The highest oxidation state observed in graphene-supported sub-nanometer iron oxide clusters

Size-selected iron oxide nanoclusters are outstanding candidates for technological-oriented applications due to their high efficiency-to-cost ratio. However, despite many theoretical studies, experimental works on their oxidation mechanism are still limited to gas-phase clusters. Herein we investigate the oxidation of graphene-supported size-selected Fe_n clusters by means of high-resolution X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy. We show a dependency of the core electron Fe 2p_3/2 binding energy of metallic and oxidized clusters on the cluster size. Binding energies are also linked to chemical reactivity through the asymmetry parameter which is related to electron density of states at the Fermi energy. Upon oxidation, iron atoms in clusters reach the oxidation state Fe(II) and the absence of other oxidation states indicates a Fe-to-O ratio close to 1:1, in agreement with previous theoretical calculations and gas-phase experiments. Such knowledge can provide a basis for a better understanding of the behavior of iron oxide nanoclusters as supported catalysts.

Casemix, management, and mortality of patients rreseceiving emergency neurosurgery for traumatic brain injury in the Global Neurotrauma Outcomes Study: a prospective observational cohort study

BACKGROUND

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is increasingly recognised as being responsible for a substantial proportion of the global burden of disease. Neurosurgical interventions are an important aspect of care for patients with TBI, but there is little epidemiological data available on this patient population. We aimed to characterise differences in casemix, management, and mortality of patients receiving emergency neurosurgery for TBI across different levels of human development.

METHODS

We did a prospective observational cohort study of consecutive patients with TBI undergoing emergency neurosurgery, in a convenience sample of hospitals identified by open invitation, through international and regional scientific societies and meetings, individual contacts, and social media. Patients receiving emergency neurosurgery for TBI in each hospital's 30-day study period were all eligible for inclusion, with the exception of patients undergoing insertion of an intracranial pressure monitor only, ventriculostomy placement only, or a procedure for drainage of a chronic subdural haematoma. The primary outcome was mortality at 14 days postoperatively (or last point of observation if the patient was discharged before this time point). Countries were stratified according to their Human Development Index (HDI)-a composite of life expectancy, education, and income measures-into very high HDI, high HDI, medium HDI, and low HDI tiers. Mixed effects logistic regression was used to examine the effect of HDI on mortality while accounting for and quantifying between-hospital and between-country variation.

FINDINGS

Our study included 1635 records from 159 hospitals in 57 countries, collected between Nov 1, 2018, and Jan 31, 2020. 328 (20%) records were from countries in the very high HDI tier, 539 (33%) from countries in the high HDI tier, 614 (38%) from countries in the medium HDI tier, and 154 (9%) from countries in the low HDI tier. The median age was 35 years (IQR 24-51), with the oldest patients in the very high HDI tier (median 54 years, IQR 34-69) and the youngest in the low HDI tier (median 28 years, IQR 20-38). The most common procedures were elevation of a depressed skull fracture in the low HDI tier (69 [45%]), evacuation of a supratentorial extradural haematoma in the medium HDI tier (189 [31%]) and high HDI tier (173 [32%]), and evacuation of a supratentorial acute subdural haematoma in the very high HDI tier (155 [47%]). Median time from injury to surgery was 13 h (IQR 6-32). Overall mortality was 18% (299 of 1635). After adjustment for casemix, the odds of mortality were greater in the medium HDI tier (odds ratio [OR] 2·84, 95% CI 1·55-5·2) and high HDI tier (2·26, 1·23-4·15), but not the low HDI tier (1·66, 0·61-4·46), relative to the very high HDI tier. There was significant between-hospital variation in mortality (median OR 2·04, 95% CI 1·17-2·49).

INTERPRETATION

Patients receiving emergency neurosurgery for TBI differed considerably in their admission characteristics and management across human development settings. Level of human development was associated with mortality. Substantial opportunities to improve care globally were identified, including reducing delays to surgery. Between-hospital variation in mortality suggests changes at an institutional level could influence outcome and comparative effectiveness research could identify best practices.

FUNDING

National Institute for Health Research Global Health Research Group.

Atomic Undercoordination in Ag Islands on Ru(0001) Grown via Size-Selected Cluster Deposition: An Experimental and Theoretical High-Resolution Core-Level Photoemission Study

The possibility of depositing precisely mass-selected Ag clusters (Ag₁, Ag₃, and Ag₇) on Ru(0001) was instrumental in determining the importance of the in-plane coordination number (CN) and allowed us to establish a linear dependence of the Ag 3d_5/2 core-level shift on CN. The fast cluster surface diffusion at room temperature, caused by the low interaction between silver and ruthenium, leads to the formation of islands with a low degree of ordering, as evidenced by the high density of low-coordinated atomic configurations, in particular CN = 4 and 5. On the contrary, islands formed upon Ag₇ deposition show a higher density of atoms with CN = 6, thus indicating the formation of islands with a close-packed atomic arrangement. This combined experimental and theoretical approach, when applied to clusters of different elements, offers the perspective to reveal nonequivalent local configurations in two-dimensional (2D) materials grown using different building blocks, with potential implications in understanding electronic and reactivity properties at the atomic level.

A radio ridge connecting two galaxy clusters in a filament of the cosmic web

Galaxy clusters are the most massive gravitationally bound structures in the Universe. They grow by accreting smaller structures in a merging process that produces shocks and turbulence in the intracluster gas. We observed a ridge of radio emission connecting the merging galaxy clusters Abell 0399 and Abell 0401 with the Low-Frequency Array (LOFAR) telescope network at 140 megahertz. This emission requires a population of relativistic electrons and a magnetic field located in a filament between the two galaxy clusters. We performed simulations to show that a volume-filling distribution of weak shocks may reaccelerate a preexisting population of relativistic particles, producing emission at radio wavelengths that illuminates the magnetic ridge.

Carotid artery imaging: The study of intra-plaque vascularization and hemorrhage in the era of the "vulnerable" plaque

Intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) is one of the main factors involved in atherosclerotic plaque (AP) instability. Its recognition is crucial for the correct staging and management of patients with carotid artery plaques to limit ischemic stroke. Imaging plays a crucial role in identifying IPH, even if the great variability of intraplaque vascularization and the limitations of our current imaging technologies make it difficult. The intent of this review is to give a general overview of the main features of intraplaque vascularization and IPH on Ultrasound (US), Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance (MR) and Nuclear Medicine, and a brief description on the future prospectives.

Western Bluetongue virus serotype 3 in Sardinia, diagnosis and characterization

Over the last 20 years, Italy has experienced multiple incursions of different serotypes of Bluetongue virus (BTV), a Culicoides‐borne arbovirus, the causative agent of bluetongue (BT), a major disease of ruminants. The majority of these incursions originated from Northern Africa, likely because of wind‐blown dissemination of infected midges. Here, we report the first identification of BTV‐3 in Sardinia, Italy. BTV‐3 circulation was evidenced in sentinel animals located in the province of Sud Sardegna on September 19, 2018. Prototype strain BTV‐3 SAR2018 was isolated on cell culture. BTV‐3 SAR2018 sequence and partial sequences obtained by next‐generation sequencing from nucleic acids purified from the isolate and blood samples, respectively, were demonstrated to be almost identical (99–100% of nucleotide identity) to BTV‐3 TUN2016 identified in Tunisia in 2016 and 2017, a scenario already observed in past incursions of other BTV serotypes originating from Northern Africa.

MOKE setup exploiting a nematic liquid crystal modulator

Here we report on the magneto-optical Kerr effect employing a nematic liquid crystal (LC) device as an optical modulator. This device allows performing intensity, phase, and polarization modulated measurements with a huge signal-to-noise ratio when compared to those obtained by means of an opto-mechanical chopper and a photo-elastic modulator. The results demonstrate that the optimal performance is achieved modulating the polarization state of the incident light by means of the LCs.

Giant magneto-electric coupling in 100 nm thick Co capped by ZnO nanorods

Here we report a giant, completely reversible magneto-electric coupling of 100 nm polycrystalline Co layer in contact with ZnO nanorods. When the sample is under an applied bias of ±2 V, the Co magnetic coercivity is reduced by a factor 5 from the un-poled case, with additionally a reduction of total magnetic moment in Co. Taking into account the chemical properties of ZnO nanorods measured by X-rays absorption near edge spectroscopy under bias, we conclude that these macroscopic effects on the magnetic response of the Co layer are due to the microstructure and the strong strain-driven magneto-electric coupling induced by the ZnO nanorods, whose nanostructuration maximizes the piezoelectric response under bias.

Gender differences in motor and non-motor symptoms among Sardinian patients with Parkinson's disease

BACKGROUND

Parkinson's disease (PD) occurs more frequently in men than in women and a higher risk for PD development in males compared with females has been hypothesized, suggesting gender may be a significant factor in the development and progression of parkinsonism. To date, gender differences in non-motor symptoms are under-reported.

OBJECTIVE

To assess gender differences in motor and non-motor symptoms among Sardinian PD patients.

METHODS

One hundred fifty-six (91 male and 65 female) consecutive Sardinian PD outpatients were included in this analysis. Modified Hoehn and Yahr scale and UPDRS were used to assess motor symptoms, while non-motor disturbances were evaluated with the non-motor symptoms scale (NMSS). Presence of depression, anxiety and other iatrogenic behavioral disorders was also investigated. In order to determine how gender differences could be specific to PD, 132 age-matched normal controls were assessed with the NMSS.

RESULTS

Women were more likely than men to present with tremor as initial symptom (p<.025) and worse UPDRS instability score (p<.02). NMSS score in females was significantly higher than that in males (p<.018). A significantly higher severity in cardiovascular (p<0.002), sleep/fatigue (p<.018) and mood/apathy (p<.001) domains was observed in female PD patients, while the sexual dysfunction domain was reported with a significantly higher score in male patients (p<.017). Fatigue (p<.03), lack of motivation (p<.015) and sadness (p<.009) were observed significantly more frequent in females, while altered interest in sex was noted as more common in males (p<.001). Frequency of depression (p<.011) and anxiety (p<.001) was significantly higher in females, while male patients had increased frequency of compulsive sexual behaviors (p<.05). There was a significantly higher frequency of non-motor symptoms in eight domains in both male and female PD patients compared with controls (p<.001, for all comparisons, with the exception of urinary disturbances in females: p<.004). Only sexual dysfunctions were not significantly higher in male and female PD patients compared with controls.

DISCUSSION

The present study highlights the role of gender differences associated with the occurrence of motor and non-motor disorders and our findings indicate that spectrum and severity of non-motor symptoms may present with different gender distribution in PD patients, suggesting a possible sex-related effect.

[Acute inorganic lead poisoning in workers employed on building renovation]

BACKGROUND

Occupationally, there are a number of work processes that constitute a long-term risk as sources of exposure to lead. In these processes the presence of lead is not evident but represents a hidden risk of poisoning.

OBJECTIVES

Study of two cases of hidden exposure to lead that were discovered during renovation work on a historical building.

METHODS

Acute lead poisoning symptoms appeared in the 2 workers. The current protocol for treatment of lead poisoning was applied, which consisted in administration of a chelating agent (EDTA), with subsequent monitoring of indicators of dose (PbB. blood lead level, PbU: urinary lead level) and indicators of effect (erythrocyte Protoporphyrin IX, urinary delta-aminolevulinic acid (ALA-U), urinary coproporphyrins).

RESULTS

The lead colic and anaemia appeared at PbB values (102 microg/dl e 104 microg/dl) that were higher than the PbB action value (40 microg/dl) and higher than the limit value (60 microg/dl).

CONCLUSIONS

The gravity of the symptoms, the high number of persons potentially involved, the difficulty of reclamation and probable urban contamination, with relative consequences concerning particularly infants and women infertile age, are sufficient grounds to require effective legislative action and improvement in the services available at the hospitals involved.

Mortality due to asbestos-related causes among railway carriage construction and repair workers

The objective of this study was to further clarify the cancer risk associated with asbestos exposure in railway carriage construction and repair. The cohort included 734 subjects employed between 1 January 1945 and 31 December 1969. Vital status was ascertained at 31 December 1997. Mortality was investigated in the time span 1970-97. Forty-two subjects (6%) were lost to follow-up and eight causes of death (4%) could not be ascertained. The overall mortality was not above the expected value. Among neoplastic diseases, excesses were observed for lung ştandardized mortality ratio (SMR) = 124; 90% confidence interval (CI) = 87-172; 26 obs), pleura (SMR = 1,327; CI = 523-2,790; 5 obs), larynx (SMR = 240; CI = 95-505; 5 obs), liver (SMR = 241; CI = 126-420; 9 obs), pancreas (SMR = 224; CI = 98-443; 6 obs) and multiple myeloma (SMR = 429; CI = 117-1,109; 3 obs). The observed excess of lung and pleural neoplasms can be causally related to asbestos exposure in the manufacture of railway carriages. A causal role of asbestos exposure in the raised SMRs from laryngeal and pancreatic neoplasms and multiple myeloma cannot be conclusively proven.

[The risk of lead and health conditions of exposed workers in the Siena region]

A number of studies on the health of occupational exposure to lead of workers from various industrial sectors are summarized. These studies document the disappearance of severe cases of saturnism, as seen in the past, and the occurrence nowadays, mainly of sub-clinical manifestations, such as alterations of blood levels of lead and protoporphyrin IX, in the large majority of cases. For the period 1984-95, a statistical analysis of the results obtained for these parameters is reported, together with other clinical data, for seven industrial sectors: crystal, ceramics, chemistry, metallurgy and mechanics, iron and steel, printing and painting. These results show a drop of the mean concentrations of blood lead levels in all sectors but the ceramic industry, especially since 1991, when the law, Decreto Legislativo 277/91--in accomplishment of European directives on protection of workers, including the directive 82/605/EEC--has been put into force.

Acute renal failure from inhalation of mycotoxins

Mysterious deaths of archeologists after opening Egyptian tombs have been suspected to be secondary to inhalation of mycotoxin, however, the hypothesis has never been verified. Recently, we observed a case of acute renal failure (ARF) undeniably due to inhalation of ochratoxin of Aspergillus ochraceus. After spending 8 h in a granary which had been closed for several months, a farmer and his wife suffered temporary respiratory distress; 24 h later, the woman developed nonoliguric ARF and biopsy revealed tubulonecrosis which healed in 24 days. Toxic substances were not found, but a strain of A. ochraceus producing ochratoxin was isolated from the wheat.

[Work posture and changes in the spine of sewing workers in the clothing industry]

An evaluation was made of the posture risk and occurrence of alterations of the spine in a sample of female sewing machine operators in the clothing industry. The results revealed a greater risk for sewing operators of contracting spinal disorders compared with a control population matched for sex and age. The cause of these disorders appears to be due to the fact that the work station cannot be adjusted to the anthropometric requirements of the individual subject, and also because the seated position is maintained for long periods.

Pulmonary alveolar lipoproteinosis in rats following intratracheal injection of pyrite particles

Wistar rats were injected intratracheally with pyrite particles and after 6 and 12 mo, lungs were evaluated for histological changes. Results were compared with rats that were given particles of galena, lead silicate, travertine, and quartz. Under the light microscope no significant changes were observed in the lungs from animals treated with galena, lead silicate, and travertine. In the lungs from animals that received quartz, a typical nodular fibrosis was observed. Moreover, both pyrite-treated rats and quartz-treated rats developed pulmonary alveolar lipoproteinosis; the lesions were much less prominent and severe in animals injected with pyrite than with quartz. These results indicate that pyrite, like only a few other types of dust that are different from quartz, can evoke the development of pulmonary alveolar lipoproteinosis in rats.

[Plasma beta-2-microglobulin in rheumatoid arthritis]

The beta 2 microglobulin (beta 2m) is a low molecular weight protein, recognized on the cellular membranes of numerous nucleated cells and strictly correlated to the antigens of Major Histocompatibility Complex. Many authors have demonstrated an increase of the plasmatic beta 2m in different inflammatory diseases and, particularly in rheumatic ones, as Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Reiter's syndrome, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Systemic lupus erythematosus. We have also investigated the behaviour of the plasmatic beta 2m in 52 RA patients and in 17 healthy subjects. The beta 2m was measured in serum, by radioimmunoassay. We have demonstrated that the plasmatic beta 2m has moderately increased in the serum of RA patients, even if there is not a significant difference when compared to the normal subjects.

Familial lead poisoning from contaminated wine

Three members of a family were found be suffering from lead poisoning of nonindustrial origin, the causative agent being the home-produced wine left to ferment in a glazed earthenware vat. The clinical and neurophysiological features are discussed in the light of similar cases in the literature. Correct diagnosis and early treatment of nonindustrial lead polyneuropathy are often extremely difficult because of the elusive nature of the exposure.