Pinus radiata wood specimens were heat-treated at 160-2108C in linseed oil and the effects of treatment on chemical composition, color, dimensional stability, and fungal resistance were examined. The degradation of hemicelluloses was the most remarkable feature, which is the principal reason for alterations in wood properties. Removal or migration of extractives, oil uptake and the accumulation of oil on the wood surface were observed. The color of heattreated wood became more uniform and darker, and its dimensional stability (i.e., anti-swelling efficiency) and fungal resistance were improved by up to 60% and 36%, respectively. The viscosity of the oil after treatment was elevated with the treatment temperature and was higher in comparison to heated oil without wood present.

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Objective: The aim of the present study was to determine the impact of universal salt iodization (USI) on the prevalence of iodine deficiency in the population of an area previously known to have severe iodine deficiency in India. Design: In a cross-sectional survey, a total of 2860 subjects residing in fifty-three villages of four sub-districts of Gonda District were examined for goitre and urinary iodine concentration. Free thyroxine and thyroid-stimulating hormone levels were also measured. Salt samples from households were collected for estimation of iodine content. Results: A reduction in goitre prevalence was observed from 69 % reported in 1982 to 27?7 % assessed in 2007. However, 34 % of villages still had very high endemicity of goitre (goitre prevalence .30 %). Twenty-three per cent of households consumed a negligible amount (,5 ppm) and 56 % of households consumed an insufficient amount (5-15 ppm) of iodine from salt. Conclusions: Although there was an overall improvement in iodine nutrition as revealed by decreased goitre prevalence and increased median urinary iodine levels, there were several pockets of severe deficiency that require a more targeted approach. Poor coverage, the use of unpackaged crystal salt with inadequate iodine and the washing of salt before use by 90 % of rural households are the major causes of persisting iodine-deficiency disorders. This demonstrates lapses in USI implementation, lack of monitoring and the need to identify hot spots. We advocate strengthening the USI programme with a mass education component, the supply of adequately iodized salt and the implementation of complementary strategies for vulnerable groups, particularly neonates and lactating mothers.