Nanocellulose from recycled indigo-dyed denim fabric and its application in composite films.

In this study, nanocellulose was extracted from indigo-dyed denim fabric and the resultant nanocellulose properties were evaluated in comparison with those derived from bleached cotton fabric and wood pulp in order to investigate the potential of recycling denim waste for nanocellulose production and application. Sulfuric acid hydrolysis and (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-yl) oxyl (TEMPO)-oxidation were utilized to produce cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and cellulose nanofibers (TOCN), respectively. A stable CNC suspension with blue color was obtained after acid hydrolysis and the TEMPO process yielded colorless TOCN.

Acupuncture in the management of pain in labor.

Background: To assess if acupuncture could be a reasonable option for pain relief in labor and to look at possible effects of acupuncture on the progress of labor.

Methods: In a controlled, single blind study, 210 healthy parturients in spontaneous, active labor at term were randomly assigned to receive either real acupuncture or false acupuncture. Visual analog scale assessments were used to evaluate subjective effect on pain.

[Perinatal deaths in the county of Ostfold 1989-97].

All perinatal deaths in the county of Ostfold during the nine year period 1989-1997 were assessed by perinatal audit. Each death was allocated to one of two groups: satisfactory or suboptimal perinatal care. The classification of the causes of death includes fetal, obstetrical and neonatal conditions.