Interference of biodegradable plastics in the polypropylene recycling process

[EN] Recycling polymers is common due to the need to reduce the environmental impact of these materials. Polypropylene (PP) is one of the polymers called commodities polymers' and it is commonly used in a wide variety of short-term applications such as food packaging and agricultural products. That is why a large amount of PP residues that can be recycled are generated every year. However, the current increasing introduction of biodegradable polymers in the food packaging industry can negatively affect the properties of recycled PP if those kinds of plastics are disposed with traditional plastics. For this reason, the influence that generates small amounts of biodegradable polymers such as polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) and thermoplastic starch (TPS) in the recycled PP were analyzed in this work. Thus, recycled PP was blended with biodegradables polymers by melt extrusion followed by injection moulding process to simulate the industrial conditions. Then, the obtained materials were evaluated by studding the changes on the thermal and mechanical performance. The results revealed that the vicat softening temperature is negatively affected by the presence of biodegradable polymers in recycled PP. Meanwhile, the melt flow index was negatively affected for PLA and PHB added blends. The mechanical properties were affected when more than 5 wt.% of biodegradable polymers were present. Moreover, structural changes were detected when biodegradable polymers were added to the recycled PP by means of FTIR, because of the characteristic bands of the carbonyl group (between the band 1700-1800 cm(-1)) appeared due to the presence of PLA, PHB or TPS. Thus, low amounts (lower than 5 wt.%) of biodegradable polymers can be introduced in the recycled PP process without affecting the overall performance of the final material intended for several applications, such as food packaging, agricultural films for farming and crop protection.This research was funded by Conselleria d'Educacio, Investigacio, Cultura y Esport de la Generalitat Valenciana, grant number APOSTD/2018/209.Samper, M.; Bertomeu, D.; Arrieta, MP.; Ferri, JM.; López-Martínez, J. (2018). Interference of biodegradable plastics in the polypropylene recycling process. Materials. 11(10):1-18. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma11101886S1181110Plastics Europe, Plastics—The Facts 2017https://www.plasticseurope.org/application/files/5715/1717/4180/Plastics_the_facts_2017_FINAL_for_website_one_page.pdfAres, A., Bouza, R., Pardo, S. G., Abad, M. J., & Barral, L. (2010). Rheological, Mechanical and Thermal Behaviour of Wood Polymer Composites Based on Recycled Polypropylene. Journal of Polymers and the Environment, 18(3), 318-325. doi:10.1007/s10924-010-0208-xBodar, C., Spijker, J., Lijzen, J., Waaijers-van der Loop, S., Luit, R., Heugens, E., … Traas, T. (2018). Risk management of hazardous substances in a circular economy. Journal of Environmental Management, 212, 108-114. doi:10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.02.014Alam, O., Wang, S., & Lu, W. (2018). Heavy metals dispersion during thermal treatment of plastic bags and its recovery. Journal of Environmental Management, 212, 367-374. doi:10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.02.034Bucci, D. Z., Tavares, L. B. B., & Sell, I. (2005). PHB packaging for the storage of food products. Polymer Testing, 24(5), 564-571. doi:10.1016/j.polymertesting.2005.02.008Siracusa, V., Rocculi, P., Romani, S., & Rosa, M. D. (2008). Biodegradable polymers for food packaging: a review. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 19(12), 634-643. doi:10.1016/j.tifs.2008.07.003Claro, P. I. C., Neto, A. R. S., Bibbo, A. C. C., Mattoso, L. H. C., Bastos, M. S. R., & Marconcini, J. M. (2016). Biodegradable Blends with Potential Use in Packaging: A Comparison of PLA/Chitosan and PLA/Cellulose Acetate Films. Journal of Polymers and the Environment, 24(4), 363-371. doi:10.1007/s10924-016-0785-4Avérous, L. (2004). Biodegradable Multiphase Systems Based on Plasticized Starch: A Review. Journal of Macromolecular Science, Part C: Polymer Reviews, 44(3), 231-274. doi:10.1081/mc-200029326Armentano, I., Fortunati, E., Burgos, N., Dominici, F., Luzi, F., Fiori, S., … Kenny, J. M. (2015). Processing and characterization of plasticized PLA/PHB blends for biodegradable multiphase systems. Express Polymer Letters, 9(7), 583-596. doi:10.3144/expresspolymlett.2015.55Arrieta, M. P., López, J., Rayón, E., & Jiménez, A. (2014). Disintegrability under composting conditions of plasticized PLA–PHB blends. Polymer Degradation and Stability, 108, 307-318. doi:10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2014.01.034Garcia-Garcia, D., Ferri, J. M., Montanes, N., Lopez-Martinez, J., & Balart, R. (2016). Plasticization effects of epoxidized vegetable oils on mechanical properties of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate). Polymer International, 65(10), 1157-1164. doi:10.1002/pi.5164Russo, M. A. L., O’Sullivan, C., Rounsefell, B., Halley, P. J., Truss, R., & Clarke, W. P. (2009). The anaerobic degradability of thermoplastic starch: Polyvinyl alcohol blends: Potential biodegradable food packaging materials. Bioresource Technology, 100(5), 1705-1710. doi:10.1016/j.biortech.2008.09.026Neumann, I. A., Flores-Sahagun, T. H. S., & Ribeiro, A. M. (2017). Biodegradable poly (l-lactic acid) (PLLA) and PLLA-3-arm blend membranes: The use of PLLA-3-arm as a plasticizer. Polymer Testing, 60, 84-93. doi:10.1016/j.polymertesting.2017.03.013Khalid, S., Yu, L., Meng, L., Liu, H., Ali, A., & Chen, L. (2017). Poly(lactic acid)/starch composites: Effect of microstructure and morphology of starch granules on performance. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 134(46), 45504. doi:10.1002/app.45504Arrieta, M., Samper, M., Aldas, M., & López, J. (2017). On the Use of PLA-PHB Blends for Sustainable Food Packaging Applications. Materials, 10(9), 1008. doi:10.3390/ma10091008Cosate de Andrade, M. F., Souza, P. M. S., Cavalett, O., & Morales, A. R. (2016). Life Cycle Assessment of Poly(Lactic Acid) (PLA): Comparison Between Chemical Recycling, Mechanical Recycling and Composting. Journal of Polymers and the Environment, 24(4), 372-384. doi:10.1007/s10924-016-0787-2Navarro, R., Ferrándiz, S., López, J., & Seguí, V. J. (2008). The influence of polyethylene in the mechanical recycling of polyethylene terephtalate. Journal of Materials Processing Technology, 195(1-3), 110-116. doi:10.1016/j.jmatprotec.2007.04.126Navarro, R., López, J., Parres, F., & Ferrándiz, S. (2011). Process behavior of compatible polymer blends. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 124(3), 2485-2493. doi:10.1002/app.35260Sánchez-Jiménez, P. E., Pérez-Maqueda, L. A., Crespo-Amorós, J. E., López, J., Perejón, A., & Criado, J. M. (2010). Quantitative Characterization of Multicomponent Polymers by Sample-Controlled Thermal Analysis. Analytical Chemistry, 82(21), 8875-8880. doi:10.1021/ac101651gAlaerts, L., Augustinus, M., & Van Acker, K. (2018). Impact of Bio-Based Plastics on Current Recycling of Plastics. Sustainability, 10(5), 1487. doi:10.3390/su10051487Pivsa-Art, S., Kord-Sa-Ard, J., Pivsa-Art, W., Wongpajan, R., O-Charoen, N., Pavasupree, S., & Hamada, H. (2016). Effect of Compatibilizer on PLA/PP Blend for Injection Molding. Energy Procedia, 89, 353-360. doi:10.1016/j.egypro.2016.05.046Yoo, T. W., Yoon, H. G., Choi, S. J., Kim, M. S., Kim, Y. H., & Kim, W. N. (2010). Effects of compatibilizers on the mechanical properties and interfacial tension of polypropylene and poly(lactic acid) blends. Macromolecular Research, 18(6), 583-588. doi:10.1007/s13233-010-0613-yRosa, D. S., Guedes, C. G. F., & Carvalho, C. L. (2007). Processing and thermal, mechanical and morphological characterization of post-consumer polyolefins/thermoplastic starch blends. Journal of Materials Science, 42(2), 551-557. doi:10.1007/s10853-006-1049-9Sadi, R. K., Kurusu, R. S., Fechine, G. J. M., & Demarquette, N. R. (2011). Compatibilization of polypropylene/ poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) blends. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 123(6), 3511-3519. doi:10.1002/app.34853Parres, F., Balart, R., López, J., & García, D. (2008). Changes in the mechanical and thermal properties of high impact polystyrene (HIPS) in the presence of low polypropylene (PP) contents. Journal of Materials Science, 43(9), 3203-3209. doi:10.1007/s10853-008-2555-8Fekete, E., Földes, E., & Pukánszky, B. (2005). Effect of molecular interactions on the miscibility and structure of polymer blends. European Polymer Journal, 41(4), 727-736. doi:10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2004.10.038Macaúbas, P. H. P., & Demarquette, N. R. (2002). Time-temperature superposition principle applicability for blends formed of immiscible polymers. Polymer Engineering & Science, 42(7), 1509-1519. doi:10.1002/pen.11047Polymer Properties Databasehttps://polymerdatabase.com/polymer%20classes/Intro.htmlGoonoo, N., Bhaw-Luximon, A., & Jhurry, D. (2015). Biodegradable polymer blends: miscibility, physicochemical properties and biological response of scaffolds. Polymer International, 64(10), 1289-1302. doi:10.1002/pi.4937Arrieta, M. P., López, J., López, D., Kenny, J. M., & Peponi, L. (2015). Development of flexible materials based on plasticized electrospun PLA–PHB blends: Structural, thermal, mechanical and disintegration properties. European Polymer Journal, 73, 433-446. doi:10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2015.10.036Ferri, J. M., Garcia-Garcia, D., Carbonell-Verdu, A., Fenollar, O., & Balart, R. (2017). Poly(lactic acid) formulations with improved toughness by physical blending with thermoplastic starch. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 135(4), 45751. doi:10.1002/app.45751Sessini, V., Arrieta, M. P., Kenny, J. M., & Peponi, L. (2016). Processing of edible films based on nanoreinforced gelatinized starch. Polymer Degradation and Stability, 132, 157-168. doi:10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2016.02.026Fan, Y., Nishida, H., Shirai, Y., Tokiwa, Y., & Endo, T. (2004). Thermal degradation behaviour of poly(lactic acid) stereocomplex. Polymer Degradation and Stability, 86(2), 197-208. doi:10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2004.03.001Sessini, V., Raquez, J.-M., Lourdin, D., Maigret, J.-E., Kenny, J. M., Dubois, P., & Peponi, L. (2017). Humidity-Activated Shape Memory Effects on Thermoplastic Starch/EVA Blends and Their Compatibilized Nanocomposites. Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics, 218(24), 1700388. doi:10.1002/macp.201700388Gerard, T., Budtova, T., Podshivalov, A., & Bronnikov, S. (2014). Polylactide/poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) blends: Morphology and mechanical properties. Express Polymer Letters, 8(8), 609-617. doi:10.3144/expresspolymlett.2014.64Lanzotti, A., Grasso, M., Staiano, G., & Martorelli, M. (2015). The impact of process parameters on mechanical properties of parts fabricated in PLA with an open-source 3-D printer. Rapid Prototyping Journal, 21(5), 604-617. doi:10.1108/rpj-09-2014-0135Arrieta, M. P., López, J., Hernández, A., & Rayón, E. (2014). Ternary PLA–PHB–Limonene blends intended for biodegradable food packaging applications. European Polymer Journal, 50, 255-270. doi:10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2013.11.009Du, Y.-L., Cao, Y., Lu, F., Li, F., Cao, Y., Wang, X.-L., & Wang, Y.-Z. (2008). Biodegradation behaviors of thermoplastic starch (TPS) and thermoplastic dialdehyde starch (TPDAS) under controlled composting conditions. Polymer Testing, 27(8), 924-930. doi:10.1016/j.polymertesting.2008.08.00

The Consensus Definition of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Is an Adequate Predictor of Lung Function at Preschool Age

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia; Lung function; Preschool ageDisplasia broncopulmonar; Función pulmonar; Edad preescolarDisplàsia broncopulmonar; Funció pulmonar; Edat preescolarBackground: Recent attempts to refine the definition bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) have based its predictive capacity on respiratory outcome in the first 2 years of life, eliminating the pre-existing requirement of 28 days of oxygen therapy prior to 36 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA). The objective of this study was to assess the utility of the 2001 consensus definition in predicting impaired lung function at preschool age. Methods: This cohort study included children aged 4–6 years old who were born at gestational age (GA) <32 weeks or bodyweight <1500 g. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess differences in antenatal and neonatal variables between BPD and non-BPD children. All participants underwent incentive spirometry. Lung function parameters were contrasted with the Global Lung Function Initiative (GLI-2012) reference equations and, together with antenatal and neonatal variables, compared among the different subgroups (no BPD, mild BPD, and moderate-to-severe BPD). A multivariate model was generated to identify independent risk factors for impaired lung function. Results: GA, hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus, and late sepsis were independent risk factors for the development of BPD. A total of 119 children underwent incentive spirometry. All lung function parameters were significantly altered relative to reference values. Greater impairment of lung function was observed in the mild BPD vs. the no BPD group (forced expiratory volume in the first 0.75 seconds [FEV0.75]: −1.18 ± 0.80 vs. −0.55 ± 1.13; p = 0.010), but no difference in forced vital capacity (FVC) was observed (−0.32 ± 0.90 vs. −0.18 ± 1; p = 0.534). The moderate-to-severe BPD group exhibited the most severe FEV0.75 reduction (FEV0.75: −2.63 ± 1.18 vs. −0.72 ± 1.08; p = 0.000) and was the only condition with FVC impairment (FVC: −1.82 ± 1.12 vs. −0.22 ± 0.87; p = 0.000). The multivariate analysis identified a diagnosis of moderate-to-severe BPD as an independent risk factor for lung function impairment. Conclusion: The 2001 consensus definition of BPD has adequate predictive capacity for lung function measured by spirometry at 4–6 years of age. Moderate-to-severe BPD was the best predictor of respiratory impairment. Children with mild BPD showed greater alteration of FEV0.75 than those without BPD.This study was partially financed with funds from the IDIS research group C012 (Santiago de Compostela) and Miguel Servet Biomedical Foundation (Zaragoza)

Impact of a Primary Care Antimicrobial Stewardship Program on Bacterial Resistance Control and Ecological Imprint in Urinary Tract Infections

Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) are a central component in reducing the overprescription of unnecessary antibiotics, with multiple studies showing benefits in the reduction of bacterial resistance. Less commonly, ASPs have been performed in outpatient settings, but there is a lack of available data in these settings. We implemented an ASP in a large regional outpatient setting to assess its feasibility and effectiveness. Over a 5-year post-implementation period, compared to the pre-intervention period, a significant reduction in antibiotic prescription occurred, with a reduction in resistance in E. coli urinary isolates. ASP activities also were found to be cost-effective, with a reduction in medication prescription

Epidemiology of Subclinical Salmonellosis in Wild Birds from an Area of High Prevalence of Pig Salmonellosis: Phenotypic and Genetic Profiles of Salmonella Isolates

Contiene tablas y figuras.The epidemiology of subclinical salmonellosis in wild birds in a region of high Salmonella prevalence in pigs was studied. Three hundred and seventy-nine faecal samples from 921 birds trapped in 31 locations nearby pig premises, and 431 samples from 581 birds of 10 natural settings far from pig farms were analysed for the presence of Salmonella spp. Positive samples were serotyped and analysed for antimicrobial resistance (AR). Phage typing and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) on Salmonella Typhimurium isolates were also carried out. The overall proportion of Salmonella-positive samples was 1.85% (95% CI¿=¿0.93, 2.77). Salmonella isolation was positively associated with samples collected from birds in the proximity of a pig operation (OR¿=¿16.5; 95% CI¿=¿5.17, 52.65), and from non-migratory (or short-distance migration) birds (OR¿=¿7.6; 95% CI¿=¿1.20, 48.04) and negatively related to mostly granivorous birds (OR¿=¿0.4; 95% CI¿=¿0.15, 1.13). Salmonella Typhimurium was the most prevalent serotype and four different XbaI PFGE patterns were observed that matched the four phage types identified (U310, U311, DT164 and DT56). Only 20% of the strains showed multi-AR. In three farms, a high degree of homogeneity among isolates from different birds was observed. These findings suggested that pig farms may act as amplifiers of this infection among wild birds, and the degree of bird density may have much to do on this transmission. Some of the Salmonella serotypes isolated from bird faeces were of potential zoonotic transmission and associated with AR. Monitoring salmonellosis in wild bird is advised.This study has been fully funded by the Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria– INIA – of Spain (research grant no. FAU2008-16).Peer Reviewe

Stereotactic body radiotherapy for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer: a multicentre study by the Oncologic Group for the Study of Lung Cancer (Spanish Radiation Oncology Society)

Purpose/objective(s): Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) has become the standard of care for patients with medically inoperable early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and for patients who refuse surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of primary SBRT in patients with early-stage NSCLC. Materials/methods: Retrospective multicenter study of 397 patients (416 primary lung tumours) treated with SBRT at 18 centres in Spain. 83.2% were men. The median age was 74.4 years. In 94.4% of cases, the tumour was inoperable. The pathological report was available in 54.6% of cases. SPSS vs 22.0. was used to perform all statistical analyses. Results: Complete response was obtained in 53.6% of cases. Significant prognostic factors were standard CT planning (p = 0.014) and 4D cone beam CT (p = 0.000). Acute and chronic toxicity ≥ grade 3 was observed in 1.2% of cases. At a median follow-up of 30 months, local relapse was 9.6%, lymph node relapse 12.8%, distant metastasis 16.6%, and another lung tumour 11.5%. Complete response was the only significant prognostic factor for local relapse (p = 0.012) and distant metastasis (p = 0.001). The local relapse-free survival was 88.7%. The overall survival was 75.7%. The cancer-specific survival was 92.7%. The disease-free survival was 78.7%. Conclusion: SBRT is an effective and well-tolerated treatment option for patients with early-stage lung cancer who are not suitable for surgery. The most important prognostic factor for local and distant recurrence was complete response, which in our sample depended on the type of CT planning and the IGRT technique.Depto. de Radiología, Rehabilitación y FisioterapiaFac. de MedicinaUniversidad Complutense de MadridTRUEpu

Sustitutivos de una comida como terapia dietética en el control de peso.Evaluación en hombres y mujeres con diferentes grados de obesidad

La obesidad es una enfermedad metabólica caracteri-zada por un aumento de la grasa del tejido adiposo por encima de ciertos límites, que se manifiesta por altera-ciones morfológicas y sobrepeso. Esta enfermedad cons-tituye una de las epidemias más importantes de este si-glo, debido a la sobrealimentación y facilidad de acceso a los alimentos. Por otro lado, la relación directa entre la obesidad y el mayor riesgo de padecer enfermedades cardiovasculares, diabetes o cáncer, hace que el consu-midor demande productos, ya sean alimenticios o fár-macos, que le permitan superar esa situación y mejorar tanto su aspecto físico como su estado de salud. El obje-tivo de este proyecto fue conocer la eficacia y seguridad de un producto dietético, un sustitutivo de una comida, dentro del conjunto de una dieta hipocalórica equilibra-da establecida para el control de peso. Para ello, se con-tó con la participación de 47 voluntarios, hombres y mu-jeres de 23 a 58 años, todos ellos pertenecientes a la plantilla de la empresa Hero España, S. A. Once de ellos actuaron de ¿grupo de control¿ e ingirieron la dieta hi-pocalórica únicamente, mientras que el resto o ¿grupo problema¿ sustituyó una de las comidas del día (mínimo de 500 calorías) por un sustitutivo de unas 200 calorías. Se les realizaron medidas de antropometría, tensión ar-terial y bioquímica sanguínea antes y tras el período de estudio, así como control de peso semanal. Los indivi-duos de mayor Índice de Masa Corporal mostraron una mayor reducción de peso que los de menor índice. Los voluntarios no apreciaron sensación de hambre hasta tres horas después de consumir el sustitutivo, y los pará-metros analizados relativos al estado de salud no mostraron ningún valor anómalo. Se concluye por tanto, que el producto sustitutivo estudiado permite una reducción de peso controlada durante 3 semanas, cuando se acom-paña de una dieta hipocalórica equilibrada, y produce, además, sensación de saciedad en el consumidor

Influence of n-3 highly unsaturated fatty acid deficiency on the lipid composition of broodstock gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.) and on egg quality.

Publicado