Description of the culture of childbirth and parenting classes in Cyprus: An ethnographic approach.

Introduction: Childbirth and parenting classes are very important because they potentially help couples to make the right decisions during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, which has a direct effect on the health of the mother and neonate. However, in Cyprus, the culture of childbirth and parenting classes has not been previously explored.

Methods: An ethnographic study design was adopted, specifically non-participant observation was undertaken of 19 classes.

Diffusivity of -, -, -cyclodextrin and the inclusion complex of -cyclodextrin: Ibuprofen in aqueous solutions; A molecular dynamics simulation study.

Cyclodextrins (CDs) are widely used in drug delivery, catalysis, food and separation processes. In this work, a comprehensive simulation study on the diffusion of the native -, - and -CDs in aqueous solutions is carried out using Molecular Dynamics simulations. The effect of the system size on the computed self-diffusivity is investigated and it is found that the required correction can be as much as 75% of the final value.

Insulin Metabolism and Assessment of Hepatic Insulin Extraction During Liver Regeneration. A Study in a Rat Model.

: Liver regeneration is a complex procedure in which insulin metabolism has been implicated. The aim of this experimental study was to evaluate the role of insulin in rat hepatic regeneration following major hepatectomy (70%), employing an isolated perfused rat liver (IPRL) model to assess the extraction of insulin from the regenerating liver. : Eighty-six male rats were randomized in 9 groups.

Evaluation of the frequency and temperature dependence of the dynamic mechanical properties of acetal resins.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the dynamic mechanical properties of two acetal resins (different colored samples of the same resin), an autopolymerized reline resin, and a heat-polymerized denture base resin. Measurements were obtained in two conditions, the frequency- and temperature-dependent conditions, using a dynamic viscoelastometer. The acetal resins exhibited lower loss tangent values than the autopolymerized reline resin and heat-polymerized denture base resin.

Color changes of autopolymerized silicone or acrylic soft denture reliners: the effect of accelerated aging.

The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the effect of accelerated aging on the color stability of six autopolymerized silicone and acrylic soft reliners. Ten specimens for each material were fabricated. Initial color was measured with a tri-stimulus colorimeter.