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We have undertaken a series of structure observations of hydroxyapatite (HA) films obtained by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) using a pulsed ruby laser as well as of “in situ” mass spectrometry measurements, in order to elucidate the mechanism of target ablation and film deposition. In the present paper we report Rutherford backscattering analysis (RBS), Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations of HA films. Moreover, through the analysis of the angular distribution of the film thickness and the quadrupole mass analysis obtained during the irradiation, we also give evidence of two different mechanisms leading to material removal from the irradiated target.

Infarct expansion can be defined pathologically as a distortion of ventricular topography produced by thinning and disproportionate dilation of the infarct segment. Large transmural infarcts tend to be associated with greater propensity for infarct expansion. Two-dimensional echocardiography has made it feasible to detect these acute alterations in cardiac topography by serial examination of patients with acute myocardial infarction. A practical approach to the echocardiographic quantification of expansion involves analysis of end-diastolic cross-sectional echo views at the papillary muscle level, which can be used as fixed internal landmarks to divide the left ventricle into 2 segments, anterior and posterior. An off-line computer system can be used to track relative lengths of these segments as well as their thicknesses over time. In the initial clinical study, one third of patients with acute anterior transmural infarcts showed an average 50% increase in the infarct segment length beginning within the first 3 days of infarction, characterized by disproportionate progressive dilation and transmural thinning of this zone. These patients demonstrated a significantly higher mortality than those without expansion. Later studies demonstrated not only continuing dilation of the infarcted anterior wall, but also progressive dilation of the noninfarcted posterior wall, underscoring the importance of continuing long-term noninvasive follow-up. Not only is expansion associated with a poor clinical outcome; it has also been shown experimentally and clinically to be modifiable or even preventable by various therapeutic maneuvers, which may well improve survival. Because of the limitations of the echocardiographic window, it is often possible to obtain only a single cross-sectional view of high quality, and even then technical quality may not be sufficiently high to enable detailed quantitative analysis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Background: Dispersed conduction due to atrial fibrillation (AF) is linked to cavity remodelling and loss of filling and emptying properties. Cardioversion (CV) should remodulate function through recovery of atrial mechanical synchronism (AMS). Purpose: To assess if conversion of AF to sinus rhythm (SR) is associated with improvement of AMS, 101 patients (pts) with AF, age 70±8 yrs, with or without (n=5) structural heart disease were echoed 1 week before electrical CV (all pts) and 1 month later only in case of SR maintenance (n=53). Methods: Atrial volume was calculated from anteroposterior diameter and area according to the formula: 4.2 * diameter/ 2 * area/2. 2D strain (speckle tracking technique) was used to estimate peak and standard deviation (SD) of the time-to-peak (% of R-R’ interval) of the deformation of 6 segments arbitrarily identified along the septum, the roof and the lateral wall of the atrial cavity, as imaged in a 4-chamber view. BNP was also measured 1 week before in all pts and 1 month after CV, if SR was maintained. Results: There was a significant decrement in atrial volume after SR was restored (from 59.6 ±20.4 ml/m 2 [59.5±19.7 ml/m 2 for all pts] to 52.8±21.3 ml/m 2 ; p=0.002) together with an increase in mean peak strain (from 9.6±4.9% [9.7±4.8% for all pts] to 15.9±7.0%, p Conclusion: In AF patients that maintain SR 1 month after CV AMS is significantly decreased and this improvement favourably modulates atrial strain, volume and dismission of BNP, the extent of AMS pre-CV can predict maintenance of SR at 1 month.

Identifying molecular changes that predict the risk for developing colon cancer is critical for designing effective prevention strategies. In the present study, we determined early-stage molecular alterations within the colonic epithelium of A/J and AKR/J mice that are sensitive and resistant to Azoxymethane (AOM)-initiated tumor development, respectively. Six week-old male mice were injected intraperitoneally with AOM (10 mg/kg body weight) once a week for six weeks. One week after the last injection, distal colons from both strains were analyzed for cell proliferation using a proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) assay. Unlike AKR/J, a significant increase (2.5-fold, p

Identifying molecular changes that predict the risk for developing colon cancer is critical for designing effective prevention strategies. In the present study, we determined early-stage molecular alterations within the colonic epithelium of A/J and AKR/J mice that are sensitive and resistant to Azoxymethane (AOM)-initiated tumor development, respectively. Six week-old male mice were injected intraperitoneally with AOM (10 mg/kg body weight) once a week for six weeks. One week after the last injection, distal colons from both strains were analyzed for cell proliferation using a proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) assay. Unlike AKR/J, a significant increase (2.5-fold, p0.05) in the number of PCNA-positive cells within the upper third of the crypt compartment was observed in the A/J colons. This proliferative response was associated with a sizeable increase in the levels of c-myc mRNA, quantified by RNase protection assay. cDNA sequencing, protein expression and localization of beta-catenin, an upstream activator of c-myc, however, showed no aberrant changes within AOM-exposed A/J colons. Interestingly, TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling assay revealed a significant increase (4-fold) in the number of apoptotic colonocytes in A/J mice following AOM treatment. Consistent with this finding, a modest increase in the expression of pro-apoptotic Bak was limited to the sensitive A/J colons. In summary, the current study suggests that a significant alteration in the rate of cell turnover in the normal appearing colonic mucosa, as observed in susceptible A/J mice, may be one of the earliest events predisposing the colon to neoplastic growth.

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether post-ischemic left ventricular (LV) remodeling might be induced by regional contractile dysfunction per se (i.e., in the absence of transmural necrosis) and whether this phenomenon is potentially reversible after contractile recovery.Formation of extensive scar tissue is thought to be chiefly responsible for post-infarction LV remodeling; however, myocardial necrosis also causes loss of contractility. We investigated LV geometry and shape in a setting in which contractile dysfunction occurs in the presence of preserved myocyte viability, and thus it is potentially reversible.In 42 patients with chronically dysfunctional myocardium, we evaluated (by two-dimensional echocardiography) LV global and regional function, volumes, and sphericity index (SI), at baseline and 8 +/- 3 months after coronary revascularization. Myocardial viability before revascularization was evaluated by dobutamine echocardiography.At baseline, regional and global function were depressed and LV dilation was present. Revascularization was followed by recovery of ejection fraction (from 33 +/- 6% to 45 +/- 10%, p0.0001) and wall motion score index (from 2.29 +/- 0.31 to 1.74 +/- 0.42, p0.0001). After revascularization, significant improvement of end-systolic volume index (from 78 +/- 23 ml/m2 to 56 +/- 23 ml/m2, p0.0001), end-diastolic volume index (from 118 +/- 26 ml/m2 to 99 +/- 26 ml/m2, p0.0001), and SI (from 0.69 +/- 0.14 to 0.52 +/- 0.11, p0.0001) was also observed. Improvement in LV volumes and SI were significantly correlated to the number of segments recovering function after revascularization.Hibernating myocardium is associated with major alterations in LV volumes and shape, which significantly revert after revascularization. Thus, chronic dyssynergy per se is sufficient to induce ischemic LV remodeling in patients.

The azoxymethane (AOM)-induced mouse colon tumor model recapitulates many of the histopathological features associated with the multistage progression of human sporadic colorectal cancers (CRCs). To better define the genetic events associated with tumorigenesis in this murine model, we analysed tumors from A/J mice for chromosomal (CIN) and microsatellite (MSI) instabilities, two fundamental pathways of genomic instability that play a critical role in the pathogenesis of human CRCs. Male A/J mice, 6-week old, were injected with either AOM (n=5) (10 mg/kg b.w., i.p.) or vehicle (n=5) (0.9% NaCl solution) once a week for 6 weeks. At 32 weeks after the last dose, comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) was performed on 16 tumors harvested from five animals. Although 25% of the tumors displayed either a gain of chromosome 2 or loss of Y, the majority (75%) showed no genomic imbalances. Further analysis of chromosomal aberrations, using CGH and spectral karyotyping (SKY) was performed in our recently established A/J colon tumor-derived cell line, AJ02-NM0. Results showed a pseudotetraploid karyotype with loss of only the Y chromosome in these cultured cells, thereby providing additional evidence for the minimal role of CIN in the primary AOM-induced tumors. Interestingly, the majority (81%) of A/J tumors displayed low-level microsatellite instability (MSI-L) when analysed using mono- and dinucleotide repeat markers, and showed a significant expansion to high-level instability (MSI-H) in the AJ02-NM0 cells. This finding in cultured cells additionally provides evidence that a mild mutator pathway may contribute to the development of behaviorally benign carcinomas in situ in A/J mice. To better understand the tumorigenic process in the A/J colons, we screened for mutational alterations in key regions of the K-ras and Apc genes. Results showed a very low frequency (6%) of K-ras activating mutations, together with the absence of Apc truncation mutations in primary tumors and AJ02-NM0 cells. However, these tumors displayed intense nuclear accumulation of beta-catenin protein, indicating activation of the Wnt signaling pathway. Based on our molecular and cytogenetic findings, we propose that carcinogen-induced tumors may develop via mechanisms independent of the 'classical' CIN or MSI pathways.

Combination therapy of PEG-IFN alpha-2a o alpha-2b plus ribavirin represents a further improvement in treatment of chronic hepatitis HCV+ with a sustained virological response (SVR) either in monotherapy (25-39%) either in association with ribavirin (59-56%). SVR is highly predictable: 75% of all patients who achieve viral clearance at week 12 (EVR), if they had an adherence80% of planned therapy, they become sustained viral responders. In spite of virological response, 16-34% of patients on PEG-IFN monotherapy have high value of ALT, and this make them to reduce adherence. 62 patients whith chronic hepatitis HCV+ and no corrhosis, have been treated for 48 weeks with PEG-IFN and ribavirin to evaluate discrepancy incidence between virological (HCVRNA200UI) and biochemical (normal value of ALT) response of patients treated with PEG-IFN plus ribavirin and to verify the impact that stuch discrepancy can produce on SVR of treated patients. Our preliminary data confirm that PEG-IFN bring a superior virological response than biochemical one, either on naive patients either on experienced ones even with ribavirin in association. It will be useful to verify if this discepancy cause a superior SVR as already reported by several studies. Even the follow-up of our 5 discordant patients confirm this trend.

whereas tramadol produced positive and negative subject-rated effects. These data suggest that tapentadol has significant abuse potential, at least on the level of hydromorphone. The mixed subject-rated profile of tramadol is consistent with previous findings indicating reduced abuse potential relative to the prototypic opioids. Financial support: Grant R01 DA 025649 (PI: WWS) and Departmental Startup Funds awarded to WWS.

Background Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of joint disease and the major cause of pain and physical disability among elderly people. To relieve pain, many patients, in order to avoid long-term complications of conventional therapy, turn toward non-pharmacologic therapies. Among these, pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) therapy, although it has shown promising in vivo results, has controversial clinical benefits in human studies [1]. Objectives The aim of the study is therefore to evaluate the efficacy of a wearable PEMF device on pain intensity reduction in patients affected by knee osteoarthritis. Secondary aim is to evaluate the effect on stiffness, function, quality of life and pressure pain threshold. Methods Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, with equal randomization (1:1) and parallel group study. Knee OA patients, enrolled according to the ACR criteria, with age >40 years, persistent pain, defined as a minimum mean score of 40 on a 100 mm visual analog scales (VAS), symptomatic disease for at least 6 months prior to enrollment have been recruited to be randomly assigned to wear active (n=20) or placebo (n=20) device for 12 hours daily for 4 weeks. Patients affected by secondary causes of OA or by diabetes mellitus have been excluded. The primary outcome measure was score improvement from baseline to 1 months posttreatment in VAS and in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), as recommended by the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology Clinical Trials group [2]. In addition, quality of life, evaluated through the 36-item Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form 36 version 2 (SF-36 v.2) and pressure pain threshold measured through a pressure algometer applied on the anterior part of the thigh (PPT-THI) and on the distal interphalangeal joint (PPT-DIPJ) have been measured. Trial registration number: NCT01877278 Results Baseline data of placebo and active groups were not significantly different. In the active group, after 4 weeks of treatment, T-test results showed a significant improvement of VAS pain (p Conclusions Wearable PEMF therapy, given the low risk of adverse events, appears to be a promising and effective therapy in reducing pain intensity, modulating pain threshold and increasing quality of life in OA patients. Larger human studies are needed to confirm the long-term effect on pain intensity and on the modulation of pain threshold. References Ryang We S et al. Effects of pulsed electromagnetic field on knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2013 May;52(5):815-24 Bellamy N et al. Recommendations for a core set of outcome measures for future phase III clinical trials in knee, hip and hand osteoarthritis. Consensus development at OMERACT III J Rheumatol 1997;24: 799–802 Disclosure of Interest None declared DOI 10.1136/annrheumdis-2014-eular.6015

Background Individuals suffering from chronic pain are frequently affected by depression, which in turn increases the risk of development of chronic pain complaints over time. Objectives This study aims to investigate the relationship between depression and pain intensity and threshold in a cohort of rheumatic patients compared to healthy subjects. Methods 124 individuals of whom 50 affected by rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 23 by psoriatic arthritis (PsA), 23 by ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and 28 age-matched controls without chronic pain underwent quantitative sensory testing (QST) to assess pressure pain threshold with an algometer. Pain intensity was evaluated through the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and depression through the Hamilton Depression rating Scale (HAMD). Results A significant reverse correlation between HAMD values and algometer scores was found in the entire cohort of patients (p Conclusions The evaluation of chronic pain in patients affected by rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis that display comorbid depression seems more reproducible and reliable with the use of an algometer which, therefore, could be considered an useful instrument in pain/depression overlap management. Disclosure of Interest None Declared

Using bDNA, the plasma viral load trend of HCV-infected patients undergoing IFN therapy was analyzed. Nine patients were enrolled, each assigned to one of three groups, based on IFN response as determined by ALT and AST level trend. HCV was genotyped using DEIA. Each patient's clinical stage was determined by liver biopsy analysis. In nonresponding patients elevated viral loads and biochemical parameters were observed. These values were not influenced by IFN treatment. In relapsed patients the cessation of IFN treatment increased viral load; this was associated with a rise in ALT and AST values. In responders ALT and AST levels remained normal; viral load was low. Patients with elevated HCV viral load showed a worsening in their liver histology during the follow-up period. These results confirm that plasma viral load is a good marker of biochemical change and disease progression.

Using the second generation ELISA test, we studied the prevalence of antibodies against hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) among 159 household contacts of 86 anti-HCV positive subjects (index cases). Fourteen (8.8%) relatives were found anti-HCV positive, a rate higher than the corresponding figure reported among the general population in the same area. The prevalence of anti-HCV was significantly higher among sexual partners than among household contacts without sexual relations with the index case (18% vs. 3.1%; P0.01). These findings indicate that sexual transmission may be the main route for intrafamily HCV spread.

s of the A.I.S.F. – Italian Association for the Study of the Liver – Monothematic Conference 2011 “Hepatic diseases related to migratory flows” Milan, 13–14 October 2011

was higher in the NRG (p 0.70 was the more accurate RT-MCE value to predict LV regional recovery with positive predictive value of 70% and negative predictive value of 56% (p

Background and Aim: Measuring serum HBVDNA levels after diagnosing acute hepatitis B is not a routine procedure. Its kinetics, however, could have a significant prognostic importance for the future development of the infection. The aim of our study is to detrmine whether HBVDNA levels could have prognostic value as far as the outcome of the infection is concerned: self-limited disease, fulminant or self-limited infection Material and methods: Our study included a dynamic examination of HBVDNA in 45 patients with acute HBV infection with different outcome – recovery, protrached course and fulminant hepatitis as two forms that differ from the self-limited HBV infection. HBVDNA was measured on the 1, 2, 7, 30, 60, 90, 180 day after admission to the hospital using Taq Man HBVDNA Real-time PCR. Results: HBVDNA was found in all patients. In fulminant cases relatively high levels of HBVDNA were found from the very beginning (above 10,000,000 IU/ml) and they were HBeAg(−). In patients who recovered and became HBsAg(−) replication reached maximal levels in the beginning of the symptomatic phase. With the recovery form the symptoms it fell and its disappearance marked the fall of the ALT levels and negativation of the HBsAg. The fall of HBVDNA on the 7 day from the admission to the hospital and the following disappearance in the range of the 60 day proved to be predictive for the self-limited course. In patients with protrached hepatitis HBVDNA proved to be with relatively higher levels drom the beginning (p < 0.016, F = 6.196) especially in the HBeAg(+) cases. These levels persisted at the time of 90 and 180 day with following chronification. Conclusion: The follow-up of the replication showed, that in the majority of cases the elimination of the virus becomes in the first 2 months. The persistence of the viremia on the 60 day necessitates its further examination due to the risk of chronification. High risk for protrached course is observed in the anicteric HBeAg(+) cases with relatively high replication (above 100,000,000 IU/ml).

Introduction and objectives. The duodenum is the second most comon site of intestinal diverticula, after the large bowel. Duodenal lesions re usually occasionally evidenced in adults during barium swallow (2–6%) r upper tract endoscopy (9–23% of ERCP) performed for other reasons. earby 10% of cases present with flogistic onset (diverticulitis, diverticular bscess, depending on the diverticulum localization), duodenal perforation r bilio-pancreatic complications (in case of juxta-papillaric diverticula). In hildhood, symptomatic duodenal diverticola are extremely rare and, to the est of our knowledge, no cases of paediatric laparoscopic diverticulectomy as been described in the literature. Materials and methods. The authors describe the case of a 13-year-old dolescent girl presenting recurrent epigastric pain and significant weight oss (10 kg in 2 months), with endoscopic and radiologic evidence of a large xtraluminal duodenal diverticulum, localized along the antero-lateral wall f the second duodenal portion, lined with inflamed mucosa; two smaller iverticula were immediately adjacent the previous lesion. A cycle of PPI herapy was performed, with symptoms recurrence after a short period of pain elief. Considering the relevant clinical history and the antero-lateral position f the larger diverticulum, a laparoscopic diverticulectomy (linear 30 mm ndoGia stapler), without any intraoperative complication. The remaining wo smaller diverticula, not evidenced during the laparoscopic exploration of he duodenal wall, were left in site; the postoperative period was uneventful nd the patient was discharged home at the 5th p.o. day. In the follow-up 6 months) the girl is symptom-free while an endoscopic control has been lanned in the future. Summary. Extraluminal duodenal diverticula are rare lesions in childood; when evidenced in asymptomatic patients they do not require a surgical reatment. In symptomatic case, the more adequate surgical solution depends n their localization. Conclusions. When evidenced along the anterior duodenal wall, far rom the papilla, laparoscopic diverticulectomy represents a simple and safe ption; diverticula localized posteriorly or juxtapapillary, are best treated ith an open approach with duodenal mobilization, particularly when comlicated with inflammation or perforation.

Introduction Major known risk factors for stroke in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) identified by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) are left atrial thrombus (LAT), spontaneous echocardiographic contrast (dense smoke), left atrial appendage emptying velocity (LAAEV) less than or equal to 0.2 m/sec, and complex aortic plaque (CAP). Study Hypothesis Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) variables may predict the presence of LAT. Methods Of 183 consecutive patients (median age 73, range 35 to 103 years) who underwent TEE prior to cardioversion for NVAF and who had a TTE within 3 months of the index TEE, 20 were excluded because of mitral valve disease (any mitral stenosis, moderate-severe mitral reurgitation, or mitral prosthesis). The following variables were entered as potential predictors of TEE risk factors for stroke in logistic regression analyses: age $ 70 years, left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH, septum in diastole > 1.2 cm), left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD, LVEF 4.0 cm). Results The following table presents the results of the logistic regression analyses (n = 163): Conclusion LVH and LVSD were identified as independent predictors of LAT, dense smoke, and low LAAEV. RV pacing lead was found to be an additional predictor of dense smoke, whereas age $ 70 years was the only predictor of complex aortic plaque.

Background Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is used prior to cardioversion of atrial fibrillation to assess for the presence of left atrial thrombus (LAT). Study Hypothesis Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) variables can identify a subgroup of patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) who are at low risk for LAT. Methods Of 183 consecutive patients who underwent TEE prior to cardioversion and who had a TTE within 3 months of the index TEE, 20 were excluded because of mitral valve disease. A low risk cohort for LAT or dense smoke was defined by normal left ventricular systolic function (LVEF $ 50%), normal left ventricular wall thickness (septum in diastole ≤ 1.2 cm), and absence of right ventricular (RV) pacing lead. Results On TEE, 11 (6.7%) patients had LAT. The combination of left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD), left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), and RV pacing lead gave a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 34%, and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 100% for LAT. Hence, the probability of finding LAT on TEE given the absence of LVSD, LVH, and RV lead was 0%. Further, if the more stringent criteria of LAT or dense smoke was used, the same combination had a sensitivity of 98% and a NPV of 98%. Conclusion A combination of variables obtained from TTE (absence of LVH, LVEF $ 50%, absence of RV pacing lead) can identify a subgroup of patients with NVAF, in whom LAT or dense smoke is unlikely to be present on TEE.

Cystatin C has been suggested as a simple method of estimating GFR more accurately than creatinine in children. We compared the diagnostic accuracy of cystatin C with serum creatinine and the Schwartz formula for estimating GFR in patients with UTMs.We prospectively compared 72 patients with UTMs (20 days to 36 months old, 58 males and 14 females) with a group of 72 healthy controls (10 days to 48 months old, 53 males and 19 females). All patients underwent nuclear medicine clearance investigations with (99m)Tc DTPA.Serum concentration of cystatin C revealed a higher correlation with (99m)Tc DTPA (r = 0.62, p0.001) than serum concentration of creatinine (r = 0.30, p0.01) or Schwartz formula (r = 0.51, p0.001). These results were more evident in patients with uropathy (19) with mild renal impairment. Agreement between methods was assessed using Bland Altman analysis. Mean differences between GFR calculated with (99m)Tc DTPA and cystatin C based GFR estimation or Schwartz formula were -2.6% +/- 46.7% and -73.4% +/- 53.6%, respectively. Diagnostic accuracy in identifying decreased GFR measured as AUC was always highest for cystatin C but hardly sufficient for the 3 variables. Cystatin C performed better in the 0 to 6-month-olds (0.70 +/- 0.08 for cystatin C, 0.58 +/- 0.07 for Schwartz estimate) and patients older than 12 months (0.82 +/- 0.09 for cystatin C, 0.65 +/- 0.11 for Schwartz estimate).Cystatin C proved to be a superior marker rate over serum creatinine in estimating glomerular filtration in children younger than 3 years with UTMs and mild renal impairment, thus, offering a more specific and practical measure for monitoring GFR.

An investigation is described in which the effects of several factors, such as rotor diameter and rotor speed, twist multiplier and yarn twist, and type of draw-off nozzle, were studied in factorial experiments in which measurements were made of the main yarn parameters, such as tenacity, elongation at break, and regularity, and of the trash accumulated in the rotor. The experiments were made for cotton on two types of machine. Sussen and SKF. For twist values remote from the optimum twist, the linear and quadratic components of the twist multiplier affect the yarn tenacity, and its linear component affects the elongation at break; but, for values close to the optimum twist, the only significant effect is the linear influence on elongation at break. Yarn irregularity is significantly affected only by the twist multiplier. The rotor speed affects the tenacity, elongation at break, and yarn irregularity in a linear manner, but the rotor diameter affects these parameters both linearly and quadratically. The ...

The effect of under-pressure at the entrance to the rotor-cleaning device on the properties of cotton open-and-spun yarns is studied in relation to the opening-roller speed, the total draft, and the rotor geometry. It is shown that there are differences in behaviour between the three rotor types studied; these chiefly concern yarn unevenness and imperfection content. The air pressure at the entrance to the rotor-cleaning device influences, to a small extent, yarn elastic characteristics and, to a greater extent, yarn irregularity and imperfection content for one rotor type (type J). The opening-roller speed affects only certain aspects of yarn unevenness and imperfection content for one of the rotors (type F). whereas the total draft, allied to the yarn linear density, is the factor that has most influence on yarn parameters. The presence of an optimum draft zone between about 90 and 100 is confirmed.

An investigation is described in which the effects of factors such as the rotor speed, the design of the draw-off nozzle, and the yarn twist were studied in factorial experiments in relation to yarn parameters (tenacity, elongation at break, and irregularity) for 100% polyester-fibre rotor-spun yarns and 50–50 polyester-fibre–cotton blended-fibre yarns. An SKF machine was used. It is shown that the effect of the type of draw-off nozzle on yarn properties is more prominent for polyester-fibre yarns than for cotton yarns, probably owing to the twist levels used. The rotor speed continues to influence all yarn parameters strongly. The behaviour of polyester-fibre–cotton blended-fibre yarns resembles that of all-cotton yarns more than that of all-polyester-fibre yarns. In the experiments carried out, a few interactions were evident at significance levels of 5%, and most of these concern the type of draw-off nozzle in polyester-fibre–cotton yarns.

An investigation is reported of the effect of factors such as rotor diameter, rotor speed, and twist multiplier of acrylic-fibre open-end-spun yarn on the main yarn parameters, such as tenacity, elongation at break, irregularity, and quality index. Factorial experiments were used as the basis of the study. It is shown that, except for the influence of yarn twist, owing to the different characteristics of twist–strength curves and twist–elongation-at-break curves, the results are very similar to those from an earlier study on cotton yarns. For tenacity, the linear effects of yarn twist and rotor diameter and the quadratic effect of the latter are significant, there being no significant interactions. For elongation at break, the linear effects of rotor speed and rotor diameter and the quadratic effect of the latter are significant. There are several significant interactions. Not all of these present possibilities of being real interactions, some appearing to be chance interactions. Irregularity is significa...

In response to the need to evaluate the coastal sedimentary budget, sediment volumes associated with nineteen tidal inlets along the east coast of Florida have been estimated. Significant regions examined were ebb and flood shoals, the adjacent beaches, and the sources and placement areas for dredged material. A total of 420 x 106 m3 of predominantly sandy sediment resides in the ebb shoals. Of this amount, 350 x 106 m3 or 83%, occur in the five northernmost inlets. As a result of artificially opened inlets and training of inlets of natural origin, 282 x 106 m3 of sediment have been trapped mainly from the littoral drift. Over the years, a surprisingly large amount, 41 x 106 m3, from dredged inlet channels, has been placed at sea.

Aim of our study was to evaluate the effectiveness of indobufen in the treatment of II degree stage lower limb occlusive arterial disease. Forty patients were randomly assigned to the iIndobufen (400 mg/die) treatment group or the no treatment control group (20 patients each). Doppler pressure measurement (Winsor index) and subjective symptomatology were evaluated at the time of enrollment and after one month. A significant improvement (p less than 0.01) was noted only in the treated group. We conclude that indobufen may be of therapeutic value in the treatment of peripheral occlusive arterial disease.

In its capacity for repeated non-invasive examination, echocardiography some years ago raised the attractive possibility of serial evaluation of left ventricular size and shape in acute myocardial infarction. The initial impetus for using two-dimensional echocardiography in this way was provided by the pathologists. Post mortem studies of patients dying within 30 days after acute myocardial infarction had shown that up to 2/3 of such patients had some thinning and dilatation of the infarcted area within one week of infarction (1) and that in approximately 1/3 of patients’ hearts with transmural infarcts there was marked expansion of the infarcted zone, resulting in obvious cardiac dilatation. This process occurred with little or no histologic evidence of infarct extension or further necrosis after the initial acute event.