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Sharp lifespan estimates for semilinear fractional evolution equations with critical nonlinearity
Get PDFIn this paper we consider semilinear wave equation and semilinear second order σ-evolution equations with different (effective or non-effective) damping mechanisms driven by fractional Laplace operators; in particular, the nonlinear term is the product of a power nonlinearity |u|p with the critical exponent p=pc(n) and a modulus of continuity μ(|u|). We derive a critical condition on the nonlinearity by proving a global in time existence result under the Dini condition on μ and a blow-up result when μ does not satisfy the Dini condition. Especially, in this latter case we determine new sharp estimates for the lifespan of local solutions, obtaining coincident upper and lower bounds of the lifespan. In particular, we derive a new sharp estimate for the wave equation with structural damping and classical power nonlinearity |u|p in the critical case p=pc(n), not yet determined in previous literature. The proof of the blow-up results and the upper bound estimates of the lifespan require the introduction of new test functions which allows to overcome some new difficulties due to the presence of both non-local differential operators and general nonlinearitie
First Survey on Sea Turtles’ Interactions in Mussel Farms in Italy
Get PDFSea turtles, particularly the opportunistic feeder species loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta), are increasingly reported as a source of disturbance to mussel farming operations, especially in the Adriatic Sea. Despite the evident damage caused by these interactions, comprehensive national data on the phenomenon are still lacking. This study aimed to address this gap through a survey conducted among Italian mussel farmers, combined with the analysis of gastrointestinal contents from stranded sea turtles along the Adriatic and Tyrrhenian coasts, focusing on the ingestion of Mediterranean mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis). Survey results revealed frequent turtle sightings in the northern Adriatic (Veneto and Emilia-Romagna) during summer months (June to August), while southern regions (Molise and Puglia) reported more sightings in autumn (September to October), likely influenced by seasonal water temperatures. The Mediterranean mussel was identified as the most commonly ingested mollusk in the Adriatic, with a notable increase in presence from 2018 to 2021. Although mussels are not a targeted prey, they appear to be a consistent dietary component due to adaptive feeding behavior. These interactions are increasingly and consistently reported, leading to significant management challenges for mussel farms. Based on these findings, a broader national and international assessment is recommended to evaluate the overall impact of sea turtles on shellfish aquaculture in the Mediterranea
OC52 Long-term effectiveness of bictegravir-emtricitabine-tenofovir alafenamide (B/F/TAF) as first-line therapy and as switch strategy in virologically suppressed persons with HIV up to 192-weeks: data from the ICONA-BIC Study
No full textBackground We aim to confirm in a real-life setting the clinical trial data of the long-term effectiveness of B/F/TAF, both as first-line therapy and as a switch strategy, in virologically suppressed persons with HIV (PWH) up to 192-weeks. Materials and Methods Observational cohort study of PWH enrolled in ICONA who started B/F/TAF as initial therapy or as switching regimen while virologically suppressed from June 2016 to August 2023. The primary endpoint was time to treatment failure (TF): discontinuation for toxicity/intolerance or virological failure (VF, 2 HIV-RNA>200 copies/ml or 1 >1000 copies/ml followed by ART change, >6 months from starting for naive). Secondary endpoints: i) VF as previously defined and ii) discontinuation for toxicity/intolerance (TDT). Cumulative probabilities of the three endpoints were calculated by Kaplan- Meier curves at 144 weeks (and 192 weeks for ART experienced). Results 929 ART-naive and 1653 ART-experienced PWH initiated B/F/TAF. Baseline characteristics are shown in table 1. ART-naïve group: over a median follow-up of 141 weeks (IQR 94–189), 54 (5.8%) ART-naïve PWH experienced TF, 17 VF and 37 discontinuations for toxicity/intolerance. The cumulative probability of TF at 144 weeks was 6.7% (95%CI 5.0–8.8) [figure 1A]. The 144-week probability of VF was 2.7% (1.6–4.4): in detail, 9 of 17 VF did not reach VS after 6 months, while 8/17 had a viral rebound after the first suppression. The median HIV-RNA at VF were 2,287 and 958 copies/ml. Only 4 changed B/F/TAF after VF, 6 out of the 9 PWH with virological follow-up after VF reached HIVRNA< 50 while remaining on B/F/TAF. The 144-week probability of TDT was instead 4.3% (3–6.2). The reasons for TDT are shown in table 2A. ART-experienced virologically suppressed group Over a median follow-up of 216 weeks (IQR 156, 244), 76 (4.6%) out of 1653 switching PWH experienced TF (11 VF and 65 TDT); The cumulative probability of TF at 144- and 192-weeks were 4.0% (4.2–6.7) and 5.3% (4.2–6.7), respectively [figure 1B]. The probabilities of VF were 0.7% (0.4–1.4) at 144- and 1.0% (0.5–1.8) at 192 weeks. Median HIV-RNA values at VF were 3400 and 1539 copies/ml, respectively. Only 4 PWH changed B/F/TAF after VF, 6/6 PWH with virological followup after VF while remaining on B/F/TAF reached HIVRNA< 50 copies/ml. Finally, the 144-week and 192-week probability of TDT were 3.4% (2.6–4.4) and 4.4% (3.4%- 5.7%), respectively. The reasons for TDT are shown in table 2B. Conclusion Overall, we in the clinical real-life setting B/F/TAF is well tolerated and virologically effective in ART-naïve and experienced PWH in the long term up to 192-weeks. Discontinuation for toxicity remains a rare event both in naïve (4.3% at 144 weeks) and experienced (3.4% and 4.4% at 144 and 192 weeks). VF was low both in naïve and experienced PWH, given the subsequent VS without ART change, we can hypothesize that in those PWH, poor adherence was the cause of VF
Fermentation of House Crickets (Acheta domesticus): Boosting Quality and Functionality in Cricket-Based Food Ingredients
Get PDFThis review examines the nutritional and functional potential of Acheta domesticus, the impact of fermentation on its biochemical and microbiological properties, and its application in food ingredients and products. Relevant literature was reviewed on the composition, fermentation behavior, product development, and consumer perceptions related to cricket-based ingredients, with a focus on fermented applications and microbiota interaction. Fermentation improves the safety, digestibility, flavor, and nutritional value of cricket powder. Lactic acid bacteria (e.g., Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Latilactobacillus curvatus) enhanced substrate acidification, reduced biogenic amines and acrylamide levels, and contributed to desirable volatile compounds production. Additionally, fermentation using yeasts like Yarrowia lipolytica and Debaryomyces hansenii resulted in the production of antimicrobial substances, reduction in chitin, and an increase in the matrix digestibility. Fermented cricket-based ingredients have been successfully applied to bread, biscuits, yogurt, and beverages. Protein hydrolysates produced by fermentation exhibited antioxidant, anti-aging, and preservative properties, expanding potential beyond food. Consumer acceptance was highest when insects were integrated into familiar and visually unobtrusive food formats. To conclude, A. domesticus shows great promise as a sustainable and functional food ingredient. Fermentation offers a key strategy to overcome safety, sensory, and acceptability barriers
A Novel Hybrid Approach to Tune the Rician K-Factor in Reverberation Chambers
Get PDFReverberation chambers serve a critical function in assessing the performance of wireless communication systems by providing controlled testing environments. A key aspect of this evaluation is the manipulation of the Rician K-factor within these chambers. The primary challenge arises from the inherently low values of the Rician K-factor, which require deliberate adjustments to accurately simulate real-world communication conditions. Traditionally, the tuning of the Rician K-factor involves the introduction of lossy elements, which decreases the quality factor of the chamber and necessitates additional costs for amplification to sustain the desired electromagnetic field intensity. An alternative approach focuses on the selection of electromagnetic states within the chamber, which does not significantly alter the field amplitude but may affect its statistical properties. The proposed method represents a trade-off between these two strategies, enabling a reduction in amplification costs while preserving the statistical fidelity of the electromagnetic field distribution to remain Rician. This method has been successfully implemented across different chamber configurations and has been explored in various frequency ranges
Effect of a polyphenol-rich dietary pattern on subjects aged ≥ 60 years with higher levels of inflammatory markers: insights into microbiome and metabolome
Get PDFBackground: Aging may be associated with low-grade chronic inflammation (“inflammaging”) and gut microbiome alterations. Dietary polyphenols have been proposed as modulators of these processes. This study aimed to explore the effects of a polyphenol-rich diet (PR-diet) on inflammatory markers, gut microbiota, and metabolomic profiles in subjects aged ≥ 60 years stratified by baseline inflammation levels. Methods: In this post-hoc analysis of the MaPLE (Microbiome mAnipulation through Polyphenols for managing Leakiness in the Elderly) randomized crossover trial, 50 subjects aged ≥ 60 years were categorized into two subgroups: high inflammation (cH) and low inflammation (cL). Participants received a PR-diet or a control diet for 8 weeks, with a washout period in between. Fecal, blood, and urine samples were analyzed using shallow shotgun metagenomics and untargeted metabolomics. Results: The PR-diet was associated with a significant reduction in key inflammatory markers [e.g., interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein] in the cH group. Distinct microbial shifts were observed, including an increase in Blautia and Dorea and a modest improvement in microbial diversity in cH subjects. Metabolomic analysis revealed group-specific changes, notably in polyphenol-derived metabolites. Conclusion: These findings suggest that PR-diets may beneficially modulate inflammation and the gut microbial ecosystem in subjects aged ≥ 60 years with elevated baseline inflammation. Stratification by inflammatory status may improve the targeting and personalization of dietary interventions to support healthy aging
2025: XIIIth SISMEC National Congress - Book of Abstracts - Vol. 20 Supplementary Issue 1
No full textFlexible cold cathodes based on graphite nanoplatelet coatings on silicone rubber
Get PDFWe report the fabrication and characterization of flexible cold cathodes based on graphite nanoplatelet (GNP) coatings on silicone rubber substrates. GNPs, synthesized via thermal exfoliation of graphite bisulfate and sonication in acetone, form nanostructured coatings with controlled roughness and thickness. Morphological, structural, and spectroscopic analyses confirm the presence of crystalline, few-layer graphitic domains. Field emission was locally probed by using a nanomanipulated tungsten tip anode inside a scanning electron microscope, revealing a turn-on voltage as low as 8.2 V and a field enhancement factor of ∼80 at an anode-cathode distance of 100 nm. Emission characteristics are measured in different substrate curvature configurations: sharper bending alters the exposure of nanoplatelet edges, influencing the turn-on voltage and the field enhancement factor. The emitters exhibit excellent stability, robustness under strain, and thermally activated conduction behaviour with an activation energy of ∼0.31 eV. Our findings demonstrate that GNP-coated silicone rubbers are a scalable, low-cost, and mechanically adaptive platform for next-generation vacuum microelectronics, enabling flexible, high-performance electron sources with nanoscale control and real-time tunability
Real World Study on the Best CPX-351 Treatment Duration and Timing for Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation
Get PDFIn the registration clinical trial 301 (NCT01696084), CPX-351 has shown to be superior to conventional 3 + 7 in secondary AML (s-AML). However, the optimal duration of treatment, the best timing for allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), and the activity of CPX-351 in specific s-AML subgroups are unclear. To evaluate these aspects, a total of 513 s-AML patients (median age 65.6 years, 19–79) treated with CPX-351 were retrospectively analyzed. Complete remission (CR) rate after induction was 297/513 (58%), increasing to 340/513 (66%) after cycle 2. Among the 340 responding patients, 118 (34.7%), 137 (40.3%), and 85 (25%) received none, one, or two consolidation cycles of CPX-351, respectively. Overall, 230/513 patients (48.8%) received allo-HSCT. Median follow up was 23.66 months and median overall survival (OS) was 16.23 months. Patients with mutated NPM1 or with ELN 2017 favorable risk (p < 0.05) had a significantly longer OS (p < 0.05). In a landmark analysis, receiving allo-HSCT was associated with a longer survival (Median OS not reached vs. 16.3 months for patients receiving or not receiving allo-HSCT, p < 0.05). Completion of all allowed CPX-351 cycles was beneficial only in patients not proceeding to transplant (p < 0.05), whereas in transplanted patients additional CPX-351 cycles did not improve outcome. Our analysis suggests that also s-AML patients with NPM1 mutations and those belonging to the ELN 2017 favorable risk category benefit from CPX-351. In eligible patients, allo-HSCT should be performed as soon as a CR is achieved, whereas patients not undergoing transplant benefit from a complete CPX-351 schedule