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Occurrence of toxigenic fungi and mycotoxins in pig feeds: potential implications for workers' exposure
No full text: The objective of the study was to assess the potential exposure of pig farmers to toxigenic fungi and mycotoxins by investigating their presence in feeds to understand whether these matrices may represent a source of release into the environment and pose an occupational health risk. Nine feed samples were collected from several intensive farms located in Southern Italy and analyzed through a multi-methodological approach. A total of 35 molds were isolated and A. flavus turned out to be the most frequently species, representing nearly 46% (16/35), followed by A. niger and A. candidus, each at 11.43%. Among the 16 A. flavus strains, 8 possessed all 5 key genes of the aflatoxin biosynthetic pathway but only 4 showed the true aflatoxigenic capacity as confirmed by HPLC/MS-MS analysis (AFB1 range: 0.52-1030 μg/L). The most frequent mycotoxin was Ochratoxin A (OTA), occurring in 100% of the samples at mean concentration of 33.6 μg/kg while Fumonisin B1 (FB1) occurred in 97% of the feed samples at mean concentration of 247.1 μg/kg. Only one sample was contaminated by Aflatoxin B1 (5.84 μg/kg), classified as carcinogenic to humans. Our results confirm that feedstuffs can contribute to contamination of the work environment, and tasks involving their handling may represent critical procedures that expose personnel to airborne toxigenic fungi and mycotoxins
Enhancing photocatalytic partial oxidation of methane to methanol: Experimental investigation of 2D/metal oxide composite catalysts
No full textThis study investigates the potential of photocatalytic processes for the selective conversion of methane into valuable liquid fuels, particularly methanol, addressing the need for efficient, alternative, and clean energy carriers and fuels. Two pristine photocatalysts, W18O49 and g-C3N4, along with their respective composite W18O49/g-C3N4, were synthesized and analyzed using SEM, TEM, XRD, XPS, BET, and UV-VIS spectroscopy techniques. Additionally, transient photocurrent measurements and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were conducted to elucidate charge transfer mechanisms and interfacial properties of the photocatalysts. The photocatalytic performance was evaluated under both visible and UV light conditions. Among the three catalysts tested, the composite W18O49/g-C3N4 demonstrated remarkable catalytic activity of 62.3 μmol g−1 h−1 under visible light, nearly 4-fold higher than pristine W18O49 and 5-fold higher than g-C3N4. The enhanced performance is attributed to the forming of a Z-scheme heterojunction system, as evidenced by XPS analysis showing increased oxygen vacancy density and strong electronic coupling between the components, further confirmed by electrochemical characterization revealing improved charge separation efficiency. This composite system offers a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to noble metal-based catalysts for photocatalytic methane conversion, demonstrating significant potential for clean energy production and greenhouse gas mitigation
Separazione dei poteri e classificazione delle pubbliche funzioni (a partire dal pensiero di Gaetano Silvestri)
No full textIl contributo muove dalla teoria della separazione dei poteri elaborata dal prof. Silvestri. Si confrontano differenti letture della stessa e si sostiene che essa riposa su una classificazione previa delle pubbliche funzioni, dalla quale risulta inseparabile. Tale connessione tra separazione dei poteri e classificazione delle funzioni ha precise e rilevanti implicazioni sul piano dell’interpretazione costituzionale e rimane cruciale non solo per la comprensione delle dinamiche dell’ordinamento vigente, ma anche per valutare procedimenti di revisione della Costituzione che “sfidano” la separazione dei poteri, che ambiscono problematicamente a rimettere in discussione, per l’appunto, l’allocazione delle competenze, il modo di formazione degli organi fondamentali, insomma la forma di governo o finanche la forma di Stato. La carica “emancipativa” del principio della separazione dei poteri continua a essere indispensabile per contrastare, in qualsiasi forma e da chiunque provengano, i tentativi di affermare o ri-affermare concezioni assolutistiche del pubblico potere.
This essay proceeds from Professor Silvestri’s theory of the separation of powers. It compares different readings of that theory and contends that it rests upon a prior classification of public functions, from which it is inseparable. The nexus between the separation of powers and the classification of functions carries precise and significant implications for constitutional interpretation and remains crucial not only for understanding the dynamics of the existing legal order but also for assessing constitutional amendment procedures that challenge the separation of powers by seeking, problematically, to reopen questions concerning the allocation of competences, the composition of fundamental constitutional organs, and, ultimately, the form of government or even the form of the State. The ‘emancipatory’ force of the principle of separation of powers continues to be indispensable to resist, in whatever form and from whatever quarter they may arise, attempts to assert or reassert absolutist conceptions of public authority
Toxicological and metabolomic assessment of the acute and sub-chronic effects of nanoceria (≤ 50 nm) on the human alveolar cells A549
No full textIn a society focused on sustainability, green technologies expand the use of Rare Earth Elements (REEs). Cerium dioxide nanoparticles (CeO2NPs) possess redox/catalytic activity but raise inhalation concerns. We evaluated their effects in alveolar A549 cells exposed to 25 and 60 μg/mL, equal to 37% and 89% of the IC50, respectively. Acute exposure was evaluated at 24 h, whereas sub-chronic exposure spanned 35 days, besides recovery was assessed in cell progeny grown in CeO2NPs absence. A multiparametric strategy combined MTT viability, ROS, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), DNA damage (Comet assay), cell replication index (WCRI), and untargeted 1H-NMR metabolomics. MTT showed dose-dependent cytotoxicity (IC50=67.7 μg/mL). Both concentrations increased ROS and decreased ΔΨm, with partial recovery only at 25 μg/mL. DNA damage was negligible at 25 μg/mL but persisted at 60 μg/mL during sub-chronic exposure, whereas WCRI declined with dose. Metabolomics indicated adaptive responses at 25 μg/mL (elevated glycolytic/TCA/redox metabolites), and depletion in metabolite levels at 60 μg/mL, consistent with early mitochondrial dysfunction. After 35 days of exposure, both doses caused reduction of glycine, cysteine, serotonin, acetylcholine, betaine, glucose, and succinate, and accumulation of lactate, malonate, and glutamine, indicating Warburg shift and TCA disruption. Glutathione exhibited a biphasic response. Recovery of metabolism and function occurred only at the sub-toxic dose. Overall, CeO2NPs trigger concentration- and time-dependent cytotoxic, oxidative, mitochondrial, genotoxic, and metabolic alterations in A549 cells. These mechanistic findings support the dual antioxidant/pro-oxidant role of nanoceria and its classification as an emerging inhalable pollutant of concern for human health
Turning waste into growth: Dietary use of pistachio hull essential oil in common carp aquaculture
No full textThis study evaluated the use of pistachio hull essential oil (PEO) as a sustainable dietary ingredient for common
carp (Cyprinus carpio). Pistachio hulls are an underutilized agro-industrial by-product with potential functional
value in aquafeeds. The essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation and characterized using GC–MS analysis.
Diets containing 0, 1, 2, 4, and 10 g kg-1 PEO were fed to 225 juvenile common carp (8.7 g) in 15 tanks for 60
days. Growth, feed utilization, hematological and serum biochemical parameters were analyzed. Moderate PEO
inclusion (4 g kg-1) improved growth and feed efficiency, whereas 10 g kg-1 reduced performance. The responses
followed nonlinear dose-dependent patterns. Moderate PEO inclusion (4 g kg-1) improved growth and
feed utilization, whereas 10 g kg-1 reduced performance. These improvements followed a non-linear (cubic)
trend, as confirmed by polynomial contrast analysis (P < 0.05). Hematological and biochemical indicators also
showed improvements at moderate PEO levels and signs of physiological stress at the highest dose. Blood
biochemistry showed nonlinear patterns: glucose and liver enzymes such as Glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase
(GOT), Glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT) and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were lowest at moderate
doses and elevated at 10 g kg-1, suggesting a disruption in physiological homeostasis or potential
hepatotoxicity at higher doses; total protein, albumin, globulin, triglycerides, and cholesterol peaked or dipped
similarly. Gene expression supported these findings, with moderate PEO enhancing both growth-related and
immune-related markers. Further studies should explore long-term effects and species-specific responses.
Overall, 4 g kg-1 appears to be an optimal inclusion level for improving carp growth and health, demonstrating
the potential of pistachio hulls as a value-added component in sustainable aquafeeds
Prognostic Implications of Evolving Universal Definitions of Periprocedural Myocardial Infarction in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome
No full textBackground: The universal definition of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)-related myocardial infarction (MI) has been substantially updated over the years, including an increase in the biomarker threshold (from 3 to 5 times the upper reference limit) and the introduction of ancillary criteria such as ischemic symptoms and electrocardiographic or angiographic complication. The impact of these changes in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains incompletely understood. The objective of this study was to compare prognostic implications of evolving universal definitions of PCI-MI in a large cohort of patients with ACS from the MATRIX trial (Minimizing Adverse Haemorrhagic Events by Transradial Access Site and Systemic Implementation of AngioX). Methods: Among 6724 patients undergoing PCI in the MATRIX trial, PCI-MI was prospectively adjudicated by the second, third and fourth universal definition of MI (UDMI). The 2 co-primary end points were all-cause and cardiovascular death (from 24 hours to 1 year after PCI) in patients with non-ST-segment-elevation ACS. Hazard ratios and 95% CIs were generated for primary and secondary end points with the use of Cox proportional hazards time-to-event analyses for each MI definition. Results: PCI-MI occurred in 590 patients (9%) with the second UDMI, 193 (3%) with the third UDMI, and 182 (3%) with the fourth UDMI applied in the overall ACS population. Among patients with non-ST-segment-elevation ACS, the corresponding figures were 15%, 5%, and 5%. Only PCI-MI defined by the fourth UDMI in patients with non-ST-segment-elevation ACS was associated with increased risks of all-cause (hazard ratio, 2.08 [95% CI, 1.00-4.30]; P=0.048) and cardiovascular (hazard ratio, 2.62 [95% CI, 1.03-6.65]; P=0.043) death. In patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction, PCI-MI was uncommon (1% to 4% depending on the working definition) and was not associated with increased mortality. In the absence of objective ancillary criteria (electrocardiographic and angiographic complications), isolated troponin elevations up to 20 times the upper reference limit were not associated with increased mortality risk. Conclusions: PCI-MI defined according to the fourth UDMI was associated with increased risks of 1-year mortality only in patients with non-ST-segment-elevation ACS. These data support the evolution of the universal definition of PCI-MI. Registration: URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT01433627
Lost cephalopods recreational fishing lures (EGIs) as marine litter: Composition, persistence, and microplastic release
No full textRecreational fishing is a growing source of marine litter, yet its contribution to plastic pollution remains
underexplored. In the Mediterranean Sea, Eging—a popular recreational technique for catching cephalopods—relies on specialized artificial lures (EGIs) composed of multiple materials, including polymers, metals, and pigments. Once lost, these lures can persist in the marine environment, fragmenting into microplastics and potentially releasing chemical additives. This study reports the first survey of EGIs lost, in the north-eastern Sicilian coast (Strait of Messina, Central Mediterranean Sea), identifying collected lures (546 EGIs sampled from six sites) using a handheld Raman spectrometer and a complementary micro NIR spectrometer for the characterization of textile coatings, polymeric bodies and lure parts. Polymer identification was carried out on a representative subset of 30 lures and 4 detached textile fragments, selected to encompass the observed morphological and chromatic variability. Guided by an a priori hypothesis based on independent sources, we tested EGI composition on a representative subset through spectroscopic investigations and found a dominant pattern—polystyrene in bodies, polyethylene terephthalate in coatings, and epoxy in eyes—with signature distribution of 48.4 % PET-like, 30.2 % PS-like, and 21.4 % intermediate/mixed. Spectral classification using cosine similarity distinguished PET-like, PS-like, and intermediate/mixed signatures, reflecting manufacturing variability and environmental alteration. As stated by literature, both PS and PET exhibit high resistance to biodegradation, fragmenting over time into persistent microplastics (MPs) capable of adsorbing pollutants and entering marine food webs. The widespread presence of these lost lures, yet often overlooked, highlights the need to obtain further information on degradation kinetics, leaching assays, chemical additives composition, and ecotoxicological effects to fully understand their toxicity
and their action as long-term contaminants sources, also calling for the adoption of active measures to mitigate recreational fishing impacts
Artificial intelligence and innovation in the firm: challenges and threats
No full textArtificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the competitive landscape and increasingly functions as a crucial driver of innovation and organizational transformation. The interaction between AI and innovation management raises several critical questions concerning strategic business decisions, ethical considerations, and the long-term sustai-nability of innovative activities. This research aims to develop a conceptual framework that outlines the key challenges and risks associated with the adoption of AI technologies in innovation-oriented firms. The guiding research question is as follows: to what extent does current scholarly literature address the challenges posed by the risks associated with implementing AI solutions in the context of sustainable innovation? The foundation of this work is the risk-based approach outlined in the EU AI Act, with particular attention to its differentiated levels of regulatory requirements applied to distinct catego-ries of AI systems. To investigate the existing academic landscape, we conducted a scoping review in accordance with PRISMA standards and established methodological guidelines, relying on the Scopus and Web of Science databases. The research concludes with a discussion of the theore-tical and managerial implications derived from the review
Botulinum Toxin Injections for Drooling Improve Dysphagia in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease
No full textSleep effects in drug-resistant epileptic patients taking perampanel: an observational study
No full textBackground: Perampanel (PER) is a selective non-competitive antagonist of the AMPA receptor. While its efficacy in epilepsy very limited studies have focused on its impact on sleep quality, thus the aim of this study was to assess PER impact on sleep among patients with refractory epilepsy. Methods: Patients were recruited at the Epilepsy Center of the University of Messina, Italy according to the ILAE criteria and received PER as an add-on therapy. Sleep quality (PSQI), daytime sleepiness (ESS), and quality of life (QOLIE-31) were assessed at baseline and follow-up. Efficacy was evaluated based on seizure frequency reduction and classified as worsened, unchanged, < 50% improvement, ≥ 50% improvement, or seizure-free. Patients were also stratified by use of perampanel as first or late add-on therapy. Tolerability was assessed through reported adverse events. Results: Thirty-one patients were followed for six months; one was excluded due to seizure worsening. PER was first add-on in 11 patients, late add-on in 20. Sleep quality and daytime sleepiness showed slight improvement. QOLIE-31 scores showed a mild, non-significant improvement in quality of life, with a significant reduction in seizure worry in late add-on patients. In the first group, 100% were responders (≥ 50% seizure reduction), 27.2% seizure-free. In the late add-on group, 65% were responders, 30% seizure-free (p = 0.043). PER was well tolerated with no severe adverse events. Significance: PER appears to preserve sleep quality and mildly improve quality of life. Furthermore, PER shows greater efficacy when used as a first add-on therapy in drug-resistant epilepsy