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In vitro degradation and dissolution behaviours of microspheres prepared by three low molecular weight polyesters.

Three low-molecular weight polyesters, poly(L-lactic acid) (PLA), copoly(lactic acid/glycolic acid) (PLGA) and poly(delta-valerolactone) (PV), were used to prepare water-soluble sodium diclofenac-loaded microspheres by using the oil-in-oil (o/o) emulsification-solvent evaporation method. Their micromeritic and physicochemical properties, and degradation and dissolution behaviours were determined in vitro. The results indicate that high encapsulation efficiency and better monodispersity might be achieved by the o/o emulsification-solvent evaporation method, depending on the amount of drug loading used. The slower evaporation of organic solvent from the system during microencapsulation seemed to modify the crystallinity of drug and polyester in the microspheres, determined by powder x-ray diffractometry and differential scanning calorimetry. The in vitro degradation rate of all the microspheres in pH7.4 phosphate buffer solution showed first-order kinetics and ranked in the order of PLGA > PLA > PV microspheres. Furthermore, the first-order release rate was also found in all the microspheres after an initial drug burst and ranked in the order of PLGA> PLA > PV microspheres, too. The relationship between degradation and dissolution behaviours of these microspheres is discussed.

Biodegradation, Environmental↗

Toxicity and biodegradation of products from polyester hydrolysis.

Toxicity of products from polyester hydrolysis such as succinic acid (SA), adipic acid (AA), mandelic acid (MA), terephthalic acid (TA), 1,4-butanediol (1,4-B), ethylene glycol (EG), styrene glycol (SG) and 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol (1,4-C) was evaluated by phytotoxicity test on germination of young radish seeds and by cytotoxicity test on HeLa cells. The phytotoxicity test revealed SG > MA > 1,4-C > AA approximately SA > TA approximately EG > 1,4-B in order of decreasing toxicity taking into consideration the growth behavior after germination as well as the percentage of germination. Toxicity on HeLa cells decreased in slightly different order compared to that on young radish seeds, i.e. SG > 1,4-C > MA > TA > SA > AA > EG > 1,4-B. Tests for the phytotoxicity and for cytotoxicity indicated that the aromatic compounds were more harmful than the aliphatic ones. Each group of 4 strains which grew most rapidly on each agar plate containing SA, AA, MA, TA, 1,4-B, EG, SG and 1,4-C respectively as a sole carbon source was identified by the fatty acid methyl esters analysis. The modified Sturm test was carried out using the single isolated strain, an activated sludge or a mixed soil to measure the rate of mineralization of the compounds into carbon dioxide. The aliphatic compounds were mineralized more easily than the aromatic compounds. 1,4-C showed the most exceptionally slow degradation. A scrutiny of residual 1,4-C after degradation is required before polyesters containing 1,4-C could be classified into compostable because 1,4-C has detrimental effects on young radish seeds and HeLa cells and has a tendency to accumulate in the environment due to its slow degradability.

Animals↗

Stabilization of pH-induced degradation of porcine insulin in biodegradable polyester microspheres.

The purpose of this research project was to stabilize the pH-induced degradation of porcine insulin encapsulated within biodegradable polyester microspheres through the incorporation of a basic additive. Insulin microspheres fabricated using Poly(L-lactide) (L-PLA) and Poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) (50:50 DL-PLGA) were subjected to in vitro release studies and the stability of unreleased insulin encapsulated within microspheres was investigated. The intramicrosphere pH was estimated by encapsulating acid-base indicators covering a wide pH transition range within 50:50 DL-PLGA microspheres. Finally, a basic excipient sodium bicarbonate was incorporated in 50:50 DL-PLGA microspheres to minimize acid-induced insulin degradation. The in vitro release was slow and incomplete (< 30% in 30 days). Extraction and analyses of the unreleased insulin within the microspheres revealed that an average of approximately 11% remained intact. The degradation products observed consisted of approximately 15% of three distinct deamidated hydrolysis products including A-21 Desamido insulin, approximately 22% Covalent Insulin Dimer and trace amounts of High Molecular Weight Transformation Products. Comparison of the degradation profile of unreleased insulin contained in various microsphere formulations with the in vitro release kinetics indicated that an increase in covalent dimer formation within the microspheres prior to release is associated with a decrease in the cumulative percent insulin released during a 30-day incubation period. In an attempt to correlate insulin degradation with the drop in intra-microsphere pH due to polymer hydrolysis, it was determined that the pH within a degrading microsphere reaches a value of approximately 1.8 after 4 weeks. The incorporation of a basic excipient, sodium bicarbonate, in 50:50 DL-PLGA microspheres resulted in an improved in vitro release profile (cumulative release approximately 47.3% in 30 days) as well as a significant reduction in covalent dimerization of the unreleased insulin to barely detectable levels. The low pH microenvironment within a degrading microsphere is one of the major factors leading to protein instability, and the degradation of proteins encapsulated within polyester microspheres can be minimized by the incorporation of a basic excipient.

Animals↗

Tissue reaction to polypyrrole-coated polyester fabrics: an in vivo study in rats.

Electrically conductive polypyrrole is very attractive for tissue engineering because of its potential to modulate cellular activities through electrical stimulation. However, its in vivo behaviors have not been fully studied. This paper investigates the in vivo biocompatibility and biostability of PPy-coated polyester fabrics. Three PPy-coated fabrics were prepared using phosphonylation (PPy-Phos), plasma activation (PPy-Plas), and plasma activation plus heparin treatment (PPy-Plas-HE). Virgin and fluoropassivated fabrics (F-PET) were controls. The specimens were implanted subcutaneously in the back of rats for 3-90 days, then harvested and processed for enzymatic, histological, and morphological analyses. A noninvasive MRI method was used to continuously monitor the inflammation. The level of acid and alkaline phosphatase showed a similar or a less intensive cellular reaction by the PPy-coated fabrics, when compared to the controls. Histology supported the enzymatic results and showed a fast collagen infiltration at 28 days for the PPy-Phos fabric. MRI reported an overall decrease of inflammation over time, with the PPy-coated fabrics showing a similar or mild inflammation in contrast to the non-coated fabrics. PPy clusters and excessive PPy laminary coating on the PPy-Plas and PPy-Plas-HE were lost with the implantation. This experiment suggests a similar in vivo biocompatibility of the PPy-coated and noncoated polyester fabrics and the importance of achieving a thin, uniform PPy coating.

Acid Phosphatase↗

In vivo biocompatibility and degradation studies of polyhydroxyoctanoate in the rat: a new sealant for the polyester arterial prosthesis.

The present study examined the biocompatibility and degradation properties of poly (beta-hydroxy octanoate) (PHO) as an impregnation substrate on arterial prostheses. PHO-impregnated polyester grafts sterilized by ethylene oxide (EO) or gamma (gamma) radiation, and polyester Dacron(R) prostheses impregnated with fluoropolymer, gelatin, or albumin were implanted subcutaneously in rats for periods ranging from 2 to 180 days. The biocompatibility was assessed by quantifying the alkaline and acid phosphatase secretion while performing histological studies at the tissue/prosthesis interface. The degradation was determined by chemical analysis of the EO and gamma-sterilized PHO after implantation using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), wide angle x-ray diffraction (WAXD), and size exclusion chromatography (SEC). Alkaline phosphatase activity by the sterilized PHO and by the gelatin and albumin grafts was significantly elevated early after implantation in contrast to that of the Dacron and fluoropolymer grafts that occurred later, at 7 and 5 days, respectively The peak of acid phosphatase activity for all of the grafts occurred between 5 and 10 days postimplantation, with the gamma-sterilized PHO grafts recording the greatest activity. Histological study revealed that the tissue incorporation into the graft wall was earlier and more complete for the Dacron and fluoropolymer grafts after 6 months than for the gelatin and albumin grafts, because the latter induced important inflammatory reactions during the resorption of the cross-linked protein substrates. The EO and gamma-sterilized PHO grafts exhibited a similar healing sequence characterized by the development of a collagenous tissue surrounding the prostheses. However, no infiltration of tissue into the graft wall was observed after 6 months, mainly because of the presence of the PHO. Degradation of the EO and gamma-sterilized PHO occurred preferentially by a hydrolytic mechanism as shown by a 30% molecular weight decrease after 6 months. In conclusion, PHO showed good biocompatibility in terms of enzyme activity and tissue reaction. Degradation was a slow, in vivo process controlled primarily by a random hydrolytic reaction and by a local enzymatic attack by macrophages and giant cells.

Acid Phosphatase↗

Localization of secretory, membrane-associated and cytoskeletal proteins in rat testis using an improved immunocytochemical protocol that employs polyester wax.

Immunocytochemistry is a compromise between maintaining antigenicity and preserving tissue morphology. In the testis, successful immunostaining results at the level of resolution provided by the light microscope have been obtained through use of either frozen or paraffin sections, although both techniques are fraught with limitations. With freezing, tissue preservation is not optimum, whereas with paraffin embedding, antigenicity is often destroyed. These limitations are not trivial and have led to numerous ambiguous results in the literature. In the present study we wish to report the results of immunocytochemical localization of various proteins in testis fixed by perfusion with Bouin's fluid and embedded in polyester wax, a ribboning embedding medium for histology. The advantages of this medium are that it does not require clearing of tissues in xylene solvents before embedding and that unlike paraffin, it liquifies at 38 degrees C. Because of these two properties, the polyester was appears to adequately maintain antigenicity as compared to that observed in frozen sections, yet because it is a ribboning wax, it preserves detailed structure as well as paraffin does. Proteins that were immunolocalized included cytoskeletal proteins (tubulin, actin, vinculin, vimentin) and cell-specific markers: 1) androgen-binding protein (ABP) for Sertoli cells; 2) peripheral type benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) for Leydig cells; and 3) nuclear lamins for germ cells. Biotin-streptavidin peroxidase immunocytochemistry was employed to determine the specific distribution of the various proteins, and both rabbit antisera and mouse monoclonal antibodies were used with equal success. In addition, fluorochrome-labeled second antibodies combined with confocal microscopy were used to examine the disposition of the antigens in the testis. Results revealed maintenance of antigenicity and morphology far superior to that obtained with paraffin and frozen sections, respectively, they also showed that within the seminiferous epithelium, germ cell or Sertoli cell-specific proteins were unambiguously immunolocalized to their respective cells. Specific observations made possible through use of this protocol suggest that neither tubulin or vimentin immunostaining patterns in Sertoli cells are altered during the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium. Similarly, ABP staining appeared constant throughout the cycle. Further, we wish to report that anti-PBR is a specific probe for Leydig cells in vivo and that an anti-nuclear lamin antibody appears to serve as a specific probe for spermatogonia and pachytene spermatocytes, but that the commercially available anti-smooth muscle alpha-actin monoclonal antibody immunostains both the myoid and lymphatic endothelial cells forming the peritubular cells layer of the seminiferous tubule.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Androgen-Binding Protein↗

Coagulation activators and inhibitors in the neointima of polyester vascular grafts.

The surface of synthetic vascular grafts is thrombogenic, which implies a risk for their occlusion. The aim of the study was to evaluate expression of coagulation components in the polyester vascular grafts neointima. The study was carried out on 18 dogs, which underwent replacement of the abdominal aorta with a polyester prosthesis. Grafts were removed after 1, 4 and 12 months. Immunohistochemical labeling for von Willebrand factor, tissue factor, factor XII, tissue factor pathway inhibitor, thrombomodulin, protein C, protein S and prothrombin activation fragment F1 + 2 was performed. Increasing intensity of von Willebrand factor expression was found in successive periods of the study. Factor XII was shown in the whole neointima after 1 month, whereas in the following periods its presence was limited to the luminal surface. Tissue factor expression was demonstrated after 1 month and its intensity increased in later periods. Tissue factor pathway inhibitor and thrombomodulin expression was demonstrated after 4 and 12 months. Protein C and protein S were present in all observation periods, as well as prothrombin activation fragment F1 + 2. Results indicate a high thrombotic potential of the graft neointima early after prosthesis implantation, whereas in the late postoperative follow-up increasing expression of coagulation inhibitors reduces thrombotic properties of the graft neointima.

Animals↗

Filtration characteristics of the polyester fiber micropore blood transfusion filter.

The filtration characteristics of a new polyester fiber (Fenwal II) micropore blood transfusion filter were investigated. Filtration of stored human whole blood and packed cells resulted in return of screen filtration pressure (SFP) of the blood to normal. Increased filter weights verified removal of large amounts of debris and microaggregates from the blood. Filtration of large quantities of blood accomplished at very high flow rates did not adversely affect the composition of the filtered blood. We conclude that the polyester fiber (Fenwal II) micropore blood transfusion filter is effective in removing microaggregates from stored whole blood and packed cells. It has a high volume capacity, allows rapid flow, and is reliable during pressure transfusion.

Blood Banks↗

Identification of novel sulfur-containing bacterial polyesters: biosynthesis of poly(3-hydroxy-S-propyl-omega-thioalkanoates) containing thioether linkages in the side chains.

This study describes the biosynthesis of novel sulfur-containing polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), which consist exclusively of hydroxypropylthioalkanoic acid containing thioether groups in the side chains. In addition, the utilization of alkylthioalkanoic acids (=thia fatty acids) by various bacteria was investigated. Based on feedings with propylthiooctanoic acid (PTO) or propylthiohexanoic acid, the metabolically engineered PHA-negative mutant PHB(-)4 of Ralstonia eutropha, which harbours plasmid pBBR1::phaC1 expressing the PHA synthase of Pseudomonas mendocina, synthesized two novel poly(3-hydroxy-S-propyl-omega-thioalkanoic) acids [poly(3HPTA)s]. A terpolyester consisting of 3-hydroxypropylthiobutyric acid (3HPTB), 3-hydroxypropylthiohexanoic acid (3HPTHx) and 3-hydroxypropyl- thiooctanoic acid (3HPTO) was synthesized from PTO, whereas a co-polyester of 3HPTB and 3HPTHx was synthesized from propylthiohexanoic acid. Fed-batch fermentation of R. eutropha PHB(-)4(pBBR1::phaC1) on PTO was done on a 26-litre scale, providing a cell density of 7.3 g l(-1), from which 45 g of the novel poly(3HPTB-co-3HPTHx-co-3HPTO) were isolated. The chemical structures of the poly(3HPTA)s were identified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, elemental sulfur analysis, partial pyrolysis and detailed mass spectrometric analysis, exhibiting 3HPTB, 3HPTHx and 3HPTO as constituents. These novel, hitherto undescribed, constituents of PHAs were randomly distributed in the co-polyesters.

Acyltransferases↗

Adsorption of anaphylatoxins and platelet-specific proteins by filtration of platelet concentrates with a polyester leukocyte reduction filter.

Anaphylatoxins generated during storage of platelet concentrates (PCs) may potentially have side effects on platelet transfusion. We evaluated the anaphylatoxin-scavenging abilities of white blood cell reduction filters. Among the commercially available filters for PCs, one made with polyester fiber (PL50) dramatically adsorbed C3a and C4a anaphylatoxins to the respective mean level of 1,721-208 ng/ml and 1,240-141 ng/ml in 3-day-old PCs. C3a and C4a were measured as the native and des Arg form of each complement by radioimmunoassay. C3a and C4a anaphylatoxins in the supernatant plasma fraction from 3-day-old PC again decreased from 1,136 to 114 ng/ml and from 1,086 to 65 ng/ml, respectively. The filter also adsorbed 85% of platelet factor 4 (PF4) and 31% of beta-thromboglobulin (beta-TG), which had been released from platelets into the plasma during storage. The plasma levels of adhesive proteins such as fibronectin, fibrinogen, and von Willebrand factor, and plasma lactate dehydrogenase activity did not decrease after filtration. Another polyester filter (PL5A), on the other hand, significantly increased C3a and C4a levels with filtration. In addition, there was no PF4 adsorption ability during the filtration. The filters for red cells (RC50, BPF4, and R500A) had no anaphylatoxin adsorption capabilities. The observed specific adsorption of anaphylatoxins might be attributed to the electrostatic force between the positively charged anaphylatoxins with high pI and the possibly negatively charged filter membranes. Since PF4 and beta-TG have positively charged moieties in the C-terminal position, the same adsorption mechanism might operate.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adsorption↗

Basic clinical study of an easy and effective leukocytapheresis by the use of nonwoven polyester filter.

Leukocytapheresis (LCAP) is widely used for the treatment of immunological diseases. We studied a new treatment of LCAP using a nonwoven polyester filter. In a basic study, 30-70% of the lymphocytes were adsorbed. Also, 30-68% of the lymphocyte subsets were removed. This method was applied to 2 patients with corticosteroid-resistant active ulcerative colitis. Erosion, edema, bleeding, ulcer formation, and stenosis of the colon were almost completely repaired after 6 LCAP treatments. LCAP using a nonwoven polyester filter will be a very useful treatment for immunological diseases and extracorporeal immunomodulation.

Adult↗

Outcome of polyester cuff retention following traction removal of tunneled central venous catheters.

PURPOSE: To elucidate the factors that contribute to cuff retention during traction removal of tunneled catheters, as well as to determine the risk of complication associated with polyester cuff retention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 428 tunneled, cuffed catheters were removed with traction and local anesthesia. Polyester cuff retention was recorded when it occurred, and the effects of cuff retention were determined at a mean follow-up of 250 days. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the variables influencing cuff retention. RESULTS: Traction removal was successful in 428 (100%) patients. Of 428 catheters removed, 41 (10%) cuffs were retained. Silicone 10-F double-lumen and 9.6-F single-lumen catheters had a higher rate of cuff retention (27 [32%] of 84 and nine [39%] of 23, respectively) than did the split-tip polyurethane hemodialysis catheter (two [1%] of 196; P <.001). Cuff retention rates among other catheter types compared with that of the polyurethane catheter were not significantly different. Duration of catheter dwell did not significantly influence cuff retention. Of 41 retained cuffs, three required removal with cutdown for cuff migration to the exit site, which inhibited healing (n = 1); for suspected infection (n = 1); or for cosmetic purposes as requested by the patient (n = 1). The remaining patients had no complications associated with cuff retention. CONCLUSION: Traction removal of smaller-bore silicone catheters is more likely to result in cuff retention than removal of larger silicone and polyurethane catheters, and cuff retention is usually inconsequential.

Catheterization, Central Venous↗

In vivo evaluation of polyester arterial grafts coated with albumin: the role and importance of cross-linking agents.

Previous in vitro studies have predicted that the type of chemical used to cross-link albumin-coated polyester arterial prostheses may influence the rate of bioerosion of the albumin layer in vivo. This study has confirmed that the healing process of this type of compound prosthesis does indeed depend on the nature and concentration of the cross-linking agent used. Four series of implantations in the thoracic aorta of dogs for scheduled periods for 4 h up to 6 months were conducted using 1.6% glutaraldehyde, 2.5% glutaraldehyde and 0.2 M carbodiimide as the alternative cross-linking agents plus a nonalbuminated preclotted polyester prosthesis which served as the control. The pathology of the explanted grafts revealed that in the short and medium term the rate of healing and the extent of tissue ingrowth was dependent initially on the presence of and later on the rate of bioerosion of the albumin layer. After 3 months in situ, the prostheses coated with albumin cross-linked with 1.6% glutaraldehyde and carbodiimide had healed more rapidly and were invaded by more extensive tissue ingrowth than the one cross-linked with 2.5% glutaraldehyde or the preclotted control. Moreover, the migration of cells over the carbodiimide-treated surface was the most fully developed and most regularly organized of all four series. Immunostaining revealed that the presence of glutaraldehyde induced an inflammatory response which failed to support the growth of normal luminal cells with the endothelial phenotype.

Aldehydes↗

A new vascular polyester prosthesis impregnated with cross-linked dextran.

It is essential that a synthetic vascular graft is preclotting prior to implantation in order to prevent blood leaking through the graft wall. We have impregnated a knitted polyester prosthesis with cross-linked dextran. The aim of this study was to develop a process for obtaining an impervious prosthesis and to compare the characteristics of this dextran-impregnated graft with those of a commercially available collagen-impregnated graft. This new vascular prosthesis was coated with dextran; sodium trimetaphosphate was utilized as the cross-linking agent. In an attempt to determine the optimal conditions for impregnation, the dynamic viscosity of the dextran solution was measured during the cross-linking reaction. The results suggest that the dynamic viscosity is correlated with the concentrations of dextran, sodium hydroxide, and sodium trimetaphosphate. The effect of temperature on the dynamic viscosity was also investigated. The water permeability, the coating weight, and the structure of the dextran-impregnated graft were compared with those of a collagen-impregnated prosthesis. The water permeability of the vascular grafts was reduced by dextran impregnation, from 1010 ml/min per cm2 for the control to 0.04 ml/min per cm2 under standard testing conditions. The dextran coating is capable of rendering the graft impervious to water. The coating weight of the graft treated with dextran was approximately the same as the weight of the collagen-impregnated graft. Finally, the morphology of the prosthetic wall was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. The promotion of endothelial cell recovery was only observed for the polyester grafts treated with dextran or collagen.

Blood Vessel Prosthesis↗

Degradation of composite materials composed of tricalcium phosphate and a new type of block polyester containing a poly(L-lactic acid) segment.

Degradation of a new type of poly(L-lactic acid)/poly(ethylene; hexamethylene/ sebacate) block polyester and its composite containing 10 and 30 wt% tricalcium phosphate (TCP) were studied in vitro. Film specimens of thickness 100 and 250 microm for each of the three materials were immersed in phosphate buffered saline (pH 7.4) at 37 degrees C for up to 24 weeks. At appropriate intervals, water absorption, dry and wet tensile strength, molecular weight, and thermal properties of the specimens were measured by weighing, tensile strength testing, size exclusion chromatography, and differential scanning calorimetry, respectively. The decrease in tensile strength was greater in the unblended and thicker polymer film than in the other five films. The retention of tensile strength after 24 weeks increased with increasing TCP content. This trend was also noticed in the retention of molecular weight. The tensile strength of the materials having molecular weights below 5 x 10(4)-6 x 10(4) Mw or 2 x 10(4)-3 x 10(4) Mn dropped substantially and the materials became fragile. Blending of TCP to the PLLA block polyester retarded degradation, suggesting that TCP neutralized the carboxyl end groups formed by hydrolysis of ester bonds.

Absorption↗

Effect of blending tricalcium phosphate on hydrolytic degradation of a block polyester containing poly(L-lactic acid) segment.

The effect of blending tricalcium phosphate (TCP) on hydrolytic degradation of a new type of poly(L-lactic acid)/poly(ethylene:hexamethylene/sebacate) block polyester (60: 40 wt%) was studied. 100- and 250-microm film specimens blended with 0, 10, and 30 wt% TCP were immersed in phosphate buffered saline (pH 7.4) at 37 degrees C for up to 80-104 weeks. At appropriate intervals, water absorption, dry and wet tensile strength, molecular weight, and thermal properties of the specimens were measured by weighing, tensile strength testing, size exclusion chromatography, and differential scanning calorimetry, respectively. Some samples were characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy. Blending of TCP with the block polyester was effective in retarding degradation. The blended TCP was thought to retard degradation for the most part by neutralizing the lactic acid oligomers produced by hydrolysis of the poly(lactic acid) part during the initial stage of degradation.

Calcium Phosphates↗

Macroporous polyester-covered stent in an experimental abdominal aortic aneurysm model.

PURPOSE: To validate a recently described animal model of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and to assess a new macroporous polyester-covered stent for endovascular AAA exclusion. METHODS: Twenty adult sheep had AAAs surgically created by replacing a segment of the infrarenal aorta with an autologous jugular venous graft. Three months later, surviving animals underwent percutaneous implantation of macroporous polyester-covered nitinol stents; 3 animals with untreated AAAs served as controls. Follow-up surveillance included spiral computed tomography at 1 month and digital subtraction angiography at 3 and 6 months. Endografted animals were sacrificed at 1, 3, and 6 months after implantation; specimens from all animals were examined grossly and microscopically. RESULTS: Seven (35%) animals died within 24 hours of causes related to the technique; 1 animal developed paraplegia and was sacrificed on day 1. Three (25%) animals died of spontaneous aneurysm rupture at <10 days, and 6 received the stent-graft at 3 months. The macroporous cover did not prevent continued perfusion of the sac early after stent-graft deployment, but all aneurysms were excluded on the 1-month CT. CONCLUSIONS: Spontaneous AAA rupture occurred earlier and was not as frequent as previously described for this model. Implantation of the covered stent was feasible, but aneurysm exclusion was not immediate.

Animals↗

Respiratory and systemic reaction following exposure to heated electrostatic polyester paint.

A 39 year old nonatopic man developed episodes of cough, dyspnoea, sweating and shivers within 2-3 weeks of starting a new job in a factory where metallic boards were treated with an electrostatic powder paint, made of an epoxy resin and a carboxylated polyester containing polyethylene terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate. The subject sprayed the metallic boards which were then heated in 200 degrees C ovens. The subject was first seen in an emergency room after being at work for 4 h. The physical examination revealed bilateral wheezing with fever (39 degrees C), hypoxaemia (arterial oxygen tension (PaO2) 58 torr (7.7 kPa), leucocytosis (white blood count cells.mm-3 17,000 (17 x 10(9) cells.l-1) and severe airway obstruction (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity, (FVC) 1.3/2.4 l, improving to 2.2/3.8 l after bronchodilator; predicted values = 3.4/4.1 l). The subjects condition improved after being treated with oral steroids. His spirometry was normal two weeks later, although he showed mild bronchial hyperresponsiveness to methacholine with the (provocative concentration producing a 20% fall in FEV1 (PC20) being 1.7 mg.ml-1). The subject underwent specific inhalation challenges at the workplace 4 months later. After being exposed at work for 4 h, he developed a significant fall in FEV1 (-40%), fever, leucocytosis, and a fall in diffusing capacity. Lung function tests were back to normal two weeks later. Exposing the subject to heated granulated polyester for one hour in a hospital laboratory produced a fall in FEV1 of 41%, fever, leucocytosis and a fall in diffusing capacity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗