0000000000149942
AUTHOR
N. Campo
Pegylated interferon α plus ribavirin for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C: A multicentre independent study supported by the Italian Drug Agency
a b s t r a c t Background: Data on the efficacy of Peg-interferon/ribavirin therapy for chronic hepatitis C are mostly derived from treatment of selected patients enrolled in clinical trials. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of Peg-interferon/ribavirin therapy in “real world” chronic hepatitis C patients in Italy. Methods: Independent observational multicentre study including consecutive patients receiving Peginterferon/ribavirin in the 18 months before (retrospective phase) and after (prospective phase) the start of the study. Results: 4176 patients were eligible. The final study population consisted of 2051 patients in the retrospective and 2073 in the prospective phase. Sust…
Characterization of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) modified by ion implantation
Abstract Surface modification of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is induced by ion implantation of different ions at 300 keV energy. The aim of this work was the chemical, physical and mechanical characterization of the modified material in order to know deep inside about the effect of the ion beam upon the polymer. The irradiated surfaces are investigated by Raman spectroscopy, infrared absorption and micro-hardness analysis, scanning electron microscopy. Pin on disc measurements valuated the wear of the UHMWPE against a stainless steel probe; wear resistance increases of about 76% after the ion implantation. This result can be attributed to the ion bombardment inducing a…