Nanocalorimeter platform for in situ specific heat measurements and x-ray diffraction at low temperature.

Recent advances in electronics and nanofabrication have enabled membrane-based nanocalorimetry for measurements of the specific heat of microgram-sized samples. We have integrated a nanocalorimeter platform into a 4.5 T split-pair vertical-field magnet to allow for the simultaneous measurement of the specific heat and x-ray scattering in magnetic fields and at temperatures as low as 4 K.

Impact of magnetic resonance imaging on the management of diabetic foot infections.

This combined retrospective/prospective study evaluated the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 18 diabetic patients with apparent foot infections. The goal was to define the impact of MRI on directing the expedient and accurate surgical intervention so important in achieving optimal preservation of limb tissue and function. We found that MRI provides a rapid and reliable means of "viewing" the diabetic foot.

Maternal anxiety and childbirth.

The repercussions of the emotional state of a pregnant woman on the course of her labour and delivery and on the state of health of the newborn have been the subject of numerous researches which have yielded contrasting results. The present inquiry was carried out on a group of 34 pregnant women, with the aim of examining the relationship between the emotional state of a woman during pregnancy, on the one hand and, on the other, the course of her labour and delivery, her psychological reaction to it, and the birth weight of her baby.

The diabetic foot: magnetic resonance imaging evaluation.

Fourteen diabetic patients with suspected foot infection and/or neuropathic joint (Charcot Joint) were evaluated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in an attempt to assess the extent of the infection and also to distinguish infection from the changes seen with neuroarthropathy. The majority of patients with infection had more than one site of involvement and the following diagnoses were made by MRI evaluation: osteomyelitis (n = 8), abscess (n = 7), neuropathic joint (n = 5), septic arthritis (n = 4), and tenosynovitis (n = 4). Clinical or surgical/pathological confirmation of the MRI diagnoses was obtained in all but nine sites of infection or cases of neuropathic joint.

Benefits and risks of different hormonal replacement therapies in post-menopausal women.

A total of 113 women who presented with climacteric symptoms participated in the study. They were randomly allocated to seven groups of 10-27 subjects, who received for 6 mth the following therapies, respectively: conjugated oestrogens (CE) 0.625 mg/day for 21 days + norethisterone (NET) 5 mg/day from day 12 to day 21; CE + cyproterone acetate (CPA) 12.