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Comparative adsorption of methylene blue on GO- and rGO-modified natural clinoptilolite: role of carbon oxidation state and pore blocking
No full textBuilding on our earlier work on graphene oxide (GO)-impregnated clinoptilolite for methylene blue (MB) removal, this study directly compares GO-modified zeolite (GOZ) with an ascorbic-acid-reduced analogue (rGOZ) prepared on the same clinoptilolite matrix by liquid-phase impregnation and evaluated under identical batch conditions. Spectroscopic/microscopic, elemental (CHNS) and textural analyses (UV-Vis, FT-IR, SEM/EDS, N-2 sorptiometry and thermogravimetry) confirm successful attachment of the carbon phases (similar to 9% graphene loading) and reveal distinct surface chemistries: GOZ retains abundant oxygenated groups, whereas rGOZ is more graphitic and both composites exhibit partial pore blocking. Relative to pristine clinoptilolite (q similar to 35 mg g(-1) at 298 K), the maximum MB uptake (Langmuir) increases to similar to 157 mg g(-1) for GOZ and similar to 123 mg g(-1) for rGOZ, demonstrating a substantial enhancement upon carbon-phase incorporation. Adsorption is favored near neutral pH, follows pseudo-second-order kinetics for both composites, and shows endothermic, entropy-driven, spontaneous behavior over 298-333 K. Equilibrium data indicate more heterogeneous/pore-filling contributions for GOZ and a more monolayer-like, pi-pi-assisted uptake for rGOZ, consistent with their different functional-group densities. Regeneration by 0.1 N HCl washing over five cycles shows higher durability of GOZ, with MB removal decreasing from similar to 98% (cycle 1) to similar to 84% (cycle 5), compared with rGOZ decreasing from similar to 93 to similar to 71%. Overall, these results quantify how the oxidation state of the graphene phase governs MB uptake and reuse performance in clinoptilolite-based hybrid adsorbents
Between staying and leaving: Understanding depopulation in Sicily's inner areas
No full textThe depopulation of Italian mountain areas, particularly in the so-called “inner areas”, represents a significant socio-demographic challenge. This study investigates the dynamics of depopulation in four Sicilian municipalities - Novara di Sicilia, Castroreale, San Fratello, and Ucria - characterized by economic marginalization and demographic decline. Using a qualitative approach based on focus groups, we analyze the perceptions, challenges, and strategies of local communities. The study also applies Correspondence Analysis to examine patterns of association between qualitative variables. Findings highlight a paradox: while these regions are crucial for national ecological balance and cultural heritage, they face severe infrastructural limitations and service deficiencies that exacerbate migration trends. Policy implications focus on sustainable revitalization strategies, digital connectivity, and targeted interventions to foster territorial resilience
Impact of AZD5582 and hetIL-15 on HIV Latency Prevention During Early ART in SIV-Infected Rhesus macaques
No full textHIV infection persists despite suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART) due to a latent
reservoir of memory CD4+ T cells harboring replication-competent virus. One of the
many strategies explored for HIV/SIV eradication is based on the “shock & kill”
paradigm, which postulates that the reservoir can be reduced or even eliminated by
interventions that combine the reactivation of virus production in latently-infected cells
(i.e., “shock”, as induced by latency-reversing agents, LRA) with the immune-mediated
killing of these cells (i.e., “kill”, as mediated by cytotoxic T lymphocytes, NK cells,
antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and other mechanisms). In this study, we
evaluated the SMAC mimetic AZD5582, which induces viral reactivation (shock), in
combination with heterodimeric interleukin-15 (hetIL-15), which activates and expands
cytotoxic T and NK cells (kill), as a strategy to prevent reservoir establishment during
early SIV infection and ART.
Thirty-five rhesus macaques were infected with barcoded SIVmac239M and initiated on
ART two weeks post-infection. Animals received hetIL-15 alone, AZD5582 alone, the
combination of both, or ART only, and were monitored longitudinally for 45 weeks.
Plasma viral loads were measured for the duration of the study. Reservoir size was
assessed in PBMCs and lymph nodes (LNs) by intact proviral DNA assay, and immune
cell phenotypes were characterized by flow cytometry.
Treatment with AZD5582, alone or in combination with hetIL-15, resulted in slower
decline of plasma viremia after ART initiation. Levels of peripheral and LNs CD4+ T cell
intact proviral SIV DNA declined in all the groups over the treatment course. The
frequency of CD4+ T cells harboring proviral DNA tended to be lower in the animals
receiving the SMAC mimetic, alone or in combination with hetIL-15. These results
suggest that AZD5582, alone or with hetIL-15, transiently perturbs viral reservoir
formation when administered at ART initiation during acute SIV infection, thus
suggesting a disruptive effect on the reservoir establishment and providing a rationale
for further evaluation as a component of HIV cure strategies
Citrus waste as a sustainable amendment for tomato soilless substrates under deficit irrigation
No full textThe citrus processing industry generates large amounts of organic residues whose sustainable management is a major environmental challenge. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of incorporating citrus-derived waste (CW) into coconut-coir-based substrates on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L., cv. Proxy) under different irrigation re-gimes (I) in a factorial design (CW × I) with three replications. Each replicate consisted of six plants (pots), and the replicate was considered the experimental unit. Plants were grown in substrates amended with 0%, 6.25%, 12.5%, 25.0%, and 37.5% (v/v) citrus waste and subjected to three water regimes (100%, 75%, and 50% of the standard water supply). Plant growth, biomass allocation, yield components, and fruit quality traits were assessed. Results indicate that CW can be incorporated into coconut-coir substrates without detect-able penalties in total production at low-to-moderate rates (6.25–12.5%) across all irriga-tion regimes. Yield reductions of 18% (from 3398 to 2789 g plant−1) attributable to CW were observed mostly at the highest inclusion rates under moderate deficit irrigation (75% wa-ter supply), whereas under severe deficit (50% water supply), production declined across all CW rates, including 0%, indicating that water deficit has a dominant limiting effect. Fruit quality parameters were generally maintained or improved in amended substrates, particularly under reduced irrigation with deficit irrigation, generally increasing total sol-uble solids at 100%, 75%, and 50% WC (+13%, +19%, and +9%, respectively). Overall, these findings support the use of citrus waste at low-to-moderate proportions as a sustainable amendment for soilless tomato cultivation without marked negative effects on yield and fruit quality, enabling its use as a locally sourced substrate component within circular-economy strategies
Waste-to-waste strategy for lithium-ion battery recycling: Biosorption of Ni, Co and Mn using bergamot pomace
No full textThe growing demand for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) in electric mobility and energy storage systems necessitates sustainable recycling solutions. This study presents a proof-of-concept for the recovery of critical metals, i.e. Nickel (Ni), Manganese (Mn), and Cobalt (Co), from spent LIBs cathodes using an agri-food waste biomass - bergamot pomace (BP) - as a biosorbent. Due to the complexity of the real cathode matrix, a solid experimental strategy with three levels of increasing complexity was designed: starting with single-metal adsorption experiments, moving to a multicomponent synthetic solution reproducing the cationic composition of the cathode, and finally testing a solution obtained through acid leaching of an actual spent cathode. The experimental data were interpreted through a thermodynamic approach, focusing on adsorption isotherm parameters such as affinity constants and maximum adsorption capacities. BP exhibited a total sorption capacity of approximately 0.7 mmol g−1 on real leachates, with a high affinity for Ni, Mn, and Co in diluted solutions (< 30 mg dm−3), indicating strong potential for use in secondary recovery steps. This approach improves metal recovery efficiency, potentially compensating for cation losses in conventional methods, and aligns with circular economy principles by valorizing organic waste. The environmental and economic implications of BP production were also evaluated, focusing on energy consumption, global warming potential (GWP), and production costs under laboratory and projected industrial conditions to assess its sustainability as a complementary step in LIBs recycling workflows. These results demonstrate the viability of BP as a low-cost and bio-based material for greener recycling strategies
ZIF-67-derived electrode materials for high-performance supercapacitors: Advances and perspectives
No full textThe development of next-generation energy storage devices necessitates electrode materials that can simultaneously offer high surface area, tunable porosity, and efficient charge transport. Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-67 (ZIF-67), a cobalt-based metal organic framework, has emerged as a modular platform for designing high-performance supercapacitor electrodes. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of recent breakthroughs in the synthesis, modification, and application of ZIF-67 and its derivatives. Diverse synthetic routes ranging from solvothermal and hydrothermal to surfactant-assisted, microwave, and green solid-state methods are systematically compared with respect to structural control and electrochemical outcomes. Special emphasis is placed on ZIF-67-based composites incorporating carbon materials, conductive polymers, and transition metal compounds, which unlock synergistic effects to enhance conductivity and capacitance. Additionally, the role of doping, redox-active interfaces, and advanced electrolytes in tuning charge storage behavior is critically examined. We highlight the limitations that persist, particularly in cycling stability and scalability, and propose design principles to overcome these hurdles. This review positions ZIF-67 as a highly adaptable framework for next-generation supercapacitors and offers a roadmap for future innovations in MOF-derived energy storage systems
Longitudinal observation of severe asthma comorbidities and oral corticosteroids use from SANI and ISAR registries
No full textBackground The International Severe Asthma Registry (ISAR) reported a high rate of comorbidities differentially associated with clinical characteristics, biomarkers, and outcomes. Methods We aimed to compare the prevalences of comorbidities between global (ISARWORLD) and ITALY-derived ISAR cohorts and to explore characteristics of severe asthma (SA) patients progressively enrolled into the Severe Asthma Network Italy (SANI) registry over 5 years. Results T2-related SA comorbidities, including allergic rhinitis (AR), chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and nasal polyps (NPs) were more frequent ( p < 0.001) in the ITALY cohort in addition to some oral corticosteroids (OCS)-related comorbidities, likely relating to the higher burden of OCS use. A comorbidity-dependent pattern of association for biomarkers and clinical outcomes with AR, CRS and NPs was identified in both ITALY-derived and ISARWORLD cohorts. In addition, a progressive decrease in the frequency of atopy, total IgE, number of exacerbations (AEs), chronic OCS treatment ( p < 0.001) and a progressive increase in lung function and eosinophils count was reported longitudinally in the SANI registry. When stratifying by the presence of NPs, sex and smoking status, similar enrolment changes were identified with the additional findings of increased FeNO in NPs and Female cohorts and atopic eczema in smokers. Conclusion Longitudinal observation of enrolment characteristics from the Italian SANI registry and comparison with ISAR highlight changes influenced not only by regional population traits but also by the attitude of clinicians, biologics availability and eligibility and the OCS stewardship campaign. Trial registration The International Severe Asthma Registry (ISAR): EU PAS number EUPAS23651; Study ID 47596; registered April 16, 2018. Severe Asthma Network Italy (SANI): NCT number: NCT06625216. Retrospectively registered 2024-07-05
Precision and efficacy in congenital cataract surgery: a retrospective study of the 27-gauge vitrectomy system
No full textPurpose: To evaluate the precision, safety, and efficacy of congenital cataract surgery performed using the 27-gauge vitrectomy system in infants. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 44 eyes from 22 pediatric patients (aged 3–5 months) with bilateral congenital cataracts. The following parameters were assessed: intraocular pressure, corneal diameters, axial length, and the occurrence of intraoperative and postoperative complications. Visual function was evaluated based on visual behavior in response to various stimuli. All patients were followed for a minimum of 6 months. Results: A significant reduction in intraocular pressure was observed (from 15.8 ± 5.7 mmHg preoperatively to 12.2 ± 1.1 mmHg postoperatively, p = 4.64 × 10−7). The average duration of the surgical procedure was 30 ± 5 min. Postoperative complications were minimal and transient, including conjunctival hyperemia in 30% of eyes (resolved within one week) and mild anterior chamber reaction in 12% of eyes. No significant complications, such as retinal detachment or glaucoma, were observed during follow-up. Conclusion: The use of the 27-gauge vitrectomy system for congenital cataract surgery in infants provides high surgical precision, low complication rates, and effective postoperative outcomes. Further prospective studies with longer follow-up are needed to confirm the long-term safety and efficacy of this approach