The dispersion of EG in the xNBR matrix was investigated with transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis. EG could be exfoliated into lots of nanosheets dispersing in the xNBR matrix. More EG loading see more resulted in the presence

of a few incompletely exfoliated agglomerates. The mechanical properties (hardness, tensile modulus, and tensile strength) of the xNBR/EG composites were determined. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis was also performed, and it showed that the nanosheets of EG somewhat immobilized the motion of rubber macromolecular chains and led to the shifting and broadening of the tan 8 peak toward higher temperatures. Many other functional properties of EG-filled xNBR composites were studied, and it was established that the composites had excellent electrical conductivity as well as gas-barrier and wear properties. (C) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 116: 2706-2713, SB202190 price 2010″
“This study evaluated whether referral to a specialized epilepsy clinic prior to pregnancy

influences seizure activity during pregnancy. In addition, folic acid supplementation prior to pregnancy as a market of intent to conceive was used to evaluate whether the use of folic acid at the time of conception correlates with the risk of seizure deterioration in pregnancy. The study population consisted of patients click here who had been followed in a specialized epilepsy clinic before conception (group 1, n = 46) and patients who were referred to the clinic after the pregnancy was recognized

(group 2, n = 44). Seizure deterioration was significantly lower in group 1 than in group 2: 9% versus 32% (P < 0.01). In addition, the likelihood of having taken folic acid supplements was significantly higher in group 1 (P < 0.001). With some methodological limitations taken into account, it is concluded that women followed in a specialized epilepsy clinic have a lower risk of seizure deterioration during pregnancy compared with those referred after conception. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.”
“Background and Objectives: Previous studies have shown a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome in patients with psoriasis compared to controls. However, little attention has been paid to the effect of systemic anti-psoriatic drugs on the metabolic syndrome. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between psoriasis and the metabolic syndrome, by comparing untreated patients with psoriasis and population based control.

Patients and Methods: We conducted a hospital-based case-control study that included 122 untreated patients with plaque psoriasis and 122 age-and gender-matched controls.

Results: There was no significant difference in the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome between the patients with psoriasis (24.6 %) and the controls (22.9 %) (OR 1.095, 95 % CI 0.607-1.974).