Integrated Optoelectronic Device for Detection of Fluorescent Molecules.

This paper presents the development of a compact optoelectronic device suitable for on-chip detection of fluorescent molecules. In order to obtain a highly integrated device, a long-pass multi-dielectric filter has been integrated with thin-film amorphous silicon photosensors on a single glass substrate. Filter rejects the excitation light, allowing the reduction of the distance between the source and the fluorescent site and avoiding the use of external optical component. The compatibility of the technological processes determined the materials and the temporal sequence of the device fabrication. The developed device has been designed for the fluorescence detection of ruthenium complex based molecules and tested, as a proof of concept, for the detection of double-stranded DNA down to 0.5 ng. Results demonstrate the correct operation of the integrated system in both rejecting the excitation light and in detecting the fluorescent signal, demonstrating the suitability of this optoelectronic platform in practical biomedical applications.

Evaluation of thermal comfort and carbon dioxide levels during ventricular-assist-device implant. / Valutazione del benessere termico e dei livelli di anidride carbonica durante l'impianto di in dispositivo di assistenza ventricolare.

BACKGROUND: Environmental measurements were performed in an operating theatre within a pediatric cardiac department, during a surgical operation involving the use of carbon dioxide for the implantation of a ventricular system (VAD). OBJECTIVES: After some reports from the staff, who were complaining about low temperatures in the operating room, it was decided to check carbon dioxide levels, the conditions of thermal comfort and the presence of draughts. METHODS: Microclimatic parameters and carbon dioxide concentration were performed with a microclimatic unit Delta OHM model HD 32.1. RESULTS: The carbon dioxide concentration values measured during the operation were below the levels at which the working environment was not comfortable, as expressed by both the ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers) and the ACGIH (American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists) standards. PMV (Predicted Mean Vote) and PPD (Preticted Pencentage of Dissatisfied) values obtained indicate a thermal discomfort tendency to cold perception, perceived in particular by the anesthesiologist, circulating nurse and cardiovascular perfusionist. Airflow discomforts occurred at different stages of the operation. CONCLUSIONS: Acting on the air conditioning system, decreasing air velocity, while guaranteeing the minimum number of air recirculation prescribed by the regulations, appears to be the best prevention measure. Changing the mode of laminar air inlet above the cot may, however, affect the "wash" effect of the operating range. Otherwise, a "protective" measure could concern staff clothes, providing them with garments with better insulation, in order to protect the neck area, which is affected by the effects of draughts.

Accidental exposure to UV radiation produced by germicidal lamp: case report and risk assessment.

Ultraviolet radiation is known to cause both benefits and harmful effects on humans. The adverse effects mainly involve two target organs, skin and eye, and can be further divided into short- and long-term effects. The present case report describes an accidental exposure of two health-care workers to ultraviolet radiation produced by a germicidal lamp in a hospital pharmacy. The germicidal lamp presented a spectrum with an intense UV-C component as well as a modest UV-B contribution. Overexposure to UV-C radiation was over 100 times as large as the ICNIRP exposure limits. A few hours after the exposure, the two subjects reported symptoms of acute UV injury and both of them continued having significant clinical signs for over 2 years. In this study, we describe acute and potentially irreversible effects caused by high UV exposure. In addition, we present the results of risk assessment by occupational exposure to germicidal lamps.