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Warning signal from the Dead Sea: Plastic pollution at the deepest hypersaline lake
No full textPlastics are recognized as persistent pollutants, yet their accumulation and degradation remain poorly constrained in most environments. A key difficulty is that rivers transport plastics into waterbodies where they are dispersed, obscuring temporal patterns of deposition. Identifying archives that preserve plastics through time is therefore critical for understanding both the history and future trajectory of pollution. The Dead Sea provides such an archive: hypersaline, high-density waters and rapid lake-level decline trap floating plastics along retreating shorelines, offering a unique natural setting to study plastic accumulation and weathering. This study reconstructs a two-decade history of macro- and microplastic deposition along the Kidron Valley outlet, which drains urban Jerusalem into the Dead Sea. Macroplastic loads, microplastic abundance, and chemical weathering were quantified on sequential beach terraces using field surveys and infrared spectroscopy. Identifiable macroplastics (single-use items and toys) were abundant and well-preserved on lower, younger terraces but fragmented on older, higher ones. Microplastics of varied shapes and colors matched this pattern, with PP and PE dominating (>90 %) and local minerals in weathered plastics. Terraces formed before 2000 lacked plastics, highlighting waste mismanagement. Sun exposure under hyper-arid conditions promoted surface oxidation (R-OH, CdbndO, C-O), accelerating fragmentation—each kilogram of macroplastics generated ∼4000 microplastics annually. Accumulations were patchy but significant, with Nahal Kidron projected to deliver ∼1 ton by 2030. Beyond documenting a local pollution source, this archive demonstrates how urban plastic generation translates into accumulation in hyper-arid environments, providing a model for quantifying plastic input, breakdown, and environmental impacts in similar regions globally
Comparison results for the fractional heat equation with a singular lower order term
No full textWe provide symmetrization results in the form of mass concentration comparisons for fractional singular parabolic equations in infinite cylinders of the type Ω×(0,T), where Ω⊂RN (N≥2) is a bounded, open set with Lipschitz boundary, and T>0. The fundamental ingredients of the proof are an implicit time discretization procedure and a max/min argument, previously applied to nonlocal elliptic problems in the recent paper Brandolini et al. (2023)
Functional Proteomics of Quinazolin‐4‐One Derivatives Targeting the Proteasome
No full text: Quinazolinones have been recently recognized as valuable scaffolds for developing novel therapeutic opportunities. They indeed exhibit structural versatility and a wide range of biological activities, including antifungal, antitubercular, antihypertensive, anticancer, and antiviral ones. In this work, a focused library of new bioactive 4-(3-H)-quinazolinones has been synthesized, their cytotoxic action against DU-145 prostate cancer cells has been detailed, and compound 4k has been revealed as the most active one. Consequently, its interactome has been characterized by a label-free functional proteomics-based platform coupling drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) and targeted limited proteolysis-multiple reaction monitoring-mass spectrometry (t-LiP-MRM-MS). This multifaced strategy has been employed to reveal few subunits of the 26S proteasome machinery as the most reliable compound 4k biological targets. This paved the way for the deepening of the protein-ligand interaction using in vitro and in silico bio-orthogonal techniques. Finally, the analysis of its function in living DU-145 cells prompted compound 4k as a novel quinazolinone-bearing inhibitor of the chymotrypsin-like activity of the proteasomal β-5 subunit, stirring this framework for the development of new anticancer drugs
Presentazione del libro La cerniera d'Europa di Gustaw Herling
No full textPresentazione della raccolta di articoli scritti da Gustaw Herling per testate italiane come Il Corriere della Sera, il Giornale ecc..
Next-Gen Networks for the Internet of Consumer Electronics: A Survey
No full textThe Internet of Consumer Electronics (ICE) is revolutionizing modern life through intelligent, interconnected devices that enable seamless, autonomous interactions. This state-of-the-art survey presents advancements in cloud, edge, and fog computing, and the integration of ICE with 5th Generation (5G), 6th Generation (6G), and beyond networks to achieve ultra-reliable, low-latency connectivity. It explores the transformative roles of Machine Learning (ML), blockchain, and quantum computing in securing communication and improving Quality-of-Service (QoS). The paper also investigates emerging enablers, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), edge intelligence, Digital Twins (DTs), neuromorphic computing, Low Altitude Economy (LAEco), Federated Learning (FL), and Large-Area Electronics (LAE), which enable real-time analytics and flexible device integration. Additionally, it discusses Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA), post-quantum cryptography, and Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) to enhance security, privacy, and usability. Special emphasis is given to Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS) and Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) as key technologies for adaptive beamforming, spatial awareness, and environment aware smart automation. This survey provides a comprehensive roadmap for building secure, intelligent, and sustainable Next-Generation (Next-Gen) ICE ecosystems
Influence of Grain Arrangement on Particle Mobility and Patterns of Variability Between Gravel Bed Rivers
No full textCreatine supplementation and brain health: Methodological challenges, current evidence, and translational perspectives
Get PDFAlthough creatine supplementation holds promising translational value for supporting brain health and cognitive function, the current body of literature is small, incohesive, and critical knowledge gaps remain. Challenges related to the accuracy, reproducibility, and interpretability of brain creatine quantification have significantly impeded our understanding of the interplay between creatine supplementation, brain creatine availability, and cognitive function. A small body of evidence suggests that creatine supplementation may increase brain creatine and thereby support brain energetics, particularly under metabolically demanding conditions, such as sleep deprivation, hypoxia, or neurological disease. Optimal supplementation regimens remain unknown, however, and heterogeneity across cohort demographics, supplementation regimens, and cognitive assessments, combined with the widespread absence of brain creatine quantification, limits the translation of current evidence. This review will: a) provide an up-to-date standpoint on the efficacy for creatine supplementation to increase brain creatine contents, integrating critical appraisal of methodological rigour and reporting standards of existing literature; b) outline key considerations for the implementation and optimisation of magnetic resonance spectroscopy for quantifying brain creatine, including common error sources and practical recommendations to improve measurement quality and interpretability; and c) discuss the potential translational value of increasing brain creatine in health and disease, including discussion of key barriers that need to be overcome moving forward. By increasing awareness of the methodological and interpretative complexities underlying brain creatine research, we aim to strengthen scientific rigour, foster an improved understanding of current evidence, and advance knowledge surrounding the role of creatine supplementation to increase brain creatine contents and support cognitive function
The impact of nanosecond-pulsed non-thermal plasma-activated water on Escherichia coliK12 disinfection under various conditions
Get PDFPlasma-activated water (PAW) is an innovative and environmentally friendly sterilisation method that leverages reactive nitrogen species (RNS) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) to eliminate bacteria and other pathogens without relying on chemical additives or high-energy inputs. This study focuses on nanosecond-pulse non-thermal plasma, an emerging green technology with limited research, to investigate how liquid volume, PAW production time, and bacterial treatment time influence RNS and ROS levels. Using a fixed power setting, we tested 100 mL and 200 mL PAW volumes and evaluated their efficacy in sterilizing Escherichia coli K12 bacterial cells after 5, 10, and 15 min of contact. The results demonstrated that 100 mL PAW treated for 4 min achieved the highest levels of nitrite and hydrogen peroxide, resulting in optimal sterilisation performance. In contrast, the duration of bacterial contact with PAW had a lesser impact. These findings provide new insights into optimising plasma-based sterilisation techniques with minimal environmental impact, offering practical guidance for sustainable applications in healthcare and industry. By showcasing how volume and discharge time can enhance the efficiency of PAW production, this research contributes to advancing net-zero technologies by reducing reliance on energy-intensive sterilisation methods, aligning with global efforts to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals
Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness of a Digital Falls Prevention Program Versus Usual Care to Improve Balance, Falls Risk, and Function in Older Adults: Protocol for the Keep-On-Keep-Up Randomized Controlled Trial
Get PDFBackground: Falls are the primary cause of fatal and nonfatal accidental injuries in older adults. The World Falls Prevention Guidelines recommend balance-challenging, functional exercise programs as a key strategy for falls prevention, but access, uptake, and adherence to these programs in community settings remain suboptimal. Keep-On-Keep-Up (KOKU), a digital, National Health Service-approved program, was codeveloped with older adults and therapists to provide progressive, evidence-based exercises and to raise awareness of falls prevention strategies. Objective: This trial aims to investigate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the KOKU digital strength and balance program for improving balance, enhancing physical function, and reducing falls risk among community-dwelling older adults. Methods: This is a 2-arm, parallel-group randomized controlled trial. A total of 196 community-dwelling older adults 60 years and older will be randomized to either the intervention group, comprising a digital strength and balance program (KOKU) alongside standard care (strength and balance exercise advice and a falls prevention leaflet), or to a control group, receiving standard care only. Participants receiving the intervention will be asked to exercise 3 times per week following the tailored and progressive program. Randomization will take place after recruitment and baseline data collection. The trial's primary outcome measure is balance function (Berg Balance Score) at 12 weeks post randomization. Secondary trial outcomes include lower limb strength, health care utilization and health-related quality of life, self-reported concerns about falling, self-reported physical activity, falls risk, pain, mood, fatigue, self-reported falls, and acceptability and usability of the KOKU program. Intention-to-treat analysis and a cost-effectiveness analysis will be employed for trial data analysis. Qualitative interviews and focus groups will be undertaken with around 10 care providers and 13 participants to further understand views of the intervention and trial processes. Results: This study began recruitment in July 2024 and concluded in March 2025, recruiting a total of 202 participants (102 intervention group and 100 control group). Following protocol publication, data compilation and analysis will be conducted, with results anticipated to be published in 2027.ConclusionsThis trial will provide important evidence on whether a digital strength and balance program can improve balance and related outcomes in older adults compared with usual care
An epidemiological study estimating the burden of cancer risk in patients with Raynaud’s phenomenon
Get PDFIntroduction/Objective: Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP) is a common vasospastic condition that may develop secondary to cancer and/or in association with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs). We aimed to estimate the risk of cancer in RP without known SARDs, phenotypically akin to ‘primary’ RP. Methods: A cohort study using data from North American electronic healthcare organization records. RP was defined using ≥ 2 ICD (I73.0) codes, excluding SARDs. Comparators had ≥ 2 irritable bowel syndrome ICD (K58) codes: selected with similar epidemiology to RP, and without any known excess in cancer risk. Cohorts were stratified by age (< 45 and ≥ 45 years). Our primary outcome was any cancer event. Secondary outcomes were rates of specific cancers: head and neck, digestive, thorax, skin, breast, haematological, male/female genital. Risk of each outcome was compared using 1:1 propensity score-matched Cox proportional hazard models. Results: Among 34,582 (< 45 years) and 68,836 (≥ 45 years) matched pairs, the hazard ratio (HR) of any cancer was higher in RP: < 45 [1.11 (1.03, 1.19)] and ≥ 45 [1.08 (1.05, 1.11)]. Cancer-specific risks were calculated. RP was associated in both age groups with increased risk of thorax (HR 2.077 & 1.433), skin (HR 1.202 &1.213), and haematological (HR 1.647 & 1.338) cancers. RP was associated with decreased risk of digestive cancer (HR 0.686 & 0.894). Conclusion: RP was associated with an increased risk of cancer, independent of age. We also describe varying cancer-specific risks. Future research is warranted to confirm and explore these novel observations, including potentially shared pathobiological mechanisms. Key Points • RP was associated with an overall increased risk of all cancers in younger (<45years) and older (≥45 years) individuals. • There was an increased risk of certain (e.g., thorax, skin, and haematological) cancers with RP. • A reduced risk of cancer was also noted for certain cancers, especially GI-related. • Future research should confirm and explore these observations, including the pathobiology underpinning potential cancer risk in RP