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Educational robotics (ER) uses robotic kits as a channel for education and collaborative learning in a play setting. Thanks to adaptability of robots, ER could facilitate inclusion of special-needs children, such as children with Down syndrome (DS), in learning programs. In a previous study, we provided evidence that ER could promote superior cognitive functions, such as executive functions, which are involved in problem solving, reasoning and planning in typically developing preschool children. In this preliminary study, we aimed to evaluate ER training feasibility, adapting methodology and previously experimented activities to promote executive functions in DS children. Eight DS children carried out 45-min weekly group sessions for 8 weeks in an ER laboratory (ER-Lab) using the Bee-Bot. Training setting was generally well-suited for this small sample of DS children. Due to sample heterogeneity, qualitative results of only two exemplificative children are presented and discussed. Results indicate that Bee-Bot is a very significant device for promoting interest, attention and interaction with adults and peers. Promotion of executive functions seemed to be possible in one child, who eagerly participated in ER-Lab activities.

Although allergic rhinitis is considered a raising medical problem in many countries it is often undertreated. The reasons for this phenomenon are not completely clear. The aim of this study is to evaluate factors associated with allergic rhinitis under-/no treatment. A sample of 518 allergic rhinitis patients recruited by their primary care physicians, as a part of the ARGA study, were invited to fill in a specific questionnaire regarding rhinitis symptoms, treatment, and rhinitis-related work/social disability. Chi-square test and logistic regression were performed to assess risk factors for allergic rhinitis under-/no treatment. Over one out of four patients had no treatment despite the symptoms and 13.5% were inadequately treated. Participants with asthma (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.30–0.75) and conjunctivitis (0.44, 95% CI 0.27–0.71) were at lower risk of allergic rhinitis under-/no treatment: in asthmatics this reduction was related mainly to the concomitant asthma treatment (OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.10–0.37). Asthmatics with under-/not treated rhinitis had the highest prevalence of rhinitis-related quality of life impairment. Under-/no treatment for allergic rhinitis is still rather frequent despite the relevance of this disease. The simultaneous presence of asthma and an anti-asthmatic therapy are able to influence positively the treatment. Targeted interventions toward a better characterization and a tight follow-up of rhinitis patient without asthma are needed.

Background Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a socially and economically relevant disease caused by compression or entrapment of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel. This population-based case-control study aims to investigate occupational/non-occupational risk factors for surgically treated CTS. Methods Cases (n = 220) aged 18-65 years were randomly drawn from 13 administrative databases of citizens who were surgically treated with carpal tunnel release during 2001. Controls (n = 356) were randomly sampled from National Health Service registry records and were frequency matched by age-gender-specific CTS hospitalization rates. Results At multivariate analysis, risk factors were blue-collar/housewife status, BMI ≥ 30 kg/m 2 , sibling history of CTS and coexistence of trigger finger. Being relatively tall (cut-offs based on tertiles: women ≥165 cm; men ≥175 cm) was associated with lower risk. Blue-collar work was a moderate/strong risk factor in both sexes. Raised risks were apparent for combinations of biomechanical risk factors that included frequent repetitivity and sustained force. Conclusion This study strongly underlines the relevance of biomechanical exposures in both non-industrial and industrial work as risk factors for surgically treated CTS.

OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the efficacy of preventive measures in a graphite electrode plant aimed at reducing occupational exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). METHODS: Electrode workers (n = 146) answered a questionnaire and provided an end of shift urine sample. Urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-hpur), a biological marker of exposure to PAHs, was measured by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with: (a) fluorescence detection. 1-Hydroxypyrene concentrations were compared with the concentrations measured before implementing the preventive measures; and (b) those of a control group of 54 men not occupationally exposed to PAHs. RESULTS: After implementation of preventive measures, median concentrations 1-hpur were significantly reduced in some groups of workers: by -24%, -37% and -30% in workers at the green electrode unit, one baking impregnation unit, and the laboratory, respectively. In workers at a second baking impregnation unit, in end product finishing and in the power station 1-hpur concentrations were unchanged. Urinary 1-hp concentrations were still significantly higher in each group of workers than in the control group (p < 0.001 for any comparison). Concentrations in the workers varied with the type of job, the highest values being found in workers engaged in the power station, in the two baking impregnation units and in the green electrode unit. CONCLUSIONS: Implementing preventive measures significantly reduced exposure to PAHs at a graphite electrode plant. The reduction in median and peak concentrations of 1-hpur, which reflects total exposure to, and internal dose of PAHs, was most evident in workers employed in the units where preventive measures had been taken. Despite an overall reduction, further preventive measures are needed to minimise exposure to PAHs and consequently the risk of adverse health effects.

OBJECTIVE--The aim was to assess the determinants of benzo(a)pyrenediol epoxide adducts to haemoglobin (BaPDE-Hb) in workers exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). METHODS--This was a study of the correlations between the concentrations of PAHs in air, 1-hydroxyprene in urine, and BaPDE-Hb adduct concentration in the blood in 206 men working in steel foundries and one graphite electrode producing plant, taking into consideration confounding factors such as smoking and dietary habits. RESULTS--BaPDE-Hb adduct concentration was correlated (r = 0.26; p = 0.0002) with the airborne PAH concentration and was influenced by tobacco consumption but not by dietary habits. Benzo(a)-pyrene concentration in air, 1-hydroxypyrene concentration in urine, and duration of exposure to PAHs were not associated with the adduct concentration. CONCLUSION--Although environmental exposure to PAHs was statistically associated with BaPDE-Hb adduct concentration, differences between individual subjects in the metabolism of benzo(a)pyrene probably play an important part in determining the amount of BaPDE-Hb adducts formed.