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The aim of this study was to present our preliminary experience with transarterial radioembolization (TARE) using Yttrium-90 (90Y), compare the cancer-specific survival (CSS) of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and colorectal cancer (CRC) liver metastases undergoing TARE, and investigate the influence of additional treatments on CSS. Our database was interrogated to retrieve patients who had undergone TARE using Yttrium-90 (90Y) glass or resin microspheres. Kaplan–Meier curves and the log-rank test were employed to conduct survival analysis for the different groups (p < 0.05). Thirty-nine patients were retrieved (sex: 27 M, 12 F; mean age: 63.59 ± 15.66 years): twenty-three with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and sixteen with CRC liver metastasis. Globally, the patients with HCC demonstrated a significantly longer CSS than those with CRC liver metastasis (22.64 ± 2.7 vs. 7.21 ± 1.65 months; p = 0.014). Among the patients with CRC liver metastasis, those receiving TARE and additional concomitant treatments (n = 10) demonstrated a longer CSS than the CRC patients receiving only TARE (9.97 ± 2.21 vs. 2.59 ± 0.24 months; p = 0.06). In the HCC group, there was a trend of a longer CSS in patients (n = 8) receiving TARE and additional treatments (27.89 ± 3.1 vs. 17.69 ± 3.14 months; p = 0.15). Patients with HCC seem to achieve a longer survival after TARE compared to patients with CRC liver metastases. In patients with CRC liver metastases, the combination of TARE and additional concomitant treatments may improve survival.

The novelty of this work consists of synthesizing and exploiting a heterogeneous catalyst containing ammonium chloride as part of the polymeric sponge sites for CO2 capture. To this aim, the polymerization of 2-acryloyl(oxyethyl)trimethylammonium chloride was performed in cryo-condition, in the presence of a crosslinking agent, obtaining a lightweight macroporous freestanding material. Its efficiency in converting aromatic and aliphatic epoxides to the corresponding carbonates was successfully proved by using proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR). Remarkably, the conversion of styrene oxide (SO) to styrene carbonate (SC) reached a yield of 99 % after 24 h of reaction. The calculated yield versus the aliphatic cyclohexene oxide is 71 %. Similar results were obtained by substituting the resin counter anion with Br−, although the conversion kinetic was slower than the chloride. It is worth noticing that reactions took place in the mixture without adding the tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB), typically used as a co-catalyst to convert epoxides into carbonates. The recyclability of the as-prepared catalyst was evaluated for four reaction cycles, evidencing stable properties without significant depletion of CO2 capture efficiency. Most importantly, the post-cleaning of the catalytic sponge is not required to be reused. Finally, the green chemistry metrics applied to the process demonstrated that our approach significantly mitigates risks and reduces environmental impact, thus elevating the overall cleanliness of our proof of concept.

A 73-year-old woman arrived at the ER claiming to be experiencing low back pain. To investigate the source of her pain, she was admitted to the Internal Medicine department. After a heterogeneous abdominal mass in the right upper quadrant was discovered by abdominal point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS), it was confirmed by an abdominal CT scan, which also identified a metastatic lytic bone lesion in the L4. This finding is consistent with a malignant tumor of the right adrenal gland. POCUS was repeated right after the occurrence of dyspnea, and a 40x6 mm floating thrombus in the inferior vena cava was detected. A conservative approach with anticoagulants was chosen, with improvement of the clinical conditions. The diagnosis of adrenal carcinoma was ultimately made possible by the mass biopsy. POCUS is a safe, low-cost method that provides prompt results at the patient's bedside. We support the implementation of POCUS in all clinical departments, as it provides significant contributions to the assessment of prognosis and diagnosis.

Background. Data on resilience, the ability to recover from adversity, in coeliac disease (CeD) are lacking. Aim. To assess the degree of resilience in patients with CeD on a gluten-free diet (GFD), and its association with clinical features, sociodemographic factors, psychological morbidity, and quality of life (QOL). Methods. A cross-sectional multicentre Italian study was conducted on adult CeD patients between May 2022 and April 2023. Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), the Coeliac Disease-specific Quality of Life Scale (CD-QOL), the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory scale (STAI-Y), and the Beck Depression Inventory scale (BDI) were used to evaluate resilience, QOL, anxiety, and depression, respectively. A multivariate analysis was conducted to identify factors independently associated with the degree of resilience. Results. A total of 305 patients (221 F, mean age at CeD diagnosis 36 ± 16 years) on a long-term GFD (median 8 years, IQR 3–17) were enrolled. A total of 298/305 patients (98%) had a high level of resilience (CD-RISC ≥ 35). At univariate analysis, resilience was statistically associated with male gender (p = 0.03), age at enrolment (p = 0.02), marital status (p = 0.03), QOL (p < 0.001), anxiety (p < 0.001), and depression (p < 0.001). On multivariate regression analysis, trait anxiety (STAI-Y2, p < 0.001) and depression (BDI, p = 0.02) were independent predictors of lower levels of resilience. Conclusions. Higher trait anxiety predicts lower levels of resilience. Targeted interventions in this subgroup of patients may be helpful for their management and follow-up.

A polyvinylimidazole-based cryogel is presented as a pioneering solution for efficient extraction and release of partially water-soluble polyphenols from olive byproducts. Specifically, oleuropein was used as model molecule to evaluate its recovery from water. The material merges the properties of interconnected cryogel structure in adsorbing molecules via fast diffusion flux, with the strong electrostatic interactions acted by imidazole moiety. Such cryogel achieves effective oleuropein binding likely through hydrogen bonding and π–π interactions. Comprehensive assessments of static adsorption kinetics, isotherms, and desorption kinetics underscore the cryogel’s efficacy in oleuropein extraction and release, highlighting its pivotal role in valorizing olive wastewater through sustainable biotechnological applications.

A hydrogel formulation of 2-hydroxy ethyl methacrylate (HEMA) containing covalently linked magnetite nanoparticles was developed to actively facilitate the selective removal and photocatalytic degradation of antibiotics. To this purpose, the hybrid materials were molecularly imprinted with Lomefloxacin (Lome) or Ciprofloxacin (Cipro), achieving a selectivity of 60% and 45%, respectively, starting from a solution of XX concentration. After the adsorption, the embedded magnetite was used with the double function of (i) magnetically removing the material from water and (ii) triggering photo-Fenton (PF) reactions assisted by UVA light and H2O2 to oxidize the captured antibiotic. The success of the material design was confirmed by a comprehensive characterization of the system from chemical–physical and morphological perspectives. Adsorption and degradation tests demonstrated the material’s ability to efficiently degrade Lome until its complete disappearance from the electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectra. Regeneration tests showed the possibility of reusing the material for up to three cycles. Ecotoxicological tests using algae Rapidocelis subcapitata, crustaceans Daphnia magna, and bacteria Vibrio fischeri were performed to evaluate the ecosafety of our synthesized materials.

PLA/PBAT bioplastic is a commercial biodegradable plastic employed for packaging and several food and agriculture applications. In this regard, properties such as the antioxidant ability to extend food shelf life and light resistance, are of great interest in the production of packaging and mulching films, respectively. These features are obtained by developing blends with pure chemicals and/or natural products as additives. In the present work blend formulations of PLA/PBAT with a walnut shell extract rich in antioxidants were developed and evaluated for their properties in comparison with classic PLA/PBAT. Specifically, natural additives, and most importantly the production process were purposely selected to i) be green and cost-effective; ii) confer antioxidant properties; and iii) improve material performance.To this aim, a walnut shell extract (EWS) with high antioxidant activity was obtained thanks to a novel green and cost-effective microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) procedure. A response surface methodology was utilized to explore how the total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity are influenced by varying aqueous ethanol concentration, extraction time, and microwave power. The highest predicted TPC and antioxidant activity were achieved when employing the ideal conditions for Microwave-Assisted Extraction (MAE): using a mixture of 30 % ethanol in water, an irradiation time of 120 s, and a microwave power of 670 W. The optimized EWS was characterized by HPLC-MS determining qualitative and quantitative data with the identification of flavonoids, fatty acids, and anacardic acids among the main components, responsible for antioxidant activity. The resulting EWS powder was melt-mixed at 140C° and 20 RPM with the bio-based PLA/PBAT bioplastic at two different concentrations (0.5 and 1.5 w/w) by forming film specimens. All EWS-based bioplastic films showed increased antioxidant features determined by the DPPH bleaching test, TEAC, and ORAC assays. The films keep the antioxidant capacity even after 7 days of UV-accelerated aging. Remarkably, adding 1.5 % EWS boosted the bioplastic UV light resistance, reducing the abatement of molecular masses by more than 60 % without affecting mechanical properties.

Oxidative stress plays a central role in most chronic liver diseases and, in particular, in metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), the new definition of an old condition known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The mechanisms leading to hepatocellular fat accumulation in genetically predisposed individuals who adopt a sedentary lifestyle and consume an obesogenic diet progress through mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum dysfunction, which amplifies reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, lipid peroxidation, malondialdehyde (MDA) formation, and influence the release of chronic inflammation and liver damage biomarkers, such as pro-inflammatory cytokines. This close pathogenetic link has been a key stimulus in the search for therapeutic approaches targeting oxidative stress to treat steatosis, and a number of clinical trials have been conducted to date on subjects with NAFLD using drugs as well as supplements or nutraceutical products. Vitamin E, Vitamin D, and Silybin are the most studied substances, but several non-pharmacological approaches have also been explored, especially lifestyle and diet modifications. Among the dietary approaches, the Mediterranean Diet (MD) seems to be the most reliable for affecting liver steatosis, probably with the added value of the presence of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), a healthy food with a high content of monounsaturated fatty acids, especially oleic acid, and variable concentrations of phenols (oleocanthal) and phenolic alcohols, such as hydroxytyrosol (HT) and tyrosol (Tyr). In this review, we focus on non-pharmacological interventions in MAFLD treatment that target oxidative stress and, in particular, on the role of EVOO as one of the main antioxidant components of the MD.

An improvement of water supply and sanitation and better management of water resources, especially in terms of water reuse, is one of the priorities of the European Green Deal. In this context, it is crucial to find new strategies to recycle wastewater efficiently in a low-cost and eco-friendly manner. The immobilization of inorganic nanomaterials on polymeric matrices has been drawing a lot of attention in recent years due to the extraordinary properties characterizing the as-obtained nanocomposites. The hybrid materials, indeed, combine the properties of the polymers, such as flexibility, low cost, mechanical stability, high durability, and ease of availability, with the properties of the inorganic counterpart. In particular, if the inorganic fillers are nanostructured photocatalysts, the materials will be able to utilize the energy delivered by light to catalyze chemical reactions for efficient wastewater treatment. Additionally, with the anchoring of the nanomaterials to the polymers, the dispersion of the nanomaterials in the environment is prevented, thus overcoming one of the main limits that impede the application of nanostructured photocatalysts on a large scale. In this work, we will present nanocomposites made of polymers, i.e., polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and photocatalytic semiconductors, i.e., TiO2 nanoparticles (Evonik). MoS2 nanoflakes were also added as co-catalysts to improve the photocatalytic performance of the TiO2. The hybrid materials were prepared using the sonication and solution casting method. The nanocomposites were deeply characterized, and their remarkable photocatalytic abilities were evaluated by the degradation of two common water pollutants: methyl orange and diclofenac. The relevance of the obtained results will be discussed, opening the route for the application of these materials in photocatalysis and especially for novel wastewater remediation.

Biopolymers are of growing interest, but to improve some of their poor properties and performance, the formulation of bio-based blends and/or adding of nanoparticles is required. For this purpose, in this work, two different metal oxides, namely zinc oxide (ZnO) and titanium dioxide (TiO2), at different concentrations (0.5, 1, and 2%wt.) were added in polylactic acid (PLA) and polylactic acid/polyamide 11 (PLA/PA11) blends to establish their effects on solid-state properties, morphology, melt behaviour, and photo-oxidation resistance. It seems that the addition of ZnO in PLA leads to a significant reduction in its rigidity, probably due to an inefficient dispersion in the melt state, while the addition of TiO2 does not penalize PLA rigidity. Interestingly, the addition of both ZnO and TiO2 in the PLA/PA11 blend has a positive effect on the rigidity because of blend morphology refinement and leads to a slight increase in film hydrophobicity. The photo-oxidation resistance of the neat PLA and PLA/PA11 blend is significantly reduced due to the presence of both metal oxides, and this must be considered when designing potential applications. The last results suggest that both metal oxides could be considered photo-sensitive degradant agents for biopolymer and biopolymer blends.

The investigation of the mechanical, thermal, and adsorption properties of hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) cryogels as a function of a reactant ratio is herein reported to better address materials for specific applications. To this aim, cryogels have been synthesized using different monomer/crosslinker (N,N′-methylene-bisacrylamide–MBAA) ratios. The study of SEM images made it possible to identify the trend in the material’s macroporosity. As would be expected, the average measured pore width decreased as the amount of MBAA increased while the number of pores grew. Swelling capacity ranges from 8.7 gW/ggel (grams of water per gram of gel) to 9.3 gW/ggel. These values are strictly connected with the pore’s size and distribution, revealing that the water uptake for the most crosslinked sample is inferior to other samples. The equilibrium-adsorption capacity (Qe) towards the methylene violet (MV) was also assessed, revealing no remarkable differences after 24 h of a batch test. As expected, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) also showed no significant changes in stability that ranged from a maximum weight loss temperature (T Max) of 420 °C to 425 °C, which increased as a function of crosslinker content. Conversely, compression strength measurements showed a notable difference of about 50% in modulus (Ec), moving from the higher to the lower HEMA/MBAA ratio. These new comparative results indicate how slight variations in the reactant’s ratio can steadily improve the mechanical properties of the HEMA cryogel without affecting its adsorption efficiency. This can be helpful in the design of materials for water and energy purposes. Since swelling properties are needed in the case of biomedical applications, the HEMA/MBAA ratio should be tuned versus high values.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a life-threatening complication, especially in case of recurrence. The appropriate duration of anticoagulant treatment following the first event is crucial. Risk factors that increase the risk of recurrence of VTE are many, and include medications, kidney disease, renal transplantation (RT), and a diagnosis of sickle cell disease (SCD). There are currently no guidelines that define the duration of anticoagulant therapy after the first event in a patient with RT. We report a case of recurring episodes of VTE after RT in a SCD patient. Our case suggests that the use of a long-term anticoagulant treatment may be recommended in patients with SCD and RT after the first event of VTE.

Antibiotics are not completely metabolized nor degraded in traditional wastewater treatment, leaving a large proportion of them in the wastewater [...]

Herein, a proof of concept is reported, concerning the formulation of methacrylic and styrene-based hydrogels with adsorption properties versus the emerging pollutants (dyes, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals). The synthesis of the hydrogels was achieved by functionalizing the HEMA monomer with specifically chelating groups, such as amino acids (lysine and histidine), cyclodextrins, and meglumine. The as-prepared monomers were polymerized in water at different temperatures to obtain macroporous samples. All the samples were characterized by chemical–physical and morphological analyses confirming the success of the reactions. The resulting systems were successfully tested to adsorb 2, 4 D, methylene blue, and lomefloxacin. In addition, up to five cycles of regeneration tests were performed, confirming the aptitude of the samples to be used several times without losing efficiency and maintaining their mechanical properties.

Background: Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare and potentially life-threatening systemic hyperinflammatory disease, which can have several aetiologies. Clinical case: a 48-year-old woman affected by a transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia was hospitalized in our haematology unit presenting with intermittent fever, haepatosplenomegaly and pancytopenia, which developed a few days after the booster dose of anti-SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine. The investigations performed during hospitalization led to a diagnosis of HLH and steroid therapy where IV dexamethasone was initiated and provided benefits. Conclusions: the severity of HLH mandates early treatment, but the management of patients with post-vaccine HLH is still challenging and requires further study. No cases of HLH in patients with thalassemia were previously described.

Background. Data on resilience, the ability to recover from adversity, in coeliac disease (CeD) are lacking. Aim. To assess the degree of resilience in patients with CeD on a gluten-free diet (GFD), and its association with clinical features, sociodemographic factors, psychological morbidity, and quality of life (QOL). Methods. A cross-sectional multicentre Italian study was conducted on adult CeD patients between May 2022 and April 2023. Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), the Coeliac Disease-specific Quality of Life Scale (CD-QOL), the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory scale (STAI-Y), and the Beck Depression Inventory scale (BDI) were used to evaluate resilience, QOL, anxiety, and depression, respectively. A multivariate analysis was conducted to identify factors independently associated with the degree of resilience. Results. A total of 305 patients (221 F, mean age at CeD diagnosis 36 ± 16 years) on a long-term GFD (median 8 years, IQR 3–17) were enrolled. A total of 298/305 patients (98%) had a high level of resilience (CD-RISC ≥ 35). At univariate analysis, resilience was statistically associated with male gender (p = 0.03), age at enrolment (p = 0.02), marital status (p = 0.03), QOL (p < 0.001), anxiety (p < 0.001), and depression (p < 0.001). On multivariate regression analysis, trait anxiety (STAI-Y2, p < 0.001) and depression (BDI, p = 0.02) were independent predictors of lower levels of resilience. Conclusions. Higher trait anxiety predicts lower levels of resilience. Targeted interventions in this subgroup of patients may be helpful for their management and follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A polyvinylimidazole-based cryogel is presented as a pioneering solution for efficient extraction and release of partially water-soluble polyphenols from olive byproducts. Specifically, oleuropein was used as model molecule to evaluate its recovery from water. The material merges the properties of interconnected cryogel structure in adsorbing molecules via fast diffusion flux, with the strong electrostatic interactions acted by imidazole moiety. Such cryogel achieves effective oleuropein binding likely through hydrogen bonding and π–π interactions. Comprehensive assessments of static adsorption kinetics, isotherms, and desorption kinetics underscore the cryogel's efficacy in oleuropein extraction and release, highlighting its pivotal role in valorizing olive wastewater through sustainable biotechnological applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-celiac wheat sensitivity (NCWS) is an emerging clinical condition characterized by gastrointestinal and extraintestinal symptoms following the ingestion of gluten-containing foods in patients without celiac disease (CD) or wheat allergy. Despite the great interest for NCWS, the genetic risk factors still need to be fully clarified. In this study, we first assessed the possible contribution of KIR genes and KIR haplotypes on the genetic predisposition to NCWS. Fifty patients with NCWS, 50 patients with CD, and 50 healthy controls (HC) were included in this study. KIR genes and KIR genotyping were investigated in all subjects by polymerase chain reaction with the sequence oligonucleotide probe (PCR-SSOP) method using Luminex technology. We found a statistically different distribution of some KIR genes among NCWS, CD, and HC. Specifically, NCWS showed a decreased frequency of KIR2DL1, −2DL3, −2DL5, −2DS2, −2DS3, −2DS4, −2DS5, and −3DS1 genes, and an increased frequency of -3DL1 gene respect to both CD and HC. No difference was detected in the KIR haplotype expression. At the multivariate analysis, KIR2DL5, −2DS4, and −2DS5 were independent predictors of NCWS. Our findings suggest a role of KIR genes in NCWS susceptibility, with KIR2DL5, −2DS4, and −2DS5 having a protective effect. Further large-scale multicentric studies are required to validate these preliminary findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A hydrogel formulation of 2-hydroxy ethyl methacrylate (HEMA) containing covalently linked magnetite nanoparticles was developed to actively facilitate the selective removal and photocatalytic degradation of antibiotics. To this purpose, the hybrid materials were molecularly imprinted with Lomefloxacin (Lome) or Ciprofloxacin (Cipro), achieving a selectivity of 60% and 45%, respectively, starting from a solution of XX concentration. After the adsorption, the embedded magnetite was used with the double function of (i) magnetically removing the material from water and (ii) triggering photo-Fenton (PF) reactions assisted by UVA light and H2O2 to oxidize the captured antibiotic. The success of the material design was confirmed by a comprehensive characterization of the system from chemical–physical and morphological perspectives. Adsorption and degradation tests demonstrated the material's ability to efficiently degrade Lome until its complete disappearance from the electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectra. Regeneration tests showed the possibility of reusing the material for up to three cycles. Ecotoxicological tests using algae Rapidocelis subcapitata, crustaceans Daphnia magna, and bacteria Vibrio fischeri were performed to evaluate the ecosafety of our synthesized materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]