Search

• Liberalizations in the EU have increased the market share of rail freight services. • Having more than one competitor in the market positively impacts on modal shift. • Nevertheless, this impact is modest and, anyway, lower than initial expectations. • Policy measures such as road-charging schemes can better contribute to modal shift. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cangrelor provides lower and potentially suboptimal IPA compared with tirofiban at light transmittance aggregometry. • This analysis demonstrates that morphine attenuates the antiplatelet effects of cangrelor and oral P2Y 12 inhibitors. • An effect of morphine on P2Y 12 inhibitors other than delayed/impaired absorption should be further investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A system using a two-phase anaerobic configuration (mesophilic/thermophilic) was tested by feeding waste activated sludge (WAS). The first acidogenic stage presented a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 3 days, while the second methanogenic stage had an HRT of 10 days. Both raw and ultrasonically pretreated WAS samples were utilized for the experiment. Previous Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization (FISH) observations, revealed that in the thermophilic phase, the acetoclastic methanogenesis was likely replaced by a nonacetoclastic pathway, namely, syntrophic acetate oxidation (SAO). A modified version of Anaerobic Digestion Model n°1 (ADM1), accounting for the SAO pathway, was implemented and calibrated. The proposed model addressed the relationship between the hydrogen concentration and Gibbs free energy and showed the thermodynamic feasibility of the SAO pathway, while simultaneously highlighting the role played by hydrogenotrophic methanogens in maintaining a sufficiently low hydrogen partial pressure so that the SAO was energetically feasible. The estimated energy loss was estimated to be approximately 20% due to the switch of the microbial pathway from acetoclastic methanogenesis to SAO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Securing a sustainable protein supply at the global level is among the greatest challenges currently faced by humanity. Alternative protein sources, such as second-generation microbial protein (MP), could give rise to innovative circular bioeconomy practices, synthesizing high-value bioproducts through the recovery and upcycling of resources from overabundant biowastes and residues. Within such a multi-feedstock biorefinery scenario, the wide range of microbial pathways and networks that characterize mixed microbial cultures, offers interesting and not yet fully explored advantages over conventional monoculture-based processes. In this review, we combine a comprehensive analysis of waste recovery platforms for second-generation MP production with a critical evaluation of the research gaps and potentials offered by mixed culture-based MP fermentation processes. A critical overview of second-generation microbial protein (MP) biorefineries as a means to upcycle overabundant organic waste and residues through relevant mixed-culture fermentation platforms is provided. Naturally enriched mixed cultures and synthetically engineered co-cultures can contribute to improve the process performances of microbial fermentation as well as the final product specifications. The multiproduct application potential of MP is expanding rapidly, moving beyond nutritional applications to include new added-value bioproducts, such as slow-release fertilizers and protein-based bioplastics. The techno-economic feasibility of the conversion platforms, the stability/quality of the mixed-cultures, and the regulatory acceptance of products obtained from waste/residues call for further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A farm-scale biogas plant loaded with untreated rice straw and co-digested with raw pig wastewater was operated and monitored during a complete digestion cycle. One active anaerobic digester cell (6600 m3) containing 727 tons of rice straw, 285 tons of pig wastewater and approximately 1300 tons of water was operated for a total of 422 days. Cumulative energy production of 295 MWh and an estimated specific methane yield of 181 LCH4/kgVS added was achieved. A direct correlation between daily power production and digester temperature was observed, with a maximum power production of 2.74 MWh/d. Mesophilic conditions were reached inside the digester during the summer months by recovering waste heat from the engine and recycling it through the leachate recirculation process. A slow start-up period of approximately 200 days was observed, but increased leachate recirculation rates (from 0.04 to >0.14 m3/m3straw-d) resulted in increased gas production that initiated the microbial growth phase in the digestion cycle. Although sufficient buffering capacity as well as macro- and micronutrients were supplied to the system by the pig wastewater, an overall straw (dry wt.) to wastewater ratio (wet wt.) of 1 to 1.4 is recommended to improve gas production and decrease the acclimation period. A raw economic assessment of the system shows an investment recovery time of 8.3 years. Improvements such as continuous leachate recirculation, a more efficient heat exchange system to maintain mesophilic conditions year round, and periodic addition of fresh wastewater and sludge acclimated to lignocellulosic material are recommended to achieve a more sustainable and profitable system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] An unique co-digestion strategy to improve degradation of rice straw was investigated. [•] Different ratios of piggery wastewater and paper mill sludge were used as inocula. [•] Specific methane yields above 330LCH4/kgVS were achieved in 92days. [•] Increased quantities of paper mill sludge directly increased hydrolysis of the straw. [•] The most stable digester contained equal parts of straw, wastewater and sludge. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Smart city initiatives are increasingly dominating urban policy scripts worldwide, and their diffusion is centered upon different regional strategies. Adopting the Narrative Policy Framework as methodological basis, this article examines the smart city strategies developed by the Wallonia and Brussels-capital regions during the 2014–2019 period. Moving away from corporate-led deterministic models of smart city development, it shows that there is no one-size-fit-all approach to smart urbanism. Regional governments attribute different meanings to urban innovation and formulate place-based strategies of smart city development in relation to their socio-economic contexts, seeking to advance technological solutions to what they perceive as the most pressing problems of their territories and populaces. • We analyze regional governmental strategies of smart city development in Wallonia and Brussels-capital areas • Regional governments operating within different socio-economic contexts develop different place-based regional interpretations of the smart city concept • Governments can adaptively use smart city projects as policy instruments to advance technological solutions to the problems of their territories and populaces. • There is no one-size-fit all approach to smart urban policies and governments should align smart city strategies with their socio-economic contexts [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Two pilot-scale (1 m3) digesters filled with untreated rice straw and co-digested with raw pig wastewater were operated to obtain design parameters for a farm-scale biogas plant. Both digesters contained 50 kg of dry straw mixed with diluted pig wastewater to create dry digestion conditions (20% TS) and operated for 189 days with leachate recirculation. Digester A was designed for optimum performance (150 L of pig wastewater and mesophilic temperatures) while Digester B was designed to establish minimum inputs (60 L of pig wastewater at ambient temperatures). The pig wastewater provided sufficient buffering capacity to maintain appropriate pH values (between 7.0 and 8.1) and nutrient balances (TOC to TKN ratios of 20 in Digester A and 32 in Digester B). Total biogas production was 22,859 L in Digester A and 1420 L from Digester B, resulting in specific methane yields of 231 and 12 L CH4/kgVS added, respectively. Gas production in Digester A was directly correlated with temperature, but the overall lack of methanogenic activity was caused primarily by the reduced wastewater volume. Two theoretical farm-scale scenarios (considering both untreated and pretreated rice straw) were developed for a 100-ha rice farm. Either scenario can produce 100,000 m3CH4 per year, yielding 328 MWh. Major differences including heat input, space requirements, loading frequency, digester volume, engine size, wastewater quantities, and additives are quantitatively defined. The appropriate choice for a farm-scale operation is the simplest model using untreated rice straw without additives, although six times more heat and twice as much reactor volume is required. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The nematode C. elegans has become an important model for understanding how genes influence behavior. However, in this organism the available approaches for identifying the neuron(s) where the function of a gene is required for a given behavioral trait are time consuming and restricted to non essential genes for which mutants are available. We describe a simple reverse genetics approach for reducing, in chosen C. elegans neurons, the function of genes. The method is based on the expression, under cell specific promoters, of sense and antisense RNA corresponding to a gene of interest. By targeting the genes osm-10, osm-6 and the Green Fluorescent Protein gene, gfp, we show that this approach leads to efficient, heritable and cell autonomous knock-downs of gene function, even in neurons usually refractory to classic RNA interference (RNAi). By targeting the essential and ubiquitously expressed gene, gpb-1, which encodes a G protein β subunit, we identify for the first time two distinct sets of neurons in which the function of gpb-1 is required to regulate two distinct behaviors: egg-laying and avoidance of repellents. The cell specific knock-downs obtained with this approach provide information that is complementary to that provided by the cell specific rescue of loss-of-function mutations and represents a useful new tool for dissecting the role that genes play in selected neurons. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • Continuous microbial protein production from sulfide-rich biogas was demonstrated. • The mixed culture was dominated by Methylocystis spp. and Chryseobacterium spp. • Biogas composition, H 2 S concentration, lack of sulfate and sulfide were evaluated. • Biomass yield of 0.050 mg VSS/mg CH 4 -COD and protein content of 59.2 % were achieved. • Sulfide concentration correlated positively with sulfur-amino acids content. Biogas can be converted into high-value bioproducts through fermentation processes. This study proposes a conversion platform where sulfide-rich biogas is utilized as the substrate for the growth of a mixed culture of methane- and sulfur-oxidizing bacteria for the production of high-value and protein-rich microbial biomass. The role of several process variables such as biomethane vs biogas, synthetic vs real biogas, biogas composition and H 2 S concentration during the fermentation process performed in bubble column reactors was evaluated in terms of biomass growth, yield and volumetric productivity, protein content and amino acids profile as well as microbial community composition and evolution. Despite the presence of 1500 ppm of equivalent H 2 S in the synthetic biomethane or biogas (CH 4 :CO 2 ratio of 70:30), good performances in terms of biomass growth (559.9 ± 13.3–677.8 ± 46.8 mg of volatile suspended solids (VSS) per liter), biomass yield (0.042 ± 0.004–0.050 ± 0.08 mg VSS per mg of CH 4 -equivalent chemical oxygen demand (CH 4 -COD)) as well as protein content (51.9 ± 3.6% − 59.2 ± 3.6% g protein/g VSS) were achieved. The presence of increasing sulfide concentrations until 4000 ppm of equivalent H 2 S was well tolerated by the mixed culture and increased the production of valuable S-amino acids, i.e., cysteine and methionine (61.3 mg/g biomass and 58.3 mg/g biomass, respectively), which was up to 2.50 and 2.57 times higher than in the absence of sulfide, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Product development needs an analysis on the manufacturing processes to be used. • Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solutions fits to this issue. • The proposed model allows to see how to match product and technology specifications. • We applied our model to an industrial case to prove its applicability. • The proposed model allowed to select the most suitable technology for a given part. When manufacturing a product, companies must consider the specifications of its design and choose the manufacturing technology that matches them the best in terms of product quality, production time and costs. Since all these parameters can be represented by several different and conflicting indicators, the problem of technology selection can be defined as a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problem. Although several mathematical models have been developed to solve similar problems, recent literature still presents a lack of specific applications of renowned decision-making techniques to the technology matching problem in the manufacturing sector. This study attempts to fill this gap by proposing a manufacturing-oriented model of the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solutions (TOPSIS), one of the most solid and robust MCDM methods. The solution we present, which is designed for general manufacturing processes, has been applied to the specific case of a producer of food and beverage plants and equipment that is interested in reengineering one of its products. Due to the complexity of the food and beverage industry, the case study is useful for supporting the definition of the general model and validating its applicability. Further, the results of the specific application prove the effectiveness of our model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Campania coastal system (CCS), located in the Tyrrhenian Sea, is characterized by an interesting and complex morphology, being made by a sequence of three gulfs (Gaeta, Naples and Salerno, GG, GN, GS) of different sizes, shapes, and bathymetries. Until now, most of the oceanographic studies in the area have focused on the GN, whereas little is known about the circulation in the GG and GS. Here, for the first time, a high-resolution modelling study of the whole CCS has been carried out, which covers a whole year (2016), allowing for a detailed description of the seasonal variability throughout this year. For each season, the dynamics in the three gulfs have been characterized, assessing the relative roles of the wind forcing, the topographic constraints and the remote large-scale Tyrrhenian Sea circulation. As a first step, the surface circulation patterns in the CCS have been compared with altimeter observations and with the atmospheric forcing. A detailed analysis of the monthly mean surface and intermediate circulation within each gulf has then been performed. Besides, a more quantitative insight into the mechanisms controlling the circulation has been obtained using an integrated vorticity diagnostic, which allows one to separate different contributions to the total barotropic vorticity equation. The results show a strong seasonality of the circulation in the three gulfs, which is mainly controlled by the wind stress input during autumn and winter, whereas in spring and summer the main contribution comes from the combined effect of baroclinicity and topographic gradient (the JBAR term). The exchanges between the gulfs and the Tyrrhenian waters have also been quantified, through the analysis of the transport across specific sections. These transports are found to be highly correlated with the offshore large-scale circulation in the GG, whereas in the GS there is strong correlation with the local wind forcing. Finally, lower correlations are found for the more geometrically complex and semi-enclosed GN. • The marine circulation of the Campania Coastal System is simulated for the year 2016. • This is done with a local high-resolution model nested with a Mediterranean NEMO. • Dynamical investigation based on a vorticity and transport diagnostics is performed. • The relative role of the atmospheric and remote Tyrrhenian forcings is assessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) treated by percutaneous coronary intervention. Contrast media (CM) volume minimization has been advocated for prevention of AKI. The DyeVert CM diversion system (Osprey Medical, Inc) is designed to reduce CM volume during coronary procedures. In this randomized, single-blind, investigator-driven clinical trial conducted in 4 Italian centers from February 4, 2020 to September 13, 2022, 550 participants with ACS were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to the following: 1) the contrast volume reduction (CVR) group (n = 276), in which CM injection was handled by the CM diversion system; and 2) the control group (n = 274), in which a conventional manual or automatic injection syringe was used. The primary endpoint was the rate of AKI, defined as a serum creatinine (sCr) increase ≥0.3 mg/dL within 48 hours after CM exposure. There were 412 of 550 (74.5%) participants with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (211 of 276 [76.4%] in the CVR group and 201 of 274 [73.3%] in the control group). The CM volume was lower in the CVR group (95 ± 30 mL vs 160 ± 23 mL; P < 0.001). Seven participants (1 in the CVR group and 6 in the control group) did not have postprocedural sCr values. AKI occurred in 44 of 275 (16%) participants in the CVR group and in 65 of 268 (24.3%) participants in the control group (relative risk: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.47-0.93; P = 0.018). CM volume reduction obtained using the CM diversion system is effective for prevention of AKI in patients with ACS undergoing invasive procedures. (REnal Insufficiency Following Contrast MEDIA Administration TriaL IV [REMEDIALIV]: NCT04714736) [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the potential impact of smart urban technologies used in smart city projects on three dimensions of urban sustainability (economic, environmental and social). Although the literature notes that smart urban technologies and their capabilities are potential saviours when it comes to urban and sustainability challenges in cities, there is a lack of studies exploring the impact of smart urban technologies on urban sustainability. Thus, we address this literature gap by conducting structural topic modelling on smart city projects retrieved from the Smart Territory call for projects. In these projects, city managers' report extensively on how smart urban technologies can support urban sustainability. Our results show nine groups of smart urban technologies that will support at least two urban sustainability dimensions. Smart mobility systems can support all three dimensions of urban sustainability. Technology benefits will be realised by smart urban technology capabilities and through the involvement of the city's community in the use of technology. • City managers may adopt smart urban technologies to achieve urban sustainability goals. • The results link different urban sustainability impacts to different smart urban technologies. • This paper provides a list of smart urban technologies that will support at least two urban sustainability dimensions. • Results provide a basis to measure smart urban technologies' impacts through different sustainability indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Strong magnetization promotes the fertilizing potential of sewage sludge digestate. • Magnetization enriched the digestate of slow-release nutrient-based precipitates. • Nutrient precipitation in the digestate increases with increasing magnetic exposure. • In-line oxygenation during digestion promoted precipitation more than pre-oxygenation. • The best treatment conditions for struvite formation were identified. Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a sustainable and well-established option to handle sewage sludge (SS), as it generates a methane-rich biogas and a digestate with potential fertilizing properties. In the past, different strategies have been proposed to enhance the valorization of SS. Among these, the application of a static magnetic field (SMF) has been poorly evaluated. This study aims to determine the effects of a high-intensity SMF (1.5 and 2 T) on the chemical composition of SS anaerobic digestate. Several strategies (i.e., number of magnetization cycles, addition of different sources and quantities of magnesium, and digestate aeration) have been applied to evaluate the possible formation of compounds with valuable fertilizing properties in the digestate. Experimental results showed that by combining different strategies promoting digestate exposure to the magnetic field it is possible to favour the reduction in the liquid phase of NH 4 +, NO 3 −, PO 4 3−, SO 4 2− and Mg2+ concentrations up to 28%, 38%, 34%, 39% and 31%, respectively. The XRD analyses conducted on the solid phase of the same magnetized digestate samples showed an increase in crystalline and amorphous phases of nitrogen and phosphorus compounds with fertilizing value, such as struvite. These results highlight that SMF application can increase the fertilizing potential of sewage sludge digestate and promote its valorization in a sustainable and circular perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term (81 weeks) microaerobic biogas desulfurization was investigated in three full-scale thermophilic digesters in series co-digesting sewage sludge with co-products of source segregated domestic food waste. Residual oxygen (RO) concentrations in the digester headspaces were maintained at fixed values from 2.0% to 0.2% (v/v). Complete H 2 S removal was obtained at all tested RO concentrations under organic loading rate (OLR) and hydraulic retention time (HRT) varying between 1.5 and 2.3 kg VS/m3 d and between 44 and 71 d, respectively. Specific oxygen and air consumptions of 0.88 kg O 2 /ton VS in and 0.73 %ton air/ton biogas, respectively, were obtained by linear regressions with the RO values maintained in the biogas. Mass balance and stoichiometric evaluations revealed that from 13% to 59% of the consumed O 2 was used for processes other than partial H 2 S oxidation to elemental sulfur (S0). The relatively high ammonium concentrations (3.5–3.8 g N–NH 4 +/kg digestate) in the liquid phase of the three digesters presumably limited the biological H 2 S production and S0 accumulation in the headspace. The results of this study can be used for designing the aeration systems of full-scale thermophilic digesters. Image 1 • Full-scale biogas desulfurization was studied under various microaerobic conditions. • Complete H 2 S removal was achieved at thermophilic temperatures for 81 weeks. • Specific oxygen consumption and residual oxygen in biogas were linearly correlated. • OLR, HRT and feedstock quality fluctuations did not affect H 2 S removal efficiency. • High ammonia levels and thermophilic temperatures limited S0 accumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Microbial protein (MP) production from sulfide-rich biogas was demonstrated. • Mixed cultures of methane (MOB) and sulfur oxidizing bacteria (SOB) were developed. • The effect of CH 4 :O 2 ratio, pH, sulfide and nitrogen sources was evaluated. • The MOB-SOB culture could withstand up to 26.9 mg Na 2 S/L (4000 ppm of H 2 S). • Good biomass yields and high protein contents were achieved with 1500 ppm of H 2 S. This study evaluated the possibility of combining methane oxidizing bacteria (MOB) with sulfur oxidizing bacteria (SOB) to enable the utilization of sulfide-rich biogas for microbial protein production. For this purpose, a MOB-SOB mixed-culture enriched by feeding both methane and sulfide was benchmarked against an enrichment of solely MOB. Different CH 4 :O 2 ratios, starting pH values, sulfide levels and nitrogen sources were tested and evaluated for the two enrichments. The MOB-SOB culture gave promising results in terms of both biomass yield (up to 0.07 ± 0.01 g VSS/g CH 4 -COD) and protein content (up to 73 ± 5% of VSS) at 1500 ppm of equivalent H 2 S. The latter enrichment was able to grow also under acidic pH (5.8–7.0), but as inhibited outside the optimal CH 4 :O 2 ratio of 2:3. The obtained results show the capability of MOB-SOB mixed-cultures to directly upcycle sulfide-rich biogas into microbial protein potentially suited for feed, food or biobased product applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Several non-hyperemic pressure-derived Indexes (NHPI) have been introduced for the assessment of coronary stenosis, showing a good correlation with fractional flow reserve (FFR). Notably, either the assessment of NHPI during adenosine administration (NHPI ADO) or the Hybrid Approach (NHPI HA), combining NHPI with FFR, have been showed to increase the accuracy of such indexes. It remains unclear whether diagnostic performance might be affected by the extent of the subtended myocardial mass. Methods. We enrolled consecutive patients with an intermediate coronary stenosis assessed with NHPI and FFR. NHPI were also measured during adenosine (ADO) administration (NHPI ADO). The amount of jeopardized myocardium was assessed using the Duke Jeopardy Score (DJS). With FFR as reference, we assessed the accuracy of NHPI, NHPI ADO and NHPI HA according to the extent of the subtended myocardium. Results. One-hundred-seventy stenoses from 151 patients were grouped according to the DJS as follows: A) Small Extent (SE, n = 82); B) Moderate Extent (ME, n = 53); C) Large Extent (LE, n = 35). As compared with FFR, NHPI showed a significantly different accuracy, as assessed by the Youden's index, according to the extent of the jeopardized myocardium (SE: 0.39 ± 0.05, ME: 0.68 ± 0.06, LE: 0.28 ± 0.06, p < 0.001). Conversely, both the NHPI ADO (SE: 0.76 ± 0.02, ME: 0.88 ± 0.02, LE: 0.82 ± 0.02, p = 0.72) and NHPI HA (SE: 0.82 ± 0.07, ME: 0.84 ± 0.02, LE: 0.88 ± 0.02, p = 0.70) allowed for a better diagnostic accuracy regardless of the amount of myocardium subtended. Conclusions. Diagnostic performance of NHPI might be affected by the extent of myocardial territory subtended by the coronary stenosis. A hybrid approach might be useful to overcome this limitation. • Diagnostic accuracy of NHPI is significantly affected by the extent of myocardium subtended by the coronary stenosis. • A misclassification of intermediated stenoses might occur and the hybrid approach might be useful for a better assessment. • Future studies should consider this limitation promoting the Hybrid Approach for the assessment of coronary artery stenoses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new approach of electro-Fenton modelling is proposed with phenol (PH) as a target contaminant. Five representative steps involved in the process have been considered: (i) H 2 O 2 in situ generation, (ii) Fenton’s reaction in bulk solution, (iii) Fe 2+ (catalyst) electroregeneration, (iv) scavenging reactions (v) oxidative degradation and mineralization of PH as target pollutant. A new complete mineralization pathway of PH is proposed by gathering many intermediates that were found in different papers in literature and by adding some other ones to complete the oxidation route. A total number of 27 oxidation by-products of PH are considered, which represents 28 differential equations including PH. A sensitivity analysis of second-order kinetic parameters has been performed. It confirms the usefulness of the 49 kinetic reactions that have been taken into account and the importance of the five steps of the process, especially the fourth one. Based on existing parameter values found in literature, kinetic parameter estimations have been performed in order to better fit the experimental results. The model efficiency (ME), the root mean square error (RMSE) and the index of agreement (IoA) calculated to evaluate the performance of the model compared with experimental data have shown respectable values, which validate the model and the pathway. This model represents new understandings in mechanisms that occur during electrochemical advanced oxidation processes. It also improves the prediction of the concentration profiles of aromatic organic compounds and their intermediates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mining and metallurgical operations have resulted in the disposal of large quantities of non-treated metal rich effluents into the environment. From a techno-economic and environmental view-point, metal recovery from such waste streams can solve this persisting problem. This study compares the performance of two sulfate reducing inversed fluidized bed bioreactors (IFBs) to recover heavy metals (HMs) as metal sulfide from wastewater at neutral and acidic pH. The IFBs were operated at pH 7.0 and 5.0 to study the effect of the pH on the metal (Cu, Ni and Zn) removal efficiency from a synthetic acid mine drainage containing the metals. The electron donor used in the study was ethanol, supplied at an organic loading rate of 1 g COD/L day and a COD/sulfate ratio of 1.0. The average sulfide production was 220.9 mg/L and 152.6 mg/L, respectively, at pH 7.0 and pH 5.0 at a hydraulic retention time of 24 h. The Cu and Zn removal efficiencies were > 90% at an initial concentration of 25 mg/L at both operational pH values; however, high concentrations of Ni (25 mg/L) inhibited the sulfate reducing activities. When the influent concentration of each metal was decreased to 10 mg/L, the sulfate reducing efficiency in the IFB was restored. Cu and Zn removal in the IFBs were satisfactorily predicted by the MINTEQ model, while large errors in the Ni removal efficiency were noticed, irrespective of the operational conditions, probably because the MINTEQ model does not take into account NiS polymorphism and binding with the organic compounds present in the biogenic effluent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Assimilatory N-removal as microbial protein by a mixed HOB culture was evaluated. • Highest sCOD (96.8%) and N-NH 4 + (99.7%) removal was obtained in mixotrophic mode. • Mixotrophic biomass growth (342.5 mg VSS∙L−1) doubled that obtained heterotrophically. • High biomass yield of 0.32 g VSS·g COD H2+acetate −1 was obtained in mixotrophic mode. • 97 % of N-NH 4 + removed was assimilated into N-protein (56 % VSS) mixotrophically. Biological nitrogen assimilation is an emerging technique for the removal and upcycling of nitrogen from wastewater in the form of microbial protein (MP). For this purpose, a mixed hydrogen-oxidizing bacteria (HOB) culture capable of growing mixotrophically was evaluated for the treatment of synthetic and real wastewater under different carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratios. The same mixed HOB culture was grown under heterotrophic conditions to compare treatment and process performances in terms of ammonium nitrogen (N-NH 4 +) removal and assimilation, chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal, CO 2 release, biomass concentration, yield and protein content. Under mixotrophic conditions, the highest biomass concentration was 342.5 mg VSS∙L−1, doubling that obtained under heterotrophic conditions (161.2 mg VSS∙L−1). Discharge limits for both COD and total N were met under mixotrophic conditions, with nitrogen removal and assimilation into protein-rich biomass achieving up to 99 %. On the contrary, under heterotrophic conditions, the high content of residual nitrogen as nitrite (up to 26 mg∙L−1 of N-NO 2 −) did not allow to meet discharge limits for total N. The mixed HOB culture gave promising results in terms of biomass yield (0.32 g VSS·g COD H2+acetate −1) and protein content (up to 56 % of VSS) when grown mixotrophically. Under heterotrophic conditions, instead, the biomass yield (0.25 g VSS·g COD acetate −1) and protein content (35 %) were substantially lower. This study suggests that the H 2 -driven assimilatory mixotrophic metabolism can be successfully applied for wastewater treatment to produce effluents that meet discharge limits while mitigating greenhouse gas emissions (CO 2 and N 2 O) and upcycling nitrogen into MP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While current anti-Spike protein (SP) vaccines have been pivotal in managing the pandemic, their limitations in delivery, storage, and the inability to provide mucosal immunization (preventing infections) highlight the ongoing necessity for research and innovation. To tackle these constraints, our research group developed a bacterial-based vaccine using a non-pathogenic E. coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) strain genetically modified to express the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein on its surface (EcN-pAIDA1-SP). We intranasally delivered the EcN-pAIDA1-SP in two doses and checked specific IgG/IgA production as well as the key immune mediators involved in the process. Moreover, following the initial and booster vaccine doses, we exposed both immunized and non-immunized mice to intranasal delivery of SARS-CoV-2 SP to assess the effectiveness of EcN-pAIDA1-SP in protecting lung tissue from the inflammation damage. We observed detectable levels of anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike IgG in serum samples and IgA in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid two weeks after the initial treatment, with peak concentrations in the respective samples on the 35th day. Moreover, immunoglobulins displayed a progressively enhanced avidity index, suggesting a selective binding to the spike protein. Finally, the pre-immunized group displayed a decrease in proinflammatory markers (TLR4, NLRP3, ILs) following SP challenge, compared to the non-immunized groups, along with better preservation of tissue morphology. Our probiotic-based technology provides an effective immunobiotic tool to protect individuals against disease and control infection spread. [Display omitted] • E. coli Nissle was genetically engineered to express the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein on its surface. • E. coli Nissle (EcN)-pAIDA1-SP is intranasally administrable in mice. • EcN-pAIDA1-SP increased anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike IgG/IgA after immunization. • EcN-pAIDA1-SP immunization mitigated Spike protein- induced lung injury in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ischemia with non-obstructive coronary artery (INOCA) disease is being progressively acknowledged as one of the pathophysiological mechanisms of chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) in an increasingly wide range of clinical pictures. Although the research has already begun to move towards a defined diagnostic pathway and a specific medical therapy for this disease, at present it remains a clinical challenge, especially if not thoroughly investigated. The INOCA IT Multicenter Registry RF-2019-12369486 is a prospective, multicentric, non-randomized, single-arm, open label clinical study which aims to evaluate the efficacy of a stratified diagnostic and therapeutic approach on adverse events prevention and symptom relief in Italian patients with INOCA disease. The study population includes patients with a clinical presentation of CCS for angina and/or positive stress test for myocardial ischemia and evidence of non-obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) at coronary angiography. In these patients a complete invasive coronary physiology assessment is performed with the guidewire-based measurement of coronary flow reserve (CFR) and index of microvascular resistance (IMR), followed by acetylcholine (ACh) spasm provocation test. On the basis of the results of coronary function testing, patients are stratified into different INOCA endotypes (coronary microvascular disease, vasospastic angina, microvascular spasm, non-cardiac chest pain) and given a tailored medical therapy in accordance with the latest scientific evidence. At one year follow-up the impact of such a target therapy on angina class and quality of life, as well as on cardiovascular adverse events (hospitalization and coronary revascularization) is evaluated. The INOCA-IT Multicenter Registry will inform clinicians on sex-specific prevalence of INOCA in Italy and will show the impact of a stratified diagnostic and therapeutic approach on symptoms burden and prognosis of INOCA patients. • INOCA diagnosis is based on invasive coronary function testing. • A complete invasive coronary function testing allows to stratify patients into different INOCA endotypes • A stratified medical therapy according to the INOCA endotype profiling potentially reduces symptom burden and cardiovascular adverse events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biogas produced in a centralized digestion plant treating high-solid sewage sludge under thermophilic conditions was biologically desulfurized via in-situ headspace micro-oxygenation. The removal of hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) from the produced biogas was evaluated for 84 days under decreasing injection flows of oxygen (O 2), resulting in O 2 doses from 0.96(±0.03) to 0.19(±0.01) NL/Nm3 biogas. A stable H 2 S removal efficiency of 98.2(±1.3)% was obtained with an O 2 dose of 0.96(±0.03) NL/Nm3 biogas, whereas removal efficiencies of 67.4(±0.7)% were observed at the lowest O 2 dose tested. The response time of the biological desulfurization system to transient oxygen conditions was evaluated through intermittent O 2 injection. Headspace micro-oxygenation did not negatively impact the digestion performance, and the optimization of O 2 dose allowed to reach a biogas quality complying with the specification for biomethane in terms of both O 2 and H 2 S contents. Lentimicrobiaceae, Caldicoprobacteraceae, DTU014, Syntrophomonadaceae, and Rhodobacteraceae were the main microbial families responsible for biological H 2 S oxidation in digester headspace. [Display omitted] • Stable H 2 S removal of 98% was obtained with an O 2 dose of 0.96(±0.03) NL/Nm3 biogas. • Biological desulfurization response time to transient O 2 flows occurred in 10 h. • Oxygen is recommended instead of air if biogas upgrading to biomethane is targeted. • Micro-oxygenation did not disrupt the anaerobic digestion of sewage sludge. • Sulfide-oxidizing bacteria were identified on digestate surface and internal walls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioresorbable scaffolds have emerged as a potential breakthrough for the treatment of coronary artery lesions. The need for drug release and plaque scaffolding is temporary, and leaving a permanent stent once the process of plaque recoil and vessel healing has ended might be superfluous or even deleterious exposing the patient to the risk of very late thrombosis, eliminating vessel reactivity, impairing non-invasive imaging and precluding possible future surgical revascularization. This long-term potential limitation of permanent bare metal stents might be overcome by using a resorbable scaffold. The metallic and antithrombotic properties make the resorbable magnesium scaffold an appealing technology for the treatment of coronary artery lesions. Notwithstanding this, its mechanical properties substantially differ from those of conventional bare metal stents, and previous experience using polymer-based scaffolds has shown that a standardized implantation technique and optimal patient and lesion selection are key factors for a successful implantation. A panel of expert cardiologists gathered to find a consensus on the best practices for Magmaris implantation in a selected patient population and to discuss the rationale for new potential future indications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We compared the prognostic value of the ADDED Index with visually estimated diameter (DS) of residual coronary stenosis (RS) in STEMI patients after successful PCI of the culprit lesion. Even though associated with a positive outcome, the functional assessment of non-culprit stenosis remains largely underused, especially in STEMI patients. The Angiography-DeriveD hEmoDynamic index (ADDED index) showed high accuracy to predict FFR and it might be used to better guide the diagnostic and therapeutic work-up of such patients.Methods: We retrospectively included 596 patients grouped on the basis of either the ADDED Index (ADDED Negative (<2.23, n = 153) vs ADDED Positive (≥2.23, n = 129)) or the DS of the RS (RS Negative (<50%, n = 177) vs RS Positive (≥50%, n = 105)). Patients without any RS served as control (n = 314). Primary endpoints were: 1) major adverse cardiac events (MACE), composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction (MI), clinically driven revascularizations (CDR); 2) non-culprit vessel oriented clinical events (VOCE), composite of all-cause death, non-culprit vessel related MI and CDR.Results: At 24 months the rate of both MACE and VOCE was significantly higher in both the ADDED Positive and RS Positive groups. However, differently from patients in whom complete revascularization was deferred on the basis of the angiography (RS Negative), no additional risk was found for patients in the ADDED Negative group.Conclusions: In STEMI patients with MVD deferring treatment of RS on the basis of the ADDED index, rather than the visually estimated DS, is associated with a favorable clinical outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Pretreating organic solid wastes leads to an enhanced anaerobic digestion process. [•] Pretreatments may also reduce the cost for post treatment of digestates. [•] Efficiency of pretreatment methods depends on the substrates’ characteristics. [•] Only few pretreatment methods are successfully applied at full-scale to date. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Development of a new SRB based bioremediation technique for gypsiferous soils. [•] The gypsum content of treated soil could be reduced from 25% to 7.5%. [•] Mixtures of PWTS+RH+CHC can be utilized as low cost electron donor for SRB. [•] Characterization of soils from a lignite coal mine and a gypsum mine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) with significant effects on outcome. We aim to compare the left atrial (LA) diameter measurement with HCM-AF Score in predicting atrial fibrillation (AF) development in HCM. From the regional cohort of the Campania Region, Italy, 519 HCM patients (38% women, age45 ± 17 years) without history of AF, were enrolled in the study. The primary clinical endpoint was the development of AF, defined as at least 1 episode documented by ECG. During the follow-up (mean 8 ± 6, IQ range 2.5–11.2 years), 99 patients (19%) developed AF. Patients who developed AF were more symptomatic, had higher prevalence of ICD implantation, had larger LA diameter, greater left ventricular (LV) maximal wall thickness and LV outflow tract obstruction (p < 0.01). Both LA diameter and HCM-AF score were higher in patients who developed AF versus those who did not (LA diameter 49 ± 7 versus 43 ± 6 mm; HCM-AF score 22 ± 4 versus 19 ± 4; p < 0.0001); however, ROC curve analysis demonstrated that LA diameter had a significant greater area under the curve than HCM-AF Score (p < 0.0001). At 5 years follow-up, a LA diameter > 46 mm, showed a similar accuracy in predicting AF development of HCM-AF score ≥ 22, which identifies patients at high risk to develop AF. Our analysis shows that LA diameter, a worldwide and simple echocardiographic measure, is capable alone to predict AF development in HCM patients. • Atrial fibrillation (AF) has a high incidence in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) • Left atrial (LA) diameter alone is a powerful predictor of incident AF in HCM patients without history of AF. • Atrial fibrillation (AF) has a high incidence in HCMLA diameter >46 mm shows the same accuracy of the complex HCM-score ≥22 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Aerobic syngas bioconversion towards microbial protein through HOB was investigated. • A wide variability in H 2 /CO 2 ratio did not influence syngas fermentation. • High resistance to H 2 S and CO concentrations up to 0.4 and 40 % was observed. • Microbial biomass with protein content up to 74 % was produced. • The stable long-term performances can enable direct MSS-derived syngas valorisation. Treating excess municipal sewage sludge (MSS) by means of thermochemical processes could enable its conversion into high-value microbial protein (MP) through syngas. Nevertheless, the variable composition and content of inhibitory compounds of the latter hinders the application potential of such a biorefinery scheme. Through a series of short- (48 to 96 h) and long-term (30 days) batch aerobic bioconversion tests, the present study aimed at investigating the potential of a mixed culture of hydrogen-oxidizing bacteria (HOB) to produce MP from a simulated syngas mixture characterized by variable H 2 and CO 2 concentrations, and different levels of CO and H 2 S as potential inhibitors of the HOB-driven process. Syngas was converted into MP with a protein content as high as 74 %, reaching biomass yields of 0.25 g VSS/g H 2 -COD, close to the maximum reported HOB yield of 0.28 g VSS/g H 2 -COD, and volumetric productivities of 16 mg VSS/L/h. The potential of the process to provide between 50 and 100 % of the total nitrogen requirement of HOB solely by means of the gaseous ammonia nitrogen recovered through syngas was also preliminarily calculated. The presence of H 2 S and CO concentrations up to 0.4 % and up to 40 %, respectively, and a wide range of H 2 /CO 2 ratios (2 – 10) had no negative influence on the main process performances. The role played by H 2 S- and CO-tolerant HOB species was fundamental to guarantee a high tolerance to microbial inhibitors, and demonstrated the high potential of mixed cultures for resource recovery and valorisation. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNi) and sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) improve outcomes in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) patients, however their effects in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) recipients have been scarcely explored. This study investigated whether ARNi and SGLT2i 1) improve the rate of clinical and echocardiographic CRT response and 2) have different impact based on the ischemic or non-ischemic etiology. HFrEF patients referred for CRT implant were grouped in no treatment (group 1), only ARNi (group 2) and both ARNi and SGLT2i (group 3). Clinical and echocardiographic response were evaluated at 12 months. A total of 178 patients were enrolled. At one-year follow-up, 74.4% patients in group 2 (p = 0.031) and 88.9% in group 3 (p = 0.014) were classified as clinical responders vs 54.5% in the no treatments group. In multivariable analysis, ARNi/SGLT2i use was an independent predictor of CRT response (OR 3.72; CI 95%, 1.40–10.98; p = 0.011), confirmed in both groups 2 and 3. At 12 months, the median Δ LVEF increase was 6% and 8.5% in groups 2 and 3 respectively, vs 4.5% in group 1 (p = 0.042 and p = 0.029) with significantly more echocardiographic responders in groups 2 and 3 (76% and 78% vs 50%, p = 0.003 and p = 0.036). Significantly more ischemic HFrEF patients than non-ischemic were considered clinical and echocardiographic responders in the treatment groups. ARNi alone or in combination with SGLT2i in CRT patients improves the clinical and echocardiographic response at 12 months. Ischemic patients seem to benefit more from these treatments. • ARNi and SGLT2i improve outcomes in HFrEF, however their effects in CRT recipients have been scarcely investigated. • This study found that these drugs enhance 1-year CRT response, especially in ischemic etiology where CRT is less effective. • ARNi, SGLT2i and CRT may exert a distinct yet equally significant impact on HFrEF, needed to confirm this improves survival [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We hypothesized that adult patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) requiring prolonged resuscitation have more severe coronary artery disease (CAD) than those responding rapidly, and more severe CAD than patients with STEMI without OHCA. Consecutive conscious and comatose OHCA patients with STEMI after reestablishment of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), and patients with refractory OHCA undergoing veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (E-CPR OHCA) were compared to STEMI without OHCA (STEMI no OHCA). CAD severity was assessed by a single physician blinded to the resuscitation method, time to ROSC and level of consciousness. Between 2016 and 2022, 71 conscious OHCA, 157 comatose OHCA, 50 E-CPR OHCA and 101 STEMI no OHCA underwent immediate coronary angiography. Acute culprit lesion was documented less often in OHCA (88.1% vs 97%; p = 0.009) but complete occlusion was more frequent (68.8% vs 58.4%; p = 0.038) than in STEMI no OHCA. SYNTAX score was 5.6 in STEMI no OHCA, 10.2 in conscious OHCA, 13.4 in comatose OHCA and 26.8 in E-CPR OHCA (p < 0.001). There was a linear correlation between SYNTAX score and delay to ROSC/ECMO initiation (r2 = 0.61; p < 0.001). Post PCI culprit TIMI 3 flow was comparable between the groups (≥86%). SYNTAX score was among independent predictors of 5-year survival which was significantly decreased in comatose OHCA (56.1%) and E-CPR OHCA (36.0%) compared to conscious OHCA (83.1%) and STEMI no OHCA (88.1%). Compared to STEMI no OHCA, OHCA was associated with increased incidence of acute coronary occlusion and more complex non culprit CAD which progressively increased from conscious OHCA to E-CPR OHCA. Severity of CAD was associated with increased delays to ROSC/ECMO initiation and decreased long term survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Microbial protein (MP) production from synthetic cheese whey permeate was evaluated. • The dilution rate (D) mostly influenced the overall process than the C/N ratio. • Biomass productivities of up to 15.00 g TSS∙L−1∙d−1 were reached at a D of 0.67 d−1. • The MP biomass protein content (max 76%, min 48%) was negatively correlated with D. • A mixed culture dominated by food-fermenting yeasts and bacteria was established. Overabundant agro-industrial side streams such as lactose-rich effluents from dairy activities offer multiple valorisation opportunities. In the present study, a food-grade mixed culture of bacteria and yeasts was tested under different operational conditions for the treatment and the valorisation of cheese whey permeate (CWP), the residue of whey protein recovery, into microbial protein (MP). Under continuous aerobic fermentation settings, the carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio showed little to no influence on the system performances and MP quality as compared to dilution rates (D), leading to a final protein content as high as 76%. Under high D values, instead, while biomass productivity increased, N-efficiency and protein content decreased. Unlike the bacterial community, the yeast one proved to be highly stable and less influenced by the increase of D. A preliminary estimate indicated that 2–11% of the future MP-based food production could be satisfied by only valorising lactose-rich dairy residues such as CWP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RENASCENT is a prospective, multi-center first-in-human clinical study to evaluate the clinical performance of the novel sirolimus-eluting 150-μm strut thickness FORTITUDE® BRS for percutaneous coronary intervention of single de novo coronary lesions. FORTITUDE® BRS was tested in a prospective study in Italy and Colombia. Study objectives were in-scaffold angiographic late lumen loss (LLL) measured by quantitative coronary angiography and target vessel failure (TVF) defined as the composite rate of cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction or ischemia driven target lesion revascularization (TLR) at 9- and 24-months with clinical results up to 36-months. A total of 63 patients were enrolled. All patients underwent lesion pre-dilatation and 22 patients (34.9%) underwent post-dilatation. Clinical device and procedural success was 98.4% (62/63 patients) and 96.8% (61/63 patients) respectively. At 9-months, TVF occurred in 3/61 (4.9%) of the patients including 2 peri-procedural MI and one ischemia-driven TLR. Between 9- to 24-months, ischemia-driven TLR occurred in 3 additional patients (4.9%) including 1 patient who presented with very late ST after stopping all medications. There were no further TVF between 24- and 36-months. In this multi-center prospective study, the FORTITUDE® BRS was shown to be safe and effective in the treatment of single coronary lesions with low levels of TVF and LLL at 9- and 24-months. It was shown to be clinically safe upto 36-months follow-up. • First-in-human study evaluating 150 μm FORTITUDE bioresorbable scaffold. • Low levels of target vessel failure and late lumen loss at 9- and 24-months. • FORTITUDE® BRS was shown to be safe and effective upto 36-months follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Fe(II)-driven autotrophic denitrification was investigated in packed-bed reactors. • Higher nitrate loading rates enhanced denitrification performances in PBR1. • The highest specific nitrate removal rate was 14.3 mg NO 3 −/g VS/h. • At constant nitrate loading rate, denitrification efficiency was stable in PBR2. • The Thiobacillus enriched mixed culture allowed a long-term process stability. Nowadays, nitrate represents one of the major contaminants of the hydrosphere, mainly affecting the quality of groundwater intended to the production of drinking water. This study proposes the use of Fe(II)-driven autotrophic denitrification as a high-potential, innovative bioprocess to couple microbially-catalyzed nitrate reduction to Fe(II) oxidation. Two identical up-flow packed bed reactors (PBRs), i.e. PBR1 and PBR2, with granular activated carbon as biofilm carrier were seeded with a Thiobacillus -mixed culture and operated for 153 days at different feed nitrate concentrations and hydraulic retention times (HRTs). The results show enhanced nitrate removal rates and efficiencies at increasing nitrate loading rates. In particular, nitrate removal and Fe(II) oxidation up to 85 and 95 %, respectively, were achieved in PBR1 at nitrate loading rates as high as 12.5 mg NO 3 −/L/h. Besides not undermining the denitrification efficiency, increasing the nitrate loading rate from 8.1 to 12.5 mg NO 3 −/L/h led to specific nitrate removal rates as high as 14.3 mg NO 3 −/g VS/h. In PBR2, Fe(II)-driven denitrification was investigated at a constant nitrate loading rate by concomitantly decreasing the feed nitrate concentration and HRT. Despite the less severe operational conditions, the use of lower nitrate loading rates resulted in a lower nitrate removal efficiency than that obtained in PBR1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of gradually increasing glucose concentrations (from 5.6 to 111 mmol L−1) on the fermentative H 2 production with and without bioaugmentation. A stirred tank reactor (STR) was operated at 70 °C and inoculated with a hyperthermophilic mixed culture or a hyperthermophilic mixed culture bioaugmented with Thermotoga neapolitana. With both the unaugmented (control) and augmented cultures, the H 2 production rate was improved when the initial glucose concentration was increased. In contrast, the highest H 2 yield (1.68 mol H 2 mol−1 glucose consumed) was obtained with the augmented culture at the lowest glucose concentration of 5.6 mmol L−1 and was 37.5% higher than that obtained with the unaugmented culture at the same feed glucose concentration. Overall, H 2 production rates and yields were higher in the bioaugmented cultures than in the unaugmented cultures whatever the glucose concentration. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction targeting T. neapolitana hydA gene and MiSeq sequencing proved that Thermotoga was not only present in the augmented cultures but also the most abundant at the highest glucose concentrations. • Increase in glucose concentration led to increase in hydrogen production rate. • Hydrogen yield decreased with increase in glucose concentration. • Pre-adaptation strategy ensured co-existence of T. neapolitana in the mixed culture. • Bioaugmentation improved H 2 production yield and rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recovery of iron and other heavy metals by the formation of Fe(III) (hydr)oxides is an important application of microbially-driven processes. The mineral characterization of the precipitates formed during Fe(II)-mediated autotrophic denitrification with and without the addition of Cu, Ni, and Zn by four different microbial cultures was investigated by X-ray fluorescence (XRF), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive X-Ray analyzer (SEM-EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD) analyses. Fe(II)-mediated autotrophic denitrification resulted in the formation of a mixture of Fe(III) (hydr)oxides composed of amorphous phase, poorly crystalline (ferrihydrite) and crystalline phases (hematite, akaganeite and maghemite). The use of a Thiobacillus -dominated mixed culture enhanced the formation of akaganeite, while activated sludge enrichment and the two pure cultures of T. denitrificans and Pseudogulbenkiania strain 2002 mainly resulted in the formation of maghemite. The addition of Cu, Ni and Zn led to similar Fe(III) (hydr)oxides precipitates, probably due to the low metal concentrations. However, supplementing Ni and Zn slightly stimulated the formation of maghemite. A thermal post-treatment performed at 650 °C enhanced the crystallinity of the precipitates and favored the formation of hematite and some other crystalline forms of Fe associated with P, Na and Ca. Unlabelled Image • The Fe(III) precipitates obtained by Fe(II)-mediated denitrification were analyzed. • The different mineral structure using four denitrifying inocula was investigated. • Hematite and akaganeite were almost ubiquitous due to the medium composition. • Maghemite formation was enhanced by microbial activity and addition of Ni and Zn. • A thermal post-treatment allowed to increase the crystallinity of the precipitates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is establishing as the last remaining revascularization option in an increasing number of patients affected by complex coronary artery disease not suitable for surgery. Over the past decade, percutaneous left ventricular assist device (pLVAD) has increasingly replaced intra-aortic balloon pump to provide hemodynamic support during such non-emergent complex high-risk indicated procedures (CHIP) averting the risk of circulatory collapse and of adverse events in long lasting and/or complicated procedures. This review article aims to report the key factors to define CHIP, to summarize the available pLVAD which have CE mark for temporary mechanical LV support and to discuss the rationale of their use in this subset of patients. Based on the expertise of the Italian Society of Interventional Cardiology working group, with the endorsement from Spanish and Portuguese Society of Interventional Cardiology working groups, it will provide several practical suggestions in regards to the use of pLVAD in different clinical CHIP scenarios. • PCI may be the only option in an increasing number of patients with complex CAD. • Percutaneous LVAD may effectively support long lasting and/or complicated PCI. • pLVAD use should be assessed by a multiparametric/disciplinary evaluation. • This report aim to advise practical suggestions on pLVAD use during high-risk PCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen is a strong inhibitor of dark fermentation. We aimed at directly correlating the hydrogen production by Thermotoga neapolitana with the supersaturation of hydrogen in the liquid phase (H 2aq), which is often disregarded. Different agitation speeds, biogas recirculation and bubble induction by AnoxK™ K1 carrier were tested to prevent the supersaturation of H 2aq. At 100 rpm agitation, the H 2aq was 29.7 (±1.4) mL/L, which is 3-times higher than 9.7 mL/L, i.e. the equilibrium concentration given by Henry's law. Increasing the agitation speed up to 600 rpm reduced the H 2aq until 8.5 (±0.1) mL/L in 2 h and increased the hydrogen production rate (HPR) from 39 (±2) mL/L/h at 0 rpm to 198 (±4) mL/L/h at 600 rpm. Similar to 600 rpm, biogas recirculation and the presence of K1 carrier at 200 rpm maintained the H 2aq below the equilibrium concentration. This study demonstrates the reciprocal influence of HPR and H 2aq and revealed an inverse nonlinear correlation between the two parameters. Therefore, we conclude that an adequate gas-liquid mass transfer, efficiently provided by biogas recirculation or the presence of solid materials (e.g. a biomass carrier), is essential to remove H 2 from the liquid phase and prevent H 2 supersaturation. • An inverse nonlinear correlation was found between HPR and H 2aq. • The equilibrium between H 2aq and HPR depends on the gas-liquid mass transfer. • Agitation at 100 rpm resulted in a supersaturation of H 2aq up to 29.7 (±1.4) mL/L. • Gas recirculation and K1 carrier led to the lowest H 2aq , i.e. 5.8 (±0.5) mL/L. • K1 carrier induced H 2 bubble formation reducing H 2aq by about 50% in the first 15 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focused on the supersaturation of hydrogen in the liquid phase (H 2aq) and its inhibitory effect on dark fermentation by Thermotoga neapolitana cf. capnolactica by increasing the agitation (from 100 to 500 rpm) and recirculating H 2 -rich biogas (GaR). At low cell concentrations, both 500 rpm and GaR reduced the H 2aq from 30.1 (±4.4) mL/L to the lowest values of 7.4 (±0.7) mL/L and 7.2 (±1.2) mL/L, respectively. However, at high cell concentrations (0.79 g CDW/L), the addition of GaR at 300 rpm was more efficient and increased the hydrogen production rate by 271%, compared to a 136% increase when raising the agitation to 500 rpm instead. While H 2aq primarily affected the dark fermentation rate, GaR concomitantly increased the hydrogen yield up to 3.5 mol H 2 /mol glucose. Hence, H 2aq supersaturation highly depends on the systems gas-liquid mass transfer and strongly inhibits dark fermentation. • H 2 supersaturates in the liquid phase at 100 rpm despite hyperthermophilic conditions. • High H 2aq concentrations directly inhibit the specific rates of dark fermentation. • H 2 supersaturation and H 2 production rate depend on the gas-liquid mass transfer. • H 2 -rich biogas recirculation is an effective method to prevent H 2 supersaturation. • Gas recirculation increased the hydrogen production rate by 271%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Digestate is an organic by-product of biogas production via anaerobic digestion processes and has a great potential as soil fertilizer due to concentrated nutrients. In this study, we examined digestate as a potential nutrient and microbial seeding for bioremediation of weathered (aged) petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated soils. We analysed 6 different treatments in microcosm using two industrial soils having different textures: a clay rich soil and a sandy soil. After 30 days of incubation, the highest total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) removal was observed in microcosms containing digestate together with bulking agent (17.8% and 12.7% higher than control in clay rich soil and sandy soil, respectively) or digestate together with immobilized bacteria (13.4% and 9% higher than control in clay rich soil and sandy soil, respectively). After digestate application microbial respiration was enhanced in sandy soil and inhibited in clay rich soil due to aggregates formation. After bulking agent addition to clay rich soil aggregates size was reduced and oxygen uptake was improved. Application of digestate to soil resulted in the development of distinct microbial groups in amended and non-amended soils. Genera containing species able to degrade TPH like Acinetobacter and Mycobacterium were abundant in digestate and in soil amended with digestate. Quantification of alkB genes, encoding alkane monoxygenase, revealed high concentration of these genes in digestate bacterial community. After application of digestate, the level of alkB genes significantly increased in soils and remained high until the end of the treatment. The study revealed great potential of digestate as a nutrient and bacteria source for soil bioremediation. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Digestate application with bulking agent or immobilized bacteria improves TPH removal. • Digestate effect on soil respiration depends on soil texture. • Sewage sludge digestate contains high concentrations of alkB genes. • Application of digestate increases and maintains alkB genes content in the soil. • Distinct microbial groups developed in amended and non-amended soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effect of the salinity level, buffering agent and carbon source on the hydrogen (H 2) and lactic acid synthesis under capnophilic (CO 2 -assisted) lactic fermentation (CLF) by Thermotoga neapolitana cf capnolactica (DSM 33003). Several series of batch fermentation experiments were performed either in 0.12 L serum bottles for selection of the best performing conditions or in a 3 L fermenter for the best possible combination of conditions. The serum bottle study revealed that change in the salinity level of the culture medium from 0 to 35 g L−1 NaCl increased lactic acid synthesis by 7.5 times without affecting the H 2 yield. Use of different buffers (MOPS, TRIS or HEPES) did not affect the average H 2 yield of 3.0 ± 0.24 mol H 2 mol−1 of glucose and lactic acid synthesis of 13.7 ± 1.03 mM when the cultures were sparged by CO 2. Among the carbon sources investigated, glucose was found to be the best performing carbon source for the CLF fermentation with 35 g L−1 of NaCl and 0.01 M of phosphate buffer. Hence, an up-scale experiment using a 3 L fermenter and the combination of the best performing conditions showed a 2.2 times more lactic acid synthesis compared to the 0.12 L serum bottle experiments. The study reveals the robustness and flexibility of the CLF-based technology using T. neapolitana cf capnolactica fermentation under various operating environmental conditions. Image 1 • Capnophilic lactic fermentation (CLF) mechanism was tested on a wide array of culture parameters. • Higher salinity level improved lactic acid synthesis under CLF conditions. • Bioconversion of different types of sugars to H 2 and lactic acid was investigated. • Process scale-up from 0.12 to 3 L fermenter resulted in 2.2 times higher lactic acid production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Twelve electron donors for autotrophic denitrification are critically reviewed. • Biochemical aspects and microbiology of autotrophic denitrification are discussed. • Novel insights on the use of inorganic compounds for denitrification are presented. • Applications, cost and environmental impact of inorganic compounds are compared. • Criteria and guidelines for electron donor selection are provided. Abstract Autotrophic denitrification (AuDen) is an efficient, convenient and eco-friendly biological process for the treatment of nitrate-contaminated organic-deficient waters. AuDen can be applied as a unique process or complement the conventional denitrification with organics, reducing the risk of organic carbon breakthrough in the effluent and formation of undesirable byproducts downstream (e.g. trihalomethanes). A wide range of inorganic compounds can act as electron donors for AuDen. The most used electron donors include hydrogen gas and reduced sulfur compounds, i.e. elemental sulfur, sulfide and thiosulfate. Recently, the denitrification potential of certain contaminants (such as sulfite, thiocyanate, arsenite and manganese) and inorganic wastes (such as biogenic elemental sulfur from biogas upgrading) has been revealed and attracted interest for developing technologies that combine nitrate removal with water detoxification. This paper critically reviews the state of the art of the most used electron donors for AuDen and highlights recent advances on the application of novel inorganic compounds, reactor configurations and microorganisms to support denitrification. Criteria and guidelines for the selection of a suitable electron donor are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • TE complexation and precipitation processes were modelled concurrently in ADM1. • TE speciation among complexes and precipitates was simulated. • EDTA competed with sulfide and improved TE bioavailability. • With sub-optimal TE concentration, EDTA stimulates higher rate of CH 4 production. • Effect of addition of Ca and Mg on TE-EDTA complexation was studied. Abstract In this study, a new model based on anaerobic digestion model no.1 (ADM1) approach has been proposed to simulate trace elements (TEs) complexation, precipitation and their effect on the anaerobic batch methane production. TEs complexation reactions with VFAs and EDTA have been incorporated in an extended ADM1 model which considers TE precipitation/dissolution reactions as well as biodegradation processes. The kinetic model tracks the dynamics of 90 state variables which constitute the components of the proposed anaerobic digestion (AD) model. The incorporation of the complexation reactions required the definition of new inorganic components (EDTA species) and new complexation process rates in the ADM1 framework. The charge balance was modified accordingly to consider the effects of the additional components. The new model is able to predict: a) the effect of TE-EDTA/VFA complexation on methane production, and b) the effect of the initial calcium and magnesium concentrations on process performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]