Academic Laboratories Research Articles

Recycling Opportunities in a High Volume Academic Clinical Chemistry Laboratory

Abstract Many sectors of industry, including the biomedical sector, have quantified waste, and created sustainability strategies to mitigate its environmental impact. One of these strategies utilizes the waste hierarchy, a model which ranks the concepts reduce, re-use and recycle in order of the most to least sustainable practice. However, to date, the clinical laboratory has seldom been evaluated for total waste production and mitigation strategies and additional public reporting of the physical amount of waste produced in these areas are lacking in the literature. In this study, we aimed to identify specific wastes produced from performing the CMP over the course of a year in our automated clinical chemistry laboratory and what proportion would be recyclable. The total in- and outpatient testing volumes as well as volumes of quality control and calibrations needed to perform the CMP at our institution were collected retrospectively from 07/14/2021 - 07/14/2022. We further identified disposables waste items such as calibrator kits, quality control kits, patient blood specimen tubes, shipping packaging and reagent wedge kits that are necessary to perform the CMP. In addition, to obtain a conservative and consistent evaluation to the total amount of waste produced from the CMP, the average weights for components of the reagent test wedge kits which includes plastic wedges, cardboard shipping boxes, and paper package inserts were calculated. These weights in conjunction with total testing volumes was used to determine the total, recyclable, and non-recyclable waste produced from these disposable items. A total of 1089.2 kg of reagent kit wastes were estimated to be produced by performing the CMP over the course of a year. Of this waste, cardboard shipping boxes and paper package inserts were determined to be recyclable (233.6 kg) and the plastic reagent wedges were determined to be non-recyclable (855.5 kg) as they were not labelled with the universally recognized recycling code, were composed of proprietary plastic material, and contained biohazardous contaminants. Overall, 21.4 % of the total specific waste weight was found to be recyclable. The CMP is a small subset of the clinical chemistry test menu that produces a considerable amount of recyclable and non-recyclable waste.

Nanofluidic point-of-care IgE test for subtropical grass pollen for rapid diagnosis of allergic rhinitis

BackgroundWidening of subtropical climate zones globally and increasing grass-pollen exposure provide the impetus for developing a more precise and accessible diagnosis of allergy. ObjectiveTo evaluate the utility of recombinant allergen components of Panicoideae and Chloridoideae pollens for specific IgE testing in a rapid, point-of-care device. MethodsRecombinant (r) Pas n 1 and Cyn d 1 were expressed, purified, and tested in the nanofluidic device for measuring serum specific IgE (spIgE) in a well-characterized Australian cohort. Concentrations and classes of spIgE to rPas n 1 and rCyn d 1, and total IgE were compared with skin prick test results and spIgE with grass pollen. ResultsCorrelations between commercial and academic laboratories for 21 sera were high for rPas n 1 spIgE (r = 0.695) and total IgE (r = 0.945). Higher spIgE to rPas n 1 and rCyn d 1 fluorescence was detected in the patients with grass-pollen allergy and with clinician-diagnosed allergic rhinitis (n = 134) than in participants with other allergies (n = 49) or no allergies (n = 23). Correlation between spIgE concentrations to rPas n 1 (r = 0.679) and rCyn d 1 (r = 0.548), with Bahia and Bermuda grass-pollen spIgE, respectively, was highly significant (p<0.0001). The positive/negative predictive agreements of spIgE classes for rPas n 1 (73%/82.5%) and rCyn d 1 (67.8%/66.3%) between the nanofluidic and ImmunoCAP measurements for Bahia and Bermuda grass pollen, respectively, were substantial. ConclusionPoint-of-care nanofluidic tests for spIgE to rPas n 1 and rCyn d 1 could increase access to more precise clinical diagnosis for patients with allergies in subtropical regions.

Serum-free light chain test utilisation at a South African academic laboratory and comparison with serum protein electrophoresis results.

Serum protein electrophoresis (SPE), urine protein electrophoresis and immunofixation electrophoresis were traditionally utilised for the diagnosis of monoclonal gammopathies. The quantitative serum-free light chain (SFLC) assay is reportedly more sensitive and has been introduced to recent clinical guidelines. This study aimed to investigate SFLC test utilisation and describe SPE findings in patients with abnormal SFLC ratios. A retrospective audit of SFLC analyses was conducted in Cape Town, South Africa, from May 2018 to April 2020. Agreement between abnormal SFLC ratios and SPE results was determined in a sub-group of patients screened for monoclonal gammopathies. Serum-free light chains were analysed using Freelite® Kappa and Lambda assays. Of the 1425 patients included in the audit, 741 (52%) had abnormal SFLC ratios; 636 (45%) had increased and 105 (7%) had decreased SFLC ratios. In a sub-group analysis of 117 new patients with an abnormal SFLC ratio, 57 had a monoclonal protein (M-protein) on SPE (49%), and 60 (51%) did not. Four out of 60 patients without M-protein had a plasma cell dyscrasia, while renal impairment or inflammatory response accounted for the rest. Of the 57 patients with a M-protein and abnormal SFLC ratio, 41 (72%) had a plasma cell dyscrasia, seven (12%) had lymphomas and nine patients (16%) were unclassifiable. Serum-free light chains should be requested when there is a high index of clinical suspicion. Neither SFLC nor SPE should be performed in isolation when screening patients for monoclonal gammopathy, to ensure that no patient is missed. The study adds to the evidence on SFLC test utilisation. Serum protein electrophoresis alone may miss cases of light chain myeloma, while SFLC performed in isolation may produce false positive results in the setting of inflammatory disorders or renal impairment, leading to unnecessary further investigation.

Building Adaptations and Laboratory Safety Concerns: A Case Study of High-Rise Academic Laboratories in a Thai University

Academic laboratory buildings face unique challenges due to the dynamic nature of laboratory tasks, technological advancements, and the utmost importance of maintaining safety. While flexible design strategies are recommended for laboratory facilities, there is a need to explore the empirical evidence of building adaptations and their impact on safety in real-world cases. This study employs a case study approach to investigate how academic laboratory buildings have been adapted to changing requirements and the resulting implications for laboratory safety. Four high-rise academic laboratories on a university campus were selected as case studies, and data were collected through as-built and updated architectural drawings, on-site walk-through surveys, and laboratory safety inspection reports. The findings reveal that adaptable design strategies, specifically those related to "long life" and "loose fit," have been implemented and are commonly used. However, building adaptations often occur independently, and without a proper understanding of the original design strategies, leading to laboratory safety problems caused by inappropriate adaptations. The proposed conceptual model aims to elaborate on the relationship between building adaptations and laboratory safety concerns. Further research should focus on investigating the patterns of adaptations of building layers using a time-series approach, and developing facility management strategies to effectively address dynamic safety conditions.

Transcriptome Sequencing Allows Comprehensive Genomic Characterization of Pediatric B-Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in an Academic Clinical Laboratory

Studies have shown the power of transcriptome sequencing [RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq)] in identifying known and novel oncogenic drivers and molecular subtypes of B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). The current study investigated whether the clinically validated RNA-Seq assay, coupled with a custom analysis pipeline, could be used for a comprehensive B-ALL classification. Following comprehensive clinical testing, RNA-Seq was performed on 76 retrospective B-ALL cases, 28 of which had known and 48 had undetermined subtype. Subtypes were accurately identified in all 28 known cases, and in 38 of 48 unknown cases (79%). The subtypes of the unknown cases included the following: PAX5alt (n=12), DUX4-rearranged (n=6), Philadelphia chromosome-like (n=5), low hyperdiploid (n=4), ETV6::RUNX1-like (n=3), MEF2D-rearranged (n=2), PAX5 P80R (n=2), ZEB2/CEBP (n=1), NUTM1-rearranged (n=1), ZNF384-rearranged (n=1), and TCF3::PBX1 (n=1). In 15 of 38 cases (39%), classification based on expression profile was corroborated by detection of subtype-defining oncogenic drivers missed by clinical testing. RNA-Seq analysis also detected large copy number abnormalities, oncogenic hot-spot sequence variants, and intragenic IKZF1 deletions. This pilot study confirms the feasibility of implementing an RNA-Seq workflow for clinical diagnosis of molecular subtypes in pediatric B-ALL, reinforcing that RNA-Seq represents a promising global genomic assay for this heterogeneous leukemia.

Extended hygrothermal characterization of unstabilized rammed earth for modern construction

Although hygrothermal properties of rammed earth represent great potential for improving thermal comfort during hot summers, still little knowledge is available about this topic. The literature lacks complete sets of hygrothermal characteristics of rammed earth, although they are fundamental for heat and moisture transfer modeling necessary to predict earthen building performances. The present work reports the results of a large collaboration between four academic laboratories in order to obtain an extended hygrothermal characterization of rammed earth, focusing on the material used in a modern construction in Lyon, France. The aim of the article is to provide for the same kind of soil an extend characterization on a large span of relative humidity to provide complete set of material properties for heat and moisture transfer simulation. The hygrothermal measurements cover adsorption and desorption isotherm, intermediate isotherm loop, specific heat capacity, dry thermal conductivity, moisture-dependent thermal conductivity and water vapor resistance factor for a large span of relative humidity. In addition, the capillary rise test was performed to estimate the liquid transport coefficient for suction and redistribution. The results show that variations in the density of the samples have a low impact on sorption isotherm, while they have a non-negligible impact on thermal conductivity and water vapor permeability. Surprisingly, variations in the grain size distribution do not produce a significant modification in the sorption isotherm, while hysteresis slightly reduces when bigger grains are added to the soil composition. Approximation of empirical model coefficients for the determination of moisture-dependent thermal conductivity is proposed for rammed earth materials.

Population data-based federated machine learning improves automated echocardiographic quantification of cardiac structure and function: the Automatisierte Vermessung der Echokardiographie project.

Machine-learning (ML)-based automated measurement of echocardiography images emerges as an option to reduce observer variability. The objective of the study is to improve the accuracy of a pre-existing automated reading tool ('original detector') by federated ML-based re-training. Automatisierte Vermessung der Echokardiographie was based on the echocardiography images of n = 4965 participants of the population-based Characteristics and Course of Heart Failure Stages A-B and Determinants of Progression Cohort Study. We implemented federated ML: echocardiography images were read by the Academic Core Lab Ultrasound-based Cardiovascular Imaging at the University Hospital Würzburg (UKW). A random algorithm selected 3226 participants for re-training of the original detector. According to data protection rules, the generation of ground truth and ML training cycles took place within the UKW network. Only non-personal training weights were exchanged with the external cooperation partner for the refinement of ML algorithms. Both the original detectors as the re-trained detector were then applied to the echocardiograms of n = 563 participants not used for training. With regard to the human referent, the re-trained detector revealed (i) superior accuracy when contrasted with the original detector's performance as it arrived at significantly smaller mean differences in all but one parameter, and a (ii) smaller absolute difference between measurements when compared with a group of different human observers. Population data-based ML in a federated ML set-up was feasible. The re-trained detector exhibited a much lower measurement variability than human readers. This gain in accuracy and precision strengthens the confidence in automated echocardiographic readings, which carries large potential for applications in various settings.

A web service-based architecture for virtual labs in academic institutions

Web service-based architecture for virtual labs is a cloud-based architecture that intended to be used in academic institutions as a reliable alternative for the existing physical labs. This study would try to come up with a systematic architecture that would present a good alternative for the current situation in labs of academic institutions. The scenario of the proposed solutions would include the client and server-side concerns related to the procedures and processes in the academic labs. This proposed model will adapt Ruby for programming the clients and the server side, SOAP as a message exchange standard that supports the service communication, WSDL as a service interface, and WS-BPEL to define service composition.

Anonymous comparative assessment by an academic core laboratory of four angiography-derived fractional flow ratio software in patients with pressure derived iFR and FFR

Abstract Background/Introduction Functional assessment of coronary artery stenoses plays an important role in guiding the clinical management of patients with ischemic heart disease. Software to compute angiography-derived fractional flow ratio (angio-FFR) have been validated against pressure-wire-derived FFR (PW-FFR) with an area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.93-0.97. However, it is unknown whether commercially available angio-FFR software are equally reliable, and to what extent each might over- or under-estimate the true functional severity of a coronary artery lesion. Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic accuracies of five angio-FFR software/methods by an independent core-lab in a prospective cohort of 390 vessels with carefully documented sites of PW instantaneous-wave-free ratio (PW-iFR) and PW-FFR. Methods One "matcher investigator (MI)" colocalized on angiography the sites of PW measurement with angio-FFR measurements and provided the same two optimal angiographic views and frame selection to independent analysts, who were blinded to invasive physiological results and results from other software. Results are anonymized and randomly presented. The AUC of each angio-FFR was compared with 2D-quantative coronary angiography percent diameter stenosis (2D-QCA%DS) using a 2-tailed paired comparison of ROC (DeLong’s method). Results All 5 software/methods yielded a high proportion of analysable vessels (A:100%, B:100%, C:92.1%, D:99.5%, E:92.1%). The AUC’s for predicting an FFR≤0.8 for software A, B, C, D, E, and 2D-QCA%DS were 0.75, 0.74, 0.74, 0.73, 0.73, and 0.65, respectively (Figure A). The AUC for each angio-FFR was significantly greater than that for 2D-QCA%DS. Furthermore, binary logistic regression analyses showed the predictors of false positives and false negative: severity of lesion stenosis, lesion location, microvascular resistance, and intermediate zone of angiography-derived FFR potentially reduce the diagnostic accuracy (Figure B). Conclusions This head-to-head comparison by an independent core-lab demonstrated that the diagnostic accuracy of various angio-FFR software for predicting a PW-FFR≤0.80 was useful, with a higher discrimination compared to 2D-QCA%DS, however it didn’t reach the diagnostic accuracy (AUC≥0.90) previously reported in validation studies of various vendors. The intrinsic clinical value of "angiography-derived FFR" therefore requires confirmation in large clinical trials.Figure AFigure B

Evaluating the academic scientific laboratories' safety by applying failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) at the public university in Lebanon

Workers at scientific academic laboratories are at risk of potential exposure to different types of hazards. The study's purpose was to assess the potential failure modes (FMs) of hazards facing them through the application of the Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) method to propose corrective actions preventive actions (CAPA) to mitigate them and to improve the safety outcomes in these workplaces (WP) at the Lebanese public University (PbU). The potential FMs leading to accident occurrence in biological and chemical labs were identified and prioritized, their causes and effects were determined by applying two surveys, and the risk priority number (RPN) for each failure was calculated. A total of 24 FMs were identified. The most alarming FM having the highest RPN scores (80) was found in the workplace ‘category requiring an emergency for corrective actions (CA), it is related to the unavailability of a hazard pictogram plot and the lack of labeling of chemicals and waste containers according to their categories. The FMs having RPN scores (75-60) requiring an urgent CA were assigned to other hazards of the WP, chemical, biological, and failure of the educational system. The need to program for the remaining FMs (RPN scores 20–48) is related to the safety, biological, physical, and radioactive categories ‘hazards. It is recommended to apply continuously FMEA and implement the CA proposed for each detected FM in the scientific laboratories of the PbU in order to support the decision-makers to improve laboratory safety.

Assessment of ovarian tissue and follicular integrity after cryopreservation via slow freezing or vitrification followed by in vitro culture

To evaluate ovarian tissue and follicle integrity before and after slow freezing or vitrification and postthawing invitro culture. A laboratory study using bovine ovarian cortical tissue. Academic laboratory. Ovaries from healthy cattle. Bovine ovarian cortical tissue was subjected to either slow freezing or vitrification and subsequent invitro culture. Tissue and follicle integrity were assessed before and after cryopreservation and culture. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to assess follicle stages, morphology, and stromal cell density. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling staining was used to examine apoptosis, and Masson's trichrome staining was used to evaluate collagen content in the stromal environment. Immunofluorescent labeling was used to localize and quantify connexin 37 (CX37) and Ki67 expression. Regardless of previous cryopreservation, ovarian tissue culture resulted in a decreased percentage of primordial follicles and an increased percentage of primary follicles compared with fresh tissue, indicating that follicle activation was not negatively affected by cryopreservation. However, both culture and cryopreservation followed by culture decreased the percentage of normal preantral follicles compared with fresh tissue that had not been cultured. Culture and/or cryopreservation did not impact stromal cell number, but there was increased cell apoptosis in tissue that was cultured after vitrification compared with tissue that was not cultured. Tissue culture, regardless of cryopreservation, resulted in decreased collagen deposition. There were fewer follicles expressing CX37 in vitrified and thawed tissue compared with all other treatments. Cryopreservation and/or culture of ovarian tissue did not change the percentage of follicles that contained Ki67-positive granulosa cells or the percentage of Ki67-positive granulosa cells within those follicles. Based on these data, we conclude that tissue cryopreservation followed by culture does not affect follicle activation and growth, but it decreases the proportion of viable follicles within the tissue. Slow freezing was superior to vitrification as indicated by a higher proportion of follicles with normal morphology, lower stromal cell apoptosis, and maintenance of CX37 expression postthawing and after culture.

A Workflow for Accelerating Multimodal Data Collection for Electrodeposited Films

Future machine learning strategies for materials process optimization will likely replace human capital-intensive artisan research with autonomous and/or accelerated approaches. Such automation enables accelerated multimodal characterization that simultaneously minimizes human errors, lowers costs, enhances statistical sampling, and allows scientists to allocate their time to critical thinking instead of repetitive manual tasks. Previous acceleration efforts to synthesize and evaluate materials have often employed elaborate robotic self-driving laboratories or used specialized strategies that are difficult to generalize. Herein we describe an implemented workflow for accelerating the multimodal characterization of a combinatorial set of 915 electroplated Ni and Ni–Fe thin films resulting in a data cube with over 160,000 individual data files. Our acceleration strategies do not require manufacturing-scale resources and are thus amenable to typical materials research facilities in academic, government, or commercial laboratories. The workflow demonstrated the acceleration of six characterization modalities: optical microscopy, laser profilometry, X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, nanoindentation, and tribological (friction and wear) testing, each with speedup factors ranging from 13–46x. In addition, automated data upload to a repository using FAIR data principles was accelerated by 64x.

Evolution of technical diagnostics in the academic and industrial laboratories

To the 85 anniversary of the Mechanical Engineering Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences

On the reproducibility of extrusion-based bioprinting: round robin study on standardization in the field

The outcome of three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting heavily depends, amongst others, on the interaction between the developed bioink, the printing process, and the printing equipment. However, if this interplay is ensured, bioprinting promises unmatched possibilities in the health care area. To pave the way for comparing newly developed biomaterials, clinical studies, and medical applications (i.e. printed organs, patient-specific tissues), there is a great need for standardization of manufacturing methods in order to enable technology transfers. Despite the importance of such standardization, there is currently a tremendous lack of empirical data that examines the reproducibility and robustness of production in more than one location at a time. In this work, we present data derived from a round robin test for extrusion-based 3D printing performance comprising 12 different academic laboratories throughout Germany and analyze the respective prints using automated image analysis (IA) in three independent academic groups. The fabrication of objects from polymer solutions was standardized as much as currently possible to allow studying the comparability of results from different laboratories. This study has led to the conclusion that current standardization conditions still leave room for the intervention of operators due to missing automation of the equipment. This affects significantly the reproducibility and comparability of bioprinting experiments in multiple laboratories. Nevertheless, automated IA proved to be a suitable methodology for quality assurance as three independently developed workflows achieved similar results. Moreover, the extracted data describing geometric features showed how the function of printers affects the quality of the printed object. A significant step toward standardization of the process was made as an infrastructure for distribution of material and methods, as well as for data transfer and storage was successfully established.

Uterine fibroid cell cytoskeletal organization is affected by altered G protein-coupled estrogen receptor-1 and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling

To determine if cyclic strain affects fibroid cell cytoskeletal organization, proliferation, and collagen synthesis differently than myometrial cells. Basic science study using primary cultures of patient-matched myometrial and fibroid cells. Academic Laboratory PATIENT(S): Premenopausal women undergoing myomectomy or hysterectomy for the treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids. Application of uniaxial strain patterns mimicking periovulation, menses, or dysmenorrhea using the Flexcell® tension system or static control. Secondarily, inhibition of G protein-coupled ER1 (GPER1, G36), and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K, Ly294002). Cell alignment, cell number, and collagen content RESULT: (s): Menses-strained cells demonstrated the most variation in cell alignment, cell proliferation, and pro-collagen content between myometrial and fibroid cells. Pro-collagen content decreased in myometrial cells with increasing strain amplitude and decreasing frequency. GPER1 inhibition decreases cellular alignment in the presence of strain. (s): Mechanotransduction affecting cytoskeletal arrangement through the GPER1-PI3K pathway is altered in fibroid cells. These results highlight the importance of incorporating mechanical stimulation into the in vitro study of fibroid pathology.

Decolonizing bird knowledge: More-than-Western bird–human relations

Abstract Traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) or local ecological knowledge (LEK) has only recently gained traction as “legitimate” science in Western academic discourse. Such approaches to inclusivity continue to face institutional, sociocultural, and equity barriers to being fully accepted in academic discourse in comparison to Western-based frameworks. Postcolonial studies have attempted to rectify this Western-domination in characterizing diverse forms of bird–human relationships. However, the integration of multiple cosmologies (worldviews) and ontologies (realities) in research or management creates challenges that we discuss. We elucidate commonalities and antithetical positions between Western-derived bird knowledge and management with that of TEK or LEK in both local and global contexts. We combine ecological/ornithological studies with key terms, theories, and methods from the social sciences to integrate the approaches and facilitate understanding. For example, we follow a “theory synthesis” approach in this conceptual paper to question epistemological and ontological assumptions of bird knowledge and how we acquire it to question, “how do we move from a decolonial approach (discussions and acknowledgement) to decolonization (action)?” This paper is a product of ongoing discourse among global researchers of an academic ethno-ornithology research lab based in the United Kingdom, who partner with global collaborators. The 3 case studies draw from ongoing research in Southeast Asia, South America, and decolonializing policy efforts in New Zealand. We analyzed these case studies using a postcolonial theoretical lens to provide insights into how Western scientists can embrace TEK and LEK and actively work to decolonize ethno-ornithology and ornithology in theory and practice. Further, we discuss perceived core tenets to equity and inclusion in community-based TEK and LEK conservation projects from the Global South. Diversity, equity, inclusivity, and justice in bird–human relations and knowledge were identified as targets for systemic change within the academic institutions of Western scientists. By recognizing, discussing, and embracing non-Western cosmologies and ontologies, non-Indigenous scientists can help influence the decolonization of ethno-ornithology, ornithology, and bird–human relations through respectful, participatory, equitable, culturally considerate, and “non-extractive” community-based initiatives in partnership with local groups.

Fragment-based drug discovery successful contributions to current pharmacotherapeutic agents arsenal against aggressive cancers: A mini-review.

After a decade of approval of the drug vemurafenib in 2011, the hopeless scenario imposed by some severe cancer types has been mitigated by the magic bullets developed through fragment-based drug discovery. Moreover, this recent approach to medicinal chemistry has been successfully practiced by academic laboratories and pharmaceutical industry workflows focused on drug design with an enhanced profile for chemotherapy of aggressive tumors. This mini-review highlights the successes achieved by these research campaigns in the fruitful field of the molecular fragment paradigm that resulted in the approval of six new anticancer drugs in the last decade (2011-2021), as well as several promising clinical candidates. It is a particularly encouraging opportunity for other researchers who want to become aware of the applicability and potency of this new paradigm applied to the design and development of powerful molecular weapons in the constant war against these merciless scourges of humanity.

Lipid-based Nanoparticles (LNP) Structures used for Drug Delivery and Targeting: Clinical Trials and Patents

Abstract: Lipid based nanoparticle (LNP) structures commonly used for drug delivery already in clinical use are generally classified into three viz vesicular systems, emulsion based systems and lipid nanoparticles. The details of the types, basic structural characteristics in drug delivery, clinical trials, and patents have been discussed in this work. Moreover, despite the therapeutic efficacies of LNPs, there are some toxicity challenges associated with their use. These toxicities may be cytotoxicity or genotoxicity; to overcome some of these challenges, some measures could be taken during preformulation stages in order to circumvent it. These measures have been extensively discussed in this work. LNPs are used in the targeting of immune cells, which are direct participants in a variety of diseases, hence, are attractive targets for therapy. Cell specific targeting of therapeutic agent(s) helps to concentrate and localize the therapeutic effect and, hence, lowers the systemic side effects, while simultaneously increasing the management outcome. Nanotechnology and particle engineering helps distinguish each immune cell from the other to deliver therapeutic agents and ensure in vivo stability as well as sustained drug release. Surface modification of LNP is an important characteristic utilized in targeting therapeutic agents and allows the utilization of various specific properties expressed in each immune cell. These targeting strategies have been explored in this work exhaustively, and some of the companies and academic labs that develop LNP have been discussed. Also, new ways of developing novel patentable LNP have been discussed.

Experiments in nuclear physics using inexpensive instruments

&lt;span lang="EN-US"&gt;The scarcity of experimental activities is one of the challenges of teaching current physics. This study resolves these issues and suggests three nuclear physics experiments using a &lt;a name="_Hlk144293970"&gt;&lt;/a&gt;low-cost ion chamber, whose construction is explained: the measurement of &lt;sup&gt;222&lt;/sup&gt;Rn progeny collected from the indoor air; the measurement of the range of alpha particles emitted by the &lt;sup&gt;232&lt;/sup&gt;Th progeny, present in lantern mantles and in thoriated welding rods, as well as by the air filter containing &lt;sup&gt;222&lt;/sup&gt;Rn progeny; and the measurement of 220Rn half-life collected from In this study, the experimental methods and anticipated findings are presented, showing that the experiments could help nuclear physics curricula. These procedures may provide broad access to either academic laboratories in high schools or colleges and the equipment may be used to create novel nuclear physics teaching strategies&lt;/span&gt;

A-002 The Prevalence of the High Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin I Outlier and False Positivity Rates on Beckman Coulter Access DxI

Abstract Background The false positive elevation in high sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hsTnI) can be triggered by many factors, for example, fibrin clots, heterophile antibodies, or other sources of troponin interferences. These interferences lead to inaccurate hsTnI results. These inaccurate results described in the literature as the “outliers”. Published studies use statistical tools to identify the outliers based on the discrepancies between the two repeat values. Depending on the instrument platform and the study design, the outlier rate for the conventional troponin I assay was reported from 0.44% to 1.01% (1, 2). In our laboratory, the false positivity rate for the conventional troponin assay on Beckman Coulter DxI platform was determined as 1% (unpublished data). This study aim was to determine both the statistically and clinically significant outliers for hsTnI assay on the Beckman Coulter Access DxI instrument in the academic medical center clinical laboratory setting. Methods A unique test repeat protocol was created. Two parallel hsTnI measurements are conducted in lithium heparin tubes (BD Vacutainer) on Beckman Coulter DXI 800 systems. When the difference between the two results is greater than 30%, a third repeat is automatically ordered and run after additional centrifugation at a higher relative centrifugal force. The outlier determination is based on assessing the difference between the first two values using previously described statistical analysis tools (1). The clinically significant outlier was determined by counting positive results in the first two runs which are not unconfirmed by the third run, i.e., false positive results. Gender specific cutoffs, 14 ng/L for female and 19 ng/L for male, were applied to identify the positive results. Overall, 2935 patients’ results were evaluated during the study. Results Based on the analysis of the first two repeat runs, out of 2935 samples 16 samples, or 0.54%, were identified as the statistical outliers. 2 out of these 16 outliers, or 12.5%, were negative results. Taking into consideration the third repeat data, 13 out of 2935 samples, or 0.44%, were identified as false positive results. Only 9 out of 13 false positive results, or 69.2%, were identified using the statistical approach above. Conclusion The false positivity rate of hsTnI testing has dropped significantly from 1% to 0.44% in a setting of our laboratory. Our refined repeat protocol approach significantly increases the clinician’s confidences in the hsTnI results by capturing potential false positive results. This approach addresses the outliers at an additional expense like reagents, instrument wear and tear, and labor. Therefore, a more robust methodology is still desired by the industry.