Development of functionalized poly(lactide) films with chitosan via SI-SARA ATRP as scaffolds for neuronal cell growth.

Polylactic acid (PLA), a polymer derived from renewable resources, is gaining increasing attention in the development of biomedical devices due to its cost-effectiveness, low immunogenicity, and biodegradability. However, its inherent hydrophobicity remains a problem, leading to poor cell adhesion features. On this basis, the aim of this work was to develop a method for functionalizing the surface of PLA films with a biopolymer, chitosan (CH), which was proved to be a material with intrinsic cell adhesive properties, but whose mechanical properties are insufficient to be used alone.

Controlled Polymer Synthesis Toward Green Chemistry: Deep Insights into Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization in Biobased Substitutes for Polar Aprotic Solvents.

Cyrene (dihydrolevoglucosenone) and its derivative Cygnet 0.0, recognized as eco-friendly alternatives to polar aprotic solvents, were utilized in atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of a wide range of both hydrophobic and hydrophilic (meth)acrylates. The detailed kinetics study and electrochemical experiments of the catalytic complex in these solvents reveal the opportunities and limitations of their use in controlled radical polymerization.

The promotion of happiness.

The human mind is capable of creating an internal world--the psychic sphere--including the phenomena characteristic of human nature, such as selfconsciousness, conscious experiences, conceptual thinking, symbolic language, dreams, art, creation of culture, sense of values, interest in the distant past and care about the distant future. According to the exceptionally concordant opinions of the sages and scholars of the East and the West it is just within this internal world that human happiness dwells. Happiness is a state of the spirit which consists in: internal peace, satisfaction with one's life, the joy of life, benevolence and cordiality towards oneself and towards others; sensitivity to the beauty of nature, culture and art; harmonious co-existence with the surroundings.

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth: a possible risk factor for metabolic bone disease.

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is one of the causes of malabsorption syndromes. The prevalence of metabolic bone disease in patients with SIBO is unknown, but a recent prospective case-control study indicated significant contribution of SIBO to the development of metabolic bone disease. We review this and other reports in the literature and discuss the possible mechanisms causing metabolic bone disease in patients with SIBO.

Novel therapeutic approaches to gastric and duodenal ulcers: an update.

Over the last 25 years, a remarkable revolution in the pathophysiology and treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers has occurred. Effective therapies were developed not only to heal ulcers, but also to cure most patients. The two principal causes for gastric and duodenal ulcers are either infection with Helicobacter pylori or the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).