Search

The Cleanker (CLEAN clinKER production by Calcium Looping process) project, financed in the framework of Horizon 2020 EU funding program, has demonstrated the feasibility of the integrated CaL concept at industrial scale in a new demo system realised in the Buzzi Unicem cement plant in Vernasca (IT). The Calcium Looping (CaL) CO2 capture process exploits the reversible reaction of limestone calcination/carbonation (CaCO3 ↔ CaO + CO2). The Cleanker pilot plant consists of the coupling of a carbonator and an oxyfuel calciner. When the flue gases from kiln (containing CO2) flow through the carbonator together with calcined meal, which acts as a CO2 sorbent, carbonation takes place and CO2 is fixed in calcium carbonate. CaO is then regenerated in the calciner, where the opposite reaction takes place, and the captured CO2 is released. When the lime/limestone looping is carried out through a carbonator and a calciner operated in oxyfuel, a concentrated CO2 stream is obtained that can be efficiently addressed towards CCS or CCUS processes. In the Cleanker Project, the possibility to use raw meal for clinker production has been exploited and the meals sampled at the outlet of the oxyfuel calciner have been characterised and used for producing clinker at a lab scale. Calcium looped (CaL) meals collected at different sampling point during the operation of the CaL plant were characterised by means of X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction and particle size distribution. Electron scanning microscopy revealed significant differences in the surface of particles of the looped meals with respect to the original one, resulting from the loading and unloading of CO2 during the looping cycles. The meals were burnt in a laboratory furnace and the obtained clinkers have been characterised on a chemical, mineralogical and microscopical point of view, revealing the good burnability of all the meals and attesting the possibility to reintegrate the materials in the clinker production process. A lower alite/belite ratio in the clinker produced from the looped meals was observed: actually, the depletion of calcium during the recirculation of the meal in the calciner/carbonator system led to a reduction of the lime saturation factor influencing the mineralogical composition of the product. LAY DESCRIPTION: The reduction of CO2 emission associated to cement production is a challenge of last decades, and it can be reached only combining the use of alternative materials (natural or recycled) with new innovative technologies. Within the Cleanker (CLEAN clinKER production by Calcium Looping process) project, a European project financed in the framework of Horizon 2020 EU funding program, a system called 'calcium looping process' was successfully integrated in the cement production technology. Calcium looping consists of using calcium oxide to adsorb diluted CO2 and release it in a more concentrate gas flow that can be subsequently captured and reused or stored. The great innovation in the Cleanker Project was to combine the calcium looping technology with the ordinary production of clinker. Moreover, the raw meal commonly used for clinker production was used as adsorber instead of calcium oxide, in such a way that all the materials involved in the looping were already originally part of the clinker production process. A pilot plant was realised in Italy, demonstrating the feasibility of the project. Few meals were collected during the trials of the plant and the paper presents the result of a study conducted in order to verify the possibility of using such meals for the production of ordinary Portland clinker. The results were encouraging: all the meals revealed very good burnability and the differences in the mineralogical composition of the clinkers could be ascribed to the composition of the meals, more than to the technological process they underwent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green binders, eco-friendly cementitious materials, low embedded carbon dioxide cements: different names for products aimed at reducing the environmental impact of cement production. Calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) cements offer a valid alternative to ordinary Portland cement (OPC) since they couple the advantages of a lower environmental impact during production with high early-age performance and dimensional stability. Their use is now increasing due to the development of dedicated standard processes. The combination of CSA cement with OPC has been widely investigated and a few products have been developed and are already available on the market. Supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) are widely used to improve the durability performance and lower the clinker content. High levels of substitution have allowed for improvements of performance indicators in terms of carbon dioxide emissions, but mechanical strengths at early ages can be affected. The combination of sulfoaluminate cement, OPC and SCMs opens the route towards innovative composite binders that offer good mechanical performance and significant reductions in carbon dioxide emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper addresses the carbonation of CSA based binders from the mechanical, chemical and mineralogical point of view. Three different binders have been investigated, revealing that many hydrated phases can protect ettringite against carbonation. In particular, the presence of AFm phases gives a significant contribution to buffer the pH in alkaline range and to preserve the protective film of steel reinforcement bars. In a carbonated environment AFm phases act as ionic exchangers: carbonate ions replace sulfates in the interlayer and in these conditions the released sulfate ions contribute to the formation of new ettringite, with a beneficial effect on compressive strength performances. Experimental data are compared with models and carbonation mechanisms are described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Belite cements (BCs) could have advantages over Portland cements concerning durability, low heat development and the use of less demanding raw materials. The activation of BCs by sulfur addition at the clinkering stage and by fast cooling is well established. However, the reaction rates of the calcium silicate phases, mainly belite, are still not fully understood. This is partly due to the interplay between factors including: i) belite activation during clinkering; ii) role of the calcium aluminates at early hydration ages; and iii) role of the sulfates. In the research reported here, three belite clinkers were prepared with constant values of lime saturation factor, and SO 3 , Fe 2 O 3 and CaF 2 contents. The varied parameter was the amount of Al 2 O 3. The resulting clinkers have overall crystalline reactive calcium aluminate contents of 0.4, 7.9 and 16.7 wt%, respectively. Cements were prepared with similar particle sizes and constant anhydrite content. Here, it is shown that calcium silicate reactivities, both alite and belite, strongly depend upon the calcium aluminate contents. As these amounts increase, the degree of hydration of alite at 1 day decreases: 85, 65 and 50 %. Furthermore, the degree of hydration of belite at 7 days was 50, 35 and 0 %. Thus, there is a strong influence of aluminates in calcium silicate rates of hydration. Moreover, comparing the mechanical properties of the cements with 0.6 and 8.2 wt% amounts of calcium aluminates, the improvements due to the higher reactivity of calcium aluminates at very early ages, seem to be counterbalanced by the lower reactivity of the silicate phases. The reported findings may allow further optimization of early age reactivity of active BCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Thermoporometry was applied to the investigation of the microstructural evolution of cementing systems. A pure calcium sulfoaluminate cement – CSA – and one mixed CSA–Portland system, together with a reference Portland cement were considered. Specimen preparation was carefully optimized in order to minimize any structural damage and the repeatability of results was checked through the utilization of inorganic standard. Nitrogen adsorption/desorption was used for comparison. A wide set of information could be acquired regarding the microstructure of the investigated materials: a) both the CSA and the mixed CSA–Portland system mainly revealed ink-bottle pores; b) a much more rapid development of hydrated structures was observed for all CSA cements than for the Portland cement; c) melting and freezing curves allow to gain information about the pore size distribution and the presence of pore entries of preferential size, about tortuosity and connectivity of the cement microstructure, and about the existence of isolated pores. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) cement is a sulfate-based binder whose high-performance hydraulic behavior depends on the rapid formation of ettringite, when grinded clinker is hydrated in presence of gypsum. Ettringite is a calcium aluminum sulfate mineral characterized by high water content, estimated as 32 water molecules per formula unit. Three examples of utilization of near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy are here shown. First of all, information on water distribution in pure ettringite was deduced and compared with infrared analyses. Then its thermal behavior has been followed up to 400 °C, allowing to improve the knowledge about water loss and thermal decomposition of this hydrated phase. Finally, the obtained results have been employed in order to follow hydration of CSA cement sample, demonstrating thus that NIR spectroscopy, being highly sensitive to water amount and distribution, can be an extremely useful tool for hydration studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcium sulphoaluminate (CSA) cement is considered the third series cement besides ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and calcium aluminate (CA) cement. It is produced from gypsum, bauxite and limestone at 1,300 °C and consists of yeelimite, belite and anhydrite as main mineral phases. In the last years, many attempts have been made in applying Raman spectroscopy for the characterization of cement, clinker minerals and supplementary cementing materials (SCMs), revealing that this technique is a valuable tool for the identification of different phases in cements. In this work micro-Raman spectroscopy has been used, together with X-ray diffraction, for the characterization of CSA cement and its main minerals. In order to identify which mineral phase is responsible for the different bands, Raman spectra have been acquired from synthesized yeelimite and belite phases (whose purity degree was checked by X-ray diffraction) and from calcium sulphate di-hydrate and anhydrous (gypsum and anhydrite, respectively). On these bases, Raman spectra collected on CSA clinker and cement have been successfully assigned. Moreover, Raman spectroscopy, together with X-ray diffraction, proved useful to follow the hydration process of CSA cement up to 28 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CO 2 regulation and raw material availability will strongly influence the future cement market and a wider use of composite cements containing limestone and pozzolan or slag is expected. In the present paper, the possibility to combine Portland cements (PCs) with reduced clinker factor with sulfoaluminate cement (CSA), is explored. Low Portland clinker cements are prepared in laboratory using different supplementary cementitious materials (limestone, slag, pozzolan and fly ash) and mixed with a sulfoaluminate cement: the hydration behavior of the resulting binders is investigated up to 90 days through a multi-technique approach involving X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Understanding the interaction mechanisms between SCMs and CSA/PC blends will support the development of innovative high performing binders based on CEM III or CEM V, or even on new standardized CEM II. Results highlight that slag is particularly suitable promoting late strength development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The anhydrite/CSA clinker ratio is an important parameter in CSA-OPC blends. • The use of seawater causes changes in the hydrated phase assemblage. • AFm phases play a key role in CSA-OPC blends. • Seawater can be used if the blends are formulated with a deficiency of sulfates. Calcium SulfoAluminate (CSA) cement has received increasing interest in recent years, mainly for its environmental aspects. However, few drawbacks such as its higher cost, compared to Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), or the high carbonation rate, limits its application in reinforced concrete even when high early strengths are required. A technological solution could be combining CSA cement with non-corrosive reinforcements, widely used for structure exposed to marine environments. In order to evaluate the feasibility of this innovative solution even in high chlorides environments, blends of CSA clinker and limestone Portland cement were investigated in combination with seawater and varying the constituent proportions. The results show that sulfates play a key role in the equilibria between AFt/AFm influencing the Friedel's salt formation, thus the ability to bind chlorides. An optimal blend composition, able to improve the durability of concrete in marine environment, is suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diverse AFm phases are commonly found during the hydration of calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA), Portland (OPC), and calcium aluminate (CAC) cements. Due to the flexibility in their layered double hydroxide (LDH) structure, they are observed in variable single or multi-anion bearing forms, water contents and transient states. When multiple sulfate and carbonate anion sources, in variable compositions, are available during the hydration of cements, the identity, quantity, and stability of the formed AFm phases vary considerably. They may also precipitate as microcrystalline and/or amorphous phases, rendering their detection by X-ray powder diffraction (PXRD) difficult. In this study the AFm phases have been generated through the hydration of tricalcium aluminate (C 3 A) in the presence of sulfate (anhydrite) and carbonate ions (limestone) in various compositions. A multi-technique approach involving solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (ssNMR), thermogravimetric analysis/differential scanning calorimetry (TGA/DSC) and PXRD has been employed to govern the sequence of hydration reactions, the evolution, structure, and the stability of AFm phases at 1 and 28 days of C 3 A hydration. The results show that the identity and quantity of AFm phases formed vary considerably according to the nature of the anion sources available during the hydration. Hydration products such as crystalline C 3 AH 6 , ettringite and amorphous as well as crystalline/microcrystalline monoanionic AFm phases (monosulfate, monocarbonate, hydroxy-AFm) and bi-anionic phases (hemicarbonate and solid-solutions involving more anions) have been identified and quantified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Chromatographic separation of alkaloids from stem bark of Geissospermum vellosii. • Alkaloids characterization by UV–Vis DAD and HR Multistage MS. • Molecular structures of ten substances never previously been described. A number of analytical studies, started in the sixties of the last century, concerning the stem bark of Geissospermum vellosii, have documented the presence of a number of indole alkaloids whose molecular identity was defined by NMR technique. The potential bioactivity of these compounds has inspired more recent analogous studies either devoted to structural elucidation of new alkaloid molecules or to the investigation of the role of some of them in cancer therapy. Anyway, a complete fingerprinting of the bark content is still lacking. In this paper, after a suitable extraction step, we obtain a chromatographic separation showing a number of components higher than the number of alkaloids so far described. Considering the great number of substances present in the stem bark, their identification is practically impossible to reveal by NMR techniques. As we presume that there are other stem bark unidentified alkaloids with important bioactivity, we propose to characterize their molecular structures by UV–Vis Diode Array spectrophotometry and High-Resolution Multistage Mass Spectrometry. The two adopted detection techniques were first tested on the already known Geissospermum vellosii molecules, and, after an inspection of their efficacy, were applied to the substances that have not yet been described. Herewith we propose the molecular structures of 10 substances that were never previously described, and in addition we provide experimental evidence of the presence of 6 already known substances which were never reported in the Geissospermum genus. A far more detailed description of the bark constituents is therefore provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The acceleration of very early age cement hydration by C-S-H seeding is getting attention from scholars and field applications because the enhanced early age features do not compromise later age performances. This acceleration could be beneficial for several low-CO2 cements as a general drawback is usually the low very early age mechanical strengths. However, the mechanistic understanding of this acceleration in commercial cements is not complete. Reported here is a contribution to this understanding from the study of the effects of C-S-H gel seeding in one Portland cement and two belite cements at two widely studied water–cement ratios, 0.50 and 0.40. Two commercially available C-S-H nano-seed-based admixtures, i.e., Master X-Seed 130 and Master X-Seed STE-53, were investigated. A multi-technique approach was adopted by employing calorimetry, thermal analysis, powder diffraction (data analysed by the Rietveld method), mercury intrusion porosimetry, and mechanical strength determination. For instance, the compressive strength at 1 day for the PC (w/c = 0.50) sample increased from 15 MPa for the unseeded mortar to 24 and 22 MPs for the mortars seeded with the XS130 and STE53, respectively. The evolution of the amorphous contents was determined by adding an internal standard before recording the powder patterns. In summary, alite and belite phase hydrations, from the crystalline phase content evolutions, are not significantly accelerated by C-S-H seedings at the studied ages of 1 and 28 d for these cements. Conversely, the hydration rates of tetracalcium alumino-ferrate and tricalcium aluminate were significantly enhanced. It is noted that the degrees of reaction of C4AF for the PC paste (w/c = 0.40) were 10, 30, and 40% at 1, 7, and 28 days. After C-S-H seeding, the values increased to 20, 45, and 60%, respectively. This resulted in larger ettringite contents at very early ages but not at 28 days. At 28 days of hydration, larger amounts of carbonate-containing AFm-type phases were determined. Finally, and importantly, the admixtures yielded larger amounts of amorphous components in the pastes at later hydration ages. This is justified, in part, by the higher content of amorphous iron siliceous hydrogarnet from the enhanced C4AF reactivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study presents an investigation on the durability performance of concretes produced with an industrial scale high belite cement. This binder, thanks to the high amount of C-S-H gel and the lower C3S/C2S ratio, is characterized by high durability properties. Good resistance to freeze/thaw cycles, very low chloride migration and excellent resistance to sulfate attack were demonstrated. The accelerated carbonation test revealed that the belite cement, due to the high C2S phase amount, is able to increase its strength over time when exposed to high CO2 concentration. Durability and strength results were compared with those of CEM I, CEM II, and CEM III. In addition, a comparison of the performance of a self-compacting concrete produced with high belite cement and CEM I (as reference) is also presented. The results show that the self-compacting concrete with the high belite cement is able to reach sufficient strengths already after 1 day of hydration, with a low heat development and improved durability properties, compared to CEM I. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The feasibility of electrokinetic remediation of copper-contaminated soil was evaluated following eight days of electroreclamation. The results indicate that electrokinetic reclamation of Cu is totally ineffective in soil composed primarily of clay minerals and organic matter. The strong absorption of copper by this kind of soil, in our view mainly a result of retention by the clay component, makes it resistant to mobilization by the electrogenerated acidic front as well as by citrates (the competitors of natural chelating agents, i.e., humates). Such conditions, while adverse for the electroremediation process, may cause this kind of soil to act as a natural barrier to the leaching of copper ions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The field of Cannabis sativa L. research for medical purposes has been rapidly advancing in recent decades and a growing body of evidence suggests that phytocannabinoids are beneficial for a range of conditions. At the same time impressing development has been observed for formulations and delivery systems expanding the potential use of cannabinoids as an effective medical therapy. The objective of this review is to present the most recent results from pharmaceutical companies and research groups investigating methods to improve cannabinoid bioavailability and to clearly establish its therapeutic efficacy, dose ranges, safety and also improve the patient compliance. Particular focus is the application of cannabinoids in pain treatment, describing the principal cannabinoids employed, the most promising delivery systems for each administration routes and updating the clinical evaluations. To offer the reader a wider view, this review discusses the formulation starting from galenic preparation up to nanotechnology approaches, showing advantages, limits, requirements needed. Furthermore, the most recent clinical data and meta-analysis for cannabinoids used in different pain management are summarized, evaluating their real effectiveness, in order also to spare opioids and improve patients' quality of life. Promising evidence for pain treatments and for other important pathologies are also reviewed as likely future directions for cannabinoids formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The overproduction of free radicals can cause oxidative-stress damage to a range of biomolecules, and thus potentially contribute to several pathologies, from neurodegenerative disorders to cardiovascular diseases and metabolic disorders. Endogenous antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), play an important role in diminishing oxidative stress. SOD supplementation could therefore be an effective preventive strategy to reduce the risk of free-radical overproduction. However, the efficacy of SOD administration is hampered by its rapid clearance. Several different approaches to improve the bioavailability of SOD have been explored in recent decades. This review intends to describe the rationale that underlie the various approaches and chemical strategies that have led to the most recent advances in SOD delivery. This critical description includes SOD conjugates, SOD loaded into particulate carriers (micelles, liposomes, nanoparticles, microparticles) and the most promising and suitable formulations for oral delivery, with a particular emphasis on reports of preclinical/clinical results. Likely future directions are also considered and reported. • Role of oxidative stress in causing a range of disorders • Therapeutic potential of the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase • Detailed description of different approaches to improve the therapeutic potency of superoxide dismutase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim was to determine the absence of gluten in pet food samples marked as 'grain-free' and 'gluten-free' diets, to assess the reliability of manufacturer labelling of such products. A total of 15 diets labelled as grain- or gluten-free and 2 commercial diets containing wheat were sampled. An analytical procedure using high-pressure liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry with high power of resolution was developed and applied to determine specific markers of wheat gluten. The results are expressed as mg of wheat flour type '00' present in 1 g of feed. The quantification limit (LOQ) obtained in the flour for ion m/z 894.5043, z = 2, is 4 mg of flour per gram. In 14 out of the 15 samples from a grain- or gluten-free diet the quantifier ion signal was < LOQ, while in 1 out of the 15 samples 10 mg of flour/g feed were measured. Adverse reaction to gluten in dogs have been documented in certain breeds Gluten is tricky to detect and measure in pet food Contamination of gluten in pet food samples marked as 'grain-free' and 'gluten-free' diets An analytical procedure was developed using HPLC coupled with HRMS [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • EI mass spectra for structural characterization of dialkyl ketones. • Validation protocol for dialkyl ketones quantitative determination by GC–MS and LC-HRMS. • Comparison of DAK detection performance of GC–MS and LC-HRMS techniques. Abstract A new class of foreign substances present in the unsaponifiable fraction of vegetable oils undergone to chemical interesterification was systematically investigated. Their chemical structure, corresponding to dialkyl ketones (DAK) molecules, was elucidated both by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS), and liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). An analytical protocol aimed to qualitative and quantitative detection of DAK molecules in vegetable oils of confectionery industry interest was developed. Being the range of concentration levels to be evaluated dependent on the technological task of interesterification process, the quantitation step was thoroughly examined. All the validation parameters were satisfactory and particularly the concentration determinations were made more reliable by the contemporary use of several quantitation standards. GC–MS and LC-HRMS analytical techniques exhibited comparable performances even if the second one shown better detection sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exhibition in museums of archaeological and historical textiles must keep into consideration the possible photo-degradation of the dyes. In the last decade, light emitting diodes (LEDs) have been extensively replacing other light sources; nevertheless, a few studies on the influence of LEDs on degradation of natural dyes are available. In this work, the colour fading of silk samples dyed with several natural dyes (containing flavonoids and anthraquinones) and exposed to three different white LEDs is considered. The fading at the end of the exposure experiment was evaluated by measuring the variations induced by the LEDs on the colour coordinates of the samples and by investigating the variation of the concentration of the dyes by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with photo-diode array and mass spectrometric detectors. The information obtained gives an in-depth picture of the fading by considering the actual damage potential of LEDs on natural dyes, which is relevant for selecting the most suitable lamps for display cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, raw materials, sturgeon and brill roe, were analyzed and compared as regard their use in cosmetic products. Recently, expensive caviar was largely used in beauty creams as lipids source. We compared lipids from caviar and brill eggs to propose a technological alternative. The fatty acids amount was determined with a new GC-MS method. The triacylglycerols were identified and characterized by HPLC coupled with high resolution MS (HRMS). Both techniques showed a higher content of fatty acids and triacylglycerols in caviar respect to brill eggs. Some fatty acids, such as linoleic and linolenic acids, which are recognized to enhance skin metabolism, are absent, or show very low concentration, in brill eggs respect to sturgeon ones. It was possible to conclude that brill eggs are not a proper substitute of caviar in the formulation of cosmetic. Practical application: The developed analytical techniques provided a satisfactory analytical characterization of the raw materials. Although the sample preparation for GC-MS analysis is quite time consuming due to the derivatization of fatty acids, the one for triacylglycerols analyzed by HPLC-HRMS is very fast, and involves the use of a small amount of organic solvent. Fatty acids and triacylglycerols were identified and characterized. Comparison between Acipenser trasmontanus (caviar) and Scophthalmus rhombus eggs as active ingredient in beauty cream. A fatty acid quantitation and triacylglycerols quantitation, and characterization methods are showed. GC-MS and HPLC-HRMS are satisfactory tool to provide a full description of the studied raw materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Portland-based Limestone Calcined Clay Cements, LC3, are receiving considerable attention because the CO 2 footprint can be reduced up to 40 %. Here, we report a related family: Belite-rich-LC3. These blends are expected to have very good durability performances. Selected properties for two members are reported including calorimetric data and mechanical strength developments. The phase evolutions are studied by Rietveld analysis backed by the thermal behaviour. Their microstructures are studied by mercury intrusion porosimetry. The hydration rates of these blends have been boosted by C-S-H seeding which led to an increase of mechanical strengths. At 28 days, seeded mortars with cement replacement degrees of 30 and 45 wt% displayed 74 and 61 MPa of compressive strengths, respectively. Moreover, overall porosities and pore entry threshold values decreased in the admixture-containing binders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

C-S-H seeding in Portland cements is well known from basic scientific works and field applications. Moreover, this activation approach could be beneficial for low-CO 2 cements under development where a general drawback is poor mechanical strengths during the first week of hydration. However, a mechanistic understanding of the different processes taking place when seeding is still not developed. Here, we contribute to this knowledge gap by studying one commercial Portland cement and two industrial-trial belite cements. Three different admixtures are employed, viz. two types of commercial C-S-H seeding and triisopropanolamine as a typical alkanolamine. A multitechnique approach is employed including calorimetry, ultrasonic pulse velocity, thermal analysis and Rietveld analysis of laboratory X-ray powder diffraction data. Chiefly, an in situ X-ray synchrotron diffraction study has allowed mapping out the evolution of every crystalline phase. Furthermore, the use of an internal standard permitted to measure the changes in the overall amorphous content. In a nutshell, alite and belite (phases) hydrations are not significantly accelerated by C-S-H seeding for the three studied cements. Conversely, sulphate and aluminate phase dissolutions are enhanced. Faster ettringite crystallisation contributes to the observed improved mechanical properties at early ages. Moreover, a synergistic effect between C-S-H seeding and alkanolamine addition is proved. The importance of these findings for the possible acceleration of low-CO 2 cement hydration is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was the development of various analytical mass spectrometry (MS) methods to investigate the chemical composition of e-liquids used in electronic cigarettes and characterize their quality. Low-quality nicotine (the main active compound), glycerol, propylene glycol (solvents), or flavors could greatly increase the toxicity. The search of alkaloid contaminants of nicotine was performed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LCMS- MS) after a study of fragmentation pathways by high-resolution electrospray ionization (ESI)-MS. A fully validated method for quantitation of organic polar impurities such as cotinine, anabasine, myosmine, nornicotine, and N-nitroso-nornicotine and nicotine itself was developed using MS coupled to ultrahigh-pressure liquid chromatography (UHPLC). To evaluate organic volatile toxicants, the headspace from e-cigarette refill liquids was sampled by the purge-andtrap method to perform gas chromatography (GC)-MS analysis. Finally, heavy metal residues as inorganic toxicants were determined by inductively coupled plasma (ICP)-MS after simple dilution. A number of cases of contamination by metals (mainly arsenic) were detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural sources of triacylglycerols containing ω-3 fatty acids are of particular interest due to their protective role against several human diseases. However, as it has been well ascertained, the position of the ω-3 fatty acid on the triacylglycerol backbone influences how digestion occurs. In particular, occurrence at the sn-2 position allows optimal intestinal absorption conditions. The analytical protocol for regioisomer characterisation of fatty acids in a triacylglycerol usually requires the use of stereospecific lipases before instrumental identification. In this paper, we propose a more direct instrumental determination of triacylglycerol composition along with sn-2 positional identification of the fatty acids constituents by Liquid Chromatography-High Resolution Mass Spectrometry. Different intensities of product signals obtained in MS2 and MS3 experiments were used to define an interpretative scheme able to rationalise the stereochemistry of the TAGs. Marine matrices like tuna and algae oils have been studied in detail, their triacylglycerols identified and sn-2 positional arrangement of fatty acid constituents assessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study was aimed at evaluating the effect of prolonged refrigeration of expressed human milk on its protein and microbial profile. Human milk from mothers of pre-term newborns was collected, pooled and stored in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit refrigerator. Pooled milk was aliquoted and analysed within 96 h. The milk samples were analysed for pH, total protein content, protein profile, secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), available lysine and lactose contents, and bacterial profile (total aerobic bacterial count, Enterobacteriaceae, coagulase-positive Staphylococci, lactic acid bacteria). The refrigeration process did not affect the abundance of single proteins, nor the available lysine and sIgA contents. Lactose and pH showed a significant, although limited, decrease. The main microbial communities of human milk were preserved during refrigerated storage. Important markers of milk nutritional quality and bioactive proteins, including the antimicrobial components lysozyme and lactoferrin, as well as immunological components, were preserved. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• The addition of granulometrically optimized slag cement for robust and durable SCC. • The durability is improved by blending 35 wt-% CEM III/C with CEM I. • The chloride migration, freeze/thaw scaling and sulfate attack are mitigated. • SCC with a low heat high belite cement shows high intrinsic durability behavior. The addition of granulometrically optimized slag cement (CEM III/C) in a high-performance concrete mix is a promising technical solution in order to produce a robust, durable and sustainable SCC with tailored properties. The addition of 35 wt-% CEM III/C was implemented in three cements with different C 3 S/C 2 S and C 3 A/C 4 AF ratios (including a high-belite cement). The paper presents a comprehensive study covering the physical–mechanical performance and the chemical and mineralogical influence of the implementation of CEM III/C. The strengths were increased and the rheological properties improved. The chloride migration, the freeze/thaw sensitivity, and the sulfate attack expansion were reduced in favor of the sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: In order to reduce remote cardiac events associated with graft occlusions, arterial conduits are being increasingly utilized in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). While the internal thoracic artery (ITA) is the graft of choice for CABG, it is sometimes difficult or impossible to obtain a complete arterial revascularization only with ITAs in three-vessel diseases. We present our experience with total arterial myocardial revascularization with bilateral internal thoracic artery (BITA) and right gastroepiploic artery (rGEA). Methods: From April 1994 to January 2004, 174 patients (165 male, mean age 55.9±7.4) underwent coronary artery bypass procedure with exclusive use of BITA and rGEA. Left ventricular ejection fraction ranged from 20 to 68% (mean 55.9±6.8%). Seven patients (4%) had poor ejection fraction (<0.30), 23 (13, 2%) had acute myocardial infarction, 14 (8%) had left main disease. The mean CPB time was 96.9±15.7min and the mean cross clamping time was 70±14.2min. The mean number of distal anastomoses was 3.3±0.5 per patient. Results: Early mortality was 1.7%. The patients were followed for up to 9 years (mean follow-up time 6.3±2.6 years). Actuarial freedom from cardiac death (including hospital death) was 97.6%, at 9 years after the operation. Actuarial freedom from angina and cardiac events at 9 years was 79, 5% and 77, 6%, respectively. No perioperative myocardial infarction occurred. None of the patients needed a redo-CABG after leaving the hospital. Conclusions: This study indicates that the myocardial revascularization in young patients with three-vessel disease using exclusively pedicle BITA and rGEA provides excellent 9-year patient survival and improvement in terms of freedom from return of angina pectoris and freedom from any cardiac-related event. These results encourage the more extensive use of BITA and rGEA in selected patients with three-vessel coronary disease. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Simultaneous quantification of gelatin and egg white proteins in aged red wine. • Lysozyme is the protein which gives a satisfactory quantification in aged red wine. • The ELISA kit targeting ovalbumin fails to quantify egg allergens in red wine. • Pig collagen is better detected and quantified if non-hydroxyated peptides are used. The presence of residues from fining agents in wines may represent a risk for allergic consumers and a source of discomfort for others, such as vegans. Even though ELISA is the official detection method for such residues, this technique may be hindered by cross-reactivity issues, or by matrix-molecule interference due to a high polyphenol content, especially in red wines. An HRMS-based method has been developed to detect pig gelatin and egg white in experimental five-year aged Nebbiolo-based red wine. Biomarker peptides were selected, after tryptic digestion, and quantified by multitarget nanoHPLC-HRMS analysis. The method resulted in an LLOQs of 5 µg/mL in the experimental wine, and between 1 and 2 µg/mL in the buffer. This method allowed both gelatin and egg white proteins to be detected and quantified in aged red wine, while whereas the commercial ELISA kit was instead unable to detect egg white in the same samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Pilot kiln production of low temperature sulfoaluminate clinkers at 1150–1300 °C. • Reduction in burning energy and CO 2 emissions saving. • Hydration studies of Sulfoaluminate clinkers with Ternesite. • Sulfate deficiency in the system promote reactivity of ternesite. The study addresses the hydration behavior of different sulfoaluminate clinkers produced in a pilot kiln at burning temperature comprised between 1150 and 1300 °C. The clinkers contain different relative amount and distribution of sulfates and silicates. The hydration behavior from 4 h up to 3 months has been investigated by means of a multi-technique approach. The results indicate that two contributions regulate the different reactivity of these sulfoaluminate clinkers. On one hand, the presence of a readily-available sulfate source allows the faster development of ettringite, whereas, the reactivity of silicate component takes the advantage of the lack of sulfate. Moreover, the first effect influences the early reactivity, while the second one is observed only when medium to long term hydration behavior is considered. Low-temperature sulfoaluminate clinker showed similar performances in comparison with a high-temperature clinker, however, a significant reduction in burning energy (temperature is 150 °C lower) and CO 2 emissions (limestone is 5% less) are envisaged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a growing body of evidence to suggest that cannabinoids are beneficial for a range of clinical conditions, including pain, inflammation, epilepsy, sleep disorders, the symptoms of multiple sclerosis, anorexia, schizophrenia and other conditions. The transformation of cannabinoids from herbal preparations into highly regulated prescription drugs is therefore progressing rapidly. The development of such drugs requires well-controlled clinical trials to be carried out in order to objectively establish therapeutic efficacy, dose ranges and safety. The low oral bioavailability of cannabinoids has led to feasible methods of administration, such as the transdermal route, intranasal administration and transmucosal adsorption, being proposed. The highly lipophilic nature of cannabinoids means that they are seen as suitable candidates for advanced nanosized drug delivery systems, which can be applied via a range of routes. Nanotechnology-based drug delivery strategies have flourished in several therapeutic fields in recent years and numerous drugs have reached the market. This review explores the most recent developments, from preclinical to advanced clinical trials, in the cannabinoid delivery field, and focuses particularly on pain and inflammation treatment. Likely future directions are also considered and reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]