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Brambilla G, Nair N, Osman Y, Akram S. Bilateral orbital myositis in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis on treatment with tofacitinib: a report and review of literature. Acute Med 2023; 22:258-260. [PMID: 38284638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Orbital myositis is a rare inflammatory condition affecting the extraocular muscles of the eyes. It has also been linked to systemic autoimmune diseases. We present a case of orbital myositis in a 57-year-old male undergoing treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with tofacitinib, a Janus kinase inhibitor (JAK). Prompt administration of intravenous steroids led to rapid symptom improvement. To date, only six published cases have documented the association between RA and orbital myositis. This is the first description of orbital myositis occurring during treatment with the anti-inflammatory drug tofacitinib, an increasingly used disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD). We review the literature and emphasize the importance of ongoing vigilance regarding adverse events linked to tofacitinib.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Brambilla
- Internal Medicine Department, Mediclinic City Hospital, Dubai, UAE
| | - N Nair
- Internal Medicine Department, Mediclinic City Hospital, Dubai, UAE
| | - Y Osman
- Internal Medicine Department, Mediclinic City Hospital, Dubai, UAE
| | - S Akram
- Internal Medicine Department, Mediclinic City Hospital, Dubai, UAE
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Rosiello G, Fallara G, Basile G, Cignoli D, De Cobelli F, Brambilla G, Nocera L, Belladelli F, Colandrea G, Canibus D, Re C, Musso G, Cei F, Giancristofaro C, Briganti A, Bertini R, Necchi A, Raggi D, Mottrie A, Karakiewicz P, Montorsi F, Salonia A, Larcher A, Capitanio U. The anatomical location of lymphadenopathies at imaging predicts the risk of lymph node invasion at final pathology in patients with renal cell carcinoma. Eur Urol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/s0302-2838(22)01068-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Caminada S, Angelozzi A, Barbaro A, Brambilla G, Carusi D, De Castro P, Gentili D, Mistretta A, Mochi P, Rosi A. Rapid scientific update response to public health professions during Phase I of COVID-19 pandemic. Eur J Public Health 2020. [PMCID: PMC7543585 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckaa165.355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Issue Preparedness can be considered the Achilles heel in Western Coutries to adequately fight Sars-CoV-2 pandemy. The Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS) has been challenged to give rapid technical and scientific advices to the State and Regions on a huge variety of Sars-CoV-2 aspects related to public health. Description of the problem Rapid and timely accumulation of knowledge and empirical evidence is critical for policymakers and emergency managers to maximally inform their decisions through scientific evidence and to better guide and mobilise the expertise of academics and general practitioners towards effective solutions. Results An ad hoc “Scientific Literature working group” at ISS in the period 23/03 - 31/05 screened a total of 4,568 pre-prints and 15,590 peer reviewed papers extracted from PubMed, arXiv.org, medRxiv and bioRxiv, which gave rise to the following deliverables: a) a daily pre-prints alert selection delivered to ISS President for the routine national Scientific Technical Committee meetings on Sars-CoV-2 chaired by Italian Civil Protection (still ongoing), and, b) a weekly open access issue of Covid Contents publications (8 volumes, https://www.iss.it/en/covid-contents), as summary of most interesting peer-reviewed papers for public health professions. Lessons The needed cross-cutting approach is leading to: interdisciplinarity enhancement within the ISS; coverage of broad expertise areas and interest of health care providers; cross-linkage between the different aspects/disciplines involved in this pandemic and share of experiences. Key messages Committed Institutions have the responsibility to support practitioners and decision makers to understand relevant aspects of medical, physical, occupational and public safety, in case of emergency. The Silos culture has to be overcome. There is nothing more powerful in any Institution than having all researchers rowing fiercely in the same direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Caminada
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - A Angelozzi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - A Barbaro
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | | | - D Carusi
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | | | - D Gentili
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | | | - P Mochi
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - A Rosi
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
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de Jong J, Tomassen M, Driessen J, Keukens H, Putzka HA, Brambilla G, Antalick JP, Biancotto G, Brambilla G, Checa-Moreno R, Cowles J, Faggionato E, Felgueiras I, Haustraete K, Johanssen F, Margry R, Michels K, Nunes da Costa J, Putzka HA, Schreuder C, Schwadorf K, Testa C, Ubaldi A, van der Kamp H, Van Schalm K. Liquid Chromatographic Method for Nicarbazin in Broiler Feeds and Premixtures: Development, Validation, and Interlaboratory Study. J AOAC Int 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/jaoac/87.6.1269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
A reversed-phase liquid chromatography method for nicarbazin in broiler feeds and premixtures was developed, validated, and interlaboratory studied. The extraction solvent was an acetonitrile–methanol (1 + 1) mixture. For feedingstuffs, water was also added. The 4,4′-dinitrocarbanilide moiety of nicarbazin was detected at a wavelength of 350 nm. Recovery was ≥ 87%. At 20 mg/kg, the repeatability was 0.7% and the within-laboratory reproducibility was 2.7%. The limit of determination was <20 mg/kg. Other feed additives did not interfere in the assay that proved to be applicable to broiler feeds from different European Union countries. In an interlaboratory study, 4 positive broiler feeds, 1 blank pig feed, and 1 broiler premixture were analyzed by 19 laboratories using the method developed in this study. The relative standard deviation for repeatability (RSDr) of the feedingstuffs (20–240 mg/kg) varied between 2.6 and 10.2%. The HORRAT ranged between 0.70 and 1.22. Recoveries were 91–108%. Three laboratories detected small signals in the blind blank samples, ranging from 0.4 to 2 mg/kg. For the premixture, acceptable results for reproducibility could only be obtained after the sample weight and volume of extraction had been doubled. To avoid excessive dilution of the extracts, the range of the calibration curve had also been doubled. With this modified method, the RSDr was 5.7% and the HORRAT was 1.95 (10 laboratories).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob de Jong
- RIKILT-Institute of Food Safety, PO Box 230, 6700 AE, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marinka Tomassen
- RIKILT-Institute of Food Safety, PO Box 230, 6700 AE, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jaap Driessen
- RIKILT-Institute of Food Safety, PO Box 230, 6700 AE, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Henk Keukens
- Laboratory of the Meat Inspection Service (LRVV), PO Box 144, 6700 AC, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Hans-Artur Putzka
- Universität Hamburg, Institut für Angewandte Botanik, PO Box 302762, D-20309, Hamburg, Germany
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Sánchez AD, Linale N, Bonetti J, Hernandez SM, Fierens PI, Brambilla G, Grosz DF. Simple method for estimating the fractional Raman contribution. Opt Lett 2019; 44:538-541. [PMID: 30702673 DOI: 10.1364/ol.44.000538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
We propose a novel and simple method for estimating the fractional Raman contribution, fR, based on an analysis of a full model of modulation instability (MI) in waveguides. An analytical expression relating fR to the MI peak gain beyond the cutoff power is explicitly derived, allowing for an accurate estimation of fR from a single measurement of the Raman gain spectrum.
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Raffetto G, Parodi S, Parodi C, De Ferrari M, Troiano R, Brambilla G. Direct Interaction with Cellular Targets as the Mechanism for Chromium Carcinogenesis. Tumori 2018; 63:503-12. [PMID: 601880 DOI: 10.1177/030089167706300602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The carcinogenic activity of chromium appears to be due to its direct interaction with cellular targets and not to nonspecific solid-state carcinogenesis. Chromium was evaluated at 2 valences, Cr+3 (as CrCl3 and Cr+6 (as K2Cr2O7), for its toxicity, transforming activity, and ability to induce chromosomal aberrations in tertiary cultures of mouse fetal cells. The ID50 (dose for 50 percent inhibition of cell growth) of Cr+3 was approximately 4 times greater than that of Cr+6 after 96 h of exposure, and about 29 times greater than that of Cr+6 after 1 h of exposure. At equitoxic concentrations, both chromium valences induced the same degree of morphologic changes and alterations of growth behavior, but Cr+6 produced more chromosomal aberrations. Using autoradiography in an established cloned line of mouse cells, unscheduled DNA synthesis was observed in cells previously exposed to Cr+6 but not in cells previously exposed to Cr+3.
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Zhang X, Liu Y, Cao Z, Li F, Li Z, Ismaeel R, Brambilla G, Chen Y, Koonen AMJ. 40 Gb/s indoor optical wireless system enabled by a cyclically arranged optical beamsteering receiver. Opt Lett 2018; 43:723-726. [PMID: 29444062 DOI: 10.1364/ol.43.000723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Indoor optical wireless communication with optical beamsteering capability is currently attracting a lot of attention. One major two-dimensional (2D) optical beamsteering scheme is realized by 2D grating or its active counterpart, which is usually based on a spatial light modulator (SLM). However, there is a fundamental trade-off between the field of view (FoV) and power efficiency due to the inherent feature of gratings. In this Letter, we propose a new class of 2D beamsteering, named cyclically arranged optical beamsteering (CAO-BS), which can break that trade-off. Traditional 2D gratings extend the optical beam in the Cartesian coordinates (1D grating in horizontal + 1D grating in vertical), while CAO-BS extends the optical beam in the polar coordinates (1D grating + angular rotation). Since only 1D grating is engaged, the power efficiency increases with the number of grating lobes reduced. In the polar coordinates, the angle rotation tuning in a SLM is quasi-continuous in a full 2π range. The CAO-BS is demonstrated at the receiving end in an indoor experimental system. The FoV is 18° by 360° in polar coordinates without any additional mechanical parts. Based on the CAO-BS, 40 Gbit/s on-off keying data is also successfully transmitted over 1 km single-mode fiber and 0.5 m free space.
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Donko A, Beresna M, Jung Y, Hayes J, Richardson DJ, Brambilla G. Point-by-point femtosecond laser micro-processing of independent core-specific fiber Bragg gratings in a multi-core fiber. Opt Express 2018; 26:2039-2044. [PMID: 29401925 DOI: 10.1364/oe.26.002039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 12/10/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Four 3rd order fiber Bragg gratings were inscribed into separate cores of a 7 core multi-core fiber using the point-by-point inscription technique. A 1030 nm, 206 ± 5 fs laser was used, operating at a frequency of 1 kHz and pulse energy of 2.1 ± 0.2 µJ. Independent Bragg resonances at λB = 1541.01 ± 0.02, 1547.82 ± 0.02, 1532.66 ± 0.02, and 1537.42 ± 0.02 nm and extinction ratios of 13.97 ± 0.4, 16.02 ± 0.4, 10.08 ± 0.4 and 13.40 ± 0.4 dB were recorded. Our data analysis shows that refractive index changes, Δn, of the order 10-3 were induced. Core-specific inscription of fiber Bragg gratings in a multi-core fiber can provide a flexible and versatile platform to address the needs of recent space division multiplexed transmission and optical sensor networks.
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Neri L, Gallieni M, Cozzolino M, Rocca-Rey L, Brambilla G, Colombi A, Foà V, Brancaccio D. Work Ability and Health Status in Dialysis Patients. Int J Artif Organs 2018; 28:554-6. [PMID: 16015564 DOI: 10.1177/039139880502800603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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10
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Pidishety S, Pachava S, Gregg P, Ramachandran S, Brambilla G, Srinivasan B. Orbital angular momentum beam excitation using an all-fiber weakly fused mode selective coupler. Opt Lett 2017; 42:4347-4350. [PMID: 29088160 DOI: 10.1364/ol.42.004347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2017] [Accepted: 09/01/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Orbital angular momentum beam excitation through direct phase-matched coupling is experimentally demonstrated using an all-fiber weakly fused mode selective coupler consisting of a single-mode fiber and a ring-core fiber. Experimental results showing the excited OAM mode purity of up to 75% measured through the standard ring technique not only demonstrate the proof of concept but also provide a baseline for further improvement.
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11
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Seravalle G, Brambilla G, Quarti Trevano F, Dell'oro R, Prata Pizzalla D, Ravaro S, Oliverio G, Mancia G, Grassi G. 273Visit-to-visit blood pressure variability is related to sympathetic neural drive and baroreflex sensitivity in hypertensive patients. Eur Heart J 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehx501.273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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12
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Lewis D, O’Shea H, Church T, Brambilla G, Traini D, Young P. Exploring the impact of sample flowrate on in vitro measurements of metered dose inhaler performance. Int J Pharm 2016; 514:420-427. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2016.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2016] [Revised: 05/11/2016] [Accepted: 05/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Tozzoli R, Di Bartolo I, Gigliucci F, Brambilla G, Monini M, Vignolo E, Caprioli A, Morabito S. Pathogenic Escherichia coli and enteric viruses in biosolids and related top soil improvers in Italy. J Appl Microbiol 2016; 122:239-247. [PMID: 27684893 DOI: 10.1111/jam.13308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Revised: 08/03/2016] [Accepted: 09/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To investigate the presence of genomic traits associated with a set of enteric viruses as well as pathogenic Escherichia coli in top soil improvers (TSI) from Italy. METHODS AND RESULTS Twenty-four TSI samples originating from municipal sewage sludges, pig manure, green and household wastes were analysed by real time PCR for the presence of hepatitis E virus (HEV), porcine and human adenovirus (HuAdV), norovirus, rotavirus and diarrhoeagenic E. coli. None of the samples was found positive for HEV or rotavirus. Four samples were positive for the presence of nucleic acids from human norovirus, two of them being also positive for HuAdV. Real time PCR screening gave positive results for many of the virulence genes characteristic of diarrhoeagenic E. coli in 21 samples. These included the verocytotoxin-coding genes, in some cases associated with intimin-coding gene, and markers of enteroaggregative, enterotoxigenic and enteroinvasive E. coli. CONCLUSIONS These results provide evidence that enteric viruses and pathogenic E. coli may be released into the environment through the use of sludge-derived TSI. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY The results highlight that the TSI-related environmental risk for the food chain should be more deeply assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Tozzoli
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica Veterinaria e Sicurezza Alimentare, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - I Di Bartolo
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica Veterinaria e Sicurezza Alimentare, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - F Gigliucci
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica Veterinaria e Sicurezza Alimentare, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - G Brambilla
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica Veterinaria e Sicurezza Alimentare, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - M Monini
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica Veterinaria e Sicurezza Alimentare, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - E Vignolo
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica Veterinaria e Sicurezza Alimentare, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - A Caprioli
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica Veterinaria e Sicurezza Alimentare, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - S Morabito
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica Veterinaria e Sicurezza Alimentare, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
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Zambon G, Benocci R, Brambilla G. Erratum to: Cluster categorization of urban roads to optimize their noise monitoring. Environ Monit Assess 2016; 188:159. [PMID: 26875073 PMCID: PMC4970197 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-016-5104-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- G Zambon
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Bicocca, Piazza dalla Scienza 1, 20126, Milan, Italy.
| | - R Benocci
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Bicocca, Piazza dalla Scienza 1, 20126, Milan, Italy
| | - G Brambilla
- Istituto di Acustica e Sensoristica "Orso Mario Corbino", CNR, Via del Fosso del Cavaliere 100, 00133, Rome, Italy
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Brambilla G, Abate V, Battacone G, De Filippis SP, Esposito M, Esposito V, Miniero R. Potential impact on food safety and food security from persistent organic pollutants in top soil improvers on Mediterranean pasture. Sci Total Environ 2016; 543:581-590. [PMID: 26610287 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.10.159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2015] [Revised: 10/23/2015] [Accepted: 10/30/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The organic carbon of biosolids from civil wastewater treatment plants binds persistent organic pollutants (POPs), such as polychlorodibenzo -dioxins and -furans (PCDD/Fs), dioxin and non-dioxin -like polychlorobiphenyls (DL and NDL-PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS). The use of such biosolids, derived digestates and composts as top soil improvers (TSIs) may transfer POPs into the food chain. We evaluated the potential carry-over of main bioavailable congeners from amended soil-to-milk of extensive farmed sheep. Such estimates were compared with regulatory limits (food security) and human intakes (food safety). The prediction model was based on farming practices, flocks soil intake, POPs toxicokinetics, and dairy products intake in children, of the Mediterranean area. TSI contamination ranged between 0.20-113 ng WHO-TEQ/kg dry matter for PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs (N = 56), 3.40-616 μg/kg for ∑6 NDL-PCBs (N = 38), 0.06-17.2 and 0.12-22.3 μg/kg for BDE no. 47 and no. 99, 0.872-89.50 μg/kg for PFOS (N = 27). For a 360 g/head/day soil intake of a sheep with an average milk yield of 2.0 kg at 6.5% of fat percentage, estimated soil quality standards supporting milk safety and security were 0.75 and 4.0 ng WHO-TEQ/kg for PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs, and 3.75 and 29.2 μg/kg for ∑6 NDL-PCBs, respectively. The possibility to use low-contaminated TSIs to maximize agriculture benefits and if the case, to progressively mitigate highly contaminated soils is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Brambilla
- Istituto Superiore di sanità, Veterinary Public Health Dept, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - V Abate
- Istituto Superiore di sanità, Veterinary Public Health Dept, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - G Battacone
- Università degli Studi di Sassari, Agricultural Science, Viale Italia, 39 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - S P De Filippis
- Istituto Superiore di sanità, Toxicological Chemistry Unit, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - M Esposito
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute 2, 08055 Portici, (Neaples), Italy
| | - V Esposito
- Agenzia Regionale Per la Protezione dell'Ambiente Regione Puglia, Via Anfiteatro 8, 74100 Taranto, Italy
| | - R Miniero
- Istituto Superiore di sanità, Toxicological Chemistry Unit, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
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Scortichini G, Amorena M, Brambilla G, Ceci R, Chessa G, Diletti G, Esposito M, Esposito V, Nardelli V. Sheep farming and the impact of environment on food safety. Small Rumin Res 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2015.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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Zambon G, Benocci R, Brambilla G. Cluster categorization of urban roads to optimize their noise monitoring. Environ Monit Assess 2016; 188:26. [PMID: 26661962 PMCID: PMC4751156 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-015-4994-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2015] [Accepted: 11/20/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Road traffic in urban areas is recognized to be associated with urban mobility and public health, and it is often the main source of noise pollution. Lately, noise maps have been considered a powerful tool to estimate the population exposure to environmental noise, but they need to be validated by measured noise data. The project Dynamic Acoustic Mapping (DYNAMAP), co-funded in the framework of the LIFE 2013 program, is aimed to develop a statistically based method to optimize the choice and the number of monitoring sites and to automate the noise mapping update using the data retrieved from a low-cost monitoring network. Indeed, the first objective should improve the spatial sampling based on the legislative road classification, as this classification is mainly based on the geometrical characteristics of the road, rather than its noise emission. The present paper describes the statistical approach of the methodology under development and the results of its preliminary application to a limited sample of roads in the city of Milan. The resulting categorization of roads, based on clustering the 24-h hourly L Aeqh, looks promising to optimize the spatial sampling of noise monitoring toward a description of the noise pollution due to complex urban road networks more efficient than that based on the legislative road classification.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Zambon
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Bicocca, Piazza dalla Scienza 1, 20126, Milan, Italy.
| | - R Benocci
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Bicocca, Piazza dalla Scienza 1, 20126, Milan, Italy
| | - G Brambilla
- Istituto di Acustica e Sensoristica "Orso Mario Corbino", CNR, Via del Fosso del Cavaliere 100, 00133, Rome, Italy
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Pasquali I, Merusi C, Brambilla G, Long E, Hargrave G, Versteeg H. Optical diagnostics study of air flow and powder fluidisation in Nexthaler ® —Part I: Studies with lactose placebo formulation. Int J Pharm 2015; 496:780-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2015.10.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2015] [Accepted: 10/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Serbelloni P, Conte F, Gualandri V, Zanini M, Brambilla G, Pintucci JP, Sessa A. Alport's syndrome: genetic evaluation of personal data concerning twelve families. Contrib Nephrol 2015; 80:126-30. [PMID: 2282810 DOI: 10.1159/000418638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Jung Y, Chen R, Ismaeel R, Brambilla G, Alam SU, Giles IP, Richardson DJ. Dual mode fused optical fiber couplers suitable for mode division multiplexed transmission. Opt Express 2013; 21:24326-24331. [PMID: 24104342 DOI: 10.1364/oe.21.024326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
We experimentally demonstrate 2 × 2 and 3 × 3 fused fiber couplers made from dual mode fiber. A unique mode dependent power transfer characteristics as a function of pulling length is obtained that support various optical functionalities. Exploiting this we demonstrate several devices of interest for mode division multiplexed data transmission including LP11 mode filter, LP11 mode tap coupler, and 50:50 power splitter for both LP01 and LP11 modes.
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Cipelletti L, Brambilla G, Maccarrone S, Caroff S. Simultaneous measurement of the microscopic dynamics and the mesoscopic displacement field in soft systems by speckle imaging. Opt Express 2013; 21:22353-22366. [PMID: 24104125 DOI: 10.1364/oe.21.022353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The constituents of soft matter systems such as colloidal suspensions, emulsions, polymers, and biological tissues undergo microscopic random motion, due to thermal energy. They may also experience drift motion correlated over mesoscopic or macroscopic length scales, e.g. in response to an internal or applied stress or during flow. We present a new method for measuring simultaneously both the microscopic motion and the mesoscopic or macroscopic drift. The method is based on the analysis of spatio-temporal cross-correlation functions of speckle patterns taken in an imaging configuration. The method is tested on a translating Brownian suspension and a sheared colloidal glass.
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Seravalle G, Brambilla G, Alimento M, Bartorelli A, Magni L, Corso R, Pieruzzi F, Stella A, Mancia G, Grassi G. Magnitude and time course of the sympathoinhibitory and blood pressure lowering effects of renal denervation in resistant hypertensive patients. Eur Heart J 2013. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/eht310.p4490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Mrema EJ, Rubino FM, Mandic-Rajcevic S, Sturchio E, Turci R, Osculati A, Brambilla G, Minoia C, Colosio C. Exposure to priority organochlorine contaminants in the Italian general population. Part 2. Hum Exp Toxicol 2013; 33:170-84. [DOI: 10.1177/0960327113485256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Concentrations of 36 polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners were measured in serum of 372 Italian residents of general population living in Novafeltria, Pavia, and Milan. Total PCB level differed significantly between these sites ( p < 0.0001) with median concentrations of 836.50, 1354.57, and 2062.08 pmol/g lipid, respectively. However, there is no evidence for the difference in distribution of total PCB levels by genders. Total dioxin-like PCBs differed significantly ( p < 0.0001) between the sites (median 109.78, 50.88, and 166.99 pmol/g lipid, respectively) and genders of Novafeltria and Pavia ( p = 0.011 and 0.009, respectively). PCB 138, 153, 170, and 180 differed significantly between the places of residence ( p < 0.0001) with higher values in Milan population. In the overall population, total PCB and PCB 138, 153, 156, 170, and 180 correlated positively with age (correlations range between 0.320 and 0.569, p < 0.0001). In Novafeltria, the correlations ranged between 0.545 and 0.670, and in Pavia, the correlations ranged between 0.516 and 0.666. In Milan, correlations with age range between 0.327 and 0.417 for total PCB and congeners 138, 153, and 180. With an exception of PCB 170, there was no evidence of significant difference in the distribution of most abundant PCB congeners and total PCB across the body mass index categories.
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Affiliation(s)
- EJ Mrema
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - FM Rubino
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- LaTMA Laboratory for Analytical Toxicology and Metabolomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - E Sturchio
- Italian Workers’ Compensation Authority, Department of Production Plants and Anthropic Settlements, Rome, Italy
| | - R Turci
- Laboratory for Environmental and Toxicological Testing, Salvatore Maugeri Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - A Osculati
- Istituto di Medicina Legale e delle Assicurazioni, Dipartimento di Medicina e Sanità Pubblica, Università dell’Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - G Brambilla
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - C Minoia
- Laboratory for Environmental and Toxicological Testing, Salvatore Maugeri Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - C Colosio
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Mrema EJ, Rubino FM, Mandic-Rajcevic S, Sturchio E, Turci R, Osculati A, Brambilla G, Minoia C, Colosio C. Exposure to priority organochlorine contaminants in the Italian general population. Part 1. Eight priority organochlorinated pesticides in blood serum. Hum Exp Toxicol 2013; 32:1323-39. [DOI: 10.1177/0960327113485255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Despite extensive use of organochlorinated pesticides (OCPs) such as dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) in Italy in the 1940s to 1970s, especially for public health control of malaria mosquitoes, information on their exposure levels among the general population is limited. These OCPs can be a source of health risk to human. A total of 137 blood samples were collected from residents of the general population of three Italian towns, Novafeltria, Pavia and Milan, to determine the levels of eight OCPs in blood serum. The concentrations of beta-hexachlorocyclohexane, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), 1,1-dichloro-2-( o-chlorophenyl)-2-( p-chlorophenyl)ethylene, 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis( p-chlorophenyl)-ethylene ( p, p' -DDE), 1,1-dichloro-2-( o-chlorophenyl)-2-( p-chlorophenyl)ethane, 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis (4-chlorophenyl)ethane, 1,1,1-trichloro-2-( o-chlorophenyl)-2-( p-chlorophenyl)-ethane and 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis( p-chlorophenyl) ethane were measured by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Variations in serum concentrations of OCPs with respect to place of residence, gender, age and body mass index (BMI) were evaluated by non-parametric tests. p, p' -DDE and HCB were the most abundant and major contributors of total OCP concentration. Their levels differed significantly between the three towns with a trend Milan > Novafeltria > Pavia ( p < 0.0001). Females had significantly higher concentrations of HCB and p, p'-DDE than males in the overall population sample. HCB concentrations were significantly higher in females than in males of Milan ( p = 0.029). We observed positive correlations of p, p'-DDE and HCB with age in Novafeltria subjects ( r = 0.468, p = 0.004). Total OCP concentrations differed significantly across BMI categories ( p = 0.018) in overall population. We have demonstrated a clear pattern of the main OCPs in a fairly large population. Generally, our study provides information on OCPs exposure among the Italian general population and provides indications for further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- EJ Mrema
- Department of Health Sciences of the University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - FM Rubino
- Department of Health Sciences of the University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- LaTMA Laboratory for Analytical Toxicology and Metabolomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dental Sciences of the University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - S Mandic-Rajcevic
- Department of Health Sciences of the University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - E Sturchio
- Italian Workers’ Compensation Authority, Department of Production Plants and Anthropic Settlements, Via Urbana, Rome, Italy
| | - R Turci
- Laboratory for Environmental and Toxicological Testing, Salvatore Maugeri Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - A Osculati
- Istituto di Medicina Legale e delle Assicurazioni, Dipartimento di Medicina e Sanità Pubblica, Università dell’Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - G Brambilla
- Department of Health Sciences of the University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - C Minoia
- Laboratory for Environmental and Toxicological Testing, Salvatore Maugeri Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - C Colosio
- Department of Health Sciences of the University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Bombelli M, Facchetti R, Fodri D, Brambilla G, Sega R, Grassi G, Mancia G. Impact of body mass index and waist circumference on the cardiovascular risk and all-cause death in a general population: data from the PAMELA study. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2013; 23:650-656. [PMID: 22633796 DOI: 10.1016/j.numecd.2012.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2011] [Revised: 12/23/2011] [Accepted: 01/27/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Elevated values of body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) are associated with an augmented cardiovascular (CV) risk. It is debated, however, whether and to what extent this depends on the body fat increase 'per se' or on the related cardiometabolic alterations. METHODS AND RESULTS In 2005 subjects randomly selected from the general population of Monza (Italy), we assessed BMI, WC, office, home and 24 h blood pressure (BP), heart rate and metabolic variables. The impact of BMI and WC on the incidence of CV events, CV and all-cause mortality was estimated during a 148-month follow-up. Progressively higher values of BMI and WC were associated with a progressive increase in office, home and 24 h BP and in erratic BP variability (P < 0.0001 for trend). Metabolic variables were directly and significantly (P < 0.0001) related to BMI and WC, while an inverse significant relationship was detected with high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol. The incidence of CV events, CV and all-cause deaths increased progressively from the lowest to the highest quintile of BMI and WC (P for trend always <0.005). Baseline BMI and WC higher by respectively 1 kg m⁻² and 1 cm were associated with an increased risk of CV events, CV and all-cause death by 8%, 12% and 7% (for baseline BMI) and 4%, 5% and 4% (for baseline WC), respectively. After adjustment for confounders, only the increased risk of CV death related to higher baseline BMI remained significant (hazard ratio (HR) 1.062, confidence interval (CI) 95% 1.003-1.126, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION The adverse prognostic impact of the accumulation of body fat is mediated by the associated haemodynamic and metabolic alterations. Baseline values of BMI, however, are an independent predictor of CV mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Bombelli
- Clinica Medica, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Prevenzione, Università Milano-Bicocca, Ospedale San Gerardo, Via Pergolesi 33, 20052 Monza, Milano, Italy
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Meroni R, Beghi E, Beghi M, Brambilla G, Cerri C, Perin C, Peroni F, Cornaggia CM. Psychiatric disorders in patients suffering from an acute cerebrovascular accident or traumatic injury, and their effects on rehabilitation: an observational study. Eur J Phys Rehabil Med 2013; 49:31-39. [PMID: 23138676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The presence of a post-traumatic psychiatric disorder in patients with acute injuries may have adverse effects on outcomes. AIM In this study our aims were: (1) to assess the frequency of psychiatric disorders after a cerebrovascular accident or traumatic injury requiring rehabilitation; (2) to examine whether there was any correlation between psychiatric disorders and patients' baseline demographic and clinical variables. DESIGN The study consisted of two phases: the first was cross-sectional and the second prospective with a 12-month follow-up. The period of recruitment was two years. The results of the first phase are presented here. SETTING The study sample consisted of a consecutive series of patients admitted to hospital because of an acute cerebrovascular accident or a traumatic injury and referred for a rehabilitation program. Two inpatient Rehabilitation Hospitals were involved in the study. POPULATION The sample consisted of 230 consecutive patients with a recent cerebrovascular accident or trauma included in a rehabilitation program. METHODS The sample included: 89 men (39%) and 141 women (61%) aged 20-97 years. Psychiatric disorders and motor disabilities were assessed through psychiatric interview and the mini-international neuropsychiatric interview plus (MINI Plus) and, respectively, with the functional independent measure (FIM). In case of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), severity was assessed through the Davidson's Trauma scale. Psychiatric disorders were correlated to demographic and clinical variables through univariate and multivariate analyses, the latter with logistic regression models. RESULTS The most frequent entry diagnoses were traumatic fracture (41.3%) and stroke (37.0%). Ninety-three patients (40.4%) had one or more psychiatric disturbances at study entry, the commonest being depression (56 cases, 24.7%) and anxiety (23 cases, 10.0%). PTSD was present in 8 cases (3.5%). A history of psychiatric disorder was reported by 55 patients (24.2%) Compared to the rest of the study population, these subjects had more psychopathologic complaints (P<0.001). Mean total FIM score was 54.4 (SD=17.8) and 61.2 (SD=19.6) in patients with and without psychopathology (P<0.01) Independent predictors of psychopathology included past psychiatric history, lower total FIM scores, and limb amputation. Depression was predicted by history of psychiatric disorders and lack of partner. CONCLUSION History of psychiatric disorders is the most relevant factor associated with psychopathology in patients with an acute cerebrovascular accident or traumatic injury, followed by lower total FIM scores, and type of pathologic event. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT The presence of psychiatric disorders may potentially influence the rehabilitation process and outcomes; thus their recognition and management are key factors during a rehabilitation program.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Meroni
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zucchi Clinical Institutes, Monza, Italy.
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27
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Pacini N, Abate V, Brambilla G, De Felip E, De Filippis SP, De Luca S, di Domenico A, D'Orsi A, Forte T, Fulgenzi AR, Iacovella N, Luiselli L, Miniero R, Iamiceli AL. Polychlorinated dibenzodioxins, dibenzofurans, and biphenyls in fresh water fish from Campania Region, southern Italy. Chemosphere 2013; 90:80-88. [PMID: 22921647 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2012.07.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2012] [Revised: 06/19/2012] [Accepted: 07/21/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Twenty-eight fish muscle specimens from the main water bodies of the Campania Region were analyzed in our laboratory. On average, results showed a low contamination by PCDDs+PCDFs and a relatively more important presence of DL-PCBs. All specimens were compliant with EU regulatory maximum levels. Cumulative PCDD+PCDF+DL-PCB concentrations (TEQ(TOT)) were comprised in the range 0.223-11.4 pgWHO(97)-TEQ g(-1) fresh weight (fw). DL-PCB contribution to TEQ(TOT) was on average greater than 86% (range, 50.2-97.1%). The cumulative concentrations of 30 non-dioxin-like PCB congeners (Σ(30)(NDL-PCBs)) and of the six indicators (Σ(6)(NDL-PCBs)) were respectively in the ranges 3.30-515 and 1.30-195 ng g(-1) fw. The hybrid clustering approach adopted to analyze the sample-specific congener profiles indentified the main analytical patterns present in the database and, in particular, two main diverse exposure macro-areas that seem to exist north and south of the city of Naples. The distribution of PCDD and PCDF congeners among different species showed significant variations from chub (Leuciscus cephalus), characterized by a higher proportion of low-chlorinated congeners (e.g. 2,3,7,8-T(4)CDD), to eel (Anguilla anguilla), whose contamination consisted mainly of highly chlorinated congeners (e.g. O(8)CDD). To have a more complete perspective in relation to the contaminants present in the environment, the study suggestion is to use benthic as well as pelagic species to obtain an integrated characterization of fish tissue contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Pacini
- Department of Ecology, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
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Martoccia L, Brambilla G, Macrì A, Moccia G, Cosentino E. The effect of transport on some metabolic parameters and meat quality in pigs. Meat Sci 2012; 40:271-7. [PMID: 22059978 DOI: 10.1016/0309-1740(94)00015-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/1993] [Revised: 03/29/1994] [Accepted: 05/07/1994] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Two groups of 40 castrated male pigs were selected at random in an abattoir from pigs arriving from two farms, situated 650 km (group A) and 180 km (group B) from the plant, respectively. The animals were kept in lairage overnight and slaughtered the following morning. At slaughter, samples of blood were collected to determine serum levels of some enzymes [lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) and glutamic phosphatase transaminase (GPT)]. Measurements of pH were then taken on the Longissimus thoracis at the level of the last rib 45 min, 3 h and 24 h post mortem. After overnight chilling of the sides at +2°C, a portion of the Longissimus thoracis was removed for colour and drip measurements. Results show that distance travelled affects pH values at 45 min and 24 h, group A presenting higher values than group B (P < 0·001). Drip loss did not differ significantly between the two groups, while group A showed lower values of L (∗) and higher a (∗) values than group B (P < 0·05 and P < 0·01, respectively), with no differences in the mean values of b (∗). In group A, a higher value of LDH was observed (P < 0·001) than in group B. GOT and GPT showed no significant difference between the two groups. It is concluded that, although some significant effects of treatment were recorded on some quality traits, the magnitude of the differences are not considered of much practical significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Martoccia
- Department of Animal Production, University of Basilicata, Via N. Sauro 85, 85100 Potenza, Italy
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29
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Seravalle G, Carzaniga C, Attanasio R, Grassi G, Lonati L, Facchini C, Cozzi R, Fatti LM, Montini M, Vitale G, Sciortino G, Damanti S, Brambilla G, Cavagnini F, Mancia G, Scacchi M. Decreased adrenergic tone in acromegaly: evidence from direct recording of muscle sympathetic nerve activity. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2012; 77:262-7. [PMID: 22233452 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2265.2012.04335.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Sympathovagal imbalance has been shown in acromegaly by indirect measurements of adrenergic tone. Data regarding direct measurement of sympathetic activity are lacking as yet. Aim of this study was to assess the adrenergic tone through direct recording of muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) in acromegalic patients. DESIGN Fifteen patients (age 26-66 years, eight women) with newly diagnosed active acromegaly without hyperprolactinaemia, pituitary hormone deficiencies, obstructive sleep apnoea and cardiac hypertrophy, and 15 healthy subjects matched for age, sex and body mass index were recruited. After evaluating anthropometric and echocardiographic parameters, anterior pituitary function, glucose and lipid metabolism, and measuring plasma leptin, direct recording of sympathetic outflow via the microneurographic technique was performed. RESULTS For similar anthropometric and metabolic parameters in patients and controls, HOMA index was significantly increased in the former (4·2 ± 2·39 vs 1·6 ± 0·19, P < 0·001). Surprisingly, this finding of insulin resistance was accompanied by a marked sympathetic inhibition (MSNA 18·3 ± 8·10 vs 37·3 ± 6·48 bursts/min, P < 0·0001, respectively in patients and controls). A reduction in plasma leptin (1·6 ± 1·04 vs 6·5 ± 2·01 μg/l, P < 0·0001) was also recorded in the patients. MSNA was positively correlated with leptin (P < 0·0001). CONCLUSIONS Newly diagnosed acromegalic patients without cardiac hypertrophy display a decreased sympathetic outflow in spite of insulin resistance. This finding might be related to hypoleptinaemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Seravalle
- Department of Cardiology, Ospedale San Luca IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
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Buzzaccaro S, Secchi E, Brambilla G, Piazza R, Cipelletti L. Equilibrium concentration profiles and sedimentation kinetics of colloidal gels under gravitational stress. J Phys Condens Matter 2012; 24:284103. [PMID: 22740601 DOI: 10.1088/0953-8984/24/28/284103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
We study the sedimentation of colloidal gels by using a combination of light scattering, polarimetry and video imaging. The asymptotic concentration profiles (z,t → ∞) exhibit remarkable scaling properties: profiles for gels prepared at different initial volume fractions and particle interactions can be superimposed onto a single master curve by using suitable reduced variables. We show theoretically that this behavior stems from a power law dependence of the compressive elastic modulus versus , which we directly test experimentally. The sedimentation kinetics comprises an initial latency stage, followed by a rapid collapse where the gel height h decreases at constant velocity and a final compaction stage characterized by a stretched exponential relaxation of h toward a plateau. Analogies and differences with previous works are briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Buzzaccaro
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Politecnico di Milano, 20131 Milano, Italy.
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Colosio C, Mrema E, Rajcevic SM, Vianello G, Brambilla G, Rubino FM. [Plant protection products: new tools for exposure and risk assessment in agriculture]. G Ital Med Lav Ergon 2012; 34:393-397. [PMID: 23405671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Our experience in assessment and management of chemical risk in agriculture consists of three lines: i) definition and modeling of the relationships between different exposure determinants to create the possibility of doing risk assessment without measurements ii) identification, from the Acceptable Operator Exposure Levels (AOEL), of provisional biological exposure indices for pesticides; iii) identification of analytical approaches adequate for the production of the measures needed to support the above mentioned activities starting from the use of multi-residue methods, allowing the determination in one run of several active ingredients and metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Colosio
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli studi di Milano, LaTMA, Laboratorio di Tossicologia e Metabolomica Analitica e ICRH, Centro Internazionale per la Salute Rurale dell'UO Medicina del Lavoro dell'Azienda Ospedaliera San Paolo, Polo Universitario, di Milano.
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Rubino FM, Mandic-Rajcevic S, Vianello G, Brambilla G, Colosio C. [Physically-based model of pesticide application for risk assessment of agricultural workers]. G Ital Med Lav Ergon 2012; 34:425-427. [PMID: 23405680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Due to their unavoidable toxicity to non-target organisms, including man, the not of Plant Protection Products requires a thorough risk assessment to rationally advise safe use procedures and protection equipment by farmers. Most information on active substances and formulations, such as dermal absorption rates and exposure limits are available in the large body of regulatory data. Physically-based computational models can be used to forecast risk in real-life conditions (preventive assessment by 'exposure profiles'), to drive the cost-effective use of products and equipment and to understand the sources of unexpected exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- F M Rubino
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute dell'Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy.
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Vellere F, Cucchi I, Somaruga C, Brambilla G, Colosio C. [Biological agents in animal breeding: an ancient but still relevant risk]. G Ital Med Lav Ergon 2012; 34:406-408. [PMID: 23405674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Agricultural activities expose workers to biological risk, due to the close contact that could occur with pathogens' reservoirs, such as soil, animals, manure and animal products. The paper describes factors that have contributed on the reduction or eradication of zoonoses, such as brucellosis, salmonellosis and bovine tuberculosis (monitoring and prevention of animal infectious diseases, industrialization and mechanization of agricultural activities), and on the other hand the emergence of new risks and new diseases (adaptability of microorganisms, generation of new strains, antibiotic resistance, dissemination of vectors). The role of Occupational Medicine in the prevention of zoonoses is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Vellere
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli studi di Milano, e Centro Internazionale per la Salute Rurale dell'UO Medicina del Lavoro dell'Azienda Ospedaliera San Paolo, Polo Universitario, di Milano.
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Previdi M, Brambilla G. [The allergic risk in agriculture: current situation and specific high-risk areas]. G Ital Med Lav Ergon 2012; 34:402-405. [PMID: 23405673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Contradictory aspects apparently coexist in relation to the causes of bronchial allergic inflammation in agriculture. It's worth notion that either exposure to inhalable dust and endotoxins or exposure to molecular patterns play a role in such a pathology; in particular endotoxins should protect against the onset of allergic diseases. Likewise, the exposure to pesticides would not lead to allergic asthma, but could facilitate the onset of pollinosis and contact dermatitis in gardeners. Moreover, the risk of anaphylaxis from bee sting would be lower in repeatedly bitten beekeepers if compared to sensitized and less exposed population, while atopy by itself is not evaluable as a risk factor for sensitization to hymenoptera. In conclusion either frequency and strength of exposure or distinctive feature of the subject are able to determine the occurrence of allergic disease in an almost different manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Previdi
- UOS Allergologia Ambientale e Occupazionale, Dipartimento di Prevenzione Fondazione IRCCS "Cà Granda" Policlinico Milano, Italy.
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Mauri G, Sconfienza LM, Fiore B, Brambilla G, Pedicini V, Poretti D, Lutman RF, Montorsi M, Sardanelli F. Post-surgical enteric fistula treatment with image-guided percutaneous injection of cyanoacrylic glue. Clin Radiol 2012; 68:59-63. [PMID: 22613168 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2012.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2012] [Revised: 03/22/2012] [Accepted: 04/03/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- G Mauri
- Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Scuola di Specializzazione in Radiodiagnostica, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy.
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Cantatore M, Gobbetti M, Romussi S, Brambilla G, Giudice C, Grieco V, Stefanello D. Medium term endoscopic assessment of the surgical outcome following laryngeal saccule resection in brachycephalic dogs. Vet Rec 2012; 170:518. [PMID: 22472536 DOI: 10.1136/vr.100289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Laryngeal saccule eversion has been widely reported as an important component of brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome (BAOS). The authors hypothesised that saccules affected by acute histological changes in patients showing marked improvement following palate and nares surgery might spontaneously return to normal; moreover, spontaneous resolution of the eversion in patients with fibrotic saccules and/or without clinical improvement following BAOS surgery might be impossible and, on the contrary, the persistence of turbulent airflow and associated ongoing inflammation might lead to aberrant tissue proliferation after resection. In order to demonstrate our hypotheses, the authors decided to perform a unilateral sacculectomy and to postpone and assess the need for the execution of the contralateral saccule resection according to the findings of a second-look laryngoscopy. Ten dogs were enrolled. None of the saccules left in situ underwent spontaneous resolution of the eversion. In one dog, after sacculectomy, proliferation of a soft tissue lesion endoscopically similar to a newly formed saccule occurred. The results of the present study suggest that spontaneous resolution of saccule eversion is uncommon, even after the correction of the primary abnormalities (palate, nares). Resection of the saccules can relieve ventral rima glottidis obstruction; however, secondary intention healing might occasionally result in the recurrence of the obstruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Cantatore
- Hospital for Small Animals, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Veterinary Centre, Roslin, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK
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Abstract
A compact optical microfiber phase modulator with MHz bandwidth is presented. A micrometer-diameter microfiber is wound on a millimeter-diameter piezoelectric ceramic rod with two electrodes. When a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric ceramic, the rod is strained, leading to a phase change along the microfiber; because of the small size, the optical microfiber phase modulator can have as high as a few MHz bandwidth response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueliang Zhang
- Optoelectronics Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
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39
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Carugo S, Solari D, Esposito A, Pernigotti A, Caimi B, Redaelli C, Maisaidi M, Brambilla G, Grassi G, Mancia G. Clinic blood pressure, ambulatory blood pressure and cardiac structural alterations in nonagenarians and in centenarians. Blood Press 2011; 21:97-103. [DOI: 10.3109/08037051.2012.641266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Chen GY, Zhang XL, Brambilla G, Newson TP. Theoretical and experimental demonstrations of a microfiber-based flexural disc accelerometer. Opt Lett 2011; 36:3669-3671. [PMID: 21931427 DOI: 10.1364/ol.36.003669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The proof-of-concept demonstration of a microfiber-based flexural disc accelerometer is presented. The reduced microfiber size and bending radii give rise to high device compactness and responsivity. A flexural disc accelerometer manufactured from a 10 mm long microfiber showed a performance of ~2.2 rad/g, with the responsivity expected to increase proportionally with the microfiber length.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Y Chen
- Optoelectronics Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
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41
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Brambilla G, Brucato A, Adler Y, Bosetti M, Coppini P, Caforio A, Spodick D, Canesi B. Recurrent acute idiopathic pericarditis: rheumatologic therapy, autoantibodies and long term outcome. Reumatismo 2011; 59:25-31. [PMID: 17435839 DOI: 10.4081/reumatismo.2007.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate therapy and rheumatologic aspects of recurrent acute idiopathic pericarditis (RAIP). METHODS We studied 46 patients. We used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) at high dosage. We did not start corticosteroid: if already started, we planned a very slow tapering; 37 patients (80.4%) were treated with colchicine. We also assessed the frequency of ANA, anti-SSA and Rheumatoid factor. RESULTS With our protocol recurrences dropped from 0.46 to 0.03 attacks/patient/month (p<0.00001) within 12 months and remained at the same level (0.024) till the end of the follow-up (mean 8 years). In the 37 patients treated with colchicine recurrences dropped from 0.5 to 0.03 (p<0.0001) within 12 months, and in 9 patients not given colchicine from 0.27 to 0.045 (p<0.005). When colchicine was used the decrease was significantly higher (0.47 vs 0.23) (p<0.001). In 27 (58.7%) patients ANA were positive at a titre >1/80, in 7 (15.2%) >1/160. Rheumatoid factor was positive in 7 (15.2%) and anti-SSA in 4 (8.7%). During the follow-up 4 (8.7%) new diagnosis of Sjogren and 1 (2.2%) of Rheumatoid Arthritis were made. CONCLUSION NSAIDs at high dosage, slow tapering of corticosteroid and colchicine are very effective in RAIP. The improvement is more dramatic in colchicine treated patients, but also other patients can achieve good control of the disease. The finding of ANA, anti-SSA and the new rheumatological diagnoses support the involvement of autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Brambilla
- Dipartimento di Reumatologia,Ospedale Niguarda Ca' Granda, Milano.
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42
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Tabibi R, Corsini E, Somaruga C, Sokooti M, Rabozzi G, Vellere F, Colosio C, Brambilla G. Occupational exposure to biohazards and endotoxins among agricultural workers in the region of Lombardy, Northern Italy. Toxicol Lett 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2011.05.533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Colosio C, Mandic-Rajcevic S, Rubino F, Brambilla G. Emerging health effects from pesticide exposure in Europe and in developing countries. Toxicol Lett 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2011.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Rabozzi G, Colosio C, Crespi E, Somaruga C, Sokooti M, Tabibi R, Vellere F, Brambilla G. [Diet as a key element of health promotion at the workplace in scientific research and practice. First results of the EU project FAHRE]. G Ital Med Lav Ergon 2011; 33:360-363. [PMID: 23393876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The globalization of markets have led to rapid changes in diet and lifestyle in the developed countries, where living standards have improved, and availability and variety of food has increased while physical activity decreases have led to an augment in chronic diseases (obesity and diabetes mellitus), cardiovascular diseases and some specific cancers. In this context there is a need to develop health promotion activities. Workers represent a very appropriate group for such activities because they are relatively homogeneous, easily reachable because they can be found together in the same place and time and the occupational physician has good knowledge of the of health status of individual worker. In this scenario, a renew interest must be posed to the relationship between diet and health. In this context our Group is participating at the FAHRE project (Food and Health Research in Europe). The project aims to establish the state of the art of research at the interface of nutrition and health in the European Union, identifying its strengths and weaknesses in order to propose strategies to increase coordination and improve its functioning as a European Research Area.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Rabozzi
- Dipartimento di Medicina del Lavoro, Università degli Studi di Milano, sezione Ospedale San Paolo e Centro Internazionale per la Salute Rurale dell'Azienda Ospedaliera San Paolo, Polo Universitario, Milano, Via San Vigilio 43, 20142 Milan, Italy.
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Colosio C, Vellere F, Ariano E, Somarugat C, Mandic-Rajcevic S, Sokooti M, Varischi G, Brambilla G. [Occupational health surveillance in agriculture: the experience of the International Centre for Rural Health]. G Ital Med Lav Ergon 2011; 33:195-198. [PMID: 23393834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The results of the activities of occupational health surveillance in agriculture carried out by the International Centre for Rural Health since 2008 are described. The activities involve 800 workers employed in 260 farms in the Region of Lombardy (Italy). The types of farms reflect the vocation toward agricultural sector of the Po Valley and the most representative tasks are related to animal care and use of agricultural machinery. Based on the specific risks, workers are provided with preventive and periodic examinations, and complementary laboratory and instrumental evaluations (hearing and respiratory functions, electrocardiography), related to the different risk factors present in the enterprises. The occupational health priorities identified are, for the time being, noise-induced hearing loss and insufficient immunization against tetanus.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Colosio
- Centro internazionale per la Salute Rurale, Unità Operativa di Medicina del Lavoro--Azienda Ospedaliera San Paolo, Via San Vigilio 43, 2142 Milano.
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46
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Brambilla G, Seravalle G, Cifkova R, Laurent S, Narkiewicz K, Redon J, Farsang C, Bombelli M, Giannattasio C, Mancial G, Grassi G. METABOLIC PROFILE, PATTERNS OF METABOLIC CONTROL BY TREATMENT AND RELATIONSHIPS WITH BLOOD PRESSURE VALUES IN PATIENTS FROM CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES: THE BP-CARE METABOLIC STUDY. J Hypertens 2011. [DOI: 10.1097/00004872-201106001-00015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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47
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Somaruga C, Troja Martinazzoli MG, Brambilla G, Colosio C. [Migrant workers in agriculture and animal husbandry: experiences of health surveillance]. G Ital Med Lav Ergon 2011; 33:41-43. [PMID: 22187923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
In Italy, 5 millions migrants live and work. Among them, the employment rate is much higher in comparison with the Italians' one (75% versus 62%). The well known "healthy migrant effect" is confirmed by statistics from the National Institute for Statistics: according to it, migrants access the National Health System for pregnancy and delivery and for accidents. The chronic pathology is not a major concern. Moreover, their work ability is generally complete, without any limitation. Nevertheless, migrants seem to represent a vulnerable subgroup with regard to the risk of 1) occupational injuries: this is strongly linked with the risk of Tetanus infection; 2) disorders of the metabolism, like hyperglycaemia and hyperlipemia, which is linked to a higher cardiovascular risk. In this light data from health surveillance carried out by the International centre for Rural Health of the San Paolo University Hospital in agricultural setting in the Region of Lombardy and the participation of the Centre itself to the Promovax EC-cofunded project are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Somaruga
- Dipartimento di Medicina del Lavoro, Università degli Studi di Milano, sezione Ospedale San Paolo e Centro Internazionale per la Salute Rurale dell'Azienda Ospedaliera San Paolo, Italy
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48
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Brambilla G, Buzzaccaro S, Piazza R, Berthier L, Cipelletti L. Highly nonlinear dynamics in a slowly sedimenting colloidal gel. Phys Rev Lett 2011; 106:118302. [PMID: 21469902 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.106.118302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
We use a combination of original light scattering techniques and particles with unique optical properties to investigate the behavior of suspensions of attractive colloids under gravitational stress, following over time the concentration profile, the velocity profile, and the microscopic dynamics. During the compression regime, the sedimentation velocity grows nearly linearly with height, implying that the gel settling may be fully described by a (time-dependent) strain rate. We find that the microscopic dynamics exhibit remarkable scaling properties when time is normalized by the strain rate, showing that the gel microscopic restructuring is dominated by its macroscopic deformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Brambilla
- Université Montpellier 2, Laboratoire Charles Coulomb UMR 5221, F-34095, Montpellier, France
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49
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Lieleg O, Kayser J, Brambilla G, Cipelletti L, Bausch AR. Slow dynamics and internal stress relaxation in bundled cytoskeletal networks. Nat Mater 2011; 10:236-242. [PMID: 21217691 DOI: 10.1038/nmat2939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2010] [Accepted: 11/30/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Crosslinked and bundled actin filaments form networks that are essential for the mechanical properties of living cells. Reconstituted actin networks have been extensively studied not only as a model system for the cytoskeleton, but also to understand the interplay between microscopic structure and macroscopic viscoelastic properties of network-forming soft materials. These constitute a broad class of materials with countless applications in science and industry. So far, it has been widely assumed that reconstituted actin networks represent equilibrium structures. Here, we show that fully polymerized actin/fascin bundle networks exhibit surprising age-dependent changes in their viscoelastic properties and spontaneous dynamics, a feature strongly reminiscent of out-of-equilibrium, or glassy, soft materials. Using a combination of rheology, confocal microscopy and space-resolved dynamic light scattering, we demonstrate that actin networks build up stress during their formation and then slowly relax towards equilibrium owing to the unbinding dynamics of the crosslinking molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Lieleg
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 500 Technology Square, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
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50
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Brambilla G, Church T, Lewis D, Meakin B. Plume temperature emitted from metered dose inhalers. Int J Pharm 2010; 405:9-15. [PMID: 21129465 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2010.11.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2010] [Revised: 11/18/2010] [Accepted: 11/24/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The temperature of the drug cloud emitted from a pressurised metered dose inhaler (pMDI) may result in patient discomfort and inconsistent or non-existent dose delivery to the lungs. The effects of variations in formulation (drug, propellant, co-solvent content) and device hardware (metering volume, actuator orifice diameter, add-on devices) upon the temperature of pMDI plumes, expressed as replicate mean minimum values (MMPT), collected into a pharmacopoeial dose unit sampling apparatus (DUSA), have been investigated. Ten commercially available and two development products, including chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) suspensions and hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) solutions or suspensions, were examined together with a number of drug products in late stage development and a variety of HFA 134a placebo pMDIs. Plume temperatures were observed to be lowest in the proximity of the product's actuator mouthpiece where rapid flashing and evaporation of the formulation's propellant and volatile excipients cause cooling. The ability to control plume temperature by judicious choice of formulation co-solvent content, metering volume and the actuator orifice diameter is identified. An ethanol based HFA 134a formulation delivered through a fine orifice is inherently warmer than one with 100% HFA 134a vehicle delivered through a coarse actuator orifice. Of the 10 commercial products evaluated, MMPTs ranged from -54 to +4°C and followed the formulation class rank order, HFA suspensions<CFC suspensions<HFA solutions. For all systems examined it was possible to raise pMDI plume temperature to that of the ambient surroundings by use of an add-on or integrated spacer device.
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