[Using atomic force microscopy to analyze morphological changes and mechanical properties caused by cellular exposure to low doses of pesticides]. / Utilizzo della microscopia a forza atomica per l'analisi di alterazioni morfologiche e meccaniche cellulari causate da esposizione a basse dosi di pesticidi.

A commercial pesticide is usually composed of active ingredients and formulants. Among the active ingredients, Deltamethrin is a pyrethroid chemical widely used for synthesizing pesticides products which are very effective in damaging the central nervous system of pests. In this work, we analyze, by means of atomic force microscopy (AFM), cellular morphological changes induced by exposure to a Deltamethrin-based commercial pesticide (Decaflow). AFM microscopy, in addition to the well-known characterization of the cellular topography, has the ability to monitor interesting biomechanical parameters of the surface as roughness and elastic modulus. In particular, we exposed normal human keratinocytes for 24 hours at different solutions of Decaflow, well below the threshold of cytotoxicity. The AFM images of exposed cells show alterations of surface cell shape. Moreover exposed cells are characterized by an increase of the value of membrane roughness. The mechanical properties of cells are also modified after Decaflow exposure, as confirmed by a decrease of the elasticity modulus with increasing the concentration of pesticide.

Atomic force microscopy investigation of morphological changes in living keratinocytes treated with HgCl(2) at not cytotoxic doses.

Morphological changes of normal human keratinocyte cells have been monitored by means of atomic force microscopy after the exposure at a mercury solution containing HgCl(2) at 10(-7) M. The measurements have been carried out in contact mode in a thermostated liquid cell, to reproduce a cellular environment similar to the physiologic one. Remarkable alterations of the cellular morphology and volume have been revealed after few minutes from starting the exposure experiment, although the HgCl(2) concentration is several orders of magnitudes lower than the cytotoxic value (10(-4) M). The atomic force microscopy technique results to be a powerful mean to investigate modifications induced in the cell morphology by external chemical agents.

[Motivation and significance of IARC classification for mobile phone]. / Motivazioni e significato della classificazione IARC per la telefonia cellulare.

In May 2011, the IARC Working Group discussed the possibility that exposure to RF-EMF (radiofrequency electromagnetic fields) have to produce an increased risk for brain tumors and evaluated the available literature on different categories of subjects exposed, including, among others, a Danish cohort study, five case-control studies and the largest multi-center case-control study (INTERPHONE) on the use of mobile phone and brain tumors, including glioma, meningioma and acoustic neuroma. The Working Group also examined a number of studies with objectives related to various mechanisms ofcarcerogenesis. The findings have been reviewed critically and generally assessed as "limited" among users of wireless phones for glioma and acoustic neuroma and "inappropriate" to draw conclusions for other types of tumors. The evidence from occupational and environmental exposures were considered "insufficient" in the same way. Given the limited evidence in humans and in experimental animals, the Working Group has classified a large majority the RF-EMF fields as "possibly carcinogenic to humans" (Group 2B). The Director of IARC has recommended, however,further research in the long-term use of mobile phones and adoption of pragmatic steps to reduce exposure, such as hands-free devices or sms.

[Radon concentrations in Apulian banking workplaces]. / Valutazione della concentrazione media annua di radon negli ambienti di lavoro del settore bancario in Puglia.

According to the obligations provided by the Legislative Decree 241/2000, this study was performed to evaluate the annual average concentration of radon in banking premises existing in Apulia. Passive detectors were placed in areas distant from sources of heat and/or air. The following information was gathered about the workplaces: their position regarding soil, external apertures (doors and windows), ventilation and air-conditioning systems, wall and floor characteristics. In 74 bank branches 324 measurements were carried out. The values ranged from a minimum of 2 Bq/m3 to a maximum of 848 Bq/m3; the mean concentration was 94,11 Bq/m3 (DS +/- 119,73). In 5 measurements the values exceeded the maximum limit of 500 Bq/m3; besides, 6 values was ranged from 400 to 500 Bq/m3. These data seem to be influenced by the geological features of the Apulian sub-surface with karst phenomena.

[Production cycles and risk agents in the agri-food sector]. / I cicli produttivi ed i relativi fattori di rischio nel settore agroalimentare.

Italian Food Processing Section includes primary sector (agriculture, fishing and farming), secondary industry and service sector (trade, transport and marketing). The whole process is structured in a sequence of production structures, which constitute a die. The most important food processing dies are fruit and vegetable, cereals, wine, oil, bovine, swine and avian breeding, fishing, milk and cheese. Every die presents very different production cycles, jobs and working professionals. Considering the heterogeneity of food processing dies, all occupational risk factors, such as chemical, biological, physical, ergonomic, psychosocial and injuries risks, are very frequent in such working activities. In a pilot study carried out in the province of Foggia (Apulia, Southern Italy) we showed that the major perceived risk factors where dust and physical overload in the cereal-pasta processing die, and noise and awkward postures in olive-oil die. However, perceived risk factors are biased by low risk perception due to poor information about health occupational hazards, this representing an important health safety problem. For this reason, the activity of preventive authorities at various levels is highly recommended.

[Musculoskeletal disorders among university student computer users]. / Disturbi muscolo-scheletrici in studenti universitari che utilizzano il computer.

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders are a common problem among computer users. Many epidemiological studies have shown that ergonomic factors and aspects of work organization play an important role in the development of these disorders. OBJECTIVES: We carried out a cross-sectional survey to estimate the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among university students using personal computers and to investigate the features of occupational exposure and the prevalence of symptoms throughout the study course. Another objective was to assess the students' level of knowledge of computer ergonomics and the relevant health risks. METHODS: A questionnaire was distributed to 183 students attending the lectures for second and fourth year courses of the Faculty of Architecture. Data concerning personal characteristics, ergonomic and organizational aspects of computer use, and the presence of musculoskeletal symptoms in the neck and upper limbs were collected. RESULTS: Exposure to risk factors such as daily duration of computer use, time spent at the computer without breaks, duration of mouse use and poor workstation ergonomics was significantly higher among students of the fourth year course. Neck pain was the most commonly reported symptom (69%), followed by hand/wrist (53%), shoulder (49%) and arm (8%) pain. The prevalence of symptoms in the neck and hand/wrist area was signifcantly higher in the students of the fourth year course. DISCUSSION: In our survey we found high prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among university students using computers for long time periods on a daily basis. Exposure to computer-related ergonomic and organizational risk factors, and the prevalence ofmusculoskeletal symptoms both seem to increase significantly throughout the study course. Furthermore, we found that the level of perception of computer-related health risks among the students was low. Our findings suggest the need for preventive intervention consisting of education in computer ergonomics.

Playing-related disabling musculoskeletal disorders in young and adult classical piano students.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of instrument-related musculoskeletal problems in classical piano students and investigate piano-specific risk factors. METHODS: A specially developed four parts questionnaire was administered to classical piano students of two Apulian conservatories, in southern Italy. A cross-sectional design was used. Prevalences of playing related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) were calculated and cases were compared with non-cases. RESULTS: A total of 195 out of the 224 piano students responded (87%). Among 195 responders, 75 (38.4%) were considered affected according to the pre-established criteria. Disabling MSDs showed similar prevalence rates for neck (29.3%), thoracic spine (21.3%) and upper limbs (from 20.0 to 30.4%) in the affected group. Univariate analyses showed statistical differences concerning mean age, number of hours per week spent playing, more than 60 min of continuative playing without breaks, lack of sport practice and acceptability of "No pain, no gain" criterion in students with music-related pain compared with pianists not affected. Statistical correlation was found only between upper limbs diseases in pianists and hand sizes. No correlation with the model of piano played was found in the affected group. The multivariate analyses performed by logistic regression confirmed the independent correlation of the risk factors age, lack of sport practice and acceptability of "No pain, no gain" criterion. CONCLUSION: Our study showed MSDs to be a common problem among classical piano students. With variance in several studies reported, older students appeared to be more frequently affected by disabling MSDs and no difference in the prevalence rate of the disorders was found in females.

[Judgement of fitness to work and forensic-medical aspects]. / Giudizio di idoneità e aspetti medico-legali.

The occupational physician, specifically trained in radiation protection, has to consider different criteria, such as psycho-physical ability, biological fitness and worker's validity to formulate judgement of fitness to work in exposure to ionizing radiation (IR). According to National Legislations (D.Lgs. 230/95; DM 488/2001), there are different possible outcomes about fitness to work criteria: absolutely fit to work, partially fit to work, not fit to work and medical examination before workers exposed to IR's retirement; besides, the occupational physician has to pay particular attention to evaluate individual hypersusceptibility conditions. Stochastic somatic diseases require a "not fit to work" judgement, an occupational disease complaint to the Insurance Institute and a report obligation. Forensic-medical ascertainment of diseases caused by radiation exposure needs different criteria, particularly for stochastic effects. The most suitable criterion, applied to attribute etiologic role in stochastic effects, is "Probability of Causation" theory, deriving from scientific literature evidence. This theory is an epidemiology-based method conceived to evaluate the probability of a linkage between a specified cancer and an exposure. Judgement of fitness to work in case of neoplasia partial or complete remission should be based on objective considerations, giving particular importance to the human and social aspects.

[Risk factors for musculoskeletal complaints among microscope workers]. / Fattori di rischio per disturbi muscolo-scheletrici in lavoratori che utilizzano il microscopio.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints among microscope workers, and to investigate the relationship between complaints in different body regions and individual as well work-related factors. METHODS: A detailed questionnaire on musculoskeletal symptoms was distributed to 176 microscope workers. The questionnaire contained questions on individual factors, workstation characteristics, work organization and psychosocial factors. RESULTS: The 1-month prevalence of symptoms at any body site was 76,1%. Symptoms were most commonly reported at the neck (53,4%), followed by the lower back (39,2%), upper back (23,9%), shoulders (21%), hand/wrist (21%) and arms (6,3%). Female gender was associated with complaints in all sites except low back. Hours of microscope use was associated with neck, arm and hand/wrist pain, whereas duration of work time without breaks was associated with neck, low back, and arm pain. Poor workstation ergonomics was associated with symptoms in the neck, shoulders, upper and lower back. Work pace was also identified as a risk factor for low back complaints. CONCLUSION: This study supports the need for ergonomic intervention at workplace and ergonomic training of microscope workers.

[PC use in university students]. / Indagine sull'utilizzo del videoterminale in studenti universitari.

This study was aimed at investigating features related to PC use and prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among university students. A cross-sectional study was carried out among 98 university students. A questionnaire was used to collect data on personal characteristics, PC use and symptoms prevalence. Mean duration of daily PC use was 8,3 (DS 1,9) hours. The prevalences of neck, hand/wrist and shoulder pain in the previous month were 76%, 69% and 56% respectively. The findings of the present study suggest the needing of specific ergonomic training in university students.

[Tobacco smoking among Italian physicians]. / Abitudine al fumo nei medici italiani.

A survey of the international literature published between 1985 and 2000 reveals high smoking rates among Italian physicians. Since 1985 smoking rates among physicians have gradually declined, similarly to those of general population. However, prevalence rates seem to vary between northern and southern Italy, with the highest rates in the southern regions. Studies examining smoking rates by gender reveal that, while smoking trends among males have declined somewhat, the latter remained relatively stable among female physicians. From an international perspective, declines in the absolute smoking rates of Italian physicians have not kept pace with those of many other countries, since at least one-quarter of Italian physicians currently smoke. Furthermore, most of the Italian physicians smoke while they are at work. This represents an occupational health problem that needs to be addressed by all levels of management. In meeting this challenge, occupational medicine has an important role to play in helping reduce the prevalence of smoking among health care workers.

[Promoter effect induced by HgCl2 by studying the intercellular communication]. / Effetto promoter indoitto da HgCl2 attraverso lo studio della comunicazione intercellulare.

This work aims at assessing at molecular level the effect caused by the HgCl9 intercellular communication inhibition at non-cytotoxic doses. On the basis of our previous experiences, we exposed the human keratinocytes (HUKE) at 10 nM of HgCl2 for 24 hours Next, we estimated: a) the protein expression of connexines Cx43, Cx32 and Cx26 by western blotting; b) the amount of mRNA corresponding to the three connexines by semi-quantitative RT-PCR; and c) the production of reactive oxygen species in HgCl2 treated cells using a specific probe, i.e. DCF in confocal microscopy. Our study demonstrated a higher expression of the transcripts for Cx26, Cx32, Cx43, and a higher amount of proteins Cx43, Cx32 and Cx26, compared to the negative controls. Furthermore, we studied the effect of HgCl2 on the ROS production in keratinocytes, by the analysis in confocal microscopy carried out with the DCF, fit for marking the oxygen free radicals. In HgCl2 treated keratinocytes we obtained an increase of the ROS production compared to controls; and further the mitochondrions resulted the place of ROS production. The results of this study suggest that non-cytotoxic HgCl2 concentrations, might cause an unbalancing of the redox cellular state (ROS increased level), and we can assume that the activation of a redox signalling involves the inactivation of gap junctions.

[Assessment of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields levels in the Taranto area]. / Valutazione dei livelli di campo elettromagnetico a radiofrequenza nel territorio della Provincia di Taranto.

Radiofrequencies are extremely common in telecommunication sectors, in industry, in medicine and domestic applications. We carried out an observed study focusing on the punctual monitoring of the electromagnetic fields generated by mobile phones handsets or by SRB radiobase stations (transmitters), installed in Taranto and throughout the borough council. The measurement campaigns have been done by ARPA Puglia, Provincial Department of Taranto from November 2005 until March 2007, on 108 transmitting stations, of which 72 are of single installation and 36 of multiple installations, with UMTS, GSM. DCS, DVB-H kind of communication. The monitoring has been done with Wandel & Goltermann EMR-300 devices; the registered frequency is within the interval between 100 KHz and 3GHz and measures have been obtained with precise time interval of 6 minutes. In most of the monitored areas the results respected limit values; only in 2 cases on 108 the attention value has been exceeded, both within borough council area. In the town of Taranto values over 6 V/m fixed by the actual rule haven't been registered in none of the 51 monitored stations. We can, therefore, define within the limits the expositions emitted by the radiobase stations and in the buildings nearby the antennas.

[Evaluation of the occurrence of a rare work related disease in a cohort of workers employed in the processing of paper]. / Valutazione dell'occorrenza di una malattia professionale "rara" in una coorte di lavoratori addetti alla lavorazione della carta.

The aim of our study is evaluating occupational exposure in a factory named "Poligrafico Zecca dello Stato" in Foggia. The workers had a occupational disease "chlorine related parodontal disease" indemnified by INAIL (Italian Occupational Assurance). The study demonstrated the workers have been indemnified worked as engineer, drying and electrolysis process employed. The study showed that the workers indemnified without legal action were different in respect of workers that take legal action, because the last showed, paradoxically, a chlorine occupational exposure. The explanation of this paradox might be the production cycle non acknowledge by operators.

[Job strain and blood pressure levels in health care workers]. / Job strain e pressione arteriosa in operatori sanitari.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate a possible association between job strain and blood pressure levels in a sample of X-ray technologists. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A structured questionnaire S was administered to the participants, investigating individual factors and job characteristics. Job strain status was measured by means of questions derived from the Italian version of the Karasek Job Content Questionnaire. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were then assessed during medical examination. RESULTS: No significant association was found between job strain and blood pressure levels. In addition, no association was found between high job demans, low decision latitude and blood pressure levels. CONCLUSIONS: In this study job strain was not associated with high blood pressure levels in X-ray technologists.

[A workplace intervention aimed at increasing awareness in nursing personnel performing manual handling activities]. / La consapevolezza come obiettivo formativo del personale sanitario addetto alla movimentazione di pazienti: esperienza di un nuovo metodo educativo.

Here we describe a workplace intervention aimed at reducing the risk of low back pain in nursing personnel. The intervention we carried out included a specific ergonomic training and an exercise program according to the Feldenkrais Method. After the intervention, we evaluated its effect on the execution of manual handling activities in nurses. We found an increased rate of correct manual handling in the post-intervention period.

[Poliomyelitis vaccine contaminated with SV40 and prior exposure to asbestos: cognitive study in a group of car repair workers]. / Vaccinazione antipolio contaminata da SV40 e pregressa esposizione ad amianto: studio conoscitivo in un gruppo di autoriparatori.

Pleural and pulmonary malignancies are usually associated with previous asbestos exposure and the presence of simian virus 40 (SV40) has been detected in these neoplasms. Our study aimed to investigate the health situation among mechanics servicing buses, ex-exposed to asbestos, who received polio vaccines contaminated by SV 40. We conducted a descriptive study and so we recruited, on the basis of birth date and duration in the current job, 39 mechanics, born since 1950 until 1965, with length of service above 15 years. Of all subjects a clinical examination, a lung function test and a chest radiograph were obtained. More than 30% of sample showed pharynx and larynx clinical alterations and radiological signs of previous exposure to asbestos. We didn't find pleural or pulmonary malignancies; besides 4 doubtful neoplasms required further investigations. Although exiguity of sample, these findings provide a lack of mesothelioma and lung cancer among mechanics, previously exposed to asbestos and infected by SV40.

[Occupational fitness of workers with fibromyalgia syndrome]. / Idoneità lavorativa nel lavoratore affetto da sindrome fibromialgica.

Fibromyalgia is a syndrome characterized by widespread musculoskeletal chronic pain and by other clinical manifestations such as stiffness, fatigue, sleep disturbances, anxiety and depression. The disorder has a considerable impact on the ability to perform work and daily living activities, often reducing workforce participation. Fitness to work, in relation to biomechanically taxing tasks execution, vibration exposure, environmental microclimatic conditions and night shift, is discussed.

[Musculoskeletal disorders in piano students of a conservatory]. / Disturbi muscoloschelerici in pianisti studenti di un conservatorio.

A four parts questionnaire administered to piano students of Conservatory "T. Schipa" of Lecce, southern Italy, was used to determine the prevalence of instrument-related problems. Among 121 responders, 48 (39.6%) were considered affected according to pre-established criteria. Univariate analyses showed statistical differences for mean age, number of hours spent playing per week, interval without breaks, lack of sport practice and acceptability of "No pain, no gain" criteria in students with music-related pains compared with not affected pianists. No association with hand site was found in pianists with only upper limbs diseases. The multivariate analyses performed by logistic regression confirmed the independent association for the risk factors age, lack of sport practice and acceptability of "No pain, no gain" criteria. Differently from several studies older students were more frequently affected and no difference in the prevalence rate was found in females. Findings suggest a probable causal contribution of fixed postures in the development of PRMDs in pianists in addition to repetitive movements of upper limbs.