As a catalyst, it inherits not only the photocatalytic ability of nano-ZnO, but also the thermal stability, good mechanical property, and solvent-resistibility

of cellulose nanofibers. The key advantages of this hybrid nanofiber over neat ZnO nanoparticles are its elasticity, dimensional stability, durability, and easy recyclability. (c) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 121: 1757-1764, 2011″
“This study aimed at preparation of a sustained-release steroidal treatment for chronic inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis. To achieve such a goal, biodegradable poly-lactide-co-glycolide prednisolone-loaded Bromosporine Epigenetics inhibitor microspheres were prepared using o/w emulsion solvent evaporation method. Formulation parameters were adjusted so as to optimize the microsphere characteristics. The prepared microspheres exhibited smooth and intact surfaces, with average Daporinad in vitro size range not exceeding 65 A mu m. The encapsulation efficiency percent of most microsphere formulations fell within the range of 25-68%. Drug release from these microspheres took place over 4 weeks, with near-to-zero-order patterns. Two successful formulations were

chosen for the treatment of unilateral arthritis, induced in mice using Freund’s complete adjuvant (FCA). Inflammatory signs of adjuvant arthritis included severe swelling of the FCA-injected limbs, in addition to many histopathological lesions. selleck These included inflammatory cell infiltration, synovial hyperplasia, cartilage, and bone erosion. Parenteral administration of the selected formulae dramatically reduced the swelling

of the FCA-injected limbs. In addition, histological examination revealed that the microsphere treatment protocol efficiently protected cartilages and bones of mice, injected with FCA initial and booster doses, from erosion. These results could not be achieved by a single prednisolone dose of 5 mg/kg.”
“Protein Z (PZ) was found to be associated with pregnancy complications. There are no data implying an association between hemolysis (H), elevated liver enzymes (EL), and low platelet counts (LP) (HELLP) syndrome and changes in plasma levels of PZ. The aim of this study is to investigate whether HELLP syndrome is associated with plasma concentrations of PZ. Protein Z levels in 29 women with HELLP syndrome were compared with 29 healthy, nulliparous and 25 normal pregnant women. The median PZ levels in patients with HELLP syndrome were found to be significantly lower than those of pregnant women. No significant difference was found between HELLP and healthy groups. Protein Z levels correlated with platelet counts, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels in patients with HELLP syndrome. Median PZ level was higher in partial HELLP than in complete HELLP. We calculated 1330 ng/mL as a cutoff value for PZ level to discriminate HELLP syndrome from normal pregnancy.