Explore the vast range of titles available.

In this study, a new and very quick method to depolymerize PET plastics is reported. The depolymerization experiments were conducted using a type-IV deep eutectic solvent containing ZnCl2 and urea, and a microwave oven as reactor. Different combinations of power and reaction times were employed while keeping the total energy constant. Successful conversions were obtained carrying out the process at 180 W for 2 min and 360 W for 1 min, whereas at higher powers and shorter times, an inclusion likely occurs of some solvent into the structure of the recovered PET flakes, as suggested by the porosity of the flakes, imaged by SEM microscopy. The flakes increase their crystalline character during the treatment, as indicated by the appearance of narrow diffraction peaks in the XRD patterns, at variance with the broad signals observed in the case of the pristine amorphous polymer. The NMR analysis of the supernatant liquid above the partially solubilized PET shows the presence of terephthalic acid peaks. The infrared spectra of the solid powder achieved upon the acidic treatment of the extract reveal the presence of C=O stretching peaks and the absence of typical CH2 wagging absorptions that satisfactorily comply with the presence of terephthalic acid.

Background Accuracy in determining food authenticity, possible contamination, content analysis, and even geographical origin is of considerable scientific and economic value. The aim of this study is to facilitate quantitative evaluation of protein content in the seeds of cereals ( Triticum turgidum var. durum and Tritordeum genotypes) and ripening pomegranate fruits (Wonderful cultivar). Methods Two species of wheat were evaluated in this study: durum wheat, Triticum turgidum var. durum , and Tritordeum ( durum wheat × wild barley ) together with pomegranate fruits of the variety Wonderful. Two different portable Near InfraRed (NIR) spectrometers have been used: a prototype developed in the PhasmaFood project and the commercial SCiO™ molecular sensor. Results Considering the specific samples, the obtained results of the classification models indicate a validation mean absolute error of 0.8% (percentage of total protein content in dry matter) for two species of wheat using Convolutional Neural Network following normalization procedures and 0.32% using Partial Least Square (PLS) analysis applied to Tritordeum samples; visible reflectance spectra have been used to discriminate the two cereal species. A Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 1.25 was obtained for the determination of total soluble solids (TSS) over a 2-year period for pomegranate fresh fruits of Wonderful cultivar, which is commonly harvested with TSS values of 16–17. Conclusions The application of portable sensors using NIR spectroscopy can be a valid and rapid alternative to the use of destructive laboratory techniques for the assessment of protein content in intact wheat seeds and ripeness grade (TSS) in intact pomegranates.

Femtosecond lasers represent a novel tool for tattoo removal as sources that can be operated at high power, potentially leading to different removal pathways and products. Consequently, the potential toxicity of its application also needs to be evaluated. In this framework, we present a comparative study of Ti:Sapphire femtosecond laser irradiation, as a function of laser power and exposure time, on water dispersions of Pigment Green 7 (PG7) and the green tattoo ink Green Concentrate (GC), which contains PG7 as its coloring agent. The treated samples were subsequently analyzed via UV‒Vis spectroscopy, gas chromatography‒mass spectrometry (GC‒MS), SEM imaging and associated statistical analysis. We found that, on average, the discoloration efficacy of femtosecond laser treatment was comparable to that of nanosecond lasers as were the decomposition products. In fact, two primary types of fragments are produced, both of which are potentially harmful, resulting either from the decomposition of chlorinated phthalocyanine (i.e., PG7) or from the active chlorination of naphthalene impurities. However, the outcomes for the PG7 and GC treatments differed significantly from each other from several points of view. The spectral intensity patterns of GC and PG7 were distinct, depending on the treatment conditions, and showed linearity with power only in the case of GC. Additionally, the relative ratios of the fragment products differed significantly, with the production rate showing a linear dependence on power only in the case of GC and no discernible trend for PG7. Shape and size distribution of the generated particles were highly dependent on the type of sample. Femtosecond laser irradiation of GCs primarily produces nanoparticles with a homogeneous size distribution, which are typically considered nontoxic. Large aggregates also formed, exhibiting a regular shape. In contrast, PG7 yielded rods and needles with aspect ratios similar to those of toxic fibers.

Within the framework of plant biostimulation, a pivotal role is played by the achievement of low-cost, easily prepared nanoparticles for priming purposes. Therefore, in this report, two different synthetic strategies are described to engineer zinc oxide nanoparticles with an inulin coating. In both protocols, i.e., two-step and gel-like one-pot protocols, nanoparticles with a highly pure ZnO kernel are obtained when the reaction is carried out at T ≥ 40 °C, as ascertained by XRD and ATR/FTIR studies. However, a uniformly dispersed, highly homogeneous coating is achieved primarily when different temperatures, i.e., 60 °C and 40 °C, are employed in the two phases of the step-wise synthesis. In addition, a different binding mechanism, i.e., complexation, occurs in this case. When the gel-like process is employed, a high degree of coverage by the fructan is attained, leading to micrometric coated aggregates of nanometric particles, as revealed by SEM investigations. All NPs from the two-step synthesis feature electronic bandgaps in the 3.25–3.30 eV range in line with previous studies, whereas the extensive coating causes a remarkable 0.4 eV decrease in the bandgap. Overall, the global analysis of the investigations indicates that the samples synthesized at 60 °C and 40 °C are the best suited for biostimulation. Proof-of-principle assays upon Vicia faba seed priming with Zn5 and Zn5@inu indicated an effective growth stimulation of seedlings at doses of 100 mgKg−1, with concomitant Zn accumulation in the leaves.

Extrinsic chemiluminescence can be an efficient tool for determining pesticides and fungicides, which do not possess any intrinsic fluorescent signal. On this basis, (3-aminopropyl) trimethoxysilane (APTMS)-coated ZnO (APTMS@ZnO) was synthesized and tested as an extrinsic probe for the fungicide penconazole. Several synthetic routes were probed using either a one-pot or two-steps method, in order to ensure both a green synthetic pathway and a good signal variation for the penconazole concentration. The synthesized samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared (IR), Raman and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging and associated energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. The average size of the synthesized ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) is 54 ± 10 nm, in line with previous preparations. Of all the samples, those synthesized in two steps, at temperatures ranging from room temperature (RT) to a maximum of 40 °C, using water solvent (G-APTMG@ZnO), appeared to be composed of nanoparticles, homogeneously coated with APTMS. Chemiluminescence tests of G-APTMG@ZnO, in the penconazole concentration range 0.7–1.7 ppm resulted in a quenching of the native signal between 6% and 19% with a good linear response, thus indicating a green pathway for detecting the contaminant. The estimated detection limit (LOD) is 0.1 ± 0.01 ppm.

The ecosystem functioning of two marine food webs covering the north‐eastern (Salento) and south‐western (Calabria) sectors of the North‐Western Ionian Sea (NWIS) (Central Mediterranean Sea) was investigated through a food‐web model. Data inputs covered a wide set of ecological information applied to 58 functional groups (FGs). The sum of consumption and the mean predation mortality rate were calculated for benthic, demersal, and pelagic subsystems indicating the predator and prey roles of the FGs. A complex system of energy and biomass exchanges characterized the investigated food webs indicating an important benthic‐pelagic coupling. In the food webs of both areas, the regulation of flows between the benthic‐pelagic coupling seems to occur through the benthopelagic shrimps and the small pelagics due to their wasp‐waist control role. Differences were observed concerning the top predators. Odontocetes play this keystone role in the Salento food web. Anglers, bathyal squids, and sharks assume this functional role in Calabria. The geomorphology and hydrography in the NWIS could affect the biomass and energy exchanges in this coupling. The higher flows of consumption of the benthic system observed in the Calabria food web could be influenced by a widespread presence of canyons along the continental edge which increase the benthic productivity. In contrast, the flows of consumption in the Salento food web seem to be driven by the planktonic productivity supporting the pelagic, benthopelagic, and demersal compartments. This condition could be favored by the large extension of the shelf break zone. The food‐web models realized for the NWIS represent ideal platforms for the development of analysis with dynamic simulations. The comparative analysis of the two food webs by means of the FGs and their functional traits allowed the general pattern of ecosystem structure and functioning in the NWIS to be identified, making it an interesting approach to investigate the marine ecosystem. The ecosystem functioning of two marine food webs covering the north‐eastern (Salento) and south‐western (Calabria) sectors of the North‐Western Ionian Sea (NWIS) (Central Mediterranean Sea) was investigated by means of a tropho‐dynamic model. The comparative analysis of the two food webs by means the functional groups and their functional traits allowed the general pattern of ecosystem structure and functioning in NWIS to be identified, making it an interesting approach to investigate the marine ecosystem.

Carboplatin plus paclitaxel administered every 3 weeks is standard first-line chemotherapy for patients with advanced ovarian cancer. A weekly paclitaxel schedule combined with carboplatin every 3 weeks prolonged progression-free survival and overall survival in a Japanese phase 3 trial. The aim of our study was to assess whether a weekly schedule of carboplatin plus paclitaxel is more effective than the same drugs given every 3 weeks. We did a multicentre, randomised, phase 3 study at 67 institutions in Italy and France. Women with FIGO stage IC–IV ovarian cancer, an ECOG performance status of 2 or lower, and who had never received chemotherapy were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to receive either carboplatin (AUC 6 mg/mL per min) plus paclitaxel (175 mg/m2) every 3 weeks for six cycles or carboplatin (AUC 2 mg/mL per min) plus paclitaxel (60 mg/m2) every week for 18 weeks. Randomisation was done by computer-based minimisation, stratified by centre, residual disease after surgery, and ECOG performance status. The study was not blinded. Coprimary endpoints were progression-free survival and quality of life (assessed by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Ovarian Trial Outcome Index [FACT-O/TOI] score), and analysis was by modified intention to treat. This report presents the final analysis. The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00660842. 822 patients were enrolled into the study between Nov 20, 2008, and March 1, 2012; 12 withdrew their consent immediately after randomisation and were excluded, and 810 were eligible for analysis. 404 women were allocated treatment every 3 weeks and 406 were assigned to the weekly schedule. After median follow-up of 22·3 months (IQR 16·2–30·9), 449 progression-free survival events were recorded. Median progression-free survival was 17·3 months (95% CI 15·2–20·2) in patients assigned to treatment every 3 weeks, versus 18·3 months (16·8–20·9) in women allocated to the weekly schedule (hazard ratio 0·96, 95% CI 0·80–1·16; p=0·66). FACT-O/TOI scores differed significantly between the two schedules (treatment-by-time interaction p<0·0001); with treatment every 3 weeks, FACT-O/TOI scores worsened at every cycle (weeks 1, 4, and 7), whereas for the weekly schedule, after transient worsening at week 1, FACT-O/TOI scores remained stable. Fewer patients assigned to the weekly group than those allocated treatment every 3 weeks had grade 3–4 neutropenia (167 [42%] of 399 patients vs 200 [50%] of 400 patients), febrile neutropenia (two [0·5%] vs 11 [3%]), grade 3–4 thrombocytopenia (four [1%] vs 27 [7%]), and grade 2 or worse neuropathy (24 [6%] vs 68 [17%]). Three deaths during the study were attributed to chemotherapy; two women died who were allocated treatment every 3 weeks and one death was recorded in the group assigned the weekly regimen. A weekly regimen of carboplatin and paclitaxel might be a reasonable option for first-line treatment of women with advanced ovarian cancer. None.

We present a dual biosensing strategy integrating Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) and Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) for the quantitative and molecular-specific detection of FKBP12. Silver nanodendritic arrays were electrodeposited onto QCM sensors, optimized for SERS enhancement using Rhodamine 6G, and functionalized with a custom-designed receptor to selectively capture FKBP12. QCM measurements revealed a two-step Langmuir adsorption behavior, enabling sensitive mass quantification with a low limit of detection. Concurrently, in situ SERS analysis on the same sensor provided vibrational fingerprints of FKBP12, resolved through comparative studies of the free protein, surface-bound receptor, and surface-bound receptor–protein complex. Ethanol-induced denaturation confirmed protein-specific peaks, while shifts in receptor vibrational modes—linked to FKBP12 binding—demonstrated dynamic molecular interactions. A ratiometric parameter, derived from key peak intensities, served as a robust, concentration-dependent signature of complex formation. This platform bridges quantitative (QCM) and structural (SERS) biosensing, offering real-time mass tracking and conformational insights. The nanodendritic substrate’s dual functionality, combined with the receptor’s selectivity, advances label-free protein detection for applications in drug diagnostics, with potential adaptability to other target analytes.

The biological aspects of infancy within late Upper Palaeolithic populations and the role of southern refugia at the end of the Last Glacial Maximum are not yet fully understood. This study presents a multidisciplinary, high temporal resolution investigation of an Upper Palaeolithic infant from Grotta delle Mura (Apulia, southern Italy) combining palaeogenomics, dental palaeohistology, spatially-resolved geochemical analyses, direct radiocarbon dating, and traditional anthropological studies. The skeletal remains of the infant – Le Mura 1 – were directly dated to 17,320-16,910 cal BP. The results portray a biological history of the infant’s development, early life, health and death (estimated at ~72 weeks). They identify, several phenotypic traits and a potential congenital disease in the infant, the mother’s low mobility during gestation, and a high level of endogamy. Furthermore, the genomic data indicates an early spread of the Villabruna-like components along the Italian peninsula, confirming a population turnover around the time of the Last Glacial Maximum, and highlighting a general reduction in genetic variability from northern to southern Italy. Overall, Le Mura 1 contributes to our better understanding of the early stages of life and the genetic puzzle in the Italian peninsula at the end of the Last Glacial Maximum. Here, the authors present paleogenomics, dental histology, geochemistry, radiocarbon dating, and bioarchaeological analysis of an Upper Palaeolithic infant from Grotta delle Mura (southern Italy). These data depict the health and development of the individual and point to regional population turnover at the time.