Microbiological pollution and ocular infection in CAD operators: an on-site investigation.

A large number of workers are currently employed in tasks involving the use of computer based equipment. Much research has been carried out both on prevalence and incidence of ocular and visual disorders as well as on occupational asthenopia. Less attention has been given to investigating the possibility of a microbiological pollution of Video Display Unit (VDU) workstations and to the consequent possible development of work-related ocular infections. The authors investigated the presence of bacteria and fungi on Computer Assisted Design (CAD) workstations and in the conjunctival sac of the operators.

Bioresorbable microspheres by spinning disk atomization as injectable cell carrier: from preparation to in vitro evaluation.

Vesico-ureteral reflux, a common pathology in children, can be treated cystoscopically by injection of a bulking material underneath the most distal, intramural ureter, which forces the latter to do a detour, increasing its submucosal path. This increase of the length of the submucosal path of the ureter within the bladder is directly responsible for the anti-reflux effect. So far Teflon and collagen paste have been commonly used as bulking materials. We suggest replacing these materials by living tissue consisting of bladder smooth muscle, normally present at this location. The aim of this work is to provide a long-term effective treatment by producing bioresorbable microspheres which can act as a support matrix and an entrapment substance for bladder smooth muscle cells, with the goal of an in vivo transfer of the in vitro cultured cells with a minimal surgical procedure. By the use of Spinning Disk Atomization, which has specifically been developed for this purpose, we have shown two methods for the preparation of porous poly(lactic acid) microspheres with tunable sizes from 160 to 320 microm. The controlled solvent burst method has shown the advantage over the crystal leaching method in the direct creation of microspheres with large closed pores, by atomizing the polymer solution in controlled temperature conditions. Microspheres with various closed pore structures have thus been prepared. The innovation of this work is in the direct and rapid formation of porous microspheres with a pore morphology which is designed to create cavities suitable for adherence and growth of cells by adapting the temperature conditions of atomization. Injection tests have shown promising results in using these cell-loaded microspheres for future non-invasive tissue engineering.

Posterior vitreous detachment and work efficiency: a case study.

The paper analyses a case report of a female worker whose job required prolonged near visual effort and who suffered from multiple ophthalmological disorders. The specific case of interaction between the visual apparatus of the operator and the tasks performed is discussed, with particular reference to the unstable compensation that different pathological disorders, when summed together, can produce, thus allowing to subjects to lead a normal working and social life for long periods of time without any limitations and without any significant asthenopic symptoms. Because this compensation is unstable, it can unexpectedly be impaired due to the onset of diseases not involving the visual apparatus. The scientific literature was analysed in order to assess, at least approximately, the prevalence of clinical/functional situations identical or similar to the case described.