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The authors consider a d-dimensional random field u = \\{u(t,x)\\} that solves a non-linear system of stochastic wave equations in spatial dimensions k \\in \\{1,2,3\\}, driven by a spatially homogeneous Gaussian noise that is white in time. They mainly consider the case where the spatial covariance is given by a Riesz kernel with exponent \\beta. Using Malliavin calculus, they establish upper and lower bounds on the probabilities that the random field visits a deterministic subset of \\mathbb{R}^d, in terms, respectively, of Hausdorff measure and Newtonian capacity of this set. The dimension that appears in the Hausdorff measure is close to optimal, and shows that when d(2-\\beta) > 2(k+1), points are polar for u. Conversely, in low dimensions d, points are not polar. There is, however, an interval in which the question of polarity of points remains open.

Most bacteria in nature exist as biofilms, which support intercellular signalling processes such as quorum sensing (QS), a cell-to-cell communication mechanism that allows bacteria to monitor and respond to cell density and changes in the environment. As QS and biofilms are involved in the ability of bacteria to cause disease, there is a need for the development of methods for the non-invasive analysis of QS in natural bacterial populations. Here, by using surface-enhanced resonance Raman scattering spectroscopy, we report rationally designed nanostructured plasmonic substrates for the in situ , label-free detection of a QS signalling metabolite in growing Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms and microcolonies. The in situ , non-invasive plasmonic imaging of QS in biofilms provides a powerful analytical approach for studying intercellular communication on the basis of secreted molecules as signals. Nanostructured plasmonic substrates are used for in situ , label-free detection, by surface-enhanced resonance Raman scattering spectroscopy, of quorum sensing in growing Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms.

Purpose of ReviewThe objective of this review was to provide an update on recent malaria epidemiology, both globally and in non-endemic areas, to identify the current distribution and repercussions of genetically diverse Plasmodium species and summarize recently implemented intervention and prevention tools.Recent FindingsNotable changes in malaria epidemiology have occurred in recent years, with an increase in the number of total cases and deaths globally during 2020–2021, in part attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic. The emergence of artemisinin-resistant species in new areas and the expanding distribution of parasites harbouring deletions of the pfhrp2/3 genes have been concerning. New strategies to curb the burden of this infection, such as vaccination, have been implemented in certain endemic areas and their performance is currently being evaluated.SummaryInadequate control of malaria in endemic regions may have an effect on imported malaria and measures to prevent re-establishment of transmission in malaria-free areas are essential. Enhanced surveillance and investigation of Plasmodium spp. genetic variations will contribute to the successful diagnosis and treatment of malaria in future. Novel strategies for an integrated One Health approach to malaria control should also be strengthened.

The presence of ten metals (Cd, Ni, Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn, Al, Fe, Mn, and Co) was investigated in the final discharge of six facilities, including four wastewater treatment plants, which were continuously discharging treated wastewater to the coastal environment in Gran Canaria Island. A four-day sampling campaign was carried out at each facility in July 2020, in which both the spot samplings technique and the diffusive gradient in thin-film technique (DGT) were carried out to measure total dissolved metals and the in situ labile metal fraction, respectively. After the necessary sample preparation steps, measurements were carried out by ICP-MS for both samplings. Raw data referred to the spot total dissolved and DGT-labile metal concentrations were reported. In general, the average metal concentrations were dispersed in a broad range. As expected, the highest metal contents were found in those facilities with larger industrial contributions. The values of annual average environmental quality standards (AA-EQS) were used to assess the total dissolved metal concentrations for every metal in every final discharge. In only one of the studied facilities, some metals (Ni and Zn) exceeded these EQS within the receiving waterbody, highlighting the need for more efficient treatment targeted towards a specific discharging-water quality. In addition, the total dissolved and labile metal daily fluxes of discharge were calculated to estimate the contribution of every effluent to the receiving water bodies.

This study reports on the use of whole seaweed biomass to obtain bio-based films for food packaging applications. Specifically, four different species of agarophytes (Gelidium corneum, Gracilaria chilensis, Gracilaria tenuistipitata and Gracilariopsis longissima) were minimally processed by melt blending and compression molding, and the effect of their composition and cell wall structure on the final performance of the films was investigated. The seaweed biomass was mainly composed of carbohydrates (35–50%), but significant amounts of proteins and ashes were also detected. Temperature-resolved SAXS experiments and microscopy analyses evidenced that a higher temperature of 130 ℃ is required to promote the release of agar from the tougher cell walls from G. corneum and G. tenuistipitata. The higher cellulose content of G. corneum (ca. 15%) resulted in films with higher mechanical resistance and water vapor barrier capacity, while the higher agar content of G. chilensis improved the elongation capacity of the films. The results from this work evidence the potential of red seaweed biomass to generate food packaging materials in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way.

Simplified extraction procedures (avoiding Soxhlet treatment and/or hemicellulose removal) were evaluated to valorize waste biomass from Posidonia oceanica leaves, obtaining cellulosic fractions and nanocrystals, which were subsequently used to produce films from their aqueous suspensions. Cellulose purification significantly improved mechanical and barrier properties of the films obtained from the fractions, while the extracted nanocrystals yielded films with remarkably improved properties, outperforming most benchmark biopolymers. The lipids initially present in the fractions without Soxhlet treatment were not completely digested by the hydrolysis treatment, having a positive impact on the water vapor permeability of the films (up to 63% drop), although negatively impacting oxygen permeability (increased by 20–30-fold). On the contrary, some hemicelluloses present in the less purified fractions, strongly interacting with cellulose, remained in the extracted nanocrystals leading to enhanced mechanical properties (45% higher tensile strength and 2-fold increase in the elongation at break), but lower water barrier (up to 70% higher permeability than the pure cellulose nanocrystals) due to their hydrophilic character. Films produced from the less purified nanocrystals showed the best compromise between mechanical and barrier performance, while offering a great advantage in terms of sustainability and reduced costs. Graphic abstract

Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL; also known as kala-azar) is an ultimately fatal disease endemic in the Indian state of Bihar, while HIV/AIDS is an emerging disease in this region. A 2011 observational cohort study conducted in Bihar involving 55 VL/HIV co-infected patients treated with 20-25 mg/kg intravenous liposomal amphotericin B (AmBisome) estimated an 85.5% probability of survival and a 26.5% probability of VL relapse within 2 years. Here we report the long-term field outcomes of a larger cohort of co-infected patients treated with this regimen between 2007 and 2012. Intravenous AmBisome (20-25 mg/kg) was administered to 159 VL/HIV co-infected patients (both primary infections and relapses) in four or five doses of 5 mg/kg over 4-10 days. Initial cure of VL at discharge was defined as improved symptoms, cessation of fever, improvement of appetite and recession of spleen enlargement. Test of cure was not routinely performed. Antiretroviral treatment (ART) was initiated in 23 (14.5%), 39 (24.5%) and 61 (38.4%) before, during and after admission respectively. Initial cure was achieved in all discharged patients. A total of 36 patients died during follow-up, including six who died shortly after admission. Death occurred at a median of 11 weeks (IQR 4-51) after starting VL treatment. Estimated mortality risk was 14.3% at six months, 22.4% at two years and 29.7% at four years after treatment. Among the 153 patients discharged from the hospital, 26 cases of VL relapse were diagnosed during follow-up, occurring at a median of 10 months (IQR 7-14) after discharge. After accounting for competing risks, the estimated risk of relapse was 16.1% at one year, 20.4% at two years and 25.9% at four years. Low hemoglobin level and concurrent infection with tuberculosis were independent risk factors for mortality, while ART initiated shortly after admission for VL treatment was associated with a 64-66% reduced risk of mortality and 75% reduced risk of relapse. This is the largest cohort of HIV-VL co-infected patients reported from the Indian subcontinent. Even after initial cure following treatment with AmBisome, these patients appear to have much higher rates of VL relapse and mortality than patients not known to be HIV-positive, although relapse rates appear to stabilize after 2 years. These results extend the earlier findings that co-infected patients are at increased risk of death and require a multidisciplinary approach for long-term management.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered the most common chronic liver alteration whose prevalence is increasing in Western countries. Microalgae and macroalgae have attracted great interest due to the high content in bioactive compounds with beneficial effects on health. The aim of the present study is to assess the potential interest of extracts rich in proteins obtained from the microalgae Chlorella vulgaris and Nannochloropsis gaditana and the macroalga Gracilaria vermiculophylla in the prevention of lipid accumulation in AML-12 hepatocytes. Toxicity was not observed at any of the tested doses. Both microalgae and the macroalga were effective in preventing triglyceride accumulation, with Nannochloropsis gaditana being the most effective one. Although the three algae extracts were able to increase different catabolic pathways involved in triglyceride metabolism, the mechanisms underlying the anti-steatotic effect were different in each algae extract. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that Chlorella vulgaris, Nannochloropsis gaditana and Gracilaria vermiculophylla extracts are able to partially prevent the accumulation of triglycerides induced by palmitic acid in cultured hepatocytes, a model used to mimic the steatosis induced in liver by dietary patterns rich in saturated fat.