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Bioresource Technology Sep 2023This article provides an overview of biochar application for organic waste co-composting and its biochemical transformation mechanism. As a composting amendment, biochar... (Review)
Review
This article provides an overview of biochar application for organic waste co-composting and its biochemical transformation mechanism. As a composting amendment, biochar work in the adsorption of nutrients, the retention of oxygen and water, and the promotion of electron transfer. These functions serve the micro-organisms (physical support of niche) and determine changes in community structure beyond the succession of composing primary microorganisms. Biochar mediates resistance genes, mobile gene elements, and biochemical metabolic activities of organic matter degrading. The participation of biochar enriched the α-diversity of microbial communities at all stages of composting, and ultimately reflects the high γ-diversity. Finally, easy and convincing biochar preparation methods and characteristic need to be explored, in turn, the mechanism of biochar on composting microbes at the microscopic level can be studied in depth.
Topics: Composting; Soil; Charcoal; Microbiota; Manure
PubMed: 37329992
DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.129329 -
Bioresource Technology Nov 2023Biochar, a carbon-rich and por ous material derived from waste biomass resources, has demonstrated tremendous potential in wastewater treatment. Torrefaction technology... (Review)
Review
Biochar, a carbon-rich and por ous material derived from waste biomass resources, has demonstrated tremendous potential in wastewater treatment. Torrefaction technology offers a favorable low-temperature biochar production method, and torrefied biochar can be used not only as a solid biofuel but also as a pollutant adsorbent. This review compares torrefaction technology with other thermochemical processes and discusses recent advancements in torrefaction techniques. Additionally, the applications of torrefied biochar in wastewater treatment (dyes, oil spills, heavy metals, and emerging pollutants) are comprehensively explored. Many studies have shown that high productivity, high survival of oxygen-containing functional groups, low temperature, and low energy consumption of dried biochar production make it attractive as an adsorbent for wastewater treatment. Moreover, used biochar's treatment, reuse, and safe disposal are introduced, providing valuable insights and contributions to developing sustainable environmental remediation strategies by biochar.
Topics: Wastewater; Temperature; Charcoal; Carbon; Environmental Pollutants
PubMed: 37558107
DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.129588 -
Mini Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry Jan 2024The castor plant (Ricinus communis) is primarily known for its seeds, which contain a unique fatty acid called ricinoleic acid with several industrial and commercial...
The castor plant (Ricinus communis) is primarily known for its seeds, which contain a unique fatty acid called ricinoleic acid with several industrial and commercial applications. Castor seeds also contain ricin, a toxin considered a chemical and biological warfare agent. Despite years of investigation, there is still no effective antidote or vaccine available. However, some progress has been made, and the development of an effective treatment may be on the horizon. To provide an updated overview of this issue, we have conducted a comprehensive review of the literature on the current state of research in the fight against ricin. This mini-review is based on the reported research and aims to address the challenges faced by researchers, as well as highlight the most successful cases achieved thus far. Our goal is to encourage the scientific community to continue their efforts in this critical search.
PubMed: 38350844
DOI: 10.2174/0113895575270509231121060105 -
Journal of Hepatology Aug 2023Prevention of neurological worsening (NW) under therapy is an unmet need in the management of Wilson disease (WD). In this study, we aimed to characterize the...
BACKGROUND & AIMS
Prevention of neurological worsening (NW) under therapy is an unmet need in the management of Wilson disease (WD). In this study, we aimed to characterize the occurrence, associated outcomes and potential reversibility of NW in WD.
METHODS
From a total cohort of 457 patients with WD, 128 patients with WD and neurological features at any time point (all Caucasian, 63 females, median age at diagnosis 22 years) were identified by chart review at University Hospital Heidelberg and grouped according to initial presentation. The timing and occurrence of NW was assessed following a structured clinical examination during clinical visits.
RESULTS
Early NW (within the first 3 months of therapy) was observed in 30 out of 115 (26.1%) patients with neurological or mixed presentation and never in patients with a purely hepatic or asymptomatic presentation (0%). Late NW (after >12 months) was seen in a further 23 (20%) with neurological or mixed presentation and in 13 out of 294 (4.4%) patients with a hepatic or asymptomatic presentation. The median time from start of treatment to late NW was 20 months. Only three patients experienced NW between 3 and 12 months. NW was observed with D-penicillamine, trientine and zinc therapy and was reversible in 15/30 (50%) with early NW and in 29/36 (81%) with late NW.
CONCLUSIONS
In this study, we identified two peaks in NW: an early (≤3 months) treatment-associated peak and a late (>12 months of treatment) adherence-associated peak. Early paradoxical NW was attributed to treatment initiation and pre-existing neurological damage, and was not observed in those with a hepatic or asymptomatic presentation. Late NW is likely to be associated with non-adherence.
IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS
In patients with Wilson disease, defined as an excess accumulation of copper which can damage the liver, brain and other vital organs, neurological worsening can occur despite chelation therapy. The study identifies different patterns of 'early' (<3 months) vs. 'late' (>12 months) neurological worsening in relation to initiation of chelation therapy and establishes possible causes and the potential for reversibility. These data should be useful for counseling patients and for guiding the optimal management of chelation therapy.
Topics: Female; Humans; Hepatolenticular Degeneration; Penicillamine; Trientine; Zinc; Copper
PubMed: 37116715
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.04.007 -
Bioresource Technology Aug 2023The flourishment of anaerobic digestion (AD) on waste treatment emphasizes the importance of digestate valorization, which plays an essential role in determining the... (Review)
Review
The flourishment of anaerobic digestion (AD) on waste treatment emphasizes the importance of digestate valorization, which plays an essential role in determining the benefits provided by the AD process. The perception of digestate gradually shifts from waste to products to realize the concept of circular economy and maximize the benefits of digestate valorization. This review first outlined the current status of digestate valorization, focusing on thermal-chemical methods. The novel valorization methods were then summarized from the recent research, illustrating prospects for digestate valorization. Limits and perspectives are finally addressed. Methods for preparing digestate-derived activated carbon and impurity effects were elucidated. Inherent mineral content/inorganic impurity could be a niche for downstream use. High surface area and well-developed pore structure are essential for satisfying downstream use performance, but they are not the only factors. Digestate char applications other than use as an energy fuel are suggested.
Topics: Charcoal; Anaerobiosis
PubMed: 37164231
DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.129135 -
Environmental Research Dec 2023Currently, the storage of coal gasification slag (CGS) is continuously increasing, as the coal gasification technology develops, posing significant environmental... (Review)
Review
Currently, the storage of coal gasification slag (CGS) is continuously increasing, as the coal gasification technology develops, posing significant environmental hazards. Due to its volcanic ash characteristics and rich residual carbon, CGS has great potential for resource utilization, which has attracted the attentions of many scholars. This paper firstly introduces the compositions and properties of CGS. Then, it reviews the existing utilization methods of CGS, including Preparation of building materials, carbon-ash separation technology, ecological restoration, and cyclic blending. The advantages and disadvantages of various methods are compared. Subsequently, some high-value utilization methods of coal gasification slag are introduced, such as the preparation of high-performance activated carbon and zeolite, of which the feasibility and advantages are evaluated. Finally, some suggestions are put forward for future developing technologies. This paper aims to provide some references and inspiration for the utilization and environmental protection of CGS.
Topics: Coal; Conservation of Natural Resources; Charcoal; Coal Ash
PubMed: 37741569
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117186 -
Sheng Wu Gong Cheng Xue Bao = Chinese... Jul 2023Excessive levels of cadmium (Cd) in soil exert serious negative impacts on soil ecosystems. Microorganisms are a common component of soil and show great potential for... (Review)
Review
Excessive levels of cadmium (Cd) in soil exert serious negative impacts on soil ecosystems. Microorganisms are a common component of soil and show great potential for mitigating soil Cd. This review summarizes the application and remediation mechanisms of microorganisms, microbial-plants, and microbial-biochar in Cd-contaminated soil. Microorganisms such as , , , and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can change the biological validity of Cd through adsorption, mineralization, precipitation and dissolution. Different factors such as pH, temperature, biomass, concentration, and duration have significant effects on Cd bioavailability by microorganisms. , , and can promote the uptake of Cd by hyperaccumulator through promotion and activation. Biochar, a soil amendment, possesses unique physicochemical properties and could act as a shelter for microorganisms in agriculture. The use of combined microbial-biochar can further stabilize Cd compared to using biochar alone.
Topics: Cadmium; Ecosystem; Soil Pollutants; Charcoal; Soil
PubMed: 37584118
DOI: 10.13345/j.cjb.220909 -
Thrombosis Research May 2024Given the growing number of patients receiving direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC), patients requiring rapid neutralization is also increasing in case of major bleedings or... (Review)
Review
Given the growing number of patients receiving direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC), patients requiring rapid neutralization is also increasing in case of major bleedings or urgent surgery/procedures. Idarucizumab is commercialized as a specific antidote to dabigatran while andexanet alfa has gained the Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency approval as an oral anti-factor Xa inhibitors antidote. Other antidotes or hemostatic agents are still under preclinical or clinical development, the most advanced being ciraparantag. DOAC plasma levels measurement allows to appropriately select patient for antidote administration and may prevent unnecessary prescription of expensive molecules in some acute clinical settings. However, these tests might be inconclusive after some antidote administration, namely andexanet alfa and ciraparantag. The benefit of laboratory monitoring following DOAC reversal remains unclear. Here, we sought to provide an overview of the key studies evaluating the safety and efficacy of DOAC reversal using the most developed/commercialized specific antidotes, to discuss the potential role of the laboratory monitoring in the management of patients receiving DOAC specific antidotes and to highlight the areas that deserve further investigations in order to establish the exact role of laboratory monitoring in the appropriate management of DOAC specific antidotes.
Topics: Humans; Antidotes; Anticoagulants; Administration, Oral; Factor Xa Inhibitors; Drug Monitoring; Recombinant Proteins; Factor Xa; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
PubMed: 38626592
DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2024.04.005 -
British Journal of Anaesthesia Feb 2024This study in vitro comprehensively assessed reversal of the anticoagulant effects of rivaroxaban, an oral factor Xa inhibitor, using andexanet alfa and various...
This study in vitro comprehensively assessed reversal of the anticoagulant effects of rivaroxaban, an oral factor Xa inhibitor, using andexanet alfa and various prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) products in a battery of tests. In static coagulation assays, andexanet alpha outperformed PCCs except for activated PCC being more effective in standard coagulation times. However, in a flow chamber model mimicking arterial shear, both andexanet alpha and high-concentration PCC restored fibrin formation, but not platelet adhesion. In the Russell's viper venom test and anti-Xa assay, only andexanet alpha could be tested for efficacy. The antidote effects of andexanet alpha and PCCs in restoring coagulation can be qualitatively or selectively demonstrated using in vitro coagulation tests.
Topics: Humans; Factor Xa Inhibitors; Antidotes; Blood Coagulation Factors; Rivaroxaban; Factor IX; Recombinant Proteins; Anticoagulants; Factor Xa
PubMed: 38071150
DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2023.11.028 -
Journal of Clinical Oncology : Official... Nov 2023
Topics: Humans; Oxaliplatin; Colorectal Neoplasms; Treatment Outcome; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Fluorouracil; Leucovorin
PubMed: 37967514
DOI: 10.1200/JCO.23.01109