Temporal variation of 212Pb concentration in outdoor air of Milan and a comparison with 214Bi.

Continuous measurement of hourly concentrations of 212Pb attached to aerosol particles was carried out during the whole year 2000 in the outdoor air of Milan (Italy). An improved experimental method based on on-line alpha spectroscopy during atmospheric particulate matter sampling allowed the contemporary determination of 212Pb and 214Bi through the deconvolution of the alpha energy spectral distribution analysis. The 212Pb hourly concentrations were about 100 times lower than 214Bi but showed a similar characteristic diurnal time trend. However, the influence of meteorological parameters such as rain and wind was more evident in 212Pb than in 214Bi concentrations. The 212Pb average annual concentration was 0.090 +/- 0.060 Bq/m3 with daily mean concentration varying from 0.013 to 0.333 Bq/m3.

Long period study of outdoor radon concentration in Milan and correlation between its temporal variations and dispersion properties of atmosphere.

The results of a survey of outdoor radon concentrations in Milan are reported. Measurements were performed hourly over a continuous four year period from January 1997 to December 2000. Radon concentration was obtained by two means: both direct measurement of radon; and measurement of its decay products. The average daily pattern of radon concentration featured a minimum in the late afternoon and a maximum in the early hours of the morning. A seasonal pattern with higher concentrations in winter than in summer (from around 15 Bq m(-3) in winter to around 5 Bq m(-3) in summer) was also observed. Similar average annual values of around 10 Bq m(-3) were obtained. The annual effective outdoor radon dose was found to be 0.12 mSv. The variation from minimum in the afternoon to maximum the following morning was found to be a good indicator of the height of the nocturnal mixing layer. The variation between maximum and minimum levels on the same day is an index of the maximum height of the mixing layer. Furthermore, our long term measurements of radon have permitted us to examine the dispersion characteristics of the atmosphere over Milan, and to establish the frequency of conditions unfavourable to the dispersion of atmospheric pollutants.

[The value of ultrasonography in benign breast diseases]. / Utilità dell'ecografia nella patologia mammaria benigna.

In recent years breast scans have been widely used for the precise diagnosis of breast cancer. However, the value of this diagnostic tool is debatable in comparison to mammography in women of a childbearing age who often present a dense youthful breast. The role of clinical examination as a screening process is also examined. In the light of these findings the Authors evaluated the role played by ultrasonography in breast cancer, and in particular benign breast tumours, in a group of outpatients attending the clinic. The technique used was relatively simple: the scan in the department used for gynecological and obstetrical ultrasonography was fitted with a 5 MHz probe and was used to perform all the scans. In addition, a Kiteco space maintainer was used for ultrasonography of soft tissue. Scans were performed at a distance of 0.5 cm. The Authors examined 107 patients with benign breast tumours using ultrasonography. They evaluated the morphology, dimensions, edges and internal echo-structure of pathological formations and adjacent areas. The value of breast ultrasonography emerges from an analysis of the results both in the study of the glandular structure and in the differentiation between cystic and solid type lesions which are not always diagnosed during clinical examination. A total of 59 fibroadenoma, 44 cysts, 2 lipoma and 2 phylloids were diagnosed. Fibroadenomas had smooth edges in 98.4% of cases and were lobulate in 1.6%. In 100% of cases the fibroadenomas diagnosed presented fine internal homogeneous echoes with a lower echogenicity than that of surrounding glandular tissue.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Research on the understanding of the relation between patient, gynecologist and breast disease]. / Indagine conoscitiva sul rapporto pazienti, ginecologo e patologia mammaria.

The aim of our work was to identify the most important aspects of the relationship between gynecologist and patient who presents himself during our observation because of breast pathology. In order to evaluate all that said above we asked patients to compile a questionnaire characterized by different questions. The results obtained were very satisfactory and at the same time they lead us to a greater engagement towards the prevention of breast neoplasia, especially for those women predisposed to such disease.