In vitro immune and redox response induced by cationic cellulose-based nanomaterials.

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) display remarkable strength and physicochemical properties with significant potential applications. To better understand the potential adjuvanticity of a nanomaterial, it is important to investigate the extent of the immunological response, the mechanisms by which they elicit this response, and how this response is associated with their physicochemical characteristics. In this study, we investigated the potential mechanisms of immunomodulation and redox activity of two chemically related cationic CNC derivatives (CNC-METAC-1B and CNC-METAC-2B), using human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and mouse macrophage cells (J774A.

Effects of deproteinization and ashing on site-specific properties of cortical bone.

Buffered sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) solution was used to remove selectively the collagen phase from bovine cortical bone. Changes in the mechanical behaviour and material properties were studied over a wide range of resolution (from 5 microm to 3 mm) using an integrated combination of experimental techniques. Optical microscopy indicated that timed immersion in NaOCl results in cortical bone specimens that consist of a mineralized tissue core surrounded by a layer of deproteinized or anorganic bone.

Total quality, strategic planning, and community benefit: are they compatible or contradictory?

Strategic planning has traditionally been a business activity, in which an analysis of market forces and organizational mission leads to major business goals for the future, from new programs and services to entirely new facilities, systems, and even new organizational models. The integration of TQM principles focuses strategic planning more on meeting the needs and expectations of customers and less on emulating the competition, and it aligns strategic initiatives with improvement efforts. In this Perspective, William Corley says that, once TQM and strategic planning have been integrated, the next phase is both necessary and inevitable: focusing strategic planning and improvement efforts around community health needs.