Plastic Vials Research Articles

Sealing Ability of the Formed Apical Calcified Bridge in Open Apex Roots

A successful endodontic treatment requires that the apex of the treated tooth becompletely and densely sealed with root canal filling material. One of the mostdifficult endodontic problems is the management of necrotic immature tooth due tothe blunderbuss apex and the difficulty in achieving a tight seal between the root canalsystem and the external surface of the tooth. The aim of this study was to evaluate thesealing ability the apical calcified bridge formed by calcium hydroxide paste, whiteMTA or gray MTA during apexification procedure.Thirty premolars with single root canals were prepared to simulate an open apex.These roots were divided into 3 groups as follow: Group A: 10 roots filled withCa(OH)2 paste, Group B: 10 roots filled with white MTA, and Group C: 10 rootsfilled with gray MTA. Each root was placed in a polyethylene vial containing 25 m1of synthetic tissue fluid (STF) and incubated at 37°C for 3 months. After 3 monthsand the formation of calcified bridge, each root was immersed in 2% freshly preparedMethylene blue dye in 5 ml plastic vial for seven days. After the leakage period, theroots were removed from the dye and the leakage in all roots was examined bymeasuring the linear extent of dye penetration from the apical end of the canalpreparation to the coronal direction by means of a light stereomicroscope at (40 X)magnification with calibrated grid.Ca(OH)2 paste group has the highest mean value of apical dye penetrationfollowed by WMTA, while GMTA group shows the lowest mean value of apical dyepenetration. There was a highly significant difference in the apical dye penetration(p<0.01) among these groups, statistically a high significant difference is found(p<0.01) between Ca(OH)2 group and WMTA group, and between Ca(OH)2 groupand GMTA group; whereas, significant difference is found (p<0.05) between WMTAgroup and GMTA group.The apical calcified bridge formed by GMTA has the best sealing ability followedby that formed by WMTA. While the apical calcified bridge formed by Ca(OH)2 pastehas the lowest sealing ability as compared with that formed byWMTA and GMTA.

A new method for D2O to H2O leak detection and identification of leaky heat exchanger in PHWR by Cerenkov photon counting technique

In pressurized heavy water reactors, leaks from D2O primary coolant and moderator to H2O secondary coolant and other light-water systems in heat exchangers cannot be completely ruled out. High cost of D2O demands that its loss should be prevented to maximum extent possible. Traditionally D2O leak detection and identification of leaky heat exchanger is carried out by measurement of tritium activity in H2O. Since tritium emits low energy beta radiation, its concentration in H2O is measured by mixing it with liquid scintillation solution in a definite proportion in counting vial and counted in a Liquid Scintillation Analyzer. It is very sensitive method for leak detection, but identification of leaky heat exchanger is time consuming and may require low power operation or reactor shut down. In the new method, high energy beta emitting fission products, which emit Cherenkov photons in H2O, were used as the tracer. H2O was poured in 20 mL plastic vials without scintillator and counted on Liquid Scintillation Analyzer. D2O leak was identified by comparing the Cherenkov photon count rate with that of the blank. A discrimination ratio significantly higher than average Cherenkov photon count rate for all heat exchangers was used to identify the leaky one. The technique has advantageous over existing method of D2O leak detection, such as, (1) scintillation chemicals are not required (2) low power operation or reactor shut down is not required for identifying the leaky heat exchanger (3) no generation of radioactive chemical waste (4) on-power leak identification reduces generation of radioactive liquid waste.

124 Cell Count of Bovine In Vitro-Produced Blastocysts After In Vitro Maturation in Glass versus Plastic Vials

Optimal bovine in vitro oocyte maturation (IVM) is a prerequisite for subsequent optimal blastocyst rates. Ovum pick-up (OPU), by which cumulus–oocyte complexes (COC) are collected in vivo, is performed outside a laboratory and often requires IVM to take place during transportation from the farm to the IVF laboratory. Hashem et al. (2017 Reprod. Fertil. Dev. 29, 179) demonstrated that blastocyst rates are affected by type of vial (glass v. plastic), number of COC per vial, and volume of medium per vial. This was achieved by maturing more than 2500 COC from slaughterhouse material under contrasting conditions, followed by standardised IVF and in vitro culture (IVC) and observation of blastocyst rates, morphology (1: poor; 2: good; 3: excellent), and kinetics (1: blastocyst; 2: expanded blastocyst ; 3: hatching/hatched blastocyst). Here we examined differential staining of a subset of expanded blastocysts (XB) from the previous study to assess the influence of vial material, medium volume, and number of COC per vial on total cell count, number and ratio of inner cell mass (ICM), and trophectoderm (TE) cells. In experiment 1 (4 groups), oocytes were matured in different vials without lids in an incubator at 5.5% CO2 in humidified atmospheric air at 38.5°C to assess plastic toxicity. In experiment 2 (6 groups) and experiment 3 (6 groups), the 2 best performing vials-polypropylene cryovials (Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, USA) and glass vials (VWR International, Radnor, PA, USA)-containing 50% (Exp. 2) or 95% (Exp. 3) medium volume per vial and 5, 20, or 45 COC per vial were tested. In experiments 2 and 3, the vials were closed and incubated in atmospheric air at 38.5°C. All groups were evaluated for blastocyst rates, kinetics, and morphology. Because kinetics (range 2.01–2.25) and morphology (range 2.15–2.50) were similar in all groups, only XB were collected from each group. These were fixed and stained with CDX2 antibody and Hoechst (Wydooghe et al. 2011 Anal. Biochem. 416, 228-230) and their ICM and TE cells were counted. The cells were counted manually in blinded groups using an inverted fluorescence microscope and 16× magnification. Counts of total, ICM, and TE cells were compared between treatments by a two-way ANOVA analysis. A total of 240 XB from the 16 different vial groups were counted in the 3 experiments, with average total cell counts of 139 (110–211) and ICM cell counts of 44 (28–75). Even though the blastocyst rates differed between some of the groups, the cell counts within the XB did not differ statistically significantly between groups. In fact, the highest cell count was found in the glass vial group with the lowest blastocyst rate (45 COC per vial in 50% medium volume; blastocyst rate 28%, total cells 211, ICM cells 75). We have previously demonstrated that the type of vial, number of COC per vial, and the volume of medium per vial influence the subsequent blastocyst rates. It is concluded, however, that the embryos able to proceed to the blastocyst stages seem to be of the same quality in all groups, assessed by kinetics, morphology, and cell counts within XB.

Development of a certified reference material for composition of high-purity copper as a transfer standard within GET 176-2013

Introduction. The paper gives information on the development of a certified reference material (CRM) for composition of high-purity copper (Cu CRM UNIIM). The CRM is included as the transfer standard into the State primary standard of the mass (molar) fraction and mass (molar) concentration of the component in liquid and solid substances and materials based on coulometry GET 176-2013. Materials and methods. The CRM represents pieces of oxygen-free copper wire rod, brand KMB, produced according to GOST R 53803-2010, weighing from 0.5 to 1g. The CRM is packed in plastic vials with the capacity of 30 or 50 cm 3 . The certified characteristic of the CRM is copper mass fraction in copper wire rod, expressed in percentages. The certified value for copper mass fraction was established by the primary method of controlled-potential coulometry using the State primary standard GET 176-2013. Results . The permitted interval of the certified value for copper mass fraction in the CRM is from 99,950 % to 100,000 %. The relative expanded uncertainty (k=2) of the certified value for copper mass fraction does not exceed 0,030 %; the relative standard uncertainty due to inhomogeneity does not exceed 0.010 %; the relative standard uncertainty due to instability does not exceed 0.010 %. The shelf life of the developed CRM is 10 years provided that standard storage conditions are ensured. Discussion and conclusions. The developed CRM is included into the State register of type approved RMs under the number GSO 10800-2016. The CRM of high-purity copper (Cu CRM UNIIM) as a transfer standard is intended for reproduction, storage and transfer of the copper mass fraction unit to other reference materials and chemical reagents by the method of comparison using a comparator and by conducting direct measurements. This CRM may also be used: – for verification of measuring instruments (MIs) according to the state verification schedule described in GOST R 8.735.0-2014, – for calibration, graduation of MIs; control of metrological characteristics when conducting MI tests, including for the purposes of type approval; – for validation of measurement procedures, accuracy control of measurement procedures in the process of their implementation.

Mucin 5B in saliva and serum of patients with oral lichen planus

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is among the most common oral diseases. Its etiopathogenesis has yet to be clearly identified. OLP patients complain of mouth dryness. This study aimed to assess the level of Mucin 5B in OLP patients with xerostomia. This study was conducted on 30 OLP patients and 30 healthy individuals. In addition to patient complaint of mouth dryness, xerostomia was assessed by tongue blade and lipstick tests. Stimulated and unstimulated saliva were collected in plastic vials by spitting method. Level of Mucin 5B was measured by ELISA. Unstimulated saliva flow was significantly lower in OLP patients (P = 0.0001). Stimulated saliva flow was not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05). Level of Mucin 5B in unstimulated saliva was significantly lower in OLP group (P = 0.0001) while it was not significantly different in stimulated saliva of the two groups (P > 0.05). Level of Mucin 5B was significantly higher in serum of OLP patients (P = 0.016). Both saliva flow and level of Mucin 5B decrease in OLP patients. Since Mucin 5B is effective for wetting and lubrication of the oral cavity, this result can suggest a possible reason for mouth dryness in OLP patients.

Inhibiting Sterilization-Induced Oxidation of Large Molecule Therapeutics Packaged in Plastic Parenteral Vials.

For many years, glass has been the default material for parenteral packaging, but the development of advanced plastics such as cyclic olefin polymers and the rapidly increasing importance of biologic drugs have provided new choices, as well as more stringent performance requirements. In particular, many biologics must be stored at non-neutral pH, where glass is susceptible to hydrolysis, metal extraction, and delamination. Plastic containers are not susceptible to these problems, but suffer from higher gas permeability and a propensity for sterilization-induced radical generation, heightening the risk of oxidative damage to sensitive drugs. This study evaluates the properties of a hybrid material, SiOPlas™, in which an ultrathin multilayer coating is applied to the interior of cyclic olefin polymer containers via plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. Our results show that the coating decreases oxygen permeation through the vial walls 33-fold compared to uncoated cyclic olefin polymers, which should allow for improved control of oxygen levels in sensitive formulations. We also measured degradation of two biologic drugs that are known to be sensitive to oxidation, teriparatide and erythropoietin, in gamma and electron beam sterilized SiOPlas™, glass, and uncoated cyclic olefin polymer vials. In both cases, solutions stored in SiOPlas™ vials did not show elevated susceptibility to oxidation compared to either glass or unsterilized controls. Taken together, these results suggest that hybrid materials such as SiOPlas™ are attractive choices for storing high-value biologic drugs.LAY ABSTRACT: One of the most important functions of parenteral drug containers is safeguarding their contents from damage, either chemical or physical. Glass has been the container material of choice for many years, but concerns over breakage and vulnerability to chemical attack at non-neutral pH have spurred the rise of advanced plastics as alternatives. Plastics solve many problems associated with glass but introduce several of their own, including increased gas permeation and generation of oxidizing radicals during sterilization. In this article, we evaluate SiOPlas™, a hybrid material consisting of plastic with a thin multilayer coating applied to the interior, for its ability to overcome these two problems. We find that SiOPlas™ is much less permeable to oxygen than uncoated plastic, and that two biologic drugs stored in gamma and electron beam sterilized SiOPlas™ vials do not display elevated levels of oxidation compared to either glass or unsterilized vials. This suggests that hybrid materials such as SiOPlas™ can exhibit the best qualities of both glass and plastic, making them attractive materials for storing high-value parenteral drugs.

Cryopreservation of human ovarian tissue using the silver closed vitrification system.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of using a hand-made silver container for the cryopreservation of human ovarian cortex. Human ovarian cortex tissues were vitrified using an open vitrification system (OVS) of needle immersed vitrification (NIV) and two closed vitrification systems (CVS) of a plastic vial (plastic CVS) and a silver container (silver CVS). Outcomes of vitrification were evaluated morphologically and histologically by in vitro culture and xenotransplantation. The apoptosis of primordial follicles was assessed by TUNEL staining. The production of E2 and P4 was examined by a chemiluminescent immunoassay. Blood vessels were visualized with CD31 staining. Compared with the fresh ovarian cortex tissue, ovarian cortex tissues that were vitrified using the three different carriers and then warmed showed significantly reduced percentages of normal primordial follicles, viability of primordial follicles, E2 and P4 levels during in vitro culture and decreased amounts of blood vessels. However, much better outcomes were obtained with NIV and silver CVS than with plastic CVS, based on the better morphology and viability of primordial follicles, higher E2 and P4 production during an in vitro culture, and greater numbers of blood vessels after xenografting. Importantly, the outcomes of ovarian cortex cryopreservation with silver CVS were similar and comparable to those with NIV. The hand-made silver container as a CVS is a promising carrier for the cryopreservation of the human ovarian cortex.

Evaluation of cytotoxicity and pH changes generated by various dental pulp capping materials - an in vitro study.

Various materials are used in direct dental pulp capping method. Their biocompatibility and alkalizing abilities are of primary importance affecting therapeutic effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the cytotoxicity of various pulp-capping materials on human gingival fibroblasts and investigate the pH changes induced by these materials. Human gingival fibroblasts were cultured with nine direct pulp materials using culture plate inserts. The cytotoxic effects were recorded by using an MTT-based colorimetric assay after 3 and 24 h. In the second part of the experiment, the materials were inserted in dialysis tubes and transferred into plastic vials containing deionized water. The changes of the medium pH were measured after 3 and 24 h. We showed differences in cell viability of gingival fibroblasts after varied time of exposition for the tested materials. Cell viability after 24 h increased for Dycal, Biopulp, and Calcipro, and decreased for Calcipulpe, Angelus, Angelus White, and ProRoot Regular. Cell viability for ProRoot and Life did not change. Non-setting calcium hydroxide preparations followed by the MTA group and setting calcium hydroxide materials produced the highest pH. All the tested materials significantly increased pH (p < 0.0001) at 24 h. Currently used pulp capping materials varied in their cytotoxicity relative to human gingival fibroblasts and their alkalizing capacities. Since most likely pH does not affect the viability of cultured cells, further investigations are required to determine physicochemical properties of these materials and the biological activity of the dental pulp.

Effects of egg aging on the metabolites of ovarian fluid in rainbow trout,Oncorhynchus mykiss

Nuclear magnetic resonance -based metabolomics was applied to study effects of egg aging on ovarian fluid metabolites in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. The eggs of three females were pooled and then assigned to three plastic vials for 18 days in vitro storage at 4°C. Ovarian fluid samples were taken 0, 6, 12 and 18 days after storage. Three groups of metabolites including amino acids, osmolytes and energy metabolites were found to change during storage period. The glucose levels of ovarian fluid showed significant decreases on days 12 and 18 after storage (p < .05). For acetoacetate and acetate, significant increases were observed, respectively, on days 12 and 18 after storage (p < .05). The creatine levels of ovarian fluid increased significantly on days 12 and 18 after storage (p < .05). Lactate levels in ovarian fluid elevated during storage period (p < .05). Glycerol levels showed a significant increase on days 12 and 18 after storage (p < .05). The values of osmolytes in ovarian fluid (e.g., betaine, taurine, trimethylamine-N-oxide, N,N-dimethylglycine) showed a decreasing trend on day 12 which continued until the end of storage on day 18 (p < .05). Almost all amino acids elevated on days 12 and 18 after storage (p < .05). After an apparent elevation in isoleucine levels on days 6 and 12, this amino acid decreased on day 18 after storage (p < .05). The osmolytes might act as antioxidant against free-radicals produced as a result of over-ripening. Glucose can be used as energy resource for eggs and bacteria during ova storage. Also, change pattern of amino acids indicate hydrolysis of proteins as the time of storage increases.

Optimization of electrospray ionization conditions to enhance formation of doubly protonated peptide ions with and without addition of chromium(III).

Production of multiply protonated ions by electrospray ionization (ESI) is important to the analysis of peptides by mass spectrometry. For small neutral and acidic peptides, addition of chromium(III) greatly increases the intensity of doubly protonated ions. The current study examines instrumental and solution parameters that maximize peptide ion charge by ESI. The neutral and basic heptapeptides AAAAAAA (A7) and AAAKAAA (A3KA3) were used as test compounds and electrosprayed from a solution containing chromium(III) nitrate at a peptide to metal molar ratio of 1:10. Positive ion mode experiments were performed on a Bruker HCTultra PTM Discovery System quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer. Source voltages and drying/nebulizer gases were systematically altered. The effects of rinsing, brand, and color of plastic microcentrifuge tubes (vials) employed were also investigated. Nebulizer gas pressure and drying gas flow rate are crucial parameters for production of [M+2H]2+ , while drying gas temperature alone has minimal effect. Optimization of the capillary exit and skimmer voltages are important both to maximize [M+2H]2+ and reduce unwanted ion dissociation. Protonation is enhanced and fewer impurity peaks are observed when solutions are prepared in colorless plastic vials that have been rinsed briefly with propan-2-ol (isopropanol). Optimization of instrument and sample preparation factors for enhanced protonation with and without Cr(III) is necessary to allow maximum formation of [M+2H]2+ . Proteomics researchers should find these procedures to be of use for increasing multiply protonated signal intensity even in the absence of Cr(III). Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Influence of storage vial material on measurement of organophosphate flame retardant metabolites in urine

Use of organophosphate flame retardants (PFRs) has increased over the past decade with the phase out of polybrominated diphenyl ethers. Urinary metabolites of PFRs are used as biomarkers of exposure in epidemiologic research, which typically uses samples collected and stored in polypropylene plastic cryovials. However, a small study suggested that the storage vial material may influence reported concentrations. Therefore, we aimed to examine the influence of the storage vial material on analytical measurement of PFR urinary metabolites. Using urine samples collected from participants in the Environment and Reproductive Health (EARTH) Study, we analyzed the PFR metabolites in duplicate aliquots that were stored in glass and plastic vials (n = 31 pairs). Bis(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (BDCIPP), diphenyl phosphate (DPHP) and isopropyl-phenyl phenyl phosphate (ip-PPP) were detected in 98%, 97% and 87% of duplicates. We observed high correlations between glass-plastic duplicates for BDCIPP (rs = 0.95), DPHP (rs = 0.79) and ip-PPP (rs = 0.82) (p < 0.0001). Urinary ip-PPP was an average of 0.04 ng/ml (p = 0.04) higher among samples stored in glass, with a mean relative difference of 14%. While this difference is statistically significant, it is small in magnitude. No differences were observed for BDCIPP or DPHP, however future research should seek to reduce the potential for type II error (false negatives). We conclude that storing urine samples in polypropylene plastic cryovials may result in slightly reduced concentrations of urinary ip-PPP relative to storage in glass vials and future research should seek to increase the sample size, reduce background variability and consider the material of the urine collection cup.

Predators collected from balsam woolly adelgid and Cooley spruce gall adelgid in western Oregon and Washington, U.S.A., with reference to biological control of hemlock woolly adelgid (Hemiptera: Adelgidae)

As part of a comprehensive study to survey predators associated with hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae Annand, 1928 in the Pacific Northwest (PNW), U.S.A. (Kohler et al. 2008), predators of balsam woolly adelgid, Adelges piceae (Ratzeburg, 1844) and Cooley spruce gall adelgid, Adelges cooleyi (Gillette, 1907) (all Hemiptera: Adelgidae) were sampled on nine dates from June 2005 to October 2006 on a small number of trees. Samples were collected every 6–8 weeks. Predators were collected from two A. piceae infested grand fir, Abies grandis (Douglas ex David Don) Lindley, and one A. cooleyi infested Engelmann spruce, Piceae engelmanii Parry ex Engelmann, on the Oregon State University campus in Corvallis, Oregon, and two A. cooleyi infested Douglas-fir, Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirbel) Franco (all Pinaceae). One Douglas-fir was an ornamental tree in Corvallis, Oregon and the other was in a seed orchard on Whidbey Island, Washington. Adelges cooleyi predators were collected by striking an infested branch four times over a plastic tub with an area of 0.16 m2. Adelges piceae predators were collected by brushing adelgid wool on the bole of infested trees with a 2-inch wide paintbrush over a beat sheet. Predators were collected from the tub and beat sheet with an aspirator. Adult insects were killed in a sealed 9-dram plastic vial containing a small piece of Hot Shot No-Pest Insecticide Strip (Spectrum Brands Inc., Atlanta, Georgia). Immature insects were killed in KAAD mixture (10 parts 95% ethanol, 1 part kerosene, 2 parts glacial acetic acid, and 1 part dioxane) and preserved in 70% ethanol (Borrer et al. 1989). Adult specimens were identifi ed either by taxonomic specialists or by comparison to previously identified museum specimens. Voucher specimens were deposited in the Oregon State Arthropod Collection, Department of Zoology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon.

Oral health and characteristics of saliva in diabetic and healthy children

Diabetes is the most common metabolic disorder. Idiopathic destruction of pancreatic beta cells will result in progressive loss of insulin, increase in ketone bodies, PH reduction and changes in bicarbonate neutralizing system in all body fluids including saliva and the oral cavity. The aim of this study was to compare the quality and quantity of saliva and oral health in children and adolescents with diabetes compared to healthy children. In this study, 27 diabetic patients (9 males, 18 females, age range 10 ± 5 years) were studied. A control group (27 persons) was selected from health persons with the same condition of gender and age. The amount of saliva was evaluated in 5 minutes, by non-stimulant collecting, in plastic vials. The PH and Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) were measured using paper strip and TAC kit. Oral and dental health was measured using DMFT (Decayed, missed, filled teeth) and MGI (Modified Gingival Index) indexes. Saliva in patients had less secretion (1.09 ± 0.13, 5.28 ± 0.23, P < 0.01), PH (5.28 ± 0.09, 7.11 ± 0.10, P < 0.001), and total antioxidant capacity (0.36 ± 0.04, 0.5 ± 0.04, P < 0.001) in compare with controls group. DMF and MGI indicators were more in patients than in control group (P < 0.001). Patients with type 1 diabetes had less secretion, PH and antioxidant defense and as a result had more dental and oral problems in compare with healthy children that with higher DMFT and MGI these patients require further training in this field and regularly examinations.

Comparative evaluation of the apical sealing ability of a ceramic based sealer and MTA as root-end filling materials - An in-vitro study.

BackgroundThe present study was aimed to evaluate and compare the apical sealing ability of two endodontic root-end filling materials namely, iRoot SP (ceramic based) and ProRoot MTA using the bacterial leakage system.Material and MethodsA total of fifty recently extracted, single rooted teeth with a single straight canal were selected for the study. The teeth were chemo mechanically prepared. The apical 3mm of the root was resected and root end cavities were prepared. The teeth were randomly divided into two groups of twenty teeth each for the experimental root end filling materials namely, iRoot SP and ProRoot MTA. A two-chamber model was constructed using pippeter tips and plastic vials. The pipetter tips with the teeth were suspended in these caps and the entire assembly was reattached to the vial. The upper chamber was seeded withEnterococcus faecalis. An Enterococci-selective broth was used in the lower chamber. Leakage was assessed for 90 days and compared using survival statistics.ResultsThe ProRoot MTA filled root end samples leaked within 30-72 days. The iRoot SP filled root end samples leaked within 51-69 days.ConclusionsUnder the parameters of this study, it can be concluded that all the tested materials showed significant apical sealing ability as root-end filling materials over a period of 90 days. iRoot SP exhibited the most effective apical sealing ability as compared to ProRoot MTA. Key words:Apical sealing ability, Bacterial leakage, iRoot SP, ProRoot MTA, Root-end filling.

Performance Stability of Silicone Oxide-Coated Plastic Parenteral Vials.

A new packaging system was developed for parenteral pharmaceuticals that combines the best attributes of plastic and glass without their respective drawbacks. This technological advancement is based on the synergy between high-precision injection-molded plastics and plasma coating technology. The result is a shatter-resistant, optically clear, low-particulate, and chemically durable packaging system. The demand for this product is driven by the expanding market, regulatory constraints, and product recalls for injectable drugs and biologics packaged in traditional glass materials. It is shown that this new packaging system meets or exceeds the important performance characteristics of glass, especially in eliminating the glass delamination and breakage that has been observed in many products. The new packaging system is an engineered, multilayer, glass-coated plastic composite that provides a chemically stable contact surface and oxygen barrier performance that exceeds a 2 year shelf life requirement. Evaluation of the coating system characteristics and performance stability to chemical, temperature, and mechanical extremes are reported herein.LAY ABSTRACT: A new packaging system for parenteral pharmaceuticals was developed that combines the best attributes of plastic and glass without their respective drawbacks. This technological advancement is based on the synergy between high-precision injection-molded plastics and plasma coating technology. The result is a shatter-resistant, optically clear, low-particulate, and chemically durable packaging system. It is shown that this new packaging system meets or exceeds the important performance characteristics of glass, especially in eliminating the glass delamination and breakage that has been observed in many products. The new packaging system is an engineered, multilayer, glass-coated plastic composite that provides a chemically stable contact surface and oxygen barrier performance that exceeds a 2 year shelf life requirement. Evaluation of the coating system characteristics and performance stability to chemical, temperature, and mechanical extremes are reported herein.

Kinetic Modeling of the Release of Ethylene Oxide from Sterilized Plastic Containers and its Interaction with Monoclonal Antibodies.

Ethylene oxide (ETO) is commonly used to sterilize plastic containers, but the effects of residual amounts left after sterilization on protein therapeutics are still not well understood. Here we describe experiments exploring the factors that influence concentrations of ETO migrating from ETO-treated plastic containers into aqueous solution over time. Additionally, interactions of ETO with model antibodies were studied, with ETO adducts found on all methionine residues when incubated in solutions spiked with ETO at concentrations that could potentially be reached in ETO-treated plastic vials. Overall, the likelihood of observable ETO-protein modifications upon storage in ETO-sterilized containers will depend on a complex interplay of protein properties, formulation details, storage conditions, and amount of residual ETO initially in the container.

Kinetic Modeling of the Release of Ethylene Oxide from Sterilized Plastic Containers and its Interaction with Monoclonal Antibodies

Ethylene oxide (ETO) is commonly used to sterilize plastic containers, but the effects of residual amounts left after sterilization on protein therapeutics are still not well understood. Here we focus primarily on the factors that influence concentrations of ETO migrating from ETO-treated plastic containers into aqueous solution. A study was designed to investigate the kinetics of this process at various temperatures, and the kinetic data could be fit with a model based on a combination of Fickean diffusion and first-order chemical reaction (to account for observed hydrolysis of ETO). The diffusion and reaction rate constants thus obtained obey Arrhenius-like temperature dependence. These results indicate that for analytical methods involving extraction into water, measurements of residual ETO in a container must account for the effects of ETO hydrolysis. Further, the effects of salt concentration and pH of the fluid in the container on accumulated ETO levels were explored. Finally, interactions of ETO with anti-streptavidin (AntiSA) Immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) and IgG2 antibodies were studied, with ETO adducts found on all methionine residues when incubated in solutions spiked with ETO at concentrations that could be reached (based on the kinetic studies) in ETO-treated plastic vials. Overall, the likelihood of observable ETO-protein modifications upon storage in ETO-sterilized containers will depend on a complex interplay of protein properties, formulation details, storage conditions, and amount of residual ETO initially in the container. <i>LAY ABSTRACT:</i> Ethylene oxide (ETO) is commonly used to sterilize plastic containers, but the effects of residual amounts left after sterilization on protein therapeutics are still not well understood. Here we describe experiments exploring the factors that influence concentrations of ETO migrating from ETO-treated plastic containers into aqueous solution over time. Additionally, interactions of ETO with model antibodies were studied, with ETO adducts found on all methionine residues when incubated in solutions spiked with ETO at concentrations that could potentially be reached in ETO-treated plastic vials. Overall, the likelihood of observable ETO-protein modifications upon storage in ETO-sterilized containers will depend on a complex interplay of protein properties, formulation details, storage conditions, and amount of residual ETO initially in the container.

141 BOVINE EMBRYO DEVELOPMENT RATES ARE AFFECTED WHEN OOCYTES ARE MATURED IN DIFFERENT VIALS CONTAINING HEPES/BICARBONATE BUFFERED MEDIUM

Laboratory ware for the in vitro-produced embryos is generally made from embryo-tested plastic instead of glass. The quality of the plastic is crucial for the outcome because plastic is often toxic to gametes (Nijs et al. 2009 Fertil. Steril. 92, 527–535). In addition, gas molecules permeate through the plastic at a rate that depends on a variety of factors, such as diffusion coefficient and thickness of the plastic. In an incubator with appropriate concentration of CO2 and vented culture vessels, the gas permeability of the plastic is not important. When oocytes are transported outside a controlled atmosphere, gas permeability, toxicity, and oocyte cumulus cell CO2 metabolism could perturb the outcome. Medium containing bicarbonate buffer increases pH outside of a controlled atmosphere within minutes, whereas medium buffered with HEPES maintains suitable pH for hours. Previously, we tested that gas permeability differs among plastic vials and glass vials with no cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC) by measuring pH after 2, 5, and 24 h at the same temperature. The objective of this study was to compare pH post-maturation, blastocyst development rates on Day 8 post-IVF (Day 0 = IVF) between 2 different 1.2-mL polypropylene cryovials (A: VWR DK, 479-1219; B: Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, USA, CLS430289), glass vial (VWR DK, NSCAC4015-96), and 4-well plate (4WP) as control (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA, USA, 144444). A total of 1135 abattoir-derived COC in Exp. 1 and 133 in Exp. 2 were divided equally between the treatments (20–25 COC per vessel). Vials/4WP contained 0.8/0.5 mL of BO-IVM HEPES, a HEPES/bicarbonate medium (IVF Bioscience; BO-HEPES-IVM, UK). Maturation lasted 22 to 24 h at 38.8°C in an incubator with either a humidified atmosphere of 5.5% CO2 in air (Exp. 1) or with no CO2 contact (Exp. 2). In Exp. 1, oocyte vials were matured without a vial lid while in Exp. 2 vial lids were closed. Statistical analysis was performed with chi-square and mean ± SD. In Exp. 1, Day 8 blastocyst rates were evaluated as percentage of inseminated oocytes, with 4WP and glass vials significantly higher than cryovials A or B (38 ± 8.9%, 35 ± 7.5% v. 26 ± 3.2%, 26 ± 3.5%; respectively; P &lt; 0.05). In Exp. 2, pH was measured for the 3 vials immediately post-maturation. Day 8 blastocyst rates were significantly higher in the glass vials as compared with cryovials A and B (pH 7.26, 31%; pH 7.60, 20% and pH 7.72, 22%, respectively; P &lt; 0.05). In conclusion, blastocyst rates are affected by type of vial, as well as different gas permeability among other factors influencing pH. Further studies are necessary to optimize the maturation of the oocytes in HEPES-buffered media.

Take a Good Lamp

Revital Cohen and Tuur Van Balen (www.cohenvanbalen.com) have investigated the multiple materialities, modes of production, and long networks of contemporary technological culture in many of their installation and film works. This has ranged from work with bioengineering (Sterile) to work with the rare earth minerals and metals that form the backbone of contemporary media. In works such as H/AlCuTaAu and the later D/AlCuNdAu, they remediated the existing chemical elements of electronics and data centers into an odd sort of hybrid art-installation object; in 75 Watt, they investigated the long production networks of another sort of real, and yet imaginary, object as part of its production chain, producing a weird choreography of imaginary technology becoming a consumer product. Recently they embarked on a field trip to Congo, one that served both as artistic research and as a performance of returning some of the minerals back to the soil. The following text is a short excerpt from their travel diary: a meditation on a geography of the travels of minerals—the materials of media culture—as part of the postcolonial landscapes. From the microscopic dust returning to the soil, to the experience of gaining access to the mines, their images tell a backstory to the quiet colonial histories of media culture, now enhanced by the presence of global corporations from the ex-colonies and by newcomers from China. The images shown here are from their field trip and from art projects such as H/AlCuTaAu and D/AlCuNdAu. —Jussi Parikka

Ammonium carbonate loss rates from lures differentially affect trap captures ofRhagoletis indifferens(Diptera: Tephritidae) and non-target flies

AbstractWestern cherry fruit fly,Rhagoletis indifferensCurran (Diptera: Tephritidae), is a pest of cherry (PrunusLinnaeus, Rosaceae) in western North America that can be monitored using traps baited with ammonia. However, ammonia-based attractants also attract non-target Diptera that clutter traps. Here, the hypothesis that ammonium carbonate (AC) loss rates from lures differentially affect numbers ofR.indifferensand non-target flies caught on sticky yellow rectangles in sweet cherry trees was tested in Washington State, United States of America. Ammonium carbonate loss rates were varied from seven-dram plastic vials hung ~1 cm above traps. A total of six experiments were conducted in which progressively lower AC loss rates within a range of 0.10–26.19 mg AC/hour were tested. For captures ofR. indifferens, no AC loss rate comparisons within 0.19–26.19 mg/hour differed, and captures were not reduced until losses were lowered to 0.10–0.13 mg/hour. In contrast, captures of medium to large (⩾5 mm long) non-target flies, which were mostly Sarcophagidae (Diptera), were reduced at a rate ~30 times higher, at 3.34 or 3.80 mg AC/hour. Results suggest that using lures with an AC loss rate of 0.19 mg/hour can maintain highR. indifferenscaptures while reducing non-target fly captures and thus can improve monitoring efficiency.