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The experimental fusion reactor ITER will feature two (or three) heating neutral beam injectors (NBI) capable of delivering 33(or 50) MW of power into the plasma. A NBI consists of a plasma source for production of negative ions (extracted negative ion current up to 329 A/m 2 in H and 285 A/m 2 in D) then accelerated up to 1 MeV for one hour. The negative ion beam is neutralized, and the residual ions are electrostatically removed before injection. The beamline was designed for a beam divergence between 3 and 7 mrad. The ion source in ITER NBIs relies on RF-driven, Inductively-Coupled Plasmas (ICP), based on the prototypes developed at IPP Garching; RF-driven negative-ion beam sources have never been employed in fusion devices up to now. The recent results of SPIDER, the full size ITER NBI ion source operating at NBTF in Consorzio RFX, Padova, measure a beamlet divergence minimum of 12mrad and highlighted beam spatial non-uniformity. SPIDER results confirmed the experimental divergence found in smaller prototype sources, which is larger compared to filament-arc ion sources. Although prototype experiments have shown that the extracted current requirement can be achieved with minor design improvements, the beamlet divergence is expected to marginally achieve the design value of 7 mrad, which in multi-grid long accelerators results in unexpected heat loads over the accelerator grids. A contributor to the beam divergence is the energy/temperature of the extracted negative ions, so it is believed that plasma differences between the two source types play a role. Research is focused on the plasma parameters in the ion source. One RF driver, identical to the ones used in SPIDER, installed in a relatively small-scale experimental set-up, inherently more flexible than large devices, is starting operations devoted to the investigation of the properties of RF-generated plasmas, so as to contribute to the assessment of negative ion precursors, and of their relationship with the plasma parameters, particularly when enhancing plasma confinement. The scientific questions, that have arisen from the preliminary results of SPIDER, guided the design of the test stand, which are described in this contribution, together with the diagnostic systems and related simulation tools. The test stand, which shares with the larger experiment all the geometrical features and constraints, will allow technological developments and optimized engineering solutions related to the ICP design for the ITER NBIs.

Abstract Background The beneficial effects of breast milk on infant health have been well documented from nutritional, physiological, and developmental perspectives. Human milk contains a complex microbiota that plays a key role in initiating infant gut colonization shortly after birth, supplying beneficial bacteria that aid immune maturation and protect against pathogens. Mother's own milk is the optimal source of nutrition for preterm infants; however, since many mothers experience difficulty producing enough, pasteurized donor milk is often used as an alternative. The aim of this study was to profile the milk microbiota of donor human milk collected from mothers over a one-year period. Methods Over the course of one year, 27 mothers collected their breast milk and donated it to the Human Milk Bank in Lombardy (Italy), resulting in a total of 84 samples. All samples were processed by 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding sequencing after Holder pasteurization (62.5 °C for 30 minutes). Relative abundances at the genus level were determined using QIIME 2 with a reference database. Results The relative abundance of the phyla Firmicutes and Proteobacteria was inversely correlated, with Firmicutes predominating in 52% and Proteobacteria in 48% of the samples. At the genus level, 61 taxa were identified, with the most common being Pseudomonas (in 89% of samples), Acinetobacter (83%), Streptococcus (80%), and Staphylococcus (75%). The genus Bacillus was identified in 26% of the samples, among these, B. cereus, a pathogen commonly associated with contamination of donor human milk, was isolated in 36% (n = 8) of the cases. Conclusions In addition to identifying the core commensal bacteria of the milk microbiota, it is crucial to investigate those that vary between individuals, as they may include pathogenic genera. This is particularly relevant, as the milk is intended for preterm infant feeding. Key messages • The high diversity of the donor human milk microbiota highlights its influence by individual factors. • Human milk microbiota knowledge is essential as it shapes the composition and function of the infant gut microbiome.

Abstract Background Climate change is likely shifting the dynamics of phytoplankton, critical for mussel farming. Monitoring toxic microalgae is key for seafood safety, as their biotoxins can accumulate in shellfish and harm human health. While microscopy traditional method is used, molecular techniques such as Real-Time PCR and eDNA metabarcoding could offer better detection. This study combines these methods to monitor toxin-producing phytoplankton in the Adriatic Sea. Methods A monitoring program (2023-2024) analyzed 271 water samples from Ferrara, Forlì-Cesena, Ravenna, and Rimini Province (Emilia-Romagna Region) using microscopy (Utermöhl technique) and Real-Time PCR. DNA extraction was done with the DNeasy®PowerWater® kit (Qiagen), followed by PCR on Bio-Rad CFX96 instruments. The phytoplankton community of the LTER-SG01 station (located along the Senigallia-Susak transect, Marche Region) was analysed combining microscopy (Utermöhl technique) and eDNA metabarcoding (targeting V4 and V9 regions of the 18S rRNA gene, and using PR2 and SILVA as reference databases). Results In 2023, Alexandrium spp. peaked in May and June (10^2-10^3cells/L), Dinophysis spp. was sporadic in June (10^2cells/L), and Pseudo-nitzschia spp. was year-round (10^5-10^6cells/L). In 2024, blooms of Dinophysis spp. began earlier, from March (10^2cells/L). Real-Time PCR detected 12% more positives for Alexandrium spp. and Dinophysis spp. than microscopy, and it was less effective for Pseudo-nitzschia spp.. Metabarcoding method revealed greater phytoplankton diversity. Only a small overlap existed between microscopy and metabarcoding methods and between different genetic markers and databases. Conclusions Combining microscopy, Real-Time PCR, and eDNA metabarcoding methods is key to accurately monitor harmful species and ensure seafood safety. Integrated monitoring is crucial for safeguarding aquaculture and public health from toxin-producing phytoplankton. Key messages • Integrated monitoring using microscopy, PCR, and eDNA metabarcoding enhances detection of harmful microalgae. • Climate change is influencing the timing of harmful algal blooms, increasing risks to seafood safety.

Abstract Background Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) can cause diseases in humans ranging from mild diarrhoea to haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), due to Shiga-toxin production. The ingestion of contaminated food is the main route of transmission of STEC to humans. According to EFSA, STEC is the fourth cause of foodborne illness in the EU, with serious consequences in terms of human lives and healthcare costs. This study aimed to characterize STEC strains isolated from food, to inspect their virulence and antimicrobial resistance (AMR), providing an overview of the distribution and characteristics of STEC in food. Methods STEC detection was performed in different food matrices collected in Northern Italy (2018-2024), according to ISO/TS 13136:2012. Positive samples were identified using a Real-time PCR targeting stx1, stx2, and eae genes, encoding Shiga toxins and intimin, respectively. The whole genome of the STEC strains isolated from the positive samples was sequenced on an Illumina platform; serogroups, virulence genes, and AMR genes were then identified. Results A total of 82 STEC strains were isolated from cheese, milk, and meat; among them, 40% carried the stx2 gene and 15% also harboured the eae gene, associated with severe symptoms and HUS. Interestingly, 28 different serogroups were identified; 14% of the strains belonged to serogroups often involved in paediatric HUS and outbreaks (O26 and O103), whereas 15% of the isolates belonged to serogroups globally recognized as emerging (O80, O113, O128). Overall, 51.2% of the strains carried AMR genes, conferring resistance to β-lactams (n = 29, 35.4%), streptomycin and kanamycin (n = 21, 25.6%), and tetracycline (n = 17, 20.7%). Conclusions Our data suggested the circulation of genetically diverse STEC strains in food production environment, highlighting the importance of assessing STEC pathogenic potential for humans to support Competent Authorities in developing effective control, monitoring and prevention strategies. Key messages • The genetic diversity observed in STEC isolated from food highlights the importance of continuous monitoring to better assess the potential impact of the emerging strains on human public health. • From a One Health perspective, STEC surveillance is essential for preventing STEC infections and ensuring food safety.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a serious clinicopathological condition that is recognized as the most frequent chronic liver disease, affecting 14–30% of the world’s population. The prevalence of NAFLD has rapidly grown and is correlated with the growth in obesity and type 2 diabetes, among other factors. NAFLD often results in long-term complications including cardiovascular disease, liver cirrhosis, and liver fibrosis. This paper provides an updated overview of NAFLD with a focus on epidemiology, etiology, pathophysiology, screening, complications, and pharmacological therapies to identify effective risk prevention and health promotion.

Aim/hypothesis Renal resistive index is a useful measure for quantifying alterations in renal blood flow. In the present study we evaluated resistive index at baseline and after vasodilation induced by nitroglycerine in normoalbuminuric patients with type 2 diabetes or essential hypertension, relating the values to indices of systemic vascular dysfunction. Methods Newly diagnosed treatment-naïve type 2 diabetic ( n  = 32) and hypertensive patients ( n  = 49) were compared with 27 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Renal resistive index was obtained by duplex ultrasound at baseline and after 25 μg sublingual nitroglycerine. Endothelium-dependent (flow-mediated dilation) and -independent (response to nitroglycerine) vasodilation in the brachial artery was assessed by computerised edge detection system. Carotid–femoral pulse-wave velocity and augmentation index were assessed by applanation tonometry. Nitrotyrosine levels, an index of oxidative stress, were also measured. Results Resistive index was higher in diabetic than in hypertensive patients and controls ( p  < 0.001), while changes in resistive index induced by nitroglycerine were lower in hypertensive patients compared with controls ( p  < 0.01), and were further reduced in type 2 diabetic patients. Hypertensive and diabetic patients showed significantly increased arterial stiffness, nitrotyrosine levels and reduced endothelial function than controls ( p  < 0.05). Changes in resistive index induced by nitroglycerine were independently related to serum glucose, reactive hyperaemia and aortic pulse-wave velocity in the overall population. Conclusions/interpretation These results support the dynamic evaluation of renal resistive index as an early detector of renal vascular alterations in the presence of type 2 diabetes and hypertension, even before the onset of microalbuminuria.