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In two previous papers we reported allergic diseases in workers employed in breeding insects for biological pest control. It was found that Ephestia kuehniella, Orius laevigatus and other insects caused allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma. The aim of this new study was to assess the relationship between the implementation of the recommended preventive measures and the decrease in sensitization in exposed workers. We performed a four-year follow-up of exposed workers, using the prick test and RAST with specific allergens and pulmonary function test at the end of the work shift. The results showed a decrease in skin test sensitization for Orius and Ephestia, a decrease in allergic diseases in the previously studied workers, and no symptoms in recently employed workers. These results confirm the validity of the recommended preventive measures: semi-closed cycles, gloves, protective masks, overalls and sunglasses.

Whipple's disease is a chronic systemic syndrome which typically involves small intestinal mucosa. There is no doubt today about its bacterial etiology and its good response to antibiotic therapy. A peculiar case is reported, in which the failure of a protracted corticosteroidal treatment is demonstrated and a particularly prompt endoscopic healing after therapy with cotrimoxazole is obtained. The value of duodenal biopsy in course of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in comparison with classic intraluminal jejunal biopsy is confirmed for the diagnosis of Whipple's disease.

The Authors stress the importance of a correct sonographic study in the follow-up of neonatal adrenal hemorrhage; the diagnostic conclusion are: the best criterion for differential diagnosis is the chronological variability. However the differential diagnosis is rather easy. The differential d. usually is against cystic-neuroblastoma, cortical renal cyst, adrenal abscess. They remark that laparatomy is unnecessary.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the tensile bond strength of four dentinal bonding agents (DBAs) to the dentin surface. Tensile bond test procedure was made using a universal testing machine. Human extracted third molars were mounted with self-curing acrylic resin in cylindrical molds. The dentin occlusal surface was ground with 320-grit silicon carbide abrasive paper. The DBAs were prepared according to manufacturers' directions and applied on the dentin surface. Cylindrical teflon tubes were placed on the dentin surface and filled with a microfilled resin. The samples were then stored in a humidifier at 37 degrees C for 24 h. Six specimens were prepared for each group. A statistically significant difference was observed among the four groups. It has been observed that certain materials showed a dentin bond value superior to cohesive value of composite resin.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the shear bond strength test of two glass-ionomer cements (G C cement and Ketac Bond) after different chemical pretreatments of dentine surface. The following dentine pretreatments were used: sodium hypochlorite, polyacrylic acid, tannic acid, H3PO4, FeCl3, Fe ossalate, Tubulicid, H2O2 and aqueous solution as control. Flat dentine surface of human extracted teeth was treated with the chemical agents, washed and dried. Cylindrical specimens of glass-ionomer cement were applied on dentine surface. After 24 hours in humidifier the specimens were tested in a universal testing machine. A significant higher bond was obtained only from polyacrylic acid and sodium hypochlorite treatments. The present results suggest that dentine pretreatment represent an essential step in composite resin/glass-ionomer cement restorations.

This study evaluated the shear bond strength of six dentinal bonding agents and one unfilled enamel bond in association with a microfilled composite resin. Eight specimens were prepared for each product. All the bonded samples were stored at 37 degrees C for 24 hours in a humidifier. Bond strength was measured with a universal testing machine. A statistically significant difference was found between the various products. The new dentinal bonding agents gave the highest bond value.

The diagnostic capability of ultrasound in symptomatic gastric cancer is stressed, on the basis of a prospective study of 64 neoplastic and 19 non-neoplastic patients. Aspecific signs are described which suggest the presence of five layers within the gastric wall as an index of absence of disease. The prospective importance of ultrasound investigation in 5 neoplastic patients with aspecific symptoms is emphasized.

On the basis of personal experience (104 LTC and 88 ERCP), the value of direct cholangiography in the diagnosis of biliary lithiasis especially in the event of failure of traditional radiology and in the presence of icterus is confirmed. LTC in 37 patients and ERCP in 18 revealed calculosis of the bile ways, thus correcting a falsely negative echography and i.v. cholangiography to the extent of 70% and 25% respectively. Stress is laid on the importance of direct cholangiography because it is able to establish the site of the stones and, above all, the pathology associated with calculosis, involving not only the bile ways, but the papilla, pancreas and liver too.

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the early marginal microleakage in 20 Class II MOD restorations made in association with conventional and sandwich technique. Human extracted third molars were used in the study. Multi-incremental technique was used in all restorations. After finishing, the teeth were stored in dye solution for 12 hours, transversally sectioned at three levels and evaluated under optical stereomicroscope. Cervical sections showed the highest marginal leakage. Sandwich technique in association with glass-ionomer cements have showed a significant lower early microleakage with respect to the conventional technique.