(C) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 114: 3723-3736, 2009″
“The present study involves synthesis of polylactic acid (PLA) using purified lactic acid from fermented broth of Jackal jujube (Zizyphus oenophlia). A polyphenolic compound, humic acid (HA) of biological origin was incorporated to the PLA in order to reinforce the PLA chain without compromising its biodegradability

and biocompatibility. Under optimized conditions of polymerization, modified L-PLA yield improved up to 93%. The molecular weight was found to be 6.4×10(5). Different physicochemical properties of the polymer were explored for its further application in different fields. Incorporation of intermolecular bond between Napabucasin research buy PLA and HA was confirmed by FT-IR spectroscopy technique. Addition of HA not only reduced the crystallinity of PLA,

but also had increased flexibility and elasticity to much greater extent. The results showed that, apart from enhancing the physicochemical properties of PLA, the process also had reduced the production cost of the polymer, while mitigating the demands of environmental protection agencies.”
“Observations of raw, fried and air-dried potato parenchyma samples were made with a UV-VIS confocal laser scanning microscope in reflective and fluorescence modes. Distinction between oil and cells was made possible by the addition of a fluorescent find more probe in the frying oil and the use

of the natural fluorescence compound inhibitor of cells. Observations were recorded at different depths and were treated to make volumetric reconstructions at different product scales. The results showed that after frying, the cellular structures were well conserved in terms of shape and size. Oil was shown to be mainly located in the first cell layer occupying around 50% of its volume. Oil remained in the cut cells emptied during the washing or the frying operation or in the damaged cells partially filled with starch. Cell detachment, because of starch swelling and dehydration. seemed to be the preferential connection between cell layers. The positive effect of air-drying toward oil uptake reduction could be the restriction of these connections. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Objectives. Long-term efficacy of arthrocentesis was investigated in patients with degenerative temporomandibular disorder (TMD) in this clinical study.

Study design. Twenty-two joints of 15 patients with degenerative TMD were included as the study group, and 16 joints of 10 patients served as the control group. Arthrocentesis procedures in upper joint spaces were performed. The study group patients’ mean follow-up period was 36.7 +/- 18.7 months, whereas the control group were kept for an average 9.9 +/- 2.8 months.