponins in serum and liver was significantly higher under the influence of alcohol than that in the control group after oral administration.Alcohol promoted the absorption of sea cucumber saponins prototype as well as inhibited the process of saponins being transformed into deglycositic metabolites in the small intestine.Moreover,sea cucumber saponins remained in circulation for a long time and alcohol slowed down the clearance of sea cucumber saponins under the influence of alcohol after intravenous injection.This confirmed the feasibility of marinating sea cucumber in Baijiu to improve the efficacy of saponins and provides an important theoretical basis for the utilization of sea cucumber and the development of sea cucumber liquor.

Alcohol solvent effect on the self-assembly behaviors of lignin oligomers

The interactions between lignin oligomers and solvents determine the behaviors of lignin oligomers self-assembling into uniform lignin nanoparticles(LNPs).Herein,several alcohol solvents,which readily interact with the lignin oligomers,were adopted to study their effects during solvent shifting process for LNPs’production.The lignin oligomers with widely distributed molecular weight and abundant guaiacyl units were extracted from wood waste(mainly consists of pine wood),exerting outstanding self-assembly capability.Uniform and spherical LNPs were generated in H_(2)O-n-propanol cosolvent,whereas irregular LNPs were obtained in H_(2)O-methanol cosolvent.The unsatisfactory self-assembly performance of the lignin oligomers in H_(2)O-methanol cosolvent could be attributed to two aspects.On one hand,for the initial dissolution state,the distinguishing Hansen solubility parameter and polarity between methanol solvent and lignin oligomers resulted in the poor dispersion of the lignin oligomers.On the other hand,strong hydrogen bonds between methanol solvent and lignin oligomers during solvent shifting process,hindered the interactions among the lignin oligomers for self-assembly.

Uncovering the impact of alcohol on internal organs and reproductive health:Exploring TLR4/NF-kB and CYP2E1/ROS/Nrf2 pathways

This review delves into the detrimental impact of alcohol consumption on internal organs and reproductive health,elucidating the underlying mechanisms involving the Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/Nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells(NF-kB)pathway and the Cytochrome P4502E1(CYP2E1)/reactive oxygen spe-cies(ROS)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)pathways.The TLR4/NF-kB pathway,crucial for inflammatory and immune responses,triggers the production of pro-inflammatory agents and type-1 interferon,disrupting the balance between inflammatory and antioxidant responses when tissues are chronically exposed to al-cohol.Alcohol-induced dysbiosis in gut microbes heightens gut wall permeability to pathogen-associated molecular patterns(PAMPs),leading to liver cell infection and subsequent inflammation.Concurrently,CYP2E1-mediated alcohol metabolism gen-erates ROS,causing oxidative stress and damaging cells,lipids,proteins,and deoxy-ribonucleic acid(DNA).To counteract this inflammatory imbalance,Nrf2 regulates gene expression,inhibiting inflammatory progression and promoting antioxidant re-sponses.Excessive alcohol intake results in elevated liver enzymes(ADH,CYP2E1,and catalase),ROS,NADH,acetaldehyde,and acetate,leading to damage in vital organs such as the heart,brain,and lungs.Moreover,alcohol negatively affects reproduc-tive health by inhibiting the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis,causing infertility in both men and women.These findings underscore the profound health concerns associated with alcohol-induced damage,emphasizing the need for public awareness regarding the intricate interplay between immune responses and the multi-organ im-pacts of alcohol consumption.

Benzydamine hydrochloride ameliorates ethanol-induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 macrophages by stabilizing redox homeostasis

Objective:To evaluate the protective effect of benzydamine hydrochloride against ethanol-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in RAW 264.7 macrophages.Methods:RAW 264.7 macrophages were treated with ethanol(100 mM)and benzydamine hydrochloride(7.5μM).The imflammatory status was confirmed by measuring pro-(TNF-αand IL-6)and anti-inflammatory(IL-10)cytokines through ELISA and RT-PCR assays.Reactive oxygen species generation and mitochondrial membrane potential were investigated to study the protective role of benzydamine hydrochloride against ethanol-induced oxidative stress.Apoptosis detection was also investigated using flow cytometry and acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining.Results:Benzydamine hydrochloride significantly decreased the secretion of TNF-αand IL-6,as well as the generation of reactive oxygen species inside the cells,thereby stabilizing the mitochondrial membrane potential and reducing DNA fragmentation.The ethanol-induced cellular necrosis was also reversed by the administration of benzydamine hydrochloride.Conclusions:Benzydamine hydrochloride ameliorates ethanol-induced cell apoptosis and inflammation in RAW macrophages.

A new fluorocarbon adhesive:Inhibiting agglomeration during combustion of propellant via efficient F-Al_(2)O_(3) preignition reaction

Inhibiting the agglomeration of molten aluminum particles packed in the binder network is a promising scheme to achieve efficient combustion of solid propellants.In this investigation,the hydroxyl-terminated structured fluorinated alcohol compound(PFD)was introduced to modify the traditional polyethylene glycol/polytetrahydrofuran block copolymerization(HTPE)binder;that is,a unique fluorinated polyether(FTPE)binder was synthesized by embedding fluorinated organic segments into the HTPE binder via crosslinking curing.The FTPE was applied in aluminum-based propellants for the first time.Due to the complete release of fluorinated organic active segments in the range of 300℃to 400℃,the burning rate of FTPEbased propellant increased from 4.07(0%PFD)to 6.36 mm/s(5%PFD),increased by 56.27%under 1 MPa.The reaction heat of FTPE propellants increased from 5.95(0%PFD)to 7.18 MJ/kg(5%PFD)under 3.0 MPa,indicating that HTPE binder modified with PFD would be conducive to inhibiting the D90 of condensed combustion products(CCPs)dropped by 81.84%from 75.46(0%PFD)to 13.71μm(5%PFD)under 3.0 MPa,in consistent with the significant reduction of aluminum agglomerates observed on the quenched burning surface of the propellants.Those results demonstrated that a novel FTPE binder with PFD can release fluorinated organic active segments,which motivate preignition reaction with the alumina shell in the early stage of aluminum combustion,and then enhance the melting diffusion effect of aluminum to inhibit the agglomeration.

Innovative approach to boosting the chemical stability of AZ31 magnesium alloy using polymer-modified hybrid metal oxides

Meeting the demands of complex and advanced applications requires the development of high-performance hybrid materials with unique properties.However,the integration of polymeric frameworks with MgO/WO_(3) composite layers faces challenges due to the lack of understanding of the formation mechanism and the challenge of determining the impact of self-assembled architecture on anticorrosive properties.In this study,we aimed to enhance the corrosion resistance of the MgO layer produced by plasma electrolysis(PE)of AZ31 Mg alloy by incorporating WO_(3) with partially phosphorated poly(vinyl alcohol)(PPVA).Two types of porous MgO layers were produced using the PE process with an alkaline-phosphate electrolyte,one with and one without WO_(3) nanoparticles,which were subsequently immersed in an aqueous solution of PPVA.Incorporating PPVA into the WO_(3)-MgO layer resulted in hybrids being deposited in a fragmented manner,creating a“laminar reef-like structure”that sealed most of the structural defects in the layer.The PPVA-sealed WO_(3)-based coating exhibited superior corrosion resistance compared to the other samples.Computational analyses were employed to explore the mechanism underlying the formation of PPVA/WO_(3) hybrids on the MgO layer.These findings suggest that PPVA-WO_(3)-MgO hybrid coatings can potentially improve corrosion resistance in various fields.

Alcohol drinking triggered decrease of oxidative balance score is associated with high all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in hypertensive individuals:findings from NHANES 1999–2014

BACKGROUND Oxidative stress is closely associated with hypertensive outcomes.The oxidative balance score(OBS)measures oxidative stress exposure from dietary and lifestyle elements.The objective of this study was to investigate the association between OBS and mortality in hypertensive patients.METHODS This study included 7823 hypertensive patients from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey(NHA-NES)1999-2014.Several models,including Cox regression,restricted cubic splines(RCS),Kaplan-Meier survival analysis,subgroup,and sensitivity analyses,were exploited to investigate the relationship between OBS and the risk of mortality.RESULTS Controlling for all potential confounders,a significantly inverse association was observed between elevated OBS and all-cause[hazard ratio(HR)=0.90,95%CI:0.85-0.95]and cardiovascular mortality(HR=0.85,95%CI:0.75-0.95).With adjustment for covariates,significant associations between lifestyle OBS and mortality risks diminished,whereas associations between dietary OBS and these mortality risks remained robust(all-cause mortality:HR=0.91,95%CI:0.86-0.96;cardiovascular mortality:HR=0.85,95%CI:0.76-0.96).RCS demonstrated a linear relationship between OBS and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality risk(P_(nonlinear)=0.088 and P_(nonlinear)=0.447,respectively).Kaplan-Meier curves demonstrated that the mortality rate was lower with a high OBS(P<0.001).The consistency of the association was demonstrated in subgroup and sensitivity analyses.RCS after stratification showed that among current drinkers,those with higher OBS had a lower risk of mortality compared with former or never drinkers.CONCLUSIONS In hypertensive individuals,there was a negative association between OBS and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.Encouraging hypertensive individuals,especially those currently drinking,to maintain high levels of OBS may be beneficial in improving their prognosis.

Cu-based materials for electrocatalytic CO_(2) to alcohols:Reaction mechanism,catalyst categories,and regulation strategies

Electrocatalytic CO_(2) reduction reaction(CO_(2)RR)technology,which enables carbon capture storage and resource utilization by reducing CO_(2) to valuable chemicals or fuels,has become a global research hotspot in recent decades.Among the many products of CO_(2)RR(carbon monoxide,acids,aldehydes and alcohols,olefins,etc.),alcohols(methanol,ethanol,propanol,etc.)have a higher market value and energy density,but it is also more difficult to produce.Copper is known to be effective in catalyzing CO_(2) to high valueadded alcohols,but with poor selectivity.The progress of Cu-based catalysts for the selective generation of alcohols,including copper oxides,bimetals,single atoms and composites is reviewed.Meanwhile,to improve Cu-based catalyst activity and modulate product selectivity,the modulation strategies are straighten out,including morphological regulation,crystalline surface,oxidation state,as well as elemental doping and defect engineering.Based on the research progress of electrocatalytic CO_(2) reduction for alcohol production on Cu-based materials,the reaction pathways and the key intermediates of the electrocatalytic CO_(2)RR to methanol,ethanol and propanol are summarized.Finally,the problems of traditional electrocatalytic CO_(2)RR are introduced,and the future applications of machine learning and theoretical calculations are prospected.An in-depth discussion and a comprehensive review of the reaction mechanism,catalyst types and regulation strategies were carried out with a view to promoting the development of electrocatalytic CO_(2)RR to alcohols.

Curcumin delivery nanoparticles based on Maillard reaction of Haematococcus pluvialis protein/galactose for alleviating acute alcoholic liver damage

The aim of this study is to investigate the feasibility of Maillard reaction products of Haematococcus pluvialis protein and galactose(HPP-GAL)for improving the bioactivities of curcumin(CUR)for alleviating alcoholic liver damage.CUR was embedded into HPP-GAL nanoparticles by the self-assembly of hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interaction with the particle size around 200 nm.HPP-GAL enhanced the encapsulation efficiency and loading amount of CUR with the value of(89.21±0.33)%and(0.500±0.004)%,respectively.The stabilities of CUR under strong acid,salt ion stability and ultraviolet irradiation conditions were improved by the encapsulation.HPP-GAL-CUR nanoparticles exhibited excellent concentration-dependent in vitro antioxidant activities including DPPH and ABTS scavenging rates,and better protective effect on CUR against gastric acid environment as well as longer release of CUR in simulated intestinal fluid.In addition,the HPPGAL-CUR delivery system possessed liver targeting property due to the existence of GAL,which could effectively alleviate the alcohol-induced liver damage and the inflammation indexes by inhibiting the oxidative stress.Therefore,HPP-GAL-CUR nanoparticles might be a potential candidate system for the prevention of alcoholic liver damage in the future.

Modified electronic structure and enhanced hydroxyl adsorption make quaternary Pt-based nanosheets efficient anode electrocatalysts for formic acid-/alcohol-air fuel cells

Surface/interface engineering of a multimetallic nanostructure with diverse electrocatalytic properties for direct liquid fuel cells is desirable yet challenging.Herein,using visible light,a class of quaternary Pt_(1)Ag_(0.1)Bi_(0.16)Te_(0.29)ultrathin nanosheets is fabricated and used as high-performance anode electrocatalysts for formic acid-/alcohol-air fuel cells.The modified electronic structure of Pt,enhanced hydroxyl adsorption,and abundant exterior defects afford Pt_(1)Ag_(0.1)Bi_(0.16)Te_(0.29)/C high intrinsic anodic electrocatalytic activity to boost the power densities of direct formic acid-/methanol-/ethanol-/ethylene glycol-/glycerol-air fuel cells,and the corresponding peak power density of Pt_(1)Ag_(0.1)Bi_(0.16)Te_(0.29)/C is respectively 129.7,142.3,105.4,124.3,and 128.0 mW cm^(-2),considerably outperforming Pt/C.Operando in situ Fourier transform infrared reflection spectroscopy reveals that formic acid oxidation on Pt_(1)Ag_(0.1)Bi_(0.16)Te_(0.29)/C occurs via a CO_(2)-free direct pathway.Density functional theory calculations show that the presence of Ag,Bi,and Te in Pt_(1)Ag_(0.1)Bi_(0.16)Te_(0.29)suppresses CO^(*)formation while optimizing dehydrogenation steps and synergistic effect and modified Pt effectively enhance H_(2)O dissociation to improve electrocatalytic performance.This synthesis strategy can be extended to 43 other types of ultrathin multimetallic nanosheets(from ternary to octonary nanosheets),and efficiently capture precious metals(i.e.,Pd,Pt,Rh,Ru,Au,and Ag)from different water sources.

A comparative study for petroleum removal capacities of the bacterial consortia entrapped in sodium alginate,sodium alginate/poly(vinyl alcohol),and bushnell haas agar

The purpose of this study was to identify and compare the degradation efficiencies of free and entrapped bacterial consortia(Staphylococcus capitis CP053957.1 and Achromobacter marplatensis MT078618.1)to different polymers such as Sodium Alginate(SA),Sodium Alginate/Poly(Vinyl Alcohol)(SA/PVA),and Bushnell Haas Agar(BHA).In addition to SA and SA/PVA,which are cost-effective,non-toxic and have different functional groups,BHA,which is frequently encountered in laboratory-scale studies but has not been used as an entrapment material until now.Based on these,the polymers with different surface morphologies and chemical compositions were analyzed by SEM and FT-IR.While the petroleum removal efficiency was higher with the entrapped bacterial consortia than with the free one,BHA-entrapped bacterial consortium enhanced the petroleum removal more than SA and SA/PVA.Accordingly,the degradation rate of bacterial consortia entrapped with BHA was 2.039 day^(-1),SA/PVA was 1.560,SA was 0.993,the half-life period of BHA-entrapped bacterial consortia is quite low(t_(1/2)=0.339)compared with SA(t_(1/2)=0.444)and SA/PVA(t_(1/2)=0.697).The effects of the four main factors such as:amount of BHA(0.5,1,1.5,2,2.5,3 g),disc size(4,5,6,7,8 mm),inoculum concentration(1,2.5,5,7.5,10 mL),and incubation period on petroleum removal were also investigated.The maximum petroleum removal(94.5%)was obtained at≥2.5 mL of bacterial consortium entrapped in 2 g BHA with a 7 mm disc size at 168 h and the results were also confirmed by statistical analysis.Although a decrease was observed during the reuse of bacterial consortium entrapped in BHA,the petroleum removal was still above 50%at 10th cycle.Based on GC-MS analysis,the removal capacity of BHA-entrapped consortium was over 90%for short-chain n-alkanes and 80%for medium-chain n-alkanes.Overall,the obtained data are expected to provide a potential guideline in cleaning up the large-scale oil pollution in the future.Since there has been no similar study investigating petroleum removal with the bacterial consortia entrapped with BHA,this novel entrapment material can potentially be used in the treatment of petroleum pollution in advanced remediation studies.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor agonists:A new hope towards the management of alcoholic liver disease

In this editorial,we examine a paper by Koizumi et al,on the role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor(PPAR)agonists in alcoholic liver disease(ALD).The study determined whether elafibranor protected the intestinal barrier and reduced liver fibrosis in a mouse model of ALD.The study also underlines the role of PPARs in intestinal barrier function and lipid homeostasis,which are both affected by ALD.Effective therapies are necessary for ALD because it is a critical health issue that affects people worldwide.This editorial analyzes the possibility of PPAR agonists as treatments for ALD.As key factors of inflammation and metabolism,PPARs offer multiple methods for managing the complex etiology of ALD.We assess the abilities of PPARα,PPARγ,and PPARβ/δagonists to prevent steatosis,inflammation,and fibrosis due to liver diseases.Recent research carried out in preclinical and clinical settings has shown that PPAR agonists can reduce the severity of liver disease.This editorial discusses the data analyzed and the obstacles,advantages,and mechanisms of action of PPAR agonists for ALD.Further research is needed to understand the efficacy,safety,and mechanisms of PPAR agonists for treating ALD.

Alcohol and illicit drugs:prevalence of alcohol and illicit drug use and their predictors in young people from Argentina,Bulgaria,Chile and Romania

Background:Alcohol and illicit drugs(AID)continue to be a major global health concern.Although preventable,AID is linked to millions of deaths annually worldwide.The situation is particularly grave for young people,with AID being a major direct risk factor for disability-adjusted youth life-years lost and death.It further contributes to assaults,road crashes,accidental poisoning,and suicide,leading to long-term issues and public health concerns.Objective:This study aimed at disclosing current AID prevalence data for Argentinian,Bulgarian,Chilean and Romanian youth.It shed light on the predictors of AID in young people from those countries.Method:The study used an online survey to gather data from people aged 18 to 25(n=1,297).The survey was underpinned by the theory of planned behaviour(TPB).Predictors were investigated separately for drinking alcohol and using illicit drugs.Results:Our data revealed that across the four target countries,49%to 90%of the participants drank alcohol,and 8%to 35%used illicit drugs in the past three months.Between 20%and 91%of them intended to drink,and between 8%and 31%intended to use illicit drugs in the following three months.Our TPB model predicted statistically significant(P<0.001)amounts of variance in drinking alcohol(between 61%and 72%)and using illicit drugs(between 20.3%and 74.4%).Intention was consistent in significantly predicting both behaviours.Evidence around the predictive validity of self-efficacy,age and gender was mixed across the investigated countries.Conclusion:This research provided an update on the scarce AID epidemiological data.It also supplied evidence about what theoretically-informed measures might be useful targets of interventions in the case of Argentina,Bulgaria,Chile and Romania.This new knowledge of understanding substance abuse determinants and prevalence may help researchers and practitioners better meet young people's health prevention needs.

Epidemiology,therapy and outcome of hepatocellular carcinoma between 2010 and 2019 in Piedmont,Italy

BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is the most common primary liver malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide.It is often diagnosed at an advanced stage and therefore its prognosis remains poor with a low 5-year survival rate.HCC patients have increasingly complex and constantly changing characteristics,thus up-to-date and comprehensive data are fundamental.AIM To analyze the epidemiology and main clinical characteristics of HCC patients in a referral center hospital in the northwest of Italy between 2010 and 2019.METHODS In this retrospective study,we analyzed the clinical data of all consecutive patients with a new diagnosis of HCC recorded at"Santa Croce e Carle"Hospital in Cuneo(Italy)between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2019.To highlight possible changes in HCC patterns over the 10-year period,we split the population into two 5-year groups,according to the diagnosis period(2010-2014 and 2015-2019).RESULTS Of the 328 HCC patients who were included(M/F 255/73;mean age 68.9±11.3 years),154 in the first period,and 174 in the second.Hepatitis C virus infection was the most common HCC risk factor(41%,135 patients).The alcoholic etiology rate was 18%,the hepatitis B virus infection etiology was 5%,and the non-viral/non-alcoholic etiology rate was 22%.The Child-Pugh score distribution of the patients was:class A 75%,class B 21%and class C 4%.The average Mayo end-stage liver disease score was 10.6±3.7.A total of 55 patients(17%)were affected by portal vein thrombosis and 158(48%)by portal hypertension.The average nodule size of the HCC was 4.6±3.1 cm.A total of 204 patients(63%)had more than one nodule<3,and 92%(305 patients)had a non-metastatic stage of the disease.The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer(BCLC)staging distribution of all patients was:4%very early,32%early,23%intermediate,34%advanced,and 7%terminal.Average survival rate was 1.6±0.3 years.Only 20%of the patients underwent treatment.Age,presence of ascites,BCLC stage and therapy were predictors of a better prognosis(P<0.01).A comparison of the two 5-year groups revealed a statistically significant difference only in global etiology(P<0.05)and alpha-fetoprotein(AFP)levels(P<0.01).CONCLUSION In this study analyzing patients with a new diagnosis of HCC between 2010-2019,hepatitis C virus infection was the most common etiology.Most patients presented with an advanced stage disease and a poor prognosis.When comparing the two 5-year groups,we observed a statistically significant difference only in global etiology(P<0.05)and AFP levels(P<0.01).

Biobased Furfurylated Poplar Wood for Flame-Retardant Modification with Boric Acid and Ammonium Dihydrogen Phosphate

Furfurylated wood exhibits excellent dimensional stability and corrosion resistance,making it a promising material for constructing buildings,but it is highly flammable.Herein,flame-retardant furfurylated poplar wood was produced via a two-step process utilizing boric acid(BA)and ammonium dihydrogen phosphate(ADP)as flame-retardant components,and biomass-derived furfuryl alcohol(FA)as a modifier.The acidity of BA and ADP allowed them to catalyze the polymerization of FA,which formed a cross-linked network that immobilized BA and ADP inside the wood.The addition of BA/ADP substantially delayed the time to ignition from 10 to 385 s and reduced the total heat release and total smoke release by 58.75%and 77.31%,respectively.Analysis of the pyrolysis process showed that the decomposition products of BA and ADP protected the underlying furfurylated wood and diluted combustible gases.This method significantly improved the fire retardancy and smokeless properties of furfurylated wood,providing promising prospects for its application as an engineering material.

Individual alcohol consumption by the population of Russia versus regional living conditions

Background:There are substantial regional differences in drinking alcohol in Russia,both at the population and individual levels.However,the causes of these differences have not been studied yet.Objective:The goal of our study was to examine the effect of regional living conditions on individual alcohol consumption by the population of Russia.Methods:For the analysis,we used data from a cross-sectional epidemiological study conducted in 2013-2014.The final analytical sample included 18,130 people aged 25-64 years.We conducted the interviews face to face,based on which any drinking in the last year,as well as alcohol abuse,were considered as a response.Alcohol abuse was recorded when the respondent consumed 5.75 or more grams of pure ethanol per day(75th percentile of average daily alcohol consumption among alcohol drinkers).The assessment of the regional living conditions was accomplished via integral indexing,which was previously performed based on publicly available data for 2010-2014.Associations were assessed using generalized scoring equations with unchanging standard errors.The associations were expressed by odds ratios(OR)and 95%confidence intervals(C).Results:Deterioration of social conditions and increase in demographic depression in the region of residence increased the odds of any drinking(OR 1.51,95%CI:1.33 to 1.72,P<0.001 and OR 1.22,95%CI:1.05 to 1.41,P=0.oo9,respectively).The odds of alcohol abuse increased with the deterioration of social living conditions and the growth of the industrial development in the region:OR 1.35,95%CI:1.14 to 1.59,P<0.001 and OR 1.16,95%CI:1.05 to 1.28,P=0.002,respectively.Conclusion:Our analysis allowed assessing the impact of the regional living conditions on individual drinking alcohol in the population of Russia.