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Bioengineering (Basel, Switzerland) Oct 2021The inherent resistance of synthetic plastics to degradation has led to an increasing challenge of waste accumulation problem and created a pollution issue that can only... (Review)
Review
The inherent resistance of synthetic plastics to degradation has led to an increasing challenge of waste accumulation problem and created a pollution issue that can only be addressed with novel complementary methods such as biodegradation. Since biocontrol is a promising eco-friendly option to address this challenge, the identification of suitable biological agents is a crucial requirement. Among the existing options, organisms of the genus have been reported to biodegrade several complex polymeric macromolecules such as chitin, lignin, and cellulose. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to evaluate the potential of strains for the biodegradation of synthetic plastics. The results showed that although strains are widely distributed in different ecosystems in nature, few studies have explored their capacity as degraders of synthetic polymers. Moreover, most of the research in this field has focused on strains with promising biotransforming potential against polyethylene-like polymers. Our findings suggest that this field of study is still in the early stages of development. Moreover, considering the diverse ecological niches associated with , these actinobacteria could serve as complementary agents for plastic waste management and thereby enhance carbon cycle dynamics.
PubMed: 34821720
DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering8110154 -
Journal of Environmental Health Science... Dec 2023Pollution of the environment with all kinds of plastics has become a growing problem. The problem of microplastics is mainly due to the absorption of stable organic...
PURPOSE
Pollution of the environment with all kinds of plastics has become a growing problem. The problem of microplastics is mainly due to the absorption of stable organic pollutants and metals into them, and as a result, their environmental toxicity increases. The main purpose of this study is to investigate the appropriate and efficient methods of removing microplastics from aqueous environments through a systematic review.
METHODS
Present study designed according to PRISMA guidelines. Two independent researchers followed all process from search to final analysis, for the relevant studies using international databases of PubMed, Scopus and ISI/WOS (Web of Science), without time limit. The search strategy developed based on the main axis of "microplastics", "aqueous environments" and "removal". This research was carried out from 2017 until the March of 2022. All relevant observational, analytical studies, review articles, and a meta-analysis were included.
RESULTS
Through a comprehensive systematic search we found 2974 papers, after running the proses of refining, 80 eligible papers included to the study. According to the results of the review, the methods of removing microplastics from aquatic environments were divided to physical (12), chemical (18), physicochemical (27), biological (12) and integrated (11) methods. In different removal methods, the most dominant group of studied microplastics belonged to the four groups of polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene tetra phthalate (PET). Average removal efficiency of microplastics in different processes in each method was as: physical method (73.76%), chemical method (74.38%), physicochemical method (80.44%), biological method (75.23%) and integrated method (88.63%). The highest removal efficiency occurred in the processes based on the integrated method and the lowest efficiency occurred in the physical method. In total, 80% of the studies were conducted on a laboratory scale, 18.75% on a full scale and 1.25% on a pilot scale.
CONCLUSION
According to the findings; different processes based on physical, chemical, physicochemical, biological and integrated methods are able to remove microplastics with high efficiency from aqueous environments and in order to reduce their hazardous effects on health and environment, these processes can be easily used.
PubMed: 37869596
DOI: 10.1007/s40201-023-00872-z -
PloS One 2020Microplastics (MPs) are omnipresent in the environment, including the human food chain; a likely important contributor to human exposure is drinking water.
BACKGROUND
Microplastics (MPs) are omnipresent in the environment, including the human food chain; a likely important contributor to human exposure is drinking water.
OBJECTIVE
To undertake a systematic review of MP contamination of drinking water and estimate quantitative exposures.
METHODS
The protocol for the systematic review employed has been published in PROSPERO (PROSPERO 2019, Registration number: CRD42019145290). MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science were searched from launch to the 3rd of June 2020, selecting studies that used procedural blank samples and a validated method for particle composition analysis. Studies were reviewed within a narrative analysis. A bespoke risk of bias (RoB) assessment tool was used.
RESULTS
12 studies were included in the review: six of tap water (TW) and six of bottled water (BW). Meta-analysis was not appropriate due to high statistical heterogeneity (I2>95%). Seven studies were rated low RoB and all confirmed MP contamination of drinking water. The most common polymers identified in samples were polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene (PP), Methodological variability was observed throughout the experimental protocols. For example, the minimum size of particles extracted and analysed, which varied from 1 to 100 μm, was seen to be critical in the data reported. The maximum reported MP contamination was 628 MPs/L for TW and 4889 MPs/L for BW, detected in European samples. Based on typical consumption data, this may be extrapolated to a maximum yearly human adult uptake of 458,000 MPs for TW and 3,569,000 MPs for BW.
CONCLUSIONS
This is the first systematic review that appraises the quality of existing evidence on MP contamination of drinking water and estimates human exposures. The precautionary principle should be adopted to address concerns on possible human health effects from consumption of MPs. Future research should aim to standardise experimental protocols to aid comparison and elevate quality.
Topics: Drinking Water; Environmental Monitoring; Food Chain; Microplastics; Polyethylene Terephthalates; Polypropylenes; Public Health; Water Pollutants, Chemical
PubMed: 32735575
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0236838 -
Journal of Cranio-maxillo-facial... Jan 2021Local and systemic toxic reactions to implanted materials can result in morbidities. However, little is reported about cranioplasty implants. Therefore, we performed a...
PURPOSE
Local and systemic toxic reactions to implanted materials can result in morbidities. However, little is reported about cranioplasty implants. Therefore, we performed a systematic review on the toxicity of different materials used for cranioplasty implants.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A systematic search was conducted by browsing the Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases. All human studies that identified toxic (aseptic) reactions to any types of material used as cranioplasty implants or onplants, published up to January 1, 2019, were included in the review.
RESULTS
Nineteen studies were identified. Collectively, 36 patients endured some type of toxic reaction to an implanted material. Eleven studies presented several types of toxicity for PMMA cranioplasties in several tissue types. One article highlighted the risk of neurotoxicity for PMMA cranioplasty. Three articles presented toxic reactions to calcium phosphate and titanium implants. Three additional articles presented toxic reactions to PEEK, polypropylene-polyester, and polyethylene.
CONCLUSION
All materials currently used for cranioplasty showed occasional toxicity and morbidities. Therefore, none can be considered completely biologically inert. We found that aseptic inflammatory reactions have been underreported in the literature due to a high incidence of infections with questionable evidence.
Topics: Dental Implants; Humans; Postoperative Complications; Prostheses and Implants; Plastic Surgery Procedures; Research Subjects; Retrospective Studies; Skull; Titanium
PubMed: 33257187
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcms.2020.10.002 -
Journal of Orthopaedics Jun 2024Various reconstruction methods have been described in medical literature on scapular tumor resection depending on the type of resection and other factors. However the... (Review)
Review
Is polypropylene mesh reconstruction functionally superior to non reconstructive group following total scapular resection? A retrospective analysis of 16 patients and a systematic review of the literature.
BACKGROUND
Various reconstruction methods have been described in medical literature on scapular tumor resection depending on the type of resection and other factors. However the ideal method of reconstructions has been still debatable. The purpose of the current study was to assess whether polypropylene mesh reconstruction is superior as compared to non reconstructive group following total scapular resection.We also evaluated how our method of reconstruction fare as compared to reported reconstruction methods in the published literature.
METHODS
During 2014 to 2019; Total scapulectomy (Type III scapular resection) was performed in 16 patients for malignant tumor involving scapula bone. Reconstruction with polyprolene mesh(Group I) was performed in 56 % patient and non reconstruction technique (Group II) was observed in 44 % patient. The mean follow-up duration of current study was 28.3 months (range 13-67 months). The search method of PubMed and Cochrane databases provided 121 articles; of which 5 studies having 144 cases were utilised for final analysis. The reconstruction method used were dynamic humeral suspension (39.5%), non reconstruction method (35 %), scapular prosthesis (18 %) and static humeral suspension (5.5%).
RESULTS
The mean Musculoskeletal tumor society score (MSTS) of the study cohort was 19.8(0-23); and that in polyprolene mesh or static suspension method (Group I) and non reconstructive technique (Group II) was 67 % and 61% respectively. The emotional acceptance score in group I was 4.5 and that in group II was 4.2 points. There was no difference in the shoulder movements in both the groups. The mean surgical durations in group I and group II was was 186 min and 140 min respectively. The systematic review showed the mean Musculoskeletal tumor society score (MSTS) of dynamic suspension and non reconstruction method were 63 % and 63.5% respectively. The mean Musculoskeletal tumor society score (MSTS) of scapula prosthesis tended to be higher than those with dynamic suspension (77 % vs 65 %).
CONCLUSIONS
The reconstruction with polypropylene mesh had better functional outcome and emotional acceptance as compared to non-reconstructive group in patients with total scapular resection surgery. The findings of systematic review suggest that; patients treated by reconstruction with polypropylene mesh and non-reconstructive group as compared to scapular prosthesis had limited shoulder movements with no difference in hand position, manual dexterity and lifting ability.
PubMed: 38404696
DOI: 10.1016/j.jor.2024.02.019 -
Hernia : the Journal of Hernias and... Apr 2022The surgical implantation of polypropylene (PP) meshes has been linked to the occurrence of systemic autoimmune disorders. We performed a systematic review to determine... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE
The surgical implantation of polypropylene (PP) meshes has been linked to the occurrence of systemic autoimmune disorders. We performed a systematic review to determine whether PP implants for inguinal, ventral hernia or pelvic floor surgery are associated with the development of systemic autoimmune syndromes.
METHODS
We searched Embase, Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane library, clinicaltrialsregister.eu, clinicaltrails.gov and WHO-ICTR platform. Last search was performed on November 24th 2021. All types of studies reporting systemic inflammatory/autoimmune response in patients having a PP implant for either pelvic floor surgery, ventral or inguinal hernia repair were included. Animal studies, case reports and articles without full text were excluded. We intended to perform a meta-analysis. The quality of evidence was assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. This study was registered at Prospero (CRD42020220705).
RESULTS
Of 2137 records identified, 4 were eligible. Two retrospective matched cohort studies focused on mesh surgery for vaginal prolapse or inguinal hernia compared to hysterectomy and colonoscopy, respectively. One cohort study compared the incidence of systemic conditions in women having urinary incontinence surgery with and without mesh. These reports had a low risk of bias. A meta-analysis showed no association when comparing systemic disease between mesh and control groups. Calculated risk ratio was 0.9 (95% CI 0.82-0.98). The fourth study was a case series with a high risk of bias, with a sample of 714 patients with systemic disease, 40 of whom had PP mesh implanted.
CONCLUSION
There is no evidence to suggest a causal relationship between being implanted with a PP mesh and the occurrence of autoimmune disorders.
Topics: Animals; Autoimmune Diseases; Cohort Studies; Female; Hernia, Inguinal; Herniorrhaphy; Humans; Polypropylenes; Retrospective Studies; Surgical Mesh; Syndrome
PubMed: 35020091
DOI: 10.1007/s10029-021-02553-y -
Water Environment Research : a Research... May 2024Microplastics (MPs) pollution has wreaked havoc on biodiversity and food safety globally. The false ingestion of MPs causes harmful effects on organisms, resulting in a... (Review)
Review
A systematic review on microplastic contamination in marine Crustacea and Mollusca of Asia: Current scenario, concentration, characterization, polymeric risk assessment, and future Prospectives.
Microplastics (MPs) pollution has wreaked havoc on biodiversity and food safety globally. The false ingestion of MPs causes harmful effects on organisms, resulting in a decline in biodiversity. The present review comprehended the current knowledge of MP contamination in Crustacea and Mollusca from 75 peer-reviewed articles published in Asia between 2015 and 2023. A total of 79 species (27 Crustacea and 52 Mollusca) have been recorded to be contaminated with MPs. Out of the total 27 species of Crustacea, Metopograpsus quadridentatus (327.56 MPs/individual) and Balanus albicostatus (0.42 MPs/individual) showed the highest and lowest contamination, respectively. Out of the total 52 species of Mollusca, Dolabella auricularia (2325 MPs/individual) and Crassostrea gigas and Mytilus edulis (0.2 MPs/individual) showed the highest and lowest contamination, respectively. In terms of country-wise MP contamination, China has the highest number of contaminated species in both phylums among Asia. Findings of pollution indices revealed a very high risk of MP contamination in all the countries. Fiber was reported predominantly in both groups. Blue and black-colored MPs having <500 μm and <500 μm-1 mm size were found dominantly in Crustacea and Mollusca, respectively. Polypropylene was recorded as the dominant plastic polymer in both Crustacea and Mollusca. In essence, this review has provided a comprehensive insight into MP concentration in Crustacea and Mollusca of Asia, highlighting variations among species and geographic locations. This understanding is crucial for tackling urgent environmental challenges, safeguarding human health, and promoting global sustainability initiatives amid the escalating issue of plastic pollution. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Microplastic pollution has created havoc on biodiversity and food safety. A total of 27 and 52 species of crustaceans and Mollusca have been recorded to be contaminated with MPs. Metopograpsus quadridentate and Dolabella auricularia have shown higher MPs contamination. Polypropylene was recorded as the dominant plastic polymer in both crustacean and Mollusca. Findings of pollution indices revealed a very high risk of MP contamination in all the countries.
Topics: Animals; Mollusca; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Risk Assessment; Asia; Microplastics; Crustacea; Environmental Monitoring
PubMed: 38708452
DOI: 10.1002/wer.11029 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Nov 2016To minimise the rate of recurrent prolapse after traditional native tissue repair (anterior colporrhaphy), clinicians have utilised a variety of surgical techniques. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
To minimise the rate of recurrent prolapse after traditional native tissue repair (anterior colporrhaphy), clinicians have utilised a variety of surgical techniques.
OBJECTIVES
To determine the safety and effectiveness of surgery for anterior compartment prolapse.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Incontinence Group Specialised Register, including the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, MEDLINE In Process (23 August 2016), handsearched journals and conference proceedings (15 February 2016) and searched trial registers (1 August 2016).
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that examined surgical operations for anterior compartment prolapse.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently selected trials, assessed risk of bias and extracted data. Primary outcomes were awareness of prolapse, repeat surgery and recurrent prolapse on examination.
MAIN RESULTS
We included 33 trials (3332 women). The quality of evidence ranged from very low to moderate. Limitations were risk of bias and imprecision. We have summarised results for the main comparisons. Native tissue versus biological graft Awareness of prolapse: Evidence suggested few or no differences between groups (risk ratio (RR) 0.98, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.52 to 1.82; five RCTs; 552 women; I = 39%; low-quality evidence), indicating that if 12% of women were aware of prolapse after biological graft, 7% to 23% would be aware after native tissue repair. Repeat surgery for prolapse: Results showed no probable differences between groups (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.97; seven RCTs; 650 women; I = 0%; moderate-quality evidence), indicating that if 4% of women required repeat surgery after biological graft, 2% to 9% would do so after native tissue repair. Recurrent anterior compartment prolapse: Native tissue repair probably increased the risk of recurrence (RR 1.32, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.65; eight RCTs; 701 women; I = 26%; moderate-quality evidence), indicating that if 26% of women had recurrent prolapse after biological graft, 27% to 42% would have recurrence after native tissue repair. Stress urinary incontinence (SUI): Results showed no probable differences between groups (RR 1.44, 95% CI 0.79 to 2.64; two RCTs; 218 women; I = 0%; moderate-quality evidence). Dyspareunia: Evidence suggested few or no differences between groups (RR 0.87, 95% CI 0.39 to 1.93; two RCTs; 151 women; I = 0%; low-quality evidence). Native tissue versus polypropylene mesh Awareness of prolapse: This was probably more likely after native tissue repair (RR 1.77, 95% CI 1.37 to 2.28; nine RCTs; 1133 women; I = 0%; moderate-quality evidence), suggesting that if 13% of women were aware of prolapse after mesh repair, 18% to 30% would be aware of prolapse after native tissue repair. Repeat surgery for prolapse: This was probably more likely after native tissue repair (RR 2.03, 95% CI 1.15 to 3.58; 12 RCTs; 1629 women; I = 39%; moderate-quality evidence), suggesting that if 2% of women needed repeat surgery after mesh repair, 2% to 7% would do so after native tissue repair. Recurrent anterior compartment prolapse: This was probably more likely after native tissue repair (RR 3.01, 95% CI 2.52 to 3.60; 16 RCTs; 1976 women; I = 39%; moderate-quality evidence), suggesting that if recurrent prolapse occurred in 13% of women after mesh repair, 32% to 45% would have recurrence after native tissue repair. Repeat surgery for prolapse, stress urinary incontinence or mesh exposure (composite outcome): This was probably less likely after native tissue repair (RR 0.59, 95% CI 0.41 to 0.83; 12 RCTs; 1527 women; I = 45%; moderate-quality evidence), suggesting that if 10% of women require repeat surgery after polypropylene mesh repair, 4% to 8% would do so after native tissue repair. De novo SUI: Evidence suggested few or no differences between groups (RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.44 to 1.01; six RCTs; 957 women; I = 26%; low-quality evidence). No evidence suggested a difference in rates of repeat surgery for SUI. Dyspareunia (de novo): Evidence suggested few or no differences between groups (RR 0.54, 95% CI 0.27 to 1.06; eight RCTs; n = 583; I = 0%; low-quality evidence). Native tissue versus absorbable mesh Awareness of prolapse: It is unclear whether results showed any differences between groups (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.70 to 1.31; one RCT; n = 54; very low-quality evidence), Repeat surgery for prolapse: It is unclear whether results showed any differences between groups (RR 2.13, 95% CI 0.42 to 10.82; one RCT; n = 66; very low-quality evidence). Recurrent anterior compartment prolapse: This is probably more likely after native tissue repair (RR 1.50, 95% CI 1.09 to 2.06; three RCTs; n = 268; I = 0%; moderate-quality evidence), suggesting that if 27% have recurrent prolapse after mesh repair, 29% to 55% would have recurrent prolapse after native tissue repair. SUI: It is unclear whether results showed any differences between groups (RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.50 to 1.05; one RCT; n = 49; very low-quality evidence). Dyspareunia: No data were reported.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Biological graft repair or absorbable mesh provides minimal advantage compared with native tissue repair.Native tissue repair was associated with increased awareness of prolapse and increased risk of repeat surgery for prolapse and recurrence of anterior compartment prolapse compared with polypropylene mesh repair. However, native tissue repair was associated with reduced risk of de novo SUI, reduced bladder injury, and reduced rates of repeat surgery for prolapse, stress urinary incontinence and mesh exposure (composite outcome).Current evidence does not support the use of mesh repair compared with native tissue repair for anterior compartment prolapse owing to increased morbidity.Many transvaginal polypropylene meshes have been voluntarily removed from the market, and newer light-weight transvaginal meshes that are available have not been assessed by RCTs. Clinicans and women should be cautious when utilising these products, as their safety and efficacy have not been established.
Topics: Cystocele; Female; Gynecologic Surgical Procedures; Humans; Pelvic Organ Prolapse; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Rectal Prolapse; Secondary Prevention; Surgical Mesh; Suture Techniques; Urinary Incontinence; Uterine Prolapse
PubMed: 27901278
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004014.pub6 -
Graft Utilization in the Augmentation of Large-to-Massive Rotator Cuff Repairs: A Systematic Review.The American Journal of Sports Medicine Nov 2016Current treatment options for symptomatic large-to-massive rotator cuff tears can reduce pain, but failure rates remain high. Surgeons have incorporated synthetic and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Current treatment options for symptomatic large-to-massive rotator cuff tears can reduce pain, but failure rates remain high. Surgeons have incorporated synthetic and biologic grafts to augment these repairs, with promising results. Multiple reviews exist that summarize these products; however, no systematic review has investigated the grafts' ability to maintain structural integrity after augmentation of large-to-massive rotator cuff repairs.
PURPOSE
To systematically review and evaluate the effectiveness of grafts in the augmentation of large-to-massive rotator cuff repairs.
STUDY DESIGN
Systematic review.
METHODS
A comprehensive search of 4 reputable databases was completed. Inclusion criteria were (1) large-to-massive rotator cuff tear, (2) graft augmentation of primary repairs ± primary repair control group, and (3) minimum clinical and radiologic follow-up of 12 months. Two reviewers screened the titles, abstracts, and full articles and extracted the data from eligible studies. Results were summarized into evidence tables stratified by graft origin and level of evidence.
RESULTS
Ten studies fit the inclusion criteria. Allograft augmentation was functionally and structurally superior to primary repair controls, with intact repairs in 85% versus 40% of patients (P < .01). This was supported by observational study data. Xenograft augmentation failed to demonstrate superiority to primary repair controls, with worse structural healing rates (27% vs 60%; P =.11). Both comparative studies supported this finding. There have also been many reports of inflammatory reactions with xenograft use. Polypropylene patches are associated with improved structural (83% vs 59% and 49%; P < .01) and functional outcomes when compared with controls and xenograft augmentation; however, randomized data are lacking.
CONCLUSION
Augmentation of large-to-massive rotator cuff repairs with human dermal allografts is associated with superior functional and structural outcome when compared with conventional primary repair. Xenograft augmentation failed to demonstrate a statistically significant difference and may be associated with worse rerupture rates and occasional severe inflammatory reactions. Polypropylene patches have initial promising results. Research in this field is limited; future researchers should continue to develop prospective, randomized controlled trials to establish clear recommendations.
Topics: Humans; Rotator Cuff; Rotator Cuff Injuries; Transplants; Wound Healing
PubMed: 26847487
DOI: 10.1177/0363546515624463 -
International Urogynecology Journal Mar 2021The aim of this study is to systematically compare rates of erosion and chronic pain after mesh insertion for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study is to systematically compare rates of erosion and chronic pain after mesh insertion for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI) surgery.
METHODS
A systematic electronic search was performed on studies that evaluated the incidence of erosion and chronic pain after mesh insertion for POP or SUI. The primary outcome measurement was to compare mesh erosion rates for POP and SUI surgery. Secondary outcome measurements were incidence of de novo pain and a comparison of patient demographics for both surgeries.
RESULTS
Twenty-six studies on 292,606 patients (n = 9077 for POP surgery and n = 283,529 for SUI surgery) met the inclusion criteria. Median follow-up was 26.38 ± 22.17 months for POP surgery and 39.33 ± 27.68 months for SUI surgery. Overall, the POP group were older (p < 0.0001) and had a lower BMI (p < 0.0001). Mesh erosion rates were significantly greater in the POP group compared to the SUI group (4% versus 1.9%) (OR 2.13; 95% CI 1.91-2.37; p < 0.0001). The duration from surgery to onset of mesh erosion was 306.84 ± 183.98 days. There was no difference in erosion rates between abdominal and transvaginal mesh for POP. There was no difference in erosion rates between the transobturator and retropubic approach for SUI. The incidence of chronic pain was significantly greater in the POP group compared to the SUI group (6.7% versus 0.6%) (OR 11.02; 95% CI 8.15-14.9; p < 0.0001). The duration from surgery to onset of chronic pain was 325.88 ± 226.31 days.
CONCLUSIONS
The risk of mesh erosion and chronic pain is significantly higher after surgery for POP compared to SUI. These significant complications occur within the first year after surgery.
Topics: Chronic Pain; Humans; Pelvic Organ Prolapse; Suburethral Slings; Surgical Mesh; Urinary Incontinence, Stress
PubMed: 33237357
DOI: 10.1007/s00192-020-04612-x