Hyperspectral imaging applied to end-of-life (EOL) concrete recycling

The recovery of materials from DW is an important target of the recycling industry and it is important to know which materials are presents in order to set up efficient sorting and/or quality control actions. The implementation of an automatic recognition system of recovered products from End-Of-Life (EOL) concrete materials can be an useful way to maximize DW conversion into secondary raw materials. In this paper a new approach, based on HyperSpectral Imaging (HSI) sensors, is investigated in order to develop suitable and low cost strategies finalized to the preliminary detection and characterization of materials constituting Demolition Waste (DW) flow stream. The described HSI quality control approach is based on the utilization of a device working in the near infrared range (1000-1700 nm). Acquired hyperspectral images were analyzed. Different chemometric methods were applied. Results showed that it is possible to recognize DW materials and to distinguish the recycled aggregates from the investigated contaminants (brick, gypsum, plastic, wood and foam)

HyperSpectral Imaging based approach for monitoring of micro-plastics from marine environment

The possibility to develop a sensor based procedure in order to monitor plastic presence in the marine environment was explored in this work. More in detail, this study was addressed to detect and to recognize different types of microplastics coming from sampling in different sea areas adopting a new approach, based on HyperSpectral Imaging (HSI) sensors. Moreover, a morphological and morphometrical particle characterization was carried by digital image processing. Morphological and morphometrical parameters, combined with hyperspectral imaging information, give a full characterization of each investigated particle, concurring to explain all the transportation, alteration and degradation phenomena suffered by each different polymer particle. Obtained results can represent an important starting point to develop, implement and set up monitor strategies to characterize marine microplastics. Moreover, the procedure developed in this work is fast, not expensive and reliable, making its utilization very profitable

hyperspectral imaging applied to demolition waste recycling innovative approach for product quality control

Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) based sensing devices were utilized to develop nondestructive, rapid, and low cost analytical strategies finalized to detect and characterize materials constituting demolition waste. In detail, HSI was applied for quality control of high-grade recycled aggregates obtained from end-of-life concrete. The described HSI quality control approach is based on the utilization of a platform working in the near-infrared range (1000–1700 nm). The acquired hyperspectral images were analyzed by applying different chemometric methods: principal component analysis for data exploration and partial least-square-discriminant analysis to build classification models. Results showed that it is possible to recognize the recycled aggregates from different contaminants (e.g., brick, gypsum, plastic, wood, foam, and so on), allowing the quality control of the recycled flow stream

Assessment of Alexithymia : Pychometric Properties of the Psychological Treatment Inventory-Alexithymia Scale (PTI-AS)

The aim of this study is to investigate the psychometric properties of a new measure of alexithymia, the Psychological Treatment Inventory-Alexithymia Scale (PTI-AS)

Hyperspectral imaging applied to WEEE plastic recycling. A methodological approach

In this study, the possibility of applying the hyperspectral imaging (HSI) technique in the Short-Wave InfraRed (SWIR) spectral range to characterize polymeric parts coming from Waste from Electric and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) is explored. Different case studies are presented referring to the identification of (i) plastic flakes inside a mixed waste stream coming from a recycling plant of monitors and flat screens, (ii) different polymers inside a mixed plastic waste stream coming from End-Of-Life (EOL) electronic device housings and trims, (iii) contaminants (i.e., metals) in a mix of shredded plastic particles coming from a recycling line of electrical cables, and (iv) brominated plastics in mixed streams constituted by small appliances (i.e., cathode-ray tube televisions and monitors). The application of chemometric techniques to hyperspectral data demonstrated the potentiality of this approach for systematic utilization for material characterization, quality control and sorting purposes. The experimental findings highlight the feasibility of employing this method due to its user-friendly nature and quick detection response. To increase and optimize WEEE valorization avoiding disposal in landfills or incineration, recycling-oriented characterization and/or quality control of the processed products are fundamental to identify and quantify substances to be recovered

Darolutamide in hormone-sensitive and castration-resistant prostate cancer

Introduction: Important changes in the treatment of prostate cancer have taken place in recent years. Non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC) has been clinically delineated. In this setting, three drugs have been approved in high-risk disease: apalutamide, enzalutamide and darolutamide.Areas covered:This manuscript aims to profile darolutamide, its clinical development, pharmacologic properties, efficacy and safety. We presented the results of published clinical studies, but we also investigated ongoing ones.Expert opinion: An indirect comparison with the other two aforementioned drugs emerged. While the clinical efficacy is comparable, the toxicity profile is different for darolutamide, resulting in greater tolerance. We must wait for the results of the trials that study darolutamide in hormone-sensitive disease, both in the metastatic phase and in the localized phase. Clinical experience will also be important to determine ever more personalized treatments for patients.</p

Massive hepatic angiomyolipoma in a young woman with tuberous sclerosis complex: Significant clinical improvement during tamoxifen treatment

Background/AimsIsolated liver angiomyolipomas (AMLs) occur in about 40% of TSC patients. Because of their slow growth, these tumors are often asymptomatic. Since AMLs express estrogen and progesteron receptors we suggest the possible benefits of tamoxifen for the treatment of liver AMLs.MethodsWe report the case of a 26-year-old female affected by tuberous sclerosis (TSC2) with cerebral, renal and hepatic involvement admitted to the Liver Unit for severe malnutrition, anorexia and abdominal pain. MRI showed a grossly enlarged liver, causing severe gastric compression. The liver was entirely filled with multiple nodular lesions of different sizes. Liver biopsy showed tumoral tissue with microscopic and ultrastructural features of angiomyolipoma. All liver function tests were repeatedly normal. Prior to considering the patient for partial hepatectomy, she was administered tamoxifen (20mg b.i.d).ResultsAfter 6 months of tamoxifen treatment a greatly improved quality of life and a significant weight gain were observed. After 12 months the clinical conditions further improved and the MRI showed a significant reduction of the largest lesion with a liquid central area and a diminished compression of the stomach.ConclusionsThis is to our knowledge the first report in which tamoxifen has been successfully used in a TSC patient with multiple liver angiomyolipomas

Oral drug therapy in elderly with dysphagia: between a rock and a hard place!

Demographic indicators forecast that by 2050, the elderly will account for about one-third of the global population. Geriatric patients require a large number of medicines, and in most cases, these products are administered as solid oral solid dosage forms, as they are by far the most common formulations on the market. However, this population tends to suffer difficulties with swallowing. Caregivers in hospital geriatric units routinely compound in solid oral dosage forms for dysphagic patients by crushing the tablets or opening the capsules to facilitate administration. The manipulation of a tablet or a capsule, if not clearly indicated in the product labeling, is an off-label use of the medicine, and must be supported by documented scientific evidence and requires the patient's informed consent. Compounding of marketed products has been recognized as being responsible for an increased number of adverse events and medical errors. Since extemporaneous compounding is the rule and not the exception in geriatrics departments, the seriousness and scope of issues caused by this daily practice are probably underestimated. In this article, the potential problems associated with the manipulation of authorized solid oral dosage forms are discussed

Impact of remnant vital tissue after locoregional treatment and liver transplant in hepatocellular cancer patients. A multicentre cohort study

The role of pathological findings after locoregional treatments as predictors of hepatocellular cancer recurrence after liver transplantation has been poorly addressed. The aim of the study was to identify the role of remnant vital tissue (RVT) of the target lesion in predicting hepatocellular cancer recurrence. Two hundred and seventy-six patients firstly undergoing locoregional treatment and then transplanted between January 2010 and December 2015 in four European Transplant Centres (i.e. Rome Tor Vergata, Birmingham, Brussels and Ancona) were enrolled in the study to investigate the role of pathological response at upfront locoregional treatment. At multivariable Cox regression analysis, RVT ≥2 cm was a strong independent risk factor for post-LT recurrence (HR = 5.6; P < 0.0001). Five-year disease-free survival rates were 60.8%, 80.9% and 95.0% in patients presenting a RVT ≥2 cm vs. 0.1-1.9 vs. no RVT, respectively. When only Milan Criteria-IN patients were analysed, similar results were reported, with 5-year disease-free survival rates of 58.1%, 79.0% and 94.0% in patients presenting a RVT ≥2 cm vs. 0.1-1.9 vs. no RVT, respectively. RVT is an important determinant of tumour recurrence after liver transplantation performed for hepatocellular cancer. Its discriminative power looks to be evident also in a Milan-IN setting, suggesting to more liberally use locoregional treatments also in these patients

AurkA inhibitors enhance the effects of B-RAF and MEK inhibitors in melanoma treatment

Background: Aurora kinase A (AurkA) is over-expressed in melanoma and its inhibition has been observed to limit tumor growth, suggesting a potential role in melanoma treatment. Methods: A human melanoma cell line with the B-RAF (V600E) mutation (A375mel) was exposed to B-RAF inhibitor (GSK2118436), MEK inhibitor (GSK1120212) and AurkA inhibitor (MLN8054) as single agents or in various combinations (BRAF plus AurkA inhibitor, MEK plus AurkA inhibitor or triple combination BRAF plus MEK plus AurkA inhibitor). Cell proliferation was assessed using xCELLigence technology. Total protein extracts were examined for p53 and c-Myc protein expression by Western blot analysis. Drug anti-tumor effects were further assessed using a 3D-human melanoma skin reconstruction model, in which tissues were incubated with serum-free medium containing control, B-RAF plus MEK inhibitor, MEK plus AurkA inhibitor or the triple combination. Results: AurkA inhibitor plus B-RAF inhibitor, AurkA inhibitor plus MEK inhibitor or triple combination had a markedly greater anti-proliferative effect on A375 (BRAFV600E) melanoma cells than single agents. In the 3D human skin model, the triple combination had a greater anti-tumor effect at the epidermal/dermal junction than control or either double combination. However, S-100 and Ki-67 positively stained spindle-shaped cells were detected in the dermal stratum, suggesting the presence of alive and proliferating melanoma cells. Conclusions: These findings provide new prospects for melanoma research, including combined B-RAF/AurkA inhibition for B-RAF mutated melanomas and MEK/AurkA inhibitor combination for patients without B-RAF mutations. Moreover, for the first time, we have shown that a B-RAF, MEK and AurkA inhibitor triple drug combination offers increased efficacy against melanoma cell growth and might be considered as a potential treatment strategy for enhancing clinical response in melanoma. However, although this triple drug combination was more effective at the epidermal/dermal junction, the suggested presence of alive and proliferating melanoma cells in the dermal stratum could result in drug resistance and disease recurrence. Molecular characterization of these dermal cells may be critical for the development of novel therapeutic strategies