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An investigation is reported in which simple rib-knitted fabrics were constructed from lambswool yam spun on ringframes and mules. The mechanical properties of these fabrics were then measured on the Kawabata range of instruments, and primary hand values (stiffness, smoothness, and fullness/softness) were calculated. The fabrics were also subjectively assessed by a panel of judges for differences in handle. Both the objective measurements and the subjective measurements detected differences in handle between the fabrics. The fabrics constructed from mule-spun yams were found to be less stiff and smoother in handle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is shown that there is a trend towards a lower maximum hygral expansion in surfactant-treated lightweight worsted fabrics as the testing temperature increases. It is also shown that the moisture regain at which the maximum hygral expansion occurs in these fabrics decreases with increase in surfactant uptake and increase in temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the observations on the variation in diameter of saturated surfactant-treated wool fibers with temperature. The length variation of fabric samples were observed as they were slowly dried from the saturated state between 40 to 90 degrees centigrade. With increased temperature, the maximum hygral expansion dropped and occurred at lower moisture-regain values. These effects were caused by increased yarn interaction at higher temperatures resulting in swelling shrinkage and thus reducing hygral expansion.

The article presents some observations on the performance of the L & M Sewability Tester which was developed to assess the sewability of fabrics. The measure of sewability is tested by obtaining the average penetration force by penetrating the fabric with a fabric strip with a standard needle in a pre-set number of times. It was observed that regardless of the fabric type, the measurement of penetration of force decreases after consecutive tests and that the gradual reduction of force is caused by instrument heating which can be prevented by ventilation of the interior of the instrument.

Background: Two hundred anaesthetists underwent airway endoscopy and attempted awake fibreoptic intubation (FOI) on a training course. Complications were recorded and each subject's response to the procedure was assessed., Methods: Topical airway local anaesthesia was produced with up to 9 mg kg(-1) of lidocaine, sedation was not used. Complications during and after the procedure were noted. Later, the subjects completed an anonymous questionnaire about anxiety, pain, coughing, and side-effects of lidocaine., Results: More than 1300 endoscopies were performed, 180 delegates were intubated, 175 by the nasal route and five orally. Intubation was abandoned in 20 (10%) subjects. Nasal bleeding occurred in 20 (10%) subjects. Symptoms that could be attributed to lidocaine were reported by 71 (36%) subjects. Afterwards, two (1%) subjects experienced rigors and one developed a lower respiratory tract infection., Conclusions: Nasendoscopy and FOI under local anaesthesia are associated with complications, notably those of infection and airway trauma. Side-effects potentially attributable to lidocaine administration were commonly reported.

Background: Twenty-five anaesthetists underwent awake fibreoptic intubation using a combination of nebulization and topical local anaesthesia. Plasma lidocaine concentrations were measured and the quality of the local anaesthesia was assessed., Methods: After i.v. glycopyrrolate 3 microg kg(-1) and intranasal xylometolazone 0.1%, lidocaine 4% 200 mg was administered by nebulizer. Supplementary lidocaine to a maximum total of 9 mg kg(-1) was applied directly and via a fibreoptic endoscope. Nasotracheal intubation was performed once the vocal cords became unreactive. Heart rate, non-invasive blood pressure and oxygen saturation were recorded at 5-min intervals. Blood sampling commenced with a baseline sample and continued at 10 min intervals until 60 min after final administration of local anaesthetic. Subjects graded levels of anxiety, pain and coughing using written and visual analogue scales., Results: Conditions for fibreoptic endoscopy and intubation were good. Seventeen received the maximum lidocaine dose of 9 mg kg(-1). The average dose used was 8.8 mg kg(-1). All plasma lidocaine concentrations assayed were below 5 mg litre(-1). Four volunteers reported feeling lightheaded after the procedure, despite normal blood pressure. Of these, two had the highest plasma lidocaine concentrations recorded: 3.5 and 4.5 mg litre(-1). Twenty-two of the 25 subjects found endoscopy and intubation acceptable, three found it enjoyable and no subject rated it as distressing., Conclusions: This method of airway anaesthesia was acceptable to this small group of unsedated subjects. It produced good conditions for fibreoptic intubation. A maximum calculated lidocaine dose of 9 mg kg(-1) did not produce toxic plasma concentrations of lidocaine.