Promising Perspectives on the Use of Fullerenes as Efficient Containers for Beryllium Atoms

The possibility of using fullerenes as containers for toxic beryllium atoms is studied by a multi-scale approach in which first-principles and classical molecular dynamics simulations are combined. By studying the energetics, electronic and spectroscopic properties of Be-fullerene systems and by simulating their interaction at finite temperature in vacuo and in representative biological environments it is concluded that: i) Be endohedral complexes can be obtained by implanting Be atoms at energies >2.3 eV that is consistent with laser implantation technologies; ii) it is in principle possible to distinguish stable endohedral complexes from metastable exohedral ones by optical absorption, suggesting that optical spectroscopy can be a valuable a non-destructive technique to assist the synthesis and the control of implanted films iii) the Be-endohedral complexes are long-lived and thermodynamically stable and can confine beryllium both in vacuo and in aqueous solution; iv) Be@C60 complexes are likely unable to penetrate the selectivity filters of a prototypical protein showing that fullerene prevents undesired interactions with biomolecules and toxicity effects of Be2+ related to replacement of the Ca2+. Overall, these results provide an assessment on the possibility to encapsulate Be atoms into fullerenes by ion implantation to synthesize inert and highly stable and safe molecular containers for toxic beryllium radionuclides. Great opportunities are expected for the realization and application of Be-C60 complexes to nanotechnology and nanomedicine with particularly appealing perspectives in the field of neutron capture therapy of cancer

Peer tutoring in un corso di laurea magistrale: un'esperienza di orientamento in ingresso

I servizi di orientamento universitario si adattano nel corso degli anni ai differenti contesti sociali, utilizzando strumenti dotati di obiettivi specifici, chiari e ben definiti. Questo paper focalizza l’attenzione sulla presentazione all’interno del Corso di Laurea Magistrale LM-50/93 di un peer tutoring innovativo, al fine di sviluppare percorsi di apprendimento sempre più rispondenti ai bisogni degli individui che sono in formazione. Obiettivo centrale è la persona con i suoi portati cognitivi, emotivi e motori in vista di una formazione permanente finalizzata alla consapevolezza delle proprie scelte in vista della costruzione del proprio progetto di vita.

Peer tutoring in un corso di laurea magistrale: un’esperienza di orientamento in ingresso

I servizi di orientamento universitario si adattano nel corso degli anni ai differenti contesti sociali, utilizzando strumenti dotati di obiettivi specifici, chiari e ben definiti. Questo paper focalizza l’attenzione sulla presentazione all’interno del Corso di Laurea Magistrale LM-50/93 di un peer tutoring innovativo, al fine di sviluppare percorsi di apprendimento sempre più rispondenti ai bisogni degli individui che sono in formazione. Obiettivo centrale è la persona con i suoi portati cognitivi, emotivi e motori in vista di una formazione permanente finalizzata alla consapevolezza delle proprie scelte in vista della costruzione del proprio progetto di vita. Abstract: University orientation services adapt themselves over the years to different social contexts, using tools with specific, clear and well-defined objectives. This paper focuses on the presentation of an innovative peer tutoring within the LM-50/93 Master's Degree Course, in order to develop learning paths that are increasingly responsive to the needs of individuals who are in training. The primary goal is the person, with his cognitive, emotional and motor capacities in perspective of a permanent training aimed at the awareness of it’s choices in outlook of the construction of it’s own life project

Notulae to the Italian alien vascular flora: 12

In this contribution, new data concerning the distribution of vascular flora alien to Italy are presented. It includes new records, confirmations, exclusions, and status changes for Italy or for Italian administrative regions. Nomenclatural and distribution updates published elsewhere are provided as Suppl. material 1

Determinants of weight, psychological status, food contemplation and lifestyle changes in patients with obesity during the COVID-19 lockdown: a nationwide survey using multiple correspondence analysis

Introduction The corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic forced most of the Italian population into lockdown from 11 March to 18 May 2020. A nationwide survey of Italian Clinical Nutrition and Dietetic Services (Obesity Centers or OCs) was carried out to assess the impact of lockdown restrictions on the physical and mental wellbeing of patients with obesity (PWO) who had follow-up appointments postponed due to lockdown restrictions and to compare determinants of weight gain before and after the pandemic. Methods We designed a structured 77-item questionnaire covering employment status, diet, physical activity and psychological aspects, that was disseminated through follow-up calls and online between 2 May and 25 June 2020. Data were analyzed by multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) and multiple linear regression. Results A total of 1,232 PWO from 26 OCs completed the questionnaires (72% female, mean age 50.2 +/- 14.2 years; mean BMI 34.7 +/- 7.6 kg/m(2); 41% obesity class II to III). During the lockdown, 48.8% gained, 27.1% lost, while the remainder (24.1%) maintained their weight. The mean weight change was +2.3 +/- 4.8 kg (in weight gainers: +4.0 +/- 2.4 kg; +4.2% +/- 5.4%). Approximately 37% of participants experienced increased emotional difficulties, mostly fear and dissatisfaction. Sixty-one percent reduced their physical activity (PA) and 55% experienced a change in sleep quality/quantity. The lack of online contact (37.5%) with the OC during lockdown strongly correlated with weight gain (p < 0.001). Using MCA, two main clusters were identified: those with unchanged or even improved lifestyles during lockdown (Cluster 1) and those with worse lifestyles during the same time (Cluster 2). The latter includes unemployed people experiencing depression, boredom, dissatisfaction and increased food contemplation and weight gain. Within Cluster 2, homemakers reported gaining weight and experiencing anger due to home confinement. Conclusions Among Italian PWO, work status, emotional dysregulation, and lack of online communication with OCs were determinants of weight gain during the lockdown period

Characterization of the March 2004 Tank 40 (Sludge Batch 3) Dip Samples

The Defense Waste Processing Facility (DWPF) has begun processing Sludge Batch 3 (SB3). Sludge Batch 3 consists of the heel in Tank 40 (Sludge Batch 2), the contents of Tank 51, and a Np stream from H Canyon. Two dip samples were pulled from Tank 40 in March 2004 after the initial Tank 51 to 40 transfer and the first transfer of Np material from H Canyon. These samples were combined into one sample and characterized by the Savannah River Technology Center (SRTC). The purpose of this characterization is to provide DWPF with a current Tank 40 (SB3) composition for comparison to Sludge Receipt and Adjustment Tank (SRAT) receipt analyses as they transition to the new sludge batch. The conclusions from this analysis are: coal content of the Tank 40 sample was similar to that predicted using analysis of the Tank 51 qualification sample; most, if not all, the sulfur was soluble and in the form of sulfate. Ion Chromatography (IC) analysis of the water dilution of the slurry is adequate for sulfate determination in the SB3 sample. Most, if not all, the oxalate was soluble. IC analysis of the water dilution of the slurry is adequate and the acid strike method is not necessary for oxalate determination in SB3. The yield stress and the consistency for the March 2004 SB3 sample is within the DWPF Operating Region

Modified risk tobacco products and cardiovascular repair: still very smoky

Smoking habits represent a cardiovascular risk factor with tremendous impact on health. Other than damaging differentiated and functional cells of the cardiovascular system, they also negatively affect reparative mechanisms, such as those involved in cardiac fibrosis and in endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) activation. In recent years, alternative smoking devices, dubbed modified tobacco risk products (MRPs), have been introduced, but their precise impact on human health is still under evaluation. Also, they have not been characterized yet about the possible negative effects on cardiovascular reparative and regenerative cells, such as EPCs or pluripotent stem cells. In this perspective, we critically review the still scarce available data on the effects of MRPs on molecular and cellular mechanisms of cardiovascular repair and regeneration