bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Audit of Hospital Discharge Letters in Patients Admitted with Acute Asthma
Authors: Lipworth B J. , Allan J , Jackson C.M. , Dhillon P.D. , Winter J.H. , Clark R.A.
Published: January 2017

The management of patients following discharge with acute asthma is dependent on effective communication with general practitioners. A retrospective audit was therefore performed on copies kept of 81 typed discharge letters with a diagnosis of acute asthma between March and October 1991. A subset of 42 interim (handwritten) letters were also audited where case notes could be retrieved. Details on clinic follow up were also obtained from the case notes (n=42). In the typed letter documentation of severity and treatment of the acute attack was accurate in most cases. Information concerning a precipatating factor was provided in 54% of cases and a smoking history in 57%. Deficiencies were found in specifying inhaler delivery devices (40% recorded), and whether inhaler technique had been formally assessed whilst in hospital (17%). Drug prescribing on discharge was as follows: oral steroid (69%), inhaled steroids (77%), inhaled B2-agonists (92%), theophylline slow release (38%), salbutamol controlled release (20%), and antibiotics (30%). The implementation of a self-management plan and domiciliary peak flow was mentioned in 66% of the letters. The interim letter was generally poor in particular for mention if discharge peak flow (2%), clinic follow-up (64%) and prednisolone regime (61%). Mean ± s.d. time for clinic follow-up (n=42) was 4.7± 1.7 weeks (range 1–13 weeks) with 24% non-attendance. Thus, improvements in discharge letters are clearly required for optimum continuity of care in the community.
Fifty Years After: Some Experiences of the Medical Care of Prisoners of War
Authors: Girdwood R H
Published: January 2017

Mention is made of Italian prisoners-of-war treated in Catterick military hospital but in October 1943 Italy joined the Allied side. An account is given of the medical condition of 78 Japanese POWs and of 228 members of the Japanese Indian Forces (JIFs) in a transit hospital in eastern India (now Bangladesh). Tropical sprue appeared to occur in an epidemic form each June and July in Burma and eastern India, but did not seem to have affected the Japanese or JIFs. A brief account is given of the condition of 180 European or Australian service men who had survived harsh conditions in Japanese POW camps until liberation in September 1945, then being admitted to a military hospital in Rangoon en route for home. Some had suffered from blindness as a result of malnutrition, the precise reason being uncertain, but there was some improvement after the injection of crude liver extract.
The Changing Pattern of Mortality in Young Adults Aged 15 to 34 in Scotland between 1972 and 1992
Authors: Smith T.
Published: January 2017

Between 1972 and 1992 the death rate in Scotland in young adults aged 15 to 34 from heart disease fell by nearly a half (49%), from cancer by a third (32%) and from respiratory diseases by 45%, with substantial falls in deaths from most other “natural causes”. All of this impressive improvement was wiped out, however, by a massive increase in deaths from drug abuse, suicides and undetermined causes as well as the emergence of AIDS. In view of the fact that many deaths due to drug misuse may be attributed instead to the immediate cause, there is an urgent need for a national agency to be set up to investigate all deaths in young adults in order to determine the number in which alcohol or drugs are the underlying cause. This agency would also monitor progress towards attaining Health of the Nation targets relating to suicide.
Psychosis and Substance Abuse: Cause, Effect or Coincidence?
Authors: Lawrie S.M. , Hutchison J.K. , Sweeney S.R. , Fernando M.R. , McAdam C.A. , Monsour M.R. , Campbell T.J. , MacLeod CM
Published: January 2017

An association between substance abuse and major psychiatric illness is increasingly well recognised, but most studies have been conducted in the USA and have focussed upon patients with schizophrenia rather than other disorders.

We conducted a survey of 38 consecutively admitted patients with DSM-III-R functional psychoses. A semi-structured substance abuse interview was administered and a urine specimen for drug metabolite screening requested. The prevalence of cigarette smoking (63%) and current illicit drug use (26%) were higher than general population norms. The 16 subjects with schizophrenia and related disorders were more likely to smoke cigarettes than the 22 patients with an affective disorder (p=0.008, odds ratio 8.4, 95% CI 1.3–69.6), and showed tendencies to more illicit drug and alcohol consumption. Illicit drug users were more likely to have a forensic history and less likely to have entered further education.

Substance abuse is common among patients with psychoses, particularly in those with schizophrenia and related disorders. All psychotic patients should have a detailed drug history taken, and therapeutic attempts made to reduce consumption.
Cyclical Etidronate and Calcium Carbonate (with Citrate) Supplementation for Osteoporosis Unmasking Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Forbes R.B. , Grant D.J. , MacWalter R.S.
Published: January 2017

An 88 year old lady undergoing cyclical etidronate and calcium carbonate (with citrate) therapy for vertebral osteoporosis was found to be symptomatically hypercalcaemic at the end of the first cycle of treatment. She had been previously asymptomatic and normocalcaemic, but was subsequently found to have primary hyperparathyroidism. This condition is most prevalent in postmenopausal females — the same patient group at risk of osteoporosis. Serum calcium should be measured after commencing cyclical etidronate and calcium carbonate. If hypercalcaemia is detected primary hyperparathyroidism should be excluded as an underlying, cause.
A Scottish Doctor's Association with the Discovery of the Plague Bacdllus
Authors: Yule W.L.
Published: January 2017

Plague killed at least a quarter of the population of Europe in 1348.‘ This was the first wave of the epidemic known as ‘The Black Death’ which continued for two years and then recurred sporadically till the late 17th Century. In London in 1603, 22.6% of the population died from plague and in the outbreak known as The Great Plague of London in 1694 there were over 70,000 deaths out of a population of 460,000. Many English villages were completely wiped out at this time. Marseilles suffered severely in 1720. The next serious outbreak was in Canton in China in 1894, the disease spreading to Hong Kong. 80,000 died, the great majority of these being in China. A Scottish doctor played an important part in the management of this epidemic when it reached the British colony, and by chance found himself on the periphery of the controversy about who first discovered Yersinia Pestis, the Gram negative bacillus that causes plague.
Seasonality of Birth in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
Authors: Douglas A.S. , Alexander E. , Allan T.M. , Helms P.J.
Published: January 2017

The objective was to clarify the optimal birth month for avoidance of SIDS and the seasonal characteristic of each birth-month cohort. The statistical method was cosinor analysis, and this established seasonality of SIDS death and births, the extent of this seasonality (amplitude) and the position of the peak (acrophase). There is a lowering of risk, by one third, amongst babies born in February-May compared to those born in August-November. The seasonal variation of death was twice as great for births in September as compared with those in April. Those born in May-June lived on average six weeks longer than those born in November-April. Advice on subsequent pregnancy delivery date should be given to families who have already experienced SIDS. For those born in autumn there may be two components — the first a genetic or intrauterine component independent of month of birth, and the second an independent effect of interaction with winter environment.
Defibrillation — A Burning Issue in Coronary Care Units!
Authors: McNaughton G. W. , Wyatt J. P. , Byrne J.C.
Published: January 2017

Skin burns are accepted to be a complication of defibrillation, however there is no published data on their frequency, cause and treatment.

A postal questionnaire survey was designed to assess the relative frequency of defibrillation burns in coronary care units and identify the possible factors contributing to their occurrence. Treatments prescribed in coronary care units were also noted. The questionnaire was sent to the Senior Sister/Charge Nurse in all 263 coronary care units in the United Kingdom.

232 Replies were received (88.2%). Defibrillation burns were seen in 98.7% of CCU's. Ten contributory factors were proposed. The commonest implicated cause was recurrent defibrillation. The most frequently prescribed topical treatment was 1% silver sulphadiazine cream (Flamazine).

Defibrillation burns are relatively common in coronary care units. Many result from recurrent defibrillation and may be unavoidable in the patient undergoing prolonged resuscitation. However there are other identifiable factors which, if avoided, may lead to a reduction in the number of burns seen.
Adverse Drug Reactions in the Elderly and Their Prevention
Authors: Cunningham G.
Published: January 2017

Increasing age is often associated with multiple medical problems and therefore, the potential for increasing amounts of prescribed medication. Adverse reactions are a recognised hazard of drug therapy in elderly patients due to the amount of medication prescribed and the greater susceptibility of older people to adverse reactions. The problem is unlikely to diminish in the near future due to the proportionately increasing ageing population. Prevention of adverse drug reactions in the elderly deserves closer attention.
Renal Replacement Therapy in the Elderly
Authors: Rodger R. S. C. , Briggs J. D.
Published: January 2017

Before 1980 few patients over the age of 65 started chronic dialysis, despite the fact that the incidence of advanced chronic renal failure was approximately ten times greater in this group compared to young and middle aged adults.1 Since that time the number of elderly patients starting renal replacement has increased markedly and accounted for 38% of new dialysis patients in Scotland in 1995. (Data supplied by the Scottish Renal Registry). In order to meet the needs of older patients with chronic renal failure there has been considerable expansion in renal services and it has been predicted that this will continue to increase in Scotland until 2010.2

The number of older patients receiving dialysis and transplantation is rising steadily and will continue to rise in the future. There is nowadays no justification for a rigid upper age limit in the selection of patients for dialysis although inevitably more elderly patients will be unsuitable on medical grounds than in the younger age groups in particular due to cardiovascular disease. The majority of elderly patients are best managed by haemodialysis but a considerable number can achieve a reasonable quality of health on peritoneal dialysis. Renal transplantation should be seriously considered in the older patient provided that comorbidity is not present, usually in the form of cardiovascular disease, to a degree which would seriously limit life expectation.
Meeting the Challenge of Stroke
Authors: Weir N.U. , Dennis M.S.
Published: January 2017

It is the elderly who carry the burden of stroke. Whilst 130,000 people suffer a stroke in the UK every year, nearly three quarters of these cases occur over the age of 65 and nearly half occur over the age of 7 5.1 As the proportion of elderly in the population continues to grow, inevitably this burden will increase. With Scotland probably experiencing the highest stroke incidence in the UK and stroke already accountingfor 5.5% of total hospital costs,2 challenges clearly lie ahead for the health service and Scottish society as a whole. The extent to which we are able to meet this challenge is becoming clearer. Thus far, therapeutic advance has been rather “low-tech”, with organisation of services and the appropriate use of existing interventions showing modest and, just occasionally, dramatic benefits. In contrast, the high hopes raised by many “high-tech ” solutions have largely been dashed or remain promising but unproven.
The Treatment of Parkinson's Disease in Older People
Authors: Lien C.T.C. , Mutch W.J.
Published: January 2017

Parkinson's disease is characterised by a variable combination of tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia and impaired righting reflexes. The cumulative life-time risk is one in 40. Levodopa remains the single most effective treatment in older patients, and the minimum dose to achieve maxiumu functional benefit should be employed. When fluctuations occur, controlled release preparations and selegiline can improve function. Oral dopamine agonists have a role but the combined side effect profile with levodopa should be monitored. COMT inhibitors have recently become available. Subcutaneous apomorphine can be helpful when “on-off phenomema are marked. The concept of neuroprotection continues to be debated. Surgery is an option for fitter older people but neurotransplantation remains essentially a research tool.
Auditing Outcomes from a Medicine for the Elderly Service
Authors: Ramage L.
Published: January 2017

Measurement of outcome and quality of health care is currently a subject of great interest, as clinicians aim to improve the service they provide to patients, and purchasers try to allocate resources wisely. Measurement of outcome and quality of health care is currently a subject of great interest, as clinicians aim to improve the service they provide to patients and purchasers try to allocate resources wisely. Details of outcomes from a Medicine for the Elderly service are presented and their relevance discussed.
Neisseria Meningitidis W135 Pneumonia with Sepicaemia in a Nonogenarian
Authors: Cadwgan A.M. , MacKenzie A.R. , Laing R.B.S.
Published: January 2017

Neisseria meningitidis infection is generally considered a disease of children or young adults, classically presenting as meningitis or sepicaemia. This infection is rare but recognised in the elderly. Wepresent the case of a nonogenarian with meningococcal pneumonia and sinusitis with bacteraemia caused by N.meningitidis W135 a rare serogroup. We therefore thought this unusual situation of interest and worthwhile reporting.
Calman and the New Deal — Compromising Doctor Training and Patient Care
Authors: Bourne M. C. , Paterson-Brown S.
Published: January 2017

Since coming into line with European law in 1995 junior doctors are expected to work no more than 72 hours per week and the European commission is currently working to reduce the working week even further to a maximum of 48 hours. Many junior and senior doctors have expressed concern over the training opportunities which would be missed by junior doctors working a shift pattern to reduce hours. Using a confidential questionnaire we approached 136 trainees in a large teaching hospital for their views.
Anaesthesia for Hip Fracture: A Survey of Scottish Practice
Authors: Dickson R. E. , Patey R.E.
Published: January 2017

A postal survey of all senior anaesthetists with routine commitment to an acute trauma list in 13 Scottish hospitals was conducted to delineate contemporary anaesthetic practice for hip fracture surgery. Almost equal use of general and regional anaesthesia was reported, however the techniques used for general anaesthesia were different from those described in previous literature in this group. The recently released Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) guidelines for the management of elderly people with fractured hip state that seniority of anaesthetist is important for improved outcome but there is no difference between either general or regional anaesthesia. However these conclusions relate to techniques and drugs which are now rarely used during general anaesthesia for hip fracture surgery. Further work to assess the impact of new techniques and agents on outcome for this group of patients may be required.
The Torsional Properties of Normal and Sulfur-Enriched Wool Fibers
Authors: Armstrong L. D. , Feughelman M.
Published: January 2017

The mechanical properties in torsion of single wool fibers of biologically produced high- and low-sulfur content have been studied to determine the effects on torsional behavior. The modulus of rigidity and the torsional relaxation, i.e., the decay in torque with time at a constant degree of twist, were determined in fibers tested in glycerol (~0% RH), distilled water, and aqueous solutions of HCl at pH 0.8, 1.8, and 2.9. The sulfur content had no significant effect on the modulus of ridigidy or on the magnitude of the torsional relaxation of dry fibers. Again, for fibers tested in distilled water, no significant effect of sulfur content on the modulus of rigidity was observed, but the percent decay in torque was measurably affected. The decay in torque in 1 hr for fibers of normal wool amounted to 23% of the initial torque and that for fibers of sulfur-enriched wool amounted to 15%. This difference in torsional relaxation behavior of wet fibers of the two wools was not thought to be due to the difference in sulfur content but may partly be linked with the aspartic acid content of the two wools. The modulus of rigidity and the torsional relaxation of fibers in aqueous HCl decreased with decreasing pH to as little as one third of the values obtained in distilled water, presumably due to the breaking of salt links, the decrease being greater for the sulfur-enriched wools.
Studies on Tensile Strength, Heat-Shrinkage Force, and Crystallinity of Rayon Tire Cords and Regenerated Cellulose Films at Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Fukuhara Setsuo , Omote Shigeo , Suzuki Yasuo
Published: January 2017

Measurements were made of tensile strength and heat-shrinkage force of rayon tire cords and of ir absorption spectra (unpolarized and polarized) of regenerated cellulose films in D2O vapor at elevated temperatures. The changes in crystallinity and frequency of OH absorption bands (intermolecular and intramolecular hydrogen bonding) in the crystalline region with increasing temperatures were determined. The ir absorption spectra of dry, regenerated cellulose films were also measured. The decrease in intermolecular hydrogen-bonding force with increasing temperatures was larger than that in intramolecular hydrogen-bonding force in the crystalline region of regenerated cellulose film. The increase in heat-shrinkage force of dry, rayon tire-cord filaments was related with the decrease in hydrogen bonding force. The decrease in tensile strength of rayon tire cord was correlated with the decrease of ir crystallinity and intermolecular hydrogen-bonding force in the crystalline region of regenerated cellulose film.
Moisture Sorption of Cross-Linked Cotton Cellulose in Relation to Swelling
Authors: Singh Balkar , Jain C. L. , Pande A. , Chipalkatti V. B.
Published: January 2017

This paper describes the technique for cross-linking cellulose with formaldehyde in the vapor and liquid phases. It also gives a brief description of an improved method for estimating the degree of cross-linking. Moisture sorption isotherms of cross-linked samples have been obtained at different relative humidities ranging from 0 to 90% and at 25°C by using McBain-Bakr sorption balance.

The relationship between swelling and water content in the bath is nonlinear. This may be due to unrestricted swelling at the lower concentrations of water in the bath; in the intermediate range of water concentrations, the swelling does not increase significantly because of primary-wall constraint.

Moisture regain of the control samples increases with increase in swelling up to 16%. This change is more pronounced at higher humidities. However, for 19% swelling, possibly because of the breaking of the primary wall, the cellulose chains may so rearrange themselves that hydrogen bonding between OH-groups increases, thereby decreasing the moisture regain.

Swollen samples are stabilized by cross-linking. The moisture sorption characteristics of cross-linked swollen samples depend on the degree of swelling at the time of cross-linking and also on the degree of cross-linking.
The Effect of the Glass-Transition Temperature of Conventional and Radiation-Deposited Polymeric Additives on Mechanical Properties of Cotton Fabric
Authors: Walsh W. K. , Siahkolah M. A. , Rutherford Henry A.
Published: January 2017

The change in properties of cotton fabric produced by polymeric additives with varying degrees of stiffness or softness has been investigated by measuring these properties at different temperatures. It was concluded that changes in crease-recovery angle produced by these polymers were not due to lubrication but were related to the elastic-recovery properties of the added polymer. Changes in tear strength and abrasion resistance were shown to be a function of interyarn mobility by measuring yarn withdrawal forces of the fabrics.

Radiation-induced deposition of polymers produced changes that were qualitatively similar to those made by conventional polymer applications, but the changes were not as pronounced. This was attributed to the lower degree of surface deposition and the lack of cross-linking of the radiation deposited polymers.
Urea Phosphoric Acid as a Quality-Control Reagent for the Poly-Set Process
Authors: Jung H. Z. , Berni R. J. , Benerito R. R.
Published: January 2017

Native cotton was modified with methylated methylolmelamine in combination with dimethyloldihydroxyethyleneurea by a two-step treatment similar to that of the Poly-Set process. Physical properties were determined before and after urea phosphoric acid (UPac) hydrolysis to determine if the stripping action of UPac could be used in quality control in the Poly-Set process. UPac does provide a means of correcting treatment errors occurring at any stage of the Poly-Set treatment.
A Comparative Study of Nylon Fiber Fracture
Authors: Goswami B. C. , Hearle J. W. S.
Published: January 2017

This investigation deals with the comparative study of the fracture morphology of 15-denier nylon 66 filament subjected to various modes of deformation. The modes of deformation included in the study are simple tensile (low and high rate of extension, low temperature, and room temperature), tensile fatigue, simple torsion, cyclic torsion, flex fatigue, and various combinations of these simple modes. The tensile breaks (dry and in liquid nitrogen) were obtained by extending the fiber to break on an Instron tensile tester. Tensile breaks at extremely high rates of extension were accomplished by the use of a device based on the principle of the “relaxation catapult,” Fiber-fracture experiments in tensile fatigue, simple torsion, and bending fatigue were carried out by the techniques developed at UMIST. In order to obtain fiber breaks in cyclic torsional fatigue, a special apparatus was constructed which was capable of imposing repeated torsion with a high degree of twist at a rate of approximately 5Hz. The biaxial rotation apparatus could not be used with fine filaments; consequently, a new test was developed which simulated filament deformation due to bending fatigue. This test involves the rotation of a fiber around a pin.

It is found that a variety of failure mechanisms are operative in nylon. Ductile crack growth dominates in simple tensile and torsion failures. The tensile failure at low temperature and in fatigue studies shows axial splitting of the fiber. The nylon 66 filaments ruptured in the flex-fatigue mode show the formation of kink bands on the underside of the bent filament. However, the failure along these kink bands does not dominate the rupture behavior of nylon.
Flame-Resistant Wool-Cotton and Wool-Cotton-Polyester Blends
Authors: Friedman Mendel , Thorsen Walter J.
Published: January 2017

A water-soluble, commercially available, oligomeric vinyl phosphonate ester effectively imparts flame resistance to wool-cotton and wool-cotton-polyester blends. Fabric hand is excellent. Limiting oxygen index values range from 26.6 to 27.4. Air permeability and ball-burst strength are reduced. Felting shrinkage is decreased and moth resistance of the wool blend fabrics is increased. The cotton component of the blend evidently acts as a carrier for the copolymerized phosphonate ester.
The Use of Solvent-Nonsolvent Mixtures for the Purification of Anionic Dyes
Authors: Chavan R. B.
Published: January 2017

The use of Dimethylformamide-Trichloroethylene (DMF-TCE) as a solvent-nonsolvent mixture is suggested for the purification of acid and direct dyes of varying degrees of sulphonation. The dye purity was varied from 93% to 100% as indicated by the sodium analysis of the purified dyes. In addition to TCE the feasibility of various other solvents as precipitating agents was also qualitatively tested.
Soil-Release and Textile Properties of Cotton/Polyester-Poly (Methacrylic Acid) Copolymer Fabrics
Authors: Mares Trinidad , Arthur Jett C. , Harris James A.
Published: January 2017

Soil-release and textile properties of cotton/polyester-poly(methacrylic acid) copolymer fabrics were determined. Three cotton/polyester blends were irradiated with gamma-radiation from cobalt-60 to a dosage of 1 megarad at 25°C and then treated with methacrylic acid (MAA) in 80:20 vol.-% aqueous methanol-water, for desired times and monomer concentrations, to produce copolymer fabrics that contained 6–22% poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA). Graft copolymerization of MAA with these fabrics resulted in high soil-removal efficiencies (87–98%) and increased moisture-regain properties. Their flex- and flat-abrasion resistances, breaking and tear strengths, and wrinkle-recovery angles were generally higher than those of the cotton control fabric. Flex-abrasion resistance data were interpreted in terms of these copolymers' lower flexibility that depended on the glass-transition temperature and substituent groups on PMAA. Results of this investigation support the theory that increased moisture regain of fabrics, presence of electron-donating groups to reduce charge on fabrics, and increased water penetration into crevices and intrayarn and interyarn spaces are essential for an efficient soil-release process.
Never-Dried Cotton Fibers
Authors: Ingram P. , Eckberg R. , Williams J. L.
Published: January 2017

It has been long known that freshly opened bolls of cotton are highly lustrous. This is shown to be due to inherent optical and morphological properties of the individual cotton fibers (“single fiber” luster) and also to the overall packing of the fibers against the inner surface of the boll (“bulk” luster).
Chemical Analysis for Chitin as a Measure of Fungal Infiltration of Cellulosic Materials
Authors: Ernst G. , Emeric D. A. , Levine S.
Published: January 2017

An analytical chemical method is described to detect low-level fungus infiltration of cotton and jute by more rapid means than the conventional bacteriological techniques. Since chitin is present in the cell walls of most fungi, it was used as an indicator for fungal contamination. The amount of chitin found may serve as an indication of the degree of fungal contamination. For this purpose the quantitative analytical method for chitin determination by Rondle and Morgan was modified for the special requirements, and a technique was developed to eliminate the interference caused by the cellulosic-matrix. Data is presented which shows a good degree of correlation between the conventional bacteriological technique and the chemical.
The Swelling of Hercosett® Resin
Authors: Beevers R. B.
Published: January 2017

Equilibrium swelling measurements have been made on Hercosett resin in a wide range of liquids with solubility parameters between 6.8 and 21.2 (cal/cm3)½, and also in buffer solutions at various pH and ionic strengths. It is shown that swelling of the resin is confined to acidic aqueous media.
An Instrument for the Rapid Automatic Measurement of Fiber Fineness Distribution
Authors: Lynch L. J. , Michie N. A.
Published: January 2017

The design principles, construction, and operation of an instrument designed for the rapid measurement of the distribution of fiber fineness of wool are described. The instrument is based on an electro-optical measurement of the amount of light scattered from a directed beam by fiber snippets. The snippets are transported through the beam dispersed in a moving liquid. The relation of the measurement parameter to fiber fineness and the problems of calibrating the instrument against the projection microscope method are discussed.
Sulfonic Acids and Sulfonate Salts as Catalysts in Durable-Press Finishing
Authors: Reinhardt Robert M. , Kullman Russell M. H.
Published: January 2017

Catalysis by sulfonic acids and sulfonate salts has been investigated for producing durable-press properties in cotton and cotton/polyester fabrics. Several alkyl, substituted alkyl, and aromatic sulfonic acids, as well as certain metal, amine, and ammonium salts of the acids, were used as catalysts in a variety of treatments with N-methyloal amide cross-linking agents. The influences of the type of treatment employed, of the catalyst and its concentration, and of curing conditions on properties of the finished fabrics were determined.

The acids provided strong catalysis at low concentrations. They were effective in conventional pad-dry-cure finishing, in finishing with curing at lower-than-usual temperatures, and in mild-cure finishing in the presence of some moisture. Sulfonate salts afforded more moderate catalysis than did the acids, although certain salts were surprisingly versatile. A range of catalytic activities was available among various salts of a given sulfonic acid or among a particular salt of various acids.
Glass-Transition Temperatures of Polyamide Textile Fibers
Authors: Buchanan D. R. , Walters J. P.
Published: January 2017

The glass-transition temperatures (Tg) of thirty-one polyamide homopolymers and copolymers of widely differing molecular structure have been determined by differential scanning calorimetry or, as fibers, by dynamic tensile property measurements, and the results have been related to molecular structure. The effect of water on Tg has been determined, and it is shown that the extent to which saturation with water lowers Tg of a dry polyamide fiber depends only on the average spacing of amide groups in the monomeric unit. From the value of Tg for the water-saturated fiber, the dyebath temperature at which a sudden increase in color yield occurs can be predicted for one disperse-dye system. Finally a procedure is outlined that allows the calculation of each of the above quantities with a precision that averages about 7°C, from a knowledge of the structure of the polyamide monomeric unit.
Distribution of Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate between Fabric and Liquor in Simulated Detergent Liquors
Authors: Rapko J. N. , Kim K. Y.
Published: January 2017

Adsorption characteristics of cotton, 65–35 polyester/cotton, and 100% polyester fabrics were measured by liquid scintillation counting using C14-labeled linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) as the surfactant. A detergent liquor composed of surfactant, builder, silicate, and hardness ions were used to simulate actual detergent formulations. The effects of water hardness, builder level, temperature, pH, and sulfate and silicate levels on the distribution of LAS between the fabric and the liquor phase were examined. A considerable portion of LAS was found to be adsorbed on the fabrics depending upon the kind of fabric.

For a given fabric, hardness ion and builder level are determining factors for adsorption. Detergent builders influence the degree of surfactant adsorption depending on their ability to complex Ca++ and Mg++. Permanent-press finishes were found to cause LAS adsorption to increase relative to corresponding unfinished fabrics. The rate of LAS adsorption under agitation was determined. The amount adsorbed was found to be linear against the logarithm of time. Adsorption “isotherms” were generated for 15-minute data.
The Photo-Oxidation of Polypropylene Monofilaments
Authors: Garton A. , Carlsson D. J. , Sturgeon P. Z. , Wiles D. M.
Published: January 2017

The elongation-at-break of highly-oriented polypropylene monofilaments is much less affected by photo-oxidation build-up than undrawn or partially-oriented filaments. This appears to result from the very poor lateral cohesion of the fibril bundles in the highly-oriented filament, limiting restructuring and cracking to a thin surface layer. For less-oriented samples photo-oxidation-induced restructuring of the surface layer results in deep cracks that can propagate under stress, greatly embrittling the sample. Areas of filaments cold drawn by, for example, bending or stretching deteriorate very rapidly on uv irradiation as a result of strain-induced chromophore formation, and fracture occurs first at these points. Oxidation-product levels (either hydroperoxide or carbonyl) are shown to be an unreliable index of the extent of deterioration of mechanical properties resulting from uv exposure.
Pyrolysis Products from Cellulose Treated with Flame Retardants
Authors: Garn P. D. , Denson C. L.
Published: January 2017

Cellulose treated with a nitrogen-containing flame retardant was pyrolyzed under anaerobic conditions simulating the initial formation of gaseous material. The gaseous products were retained principally in the small sample loop, then the material in the sample loop was directed into a gas Chromatograph for separation. A mass spectrometer was used for detection and/or identification. The materials found varied with the treatment, providing information useful in interpreting flame propagation. The natural flame retardancy of wool appears to be simulated by some of the effective flame retardants.
The Determination of the Contact Angle of a Liquid Droplet on a Thin Fiber
Authors: Carroll B. J.
Published: January 2017

A new technique for the measurement of the contact angle of a liquid on a small-denier fiber is described. Using a photomicrographic technique, the contact angle is determined from three linear dimensions of a liquid droplet located on a single fiber, the angle being read off from tables. The contact angle so obtained is in favorable circumstances reproducible to 1 degree. The new technique thus affords virtually nondestructive determination of the contact angle for the material of a textile fabric.
Ovule Fibers as a Possible Source of Neps and Motes in Pima Cotton
Authors: Elsner Otto , Alon Gad , Bar-Yecheskel Herzel
Published: January 2017

The appearance of green motes in Pima cotton makes what is already a serious problem particularly difficult, since the color is resistant to the normal bleaching process. The source of the colored motes was traced directly to the formation of the ovule fibers and indirectly to ineffective pollination of the cotton plants. Unpollinated ovules produce very fine, long, mature “ovule” fibers bound to the ovule coat, which is easily crushed, thus yielding the “seeds” for the formation of motes and probably neps as well. The formation of the green motes is only one example of ovule motes, and the color of some fibers could be traced to a specific variant of a hybrid. The green ovule motes constitute thus only a particular case of general ovule mote formation. Differentiating between the usual motes and the ovule motes is possible on the basis of the appearance and dimensions of the fibers constituting the motes. Better pollination, as suggested, should thus improve the quality of cotton lint.
Fiber Blending Irregularities in Cross Sections and on Yarn Surfaces in Relation to Yarn Properties
Authors: Krucińnska Izabella
Published: January 2017

An analysis of fiber blending irregularities is presented in relation to the disturbances of blend yarn properties resulting from these phenomena. Fiber blending irregularities were assessed using the original method of yarn surface analysis and a new method of yarn cross-sectional division. These methods correctly reflect the disturbances in the mechanical and aesthetic yarn properties resulting from non-uniform mixing of constituent fibers.
Metabolic Complications of Organophosphate and Carbamate Poisoning
Authors: Saadeh Abdallah M
Published: January 2017

The clinical manifestations of acute organophosphate (OP) and carbamate poisoning have already been well described. Most of these reports were on the cardiac, neurologic, respiratory and other clinical complications of these compounds. However, very little attention has been given to the metabolic aspects of this problem, particularly those accompanying carbamate poisoning. This paper describes the metabolic complications seen in 84 adult patients after acute poisoning with these compounds.
Should We Worry about Meconium? A Controlled Study of Neonatal Outcome
Authors: Saunders Karsten
Published: January 2017

Over a 7 month period 131 cases with intrapartum draining of meconium-stained liquor (MSL) were reviewed and the neonatal outcome compared to that of all deliveries during the same time. Mean Apgars were significantly lower and the proportion of neonates with poor Apgar scores was higher if thick meconium was present, but not for thin meconium. Prolonged labour was more common and associated with a particularly worse outcome in the MSL group. Caesarean sections were performed twice as frequently, failure to progress being the indication in more than half the cases. Close monitoring of labour in the presence of MSL (particularly thick MSL) is important to detect failure to progress and fetal distress early.
The Outbreak and Control of Ebola Viral Haemorrhagic Fever in a Ugandan Medical School
Authors: Bitekyerezo Medard , Kyobutungi Catherine , Kizza Ruth , Mugeni James , Munyarugero Emmanuel , Tirwomwe Francis , Twongyeirwe Eunice , Muhindo George , Nakibuuka Victoria , John Laurence , Ruiz Ana , Frame Karen , Priotto Gerardo , Pepper Larry , Kabakyenga Jerome , Baingana Sheila , Ledo Dennis , Nakate Maimuna
Published: January 2017

Uganda has just experienced the largest outbreak of Ebola haemorrhagic fever (EHF) ever recorded. Mbarara University Teaching Hospital (MUTH) is responsible for training approximately one-third of Uganda's doctors. Mbarara is located in South West Uganda, 614 km from Gulu, the main epicentre of the outbreak. On 23 October a patient was admitted to the medical ward of MUTH with an acute fever. He soon exhibited haemorrhagic symptoms and died. He was later confirmed to have suffered Ebola. Three more patients subsequently contracted the disease. All died. There were no further cases in Mbarara. No members of staff or medical student was infected.

We give details of the clinical features of those patients who contracted the disease, the setting up of an Ebola isolation unit, the case surveillance and the search for the source of the outbreak. The implications for similar institutions in East Africa are discussed.
Referral to Hospital in Nepal: 4 Years' Experience in One Rural District
Authors: Furber Andrew S
Published: January 2017

Formal referral systems have been proposed as a strategy to improve access to secondary care, yet their implementation can be problematic. This paper describes data from referrals in one rural district in Nepal over a 4–year period. Whilst the characteristics of those patients attending hospital after referral were similar to those described in other developing countries, the rate (1.0/1000 population/year) is much lower, especially when compared to estimated need. Geographical and other barriers to access to secondary care in rural Nepal are discussed.
Evaluation of Formalin — Acetone Sedimentation in the Concentration of Stool for Intestinal Parasites
Authors: Parija S C , Bhattacharya S , Padhan P , Shivaprakash M R
Published: January 2017

Formalin-acetone sedimentation was compared with the formalin-ether method for the concentration of stool for intestinal parasites. Of 80 stool specimens, 45 (56.25%) were positive for parasites by the formalin-acetone method. The figures for the two methods were formalin-ether 35 (43.75%) and for the direct lacto-phenol cotton blue wet mount method 17 (21.25%). There was no statistically significant difference in the parasite recovery rate between the two methods. Acetone is more stable, safer, and a cheaper fat solvent and promises to be a useful alternative to ether.
Small Volume Resuscitation with 7.5% Hypertonic Saline Solution — Treatment of Haemorrhagic Shock in the Tropics
Authors: Freudenberg S , Palma P , Schuster K , Mkony C , Waschke K
Published: January 2017

Rapid intravenous injection of 4 mL/kg body weight of a 7.5% hypertonic sodium chloride solution immediately increases intravascular osmotic pressure and intravascular volume after haemorrhage. This ‘small volume resuscitation’ rapidly improves blood pressure and microcirculatory perfusion in patients with hypovolaemic shock after large blood losses. Pathophysiological findings as well as practical application approaches are described. Small volume resuscitation is an effective and economic method in the first-line treatment of acute haemorrhagic shock.
Thick Stool Smear Wet Mount Examination: A New Approach in Stool Microscopy
Authors: Parija Subhash Chandra , Bhattacharya Sanjay , Padhan Prasant
Published: January 2017

Microscopic examination of a wet mount of the stool has been the standard practice for the laboratory diagnosis of intestinal parasitic infections. Here we describe a novel method of stool microscopy of 80 stool samples, 31 (38.75%) were positive by the new thick stool smear wet mount method, whereas the corresponding figure for the conventional method using lacto-phenol cotton blue was 16 (20%). The difference was found to be statistically significant ( P<0.04 by McNemar's test). The thick stool smear wet mount procedure promises to be superior to the direct wet mount method in the detection of the intestinal parasites.
Dyspepsia: Endoscopy Findings in Uganda
Authors: Ogwang David M
Published: January 2017

Lacor hospital, a mission hospital with a bed capacity of 460, serves the population of northern Uganda — other hospitals in the area use it as a referral hospital. The study was conducted in the endoscopy unit from November 1999 to 31 August 2000. The department of surgery runs the endoscopy unit with the surgeon heading the endoscopy team. Routine diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy is carried out weekly for elective cases, and emergency service is as and when required.
Ocular Cysticercosis — A Profile
Authors: Chowdhary Anuradha , Bansal Rajlakshmi , Singh Kirti , Singh Varinder
Published: January 2017

A retrospective study was conducted on all histopathologically proven cases of ocular cysticercosis spanning a decade in a tertiary referral centre of North India. The symptomatology, presentation, complications and treatment therapies of 18 of these patients are discussed. The most common age group to be affected was 11–20 years (50%), while the most common site involved was subconjunctival (78%), followed by lid (11%). Spontaneous extrusion was documented in three cases. Medical treatment with albendazole under the cover of corticosteroids was found to be a useful adjunct to surgical excision.
Prevalence of Podoconiosis (Endemic Non-Filarial Elephantiasis) in Wolaitta, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Destas Kelemu , Ashine Meskele , Davey Gail
Published: January 2017

The survey was undertaken to establish the point prevalence of overt podoconiosis (endemic non-filarial elephantiasis) in Wolaitta zone, Southern Ethiopia, and also to determine whether age- or sex-related prevalence differences exist. A cross-sectional survey was performed during May—September 2001 among 33 678 residents of 4210 households randomly selected from all seven woredas (administrative districts) of Wolaitta zone. Trained data collectors administered a simple questionnaire and examined household residents for signs of podoconiosis. Of the residents 1890 had overt signs of podoconiosis. The mean zonal prevalence weighted for the woreda size was 5.46%. Most of cases (64%) occurred in the economically productive age groups (16–45 years). The male:female ratio was 1:0.98, reflecting the gender ratio of the zone. Podoconiosis is an important chronic public health problem affecting both men and women in areas of irritant soil. Further research is necessary to establish the economic effects of the condition.
Treatment of Acute Oesophageal Variceal Bleeding by Transgastric Ligation
Authors: Dass H P , Wilson S J , Kurup P R S
Published: January 2017

This paper presents the results of transgastric ligation of oesophageal varices (Ong's operation), performed on 7 patients at Khoula Hospital between June 1983 and July 1985. Effective control of bleeding was obtained in every case. There were three deaths due to liver failure. Four patients are symptom-free after a period of 12–18 months follow up.
Treatment of Severe Anaemia in Children in a Rural Hospital
Authors: Dorward J A , Knowles J K , Dorward I M
Published: January 2017

In a rural hospital in Malawi a protocol was developed for the treatment of severely anaemic children to improve the chances of survival of children with haemoglobin levels of 5 g/dl or less (referred to here as severe anaemia), and also to reduce the risks of transmission of human immunodeficiencyvirus (HIV) by blood transfusion in a unit where the routine screening of donated blood for HIV positivity is not available.

Comparison of the results of applying the protocol (using digoxin, frusemide and selective delayed transfusion) with the results of using a widely accepted regimen of routine transfusion of all children with haemoglobin (Hb) of 5 g/dl or less suggests that stabilization of a severely anaemic child's cardiac state before transfusion improves the chances of survival. Many children with very low haemoglobin values do not then require transfusion, thus avoiding the dangers of transfusing blood that is potentially HIV positive. Those who do need transfusion withstand the procedure better.
Experience with 159 Cases of Premature Rupture of Fetal Membranes in Ile-Ife, Nigeria
Authors: Dare F O , Ademowore A S , Ogunniyi S
Published: January 2017

In a 10-year period, 159 out of 16825 total deliveries had premature rupture of fetal membranes giving an incidence of 0.94%. The condition poses a serious threat to both mother and the infant. Maternal infection increased exponentially with the latent period. The institution of an active management programme is suggested as a way of reducing the hazards associated with this condition.
Central Venous Pressure Monitoring for the Critically Ill in Zambia
Authors: Deedat A M , Wilson I H , Waiters DAK
Published: January 2017

The safety and value of central venous pressure (CVP) monitoring in 100 critically ill patients in Zambia was studied prospectively. There were six complications related to insertion, the only serious one being a hydrothorax which was recognized and treated. One patient developed catheter-related septicaemia. CVP measurement altered proposed fluid management in 19 cases, determined management in 31 in whom fluid status was uncertain and confirmed fluid therapy in 50. Additional benefits of central venous catheterization were drug infusion in 33 patients and venous access in 53. Technical problems during monitoring occurred in 54 cases and were due to kinking of the catheter, blockage or inadvertent removal. In our circumstances the risks of cannulation of central veins seem justified in selected patients but good nursing supervision of patients is necessary.
A Simple and Readily Available Method for Packed Cell Volume Determination
Authors: George A O
Published: January 2017

Most of the microhaematocrit centrifuges (MCH) in Nigerian health institutions have ceased to function due to lack of spare parts and poor servicing. The author carried out a study using the angle-head centrifuge (AHC) for estimating packed cell volume. The efficiency of packing was identical for both the AHC and MHC with a similar short time for centrifugation.