Extensive Characterization of Alginate, Chitosan and Microfibrillated Cellulose Cast Films to Assess their Suitability as Barrier Coating for Paper and Board.

The vast amount of synthetic polymers used in packaging is putting a strain on the environment and is depleting finite, non-renewable raw materials. Abundantly available biopolymers such as alginate, chitosan and microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) have frequently been suggested in the literature to replace synthetic polymers and their barrier properties have been investigated in detail. Many studies aim to improve the properties of standalone biopolymer films.

Predictors for good therapeutic outcome and drop-out in technology assisted guided self-help in the treatment of bulimia nervosa and bulimia like phenotype.

Objective: Technology assisted guided self-help has been proven to be effective in the treatment of bulimia nervosa (BN). The aim of this study was to determine predictors of good long-term outcome as well as drop-out, in order to identify patients for whom these interventions are most suitable.

Methods: One hundred and fifty six patients with BN were assigned to either 7 months internet-based guided self-help (INT-GSH) or to conventional guided bibliotherapy (BIB-GSH), both guided by e-mail support.