Results: As well

as the expected cytoplasmic occupancy of

Results: As well

as the expected cytoplasmic occupancy of PfSHMTc during all stages, localization into the mitochondrion and apicoplast occurred in a stage-specific manner. Although early trophozoites lacked visible organellar PfSHMTc, a significant percentage of parasites showed such fluorescence during the mid-to-late trophozoite and schizont stages. In the case of the mitochondrion, the majority of parasites selleck chemicals llc in these stages at any given time showed no marked PfSHMTc fluorescence, suggesting that its occupancy of this organelle is of limited duration. PfSHMTm showed a distinctly more pronounced mitochondrial location through most of the erythrocytic cycle and GFP-tagging of its N-terminal region confirmed the predicted presence of a mitochondrial signal sequence. Within the apicoplast, a majority of mitotic schizonts showed a marked concentration of PfSHMTc, whose localization in this organelle was less restricted than for the mitochondrion and persisted from the late trophozoite to the post-mitotic

stages. PfSHMTm showed a broadly similar distribution across the cycle, but with a distinctive punctate accumulation towards the ends of elongating apicoplasts. In very selleck chemicals late post-mitotic schizonts, both PfSHMTc and PfSHMTm were concentrated in the central region of the parasite that becomes the residual body on erythrocyte lysis

and merozoite release.

Conclusions: Both PfSHMTc and PfSHMTm show dynamic, stage-dependent localization among the different compartments of the parasite and sequence analysis suggests they may also reversibly associate with each other, a factor that may be critical to folate cofactor function, given the apparent lack of enzymic activity of PfSHMTm.”
“N-carboxymethyl chitosans (N-CMC) were synthesized from chitosan in water with chloroacetic acid instead of comparatively expensive glyoxylic acid. The optimal reaction conditions were 90 degrees C and 4 h with a ratio of chloroacetic acid to chitosan 5 : 1(w/w). The degree of substitution of product exceeded 1.32. The N-carboxymethyl chitosans were characterized by XRD, FTIR, (1)H-NMR, and the water solubility and isoelectric Batimastat datasheet point of N-CMC with different degrees of substitution were determined. FTIR and (1)H-NMR data has confirmed that the substitution reaction occurred on the amino groups. (C) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 119: 3282-3285, 2011″
“A sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas cv. ‘Jinhongmi’) MADS-box protein cDNA (SRD1) has been isolated from an early stage storage root cDNA library. The role of the SRD1 gene in the formation of the storage root in sweetpotato was investigated by an expression pattern analysis and characterization of SRD1-overexpressing (ox) transgenic sweetpotato plants.

However, the opposite results were obtained when the Flynn-Wall-O

However, the opposite results were obtained when the Flynn-Wall-Ozawa method was used. That was because the Doyle approximation stands correct as the conversion degree is from 5% to 20%. The effects of SiO(2) and DDP on the PET thermal degradation were lower in nitrogen than in air. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 122: 1993-2003, 2011″
“In this paper various methods for studying p-n junctions in thin film solar cells are applied with the aim to localize and investigate defects

on a microscopic scale. Different electron and ion beam characterization GSK2879552 manufacturer methods are introduced to determine the p-n junction position using two different examples from crystalline silicon on glass thin film technology. In a first example, planview and cross section electron beam induced current measurements revealed that oxygen rich columnar growth at textured substrates strongly disturbs the p-n junction. In a second example, diffusion from glass substrate is identified by ToF-SIMS to influence the electrical and structural characteristics of the thin Si layer resulting in a modified p-n junction. A model describing the formation of both defect structures is introduced. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi: 10.1063/1.3573391]“
“The almost universal finding of osteopenia in Gaucher disease and the unpredictable advent of avascular necrosis

and/or pathological fractures are clinically relevant PF-6463922 issues that are not necessarily signaling pathway reversed by specific enzyme replacement therapy (ERT). However, genetic/epigenetic factors may explain variance for bone mineral density (BMD) in the normal population. Among the candidate genes, vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms have been correlated with BMD at the lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN) and/or fracture risk in various populations. Helsinki Committee approval was received. DNA samples

from 15 healthy individuals and 83 non-neuronopathic adult patients with recent BMD data at LS and FN were tested for VDR polymorphisms FokI, ApaI, TaqI, and BsmI. Chi-square, Fisher’s exact, analysis of variance (ANOVA), Scheffe post hoc, and non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA were applied as appropriate. P values < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. There were no significant differences between patients and controls in frequency of any of polymorphic genotypes. The ApaI and BsmI genotypes were correlated with the N370S/N370S Gaucher genotype (p = 0.029, and p = 0.061, respectively). There was a correlation between the BsmI genotype and skeletal involvement (p = 0.018) and a trend to significance with Z scores at LS (p = 0.084). There was a statistically significant correlation between the Taq1 variants and BMD at the FN (p = 0.030) with the TT variant associated with lower BMD. As in other populations, VDR polymorphic genotype may be an independently sorting modifier in the prediction of BMD and bone involvement in Gaucher disease.

The review identified a number of benefits to using diagrams in d

The review identified a number of benefits to using diagrams in data collection, including the ease with which the method can

be adapted to complement other data collection methods and its ability to focus discussion. However it is clear that the benefits and challenges of diagramming depend on the nature of its application and the type of diagrams used.

Discussion/Conclusion: The results selleck compound of this multidisciplinary systematic review examine the application of diagrams in data collection and the methods for analyzing the unique datasets elicited. Three recommendations are presented. Firstly, the diagrammatic approach should be chosen based on the type of data needed. Secondly, appropriate instructions will depend on the approach chosen. And thirdly, the final results should present examples of original or recreated diagrams. This review also highlighted the need for a standardized terminology of the method and a supporting theoretical framework.”
“Hypothesis: Bilateral stimulation through cochlear

implants induces a brain activity pattern closer to the normal one than unilateral stimulation.

Background: Although it has been shown that speech comprehension through bilateral cochlear implants leads to better performances than after unilateral implantation, the existence of neural underpinnings of this improvement remains to be studied.

Methods: We performed an H(2)O(15) positron emission tomographic study of word recognition in 5 patients with bilateral cochlear implants and 5 normal-hearing controls. click here Subjects had to distinguish words from nonwords in binaural and monaural conditions.

Results: There was no overactivation in patients for binaural stimulation, with a hypoactivation in the right temporal selleckchem cortex. For monaural

stimulation, patients demonstrated more activation contralaterally to the stimulation side in the posterior temporal cortex and in the cerebellum.

Conclusion: Binaural stimulation through cochlear implants is advantageous compared with the monaural at the neurofunctional level because the pattern of brain activity is closer to the normal one.”
“Purpose: To develop a simple and cost effective spectrophotometer method for the determination of ACE inhibitor ramipril in dosage forms.

Methods: UV spectrophotometry was used to develop and validate a simple method for the assay of ramipril in solid dosage form at lambda(max) of 210 nm, as per International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines. Aqueous methanol (5%) was used as the blank solvent. The method was validated for linearity, recovery, accuracy, precision, specificity in the presence of excipients, and also for inter-day stability under laboratory conditions.

Results: Validation results showed linearity in the range 1 – 38 mu g/ml; recovery accuracy 101.55%; regression equation Y = 0.0256X + 0.0697, R-2 of 0.9942; precision RSD < 2.

By sequencing analysis, we revealed that they were all associated

By sequencing analysis, we revealed that they were all associated with RPMS1, one of the BamHI-A rightward transcripts (BART) of EBV. Some BART cDNAs such as RPMS1 and A73 are known to be translated into protein in vitro, and

have been shown to have some biochemical functions relevant to tumorigenesis. But, presently, the BART transcripts were expressed only in the nucleus and not in the cytoplasm, arguing against their role as messenger RNAs. Some other BART PF-03084014 manufacturer transcripts expressed in GCs (BARF0, CST, vIL, BARF1, BLLF1, and BcLF1) were also extensively detected in the nucleus.

Conclusion

BART transcripts are the predominant viral transcripts expressed in EBV-associated GCs, and they are located only in the nucleus. Therefore, it seems less likely that BART transcripts produce functional proteins to play a role in carcinogenesis of EBV-associated GCs.”
“The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) is a national surveillance system that has been assessing the health and nutritional status of Koreans since 1998. Based on the National Health Promotion Act, the surveys have been conducted by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC). This nationally representative

cross-sectional survey includes approximately Bafilomycin A1 10 000 individuals each year as a survey sample and collects information on socioeconomic status, health-related behaviours, quality of life, healthcare utilization, anthropometric measures, biochemical and clinical profiles for non-communicable diseases and dietary intakes with three component surveys: health interview, health examination and nutrition survey. The health interview and health examination are conducted by trained staff members, including physicians, medical technicians and health interviewers, at a mobile examination centre, and dieticians’ visits selleck kinase inhibitor to the homes of the study participants are followed up. KNHANES provides statistics for health-related policies in Korea, which also serve as the research infrastructure for studies on risk factors and diseases by supporting over 500 publications. KCDC has also supported researchers in Korea by providing annual workshops for

data users. KCDC has published the Korea Health Statistics each year, and microdata are publicly available through the KNHANES website (http://knhanes.cdc.go.kr).”
“Autophagy is a process necessary for maintaining cell homeostasis in physiological conditions, as well as during certain stresses like nutrients or oxygen deprivation. Autophagy also plays an essential role in tumorigenesis. It prevents cell transformation, but on the other hand, autophagy enables existing cancer cells to adapt to harmful conditions and increased glucose demand, supports maintaining of cellular metabolism and accelerates tumor growth. Among others, it refers to Ras-transformed cells. Recent research unveiled BNIP3 protein as one of the key players involved in autophagy.

A 64-year-old woman underwent a sacral laminectomy for recurrent

A 64-year-old woman underwent a sacral laminectomy for recurrent chordoma. A negative pressure wound drain was left in after surgery and drained 1300 mL in the first 48 hours. On the fourth postoperative day, the patient presented with tonic-clonic seizures.

Results.

Diagnostic imaging showed multiple supra- and infratentorial intraparenchymal hemorrhages and a massive sacral cerebrospinal fluid leak. The patient underwent emergent surgery for a primary repair of the presumed dural defect.

Conclusion. Patients who present with severe positional headache, altered mental status, or tonic-clonic seizures after undergoing intradural spinal procedures involving massive cerebrospinal fluid loss may be suffering from multiple Epacadostat supra- and infratentorial intracranial hemorrhages.”
“It has been shown that hepatitis E virus (HEV) may be responsible for chronic hepatitis in solid-organ transplant patients. It has also been suggested that HEV may be responsible for atypical neurological symptoms during the acute phase. However, the relationship between the

neurological symptoms and HEV infection was based on the detection of anti-HEV IgM in the sera. Herein, we report a case where neurological symptoms, that is peripheral nerve involvement with proximal muscular weakness https://www.selleckchem.com/products/jq1.html that affected the four limbs joints with central nervous-system involvement and bilateral pyramidal syndrome, occurred in a kidney-transplant patient who was chronically infected by HEV. For the first time, HEV RNA was detected in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid. In addition, clonal HEV sequences were Nirogacestat Neuronal Signaling inhibitor analyzed in both compartments, that is serum and cerebrospinal fluid. The discovery of quasispecies compartmentalization and its temporal association suggests that neurological symptoms

could be linked to the emergence of neurotropic variants.”
“Study Design. A finite element (FE) modeling of homogeneous and inhomogeneous poroelastic tissue material properties within disc anulus fibrosus (AF) and nucleus pulposus (NP).

Objective. To test the hypothesis that simulation of inhomogeneous poroelastic tissue material properties within AF and NP quadrants, rather than homogeneous properties within regions of AF and NP without quadrants, would better predict the cervical spine biomechanics.

Summary of Background Data. In order to represent tissue swelling and creep deformation behavior more physiologically in FE models, disc poroelastic tissue material properties should be modeled appropriately. Past studies show an existence of inhomogeneous rather than homogeneous nature of the tissue properties in various quadrants of AF and NP, and this has been simulated in a single-segment FE lumbar model with only compression analysis. This article simulated these tissue properties in a multisegmental cervical spine and reported the results of both compression and moment loads.

Methods. Two three-dimensional FE models of a C3-T1 segment were developed.

Results: The highest solubility values of 9 153 and 8 560 mg/ml f

Results: The highest solubility values of 9.153 and 8.560 mg/ml for aceclofenac were obtained with almond oil and oleic acid, respectively (p < 0.05). However the solubility and permeability of aceclofenac in hydro-alcoholic solution were 150.65 mg/ml Copanlisib PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitor and 14.91 +/- 0.05 mu g/cm(2)/h, respectively. Aceclofenac also showed higher permeability values (1.45 +/- 0.04 and 1.21 +/- 0.06) in almond oil and oleic acid, respectively, than in the other oils (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: These findings show that almond oil and oleic acid are promising vehicles for aceclofenac as its enhanced solubility

and permeability in these vehicles are suggestive of improved bioavailability.”
“Purpose of review

Persistent transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) signaling is the major factor contributing to scleroderma (SSc) fibrosis. This review will summarize recent progress on the noncanonical TGF-beta signaling pathways and

their role in SSc fibrosis.

Recent findings

Canonical TGF-beta signaling involves activation of the TGF-beta receptors and downstream signal transducers Smad2/3. The term noncanonical TGF-beta signaling includes a variety of intracellular signaling pathways activated by TGF-beta independently of Smad2/3 activation. There is evidence that these pathways play important role in SSc fibrosis. In a subset of SSc fibroblasts, a multiligand receptor complex consisting of TGF-beta and CCN2 receptors drives

constitutive activation of the Smad1 pathway. CCN2 is also a primary effector of this pathway, thus establishing an autocrine loop that amplifies TGF-beta signaling. SSc fibroblasts PARP inhibitor trial also demonstrate reduced expression of endogenous antagonists of TGF-beta signaling including transcriptional repressors, Friend leukemia integration-1 and perixosome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma, as well as inhibitor of Smad3 phosphorylation, PTEN. PTEN is a key mediator of the cross-talk between the sphingosine kinase and the TGF-beta pathways.

Summary

Discovery of the role of noncanonical TGF-beta signaling in fibrosis offers new molecular targets for the antifibrotic therapies. Due to the heterogeneous nature of SSc, knowledge of these pathways could help to tailor the therapy to the individual patient depending on the activation status of a specific profibrotic pathway.”
“Objective: MK-1775 The aim of this study is to assess the correlation of the average antero-posterior, transverse and longitudinal diameters of the fetal renal pelvis to neonatal outcome. Methods: This retrospective study evaluates the neonatal outcome of all fetuses with suspected pyelectasis on ultrasonographic examination between May 1997 and March 2006. During this time, 764 fetuses with pyelectasis and 1285 renal units were scanned. We defined fetal pyelectasis as mild if the ARP was >= 5-<10 mm, moderate if ARP >= 10-<15 mm and severe if ARP >= 15 mm.

RESULTS: Nine trials encompassing 3836 patients were reviewed Th

RESULTS: Nine trials encompassing 3836 patients were reviewed. The facilitated PCI strategy was fibrinolytic therapy alone tit seven trials Small molecule library and half-dose fibrinolytic therapy plus GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors in two trials. In patients Who had fibrinolysis less than 2 It after symptom onset (mainly in the prehospital setting) and/or slightly delayed PCI 3 h to 24 h after fibrinolysis, facilitated PCI was associated with the greatest Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) grade 3 flow and a trend toward reduced mortality. Overall, facilitated PCI was associated with increased intracranial hemorrhage and reinfarction. Combining half-dose fibrinolytic therapy and GP

IIb/IIIa inhibitors reduced reinfarction but increased major bleeding.

CONCLUSIONS: Facilitated PCI cannot be recommended Outside Of experimental protocols

at ibis time. Further research should focus on selecting patients with higher benefit-to-risk ratios and performing prehospital fibrinolysis with optimal antiplatelet or antichrombin therapy, as well,is slightly delayed PCI tit patients who are stable or geographically removed from PCI facilities.”
“Surface-induced thrombosis is a significant issue for artificial blood-contacting materials used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The development of biomaterials and tissue-engineered constructs that mimic the vasculature represents a way to overcome this problem. Elastin is an extracellular matrix macromolecule that imparts arterial elasticity where it comprises up to selleck compound 50% of the nonhydrated mass of the vessel. In addition to its critical role in maintaining vessel integrity and elastic properties under pulsatile flow, elastin plays an important role in signaling and regulating luminal endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells in the arterial wall. Despite its well-established significance in the vasculature and its growing use as a biomaterial in tissue engineering, the hemocompatibility of elastin

is often overlooked. Past studies pointing to the potential of arterial elastin and decellularized elastin as nonthrombogenic materials have begun to be realized, with elastin scaffolds and https://www.selleckchem.com/products/Pitavastatin-calcium(Livalo).html coatings displaying increased hemo-comptibility. This review explores the mechanisms of elastin’s nonthrombogenicity and highlights the current problems limiting its wider application as a biomaterial. We discuss the benefits of constructing biomaterials encompassing the relevant mechanical and biological features of elastin to provide enhanced hemocompatibility to biomaterials.”
“Background and aims: Testing for LTBI is recommended prior to anti-TNF alpha agents. This includes an assessment of TB risk factors, chest radiograph, and interferon-gamma release assay alone or with concurrent Tuberculin skin testing. Here we review our experience and cost-effectiveness of using T-SPOT.

These results are encouraging for cost-effective LSC designs base

These results are encouraging for cost-effective LSC designs based on semiconductor nanoparticles. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3619809]“
“Jatropha curcas (L.) trees under north Indian conditions (Lucknow) GDC-0994 price produce fruits in two major flushes, once during autumn-winter (October-December). The leaves at this time are at the senescence stages and

already shedding. The second flush of fruit setting occurs during the summer (April-June) after the leaves have formed during spring (March-April). Photosynthetic performance of detached jatropha fruits was studied at three developmental stages, immature, mature and ripe fruits. Studies were made in both winter and summer fruits in response to light, temperature https://www.selleckchem.com/products/lazertinib-yh25448-gns-1480.html and vapour pressure deficit (VPD) under controlled conditions to assess the influence of these environmental factors on the photosynthetic performance of jatropha fruits. Immature fruits showed high light saturating point of around 2000 mu mol m(-2) s(-1). High VPD did not show an adverse effect on the fruit A. Stomata! conductance (g(s)) showed an inverse behaviour to increasing VPD, however, transpiration

(E) was not restricted by the increasing VPD in both seasons. During winter in absence of leaves on the jatropha tree the fruits along with the bark contributes maximum towards photoassimilation. Dark respiration rates (R-d) monitored in fruit coat and seeds independently, showed maximum R-d in seeds of mature fruit and these were about five times more than its fruit coat, reflecting the higher energy requirement of Sapitinib clinical trial the developing fruit during maximum oil synthesis

stage. Photosynthesis and fluorescence parameters studied indicate that young jatropha fruits are photosynthetically as efficient as its leaves and play a paramount role in scavenging the high concentration of CO2 generated by the fruit during respiration. (C) 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.”
“The concepts of effective thermal conductivity and interfacial thermal contact resistance in composite media are applied to study heat transport in polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLC). In these systems, the thermal properties of liquid crystal inclusions are changed by an imposed electric field. The photopyroelectric (PPE) technique with a cell allowing the application of an electric field to the sample is used to measure the thermal parameters. A model based on effective medium approximation is used to assess the impact of interfaces on the flow of heat through the determination of the Kapitza radius. It was found that the effect of interfaces becomes dominant compared to the volume conduction of the droplet when the liquid crystal (LC) droplet radius becomes smaller than 1 micron.

G2P[4]-specific VE was 75 4% (95% CI: 56 7-86 0) using neighborho

G2P[4]-specific VE was 75.4% (95% CI: 56.7-86.0) using neighborhood controls and 38.9% (95% CI: 11.1-58.0) using hospital controls.

Conclusions: Although fully heterotypic G2P[4] was the predominant RV strain, good VE was demonstrated. VE was highest in children aged 3 to 11 months. However, protection in children >= 12 months of age, important for optimal public health impact, was significantly sustained based on estimates obtained using neighborhood controls.”
“Purpose of review

To evaluate the effect of epidural analgesia on breastfeeding.

Recent

findings

Alarming messages were sent out following a retrospective study indicating that epidural analgesia caused more breastfeeding Fosbretabulin failures. The limitations of this study were reviewed as well as the critical importance of good lactation support.

Summary

There is no good evidence that epidural analgesia causes reduced breastfeeding success.

Good lactation support is critical.”
“The rheological behavior of a phenolic resol resin during its curing process was studied through a rheological dynamic-temperature analysis. Two heating ramps from 0 to 120 degrees C (1 degrees C/min) and from 0 to 150 degrees C (5 degrees C/min) were performed. The resin’s complex viscosity data were obtained by applying a rectangular torsion strain. find more The overall change of complex viscosity with temperature was due to a combination of thermal softening, described by the Andrade equation, and the resin crosslinking process. The four- and six-parameter Arrhenius rheokinetic model was applied to the profiles obtained for the resin’s complex viscosity, and

the viscous flow and activation energies of curing kinetics were established. Two calculation methods are proposed to obtain the flow and curing parameters of the material. The six-parameter Arrhenius model was more suitable for predicting changes in the resin’s complex viscosity, obtaining an activation energy of similar to 38.0 kJ/mol for the resol resin curing process. (c) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011″
“Study Design. Expression of light chain 3 (LC3), a characteristic marker of autophagy, was examined by immunohistochemistry and Western blot using a spinal cord injury (SCI) model in mice. Electron microscopic analysis was also performed to examine the anatomic formation AZD7762 datasheet of autophagy and autophagic cell death in the injured spinal cord.

Objective. To examine both biochemically and anatomically the activity of autophagy in the damaged neural tissue after SCI.

Summary of Background Data. Autophagy is the bulk degradation of intracellular proteins and organelles, and it is involved in a number of diseases. Autophagy can lead to nonapoptotic programmed cell death, which is called autophagic cell death. Recent researches have revealed the increased expression of LC3 and the anatomic formation of autophagy and autophagic cell death in damaged tissues of various disease models.

We aimed to address the relation of oxidative

stress mark

We aimed to address the relation of oxidative

stress markers to severity and prognosis in CHF secondary Navitoclax to ischemic cardiomyopathy.

Methods and Results: Plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), protein thiol groups (P-SH), reactive carbonyl derivatives (RCD), together with glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were determined in 120 CHF patients and 69 healthy controls. Increased lipid peroxidation (MDA) and oxidation of plasma proteins (RCD; P-SH) s well as downregulated GSH-Px activity were found in CHF patients compared with controls. Significant correlation was obtained only for RCD content and remodeling indices (LVEDV: r = 0.469, P = .008;

LVESV: r = 0.452; P = .011). Cox regression analysis demonstrated only MDA (HR = 3.33; CI: 1.55-7.12; P = .002) as independent predictor of death, whereas SOD was associated with unstable angina pectoris (HR = 2.09; CI: learn more 1.16-3.78; P = .011).

Conclusions: In the course of CHF progression, carbonyl stress is implicated in the LV remodeling. Malondialdehyde level might be a useful parameter for monitoring and planning management of CHF patients. (J Cardiac Fail 2012;18:493-501)”
“The low frequency mechanical and dielectric behavior of three different elastomers has been investigated by dynamic mechanical analysis and dielectric spectroscopy, with the aim of accounting for the frequency dependence of the characteristics of the corresponding dielectric elastomer actuators. Satisfactory agreement was obtained between the dynamic response of the actuators and a simple model based on the experimental data for the elastomers, assuming that the relatively large prestrains employed in the actuators selleckchem to have little influence on the frequency dependence of their effective moduli. It was thus demonstrated that the frequency dependence of the actuator strain is dominated by that of the mechanical response of the elastomer, and that the frequency dependence of the dielectric

properties has a relatively minor influence on the actuator performance.”
“The effect of polycarbodiimide (PCD) on hydrolytic stability of poly(p-dioxanoiie) (PPDO) was investigated by hydrolytic degradation of PPDO and PPDO added with PCD (PPDOCD) in phosphate buffer solution (pH = 7.4) at 37 degrees C. The variation of weight, water absorption, pH, molecular weight, tensile properties, surface morphologies, and thermal properties with degradation time were evaluated. After 11 weeks, the weight loss and water absorption of PPDO was 24 and 30%, respectively, but the corresponding values were only 3 and 5% for PPDOCD5, where 5 represents the weight percentage of PCD added; the molecular weight of PPDO decreased much faster than that of PPDOCD.