Ba+2 ion trapping using organic submonolayer for ultra-low background neutrinoless double beta detector.

If neutrinos are their own antiparticles the otherwise-forbidden nuclear reaction known as neutrinoless double beta decay can occur. The very long lifetime expected for these exceptional events makes its detection a daunting task. In order to conduct an almost background-free experiment, the NEXT collaboration is investigating novel synthetic molecular sensors that may capture the Ba dication produced in the decay of certain Xe isotopes in a high-pressure gas experiment. The use of such molecular detectors immobilized on surfaces must be explored in the ultra-dry environment of a xenon gas chamber. Here, using a combination of highly sensitive surface science techniques in ultra-high vacuum, we demonstrate the possibility of employing the so-called Fluorescent Bicolor Indicator as the molecular component of the sensor. We unravel the ion capture process for these molecular indicators immobilized on a surface and explain the origin of the emission fluorescence shift associated to the ion trapping.

Correction: Influence of 4f filling on electronic and magnetic properties of rare earth-Au surface compounds.

Correction for 'Influence of 4f filling on electronic and magnetic properties of rare earth-Au surface compounds' by L. Fernandez et al., Nanoscale, 2020, 12, 22258-22267, DOI: 10.1039/D0NR04964F.

Association between pulmonary embolism and COVID-19 severe pneumonia: Experience from two centers in the core of the infection Italian peak.

PURPOSE: Pulmonary embolism (PE) in COVID-19 patients can play a key role in precipitating clinical conditions. We aimed to evaluate PE distribution on CTA and to investigate any possible association with D-dimer (DD), pulmonary stage of disease and prognosis. METHOD: COVID-19 patients of two affiliated Hospitals, undergone a CTA examination for PE suspicion, were retrospectively enrolled. Comorbidities, laboratory tests and clinical outcomes (hospitalization, discharge, death) were assessed. A parenchymal stage (early, progressive, peak, absorption) for lung involvement was assigned. RESULTS: A cohort of 114 patients (mean age 61 years; 26.3 % females) with severe COVID-19 pneumonia were evaluated. At last follow-up 25 (21.9 %) were hospitalized, 72 (63.2 %) discharged, 17 (14.9 %) dead. Eighty-eight patients (77.2 %) had at least one comorbidity, being cardiovascular ones the most frequent (44.7 %). CTA revealed PE in 65 patients (57 %), with concomitant pulmonary trunk and/or main arteries involvement in 16.9 %. PE defects were ubiquitous in 18.5 % of cases. The predominant parenchymal stages were the progressive (24.6 %) and peak (67.7 %). DD levels showed a significant correlation with PE occurrence and extent in pulmonary branches, despite anticoagulant therapies; trend of correlation with pulmonary stages was also noted. CONCLUSIONS: PE is a frequent complication in severe COVID-19 patients, particularly during central parenchymal stages and despite ongoing anticoagulant therapy. CTA and DD levels play a crucial role in the assessment of suspected PE, despite anticoagulant therapies, along with proper information about lung involvement extent.

Influence of 4f filling on electronic and magnetic properties of rare earth-Au surface compounds.

One-atom-thick rare-earth/noble metal (RE-NM) compounds are attractive materials to investigate two-dimensional magnetism, since they are easy to synthesize into a common RE-NM2 structure with high crystal perfection. Here we perform a comparative study of the GdAu2, HoAu2, and YbAu2 monolayer compounds grown on Au(111). We find the same atomic lattice quality and moiré superlattice periodicity in the three cases, but different electronic properties and magnetism. The YbAu2 monolayer reveals the characteristic electronic signatures of a mixed-valence configuration in the Yb atom. In contrast, GdAu2 and HoAu2 show the trivalent character of the rare-earth and ferromagnetic transitions below 22 K. Yet, the GdAu2 monolayer has an in-plane magnetic easy-axis, versus the out-of-plane one in HoAu2. The electronic bands of the two trivalent compounds are very similar, while the divalent YbAu2 monolayer exhibits different band features. In the latter, a strong 4f-5d hybridization is manifested in neatly resolved avoided crossings near the Fermi level. First principles theory points to a residual presence of empty 4f states, explaining the fluctuating valence of Yb in the YbAu2 monolayer.

Prolactin Is a Strong Candidate for the Regulation of Luteal Steroidogenesis in Vizcachas (Lagostomus maximus).

Prolactin (PRL) is essential for the maintenance of the corpora lutea and the production of progesterone (P4) during gestation of mice and rats, which makes it a key factor for their successful reproduction. Unlike these rodents and the vast majority of mammals, female vizcachas (Lagostomus maximus) have a peculiar reproductive biology characterized by an ovulatory event during pregnancy that generates secondary corpora lutea with a consequent increment of the circulating P4. We found that, although the expression of pituitary PRL increased steadily during pregnancy, its ovarian receptor (PRLR) reached its maximum in midpregnancy and drastically decreased at term pregnancy. The luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) exhibited a similar profile than PRLR. Maximum P4 and LH blood levels were recorded at midpregnancy as well. Remarkably, the P4-sinthesizing enzyme 3ß-HSD accompanied the expression pattern of PRLR/LHR throughout gestation. Instead, the luteolytic enzyme 20α-HSD showed low expression at early and midpregnancy, but reached its maximum at the end of gestation, when PRLR/LHR/3ß-HSD expressions and circulating P4 were minimal. In conclusion, both the PRLR and LHR expressions in the ovary would define the success of gestation in vizcachas by modulating the levels of 20α-HSD and 3ß-HSD, which ultimately determine the level of serum P4 throughout gestation.

No increase in drug dispensing for acute gastroenteritis after Storm Klaus, France 2009.

During the night of 23-24 January 2009, Storm Klaus hit south-western France and caused power outages affecting 1,700,000 homes and stopping numerous pumping and drinking water disinfection systems. In France, medicalized acute gastroenteritis (MAGE) outbreaks are monitored by analysing the daily amount of reimbursements of medical prescriptions, registered in the French National Health Insurance database, at the 'commune' administrative level. As AGE is suspected to be associated with perturbations to water supply systems as well as power outages, Storm Klaus provided an opportunity to test its influence on the incidence of MAGE in the communes of three affected French departments (administrative areas larger than communes). The geographical exposure indicator was built by using the mapping of the water distribution zones, the reported distribution/production stoppages and their duration. Irrespective of exposure class, a relative risk of MAGE of 0.86 (95% confidence 0.84-0.88) was estimated compared with the 'unexposed' reference level. Although these results must be considered with caution because of a potential marked decrease in global medical consultation probably due to impassable roads, they do not suggest a major public health impact of Klaus in terms of increased MAGE incidence.

Immediately loaded dental implants bioactivated with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) placed in maxillary and mandibular region.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Dental implants have today deeply changed the dental field. In fact, after almost 50 years, the permanent placement of a titanium screw with an attached tooth have, step by step, changed the society's standard toward a permanently replacement of missed or severely damaged teeth. In fact, the host of benefits born from dental implants have affected both patients and dental professionals. The aim of the present study is to report the outcomes of an implant therapy protocol supporting fixed prostheses implanted soon after extractions and loaded with flapless guided surgery by a 3D software planning. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 37 patients, requiring rehabilitation of booth dental arches with a one-to-one technique, were enrolled in a follow-up study plan which established clinical and radiological examinations on the day after surgery, seven months and one year later. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), in combination with autogenous bone, organic bone material and organic bone substitutes, was used before implant-prosthetic rehabilitation with an its prompt loading just before the implant insertion phase. RESULTS: Definitive restorations were delivered at 6-12 months after surgical procedure. One year after loading there were no dropouts and no failure of the definitive prosthesis. Furthermore, the feedback from patients resulted positive. CONCLUSIONS: Patients resulted satisfied both aesthetically and functionally regarding these types of prosthetic reconstructions made at the time.

Growth-promoting action and growth factor release by different platelet derivatives.

Abstract Platelet derivatives are commonly used in wound healing and tissue regeneration. Different procedures of platelet preparation may differentially affect growth factor release and cell growth. Preparation of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is accompanied by release of growth factors, including platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor ß1 (TGFß1), and several cytokines. When compared with the standard procedure for platelet-rich plasma (PRP), PRF released 2-fold less PDGF, but >15-fold and >2-fold VEGF and TGFß1, respectively. Also, the release of several cytokines (IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IFNγ, MIP-1α, MIP-1ß and TNFα) was significantly increased in PRF-conditioned medium (CM), compared to PRP-CM. Incubation of both human skin fibroblasts and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with PRF-derived membrane (mPRF) or with PRF-CM enhanced cell proliferation by >2-fold (p<0.05). Interestingly, PRP elicited fibroblast growth at a higher extent compared to PRF. At variance, PRF effect on HUVEC growth was significantly greater than that of PRP, consistent with a higher concentration of VEGF in the PRF-CM. Thus, the procedure of PRP preparation leads to a larger release of PDGF, as a possible result of platelet degranulation, while PRF enhances the release of proangiogenic factors.

Assessing the public health impacts of urban air pollution in 25 European cities: results of the Aphekom project.

INTRODUCTION: The Aphekom project aimed to provide new, clear, and meaningful information on the health effects of air pollution in Europe. Among others, it assessed the health and monetary benefits of reducing short and long-term exposure to particulate matter (PM) and ozone in 25 European cities. METHOD: Health impact assessments were performed using routine health and air quality data, and a common methodology. Two scenarios were considered: a decrease of the air pollutant levels by a fixed amount and a decrease to the World Health Organization (WHO) air quality guidelines. Results were economically valued by using a willingness to pay approach for mortality and a cost of illness approach for morbidity. RESULTS: In the 25 cities, the largest health burden was attributable to the impacts of chronic exposure to PM2.5. Complying with the WHO guideline of 10 µg/m(3) in annual mean would add up to 22 months of life expectancy at age 30, depending on the city, corresponding to a total of 19,000 deaths delayed. The associated monetary gain would total some €31 billion annually, including savings on health expenditures, absenteeism and intangible costs such as well-being, life expectancy and quality of life. CONCLUSION: European citizens are still exposed to concentrations exceeding the WHO recommendations. Aphekom provided robust estimates confirming that reducing urban air pollution would result in significant health and monetary gains in Europe. This work is particularly relevant now when the current EU legislation is being revised for an update in 2013.

A comparison of student motivation in selecting bachelors of nursing or paediatric nursing at an Italian university.

AIM: To investigate students' reasons for choosing general or paediatric nursing, and to compare motivation factors and personal characteristics between the two professions. BACKGROUND: In Italy, nursing students can choose between two distinct career paths: general and paediatric nursing. However, it is unclear what factors motivate a student to choose between these two pathways. METHODS: A cross-sectional approach was used to compare a sample of general and paediatric nursing students enrolled in a university in northeast Italy. We administered a questionnaire that covered socio-demographic characteristics and included an instrument of motivation developed by Zysberg & Berry to 224 students enrolled in the 3-year classes. RESULTS: We analysed 215 questionnaires (96%). Paediatric nurses were generally younger, had attended a college preparatory high school and had previously failed another university programme. Many students, in both groups, had a relative who was a nurse, or had cared for a sick friend or family member. Students did not vary significantly in how they evaluated items included in the questionnaire. CONCLUSION: A career in nursing should be advised for students who are motivated to help other people. Paediatric nursing was identified as an acceptable career choice by students of college preparatory high schools or by students who had initially enrolled in a different university programme. General nursing was a satisfactory choice by students with previous work experience.

Reversible electron-induced cis-trans isomerization mediated by intermolecular interactions.

Reversible isomerization processes are rarely found when organic molecular switches are adsorbed on metal surfaces. One obstacle is the large energy difference of the isomeric forms, since usually the most planar conformer has the largest adsorption energy. In the example of an imine derivative, we show a strategy for also stabilizing the non-planar isomer by intermolecular bonding to its neighbors. Tunneling electrons from the tip of a scanning tunneling microscope can then be used to induce reversible switching between the trans and cis-like state. Supported by model force-field calculations, we illustrate that the most probable cause of the enhanced stability of the three-dimensional cis state at specific adsorption sites is the electrostatic interaction with N sites of the neighboring molecule.

Understanding Periodic Dislocations in 2D Supramolecular Crystals: The PFP/Ag(111) Interface.

In-plane dislocation networks arise in both inorganic and organic films as a way of relieving the elastic strain that builds up at the substrate interface. In molecule/surface systems, supramolecular interactions are weak and more complex (compared to the atomic bonds in inorganic films), and their interplay with molecule-substrate interactions is very subtle, making it difficult to single out the driving force for a nanoscale dislocation pattern. On the basis of a combined experimental and theoretical work, we here show that periodic dislocations in a molecular PFP film are mainly driven by the optimization of molecule-substrate interactions. Compared to inorganic networks however, it implies a much lower energy imbalance, allowing a thermally induced transition from a low-energy strain dislocation pattern to a high-energy incommensurate moiré.

Lifshitz transition across the Ag/Cu(111) superlattice band gap tuned by interface doping.

The two-dimensional, free-electron-like band structure of noble metal surfaces can be radically transformed by appropriate nanostructuration. A case example is the triangular dislocation network that characterizes the epitaxial Ag/Cu(111) system, which exhibits a highly featured band topology with a full band gap above E(F) and a hole-pocket-like Fermi surface. Here we show that controlled doping of the Ag/Cu(111) interface with Au allows one to observe a complete Lifshitz transition at 300 K; i.e., the hole pockets fill up, the band gap entirely shifts across E(F), and the Fermi surface becomes electron-pocket-like.

Rare-earth surface alloying: a new phase for GdAu2.

Surface alloying is a powerful way of varying physical and chemical properties of metals, for a number of applications from catalysis to nuclear and green technologies. Surfaces offer many degrees of freedom, giving rise to new phases that do not have a bulk counterpart. However, the atomic characterization of distinct surface compounds is a major task, which demands powerful experimental and theoretical tools. Here we illustrate the process for the case of a GdAu2 surface phase of extraordinary crystallinity. The combined use of surface-sensitive techniques and state-of-the-art ab initio calculations disentangles its atomic and electronic properties. In particular, the stacking of the surface layers allows for gadolinium's natural ferromagnetic state, at variance with the bulk phase, where frustration leads to antiferromagnetic interlayer coupling.

Undergraduate nursing students' attitudes towards organ donation: a survey in an Italian university.

AIMS: To examine undergraduate nursing students' attitudes towards organ donation and to determine whether or not attitudes were related to the students' education and training. BACKGROUND: Nurses' knowledge and personal opinion can influence patient's willingness to donate organs or to hold an organ donor card. It is unclear how Italy's future nurses view organ donation. METHODS: The study's source population consisted of third-year undergraduate nursing students enrolled in seven nursing schools from an Italian university during 2008. Respondents completed self-administered quantitative questionnaire with 61 questions, including the Organ Donation Attitude Scale. FINDINGS: Of the 378 students contacted, 183 (48%) completed all survey questions; 140 were females (76.5%) and the mean age of students was 25. The median score of students' attitude scores towards organ donation was 151 (the attitude is positive when the score is higher than 161). No significant correlations were found to exist between organ-donation attitude and sex, age, clinical practice in hospitals with a transplant unit, nursing care to patients waiting for a transplant or dialysis patients. Only 16% of the students had previously signed a donor card consenting to their own organ donation. The study revealed that doubts about transplantable organs still exist within the student body. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlighted that students' awareness of organ donation was not adequate and that attitude levels were lower than in other countries. If these future workers would receive adequate training, they could promote organ donation to the general public and to other hospital personnel.

Lateral engineering of surface states - towards surface-state nanoelectronics.

Patterned metal surfaces can host electron quantum waves that display interference phenomena over distances of a few nanometres, thus providing excellent information carriers for future atomic-scale devices. Here we demonstrate that collimation and waveguiding of surface electrons can be realized in silver-induced strain dislocation networks on Cu(111) surfaces, as a conceptual proof-of-principle of surface-state nanoelectronics (SSNE). The Ag/Cu(111) system exhibits featured surface bands with gaps at the Fermi energy, which are basic requirements for a potential SSNE material. We establish a solid analogy between the behavior of surface-state electrons and surface plasmons in patterned metal surfaces, thus facilitating the transfer of existing knowledge on plasmonic structures to the new scenario presented by engineered electronic surface-state nanostructures, with the advantage of a 1000-fold reduction in wavelength and geometrical parameters.

[Mouthwash solutions containing microencapsulated natural extracts: Clinical results on dental plaque and gingivitis]. / Bains de bouche aux extraits naturels microencapsulés : résultats cliniques sur la plaque dentaire et la gingivite.

INTRODUCTION: New mouthwash solutions containing microencapsulated natural extracts have been developed. Besides antiseptic activity, these solutions have antioxidant and immunoregulatory properties on oral tissues. The objective of this preliminary clinical study was to assess the efficiency of a mouthwash containing microencapsulated natural extracts (GingiNat, LoB5 Foundation, Paris, France) on gingivitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty volunteers (37 + or - 2 years) with significant gingivitis (bleeding when tooth-brushing) used a 6% GingiNat mouthwash solution, two to three times per day (according to oral hygiene habits) for 21 days in addition to their usual oral care. Each volunteer was examined at day 0, 4, 7 and 21. The Löe and Silness Plaque Index, the Russel Periodontal Index, a breath index (halitosis), and oral tissue tolerance were assessed. Finally, each volunteer filled in a daily follow-up form and answered a questionnaire on tolerance and acceptability. RESULTS: A significant decrease of the dental plaque index was observed on day 4, 7, and 21, in respectively 29, 48 and 71% of volunteers. This decrease reached 18% on day 4 (p=0.014), 32% on day 7 (p=0.002), and 47% on day 21 (p<0.001). A significant decrease of the periodental index was observed on day 4, 7 and 21, in respectively 52, 81 and 95% of volunteers. This decrease reached 30% (p=0.001) on day 4, 49% (p<0.001) on day 7, and 78% (p<0.001) on day 21. A significant improvement of the breath index was noted on day 4, 7, and 21, in respectively 43, 52 and 48% of volunteers. This improvement reached 29% (p=0.004) on day 4, 35% (p=0.001) on day 7, and 32% (p=0.002) on day 21. The mouthwash was well tolerated. The patients liked its effectiveness and organoleptic properties. All patients expressed the wish to continue using this solution. DISCUSSION: The GingiNat mouthwash solution at 6% had a significant efficiency on plaque, gingivitis, and halitosis after 21 days of use. This makes it a good complementary treatment for gingivitis. Tolerance and acceptability were good despite the long and repeated use. Further studies are needed to have a detailed analysis of its efficiency in the long run and on patients presenting with various forms of periodontitis.