Synthesis and Characterization of Shungite Modified Poly--Ninylpyrrolidone-Agarose Composites for Medical Application.

A systematic investigation was conducted to synthesize hybrid composite materials that use synthetic poly--vinylpyrrolidone and natural (agar-agar) macromolecules with plasticizers (PEG-400) and mineral filler shungite by means of electron irradiation. The XRD and SEM data showed that the structure of the resulting hybrid composites is an interpenetrating network with distributed particles of mineral component. It has been established that the mechanical properties of hybrid composites are determined mainly by the structural organization of the interpenetrating polymer network formed under electron irradiation of the initial synthetic and natural polymer mixture in the presence of plasticizers, as well as by the conditions for intercalation of polymer segments into the mineral matrix and vice versa.

Electron Irradiation-Induced Degradation of TiN Thin Films on Quartz and Sapphire Substrates.

In this contribution, we investigated the properties of magnetron-sputtered TiN thin films on sapphire and quartz substrates before and after 5 MeV electron irradiation with a fluence of 7 × 10 e/cm. Structural, morphological, optical, and electrical properties were analyzed to observe the impact of electron irradiation on the TiN thin films. The results showed improved electrical properties of the TiN thin films due to high-energy electron irradiation, resulting in increased specific conductivity compared to the as-deposited thin films on both sapphire and quartz substrates.

Placental Pathology and Its Associations With Clinical Signs in Different Subtypes of Fetal Growth Restriction.

Objective: We evaluated placental alterations in different subtypes of fetal growth restriction (FGR) to determine any clinical associations.

Methods: FGR placentas classified according to the Amsterdam criteria were correlated with clinical findings. Percentage of intact terminal villi and villous capillarization ratio were calculated in each specimen.

Correlations of Placental Histopathology, Neonatal Outcome, and Cardiotocogram Baseline Variability and Acceleration Patterns in the Growth Restricted Preterm Population.

Objective: To evaluate the possible connections of cardiotocography (CTG) signs with neonatal outcome and placental histopathology between growth restricted preterms.

Materials And Methods: Placental slides, baseline variability, and acceleration patterns of cardiotocograms, and neonatal parameters were studied retrospectively. Placental histopathological changes were diagnosed according to the Amsterdam criteria; percentage of intact terminal villi and capillarization of villi were also studied.

Placental pathology of preeclampsia from a clinical point of view: Correlation between placental histopathology, clinical signs of preeclampsia and neonatal outcome.

Aim: To evaluate the associations between placental histopathology (signs of maternal and fetal vascular malperfusion, delayed villous maturation, villitis of unknown etiology) and subtypes of preeclampsia by onset, clinical aspects of the disease and neonatal outcome.

Methods: Placental slides from preeclamptic pregnancies were retrospectively reviewed according to a uniform scheme. Information regarding obstetrical anamnesis, clinical data and perinatal outcome was collected from charts, and statistical analysis was performed in order to demonstrate associations between microscopic placental alterations and different aspects of preeclampsia.