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The cost of making apparel fabrics for garment manufacturing is very high because of their conventional manufacturing processes and new methods/processes are being constantly developed for making fabrics by unconventional methods. With the advancements in technology and the availability of the innovative fibres, durable nonwoven fabrics by using the hydroentanglement process that can compete with the woven fabrics in terms of their aesthetic and tensile properties are being developed. In the work reported here, the hydroentangled nonwoven fabrics were developed through a hybrid nonwoven manufacturing processes by using fibrillated Tencel® and bi-component (sheath/core) polyethylene/polyester (PE/PET) fibres, in which the initial nonwoven fabrics were prepared by the needlepunching method followed by hydroentanglement process carried out at optimal pressures of 50 to 250 bars. The prepared fabrics were characterised according to the British Standards (BS 3356:1990, BS 9237:1995, BS 13934-1:1999) and the attained results were compared with those for a standard plainweave cotton, polyester woven fabric and commercially available nonwoven fabric (Evolon®). The developed hydroentangled fabrics showed better drape properties owing to their flexural rigidity of 252 mg.cm in the MD, while the corresponding commercial hydroentangled fabric displayed a value of 1340 mg.cm in the MD. Tensile strength of the developed hydroentangled fabrics showed an approximately 200% increase than the commercial hydroentangled fabrics. Similarly, the developed hydroentangled fabrics showed higher properties in term of air permeability, such as the developed hydroentangled fabric exhibited 448 mm/sec and Evolon fabric exhibited 69 mm/sec at 100 Pa pressure. Thus for apparel fabrics, thevmrk combining the existing methods of nonwoven production, provides additional benefits in terms of cost, time and also helps in reducing the carbon footprint for the apparel fabric manufacture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyurethane (PU) foam is one of the most common materials used in the development of pressure relieving cushions. However, it suffers from reduced efficiency in terms of thermophysiological comfort, cost, recycling and importantly, creating a suitable environment for the prevention of pressure ulcers. The paper presents research carried out at the University of Bolton, in the development of pressure relieving cushion applications using three-dimensional (3D) warp-knitted spacer fabrics. This research includes the development of a novel technique for measuring pressure distribution while under simulated loading conditions. Using this system, novel and smart 3D knitted spacer cushions were developed, with the following features: (1) a shaped/contoured surface was able to redistribute high pressure points normally located in vulnerable areas of an immobile and seated person. (2) Peak pressures were reduced and distributed evenly over a much larger area of the cushion than PU foam. (3) They are well-ventilated, comfortable, washable and non-flammable and can be easily recycled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim and Objectives: The goal of surgical-orthodontic treatment of chin deformities is to achieve maximum function, esthetics, and stability. The objective of our study is to evaluate the role of genioplasties in various chin deformities. Materials and Methods: Twelve adult patients who manifested various types of chin deformities were treated. In eight patients, advanced genioplasty alone or in combination with other surgical procedures such as premaxillary osteotomy, gap arthroplasty, bilateral vertical ramus osteotomy, and advancing and sliding genioplasty was performed. Four patients were treated by reduction genioplasty alone or in combination with vertical ramus osteotomy. Results: Results were more predictable and stable in case of chin advancement procedures as compared to reduction genioplasty. Conclusion: It was observed that the chin should not be completely denuded, muscular attachment on the lower part of the chin should always be maintained, if possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses that three-dimensional (3D) warp knitted spacer structures offer significant attributes that create sustainable production advantages in dry exhaust systems for the automotive paint industry. The advantages that are offered include improved airflow and the potential to combine to a composite solution with a high paint holding capacity; this concept of filtration also offers the possibility of a durable filter capable of industrial cleaning and reuse numerous times. The paper describes the innovation of these 3D warp knitted spacer filters from theoretical and traditional filtration aspects, followed by an empirical characterization that justifies commercial trials within the industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We tried to find out the relevance of anterior mandibular body ostectomy in deformities of the mandible specially prognathism, which is primarily limited to anterior part only. Patients and Methods: Ten patients with skeletal deformity along with malocclusion, which was limited to anterior body of mandible were selected. Selected patients had proper molar interdigitation (even if class 3) and in general had anterior crossbite (except one). All patients had crossed their growth spurts and had no hormonal influence on facial deformity. Specific protocol, including cephelometric analysis cephalometry for orthognathic surgery, prediction tracing and model surgeries were devised. Pre and post-surgical orthodontics and body ostectomy were performed in all patients along with 18-month post-op follow-up. Results: There was significant reduction in prognathism and horizontal dysplasia in all ten patients. Anterior crossbite as well as axis of incisiors over mandibular plane was corrected in all patients due to decrease in length of mandibular body. All patients showed decreased facial height and better lip competence with intact posterior occlusion and no (negligible or transient) sensory loss. Conclusions: Our study could confirm that people whose deformity is limited to the anterior part of mandible with reasonable occlusion posteriorly can get satisfactory cosmetic and functional results through body ostectomy alone rather than going for surgical procedure in the ramal area, which is liable to cause sensory and occlusal disturbances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate and evaluate the effect of 20 commercial wound dressings on the pH values of selected fluids upon contact, over a period of 7 days. Method: The effect of the dressings on the pH of two different solutions, solution A (2.298g sodium chloride [NaCl], 0.368g calcium chloride [CaCl2] dihydrate added to 1 litre of de-ionised water) and distilled water, was investigated over a period of 7 days. Two different methods for contacting fluid with the dressings were used, to simulate wounds with different levels of exudate: i) immersing the dressing in 35ml fluid, and ii) adding 5ml drop-wise onto the dressing's absorbent pad on a daily basis. Results: On immersion of the dressings, the pH values of the fluids changed quite appreciably over time, with similar results for both methods. The lowest pH values were found with the hydrocolloid dressings, for both solution A and distilled water. The foam dressings had an alkaline effect on the fluids; in most cases, they increased the fluid's pH significantly. The non-woven dressings reduced the pH of both fluids to a lesser extent than the hydrocolloid dressings. The hydroactive dressings decreased the pH value of solution A and increased the pH of distilled water. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the pH values of the fluids are not constant, likely due to the complicated nature of the dressings' chemical structures and designs. Thus, optimisation of pH level to meet the requirements of any specific wound types and healing processes must consider the complex nature of the dressing. The increase in pH value of the wound over time needs to be minimised in order to maximise the effectiveness of the healing therapy. Declaration of interest: This work was supported by a financial grant from the Turkish Council of Higher Education in collaboration with Marmara University, Turkey and the University of Bolton, UK. The authors have no conflict of interest to declare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Microgravity is associated with an increase in peroxidative damage. The effect is more pronounced after long-duration space flights and can even last for several weeks after landing. The objective of the study is to determine the influence of simulated microgravity on the periodontal status and salivary and serum oxidant/antioxidant status of the body in simulated microgravity (-6° head-down-tilt [HDT) bed rest). Methods: Twenty healthy male volunteers were studied before and after 60 days of simulated microgravity (-6° HDT bed rest). We measured salivary and serum oxidative markers, such as malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-oxo-7,8 dihydro-2 deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and vitamins C and E, and clinical periodontal parameters (probing depth [PD] and clinical attachment level [CALl). Results: Serum and salivary vitamin C and E concentrations were significantly decreased, whereas MDA and 8-OHdG levels were significantly increased after 60 days of simulated microgravity. Serum and salivary markers showed a strong and significant correlation. CAL and PD were higher but not statistically significant in simulated microgravity. Conclusions: This study suggests that oxidative stress in the microgravity environment was increased but did not significantly influence periodontal parameters after 2 months. Also, this study indicates the possibility that the findings may have a broader clinical relevance to patients on bed rest or who are physically inactive. Studies on larger patient samples and follow-up for a longer time are required to verify the relationship between antioxidant status in the space microgravity condition and periodontal health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Some cross-sectional and longitudinal studies attempted to link periodontitis with stress. To our knowledge, only one small study was published on the mechanism by which stress may influence periodontal diseases, suggesting behavioral and physiologic mechanisms and investigating the role of inflammation as a potential mediator. The present study is planned to explore the associations among periodontal disease, psychologic factors, and salivary markers of stress, psychoneuroimmunologic variables, and health behaviors. Methods: One hundred periodontitis patients were selected, and participants provided information on general health, chronic stress, and demographics. Stress markers (choromogranin A, cortisol, α-amylase, and (β-endorphin) were measured from saliva. A dentist assessed the presence of dental plaque on lingual and buccal surfaces, the gingival index, and the number of remaining teeth with periodontal disease. Results: Stress and salivary stress markers were significantly correlated with clinical parameters of periodontal disease (ranging from 0.19 to 0.59; P<0.001). Neglecting to brush teeth during stress was associated with missing teeth. After adjusting for stress variables, salivary cortisol and (β-endorphin were significantly associated with tooth loss and periodontal clinical parameters (P<0.001; R² = 0.59). Conclusions: This study suggests that stress might be associated with periodontal disease through physiologic and behavioral mechanisms. In making diagnoses of psychiatric patients, the association between salivary stress markers and periodontal disease needs to be included. Further exploration of relationships between periodontitis and stress is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents an investigation into the odour-adsorbing properties of biopolymers for their potential use in wound management. Researchers assessed commercially available dressings containing activated charcoal cloth (ACC) and the biopolymers aloe vera, tea tree oil, neem oil, and manuka honey. A composite dressing containing aloe vera was determined to be a potential alternative to ACC.

The knee is the most used joint in the human body and is also most prone to injuries. Knee braces are medical devices used in the treatment of some form of injuries providing compression and warmth to the joint thus promoting healing. They can also be used for protection in several contact sports. At the moment there are no regulations governing the textile materials used in braces. The authors believe that knitted spacer fabrics have the desirable mechanical and comfort properties which could make these materials suitable for some medical applications. Commercially available knee braces have been tested and analyzed for their mechanical as well as thermophysiological properties. A range of novel spacer fabrics have been designed, developed, and characterized for comparison with commercial products. It has been found that knitted spacers can be engineered in terms of yarn type and structure used in each of the three layers in order to match and even outperform the properties exhibited by commercially available products, such as neoprene and other knitted fabrics, including composite materials. The test results obtained for a range of existing and novel products studied in this work have been explained in terms of their raw material, structure, and finishing treatments applied to them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study explores the feasibility and reliability of a modified ulcer-specific quality of life (QOL) questionnaire on patients suffering from venous leg ulcers. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on a cohort of patients suffering from venous leg ulcers who had been registered at Rochdale Infirmary to participate in a clinical trial. A self-administered six-page questionnaire – Freiburger Lebensqualitäts Questionnaire Assessment (FLQA) – on the QOL along with a checklist was used to collect data from March 2002 to June 2003. The feasibility and reliability of the venous leg ulcer specific questionnaire, the patient-reported QOL and their perspective on compression therapy were chosen as the main outcomes of the study. Results: A response rate of 94% was obtained, of which 56% were women and 44% were men with an average age of 63 years. Approximately 72% of respondents reported that the questionnaire was suitable to reflect their perspectives on QOL and compression therapy. The questionnaire took an average of 20 minutes to complete. The average QOL score was 45.27 in all the eight domains, where 0 reflected good QOL and 100 reflected poor QOL, indicating that the respondents' QOL had been adversely affected due to venous leg ulcers. Men had an average score of 52.0 in all the eight domains and women scored 39.0 in a 0–100 scale. Hence, comparatively, men had poorer QOL than women. Reliability was assessed using measures of internal consistency and test–retest analysis. Cronbach's alpha, α = 0.934 indicated that the survey items were highly inter-correlated. Test–retest analysis indicated that there was moderate-to-strong correlation in seven out of eight domains, which meant that the reproducibility of the FLQA questionnaire was consistent. Conclusions: The pilot survey conducted on a representative sample of patients indicated that the questionnaire is suitable and has the potential to reflect the perspective on compression therapy and overall QOL of patients suffering from venous leg ulcers. The survey tool demonstrated the clinical and research utility as a QOL outcome measure for clinical trials evaluating wound care products on patients suffering from venous leg ulcers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Part II. Presents a study that investigated the effect of rinse cycle softener and drying method and of tumble sheet softener and tumble drying time on woven cotton fabrics. Analysis of the wrinkle evaluation grades; Determination of the specimen mass and density; Examination of the length and width shrinkage of the cotton fabrics.

Specimens of a plain-woven cotton fabric and a plain single-jersey weft-knitted cotton fabric were washed and then tumble-dried for predetermined periods of time under three different temperature settings. Length and width shrinkage, wrinkling, mass of the whole specimen, and warp and weft yarn diameters were determined by using the appropriate standard test methods. The interdependence of moisture content, temperature setting, and time in the tumble dryer was reported in Part I of this series. In Part II, their effects on the dimensional stability and appearance of both knitted and woven cotton fabrics are reported. It is demonstrated that temperature setting in tbe tumble dryer bad no effect on shrinkage. Tbe increased exposure to agitation that occurred in tumble-drying under a low temperature setting had no effect on shrinkage. Low temperature setting and prolonged exposure to agitation were, however, slightly beneficial to tbe appearance of tbe plain-woven cotton fabric used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Specimens of a plain-woven cotton fabric and a plain single-jersey weft-knitted fabric were washed and then tumble-dried for predetermined periods of time under three different temperature .settings. Length and width shrinkage, wrinkling, mass of whole specimen, and warp and weft yarn diameters were determined by using the appropriate standard test methods. Tbe interdependence of moisture content, temperature setting and time in tbe tumble dryer is reported in Part I of tis series of papers. Their effects on the dimensional stability and appearance of both knitted and woven cotton fabrics are reported in Part 11 of tis series. It is demonstrated that temperature setting in the tumble dryer bad no effect on shrinkage. Tbe increased exposure to agitation that occurred in tumble-drying under a low temperature setting had no effect on shrinkage. Low temperature setting and prolonged exposure to agitation were, however, slightly beneficial to tbe appearance of tbe plain-woven cotton fabric used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The section of "Developments in Medical Textiles," focuses on various types of medical fibers. The first type of fibers include bioabsorbable and biodegradable fibres, which includes cotton, viscose, collagen, chitin, chitosan, and other protein fibres which have the property to be absorbed by the body within two or three months. The fibers produced from natural polymers are reported to play an important role in producing bioabsorbable fibres for a wide variety of medical applications, including wound dressings, sutures, nonwoven felts, and meshes.

References for the December 2002 issue, "Developments in Medical Textiles," are presented.

The section of "Developments in Medical Textiles," focuses on various uses of medical textile. It is mentioned that medical textiles are broadly classified as non-implantable, implantable, and extracorporeal devices and healthcare and hygiene products. Some fibers are used for preparing woundcare nursing materials, which are classified as absorbent and non-absorbent, depending on the type of fibres used. It is referred that modern wound dressings are composed of absorbent layers held between a wound-contact layer and a base material. Some fibers are used in suture materials, these fibers are made from both monofilament and multifilament yarns. The other applicability of medical textile also lies in the manufacturing of various implants.

An important and growing part of the textile industry consists of the medical and related healthcare and hygiene sectors. The extent of the growth is due to the constant improvements and innovations in both textile technology and medical procedures. The aim of this review is to highlight the specific medical and surgical applications for which textile materials are currently used. A variety of products and their properties that make them suitable for those applications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The provision of thermophysiological comfort using fabrics has interested technologists for many years. With two main challenges in mind, moisture management and thermoregulation, all previous developments have concentrated on the production of high wicking and high thermally insulating fabrics. The aim of this research is to evaluate the dynamics of the thermophysiological effects with particular emphasis upon the effect of wicking on the thermal resistance of selected fabrics. The fabrics discussed in this paper are development fabrics with an expected end-use for sports and activewear. Hence, when in use, the fabric systems are expected to he in direct contact with the skin surface, and it is the evaluation of the aforementioned ‘relationship’ that is of interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies of the dimensional properties of single-jersey loop-pile fabrics produced from cotton pile and textured polyamide- and polyester-fibre ground yarns are reported. The model proposed for flat continuous-filament ground-yarn fabrics also applies to these structures. It is shown that the fully relaxed dimensions of fabrics produced with textured ground yarn are controlled by the stitch length as well as the bulking potential of the ground yarn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is concerned with a detailed study of the main factors that determine the geometry and dimensional properties of single-jersey loop-pile (full-plush) fabrics. It covers the parameters of material, machine, and fabric. It is established that the linear as well as the area dimensions of single-jersey loop-pile fabrics are largely controlled by the Stitch length knitted into the ground structure and the state of relaxation in which the dimensions are measured. An empirical model for predicting stitch length in dry- and fully-relaxed fabrics is suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]