Morphology and properties of neutralized chitosan-cellulose nanocrystals biocomposite films.

Chitosan/cellulose nanocrystals (CH-CN) films were obtained by casting of dispersions, and treated with NaOH for neutralization proposes. The composition of films was varied from 1 to 10wt.% of CN.

[Cholestasis in pregnancy].

The authors report the main morphological and functional alterations of the liver during the course of pregnancy. The size of the organ does not change and there is a slight (20%) reduction of hepatic flow. Hepatic function is partially modified in view of the following factors: reduced protein synthesis (in particular the albumin component), increased serum levels of cholesterol and triglycerides mediated by steroid hormones, inhibition of canalicular secretion and consequent diminution of the liver's excretory function, variations in serum levels of many markers of cholestasis so much so that they become unreliable due to pregnancy.