Glioma-induced inhibition of caspase-3 in microglia promotes a tumor-supportive phenotype.

Glioma cells recruit and exploit microglia (the resident immune cells of the brain) for their proliferation and invasion ability. The underlying molecular mechanism used by glioma cells to transform microglia into a tumor-supporting phenotype has remained elusive. We found that glioma-induced microglia conversion was coupled to a reduction in the basal activity of microglial caspase-3 and increased S-nitrosylation of mitochondria-associated caspase-3 through inhibition of thioredoxin-2 activity, and that inhibition of caspase-3 regulated microglial tumor-supporting function. Furthermore, we identified the activity of nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS2, also known as iNOS) originating from the glioma cells as a driving stimulus in the control of microglial caspase-3 activity. Repression of glioma NOS2 expression in vivo led to a reduction in both microglia recruitment and tumor expansion, whereas depletion of microglial caspase-3 gene promoted tumor growth. Our results provide evidence that inhibition of the denitrosylation of S-nitrosylated procaspase-3 mediated by the redox protein Trx2 is a part of the microglial pro-tumoral activation pathway initiated by glioma cancer cells.

Functional and radiographic assessments of post-traumatic asymmetrical ankle osteoarthritis treatment using supramalleolar osteotomies.

PURPOSE: This study's objective is to assess the effectiveness of supramalleolar osteotomies (SMOT) in the treatment of asymmetrical ankle osteoarthritis in terms of the improvement in alignment assessed radiographically and its impact on symptoms measured by the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score (AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score). METHODS: Twelve patients participated in this prospective observational case series study. Standing anteroposterior, true lateral, and mortise views radiographs were taken. For preoperative planning, the lateral distal tibial angle (LDTA), talar tilt (TT), talocrural angle (TCA), and anterior distal tibial angle (ADTA) were all measured. A medial opening wedge osteotomy mainly was used to treat the varus arthritis ankle. A further oblique fibular osteotomy is frequently necessary. RESULTS: The male-to-female ratio was 3:1, and the mean age of the patients was 26.25 ± 13.032 years. There were highly statistically significant differences between pre-and post-operative AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score (p < 0.001). Statistically significant differences concerning ankle range of motion (p = 0.002, < 0.001) of dorsiflexion and planter flexion were detected. Comparison between pre-and post-operative patients' radiology characteristics shows statistically significant differences concerning TT (p = 0.016) and LDTA (p = 0.046). CONCLUSION: SMOT is very effective in the treatment of post-traumatic ankle osteoarthritis and postpones ankle fusion or total ankle replacements. This surgery significantly improves functional and radiological outcomes as well as the range of motion in the ankle. Meticulous preoperative planning by radiological measurements of different angles around the ankle is considered the crucial factor in success of that operation.

Primary arthrodesis for diabetic ankle fractures using a modified retrograde femoral intramedullary locking nail combined with lateral plating, surgical technique, and early results of a pilot study.

PURPOSE: We aimed to report the early results of performing acute ankle arthrodesis using a modified retrograde femoral intramedullary locking IMN concomitant with plating at the same setting for managing diabetic patients' acute ankle fractures. METHODS: We prospectively included patients who presented acutely with ankle fractures, where hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) on admission was > 7%, and the Adelaide Fracture in the Diabetic Ankle (AFDA) algorithm score was 5 or above. All patients were treated by acute ankle arthrodesis using a modified retrograde femoral IMN combined with lateral plating. Functional assessment was reported according to a modified American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle hindfoot scale (AOFAS), and complications were documented. RESULTS: Six patients had an average age of 55.7 years (37-65). The average HbA1C on admission was 7.9 (7.3-9), and the average AFDA score was 7.3 (6-8). The average operative time was 79.2 min (70-90). All patients, except for one, achieved union at the arthrodesis site after an average of 10.3 weeks (8-14). After an average last follow-up of 9 months (6-12), the average modified AOFAS was 73.2 (82 to 62); four patients had an excellent score and one good. Complications developed in two, one deep infection after 2 weeks treated by metal removal and Ilizarov, and the other patient developed a stress fracture at the tibial end of the nail, which was treated by open reduction and internal fixation using a plate and screws. CONCLUSION: Using a modified femoral IMN combined with lateral plating is a promising technique to achieve ankle arthrodesis in diabetic patients with acute ankle fractures with acceptable outcomes; however, further studies with larger numbers are needed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Sr Promoted Ni/W-Zr Catalysts for Highly Efficient CO2 Methanation: Unveiling the Role of Surface Basicity.

This study explores the employment of CO2 methanation for carbon dioxide utilization and global warming mitigation. For the first time, in this work, we combine the interesting properties of the WO3-ZrO2 support and the benefits of Sr to improve the performance of Ni-based catalysts in this reaction. Sr loading on 5Ni/W-Zr samples is increased to 3 wt %, resulting in improved surface basicity through strong basic site formation. After 300 min, the 5Ni + 3Sr/W-Zr catalyst exhibits high activity and stability, achieving 90% CO2 conversion and 82% CH4 yield compared to 62 and 57% on 5Ni/W-Zr. Limited sintering and absence of carbon deposits are confirmed by temperature-programmed oxidation, XRD, Raman, and TEM analyses at 350 °C for 300 min. Sr promotion creates additional CO2 adsorption and conversion sites, enhancing the catalytic performance.

Plant-based proteins: advanced extraction technologies, interactions, physicochemical and functional properties, food and related applications, and health benefits.

Even though plant proteins are more plentiful and affordable than animal proteins in comparison, direct usage of plant-based proteins (PBPs) is still limited because PBPs are fed to animals as feed to produce animal-based proteins. Thus, this work has comprehensively reviewed the effects of various factors such as pH, temperature, pressure, and ionic strength on PBP properties, as well as describes the protein interactions, and extraction methods to know the optimal conditions for preparing PBP-based products with high functional properties and health benefits. According to the cited studies in the current work, the environmental factors, particularly pH and ionic strength significantly affected on physicochemical and functional properties of PBPs, especially solubility was 76.0% to 83.9% at pH = 2, while at pH = 5.0 reduced from 5.3% to 9.6%, emulsifying ability was the lowest at pH = 5.8 and the highest at pH 8.0, and foaming capacity was lowest at pH 5.0 and the highest at pH = 7.0. Electrostatic interactions are the main way for protein interactions, which can be used to create protein/polysaccharide complexes for food industrial purposes. The extraction yield of proteins can be reached up to 86-95% with high functional properties using sustainable and efficient routes, including enzymatic, ultrasound-, microwave-, pulsed electric field-, and high-pressure-assisted extraction. Nondairy alternative products, especially yogurt, 3D food printing and meat analogs, synthesis of nanoparticles, and bioplastics and packaging films are the best available PBPs-based products. Moreover, PBPs particularly those that contain pigments and their products showed good bioactivities, especially antioxidants, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial.

Vaccination with bacterial ghosts of Streptococcus iniae and Lactococcus garvieae originated from outbreak of marine fish streptococcosis, induce potential protection against the disease in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758).

Streptococcosis is an important bacterial disease affects fresh, brackish and marine fish. The disease caused annual severe economic losses in Egyptian Mari-culture. S. iniae and L. garvieae usually the main causative agents isolated. The presented study conducted to prepare bacterial ghost vaccine (BGV) candidates from isolated strains of marine streptococcosis outbreaks using NaOH chemical approach. Selected strains confirmed as pathogenic for Nile tilapia, therefore the fish selected as an experimental model. In such respect, the re-isolated S. iniae and L. garvieae were used for ghost preparations, BGVs evaluation and fish challenges. Apart of four, three fish groups namely, A, B, C designated for BGVs evaluations, while the fourth one (D) designated as control. Vaccination experiments performed via intra-peritoneal injection with 0.1 mL (1.5 × 108 CFU/mL/fish) of their corresponding BGVs twice with 2 weeks' interval; however, control fish received 0.1 mL of fish saline instead. Blood, serum, and tissue samples collected from all groups at 2 and 4 weeks post immunization (PI) for estimation of hematological, innate, and specific immune parameters. At the end, all remained fish challenged with appropriated pathogen (s) and the relative percentage of survival (RPS) calculated. Three BGVs generated namely, SiG, in addition to, novel contributions of LgG and SiLgG. Ghosts were corresponding to S. iniae, L. garvieae and their both ghost mixtures, respectively. Fish groups immunized with prepared BGVs revealed variable significant increases in PCV, GLB, PP, SOD, CAT, C5, IL-ß1, LZM, specific antibody titers and CD4 expression 2 and 4 weeks PI. MDA decreased in all vaccinated groups that was significantly with group C. Expression of MHC-II showed elevations 2 weeks PI, however, it significantly decreased at 4 weeks. The RPS recorded 90, 88.89 and 95.46% in immunized groups A, B and C, respectively. At all levels tested, obtained results proposed SiG, LgG and SiLgG as innovative vaccine candidates, which can protect cultured fish from being attacked by S. iniae, and/or L. garvieae.

Detection and description of a novel Psychrobacter glacincola infection in some Red Sea marine fishes in Hurghada, Egypt.

An important food-producing sector in Egypt is aquaculture and fisheries; however, several pathogenic microorganisms lead to high mortalities and significant economic losses. The occurrence of Psychrobacter glacincola infection among 180 wild marine fishes collected from the Red sea at Hurghada, Egypt were investigated in the present study. The disease prevalence rate was 6.7%. The recovered isolates were subjected to biochemical and molecular identification. The study also investigated pathogenicity and the antibiogram profile of the recovered isolates. The clinical examination of the infected fish revealed various signs that included lethargy and sluggish movement, hemorrhages and ulcers on the body and the operculum, scale loss, and fin congestion and rot, especially at the tail fin. Furthermore, during postmortem examination, congestion of the liver, spleen, and kidney was observed. Interestingly, 12 isolates were recovered and were homogenous bacteriologically and biochemically. The phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene confirmed that MRB62 identified strain was closely related the genus Psychrobacter and identified as P. glacincola and was pathogenic to Rhabdosargus haffara fish, causing 23.3% mortality combined with reporting a series of clinical signs similar to that found in naturally infected fishes. The present study also showed that P. glacincola isolates were sensitive to all antibiotics used for sensitivity testing. Our findings add to the body of knowledge regarding the occurrence of pathogenic P. glacincola infection in Egyptian marine fishes and its potential effects on fish. Future large-scale surveys exploring this bacterium among other freshwater and marine fishes in Egypt would be helpful for the implementation of effective strategies for the prevention and control of this infection are warranted.

Addressing COVID-19 inequities using bidirectional crisis and emergency risk communication and vaccine clinic interventions: a descriptive study.

BACKGROUND: Im/migrants (immigrants and migrants, including refugees, asylum seekers, and individuals without legal documentation) experience unique assets and needs in relation to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Community-based participatory research (CBPR) is one way to engage im/migrant communities. Rochester Healthy Community Partnership (RHCP) is a CBPR partnership in Rochester, Minnesota. RHCP partners noted that credible COVID-19 information was not available to their communities. In response, RHCP formed a COVID-19 Task Force and adapted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication (CERC) framework to create an intervention that prioritized im/migrant groups experiencing health disparities. In the CERC intervention, communication leaders delivered COVID-19 health messages to their social networks and documented related concerns. RHCP relayed these concerns to regional leaders to ensure that im/migrant experiences were included in decision making. Once vaccines were available, RHCP continued to deploy the CERC intervention to promote vaccination equity. The aims of this paper are to (1) describe the implementation of a bidirectional CERC intervention for vaccination equity, and (2) describe a community-engaged and community-based vaccine clinic intervention. METHODS: First, we surveyed participants (n = 37) to assess COVID-19 experiences, acceptability of the CERC intervention, and motivation to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. Second, we collaborated with community partners to hold vaccine clinics. We report descriptive statistics from each intervention. RESULTS: When asked about the acceptability of the CERC intervention for vaccine equity, most participants either reported that they 'really liked it' or 'thought it was just ok'. Most participants stated that they would recommend the program to family or friends who have not yet received the COVID-19 vaccine. Almost all participants reported that they felt 'much more' or 'somewhat more' motivated to receive a COVID-19 vaccine after the intervention. We administered 1158 vaccines at the vaccination clinics. CONCLUSIONS: We found that participants viewed the CERC intervention for vaccination equity as an acceptable way to disseminate COVID-19-related information. Nearly all participants reported that the intervention convinced them to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. In our experience, community-engaged and community-based clinics are a successful way to administer vaccines to im/migrant communities during a pandemic.

Diagnostic accuracy of point-of-care knee ultrasound for evaluation of meniscus and collateral ligaments pathology in comparison with MRI.

BACKGROUND: Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is often the "gold standard" for diagnosing knee problems, it has many limitations. Therefore, ultrasonography has been suggested as an effective rapid alternative in many knee abnormalities, especially after injuries of the meniscus and collateral ligaments. PURPOSE: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in detecting injuries of the meniscus and collateral ligament compared to MRI. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An observational cross-sectional blinded study was conducted of 60 patients with clinically suspicious meniscus and collateral ligament injuries who were planned for an arthroscopy and or operative procedure. These patients underwent both blinded POCUS and MRI of the knees before the intervention procedure and results of both imaging modalities were compared according to the operative and arthroscopic findings. RESULTS: The preoperative reliability of POCUS compared to MRI for the assessment of meniscus injuries was sensitivity (92.9% vs. 90.5%), specificity (88.9% vs. 83.3%), positive predictive value (PPV; 95.1% vs. 92.7%), negative predictive value (NPV; 84.2% vs. 79%), and overall accuracy (91.7% vs. 88.3%). However, for diagnosing collateral ligament injures, POCUS versus MRI assessed sensitivity (92.3% vs. 88.5%), specificity (100% vs. 97.1%), PPV (100% vs. 95.8%), NPV (94.4% vs. 91.7%), and overall accuracy (96.7% vs. 93.3%). CONCLUSION: Ultrasonography is a useful screening tool for the initial diagnosis of meniscal and collateral ligament pathology compared to or even with potential advantages over MRI, especially when MRI is unavailable or contraindicated. As newly advanced portable ultrasonography becomes available, it could be considered as a point-of-injury diagnostic modality.

The Risk of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip in Premature Infants with Breech Presentation at Birth.

OBJECTIVE: This article evaluates the risk (defined here as incidence per 1,000 infants) of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in premature infants undergoing hip ultrasound (HUS) for breech presentation only compared with other indications. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study of infants born between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2018 at <37 weeks' gestation with a HUS obtained in the first year of life, at Nationwide Children's Hospital, the only available facility for pediatric radiology and orthopaedic services in central Ohio. We calculated risk differences and odds ratios of DDH by the indication of HUS. RESULTS: From 2,397 infants reviewed, 89% underwent HUS for breech presentation only. The local incidence of DDH for infants undergoing HUS for breech-only indication was 15 per 1,000 compared with 155 per 1,000 for infants undergoing HUS for other indications. The odds ratio of DDH diagnosis was 12.1 (95% confidence interval: 7.5, 19.6) for infants undergoing HUS for an indication other than breech presentation only relative to infants undergoing HUS for the indication of breech presentation only. CONCLUSION: The risk of DDH diagnosis in premature infants undergoing HUS for breech presentation is much lower than those undergoing HUS for clinical concerns and other risk factors. Screening these infants with physical examination may be sufficient. KEY POINTS: · Breech presentation is the most common indication for hip ultrasound in premature infants.. · The risk of DDH is lower in premature infants with breech presentation compared with premature infants with other clinical concerns.. · The risk of DDH is higher in infants born at 33 to 36 weeks of gestation compared with those born at an earlier gestation..

Evidence-Based Guidelines for Acute Stabilization and Management of Neonates with Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn.

Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, or PPHN, represents a challenging condition associated with high morbidity and mortality. Management is complicated by complex pathophysiology and limited neonatal specific evidence-based literature, leading to a lack of universal contemporary clinical guidelines for the care of these patients. To address this need and to provide consistent high-quality clinical care for this challenging population in our neonatal intensive care unit, we sought to develop a comprehensive clinical guideline for the acute stabilization and management of neonates with PPHN. Utilizing cross-disciplinary expertise and incorporating an extensive literature search to guide best practice, we present an approachable, pragmatic, and clinically relevant guide for the bedside management of acute PPHN. KEY POINTS: · PPHN is associated with several unique diagnoses; the associated pathophysiology is different for each unique diagnosis.. · PPHN is a challenging, dynamic, and labile process for which optimal care requires frequent reassessment.. · Key management goals are adequate tissue oxygen delivery, avoiding harm..

Joint preservation surgery for correcting adolescents' spasmodic flatfoot deformity: early results from a specialized North African foot and ankle unit.

PURPOSE: We aimed to report early results of performing joint-preserving surgeries for managing spasmodic flatfoot deformity (SFFD) in adolescents. METHODS: A prospective case series study including 24 patients (27 feet) diagnosed with idiopathic SFFD not responding to conservative management. After reassessment under anesthesia, surgical procedures included soft tissue releases (Achilles tendon (AT), peroneus brevis (PB), peroneus tertius (PT) (if present), and extensor digitorum longus (EDL)), bony osteotomies (lateral column lengthening (LCL), medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy (MDCO), and double calcaneal osteotomy (DCO)), and medial soft tissue reconstruction or augmentation if needed. Functional evaluation was performed per the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, while radiological parameters included talo-navicular coverage angle (TNCA), talo-first metatarsal angle (AP Meary's angle), calcaneal inclination angle (CIA), talo-calcaneal angle (TCA), talo-first metatarsal angle (Lat. Meary's angle), and tibio-calcaneal angle (TibCA). The preoperative parameters were compared to the last follow-up using the Wilcoxon signed test. RESULTS: The mean age was 15.37 ± 3.4 years, 18 (75%) were boys, and the mean BMI was 28.52 ± 3.5 (kg/m2). Release of AT and fractional lengthening of PL, PT, and EDL were performed in all patients. LCL was needed in eight feet (29.6%), MDCO in 5 (18.5%), and DCO in 14 (51.9%). FDL transfer was required in 12 (44.4%) feet, and repair of the spring ligament in seven (25.9%). The mean operative time was 99.09 ± 15.67 min. All osteotomies were united after a mean of 2.3 ± 0.5 months. After a mean follow-up of 24.12 ± 8.88 months (12 and 36 months), the AOFAS improved from a preoperative mean of 43.89 ± 11.49 to a mean of 87.26 ± 9.92 (P < 0.001). All radiological parameters showed significant improvement, AP Meary's angle from a mean of 20.4 ± 5.3 to a mean of 9.2 ± 2.1, Lat. Meary's angle from - 15.67° ± 6.31 to - 5.63° ± 5.03, TNCA from - 26.48° ± 5.94 to 13.63° ± 4.36, CIA from 12.04° ± 2.63 to 16.11° ± 3.71, TibCA from - 14.04° ± 3.15 to - 9.37° ± 3.34, and TCA Lat. from 42.65° ± 10.68 to 25.60° ± 5.69 (P ≤ 0.001). One developed wound dehiscence (over an MDCO), managed with daily dressings and local antibiotics. Another one developed lateral foot pain after having LCL managed by metal removal. CONCLUSION: Careful clinical and radiological evaluation for the correct diagnosis of SFFD is paramount. Joint-preserving bony osteotomies combined with selective soft tissue procedures resulted in acceptable functional and radiological outcomes in this young age group.

Elderberry Extracts: Characterization of the Polyphenolic Chemical Composition, Quality Consistency, Safety, Adulteration, and Attenuation of Oxidative Stress- and Inflammation-Induced Health Disorders.

Elderberry is highly reputed for its health-improving effects. Multiple pieces of evidence indicate that the consumption of berries is linked to enhancing human health and preventing or delaying the onset of chronic medical conditions. Compared with other fruit, elderberry is a very rich source of anthocyanins (approximately 80% of the polyphenol content). These polyphenols are the principals that essentially contribute to the high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities and the health benefits of elderberry fruit extract. These health effects include attenuation of cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, and inflammatory disorders, as well as anti-diabetic, anticancer, antiviral, and immuno-stimulatory effects. Sales of elderberry supplements skyrocketed to $320 million over the year 2020, according to an American Botanical Council (ABC) report, which is attributable to the purported immune-enhancing effects of elderberry. In the current review, the chemical composition of the polyphenolic content of the European elderberry (Sambucus nigra) and the American elderberry (Sambucus canadensis), as well as the analytical techniques employed to analyze, characterize, and ascertain the chemical consistency will be addressed. Further, the factors that influence the consistency of the polyphenolic chemical composition, and hence, the consistency of the health benefits of elderberry extracts will be presented. Additionally, adulteration and safety as factors contributing to consistency will be covered. The role of elderberry in enhancing human health alone with the pharmacological basis, the cellular pathways, and the molecular mechanisms underlying the observed health benefits of elderberry fruit extracts will be also reviewed.

Advances in the Chemistry, Analysis and Adulteration of Anthocyanin Rich-Berries and Fruits: 2000-2022.

Anthocyanins are reported to exhibit a wide variety of remedial qualities against many human disorders, including antioxidative stress, anti-inflammatory activity, amelioration of cardiovascular diseases, improvement of cognitive decline, and are touted to protect against neurodegenerative disorders. Anthocyanins are water soluble naturally occurring polyphenols containing sugar moiety and are found abundantly in colored fruits/berries. Various chromatographic (HPLC/HPTLC) and spectroscopic (IR, NMR) techniques as standalone or in hyphenated forms such as LC-MS/LC-NMR are routinely used to gauge the chemical composition and ensure the overall quality of anthocyanins in berries, fruits, and finished products. The major emphasis of the current review is to compile and disseminate various analytical methodologies on characterization, quantification, and chemical profiling of the whole array of anthocyanins in berries, and fruits within the last two decades. In addition, the factors affecting the stability of anthocyanins, including pH, light exposure, solvents, metal ions, and the presence of other substances, such as enzymes and proteins, were addressed. Several sources of anthocyanins, including berries and fruit with their botanical identity and respective yields of anthocyanins, were covered. In addition to chemical characterization, economically motivated adulteration of anthocyanin-rich fruits and berries due to increasing consumer demand will also be the subject of discussion. Finally, the health benefits and the medicinal utilities of anthocyanins were briefly discussed. A literature search was performed using electronic databases from PubMed, Science Direct, SciFinder, and Google Scholar, and the search was conducted covering the period from January 2000 to November 2022.

Seaweed for climate mitigation, wastewater treatment, bioenergy, bioplastic, biochar, food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics: a review.

The development and recycling of biomass production can partly solve issues of energy, climate change, population growth, food and feed shortages, and environmental pollution. For instance, the use of seaweeds as feedstocks can reduce our reliance on fossil fuel resources, ensure the synthesis of cost-effective and eco-friendly products and biofuels, and develop sustainable biorefinery processes. Nonetheless, seaweeds use in several biorefineries is still in the infancy stage compared to terrestrial plants-based lignocellulosic biomass. Therefore, here we review seaweed biorefineries with focus on seaweed production, economical benefits, and seaweed use as feedstock for anaerobic digestion, biochar, bioplastics, crop health, food, livestock feed, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Globally, seaweeds could sequester between 61 and 268 megatonnes of carbon per year, with an average of 173 megatonnes. Nearly 90% of carbon is sequestered by exporting biomass to deep water, while the remaining 10% is buried in coastal sediments. 500 gigatonnes of seaweeds could replace nearly 40% of the current soy protein production. Seaweeds contain valuable bioactive molecules that could be applied as antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiviral, antifungal, anticancer, contraceptive, anti-inflammatory, anti-coagulants, and in other cosmetics and skincare products.

Rice straw for energy and value-added products in China: a review.

The rise of global waste and the decline of fossil fuels are calling for recycling waste into energy and materials. For example, rice straw, a by-product of rice cultivation, can be converted into biogas and by-products with added value, e.g., biofertilizer, yet processing rice straw is limited by the low energy content, high ash and silica, low nitrogen, high moisture, and high-quality variability. Here, we review the recycling of rice straw with focus on the global and Chinese energy situations, conversion of rice straw into energy and gas, biogas digestate management, cogeneration, biogas upgrading, bioeconomy, and life cycle assessment. The quality of rice straw can be improved by pretreatments, such as baling, ensiling, and co-digestion of rice straw with other feedstocks. The biogas digestate can be used to fertilize soils. The average annual potential energy of collectable rice straw, with a lower heating value of 15.35 megajoule/kilogram, over the past ten years (2013-2022) could reach 2.41 × 109 megajoule.

Strategies to save energy in the context of the energy crisis: a review.

New technologies, systems, societal organization and policies for energy saving are urgently needed in the context of accelerated climate change, the Ukraine conflict and the past coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. For instance, concerns about market and policy responses that could lead to new lock-ins, such as investing in liquefied natural gas infrastructure and using all available fossil fuels to compensate for Russian gas supply cuts, may hinder decarbonization efforts. Here we review energy-saving solutions with a focus on the actual energy crisis, green alternatives to fossil fuel heating, energy saving in buildings and transportation, artificial intelligence for sustainable energy, and implications for the environment and society. Green alternatives include biomass boilers and stoves, hybrid heat pumps, geothermal heating, solar thermal systems, solar photovoltaics systems into electric boilers, compressed natural gas and hydrogen. We also detail case studies in Germany which is planning a 100% renewable energy switch by 2050 and developing the storage of compressed air in China, with emphasis on technical and economic aspects. The global energy consumption in 2020 was 30.01% for the industry, 26.18% for transport, and 22.08% for residential sectors. 10-40% of energy consumption can be reduced using renewable energy sources, passive design strategies, smart grid analytics, energy-efficient building systems, and intelligent energy monitoring. Electric vehicles offer the highest cost-per-kilometer reduction of 75% and the lowest energy loss of 33%, yet battery-related issues, cost, and weight are challenging. 5-30% of energy can be saved using automated and networked vehicles. Artificial intelligence shows a huge potential in energy saving by improving weather forecasting and machine maintenance and enabling connectivity across homes, workplaces, and transportation. For instance, 18.97-42.60% of energy consumption can be reduced in buildings through deep neural networking. In the electricity sector, artificial intelligence can automate power generation, distribution, and transmission operations, balance the grid without human intervention, enable lightning-speed trading and arbitrage decisions at scale, and eliminate the need for manual adjustments by end-users.

Artificial intelligence for waste management in smart cities: a review.

The rising amount of waste generated worldwide is inducing issues of pollution, waste management, and recycling, calling for new strategies to improve the waste ecosystem, such as the use of artificial intelligence. Here, we review the application of artificial intelligence in waste-to-energy, smart bins, waste-sorting robots, waste generation models, waste monitoring and tracking, plastic pyrolysis, distinguishing fossil and modern materials, logistics, disposal, illegal dumping, resource recovery, smart cities, process efficiency, cost savings, and improving public health. Using artificial intelligence in waste logistics can reduce transportation distance by up to 36.8%, cost savings by up to 13.35%, and time savings by up to 28.22%. Artificial intelligence allows for identifying and sorting waste with an accuracy ranging from 72.8 to 99.95%. Artificial intelligence combined with chemical analysis improves waste pyrolysis, carbon emission estimation, and energy conversion. We also explain how efficiency can be increased and costs can be reduced by artificial intelligence in waste management systems for smart cities.

Synthesis and potential applications of cyclodextrin-based metal-organic frameworks: a review.

Metal-organic frameworks are porous polymeric materials formed by linking metal ions with organic bridging ligands. Metal-organic frameworks are used as sensors, catalysts for organic transformations, biomass conversion, photovoltaics, electrochemical applications, gas storage and separation, and photocatalysis. Nonetheless, many actual metal-organic frameworks present limitations such as toxicity of preparation reagents and components, which make frameworks unusable for food and pharmaceutical applications. Here, we review the structure, synthesis and properties of cyclodextrin-based metal-organic frameworks that could be used in bioapplications. Synthetic methods include vapor diffusion, microwave-assisted, hydro/solvothermal, and ultrasound techniques. The vapor diffusion method can produce cyclodextrin-based metal-organic framework crystals with particle sizes ranging from 200 nm to 400 µm. Applications comprise food packaging, drug delivery, sensors, adsorbents, gas separation, and membranes. Cyclodextrin-based metal-organic frameworks showed loading efficacy of the bioactive compounds ranging from 3.29 to 97.80%.

Microplastic sources, formation, toxicity and remediation: a review.

Microplastic pollution is becoming a major issue for human health due to the recent discovery of microplastics in most ecosystems. Here, we review the sources, formation, occurrence, toxicity and remediation methods of microplastics. We distinguish ocean-based and land-based sources of microplastics. Microplastics have been found in biological samples such as faeces, sputum, saliva, blood and placenta. Cancer, intestinal, pulmonary, cardiovascular, infectious and inflammatory diseases are induced or mediated by microplastics. Microplastic exposure during pregnancy and maternal period is also discussed. Remediation methods include coagulation, membrane bioreactors, sand filtration, adsorption, photocatalytic degradation, electrocoagulation and magnetic separation. Control strategies comprise reducing plastic usage, behavioural change, and using biodegradable plastics. Global plastic production has risen dramatically over the past 70 years to reach 359 million tonnes. China is the world's top producer, contributing 17.5% to global production, while Turkey generates the most plastic waste in the Mediterranean region, at 144 tonnes per day. Microplastics comprise 75% of marine waste, with land-based sources responsible for 80-90% of pollution, while ocean-based sources account for only 10-20%. Microplastics induce toxic effects on humans and animals, such as cytotoxicity, immune response, oxidative stress, barrier attributes, and genotoxicity, even at minimal dosages of 10 µg/mL. Ingestion of microplastics by marine animals results in alterations in gastrointestinal tract physiology, immune system depression, oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, differential gene expression, and growth inhibition. Furthermore, bioaccumulation of microplastics in the tissues of aquatic organisms can have adverse effects on the aquatic ecosystem, with potential transmission of microplastics to humans and birds. Changing individual behaviours and governmental actions, such as implementing bans, taxes, or pricing on plastic carrier bags, has significantly reduced plastic consumption to 8-85% in various countries worldwide. The microplastic minimisation approach follows an upside-down pyramid, starting with prevention, followed by reducing, reusing, recycling, recovering, and ending with disposal as the least preferable option.