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Coastal environments are complex systems characterized by various processes with variable space and time scales; a continuous and high frequency monitoring of marine environment needs to assess the present marine ecosystem and to estimate and manage in real time perturbations due to anthropogenic pressure or natural events. This work has been carried out in the framework of the PITAGEM project (CLUSTER 10 programme, development of Southern Italy marine research structures), where an integrated marine coastal monitoring network has been set up in the Gulf of Manfredonia (Southern Adriatic Sea), a complex area under potential pollution deriving from industrial, agricultural, harbour and urban activities. The network consisted of real time oceanographic (water temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll a and turbidity) and atmospheric (air temperature and pressure, solar radiation, wind speed and direction) observations, performed by a multiparametric coastal platform, and periodic oceanographic (water temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll a, turbidity and pH profiles and surface and bottom nutrient, chlorophyll a and suspended solid concentrations) observations, carried out by a coastal vessel. Data, acquired from May 2002 to April 2005, was stored in a data bank, after a data quality control check procedure. Periodic instrument maintenance and recalibration activities have been performed to obtain reliable data. By the oceanographic platform it was possible to collect consistent and continuous water temperature, air pressure and wind direction data from August 2004 to April 2005, and air temperature, solar radiation and wind speed from December 2004 to April 2005. Monitoring cruises were carried out six times from May 2002 to November 2004. Preliminary data show that seasonal water column set up depends on annual air temperature trend, while short-term variations depend on other factors such as local atmospheric perturbations. Furthermore, three different zones were individuated in the Gulf: a coastal area, affected by river inputs, an offshore area, influenced by the Western North Adriatic current and a central area, characterized by intermediate and mixing processes.

Varano lagoon, located on the northern coast of the Gargano promontory (Southern Adriatic Sea), Italy, is a shallow body of water, with a depth ranging from

The aim of the present study was to assess the environmental quality of Orbetello Lagoon (Tyrrhenian Sea) by an integrated approach using the European eel (Anguilla anguilla) as bioindicator organism. In order to update the ecological status of Orbetello lagoon, spatial and temporal variability of chlorophyll a, temperature, pH and salinity were also studied by remote sensing (Landsat 7 TM data). Phase I and II liver detoxification enzymes were measured and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) (PCBs, DDT and its isomers, HCB, HCHs, PCDD/Fs and PBDEs) were determined in muscle by GC/MS. Principal components analysis (PCA) was used to detect relationships or correlations between POP levels and enzyme activities. To assess the potential risk of these compounds to the reproductive system of the European eel, gonads were studied by light microscopy. Phase I (EROD and MROD) and II (UDPGT and GST) enzyme activities turned out to be particularly low and similar to those of eels from relatively unpolluted sites. Muscle concentrations in the ng/g d.w. range were found except for coplanar PCBs, PCDD/Fs and PBDEs which were in the pg/g d.w. range. Toxic equivalents (TEQs) calculated for mono-, non-ortho PCBs and PCDD/Fs were below risk thresholds established by the European Union. PCA showed a potential role of DDT, especially pp'-DDE, in inducing EROD, MROD and UDPGT activities, suggesting persistence of moderate concentrations of these contaminants in the lagoon. All specimens analysed were females; gonads in advanced stages of development had normal morphology, whereas oocytes in early stages of development showed histological alterations.

Starting at the end of 2002, a monitoring network was set up in the Gulf of Manfredonia to assess in near real time the ecological conditions of coastal waters, integrating real time oceanographic and atmospheric observations performed by a mulparametric marine platform with bimonthly oceanographic observations carried out by a coastal vessel. Correct and continuous data were acquired by in situ temperature sensors (at five fixed depths), air pressure and wind direction sensors from August 2004 to April 2005, and by air temperature, solar radiation and wind speed sensors from december 2004 to April 2005. Early data obtained with the bimonthly monitoring in the Gulf of Manfrewdonia showed that this area is subject to high seasonal variations and both biochemical and hydrological characteristics of the Gulf are influenced by coastal morphology, continental inputs and Western Southward Adriatic Current effects.

The retrospective study concerns use of the AO method for the treatment of 75 ankle fractures between 1990 and 1995. After a mean follow-up of 5 years and 7 months the Cedell criteria were used for a subjective evaluation of results. Good results were obtained in 53 out of 75 patients submitted to surgery (70%), with a significant difference between uni-malleolar fractures and bi- and tri-malleolar fractures. Dorsal flexion measured an average of 24 degrees (80% of the healthy contralateral side), plantar flexion 36 degrees (90% of the healthy side). The presence of a fracture-dislocation considerably worsens prognosis because of the cartilaginous damage produced. The risk of poor results increases considerably when reduction of fracture is insufficient or absent. Post-traumatic arthrosis constitutes a common complication (25%) and it particularly affects females aged between 45 and 65 years, as a result of the presence of post-menopausal osteoporosis. Accurate reduction, fracture stabilization, sex and age constitute essential elements for satisfactory final results.

Water column profiles of physico-chemical and biological parameters and surface and bottom nutrient and suspended matter distributions, along 4 transects, were investigated in the Gulf of Manfredonia (Southern Adriatic Sea) in june and september 2003 to understand water column processes in this area. There was a vertical water column stratification in september 2003 more significative than in june 2003. High nutrients and suspended matter concentrations were recorded in the coastal zone, in both periods and appeared correlated to the freshwater input.

Physico-chemical, chemical and biological parameters collected in water column during a multidisciplinary cruise in the Gulf of Manfredonia (October 2002) are reported. Two coastal and offshore systems with different biochemical and physical characteristics were highlighted by spatial distribution of observed parameters. The coastal system is characterised by low salinity, and high ammonium and chlorophyll-a concentrations. The offshore system exhibits a well defined isopicnal gradient and high nitrate values localised below the picnocline.

In this work are reported the preliminary results about investigations in May 2002 on trophic status of the Gulf of Manfredonia. Water column parameters (temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen and fluorescence) and surface and bottom nutrient along 4 transects (3 perpendicular and 1 parallel to the coast-line) were measured. Physical - chemical parameters show a thermo-aline stratification along 3 transects perpendicular to the coast-line, and surface nutrient patterns seem to be influenced by Adriatic cyclonic circulation.

The authors report results obtained using production machines in a test program that started in the first quarter of 1989. Chemical and physical evaluation of different kinds of commercial water-soluble solder creams and fluxes was first performed. Three products were selected and subjected to test in order to qualify their application in the professional field for wave soldering and reflow processes, and they were compared to the standard CFC (chlorofluorocarbon) cleaning procedure. Ionic contamination and THB (temperature-humidity-bias) tests were performed on ad hoc designed PWAs (printed wiring assemblies). It was found that acceptable cleanliness is obtained with water-soluble products provided that the washing machine has suitable spray pressure, nozzle angles, and drying section. Reliability tests on components are in progress to evaluate the possible detrimental effects of residual contaminants when moisture is present. Preliminary results of this step are given. >

A total of 15 patients affected with Perthes' disease that occurred during adolescent were followed-up in order to study progression of the disease, and to identify the "risk factors" capable of influencing the future of the lesion. Age of onset was on the average 11 years (10-13 years), age at follow-up was 38 years (20-56 years). On diagnosis, 2 hips were classified as Catterall group II, 8 as group III, 6 as group IV. Treatment was conservative in 11 patients and surgical in 4 (valgus osteostomy). A total of 88% of the hips healed with deformity to a greater or lesser degree of the femoral epiphysis (Stulberg III-IV and V). The most significant prognostic factors that emerged from the present study were the early closing of growth plate (femoral and triradiate), disorders in growth of the proximal femur, acetabular roof insufficiency, and changes in the acetabulum.

It is the first time that a case of simultaneous and bilateral avulsion of the iliac spines is described in the international orthopaedic literature. The X-ray diagnosis was made by means of traditional techniques and tridimensional CT.

Long-term follow-up (5 years and 7 months) was obtained for the results of core decompression in 18 patients (20 hips) affected with ischemic necrosis of the femoral head at Ficat stages I and IIA. Two methods were used to diagnose osteonecrosis: bone scan, and MRI. Progression of the disease was monitored by annual MRI. The persistence of pain, progression of the disease in the Ficat scale, the use of total arthroplasty, were considered to be signs of failure. Core decompression was favorable in 16 hips, there was progression of the disease in 4. Good results were observed in 90% of the stage I necroses and in 70 of the stage IIA necroses. The results of the present study suggest bone reaming as the treatment of choice in initial stages of necrosis. Thus, the need for arthroplasty in young patients is delayed.

A case of isolated dorsal dislocation of the fifth carpometacarpal joint treated conservatively is reported. The mechanism is thought to be a force hitting the head of the fifth metacarpal in a dorso-palmar direction, along the longitudinal axis of the metacarpal. Both clinical and radiological results 1 year after injury are satisfactory.

It is the purpose of this study to compare the prognostic value of the Herring classification (lateral pillar) with that of the Catterall classification. The material is constituted by 45 patients affected with Perthes' disease and reviewed an average of 24 years after onset. At follow-up the hips were divided into three classes based on joint congruency as suggested by Stulberg. The Catterall classification demonstrated overall a better predictive value for the Herring system. Instead, the most satisfactory reproducibility seems to be that of Herring: 80% as compared to 42% for the Catterall classification.

Meyer's femoral cephalic dysplasia (FCD) is a rare affection that is often confused with Perthes' disease from which it differs in terms of both treatment and prognosis. A constant feature is the absence of the nucleus of ossification that does not occur until 15-18 months of age; at times there are multiple nuclei of ossification, so that the epiphysis has a "morulated" aspect. Fusion of the various centers of ossification occurs at about 5 years of age. The epiphysis does not collapse and it preserves its density and its structure. Differential diagnosis involves Perthes' disease and other pathologies such as multiple dysplasia epiphysealis, hypothyroidism, dyschondroplasia.

The authors analyze the biomechanics of the dislocated hip in preparation to total hip replacement. Using the Pauwels criteria as a starting point, the authors observe the pathologic modification of this equilibrium when the hip is congenitally dislocated. Finally, applying these criteria to the acetabular component positioned in both the neoacetabulum and the true or paleoacetabulum, the authors show that the latter is biomechanically more advantageous.

We reviewed 36 patients who had undergone reconstructive surgery of the ligaments of the lateral compartment of the ankle between 1981 and 1986. The follow-up period averaged 6 years (range, 3-9 years). Ligamentous lesion was diagnosed by clinical examination and contact thermography. Eighty-six percent of the subjects reviewed achieved a good result, resuming sports activity and regaining full joint stability. Reports in the literature are conflicting: good results have been achieved by both conservative treatment and reconstructive surgery. We are convinced that surgery offers young athletes a better chance of regaining joint stability because it is the only treatment that promotes anatomical healing of the ligaments without lengthening or loss of strength. Contact thermography is an important means of diagnosis because of its few limitations and low cost.

Fifty-three patients treated between 1979 and 1986 with high tibial osteotomy for varus osteoarthritic knee are evaluated. The average follow-up was 6 years and 8 months (range 3-10 years). All of the osteotomies were stabilized using Weber's method. The purpose of the operation was to realign the mechanical axes with overcorrection of 3 degrees. Results were good in 71% of the patients, and 85% claimed to be satisfied with the operation. The preoperative varus, 9.5 degrees on average, was corrected to 2-degree valgus; the deformity was exactly corrected in 59% of the cases, undercorrected in 9%, and overcorrected in 32%. The corrections slowly deteriorated over time. The correlation between the results and the stage of the arthritis, the degree of deformity, and the alignment of the mechanical axes showed that the best results were obtained in monocompartmental lesions with a varus deformity of less than 10 degrees and in osteotomies resulting in an average postoperative mechanical axis of 184.5 degrees. Weber's method has undeniable advantages over other methods, such as stable internal fixation, rapid healing, early restoration of articular function and resumption of weight-bearing.

The mechanisms of prosthetic hip mobilisation are analysed, both in regard to the acetabular component and the femoral component. These are correlated with the clinical and radiographic manifestations with the aim of facilitating the comprehension and memorisation of different types of mobilisation. These are summarised in a chart illustrating the eight different mechanisms which provide both the orthopaedist and the radiologist with a rapid "aide memoire" when faced with a radiograph in a case of aseptic prosthetic hip mobilisation.