Minimum Exposure Time Research Articles

Possibility of predicting the minimum exposure time of autologous condensed plasma on the retinal surface in macular hole surgery using global hemostasis assessment tests

Possibility of predicting the minimum exposure time of autologous condensed plasma on the retinal surface in macular hole surgery using global hemostasis assessment tests

Inactivation of SARS CoV-2 on porous and nonporous surfaces by compact portable plasma reactor.

We report the inactivation of SARS CoV-2 and its surrogate-Human coronavirus OC43 (HCoV-OC43), on representative porous (KN95 mask material) and nonporous materials (aluminum and polycarbonate) using a Compact Portable Plasma Reactor (CPPR). The CPPR is a compact (48cm3), lightweight, portable and scalable device that forms Dielectric Barrier Discharge which generates ozone using surrounding atmosphere as input gas, eliminating the need of source gas tanks. Iterative CPPR exposure time experiments were performed on inoculated material samples in 3 operating volumes. Minimum CPPR exposure times of 5-15min resulted in 4-5 log reduction of SARS CoV-2 and its surrogate on representative material samples. Ozone concentration and CPPR energy requirements for virus inactivation are documented. Difference in disinfection requirements in porous and non-porous material samples is discussed along with initial scaling studies using the CPPR in 3 operating volumes. The results of this feasibility study, along with existing literature on ozone and CPPR decontamination, show the potential of the CPPR as a powerful technology to reduce fomite transmission of enveloped respiratory virus-induced infectious diseases such as COVID-19. The CPPR can overcome limitations of high temperatures, long exposure times, bulky equipment, and toxic residuals related to conventional decontamination technologies.

Evaluating wet and dry contact time of contaminated produce with chlorine solution against Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella enterica

Chlorine is the most widely used sanitizer, however, there are varying reports on the exposure time and its effectiveness on fresh produce. This study determined the minimum exposure time for wet and dry contact chlorine treatments with the highest efficacy in reducing Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella enterica on spinach and bell pepper surfaces. The chlorine wash at 100 mg/L for 1 min resulted in a significant reduction (p < 0.05) of both pathogens on both produce. S. enterica was reduced by 4.86 log CFU/g on spinach and by 3.97 log CFU/g on bell pepper, while L. monocytogenes was reduced by 3.7 log CFU/g on spinach and by 3.08 log CFU/g on bell pepper. The majority of Listeria cross-contamination (>2.30 log CFU/g) on un-inoculated spinach and bell peppers was observed within 1 min of chlorine washing. Cross-contamination of Salmonella on spinach was >2.9 log CFU/g within 1 min and the level increased to 4.21 log CFU/g after 6 min. This study showed that washing spinach and bell pepper for up to 6 min with a 100 mg/L chlorine solution did not achieve additional reductions in L. monocytogenes and S. enterica populations compared to a 1 min wash.

Attitude Determination of Photovoltaic Device by Means of Differential Absorption Imaging

Future wireless power transmission will cover power levels up to kilowatts or more and transmission distances up to the scale of kilometers. With its narrow beam divergence angle, optical wireless power transmission (OWPT) is a promising candidate for such system implementations. In the operation of OWPT, it is necessary to estimate the position, direction (azimuth, elevation), and attitude of the target photovoltaic device before the power supply. The authors have proposed the detection of targets using differential absorption imaging and positioning with a combination of stereo imagery. In the positioning by stereo imagery, a condition regarding the consistency of the left and right images can be defined. This corresponds to the certain value of the exposure time of the image sensor, and this depends on the target’s attitude angle. In this paper, we discuss target attitude estimation using this minimum exposure time at which the integrity measure converges. A physical model was derived under general conditions of target position and experimental configuration. Target attitudes were estimated within an error range of 10 to 15 degrees in approximately 60 degrees range. On the other hand, there is an attitude estimation method based on the apparent size of the target. When using this method to estimate the attitude angle, errors are significantly large for specular and diffuse mixed targets like the PV. The method proposed in this paper is a robust attitude estimation method for the photovoltaic device in OWPT.

Optimization of PDMS Surface Treatment Using Atmospheric Pressure Plasma for Microfluidic Applications

Abstract Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is widely used for microfluidic and biomedical applications because of its chemical inertness and affordability. However, its low surface energy limits its adhesion properties, thus necessitating mandatory surface activation, via plasma treatments or chemical processing, especially for improving its hydrophilicity. In this study, we employed an atmospheric pressure plasma jet (2 W) in order to enhance the PDMS surface adhesion for application in microfluidic devices. Treatment variables, including exposure and recovery time and adhesion quality, were investigated. It was possible to achieve a minimum exposure time of 15 s/cm2 for thin PDMS (sheet, 250 μm) and 30 s/cm2 for thick (resin, 3 mm) PDMS. A robust and efficient methodology for scaling the jet system treatment of larger areas was developed. Additionally, we examined the effect of ambient humidity on the plasma treatment. Results showed that water adsorption on PDMS-treated surfaces indicated a difference between the well-established contact angle method for determining surface hydrophilicity (and thus, its adhesion) and the real adhesion properties of the treated surfaces.

Abstract LB_A01: Rapidly cleared MCL1 inhibitor TTX-810 showing robust efficacy in preclinical tumor models with no effects on cardiomyocytes in vitro and in vivo

Abstract MCL1, an anti-apoptotic protein frequently amplified in cancer, confers resistance to standard of care, thus highlighting its importance as a therapeutic target. However, the involvement of MCL1 in cardiomyocyte function raises concerns for safely targeting the protein in cancer patients. MCL1 inhibitors currently in clinical trials exhibit shortcomings, either due to insufficient potency or extended half-lives that heighten the risk of cardiotoxicity. This study systematically explores MCL1 inhibitor-induced cell dynamics in cancer cells and healthy cardiomyocytes. TTX-810, a potent, selective, and rapidly-cleared MCL1 inhibitor, was used to identify a treatment regimen that induces efficacy, but spares healthy cardiomyocytes. TTX-810 demonstrates potent and reversible binding to the BH3-binding groove of human MCL1 (KD = 0.3 nM). It inhibits the interaction of MCL1 with the pro-apoptotic effector protein BAK or BH3-only protein BIM in cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, leading to activation of the intrinsic apoptotic cascade and cancer cell death. At suprapharmacologic concentrations and extended exposure durations TTX-810 does induce apoptosis in human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes, aligning with the recognized mechanism of MCL1 inhibitor-related cardiotoxicity. In contrast, short-term TTX-810 exposure induces efficient cancer cell killing in vitro, and has no impact on cell viability, apoptosis induction, or troponin I release in human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes, even at high concentration. Similarly, TTX-810 induces strong monotherapy efficacy with once weekly in vivo dosing in an aggressive AML cancer model that is resistant to current standard of care agents like Venetoclax or Azacytidine. Repeated once weekly dosing in dogs over 4-weeks had no impact on troponin I levels in blood, electrocardiogram parameters (PR, QRS, QT and calculated QTcV intervals), heart rate, nor cardiac tissue morphology. In conclusion, this study identifies an optimal TTX-810 treatment regimen that effectively targets cancer cells, while preserving healthy cardiomyocytes. The study also demonstrates that a minimum exposure time is sufficient for efficacy, and this effect is even more pronounced when combined with standard-of-care agents. Moreover, limiting the exposure time expands the TTX-810 therapeutic window with regard to cardiotoxicity, which was validated in GLP toxicology studies in dogs and positions TTX-810 for future clinical development. Citation Format: Ulrike Rauh, Virendar Kaushik, Sabine Pilari, Georgios Kosmidis, Michael Serrano-Wu, Guo Wei, Weiqun Zhang, Stefan Kaulfuss, Kai Thede, Guillaume Poncet-Montange, Douglas Daniels, Christopher T Lemke, Brian Hubbard, Todd R. Golub. Rapidly cleared MCL1 inhibitor TTX-810 showing robust efficacy in preclinical tumor models with no effects on cardiomyocytes in vitro and in vivo [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC Virtual International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2023 Oct 11-15; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2023;22(12 Suppl):Abstract nr LB_A01.

Inactivation of human coronaviruses using an automated room disinfection device

The emergence of more virulent and epidemic strains of viruses, especially in the context of COVID-19, makes it more important than ever to improve methods of decontamination. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of on-demand production of chlorine species to inactivate human coronaviruses. The commercial prototype disinfection unit was provided by Unipolar Water Technologies. The Unipolar device generates active chlorine species using an electrochemical reaction and dispenses the disinfectant vapour onto surfaces with an aspirator. The minimum effective concentration and exposure time of disinfectant were evaluated on human hepatoma (Huh7) cells using 50% tissue culture infectious dose (TCID50) assay and human coronavirus 229E (HCoV-229E), a surrogate for pathogenic human coronaviruses. We showed that chlorine species generated in the Unipolar device inactivate HCoV-229E on glass surfaces at ≥ 400 parts per million active chlorine concentration with a 5 min exposure time. Here, inactivation refers to the inability of the virus to infect the Huh7 cells. Importantly, no toxic effect was observed on Huh7 cells for any of the active chlorine concentrations and contact times tested.

DBD-streamer mode transition of atmospheric-pressure plasma jet applied on water with varying distance and AC power

The discharge of atmospheric-pressure plasma jet (APPJ) applied on the water was studied by varying an air gap between a powered electrode and the water, and the alternating current power. It was found that the streamers were converged by the air flow to form a streamer bridge to allow current flow across the air gap to transition from a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) mode to a streamer mode. Because the AC power alternates periodically, this study proposed an analysis without the parameter of time by the voltage amplitude to power characteristic. It was found that the longer distance required higher voltage amplitude and power to transition. Prior research of plasma rarely mentioned the real power and the reactive power, which are essential for electric devices. Because different discharge mode produces different species, this study proposed a simple method to analyze and predict discharge modes based on the power factor, which presents the relationship of the real power and the reactive power. It was found that the streamer mode had a higher power factor than the DBD mode, and thus the power factor decides the discharge mode. Therefore, a power factor analysis can be a systematic basis to produce the required discharge by changing the equivalent capacitance and resistance to change the reactive power and real power. This study proposed a simple method to analyze periodic discharge by the intensified charge-coupled device (ICCD). A period of the AC was divided into twelve timings. For each timing, each shot was configured to have the minimum exposure time to avoid the afterimage. Thousands of shots were overlapped into one snapshot to increase the fluorescence and make such snapshot more representative for the timing. Snapshots show that the streamer bridge was only formed in specific timings periodically.

Parametric study of intensity-ratio-based phosphor thermometry using Mg4FGeO6:Mn4+ for instantaneous temperature measurement

Intensity-ratio-based phosphor thermometry is advantageous for instantaneous temperature measurement because it avoids interframe displacement due to moving phosphor coated samples that is encountered with lifetime-based methods. This study was aimed at investigating the effects of exposure time, excitation energy, and wavelength on intensity-ratio-based phosphor thermometry using Mg4FGeO6:Mn4+ (MFG). First, the temperature-dependent emission spectra of MFG were obtained under 355 nm and 405 nm excitations. The spectra exhibited different trends in the two cases, potentially because of thermally enhanced phonon-assisted absorption. Next, the shot-to-shot calibration uncertainties were evaluated from the temperature calibration results under different exposure time and excitation irradiance/fluence values for light-emitting diode/laser. The uncertainties under 355 nm and 405 nm excitations exhibited similar trends, i.e. they increased and decreased with increasing temperature and exposure time, respectively. For the minimum exposure time of 4 μs under 355 nm excitation, the uncertainty increased from 1.5 K at 323 K to 3.3 K at 673 K at a constant excitation fluence of 3.14 mJ cm−2. The uncertainties under 405 nm excitation were higher than those under 355 nm excitation. In addition, the inaccuracies due to excitation non-uniformity were evaluated from the calibration results under different excitation irradiance/fluence. The calibration curves were more sensitive to excitation irradiance at higher temperatures under 405 nm excitation. Consequently, the excitation non-uniformity induced inaccuracies under 405 nm excitation and different exposure time values were small at low temperatures (0.4–1.1 K at 323 K) and increased rapidly with temperature (2.6–14.4 K at 673 K). In the case of 355 nm excitation, the calibration curves exhibited small sensitivity to excitation fluence only at low temperatures. As the temperature increased, the inaccuracies under 355 nm excitation decreased and then increased, and exhibited values between 0.5 K and 2.5 K.

Evaluation of shielding thickness in the radio-diagnostic facility of Turai Yaradua Maternity and Children Hospital Katsina, Katsina State, Nigeria

The medical application of radiation can induce radio-biological effects which makes it necessary to ensure some safety precautions, of which, room shielding is one of those safety measures. The aim of this study was to assess the lead wall lining thickness of the radio-diagnostic room of Turai Yaradua Maternity and Children Hospital Katsina. The required lead wall lining thickness was estimated using NCRP 147 formulations. The measured area of the radio-diagnostic room was 39.44 m2. The maximum required lead thickness values were estimated as 1.1 mm and 0.8 mm for erect and supine radiographic positions, respectively, while, the installed lead wall lining thickness was 2 mm. The area monitoring revealed that there was no leakage radiation. Though, the shielding was adequate and there was no leakage radiation, it is however recommended that the radiation workers maintain maximum distance, minimum exposure time and use shielding barrier in order to ensure minimal occupational radiation exposure. Periodic area monitoring is also encouraged in order to prevent radiation exposure of the members of the public.

High dynamic reflection surface 3D reconstruction with sharing phase demodulation mechanism and multi-indicators guided phase domain fusion.

Accurate and complete 3D measurement of complex high dynamic range (HDR) surfaces has been challenging for structured light projection technique. The behavior of spraying a layer of diffuse reflection material, which will inevitably incur additional thickness. Existing methods based on additional facilities will increase the cost of hardware system. The algorithms-based methods are cost-effective and nondestructive, but they generally require redundant patterns for image fusion and model training, which fail to be suitable for practicing automated 3D measurement for complex HDR surfaces. In this paper, a HDR surface 3D reconstruction method based on sharing demodulation phase unwrapping mechanism and multi-indicators guided phase fusion strategy is proposed. The division of the exposure interval is optimized via the image entropy to generate an optimal exposure sequence. The combination of temporal-spatial binary (TSB) encoding fringe patterns with time-integration strategy and the variable exposure mode of digital mirror device (DMD)-based projector with a minimum projection exposure time of 233μs enables the proposed approach to broadly adapt complex HDR surfaces. We propose an efficient phase analysis solution called sharing mechanism that wrapped phase sequences from captured different intensity fringe images are unwrapped through sharing the same group of misaligned Gray code (MGC) decoding result. Finally, a phase sequences fusion model guided by multi-indicators, including exposure quality, phase gradient smoothness and pixel effectiveness, is established to obtain an optimum phase map for final 3D reconstruction. Comparative experiments indicate that the proposed method can completely restore the 3D topography of HDR surfaces with the images reduction of at least 65% and the measurement integrity is maintained at over 98% while preserving the measurement accuracy and excluding the outliers.

Assessing the Efficacy of New Chemistry Insecticides against Subterranean Termite

Termite attacks can significantly reduce crop and forest productivity by 10 to 25 percent, with traditional chemical insecticides commonly used in Pakistan. The present study, however, aimed to assess the effectiveness of ten different insecticides in controlling subterranean termites at various concentrations and time intervals. Fipronil and Chlorpyrifos were the most effective insecticides at a concentration of 125 ppm, resulting in 100% mortality rates after 24 hours of exposure, while Emamectin Benzoate had the lowest mortality rates, but gradually increased over time. All insecticides tested at a concentration of 250 ppm resulted in varying degrees of mortality rates, with Imidacloprid, Fipronil, and Bifenthrin being the most effective. At a concentration of 500 ppm, all insecticides were effective, with Imidacloprid showing the fastest onset of mortality. Similarly, all insecticides at a concentration of 1000 ppm were effective, with Fipronil being the most effective insecticide. The data suggested that some insecticides were more effective than others in controlling subterranean termites, and the duration of exposure also played a crucial role in the effectiveness of the insecticides. The study found that higher dosages of new chemistry-based termiticides result in maximum subterranean termite mortality after a minimum exposure time. Fipronil, Imidacloprid, and Bifenthrin were the most effective treatments achieving 100% termite mortality at specific dosages and exposure times, while Chlorfenapyr and Emamectin Benzoate showed lower effectiveness. The new chemistry insecticides are considered eco-friendly, safe for humans and non-target fauna, and might be a competent choice for integrated pest management programs

Is modified Carnoy’s solution as effective as Carnoy’s solution in terms of amount of bone necrosis and depth of penetration?

Carnoy’s solution, a chemical cauterisation agent, has been indicated as one of the adjuvant treatment modalities for odontogenic keratocyst. In 2000, after the ban of chloroform many surgeons adopted the use of Modified Carnoy’s solution. The purpose of this study is to compare the depth of penetration and amount of bone necrosis of Carnoy’s versus Modified Carnoy’s solution on the mandible of Wistar rats at different time intervals. Twenty-six male Wistar rats of six to eight weeks old, weighing approximately 150–200 grams, were allocated for this study. The predictor variables were type of solution and application time. The outcome variable was depth of penetration and amount of bone necrosis. Carnoy’s solution was applied on the defect on the right side of the mandible and Modified Carnoy’s solution on the left side for five minutes on eight rats, eight minutes on eight rats, and 10 minutes on eight rats. All specimens were subjected to histomorphometric analysis done using Mia image AR software. Univariate ANOVA test, and paired sample t test was done to compare the results. The depth of penetration for Carnoy’s solution was more than Modified Carnoy’s solution in the three different exposure times. Statistically significant results were observed at five minutes and eight minutes. The amount of bone necrosis was more in Modified Carnoy’s solution. The results were not statistically significant at the three different exposure times. To conclude, when one wants to use Modified Carnoy’s solution, the minimum exposure time should be 10 minutes to achieve similar results as those of Carnoy’s solution.

Синтез и исследование дезинфицирующего средства на основе диэтаноламина

The interaction of diethanolamine with formaldehyde at a ratio of initial reagents of 2?:?3, respectively, obtained a preparation that is an equimolar mixture of 3-(?-hydroxyethyl)-1,3-oxazolidine and its methylol derivative – 3-(?-hydroxyoxymethyl-ethyl)-1,3-oxazolidine. The paper presents the results of a study of the antimicrobial activity of the preparation against microorganisms – S. aureus, E. coli, as the most resistant species of bacteria that cause nosocomial infection. The tests were carried out by three methods: the test object method, as well as suspension and adsorption methods. The minimum effective concentration and exposure time of the preparation, which ensure the complete destruction of these microorganisms, have been established. The effect of organic substances and neutralizers on the antimicrobial activity of the preparation was studied. «Sulfonol» (a mixture of stereoisomers of the sodium salt of alkylbenzenesulfonic acid) at a concentration of 0,2?% and ten percent milk were used as neutralizers, and 10?% horse serum was used as protein. The concentration of the preparation and the exposure time required for the complete disinfection of dishes, glass and metlakh tiles infected with S. aureus and E. coli were determined. Disinfection of surfaces is achieved by treatment with a 3?% solution of the preparation during an exposure of 60 minutes, and dishes – with 3–5?% solutions for 45 minutes. It has been established by the thermoanalytical method of analysis that the preparation is stable at normal temperature and does not change its physicochemical properties during storage for 18 months or more. The preparation is recommended as a disinfectant for medical purposes. Keywords: 1,3-oxazolidine derivatives, 3-(?-hydroxyethyl)-1,3-oxazolidine, 3-(?-hydroxyoxymethylethyl)-1,3-oxazolidine, antimicrobial activity, bactericidal activity, nosocomial infection, bacteria, S. aureus, E. coli, disinfection, disinfectant.

Spatial distribution of 137Cs, 40K, 226Ra, 232Th in soils of Olenegorsk city (Murmansk region)

The goal of the study is obtain original data and identify the main patterns of spatial distribution of radionuclides in the soils of Olenegorsk, depending on zoning and urban development, focusing one specific activity of 137Cs and natural radionuclides, namely 232Th, 226Ra, 40K, in soils. Such studies of urban soils in Olenegorsk have not been carried out earlier. Location and time of the study. Soil samples in the city of Olenegorsk, Murmansk region, were collected in the summer of 2018. Methods. Soil samples were collected at 24 study sites on the territory of the Olenegorsk city from the upper 0-5 cm layer. Under laboratory conditions, the samples were dried at 105° C to constant mass. Then soil aliquots were placed in a Marinelli vessel to measure isotope specific activity using gamma spectrometry. Registration of gamma radiation from a countable soil sample, as well as processing of spectra, was carried out using the Progress-gamma software and hardware complex FVKM.412131.002-03. Calibration of the gamma spectrometer by energy to monitor the safety of the installation parameters was carried out after each measurement using a combined control source OISN-137-1 in a 1-liter Marinelli vessel. The minimum exposure time for the counting sample was 3600 seconds. However, depending on the activity of a sample, the exposure time in individual samples with weak activity was increased. Main results: The maximal specific activity of 137Cs in urban soils of Olenegorsk was 47.5 Bq/kg in the northwestern part of the city in the undisturbed soils of the natural landscape. Maximal values of 40K specific activity reached 293.8 Bq/kg in the central and south-eastern parts of the city within the boundaries of multi-storey residential district. The maximal specific activity of 226Ra in soils reached 14.6, and that of 232Th reached 12.2 Bq/kg, being confined to soils in the area of high-rise and mid-rise buildings, most likely, due to the differential vegetation density since the latter easily involves 40K into the biotic turnover. Maximal values of soil 226Ra and 232Th specific activity (14.6 and 12.2, respectively) were determined in areas with multi-storey and mid-rise buildings. The correlation analysis between the radionuclides and soil skeleton particles (≥2 mm) and finer (≤ 1 mm) fractions showed rather close association of radionuclides with soil skeleton and &lt;45 µm particles, as well as a moderately strong correlation with the 45 µm fraction. Moderately strong correlation was found between 232Th and 226Ra, and between 40K and soil skeleton particles. Conclusion. The obtained data about the accumulation of 137Cs and natural radionuclides (232Th, 226Ra, 40K) in the soils of Olenegorsk do not exceed the maximum permissible concentrations, characteristic of the urbanized areas of the Murmansk region.

Evaluation of a prototype of soil thermal solarizer for control of gall nematode in the production of coffee seedlings

In coffee crops at Rondônia State of Brazil, there is an increase in phytonematode epidemics.Since most local coffe nurseries at Rondônia use soil as substrate for seedling production, this work aimed to test the minimum exposure time at 60 ºC to control of root-knot nematodes Meloidogyne incognita in soil by means of solar heating, using a solarizer, in an adapted version for better heating perfomance. The used solarizer prototype was built of a wooden box covered with metal sheets, thermal blankets, painted black, with aluminum pipes of 0.5 cm in diameter at the bottom of the box that circulates the water heated by the collector box. The soil was inoculated with a suspension of 1000 eggs + J2 of M. incognita per liter and placed in equipment with a capacity of 150 liters. Exposure times at a minimum temperature of 60 °C were evaluated, with 14 treatments: C1 (non-inoculated and not autoclaved), C2 (inoculated), C3 (non-inoculated and autoclaved) T0’, T15’, T30’, T45’, T60’, T180’, T360’, T720’, T1440’, T2880’ and T4320’ . The temperature was measured every 15 minutes using a skewer-type digital thermometer. The soil was removed according to the exposure time, and placed in 8-liter pots, in which clone 125 and BRS 2357 coffee seedlings, susceptible to M. incognita , were transplanted and growing in a greenhouse for 180 days. The experimental design used was DIC, with 6 replications, each seedling as na experimental unit. Reproduction factor (FR), number of eggs per plant (NOGR) and number of galls per gram of root (NGGR) were evaluated. The FR, NOGR and NGGR variables reduced with exposure time. All treatments showed an effect to control the population of M. incognita in infected soils, with 100% efficacy of pathogen eradication from the T45’ treatment, 60 minutes of exposure is recommended for the production of Coffea canephora seedlings. Taken together, thir work showed the high potential of thr solorizer to contribute in theroot-knot nematode control to seedling production. Key words: Thermal control; Meloidogyne incognita; Coffea canephora.

Modeling of two-photon polymerization in the strong-pulse regime

This paper reports a study of two-photon polymerization induced by femtosecond laser pulses having microjoule pulse energy and kilohertz repetition rates. Light-matter interaction and polymerization kinetics are modeled in highly confined spatiotemporal scales. The model employs a non-diffractive Bessel beam, considers the effects of temperature-dependent species diffusions, and regards propagation and termination kinetic constants as functions of double-bond conversion. The model is validated by comparing the size of features predicted from simulations to those generated experimentally. The model is used to investigate how the time and energy required to create a single volume element ("voxel") change under various conditions of irradiation. The results show that polymerizing a single voxel requires a minimum exposure time that is constant across a range of irradiation conditions, and is largely determined by the chemical kinetics. In the regime where the pulse energy is low (< 10 μ J), it is more energy-efficient to use fewer pulses having higher energy within the same total exposure time. However, this trend reverses in the regime where the pulse energy is high (10 μ J - 30 μ J), because radical-radical recombination becomes significant, which wastes absorbed energy. This work advances the understanding of two-photon polymerization in the strong-pulse regime and is a step toward increasing throughput to a level suitable for industrial applications. • Two-photon polymerization is induced by few and strong femtosecond laser pulses • A Bessel beam is utilized to rapidly fabricates high aspect ratio structures • Polymerizing a single voxel requires a minimum exposure time • It is more energy-efficient to use fewer pulses when the pulse energy is low (<10 μ J) • Radical-radical recombination is severe when the pulse energy is high (>10 μ J)

Fish Fingerprinting: Identifying Crude Oil Pollutants using Bicyclic Sesquiterpanes (Bicyclanes) in the Tissues of Exposed Fish.

In the present study, we investigated the possibility of identifying the source oils of exposed fish using ratios of bicyclic sesquiterpane (bicyclane) chemical biomarkers. In the event of an oil spill, identification of source oil(s) for assessment, or for litigation purposes, typically uses diagnostic ratios of chemical biomarkers to produce characteristic oil "fingerprints." Although this has been applied in identifying oil residues in sediments, water, and sessile filtering organisms, so far as we are aware this has never been successfully demonstrated for oil-exposed fish. In a 35-day laboratory trial, juvenile Lates calcarifer (barramundi or Asian seabass) were exposed, via the diet (1% w/w), to either a heavy fuel oil or to Montara, an Australian medium crude oil. Two-dimensional gas chromatography with high-resolution mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were then used to measure selected ratios of the bicyclanes to examine whether the ratios were statistically reproducibly conserved in the fish tissues. Six diagnostic bicyclane ratios showed high correlation (r2 > 0.98) with those of each of the two source oils. A linear discriminatory analysis model showed that nine different petroleum products could be reproducibly discriminated using these bicyclane ratios. The model was then used to correctly identify the bicyclane profiles of each of the two exposure oils in the adipose tissue extracts of each of the 18 fish fed oil-enriched diets. From our initial study, bicyclane biomarkers appear to show good potential for providing reliable forensic fingerprints of the sources of oil contamination of exposed fish. Further research is needed to investigate the minimum exposure times required for bicyclane bioaccumulation to achieve detectable concentrations in fish adiposetissues and to determine bicyclane depuration rates once exposure to oil has ceased. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:7-18. © 2022 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.

Fast inactivation of coronavirus in filtering-facepiece respirators in a reflective cylindrical UV-C chamber

ObjectiveWe report on the development and characterization of a UV-C (λ = 200 – 280 nm, λpeak = 254 nm) chamber designed for the rapid disinfection of N95 class filtering-facepiece respirators contaminated with SARS-CoV-2 coronaviruses. The device was evaluated against Betacoronavirus strain MHV-3 and its virucidal capacity was evaluated as a function of different applied UV-C doses (UV-C exposure times of 60 s, 120 s, 180 s, and 240 s) using two types of respirators geometry (shell and two-panel shapes, 3M 8801 H and 9920 H, respectively), at eight points of the respirators. BackgroundMost chemical disinfection methods are not recommended for N95 masks. UV-C light provided by UVGI lamps (254 nm) is an effective physical agent against viruses and bacteria due to direct photochemical harming effect on DNA/RNA, and can provide rapid disinfection for personal protective equipment such as N95/PFF2 masks. ResultsThe device reached a mean elimination rate of 99.9999% of MHV-3 inoculated into all the assessed different points on the tested PFF2 respirator models in a UV-C cycle of just 60 s. Statistical analysis performed through Person´s chi-square test showed no correlation between the viral infectivity reduction and the viral inoculation point (p = 0.512) and the tested respirator models (p = 0.556). However, a correlation was found between the exposure time and the viral infectivity reduction (p = 0.000*), between UV-C and no UV-C exposure. All the tested UV-C exposure times (60 s, 120 s, 180 s, and 240 s) provided the same reduction in infection rates. Therefore, 60 s was confirmed as the minimum exposure time to achieve a 99.9999% or 6 Log reduction in MHV-3 coronavirus infection rates in the PFF2 samples tested in the device. ConclusionsWe conclude that the assessed UV-C chamber for the inactivation of MHV-3 coronavirus in N95/PFF2 standard masks can be a promising tool for effective and rapid disinfection of coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Evaluation of antibacterial oxygen/ozone mixture in vitro activity on bacteria isolated from cervico-vaginal mucus of cows with acute metritis

Ozone is an oxidating gas showing a strong microbicidal activity on bacteria, fungi, viruses and protozoa. The aim of this study was to test the in vitro bacteriocidal action of an Ozone/Oxygen gas mixture on bacteria isolated from the cervico-vaginal mucus of cows affected by acute metritis. A pilot study was initially carried out on reference strains (Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and Mycoplasma bovigenitalium ATCC 19852) that were tested with three different treatments: a control positive baseline group (B-group) was incubated without gas treatment, a control positive oxygen group (O2-group) was treated with pure oxygen 100%, and the treated group (T-group) was exposed to a gaseous constant flow of an Ozone/Oxygen mixture, at 50, 35, 20 μg Ozone/ml and for 5, 3 and 1 min for every different Ozone concentration. In both positive control groups, the number of colony forming units (CFU) per ml was higher than 300 CFU/ml (E. coli and S. aureus) and higher than 30 CFU/ml for M. bovigenitalium, after incubation. The T-groups showed a minimal bacterial growth equal to or lower than 1 CFU/ml per plate.Based on the results of the pilot study, a second phase was performed on bacteria isolated from the cervico-vaginal mucus (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter agglomerans, E. coli, Proteus mirabilis and M. bovigenitalium) using the lower concentration of 20 μg/ml of Ozone for the minimum exposure time of 1 min. The E. coli and S. aureus reference strains and the clinical isolates (K. pneumoniae, E. agglomerans, E. coli, P. mirabilis) were incubated at 37 °C for 48 h and the colonies were manually counted at 24 h and 48 h following inoculation. The cultures of M. bovigenitalium (both ATCC and clinical isolate) were incubated in a jar with modified atmosphere conditions with 5% CO2 at 37 °C for 4–7 days and colony counting was performed. The second phase showed a low number of CFUs (equal to or less than 7 CFU/ml) for the clinical isolates K. pneumoniae, E. agglomerans, E. coli and P. mirabilis, and, of note, for M. bovigenitalium, both ATCC and clinical isolate, the growth was completely inhibited. Ozone was demonstrated to have a bacteriocidal activity. This study encourages further research of in vivo application of low doses of gaseous Ozone for the treatment of metritis in cows by using minimal exposure times.