From collective to individual radon risk exposure: An insight into the current European regulation.

Radon (Rn) is a radioactive gas with well-documented harmful effects; the World Health Organization has confirmed it as a cancerogenic for humans. These detrimental effects have prompted Europe to establish national reference levels to protect the exposed population. This is reflected in European directive 59/2013/EURATOM, which has been transposed into the national regulations of EU Member States.

Regional anesthesia modalities in blunt thoracic trauma: A systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis.

Background: Various regional anesthesia techniques have been studied for blunt chest wall trauma over the past decades, but their impact on patient outcomes remains unclear. This systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis aimed to identify the most effective regional anesthesia techniques for different outcomes in blunt thoracic trauma patients.

Methods: We searched Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, and Cochrane databases for randomized controlled trials comparing regional anesthesia techniques (thoracic epidural, erector spinae plane block, serratus anterior plane block, intercostal block, paravertebral block, intrapleural block, retrolaminar block) and standard intravenous analgesia.

Capping Effects on Spin and Charge Excitations in Parent and Superconducting Nd_{1-x}Sr_{x}NiO_{2}.

Superconductivity in infinite layer nickelates Nd_{1-x}Sr_{x}NiO_{2} has so far been achieved only in thin films, raising questions on the role of substrates and interfaces. Given the challenges associated with their synthesis it is imperative to identify their intrinsic properties. We use resonant inelastic x-ray scattering to investigate the influence of the SrTiO_{3} capping layer on the excitations of Nd_{1-x}Sr_{x}NiO_{2} (x=0 and 0.

Magnetic order in nanogranular iron germanium (FeGe) films.

We study the effect of strain on the magnetic properties and magnetization configurations in nanogranular FeGe1-xfilms (x=0.53±0.05) with and without B20 FeGe nanocrystals surrounded by an amorphous structure.

Surprising concentrations of hydrogen and non-geological methane and carbon dioxide in the soil.

Due to its potential use as a carbon-free energy resource with minimal environmental and climate impacts, natural hydrogen (H) produced by subsurface geochemical processes is today the target of intensive research. In H exploration practices, bacteria are thought to swiftly consume H and, therefore, small near-surface concentrations of H, even orders of 10 ppmv in soils, are considered a signal of active migration of geological gas, potentially revealing underground resources. Here, we document an extraordinary case of a widespread occurrence of H (up to 1 vol%), together with elevated concentrations of CH and CO (up to 51 and 27 vol%, respectively), in aerated meadow soils along Italian Alps valleys.

A new perspective in radon risk assessment: Mapping the geological hazard as a first step to define the collective radon risk exposure.

Radon is a radioactive gas and a major source of ionizing radiation exposure for humans. Consequently, it can pose serious health threats when it accumulates in confined environments. In Europe, recent legislation has been adopted to address radon exposure in dwellings; this law establishes national reference levels and guidelines for defining Radon Priority Areas (RPAs).

Rock deformation vs. radon emission: some constraints from shear stress-controlled experiments.

Numerous field and laboratory studies have been conducted to investigate the relationship between radon variation and seismic events, as well as the complex link between radon emission and rock deformation mechanisms. However, a clear understanding of this correspondence and systematic observations of these phenomena are still lacking, and recent experimental studies have yet to yield conclusive results. In this study, we investigate the possible relationships between radon migration dynamics and rock deformation at the micro-scale through laboratory experiments using the SHIVA apparatus under shear stress-controlled conditions and simultaneous high-resolution radon measurements.

One-Lung Ventilation and Postoperative Pulmonary Complications After Major Lung Resection Surgery. A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objectives: The effect of one-lung ventilation (OLV) strategy based on low tidal volume (TV), application of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), and alveolar recruitment maneuvers (ARM) to reduce postoperative acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and pulmonary complications (PPCs) compared with higher TV without PEEP and ARM strategy in adult patients undergoing lobectomy or pneumonectomy has not been well established.

Design: Multicenter, randomized, single-blind, controlled trial.

Setting: Sixteen Italian hospitals.

Physical state of water controls friction of gabbro-built faults.

Earthquakes often occur along faults in the presence of hot, pressurized water. Here we exploit a new experimental device to study friction in gabbro faults with water in vapor, liquid and supercritical states (water temperature and pressure up to 400 °C and 30 MPa, respectively). The experimental faults are sheared over slip velocities from 1 μm/s to 100 mm/s and slip distances up to 3 m (seismic deformation conditions).

Diagnostic accuracy for hemoperitoneum, influence on prehospital times and time-to-definitive treatment of prehospital FAST: A systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis.

Background: Focused assessment sonography for trauma (FAST) performed in the prehospital setting may improve trauma care by influencing treatment decisions and reducing time to definitive care, but its accuracy and benefits remain uncertain. This systematic review evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of prehospital FAST in detecting hemoperitoneum and its effects on prehospital time and time to definitive diagnosis or treatment.

Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library up to November 11th, 2022.

The critical role of ultra-low-energy vibrations in the relaxation dynamics of molecular qubits.

Improving the performance of molecular qubits is a fundamental milestone towards unleashing the power of molecular magnetism in the second quantum revolution. Taming spin relaxation and decoherence due to vibrations is crucial to reach this milestone, but this is hindered by our lack of understanding on the nature of vibrations and their coupling to spins. Here we propose a synergistic approach to study a prototypical molecular qubit.

Coherent correlation imaging for resolving fluctuating states of matter.

Fluctuations and stochastic transitions are ubiquitous in nanometre-scale systems, especially in the presence of disorder. However, their direct observation has so far been impeded by a seemingly fundamental, signal-limited compromise between spatial and temporal resolution. Here we develop coherent correlation imaging (CCI) to overcome this dilemma.

Antarctic permafrost degassing in Taylor Valley by extensive soil gas investigation.

Ongoing studies conducted in northern polar regions reveal that permafrost stability plays a key role in the modern carbon cycle as it potentially stores considerable quantities of greenhouse gases. Rapid and recent warming of the Arctic permafrost is resulting in significant greenhouse gas emissions, both from physical and microbial processes. The potential impact of greenhouse gas release from the Antarctic region has not, to date, been investigated.

Evaluation of tectonically enhanced radon in fault zones by quantification of the radon activity index.

This work highlights the importance of the Geogenic Radon Potential (GRP) component originated by degassing processes in fault zones. This Tectonically Enhanced Radon (TER) can increase radon concentration in soil gas and the inflow of radon in the buildings (Indoor Radon Concentrations, IRC). Although tectonically related radon enhancement is known in areas characterised by active faults, few studies have investigated radon migration processes in non-active fault zones.

Emergence of Spinons in Layered Trimer Iridate Ba_{4}Ir_{3}O_{10}.

Spinons are well known as the elementary excitations of one-dimensional antiferromagnetic chains, but means to realize spinons in higher dimensions is the subject of intense research. Here, we use resonant x-ray scattering to study the layered trimer iridate Ba_{4}Ir_{3}O_{10}, which shows no magnetic order down to 0.2 K.

Optimizing nursing workload in the intensive care unit during the COVID-19 pandemic: Planning prone positioning.

Background: Prone positioning is a complex, time-consuming task, involving significant intensive care unit staff. The increased workload during the COVID-19 pandemic and the reduced staffing boosted the burden of intensive care unit nurses, which might have a negative impact on patients' safety and outcomes.

Methods: Retrospective chart review, analysing the hourly distribution of pronation and supination procedures in mechanically ventilated critically ill patients during the first and the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020-May 2021).

Imaging mesoscopic antiferromagnetic spin textures in the dilute limit from single-geometry resonant coherent x-ray diffraction.

The detection and manipulation of antiferromagnetic domains and topological antiferromagnetic textures are of central interest to solid-state physics. A fundamental step is identifying tools to probe the mesoscopic texture of an antiferromagnetic order parameter. In this work, we demonstrate that Bragg coherent diffractive imaging can be extended to study the mesoscopic texture of an antiferromagnetic order parameter using resonant magnetic x-ray scattering.

Factors influencing prehospital physicians' decisions to initiate advanced resuscitation for asystolic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients.

Background: The decision to initiate or continue advanced life support (ALS) in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) could be difficult due to the lack of information and contextual elements, especially in non-shockable rhythms. This study aims to explore factors associated with clinicians' decision to initiate or continue ALS and the conditions associated with higher variability in asystolic patients.

Methods: This retrospective observational study enrolled 2653 asystolic patients on whom either ALS was attempted or not by the emergency medical services (EMS) physician.

Multicentre observational study on practice of prehospital management of hypotensive trauma patients: the SPITFIRE study protocol.

Introduction: Major haemorrhage after injury is the leading cause of preventable death for trauma patients. Recent advancements in trauma care suggest damage control resuscitation (DCR) should start in the prehospital phase following major trauma. In Italy, Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) assist the most complex injuries and deliver the most advanced interventions including DCR.

Real-space observation of fluctuating antiferromagnetic domains.

Magnetic domains play a fundamental role in physics of magnetism and its technological applications. Dynamics of antiferromagnetic domains is poorly understood, although antiferromagnets are expected to be extensively used in future electronic devices wherein it determines the stability and operational speed. Dynamics of antiferromagnets also features prominently in the studies of topological quantum matter.

Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA) in Non-Traumatic Cardiac Arrest: A Narrative Review of Known and Potential Physiological Effects.

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is widely used in acute trauma care worldwide and has recently been proposed as an adjunct to standard treatments during cardiopulmonary resuscitation in patients with non-traumatic cardiac arrest (NTCA). Several case series have been published highlighting promising results, and further trials are starting. REBOA during CPR increases cerebral and coronary perfusion pressure by increasing the afterload of the left ventricle, thus improving the chances of ROSC and decreasing hypoperfusion to the brain.

Logistic Red Flags in Mass-Casualty Incidents and Disasters: A Problem-Based Approach.

Background: Mass-casualty incidents (MCIs) and disasters are characterized by a high heterogeneity of effects and may pose important logistic challenges that could hamper the emergency rescue operations.The main objective of this study was to establish the most frequent logistic challenges (red flags) observed in a series of Italian disasters with a problem-based approach and to verify if the 80-20 rule of the Pareto principle is respected.

Methods: A series of 138 major events from 1944 through 2020 with a Disaster Severity Score (DSS) ≥ four and five or more victims were analyzed for the presence of twelve pre-determined red flags.