Comparison of ATR-FTIR and NIR spectroscopy for identification of microplastics in biosolids

Biosolids are considered a potentially major input of microplastics (MPs) to agricultural soils. Our study aims to identify the polymeric origin of MPs extracted from biosolid samples by comparing their Attenuated Total Reflection (ATR) - Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectra with the corresponding near-infrared (NIR) spectra. The reflectance spectra were preprocessed by Savitzky-Golay (SG), first derivative (FD) and compared with analogous spectra acquired on a set of fifty-two selected commercial plastic (SCP) materials collected from readily available products. According to the results portrayed in radar chart and built from both ATR-FTIR and NIR spectral datasets, the MPs showed high correlations with polymers such as polyethylene (LDPE, HDPE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP) and polyamide (PA), determined in SCP samples. Each unknown MP sample had on average three or more links to several types of SCP, according to the correlation coefficients for each polymer ranging from 0.7 up to 1. The comparison analysis classified the majority of MPs as composed mainly by LDPE/HDPE, according to the top correlation coefficients (r > 0.90). PP and PET were better identified with NIR than ATR-FTIR. In contrast to ATR-FTIR analysis, NIR was unable to identify PS. Based on these results, the primary sources of MPs in the biosolids could be identified as discarded consumer packaging (containers, bags, bottles) and fibers from laundry, disposable glove, and cleaning cloth. SYNOPSIS: Microplastics (MPs) are considered contaminants of emerging concern. This study compares two simple and fast spectroscopy techniques to identify microplastics in the biosolid matrix.

The consistency of Gleason scores may effect the operation outcomes for laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: a single surgeon and a single pathologist data

INTRODUCTION

To evaluate the effects of consistency in preoperative and postoperative Gleason scores to the operation outcomes in patients who underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

204 of 347 patients were included the study. 143 patients whose preoperative prostate biopsies were evaluated in the other Institute were not included into the study. The preoperative data of patients and operation outcomes were investigated from institute's files of patients. Patients were divided to three groups by using consistence of pre and postoperative Gleason scores. The tumor, node and metastasis classification were used for staging prostate cancer.

RESULTS

Mean age was 63 and the mean PSA level was 11 ng/dl overall. In statistical analysis PSA levels, Gleason score and rate of positive score were significantly low in Group I (p < 0.05). As in operative data, nerve sparing surgical technique was performed statistical significance higher in Group 1 than other Groups. External bleeding rate of Group II was significantly lower than the other Groups. In univariate and multivariate analysis, postoperative pathologic stage was statistical significant for consistency of pre and postoperative Gleason scores.

CONCLUSIONS

The modified Gleason scoring system is safe and usable for evaluating prostate biopsies and operative specimens. The consistency in pre and postoperative Gleason score effect the operation technique and also operation outcomes. Working with an experienced uro-pathologist provides to inform patients more accurate and better.