1,721,115 research outputs found
Classification of Nebbiolo-based wines from Piedmont (Italy) by means of volatile compounds analysis
No full textSixty-eight samples of wines from Piedmont (Italy) were analysed to determine their content of volatile compounds, using
the solid-phase microextraction (SPME) technique coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS).
Samples were from five groups of wines: Barolo, Barbaresco, Nebbiolo d’Alba, Roero and Langhe Nebbiolo, all produced
from the Nebbiolo grape in the Langhe and Roero areas (province of Cuneo, Piedmont) but differing in vintage (respectively,
3 years, 2 years, 1 year, 8 months and few months) and production zone. Thirty-five analytes were identified; peak area data,
corrected for internal standard, were used for pattern recognition treatments. Principal components analysis, hierarchical
cluster analysis, Kohonen self organising map, stepwise linear discriminant analysis and soft independent modelling of class
analogy were applied to the data, revealing a good separation between the five groups. A main factor, strictly connected to
wine vintage, was identified and found to be related to some analyte
Determinazione quantitativa di IPA nel particolato urbano
No full textIl particolato atmosferico, una delle principali fonti dell’inquinamento urbano, è co-stituito da particelle solide e liquide, di origine naturale e antropica, aventi dimensioni variabili da pochi nanometri a centinaia di μm. La pericolosità del particolato atmosferico per la salute degli organismi viventi sta nella sua capacità di penetrare, anche profondamente, nelle vie respiratorie, a seconda del diametro medio delle particelle che lo compongono. In tal modo microinquinanti organici e inorganici adsorbiti sulle particelle possono essere veicolati all’interno degli organismi, con poten-ziali effetti nocivi per la loro salute. Tra i microinquinanti organici presenti sul particolato atmosferico vi sono gli idrocarburi policiclici aromatici (IPA), costituiti da due o più anelli benzenici tra loro condensati. Tali composti si originano da processi di combustione incompleta di materiale organico (motori degli autoveicoli, impianti di riscaldamento, processi industriali di vario genere). Gli IPA sono classificati dall’International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) come potenziali agenti cancerogeni, a causa della loro particolare struttura chimica. Tra essi, il benzo[a]pirene è considerato un agente cancerogeno di classe 2A (probabile cancerogeno per l’uomo) ed è l’unico IPA per cui sia stato fissato un valore limite di concentrazione in aria. La normativa italiana relativa agli inquinanti organici e inorganici nel particolato at-mosferico [1-2] fissa il valore obiettivo di 1 ng/m3 per il benzo[a]pirene, relativo al tenore totale di inquinante nella frazione di PM10, calcolato come media su un anno civile.
Presso l’Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica (INRiM) è stata sviluppata una procedura metrologicamente riferibile per la quantificazione degli IPA nel particolato urbano. Quali analiti principali sono stati scelti i 16 IPA definiti prioritari dalla United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). La procedura è articolata in diverse fasi: campionamento di particolato atmosferico, svolto presso il dipartimento di Chimi-ca Analitica dell’Università di Torino, preparazione dei campioni e loro analisi median-te gascromatografia accoppiata alla spettrometria di massa (GC-MS), quantificazione degli IPA nei campioni reali e valutazione dell’incertezza associata alle concentrazioni dei differenti analiti. La quantificazione degli IPA è stata effettuata utilizzando il meto-do dello standard interno, secondo quanto indicato in [3]. Per garantire la riferibilità metrologica delle misure, le soluzioni di taratura sono state preparate per diluizione gra-vimetrica del CRM 2260a, prodotto dal National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Quale standard interno, è stato invece utilizzato il CRM NIST 2270, contenente alcuni IPA marcati isotopicamente. L’incertezza di misura è stata valutata tenendo conto delle fonti di incertezza significative all’interno della procedura, in particolare dell’incertezza di preparazione delle soluzioni gravimetriche e dei campioni reali, nonché della ripetibilità strumentale del GC-MS
Glaucoma risks in advanced corneal surgery
No full textPenetrating corneal transplant (PKP) surgery has been performed for centuries as the procedure of choice to restore vision in cases of advanced corneal disease. However, the last two decades have seen the introduction of lamellar corneal surgery (deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty, DALK; Descemet stripping-automated endothelial keratoplasty, DSAEK; and Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty, DMEK) which has shown several advantages over PKP and has rapidly gained popularity, given its benefits.Glaucoma after corneal graft surgery is an important cause of visual loss and graft failure. The main risk factors for developing glaucoma after any type of corneal graft are steroidrelated intraocular hypertension and pre-existing glaucoma. The incidence of glaucoma after corneal graft surgery varies according to the specific risk factors and the type of corneal graft performed. One major advantage of modern layer selective lamellar keratoplasty is the reduced risk of glaucoma compared with PKP. This reduced glaucoma risk after corneal lamellar graft surgery is mainly due to the less destructive surgical nature of the lamellar procedures and also the reduced use of postoperative steroid treatment.Glaucoma can complicate not only corneal transplantation but has also been observed following other anterior segment procedures from laser refractive surgery to keratoprosthesis.The aim of this chapter is to describe the incidence, etiology, and management of glaucoma after corneal transplant and some common corneal surgical procedures
Metrological traceability for benzo[a]pyrene quantification in airborne particulate matter
No full textAirborne particulate matter (PM) represents one of the most important sources of urban pollution due to its physical and chemical properties. There is a great concern for PM dangerous effects on human health because particles can deeply penetrate into the respiratory system, carrying the contaminants adsorbed onto their surface. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a class of organic contaminants that can be adsorbed onto PM and can have harmful effects on health, due to their particular chemical structure. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified PAHs as potential carcinogenic agents and benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) as carcinogenic to humans. In this paper, the development of a metrologically traceable procedure for the quantification of BaP in airborne PM, performed at the Italian National Institute of Metrological Research (Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica-I.N.Ri.M.), is presented. The identification and quantification of BaP in PM samples were carried out by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Metrological traceability was established in all the procedure steps, after performing the method validation. Suitable certified reference materials (CRMs) were used both to validate the analytical method and to calibrate the GC-MS. The measurement uncertainty was evaluated by identifying and taking into account all the relevant sources deriving from the whole procedure steps
Adult Chronic Exposure to Neurotoxic Metals Associated with Atmospheric Aerosols: A Case Study in The Urban Area of Turin (NW Italy)
No full textParticulate Matter (PM) pollution still represents a great concern for its adverse effects on human health. Among the emerging risks, the neuro-toxicity of PM-associated metals has been evidenced by the scientific literature. Since PM inhalation plays an important role with respect to its toxicity, there is a recognized need for improving the studies with respect to its deposition sites. This work is focused on the assessment of PM10-associated metals in the urban environment of Turin (NW Italy), one of the most polluted European areas. Data of PM10-associated metals mass size distribution, percentage repartition associated to the respiratory appa-ratus, relative concentration peaks, together with preferential deposition sites and the daily inhaled dose have been calculated. The analyzed metals were: As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sn, V and Zn. The data are limited, considering a precautionary approach, to the winter season, when the intensity and number of sources is greater and only in the case of stable good weather conditions, when the atmospheric removal pro-cesses have a more limited impact on the aerosol dynamics. The results show that the element concentrations in Torino atmospheric PM are similar to those of other considered European towns. The measures evidence a preferential association of each metal with different areas of the respiratory apparatus Furthermore, ordering the analyzed metals with respect to the daily inhaled dose, from higher to lower, we have: Fe, Zn, Sn, Cd, Mn, Cu, Pb, Ni, Cr, Mo, V, As and Co. Even if the risk doesn’t seem to be significant up to now (apart from Cr), the evolving knowledge on the effects of chronic sub-threshold exposure might give a different evidence in the future. PM10 size repartition measurement, together with the analysis of PM10-associated compounds, could well intermittently complement the routine air quality measures with the purpose of increasing the present body of knowledge with respect to PM neurotoxicity, allowing to improve both the existing risk assessment procedures and the public health management
Alternative Augmentative Communication in paediatric dentistry: a mighty tool to amplify mother tongue's power
Full text linkAim: The role of a child's mother tongue in shaping his/her identity and emotional development is crucial. In the context of paediatric dentistry, this principle should always be reminded. The child's right to effective communication, even when a language barrier exists, is a fundamental principle, as recently stated in the 'Rights from the Start' rights fact sheet. Preserving a child's native language in the dental setting, especially in the context of an increasingly diverse society with a significant number of refugee children, is essential. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) strategies can assist in bridging language gaps and improving treatment outcomes, blending with the traditional approaches used in paediatric dentistry. The article promotes flexibility, innovation, and empathy in paediatric dentistry to provide optimal care and ensure that every child's rights are respected. Conclusion: • The relationship with one's mother language plays a central role in children's growth and in the relationship they can develop with the world, "motherised" by the words of the caregiver. • The interaction between immigrant children from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds and dentists providing their care requires the integration of traditional paediatric dental techniques with AAC strategies that can compensate for deficient oral communication. • Dentists treating immigrant children should follow the suggestions proposed in this article to establish the best and most tailored paediatric setting for the child's specific needs
Multifocal IOL explantation in patients with opaque lentis after refractive lens exchange
No full textPurpose: We describe the outcomes of intraocular lens (IOL) explantation in a cluster of opaque multifocal Lentis LS-313 following refractive lens exchange (RLE). Methods: Single-centre, single-surgeon, retrospective case series. Results: The study enrolled 10 eyes of 10 patients, 6 male and 4 female. All patients had uneventful RLE with multifocal IOL implantation. The mean patient age at the time of RLE was 53 years ± 2.52 (SD). Two eyes had YAG laser capsulotomy prior to explantation. The mean interval between the initial RLE and IOL explantation was 5.4 years ± 1.4 (SD). IOL exchange was performed in all eyes in one procedure. Five eyes had in the bag hydrophobic acrylic IOL (3 multifocal and 2 monofocal), three eyes had 3-piece hydrophobic acrylic IOL in the ciliary sulcus and two had an anterior chamber IOL. Intraoperatively one patient had weak zonules and two patients had zonular dehiscence and required anterior vitrectomy. The mean preoperative CDVA was 0.25 ± 0.15 (SD) logMAR and at the final follow-up, improved to 0.00 ± 0.07 (SD) logMAR (p < 0.01). Light microscopy with von Kossa stain confirmed IOL calcification. No postoperative complications were recorded. Conclusions: IOL exchange appears to be a feasible and safe surgical option for multifocal IOL opacification. However, patients must be warned of additional intraoperative risks including zonular dialysis, vitreous loss, retinal detachment and need for potential scleral or iris fixated IOL or anterior chamber IOL (ACIOL) with its associated sequel of complications. Moreover, YAG laser capsulotomy should be considered carefully as it increases the chances of intraoperative complications and restricts the surgical options of secondary IOL insertion such as in-the-bag IOL exchange with MFIOL
Size resolved metal distribution in the PM matter of the city of Turin (Italy)
No full textA work on the characterization of the air quality in the city of Turin was carried out in different sampling periods, reflecting early autumn and winter conditions, including a snow episode during the early 2012 European cold wave. The concentrations of 13 elements in eight size fractions of the aerosol were determined using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The collection was carried out with a Andersen MkII cascade impactor. The size distribution of elements allowed the identification of three main behavioural types: (a) elements associated with coarse particles (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo and Sn); (b) elements found within fine particles (As, Co, Pb and V) and (c) elements spread throughout the entire size range (Ni and Zn). Principal Component Analysis allowed to examine the relationships between the inorganic elements and to infer about their origin. Chemometric investigation and assessment of similarity in the distribution led to similar conclusions on the sources. The concentration of gaseous trace pollutants (O3, NOx and VOCs) was determined. The concentrations of these pollutants are scarcely correlated with the metal contents of all the size classes of the PM. The differences found in the O3, NO2 and VOCs levels of the two winter campaigns due to the high photochemical reactivity in the period after the snow episode, do not reflect in differences in the metals distribution in the PM. Since PM metals, NOx and VOC have common sources, this behaviour is due to relevant differences in the transformation and deposition processes
Cataract surgery complications in a patient with brittle cornea syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type six: A case report
Full text linkPurpose: this case report delineates the intricacies and challenges encountered in cataract surgery in ehlers-danlos syndrome type VI presenting with advanced keratoglobus (KG), severe cataract and brittle cornea. observations: despite meticulous planning and intraoperative precautions, including phacoemulsification with reduced intraocular pressure (low bottle height), the patient experienced corneal ruptures necessitating a shift to extra capsular cataract extraction (ECCE). postoperative management involved corneal suturing and vigilant follow-up. conclusions and Importance: cataract surgery in patients with brittle cornea poses significant challenges due to extreme corneal fragility. exhaustive pre-operative assessment, careful intraoperative techniques, and vigilant postoperative care are paramount for successful outcomes in these complex cases
Outcomes of femtosecond laser-assisted mushroom-configuration keratoplasty in advanced keratoconus
Full text linkPurpose To evaluate the long-term outcomes after femtosecond laser (FSL)-assisted mushroom-configuration keratoplasty in advanced keratoconus.Patients and methods Thirteen eyes with Amsler-Krumeich stage IV keratoconus underwent FSL-assisted mushroom-configuration penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) and deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) at a tertiary referral centre. Preoperative risk factors included low orneal thickness, high keratometry measurements, previous hydrops, and central stromal scarring. Main outcome measures were visual acuity and refractive outcome.Results The median follow-up was 33 months (range: 4-43). Preoperatively, the mean corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) was 1.22 +/- 0.47 LogMAR (range: 0.5-1.9 LogMAR), mean minimum corneal thickness was 282 +/- 100.8 mu m (range: 147-478 mu m), and mean average keratometric (K) value was 63.4 +/- 7.63 dioptre (D; range: 57.0-75.7 D). Four patients underwent PKP and nine underwent DALK (two converted to PKP). Five patients subsequently underwent a modified arcuate mushroom interface dissection (AMID) procedure for astigmatic correction. At the final follow-up, the mean CDVA was 0.05 +/- 0.13 LogMAR (range: -0.10 to 0.20 LogMAR), mean spherical equivalent was -3.21 +/- 3.21D, mean cylindrical refractive error was 3.23 +/- 2.20 D, and mean average K was 43.1 +/- 1.53 D. Complications included early graft dehiscence, corneal vascularisation, stromal rejection, and sclerokeratitis. Sutures were completely removed at the mean 18.4 months for PKP and 9.1 months for DALK postoperatively.Conclusion FSL-assisted mushroom-configuration keratoplasty is feasible and safe in patients with stage IV keratoconus. AMID could further enhance the refractive outcome safely
- …
