Research on Improving Humanistic Quality of Medical Students in Obstetrics and Gynecology Based on Blend-learning / 中国医学伦理学

Under the new situation of rapid development of medical science and technology, how to effectively cultivate medical students’ humanistic spirit and comprehensively improve medical quality is an important responsibility of medical college teachers. Blend-learning can guide students to immersive learning in multiple dimensions and forms. Obstetrics and Gynecology is one of the main compulsory courses for clinical medical students, which is faced more sensitive and vulnerable female patients, and required higher humanistic quality training for medical students. Through the construction of the blend-learning platform, medical humanities can be better integrated into the content and teaching design of medical education, and students can be more appropriately imperceptibly trained in medical humanities in obstetrics and gynecology teaching, so as to enhance medical students’ medical humanities quality in the process of obstetrics and gynecology diagnosis and treatment, and improve doctor-patient relationship.

Polymer blend: a new approach for eliminating curing effect of aqueous dispersion coatings

The aim of present work was to investigate blends of Eudragit® NE 30D with Aquacoat® ECD using different ratios to eliminate curing effect associated with individual polymers. Propranolol HCl 10% w/w was layered onto sugar cores using 5% w/w HPMC as a binder. Drug-layered-cores were coated either with pure or blends of Aquacoat® ECD: Eudragit® NE 30D in a fluidized bed coater to obtain 20% w/w coating level. Talc 35% w/w was used as anti-tacking agent. The pellets were characterized for in vitro dissolution studies, morphology, water uptake-weight loss, osmolality and adhesion of coating after curing at 60 °C or 60 °C/75% RH for 24 h. The findings revealed that Aquacoat® ECD coated pellets showed curing effect due to further gradual coalescence of polymeric particles which resulted into better film formation upon curing. In contrast, the curing effect of Eudragit® NE 30D coated pellets was caused by decrease in adhesion of coatings after curing which provided entirely different swelling behavior of uncured (localized swelling) and cured (uniform swelling) pellets. The undesired curing effect of individual polymers was eliminated by using their blends in appropriate ratio.

Research progress in polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) and their blend fibers / 生物工程学报

Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) is a representative biodegradable polymer with more than 150 varieties and various properties. This article reviews the research status and potential applications of PHA, and introduces the properties of four-generation commercial PHA and its research progress in blend fibers with other biodegradable materials.

Pasting Properties of Flour Blends from Water Yam, Yellow Maize and African Yam Bean Seeds

Pasting properties of flour blends from water yam, yellow maize and African yam bean were investigated in this study. Peak viscosity ranged from 133.50 to 166.25RVU, Trough viscosity ranged from 85.08 to 135.20RVU, break down viscosity ranged from 28.17 to 50.58RVU, final viscosity ranged from 5.05 to 5.49 min and pasting temperature ranged from 80.25 84.15oC. Addition of yellow maize and African yam bean affected (p<0.05) the peak viscosity, trough viscosity, break down viscosity, final viscosity, and setback viscosity in different trends. However, peak time and peak temperature of the flour sample were not statically (p<0.05) affected by the blend ratio in this study. Amongst the flour samples investigated in this study, flour sample DIN (60%WY:10%YM:30%AYB) showed promise for value added products such as noodles among other flour products. They flour sample adjusted to be the best sample could be used as a good replacement for wheat flour and when achieved, it will reduce the cost of importation.

Fatty acid composition of vegetable oil blend and in vitro effects of pharmacotherapeutical skin care applications

Vegetable oils have been used for a plethora of health benefits by their incorporation in foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products, especially those intended for skin care. This study aimed to investigate the cutaneous benefits of a vegetable oil blend (VOB) formulation and its fatty acid composition. The anti-inflammatory activity was studied in macrophages of RAW 264.7 cells by investigating the release of nitric oxide (NO), superoxide anion generation (O2-), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin 6 (IL-6). ABTS cation radical scavenging capacity assay, ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and NO free radical scavenging assays were used to evaluate the antioxidant activity. VOB was tested for its ability to stimulate fibroblast proliferation and migration using the scratch assay, and antibacterial activity by the microdilution test. The fatty acid profile of a freshly prepared VOB formulation was determined by gas chromatography before and after accelerated stability testing. Chemical composition of VOB revealed the presence of oleic acid (C18:1n-9; 63.3%), linoleic acid (C18:2n-6; 4.7%), and linolenic acid (C18:3n-6; 5.1%) as major mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids. No changes in the organoleptic characteristics and fatty acid composition were observed after the accelerated stability test. VOB 100 µg/mL reduced the healing time by increasing the total number of cells in the wounded area by 43.0±5.1% compared to the negative control group. VOB also suppressed the pro-inflammatory TNF-α and IL-6 cytokines, and NO and O2- production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophage cells. In conclusion, the VOB formulation contributed to the improvement of current therapeutic strategies for cutaneous applications in skin care.

Effects of micronutrient powder and complementary food blend on growth and micronutrient status of Filipino rural children: a randomised controlled trial

@#Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of micronutrient powders (MNP) containing 15 versus nine nutrients, with or without complementary food blend (BigMo), on the nutritional status of rural young children in the Philippines. Methods: The study was conducted for 6 months among 126 rural children aged 6-17 months in four villages selected by cluster randomisation. Children were randomised into four groups: VitaMix with 15 micronutrients plus Bigas Mongo (BigMo) (n=31); VitaMix without BigMo (n=31); Micronutrient Growth Mix (MGM) with nine micronutrients plus BigMo (n=29); and MGM without BigMo (n=31). Blood samples were collected at baseline and endline to determine haemoglobin, ferritin, retinol, and zinc concentrations. Intervention compliance, weight, length, and dietary intakes were collected every month. One-way ANOVA was used to compare changes in the mean estimates across groups. McNemar and Pearson’s x2 tests were used to compare changes in the proportion estimates within groups and across groups, respectively. Results: Both VitaMix and MGM with or without BigMo improved haemoglobin concentrations and reduced anaemia (Hb<11g/dL). However, only VitaMix and MGM combined with BigMo had effects in reducing moderate anaemia (Hb<10g/dL), compared to groups without BigMo. Only MGM+BigMo group demonstrated significant reduction in the prevalence of moderate non-iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) (Hb<10g/dL and ferritin>12ug/L). A significant increase in the length-for-age z-scores was noted in the MGM with and without BigMo groups. Conclusion: Daily supplementation of MGM with nine micronutrients combined with complementary food blend may have a greater potential than MNP with 15 micronutrients in improving the nutritional status of young children.

Study of the effect of the blending instructional teaching mode in the obstetrical resident standard-ization training course / 中华医学教育探索杂志

Objective The blending instructional teaching mode was used in the obstetrical resi-dent standardization training course and the effect was evaluated. Methods 36 resident physicians who attended obstetrical resident standardization training were chosen as blending instructional teaching group and traditional teaching group, 18 physicians per group. The physicians of blending instructional teaching group received blending instructional teaching mode, which included the obstetrical MOOC and Flipped Class, while the traditional teaching group only took part in the clinical management ruled by the hospital. Staging examination was performed according to the resident physician culture curriculum. Descriptive statistics, t test and chi-square test were performed by SPSS 21.0 lines. Results The average score of theory examination [(93.21±5.40) vs. (81.32±7.10)], practical skill [(89.75±4.70) vs. (68.96±8.20)] and clinical intellectual [(88.64±9.30) vs. (75.88±9.70)] in the blending instructional teaching group was significantly higher than that in the traditional teaching group (P<0.05). The physicians' satisfaction rate of manipulative ability in the blending instructional teaching group was significantly higher than that in the traditional teaching group (72.22% vs. 16.76%), which had statistical significance ( χ2=16.74, P=0.003); The physi- cians' satisfaction rate for the tutor in the blending instructional teaching group was significantly higher than that in the traditional teaching group (83.30% vs. 11.11%), which had statistical significance ( χ2=21.67, P=0.000). Conclusion The blending instructional teaching mode adapts to the development trend of teaching , and improves the effect of obstetrical resident standardization training course.

Simultaneous Determination of 5 Kinds of Acid and Alkaline Components in Anti-cold Compound Preparation by HPLC Based on Auto·Blend Plus Technology / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To establish the method for simultaneous contents determination of 5 kinds of acid and alkaline componentsin anti-cold compound preparation. METHODS:HPLC method was adopted. The workstation was Auto·Blend Plus software of ACQUITY Arc system. The determination was performed on Discovery?HS F5-5 column with mobile phase consisted of acid mixture-base mixture-methanol-0.3% triethylamine (gradient elution) at the flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The detection wavelengths were set at 270 nm (acetaminophen,salicylamide,chlorphenamine maleate,triprolidine hydrochloride) and 299 nm (aspirin). The column temperature was 35 ℃,the sample size was 20 μ L. RESULTS:The linear ranges of acetaminophen, salicylamide,acetylsalicylic acid,chlorphenamine maleate,triprolidine hydrochloride were 26-411 μ g/mL(r＝0.999 6),16-254 μg/mL(r＝0.999 8),16-748 μg/mL(r＝0.998 1),35-565 μg/mL(r＝0.999 8)and 25-404 μg/mL(r＝0.999 7),respectively. LOQ were 3.6,3.1,4.0,9.6,6.3 μ g/mL;LOD were 1.9,1.3,1.4,2.9,2.3 μ g/mL,respectively. RSDs of intermediate precision, stability and reproducibility tests were all lower than 2%. Average recoveries were 100.0%-102.0%(RSD＝0.59%,n＝9), 95.2%-101.0%(RSD＝1.55%,n＝9),96.2%-99.9%(RSD＝1.24%,n＝9),96.2%-101.5%(RSD＝1.57%,n＝9),96.3%-98.9%(RSD＝0.83%,n＝9),respectively. RSDs of durability tests were lower than 3%. CONCLUSIONS:The method is simple, accurate,precise,stable,reproducible and durable,and can be used for simultaneous contents determination of 5 kinds of acid and alkaline components in anti-cold compound preparation.

Blend sign, black hole sign and its combined signs with CT scanning for the predictive value of early hematoma enlargement in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage / 中国脑血管病杂志

Objective To investigate the value of blend sign and/or black hole sign with CT scanning for predicting early hematoma enlargement in patients with primary intracerebral hemorrhage.Methods From July 2011 to July 2016,244 consecutive patients with primary intracerebral hemorrhage in the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University were enrolled prospectively.From the onset to the first CT time were all ≤ 6 h.They were randomly divided into either an early hematoma enlargement group (n =82) or a non-hematoma enlargement group (n =162) according to whether they had early hematoma enlargement or not.The general data of patients were collected and compared between the groups,including previous history,clinical features,Glasgow coma scale (GCS) at admission,imaging features (black hole sign,blend sign and black hole sign and/or blend sign),etc.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed on the factors influencing early hematoma enlargement.The predictive value of imaging signs of early hematoma enlargement was analyzed.Results (1) In patients with early hematoma enlargement,there were 27 (32.9％) patients had black hole sign,33 (40.2％) had blend sign,and 50(61.0％) had blend sign and/or black hole sign.(2) The volume of hematoma according to 1 ml,the first CT time from onset to admission according to 1 h,and GCS on admission according to 1,the black hole sign and blend sign were included in the multivariate logistic regression analysis.The results showed that both the blend sign (OR,14.04,95％ CI 5.16-38.18) and the black hole sign (OR,5.69,95％ CI 2.12-15.30) were the independent risk factors for early hematoma enlargement (all P ＜ 0.01).After further adjustment,it showed that the blend sign and/or black hole sign were also the independent risk factors for early hematoma enlargement (OR,14.08,95％ CI 5.99-33.08,P ＜0.01).(3) After the analysis of the receiver operating characteristic curve,the sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive value,negative predictive value,and Youden Index of the blend sign and/or black hole sign of predicting early hematoma enlargement were 61.0％,90.1％,76.0％,82.0％,and 0.511,respectively.Its Youden Index was closer to 1 than the black hole sign (Youden Index:0.280) and the blend sign (Youden Index:0.346).Conclusion Compared with the single sign,the blend sign combined with black hole sign has better predictive ability for early hematoma enlargement after intracerebral hemorrhage.

Application of blending raw materials in quality consistency control of Qianlie Shule Capsule / 中草药

Objective: To develop a method for controlling the quality consistency of Qianlie Shule Capsule (QSC) by blending raw marerials. Methods: Blending raw materials were blended by medicine calculator V2. The content differences of epimedin C and icariine in QSC made from raw materials and their mixtures were compared. Results: The RSD of index component epimedin C from blended and raw materials were 11.2% and 82.5%, the RSD of icariine were 8.70% and 35.5%, the difference between index components decreased obviously, and it showed that the quality consistency in QSC was greatly increased. Conclusion: Using the method to control the quality coherence of Chinese patent medicine has the obvious results, it is easy to operate and suitable for actual production.

Effect of glyceryl triacetate on properties of PLA/PBAT blends / 生物工程学报

Poly lactic acid (PLA)/Poly (butyleneadipate-co-terephthalate)(PBAT) and glyceryl triacetate (GTA) blend were prepared by torque rheometer, and the effect of GTA on thermodynamical performance, mechanical properties and microstructure of PLA/PBAT composites were studied using differential scanning calorimeter(DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis(DMA), universal testing machine, impact testing machine and scanning electron microscope(SEM). After adding GTA, Tg values of the two phases gradually became closer, blends cold crystallization temperature and melting temperature decreased. When with 3 phr GTA, the dispersed phase particle size of PLA/PBAT blend decreased. Mechanics performance test showed that the elongation at break and impact strength of the PLA/PBAT blend was greatly increased with 3 phr GTA, and the elongation at break increased 2.6 times, improved from 17.7% to 64.1%.

Porous Microcarrier-Enabled Three-Dimensional Culture of Chondrocytes for Cartilage Engineering: A Feasibility Study

Cartilage repair is substantially intractable due to poor self-healing ability. Porous microspheres can be a fascinating three-dimensional matrix for cell culture and injectable carrier in cartilage engineering. In this study, we assessed the feasible use of porous biopolymer microspheres for chondrocyte carriers. When seeded onto the blended biopolymer microspheres and followed by a dynamic spinner flask culture, the chondrocytes showed robust growth behaviors during the culture period. The gene expressions of SOX9, type II collagen, and aggrecan were significantly upregulated after 2-week of culture. Furthermore, immunolocalization of type II collagen and secretion of glycosaminolglycan became prominent. The results suggest the feasible usefulness of the porous microspheres as the cell culture matrix and the subsequent delivery into cartilage defects.

Which one is more important, raw materials or productive technology?--a case study for quality consistency control of Gegen Qinlian decoction / 中国中药杂志

To investigate the effect of Chinese medicine raw materials and production technology on quality consistency of Chinese patent medicines with Gegen Qinlian decoction as an example, and establish a suitable method for the quality consistency control of Chinese patent medicines. The results showed that the effect of production technology on the quality consistency was generally not more than 5%, while the effect of raw materials was even more than 30%, indicating that the effect of raw materials was much greater than that of the production technology. In this study, blend technology was used to improve the quality consistency of raw materials. As a result, the difference between the product produced by raw materials and reference groups was less than 5%, thus increasing the quality consistence of finished products. The results showed that under the current circumstances, the main factor affecting the quality consistency of Chinese patent medicines was raw materials, so we shall pay more attention to the quality of Chinese medicine's raw materials. Finally, a blend technology can improve the quality consistency of Chinese patent medicines.

Preparation of Metformin Hydrochloride Extended Release Matrix Tablets by Direct Compression Method and Its In vitro Evaluation.

Aims: Metformin Hydrochloride, a biguanide, is an orally active antihyperglycemic agent, used in the treatment of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). It has relatively short plasma half life, low absolute bioavailability. Extended release formulation of Metformin Hydrochloride by direct compression method has significant challenges due to its poor inherent compressibility and high dose. The aim of this study was to develop extended release tablets of Metformin Hydrochloride by direct compression method and In vitro evaluation. Study Design: Nine different formulations were made by varying drug-polymer ratio and were subjected to different physical property tests of the powder blend as well as prepared tablets, followed by dissolution test. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmacy, State University of Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh, between January 2013 and July 2013. Methodology: Nine formulations of Metformin Hydrochloride matrix tablets - F-1, F-2, F- 3, F-4, F-5, F-6, F-7, F-8 and F-9 - were prepared by direct compression method using release retarding materials, Methocel K100 MCR Premium (derivative of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose - HPMC) and Xanthan gum. The drug and polymer ratio were 1:0.41, 1:0.45, 1:0.49, 1:0.59, 1:0.63, 1:0.67, 1:0.77, 1:0.81 & 1:0.85 respectively. The micromeritic behavior of the powder blends were evaluated for bulk density, angle of repose, compressibility index along with post compressional attributes of the tablets such as thickness, hardness, friability, weight variation and content of Metformin Hydrochloride in the tablets. The in-vitro drug release study was carried out in 1000 mL phosphate buffer medium (pH 6.8) at 37±0.5°C at 100 rpm for 10 hours using USP Apparatus Type-II (paddle) method. Results: FT-IR study showed drug-excipient compatibility and DSC analysis showed no solid state interaction between components. The physical properties of the powder blend and the tablets were within the acceptable limits. Maximum and minimum drug release were found in formulation F-1 and F-9 respectively which indicate that release rate is inversely proportional to the concentration of Methocel K100 MCR Premium and Xanthan gum in combination. Dissolution study also showed that, formulations F-7, F-8 & F-9 do not comply with drug release specification of USP and among the rest six formulations F- 3, F-4 & F-5 comply better with drug release specification of USP. After fitting the data to Korsmeyer-Peppas equation we found that diffusion along with erosion could be the mechanism of drug release.Considering the micromeritic behaviour of the powder blend, physical attributes of the compressed tablets, and dissolution, formulation F-4 seemed most suitable. Conclusion: Extended release Metformin Hydrochloride tablets can be produced to overcome frequent dosing related problems. However, Further study on formulation optimization and scale up, stability and bioequivalence is needed to confirm the appropriateness of these formulated extended release tablets.

Pollen diet for in vitro rearing of africanized honey bee larvae, Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae) / Dieta polínica para criação in vitro de larvas de abelhas melíferas africanizadas, Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

Pollen is the major protein source for honey bees, Apis mellifera. It is essential for the adults to produce royal jelly to feed the larvae. Young larvae receive the brood food, whereas the older (over 3 days old) larvae receive pollen in addition to brood food. The nutritional value of pollen has been investigated only in adults or at the colony level. Protocols for rearing Africanized honey bee larvae in vitro using diets with mixtures of pollen had not been established. We examined different concentrations (2.5, 5 and 10%) of two mixtures of pollen in the larval diet. The effects of pollen diets on larval development were assessed. The survival and development of larvae fed with 10% pollen was impaired; this concentration should be avoided. Concentrations of 2.5 and 5% pollen did not show significant changes in survival, weight, development or the hemolymph protein profile when compared to the controls (without pollen). However, differences in larval survival were observed between the two pollen mixtures (pollen blends 1 and 2), suggesting that a diet with a superior digestibility and greater familial diversity of pollen (blend 2) is more nutritionally adequate.

O pólen é a principal fonte de proteína para as abelhas melíferas, Apis mellifera. Ele é essencial para que os adultos produzam geleia real para nutrir as larvas. As larvas jovens recebem geleia real, enquanto que as larvas mais velhas (mais que 3 dias de idade) recebem pólen juntamente com a geleia real. O valor nutricional do pólen tem sido investigado apenas em adultos ou ao nível de colônia. Protocolos de criação de larvas de abelhas africanizadas in vitro utilizando dietas com misturas de pólen não foram estabelecidas. Nós examinamos diferentes concentrações (2,5, 5 e 10%) de duas misturas de pólen na dieta de larvas. O efeito das dietas de pólen no desenvolvimento larval foi avaliado. A sobrevivência e o desenvolvimento das larvas alimentadas com 10% de pólen foram prejudicados; esta concentração deve ser evitada. Concentrações de 2,5 e 5% de pólen não mostraram uma mudança significativa na sobrevivência, no peso, no desenvolvimento ou no perfil proteico da hemolinfa, quando comparado com os controles (sem pólen). No entanto, diferenças na sobrevivência das larvas foram observadas entre duas misturas de pólen (mistura 1 e 2), sugerindo que uma dieta com uma digestibilidade superior e maior diversidade de famílias de pólens (mistura 2) é nutricionalmente mais adequada.

Interpenetrating polymer network of cross-linked blend microspheres for controlled release of Acebutolol HCl.

Carbohydrate polymeric blend microspheres consisting of chitosan (CS) and poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) were prepared by water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion method. These microspheres were crosslinked with glutaraldehyde and loaded with Acebutolol HCl, an anti hypertensive drug. The microspheres were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-Ray diffraction (X-RD) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM).The FTIR spectroscopy explains the crosslinking between the CS-PVA. DSC& X-RD indicated the molecular level distribution of Acebutolol HCl drug in the polymer matrix. The SEM of the microspheres suggested the formation of spherical particles. Swelling experiments on the microspheres provided important information on drug diffusion properties. Release data have been analyzed using an empirical equation to understand the nature of transport of drug containing solution through the polymeric matrices. The controlled release characteristic of the matrices for Acebutolol HCl was investigated in pH 7.4 media. The results indicate that the drug was released in a controlled manner up to 10 h.

Effect of Cocktail of Fungi Blend on the Digestibility Coefficient and Digestible Nutrients of Goat (Capra hircus).

Nine West African dwarf goats (3 goats per diet) initially averaging between 4.5 and 6.5kg body weight, were fed either Jatropha curcas untreated diet A (control), 50% cocktail of fungi blend treated Jatropha curcas kernel cake (diet B) and 100% cocktail of fungi blend treated Jatrpoha curcas kernel cake (diet C) adlibitum for 56 days followed by a 7 day total faecal collection. All the diets have a crude protein content of between 17.99 and 19.23%. Total dry matter intake (TDMI) (543.25 – 606.25g/d) showed significant differences among the diets (p<0.05). The digestibility coefficient of dry matter which was similar (p>0.05) among the diets ranged between 91.84% and 94.31%. The digestibility of crude protein was numerically highest for diet B and least for other diets (A and C). The digestible dry matter intake was significantly (p<0.05) higher for diet B compared to other diets. The digestibility of crude fibre and ether extract followed same trend as other nutrients. The digestible crude protein intake was 481.6g/d (A), 544.63g/d (B) and 472.6g/d (C). The digestible crude fibre intake was greater (p<0.05) for diet B (576.25) followed closely by diet A (520.5g/d) and C (516.75g/d). Digestible ether extract intake tended (p<0.05) to be lower for goat fed diet C (500.00g/d) compared with diet A and diet B which were similar (p>0.05). In conclusion, inclusion of cocktail of fungi blend Jatropha curcas kernel cake in a mixed ration appear to be viable feed ingredient for goat diet.

Biotransformation of poly (epsilon-caprolactone) and poly (vinyl chloride) blend

Poly (caprolactone) is a famous biodegradable polymer and miscible with PVC, a commercial synthetic polymer, thermal susceptible and non-biodegradable. This blend is important concerning its mechanical properties and biodegradability. In this work, we testified the biomodification of blend films of PVC/PCL by UV-Vis. spectroscopy. The results show us that there is an interaction between the PVC/PCL film and the microrganisms.

Poli épsilon-caprolactona é um importante polímero biodegradável e miscível com o PVC, um polímero sintético industrial, termo susceptível e não biodegradável. A blenda PVC/PCL é importante em propriedades mecânicas e biodegradabilidade. Neste trabalho, há indicações que há interação dos microrganismos com a superfície polimérica e esta causa mudanças estruturais na blenda PVC/PCL.

Biotransformation of poly (epsilon-caprolactone) and poly (vinyl chloride) blend

Poly (caprolactone) is a famous biodegradable polymer and miscible with PVC, a commercial synthetic polymer, thermal susceptible and non-biodegradable. This blend is important concerning its mechanical properties and biodegradability. In this work, we testified the biomodification of blend films of PVC/PCL by UV-Vis. spectroscopy. The results show us that there is an interaction between the PVC/PCL film and the microrganisms.

Poli épsilon-caprolactona é um importante polímero biodegradável e miscível com o PVC, um polímero sintético industrial, termo susceptível e não biodegradável. A blenda PVC/PCL é importante em propriedades mecânicas e biodegradabilidade. Neste trabalho, há indicações que há interação dos microrganismos com a superfície polimérica e esta causa mudanças estruturais na blenda PVC/PCL.

The Effect of Larger and Blend Zone Ablation on Optical Aberrations in Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis (LASEK)

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the postoperative high order aberration after LASEK and to evaluate the effects of LASEK on high order aberration using larger and blend zone ablation. METHODS: Twenty patients out of 28 patients who received treatment were followed up for 3 months. In each case, one eye received conventional ablation LASEK and the other eye received larger and blend zone ablation LASEK. Preoperative and postoperative RMS (root mean square) of Bille aberration maps measurements were made with WaveScan Wavefront(TM) system (VISX, Santa Clara, U.S.A.). RESULTS: RMS of Bille aberration maps at post operation 1 month and post operation 3 months displayed a statistically significant increase compared with preoperative value. (p<0.05) In post operation 3 month, larger and blend zone ablation LASEK treated eyes displayed a statistically significant lower post operative RMS compared to those of conventional ablation LASEK.(p<0.05) CONCLUSIONS: High order aberrations at post operation 1 month and post operation 3 months increased compared with preoperative value. High order aberration after LASEK with larger and blend zone ablation are less pronounced compared to those associated with conventional ablation LASEK. By using larger and blend zone ablation it is possible to minimize the high order aberration of the eye and improve visual results for patients undergoing LASEK.