Relationship Between Immune Response to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Vaccines and Development of Breakthrough Infection in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: The CONTRAST Cohort.

BACKGROUND: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccination in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients is associated with poorer antibody response (AbR) compared with non-SOT recipients. However, its impact on the risk of breakthrough infection (BI) has yet to be assessed. METHODS: Single-center prospective longitudinal cohort study enrolling adult SOT recipients who received SARS-CoV-2 vaccination during a 1-year period (February 2021 - January 2022), end of follow-up April 2022. Patients were tested for AbR at multiple time points. The primary end-point was BI (laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection ≥14 days after the second dose). Immunization (positive AbR) was considered an intermediate state between vaccination and BI. Probabilities of being in vaccination, immunization, and BI states were obtained for each type of graft and vaccination sequence using multistate survival analysis. Then, multivariable logistic regression was performed to analyze the risk of BI related to AbR levels. RESULTS: 614 SOT (275 kidney, 163 liver, 137 heart, 39 lung) recipients were included. Most patients (84.7%) received 3 vaccine doses. The first 2 consisted of BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 in 73.5% and 26.5% of cases, respectively. For the third dose, mRNA-1273 was administered in 59.8% of patients. Overall, 75.4% of patients reached immunization and 18.4% developed BI. Heart transplant recipients showed the lowest probability of immunization (0.418) and the highest of BI (0.323); all mRNA-1273 vaccine sequences showed the highest probability of immunization (0.732) and the lowest of BI (0.098). Risk of BI was higher for non-high-level AbR, younger age, and shorter time from transplant. CONCLUSIONS: SOT patients with non-high-level AbR and shorter time from transplantation and heart recipients are at highest risk of BI.

Age-adjusted D-dimer, clinical pre-test probability-adjusted D-dimer, and whole leg ultrasound in ruling out suspected proximal and calf deep venous thrombosis.

D-dimer (DD) and ultrasonography (US) are part of the diagnostic workup for lower-extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Recent studies have shown that adjusting DD level cut-offs by age or clinical pre-test probability (PTP) decreases the use of US. We compared diagnostic accuracy of PTP-adjusted DD and age-adjusted DD in 3883 patients (F: 61.1%; age: 65.3 ± 16.8 y) referred to our unit for clinically suspected DVT. All patients underwent clinical evaluation, DD, and US. Proximal DVT was detected in 477 (12.4%) patients, and distal DVT was isolated in 342 (8.9%) patients. In the remaining 3064 patients there were 23 venous thromboembolic events (0.75%, 95% CI: 0.50-1.12) during the 3-month follow-up. The specificities of DD, age-adjusted DD, and PTP-adjusted DD in patients without high PTP levels were 47% (95% CI: 45-49), 61% (95% CI: 59-62), and 67% (95% CI: 65-68), respectively. The negative predictive value (NPV) was 96% (95% CI: 95-97) for all diagnostic strategies. When only proximal DVTs were considered, the NPV increased to 99% (95% CI: 98-99). US was avoided in 37% (95% CI: 36-38) of patients with a fixed cut-off DD, 48% (95% CI: 47-50) with age-adjusted DD, and 52% (95% CI: 51-54) with PTP-adjusted DD. The failure rate for all DVTs of DD, age-adjusted DD, and PTP-adjusted DD was 2.0% (95% CI: 1.6-2.5), 2.7% (95% CI: 2.2-3.2), and 2.5% (95% CI: 2.1-3.0), respectively. Compared with the standard DD cut-off, both age-adjusted and PTP-adjusted DD reduced the proportion of patients who required US at the cost of a small increase in failure rate.

Quantification of ternary microplastic mixtures through an ultra-compact near-infrared spectrometer coupled with chemometric tools.

The ubiquitous distribution of plastics and microplastics (MPs) and their resistance to biological and chemical decay is adversely affecting the environment. MPs are considered as emerging contaminants of concern in all the compartments, including terrestrial, aquatic, and atmospheric environments. Efficient monitoring, detection, and removal technologies require reliable methods for a qualitative and quantitative analysis of MPs, considering point-of-need testing a new evolution and a great trend at the market level. In the last years, portable spectrometers have gained popularity thanks to the excellent capability for fast and on-site measurements. Ultra-compact spectrometers coupled with chemometric tools have shown great potential in the polymer analysis, showing promising applications in the environmental field. Nevertheless, systematic studies are still required, in particular for the identification and quantification of fragments at the microscale. This study demonstrates the proof-of-concept of a Miniaturized Near-Infrared (MicroNIR) spectrometer coupled with chemometrics for the quantitative analysis of ternary mixtures of MPs. Polymers were chosen representing the three most common polymers found in the environment (polypropylene, polyethene, and polystyrene). Daily used plastic items were mechanically fragmented at laboratory scale mimicking the environmental breakdown process and creating "true-to-life" MPs for the assessment of analytical methods for MPs identification and quantification. The chemical nature of samples before and after fragmentation was checked by Raman spectroscopy. Sixty three different mixtures were prepared: 42 for the training set and 21 for the test set. Blends were investigated by the MicroNIR spectrometer, and the dataset was analysed using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Partial Least Square (PLS) Regression. PCA score plot showed a samples distribution consistent with their composition. Quantitative analysis by PLS showed the great capability prediction of the polymer's percentage in the mixtures, with R2 greater than 0.9 for the three analytes and a low and comparable Root-Mean Square Error. In addition, the developed model was challenged with environmental weathered materials to validate the system with real plastic pollution. The findings show the feasibility of employing a portable tool in conjunction with chemometrics to quantify the most abundant forms of MPs found in the environment.

Monitoring of Cytomegalovirus (CMV)-Specific Cell-Mediated Immunity in Heart Transplant Recipients: Clinical Utility of the QuantiFERON-CMV Assay for Management of Posttransplant CMV Infection.

The clinical utility of the QuantiFERON-CMV (QFN-CMV) assay in heart transplant recipients was assessed. Forty-four cytomegalovirus (CMV)-seropositive patients were enrolled: 17 received antiviral prophylaxis, and 27 were managed preemptively. CMV-DNAemia monitoring was performed by the use of a quantitative real-time PCR assay. The QFN-CMV assay was retrospectively performed on blood samples collected at five posttransplant time points. A higher proportion of patients with an indeterminate QFN-CMV result after the suspension of prophylaxis than of patients who showed a global T-cell responsiveness developed CMV infection (P = 0.036). Patients who reconstituted a CMV-specific response following the first CMV-DNAemia-positive result (42.9%) showed a median CMV-DNAemia peak 1 log of magnitude lower than that seen with patients with indeterminate results, and all controlled viral replication spontaneously. The 25% of patients with an indeterminate result developed CMV disease. In the preemptive strategy group, no differences in the development of subsequent infection, magnitude of viral load, and viral control were observed on the basis of QFN-CMV measurements performed before and after the first CMV-DNAemia-positive result. Considering both CMV prevention strategies, viral relapse was associated with the failure to reconstitute CMV-specific cell-mediated immunity (CMI) after the resolution of the first episode of CMV infection (P = 0.032). QFN-CMV measurements can be a useful tool for identifying patients (i) at higher risk of developing infection after discontinuing antiviral prophylaxis, (ii) with late CMV infection who would benefit from appropriate antiviral interventions, and (iii) at higher risk of viral relapses. QFN-CMV measurements taken within 1 month posttransplantation (early period) are not revealing.

Comparison of multiple X-ray fluorescence techniques for elemental analysis of particulate matter collected on air filters.

This work reports on qualitative and semi-quantitative elemental analysis of particulate matter (PM) collected on PTFE membrane filters, for a source apportionment study conducted in Brescia (Italy). Sampling was undertaken in a residential area where an increase in Mn emissions has been highlighted by previous studies. Filters are measured by means of X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) based techniques such as micro-XRF and grazing incidence XRF using synchrotron radiation, Mo or W excitation sources, after applying an automatized sample preparation method. A heterogeneous distribution in PM shape, size and composition was observed, with features typical of anthropogenic sources. XRF measurements performed at various incidence angle, on large areas and different experimental setup were reproducible. The results demonstrate a successful comparison of the various XRF instrumentation, and the decrease in Mn content with the distance away from the identified emission source. This work highlights the potentialities of the presented approach to provide a full quantitative analysis, and ascertain its suitability for providing a direct, fast, simple and sensitive elemental analysis of filters in source apportionment studies and screening purposes.

Enhanced Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution in Au-Fe Nanoalloys.

Oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is the most critical step in water splitting, still limiting the development of efficient alkaline water electrolyzers. Here we investigate the OER activity of Au-Fe nanoalloys obtained by laser-ablation synthesis in solution. This method allows a high amount of iron (up to 11 at %) to be incorporated into the gold lattice, which is not possible in Au-Fe alloys synthesized by other routes, due to thermodynamic constraints. The Au0.89 Fe0.11 nanoalloys exhibit strongly enhanced OER in comparison to the individual pure metal nanoparticles, lowering the onset of OER and increasing up to 20 times the current density in alkaline aqueous solutions. Such a remarkable electrocatalytic activity is associated to nanoalloying, as demonstrated by comparative examples with physical mixtures of gold and iron nanoparticles. These results open attractive scenarios to the use of kinetically stable nanoalloys for catalysis and energy conversion.

Sex Differences in Clinical Presentation of Lower Extremity Deep Vein Thrombosis.

Background: Differences between men and women in the clinical features and extent of lower limb deep vein thrombosis (DVT) may influence DVT diagnostic algorithms involving pretest clinical probability (PTP) assessment, D-dimer, and compression ultrasonography (CUS). Aims: To assess differences in DVT clinical presentation between men and women and their effect on PTP and D-dimer. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study in outpatients referred for suspected DVT of the lower limbs to our vascular emergency department from January 2005 to December 2019. Patients underwent PTP assessment with the Wells score, D-dimer testing, and CUS. Results: More women were referred for suspected DVT than men (M/F: 1,785/2,821; F: 61.4%; p < 0.0001). Women were older than men (median age: 71 vs. 67 years; p = 0.0001), DVT was diagnosed in 436 patients (9.4%) but in more men than women (M: 210 [11.8%] vs. F: 226 [8%]; p = 0.0002), with more proximal DVT in men than women (M: 131 7.3% vs. F: 124 [4.4%]; p = 0.00021). PTP was more likely in men (355 [19.9%]) than women (455 [16.2%]) (p = 0.0011); more men had swelling in the entire limb, increased calf circumference by >3 cm compared with the contralateral limb, and pitting edema, than women. D-dimer levels (available in 65% of patients) were more frequently positive in women with DVT than in men (94.6% vs. 85.7%; p = 0.016). However, a positive D-dimer and/or likely PTP was similarly frequent in men (92%) and women (96%) with DVT. Conclusions: More women than men are referred for suspected DVT, and men have a higher prevalence of proximal DVT. However, current algorithms for DVT diagnosis perform similarly in men and in women.

A multi-environmental source approach to explore associations between metals exposure and olfactory identification among school-age children residing in northern Italy.

BACKGROUND: Metal exposures can adversely impact olfactory function. Few studies have examined this association in children. Further, metal exposure occurs as a mixture, yet previous studies of metal-associated olfactory dysfunction only examined individual metals. Preventing olfactory dysfunctions can improve quality of life and prevent neurodegenerative diseases with long-term health implications. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to test the association between exposure to a mixture of 12 metals measured in environmental sources and olfactory function among children and adolescents residing in the industrialized province of Brescia, Italy. METHODS: We enrolled 130 children between 6 and 13 years old (51.5% females) and used the "Sniffin' Sticks" test to measure olfactory performance in identifying smells. We used a portable X-ray fluorescence instrument to determine concentrations of metals (arsenic (As), calcium, cadmium (Cd), chromium, copper, iron, manganese, lead (Pb), antimony, titanium, vanadium and zinc) in outdoor and indoor deposited dust and soil samples collected from participants' households. We used an extension of weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression to test the association between exposure to metal mixtures in multiple environmental media and olfactory function adjusting for age, sex, socio-economic status, intelligence quotient and parents' smoking status. RESULTS: A higher multi-source mixture was significantly associated with a reduced Sniffin' Sticks identification score (ß = -0.228; 95% CI -0.433, -0.020). Indoor dust concentrations of Pb, Cd and As provided the strongest contributions to this association (13.8%, 13.3% and 10.1%, respectively). The metal mixture in indoor dust contributed more (for 8 metals out of 12) to the association between metals and olfactory function compared to soil or outdoor dust. IMPACT STATEMENT: Among a mixture of 12 metals measured in three different environmental sources (soil, outdoor and indoor dust), we identified Pb, Cd and As measured in indoor dust as the main contributors to reduced olfactory function in children and adolescents residing in an industrialized area. Exposure to indoor pollution can be effectively reduced through individual and public health interventions allowing to prevent the deterioration of olfactory functions. Moreover, the identification of the factors that can deteriorate olfactory functions can be a helpful instrument to improve quality of life and prevent neurodegenerative diseases as long-term health implications.

Incidence and clinical outcomes of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia: 11 year experience in a tertiary care university hospital.

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a rare immuno-mediated adverse reaction with high thrombotic and mortality risk. To evaluate incidence and outcomes of HIT cases diagnosed at a tertiary care hospital from 2007 to 2018. A retrospective study was conducted. Patients with suspected HIT underwent 4Ts score assessment and anti-heparin PF4 IgG antibodies ELISA screening test. If the latter was positive, platelet aggregation test (PAT) was performed. If the latter was positive, any form of heparin was stopped, alternative anticoagulants were started and then overlapped with warfarin. HIT incidence was calculated by dividing HIT cases by the mean yearly number of admitted patients over 11 years. Follow-up was 90 days. Among 2125 screening tests, 96 (4.5%) were positive with confirmatory PAT in 82/90 (3.8% for missing data in 6). Median age was 75; 39 patients were surgical and 51 medical. The median 4Ts score was 5. Unfractionated heparin was employed in 34 (37%). HIT incidence was 0.16/1000/patient/years (95% CI: 0.12-0.23) in surgical and 0.15/1000/patient/years (95%: 0.12-0.20) in medical patients. HIT with thrombosis (HIT-T) was observed in 31 patients (0.05/1000/patient/years 95% CI: 0.04-0.1), with venous thromboses in 25 (80%). HIT without thrombosis was observed in 59 patients (0.1/1000 patient/years; 95% CI: 0.08-0.13, twofold vs HIT-T). All cause mortality was 25.5% (95% CI: 17.6-35.4), major bleeding 7.7% (95% CI:3.2-15.3), and thromboembolic complications 3.3% (95% CI:1.1-9.3). HIT is a rare event with high mortality, despite the use of non heparin anticoagulants.

Effect of a Fourth Dose of mRNA Vaccine and of Immunosuppression in Preventing SARS-CoV-2 Breakthrough Infections in Heart Transplant Patients.

Patients with heart transplantation (HT) have an increased risk of COVID-19 disease and the efficacy of vaccines on antibody induction is lower, even after three or four doses. The aim of our study was to assess the efficacy of four doses on infections and their interplay with immunosuppression. We included in this retrospective study all adult HT patients (12/21-11/22) without prior infection receiving a third or fourth dose of mRNA vaccine. The endpoints were infections and the combined incidence of ICU hospitalizations/death after the last dose (6-month survival rate). Among 268 patients, 62 had an infection, and 27.3% received four doses. Following multivariate analysis, three vs. four doses, mycophenolate (MMF) therapy, and HT < 5 years were associated with an increased risk of infection. MMF ≥ 2000 mg/day independently predicted infection, together with the other variables, and was associated with ICU hospitalization/death. Patients on MMF had lower levels of anti-RBD antibodies, and a positive antibody response after the third dose was associated with a lower probability of infection. In HT patients, a fourth dose of vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 reduces the risk of infection at six months. Mycophenolate, particularly at high doses, reduces the clinical effectiveness of the fourth dose and the antibody response to the vaccine.

Fabrication and investigation of gas sensing properties of Nb-doped TiO(2) nanotubular arrays.

Synthesis of Nb-containing titania nanotubular arrays at room temperature by electrochemical anodization is reported. Crystallization of pure and Nb-doped TiO(2) nanotubes was carried out by post-growth annealing at 400°C. The morphology of the tubes obtained was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Crystal structure and composition of tubes were investigated by glancing incidence x-ray diffraction (GIXRD) and total reflection x-ray fluorescence (TXRF). For the first time gas sensing characteristics of Nb-doped TiO(2) nanotubes were investigated and compared to those of undoped nanotubes. The functional properties of nanotubular arrays towards CO, H(2), NO(2), ethanol and acetone were tested in a wide range of operating temperature. The introduction of Nb largely improves conductivity and enhances gas sensing performances of TiO(2) nanotubes.

Metals release from stainless steel knives in simulated food contact.

The release of chromium, nickel, and manganese from knives stainless steel produced in Italy and People's Republic of China was investigated with the aim to check their quality and compliance with Italian Ministerial Decree 21.03.73, which is the most detailed text for the hygiene regulation of packaging, containers, and tools intended for food contact. Temperature effect on metal release is investigated in 18 sets of knives. Tests are performed by simulating discontinuous contact using a 3% glacial acetic acid solution in distilled water at 50°C and 100°C. Chromium, nickel, and manganese quantification is performed by total reflection X-Ray fluorescence. Chemical composition highlights low sulphur content, and most of them belong to the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) 420 type A stainless steel group. Tests performed at 100°C revealed higher concentration of released metals. Only three knives tested at 100°C exceed the limit of 100 µg L-1.

Thrombotic burden, D-dimer levels and complete compression ultrasound for diagnosis of acute symptomatic deep vein thrombosis of the lower limbs.

BACKGROUND: Diagnostic algorithms for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) include D-dimer for its high negative predictive value, thus reducing the need for imaging. Small thrombi may be associated with low D-dimer levels, increasing false negatives. AIM: To assess the sensitivity and thus the false negative rates of standard and age-adjusted D-dimer cut offs for isolated distal DVT (IDDVT) in outpatients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled consecutive outpatients with suspected DVT of the lower limbs referring to our vascular emergency department from 2009 to 2018. Patients underwent D-dimer testing (STA, Stago, cut-off: 500 µg/L), pretest clinical probability (PTP) evaluation and complete compression ultrasonography. Follow-up was 3 months. RESULTS: Among 3948 patients (M:1554-39%, median age 69), 486 proximal DVTs (12.3%) and 348 IDDVTs (8.8%) were diagnosed. Median D-dimer was higher in proximal than IDDVT (3960 vs 1400 µgr/L; p = 0.001). The false negative rate of the standard D-dimer cut-off was 2% (95%CI: 0.8-3.2%) for proximal DVT and 14.7% (95% CI: 11-81%) for IDDVT. The false negative rate of the age-adjusted cut-off was 4.9% (3-7%) for proximal DVT and 19.5% (95% CI: 15.4-24.7%) for IDDVT. CONCLUSIONS: Small calf thrombi are associated with low D-dimer levels, and age-adjusted D-dimer may be below the cut-off more frequently in subjects with IDDVT than standard cut-off D-dimer, although such D-dimer levels might exclude IDDVT that require treatment.

Definition of an Indoor Air Sampling Strategy for SARS-CoV-2 Detection and Risk Management: Case Study in Kindergartens.

In the last two years, the world has been overwhelmed by SARS-CoV-2. One of the most important ways to prevent the spread of the virus is the control of indoor conditions: from surface hygiene to ventilation. Regarding the indoor environments, monitoring the presence of the virus in the indoor air seems to be promising, since there is strong evidence that airborne transmission through infected droplets and aerosols is its dominant transmission route. So far, few studies report the successful detection of SARS-CoV-2 in the air; moreover, the lack of a standard guideline for air monitoring reduces the uniformity of the results and their usefulness in the management of the risk of virus transmission. In this work, starting from a critical analysis of the existing standards and guidelines for indoor air quality, we define a strategy to set-up indoor air sampling plans for the detection of SARS-CoV-2. The strategy is then tested through a case study conducted in two kindergartens in the metropolitan city of Milan, in Italy, involving a total of 290 children and 47 teachers from 19 classrooms. The results proved its completeness, effectiveness, and suitability as a key tool in the airborne SARS-CoV-2 infection risk management process. Future research directions are then identified and discussed.

Polymer-grafted QCM chemical sensor and application to heavy metalions real time detection.

A flow type quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) chemical sensor was developed for monitoring of heavy metal ions in aqueous solutions (that is suitable for environmental monitoring). The sensor is based upon surface chelation of the metal ions at multifunctional polymer modified gold electrodes on 9 MHz AT-cut quartz resonators, functioning as a QCM. New processes have been developed which enable to obtain surface-modified gold electrodes with high heavy metal ions complexing ability. These polymer grafted QCM sensors can selectively adsorb heavy metal ions, such as copper lead chrome and cadmium, from solution over a wide range from 0.01 to 1000 ppm concentration by complexation with functional groups in the polymers. Cations typically present in natural water did not interfere with the detection of heavy metals. X-Ray Reflectivity (XRR) and Total Reflection X-ray Fluorescence (TXRF) were carried out to characterise the unmodified and modified gold surfaces as well as to verify the possibility to selectively bond and remove metal ions.

Food Waste-Assisted Metal Extraction from Printed Circuit Boards: The Aspergillus niger Route.

A low-energy paradigm was adopted for sustainable, affordable, and effective urban waste valorization. Here a new, eco-designed, solid-state fermentation process is presented to obtain some useful bio-products by recycling of different wastes. Urban food waste and scraps from trimmings were used as a substrate for the production of citric acid (CA) by solid state fermentation of Aspergillus niger NRRL 334, with a yield of 20.50 mg of CA per gram of substrate. The acid solution was used to extract metals from waste printed circuit boards (WPCBs), one of the most common electronic waste. The leaching activity of the biological solution is comparable to a commercial CA one. Sn and Fe were the most leached metals (404.09 and 67.99 mg/L, respectively), followed by Ni and Zn (4.55 and 1.92 mg/L) without any pre-treatments as usually performed. Commercial CA extracted Fe more efficiently than the organic one (123.46 vs. 67.99 mg/L); vice versa, biological organic CA recovered Ni better than commercial CA (4.55 vs. 1.54 mg/L). This is the first approach that allows the extraction of metals from WPCBs through CA produced by A. niger directly grown on waste material without any sugar supplement. This "green" process could be an alternative for the recovery of valuable metals such as Fe, Pb, and Ni from electronic waste.

Simultaneous amorphous silica and phosphorus recovery from rice husk poultry litter ash.

The livestock sector is one of the most important sectors of the agricultural economy due to an increase in the demand for animal protein. This increase generates serious waste disposal concerns and has negative environmental consequences. Furthermore, the food production chain needs phosphorus (P), which is listed as a critical raw material due to its high demand and limited availability in Europe. Manure contains large amounts of P and other elements that may be recycled, in the frame of circular economy and "zero waste" principles, and reused as a by-product for fertilizer production and other applications. This paper focuses on the extraction and recovery of amorphous silica from rice husk poultry litter ash. Two different extraction procedures are proposed and compared, and the obtained silica is characterized. This work shows that amorphous silica can be recovered as an almost pure material rendering the residual ash free of P. It also addresses the possibility of more specific phosphorous extraction procedures via acid leaching.

Poultry litter ash characterisation and recovery.

This paper reports a complete characterisation of poultry litter ash and its potential use as a heavy metal stabiliser. We propose a novel approach, in which the ashes deriving from municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) are combined with poultry litter ash, rather than with coal combustion flue gas desulfurisation (FGD) residues. Heavy metals stabilisation was demonstrated by comparing the elemental concentrations in the leaching solutions of the starting raw and stabilised materials: leachable Pb and Zn showed a reduced solubility. The characterisation was conducted by total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), micro-Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM-EDX). The results showed that the poultry litter ash was Ca-, P-, K- and S-rich (>29 g/kg). It contained amorphous materials (i.e. fly ash economiser (FAECO) 73% and fly ash cyclone (FACYC) 61%) and soluble phases (e.g. arkanite and sylvite; up to 13% FAECO and 28% FACYC), as well as resilient crystalline (up to 2% of FAECO and FACYC) and amorphous phases (e.g. hydroxyapatite). After two months, the Pb and Zn concentrations in the leachate solutions were below the limit set by the European regulations for waste disposal (<0.2 mg/L and 1.5 mg/L, respectively). We propose a mechanism for the heavy metals stabilisation based on the carbonation process and high amounts of P, Ca and reactive amorphous phases. In conclusion, it is demonstrated that poultry litter ash can be an effective secondary source of heavy metals, allowing their immobilisation through P- and Ca-based reactive amorphous phases.

Miniaturized Near-Infrared (MicroNIR) Spectrometer in Plastic Waste Sorting.

Valorisation of the urban plastic waste in high-quality recyclates is an imperative challenge in the new paradigm of the circular economy. In this scenario, a key role in the improvement of the recycling process is exerted by the optimization of waste sorting. In spite of the enormous developments achieved in the field of automated sorting systems, the quest for the reduction of cross-contamination of incompatible polymers as well as a rapid and punctual sorting of the unmatched polymers has not been sufficiently developed. In this paper, we demonstrate that a miniaturized handheld near-infrared (NIR) spectrometer can be used to successfully fingerprint and classify different plastic polymers. The investigated urban plastic waste comprised polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), and poly(styrene) (PS), collected directly in a recycling plastic waste plant, without any kind of sample washing or treatment. The application of unsupervised and supervised chemometric tools such as principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) on the NIR dataset resulted in a complete classification of the polymer classes. In addition, several kinds of PET (clear, blue, coloured, opaque, and boxes) were correctly classified as PET class, and PE samples with different branching degrees were properly separated.

Assessing the contributions of metals in environmental media to exposure biomarkers in a region of ferroalloy industry.

Residential proximity to ferroalloy production has been associated with increased manganese exposure, which can adversely affect health, particularly among children. Little is known, however, about which environmental samples contribute most to internal levels of manganese and other ferroalloy metals. We aimed to characterize sources of exposure to metals and evaluate the ability of internal biomarkers to reflect exposures from environmental media. In 717 Italian adolescents residing near ferromanganese industry, we examined associations between manganese, lead, chromium, and copper in environmental samples (airborne particles, surface soil, indoor/outdoor house dust) and biological samples (blood, hair, nails, saliva, urine). In multivariable regression analyses adjusted for child age and sex, a 10% increase in soil Mn was associated with increases of 3.0% (95% CI: 1.1%, 4.9%) in nail Mn and 1.6% (95% CI: -0.2%, 3.4%) in saliva Mn. Weighted-quantile-sum (WQS) regression estimated that higher soil and outdoor dust Mn accounted for most of the effect on nail Mn (WQS weights: 0.61 and 0.22, respectively, out of a total of 1.0). Higher air and soil Mn accounted for most of the effect on saliva Mn (WQS weights: 0.65 and 0.29, respectively). These findings can help inform biomarker selection in future epidemiologic studies and guide intervention strategies in exposed populations.