The modification of organosolv lignin powder (ALCELL) with different carboxylic acids such as oleic, lactic, and butyric acids and butyrolactone under cold plasma discharge has been performed. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR), and 1H NMR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermal methods (differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetry (TG)) proved that the lignin modification took place. The structure, morphology and thermal properties are specific for each kind of product obtained. The modification degree determined on the basis of XPS data varies from 4 to 13% depending on reagent used. The significant changes in the thermal properties indicate that the modification by cold plasma affected also some bulk properties. This is the case mainly for modification with butyric acid and butyrolactone. It was concluded that the cold plasma modification is an efficient and eco-friendly technique able to produce new valuable products from lignin, widening its compatibility with various polymers and also its applications.

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Unintended pregnancies are a serious problem in terms of morbidity during the adolescent years, the use of contraceptives being an important element of prevention at this age. Obese adolescent girls tend to use fewer contraceptive methods compared to normal-weight girls, excess weight being a frequent argument against the use of contraception. These girls have a high probability of carrying unintended pregnancies associated with all the risks of pregnancy and childbirth at very young ages, while also needing safer and more effective contraceptive methods. Reducing the number of pregnancies in this category is a public health priority and requires the identification of adolescent girls included in this risk category. Although there are several voices opposing contraceptive methods on account of their adverse effects, the World Health Organization champions the idea that adolescents can use any contraceptive method due to the benefit of avoided unintended pregnancies, which outbalance the risks associated with the use thereof.

Sarcinile nedorite reprezintă o problemă serioasă a morbidităţii în anii adolescenţei, utilizarea contraceptivelor fiind un element de prevenţie la această vârstă. Adolescentele obeze tind să folosească mai puţin metode contraceptive decât cele cu o greutate normală, excesul de greutate fiind des folosit ca motiv pentru neutilizarea metodelor contraceptive. Acestea au o probabilitate crescută de a avea sarcini nedorite asociate cu toate riscurile gravidităţii şi naşterii la o vârstă fragedă, având totodată nevoie de metode mai sigure şi eficiente de contracepţie. Scăderea numărului de sarcini la această categorie este o prioritate a sănătăţii publice şi impune detectarea adolescentelor aflate în categoria de risc. Deşi există opinii împotriva contracepţiei din cauza efectelor adverse, Organizaţia Mondială a Sănătăţii promovează ideea că adolescenţii pot utiliza orice metodă de contracepţie datorită avantajului de a preveni sarcinile nedorite, care depăşeşte riscurile utilizării lor.