The chaperone-like sodium phenylbutyrate improves factor IX intracellular trafficking and activity impaired by the frequent p.R294Q mutation.

Essentials Missense mutations often impair protein folding, and thus intracellular trafficking and secretion. Cellular models of severe type I hemophilia B were challenged with chaperone-like compounds. Sodium phenylbutyrate improved intracellular trafficking and secretion of the frequent p.R294Q. The increased coagulant activity levels (∼3%) of p.R294Q would ameliorate the bleeding phenotype. SUMMARY: Background Missense mutations often impair protein folding and intracellular processing, which can be improved by small compounds with chaperone-like activity. However, little has been done in coagulopathies, where even modest increases of functional levels could have therapeutic implications. Objectives To rescue the expression of factor IX (FIX) variants affected by missense mutations associated with type I hemophilia B (HB) through chaperone-like compounds. Methods Expression studies of recombinant (r)FIX variants and evaluation of secreted levels (ELISA), intracellular trafficking (immunofluorescence) and activity (coagulant assays) before and after treatment of cells with chaperone-like compounds. Results As a model we chose the most frequent HB mutation (p.R294Q, ~100 patients), compared with other recurrent mutations associated with severe/moderate type I HB. Immunofluorescence studies revealed retention of rFIX variants in the endoplasmic reticulum and negligible localization in the Golgi, thus indicating impaired intracellular trafficking. Consistently, and in agreement with coagulation phenotypes in patients, all missense mutations resulted in impaired secretion (< 1% wild-type rFIX). Sodium phenylbutyrate (NaPBA) quantitatively improved trafficking to the Golgi and dose dependently promoted secretion (from 0.3 ± 0.1% to 1.5 ± 0.3%) only of the rFIX-294Q variant. Noticeably, this variant displayed a specific coagulant activity that was higher (~2.0 fold) than that of wild-type rFIX in all treatment conditions. Importantly, coagulant activity was concurrently increased to levels (3.0 ± 0.9%) that, if achieved in patients, would ameliorate the bleeding phenotype. Conclusions Altogether, our data detail molecular mechanisms underlying type I HB and candidate NaPBA as affordable 'personalized' therapeutics for patients affected by the highly frequent p.R294Q mutation, and with reduced access to substitutive therapy.

Pomological Traits, Sensory Profile and Nutraceutical Properties of Nine Cultivars of Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) Fruits Grown in Mediterranean Area.

In this paper the diversity of fruit quality within nine loquat cultivars, including five international affirmed cultivars (Algerie, Golden Nugget, Peluche, Bueno, El Buenet) and four local cultivars (Sanfilippara, Nespolone di Trabia, BRT20 and Claudia), were investigated in order to discriminate the variation in pomological characteristics, sensory profile, and antioxidant properties. Finally, to evaluate potential bioactivity, antiproliferative activity of hydrophilic extracts from loquat fruits was assessed, at dietary relevant concentrations, against three human epithelial cell lines. Even though the international cultivars confirmed an appropriate level of commercial qualities in association to high levels in antioxidant compounds, the local cultivars revealed the best performances in a wide range of chemical-physical and sensory characteristics. Concerning bioactivity, our results indicate that hydrophilic extracts from all tested cultivars showed concentration-dependent antiproliferative activity with a significant variability of effects between different cell lines and between different cultivars. HeLa cells, the most sensitive and hydrophilic extracts from Peluche, showed the highest inhibitory effect followed by Nespolone di Trabia and Claudia. The results of this trial provide useful information on the pomological traits and the not yet known specific nutritional and functional properties of loquat fruits. Our data, besides helping to promote specific local cultivars, could serve to establish a database that will permit to improve the utilization of specific genetic resources in breeding programs.

Reproducibilidad interevaluador del Formato de ObservaciónSistemática de la Alineación Corporal en estudiantes universitarios / Inter-rater reliability of the Body Alignment Systematic Observation Form in college students

Objetivo: Estimar la reproducibilidad interevaluador del Formato de Observación Sistemáticade la Alineación Corporal (FOSAC), aplicado a adultos jóvenes de una universidad privada deBucaramanga (Colombia).Metodología: Se realizó un estudio de pruebas diagnósticas en una muestra de 123 estudiantesuniversitarios de 18 a 29 a˜nos de edad, que cumplieran con los criterios de inclusión establecidos.Tres examinadores (un experto en postura, una fisioterapeuta con experiencia y unaestudiante de último semestre de fisioterapia) realizaron el examen postural, analizando 7 fotografíasimpresas: una posterior, 2 laterales derechas, 2 laterales izquierdas y 2 anteriores. Seexaminaron 63 deficiencias que fueron registradas en el FOSAC.Resultados: La reproducibilidad interevaluador para determinar deficiencias posturales oscilóentre pobre y aceptable. Los planos que obtuvieron mejor reproducibilidad de acuerdo alíndice kappa global fueron el lateral izquierdo y derecho, en los cuales el 35,7% de las deficienciasobtuvo un kappa por encima de 0,40. Escoliosis en S fue la deficiencia con mayorreproducibilidad en el ítem experto vs. estudiante en el plano posterior, con un valor kappa de1,00.Conclusiones: La baja reproducibilidad interevaluador conduce a considerar que la exploraciónpostural por observación directa no es el método adecuado para usar en investigaciones. Sinembargo, permite al profesional detectar deficiencias posturales marcadas; por esta razón,no debería ser excluida del proceso de evaluación fisioterapéutica. Por otra parte, el FOSACpuede constituirse en una herramienta útil en la formación académica del futuro profesional enfisioterapia, al establecer metódicamente el proceso de observación de la alineación corporal (AU)

Objective: To estimate the inter-rater reliability of the Body Alignment Systematic ObservationForm (BASOF) applied to young adults in a private university in Bucaramanga (Colombia).Methodology: A study of diagnostic tests was performed in a sample of 123 college students,aged 18 to 29, who met the inclusion criteria. Three examiners (an expert in posture, a physiotherapistwith experience and a last semester student of physiotherapy) performed the posturalexamination, analyzing 7 printed photographs: one posterior, two right laterals, two left lateralsand two anterior. We studied 63 deficiencies, which were registered in the BASOF.Results: The inter-rater reliability to determine postural deficiencies ranged from poor toacceptable. The level obtaining the best reliability according to the global Kappa index wasthe posterior one in which 26.5% of the deficiencies obtained a kappa Index greater than0.40. The scoliosis in S variable had the highest reliability with a kappa value of 1.00, obtainedon the item expert vs student on the posterior plane.Conclusions: The low inter-rater reliability leads to the conclusion that postural examination bydirect observation method is not suitable for use in research. However, it allows the practitionerto detect marked postural deficiencies and therefore should not be excluded from the physiotherapyexamination. Moreover, the BASOF can become a useful tool in the future academiccareer in physical therapy to establish methodically the process of observing body alignment (AU)

Genetic variability in the ITS and IGS regions of the ribosomal DNA of Acremonium cavaraeanum exhibiting antimicrobial activity.

Endophytic microorganisms represent promising alternatives for obtaining new drugs of biotechnological importance. In this study, the endophytic species Acremonium cavaraeanum (A1a) isolated from Cocos nucifera was cultivated for the production of secondary metabolites, and its extracts and fractions were evaluated by the dilution method (MIC). The EtOAc extracts and MeOH fractions were tested against Gram-positive and -negative bacteria, and had an MIC of 125 µg/mL when evaluated in the EtOAc extract (EBI). The EtOAc extract (EBII) had an MIC of 62.25 µg/mL for Staphylococcus aureus and an MIC between 125 and 250 µg/mL for Gram-negative bacteria. The methanolic fractions showed activity with MIC between 125 and 250 µg/mL for all bacteria tested. The IGS region of the rDNA repeat unit of genomic DNA was analyzed by PCR/RFLPs, including endonucleases PstI, BamHII, HinfI, and EcoRI. The physical maps showed different restriction sites for the 6 Acremonium sp isolates, and revealed 5 RFLP patterns. The results showed that isolates of the same Acremonium species exhibited variation in this specific region. The sequences of ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 regions were aligned by Clustal W using the neighbor joining method, which grouped the isolates into 5 distinct clusters. This study aimed to evaluate the genetic diversity of A. cavaraeanum crops exhibiting antibacterial activity. The results of this study indicate that different fungal genetic isolates have biotechnological potential for the production of active bio-compounds against several human pathogens.

[Medical visits before return to work, after a long lasting absence, above 60 days, for injuries or common diseases in a public transport company. Analysis and discussions of utility and consequences in term of evaluation of fitness to specific job]. / La visita al rientro da una malattia/infortunio di durata superiore a 60 giorni: analisi critica di una casistica relativa ad una grande azienda di trasporti.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the opportunity to do medical visits before return to work, after a long continuous absence, above 60 days, for injuries (occupational and non-occupational) or common diseases. We have examined medical records of 403 workers, in 2010 and 2011, occupied in a public transport company, in order to control the following variables: job, age, clinical conditions related to the absences, classification of the absence as injuries or common disease and conclusions about medical fitness to specific job. Our findings have shown an equal percentage of causes of absences in term of injuries or common diseases. The main cause of absence and of non fit to specific job, after medical evaluation, is depending on orthopaedic post-traumatic diseases. This evidence support the importance to do medical visits after long-lasting absence from work, particularly in case of jobs (bus, tram, subway drivers) at risk for other people.

[Validity of carbohydrate-deficient transferrine (CDT) in assessing chronic abuse of ethyl alcohol in urban public transport workers]. / Validità della transferrina decarboidrata (CDT) nell'accertamento dell'abuso cronico di alcol etilico in addetti al trasporto pubblico urbano.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to verify the ability of some chemical-clinical parameters, with particular emphasis on carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT), in assessing chronic abuse of ethanol in a group of urban public transport workers. METHODS: In the 512 subjects, public transport tram drivers, all males, who entered the study, information on the intake of alcoholic beverages was collected during the periodical health surveillance controls performed according to Italian legislation (DM88/99). In the study subjects the following clinical-chemical parameters were measured: CDT gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), mean corpuscular volume of erythrocytes (MCV), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT). RESULTS: The subjects were divided into five groups according to different levels of alcohol intake: non-drinkers, occasional drinkers, moderate drinkers, habitual drinkers and heavy drinkers. The median values of CDT GGT and MCV were higher in drinkers than in non-drinkers, with an increasing trend in proportion to the amount of ethanol ingested. The validity of each parameter in determining chronic abuse of ethyl alcohol was calculated taking as true the statement on alcohol intake made spontaneously by the subject. CDT was confirmed as the parameter with the best sensitivity and specificity: 90% and 98%, respectively, the negative predictive value was 99%, while the positive predictive power was 45%. The combination of CDT with GGT or MCV led to small improvements in the positive predictive ability, which reached 50% for CDT and MCV and 60% for CDT and GGT. CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirmed that, also in the workplace, CDT is the most important parameter for the diagnosis of chronic abuse of alcohol intake, but also showed that the positivity of this marker cannot be taken as certainty of abuse. The adoption of further diagnostic tools is therefore proposed, such as a specific questionnaire to collect information on alcohol intake, and in case of positive CDT a second-level test with a high specificity.

Predictive value of allergy and pulmonary function tests for the diagnosis of asthma in elite athletes.

BACKGROUND: Asthma is frequently found in athletes, often associated with rhinitis and allergy. AIM: To study the predictive value of allergy and pulmonary function tests for the diagnosis of asthma in athletes. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Ninety-eight national preOlympic athletes underwent an accurate medical examination including a validated questionnaire for asthma and rhinitis, spirometric recordings and skin prick testing with a panel of the most frequent inhalant allergens. Bronchodilator and/or exercise challenge were also performed in asthmatic subjects. RESULTS: Clinical asthma was present in 20.4% of athletes, rhinitis in 35.3% (in 21.4% of cases alone and in 13.9% associated with asthma). Positive prick tests were recorded in 44.4% of athletes (in 60.5% of asthmatics, in 95.2% of rhinitics and in 21.0% of nonasthmatic - nonrhinitic subjects). Mean spirometric values and distribution of abnormal values were not different among asthmatics, rhinitics and nonasthmatics - nonrhinitic patients. Skin-tests positivity was not related to the abnormal spirometric data found in individual cases. Provocation tests with bronchodilators or exercise did not appear sensitive enough to diagnose mild forms of asthma in subjects with normal basal spirometric values. CONCLUSIONS: Allergy testing and spirometry should be performed routinely in athletes because of the high prevalence of allergy, rhinitis and asthma in this population. However, the predictive value of these tests and of the bronchial provocation tests performed in this study seems too low to document mild or subclinical asthma in athletes.

The possible role of cockroaches in baker's asthma.

BACKGROUND: Baker's asthma is related to wheat flour exposure and to other cereal dust exposure. OBJECTIVES: The cockroach is considered a significant allergen and can occasionally trigger asthma in bakery workers. METHODS: The case of a 33-year-old male, suffering from asthma in the workplace with previous equivocal tests for cereal dust was investigated Clinical assessment of the worker consisted of cutaneous and blood screening for common and occupational allergens, including cockroach. The subject was monitored for aspecific bronchial reactivity and peak flow in a cockroach disinfected workplace, and these data were compared to data obtained after previous workplace exposure. RESULTS: The worker was not allergic to wheat and other cereal dusts or alpha-amylase, but was sensitized to cockroach. His asthmatic symptoms disappeared, and bronchial reactivity varied after a long period outside the bakery workplace. PEF monitoring, that had showed diurnal variability > 20% and differences between working and non-working periods, demonstrated both normal values and daily variations less than 10% when he returned to the cockroach disinfected workplace. CONCLUSIONS: The cockroach is a common allergen, however no case of work-related baker's asthma due to the cockroach has been previously described. Clinical history and analysis of the allergens at the workplace must direct the clinical approach of the investigators, in order to correctly evaluate the subject and enable him/her to resume work.

Preliminary characterization of wild lactic acid bacteria and their abilities to produce flavour compounds in ripened model cheese system.

AIMS: The aim of this work was to preliminary characterize wild lactic acid bacteria (LAB), previously isolated during artisanal Pecorino Siciliano (PS) cheese-making for technological and flavour formation abilities in a model cheese system. METHODS AND RESULTS: Twelve LAB were studied for the ability to grow at 10 and 45 degrees C, to coagulate and acidify both reconstituted skim milk and ewe's milk. Moreover, the capacity of the strains to generate aroma compounds was evaluated in a model cheese system at 30- and 60-day ripening. Flavour compounds were screened by sensory analysis and throughout gas chromatography (GC)-mass spectrometry (MS). Most of the strains were able to grow both at 10 and 45 degrees C and exhibited high ability to acidify and coagulate ewes' milk. Sensory evaluation revealed that the wild strains produced more significant flavour attributes than commercial strains in the 60-day-old model cheese system. GC-MS data confirmed the results of sensory evaluations and showed the ability of wild lactobacilli to generate key volatile compounds. Particularly, three wild lactobacilli strains, belonging to Lactobacillus casei, Lb. rhamnosus and Lb. plantarum species, generated both in 60- and 30-day-old model cheeses system, the 3-methyl butan(al)(ol) compound, which is associated with fruity taste. CONCLUSIONS: The present work preliminarily demonstrated that the technological and flavour formation abilities of the wild strains are strain-specific and that wild lactobacilli, which produced key flavour compounds during ripening, could be used as tailor-made starters. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study reports the technological characterization and flavour formation ability of wild LAB strains isolated from artisanal Pecorino cheese and highlights that the catabolic activities were highly strain dependent. Hence, wild lactobacilli could be selected as tailor-made starter cultures for the PS cheese manufacture.

[Health surveillance in workers with a previous exposure to asbestos: a method of retrospective evaluation of exposition]. / La sorveglianza sanitaria degli ex esposti ad amianto come metodo di valutazione retrospettiva dell'esposizione.

The medical surveillance of the previously exposed to asbestos like method of retrospective appraisal of the exposure. The medical surveillance of the previously exposed to asbestos is effected on indication of the Competent Physician by the DL 257/2006. An aspect that often countersigns such typology of surveillance is the lack of relative data about past environmental asbestos exposure. There've been submitted to sanitary controls 140 subject employees in a steel metal company where in past activity of heavy carpentry has been developed. All the subjects have been submitted in the period 1998-2007 to medical visit, PFR with DLCO, radiography of the chest, in some cases TC and BAL. The past exposure has been resulted inclusive between 1962 and 1981. None of these workers has developed asbestosis, while the 10% of the subjects have showed bilateral pleural plaques. 12 subjects have been submitted to close examination through BAL for the determination of the internal dose of asbestos with comparison of middle values of 3.9 ca /ml. Four cases of pulmonary neoplasm and any case of mesothelioma have been diagnosed. This experience shows as the medical surveillance of a homogeneous group of workers can furnish useful data also to frame previous asbestos exposure in absence of environmental data.

[Tetanus risk prophylaxis: experience at work]. / Rischio tetano: esperienza di profilassi in una realtà aziendale.

As widely known Italian legislation makes the injection against tetanus compulsory for some units of workers. This isn't often easily organized and accepted. The aim of our work is to bring forward our experience with a group of workers servicing in the airport where tests have been carried out to establish the correct antibody cover through periodic controls. Only 46 workers, out of the 294 tested, have shown immunity deficiency. The vaccination programme has therefore been focused only on this group, realising a considerable organization and economic saving and a better acceptance from the workers side. Programmes have been drawn up for a future vaccinal programme taking into consideration the antibody cover results.

[Interaction between occupational health service and National Health Service. Appeals against duty ability judgements]. / Interazione tra un Servizio di Medicina del Lavoro Aziendale e i Servizi di Medicina del Lavoro Pubblici. Ricorsi avverso il giudizio di idoneità alla mansione.

The main purpose of the medical surveillance, in conformity with the Italian D.L. 626/94, is the formulation of ability judgements. The above-mentioned D.L. 626/94 gives the workers the possibility to file a petition versus the judgement itself addressing it to the ASL concerned. The aim of the present work is to report experiences made with the occupational health service as for versus appeals. About 2000 examinations a year are carried out at our occupational health service and the concerned judgements are pronounced. 29 versus appeal have been forwarded between 2002 and half 2007. The ASL decision has been favourable to the "competent" doctor judgement in 21 cases, and adverse in 8. Most appeals concerned osteoarticular problems. Finally some remarks are made about the necessity of improving the cooperation between "competent" physicians and supervision national health services.

[A particular case of hard metal disease]. / Un "particolare" caso di patologia da metalli duri.

BACKGROUND: The production and the use of hard metal tools have becoming increasingly widespread since the second half of the last century also thanks to the great variety of applications that extends from DIY to the aeronautical industry. It has already been known for many years that occupational exposure to hard metals dusts (which occurs especially in people employed in production of the metals or in the sharpening of tools that contain them) can determine the onset of pulmonary fibrosis, bronchial asthma and contact dermatitis. OBJECTIVES: clinical evaluation of a peculiar case of hard metal disease. Descriptions of cases with single pathological pictures due to hard metals, are, in fact, common in the literature, neither are cases with two different clinical pictures (more frequently asthma and pulmonary fibrosis) rare. However, cases in which all the signs and symptoms appeared simultaneously have never been reported. METHODS: a male worker aged 41 years, employed i a hard metal factory for seven years in sintering, and then in grinding. A year later he developed dry cough, wheeze, and eczematous patches. The diagnosis of hard metal disease was based on the work-related symptoms, clinical evaluation, spirometry, chest x-ray, HRCT and patch tests. RESULTS: during the working period, ventilatory function decreased substantially, and then normalized one month after the patient stopped working. Patch tests confirmed sensitivity to cobalt, and skin lesions improved, as did ventilatory function. Chest x-ray and HRCT showed a pulmonary fibrosis that, at the last radiological examination, was still unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: The particular susceptibility to the development of the diseases, could, in our opinion, be in relationship with the race of the subject, many studies (particularly American) have shown that allergic diseases are more frequent, and often more serious, in African subjects, particularly in immigrants from Africa. In the case of occupational diseases attention also needs to be given to the fact that immigrants are often employed in duties that involve a greater exposure to harmful or sensitizing agents. The occurrence of a whole series of occupational allergic diseases among these workers is therefore to be expected.

Prevalence of asthma and atopy in Italian Olympic athletes.

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of asthma and atopy in the Italian athletes who were trying for a position on the Italian Olympic team for the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. Overall, 1060 athletes (mean age 24 years, range 15 - 69 years, 729 males) were recruited and divided into three groups of sport activities: 1) anaerobic, 2) aerobic-anaerobic, 3) aerobic. Asthmatic and atopic athletes were identified by a self-administered, standardized questionnaire modified from the ISAAC questionnaire. Spirometry was performed in the athletes who reported wheezing or asthma and in an equal number of randomly selected controls. Athletes reporting wheezing or asthma were 15 %. However, only a minority of asthmatics had moderate or severe disease: indeed, 2.5 % reported more than 4 attacks in the last year. The prevalence of atopy was 18 %. Asthma was more common in athletes engaged in aerobic sport activities than in the other groups. Asthmatic athletes had a significantly lower value of some spirometric parameters in comparison with the control group. In conclusion, the prevalence of wheezing or asthma in a large sample of Italian competitive athletes was found higher than in general population; respiratory symptoms were more prevalent in athletes engaged in aerobic sport activities; a significant impairment of lung function was found in athletes suffering from mild and rarely symptomatic asthma.

[Occupational asthma due to cyanoacrylate: a case-report]. / Un caso di asma professionale da acrilati.

BACKGROUND: An increased use of acrylic compounds is observed in different industries, home repairs and hobbies. These compounds are known to cause skin sensitisation, irritation of mucous membranes and bronchial asthma. Methyl cyanoacrylate is moderately likely to be a sensitizer, while ethyl cyanoacrylate might be a weak sensitizer. OBJECTIVES: Clinical evaluation of a case of occupational asthma due to cyanoacrylate. METHODS: A female worker, aged 32 years, used ethyl cyanoacrylate daily. After 2 months she experienced dry cough and shortness breath. Some weeks later she developed bronchial asthma. The diagnosis of occupational asthma was based on the work-related symptoms and the inhalation challenge test result. RESULTS: A late asthmatic response was observed with a maximum fall in FEV1 of 26% 345 minutes after exposure. Complete clinical and functional recovery was observed after inhalation of a broncho-dilating agent. CONCLUSIONS: Acrylates are new occupational sensitising agents, causing rhinitis and asthma. It is not possible to perform prick tests or specific IgE measurements for these compounds. The bronchial challenge test is therefore the sole valid test for the diagnosis of occupational asthma.

Pregnancy outcome of a transfusion-dependent thalassemic woman.

A clinical case concerning a normal pregnancy outcome in a transfusion-dependent woman affected by homozygous beta thalassemia, whose partner was negative with regard to the "thalassemic trait", was reported. The patient showed no iron deposit problems, viral diseases that could have made the pregnancy management difficult or any complications during the gestation. Blood transfusion was not necessary during the following caesarean delivery. The outcome was a healthy female child, born at a gestational age of 38 weeks, showing neither malformations nor problems. This was possible due to a detailed preconceptual guidance and a pre-pregnancy assessment. The patient normally would have had a blood transfusion every 20 days and a strict desferrioxamine chelating therapy; however, this treatment was suspended during her pregnancy because of the well-recognised teratogenic effects of the drug. The average values of ferritin were just a little higher than before being pregnant. The foetus, due to her particular chelating activity, probably maintained these ferritin levels. A sample of 95 ml umbilical cord blood was taken during the delivery. It is well known that umbilical cord blood contains a good quantity of CD34+ stem cells, the haematopoietic progenitors. It was therefore collected for transplanting to the mother and for bone marrow reconstitution. Moreover, our experience suggests that desferrioxamine therapy during lactation does not alter iron excretion in breast milk. Therefore, women now affected by Cooley disease may possibly have a normal pregnancy without ovulation induction, intrauterine growth retardation, foetal loss and preterm labour.

[Neuropathies caused by vibrating instruments: clinico-diagnostic study of a group of symptomatic subjects]. / Neuropatia da strumenti vibranti: studio clinico-diagnostico in un gruppo di soggetti sintomatici.

In order to evaluate the risk connected with hand-arm vibration exposure and associated disorders of the peripheral nervous system a study was made to assess the relationship between nervous symptoms and laboratory data to determine the kind of disorder. 40 male subjects with hand-arm vibration exposure for more than 5 years and nervous symptoms of the hands for more than 1 year and 2 control groups of non-symptomatic non-exposed subjects were considered. An electroneurophysiological study of the exposed subjects revealed 18 nerve conduction speed changes (12 median nerve, 4 ulnar nerve, 2 median and ulnar nerve), most of which were sensitivity-motor changes; only 9 Carpal Tunnel Syndromes were diagnosed. Some statistically significant differences between exposed subjects with negative results of the electroneurophysiological study and non-exposed subjects were observed. Prolonged vibration exposure seems to induce a hand-arm nerve suffering, initially with a progressive nerve conduction speed change and non-specific symptoms, but subsequently a peripheral nervous system disorder associated or not to a Carpal Tunnel Syndrome may occur.

Haematopoietic progenitors from umbilical cord blood.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The aim of this study is to improve the obstetrician-based cord blood collection system and an efficient recovery of CD34+ haematopoietic progenitor stem cells. METHODS: CD34+ cells were purified from total blood using a positive selection enrichment method, called Mini-Macs. RESULTS: The final yield of CD34+ cells we obtained was 10(4) cells/ml, with a CD34+ purity of 99%. CONCLUSION: Our results confirm that, by using this method, it is possible to get a significant stem cell number, thus improving transplanting both peripheral stem cells and umbilical cord ones.

Collection of fetal stem cells and newborn effects.

The aim of this work was to test fetal stem cells (FSC) number modification in relation to clamping time and newborn effect. The results show that a fast sample, between 20 and 40 seconds, from umbilical cord after fetus birth and before placental detachment assured a greater quantity of blood useful for the transplants; and that it was necessary to enrich the collected blood in CD34+ cells with specific clonogenic culture, as this is otherwise a small number for a donation to an adult. In the "new donors" the effects of the unconscious donation always depend on the clamping time, which should be the shortest possible to avoid blood overload, which is very dangerous in the presence of heart malformation.