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The Science of the Total Environment Dec 2021The resource utilization of industrial solid waste has become a hot issue worldwide. Composites of biochar with metal-containing solid wastes (MCSWs) can not only... (Review)
Review
The resource utilization of industrial solid waste has become a hot issue worldwide. Composites of biochar with metal-containing solid wastes (MCSWs) can not only improve the adsorption performance, but also reduce the cost of modification and promote the recycling of waste resources. Thus, the synthesis and applications of biochar composites modified by MCSWs have been attracting increasing attention. However, different MCSWs may result in metal-containing solid waste/biochar composites (MCSW-BCs) with various physicochemical properties and adsorption performance, causing distinct adsorption mechanisms and applications. Although a lot of researches have been carried out, it is still in infancy. In particular, the explanation on the adsorption mechanisms and influencing factors of pollutant onto MCSW-BCs are not comprehensive and clear enough. Therefore, a systematic review on fabrication and potential environmental applications of different MCSW-BCs is highly needed. Here we summarize the recent advances on the utilization of typical metal-containing solid wastes, preparation of MCSW-BCs, adsorption mechanisms and influencing factors of pollutants by MCSW-BCs as well as their environmental applications. Finally, comments and perspectives for future studies are proposed.
Topics: Adsorption; Charcoal; Solid Waste; Water Pollutants, Chemical
PubMed: 34388886
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149295 -
The Science of the Total Environment Aug 2022As one of the largest carbon emitters, China promises to achieve carbon emissions neutrality by 2060. Various industries are developing businesses to reduce carbon... (Review)
Review
As one of the largest carbon emitters, China promises to achieve carbon emissions neutrality by 2060. Various industries are developing businesses to reduce carbon emissions. As an important greenhouse gas emissions scenario, the reduction of carbon emissions in the food chain can be achieved by preparing the wastes into biochar. The food chain, as one of the sources of biochar, consists of production, processing and consumption, in which many wastes can be transferred into biochar. However, few studies use the food chain as the system to sort out the raw materials of biochar. A systematic review of the food chain application in serving as raw materials for biochar is helpful for further application of such technique, providing supportive information for the development of biochar preparation and wastes treating. In addition, there are many pollution sources in the food production process, such as agricultural contaminated soil and wastewater from livestock and aquatic, that can be treated on-site to achieve the goal of treating wastes with wastes within the food chain. This study focuses on waste resource utilization and pollution remediation in the food chain, summarizing the sources of biochar in the food chain and analyzing the feasibility of using waste in food chain to treat contaminated sites in the food chain and discussing the impacts of the greenhouse gas emissions. This review provides a reference for the resource utilization of waste and pollution reduction in the food chain.
Topics: Agriculture; Carbon; Charcoal; Food Chain; Greenhouse Gases; Nitrous Oxide; Soil
PubMed: 35490824
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155571 -
Drug and Alcohol Review May 2023Opioid overdose kills over 100,000 people each year globally. Mobile health (mHealth) technologies and devices, including wearables, with the capacity to prevent, detect... (Review)
Review
ISSUES
Opioid overdose kills over 100,000 people each year globally. Mobile health (mHealth) technologies and devices, including wearables, with the capacity to prevent, detect or respond to opioid overdose exist in early form, or could be re-purposed or designed. These technologies may particularly help those who use alone. For technologies to be successful, they must be effective and acceptable to the at-risk population. The aim of this scoping review is to identify published studies on mHealth technologies that attempt to prevent, detect or respond to opioid overdose.
APPROACH
A systematic scoping review of literature was conducted up to October 2022. APA PsychInfo, Embase, Web of Science and Medline databases were searched.
INCLUSION CRITERIA
articles had to report on (i) mHealth technologies that deal with (ii) opioid (iii) overdose.
KEY FINDINGS
A total of 348 records were identified, with 14 studies eligible for this review across four domains: (i) technologies that require intervention/response from others (four); (ii) devices that use biometric data to detect overdose (five); (iii) devices that automatically respond to an overdose with administration of an antidote (three); (iv) acceptability/willingness to use overdose-related technologies/devices (five).
IMPLICATIONS
There are multiple routes in which these technologies may be deployed, but several factors impact acceptability (e.g., discretion or size) and accuracy of detection (e.g., sensitive parameter/threshold with low false positive rate).
CONCLUSION
mHealth technologies for opioid overdose may play a crucial role in responding to the ongoing global opioid crises. This scoping review identifies vital research that will determine the future success of these technologies.
Topics: Humans; Opiate Overdose; Drug Overdose; Telemedicine; Analgesics, Opioid; Risk Factors
PubMed: 36933892
DOI: 10.1111/dar.13645 -
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Jul 2023Heavy metals contaminated soils are posing severe threats to food safety worldwide. Heavy metals absorbed by plant roots from contaminated soils lead to severe plant...
Heavy metals contaminated soils are posing severe threats to food safety worldwide. Heavy metals absorbed by plant roots from contaminated soils lead to severe plant development issues and a reduction in crop yield and growth. The global population is growing, and the demand for food is increasing. Therefore, it is critical to identify soil remediation strategies that are efficient, economical, and environment friendly. The use of biochar and slag as passivators represents a promising approach among various physicochemical and biological strategies due to their efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and low environmental impact. These passivators employ diverse mechanisms to reduce the bioavailability of metals in contaminated soils, thereby improving crop growth and productivity. Although studies have shown the effectiveness of different passivators, further research is needed globally as this field is still in its early stages. This review sheds light on the innovative utilization of biochar and slag as sustainable strategies for heavy metal remediation, emphasizing their novelty and potential for practical applications. Based on the findings, research gaps have been identified and future research directions proposed to enable the full potential of passivators to be utilized effectively and efficiently under controlled and field conditions.
Topics: Soil Pollutants; Environmental Restoration and Remediation; Charcoal; Metals, Heavy; Industrial Waste; Soil
PubMed: 37454303
DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11561-7 -
Journal of Environmental Management Mar 2022During the last decade, biochars have been considered as attractive and eco-friendly materials with various applications including wastewater treatment, energy... (Review)
Review
During the last decade, biochars have been considered as attractive and eco-friendly materials with various applications including wastewater treatment, energy production and soil amendments. However, the important nitrogen losses during biochars production using the pyrolysis process have limited their potential use in agriculture as biofertilizer. Therefore, it seems necessary to enrich these biochars with nitrogen sources before their use in agricultural soils. This paper is the first comprehensive review on the assessment of biomass type and the biochars' properties effects on N recovery efficiency from aqueous solutions as well as its release and availability for plants when applying the N-enriched chars in soils. In particular, the N recovery efficiency by raw biochars versus the type of the raw feedstock is summarized. Then, correlations between the adsorption performance and the main physico-chemical properties are established. The main mechanisms involved during ammonium (NH-N) and nitrates (NO-N) recovery process are thoroughly discussed. A special attention is given to the assessment of the biochars physico-chemical modification impact on their N recovery capacities improvement. After that, the application of these N-enriched biochars in agriculture and their impacts on plants growth as well as methane and nitrous oxide greenhouse gas emissions reduction are also discussed. Finally, the main future development and challenges of biochars enrichment with N from wastewaters and their valorization as biofertilizers for plants growth and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction are provided. This systematic review is intended to promote the real application of biochars for nutrients recovery from wastewaters and their reuse as eco-friendly fertilizers.
Topics: Agriculture; Ammonium Compounds; Charcoal; Fertilizers; Nitrates; Soil; Wastewater
PubMed: 34968937
DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.114368 -
Nephrology, Dialysis, Transplantation :... Feb 2023Vascular calcification (VC) is a common comorbidity among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), indicating major cardiovascular events. This study aimed to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Vascular calcification (VC) is a common comorbidity among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), indicating major cardiovascular events. This study aimed to evaluate the effects and safety of intravenous sodium thiosulphate (STS) for VC in CKD patients.
METHODS
Electronic databases were searched for clinical trials that provided data comparing outcomes among patients treated with and without STS. The PRISMA guidelines were followed. Efficacy was assessed using calcification scores and arterial stiffness. Safety was examined by analyzing adverse symptoms, electrolytes and bone mineral density (BMD). Random-effects models were performed. Meta-regression and sensitivity analysis were done. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane tools.
RESULTS
Among the 5601 publications, 6 studies involving 305 participants (mean age: 56 years, male: 56.6%) with all participants on maintenance hemodialysis met eligibility criteria. For efficacy, the progression in Agatston scores in the coronary arteries [107 patients, mean difference (MD): -241.27, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): -421.50 to -61.03] and iliac arteries (55 patients, MD: -382.00, 95% CI: -751.07 to -12.93) was lower in the STS treated group compared with controls. The increase in pulse wave velocity was lower in the STS group (104 patients, MD: -1.29 m/s, 95% CI: -2.24 to -0.34 m/s). No association was found between the change in calcification scores and STS regimen. For safety, gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g. nausea) and increased anion gap acidosis were noted. No reduction in BMD by STS was observed.
CONCLUSIONS
Intravenous STS may attenuate the progression of VC and arterial stiffness in hemodialysis patients. Large and well-designed randomized controlled trials are warranted.
Topics: Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Pulse Wave Analysis; Vascular Calcification; Renal Dialysis; Vascular Stiffness; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic
PubMed: 35521751
DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfac171 -
Colorectal Disease : the Official... Jan 2020The clinical benefits of a combination of leucovorin and fluorouracil have been established in the treatment of colorectal cancer. Due to a leucovorin shortage in 2008,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
AIM
The clinical benefits of a combination of leucovorin and fluorouracil have been established in the treatment of colorectal cancer. Due to a leucovorin shortage in 2008, many institutions revised their protocols to reduce the dose of leucovorin. After the shortage was resolved, some hospitals still maintained their modified protocols. Thus, we conducted a systematic review to evaluate the efficacy and safety of low- vs high-dose leucovorin in the treatment of colorectal cancer.
METHOD
The PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases were searched for studies published before May 2019. The meta-analysis was performed to estimate the pooled effect sizes by using a random effect model. The primary outcomes were median survival time and tumour response rate. Secondary outcomes were haematological and nonhaematological toxicities.
RESULTS
Eight randomized controlled trials and four retrospective studies were reviewed. The pooled median survival time was similar between the two dose levels (standard mean difference -0.06, 95% CI -0.19 to 0.08). The pooled tumour response rate was comparatively higher in the high-dose leucovorin regimen (OR 0.81; 95% CI 0.55-1.18). No statistically significant difference was found between the haematological and nonhaematological toxicities of the two groups. However, there were fewer diarrhoea events in the low-dose leucovorin regimen.
CONCLUSION
Low-dose leucovorin regimens seemed feasible approaches for colorectal cancer treatment when the shortage happened, because both regimens manifested comparable outcomes in survival time and tumour response rate.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Colorectal Neoplasms; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Feasibility Studies; Female; Fluorouracil; Humans; Leucovorin; Male; Middle Aged; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult
PubMed: 31260150
DOI: 10.1111/codi.14746 -
European Journal of Clinical... Jun 2021Paracetamol is the only drug recommended to treat fever in neonates. At recommended doses, paracetamol has not been associated with liver injury in neonates, while...
PURPOSE
Paracetamol is the only drug recommended to treat fever in neonates. At recommended doses, paracetamol has not been associated with liver injury in neonates, while hepatotoxicity may occur after intake of a single high dose or multiple excessive doses. The aim of this narrative review is to critically analyze and summarize the available literature on newborns and infants exposed to supratherapeutic doses of paracetamol, with special focus on their clinical features, outcome, and management.
METHODS
The PubMed, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar search engines were used to collect data, without time limitation. The following keywords were used: paracetamol/acetaminophen, overdose, hepatotoxicity, N-acetylcysteine, newborn, infant.
RESULTS
The literature search identified a total of 27 case reports, a number of review articles, and few other relevant publications. Neonatal poisoning from paracetamol resulted from transplacental drug transfer after maternal overdose in some published cases, while it was the consequence of medication errors in other cases. Newborns and infants who have received a single overdose and have paracetamol concentrations below the Rumack-Matthew nomogram limits are at low risk of serious hepatic damage, while those who have recently ingested more than one supratherapeutic dose of paracetamol should be managed with caution. The treatment of choice for paracetamol poisoning is N-acetylcysteine, a specific antidote which reduces paracetamol hepatotoxic effects. N-Acetylcysteine should be given according to specific regimens through weight-based dosing tables.
CONCLUSIONS
Caution should be used when paracetamol is administered to the newborn. In the event of an overdose, careful patient monitoring and personalization of post-overdose procedures are recommended.
Topics: Acetaminophen; Acetylcysteine; Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; Antidotes; Charcoal; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury; Drug Overdose; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Pregnancy; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects
PubMed: 33388821
DOI: 10.1007/s00228-020-03077-7 -
Arthritis Care & Research Aug 2020Methotrexate (MTX) increases the risk of alopecia and stomatitis, but the prevalence of these adverse events among rheumatic patients taking MTX is poorly defined. We... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
Methotrexate (MTX) increases the risk of alopecia and stomatitis, but the prevalence of these adverse events among rheumatic patients taking MTX is poorly defined. We conducted a systematic literature review and meta-analysis to estimate the prevalence of alopecia and stomatitis with MTX in rheumatic diseases.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, The Cochrane Library, and CINAHL databases for double-blind randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with an MTX monotherapy arm. Alopecia, stomatitis, and oral/mouth ulcers data were extracted. The quality of trials was assessed by 2 authors. We included trials published since 1990 that used at least 10 mg of MTX weekly, coadministered with folic or folinic acid. We estimated the prevalence using random-effects models because heterogeneity was anticipated. Two estimates of prevalence were included; the lower bound estimate included all trials (assuming no alopecia and stomatitis if not mentioned), and the upper bound estimate included only those that specifically described prevalence estimates of alopecia or stomatitis.
RESULTS
Of 3,954 studies identified, 20 RCTs were included, with a total of 24 MTX monotherapy arms, of which 10 reported the prevalence of alopecia (n = 1,113), and 21 reported stomatitis or mouth/oral ulcers (n = 2,056). The prevalence of alopecia was between 1.0% and 4.9%. The prevalence of stomatitis was between 5.7% and 8.0%.
CONCLUSION
This meta-analysis gives more precise estimates of mucocutaneous adverse events that occur in rheumatic disease patients taking MTX. These estimates will help inform patient decision-making regarding MTX.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Alopecia; Antirheumatic Agents; Double-Blind Method; Female; Folic Acid; Humans; Leucovorin; Male; Methotrexate; Middle Aged; Oral Ulcer; Prevalence; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Rheumatic Diseases; Stomatitis
PubMed: 31150157
DOI: 10.1002/acr.23999 -
International Journal of Dental Hygiene Feb 2024The present systematic review was conducted to give an overview of toothbrush contamination among the general population and the factors affecting toothbrush... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
The present systematic review was conducted to give an overview of toothbrush contamination among the general population and the factors affecting toothbrush contamination with an evidence-based approach.
DATA/SOURCES
Medline (Pub Med), CINAHL Plus, Cochrane Library and Dentistry and Oral Health Sciences Source were searched for the results after applying the search strategy from January 2012 to May 2022, following inclusion and exclusion criteria. The data were collected using a self-made data collection form on study characteristics, population attributes and the main features, including the study's outcomes. The methodological quality of the included studies was independently evaluated based on the Joanna Briggs Institute's (JBI) critical appraisal checklist for cross-sectional studies and the Risk of Biasness Tool-1 (Rob-1) for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). A descriptive analysis of the included studies was done using SWiM guidelines. The impact of charcoal and non-charcoal brushes on toothbrush disinfection was quantitatively analysed using a forest plot.
STUDY SELECTION
Of the 687 studies screened by title and abstract, 27 articles were selected for full-text evaluation using the EndNote reference program (Ver. X9.2). From these, 15 qualified and were included in the systematic review. Among the selected studies, eight were RCTs, six were cross-sectional studies, and the remaining one was an in vitro experimental study.
CONCLUSIONS
The toothbrush becomes contaminated even after its first usage, and the contamination level rises with continued use. There are a number of factors that lead to the contamination of brushes, such as increased humidity brought on by a plastic cover or a toilet setting. Charcoal brushes show significant efficacy as compared to regular bristles in reducing toothbrush contamination; however, more RCTs are needed to further assess its efficacy. Nevertheless, rinsing with chlorhexidine mouthwash after daily brushing shows favourable results.
Topics: Humans; Oral Health; Charcoal; Toothbrushing; Chlorhexidine; Oral Hygiene
PubMed: 37680184
DOI: 10.1111/idh.12740