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The bulk micellar and surface adsorption behaviour of a bio-derived cyclic-containing anionic surfactant, sodium tetradecyl furan sulfonate (STFS), has been studied in this work. To determine its viability as an alternative to petrochemically derived surfactants in detergents, the self-assembly andadsorption properties were measured both alone and in binary and ternary mixtures with a common anion
Controlling the surface morphology and chemical interaction is necessary for the development of advanced quantummaterials, particularly in low-dimensional systems. As the research increasingly focuses on miniature and nanoscaletechnologies, a fundamental understanding of localized or interface states becomes essential for successful integrationinto functional devices. This thesis investigates atom
Natural autoantibodies (NAAbs) are immunoglobulins generated in the absence of antigen provocation, with no inherent pathogenic effect, but instead involved in maintaining immune homeostasis. We aimed to evaluate the implication of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against heat shock protein 90α (HSP90α) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, focusing on how those NAAbs may interfere with
BACKGROUND: Sub-Saharan Africa is facing a dietary transition with both undernutrition and rising rates of non-communicable diseases. Adopting the reference diet proposed by the EAT-Lancet Commission can reduce both the environmental burden and improve health outcomes. However, whether this diet provides micronutrient adequacy in older adults in low-income settings has not been investigated. This
In this article, we examine how the death of an author affects the value negotiation surrounding his or her oeuvre. As Barbara Herrnstein Smith has argued, literary value is not a fixed category but rather something that is created and negotiated in relation to various contexts and settings. For a high evaluation of the oeuvre of a given author – or a particular work – to be maintained, this value
Background: Celiac disease is associated with HLA-risk haplotypes, but non-HLA genes and environmental factors are also linked to disease susceptibility. In this study, we explore the molecular pathways involved in celiac disease by analyzing the differential expression of genes in both the gut and peripheral blood across various celiac disease phenotypes. Methods: Whole genome RNA sequencing was
Study region: The Limpopo River Basin (LRB) is a transboundary catchment in Southern Africa, shared by South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. The basin is increasingly affected by climate variability, land-use change, and rapid population growth, with the Chókwe floodplain in Mozambique representing a hotspot of socio-economic vulnerability to floods. Study focus: This study applies the
BACKGROUND: The evidence linking sugar intake to cardiovascular disease risk remains largely inconclusive, with variations observed across different subgroups of sugar intake. In addition, studies on genetic markers of sugar intake are scarce, especially for different sugar subgroups.OBJECTIVE: This genome-wide association study (GWAS) aimed to investigate genetic variants associated with the inta
The chapter examines education and training initiatives aimed at improving dementia care in majority-world settings. It highlights three key programs that promote equitable partnerships between high-income countries (HICs), upper-middle-income countries, and lower and middle-income countries (LMICs). The first initiative is the Atlantic Fellows for Equity in Brain Health fellowship at the Global B
INTRODUCTION: Epidemiological evidence suggests the association of preserved ratio impaired spirometry (PRISm) at baseline with the risk of heart failure (HF), however, the associations between transitions of PRISm and incident HF remain to be clarified. Furthermore, the causal relationship and underlying biological mechanisms linking PRISm and HF are unclear.OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to invest
BACKGROUND: Weight-adjusted-waist index (WWI) is an anthropometric index reflecting fat mass and muscle mass, both of which are important factors influencing insulin resistance and inflammation.OBJECTIVES: We aimed to examine the associations of WWI with all-cause, cardiovascular, and noncardiovascular mortality among individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and further investigate whether insulin r
Brake particle emissions present significant risks to human health, particularly when they contain metallic fine particles, which can induce oxidative stress, disrupt cellular structures, and cause genetic damage. In this study, an alumina coating was deposited on cast iron discs and a non-asbestos organic (NAO) pad and a low-metallic (LM) pad (as reference) were used as counterparts of the brake
Background: Microscopic colitis (MC) is characterized by non-bloody, watery diarrhea predominantly in elderly women. Known risk factors are smoking, medication with NSAIDs, PPIs or SSRIs, while data on hormonal factors is sparse. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether hormonal factors that disrupt the sex hormonal balance could have an impact on the disease course in MC. Methods:
Heavy metals are toxic elements that can have significant adverse effects on human health, particularly during vulnerable periods such as pregnancy. The presence of heavy metals in the environment can lead to increased exposure in pregnant women, which may adversely affect both maternal and neonatal health. This study investigates the relationship between heavy metal concentrations, thyroid hormon
Prostate cancer (PCa) incidence has steadily increased in Sweden, more steeply in the mid-1990s caused by increased opportunistic prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing. Tallness, normal weight, and non-smoking are associated with more PSA testing, which increases detection of low-risk and localised PCa. We investigated time trends of height, body mass index (BMI), and smoking with PCa risk in 17
Background: Evidence is limited on whether alterations in diabetes-related health parameters are detectable before clinical diagnosis in novel diabetes subtypes. We investigated trajectories of diabetes-related health parameters in individuals with recently diagnosed type 2 diabetes (T2D). Methods: Using data from the Stockholm Diabetes Prevention Programme cohort (SDPP) participants (n = 215) wit
Epitaxial shell is vital for enhancing the optoelectronic performance of semiconductor quantum dots (QDs), especially for the wide bandgap blue QDs, yet the shell crystal structure's impact on thermal stability and photophysical behavior remains unexplored. It is reported that the ligand-directed synthesis of ZnS shells with zinc blende (ZB) or wurtzite (WZ) structure on blue WZ CdZnS cores, where
Aims: Social science literature suggests that unlimited trust in others may lead to adverse outcomes, and that moderate trust may be more optimal in social interactions. The aim was to analyze associations between generalized trust in other people and all-cause mortality using a four-alternative generalized trust item that includes moderate trust. Study design: Prospective cohort study. Methods: T
Early life air pollution exposure may play a role in development of respiratory infections, but underlying mechanisms are still not understood. We utilized data from two independent prospective birth cohorts to investigate the influence of prenatal and postnatal ambient air pollution exposure of PM2.5, PM10 and NO2 on maternal and child proteomic profiles and the risk of daily diary-registered com
