European Space Agency experiments on thermodiffusion of fluid mixtures in space.

This paper describes the European Space Agency (ESA) experiments devoted to study thermodiffusion of fluid mixtures in microgravity environment, where sedimentation and convection do not affect the mass flow induced by the Soret effect. First, the experiments performed on binary mixtures in the IVIDIL and GRADFLEX experiments are described. Then, further experiments on ternary mixtures and complex fluids performed in DCMIX and planned to be performed in the context of the NEUF-DIX project are presented. Finally, multi-component mixtures studied in the SCCO project are detailed.

[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.

[Alcohol intake, complex ability and responsibility towards others: experience on a cohort of personnel employed to public transport services]. / Consumo di alcool, idoneità complesse e responsabilità verso terzi: 1'esperienza di una coorte di addetti al trasporto pubblico urbano.

BACKGROUND: The excessive intake or the abuse of alcoholic substances represent an important hazard's source for the individual health and for the carrying out of any complex working activities, above all if characterized by elevated responsibility toward other people. In this context the recent Provision of 16 March 2006 of the Permanent Lecture for the Relationships among the State the Regions and the Autonomous Provinces of Trento and Bolzano, has individualized bus driver among the activities or tasks of which is forbidden the assumption of alcoholic drinks at work and can performed alcoholic controls by the competent physician (art. 15 of the Law March 30 th 2001, n. 125). Within the normative considering the DM 23 February 1999 n. 88s (Rule bringing norms dealing about the check and the control of the physical and psycho-aptitude ability of the personnel employed to public transport services), we introduced experience growing up in the period from January 2005 to August 2006, on about 1500 employees, for over 90% of men, employed in a public transport company of the Lombardy as bus driver or railwayman. METHODS: In order to assess driver's alcoholic abuse the analytical determination of carbohydrate-deficient transferring (CDT) has been used as a marker of alcohol intake. Within the visits of hiring in service (equal to 10% of the total one of the effected visits) the determination of the CDT has always been performed, while in revision visits (equal to 90% of the total one) this analytical determination has been performed only if possible alcohol abuse has been hypothesized by elevated values of gamma-GT before the Provision March 16th 2006 (and eventually of MCV, AST and ALT) and of routine from April 2006. CONCLUSIONS: This experience on this large population has confirmed the importance of a careful behaviours of abuse monitoring in workers with high responsibility toward other people. The CDT values reflect high alcoholic consumption, while is poorly remarkable the contribution furnished by anamnestic questionnaire.

[Assessment of the efficacy of limitations and indications issued by the occupational physician regarding the health of the staff working in public transportation vehicles]. / La valutazione dell'efficacia delle limitazioni e delle prescrizioni espresse dal medico del lavoro sulla salute del personale addetto alla guida di automezzi di trasporto pubblico.

In this study we assessed the evidence of some specific, "ad hoc", medical indications for city bus, tram and subway professional drivers. As known, professional drivers have very little chances of modifying shift organization and many chronic degenerative diseases (low back pain, diabetes type 2, cardiovascular diseases, ecc.) are difficult to manage according to job planning. In our study we observed a positive association between introduction of specific shift, in particular when shift is divided in two-piece, on morning "turno spezzato 1(0)/1(0)" or one on morning and the second part on afternoon "turno binato 1(0)/2(0)". Evidence of the real impact on professional drivers health conditions has been found from analysis of sickness leave during two, or in same case, one year before and after such medical indications intoduction. In our occupational drivers cohort a positive association, evidence based on real rates of two years sick absence before and after medical indications, was found between improvement of health general conditions and reduction of sickness leave rates correlated.

Dynamical approach to the microcanonical ensemble.

An analytical method to compute thermodynamic properties of a given Hamiltonian system is proposed. This method combines ideas of both dynamical systems and ensemble approaches to thermodynamics, providing de facto a possible alternative to traditional ensemble methods. Thermodynamic properties are extracted from effective motion equations. These equations are obtained by introducing a general variational principle applied to an action averaged over a statistical ensemble of paths defined on the constant energy surface. The method is applied first to the one-dimensional beta-Fermi-Pasta-Ulam chain and to the two-dimensional lattice straight phi(4) model. In both cases, the method gives a good insight of some of their statistical and dynamical properties.

Dimensional accuracy and retentive strength of a retrievable cement-retained implant-supported prosthesis.

The purpose of this research project was to compare the fit of a retrievable cement-retained implant-supported framework to that of a traditional wax and cast, screw-retained framework and to test the strength of the cemented restoration. Ten telescopic frameworks were luted to gold cylinders with a bis-GMA resin cement. The control group consisted of 10 frameworks fabricated with traditional wax and casting techniques directly to the gold cylinders. Frameworks were analyzed for distortion in the z-axis using scanning electron microscopy and a single screw test. Results demonstrated that the retrievable cement-retained group had a decreased gap distance and improved angular distortion (statistical significance P < .01) compared to the control group. Retentive strength measurements for the cement-retained group with a direct pull-out test revealed a mean pull-out force of 65.7 kg. Three of the 5 samples surpassed the tensile strength of the gold retaining screws (76 kg). Cement-retained restorations demonstrated superior fit in the z-axis and angular distortion compared to traditional wax and cast screw-retained frameworks. Retentive tests support a simplified technique of clinically luting telescopic implant-supported frameworks with adequate retentive strength.

Effect of viscosity in the dynamics of two point vortices: exact results.

An exact, unstationary, two-dimensional solution of the Navier-Stokes equations for the flow generated by two point vortices is obtained. The viscosity nu is introduced as a Brownian motion in the Hamiltonian dynamics of point vortices. The point vortices execute a stochastic motion whose probability density can be computed from a Fokker-Planck equation, equivalent to the original Navier-Stokes equation. The derived solution describes, in particular, the merging process of two Lamb vortices, and the development of the characteristic spiral structure in the topology of the vorticity. The viscous effects are thoroughly investigated by an asymptotic analysis of the solution. In particular, the selection mechanism of a specific pattern among the infinity satisfying the nu=0 (Euler) equation is discussed.

ESA payloads and experiments on the Foton-12 mission.

The international Foton-12 mission in September 1999 was a milestone in terms of payload mass, complexity and scientific diversity. ESA's contribution amounted to an unprecedented 240 kg--almost half of Foton's total payload. The Agency's 11 experiments covered fluid physics, biology, radiation dosimetry, materials science and meteoritics. This article describes the mission from an ESA perspective and highlights the initial results.

Factors related to the development of sensitization to green coffee and castor bean allergens among coffee workers.

BACKGROUND: Occupational allergic respiratory symptoms in coffee workers have been frequently reported, but the ultimate cause of sensitization is still debated, castor bean being considered besides green coffee beans. Atopy and cigarette smoking have been suggested as promoting factors of sensitization for several occupational allergens. OBJECTIVE: This study was carried out to assess the prevalence of allergic respiratory symptoms and of sensitization to both green coffee beans and castor bean in the whole workforce of a coffee manufacturing plant. Furthermore we wanted to ascertain both the presence of castor bean antigens in the settled dust of the green coffee beans warehouse and the possible crossreactivity between the two beans. Meanwhile, the effect of smoking and atopy was considered. METHOD: Two-hundred and eleven workers were examined. A questionnaire on oculorhinitis and asthma was administered and skin-prick tests for green coffee beans, castor bean and 15 common inhalant allergens were carried out. Isoelectric focusing, isoelectric focusing immunoblot and radioallergosorbent assay (RAST) inhibition were performed on samples of settled environmental dust from the green coffee area, as well as on castor bean and green coffee beans. RESULTS: Ten per cent of the workers complained of oculorhinitis alone and 16% of asthma (nearly always associated with oculorhinitis). The overall prevalence of skin-sensitization was: 15% for green coffee beans, 22% for castor bean, 22% for common allergens. Evidence of sensitization to occupational allergens was more common in smokers, with a more than twofold increase in relative risk. The strong association between skin positivity to common and occupational allergens suggests that atopy acts as an enhancing host factor towards occupational sensitization. The analysis of the dust confirmed the presence of castor bean antigens. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that castor bean is the major cause of occupational sensitization among coffee workers, whereas smoking and atopy act as enhancing factors.

Asthma caused by live fish bait.

BACKGROUND: Larvae of insects and worms are commonly used as live fish bait (LFB) by anglers. Asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis, and urticaria related to various kinds of LFB have been reported. METHODS: We studied 14 subjects with respiratory symptoms associated with exposure to LFB. Skin prick tests and RASTs with Lucilia caesar, Galleria mellonella, and Tenebrio molitor extracts were carried out in all subjects. Monitoring of peak expiratory flow rate and evaluation of bronchial responsiveness to methacholine before and after exposure to LFB were performed in seven subjects. RESULTS: Thirteen subjects had asthma, all 14 had rhinoconjunctivitis, and three had contact urticaria. Eleven subjects had respiratory symptoms after fishing with LFB, and the other three subjects had symptoms during their work in a commercial fish bait farm. Positive skin prick test results or significant RAST binding to L. caesar extract were observed in 13 subjects, to G. mellonella extract in four subjects, and to T. molitor extract in three subjects. After exposure to LFB, two subjects had an early asthmatic response, three had a late asthmatic response, and two had no asthmatic response. Late asthmatic response was associated with a long-lasting increase in bronchial responsiveness. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that emanations from LFB are sensitizers, which have the potential to elicit IgE-mediated asthma. Exposure to LFB is common and LFB should be considered as a possible sensitizing agent for asthma.

Antigenic activity of nonpollen parts (leaves and stems) of allergenic plants (Parietaria judaica and Dactylis glomerata).

In patients with respiratory allergy to pollen it is common to correlate the onset, duration and intensity of clinical symptoms with the count of atmospheric allergenic pollen grains. Pollen counts, however, may not reflect the total airborne allergen exposure since previous data suggest that pollen allergens may also be carried in microaerosol suspensions. These microdroplets may penetrate deeply into the airways, where pollen grains are too large to penetrate, eventually inducing asthma. The origin of these allergenic aerosols is still uncertain. We investigated whether antigenic activity is present in vegetative parts of allergenic plants. We have used extracts from leaves and stems of Parietaria judaica and Dactylis glomerata to evaluate patients with allergic sensitization to pollen allergens of these plants (19 grass-sensitive patients and 23 Parietaria sensitive). By using skin prick testing and RAST to stem and leaf extracts other than pollen extracts we observed that most patients sensitive to grass or Parietaria pollen had small responses to extracts of stem or leaf. We conclude that allergenic components are present throughout most of Parietaria judaica and Dactylis glomerata plants, most highly concentrated in the pollen but present in the leaves with a trace in the stems.

Eicosanoid release and mepyramine, LTC4 and LTD4 binding in passively sensitized human lung parenchyma in vitro.

In vitro passive sensitization of human lung parenchyma with hyper-immune serum did not affect the release of prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) or leukotriene (LT)-like activity upon challenge with anti-IgE antibody with respect to control lung, despite a marked difference in IgE levels between control (C) and sensitized (S) tissue. Binding studies with [3H]LTC4, [3H]LTD4 and [3H]mepyramine (a histamine H1 antagonist) showed a statistically significant increase in the amount bound in sensitized vs control lung for [3H]mepyramine only. Contractile response to 5 x 10(-5) M histamine (H) in C and S lung parenchymal strips did not correlate with binding data. It is concluded that in vitro elevated IgE levels do not affect the interaction of sulfidopeptide leukotrienes with their putative receptors. As for the observed increase in [3H]mepyramine binding, this might not represent a true increase in histamine receptors on lung smooth muscle cells.

Relationships between skin prick test, radioallergosorbent test, and chemiluminescent assays in allergic children.

The results of skin prick tests (SPT), radioallergosorbent tests (RAST), and multiple chemiluminescent tests (DHS-CLA) to grass mix, parietaria, D. farinae, and D. pteronyssinus were evaluated in 43 allergic children. All CLA tests had valid positive and negative control threads. Chemiluminescent assays class 4 matched with RAST class 3 and/or 4 and CLA class 3 with RAST class 2. The D. farinae, D. pteronyssinus, and grass results obtained with CLA, RAST, and SPT were investigated by principal components analysis that showed a good association between different methods of measuring allergenicity. The results of the present study confirm that DHS-CLA is an effective "in vitro" method for the detection of IgE-allergen specific antibody.

Immunotherapy with alginate-conjugated two grass pollen extract in patients with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical and immunological effects of specific immunotherapy with alginate-conjugated two grass pollen extract in patients with rhinoconjunctivitis. A total of 52 patients were admitted to the study. Before and after 3 years of immunotherapy quantitative skin test (QST) to Dactylis glomerata (Dg) and to Phleum pratense (Php), variation of grass specific IgE and IgG4 and nasal challenge with the aqueous extract of the two grasses were compared. Each patient kept a daily record of symptoms and medication required during pollen season. In all patients a significant decrease in QST and a significant increase in grass specific IgG4 was observed. In 47 patients a significant decrease in nasal symptom scores and drug consumption was observed. In 5 patients no significant decrease in nasal symptom scores was observed.

[Asthma caused by Lucilia Caesar larvae: clinical and immunologic study]. / L'asma da bigattini (larve della mosca carnaria): studio clinico e immunologico.

Lucilia Caesar larvae (LCL) are used as live fish bait by anglers. Five cases of asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis following exposure to LCL are reported. Three had work-related asthma as they were working on a fish bait farm or shop and two had asthma when they went fishing. In one subject exposure to LCL caused asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and contact urticaria. In four subjects peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) was monitored during exposure to LCL. In three out of four subjects there was evidence of LCL-related asthma. In one subject it was not possible to record PEFR during exposure to LCL, as he had not gone fishing since 1985. Two extracts of LCL were prepared: one was the PBS (phosphate-buffered saline) washing fluid of LCL, the other was the PBS extract of homogenized LCL. Positive cutaneous prick tests to both LCL extracts were detected in three out of four symptomatic subjects. Specific IgE against both LCL extract antigens were found by the RAST method in four out of five subjects with LCL-related asthma. One subject had both negative skin tests and RAST. Specificity and potency of LCL-IgE binding was shown by RAST inhibition method performed on the serum pool of four patients with positive RAST results. Significant inhibition of more than 50% by LCL washing fluid at a dilution extract was found at a dilution of 1:10 and by homogenized LCL extract at a dilution of 1:100. No significant inhibition of LCL-IgE binding by dermatophagoides, parietaria and milk antigens was found. This study demonstrated that LCL emanations are potent sensitizers and elicit IgE-mediated asthma.