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Aromatase inhibitors have been used to increase predicted adult height (PAH) in boys but in girls only in McCune-Albright syndrome. We investigated whether anastrozole combined with leuprorelin for up to 2 years is safe and effective in improving PAH in girls with early puberty and compromised growth, compared to leuprorelin alone. The “GAIL” study: girls treated with an aromatase inhibitor and an LHRH analogue, ISRCTN11469487, was a 7-year prospective phase IIa study with parallel design, performed at Athens Medical Center (C-A), and Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece (C-B). Forty girls, consecutively referred for early puberty (onset 7.5–9 years) with a PAH <−2 or >1.5 SD lower than their target height (TH), were included. Twenty started on leuprorelin sc/im 0.3 mg/kg/month plus anastrozole 1 mg/d p.o. (group-A, C-A) and 20 on leuprorelin (group-B, C-B) for 2 years or until the age of 10 years. Groups did not differ in age, height, BMI, bone age advancement (BAA), and distance of PAH from TH. Follow-up was at 6, 12, 18, and 24 m. Reduction in BAA was significantly higher in group-A compared to group-B already by 6 m. Despite the transiently significant decrease in height velocity in group-A, gain in PAH SD was almost double by 12 and 18 m vs group-B and reached the maximum of +1.21 ± 0.45 (7.51 cm) vs +0.31 ± 0.37 (1.92 cm, p= 0.001) in group-B at 24 m. Group-A had no clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism, unchanged normal bone density, and lumbar spine X-rays. The co-administration of anastrozole with leuprorelin safely improves PAH in girls with compromised growth.

The purpose of this study was to apply European Commission reference dose levels (EC RDLs) to routine CT examinations. The dosimetric quantities proposed in the European Guidelines (EG) for CT are weighted computed tomography dose index (CTDIw) for a single slice and dose–length product (DLP) for a complete examination. Patient-related data as well as technical parameters for brain, chest, abdomen and pelvis examinations were collected for four CT scanners in the Euromedica Medical Center. Computed tomography dose index (CTDI) measurements were performed on each scanner and CTDIw, DLP and effective dose Ewere estimated for each type of examination for a random sample of 10 typical patients. Mean values of CTDIwhad a range of 27.0–52.0 mGy for brain and 13.9–26.9 mGy for chest, abdomen and pelvis examinations. Mean values of DLP had a range of 430–758 mGy cm for brain, 348–807 mGy cm for chest, 278–582 mGy cm for abdomen and 306–592 mGy cm for pelvis examinations. Mean values of Ewere 1.4 mSv for brain, 10.9 mSv for chest, 7.1 mSv for abdomen and 9.3 mSv for pelvis examinations. Results confirm that the Euromedica Medical Center meets EC RDLs for brain, abdomen and pelvis examinations, in terms of radiation dose and examination technique. As far as chest examination is concerned, although CTDIwof each scanner is within proposed values, the DLP is consistently exceeded, probably because of the large irradiation volume length L. It is anticipated that a reduction of L, or product mAs, or their combination, will reduce DLP without affecting image quality.

Objective : To evaluate the usefulness of continuous electronic fetal heart rate (FHR) monitoring in the first stage of labor. Methods : A total of 814 pregnant women in labor without identifiable risk factors was divided into two groups. In group A (468 cases), continuous FHR monitoring began in the earliest phase of the first stage of labor (cervical dilatation ≤4 cm), while in group B (346 cases) it began when the cervical dilatation was > 4 cm. Initial FHR tracings were normal in all 814 cases. The fetal monitoring findings were analyzed at 10-min intervals, and comparisons were made between the two groups concerning FHR findings and their correlation with the state of the newborns. Results : No significant difference was found between the two groups in the incidence of repetitive variable decelerations (1.9% and 1.7%, respectively); sporadic variable decelerations (9.2% and 8.7%, respectively); persistent repetitive late decelerations that resulted in Cesarean section (1.1% and 1.4%, respectively); or sporadic late decelerations (8.3% and 8.1%, respectively). One newborn from each group required intensive neonatal care. Conclusions : The same tracing sufficiency of fetal stress was observed in the two groups. However, the manner of labor supervision in group B seemed to be more beneficial, because of greater maternal comfort, a lower necessity for personnel, lower consumption of cardiotocographic materials and the possibility of labor induction for more women. Since fetal monitoring is widely used, it is preferable to start continuous FHR monitoring when the dilatation of the cervix approximates 4-5 cm (second phase of the first stage of labor) without risk of fetal loss.

The optical properties and vibrational modes of amorphous carbon (a-C) films were studied by spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) and Raman spectroscopy. The films were prepared by sputtering, at various energies Ei(low to high), of the argon species bombarding the film surface during deposition. The SE spectra were analysed by the Tauc–Lorentz model to describe the dielectric function ε(ω) of the bulk films and to determine their optical gaps. The calculated ε(ω) revealed fundamental differences in the electronic structure and CC bonding of the a-C films and can be described, in general, with two oscillators: one at ∼4eV, attributed to the π→π∗(sp2bonds), and one in the range 10–15.5eV, attributed to the average of σ→σ∗(sp3bonds) and high-energy (sp2bonds) absorption. A strong optical absorption at ∼1.2eV appears only in films developed with high Ei(≥130eV). The Raman spectra of the a-C films show the following behavior with increasing Ei: (1) the strengths of disordered ‘D’ and graphite ‘G’ peaks are gradually reduced and finally disappear; (2) three peaks (at ∼1250, 1295 and 1330cm−1) appear, reinforced at high Ei; and (3) at high Eitwo well-defined peaks at ∼1556 and 2330cm−1are also detected. All of the above indicate the formation of a more ordered amorphous network with increasing Ei, and a new crystalline structure is formed at high Ei.

A sensitive and reliable method was developed for the determination of electron and phonon deformation potentials of thin layers and layered structures. A device was constructed and used to apply a line force at the center of a narrow stripe cut from a semiconductor wafer. The induced strain along the stripe was calculated from the maximum deflection at the center of the stripe. Thin layers of Si, SiGe and InGaAs were studied and the information on the phonon deformation potentials was deduced from the phonon frequency shift measured by Raman spectroscopy. Strain dependent changes in electronic band structure were monitored by means of Reflectance Anisotropy Spectroscopy (RAS). The RAS spectra consisted of sharp peaks at or near bandgap energies which increased rapidly with even a small increase of strain. The uniaxial strain device used with RAS is shown to provide a very sensitive technique for the detection of small amounts of strain. This method could be also applied for the study of superlattices.

The elastic strain of porous silicon membranes for potential use in the microsensor technology has been investigated by means of micro-Raman spectroscopy. A depth distribution of the stress normal-to-the plane of formation has been measured with maximal stress value at the interface between the porous layer and the crystalline Si-substrate. The spectral characteristics of the first order Raman scattering (line shape, bandwidth and peak position) were analyzed according to the spatial correlation model in order to estimate the effects of phonon confinement and evaluate the stress. A compressive stress, attributed to the lattice mismatch between porous silicon and c-Si, has been found and shown to relax faster in samples of higher porosity.

Factors affecting reduction in the permeation rate of nitrofurantoin and hydrocortisone acetate from methylcellulose solutions through a cellulose membrane were investigated. The factors evaluated were the effect of polymer agglomeration and whether the drugs formed a complex with the polymer. The influence of polymer agglomeration was evaluated by dynamic dialysis studies of nitrofurantoin dissolved in solutions of methylcellulose 400 cps, which agglomerates, and in methylcellulose 50 cps, which does not exhibit this behavior. Dialysis rates of this drug were measured as a function of polymer concentration, ionic strength, heating time prior to measurement, and temperature. The effect of polymer agglomeration on the permeation rates of hydrocortisone acetate was studied by varying the ionic strength of the drug–polymer solution. Complex formation studies were conducted for both drugs by the equilibrium dialysis method. Polymer agglomeration caused a substantial reduction in the dialysis rate of both drugs in methylcellulose 400 cps solutions. There was less reduction in the dialysis rate of nitrofurantoin with increased polymer concentration of methylcellulose 50 cps solutions, which was attributed to the increase in the bulk viscosity of the solution. There was no evidence of complex formation of the drugs with the polymers.

Thin Ge30Sb10S60films were prepared and changes of their optical properties, Raman and infrared spectra, induced by illumination and annealing have been studied. Bleaching and darkening of exposed films was observed, depending on the initial state of the film and conditions of light exposure or annealing. The changes of optical properties are assigned to the change of homopolar bond densities. The dispersion of the refractive index of the virgin, exposed and annealed films can be described using the Wemple-Di Domenico single-oscillator model. Changes of the single oscillator energy, E0, and dispersion energy, Ed, induced by illumination and annealing are discussed.

Summary The effects of combined treatment with a heparinoid-sodium pentosan polysulfate — and an antihistamine-promethazine hydrochloride — against thioacetamide-induced rat liver injury were studied.

The correlation of in-vitro dissolution-dialysis rates of solid dosage forms with in-vivo bioavailability was investigated. Dissolution-dialysis measurements were made of 50mg and 100mg tablets and capsules of Nitrofurantoin commercial products. The samples used represented product lots whose bioavailability had been previously reported. The dissolution-dialysis medium used was pH 7.2 phosphate buffer. A cellulose dialysis membrane was used. A high degree of correlation was osbserved between apparent dialytic rate constant (Kapp) of the drug and reported in-vivo bioavailability parameters for all 50mg tablets. But the 50mg capsule Kapp value, measured under the same test conditions, was higher and did not correlate with the tablet data. However a value correlating with tablet data was obtained when the stirring speed was reduced from 100 RPM to 10 RPM. A satisfactory correlation was not obtained for the 100 mg dosage forms. This might be due to bladder drug saturation reported to occur at higher dose levels of Nitrofurantoin.

Nanocrystalline silicon thin films were deposited on thin SiO2 layers by low pressure chemical vapour deposition (LPCVD) at temperatures between 580 and 610 °C. The layer thickness was between 15 and 30 nm. The silicon dioxide layer of thickness between 5 and 20 nm was thermally grown on silicon by high temperature thermal oxidation. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra excited by the 488 nm argon ion laser line showed two different emission bands, one present in all luminescent samples and centered between 500 and 600 nm and the other between 700 and 800 nm which was obtained only for some samples. Stable electroluminescent devices were obtained, their electrical characteristics being dominated by the presence and quality of the oxide layer. Results on I—V and C—V measurements will be reported and device performance will be discussed.

Raman scattering and photoluminescence measurements have been performed in free standing porous silicon, for the first time at hydrostatic pressures up to 21 GPa. The pressure dependence of the porous silicon photoluminescence and Raman scattering has been systematically investigated as a function of porosity. Spectral features of both the Raman and PL bands exhibit almost the same transition pressures and depend on the maximum pressure achieved. Highly porous silicon (>80%) transforms at 18 GPa resulting in unrecoverable suppression of Raman and luminescence activity.

Rabbits were poisoned with carbon tetrachloride. After 12 hours, the body temperature of the animals was lowered and maintained at 31–32°C. for the next 12 hours by the surface-immersion technique. Liver function, as estimated by the time of appearence of BSP in bile, was found close to normal. This protective effect of hypothermia is probably due to the lowered basic metabolic rate.

Zusammenfassung: Am Kaninchen wurde in leichter Evipan-Narkose die EEG-Erholungslatenz nach totaler Ischämie von 100 sec Dauer und nach Perfusion mit 5% iger Kaliumcitratlösung (K3(C6H5O7)+H2O) ebenfalls während 100 sec bestimmt. Die Erholungslatenz nach Ischämie lag im Mittel bei 27,8 sec (11 Versuche). Nach Kaliumcitrat-Perfusion war sie wesentlich, nämlich bis zu 40 min verlängert. Eine ähnlich lange Erholungslatenz trat nach Ischämie erst dann auf, wenn sie auf 600 sec ausgedehnt wurde. Sowohl in den Versuchen mit Kaliumcitratperfusion wie auch mit einer Ischämiedauer von 600 sec wurden die Gehirne übereinstimmend 35–40 min nach Wiederherstellung der Blutzufuhr entnommen und lichtmikroskopisch untersucht. Dabei ergab sich, daß Kaliumcitratperfusion eine Stabilisierung der Strukturen der Nervenzellen herbeiführt. Ischämie von 600 sec Dauer bewirkt dagegen deutliche Veränderungen, die den Frühstadien der „schweren Zellerkrankung”Nissls entsprechen.

Modulations in rat hepatic microsomal UDP-glucuronyl transferase activity have been observed during carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) poisoning, with a large decrease in the enzyme cooperativity and increase in the membrane fluidity, occurring 30 min after administration. The results strengthen the possibility that an increase in microsomal membrane fluidity may be an early key event in liver injury induced by CCl4.

Structural properties of porous silicon layers performed on p-type (100) silicon wafers have been studied by X-ray reflectometry and X-ray diffraction techniques. The mean surface porosity of the layers has been obtained by comparing the critical reflection angles of the porous layer and the silicon substrate. The obtained values are in agreement with microgravimetry measurements. The strain of the porous layer as a function of the technological parameters has been analyzed by X-ray diffraction. The origin of the strain in the porous silicon is discussed according to the presence of stress and changes in the porosity across the layer. Finally, a minimum strain condition has been found, allowing the optimization of the fabrication process.

Solutions of ampicillin, carbenicillin, methicillin, oxacillin, penicillin G, and cephalothin in 5% dextrose were analyzed by nickel(II)-catalyzed hydroxylaminolysis. The reactions of these antibiotics were complete within 20min at room temperature. Under the analytical conditions, molar absorptivities of the ferric-hydroxamate complexes ranged from 830 to 1005 liters/mole/cm. Coefficients of variation for the analysis of these antibiotics in 5% dextrose were typically <3% at concentrations of 1 mg/ml. Oxacillin was analyzed by the same method in normal saline and/or lactated Ringer solutions. The method also was applied to the analysis of chloramphenicol in aqueous solutions. Only ampicillin showed a significant decrease in concentration in 48hr.

ZnSe thin films were processed in-vacuum by EBD and in-solution by CBD for comparative studies of CdS-buffer replacement of ZnO/CdS/Cu(In,Ga)Se2/Mo/glass solar-cells. ZnSe films deposited by EBD, at e-beam energies 11keV, on polycrystalline CuGaSe2, at 400°C, were microcrystalline, with average grain-sizes 100nm, and (111)zinc-blende(ZB)-structure. The films exhibited compressive mismatch-stresses σ = −0.9 GPa. The absorption coefficient α = 6.2 × 103cm−1and the energy band-gap Eg= 2.69eV indicated optical transparency suitable for buffer/solar-absorber configurations. In CBD, zinc-sulfate_(ZnSO4) solution with selenourea_(SeC(NH2)2), ammonia_(NH3), hydrazine_(NH2NH2), and sodium-sulfite_(Na2SO3) were processed at solution-bath temperature 70°C. The growth-rates of ZnSe on glass_(1.2nm/min), epitaxial_CuGaSe2/GaAs(001)_(7.4nm/min), and polycrystalline_Cu(In,Ga)Se2/Mo/glass_(17.6nm/min) were strongly facilitated by substrate order, orientation, and conductivity. Mismatch-stresses switched from compressive σ = −0.5GPa of ZnSe_on_epitaxial_CuGaSe2/GaAs(001) to tensile σ = 1.1-1.9GPa of ZnSe_on_polycrystalline_Cu(In,Ga)Se2/Mo/glass. Film crystallinity was improved by post-growth annealing (300°C,2h,Ar/N2). The energy band-gap Eg= 2.73-2.87eV was broadened with the increase of annealing-time. ZnSe films were deposited by CBD on polycrystalline Cu(In,Ga)Se2with (101)wurtzite(WZ)-structure. Following process-optimization, high quality ultra-thin films with (ZB)-structure were produced. The quality assessment of ZnSe films processed by cost-effective, easy-applicable, fast-rate, large-area, moderate-temperature CBD competes with that of EBD processed films and opens the perspective for strain-free CIGS TFSCs by lattice-matching of ZB/WZ-ZnSe bilayer to chalcopyrite sub-layer and ZnO over-layer.

Purpose: Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) thickness, measured by echocardiography, is associated to the presence of coronary artery disease (CAD) and severe aortic stenosis (AS). EAT thickness is commonly referred as the diameter of the echo-free space between the right ventricular wall and the visceral layer of the pericardium in parasternal long axis view, using the aortic annulus as an anatomic landmark (EAT-1). We aimed to demonstrate that the direct measurement of the adipose tissue thickness visualized in the space between the ascending aorta and the right ventricle (EAT-2) might be considered an alternative method. Methods: We measured EAT-1 and EAT-2 in 130 pts with severe cardiac disease referred for cardiac surgery: 53 pts with isolated AS, 49 pts with severe CAD, and 28 pts with both severe AS and CAD (AS+CAD); and in 50 control subjects matched for age, sex and BMI. The two measurements were obtained at end-systole in 3 cardiac cycles (figure). Results. Both EAT-1 and EAT-2 measurements had an excellent reproducibility. With respect to controls pts had significantly increased EAT-1 (2,4 ± 0,5mm vs 6 ± 2mm; p<0,05) and EAT-2 (3 ± 1,2mm vs 12 ± 3mm; p<0,05). EAT-1 and EAT-2 were not statistically different in controls. EAT-2 was significantly higher than EAT-1 in CAD, AS, and AS+CAD pts (p<0,05). Interestingly, EAT-2, but not EAT-1, was significantly increased in AS+CAD pts with respect to EAT-2 of pts with isolated AS and isolated CAD. Conclusions: Our data demonstrate that EAT-2, as well as EAT-1, is a valuable method to measure EAT thickness. Further, EAT-2 seems to better recognize EAT increase, in pts with AS+CAD. Comprehensively, EAT-2 is greater than EAT-1. The larger space between ascending aorta and right ventricle, allowing EAT expansion, could justify our observation.

The management of a patient who presented ten days after the onset of a peroneal compartment syndrome is described. The frequency, pathogenesis and treatment of the condition is discussed.

In this work, ZnSe thin films were cathodically electrodeposited on copper (Cu) substrates from aqueous solutions of ZnSO4 and SeO2 using a three electrode configuration. Cyclic voltampèrometry has been applied to determine the deposition potential range. The deposited films were composed of polycrystalline cubic ZnSe (111) and elemental selenium. The highest zinc content was observed on films deposited at E=−0.6 V vs SCE. The Zn:Se atomic percentage obtained by EDAX approached 1:1 after annealing at 250oC for 30 min. The films were found to have 44 nm lowest surface roughness and 15% highest reflectance. The results of this study suggest that the electrodeposited ZnSe films are suitable for applications in photovoltaic technology.

A survey of examination frequencies, dose reference values, effective doses and doses to organs involving 14 scanners from Greece and 32 scanners from Italy was carried out for the years 1999 and 2000. Examination frequencies per scanner and per year were found to be 3590 for Greece and 4520 for Italy. For the types of examinations considered, CDTIw and DLP measurements were taken. Also scan lengths used for the same types of examinations were monitored. For the same types of examinations effective doses were calculated by two methods, and it was found that their mean values ranged from 13.1 mSv for thoracic spine to 1.6 mSv for the brain examinations. From the data of the 14 Greek laboratories, doses to organs were calculated and it was found that the thyroid receives 50.2 � 19.8 mGy during a cervical spine examination while the gonads receive 17.8 � 6.9 mGy during a routine pelvis examination.

The radiographic technique factors and the quality of each radiographic image for three common examinations (chest PA, pelvis PA and lumbar spine LAT) were compared with the European criteria and entrance surface dose (ESD) was measured for each radiograph in two Greek hospitals. The measurements were carried out using calibrated LiF thermoluminescence dosemeters. The patients were selected so that their weight was close to 70 � 10 kg and their height to 170 � 10 cm. Effective dose values were calculated using a PC-based Monte Carlo program. All four X ray rooms in the survey achieved mean doses well below the European reference doses. However the mean doses in the X ray rooms differed by a factor of about 3.

During DIMOND CA, a thermoluminescence dosimetry intercomparison has been performed, in order to ensure that all participants measure the same dose. After the calibrating and annealing procedures, 50 TLD pellets (in groups of five) of each participating country were sent to the coordinator to be irradiated with 'unknown' radiations (blind test). The irradiation conditions (8 different set-ups, one for each group of pellets per participant) were (i) one gamma irradiation (60Co), at air kerma in the range of 0.3 to 50.0 mGy, (ii) seven X ray irradiations, at air kerma in the range of 0.3 to 50.0 mGy, with tube potential in the range of 40 to 150 kV and a variety of filter combinations. Ten pellets (two groups) were used for background and transport dose evaluation. After measuring the TLDs, the participants sent the results to the coordinator for intercomparison. Irradiating set-up conditions, evaluated doses, as well as comparison of mean values with the 'true' nominal doses are presented and discussed.

It is important to reduce the radiation dose to children due to computed tomography (CT) examinations, because of the risk of radiation-induced effects. For this reason, mainly CT dosimetric quantities (nCTDIw, DLP, effective dose) were estimated for children, from the most frequent examinations in relation to their age and size. Three cylindrical and one elliptical PMMA phantoms were used, with corresponding diameters to match children of 2 months, 2 years, 7 years and 10 years. nCTDIw values were measured with a pencil shaped ionisation chamber and thermoluminescence (TL) dosemeters, inside the phantom for different examinations (head, thorax, abdomen) and different scan protocols that are applied in everyday routine work. A reduction in effective dose was observed (from 18 to 31%) and in nCTDIw values (from 0 to 31%), as the child's age increases. It is hoped that the above values (nCTDIw, DLP, effective dose) will help in the derivation of reference dose values for CT examinations of children.

Information about the action of vasopressin on the structure of the rat kidney is relatively meagre. Byrom (1939) has described the histological lesions in the rat kidney induced by enormous amounts of Pitressin as 'direct infarction or ischaemic degenerative changes short of infarction of specialized parenchyma...', but emphasized that 'after smaller doses (5–20 units) no definite lesions are seen unless injections are repeated daily or twice daily for at least 3 days'. The lesions were attributed to vascular spasm. However, from experiments on the effect of small doses of Pitressin on the renal circulation of hamsters (Thurau, Deetjen & Kramer, 1960) and rats (Fourman & Kennedy, 1966) it has been suggested that renal blood flow is affected, possibly because of vascular constriction.The present study was designed to determine the dose of Pitressin which induces histological lesions of the rat kidney. Albino (Wistar) rats of both sexes, weighing 180–240 g,