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Arquivos Brasileiros de Cirurgia... 2023In the surgical correction of large incisional hernias, the use of a prosthesis is essential in most cases regardless of the technique chosen. The preference is for the...
BACKGROUND
In the surgical correction of large incisional hernias, the use of a prosthesis is essential in most cases regardless of the technique chosen. The preference is for the polypropylene prosthesis.
AIMS
To compare the onlay and Rives-Stoppa techniques in the correction of incisional hernias, their immediate results, complications, advantages, and disadvantages.
METHODS
Two groups of patients with incisional hernias were analyzed, submitted to the onlay (19 patients) and Rives-Stoppa (17 patients) techniques, and that used polypropylene prostheses. General epidemiological variables, perioperative data variables, and postoperative complications were assessed.
RESULTS
The patients' epidemiologic profile was similar between both groups. The majority were women (58.4%), with a mean age of 65.5 years and a previous mean body mass index of 41.5 kg/m². The Rives-Stoppa technique was employed in most patients (52.7%). Those submitted to the onlay technique had longer abdominal drainage time and longer hospital stay, as well as a higher incidence of seromas and surgical wound infection.
CONCLUSIONS
The incisional herniorrhaphy technique with the placement of a pre-peritoneal polypropylene mesh by the Rives-Stoppa technique was superior to the onlay due to lower rates of drain use, hospital stay, and postoperative complications.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Aged; Incisional Hernia; Polypropylenes; Treatment Outcome; Surgical Mesh; Recurrence; Hernia, Ventral; Herniorrhaphy; Postoperative Complications
PubMed: 37851752
DOI: 10.1590/0102-672020230048e1766 -
Chemosphere Sep 2023Sorption studies involving microplastics (MPs) are essential to understand the mechanisms implicated in contaminant retention. In this research, a complete study of the...
Sorption studies involving microplastics (MPs) are essential to understand the mechanisms implicated in contaminant retention. In this research, a complete study of the sorption behaviour of a hormonal contraceptive -levonorgestrel- in MPs of different composition in two distinct matrices was performed, using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a UV detector for the determination of levonorgestrel. Characterization of the studied MPs was achieved by X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy. Kinetic and isotherm studies were performed using a batch design under controlled conditions: 500 mg of MPs pellets of 3-5 mm diameter, agitation at 125 rpm, and 30 °C. The comparison of results in ultrapure water and artificial seawater, revealed changes in sorption capacity, and the predominant sorption mechanisms involved. Overall, all studied MPs showed sorption affinity towards levonorgestrel, being low-density polyethylene the one with the highest sorption capacity in ultrapure water and polystyrene in seawater.
Topics: Microplastics; Polystyrenes; Polyethylene; Polypropylenes; Plastics; Levonorgestrel; Water; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Adsorption
PubMed: 37244556
DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139042 -
Heliyon Apr 2021The storability and eventual quality of flour is influenced by the optimality of the storage conditions. The present study assessed the effect of storage temperature on...
BACKGROUND
The storability and eventual quality of flour is influenced by the optimality of the storage conditions. The present study assessed the effect of storage temperature on extruded composite flour packed in different packages.
METHODS
Oats, soybean, linseed and premix (sugar, salt, Moringa & fenugreek) were blended and extruded. The extruded flour was packed in paper, polyethene and woven polypropylene bags and stored at -18, 25, 35, 45 °C. Moisture content, fat content, water activity, bulk density, aroma, color and microbial load were measured fortnightly for three months.
RESULTS
The physico-chemical and sensory properties of the flour samples were significantly (p < 0.05) affected by the storage temperature and packaging material along the storage period. The highest moisture content (4.02 g/100g) was recorded on the 90 day of storage for flour stored in polypropylene bag at -18 °C. The highest water activity (0.68) was recorded from flour packed in woven polypropylene bags stored at 25 °C for 45 days and flour packed in paper bags at days 15 and 45 at 35 °C, whereas the lowest aw (0.18) was recorded for samples stored for 90 days at 45 °C packed in polypropylene bags. Flour samples packed in polyethene bags retained their moisture content. The highest bulk density (0.61 g/ml) was recorded on day 0 and it decreased gradually where the lowest value (0.51 g/ml) was recorded for flour samples packed in polypropylene for 90 days at -18 °C. The highest fat content (9.4g/100g) was recorded at day 0 and it decreased slowly during the storage period where the lowest value (8.2g/100g) was measured from flour samples packed in polypropylene for 90 days at 45 °C. None of the treatments had a microbial load exceeding the standards which could be attributed to extrusion of the food samples. The highest aroma and color liking scores were recorded on the 90 day of storage for woven polypropylene packed flour at 25 °C and for polyethylene packed flour at -18 °C, respectively. The predicted shelf life was 17 months for samples packed in polyethene and kept at 25 °C and 6.2 months for samples packed in polypropylene and held at 45 °C.
CONCLUSIONS
Woven polypropylene flour bags could be laminated or have a polyethylene liner, so that the flour does not absorb moisture. Shelf stability of the flour can help its successful marketing and distribution.
PubMed: 33997380
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06821 -
Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma... Sep 2021In this study, we evaluate the value of novel suture material based on monofilamentous-extruded polyfluoroethylene (PTFE) compared to polypropylene (PPL) and Fiberwire...
BACKGROUND
In this study, we evaluate the value of novel suture material based on monofilamentous-extruded polyfluoroethylene (PTFE) compared to polypropylene (PPL) and Fiberwire (FW).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
60 flexor tendons were harvested from fresh cadaveric upper extremities. 4-0 sutures strands were used in the PPL, FW and PTFE group. Knotting properties and mechanical characteristics of the suture materials were evaluated. A 4-strand locked cruciate (Adelaide) or a 6-strand (M-Tang) suture technique was applied as core sutures for a tendon repair. Two-way ANOVA tests were performed with the Bonferroni correction.
RESULTS
Stable knotting was achieved with 5 throws with the PPL material, 7 throws for FW and 9 throws for PTFE. In the PPL group, linear tensile strength was 45.92 ± 12.53 N, in the FW group 80.11 ± 18.34 N and in the PTFE group 76.16 ± 29.10 N. FW and PTFE are significantly stronger than PPL but show no significant difference among each other. Similar results were obtained in the subgroup comparisons for different repair techniques. The Adelaide and the M-Tang knotting technique showed no significant difference.
CONCLUSION
Fiberwire showed superior handling and knotting properties in comparison to PTFE. However, PTFE allows easier approximation of the stumps. In both, M-Tang and Adelaide repairs, PTFE was equal to FW in terms of repair strength. Both PTFE and FW provide for a robust tendon repair so that early active motion regimens for rehabilitation can be applied.
Topics: Biomechanical Phenomena; Cadaver; Humans; Materials Testing; Polypropylenes; Polytetrafluoroethylene; Sutures; Tendons
PubMed: 33876291
DOI: 10.1007/s00402-021-03899-9 -
Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Jul 2020Semifluorinated alkanes (SFAs) are aprotic solvents, which may be used as drug solvents for topical ocular applications, for instance, in dry eye syndrome. Their...
Semifluorinated alkanes (SFAs) are aprotic solvents, which may be used as drug solvents for topical ocular applications, for instance, in dry eye syndrome. Their physical properties suggest that they might be prone to interaction with plastic materials, such as, polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), which are commonly used as packaging materials for pharmaceutical products. In this study, we investigate interactions of PE and PP with a liquid SFA perfluorohexyloctane (PFHO) using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and cross-polarized light microscopy. Binary phase diagrams of PFHO-PE and PFHO-PP systems demonstrating interactions of PFHO with the polymeric materials were constructed based on DSC data. According to this data, PFHO tends to lower the melting temperatures of PE and PP. The equilibrium values of solubilities of the polymers in PFHO and PFHO in the polymers were obtained by extrapolation of melting enthalpy data. Absorption of PFHO by PE and PP materials at ambient conditions after 4 weeks of equilibration was also studied by TGA. From the presented results, it may be concluded that thorough studies of interactions of PE or PP with SFAs are required when these materials are used as packaging components in SFA-based formulations.
Topics: Fluorocarbons; Pharmaceutical Preparations; Polyethylene; Polypropylenes
PubMed: 32240694
DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2020.03.026 -
Tissue Engineering and Regenerative... Aug 2022Meshes play a crucial role in hernia repair. However, the displacement of mesh inevitably leads to various associated complications. This process is difficult to be...
BACKGROUND
Meshes play a crucial role in hernia repair. However, the displacement of mesh inevitably leads to various associated complications. This process is difficult to be traced by conventional imaging means. The purpose of this study is to create a contrast-enhanced material with high-density property that can be detected by computed tomography (CT).
METHODS
The contrast-enhanced monofilament was manufactured from barium sulfate nanoparticles and medical polypropylene (PP/Ba). To characterize the composite, stress tensile tests and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed. Toxicity and biocompatibility of PP/Ba materials was verified by in vitro cellular assays. Meanwhile, the inflammatory response was tested by protein adsorption assay. In addition, an animal model was established to demonstrate the long-term radiographic effect of the composite material in vivo. Subsequent pathological tests confirmed its in vivo compatibility.
RESULTS
The SEM revealed that the main component of the monofilament is carbon. In vitro cell experiments demonstrated that novel material does not affect cell activity and proliferation. Protein adsorption assays indicated that the contrast-enhanced material does not cause additional inflammatory responses. In addition, in vivo experiments illustrated that PP/Ba mesh can be detected by CT and has good in vivo compatibility.
CONCLUSION
These results highlight the excellent biocompatibility of the contrast-enhanced material, which is suitable for human abdominal wall tissue engineering.
Topics: Animals; Hernia; Humans; Materials Testing; Polypropylenes; Prostheses and Implants; Surgical Mesh
PubMed: 35612710
DOI: 10.1007/s13770-022-00460-6 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Oct 2022Since the outbreak of COVID-19, face masks have been introduced in the complex strategy of infection prevention and control. Face masks consist of plastic polymers and...
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, face masks have been introduced in the complex strategy of infection prevention and control. Face masks consist of plastic polymers and additives such as phthalates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the migration of microplastics (MP) and phthalates from face masks to water. Four types of masks including FFP2 masks and surgical were studied. Masks were first characterized to determine the different layers and the material used for their fabrication. Then, masks were cut into 20 pieces of 0.5 cm, including all their layers, placed in water, and the migration of MP and phthalates was evaluated according to the conditions stated in EU Regulation No 10/2011 on plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food. For MP, the morphological analysis (shape, dimension, particle count) was performed using a stereomicroscope, while the identification of both masks and MP released was conducted using μ-Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (µ-FT-IR). Migration of phthalates was assessed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (UPLC-MS/MS). Face masks analyzed in the present study were made of atactic polypropylene (PP) as stated by the manufacturer. The μ-FT-IR confirmed that PP and polyamide (PA) were released as fragments, while both PP and polyester (PES) were released as fibers. In addition, 4 phthalates were identified at concentrations between 2.34 and 21.0 µg/mask. This study shows that the migration study can be applied to evaluate the potential release of MP and phthalates from face masks to water and could give a hint for the potential impact of their incorrect disposal on the aquatic resources.
Topics: Humans; Microplastics; Plastics; Masks; Water; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; Polypropylenes; Nylons; Chromatography, Liquid; COVID-19; Tandem Mass Spectrometry; Polyesters
PubMed: 36296451
DOI: 10.3390/molecules27206859 -
International Journal of Environmental... Oct 2022The formation of plastisphere on plastics and their potential impact on freshwater ecosystems have drawn increasing attention. However, there is still limited...
The formation of plastisphere on plastics and their potential impact on freshwater ecosystems have drawn increasing attention. However, there is still limited information about the effects of plastisphere on the heavy metal adsorption capacity and the related mechanism of plastic debris in different freshwaters. Herein, the trace metal adsorption capacity, kinetics and adsorption mechanisms of virgin and biofilm-covered plastic debris were investigated. Polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic debris were placed in three freshwaters (Xuanwu Lake, Donghu Lake and the Qinhuai River) for 45 days to incubate biofilms. Batch adsorption experiments were performed to compare the adsorption processes of trace metal on virgin and biofilm-covered plastics. Results showed that biofilms increase the adsorption of metals on plastics, and the adsorption isotherms were well fitted by the Langmuir model. Furthermore, the adsorption capacities for lead (Pb(II)) were higher than that of cadmium (Cd(II)) and zinc (Zn(II)), with 256.21 and 277.38 μg/g (Pb(II)) adsorbed in biofilm-covered PP and PET, respectively, in Xuanwu Lake. The adsorption kinetics of metals on plastic debris were significantly affected by the biofilms, by switching the intraparticle diffusion for virgin plastic debris to film diffusion for the biofilm-covered plastic debris. Moreover, the complexation of functional groups within the biofilms might mainly contribute to the increases of metal adsorption, involving the participation of oxygen and nitrogen groups. Overall, these results suggested that biofilms reinforce the potential role of plastics as a carrier of trace metals in freshwaters.
Topics: Plastics; Adsorption; Ecosystem; Lead; Trace Elements; Lakes; Biofilms; Polypropylenes; Water Pollutants, Chemical
PubMed: 36360635
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192113752 -
Applied and Environmental Microbiology Jun 2023Antibiotic-resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance gene (ARGs) loads dissipate through sewage treatment plants to receiving aquatic environments, but the mechanisms...
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance gene (ARGs) loads dissipate through sewage treatment plants to receiving aquatic environments, but the mechanisms that mitigate the spread of these ARGs are not well understood due to the complexity of full-scale systems and the difficulty of source tracking in downstream environments. To overcome this problem, we targeted a controlled experimental system comprising a semicommercial membrane-aerated bioreactor (MABR), whose effluents fed a 4,500-L polypropylene basin that mimicked effluent stabilization reservoirs and receiving aquatic ecosystems. We analyzed a large set of physicochemical measurements, concomitant with the cultivation of total and cefotaxime-resistant Escherichia coli, microbial community analyses, and quantitative PCR (qPCR)/digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) quantification of selected ARGs and mobile genetic elements (MGEs). The MABR removed most of the sewage-derived organic carbon and nitrogen, and simultaneously, E. coli, ARG, and MGE levels dropped by approximately 1.5- and 1.0-log unit mL, respectively. Similar levels of E. coli, ARGs, and MGEs were removed in the reservoir, but interestingly, unlike in the MABR, the relative abundance (normalized to 16S rRNA gene-inferred total bacterial abundance) of these genes also decreased. Microbial community analyses revealed the substantial shifts in bacterial and eukaryotic community composition in the reservoir relative to the MABR. Collectively, our observations lead us to conclude that the removal of ARGs in the MABR is mainly a consequence of treatment-facilitated biomass removal, whereas in the stabilization reservoir, mitigation is linked to natural attenuation associated with ecosystem functioning, which includes abiotic parameters, and the development of native microbiomes that prevent the establishment of wastewater-derived bacteria and associated ARGs. Wastewater treatment plants are sources of antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), which can contaminate receiving aquatic environments and contribute to antibiotic resistance. We focused on a controlled experimental system comprising a semicommercial membrane-aerated bioreactor (MABR) that treated raw sewage, whose effluents fed a 4,500-L polypropylene basin that mimicked effluent stabilization reservoirs. We evaluated ARB and ARG dynamics across the raw-sewage-MABR-effluent trajectory, concomitant with evaluation of microbial community composition and physicochemical parameters, in an attempt to identify mechanisms associated with ARB and ARG dissipation. We found that removal of ARB and ARGs in the MABR was primarily associated with bacterial death or sludge removal, whereas in the reservoir it was attributed to the inability of ARBs and associated ARGs to colonize the reservoir due to a dynamic and persistent microbial community. The study demonstrates the importance of ecosystem functioning in removing microbial contaminants from wastewater.
Topics: Wastewater; Sewage; Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists; Genes, Bacterial; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Escherichia coli; Polypropylenes; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; Bacteria; Microbiota
PubMed: 37199629
DOI: 10.1128/aem.00170-23 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2023This study sought to analyze the leakage rate, economic loss caused by leakage, leakage reasons, and usage of upright polypropylene infusion bags and non-polyvinyl...
This study sought to analyze the leakage rate, economic loss caused by leakage, leakage reasons, and usage of upright polypropylene infusion bags and non-polyvinyl chloride (PVC) infusion bags, two types of closed intravenous infusion containers used in pharmacy intravenous admixture service (PIVAS), to improve the product quality of drug infusion packaging materials, reduce drug and clinical economic losses, and reduce the safety hazards of medication. A real-world study was used to collect statistics for these infusion containers. The study was conducted in 21 hospitals in China from September to December 2022. Upright polypropylene infusion bags or non-PVC infusion bags in PIVAS of these 21 hospitals were chosen as the research material. In total, 2,349,899 upright polypropylene infusion bags and 3,301,722 non-PVC infusion bags were collected. Eleven cases of upright polypropylene infusion bag leakage occurred (with a the leakage rate of 0.05‱), and 394 cases of non-PVC infusion bag leakage occurred (with a leakage rate of 1.19‱). The leakage rate of non-PVC infusion bags was significantly higher than that of upright polypropylene infusion bags ( < 0.01). The main reason for leakage in upright polypropylene infusion bags was sharp objects such as glass fragments or aluminum caps piercing the bag. The main reason for leakage in non-PVC infusion bags was squeezing, stacking, and uneven arrangement that causes folding of edges. For non-PVC bags, additional reasons for leakage included leakage at the nozzle joint, excessive manual or machine throwing force, and excessive dosage. The economic loss of upright polypropylene infusion bags was 1,116.56 CNY. The economic loss of non-PVC infusion bags was 32,210.86 CNY. Based on real-world study data on the leakage of upright polypropylene infusion bags and non-PVC infusion bags in multicenter PIVAS, it can be concluded that the leakage rates of upright polypropylene infusion bags are significantly lower than those of non-PVC infusion bags in PIVAS, and the economic losses due to upright polypropylene infusion bags are lower than those due to non-PVC infusion bags in PIVAS. Therefore, we can infer that upright polypropylene infusion bags are superior to non-PVC infusion bags.
PubMed: 37869755
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1273020