Search

The production of rice husks, abundant agro-waste rich in biopolymers and minerals, already at a rate of 120 million tons/year, is expected to further increase to meet the demand of a growing world population. It is the most common use as fuel pollutes air, water, and soil. However, there is still a significant lack of methods for fractionation of all of its compounds. We are presenting here a biorefinery process based on successive extraction of extractives (xylose, lignin, cellulose, and silica) from rice husk through pre-extraction, hydrolysis, organosolv pulping, and demineralization while assessing the effect of these processes on the extracted biopolymers. The optimized conditions for pulping of hydrolyzed rice husks are 3% of FeCl3·6H2O as catalyst, a biomass/solvent ratio of 1:10 (m/v), and a 50% ethanol:water as cooking liquor treated in a reactor at 200 °C for 60 min. The conditions for demineralization of the pulp resulting from organosolv pulping are 10% of Na2CO3 as base, a biomass/solvent ratio of 1:15 (m/v), and treated in a reactor at 115 °C for 30 min. The properties of the lignin and cellulose recovered from hydrolyzed rice husk were almost identical to those of untreated rice husk. We successfully obtained lignin with a recovery of 47% and a purity of 94%, cellulose recovered after silica removal with only 1% ash and a purity of 82%, while also recovering silica. The recovery of lignin and cellulose, along with silica, offers an opportunity for further valorization while also proposing an alternative solution to rice husk disposal and implicated pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review explores the potential of biopolymers as sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics in food packaging. Biopolymers derived from plant or animal sources are crucial in extending food shelf life, minimizing degradation, and protecting against oxidative and microbial agents. Their physical and chemical properties, influenced by the raw materials used, determine their suitability for specific applications. Biopolymers have been successfully used in fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy products, offering antimicrobial and antioxidant benefits. Consequently, they represent a functional and eco-friendly solution for the packaging industry, contributing to sustainability while maintaining product quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the fabrication of magnetic hemicellulosic composite microspheres and the adsorption of copper ions are explored. The microspheres were prepared by the micro-emulsion technique, using Fe3O4 nanoparticles and hemicellulose extracted from wheat straw with the ionic liquid B[mim]Cl as a solvent. Fe3O4 nanoparticles, synthesized through coprecipitation, were evenly encapsulated within the hemicellulosic microspheres. The Fe3O4 nanoparticles measured 10–15 nm in size, while the microspheres had an average diameter of about 20 μm and displayed a saturation magnetization of 35.95 emu/g. The optimal conditions for copper adsorption by the microspheres were found to be a pH of 5.0, a temperature of 323 K, and an initial copper ion concentration of 80 mg/L, resulting in an adsorption capacity of 85.65 mg/g after 24 h. The adsorption kinetics followed a pseudo-second-order model, and the Langmuir isotherm suggested a monomolecular layer adsorption mechanism, with a theoretical maximum capacity of 149.25 mg/g. In summary, the magnetic hemicellulosic microspheres exhibited considerable adsorption potential and favorable recycling capabilities for copper ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the effect of two different fillers derived from giant reed (Arundo donax L.), namely fibers and shredded aerial parts of the plant, on the thermal properties of polyethylene-based composites, as the analysis of dimensional stability of lignocellulose-based composites, and its relationship with their thermal diffusivity, has not yet been assessed in the literature. It has been found that the introduction of such materials resulted in a significant reduction of the coefficient of thermal expansion, particularly more important in the case of fibers, due to their higher aspect ratio; in particular, this coefficient is reduced to less than half for fibrous composites (from 1.6·10− 4 K− 1 to 6.1·10− 5 K− 1 or 3.5·10− 5 K− 1 for 20 and 40% loadings). This parameter also influences the thermal diffusivity of the final parts; the diffusivity of composites increases with the ratio of lignocellulosic filler used, particularly when using fibers, due to a better orientation of these fibers than the shredded material, which does not exhibit a fibrous shape. Composites with 20% share of the filler exhibited a thermal diffusivity increased by about 15% compared to neat polyethylene, while 40% loadings resulted in a 25% and 60% increase for ground and fibrous materials, respectively. These results provide additional features to lignocellulose-composites characterization, providing properties not usually mentioned in the literature to expand the knowledge about such composite materials beyond mechanical properties, providing a broader range of properties to offer a wider application area of such composites. Statement of Novelty Arundo donax L. is of great interest to biorefineries due to its fast growth and resistance to adverse environmental conditions. Most research on this plant species focuses on obtaining energy products or valuable chemicals, while very few are related to composite production, particularly on thermoplastic materials. The work found in the literature so far does not provide insights into the relationships between the types of filler (and their aspect ratio) and their thermal properties. Therefore, this work expands the knowledge on the thermal behavior of lignocellulose-polymer composites, supplementing the research, usually focused only on mechanical properties, in their characterization by correlative analysis of thermal influenced dimensional change with structure and thermal diffusivity. Determining the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) is a relevant parameter to assess the possibilities of using a material at high or low temperatures and evaluate the dimensional stability of a product during its service lifetime. On the other hand, thermal diffusivity brings together the capacity of a material to store thermal energy and distribute it throughout the material; that is, it relates heat capacity and thermal conductivity, which are also essential in using materials in market applications. Therefore, the work not only provides the results of thermal diffusivity and CTE of thermoplastic-reed composites but also correlates both parameters as a way to widen the range of application of plant-based composites in areas where dimensional stability (i.e., low thermal expansion) is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice straw is a relevant and potential feedstock for bioethanol production due to its abundance and availability around the globe. In this study, a fractional factorial design (FFD 25–1) was applied to simultaneously evaluate the influence of only alkaline and acid-alkaline pretreatment conditions in glucose release, considering the glucose release after 12 and 24 h of enzymatic hydrolysis as responses and predicting alternatives for the fractionation of rice straw components. Hydrolysis yields (HY) higher than 90% were achieved using low enzyme loads (8 FPU/g substrate) after only 24 h of hydrolysis under optimized pretreatment conditions. Simultaneous DOE optimization showed that the acid step is optional to achieve higher HY but can contribute to a more holistic use of the hemicellulose fraction. Also, it significantly increased the hydrolysis efficiency compared to untreated rice straw (HY = 18%). Enzymatic hydrolysis with a different type of enzymatic cocktail in the optimized conditions using higher solid contents resulted in high cellulose conversion (up to 85%), showing the robustness of the DOE optimization and its applicability as a starting point for optimizations using other types of enzymes. Chemical and morphological analyses were also carried out to understand the effect of the treatments, aiming to achieve pretreatment and hydrolysis processes more effective for lignocellulosic biorefineries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Plastics are the most flexible products developed with a wide range of applications. They have been incorporated into almost every aspect of daily life due to their strength and low weight. However, widespread use and inadequate waste management have resulted in the accumulation of tiny plastic particles throughout the environment. Main text: Microplastics are found in oceans, rivers, sediments, sewers, soil, and agricultural products, even in table salts. Human beings are affected by microplastics through food ingestion and inhalation. Incorporated microplastics may accrue within the body and affect gastrointestinal, immune, endocrine, brain, and respiratory systems. It also interferes with the functions of major organs and causes chromosomal abnormalities. Conclusion: Addressing the issue of micro and nanoplastics requires interdisciplinary research, sustainable solutions, and improved waste management systems. The main focus of this review is to cover the harmful effects and impact of microplastics on human health and stress the need for combating strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Composting process can be accelerated by seeding microbial consortium into compost of plant residues and livestock manure mixture. The consortium could also be sourced from decomposing sawdust due to extensive microbial activity. This study investigated the effect of decomposing sawdust as an inoculant on the microbial and physicochemical properties of sawdust-chicken manure compost. Method: Decomposing sawdust collected at a depth of 0.6-1.2 m and a temperature between 40-48 °C was seeded into a sawdust-chicken manure mixture. The composting formulations used were, fresh sawdust + chicken manure (FSCM), fresh sawdust + decomposing sawdust (FSDS), and fresh sawdust + chicken manure + decomposing sawdust (FSCMDS). The composting process involved the use of pyramid piles (1.98 m × 1.89 m × 0.68 m). Physicochemical and microbial enzyme profiling, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and plant bioassays were carried out. Results: The compost formulations without inoculant exhibited higher microbial and enzyme activities throughout the composting process (lasting 37 days). High temperatures (45-59 °C) eliminates coliform bacteria after day 10, while thermophilic bacteria increased, with mesophilic bacteria dominating from the 25th day until maturation. The C/N ratio decreased to 12.62 and 15.04 in FSCM and FSCMDS, respectively, with reduced lignocellulosic composition and increased nutrients. The SEM analysis indicated disintegration of the feedstock while the FTIR spectra showed improvement in the aromatic content. Conclusion: Overall, the FSCM formulation had the greatest effect on compost qualities and Phaseolus vulgaris development. FSDS did not promote the composting process. Thus, composting sawdust and chicken manure alone was sufficient to achieve a desirable C/N ratio, nutrient level, efficient degradation, microbial population, compost sanitization and growth of Phaseolus vulgaris. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new easy protocol to functionalize the middle layer of commercial surgical face masks (FMs) with Zn and Cu oxides is proposed in order to obtain antibacterial personal protective equipment. Zinc and copper oxides were synthesized embedded in a polydopamine (PDA) shell as potential antibacterial agents; they were analyzed by XRD and TEM, revealing, in all the cases, the formation of metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs). PDA is a natural polymer appreciated for its simple and rapid synthesis, biocompatibility, and high functionalization; it is used in this work as an organic matrix that, in addition to stabilizing NPs, also acts as a diluent in the functionalization step, decreasing the metal loading on the polypropylene (PP) surface. The functionalized middle layers of the FMs were characterized by SEM, XRD, FTIR, and TXRF and tested in their bacterial-growth-inhibiting effect against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus. Among all functionalizing agents, Cu2O-doped-ZnO NPs enclosed in PDA shell, prepared by an ultrasound-assisted method, showed the best antibacterial effect, even at low metal loading, without changing the hydrophobicity of the FM. This approach offers a sustainable solution by prolonging FM lifespan and reducing material waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the effectiveness of hydrothermal and alkaline pretreatment methods in enhancing the concentration of fermentable sugars derived from rice husk waste. After the pretreatments, enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation processes were executed to evaluate the ethanol production from each pretreatment. Rice husk powder measuring ≤250 µm was used. For the alkaline pretreatment, sodium hydroxide (NaOH) was used at concentrations ranging from 0.5, 1 to 1.5% w/v. The efficacy of the hydrothermal pretreatment method was evaluated after 15, 30 and 45 min at 120 °C. The enzymatic hydrolysis process was performed over 144 h at 50 °C, pH 4.8 with an enzyme loading of 30 FPU (filter paper units). Fermentation was carried out at 37 °C using a strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen 1883 (NCYC 366). Results indicated that the optimal conditions for alkaline pretreatment were observed at a 1.5% NaOH, while the best hydrothermal procedure was achieved at 120 °C and 45 min. The impact of these pretreatments was assessed based on the efficiency of enzymatic hydrolysis. The alkaline pretreatment resulted in 81.70% conversion of cellulose to glucose and 96.30% conversion of hemicellulose to xylose. In contrast, the hydrothermal pretreatment achieved 93% cellulose-to-glucose conversion and 83.35% hemicellulose-to-xylose conversion. The ethanol production registered ranged from 13 to 13.23 g·L−1, corresponding to a conversion factor of 0.43 for ethanol from fermentable sugars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice husk is a valuable biomass that contains large amounts of amorphous silica. This study aims to present a simple combined thermal and chemical method of silica extraction from Iranian rice husk and to investigate the effect of operating conditions on the morphology of the obtained silica. The work also studied the effects of the extracted silica loading in two standard adhesion systems in the tire formulations, namely, rubber adhesion to resorcinol-formaldehyde-latex (RFL) coated polyester cords and rubber adhesion to brass-plated steel cords. The obtained amorphous silica showed different surface area in the range of 73 to 341 m2/g, which presented different rubber-cord adhesion values in rubber formulations. It was found that the pH of the precipitation step is the controlling factor of the silica surface area, which itself has a significant effect on the rubber-cord adhesion behavior. The decarbonization temperature of 700 ± 100 °C and the precipitation pH of 6 are favorable operating conditions for the production of amorphous silica, which is suitable for rubber-to-cord adhesion systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polypropylene (PP) disposable face masks (DFMs) are essential for limiting airborne infectious diseases. This study examines the behavior of DFMs under three scenarios: (i) exposure to the natural environment, (ii) simulated high-energy aquatic environments through an abrasion test, and (iii) incorporation into cement-based mortars. In the natural weathering experiment, after 117 days, the DFMs exhibited photodegradation, resulting in chemical alterations in carbonyl and hydroxyl groups. This degradation led to the breakdown of the polymer and the release of microplastics and nanoplastics. Controlled abrasion tests, conducted in a Denver ball with water, sand, and ceramic balls for 2 h, confirmed that water is a critical factor for fiber release from DFMs. These tests resulted in the release of 0.26 g of PP fibers from 20 DFMs (weighing 62 g in total) with a diameter of 20 µm. Weathering and abrasion tests indicated rapid release and degradation of microplastics and nanoplastics, underscoring the importance of pursuing actions like reuse. Ecotoxicological tests revealed that leachates from the DFM-incorporated mortars showed no adverse effects on Daphnia magna or Selenastrum capricornutum, unlike the reference mortar, which caused substantial toxicity to Daphnia magna. Incorporating PP fibers from DFMs into cement-based mortars showed promising potential, as indicated by favorable ecotoxicity and chemical leaching test results., Competing Interests: Declarations. Ethics approval: The manuscript does not contain any studies with human participants or animals performed by any of the authors. Consent to participate: Not applicable. Consent for publication: All authors give their consent to publish this manuscript. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2025. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Colorectal cancer exhibits a notable prevalence and propensity for metastasis, but the current therapeutic interventions for metastatic colorectal cancer have yielded suboptimal results. ICIs can decrease tumor development by preventing the tumor’s immune evasion, presenting cancer patients with a new treatment alternative. The increased use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in CRC has brought several issues. In particular, ICIs have demonstrated significant clinical effectiveness in patients with MSI-H CRC, whereas their efficacy is limited in MSS. Acquired resistance can still occur in patients with a positive response to ICIs. This paper describes the efficacy of ICIs currently in the clinical treatment of CRC, discusses the mechanisms by which acquired resistance occurs, primarily related to loss and impaired presentation of tumor antigens, reduced response of IFN-l and cytokine or metabolic dysregulation, and summarizes the incidence of adverse effects. We posit that the future of ICIs hinges upon the advancement of precise prediction biomarkers and the implementation of combination therapies. This study aims to elucidate the constraints associated with ICIs in CRC and foster targeted problem-solving approaches, thereby enhancing the potential benefits for more patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Colorectal cancer (CRC) has become one of the leading causes of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and adoptive cell therapy (ACT) have been recently added to the clinical armamentarium of stage II/III diseases. Moreover, the improvement of a patient's telomere status may have a synergistic effect along with ICIs/ACT. This can be achieved either via lifestyle modifications with increased physical activity or with new promising treatments such as those acting on telomerase. Therefore, this review aims to comprehensively summarize the current data on immunotherapy in order to facilitate clinicians' familiarity with this relatively new therapeutic approach. Cancer of the colon and rectum (CRC) has been identified among the three most prevalent types of cancer and cancer-related deaths for both sexes. Even though significant progress in surgical and chemotherapeutic techniques has markedly improved disease-free and overall survival rates in contrast to those three decades ago, recent years have seen a stagnation in these improvements. This underscores the need for new therapies aiming to augment patient outcomes. A number of emerging strategies, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and adoptive cell therapy (ACT), have exhibited promising outcomes not only in preclinical but also in clinical settings. Additionally, a thorough appreciation of the underlying biology has expanded the scope of research into potential therapeutic interventions. For instance, the pivotal role of altered telomere length in early CRC carcinogenesis, leading to chromosomal instability and telomere dysfunction, presents a promising avenue for future treatments. Thus, this review explores the advancements in CRC immunotherapy and telomere-targeted therapies, examining potential synergies and how these novel treatment modalities intersect to potentially enhance each other's efficacy, paving the way for promising future therapeutic advancements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice husk (RH) is one of the inevitable byproduct of rice production. It has been generated with an enormous amount every year. Biorefinery concept-assisted transformation of rice husk into high-value materials received significant attention. Thus, in this present study, we have developed an integrated biorefinery approach for converting rice husk into different micro/nanostructured materials, including carbon microspheres (CMs), lignin/SiO2 nanohybrids (LSNHs), and cellulose nanostructures (CNs) simultaneously. The rice husk was treated with dilute hydrochloric acid at 120 °C under 15 lbs pressure. The dilute acid treatment disintegrates the RH structure and releases the hemicellulose. The obtained liquid hemicellulose fraction was subjected to hydrothermal carbonization at 180 °C for 24 h. After hydrothermal treatment, the obtained solid fraction was subjected to alkali treatment. Lignin/SiO2 and cellulose were extracted from liquid and solid fractions after alkali treatment, respectively. The obtained cellulose was transformed into CNs using an acid hydrolysis process. The TEM images of the RH-derived carbon material showed spherical aggregates in shape with 500–1000 nm diameter. The LSNHs have 20–50 nm silica nanoparticles dispersed on the lignin matrix. The CNs TEM image displays fibrillated structure with 600–1000 nm in length and 25–40 nm width. The RH-derived materials reduced cell viability slightly and altered the cellular and nuclear morphology in FaDu cells. Our study results indicate that fabricated materials can be applicable for various biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The immunohistochemical assessment of mismatch repair (MMR) proteins represents a pivotal screening tool for identifying Lynch syndrome (LS)-related cancers, as the loss of their expression often indicates MMR dysfunction associated with genetic or epigenetic alterations. Frequently, LS-related colorectal cancers present germline pathogenic variants in the MLH1 or MSH2 genes, which result in the simultaneous immunohistochemical loss of MLH1 and PMS2 or MSH2 and MSH6 proteins expression, respectively. Less commonly observed is the single involvement of the MSH6 or PMS2 proteins expression, indicative of the presence of germline pathogenic variants in the corresponding genes. Extremely rarely reported are the null immunohistochemistry phenotypes represented by the complete loss of expression of all MMR proteins. The molecular mechanisms contributing to the raising of this latter uncommon immunohistochemical phenotype are derived from the combination of pathogenic germline variants in MMR genes with the somatic hypermethylation of the MLH1 gene promoter. This study focuses on elucidating the molecular cascade leading to the development of the null immunohistochemical phenotype, providing valuable insights into understanding the sequential molecular events driving the LS-associated tumorigenesis, which may have pivotal implications in the clinical management of patients with LS-related cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper and pulp industry produces lignin as a byproduct, which could be a bio‐based reinforcing filler for rubber. Carboxylated nitrile rubber (XNBR) contains carboxyl groups that form ionic bonds with zinc oxide, potentially increasing compatibility with lignin, compared to usual nonpolar rubbers. This study employed the traditional mixing method, two‐roll mill, to incorporate hardwood Kraft lignin without chemical or physical modification as a reinforcing filler in commercial XNBR. A mixture design of experiments was used to explore the effect on rubber/lignin interaction of the carboxyl group content (from 1% to 7% in blends of XNBR) and the amount of lignin (from 0 to 40 phr). Adding 40 phr of lignin increased stress at 100% in XNBR 7% from 1.7 to 6.3 MPa. In XNBR 1%, the increase was from 1.2 to 1.9 MPa. Lignin showed better interaction and dispersion with XNBR 7%, determined from response surface of G′ at high deformations and SEM, respectively. Loss of thermal transition in DMA indicates interaction through ionic groups. These results show that the presence of carboxyl groups enhances the rubber/lignin interaction. This research open possibilities of compatibilization of lignin, offering guidance for future studies and technologies involving lignin in technical applications. Highlights: Lignin dispersion increased as the carboxyl group content increased to 7% (w/w).Stress at 100% elongation increased 370% with 40 phr of lignin and 7% carboxyl.Rubber/lignin interaction as per G′ increased with carboxyl groups.Loss of thermal transition suggests lignin/carboxy/zinc oxide interaction.Lignin can be used as a reinforcing filler in nitrile carboxylated rubber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biowaste raw materials were used for biochar preparation through pyrolysis at 850 °C under a limited oxygen atmosphere. Raw materials and the corresponding biochar samples were characterized by XRD, FTIR, SEM, TGA, N2-sorption, pH-equilibrium, and ash content measurements. These samples were evaluated as sustainable sorbents for use in methylene blue (MB) removal from artificial fresh water. All biochar samples exhibited high specific surface areas (367–870 m2·g−1), low crystallinity, and low population of functional groups (C–O–C, –COOH, –N–O, –N–H, and –OH) on their surfaces. They were mainly micro-porous materials with a significant fraction of pores in the meso-porous range. The specific surface area of the latter pores proved very important for the physical adsorption of MB from aqueous solution. Although the raw materials exhibited low MB sorption capacity, ranging from 29 to 54 mg·g−1, the corresponding biochar samples exhibited important MB sorption efficiency ranging from 58 to 370 mg·g−1. Among the biochar samples studied, those produced from coffee residues proved most promising for MB removal from water solution (sorption capacity: 280–370 mg·g−1), addressing the United Nations Sustainability Development Goal (SDG) 6: Clean Water and Sanitation by improving the index related to anthropogenic wastewater that has received treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The massive availability of biomass generated by the common giant reed (Arundo donax L.) motivates the search for its possible industrial use for the generation of high added-value products through implementing a biorefinery approach. The literature demonstrates the potential of common cane to obtain different high-value compounds, such as levulinic acid, oligosaccharides, fermentable sugars, highly digestible fiber for animal feed, polyphenols, and natural fibers for composite materials, among others. The data shows the upward trend in Europe toward the generation of new green industries, grouped under the biorefinery concept. Therefore, this review summarizes the current knowledge on the use of Arundo to produce materials, fibers, and chemicals. Major environmental concerns related to this plant are also reviewed. Special attention has been paid to the potential use of Arundo to produce chemicals using green chemistry approaches, as a way to contribute to and advance the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals. Recommendations for future research are also outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are cellulose-derived nanomaterials that can be easily obtained, e.g., from vegetable waste produced by circular economies. They show promising antimicrobial activity and an absence of side effects and toxicity. This study investigated the ability of CNCs to reduce microbial adherence and biofilm formation using in vitro microbiological models reproducing the oral environment. Microbial adherence by microbial strains of oral interest, Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans, was evaluated on the surfaces of salivary pellicle-coated enamel disks in the presence of different aqueous solutions of CNCs. The anti-biofilm activity of the same CNC solutions was tested against S. mutans and an oral microcosm model based on mixed plaque inoculum using a continuous-flow bioreactor. Results showed the excellent anti-adherent activity of the CNCs against the tested strains from the lowest concentration tested (0.032 wt. %, p < 0.001). Such activity was significantly higher against S. mutans than against C. albicans (p < 0.01), suggesting a selective anti-adherent activity against pathogenic strains. At the same time, there was a minimal, albeit significant, anti-biofilm activity (0.5 and 4 wt. % CNC solution for S. mutans and oral microcosm, respectively, p = 0.01). This makes CNCs particularly interesting as anticaries agents, encouraging their use in the oral field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim is to treat nature in such a way that usage of natural resources has little to zero hazards to our environment. There is a need to protect the earth and its ecology from approaching disasters brought on by anthropogenic activity, particularly the combustion of fossil fuels for energy. The net-zero emission shall be achieved worldwide by embracing sustainable bio-energy resources. Under this domain, the invention of bio-ethanol also known as 2G-ethanol from crop residue (lignocellulosic biomass) took place and is contributing toward rural development and energy independence. Similarly, researchers have modified the conventional petroleum-based bitumen by incorporating various types of lignin, including wood lignin, kraft lignin, soda lignin, lignosulfonates, and lignin-derived from biofuel production. This review encompasses the growth in biofuel production and advantages stemming from bitumen modified using lignin obtained as a byproduct from bio-fuel industries. The study also explores potential approaches for producing a direct alternative bio-binder using lignin. However, there remains a necessity for dedicated research and development to optimize the production methods of bio-binders. Using bio-bitumen or bio-binder in constructing bituminous layers shall contribute to reducing the dependency on fossil fuels, lowering the carbon footprint, improving the performance, and valorizing the biowaste. This review comprehensively outlines the challenges in the production of bio-binder from lignin. Also, this shall serve as a starting point for further research projects by highlighting the potential of lignin as a source for developing a direct alternative bio-binder in pavement engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The role of gender in oncology is an issue that is starting to be recognized as being of extreme importance in the last few years. While breast cancer is commonly perceived as a female-only disease, it does also occur in men, although rarely, thus opening relevant gender issues. Breast cancer in men is much less studied, with most knowledge coming from research on female breast cancer; however, several crucial differences have begun to be discovered between male and female patients. For example, the gender-specific impact and magnitude of risks conferred by breast cancer genetic risk factors are emerging, and they should be taken into consideration for a proper personalized clinical management. Overall, addressing all the challenges and the open issues regarding breast cancer genetic predisposition, including gender, will have an important clinical impact on the management of patients of both sexes. Among neoplastic diseases, breast cancer (BC) is one of the most influenced by gender. Despite common misconceptions associating BC as a women-only disease, BC can also occur in men. Additionally, transgender individuals may also experience BC. Genetic risk factors play a relevant role in BC predisposition, with important implications in precision prevention and treatment. The genetic architecture of BC susceptibility is similar in women and men, with high-, moderate-, and low-penetrance risk variants; however, some sex-specific features have emerged. Inherited high-penetrance pathogenic variants (PVs) in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are the strongest BC genetic risk factor. BRCA1 and BRCA2 PVs are more commonly associated with increased risk of female and male BC, respectively. Notably, BRCA-associated BCs are characterized by sex-specific pathologic features. Recently, next-generation sequencing technologies have helped to provide more insights on the role of moderate-penetrance BC risk variants, particularly in PALB2, CHEK2, and ATM genes, while international collaborative genome-wide association studies have contributed evidence on common low-penetrance BC risk variants, on their combined effect in polygenic models, and on their role as risk modulators in BRCA1/2 PV carriers. Overall, all these studies suggested that the genetic basis of male BC, although similar, may differ from female BC. Evaluating the genetic component of male BC as a distinct entity from female BC is the first step to improve both personalized risk assessment and therapeutic choices of patients of both sexes in order to reach gender equality in BC care. In this review, we summarize the latest research in the field of BC genetic predisposition with a particular focus on similarities and differences in male and female BC, and we also discuss the implications, challenges, and open issues that surround the establishment of a gender-oriented clinical management for BC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global cannabis (Cannabis sativa) market was 17.7 billion in 2019 and is expected to reach up to 40.6 billion by 2024. Canada is the 2nd nation to legalize cannabis with a massive sale of $246.9 million in the year 2021. Waste cannabis biomass is managed using disposal strategies (i.e., incineration, aerobic/anaerobic digestion, composting, and shredding) that are not good enough for long-term environmental sustainability. On the other hand, greenhouse gas emissions and the rising demand for petroleum-based fuels pose a severe threat to the environment and the circular economy. Cannabis biomass can be used as a feedstock to produce various biofuels and biochemicals. Various research groups have reported production of ethanol 9.2–20.2 g/L, hydrogen 13.5 mmol/L, lipids 53.3%, biogas 12%, and biochar 34.6% from cannabis biomass. This review summarizes its legal and market status (production and consumption), the recent advancements in the lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) pre-treatment (deep eutectic solvents (DES), and ionic liquids (ILs) known as "green solvents") followed by enzymatic hydrolysis using glycosyl hydrolases (GHs) for the efficient conversion efficiency of pre-treated biomass. Recent advances in the bioconversion of hemp into oleochemicals, their challenges, and future perspectives are outlined. A comprehensive insight is provided on the trends and developments of metabolic engineering strategies to improve product yield. The thermochemical processing of disposed-off hemp lignin into bio-oil, bio-char, synthesis gas, and phenol is also discussed. Despite some progress, barricades still need to be met to commercialize advanced biofuels and compete with traditional fuels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conventional production of nanocellulose from biomass demands multiple steps involving numerous chemicals like corrosive acids, bases, halogenated bleaching agents, and mechanical energy. This research aims to find a greener approach to producing nanocellulose particles from biomass. In nature, the brown rot fungi utilize iron complex and hydrogen peroxide to overcome the lignin boundary and approach cellulose in biomass. This fact encouraged us to use the same oxidative catalytic system on biomass in a one-pot process. Pinewood sawdust was taken as starting material, and the iron oxide, hydrogen peroxide oxidation system was applied with varying the concentration of hydrogen peroxide and the reaction time. In 6 h, a one-pot system obtained a 95% pure cellulose with an aspect ratio of 1–15 from pinewood sawdust. The yield of the process was very high, i.e., from the total cellulose content in pinewood, 85% of cellulose was recovered in this process. The degree of polymerization of the obtained cellulose product was 100 ± 20, with an aspect ratio of 1–20. The particles were sphere and ellipsoidal-shaped, with the majority having a diameter of 120–180 nm. It had a crystallinity of 81%, an increase of 26% crystallinity was observed compared to the untreated pinewood sawdust. These nanocellulose particles would be a promising material for different derivatizing reactions, with their high surface area (15.0 ± 0.5 m2/g) and low degree of polymerization. This developed one-pot process has avoided using hazardous chemicals to produce nanocellulose particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Natural Fibers is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper mainly reviews the fate of microplastics, released from used face masks, in the water environment. Through previous experiments, the amount of fiber microplastics released from used face masks into aqueous environments was not negligible, with the maximum microplastics releasing amount reaching 10,000 piece·day−1 for each mask. Microplastic derived from these masks often occurred in the shape of polymeric fibers that resulted from the breakage of the chemical bonds in the plastic fibers by the force of water flow. The potential contact forces between microplastics (originating from face masks) with other pollutants, primarily encompass hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions. This critical review paper briefly illustrates the fate of microplastics derived from disposable face masks, further devising effective strategies to mitigate the environmental impact of plastic particle release from the used personal protective equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exome sequencing (ES) may identify and report secondary findings that are unrelated to the primary disease for which the patient underwent genetic testing, but are of potential value in patient care. In this study, we evaluated 81 American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) medically actionable genes in 443 patients with various neurological disorders. The variants identified were classified and reported following the 2015 ACMG Standards and Guidelines for the interpretation of sequence variants and the ACMG recommendations for reporting secondary findings (v3.2). We detected a total of 17 variants in 17 patients across 9 different genes as secondary findings. Seven heterozygous variants were found in BRCA1, MSH2, and PALB2 which are part of the cancer phenotype category. Nine heterozygous variants were found in MYH7, TTN, LDLR, DSC2, and DSP which are part of the cardiovascular phenotype category. Finally, one heterozygous variant was found in TTR which is part of the miscellaneous phenotype category. Thirteen of above mentioned variants were classified as known pathogenic and four as expected pathogenic. The information collected in our study may lead to the prevention of severe morbidity and mortality and provides additional insight into the genetic background of the Serbian population., (© 2024 University College London (UCL) and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Simple Summary: During the last few decades, the basis for a genetic predisposition for several cancer syndromes has been clarified, and the highly penetrant/high-risk genes mutated in familial cases are currently subjected to genetic diagnostic screening programs. Mutation testing in these genes has a major impact on genetic counseling, defines the prognosis of carriers, identifies the most appropriate and personalized prophylactic measures, and increases the chance of survival. We aim to underline the effectiveness of the multigene panel in increasing the detection rate of germline mutations in cancer patients and consequently improve the healthy carriers' identification. Background: Several hereditary–familial syndromes associated with various types of tumors have been identified to date, evidencing that hereditary cancers caused by germline mutations account for 5–10% of all tumors. Advances in genetic technology and the implementation of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) have accelerated the discovery of several susceptibility cancer genes, allowing for the detection of cancer-predisposing mutations in a larger number of cases. The aim of this study is to highlight how the application of an NGS-multigene panel to a group of oncological patients subsequently leads to improvement in the identification of carriers of healthy pathogenic variants/likely pathogenic variants (PVs/LPVs) and prevention of the disease in these cases. Methods: Starting from a total of 110 cancer patients carrying PVs/LPVs in genes involved in cancer susceptibility detected via a customized NGS panel of 27 cancer-associated genes, we enrolled 250 healthy collateral family members from January 2020 to July 2022. The specific PVs/LPVs identified in each proband were tested in healthy collateral family members via Sanger sequencing. Results: A total of 131 out of the 250 cases (52%) were not carriers of the mutation detected in the affected relative, while 119 were carriers. Of these, 81/250 patients carried PVs/LPVs on BRCA1/2 (33%), 35/250 harbored PVs/LPVs on other genes beyond BRCA1 and BRCA2 (14%), and 3/250 (1%) were PVs/LPVs carriers both on BRCA1/2 and on another susceptibility gene. Conclusion: Our results show that the analysis of BRCA1/2 genes would have only resulted in a missed diagnosis in a number of cases and in the lack of prevention of the disease in a considerable percentage of healthy carriers with a genetic mutation (14%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in the global use of face masks, with reports indicating that approximately 129 billion people worldwide use them every month. Many masks contain MPs, which can pose environmental and health risks. The aim of this study is to assess the properties of MPs that are released from ten different mask brands. The masks that were selected were weighed, immersed in deionized distilled water, stirred, and MPs that were released into the water were collected using a cellulose ester membrane. The collected MPs were then analyzed using an optical microscope to observe their shape and color. The results showed that the rates of MPs released from N95 masks, surgical masks, and 3D masks were 54, 23, and 23%, respectively. The N95 mask had the highest percentage of MPs due to its heavy weight. The observed shapes of MPs, in terms of abundance percentage, were filamentous > spherical > irregular > fragmented. Furthermore, the majority of MPs were found to be transparent or black in color. This study offers valuable insights into the mechanisms behind the release of MPs from disposable face masks, shedding light on the critical issue of microplastic pollution resulting from mask waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) metastasizes to various organs, while cutaneous metastases are rare. Although there have been several previous reports of axillary cutaneous metastases with other metastases of CRC, there has never been a report of axillary cutaneous metastasis of CRC that could be treated with curative-intent surgery. Case presentation: A 68-year-old female was diagnosed with an axillary cutaneous tumor and ascending colon cancer with invasion to the duodenum. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the axillary cutaneous tumor showed adenocarcinoma and the same expression pattern for cytokeratin 7, cytokeratin 20, and CDX2 as the ascending colon cancer, and that proved to be KRAS–NRAS wild type, MSI-H, and with a BRAF V600E mutation. The patient underwent a two-stage resection with curative intent after receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy which consisted of one cycle of modified FOLFOX6 followed by two cycles of FOLFOXIRI. During and after the two operations, the patient received a total of nine cycles of modified FOLFOX6 as adjuvant chemotherapy. Two years after the initial surgery, and 1 year and 8 months after the second surgery, the patient is alive without recurrence. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of axillary cutaneous metastasis of CRC with microsatellite instability-high and BRAF V600E mutation that could be treated with curative-intent surgery. It is important to recognize the presence of such cases for the accurate diagnosis and treatment of CRC with cutaneous metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To achieve high value-added resource utilization of solid waste and reduce the cost of rubber manufacturing, this study utilizes finely structured municipal sludge (MS) with small particle size and abundant organic matter as the main raw materials. Through organic surface modification, rubber reinforcing fillers with surface affinity and compatibility are prepared. The effect of the amount of coupling agent bis-(triethoxysilyl-propyl)-tetrasulfide (Si69) on the properties of modified sludge powder (Si69-MS) reinforced styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) and its reinforcing mechanism were also studied. The results showed that when the mass fraction of Si69 was 1.5% of the MS, the adhesion work between Si69-MS and SBR increased from 88.34 to 101.42 mJ m−2, and the interfacial tension decreased from 25.45 to 0.34 mJ m−2. The tensile strength of the composite SBR reached 14.86 MPa, and the elongation at break reached 1829.1%. These findings indicate that the increased interface affinity between Si69-MS and the surface of SBR improves its dispersion within the SBR matrix, promoting the formation of a highly elastic composite rubber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rectal cancer is a heterogeneous disease with complex genetic and molecular subtypes. Emerging progress of neoadjuvant therapy has led to increased pathological and clinical complete response (cCR) rates for microsatellite stable (MSS) rectal cancer, which responds poorly to immune checkpoint inhibitor alone. As a result, organ preservation of MSS rectal cancer as an alternative to radical surgery has gradually become a feasible option. For patients with cCR or near-cCR after neoadjuvant treatment, organ preservation can be implemented safely with less morbidity. Patient selection can be done either before the neoadjuvant treatment for higher probability or after with careful assessment for a favorable outcome. Those patients who achieved a good clinical response are managed with nonoperative management, organ preservation surgery, or radiation therapy alone followed by strict surveillance. The oncological outcomes of patients with careful selection and organ preservation seem to be noninferior compared with those of radical surgery, with lower postoperative morbidity. However, more studies should be done to seek better regression of tumor and maximize the possibility of organ preservation in MSS rectal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production and disposal of plastics have become a major global concern owing to its non-biodegradable properties in the environment. The recycling of apple biowaste as a value-added bioplastic precursor offers a solution to this waste disposal issue. In this study, readily available apple waste was converted into bioplastic through the delignification of cellulose cum reinforcement by nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) extracted from the biowaste. The results indicated that the inclusion of apple waste and delignification effect had improved the bioplastic storage modulus (0.42–4.23 MPa) and brittleness in terms of hardness (5.22–0.51 kg). Morphological analysis revealed that the NCC had an average size of 70 nm and was homogeneously blended within the bioplastic matrix. The integration of the apple waste into the bioplastic promoted biodegradability, evident from the maximum weight loss of 58.1% after 4 weeks of biodegradation test, thus presenting a novel and alternative biodegradable plastic. The obtained results support apple waste as a potential filler for bioplastic development in food packaging, medical implants, 3D printing and water bottles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, a huge number of face masks have been used to prevent the spread of the coronavirus on a global scale. Unfortunately, several studies have reported the presence of used face masks in marine litter in different countries around the world. Face masks produced from synthetic polymers can increase the environmental burden and contradict sustainability. This study aimed to investigate the environmental behavior of face masks when exposed to natural environmental conditions following improper disposal. New and naturally aged surgical and FFP2 masks were exposed to deionized water (DI) and sea water conditions to understand the environmental behavior of face masks when exposed to different environmental conditions. Following natural aging and DI and sea water exposure, face masks were characterized with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and compared with new masks. According to the results, the middle layers of both mask types were exposed to more severe degradation. Aging resulted in higher microplastic (MP) release than new masks in DI and seawater for both types of face masks. Compared to new ones, aging and seawater exposure caused 11 to 13 and 14 to 22 times higher MP release from surgical and FFP2 face masks, respectively. Following seawater exposure, aged FFP2 mask released higher amounts of MP (4.36–6.20 × 106) than aged surgical masks (4.03–5.45 × 106). According to the results, a significant portion of the released MPs were <10 µm for both types of masks. However, when aged FFP2 masks were exposed to seawater, a remarkable increase was found in the fraction of 10–50 µm and 50–100 µm, suggesting that aged FFP2 masks also became fragmented in seawater conditions. FTIR and SEM analyses confirmed the transformation in the structure and chemical composition of the materials. A significant change was observed in chemical and physical structure of the masks after being exposed to weathering conditions in a relatively short period of time (one month). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lignin is the largest natural aromatic biopolymer, but usually treated as industrial biomass waste. The development of lignin/polymer biocomposites can promote the high value utilization of lignin and the greening of polymers. However, the weak interfacial interaction between industrial lignin and polymer induces poor compatibility and serious agglomeration in polymer owing to the strong intermolecular force of lignin. As such, it is extremely difficult to prepare high performance lignin/polymer biocomposites. Recently, we proposed the strategy of in situ construction of interfacial dynamic bonds in lignin/polymer composites. By taking advantage of the abundant oxygen-containing polar groups of lignin, we inserted dynamic bonding connection such as hydrogen bonds and coordination bonds into the interphase between lignin and the polymer matrix to improve the interfacial interactions. Meanwhile, the natural amphiphilic structure characteristics of lignin were utilized to construct the hierarchical nanophase separation structure in lignin/polymer composites. The persistent problems of poor dispersity and interfacial compatibility of lignin in the polymer matrix were effectively solved. The lignin-modified polymer composites achieved simultaneously enhanced strength and toughness. This concise review systematically summarized the recent research progress of our group toward building high-performance lignin/polymer biocomposites through the design of interfacial dynamic bonds (hydrogen bonds, coordination bonds, and dynamic covalent bonds) between lignin and different polymer systems (polar plastics, rubber, polyurethane, hydrogels, and other polymers). Finally, the future development direction, main challenges, and potential solutions of lignin application in polymers were presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leucaena is a fast-growing tree in the legume family. Its leaf contains a significant amount of protein and is thus widely used as fodder for cattle. To broaden its application in the rubber field, the effects of Leucaena leaf powder and its extracted products on the cure characteristics and mechanical properties of natural rubber were investigated. The extraction of Leucaena leaf was carried out by using a proteolytic enzyme at 60 °C. The digested protein was separated from the residue by centrifugation. Both digested protein and residue were then dried and ground into powder, namely digested protein powder and residual powder, respectively, before being characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, particle size determination, and protein analysis. After being added to natural rubber at 3 parts per hundred rubber, they significantly reduced both the scorch time and the optimum cure time of the rubber compounds, probably due to the presence of nitrogen-containing substances, without a significant sacrifice of the mechanical properties. For instance, the optimum cure time decreased by approximately 25.5, 35.4, and 54.9% for Leucaena leaf powder, residual powder, and digested protein powder, respectively. Thus, they can be used as green and sustainable fillers with a cure-activation effect in rubber compounding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: PALB2 is the third most important breast cancer susceptibility gene after BRCA1 and BRCA2, presenting with varying prevalence and mutational profiles in different populations. We prospectively evaluated the prevalence of germline PALB2 genetic variants in 1848 (1280 breast and 568 non-breast) consecutive Hungarian cancer patients between 2021 September and 2023 March. In addition, 191 young (<33 years, yBC) breast cancer cases were also tested. These data were compared with data of 134,187 non-cancer individuals retrieved from the Genome Aggregation Database. Twenty-one breast cancer (1.4%) and one non-breast cancer patient (0.17%) carried pathogenic/likely pathogenic PALB2 variants. One particular variant (NM_024675.4:c.509_510delGA) was relatively common, presented in one-third of the cases among Hungarian patients with PALB2 variants. Including PALB2 in the routine molecular genetic testing of breast cancer patients is recommended because it is associated with high cancer risk, and preventive and screening programs in PALB2 carriers may improve their life expectancy similarly to BRCA1/2 carriers. Background: The pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) variant detection rate and profile of PALB2, the third most important breast cancer gene, may vary between different populations. Methods: PALB2 was analyzed in peripheral blood samples of three independent cohorts: prospectively between September 2021 and March 2023 (i) in 1280 consecutive patients with breast and/or ovarian cancer (HBOC), (ii) in 568 patients with other cancers (controls), and retrospectively, (iii) in 191 young breast cancer (<33 years, yBC) patients. These data were compared with data of 134,187 non-cancer individuals retrieved from the Genome Aggregation Database. Results: Altogether, 235 cases (235/1280; 18.3%) carried at least one P/LP variant in one of the HBOC susceptibility genes. P/LP PALB2 variants were identified in 18 patients (1.4%; 18/1280) in the HBOC and 3 cases (1.5%; 3/191) in the yBC group. In the control group, only one patient had a disease-causing PALB2 variant (0.17%; 1/568) as a secondary finding not related to the disease, which was similar (0.15%; 205/134,187) in the non-cancer control group. The NM_024675.4:c.509_510delGA variant was the most common among our patients (33%; 6/18). We did not find a significant difference in the incidence of PALB2 disease-causing variants according to age; however, the median age of tumor onset was lower in PALB2 P/LP carriers versus wild-type patients (44 vs. 48 years). In our cohort, the odds ratio for breast cancer risk in women with PALB2 P/LP variants was between 8.1 and 9.3 compared to non-HBOC cancer patients and the non-cancer population, respectively. Conclusions: PALB2 P/LP variants are not uncommon among breast and/or ovarian cancer patients. Their incidence was the same in the two breast cancer cohorts studied but may occur rarely in patients with non-breast/ovarian cancer. The c.509_510delGA variant is particularly common in the studied Hungarian patient population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A nonlinear verification benchmark is reported between the three-dimensional magneto-hydrodynamic (3D MHD) codes specyl [Cappello and Biskamp, Nucl. Fusion 36, 571 (1996)] and pixie3d [Chacón, Phys. Plasmas, 15, 056103 (2008)]. This work substantially extends a former successful verification study between the same two codes [Bonfiglio et al., Phys. Plasmas, 17, 082501 (2010)] and focuses on the verification of thin-shell resistive-wall boundary conditions, recently implemented in both codes. Such boundary conditions feature a thin resistive shell in contact with the plasma and an ideal wall placed at a finite distance, separated from the resistive shell by a vacuum region, along with a 3D boundary flow consistent with Ohm's law. This setup allows the study of MHD modes that are influenced by the plasma magnetic boundary, such as external kink modes. The linear growth and nonlinear saturation of external kink modes are studied in both the tokamak and reversed-field pinch magnetic configurations, demonstrating excellent agreement between the two codes. For the tokamak, we present a comparison with analytical linear stability results for the external kink mode, demonstrating remarkable agreement between numerical and analytical growth rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The benefits of adjuvant chemotherapy remain debated rectal mucinous adenocarcinoma (MC). Our study aims to delve into the efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy in pathologic stage III rectal MC by a large population-based database. Methods: The Chi-square test was performed to examine the parameters between treatment groups. The overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) of treatment groups were conducted by using the Kaplan–Meier method. The impact of factors on survival was assessed using Cox regression analyses. To balance the covariates and reduce the selection bias, we employed propensity score matching (PSM) to narrow the differences between treatment groups. Results: The median follow-up time for overall patients was 80 months. In the pre-operative chemoradiotherapy (pre-CRT) group, patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy had significantly better 5-year OS and CSS. Multivariate analyses found that adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with better OS (p < 0.001, HR (95% CI): 0.66 (0.51–0.86)) and CSS (p = 0.012, HR (95% CI): 0.71 (0.54–0.93)). However, adjuvant chemotherapy was not an independent prognosis factor in both OS (p = 0.149, HR (95% CI): 0.76 (0.53–1.1); Supplement Table 1) and CSS (p = 0.183, HR (95% CI): 0.74 (0.48–1.15)) in patients who did not receive pre-CRT. After PSM, similar results were found in the pre-CRT and the no pre-CRT groups. Conclusion: In conclusion, our population-based retrospective cohort study indicates that the effects of adjuvant chemotherapy were associated with the pre-CRT status in patients with stage III rectal MC. In patients who underwent pre-CRT, the receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with better survival outcomes. Conversely, adjuvant chemotherapy does not seem to confer significant survival benefits to patients without pre-CRT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronavirus Pandemic is the current biggest challenge against humanity. Apart from the personal health issues and higher mortality by the coronavirus, recent research works have also reported the environmental impacts of the pandemic. The review aims to analyze the current status of face masks and personal protective equipment littering and subsequent environmental impact in terms of microplastic and microfiber pollution. Recent researches in this domain are collected from the leading databases with relevant keywords and critically analyzed. The review results report a multi-fold increment in the usage of personal protective equipment, particularly face masks after the pandemic. Mismanagement of these items leads them to reach the marine environment through a variety of transportation. The results show a significant amount of increment in plastic and pandemic-related littering after the pandemic. The systematic review shows that the use of synthetic fibers in disposable personal protective equipment and masks leads to release of fibers that can add-on to microfiber pollution. The results are also true in the case of reusable masks as the repeated laundry and disinfection methods release a significantly higher amount of microfibers. Only very few studies have addressed the release of microfiber from the mask, and no studies have reported the impact of personal protective equipment. The worldwide mass adaptation and improper disposal of these materials increase the seriousness of the problem multiple folds. These findings suggest the immediate requirement of critical analysis of the pandemic-related littering and microfiber release characteristics. The research also urges the need for the implementation of an environmental management plan as a mitigation strategy around the globe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural residues have attracted the attention of researchers in recent years due to their potential as a waste source that is abundantly available worldwide and can be used to create value-added products with economic and environmental benefits. Lignin is the second most inexhaustible natural biopolymer, delivering the most energetic material of all for the development of eco-friendly, biodegradable, and low-cost value-added products. Commonly lignin used as a macromolecule for the synthesis of low molecular weight chemical sand fuel. The present review article tries to present to fulfil research gap between extraction and isolation of lignin through natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES), green/sustainable methods which is fast-emerging techniques to extract valuable products. In this review article, we covered various methods on pre-treatment of lignocellulosic materials using NADES as exclusive and multifunctional solvents via the green integrated biorefinery approach. It also contains comparison between advantages and disadvantages of pre-treatment methods vs NADES of various biomass. Beside those various methods of sustainable synthesis of NADES and its properties; processing of lignin for production of value–added products, applications of lignin derived by green synthesis, and challenges to current state-of-the art technologies and future perspectives and current Markets are reviewed. We concluded that NADES can be effectively used for low-cost synthesis in the purification and isolation of lignin from agro wastes for attaining high yields which ultimately enhance economic value of lignocellulosic biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]