Fresh Material Research Articles

Abstract 87: Integrated pipeline for immuno-oncology drug testing: from patient-derived organoid assays with reconstituted TME to fresh ex vivo patient tissue cultures

Abstract Introduction: Successful pre-clinical evaluation of immuno-oncology drugs requires complex models to accurately represent all components of the human tumor microenvironment (TME). Patient-derived organoids (PDO) are known to reflect genetic and morphological profiles of the original patient’s tumors. In our immuno-oncology in vitro assays, PDOs can be combined with immune cells and fibroblasts to re-constitute the TME and study drug efficacy and mechanism of action. Alternatively, we have developed assays with fresh tumor material containing native TME in the 3D Ex Vivo Patient Tissue (EVPT) platform. Both types of assays have advantages and limitations. Here, we will present a case study displaying both capabilities and benchmarking the technologies against each other. Methods: Patient tumor tissues were obtained from tissue providers and processed within 24 hours to preserve the TME. Freshly isolated ex vivo tumor clusters were embedded in a protein-rich hydrogel and exposed to drug panels in a 384-well format for 5-7 days. Phenotypic effects of therapies on morphological features were measured using our proprietary automated high content imaging (HCI) analysis platform. IHC, FACS, or sequencing, were used for in-depth sample characterization. In parallel, PDOs were generated, biobanked and characterized from same ex vivo samples. Allogenic or autologous PBMCs were isolated from blood. PDOs and PBMCs were then co-cultured together in presence of immuno-oncology drugs, and drug effects were analyzed by the same automated HCI analysis platform. Results: Samples from ovarian, head and neck, breast, prostate, lung cancer, and melanoma were used in the pipeline. Fresh ex vivo culture of a melanoma sample presented here has shown mild responses (tumoroid size reduction) to immunomodulatory treatments (SEA and Pembrolizumab) and strong responses to targeted therapy treatment (Dabrafenib and Trametinib). Genetic characterization of the sample identified heterozygous BRAF V600E mutation and IHC analysis showed a large proportion of immune cells (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD80 and CD68 positive cells) present, confirming the observed ex vivo drug responses. Part of the melanoma sample was allocated for PDO generation and biobanking. Established PDOs were used in co-culture with allogeneic and autologous PBMCs and treatment responses to SEA stimulation and CD3/CD28 beads as well as increased PBMC infiltration rates were observed. Conclusion: Choice of the pre-clinical model for immuno-oncology studies relies on multiple factors such as biological relevance, replicability, TME representation, and scalability. Here we present a spectrum of assays ranging from complex ex vivo systems (EVPT) for ‘close to the clinic’ scenarios to more scalable PDOs co-cultured with allogeneic and/or autologous PBMCs for high-throughput mechanistic drug screenings. Citation Format: Ezgi Kaya Aksoy, Sergei Chavez Abiega, Talita Stessuk, Saskia De Man, Marrit Putker, Sander Basten, Niels Meesters, Emma Spanjaard, Leo S. Price, Gera Goverse, Nataliia Beztsinna. Integrated pipeline for immuno-oncology drug testing: from patient-derived organoid assays with reconstituted TME to fresh ex vivo patient tissue cultures [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 87.

A taxonomic revision of the genus Crocus (Iridaceae) in Iran

The taxonomic classification of the genus Crocus has undergone substantial revisions over the past half‐century. Likewise, over the last two decades, the number of known species in Iran has tripled with the discovery of 16 additional species. Despite these noteworthy recent findings, there is a lack of an updated taxonomic revision that encompasses all these newcomers. This revision of the genus in Iran is based on comprehensive morphological examinations conducted on fresh plant material collected in the field, cultivated plants, herbarium specimens, and an extensive literature review. Presently, 24 species are recognized in Iran. They are classified into two sections: Crocus and Nudiscapus. Notably, 18 species (75%) are endemic to Iran, with 14 among them being steno‐endemics, the five remaining species are subendemic elements whose distribution is limited to Iran and the adjacent countries. An identification key to all 24 recognized species is presented, accompanied by illustrations, detailed descriptions, distribution maps and information on the conservation status of each species. According to the IUCN criteria, the conservation status of all species, excluding C. caspius, C. damascenus, C. haussknechtii and C. michelsonii is at an alarming level. This revision aims to resolve ambiguities in the Iranian Crocus taxonomy, and offers the opportunity to collectively examine all previously described species in one comprehensive contribution.

Comparative Analyses of Targeted Myeloid Cancer Next-Generation Sequencing Panel in Fresh Blood, Bone Marrow and FFPE Material.

Next-generation sequencing is a vital tool for personalized diagnostics and therapies in cancer. Despite numerous advantages, the method depends on multiple parameters regarding the sample material, e.g., sample fixation. A panel's ability to ensure balanced pre-amplification of the regions of interest is challenging, especially in targeted sequencing approaches, but of significant importance to its applicability across hematological malignancies and solid tumors. This study comparatively evaluated the technical performance of the commercially available OncomineTM Myeloid Panel in fresh and Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) material by using an Ion Torrent™ Personal Genome Machine™ System and Ion GeneStudio S5 System platform. In total, 114 samples were analyzed, including 55 fresh materials and 59 FFPE samples. Samples were sequenced with a minimum of one million reads. Amplicons with coverage below 400 reads were classified as underperforming. In fresh material, 49/526 amplicons were identified as performing insufficiently, corresponding with 18 genes. Using FFPE material, 103/526 amplicons underperformed. Independent of input material, regions in 27 genes, including ASXL1, BCOR and BRAF, did not match quality parameters. Subsequently, exemplary mutations were extracted from the Catalogue of Somatic Mutations in Cancer database. This technical evaluation of the OncomineTM Myeloid Panel identified amplicons that do not achieve adequate coverage levels and which need to be considered when interpreting sequencing.

Profiling of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid and selected phytohormones in Arabidopsis using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

BackgroundGaseous phytohormone ethylene levels are directly influenced by the production of its immediate non-volatile precursor 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC). Owing to the strongly acidic character of the ACC molecule, its quantification has been difficult to perform. Here, we present a simple and straightforward validated method for accurate quantification of not only ACC levels, but also major members of other important phytohormonal classes – auxins, cytokinins, jasmonic acid, abscisic acid and salicylic acid from the same biological sample.ResultsThe presented technique facilitates the analysis of 15 compounds by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. It was optimized and validated for 10 mg of fresh weight plant material. The extraction procedure is composed of a minimal amount of necessary steps. Accuracy and precision were the basis for evaluating the method, together with process efficiency, recovery and matrix effects as validation parameters. The examined compounds comprise important groups of phytohormones, their active forms and some of their metabolites, including six cytokinins, four auxins, two jasmonates, abscisic acid, salicylic acid and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid. The resulting method was used to examine their contents in selected Arabidopsis thaliana mutant lines.ConclusionThis profiling method enables a very straightforward approach for indirect ethylene study and explores how it interacts, based on content levels, with other phytohormonal groups in plants.

Feeding ability of the agave weevil Scyphophorus acupunctatus (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae) on different agave hosts susceptible to infestation

The agave weevil Scyphophorus acupunctatus is a polyphagous pest of agave, yucca and related taxa. Although its many host species differ in their mortality rates, little is known about the factors involved in host selection by the weevil and the defensive response of the infested plants. We compared the suitability of Agave americana subsp. americana, A. americana var. franzosini and A. oteroi as a food source for adult individuals of S. acupunctatus. Feeding rates on leaf samples of the selected taxa were measured under laboratory conditions. The amount of the flavonoids flavone and kaempferol in the leaves was also quantified. The observed consumption rates were significantly lower for A. americana var. franzosini, but only for measurements made on a fresh weight basis and not when consumption was adjusted to leaf dry weight. The leaves of the three agave taxa did not differ in the contents of the two selected flavonoids. We conclude that the three agave taxa are equally suitable as a food source for the weevil, but the observed differences in the consumption of fresh material provides evidence that agaves can differ in the amount of damage caused by the feeding activities of S. acupunctatus.

A Morphometric Analysis of Suid Remains of the genus Conohyus from the Siwalik Beds of District Jhelum, Punjab, Pakistan

The current fresh Suid dental material was gathered from Pakistan's Siwalik hills, which are located in Punjab and stretch into Northern Pakistan. There have been reports of fossils being found at sites belonging to this genus in the Hasnot hamlet, which is situated in the Punjab province of Pakistan in the district Jhelum region. These particular examples are representatives of a small suid genus called Conohyus, which is commonly found in the Siwalik Mountains. The material that has been analyzed has provided a significant amount of insight into the underlying dentition that is typical of this genus. The teeth of the genus Conohyus are a little more advanced than the condition found in the genus Palaeochoerus.

Taxonomic study of Senna section Chamaefistula series Bacillares (Fabaceae) in the Atlantic Forest north of the São Francisco River, Brazil, and nomenclatural updates

Senna section Chamaefistula series Bacillares (Benth.) H.S.Irwin & Barneby comprises ~50 Neotropical legume species occurring in both tropical and subtropical areas. Approximately 25 of those species occur in Brazil, with nine being endemic. This work provides a taxonomic study of Senna section Chamaefistula series Bacillares in the Atlantic Forest north of the São Francisco River in north-eastern Brazil, which is considered a global hotspot for biodiversity, contributing to understanding their taxonomy, diversity and distribution, as well as analysing morphological variations that have led to identification errors in the past. Fieldwork was conducted to make observations and collect fresh material; specimens from national and international herbaria were also examined. Senna section Chamaefistula series Bacillares is represented in the study area by nine species (of which four are endemic to Brazil), including S. pluribracteata F.S.Souto & R.T.Queiroz, a species recently described for the area. All species of the series known from the study area are described and illustrated and a key is provided. Additionally, four names were typified, with two lectotypes and two neotypes being designated here. The results have reinforced the importance of conducting floristic inventories for documenting new species and new occurrences.

The development of the research on the history of libraries: a handful of reflections from the French perspective

Studies on the history of libraries as a research field within a domain of the French historiographic tradition first appeared towards the end of the 1980s. Its theoretical underpinnings were in fact provided by the existing studies on the history of books and the founding works by Henri-Jean Martin (1924–2007). Despite a sizeable number of publications following the publication of the Histoire des bibliothèques françaises (Paris, 1988–1992, 4 vols.), this particular research area somehow failed to take advantage of the dynamics generally attributed to works on the history of books. Largely focusing on institutional and present-day issues, a substantial portion of the study on the history of libraries continued for a long time to be isolated and dominated by library-based authors only. A change in this situation came as late as the first decade of the 21st century and was greatly influenced by the works of the recently deceased historian Frédéric Barbier (1952–2023). Since that time, we have been witnessing a significant widening of perspectives, very much in line with the wish expressed by F. Barbier himself in his Histoire des bibliothèques en Occident (ed. I, Paris, 2013). This area of research (history of libraries) attracts interests of more and more researchers and has become a transnational domain at the pan-European level. The present research study documents these cultural and timeless transitions (challenging the perceived divisions between the Middle Ages and the Ancien Régime, and the Ancien Régime and modern times), and thus becoming multidisciplinary as well as interdisciplinary studies that integrate a number of disciplines (political history, social history, history of culture, architecture, etc.). At the same time, research on the history of libraries retains a strong relationship with studies on the history of books and media. The position and standing of libraries, that went through profound transformations due to both cuts in their budgets and the implications of the digital revolution in the first years of the 21st century, seems to be endangered, both as an institution and a place. However, their purpose in modern democracy is not outdated and they still perform a significant mission by making it possible for all to have equal access to cultural resources and media. Libraries provide non-vertical mediation (i.e. cataloguing and metadata creation, classification and storage …), that is still essential to make data and documents available. They continue to accommodate in one cultural space – that becomes more and more comfortable and friendly – both readers and visitors that learn to “live together” within this space, conforming at the same time to applicable rules and regulations. Despite their seemingly disadvantageous situation, one may though assume that modern libraries will continue to provide fresh and stimulating material for historical research for long years to come

Progress in adoptable materials in 3D bioprinting technology for organ and tissue regenerative engineering

Bioprinting is a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary field of research where design engineering, materials science, precision of automation engineering, and biology are integrated with biological systems for a medical purpose. Through multidisciplinary research, devoted efforts in this sector have advanced this technology to newer frontiers, giving many fresh materials and approaches to reproduce the complex microenvironment required by cells to promote their growth, migration, and differentiation. This article articulates the process of three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting by providing a breakdown of all the processes involved, with a prognosis of a positive future for this technology. In this review article, brief insights into different types of 3D printing technologies have been provided, along with the limitations and advantages they confer. A comparative rundown on the available bio-inks and their ideal usage in the various 3D printing modules is highlighted. Finally, the futuristic concept of integrated organ printing (IOP), together with the view of futuristic technology of four-dimensional (4D) technology, is explained with its recent advances and the current hurdles that need to be overcome to see the full glory of the novel technology of bioprinting.

Immunohistochemical and molecular evaluation of TUSC2 expression in breast cancer.

Tumor suppressor candidate 2 has shown to be deleted in lung, colon, and bladder cancer types. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the expression of TUSC2 in breast cancer. A total of thirty patients with breast cancer were included in the study. Normal and tumor tissue samples from fresh mastectomy materials were stored at -80C until the number of cases was completed for gene expression analysis. Histopathological examination was carried out with routine hematoxylin & eosin method. TUSC2 staining was performed for immunohistochemical analysis. The tumors of thirteen patients were Luminal A, fourteen patients were Luminal B, one patient was cerbB2(+), and tumors of two patients were triple-negative. Ki67 proliferation index was less than 14% in fifteen cases and tumor size was less than 2cm in seven cases. Lymphovascular invasion and lymph node metastasis were present in thirteen cases. Statistically, TUSC2 expression significantly decreased or was lost in breast tumor tissues compared to normal tissues (p < 0.0001). TUSC2 expression decreased as the Ki67 proliferation index increased (p = 0.0003), and TUSC2 expression decreased as tumor size increased (p = 0.0483). The loss or decrease in the TUSC2 expression was significant as the tumor grade increased (p = 0.3740). Gene expression analysis correlated with immunohistochemistry results. The results of the present study demonstrated a decrease or loss of TUSC2 expression in breast cancer tissue compared to normal tissue. A correlation was found between TUSC2 expression and Ki67 proliferation index and tumor size.

Composition of biologically active substances of common cranberry fruits (Oxycoccus palustris Pers.) in various methods of preservation

Introduction. The study of common cranberry fruits is promising due to the wide variety of biologically active substances included in their composition, a wide range of therapeutic properties, as well as the ability of cranberry fruits for long-term storage and resistance to harsh environmental conditions. Fresh fruits contain the maximum amount of biologically active substances and, accordingly, have the most pronounced pharmacological effect. To preserve the composition and content of biologically active substances, preservation is used in pharmacy. Most often they resort to drying. Freezing can be considered a new and promising method for preserving the quality of medicinal plant materials. Purpose of the study. Study of the effect of freezing and drying on the qualitative composition and quantitative content of biologically active substances in common cranberry fruits. Material and methods. The object of the study was fresh, frozen, and dried common cranberry fruits collected in the Pskov and Novgorod regions in 2022 during the fruiting period. The study of the composition of biologically active substances (BAS) and quantitative assessment of the content were carried out according to pharmacopoeial methods, using analysis using thin layer chromatography (TLC), spectrophotometry and redox titration methods. Results. Using TLC analysis, organic acids (ascorbic, malic, citric, tartaric and succinic), flavonoids (rutin, quercetin), tannins (gallic acid) and anthocyanins were identified in the fruits. There were no differences in the qualitative composition of dried and frozen fruits. The content of organic acids, tannins, flavonoids and anthocyanins in cranberry fruits using different preservation methods was determined. It has been established that when fruits are dried, the content of all studied groups of biologically active substances decreases, on average by 40–60% of the initial content in fresh raw materials. Ascorbic acid is destroyed to a greater extent (90–92%). Exposure to low temperatures leads to a slight decrease in biologically active substances in common cranberry fruits (7–14%). Conclusion. The influence of preservation methods on the composition and content of biologically active substances in common cranberry fruits has been studied. The possibility of using frozen cranberry fruits as an alternative to fresh and dried raw materials in the manufacture of drugs in allopathy and homeopathy has been shown.

Nuclear phylogenomics of Asteraceae with increased sampling provides new insights into convergent morphological and molecular evolution

Convergent morphological evolution is widespread in flowering plants, and understanding this phenomenon relies on well-resolved phylogenies. Nuclear phylogenetic reconstruction using transcriptome datasets has been successful in various angiosperm groups, but it is limited to taxa with available fresh materials. Asteraceae, which are one of the two largest angiosperm families and are important for both ecosystems and human livelihood, show multiple examples of convergent evolution. Nuclear Asteraceae phylogenies have resolved relationships among most subfamilies and many tribes, but many phylogenetic and evolutionary questions regarding subtribes and genera remain, owing to limited sampling. Here, we increased the sampling for Asteraceae phylogenetic reconstruction using transcriptomes and genome-skimming datasets and produced nuclear phylogenetic trees with 706 species representing two-thirds of recognized subtribes. Ancestral character reconstruction supports multiple convergent evolutionary events in Asteraceae, with gains and losses of bilateral floral symmetry correlated with diversification of some subfamilies and smaller groups, respectively. Presence of the calyx-related pappus may have been especially important for the success of some subtribes and genera. Molecular evolutionary analyses support the likely contribution of duplications of MADS-box and TCP floral regulatory genes to innovations in floral morphology, including capitulum inflorescences and bilaterally symmetric flowers, potentially promoting the diversification of Asteraceae. Subsequent divergences and reductions in CYC2 gene expression are related to the gain and loss of zygomorphic flowers. This phylogenomic work with greater taxon sampling through inclusion of genome-skimming datasets reveals the feasibility of expanded evolutionary analyses using DNA samples for understanding convergent evolution.

Luciobarbus lydianus and L. kottelati, two synonyms of L. graecus (Teleostei: Cyprinidae).

The Aegean Luciobarbus graecus, L. lydianus, and L. kottelati were described based on morphological characters. However, re-examination of fresh material from the three species revealed greater intraspecific variability in morphological character states, and wider overlaps in all postulated diagnostic traits than initially documented. Consequently, it is not possible to identify and distinguish these three species based solely on morphological characteristics. As they also share identical COI barcode sequences, these species are now considered conspecifics, and L. lydianus and L. kottelati are treated as junior synonyms of L. graecus. The distribution of L. graecus remains a biogeographical puzzle, and it cannot be excluded that this could be partly human-mediated. Population-level genomic studies, particularly those focusing on phylogeography and population genetics, may help clarify mechanisms underlying contemporary distribution of this species.

Compliance Testing of Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Cultivars for Total Delta-9 THC and Total CBD Using Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detection.

The United States Agriculture Improvement Act passed in December of 2018 legalized the growing of Cannabis sativa containing not more than 0.3% total Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in the country. While Cannabis sativa has been cultivated for hundreds of years, the illegal status of the plant in the United States, and elsewhere, has hindered the development of plant cultivars that meet this legal definition. To assess sampling strategies, and conformance to the THC limit, 14 cultivars of hemp were grown and tested by using gas chromatography with flame ionization detection for total delta-9 THC and total cannabidiol (CBD) during 2020, 2021 and 2022. Each year, samples of fresh plant material were collected from each cultivar weekly, beginning in mid-August and ending in late October, to examine the rate of increase in THC and CBD for different cultivars and select individual plants. The sampling demonstrated that both CBD and THC increase rapidly over a 1-2-week time frame with maximum concentrations (about 16% and 0.6%, respectively) around late September to early October. The testing of individual plants on the same day for select cultivars showed that while the ratio of CBD to THC remains constant (about 20:1 in compliant hemp) during the growing season, the individual plants are highly variable in concentration. Whereas previous studies have shown cultivar-dependent variability in THC production, this study demonstrated a novel plant-to-plant variability in the levels of THC within the same hemp cultivar. Understanding variability within and between hemp cultivars is useful to determine field sampling strategies and to assess the risk of crop embargoes to growers by compliance regulators.

Quality of sorghum hybrid silages at different storage times

The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional changes in silages of four sorghum hybrids at different storage times. The design was a completely randomized in a 4 × 9 arrangement of plots with four replications. The four sorghum hybrids, Qualysilo, Chopper, Dominator, and Maxisilo, were allocated to the plots. In the subplots, sampling times were considered in fresh material and after 1, 3, 7, 14, 28, 56, 112, and 224 days of storage. The material was ensiled in experimental polyvinyl chloride silos and subsequently evaluated for chemical composition and fermentative profile over the nine different periods of the fermentation process. Crude protein was reduced by 1.21g/kg per day until the third day of fermentation. The levels of neutral detergent insoluble nitrogen and acid detergent insoluble nitrogen exceeded the upper limit of 311 g/kg of N. Of the studied silages, an NDF content of 734 g/kg was obtained in Maxisilo, which was higher than the other silages (average: 547 g/kg). Silage production can be achieved with the four materials; however, the Maxisilo sorghum provides silages of lower quality, with a DM content of less than 30%. The other materials fit into the nutritional profiles proposed by the literature, characterizing them as good quality silages.

Secrets on the rock: analysis and discussion of the Dunde Bulaq rock art site

The Altay Prefecture in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China, boasts an abundance source of rock art, with the Dunde Bulaq rock art complex holding paramount significance in the study of local culture. This work employs hyperspectral techniques for data collection and analysis of the Dunde Bulaq I rock art site. Signal decomposition, pigment classification/clustering, and spectral curve analysis were employed to delve deeply into the information of the rock art hyperspectral data. Furthermore, cross-validation was utilized to reveal hidden information within rock art. To comprehend these hidden information, a more profound historical tracing was conducted, employing methods such as literature retrieval and image analysis, uncovering the internal relationship between the site I and the Chemurchek culture. This provides fresh material for studying the Bronze Age cultures within the Altai region.

Improving the physical, mechanical and operational characteristics of cast internal combustion engine pistons made of aluminum alloy using secondary charge

The article is devoted to improving the physical, mechanical and operational characteristics of cast internal combustion engine pistons made of aluminum alloy using secondary charge. The advantage of the proposed approach is that these parts are manufactured from any aluminum alloy using the remelting of failed internal combustion engine parts of the same name. The paper shows that while using a secondary charge in the form of remelting failed parts of the same name, the quality of cast products not only does not deteriorate, but, on the contrary, their physical and mechanical characteristics even increase. It should be noted that the high density of the alloy obtained from remelting failed pistons and the high degree of its modification confirmed the authors’ assumption that in this case refining and modification operations can be avoided. The presented approach using the remelting of failed parts makes it possible not only to save fresh charge materials, but also to preserve the chemical composition of the primary parts, and, consequently, the level of their physical, mechanical and operational characteristics.

Evaluation of the Sysmex XQ-320 three-part differential haematology analyser and its flagging capabilities.

Three-part differential (3PD) haematology analysers offer a quick, easy-to-use and economical way to acquire important information about a patient's physiology. In this study, we evaluated a new 3PD analyser, the Sysmex XQ-320, investigated its comparability with its predecessor (Sysmex XP-300) and the five-part differential analyser Sysmex XN-9000, and explored its flagging potential. Analytical performance studies were conducted for repeatability, within-laboratory precision, between-day precision, carry-over and linearity with fresh blood and QC material. Method comparison was performed in 493 samples comparing XQ-320 with XP-300, using the XN-9000 as the gold standard. The XQ-320 excelled manufacturer's specifications in the analytical performance studies, except for MXD in within-laboratory and between-day precisions using the QC material level 1. The XQ-320 showed correlation values greater than 0.94 with XN-9000 for the majority of the 20 reportable parameters (MXD# 0.891, MXD% 0.898 and MCHC 0.849). Improvements over the XP-300 were observed in WBC in the leucocytopenic range (bias -0.038 vs. -0.097) and PLT (bias 2.568 vs. -7.877, intercept 3.880 vs. -8.845). Concordance between XQ-320 and XP-300 was 91.9% for the WBC histogram abnormal distribution flag and 95.3% for the PLT flag. Patterns of increased neutrophils and decreased mixed cells on the XQ-320 were observed in samples that raised a flag on XN-9000. The XQ-320 showed excellent analytical performance, and very good to excellent correlation with XN-9000 with improvements over XP-300. Flagging combined with parameter patterns identified additional suspected abnormal samples, thus making the XQ-320 an excellent solution for laboratories utilising 3PD analysers.

Globba ruiliensis (Zingiberaceae), a new synonym of G. multiflora

Based on an examination of herbarium specimens and fresh materials, it is confirmed that Globba ruiliensis is conspecific with G. multiflora. The former is treated as a synonym of the latter. Globba multiflora is newly recorded from Xizang, China. A lectotype is designated for G. multiflora. Taxonomic notes on this species are also provided.

Analisis Mutu Organoleptik Ikan Tuna (Thunnus spp.) Di Kota Gorontalo Berdasarkan Rantai Distribusi

The quality and distribution chain of tuna that is landed on the coast of Gorontalo from the fishermen's catch, the fish auction place (TPI) to the consumer is currently unknown, so there is a need for further information regarding the quality of the fish that is landed or that has been distributed which is of good quality. The aim of this research is to determine the organoleptic value of tuna (Thunnus spp.) based on the distribution chain, namely from fishermen's catches to fish auction sites (TPI) and fish retailers. The method used was tuna fish samples taken from three different places, namely fishermen, TPI and fish retailers, organoleptic tests and analyzed using Kruskal-wallis. Based on the results of the analysis of the fisherman sample, the highest score was 8, the TPI sample with a score of 7, and the lowest score was obtained for the PENGECER IKAN sample with a score of 6.43. Tuna fish samples from fishermen's catches and fish auction sites (TPI) meet the established standards for fresh fish raw materials, namely 7 (SNI 2013).