The protein adsorption on the porous alginate microparticles was evaluated in regards to the coating ability and this protective effect during gastrointestinal assay. The coating was performed at suitable pH for optimized electrostatic interaction between protein and alginate. Concentrations of gelatin (HGE) and their hydrolysates (Collagel® (MGE) (> 10 kDa) and Fortigel® (LGE) (3 kDa)) from 1 to 10% (w/w) were tested. Higher protein adsorption was observed in the highest concentration of protein in solution and the amount adsorbed was inversely proportional to the degree of hydrolysis with 47.3, 41.4 and 29.3% of protein adsorbed when HGE, MGE and LGE were used, respectively. The particles that showed higher protein adsorption were submitted to gastrointestinal in vitro assay. In gastric simulation, 39.1, 41.8 and 49.0% of protein from HGE, MGE and LGE were solubilized while 81.3, 61.5 and 95.2% were solubilized after 5 h under enteric conditions.

Infection cost burden was found to be higher than previously reported, with payer costs increasing over a 24-month postoperative period. Findings in this study were estimated using modeling techniques with inherent limitations, however, results suggest overall savings from use of antimicrobial sutures as a component of a comprehensive evidence-based surgical care bundle for reducing infection risk.

No abstract

satisfaction scores and post-op complications compared to manual THA (mTHA). The purpose of this study was to compare robotic-assisted vs. manual total hip arthroplasty index and post-discharge utilization and costs in a 90-day episode-of-care (EOC). Methods: THA procedures were identified using the Medicare 100% Standard Analytic Files. Members included patients with RATHA or mTHA between 10/1/2015-10/1/2018. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed in a 1-to-5 ratio, robotic to manual. After PSM, 938 rTHA and 4,670 mTHA were identified and included for analysis. Ninety-day episode-of-care cost, index cost, LOS, post-index rehab utilization and costs were assessed. Results: RATHA patients were less likely to have postindex IPR or SNF admissions (0.64% vs. 2.68%; p,0.0001 and 20.79% vs. 24.99%; p=0.0041, respectively). RATHA patients used fewer days in post-index inpatient and SNF care (7.15 vs. 7.91; p=0.8029 and 17.98 vs. 19.64; p=0.5080, respectively) and used fewer HHA visits, (14.06 vs. 15.00; p=0.

No abstract

No abstract