Publications by authors named "V C Rodrigues"

Bimetallic nanoparticles are used in numerous applications in catalysis, plasmonics or fuel cell technology. The addition of the second metal to the nanoparticles allows enhancing and fine-tuning their properties by choosing their composition, size, shape and environment. However, the crucial additional parameter of chemical structure within the particle is difficult to predict and access experimentally, even though segregated core-shell structures and random alloys can have drastically different physicochemical properties.

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Contamination with potentially toxic metals and metalloids (PTMs) in mining areas poses significant environment and human health risks. Using biochar as an amendment can be a cost-effective and eco-friendly method to reduce PTM bioavailability in contaminated soils, thus lowering plant uptake. This study investigated biochar derived from the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) at three pyrolysis temperatures (300, 500, and 700 °C) and two application rates (1% and 5%, w/w) for the remediation of slag-contaminated soils from an old environmental liability in the Ribeira Valley (Brazil).

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Introduction And Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a greater incidence of alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) and simultaneously magnified health-related inequalities. We evaluated the impact of race and ethnicity on ALD-related hospitalizations in Brazil.

Materials And Methods: An interrupted time series analysis was used to estimate ALD-related hospitalization in public hospitals in Brazil.

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Article Synopsis
  • - Quinoa oil, rich in unsaturated fats and vitamin E, faces stability issues that limit its use in food and cosmetics, but nanoencapsulation offers a solution by improving its dispersibility and enhancing its bioactive properties.
  • - The study utilized O/W emulsification with porcine gelatin and whey protein to encapsulate quinoa oil, resulting in particles with smooth surfaces, appropriate sizes, and high encapsulation efficiency.
  • - Testing showed that both free and nanoencapsulated quinoa oil were non-toxic to various cell types, and the nanoencapsulation significantly boosted antioxidant activity and enzyme inhibition, suggesting its potential for innovative applications.
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