Erratum: Measurement of the 2νßß Decay Half-Life of

This corrects the article DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.126.171801.

New Direct Limit on Neutrinoless Double Beta Decay Half-Life of

The Cryogenic Underground Observatory for Rare Events (CUORE) at Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso of INFN in Italy is an experiment searching for neutrinoless double beta (0νßß) decay. Its main goal is to investigate this decay in ^{130}Te, but its ton-scale mass and low background make CUORE sensitive to other rare processes as well. In this Letter, we present our first results on the search for 0νßß decay of ^{128}Te, the Te isotope with the second highest natural isotopic abundance. We find no evidence for this decay, and using a Bayesian analysis we set a lower limit on the ^{128}Te 0νßß decay half-life of T_{1/2}>3.6×10^{24} yr (90% CI). This represents the most stringent limit on the half-life of this isotope, improving by over a factor of 30 the previous direct search results, and exceeding those from geochemical experiments for the first time.

Measurement of the 2νßß Decay Half-Life of

We measured two-neutrino double beta decay of ^{130}Te using an exposure of 300.7 kg yr accumulated with the CUORE detector. Using a Bayesian analysis to fit simulated spectra to experimental data, it was possible to disentangle all the major background sources and precisely measure the two-neutrino contribution. The half-life is in agreement with past measurements with a strongly reduced uncertainty: T_{1/2}^{2ν}=7.71_{-0.06}^{+0.08}(stat)_{-0.15}^{+0.12}(syst)×10^{20} yr. This measurement is the most precise determination of the ^{130}Te 2νßß decay half-life to date.

Improved Limit on Neutrinoless Double-Beta Decay in

We report new results from the search for neutrinoless double-beta decay in ^{130} Te with the CUORE detector. This search benefits from a fourfold increase in exposure, lower trigger thresholds, and analysis improvements relative to our previous results. We observe a background of (1.38±0.07)×10^{-2} counts/(keV kg yr)) in the 0νßß decay region of interest and, with a total exposure of 372.5 kg yr, we attain a median exclusion sensitivity of 1.7×10^{25} yr. We find no evidence for 0νßß decay and set a 90% credibility interval Bayesian lower limit of 3.2×10^{25} yr on the ^{130} Te half-life for this process. In the hypothesis that 0νßß decay is mediated by light Majorana neutrinos, this results in an upper limit on the effective Majorana mass of 75-350 meV, depending on the nuclear matrix elements used.

Correction to: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) position statement of the Italian Society of Colorectal Surgery (SICCR): general principles of IBD management.

The affiliation of the author Silvio Danese has been incorrectly published in the original publication. The complete correct affiliation should read as follows.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) position statement of the Italian Society of Colorectal Surgery (SICCR): general principles of IBD management.

The Italian Society of Colorectal Surgery (SICCR) promoted the project reported here, which consists of a Position Statement of Italian colorectal surgeons to address the surgical aspects of inflammatory bowel disease management. Members of the society were invited to express their opinions on several items proposed by the writing committee, based on evidence available in the literature. The results are presented, focusing on relevant points. The present paper is not an alternative to available guidelines; rather, it offers a snapshot of the attitudes of SICCR surgeons about the general principles of surgical treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. The committee was able to identify some points of major disagreement and suggested strategies to improve quality of available data and acceptance of guidelines.

Markers of insulin resistance and carotid atherosclerosis. A comparison of the homeostasis model assessment and triglyceride glucose index.

AIMS: The present investigation was designed to test the association between carotid atherosclerosis and two simple markers of insulin resistance, i.e. HOMA-Index and TyG-Index. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was performed in two different cohorts. In the first cohort, 330 individuals were enrolled. Blood pressure, lipids, glucose, waist and cigarette smoking were evaluated. HOMA-IR and TyG-Index were calculated as markers of prevalent hepatic and muscular insulin resistance respectively. Carotid atherosclerosis was assessed by Doppler ultrasonography. The association between cardiovascular risk factors, markers of insulin resistance and carotid atherosclerosis was assessed by multiple logistic regression analyses. In the second cohort, limited to the evaluation of TyG-Index, 1432 subjects were studied. RESULTS: In the first cohort, TyG-Index was significantly associated with carotid atherosclerosis in a model including age, sex, diabetes, cigarette smoking and LDL cholesterol, while HOMA-IR was not. When components of metabolic syndrome were added to the model as dichotomous variables (absent/present), TyG-Index retained its predictive power. The same result was obtained when the metabolic syndrome was added to the model (absence/presence). The association between TyG-Index and carotid atherosclerosis was confirmed in the second cohort. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings suggest that TyG-Index is better associated with carotid atherosclerosis than HOMA-IR.

Dataset of night-time emissions of the Earth in the near UV range (290-430 nm), with 6.3 km resolution in the latitude range -51.6

The data presented in this article are related to the research paper entitled "Observation of night-time emissions of the Earth in the near UV range from the International Space Station with the Mini-EUSO detector" (Remote Sensing of Environment, Volume 284, January 2023, 113336, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rse.2022.113336). The data have been acquired with the Mini-EUSO detector, an UV telescope operating in the range 290-430 nm and located inside the International Space Station. The detector was launched in August 2019, and it has started operations from the nadir-facing UV-transparent window in the Russian Zvezda module in October 2019. The data presented here refer to 32 sessions acquired between 2019-11-19 and 2021-05-06. The instrument consists of a Fresnel-lens optical system and a focal surface composed of 36 multi-anode photomultiplier tubes, each with 64 channels, for a total of 2304 channels with single photon counting sensitivity. The telescope, with a square field-of-view of 44°, has a spatial resolution on the Earth surface of 6.3 km and saves triggered transient phenomena with a temporal resolution of 2.5 µs and 320 µs. The telescope also operates in continuous acquisition at a 40.96 ms scale. In this article, large-area night-time UV maps obtained processing the 40.96 ms data, taking averages over regions of some specific geographical areas (e.g., Europe, North America) and over the entire globe, are presented. Data are binned into 0.1° × 0.1° or 0.05° × 0.05° cells (depending on the scale of the map) over the Earth's surface. Raw data are made available in the form of tables (latitude, longitude, counts) and .kmz files (containing the .png images). These are - to the best of our knowledge - the highest sensitivity data in this wavelength range and can be of use to various disciplines.

Influence of silicon morphology on direct current plasma electrolytic oxidation process in AlSi10Mg alloy produced with laser powder bed fusion.

In this work, plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) process was applied on AlSi10Mg samples, produced with laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF), in the as printed condition and after different heat treatments, and, for comparison, on as-cast samples of AlSi10Mg. PEO process was performed in direct-current mode using high current densities and short time in a basic silicate electrolyte. For the first time, the effects of silicon morphology in L-PBF AlSi10Mg samples, in as printed condition and after different heat treatments, on the obtained PEO coating were investigated in terms of microstructure and corrosion properties. The microstructure of the substrate was characterized with optical and electron microscopy observations (optical microscopy OM, scanning electron microscopy SEM, and transmission electron microscopy TEM) and with X-ray diffraction (XRD). The analysis showed that heat treatments of annealing and solution treating modified the morphology and distribution of silicon in the samples obtained through L-PBF. The PEO coated samples were characterized with SEM, both on the surface and in the cross-section, and compositional analysis were performed with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis and elemental mapping. The coatings were also analyzed with XRD and the corrosion properties evaluated through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) tests. Also microhardness tests were performed on the substrates and on the coatings. The microstructure of the coatings was strongly influenced by the silicon distribution. In particular, a non-uniform distribution of silicon and the presence of iron-rich intermetallic (obtained in the as-cast and solution treated samples) induced the formation of more porous and thinner coatings in comparison with the ones obtained in the as printed and annealed samples. The not-uniform silicon distribution produced a not-homogenous distribution of silicon into the coatings. The particular cellular structure of the as printed sample induced the formation of a coating with a higher amorphous fraction, in comparison with the ones produced on the other samples. The higher thickness and lower porosity of the coatings obtained on the annealed and as printed samples resulted in an increase of the corrosion resistance.

Real-life efficacy and safety of Ustekinumab as second- or third-line therapy in Crohn's disease: results from a large Italian cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: Ustekinumab (UST) is an anti-IL12/23 antibody for the treatment of Crohn's Disease (CD). The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of UST in a large population-based cohort of CD patients who failed previous treatment with other biologics. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 194 CD patients (108 males and 86 females, mean age 48 years (range 38-58 years) were retrospectively reviewed. 147 patients were already treated with anti-TNFα (75.8%), and 47 (24.2%) patients were already treated with anti-TNFα and vedolizumab. Concomitant treatment with steroids was present in 177 (91.2%) patients. RESULTS: At week 12, clinical remission was achieved in 146 (75.2%) patients. After a mean follow-up of 6 months, clinical remission was maintained in 135 (69.6%) patients; at that time, mucosal healing was assessed in 62 (31.9%) patients, and it was achieved in 33 (53.2) patients. Three (1.5%) patients were submitted to surgery. Steroid-free remission was achieved in 115 (59.3%) patients. Both serum C-Reactive Protein and Fecal Calprotectin (FC) levels were significantly reduced with respect to baseline levels during follow-up. A logistic regression, UST therapy as third-line therapy (after both anti-TNFα and vedolizumab), FC >200 µg/g, and HBI ≥8 were significantly associated with lack of remission. Adverse events occurred in 5 (2.6%) patients, and four of them required suspension of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: UST seemed to be really effective and safe in CD patients unresponsive to other biologic treatments, especially when used as second-line treatment.

Resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. / Resonancia magnética funcional de reposo en el trastorno por déficit de atención e hiperactividad.

OBJECTIVE: To explore whether children and adolescents with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have altered the functional connectivity between the executive control network and the default mode network. METHODS: Exploratory study of a diagnostic test, prospective, case and control design. A total of 56 participants were recruited consecutively (29 inattentive or combined ADHD subtype and 27 controls) between 7 and 16 years old, male, right dominance. DSM-5 was applied as reference test and a battery of neuropsychological tests to confirm the diagnosis and assess comorbidities. Resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging was performed as an index test. The application and evaluation of the tests was blind. The brain regions were chosen a priori and the region of interest technique was used. The functional connectivity of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) was evaluated with: the precuneus (P), the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) and the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (DMPC). RESULTS: The functional connectivity in each of the associations evaluated in the patients with ADHD compared with the controls were: P_D=0.41 vs 0.44; CCP_D=0.43 vs 0.53; CPDM_D=0.75 vs. 0.79; P_I=0.40 vs 0.41; CCP_I=0.48 vs 0.53; CPDM_I=0.76 vs. 0.72). D: right side I: left side. Value of p> 0.05. CONCLUSION: Cerebral functional connectivity at rest is lower in ADHD patients when compared with healthy controls, however, the difference was not statistically significant.

HLA-A*01 is associated with late onset of Alzheimer's disease in Italian patients.

In this study, the distribution of HLA-A alleles was analyzed in Italian Alzheimer's Disease (AD)patients. Interaction between HLA alleles, APOE genotypes, age of onset, and gender were also analyzed. The results were compared to those obtained in healthy controls (HC). One hundred-seventy-three AD patients and 258 age-and-sex-matched healthy controls were enrolled in the study. AD patients were classified according to age at the onset of disease using quartiles of the distribution. HLA-A genotyping was performed by PCR-SSP; APOE genotyping was performed by RFLP. A correlation between late disease onset and HLA-A*01 was observed. Thus, HLA-A*01, calculated as number of alleles, was significantly more present in patients with age of onset > 74.0 years than in HC (20% vs 10.5%; p=0.014); the distribution of this allele was skewed also in patients 68.1-74 years of age (16.3%), even if the difference did not reach statistical significance. The relative risk ratio (RRR) of AD onset calculated by a multinomial logistic regression adjusted for sex and presence of APOE-4 confirmed a significant association of HLA-A*01 with AD onset > 74.0 years of age (RRR=2.2; 95%CI: 1.1-4.6; p=0.033). A high RRR (2.04) was also present in patients 68.1-74 years (p=0.064). Lower age of disease onset did not correlate with HLA-A*01. Data herein suggest that the presence of HLA-A*01 results in delayed AD development, even in patients carrying APOE-4. These results could offer new insights into the etiopathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.

Formation of stromatolite lamina at the interface of oxygenic-anoxygenic photosynthesis.

In modern stromatolites, mineralization results from a complex interplay between microbial metabolisms, the organic matrix, and environmental parameters. Here, we combined biogeochemical, mineralogical, and microscopic analyses with measurements of metabolic activity to characterize the mineralization processes and products in an emergent (<18 months) hypersaline microbial mat. While the nucleation of Mg silicates is ubiquitous in the mat, the initial formation of a Ca-Mg carbonate lamina depends on (i) the creation of a high-pH interface combined with a major change in properties of the exopolymeric substances at the interface of the oxygenic and anoxygenic photoautotrophic layers and (ii) the synergy between two major players of sulfur cycle, purple sulfur bacteria, and sulfate-reducing bacteria. The repetition of this process over time combined with upward growth of the mat is a possible pathway leading to the formation of a stromatolite.

Bovine lactoferrin for Helicobacter pylori eradication: an open, randomized, multicentre study.

BACKGROUND: Cure rates for eradication of Helicobacter pylori appear to be decreasing, thus more effective therapies must be identified. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of bovine lactoferrin in the treatment of H. pylori infection. METHODS: In a multicentered prospective study, 402 (mean age 52.4, range 19-84 years) H. pylori-positive patients were assigned to one of three regimens: group A - esomeprazole 20 mg b.d., clarithromycin 500 mg b.d. and tinidazole 500 mg b.d. for 7 days; group B - lactoferrin 200 mg b.d. for 7 days followed by the same schedule of group A; group C - esomeprazole 20 mg b.d., clarithromycin 500 mg b.d. and tinidazole 500 mg b.d. plus lactoferrin 200 mg b.d. for 7 days. RESULTS: Of the 402 patients, 389 completed the study. Six patients were discontinued due to side effects, one patient in group B died and six patients were lost to follow up. The eradication rate (intention-to-treat analysis) was 77% in group A (105/136), 73% in group B (97/132) and 90% in group C (120/134) (chi(2)-test P < 0.01). The incidence of side effects was 9.5% in group A, 9% in group B and 8.2% in group C (chi(2)-test P = 0.1). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that bovine lactoferrin is an effective adjuvant to 7-day triple therapy for eradication of H. pylori infection.

NIDDM is associated with lower wall shear stress of the common carotid artery.

The mechanisms underlying macrovascular complications in NIDDM are partially understood. In addition to increased prevalence and severity of systemic cardiovascular risk factors, local alterations of arterial wall and hemodynamics may play a role. Atherosclerotic lesions usually lie in regions of low wall shear stress. We therefore investigated the wall shear stress--that is, the frictional force acting tangentially to the endothelial surface--in the common carotid artery of diabetic and control subjects. Enrolled were 18 male NIDDM subjects and 18 age-matched control subjects. None of the participants were hypertensive, hyperlipidemic, or a cigarette smoker. Common carotid wall shear stress was calculated according to the following equation: blood viscosity x blood velocity/internal diameter. Blood viscosity was measured by use of a cone/plate viscometer. Blood velocity and internal diameter were measured by high-resolution echo-Doppler. Wall shear stress was significantly lower in NIDDM subjects than in control subjects (mean wall shear stress: 9.7 +/- 2.4 vs. 11.7 +/- 2.6 dynes/cm2, P < or = 0.005). Six diabetic participants had a plaque in one carotid tree and no lesions in the contralateral carotid. Among these subjects, mean wall shear stress was significantly lower in the side with lesion (8.1 +/- 1.6 vs. 10.5 +/- 2.4 dynes/cm2, P < or = 0.02). These findings suggest that diabetes is associated with a more atherosclerosis-prone carotid hemodynamic profile, which might represent an additional factor contributing to the increased prevalence and severity of carotid atherosclerosis in diabetic patients compared with general population.

Upper gastrointestinal symptoms and therapies in elderly out-patients, users of non-selective NSAIDs or coxibs.

BACKGROUND: The association between coxib or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use with gastrointestinal symptoms and drug prescriptions in ambulatory elderly patients is not well defined. AIM: To evaluate the association between non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug NSAID and coxib use with gastrointestinal symptoms and therapies in elderly subjects managed by their general practitioner. MATERIALS: The study was carried out by 133 general practitioners in Italy. By using a structured interview, sex, age, physical function, current medications, new drug prescriptions and upper gastrointestinal symptoms were registered from all elderly subjects who were referred to their general practitioners during a 2-week period. The numbers of hospitalizations, gastrointestinal bleeding events and gastrointestinal diagnostic procedures occurring during the last 6-month period were recorded. RESULTS: Included in this study were 5515 elderly subjects. The overall prevalence of drug use was 92%. Musculo-skeletal drugs were taken by 15% of patients; NSAIDs were taken by 6%, and coxibs by 3% of patients. A significantly higher prevalence of upper gastrointestinal symptoms was observed in elderly NSAID users compared with coxib users and non-users of musculo-skeletal drugs (44% vs. 33% vs. 32% respectively, P = 0.001). The prescriptions of drugs for acid-related disorders were significantly higher in patients who were concomitantly taking NSAID rather than coxibs (13% vs. 6%, P < 0.01). The prescriptions of drugs for acid-related disorders were significantly associated with the presence of upper gastrointestinal symptoms (OR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.6-1.9), previous gastrointestinal disorders (OR = 1.1, 95% CI = 1.0-1.3) and NSAID use (OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.0-2.2), but no coxib use. CONCLUSION: In this elderly population, upper gastrointestinal symptoms and prescriptions for gastroenterological drugs were higher in non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug users than coxib users and non-users of musculo-skeletal drugs.

Influence of cognitive impairment and comorbidity on disability in hospitalized elderly patients.

BACKGROUND: The effects of cognitive impairment and comorbidity on the prevalence of disability in elderly patients who are hospitalized in acute wards are not well defined. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the role of comorbidity and cognitive impairment on the prevalence of disability in a cohort of hospitalized older patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study included 179 patients aged 65 years and over admitted to the Geriatric Unit of the Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza Hospital, in Italy. Cognitive status was evaluated by means of the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Clinical Dementia Rating Scale (CDR); the functional status was evaluated according to the Activity of Daily Living (ADL) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) indices. Comorbidity was identified using the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (CIRS index). RESULTS: Of the 179 patients enrolled 73 patients were diagnosed with dementia [Alzheimers' Disease (AD) = 49 patients, Vascular Dementia (VD) = 24 patients], 35 patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and 71 patients had no cognitive impairment. The severity of disability was significantly higher in patients with dementia (ADL = 3.1 +/- 2.1, IADL = 1.5 +/- 2.0) than patients with MCI (ADL = 5.1 +/- 1.4, IADL = 5.2 +/- 2.2) (p < 0.0001) and patients without cognitive impairment (ADL = 5.5 +/- 0.9, IADL = 6.4 +/- 1.9) (p < 0.0001). No significant differences in CIRS index were observed between patients with dementia and MCI and no cognitive impairment patients (Dementia = 2.4 +/- 1.4 vs MCI = 2.9 +/- 1.4 vs No cognitive impairment = 2.7 +/- 1.2; p = 0.1). Moreover, a significant correlation between cognitive impairment and functional status (MMSE/ADL: r = 0.45, p = 0.0001, MMSE/IADL: r = 0.54, p = 0.0001) but not between comorbidity and functional status (CIRS/ADL: r = 0.0007, CIRS/IADL: r = 0.040) was observed. Separating patients with dementia by diagnosis of AD or VD, no significant differences in MMSE (AD = 12.2 +/- 6.7 vs VD = 13.2 +/- 6.5, p = 0.6), CDR (AD = 2.2 +/- 0.8 vs VD = 2.1 +/- 0.7, p = 0.6), ADL (AD = 3.1 +/- 2.1 vs VD = 3.0 +/- 2.1, p = 0.8), IADL (AD = 1.3 +/- 1.9 vs VD = 2.0 +/- 2.2, p = 0.1) or CIRS (AD = 2.2 +/- 1.5 vs VD = 2.8 +/- 1.3, p = 0.06) scores were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Cognitive impairment and not comorbidity, was significantly associated with disability in hospitalized older patients.

Cognitive processes in insulin-dependent diabetes.

Cognitive processes in a group of neurologically asymptomatic patients with relatively severe but uncomplicated insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) were studied. In comparison with a homogeneous group of normoglycemic controls, the diabetic group performed significantly worse in global memory, abstract reasoning, and eye-hand coordination tests. The two groups scored similarly in intelligence, concentration and attention, spatial, visual, and psychomotor tests. The neuropsychological deficits did not correlate with the duration or the severity of the disease. Whether these mild neuropsychological deficits are transient or stable or whether they are caused by central nervous system vascular or metabolic dysfunctions or by the emotional influence of the chronic illness on the intellectual and educational development of patients remains unclear. Our findings need to be cautiously interpreted and perhaps could not be extended to diabetic patients with better metabolic control.