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Biomedical subjects

R Vecchi

Publications and source records attributed to R Vecchi.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2003

Source apportionment of PM10 and PM2.5 in Milan (Italy) using receptor modelling.

In this paper a source apportionment of particulate matter pollution in the urban area of Milan (Italy) is given. Results of PM10 and PM2.5 mass and elemental concentrations from a 1-year monitoring campaign are presented. Mean annual and daily PM10 levels are compared with the limits of the EU Air Quality Directive EC/30/1999 and the results show that the limit values established would not be met in the urban area of Milan or the large surrounding area. Moreover, high levels of PM2.5 are registered and this fraction constitutes a high portion of the PM10 mass. In Milan the winter period is characterised by a high degree of air pollution due to a greater contribution of emissions and to adverse meteorological and thermodynamic conditions of the atmosphere. The application of multivariate techniques and receptor modelling (PCFA, APCFA) to the whole data-set led to the identification of the main emitting sources and to the source apportionment of PM10 and PM2.5 in Milan. The most important sources were identified as 'soil dust', 'traffic', 'industry' and 'secondary compounds' for PM10 and as 'soil dust', 'anthropogenic' and 'secondary compounds' for PM2.5, explaining the greatest part of the total variance (91% and 75%, respectively).

Journal Article↗
PubMed2003

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.

Aerosols↗
PubMed2002

Factors influencing mass concentration and chemical composition of fine aerosols during a PM high pollution episode.

Results obtained during a winter field campaign for the fine fractions of particulate matter are presented. A high pollution episode together with an analysis of the main factors, which influence accumulation of pollutants is described. The measurement campaigns were carried out simultaneously at two sites in Northern Italy, Milan and Erba, during the winter of 2000. The daily variability in the mass concentration values and PM2.5/PM10 ratios appeared to be strongly dependent upon meteorological and atmospheric stability conditions and, in particular, wind regimes. During the intensive field campaign a high-pollution episode occurred that led to TSP and fine fraction concentrations well above the attention and alarm thresholds, reaching values of up to 200-250 microg m(-3). The elemental concentrations were determined by ED-XRF analysis. The elemental composition of the particulate matter indicated that crustal matter oxides (soil dust) were the main component in particles with aerodynamic diameter d(ae) > 10 microm. They were an important part also in particles with 2.5 < d(ae) < 10 microm, but strongly decreased in particles with d(ae) < 2.5 microm. In the finer fraction sulphates nitrogen and carbon compounds played a major role. The temporal patterns of mass and elemental concentrations, as well as the main components of PM were very similar at the two sites. The high-pollution episode was recorded at many locations in the Po plain, highlighting the role of meteorology and thermodynamic atmospheric conditions on pollution build-up on a large area.

Aerosols↗
PubMed1994

Energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis applied to biomonitoring on Alps.

The results of a research in progress at the Istituto di Fisica Generale Applicata--University of Milan--on natural and anthropogenic elements' determination in mosses as biological indicators are shown. The analytical technique was the energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometry. The chosen areas for a preliminary pollution mapping were Italian Central Alps (Valmalenco and Valtellina) and the hills around Como (pre-Alps); in addition, a group of mosses was from Monza Park, near Milan.

Air Pollutants↗
PubMed1992

[Radon levels in interiors in Valtellina, on the Angera hills and in the high valley of the Cervo river].

The results are reported of an investigation carried out from 1988 to 1990 in many houses in various sites in Lombardy and Piedmont. Measurements were actually carried out in Valtellina, in Angera--on the Lombard side of lake Maggiore--and in the high valley of the river Cervo, north of Biella. The patterns of radon immission in houses due to buildings materials and also to soil emissions are described. Average values of radon levels were obtained using track-etch detectors, whereas fluctuations were recorded daily with a unit capable of detecting alpha particles in real time. Some of the values obtained in 28 Valtellina towns were quite high--e.g., about 1,000 Bq/m3 in towns along the Insubrica fault. The area around Bormio and the Masino valley did not exhibit high radioactivity levels. A total number of nearly 100 houses were investigated in Angera; the highest radon concentrations were observed in cellars and especially in the areas where fractures are bigger and more diffuse. One particular house was accurately examined with real-time analysis of radon fluctuations. Four small towns in the pluton area were investigated in the valley of the river Cervo. In this instance, values were generally high (mean concentration: 842 Bq/m3); the highest concentrations were found in cellars and in ground-floor rooms.

Air Pollutants, Radioactive↗
PubMed1991

[Extramedullary plasmocytoma. Description of 2 cases with localization in the vocal cords].

The authors describe two cases of extramedullary plasmacytoma with localization to the vocal cord. They underline: the rarity of the laryngeal involvement, the different histogenetic, prognostical and therapeutical aspects as regards solitary plasmacytoma and the peculiarity of the second case where after 15 years the extramedullary plasmacytoma recurred in the same field without any systemic spread.

Aged↗
PubMed1991

[The evaluation of anxiety and the analysis of pain perception in Down's syndrome patients undergoing dental procedures].

Twenty Down's syndrome dental patients between 9 and 20 years of age have been identified in order to evaluate anxiety and pain induced by various kinds of dental treatment such as some "moderately painful" dental out-patient procedures (10 subjects), general anaesthesia dental treatment (5 subjects) and painless out-patient visit or routine orthodontic services (5 subjects). Each patient received a previous psychological evaluation to assess his intellectual and cognitive developmental degree. Anxiety was assessed twice, before and after intervention by means of a questionnaire; pain was tested in a subjective way during the procedure (or the control oral visit 12 hours after the g.a. treatment) and by a questionnaire in the post-treatment phase. This investigation indicates that anxiety increased in Down's syndrome subjects receiving out-patient interventions, remained at the original level in the general anaesthesia hospitalized patients, while it showed a clear reduction in the out-patient painless control group. Anxiety, however, proves to be influenced also by the patient's effective mental age so it my be lessened after painful dental treatment when the intellectual development is about or above that of a 7 year old boy. Our study could prove to be important since it underlines the need to assess, at least approximately, the Down's syndrome patient's cognitive development before giving dental treatment, especially if it is an out-patient intervention. This may not be necessary for routine free of pain dental visits.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1981

[Carcinomas in situ of the breast].

In situ carcinomas of the breast represent a clinical reality of recent decades that oncologists have to face today. Their observation is rendered increasingly frequent thanks to the improvements made in radiological techniques for early diagnosis and mass screening, and better health education. Reference is made to cases of lobular and ductal in situ cancer observed at the Bologna Surgical Clinic. Recommendations are made with respect to the drawing up of a rational treatment plan.

Adult↗