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Nowadays, society is oriented toward reducing the production of plastics, which have a significant impact on the environment. In this context, the recycling of existing plastic objects is currently a fundamental step in the mitigation of pollution. Very recently, the outstanding development of artificial intelligence (AI) has concerned and continues to involve a large part of the industrial and informatics sectors. The opportunity to implement big data in the frame of recycling processes is oriented toward the improvement and the optimization of the reproduction of plastic objects, possibly with enhanced properties and durability. Here, a deep cataloguing, characterization and recycling of plastic wastes provided by an industrial sorting plant was performed. The potential improvement of the mechanical properties of the recycled polymers was assessed by the addition of coupling agents. On these bases, a classification system based on the collected results of the recycled materials' properties was developed, with the aim of laying the groundwork for the improvement of AI databases and helpfully supporting industrial recycling processes.

Background: Metals pollution is a worldwide environmental issue due to their persistence in the ecosystems, non-degradability, and bioaccumulation in marine biota. Pacific Oysters (Crassostrea gigas) are highly nutritious bivalve representing an important dietary constituent but may accumulate metals through feeding on suspended sediments from surrounding water, then represent a suitable tool for biomonitoring., Materials and Methods: The occurrence of trace elements (Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Rb, Se, Sn, V, Zn) was investigated in Pacific Oysters (Cassostrea gigas) collected from Calich Lagoon in each season of 2019. Samples were homogenized and subjected to microwave acid digestion before being analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (ICP-MS)., Results: The results showed a significant seasonal variation for temperature, dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll, and pH. Moreover, high significant seasonal variation in concentrations of Cd, Mn, Ni, and V was recorded. The highest values were found for Fe (128 mg kg ⁻1 w.w.), and Al (112 mg kg ⁻1 w.w.) in October, for Zn (113 mg kg ⁻1 w.w.) in March and May., Conclusions: Pacific Oysters were confirmed as suitable bioindicators of the health status of coastal lagoons; trace elements concentrations were highly affected by season of collection, and according to literature the highest values were recorded in autumn and summer. The EU legal limits for Cd and Pb were not exceeded, then the farmed oysters were safe to consumers., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest Declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)

The increasing population, food demand, waste management concerns, and the search for sustainable alternatives to plastic polymers have led researchers to explore the potential of waste materials. This study focused on a waste of pine nut processing referred to in this paper as pine nut skin. For the first time, its nutritional profile, potential bioactive peptide, contaminants, and morphological structure were assessed. Pine nut skin was composed mainly of carbohydrates (56.2%) and fiber (27.5%). The fat (9.8%) was about 45%, 35%, and 20% saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acid, respectively, and Omega-9,-6, and -3 were detected. Notably, oleic acid, known for its health benefits, was found in significant quantities, resembling its presence in pine nut oil. The presence of bioactive compounds such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and phytosterols further adds to its nutritional value. Some essential elements were reported, whereas most of the contaminants such as heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, rare earth elements, and pesticides were below the limit of quantification. Furthermore, the in silico analysis showed the occurrence of potential precursor peptides of bioactive compounds, indicating health-promoting attributes. Lastly, the morphological structural characterization of the pine nut skin was followed by Fourier Transform Infrared and solid-state NMR spectroscopy to identify the major components, such as lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose. The thermostability of the pine nut skin was monitored via thermogravimetric analysis, and the surface of the integument was analyzed via scanning electron microscopy and volumetric nitrogen adsorption. This information provides a more comprehensive view of the potential uses of pine nut skin as a filler material for biocomposite materials. A full characterization of the by-products of the food chain is essential for their more appropriate reuse.

Plankton plays a very crucial role in bioaccumulation and transfer of metals in the marine food web and represents a suitable bioindicator of the occurrence of trace and rare earth elements in the ecosystem. Trace elements and REEs were analyzed by ICP-MS in phytoplankton samples from the northwestern Mediterranean Sea. Metal concentrations in phytoplankton were found strongly influenced by seasons and depth of collection (- 30 m, - 50 m). Principal component analysis (PCA) has shown that Al, As, Cr, Cu, Ga, and Sn concentrations were related to summer and autumn in samples collected at 30 m depth, while Fe, Mn, Ni, V, and Zn levels related strongly with summer and spring at 50 m depth. Fe, Al, and Zn were the most represented elements in all samples (mean values respectively in the ranges 4.2-8.2, 9.6-13, and 1.0-4.4 mg kg -1 ) according to their widespread presence in the environment and in the earth crust. Principal component analysis (PCA) performed on REEs showed that mostly all lanthanides' concentrations strongly correlate with summer and autumn seasons (- 30 m depth); the highest ∑REE concentration (75 µg kg -1 ) was found in winter. Phytoplankton REE normalized profile was comparable to those of other marine biota collected in the same area according to the suitability of lanthanides as geological tracers., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

Agri-food residues offer significant potential as a raw material for the production of L-lactic acid through microbial fermentation. Weizmannia coagulans, previously known as Bacillus coagulans, is a spore-forming, lactic acid-producing, gram-positive, with known probiotic and prebiotic properties. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of utilizing untreated citrus waste as a sustainable feedstock for the production of L-lactic acid in a one-step process, by using the strain W. coagulans MA-13. By employing a thermophilic enzymatic cocktail (Cellic CTec2) in conjunction with the hydrolytic capabilities of MA-13, biomass degradation was enhanced by up to 62%. Moreover, batch and fed-batch fermentation experiments demonstrated the complete fermentation of glucose into L-lactic acid, achieving a concentration of up to 44.8 g/L. These results point to MA-13 as a microbial cell factory for one-step production of L-lactic acid, by combining cost-effective saccharification with MA-13 fermentative performance, on agri-food wastes. Moreover, the potential of this approach for sustainable valorization of agricultural waste streams is successfully proven. KEY POINTS: • Valorization of citrus waste, an abundant residue in Mediterranean countries. • Sustainable production of the L-( +)-lactic acid in one-step process. • Enzymatic pretreatment is a valuable alternative to the use of chemical., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

New sustainable materials produced by green processing routes are required in order to meet the concepts of circular economy. The replacement of insulating materials comprising flammable synthetic polymers by bio-based materials represents a potential opportunity to achieve this task. In this paper, low-density and flame-retardant (FR) porous fiber networks are prepared by assembling Layer-by-Layer (LbL)-functionalized cellulose fibers by means of freeze-drying. The LbL coating, encompassing chitosan and sodium hexametaphosphate, enables the formation of a self-sustained porous structure by enhancing fiber-fiber interactions during the freeze-drying process. Fiber networks prepared from 3 Bi-Layer (BL)-coated fibers contain 80% wt of cellulose and can easily self-extinguish the flame during flammability tests in vertical configuration while displaying extremely low combustion rates in forced combustion tests. Smoke release is 1 order of magnitude lower than that of commercially available polyurethane foams. Such high FR efficiency is ascribed to the homogeneity of the deposited assembly, which produces a protective exoskeleton at the air/cellulose interface. The results reported in this paper represent an excellent opportunity for the development of fire-safe materials, encompassing natural components where sustainability and performance are maximized.

A complex interplay between mRNA translation and cellular respiration has been recently unveiled, but its regulation in humans is poorly characterized in either health or disease. Cancer cells radically reshape both biosynthetic and bioenergetic pathways to sustain their aberrant growth rates. In this regard, we have shown that the molecular chaperone TRAP1 not only regulates the activity of respiratory complexes, behaving alternatively as an oncogene or a tumor suppressor, but also plays a concomitant moonlighting function in mRNA translation regulation. Herein, we identify the molecular mechanisms involved, showing that TRAP1 (1) binds both mitochondrial and cytosolic ribosomes, as well as translation elongation factors; (2) slows down translation elongation rate; and (3) favors localized translation in the proximity of mitochondria. We also provide evidence that TRAP1 is coexpressed in human tissues with the mitochondrial translational machinery, which is responsible for the synthesis of respiratory complex proteins. Altogether, our results show an unprecedented level of complexity in the regulation of cancer cell metabolism, strongly suggesting the existence of a tight feedback loop between protein synthesis and energy metabolism, based on the demonstration that a single molecular chaperone plays a role in both mitochondrial and cytosolic translation, as well as in mitochondrial respiration., (© 2023 Avolio et al.; Published by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press.)

Insects represent a valuable and environmentally friendly protein alternative in food and feed. The Farm to Fork strategy encouraged the reintroduction of animal by-products in feed production to optimise recycling and to valorise under-used resources. In order to grant safe and valuable feed products, this study investigated the black soldier fly (BSF) (Hermetia illucens) chemical risk. Samples collected in different steps of production (8 samples of substrate for culturing, 7 samples of larvae, 15 samples of protein meal, 18 samples of spent substrate) were analysed for microessential elements (chromium, copper, iron, nickel, selenium and zinc) and inorganic contaminants (aluminium, arsenic, cadmium, lead, tin and vanadium) by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS). Microessential elements were found in the following order: Fe > Zn > Cu > Ni > Se > Cr (mg kg -1 ). Non-essential element concentrations were found lower than the set limits according to the European Union Regulations. The growing demand for alternative protein sources for feed production could be partially compensated by black soldier fly (BSF) (Hermetia illucens) meal, as it appears a good source for high-quality proteins and microessential elements which play a pivotal role in animal growth. In the foreseeable future the current legislation and the official monitoring plans may be implemented and broaden, to focus and assess limits for upcoming matrices, and to ensure feed and food safety., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Plasticized nanocomposites based on poly(lactic acid) have been prepared by melt mixing following a two-step approach, adding two different oligomeric esters of lactic acid (OLAs) as plasticizers and fumed silica nanoparticles. The nanocomposites maintained a remarkable elongation at break in the presence of the nanoparticles, with no strong effects on modulus and strength. Measuring thermo-mechanical properties as a function of aging time revealed a progressive deterioration of properties, with the buildup of phase separation, related to the nature of the plasticizer. Materials containing hydroxyl-terminated OLA showed a higher stability of properties upon aging. On the contrary, a synergistic effect of the acid-terminated plasticizer and silica nanoparticles was pointed out, inducing an accelerated hydrolytic degradation of PLA: materials at high silica content exhibited a marked brittleness and a dramatic decrease of molecular weight after 16 weeks of aging.

Nanostructured cellulose (NC) represents an emerging sustainable biomaterial for diverse biotechnological applications; however, its production requires hazardous chemicals that render the process ecologically unfriendly. Using commercial plant-derived cellulose, an innovative strategy for NC production based on the combination of mechanical and enzymatic approaches was proposed as a sustainable alternative to conventional chemical procedures. After ball milling, the average length of the fibers was reduced by one order of magnitude (down to 10-20 μm) and the crystallinity index decreased from 0.54 to 0.07-0.18. Moreover, a 60 min ball milling pre-treatment followed by 3 h Cellic Ctec2 enzymatic hydrolysis led to NC production (15% yield). Analysis of the structural features of NC obtained by the mechano-enzymatic process revealed that the diameters of the obtained cellulose fibrils and particles were in the range of 200-500 nm and approximately 50 nm, respectively. Interestingly, the film-forming property on polyethylene (coating ≅ 2 μm thickness) was successfully demonstrated and a significant reduction (18%) of the oxygen transmission rate was obtained. Altogether, these findings demonstrated that nanostructured cellulose could be successfully produced using a novel, cheap, and rapid 2-step physico-enzymatic process that provides a potential green and sustainable route that could be exploitable in future biorefineries.

Following the bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in 2001, processed animal proteins (PAPs) reintroduction is envisaged in non-ruminant feed thanks to their high protein content, easy availability and cost-effective characteristics. PAPs must be submitted to rendering practices, providing sterilization of products, under standardized conditions of temperature and pressure, according to Regulation (EC) No 142/2011. However, the chemical risk associated to these raw materials has been never evaluated. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a reliable liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for the determination and quantification of tetracycline residues in PAPs at µg kg -1 level. The LC-MS/MS method performances were evaluated in terms of specificity, linearity (25-500 µg kg -1 ), limit of quantitation (LOQ) (25 µg kg -1 ), accuracy and precision (CV% < 25%), uncertainty, recovery (80-120%) and ruggedness. All the evaluated parameters fulfilled the analytical performance criteria, and the validated LC-MS/MS method fits for purpose as confirmatory method on the occurrence of residues (µg kg -1 ) of tetracyclines in PAPs. PAPs are a powerful product which could be used both as raw materials in feed and in organic fertilizer production in a circular economy context. Therefore, the lack of regulation and control over antibiotic occurrence should be implemented to avoid a misuse and an increment of antibiotic resistance pressure over the environment and to ensure safety of the feed and food chain., (© 2022. Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Microplastics of fibrous shape are esteemed to be the most abundant micro-debris form present in the environment. Despite the occurrence of microfibers in fish may pose a risk to human health, the literature is scarce regarding studies on the contamination in commercial marine fish mostly due to methodological issues. In this study, a versatile approach, able to discriminate among natural and synthetic microfibers according to the evaluation of specific morphological features, is proposed in farmed mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis). The approach was useful to determine that microfibers were present in 74% of mussel samples, with a mean number of 14.57 microfibers/individual, corresponding to 3.13 microfibers/g w.w. A negative correlation between the size of analysed mussels and the amount of microfibers/g w.w. was detected, showing that smaller specimens contained more microfibers than the larger ones. This work paves the way to further studies aimed to adequately assess the risk that microfibers may pose to marine biota, also considering the commercial value as seafood items of many species of the Mytilus genus and the potential implication for human exposure., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Background: Metabolic reprogramming is an important issue in tumor biology. A recently-identified actor in this regard is the molecular chaperone TRAP1, that is considered an oncogene in several cancers for its high expression but an oncosuppressor in others with predominant oxidative metabolism. TRAP1 is mainly localized in mitochondria, where it interacts with respiratory complexes, although alternative localizations have been described, particularly on the endoplasmic reticulum, where it interacts with the translational machinery with relevant roles in protein synthesis regulation., Results: Herein we show that, inside mitochondria, TRAP1 binds the complex III core component UQCRC2 and regulates complex III activity. This decreases respiration rate during basal conditions but allows sustained oxidative phosphorylation when glucose is limiting, a condition in which the direct TRAP1-UQCRC2 binding is disrupted, but not TRAP1-complex III binding. Interestingly, several complex III components and assembly factors show an inverse correlation with survival and response to platinum-based therapy in high grade serous ovarian cancers, where TRAP1 inversely correlates with stage and grade and directly correlates with survival. Accordingly, drug-resistant ovarian cancer cells show high levels of complex III components and high sensitivity to complex III inhibitory drug antimycin A., Conclusions: These results shed new light on the molecular mechanisms involved in TRAP1-dependent regulation of cancer cell metabolism and point out a potential novel target for metabolic therapy in ovarian cancer., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is the most common and aggressive OC histotype. Although initially sensitive to standard platinum-based chemotherapy, most HGSOC patients relapse and become chemoresistant. We have previously demonstrated that platinum resistance is driven by a metabolic shift toward oxidative phosphorylation via activation of an inflammatory response, accompanied by reduced cholesterol biosynthesis and increased uptake of exogenous cholesterol. To better understand metabolic remodeling in OC, herein we performed an untargeted metabolomic analysis, which surprisingly showed decreased reduced glutathione (GSH) levels in resistant cells. Accordingly, we found reduced levels of enzymes involved in GSH synthesis and recycling, and compensatory increased expression of thioredoxin reductase. Cisplatin treatment caused an increase of reduced GSH, possibly due to direct binding hindering its oxidation, and consequent accumulation of reactive oxygen species. Notably, expression of the cysteine-glutamate antiporter xCT, which is crucial for GSH synthesis, directly correlates with post-progression survival of HGSOC patients, and is significantly reduced in patients not responding to platinum-based therapy. Overall, our data suggest that cisplatin treatment could positively select cancer cells which are independent from GSH for the maintenance of redox balance, and thus less sensitive to cisplatin-induced oxidative stress, opening new scenarios for the GSH pathway as a therapeutic target in HGSOC.

Early in this century, the crisis connected to the spread of bovine spongiform encephalopathy caused a great concern related to the use of animal by-products (ABPs). According to the Commission Regulation (EU) No 1069/2009, these materials are classified in three categories according to their related risk. In 2011 Commission Regulation (EU) No 142/2011 established that meat and bone meal (MBM) and fat deriving from ABPs not intended for human consumption (category 1 and 2) are required to be permanently marked with glyceroltriheptanoate (GTH), at a minimum concentration of 250 mg kg -1 of fat, while category 3 processed animal proteins (PAPs) must not contain this compound. PAPs are bio resources, which could be used in a renewable and regenerative way in a circular economy model for a conscious usage of raw materials. The aim of this study was to provide information on GTH occurrence in MBM and, if any, in PAPs. Samples were collected from 2017 to 2021 and analysed by GC-MS. Detected non-compliant samples were exclusively of MBM category 1 and 2, probably due to the addition of an inadequate amount of GTH during the manufacturing processes. These results highlighted the importance of National Monitoring Programs as a useful tool to minimise safety related risk due to the misuse of GTH. Thus, investigating the critical points in feed supply-chain and sharing the information on its occurrence may help to improve animal and human wellness and safety.

The sustainable management of multilayer paper/plastic waste is a technological challenge due to its composite nature. In this paper, a mechanical recycling approach for multilayer cartons (MC) is reported, illustrating the realization of thermoplastic composites based on recycled polyethylene and an amount of milled MC ranging from 20 to 90 wt%. The effect of composition of the composites on the morphology and on thermal, mechanical, and water absorption behavior was investigated and rationalized, demonstrating that above 80 wt% of MC, the fibrous nature of the filler dominates the overall properties of the materials. A maleated polyethylene was also used as a coupling agent and its effectiveness in improving mechanical parameters of composites up to 60 wt% of MC was highlighted.

Oncogene-induced senescence (OIS) is a form of stable cell-cycle arrest arising in response to oncogenic stimulation. OIS must be bypassed for transformation, but the mechanisms of OIS establishment and bypass remain poorly understood, especially at the post-transcriptional level. Here, we show that the RNA-binding protein UNR/CSDE1 enables OIS in primary mouse keratinocytes. Depletion of CSDE1 leads to senescence bypass, cell immortalization, and tumor formation, indicating that CSDE1 behaves as a tumor suppressor. Unbiased high-throughput analyses uncovered that CSDE1 promotes OIS by two independent molecular mechanisms: enhancement of the stability of senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factor mRNAs and repression of Ybx1 mRNA translation. Importantly, depletion of YBX1 from immortal keratinocytes rescues senescence and uncouples proliferation arrest from the SASP, revealing multilayered mechanisms exerted by CSDE1 to coordinate senescence. Our data highlight the relevance of post-transcriptional control in the regulation of senescence., Competing Interests: Declaration of interests The authors declare no competing interests., (Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Extensive metabolic remodeling is a fundamental feature of cancer cells. Although early reports attributed such remodeling to a loss of mitochondrial functions, it is now clear that mitochondria play central roles in cancer development and progression, from energy production to synthesis of macromolecules, from redox modulation to regulation of cell death. Biosynthetic pathways are also heavily affected by the metabolic rewiring, with protein synthesis dysregulation at the hearth of cellular transformation. Accumulating evidence in multiple organisms shows that the metabolic functions of mitochondria are tightly connected to protein synthesis, being assembly and activity of respiratory complexes highly dependent on de novo synthesis of their components. In turn, protein synthesis within the organelle is tightly connected with the cytosolic process. This implies an entire network of interactions and fine-tuned regulations that build up a completely under-estimated level of complexity. We are now only preliminarily beginning to reconstitute such regulatory level in human cells, and to perceive its role in diseases. Indeed, disruption or alterations of these connections trigger conditions of proteotoxic and energetic stress that could be potentially exploited for therapeutic purposes. In this review, we summarize the available literature on the coordinated regulation of mitochondrial and cytosolic mRNA translation, and their effects on the integrity of the mitochondrial proteome and functions. Finally, we highlight the potential held by this topic for future research directions and for the development of innovative therapeutic approaches., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Criscuolo, Avolio, Matassa and Esposito.)