The potential of nanofibrillated cellulose from Hevea brasiliensis to produce films for bio-based packaging.

Cellulose micro/nanofibril (MNFC) films are an interesting alternative to plastic-based films for application in biodegradable packaging. In this study, we aimed to produce and characterize MNFC films obtained from alkaline-pretreated rubberwood (Hevea brasiliensis) waste and Eucalyptus sp. commercial pulp. MNFC and films were evaluated regarding microstructure; crystallinity; stability; and physical, optical, mechanical, and barrier properties. A combined quality index (QI) was also calculated. Eucalyptus MNFC suspensions were more stable than H. brasiliensis. Both films had a hydrophobic surface (>90°) and high grease resistance (oil kit 12). H. brasiliensis films had lower transparency (26.4 %) and high crystallinity (∼89 %), while Eucalyptus films had lower permeability and higher mechanical strength. The QI of MNFC was 51 ± 5 for H. brasiliensis and 55 ± 4 for Eucalyptus, showing that both types of raw material have potential for application in the packaging industry and in the reinforcement of composites, as well as for high value-added applications in products made from special materials.

Would plain packaging and health warning labels reduce smoking in the presence of informal markets? A choice experiment in Colombia.

BACKGROUND: Despite progress made by many countries on the adoption of plain tobacco packaging laws over the last years, low- and middle-income countries, with a large supply of loose cigarettes via informal vendors, remain far behind. AIM: To study the potential effectiveness of plain tobacco packaging and dissuasive cigarette sticks, via willingness-to-pay estimates, when illicit cigarette options are available. METHODS: We conducted a discrete choice experiment (DCE) in which respondents chose licit and illicit products with three attributes: packaging (standard vs. plain packaging), stick design (branded stick vs. stick with warning), and price level. The sample, collected on 12/2021, consisted of 1761 respondents from an internet panel involving smokers and nonsmokers. Conditional logit and latent class models were used to estimate the willingness-to-pay (WTP) to avoid restrictive packaging elements. RESULTS: Nonsmokers are willing to pay USD $5.63 for a pack of cigarettes to avoid plain packaging, which is higher than the actual commercial price of illicit cigarettes (USD $2.40). The WTP increases to USD $12.14 in the presence of illicit alternatives. Smokers are also willing to pay to avoid illicit options, which they also deem riskier, and the presence of such options increases the WTP to avoid plain packaging. However, nonsmokers do not perceive the illicit option as riskier. The dissuasive stick (stick with warning) does not affect perceptions of risk and plays a small role in terms of choice for both smokers and nonsmokers. CONCLUSIONS: Even in the presence of illicit tobacco alternatives, plain packaging seems to be as effective in reducing the attractiveness of tobacco products in Colombia as in other countries that have already adopted it. Given conflicting results on the case for dissuasive sticks, there is a need for more research.

Reutilización de barrera de tela de algodón estéril en la práctica clínica: estudio observacional longitudinal / Reusing sterile cotton fabric barriers in the clinical practice: an observational and longitudinal study / Reuso de barreira estéril de tecido de algodão na prática clínica: estudo longitudinal observacional

Objetivo: analizar las características de barrera física y biológica de los campos de algodón utilizados como sistema de barrera estéril después de ser sometidos a múltiples usos y procesos en la práctica clínica. Método: estudio observacional longitudinal de seguimiento y evaluación de tela 100% algodón, utilizada como sistema de barrera estéril en un hospital de mediano porte. Se recolectaron muestras antes del uso (después de tres lavados) y después de tres, seis, nueve, 12 y 15 meses de uso y se evaluaron el número, grosor e integridad de los hilos, peso, absorción de agua y penetración húmeda de microorganismos. Resultados: después de 85 lavados, no cambió el número de hilos, aumentó el número de fibras deshilachadas y el volumen de agua absorbida. La prueba microbiológica mediante la metodología estándar alemana obtuvo un resultado negativo y la de penetración húmeda de microorganismos no mostró cambios significativos con el tiempo, a pesar de que una fracción de células microbianas pasó a través de las muestras de doble capa. Conclusión: las propiedades físicas de la tela 100% algodón utilizada como sistema de barrera estéril cambiaron con el uso/procesamiento; sin embargo, no interfirieron significativamente con los resultados obtenidos en las pruebas realizadas a la barrera microbiológica hasta los 85 lavados.

Objective: to analyze the physical and biological barrier characteristics of cotton fields used as a sterile barrier system after multiple use and processing cycles in the clinical practice. Method: an observational and longitudinal study to monitor and evaluate 100% cotton fabric used as a sterile barrier system in a medium-sized hospital. Samples were collected before use (after three washes) and at three, six, nine, 12 and 15 months of use and evaluated for the number, thickness and integrity of threads, weight, water absorption and wet penetration by microorganisms. Results: after 85 washes, the number of threads remained unchanged, and the shredded fibers and the water volume absorbed were increased. The microbiological test using the German standard methodology obtained a negative result and wet penetration by microorganisms did not show significant changes over time, although a percentage of the microbial cells passed through the double-layer samples. Conclusion: the physical properties of 100% cotton used as a sterile barrier system changed with use/processing cycles; however, these alterations did not significantly interfere with the results obtained by the tests performed on the microbiological barrier up to 85 washes.

Objetivo: analisar as características de barreira física e biológica de campos de algodão, que são utilizados como sistema de barreira estéril, após múltiplos usos e processamentos na prática clínica. Método: estudo longitudinal observacional de acompanhamento e de avaliação de tecido 100% algodão que foi utilizado como sistema de barreira estéril em um hospital de médio porte. Amostras foram coletadas antes do uso (após três lavagens) e com três, seis, nove, 12 e 15 meses de uso e avaliadas quanto ao número, à espessura e à integridade dos fios, peso, absorção de água e penetração úmida de micro-organismos. Resultados: após 85 lavagens, o número de fios permaneceu inalterado, porém aumentaram-se as fibras desfiadas e o volume de água absorvido. O teste microbiológico utilizando metodologia padrão alemão obteve resultado negativo; já o de penetração de úmida de micro-organismos não apresentou mudanças significativas ao longo do tempo, embora uma fração das células microbianas tenham passado pelas amostras de dupla camada. Conclusão: as propriedades físicas do tecido 100% algodão, utilizado como sistema de barreira estéril, alteraram com usos/processamentos; entretanto essas não interferiram significativamente nos resultados obtidos pelos testes realizados na barreira microbiológica até 85 lavagens.

Identifying, Quantifying, and Recovering a Sorbitol-Type Petrochemical Additive in Industrial Wastewater and Its Subsequent Application in a Polymeric Matrix as a Nucleating Agent.

Currently, polypropylene (PP) is highlighted using sorbitol-based clarifying agents since these agents are high quality, low cost, and work as a barrier against moisture, which makes PP ideal for packaging food, beverages, and medical products, among others. The use of analytical methods capable of recovering these additives in wastewater streams and then reusing them in the PP clarification stage represents an innovative methodology that makes a substantial contribution to the circular economy of the PP production industry. In this study, a method of extraction and recovery of the Millad NX 8000 was developed. The additive was recovered using GC-MS and extracted with an activated carbon column plus glass fiber, using an injection molded sample, obtaining a recovery rate greater than 96%. TGA, DSC, and FTIR were used to evaluate the recovered additive's glass transitions and purity. The thermal degradation of the recovered additive was found to be between 340 and 420 °C, with a melting temperature of 246 °C, adopting the same behavior as the pure additive. In FTIR, the characteristic absorption peak of Millad NX 8000 was observed at 1073 cm-1, which indicates the purity of the extracted compound. Therefore, this work develops a new additive recovery methodology with high purity to regulate the crystallization behavior and of PP.

Estimating the Effectiveness of Health Warnings on Cigarette Packaging in Nigeria: A Modeling Study.

INTRODUCTION: Tobacco consumption is associated with nearly 30 000 deaths annually in Nigeria alongside other adverse health and economic effects. Our objective was to estimate the health and economic implications of the current cigarette labeling policies (text-only HWs); new health warnings policies in the country (adding graphic health warnings with up to 60% coverage), and plain packaging policy as recommended by the World Health Organization. AIMS AND METHODS: We used a probabilistic state-transition individual microsimulation model, considering natural history, healthcare costs, and quality-of-life losses associated with main tobacco-attributable diseases; and the potential effects of packaging and labeling policies. We used three scenarios: (1) text-only health warnings (HWs) covering 50% of the pack, (2) introduction of graphic HWs of 50% (and later increasing to 80%) of the pack, and (3) plain packaging with HWs covering 80% of the pack. RESULTS: A total of 748 deaths are averted in the current situation; 7478 and 14 208 deaths can be averted with the new policy and with plain packaging, respectively. The number of cardiac, cerebrovascular, and cancer events that could be averted by adopting text and graphic HWs are 3093, 5093, and 1346, respectively; increasing to 5876, 9676, and 2557, respectively, with plain packaging. Up to 251 794 years were lost because of early deaths and disability, and ₦144.6 billion (USD 469 million) in health costs could be saved with HWs covering 50% to 80% of the pack over 10 years. With plain packaging and graphic HWs covering 80% of the package 478,408 years and ₦274.7 billion (USD 895 million) would be saved. CONCLUSIONS: The new cigarette labeling policy in Nigeria may yield significant health and economic benefits over 10 years. Moving the current policy to plain packaging can significantly improve these benefits. IMPLICATIONS: The new cigarette labeling policy that Nigeria is implementing should aim to achieve 100% compliance with its current regulation and the logical next step: Plain packaging with large warnings. The present study adds evidence of the potential health effects and cost savings of these levels of implementation, which is valuable for local policymakers.

Endoglucanase pretreatment aids in isolating tailored-cellulose nanofibrils combining energy saving and high-performance packaging.

Cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) have emerged as a potential alternative to synthetic polymers in packaging applications owing to their oxygen and grease barrier performance, as well as their strong mechanical properties. However, the performance of CNF films relies on the inherent characteristics of fibers, which undergo changes during the CNF isolation process. Understanding these variations in characteristics during CNF isolation is crucial for tailoring CNF film properties to achieve optimum performance in packaging applications. In this study, CNFs were isolated by endoglucanase-assisted mechanical ultra-refining. The alterations in the intrinsic characteristics of CNFs and their impact on CNF films were systematically investigated by considering the degree of defibrillation, enzyme loading, and reaction time through a design of experiments. Enzyme loading had a significant influence on the crystallinity index, crystallite size, surface area, and viscosity. Meanwhile, the degree of defibrillation greatly affected the aspect ratio, degree of polymerization, and particle size. CNF films prepared from CNFs isolated under two optimized scenarios (casting and coating applications) exhibited remarkable properties, including high thermal stability (approximately 300 °C), high tensile strength (104 - 113 MPa), excellent oil resistance (kit n°12), and low oxygen transmission rate (1.00 - 3.17 cc·m-2.day-1). Therefore, endoglucanase pretreatment can aid in obtaining CNFs with lower energy consumption, resulting in films that possess higher transmittance, superior barrier performance, and reduced surface wettability compared to control samples without enzymatic pretreatment and other unmodified CNF films reported in the literature, all while maintaining mechanical and thermal performance without significant loss.

Development and Evaluation of the Properties of Active Films for High-Fat Fruit and Vegetable Packaging.

ß-cyclodextrin and allyl isothiocyanate inclusion complexes (ß-CD:AITC) have been proposed for developing fresh fruit and vegetable packaging materials. Therefore, the aim of this research was to develop active materials based on poly(lactic acid) (PLA) loaded with ß-CD:AITC and to assess changes in the material properties during the release of AITC to food simulants. PLA films with 0, 5 and 10 wt.% ß-CD:AITC were developed by extrusion. Surface properties were determined from contact angle measurements. Films were immersed in water, aqueous and fatty simulants to assess the absorption capacity and the change in the thermal properties. Moreover, the release of AITC in both simulants was evaluated by UV-spectroscopy and kinetic parameters were determined by data modeling. Results showed that a higher concentration of ß-CD:AITC increased the absorption of aqueous simulant of films, favoring the plasticization of PLA. However, the incorporation of ß-CD:AITC also avoided the swelling of PLA in fatty simulant. These effects and complex relationships between the polymer, inclusion complexes and food simulant explained the non-systematic behavior in the diffusion coefficient. However, the lower partition coefficient and higher percentage of released AITC to the fatty simulant suggested the potential of these materials for high-fat fruit and vegetable active packaging applications.

Scientometric analysis of the development of plastic packaging considering the circular economy and clean technologies: A review.

Plastics are alternatives to enable the distribution of industrialized products, especially food. Packaging is versatile and of great importance for the conservation of products. However, plastic packaging impacts the environment and calls for a clean technology and circular economy approach to mitigate the damage. A scientometric analysis of the relationship between plastic packaging production and the circular economy was reviewed based on the premise that research is intrinsically linked to clean technologies. VosViewer software was used to conduct the analysis, and the revision was conducted for discussion and relationship building. We concluded that there is a gap regarding the connection between the circular economy and clean technologies with plastic packaging. The development of technologies that adapt plastic packaging to the circular economy is rarely discussed. To make plastic packaging more environmentally attractive, technologies based on eco-design are necessary to achieve an alternative scenario associated with a more sustainable circular economy.

Características físico-químicas e sensoriais do queijo prato com embalagem inteligente / Physico-chemical and sensory characteristics of "prato"cheese with intelligent packaging

O objetivo da pesquisa foi comparar as características físico-químicas e sensoriais de queijos tipo prato, produzidos no Laboratório de Produtos de Origem Animal do Instituto Federal Goiano ­ Campus Rio Verde com o queijo prato industrial e avaliar a aceitabilidade de embalagens inteligentes preparadas com soro de leite e antocianina da casca de jabuticaba. Os queijos prato industriais foram adquiridos no mercado local. Foram realizadas análises de teor de água, extrato seco, cinza, pH, acidez, proteína, lipídios, gordura extrato seco, cor (L*, a*, b*, Chroma e Hue), textura, perfil do consumidor e intenção de compra. Os queijos tipo prato produzidos no laboratório apresentaram maior teor de umidade e pH em comparação com os queijos industriais; no entanto, na análise de cor por colorimetria, não houve diferença entre os parâmetros analisados. Nas análises de cinzas, proteína, lipídios e acidez, os queijos industriais apresentaram maiores valores em relação aos análogos produzidos no laboratório, enquanto maiores teores de gordura extrato seco foram determinados nos queijos análogos quando comparados aos queijos industriais. Por fim, a análise de textura demonstrou que os queijos industriais são mais firmes que seus análogos.

This research aimed to compare the physico-chemical and sensory characteristics of cheeses type 'prato' produced in the Laboratory of Products of Animal Origin of the Goiano Federal Institute ­ Green River Campus with 'Prato' industrial cheese and evaluate the acceptability of intelligent packings prepared with whey and anthocyanin from jabuticaba peel. Industrial 'prato' cheeses were acquired from the local market. Analyses of water content, dry extract, ash, pH, acidity, protein, lipids, dry extract fat, color (L*, a*, b*, Chroma and Hue), texture, consumer profile, and purchase intention. Cheeses type 'prato' produced in the laboratory presented higher in moisture levels and pH compared to industrial cheeses; however, in the color analysis by colorimetry there was no difference between the analyzed parameters. For analyses of ash, protein, lipids, and acidity, the industrial cheeses showed higher values in relation to the analogs produced in the laboratory, while higher contents of dry extract fat were determined in the analog cheeses when compared to the industrial cheeses. Finally, the texture analysis demonstrated that the industrial cheeses are firmer than their analogs.

Análisis microbiológico a corto y largo plazo del material usado para esterilizar instrumental odontológico / Short and long-term microbiological analysis of the material for sterilize dental instruments

Introducción: el material para empaquetar el instrumental odontológico, como pueden ser bolsas de tela, papel o plástico, es usado por profesionales de la salud; sin embargo, es necesario esclarecer la efectividad de cada uno y determinar el tiempo que permanece estéril luego del procedimiento. Objetivo: identificar la eficacia de tela, plástico y papel como materiales para esterilizar instrumental a corto y largo plazo. Material y métodos: se realizaron cultivos sólidos y líquidos de instrumental esterilizado en tres materiales y con diferentes tiempos de postesterilización. Se incubaron a 36 oC por 72 horas en condiciones aerobias y anaerobias. Los resultados se analizaron usando una prueba de Kruskal-Wallis, seguida de una prueba de Dunn. Resultados: los resultados mostraron que inmediatamente después del proceso de esterilización, los tres materiales son efectivos (Kruskal-Wallis test, p = 0.2752), 24 horas (p = 0.2492), siete (p = 0.0509) y 14 días (p = 0.0006). Veinticuatro horas posterior a la esterilización la tela no es efectiva, el plástico disminuye su efectividad y el papel sigue siendo efectivo. Conclusión: en nuestros resultados, el papel es la mejor opción para esterilizar instrumental (AU)

Introduction: material such as cloth, paper or plastic bags to wrap dental instruments is used by health professionals, however, it is necessary to clarify the effectiveness of each one and determine if it remains sterile after the procedure. Objective: to determine the effectiveness of cloth, plastic and paper as materials to sterilize dental instruments in the short and long term. Material and methods: we carry out solid and liquid cultures of sterilized instruments in three materials, at different post-sterilization times, incubated at 36 oC for 72 hours under aerobic and anaerobic conditions, and the results were analyzed using a Kruskal-Wallis test, followed by from a Dunn's test. Results: our results showed that immediately after the sterilization process the three materials are effective (Kruskal-Wallis; p = 0.2752), 24 hours (p = 0.2492), 7 (p = 0.0509) and 14 (p = 0.0006) days. Twenty-four hours after the cloth is not effective, plastic decreases its effectiveness and paper remain effective. Conclusion: in our results, paper is the best option to sterilize dental instruments (AU)

Comparative life cycle assessment for the manufacture of bio-detergents.

The increasing consumption of cleaning products deteriorates water resources due to harmful components such as phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) compounds, oils, bleach, and acids, typical compounds in traditional detergents. The use of biodegradable detergents as an environmentally friendly alternative has been proposed in different regions. In Colombia, resolution 1770/2018 sets a minimum biodegradability rate of 60% for the surfactants present in liquid detergents, which would reduce to a similar extent the impacts on water after their use. However, the environmental impacts of the supply chain of these detergents and their raw materials have not been evaluated so far. This study presents an environmental life cycle assessment of petroleum-based liquid detergents and a comparison to traditional solid detergents, based on the ISO 14040 standard and the ReCiPe-2016 impacts assessment method. A novel bio-detergent containing anionic plant-based surfactants was proposed in this analysis. The impacts of packaging and the distribution of the product to consumers were also considered. Raw materials contributed to 91% of the total of 314 g of CO2 eq generated per liter of liquid detergent, where the production of fatty alcohol sulfate and PET packaging shared 78.8% and 12.2% of the total impact, respectively. It was also determined that 5.4 L of water are consumed and 0.09 g of P eq and 0.1 g of N eq are emitted per liter of detergent. This liquid detergent presented better environmental performance than traditional detergents in all the impact categories, except for the fossil resource scarcity category. The evaluated detergent would significantly mitigate the generation of negative effects on ecosystems. Moreover, the substitution of PET for HDPE packaging could reduce the impacts on freshwater eutrophication by 10%, although the carbon footprint can slightly increase, which could be compensated due to its higher recyclability rate. In contrast, the proposed bio-detergent would not have significant benefits and would negatively affect water consumption and land use in its supply chain.

Straw cigarette branding: misleading descriptors and a new Marlboro man.

BACKGROUND: Straw cigarettes are hand-rolled tobacco in a corn straw, common in Brazil and believed to be less harmful by consumers. Traditionally consumed in rural areas and by men, a recent increase in use among young people in urban areas was observed. This study assessed marketing appeals of straw cigarette packaging in Brazil. METHODS: Following a systematic protocol, unique straw cigarette packs were purchased in 2013, 2016 and 2019 from three cities: Manaus, Salvador and São Paulo. Packs were double-coded for the absence/presence of marketing appeals (ie, luxury/quality, masculinity, classic/timeless, flavours and less harm). RESULTS: The number of unique straw cigarette packs purchased as part of the overall sample increased in the most recent collection: 2.3% (n=3), 1.3% (n=2) and 15.5% (n=27) in 2013, 2016 and 2019, respectively. Across the years, all packs presented luxury/quality elements (eg, images of crests); 93.8% (n=30) included the word 'artisanal'. Masculine appeal (eg, images of men) was present on 56.3% (n=18) of packs. Almost half had classic/timeless elements, including the words 'tradition'/'original'. In 2019, 59.3% (n=16) of the packs were flavoured compared with none in previous years. Over a quarter of all packs presented a less harm appeal (eg, 'smooth'). CONCLUSION: We identified an increase in availability of unique straw cigarette packs, strong branding and use of misleading descriptors on the packs. The adoption of plain packaging and the implementation of Brazil's additive ban could help to reduce the appeal of straw cigarettes and curb the current increase in use among youth.

Modelling the impact of plain packaging of tobacco products on cardiovascular disease in Argentina.

INTRODUCTION: Tobacco packaging design is conceived to be attractive. Plain packaging of tobacco products reduces this attractiveness by standardising their shape, size, font and colours. METHODS: To evaluate the effect of applying plain packaging to tobacco products on cardiovascular events and mortality in Argentina, we used the Cardiovascular Disease Policy Model-Argentina, a local adaptation of a well-established computer simulation model that projects cardiovascular and mortality events for the population 35-94 years old using local demographic and consumption data, during the period 2015-2024. After a literature review, we estimated that the implementation of plain packaging of tobacco products would result in an absolute decrease in tobacco prevalence of 0.55% (base-case scenario) and performed a sensitivity analysis assuming a higher and lower decrease of 1.01% and 0.095%, respectively. RESULTS: Over the 2015-2024 period, the decrease in smoking prevalence associated with plain packaging (0.55%) is projected to avert 1880 myocardial infarctions (MI), 820 strokes and 4320 total deaths in Argentina. The higher estimate of smoking prevalence reduction (1.01%) would translate into 3450 fewer MIs, 1490 fewer strokes and 7920 fewer deaths, while the lower estimate of smoking prevalence reduction (0.095%) would result in 330 fewer MIs, 140 fewer strokes and 750 fewer deaths. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of plain packaging of tobacco products could reduce cardiovascular events in Argentina, even in the absence of other tobacco control measures. Actual health benefits are likely higher than those presented here, since plain packaging may be most impactful by preventing young people from initiating smoking.

Colours, capsules and concept flavour names on cigarette packs appeal to youth in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Flavoured cigarettes are popular in Mexico. We examined how cigarette packaging design features used to communicate flavour influence perceptions of appeal, harm, perceived interest and pack preference among Mexico City residents. METHODS: We conducted an experimental survey. Participants aged 13-34 years were randomly assigned to one of three conditions, viewed packs with systematically manipulated design features (colour, capsule image and flavour name) and answered questions on appeal, perceived harm, perceived interest and pack preference. Data were analysed using mixed effects and conditional logistic regression. RESULTS: 1500 adolescents and 950 adults participated. Regardless of flavour, cigarette packs with a background colour and capsule image were more appealing to adolescents (OR=13.19, 95% CI 11.53 to 15.10; OR=1.68, 95% CI 1.45 to 1.88) and adults (OR=4.18, 95% CI 3.73 to 4.69; OR=1.66, 95% CI 1.49 to 1.85) than packs without. Among adolescents, 'Tropical Burst' named packs were more appealing (OR=1.43, 95% CI 1.20 to 1.72) than packs without a flavour name and among adults, 'Arctic Air' named packs were more appealing (OR=1.20, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.14). Adolescents and adults reported a preference for trying packs that displayed a flavour name, background colour or capsule image (b=0.104, b=0.702, b=1.316, p<0.001 and b=0.126, b=0.619, b=0.775, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Colours and flavour capsule images appeal to adolescents and adults in Mexico. Mexico should consider adopting plain packaging to reduce appeal and interest.

Analysis of the Reduction of Ergonomic Risks through the Implementation of an Automatic Tape Packaging Machine.

Many industrial sectors still lack automation resources to optimize their production processes, aiming to make manufacturing leaner and offer better working conditions to operators. Without these improvements, workers can suffer physical and even psychological damage from the ergonomic risks of the activities performed. Thus, the aim of this paper is to present the ergonomic evaluation of packaging tapes workstation before and after the implementation of an automatic packaging machine, called Guzzetti. In the Guzzetti context, the paper shows the implementation of an electrical system based on controlling a mechanical device powered by servomotors and controlled by a PLC is necessary. For ergonomic evaluation, the paper presents the application of three methods: Suzanne Rodger, Strain Index, called Moore and Garg and REBA (Rapid Entire Body Assessment). With the results collection, was possible to obtain improvements in ergonomic risks that changed from the intermediate level to low level in all methods.

Maintenance of sterility in SMS packaging in dental environments: concern with biosafety

Healthcare services must be guided by biosafety practices and microbial control. This control is highly influenced by humidity, which directly impacts the maintenance of sterility of the materials used in the appointments. High concentration of moisture, in the form of aerosol, splashes and spills, is caused during dental care. During the COVID-19 times the contamination by aerosol and droplets worries greatly. Considering that it could cause harm to the sterility of an autoclaved material, especially in dental environments, the objective was to evaluate the behavior of SMS sterilization packages (Spunbonded / Meltblown / Spunbonded) against microbial penetration in an aqueous vehicle. SMS of three brands were challenged, equally divided into two groups: virgin and processed (subjected to a single autoclaving cycle). Each specimen was aseptically deposited on Macconkey agar. Subsequently, 5 µL of Escherichia coliATCC 25922 saline solution [108CFU mL-1] was deposited in center of the SMS specimen and the dish incubated at36°C/ 48h. Reading was performed by the presence or absence of bacterial growth typical of the species under the SMS, observed on the back of Petri dish. The lowest penetration rate observed was 60% for one of the brands in the virgin condition, and 75% for two brands in the processed condition. Statistical analysis showed an association between bacterial penetration and the evaluated group, this association being valid only in the virgin condition. The different SMS behave similarly in terms of resistance to bacterial penetration after being processed. The data show that moisture can assist in bacterial transport through sterilized SMS. Therefore, SMS packages are not able to prevent bacterial penetration, and possibly other microorganisms, when in aqueous vehicles, offering a potential risk of breaking the aseptic chain. Thus, care must be taken in routines for handling and storage sterile packaging.

Standardised packs and larger health warnings: visual attention and perceptions among Colombian smokers and non-smokers.

AIMS: To measure how cigarette packaging (standardised packaging and branded packaging) and health warning size affect visual attention and pack preferences among Colombian smokers and non-smokers. DESIGN: To explore visual attention, we used an eye-tracking experiment where non-smokers, weekly smokers and daily smokers were shown cigarette packs varying in warning size (30%-pictorial on top of the text, 30%-pictorial and text side-by-side, 50%, 70%) and packaging (standardised packaging, branded packaging). We used a discrete choice experiment (DCE) to examine the impact of warning size, packaging and brand name on preferences to try, taste perceptions and perceptions of harm. SETTING: Eye-tracking laboratory, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia. PARTICIPANTS: Participants (n = 175) were 18 to 40 years old. MEASUREMENTS: For the eye-tracking experiment, our primary outcome measure was the number of fixations toward the health warning compared with the branding. For the DCE, outcome measures were preferences to try, taste perceptions and harm perceptions. FINDINGS: We observed greater visual attention to warning labels on standardised versus branded packages (F[3,167] = 22.87, P < 0.001) and when warnings were larger (F[9,161] = 147.17, P < 0.001); as warning size increased, the difference in visual attention to warnings between standardised and branded packaging decreased (F[9,161] = 4.44, P < 0.001). Non-smokers visually attended toward the warnings more than smokers, but as warning size increased these differences decreased (F[6,334] = 2.92, P = 0.009). For the DCE, conditional trials showed that increasing the warning size from 30% to 70% reduced preferences to try (odds ratio [OR] = 0.48, 95% CI = [0.42,0.54], P < 0.001), taste perceptions (OR = 0.61, 95% CI = [0.54,0.68], P < 0.001); and increased harm perceptions (OR = 0.78, 95% CI = [0.76,0.80], P < 0.001). Compared with branded packaging, standardised packaging reduced our DCE outcome measures with ORs ranging from OR = 0.25 (95% CI = [0.17,0.38], P < 0.001) to OR = 0.79 (95% CI = [0.67,0.93], P < 0.001) across two brands. These effects were more pronounced among non-smokers, males and younger participants. Unconditional trials showed similar results. CONCLUSIONS: Standardised cigarette packaging and larger health warnings appear to decrease positive pack perceptions and have the potential to reduce the demand for cigarette products in Colombia.

Bio-packaging based on cellulose acetate from banana pseudostem and containing Butia catarinensis extracts.

Banana (Musa acuminata) pseudostem cellulose was extracted and acetylated (CA) to prepare membranes with potential use as bio-packages. The CA membrane was embedded by Butia seed (CA-BS) or Butia pulp (CA-BP) extracts obtained from Butia catarinenses (Butia). The produced CA, CA-BS, and CA-BP membranes were evaluated for their physical-chemical, mechanical, thermal, and antibacterial properties. The process for obtaining the cellulose yielded a material with about 92.17% cellulose (DS = 2.85). The purity, cellulose degree acetylation, and the incorporation of Butia extracts into the membranes were confirmed by FTIR. The CA-BS and CA-BP membranes showed a smaller contact angle and higher swelling ratio than the CA membrane. Furthermore, Butia seed or pulp extracts reduced the elastic modulus and deformation at break compared to the CA membrane. The DSC analysis suggested the compatibility between sections and the CA matrix, whereas the TGA analysis confirmed the thermal stability of the membranes. Moreover, less than 1% of the Butia seed and pulp extracts were put into a food simulant media from the membrane. Finally, the CA-BS and CA-BP membranes could inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli on their surface, confirming the potential use of these membranes as bio-packaging for food preservation.

Ecodesign approach for pharmaceutical packaging based on Life Cycle Assessment.

Packaging ecodesign can contribute to improve the environmental performance of pharmaceutical products. The main goal of this article is to present an ecodesign approach based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for pharmaceutical packaging, assessing opportunities to improve the packaging environmental performance, and providing ecodesign recommendations to the pharmaceutical sector. The proposed ecodesign approach consists of five phases. I) The most representative packaging of medicines in the market (blister, bottle, and sachet), with different sizes, materials and weights, were investigated. II) Three ecodesign strategies were selected to analyze with LCA: i) weight and/or volume reduction, ii) alternative types of packaging, and iii) transportation with less environmental impact. III-IV) A cradle-to-gate life cycle model has been implemented, including transport to pharmacies. Alternative transportation modes (truck, train, airplane, and ship) and different packaging production locations have been considered. Thirteen environmental categories have been analyzed. V) Ecodesign recommendations for improving the environmental performance of pharmaceutical packaging are presented in two stages: i) specific recommendations based on LCA, illustrated in sheets with examples of ecodesign, quantifying the environmental impact reduction of an ecodesign solution compared to the original; and ii) generic recommendations for different packaging life cycle phases. Ecodesign recommendations highlight the use of smaller-size packaging, avoiding superfluous elements and empty spaces, which reduces material and production costs, and transportation impacts; the selection of modes of transportation with less environmental impact, considering the packaging production location; and the use of electric vehicles for pharmacy distribution. This ecodesign approach based on LCA allows quantifying environmental impacts robustly to support the incorporation of environmental information from the design, material selection, and packaging production to distribution till the final consumer. This article emphasizes the importance of developing specific packaging ecodesign based on LCA to improve environmental performance and provide more informed recommendations to stakeholders.