Your browser doesn't support javascript.
loading
Show: 20 | 50 | 100
Results 1 - 20 de 67
Filter
1.
Clin Ter ; 175(2): 112-117, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38571468

ABSTRACT

Purpose: Primary central nervous system vasculitis (PCNSV) is a rare inflammatory disease affecting the central nervous system. In some cases, it presents with large, solitary lesion with extensive mass effect that mimic intracranial neoplasms. This condition results in a diagnostic confusion for neuroradiologists because the differentiation is almost impossible on conventional MRI sequences. The aim of this study is to reveal the significance of dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) perfusion-weighted imaging in differentiating of tumefactive PCNSV (t-PCNSV) lesions from intracranial neoplasms such as glio-blastomas and metastasis. Methods: In this retrospective study, DSC of 8 patients with biopsy-proven t-PCNSV has been compared with DSC obtained in 10 patients with glioblastoma, 10 patients with metastasis, who underwent surgery and histopathological confirmation. The ratio of relative cerebral blood volume (rrCBV) was calculated by rCBV (lesion) / rCBV (controlateral normal-appearing white matter) in the gadolinium-enhancing solid areas. Results: The mean rrCBV was 0.86±0.7 (range: 0.76-0.98) in the patients with t-PCNSV, 5,16±0.79 in patients with glioblastoma (range: 3.9-6.3), and 4.27±0.73 (range: 2.8-5.3) in patients with metastases. Conclusion: DSC-PWI seems to be useful in the diagnostic work-up of t-PCSNVs. A low rrCBV, i.e. a rCBV similar or lower to that of the contralateral normal white matter, seems to be consistent with the possibility of t-PCSNV.


Subject(s)
Brain Neoplasms , Glioblastoma , Vasculitis, Central Nervous System , Humans , Glioblastoma/blood supply , Glioblastoma/pathology , Retrospective Studies , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Brain Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Vasculitis, Central Nervous System/diagnostic imaging , Perfusion
2.
Clin Ter ; 174(6): 545-549, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38048119

ABSTRACT

Objective: Denosumab, an antiresorptive agent, has shown results in improving bone mineral density and reducing fractures in postmenopausal women. While bisphosphonates are commonly used as initial therapy for osteoporosis, some studies suggest that denosumab could be an alternative initial treatment for high-risk patients, particularly the elderly population. This narrative literature review aimed to assess the use of denosumab in elderly individuals with osteoporosis, excluding its oncology applications. Method: Multiple online databases including Scopus, PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and PEDro were searched for relevant English-language trials. Results: Between about hundred identified, the review selected 21 articles full-meeting the inclusion criteria. These papers all reporting that Denosumab demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing vertebral and nonvertebral fractures in postmenopausal and senile osteoporosis. Conclusion: Even if limited evidence exists regarding its long-term effectiveness in elderly patients, nevertheless denosumab may be considered a first-line treatment for high-risk elderly patients with senile osteoporosis, particularly for those unable to take bisphosphonates. It has shown superior outcomes in improving bone density and reducing fracture risk, even in frail elderly individuals. Long-term use of denosumab has been reported as safe and effective, enhancing treatment compliance and outcomes.


Subject(s)
Denosumab , Osteoporosis , Humans , Aged , Female , Denosumab/therapeutic use , Osteoporosis/complications , Osteoporosis/drug therapy , Bone Density , Diphosphonates/therapeutic use , Frail Elderly
4.
Clin Ter ; 170(2): e77-e80, 2019.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30993299

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Primary essential cutis verticis gyrata is a condition that usually affects healthy subjects associated to convoluted folds and furrows formed from thickened skin of the scalp resembling cerebriform pattern. CASE: we describe a case of association between primary essential cutis verticis gyrata and new daily persistent headache. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS: In our knowledge this is the first description of new daily persistent headache associated with primary essential cutis verticis gyrata. We think that primary essential cutis verticis gyrata could be considered as a possible trigger factor, never described before, for the development of new daily persistent headache.


Subject(s)
Headache/etiology , Scalp Dermatoses/diagnosis , Scalp/pathology , Humans , Male , Young Adult
5.
Reumatismo ; 65(4): 199-202, 2013 Oct 31.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24192565

ABSTRACT

Hip is a site very commonly affected by osteoarthritis and the intra-articular administration of hyaluronic acid in the management of osteoarthritic pain is increasingly used. However, the debate about its usefulness is still ongoing, as not all results of clinical trials confirm its effectiveness. In order to achieve the best outcome, clinical assessment and treatment choices should be based on subjective outcome, pathological and mechanical findings that should be integrated with qualitative analysis of human movement. After viscosupplementation, clinical trials often evaluate as endpoint subjective outcomes (i.e. pain visual analogic scale) and static imaging such as radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging. In our clinical practice we use gait analysis as part of rehabilitation protocol to measure performance, enhancement and changes of several biomechanical factors. Taking advantage of available resources (BTS Bioengineering gait analysis Elite System) we studied a patient's gait after ultrasound guided hip injections for viscosupplementation. He showed an early clinical and biomechanical improvement during walking after a single intra articular injection of hyaluronic acid. Gait analysis parameters obtained suggest that the pre-treatment slower speed may be caused by antalgic walking patterns, the need for pain control and muscle weakness. After hip viscosupplementation, the joint displayed different temporal, kinetic and kinematic parameters associated with improved pain patterns.


Subject(s)
Gait , Hyaluronic Acid/therapeutic use , Osteoarthritis/drug therapy , Osteoarthritis/physiopathology , Viscosupplements/therapeutic use , Aged , Humans , Male
6.
Med Lav ; 104(3): 213-23, 2013.
Article in Italian | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23879065

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The assessment of efficiency of hearing protection devices (HPDs), conducted above statutory limits, must be made using a standardized method while devices are worn; however, standardized and suitable laboratory conditions are difficult to encounter at the workplace. To overcome this problem, there are methods of measurement at the workplace such as "field-microphone-in-real-ear" (F-MIRE). OBJECTIVES: The study was concerned with the measurement of real noise attenuation using earplugs and a new evaluation system: we checked the difference between "real" attenuation (at workplace) and "theorical" attenuation (reproduced in the laboratory) as stated by the manufacturer. METHODS: We used the E-A-Rfit computerized method, which measures the loss of attenuation of earplugs in the ear, calculating the difference of sound pressure between an "outside" microphone and an "inside" one, in relation to the same earplug. The measurements at the workplace were carried out on eight subjects with good hearing levels (aged between 20 and 25 years), who were trained to wear the devices correctly. After the tests carried out with the E-A-Rfit system, which does not require a subjective answer, we obtained graphs and tables showing real noise attenuation. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS: We propose a comparison between hearing threshold for frequency, personal attenuation rating (PAR) and single number rating (SNR, provided by manufacturer): a difference of 10 dB (PAR 27 db vs. SNR 37 dB) was clearly evident although dissimilar methods were used to obtain such values. The instrument is rapid, simple and objective to use and also allows personalized information and training for every worker.


Subject(s)
Ear Protective Devices , Noise, Occupational/prevention & control , Adult , Equipment Design , Humans , Young Adult
7.
Med Lav ; 103(6): 459-65, 2012.
Article in Italian | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23405480

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Experimental data and large occupational cohort studies in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) manufacturing plants have shown that vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) at high environmental concentrations, such as those measured in western chemical companies at least until the mid-1970's can cause liver angiosarcoma. OBJECTIVE: To describe a recent, accurately diagnosed case of fatal liver angiosarcoma, for which it was possible to establish the causal relationship with past VCM exposure. RESULTS: The deceased subject had been working as blue-collar for at least eleven years (1968-1979) in a PVC plant. VCM exposure was high on average and very high during autoclave cleaning, compared with VCM air measurements reported in those years at plants in Europe and the United States. The latency period was about 40 years. The duration of exposure, the cumulative exposure and the latency described were similar to those associated in the scientific literature with an excess risk for liver angiosarcoma. CONCLUSION: The Italian Workers' Compensation Authority (INAIL) has already acknowledged the occupational origin of this neoplastic disease with clear advantages for all parties concerned, not only in economical terms.


Subject(s)
Air Pollutants, Occupational/toxicity , Chemical Industry , Hemangiosarcoma/chemically induced , Liver Neoplasms/chemically induced , Vinyl Chloride/toxicity , Air Pollutants, Occupational/analysis , Comorbidity , Dust , Fatal Outcome , Gases , Hemangiosarcoma/diagnosis , Humans , Liver Neoplasms/diagnosis , Male , Maximum Allowable Concentration , Middle Aged , Occupational Exposure , Time Factors , Vinyl Chloride/analysis
8.
Med Lav ; 101(1): 30-7, 2010.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20415047

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Several studies evaluated exposure to lead in relatively small groups of firearms instructors and shooters, mainly operating at indoor ranges. OBJECTIVE: To assess the levels of lead exposure in a large sample of firearms instructors of the Italian State Police (SP) operating at either indoor or outdoor ranges. METHODS: A crosssectional study was conducted in firearms instructors working in indoor (No. 188) and outdoor (No. 188) ranges compared with 170 foodplant workers. The personal and work characteristics and current blood lead (Pb-B) levels were evaluated The concentrations of environmental lead (Pb-E) were measured using personal samplers in 6 indoor and 6 outdoor firing ranges. RESULTS: The Pb-B levels in the two groups of firearms instructors were well below the ACGIH BEI, but significantly higher than in food plant workers. In the entire study sample the Pb-B level was seen to be influenced by age and job group. An excess risk of having Pb-B >100 microg/l was found in indoor range instructors and in those with greater job seniority. Pb-E <25 pg/m3 was measured in all the firing ranges examined. DISCUSSION: The low Pb-B and Pb-E levels assessed are the result of primary and secondary prevention interventions carried out over the years by the Italian State Police. The current Pb-B levels also seemed to be poorly influenced by higher past environmental and/or occupational lead exposure. In fact a certain number of firearms instructors, mainly operating at indoor ranges and with greater job seniority, had Pb-B levels consistent with occupational exposure to lead. Environmental and biological monitoring of lead exposure and specific health surveillance are therefore still necessary in this job group topreventpossible adverse health effects of lead even at low doses.


Subject(s)
Air Pollutants, Occupational , Lead/blood , Occupational Exposure , Police , Teaching , Adult , Air Pollutants, Occupational/analysis , Air Pollution, Indoor/analysis , Cross-Sectional Studies , Environmental Monitoring , Epidemiological Monitoring , Firearms , Food Handling , Humans , Italy , Lead/analysis , Male , Middle Aged , Police/education , Risk , Smoking/epidemiology , Time Factors
10.
Brain Inj ; 21(13-14): 1419-24, 2007 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18066944

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Early diagnosis and treatment of venous thrombosis biocontact="no" are essential in preventing pulmonary embolism (PE) and reducing the risk of recurrence. The objective was to assess the usefulness of the D-Dimer testing to rule out symptomatic VT in populations of patients receiving heparin in prophylactic doses. METHODS: One hundred and twenty-three rehabilitation patients with medium or high risk for VT were investigated. Patients were affected by acquired cerebral diseases (n=31), severe brain damage (n=32) or orthopaedic surgical sequelae for major joint replacement or multiple limb fractures (n=60). All patients were receiving prophylactic heparin doses. D-Dimer levels were assessed using Dimertest Latex Agglutination Assay in citrated plasma. Single blinded compression Doppler Ultrasound (DUS) examination was performed in conformity with international standards. RESULTS: In this specific setting, good sensitivity and specificity of the D-Dimer test was confirmed in patients with acquired cerebral diseases during rehabilitation, whereas false positive results were found in most patients who had undergone major joint replacement, until several weeks after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: In rehabilitation patients receiving prophylactic heparin doses, the D-Dimer test seems to confirm high sensitivity and high negative predictive value for VT and PE. Relevant clinical variables seem to reduce the usefulness of the D-Dimer test as a screening tool for VT, at least in orthopaedic patients with joint prosthesis.


Subject(s)
Brain Damage, Chronic/rehabilitation , Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products/analysis , Reagent Kits, Diagnostic/standards , Stroke Rehabilitation , Venous Thrombosis/diagnosis , Adult , Aged , Anticoagulants/therapeutic use , Brain Damage, Chronic/complications , Brain Damage, Chronic/drug therapy , Female , Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight/therapeutic use , Humans , Latex Fixation Tests/methods , Latex Fixation Tests/standards , Male , Middle Aged , Sensitivity and Specificity , Stroke/complications , Stroke/drug therapy , Ultrasonography, Doppler , Venous Thrombosis/blood , Venous Thrombosis/diagnostic imaging
11.
Hum Exp Toxicol ; 26(7): 551-6, 2007 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17884957

ABSTRACT

Lead (Pb) may affect humoral and cellular immunity, acting on lymphocytes as well as on granulocytes and monocytes. Cytokines and nitric oxide (NO) play a central role in the immune balance. In this study, plasma levels of nitrites and nitrates (NOx), IL2, IL4, IL6, IL10, TNF-alpha and INF-gamma, were measured in healthy workers with very low (Pb-B=3.2-18.0 microg/dL) and low (Pb-B=9.1-46.0 microg/dL) Pb-exposure compared to non-exposed workers. Low Pb-exposed workers (Pb-B=9.1 -46.0 microg/ dL) were found to have significantly higher plasma IL-10 levels, and tendentially higher plasma TNF-alpha levels compared to non-exposed workers. This is the first report of a significant increase of plasma IL-10 levels in Pb-exposed workers. Plasma IL-10 increase was influenced by blood Pb levels even after correction for main confounding factors. No difference was found in plasma NOx levels between Pb-exposed and non-exposed workers, which is in agreement with previous findings exclusively regarding groups in the general population. Low Pb-exposure can induce an increase of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-alpha, with a consequent increase of other cytokines, such as IL-10, considered a T cell cross-regulatory factor, suggesting possible interference of Pb in the system of immunophlogosis.


Subject(s)
Antibody Formation/drug effects , Cytokines/blood , Immunity, Cellular/drug effects , Lead/adverse effects , Metallurgy , Nitric Oxide/blood , Occupational Exposure , Adult , Biomarkers/blood , Heme/metabolism , Humans , Interferon-gamma/blood , Interleukin-10/blood , Interleukin-2/blood , Interleukin-4/blood , Interleukin-6/blood , Lead/blood , Lead/urine , Male , Middle Aged , Nitrates/blood , Nitrites/blood , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/blood
12.
G Ital Med Lav Ergon ; 29(2): 210-3, 2007.
Article in Italian | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17886764

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Only in 2002, more than 86,000 hip fractures were registered in Italy in male and female patients over 45 years old, with 9% progression compared to 1999. In this paper, we report a clinic case of a patient experiencing working problems for a chronic back pain after an unstable extracapsular hip fracture. SUBJECT AND METHOD: The patient, a 54 years old woman, factory worker, complaining of low back pain weeks after the hip fracture, was evaluated and scheduled for a computer tomography examination of the lumbar spine. The C.T. scans were evaluated to assess eventual evidence of disc problems and/or cross sectional changes in density and fibro-adipose degeneration of muscular body of the psoas muscle. RESULT: Because back pain matched with the evidence of cross sectional changes in psoas density without any evidence of disc herniation, the patient was scheduled for aspecific back pain training. After a specific rehabilitation protocol the patient had 75% pain relief after four weeks. CONCLUSION: Age and diseases related changes are commonly seen in the lumbar spine, but the relationship between these changes and symptoms of back pain is not straightforward. Our case report suggest that back pain following extra capsular hip fracture may involve the psoas muscle. The prognosis might be favourable following a specific back training that is actually object of an ongoing controlled trial.


Subject(s)
Femoral Neck Fractures/surgery , Fracture Fixation, Internal/adverse effects , Low Back Pain/etiology , Low Back Pain/rehabilitation , Psoas Muscles/pathology , Biomechanical Phenomena , Chronic Disease , Female , Humans , Low Back Pain/diagnosis , Middle Aged , Prognosis , Syndrome , Treatment Outcome
13.
Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol ; 20(2): 239-47, 2007.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17624258

ABSTRACT

Inorganic lead (Pb) is able to modulate the immune response even at low to moderate exposure levels. It inhibits in vitro and in vivo activities of neutrophil leucocytes and influences their blood count in humans. Neutrophil functions are governed by a number of cytokines. Pb has been shown to affect leukocyte production of some of these cytokines in vitro. The objective of this study is to assess serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) levels of thirty-three male lead-exposed (E) workers at a lead recycling plant as compared with twenty-eight male non-exposed (NE) workers at a food processing plant, whose current smoking habit was known. Serum TNF-alpha and G-CSF levels were measured by a quantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassay. Blood lead levels (Pb-B) were significantly higher in E (geometric mean (GM) 30.7 microg/dl, GSD 1.7; min-max: 9.1-81.6 microg/dl) workers than controls (GM 3.6 microg/dl, GSD 1.7; min-max: 1.0-11.0 microg/dl). E workers had significantly higher serum TNF-alpha (median: 107.1; min-max: 11.1-623.0 pg/ml) and G-CSF levels (median: 53.0, min-max: 31.1-197.0 pg/ml) than NE workers (TNF-alpha: median: 12.0; min-max: 9.4-18.8 pg/ml; G-CSF: median: 34.3, min-max: 25.1-52.2 pg/ml). In particular, the TNF-alpha level was shown to be significantly influenced by lead exposure and smoking habit, as well as by interaction between these two factors. Both serum TNF-alpha and G-CSF levels were correlated with Pb-B and absolute neutrophil count. This study is the first to detect higher serum levels of G-CSF in E over NE workers. Our data confirm that exposure to low to medium doses of lead may interfere in the complex cytokine network involved in inflammation, especially in workers who are current smokers.


Subject(s)
Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor/blood , Lead , Occupational Exposure , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/blood , Conservation of Natural Resources , Cross-Sectional Studies , Humans
14.
Eura Medicophys ; 43(3): 349-57, 2007 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17595600

ABSTRACT

AIM: This study compares the efficacy of a walking recovery rehabilitation program with or without specific back exercises in patients affected by unstable extracapsular hip fractures and secondary back pain. Further, it reports data and images about analysed tomographic changes of the psoas muscle ipsilateral to fractures. METHODS: A prospective, randomized, parallel treatment trial was carried out. Patients admitted for rehabilitation after fractures were evaluated for secondary back pain. If clinically indicated, patients were further scheduled for a computed tomography (CT) scan of the lumbar spine by which we evaluated cross-sectional changes in density and fibroadipose degeneration of the body of the psoas muscle. When back pain matched cross-sectional changes in psoas density, the patient was eligible for our study, enrolled and randomly assigned to 1 of 2 study groups. Both groups were scheduled for hip rehabilitation and walking training plus a back protocol for the study group only. Pain was evaluated subjectively with a visual analog scale to calculate treatment effectiveness and Harris hip score was used to assess the outcome after surgery. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients out of about hundred were enrolled. In all cases CT scans showed age-related changes commonly seen in the lumbar spine and significant fibroadipose degeneration and altered density in the ipsilateral psoas muscles. With back exercises added to the standard rehabilitation protocol, all study patients recovered significantly better than control group patients (P<0.04) in only 4 weeks of treatment. CONCLUSION: Results show how hip fractures may cause psoas changes that can be of relevance for a more rational choice of physical exercises. Causes of back pain may be more complex than described by the textbooks and prognosis is more favourable following specific back training.


Subject(s)
Exercise Therapy/methods , Fractures, Comminuted/complications , Hip Fractures/complications , Low Back Pain/etiology , Low Back Pain/rehabilitation , Aged , Female , Fractures, Comminuted/diagnostic imaging , Fractures, Comminuted/pathology , Hip Fractures/diagnostic imaging , Hip Fractures/pathology , Humans , Low Back Pain/diagnosis , Male , Middle Aged , Pain Measurement , Prospective Studies , Psoas Muscles/diagnostic imaging , Psoas Muscles/pathology , Radiography , Treatment Outcome
15.
G Ital Med Lav Ergon ; 29(3 Suppl): 646-9, 2007.
Article in Italian | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18409886

ABSTRACT

Fifty-two working plans for abatement of asbestos-containing materials (ACM) were examined being presented over 12 months at a Public Occupational Health Service in Apulia (Italy) by authorized companies. Most of the interventions took place in urban areas and civil buildings and lasted few days with employment of a limited number of workers. They mainly consisted in removal practices. The weight of ACM abated varied from 30 to over 14,000 kg. Air monitoring of asbestos fibres was included not in all plans. When airborne fibres were detectable, the threshold of environmental pollution (20ff/L) was sometimes reached or exceeded. This finding appeared to be relevant for asbestos exposure of workers and general population. A higher fibre dispersion occurred during abatement of amounts of ACM more than 1,000 kg. The Occupational Health Service should be legally and operatively able to make regular workplace inspections, especially when large quantities of ACM have to be abated.


Subject(s)
Air Pollution/analysis , Asbestos/analysis , Environmental Exposure/prevention & control , Industry , Occupational Exposure/analysis , Occupational Exposure/prevention & control , Occupational Health , Asbestos/adverse effects , Humans , Industry/standards
16.
G Ital Med Lav Ergon ; 29(3 Suppl): 840-3, 2007.
Article in Italian | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18409991

ABSTRACT

A case of welder's lung is reported in a male hard smoker who had worked as welder-carpenter for almost 30 years. In order to establish an etiologic diagnosis, given the informed consent from the worker, open lung biopsy was performed that allowed to obtain sufficiently large specimens of affected lung to make histological, immunohistochemical and mineralogical examination. In such a way the pathologic features were accurately defined and a multidisciplinary approach was applied to differential diagnosis. The worker is recommended to undergo a strict health surveillance because of the reported association of welder's lung with lung cancer, especially in smokers.


Subject(s)
Metallurgy , Occupational Diseases/diagnosis , Pneumoconiosis/diagnosis , Humans , Male , Middle Aged
17.
Med Lav ; 97(1): 63-9, 2006.
Article in Italian | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17009673

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Avian influenza caused by H5N1 virus can be transmitted to exposed workers from contact with infected poultry, and is thus, like other zoonoses, the responsibility of occupational physicians (OP). The high pathogenicity of H5N1 virus has caused a 30-75% mortality among infected humans. Most of those subjects were occupationally exposed in different areas of poultry raising in Asian countries. At the moment, person-to-person transmission, even though possible, is unable to start a new human influenza pandemic due to the current genetic characteristics of H5N1 virus. However, its spontaneous tendency to mutate must alert the international community to the need of eradicating avian influenza in poultry as well as preventing transmission to humans. OBJECTIVE: In Italy competent OPs are required to take part in prevention of H5N1 avian influenza infection of potentially exposed workers, such as poultry sector workers, workers engaged in poultry culling, litter management, carcass disposal, zoo and nature reserve workers, gamekeepers, veterinarians, biologists, laboratory technicians, and health workers caring for possible instances of human infection. METHODS: According to Italian legislations, OPs must offer the national community their long-standing experience in the fields of workplace environmental monitoring, health surveillance, choice of personal protection equipment (PPE) and training and information of workers potentially exposed to H5N1 virus about occupational risks and correct use of PPE. They must also cooperate with other involved professionals to programme antiviral and vaccine prophylaxis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Occupational physicians can have an important role in contributing to the prevention of and scientific research on H5N1 avian influenza virus.


Subject(s)
Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype , Influenza in Birds/prevention & control , Influenza in Birds/transmission , Influenza, Human/prevention & control , Influenza, Human/transmission , Laboratory Infection/prevention & control , Occupational Diseases/prevention & control , Occupational Exposure/prevention & control , Occupational Medicine , Physician's Role , Animals , Birds , Humans
18.
Eura Medicophys ; 42(3): 195-204, 2006 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17039215

ABSTRACT

AIM: The purpose of the trial was to evaluate the efficacy of suprascapular nerve block (SSNB) to relieve the shoulder pain, ameliorate recovery after physiotherapy and reduce disability due to a rotator cuff tendinitis (RCT). A prospective, randomized, comparison cross over investigation was performed in the setting of a large inpatient rehabilitation unit with more than 200 admissions annually. METHODS: A total of 40 potential study subjects, who complained of shoulder pain from a RCT, were enrolled and randomly assigned to standard rehabilitation treatment plus SSNB (Group A) or to standard rehabilitation treatment alone (Group B). The UCLA shoulder rating scale was used to assess the shoulder mobility on admission and discharge, and to calculate the percentage of potential improvement achieved during rehabilitation (effectiveness). A pain visual analogic scale was used to serially assess pain. At the end of the trial, a self-report questionnaire evaluated whether patients could sleep and achieve activity of day life carry out everyday activities better than they could before treatment. RESULTS: Forty patients suffering from RCT entered the study. Those receiving nerve block from the beginning of the treatment in addition to standard rehabilitation therapy reported significantly less pain during physiotherapy and better final outcomes. During treatment with SSNBs, patients reported a more significant reduction in the intensity of pain and a better reduction of pain during sleep and rehabilitation exercises in comparison to with the standard therapy alone. A statistically significant inverse correlation was found between shoulder pain and mobility. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that combining nerve block with standard rehabilitative therapy may improve the final outcome of painful RCT. It decreased the severity and frequency of the perceived pain, improved the compliance with physiotherapy, restored more normal sleep patterns, and increased compliance with the rehabilitation program. This result proves to be an effective, safe and inexpensive therapeutic option for patients suffering from painful disabling shoulder tendinitis.


Subject(s)
Nerve Block/methods , Shoulder Pain/rehabilitation , Tendinopathy/rehabilitation , Chi-Square Distribution , Cross-Over Studies , Disability Evaluation , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Pain Measurement , Physical Therapy Modalities , Prospective Studies , Tendinopathy/physiopathology , Treatment Outcome
19.
G Ital Med Lav Ergon ; 28(2): 194-5, 2006.
Article in Italian | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-16805462

ABSTRACT

UNLABELLED: Firearm instructors represent a particular occupational group exposed to low lead (Pb) doses. Even low blood lead levels (PbB) of this metal can cause an increase of blood pressure (BP). OBJECTIVE: To assess the Pb exposure of the firearm instructors of the Italian State Police (SP) and the effects of Pb on their PA. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: 376 instructors were studied, including 188 subjects working at indoor and 188 at outdoorfiring ranges. After obtaining informed consent, information on work, social and pathological history was collected and measurements of body mass index (BMI), BP and blood lead (PbB) level were obtained from the medical records. RESULTS: The mean PbB level of the instructors of outdoor ranges (6.7 +/- 5.3 microg/dl) was significantly lower than those of indoor ranges (8.5 +/- 7.6 microg/dl). In the instructors of outdoor ranges the diastolic BP (DBP) was significantly influenced by BMI and PbB, also considering the common confounding factors. DISCUSSION: The mean PbB level of the firearm instructors of the Italian SP resulted to be clearly below the biological limit value for Pb. In the instructors of outdoor ranges the even low PbB levels detected were able to determine a slight, but significant increase of DBP, also after correction for the main confounding variables. It is therefore necessary to keep on effecting biological monitoring and health surveillance of firearm instructors of SP and to promote the reduction of their body weight.


Subject(s)
Blood Pressure/drug effects , Lead/blood , Lead/pharmacology , Occupational Exposure/analysis , Police , Teaching , Case-Control Studies , Cross-Sectional Studies , Firearms , Humans , Italy , Lead/adverse effects , Occupational Exposure/adverse effects
20.
G Ital Med Lav Ergon ; 28(2): 207-9, 2006.
Article in Italian | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-16805469

ABSTRACT

UNLABELLED: Since the 70's the occupational use of electronic systems equipped with visual display terminals (VDTs) became wide-spread also in Italy. Some longitudinal studies on large samples of VDT workers found no significant changes of myopia (M) with regard to years and daily hours spent working at a VDT. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence and the time course of M in 209 VDT workers employed in the service sector. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After obtaining workers' informed consent their work, social, family and personal medical histories were collected. Myopia was defined as need of >0.25 D negative spherical correction. Average daily hours duringfollow-up and overall years spent working at a VDT were calculated as exposure indexes. RESULTS: The mean baseline age was 39.2 years (SD: 8.7, min-max: 22-62) and the mean education was 14 years (SD: 2.2). The mean follow-up period was 5.5 (3-9) years. The prevalence of M was 45.5% at the start and 49.8% at the end of the study. It was higher in workers with >13 years of education and in those < 40 year-old. A slight but significant increase of the degree of M (dioptres) occurred during the follow-up. The change in the degree of M was not different between the classes of VDT exposure (< or = 4 and >4 daily hours; < or =15 and >15 years spent), of education and of age at the end of follow-up. DISCUSSION: The high mean educational level can partly explain the higher prevalence of M detected in the workers on study with respect to the one described elsewhere on VDT workers and general population. The progression of the M seems not to be related to the professional and personal variables analyzed, but to depend on the natural evolution of M. Further studies are needed to confirm these preliminary data in larger groups of VDT workers.


Subject(s)
Computer Terminals , Myopia/epidemiology , Occupational Diseases/epidemiology , Adult , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Longitudinal Studies , Male , Middle Aged , Prevalence , Retrospective Studies
SELECTION OF CITATIONS
SEARCH DETAIL
...