“
“This work describes the physicochemical, mechanical, and in vitro biological properties of three epoxy networks based on diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A (DGEBA) epoxy prepolymer cured with triethylenetetramine, 1-(2-aminoethyl)piperazine (AEP) and isophoronediamine. The mechanical properties were evaluated with respect to impact and flexural tests. Functionality rules the mechanical behavior of epoxy networks by increasing the crosslink density and the flexural modulus, increasing T(g) and decreasing the chain flexibility and the

impact resistance. The biological interactions between the obtained epoxy polymers and blood were studied by in vitro methods. Studies on the protein adsorption, platelet adhesion, and thrombus formation are presented. The protein Selleckchem NCT-501 adsorption assays onto polymeric surfaces showed that the epoxy networks adsorbed more albumin than fibrinogen. The results about platelet adhesion and thrombus formation

indicated that DGEBA-IPD and DGEBA-AEP networks exhibits good hemocompatible behavior. The materials revealed no signs of cytotoxicity to Chinese hamster ovary cells, showing a satisfactory cytocompatibility. In this PLK inhibitor way, we can assume that the epoxy polymers are biocompatible materials. (C) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 112: 1215-1225, 2009″
“Objectives: Psychological distress is common in cancer patients, and the need to develop a system for assessing and managing distress is widely recognized. This project developed recommendations that are feasible for Korean cancer patients and the Korean healthcare system. Methods: Based on the findings from a series of studies in the context of this project, we developed guidelines following the steps and parameters recommended by the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN). The Development Group consisted of individuals from several professions, including psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, social workers, a health policy expert, and a methodologist. Opinions from various healthcare

providers, patients, and related societies were also reflected in the guidelines. Results: The main recommendations for distress management in cancer patients were the following: (1) a concept of distress AG-881 price in Korean cancer patients, screening tools, management algorithms, and triage approaches was developed and (2) four symptom-specific guidelines with management algorithms were proposed for depression, anxiety, insomnia, and delirium. Conclusion: This is the first effort to develop recommendations for distress management in psycho-oncology in Korea. These guidelines offer standards for psychosocial care for cancer patients in Korea. We have made a significant step toward integrated cancer care that incorporates the psychosocial care of patients as an essential component of patient care in a Korean oncology context.