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Authors present 6 cases of abdominal bleeding associated with COVID-19, representing 1.35% of all hospitalized COVID-19 patients and hypothesize that there could be, although not very frequently, a relationship between SARS-CoV2 and bleeding. They excluded a side effect of the low molecular weight heparin therapy that all patients underwent during the course of the disease or other possible causes. Alterations of the coagulation state or a weakness of the vascular wall due toa presumed endotheliitis SARS-CoV-2 infection induced, are hypothesized by the authors. Investigation and follow-up for possible hemorrhagic problems in patients with COVID-19 is recommended. In particular, clinicians should be vigilant about retroperitoneal hemorrhage in COVID-19 patients. In addition to the fact that these patients are being treated with anticoagulants, anemia and abdominal pain are the signs that should lead us to suspect this type of haemorrhage. More studies are needed to understand if COVID-19 can be directly associated with bleeding. (www.actabiomedica.it)

We aimed to develop a scoring system for predicting in-hospital mortality of community-acquired (CA) sepsis patients. This was a prospective, observational multicenter study performed to analyze CA sepsis among adult patients through ID-IRI (Infectious Diseases International Research Initiative) at 32 centers in 10 countries between December 1, 2015, and May 15, 2016. After baseline evaluation, we used univariate analysis at the second and logistic regression analysis at the third phase. In this prospective observational study, data of 373 cases with CA sepsis or septic shock were submitted from 32 referral centers in 10 countries. The median age was 68 (51-77) years, and 174 (46,6%) of the patients were females. The median hospitalization time of the patients was 15 (10-21) days. Overall mortality rate due to CA sepsis was 17.7% (n = 66). The possible predictors which have strong correlation and the variables that cause collinearity are acute oliguria, altered consciousness, persistent hypotension, fever, serum creatinine, age, and serum total protein. CAS (%) is a new scoring system and works in accordance with the parameters in third International Consensus Definitions for Sepsis and Septic Shock (Sepsis-3). The system has yielded successful results in terms of predicting mortality in CA sepsis patients.

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the microleakage attained with three resin-based material used to restore deep Class II cavities. A null hypothesis was chosen: there is no difference in microleakage among the tested materials., Materials and Methods: A total of 30 Class II cavities were prepared in freshly extracted molars with the proximal mesial and distal margins located, respectively, 1.5 mm apically and 1.5 mm coronally to the cementum-enamel junction. Restorations were completed using a three-step enamel-dentin adhesive system "Etch and Rinse," margins were relocated using a micro-hybrid, preheated, or flowable composite and restorations were then completed using a conventional composite. All samples were coated with nail varnish with the exception of an area along the margins and apex was sealed using epoxide cement and then thermocycled (30-s dwell time, 5°C/55°C, 1000 cycles). A 50% ammoniac AgNO3 solution was used as tracer according to Tay's protocol. The microleakage analysis was performed using a microtomography system Sky-scan 1072 (SKYSCAN, Kartuizersweg 3B 2550, Konitch, Belgium)., Results: The mean microleakage of all the tested materials showed greater leakage in the cementum margins; flowable composite exhibit greater leakage among the groups. Significant differences ( P < 5%) within groups in both enamel and dentin margins were present. None of the tested materials eliminated marginal microleakage. Preheated composite showed significantly lesser microleakage., Conclusion: Tested materials showed statistical differences in microleakage; thus, the null hypothesis has been rejected. Within the limitations of the present experimental procedure, it can be concluded that flowable resin composite should be avoided at the dentin/cementum margin., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest.

Because home composting is a prevention option in managing biowaste at local levels, the objective of the present study was to contribute to the knowledge of the process evolution and compost quality that can be expected and obtained, respectively, in this decentralized option. In this study, organized as the research portion of a provincial project on home composting in the territory of Pesaro-Urbino (Central Italy), four experimental composters were first initiated and temporally monitored. Second, two small sub-sets of selected provincial composters (directly operated by households involved in the project) underwent quality control on their compost products at two different temporal steps. The monitored experimental composters showed overall decreasing profiles versus composting time for moisture, organic carbon, and C/N, as well as overall increasing profiles for electrical conductivity and total nitrogen, which represented qualitative indications of progress in the process. Comparative evaluations of the monitored experimental composters also suggested some interactions in home composting, i.e., high C/N ratios limiting organic matter decomposition rates and final humification levels; high moisture contents restricting the internal temperature regime; nearly horizontal phosphorus and potassium evolutions contributing to limit the rates of increase in electrical conductivity; and prolonged biowaste additions contributing to limit the rate of decrease in moisture. The measures of parametric data variability in the two sub-sets of controlled provincial composters showed decreased variability in moisture, organic carbon, and C/N from the seventh to fifteenth month of home composting, as well as increased variability in electrical conductivity, total nitrogen, and humification rate, which could be considered compatible with the respective nature of decreasing and increasing parameters during composting. The modeled parametric kinetics in the monitored experimental composters, along with the evaluation of the parametric central tendencies in the sub-sets of controlled provincial composters, all indicate that 12-15 months is a suitable duration for the appropriate development of home composting in final and simultaneous compliance with typical reference limits., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Consumption of acidic foods and drinks and other factors that cause enamel wear are responsible for the daily enamel loss and degradation. Use of some toothpastes that have been showed to possess different properties of remineralisation and/or repair of the enamel surface may help to protect tooth enamel. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the use of toothpaste containing Zn-carbonate hydroxyapatite (CHA) nanostructured microcrystals may exert remineralization/repair effects of the enamel surface. Two groups of patients, aged between 18 and 75 years, used a Zn-CHA nanocrystals-based toothpaste (experimental group) and a potassium nitrate/sodium fluoride toothpaste (active control group) for 8 weeks. At the end of this period, extractions were performed in five subjects per study group. Negative controls consisted of two subjects treated with non-specified fluoride toothpaste. Teeth were processed for morphological and chemical-physic superficial characterizations by means of Scanning Electronic Microscopy with Elementary analysis, X-Ray Diffraction analysis and Infrared analysis. In this study, the use of a Zn-CHA nanocrystals toothpaste led to a remineralization/repair of the enamel surface, by deposition of a hydroxyapatite-rich coating. On the other hand, the use of both a nitrate potassium/sodium fluoride and non-specified fluoride toothpastes did not appreciably change the enamel surface. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the toothpaste containing Zn-CHA nanostructured microcrystals, differently from nitrate potassium/sodium fluoride and non-specified fluoride toothpastes, may promote enamel superficial repair by means of the formation of a protective biomimetic CHA coating.

Purpose: To compare two different impression techniques for implants in totally edentulous patients., Materials and Methods: A total of 38 patients had impressions taken both using plaster and splinted vinyl polysiloxane (splinted-VPS). Two casts per patient were generated and allocated as test (plaster) and control (splinted-VPS) cast groups according to a randomised cross-over design. One of the two casts from each patient was randomly selected as master cast according to a parallelgroup design and used to fabricate the definitive prosthesis. Outcome measures were implant and prosthetic success rates, complications, marginal bone level (MBL) changes, patient satisfaction, chair time required to take the impressions, inter-implant discrepancy between the casts, sulcus bleeding index (SBI) and plaque score (PS)., Results: In total, 76 impressions were taken in 38 patients. Two plaster impressions failed. Furthermore, 38 computer-aided design/computer-assisted manufacturing screw-retained complete-arch prostheses were fabricated onto the master cast (18 from plaster and 20 from splinted-VPS impressions) and the patients were followed up for 3 years after loading. No drop-out occurred and no implants or prostheses failed, accounting for a cumulative implant and prosthesis survival rate of 100% over the 3-year post-loading period. Plaster impressions yielded significantly greater patient satisfaction and shorter chair time. The discrepancy between the casts was 0.055 ± 0.067 mm (P = 0.931). Mixed model analysis revealed a significant main effect from both the implant number and the inter-implant distance, while no difference was found with regard to implant angulation. Five chip-off fractures of the porcelain veneer occurred in 5 of the 38 patients (3 in restorations fabricated onto the plaster cast group and 2 in the splinted-VPS cast group) with no effect from the type of impression on the prosthetic success rate (P = 0.331). However, all of the patients were functionally and aesthetically satisfied with their prostheses. Furthermore, mean MBL, SBI and PS showed no significant differences (P > 0.05) between the groups., Conclusions: The clinical outcome of plaster impressions for completely edentulous patients was found to be the same as that for splinted-VPS impressions. The intraoral pre-scan resin framework try-in can be avoided. Plaster impressions may be less time consuming and thus more comfortable for the patient, but sometimes may have to be repeated due to fractures., Conflict-Of-Interest Statement: All materials used in this study were purchased by the authors and there were no commercial or institutional interests.

Adhesion is the pivot of the modern restorative dentistry. Inlays, onlays and veneers have become a valid alternative to the traditional prosthetic treatments even in the rehabilitation of extremely damaged teeth, allowing a consistent saving of sound tooth tissues. Composite resins and dental adhesive are continously investigated and improved, nevertheless the optimization of the tooth-adhesive interface has to be considered: in fact, the long-term stability of adhesion between tooth and composite material depends on the treatment of the amelo-dentinal surfaces. THIS STUDY INVESTIGATED THE QUALITY OF THE OCCLUSAL WALLS OF A CAVITY PREPARED TO RECEIVE AN INLAY AND FINISHED WITH FOUR DIFFERENT SYSTEMS: thin and extra-thin diamond coated burs, a 12-blades carbide burs and a diamond-coated tip driven by sonic instrument. Consequently, prophylometric and SEM analyses were performed on the samples. The average roughness values recorded by the prophylometer were expressed by the parameters Ra and RZ: there is a correspondence between the numeric values and the pictures of the SEM. The results show a better quality (low roughness values) of the surface treated with multi-blade burs, followed by the this and extra-thin diamond coated burs. The 25 micron diamond-coated tip of the sonic instrument obtains the roughest surface and a sensibly higher amount of smear layer than the other tested systems.

Purpose: To determine, by means of a non-destructive experimental procedure, the effectiveness of adhesive restorations in reducing the cuspal deflection of endodontically treated premolars, with or without root canal fiber posts., Materials and Methods: The cuspal deflection of ten sound, intact maxillary premolars was evaluated. A loading device induced deformation by axial force (ranging from 98 to 294 N) applied on the occlusal surface of teeth while laser sensors registered the amount of deflection. Once tested, teeth were endodontically treated and the marginal ridges were removed. The teeth were randomly divided into two groups and restored with: group 1) dual curing adhesive, flowable composite, and microhybrid composite; group 2) the same materials associated with root canal glass fiber post and composite cement. The cuspal deflection test was repeated with the same protocol after restorative procedures, allowing a direct comparison of the same samples. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA at a significance level of 0.05., Results: Different average cuspal deflection was detected in the two groups: composite resin with post insertion resulted in lower deformation compared with composite alone. Mean deflection ranged from 3.43 to 12.17 μm in intact teeth, from 14.42 to 26.93 μm in group 1, and from 15.35 to 20.39 μm in group 2. ANOVA found significant differences (p = 0.02)., Conclusion: Bonded composite restorations with fiber posts may be more effective than composite alone in reducing the cuspal deflection in endodontically treated premolars in which the marginal ridges have been lost.

Purpose: To evaluate the degree of conversion (DC) of dual-curing materials used to lute glass-fiber posts in a simulated root canal polymerized by two different modalities., Methods: Artificial root canals were used to simulate a clinical condition to lute 45 posts by three different dual curing luting cements (Calibra, Multilink Automix and Variolink II). Two light cure modalities were chosen for each luting cement: standard (S group) 400 mW/cm2 for 120 seconds and high-power (H group) 1200 mW/cm2 for 40 seconds. Raman spectra were collected at different positions in the post surface (1, 3, 5 and 7 mm from the coronal-most portion of the post covered in cement) and the percentage degree of conversion was computed. The data were analyzed using ANOVA and post-hoc Student-Neuman-Keuls t-test (P = 0.05)., Results: The DC of the tested luting composites decreased progressively while increasing the distance from the light tip. Regardless of the polymerization modality (H or S) applied. Conversely, the curing modality significantly influenced the DC of the tested materials, evidencing different responses to the same energy density: Calibra seemed to be less dependent on light-curing than the other tested materials, showing a constant behavior. Multilink Automix reached the highest DCs in the S group compared to the H mode. Variolink II showed an interesting drawback in DC at 7 mm when cured in the H model. Dual-cure materials show adequate monomer conversion but when the distance from the curing light increased, a variable, but significant lowering in conversion rate was observed. In addition, the time and power of curing appeared to be material-dependent and should be calibrated individually.

Referring to the industrial wood waste category (as dominant in the provincial district of Pesaro-Urbino, Marche Region, Italy), this paper deals with the experimental characterisation and the carrying out of non-controlled burning tests (at lab- and pilot-scale) for selected "raw" and primarily "engineered" ("composite") wood wastes. The property characterisation has primarily revealed the following aspects: potential influence on moisture content of local weather conditions at outdoor wood waste storage sites; generally, higher ash contents in "engineered" wood wastes as compared with "raw" wood wastes; and relatively high energy content values of "engineered" wood wastes (ranging on the whole from 3675 to 5105 kcal kg(-1) for HHV, and from 3304 to 4634 kcal kg(-1) for LHV). The smoke qualitative analysis of non-controlled lab-scale burning tests has primarily revealed: the presence of specific organic compounds indicative of incomplete wood combustion; the presence exclusively in "engineered" wood burning tests of pyrroles and amines, as well as the additional presence (as compared with "raw" wood burning) of further phenolic and containing nitrogen compounds; and the potential environmental impact of incomplete industrial wood burning on the photochemical smog phenomenon. Finally, non-controlled pilot-scale burning tests have primarily given the following findings: emission presence of carbon monoxide indicative of incomplete wood combustion; higher nitrogen oxide emission values detected in "engineered" wood burning tests as compared with "raw" wood burning test; and considerable generation of the respirable PM(1) fraction during incomplete industrial wood burning.

Purpose: The effects of light curing units (LCU) and energy doses on the chemical and physical properties of a dental composite were investigated., Methods: The effects on the chemical and physical properties of a bisphenol A diglycidylether methacrylate (Bis-GMA) based dental restorative material were evaluated through photospectrometry, differential scanning calorimetry, and mechanical measurements., Results: The light curing conditions associated with direct and indirect restorations were replicated in vitro using optical investigation techniques. A slight attenuation resulted independently of the LCU and a strong attenuation was measured for the cement luting a thick inlay, as well as for the deepest layer of a composite filling increment. Calorimetric measurements indicated that the curing degree is very sensitive to the light energy dose rather than to the LCU. Mechanical testing showed a transient phase during which properties increased. The delay of the composite in reaching adequate properties is strongly dependent on the energy dose., Conclusions: It is recommended that composites subject to unfavorable light curing conditions undergo a prolonged light curing process.

Scientific progress in adhesive dentistry has led to more conservative techniques, both direct and indirect, to solve esthetic problems in anterior teeth. This article will discuss only indirect techniques, which are clearly superior in complex cases in which it will be difficult to recreate harmonious tooth shape and color. After reviewing the literature and highlighting the properties of this technique, the indications and benefits compared to the direct technique will be assessed. This is followed by a step-by-step description of operative procedures, from treatment planning to relining and polishing of the cemented adhesive restoration. The long-term success of veneers depends mainly on the tooth preparation, which should be confined to enamel, involve proximal contact areas, maintain the cervical enamel margin, and incorporate the incisal edge to increase veneer resistance and enable correct placement. Although no clinical follow-up similar to that of ceramic materials is available, the latest-generation resin composites offer interesting features. They can withstand mechanical stress, have excellent esthetic properties, and, most importantly, can be repaired intraorally without impairing their physicochemical and mechanical properties.

This paper discusses the partitioning of metals (K, Na, Ca, Mg, Al, Cu, Fe, Pb and Zn) between the aqueous phase and the suspended insoluble material in fog samples collected in the Po Valley during two extensive fields campaigns. Metals represent on average 11% of the mass of suspended insoluble matter, while the main component is carbon (both organic carbon, OC = 35%, and black carbon, BC = 8%). The unaccounted suspended matter mass is very high, on average 46%, and is attributable to non metallic species, such as O and N and of Si. The principal metals in the insoluble suspended fraction are Fe and Al (2-5%), while the contributions of other metals (Na, Mg, Cu, Pb and Zn) are lower than 1%. Ca and K exhibited high blank values and could not be detected above blank detection limit threshold. The main components in the aqueous phase are NO3- (34%), WSOC (23%), SO4(2-) (18%) and NH4+ (19%), while trace metals and remaining cations and anions accounted for less than 1% of solute mass. The main dissolved trace metals in fog droplets are Zn, Al and Fe, while the main metallic cations are Na and Ca. Fe and Al are the only metals preferentially distributed in the suspended insoluble matter of fog droplets (partitioning ratio respectively 37% and 33%). All other metals are mostly dissolved in the aqueous phase (mean partitioning ratios of Mg, Pb, Zn, Cu and Na are 69%, 70%, 77%, 81% and 87%). These findings are in agreement with literature data on metal speciation in cloud and rain samples. The dependence of partitioning ratios on pH is investigated for the different metals, with only Al showing a clear partitioning ratio decrease with increasing pH. Conversely, the other metals show no dependence or a complex and highly variable behaviour. The partitioning ratio of iron (mean 37%) observed in the Po Valley fog samples is much higher than the water extractable iron in aerosol particles (typically 1-2 %): this fact can be explained by differences in the aerosol sources and composition among sites and by chemical processes in the aqueous phase, such as complexation and redox reactions involving organic ligands (oxalate, or other organic acids as humic-like organic matter) which may promote Fe solubility.

A conspicuous fraction of the water soluble organic compounds (WSOC) in fog and fine aerosol samples is composed by monosaccharide anhydrides, such as levoglucosan and its stereoisomers, galactosan and mannosan. Levoglucosan is produced exclusively during wood combustion processes, making it a very useful tracer for plant combustion emissions in the atmosphere. This paper describes a new experimental approach, based on electrospray-tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS), for the identification of levoglucosan in fog water samples. The analytical method proposed allows to identify the specific sugar anhydrides directly in the liquid phase without the need of any derivatization process.

Phenyl acetic acid, a metabolite of 2-phenyl ethylamine, acts as a neuromodulator in the nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathway stimulating the release of dopamine. The evaluation of phenyl acetic acid concentration in the biological fluid reflects phenyl ethylamine levels thus allowing the assessment of the modulatory role of this endogenous substance. Changes in biological fluids levels of 2-phenylethylamine and/or in its metabolite have been reported in affective disorders, such as depression and schizophrenia. Recently, the occurrence of the "attention deficit hyperactivity syndrome" has been frequently reported in childhood population and involvement of dopaminergic dysfunction in this disease has been suspected. A fast, reliable and reproducible method for the determination of phenyl acetic acid in human blood, is therefore needed in order to have a screening tool for monitoring both healthy childhood population and suspected "attention deficit hyperactivity syndrome" patients. The gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric method here described makes use of a deuterated internal standard in order to overcome problems related to the lack of reproducibility often encountered when a derivatization step is performed.

Purpose: To determine, by means of a non-destructive experimental procedure, the extent to which tooth cusps are weakened by endodontic procedures and the effectiveness of adhesive bonding restoration in reducing cuspal deflection as a function of different restorative procedures., Methods: A mechanically controlled loading device induced cuspal deflection by axial force (range 98-294 N) on an occlusal surface while LTS laser twin sensors registered the amount of deflection. Cusp deflection values, in microns, were recorded for each tooth. Thirty sound maxillary premolars teeth were sequentially evaluated in the following conditions: A) intact tooth; B) completion of endodontic and restorative procedures. Teeth were randomly divided into five groups and restored respectively with: A) amalgam (Dispersalloy); B) Spectrum TPH; C) Surefil; D) Esthet-X; E) Esthet-X + Dyract Flow., Results: The average loading force needed to induce 1 microm cusp deflection was evaluated, for all groups, in intact teeth (range 49.52-58.76 N/microm) and in restored teeth (range 8.56 - 47.05 N/microm). Statistical analysis (ANOVA for repeated measures) has been performed. Mean structural recovery values after restorative treatment were 17% with amalgam, 60% with Spectrum TPH, 59% with SureFil, 54% with Esthet-X, and 99% with Esthet-X/Dyract.

The fate of enrofloxacin present in raw sewage at a swine-breeding facility was investigated by liquid-liquid extraction and reversed-phase liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection. Samples were collected in the storage pits of each pigsty and in a nonaerated lagoon used to stock the sewage. In the pigsties, the sewage was mixed with 10% olive oil groundwater, following a certified procedure (cod. Cer 020301) which reduces the bad odors and produces a better manure. This sewage treatment for 8 months in the lagoon dramatically reduced the amount of enrofloxacin to levels under the detection limit of 0.6 microg.L(-)(1). The results stress the importance of correct sludge management in limiting the impact of enrofloxacin in the environment.

Our recent on-line solid-phase extraction (SPE) device for micro-liquid chromatography, known as micro-solid-phase extraction (microSPE), was compared with traditional SPE for the analysis, from aqueous samples, of 4 pesticides belonging to different classes. Two different kinds of adsorbents, C18 and graphitized carbon black, were tested. A 2-stage ion trap mass spectrometer, equipped with homemade microflow electrospray ion (ESI) source, was used. Detection limits with a signal-to-noise ratio of 3:1 for both extraction methods were in the range of 0.1 microg/L for all compounds. However, better recoveries were obtained when microSPE traps were used.

The church of San Pietro in Valle in Fano is with good reason considered one of the outstanding examples of baroque art in Central Italy. Currently the church is in a serious degradation status. For this reason, and in order to devise a correct conservative restoration project, a scientific study has been carried out, aimed at characterizing mortars used for the application of marble decorations and the different degradation products occurring in the church (i.e. pulverizations, encrustations, salt efflorescences, and condensation water). In the following, results obtained analyzing the different sample typologies by optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, electron scanning microscopy with energy-dispersion micro-analytical system, ion chromatography, and head-space solid phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry will be reported.

A new, simple device generates accurate nano- and microflow rate gradients from any conventional HPLC system. The core of the new device is represented by an electric-actuated, computer-controlled, multiposition HPLC valve. The valve hosts six reservoirs for as many different mobile-phase compositions of increasing strength. A low flow rate stream pushes the weakest solvent through the column as long as required and at the desired flow rate, until the chromatographic run is started. From this time on, the electric actuation allows one to select which reservoir will be on-line with the column and for how long, thus generating a specific solvent gradient, through a sequence of controlled segments of precise mobile-phase composition. This permits one not only to exactly reproduce the programmed slope but also to achieve different gradient shapes (i.e., linear, convex, concave) for different separation needs. The new device has proven to be reliable and reproducible even at the lowest flow rate tested (250 nL x min(-1)) and in different chromatographic conditions.

A new LC/MS method for the determination of organophosphorus pesticides in water, based on the use of direct-electron ionization (EI) interface, is presented. Direct-EI is a new device that, in a very simple fashion, couples a nano-HPLC system with a mass spectrometer equipped with electron ionization capability. The nanoscale liquid flow allows for a direct introduction of eluate into the ion source and, after nebulization, for its ionization under typical EI conditions. Library-matchable EI spectra are generated for a choice of full scan or SIM detection of the analytes. In our case, a selection of organophosphorus pesticides, commonly distributed in local sugar beet cultivation, were considered. The new interface permits a very sensitive detection of the analytes in a wide range of linear response (0.09-9 ng). When applied to a real sample, the method allowed detecting four different pesticides at a concentration level of approximately 3 ng x L(-1).

A method to extract and analyze organic compounds from water is presented. A solid phase micro-trap (micro-SPE) directly connected to the micro-analytical column is used. Sensibility and specificity needed for trace analysis are guaranteed by mass spectrometric electron ionization (EI) detection. A new micro-HPLC/EI-MS interface called Capillary-EI (Cap-EI) is described. The ultimate evolution of this interface is also presented: in this extremely simplified interface the analytes are nebulized, vaporized and ionized in the small volume of the ion source. This interface, called Direct-EI, exploits nano- and micro-HPLC columns with a mobile phase flow rates ranging from 0.3 to 1.5 microL/min. Contemporary use of micro SPE, Cap-EI or Direct-EI gives us a powerful technique to identify and quantify organic pollutants at part per billion level (ppb).

Chlorofluorocarbons and their substitutes are anthropogenic compounds strongly involved in global change phenomena. Therefore, their atmospheric mixing-ratios are monitored on a worldwide scale. In order to evaluate source strength of these compounds in Southern Europe, in 1999 a research activity, monitoring these compounds in the atmosphere of the Monte Cimone (MO, Italy) was started. Air samples, collected on a weekly base, were analyzed using a GC-MS methodology recently devised by our group. The reported results, obtained after eighteen months of observation, are relative to four fully halogenated halocarbons and four hydrogenated halocarbons.

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) has been used to investigate the adsorption capability and the surface interacting ability towards Cu(II) solutions (CuCl2, Cu(NO3)2, CuSO4 in water or ethanol) of various carbon blacks, both graphitized and ungraphitized, selected on the basis of the surface area, namely, Carbograph1 (area = 100 m2/g), Carbograph4 (area = 210 m2/g), and Carbograph5 (area = 560 m2/g), which were indicated as C1g, C4g, C5g (g = graphitized), and C1ng, C4ng, C5ng (ng = ungraphitized). The EPR analysis was supported by surface analysis, for evaluating the surface area, the pore volume and the porosity, and by atomic absorption to obtain the adsorbed Cu(II) amounts. Graphitization provokes a decrease in surface area, but C1g, at low surface area, showed a unexpected increase of the adsorption ability ascribed to the formation of new surface porosity closed by graphite layers. The carbon samples showed a broad unresolved EPR signal due to mobile unpaired electrons in the carbon matrix. Graphitized samples presented a narrower signal than ungraphitized samples, which increases in width with the increase in surface area (with the exception of C5ng due to the high exposition of the wide surface to oxydizing external agents) and upon prolonged thermal treatment. The signal intensity of the carbon paramagnetic centers decreases upon Cu(II) adsorption. Computer aided analysis of the EPR spectra of the solids after Cu(II) adsorption allowed to extract structural information on the Cu-surface site complexes. The Cu2+ ions coordinated with surface polar sites, mainly oxygenated. Adsorption depends on the different Cu(II) salts, caused by the salt solubility and the interacting ability of the counter-ion. In several cases the solutions concentrated in the carbon porosity leading to precipitation of the salt. Ethanol solutions are more adsorbed at the carbon surface than water solutions; Cu(II) partially retains its solvation shell and partially presents electron transfer to the carbon surface. Adsorption is favored to ungraphitized carbons with respect to the graphitized ones due to both the higher surface area, and the higher hydrophilicity of the surface. In summary, these carbon powders, widely used for chromatographic applications, show an adsorption capability towards Cu(II) solutions higher than expected due to both a definite porosity, and the presence of polar groups which are not eliminated with chemical surface treatments.

A miniaturized, aerosol based interface for directly coupling a liquid chromatograph with a mass spectrometer is presented. The interface is entirely within the electron ionization (EI) source of the mass spectrometer and no additional, external devices are needed. This simple and effective approach exploits micro-flow nebulization technology providing a new interface suitable for a variety of applications of environmental and biological interest. The new interface provides necessary linearity, ruggedness, sensitivity, and reproducibility of response for trace level analysis, and readily interpretable mass spectra for unambiguous identification of unknown compounds of small to medium molecular weight.

The walls of the Oratorio of San Giovanni Battista in Urbino are decorated with outstanding mural paintings dating back to the 15th century. Due to degradation processes that have occurred in the past years, such paintings require a conservative restoration project. In order to evaluate reasons of the decay, some scientific studies have been performed. They consist of macroscopic observations and chemical (EDS), morphological (SEM) and mineralogical (XRD) analyses of samples both from the original preparatory layers under the painted layers and from the restored plasters at the surbase of the wall. In addition, environmental studies have been performed to verify microclimatic conditions of the church in which the mural paintings are located. Finally, a conservative restoration project was proposed.