Mass Scanning Research Articles

Superb enhancement of thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate in the presence of methyl viologen salts: A TG-DSC/MS and kinetic study

Different salts of 1,1′-dimethyl-4,4′-bipyridinium which known as methyl viologen compounds (MVX2) (where X= iodide (I‾, MVI2), perchlorate (ClO4‾, MVC2) and tetraphenylborate anion (BPh4‾, MVT2)) were prepared and characterized using 1H NMR, 13C NMR, elemental analysis and mass spectroscopy. The impact of these viologen salts on the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and mass spectroscopy. The obtained results revealed that the high-temperature decomposition (HTD) temperature of MVX2:AP mixtures (5:100 (w/w)) significantly decreases by 121 ◦C, 151 ◦C and 112 ◦C compared to pure AP in MVC2, MCI2 and MVT2, respectively. Moreover, the apparent released heat of AP decomposition in these mixtures grows up from 574.2 J g−1 for the pure AP to 2108, 1965 and 1564 J g−1 for MVC2, MCI2 and MVT2, respectively. Furthermore, the calculation of the kinetic parameters confirms that the activation energy of HTD of AP was significantly decreased from 142.9 to 124.9, 138.9 and 131.2 KJ mol−1, upon mixing with MVC2, MVI2 and MVT2 respectively. The rate constant of AP decomposition at the peak temperatures of these mixtures was higher than that at the peak temperature of pure AP. The evolved gas analysis using mass spectrometry shows that the decomposition of pure AP mainly results in ClO3, ClO2, HClO4, ClO, Cl2, HCl, N2O and O2, while the major gaseous products of the 5:100 (w/w) mixture of MVX2 salts with AP were detected as N2, NO, N2O, O2, Cl2, ClO, ClO2, ClO3, HClO4, HCl and 4, 4′-Bipyridine (Bpy). The amounts of Bpy in decomposition products of AP/MVX2 mixtures follow the order of MVC2>MVI2>MVT2, which surprisingly is in accordance with the catalytic activity of these compounds.

High-temperature interaction of water vapor with lithium ceramics Li2TiO3

Selection of materials for fusion reactors and, in particular, for blanket systems is one of the most important tasks that determine the development of fusion energy. Lithium ceramics Li2TiO3 is considered as prospective candidate for solid breeders of future fusion reactors' blankets. The paper presents the results of high-temperature tests of Li2TiO3 + 5 mol% TiO2 ceramics, performed under conditions of blowing with argon containing impurities of water vapor of different isotopic compositions (H2O, HDO, D2O) in the range of temperature from 100 °C to 1400 °C. The vapor–gas mixture for the experiment was prepared in a special mixing tank. The interaction of Li2TiO3 + 5 mol% TiO2 ceramics with chemically active gases and water vapors was investigated by thermogravimetry (TG), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and mass spectrometry (MS) methods. As a result of experiment, the dependences of the sample mass change during heating under single purge gas composition was obtained. Mass spectra that characterize the changes in the qualitative composition of the gas mixture in the reaction chamber with the investigated sample were recorded and subsequently analyzed. An isotope effect is observed during the experiment: the release of D2 gas begins significantly earlier than the release of HD gas. The observed effect appears only in the high-temperature region (above 1050 °C), which characterizes the investigated material as almost completely chemically neutral towards water vapor.

A multi‐analytical approach applied to pottery from Oman as a key to understanding ancient Indian Ocean maritime trade

AbstractThe populations in Sumhuram (third/second century bce to fifth century ce) and Hamr al‐Sharqiya 1 (HAS1) (first millennium bce to first/second century ce) were involved in one of the most important examples of large‐scale trade systems in antiquity: the maritime network connecting the coasts of the Indian Ocean. This research focuses on a total of 35 southwestern Arabian and Indian pottery sherds from both the settlements of Sumhuram and Hamr al‐Sharqiya 1, analysed through a multi‐analytical complementary approach. This study intends to test the input potential of this type of approach applied to ceramics in the context of the Indian Ocean trade network. The techniques adopted are powder X‐ray diffraction, optical microscopy, inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The results obtained allow the identification of eight distinct groups, each characterized by unique (textural, mineralogical, geochemical) signatures, providing specific clues for determining their provenance, specifically from the Indian subcontinent and southwestern Arabia. This paper shows the importance of this type of archaeometric study that must be integrated into a transdisciplinary approach.

Topologically engineering of π-conjugated macrocycles: Tunable emission and photochemical reaction toward multi-cyclic polymers

The topology of conjugated macrocycles had significant impacts on their photo-physical and photo-chemical properties. Herein, a series of π-conjugated macrocycles with diverse topology were synthesized via intramolecular McMurry coupling. Their chemical structure and macrocyclic topology were unambiguously confirmed via NMR, MALDI-TOF mass spectra, crystal analysis and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). Depending on the structural topology and structural rigidity, these cyclic compounds display obviously distinctive emission behavior and photochemical reactions in the solution and in the solid state. Monocyclic phenylene vinylene macrocycle (denoted as MST) exhibiting aggregation-induced emission behavior, was more vulnerable to photo-cyclization in solution and triplet sensitizer promoted photo-dimerization due to lower strain and more flourishing intramolecular motions. After UV light irradiation, relatively more flexible MST could yield the anti-dimer via triplet excimer on the HOPG surface confirmed by STM investigation. By contrast, highly constrained bicyclic analogue (named as DMTPE) with central tetraphenylethene core, displayed high emission quantum yields of 68% both in solution and in the solid state, and was relatively inert to photochemical reactions and yield syn-dimer on the surface via singlet excimer involved [2 + 2] photo-dimerization. Based on the solution-mediated photo-polymerization of MST moiety, multicyclic porous carbon-rich ribbon connected with four-membered ring was successfully constructed and validated via STM imaging.

A comprehensive study of the thermal behavior of rare earth chloride hydrates: resolving contradictions

Rare earth metal chlorides are used as starting materials on electrochemical synthesis of pure metals. These chlorides are hygroscopic and tend to form hydrates. To resolve the uncertainty of the thermal behavior of the hydrates LaCl3 ∙ 7H2O, NdCl3 ∙ 6H2O, SmCl3 ∙ 6H2O, and YbCl3 ∙ 6H2O, a comprehensive study is carried out. Thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry and mass spectrometry were used to reveal the dehydration and hydrolysis processes over the temperature range of 25–700 ºC. Phase compositions of the initial hydrates, intermediate and final products are investigated by the XRD analysis, Raman and IR spectroscopy. Distinctions in the thermal behavior of the studied hydrates were found. The features must be taken into account when obtaining anhydrous rare earth chlorides and in technological processes with its participation.

Unveiling the intricacy of gapmer oligonucleotides through advanced tandem mass spectrometry approaches and scan accumulation for 2DMS.

Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are crucial for biological applications as they bind to complementary RNA sequences, modulating protein expression. ASOs undergo synthetic modifications like phosphorothioate (PS) backbone and locked nucleic acid (LNA) to enhance stability and specificity. Tandem mass spectrometry (MS) techniques were employed to study gapmer ASOs, which feature a DNA chain within RNA segments at both termini, revealing enhanced cleavages with ultraviolet photodissociation (UVPD) and complementary fragment ions from collision-induced dissociation (CID) and electron detachment dissociation (EDD). 2DMS, a data-independent analysis technique, allowed for comprehensive coverage and identification of shared fragments across multiple precursor ions. EDD fragmentation efficiency correlated with precursor ion charge states, with higher charges facilitating dissociation due to intramolecular repulsions. An electron energy of 22.8 eV enabled electron capture and radical-based cleavage. Accumulating multiple scans and generating average spectra improved signal intensity, aided by denoising algorithms. Data analysis utilised a custom Python script capable of handling modifications and generating unique mass lists.

Response surface methodology optimization of electrode modification parameters toward hydrazine electrooxidation on Pd/MWCNT/GCE

In this study, MWCNT supported Pd (Pd/MWCNT) was synthesized by NaBH4 reduction method as catalyst for hydrazine electrooxidation reaction (HEOR). Characterization methods namely inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), elemental mapping, and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) were used to analyze the surface morphology and metal composition of the catalysts. The Pd/MWCNT catalyst's average particle size is estimated to be 6.35 nm based on SEM images. Glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modification parameters namely the amount of catalyst ink transferred to the GCE surface (Vs), ultrasonication time of the catalyst ink (tu), and the drying time of the Pd/MWCNT/GCE (td) were optimized by using response surface methodology as 4.92 μL, 1 min and 19.52 min, respectively. Experimental specific activity value for HEOR was obtained as 7.13 mA cm-2 with 2.59% deviation under optimum conditions. Optimization of electrode preparation conditions is an inexpensive and facile method that could be used to improve the performance of anode catalysts for fuel cells.

Unraveling the potential of segment scan mass spectral acquisition for chemical isotope labeling LC-MS-based metabolome analysis: Performance assessment across different types of biological samples

BackgroundChemical isotope labeling (CIL) LC-MS is a powerful tool for metabolome analysis with high metabolomic coverage and quantification accuracy. In CIL LC-MS, the overall metabolite detection efficiency using Orbitrap MS can be further improved by employing a segment scan method where the full m/z range is divided into multiple segments for spectral acquisition with a significant increase in the in-spectrum dynamic range. Considering the metabolic complexity in different types of biological samples (e.g., feces, urine, serum/plasma, cell/tissue extracts, saliva, etc.), we report the development and evaluation of the segment scan method for metabolome analysis of different sample types. ResultsIt was found that sample complexity significantly influenced the performance of the segment scan method. In metabolically complex samples such as feces and urine, the method yielded a substantial increase (up to 94 %) in detected peak pairs or metabolites, compared to conventional full scan. Conversely, less complex samples like saliva exhibited more modest gains (approximately 25 %). Based on the observations, a 120-m/z segment scan method was determined as a routine approach for CIL LC-Orbitrap-MS-based metabolomics with good compatibility with different types of biological samples. For this method, a further investigation on relative quantification accuracy was done. The peak area ratios of 12C-/13-labeled metabolites were slightly reduced with 72%–84 % of peak pairs falling within the ±25 % range of the anticipated peak ratio of 1.0 among different samples, as opposed to 81%–90 % in the full scan, which was attributed to the inclusion of more low-abundance peak pairs within the narrow MS segments. However, the overall peak ratio measurement precision was not significantly affected by the segment scan. Significance and noveltyThe segment scan method was found to be useful for CIL LC-Orbitrap-MS-based metabolome analysis of different types of samples with significant improvement in metabolite detectability (25–94 % increase), compared to the conventional full scan method.

Application of High-Speed Gallium Nitride Devices in Mass Spectrometry Sweeping Mode

Quadrupole mass spectrometers are widely used, and voltage scanning is their traditional working mode. By fixing the scanning voltage frequency and changing the value of the RF voltage, ions with different mass numbers can reach the detector in sequence, achieving ion selection. When analyzing high-mass molecules, several kilovolts of scanning voltage are required, which is not conducive to the miniaturization and safety of the instrument. By selecting the frequency of the scanning RF power supply and fixing the value of the RF power supply voltage, ion selection can be achieved by changing the frequency of the RF power supply, enabling miniaturized mass spectrometry analysis of high-mass molecules. In this paper, a high-speed gallium nitride driver circuit for frequency scanning mass spectrometry analysis is designed. The NCP51820 high-speed gate driver and INN650D140A gallium nitride MOS tube are selected to form a full-bridge driver, realizing a quadrupole rectangular wave RF power supply. The system has a maximum withstand voltage of 650 V and a frequency range of 400 K–4 MHz, allowing for scanning measurements of mass numbers ranging from 3 to 606 amu.

A Bioinspired Astrocyte-Derived Coating Promotes the In Vitro Proliferation of Human Neural Stem Cells While Maintaining Their Stemness.

The repair of neuronal tissue is a challenging process due to the limited proliferative capacity of neurons. Neural stem cells (NSCs) can aid in the regeneration process of neural tissue due to their high proliferation potential and capacity to differentiate into neurons. The therapeutic potential of these cells can only be achieved if sufficient cells are obtained without losing their differentiation potential. Toward this end, an astrocyte-derived coating (HAc) was evaluated as a promising substrate to promote the proliferation of NSCs. Mass spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize the HAc. The proliferation rate and the expression of stemness and differentiation markers in NSCs cultured on the HAc were evaluated and compared to the responses of these cells to commonly used coating materials including Poly-L-Ornithine (PLO), and a Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell (HiPSC)-based coating. The use of the HAc promotes the in vitro cell growth of NSCs. The expression of the stemness markers Sox2 and Nestin, and the differentiation marker DCX in the HAc group was akin to the expression of these markers in the controls. In summary, HAc supported the proliferation of NSCs while maintaining their stemness and neural differentiation potential.

INNV-41. SUCCESSFUL TREATMENT OF EXTREMELY RARE CASE OF PRIMARY CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM LYMPHOPLASMACYTIC LYMPHOMA WITH BENDAMUSTINE-RITUXIMAB REGIMEN: A CASE REPORT

Abstract Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL) is an uncommon low-grade non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphoma, with an annual incidence rate of 3 to 4 cases per million people. Primary central nervous system lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (PCNSLPL) is even rarer, with fewer than 30 cases documented in the literature so far, to our knowledge. We report a case of a 40-year-old Caucasian male who presented with headaches and mild short-term memory problems. CT was suggestive of a right parietal mass. MRI revealed a right parietal homogeneously contrast-enhancing mass with T2 and flair changes extending to the right lateral ventricle, suggestive of vasogenic edema. An open biopsy was performed, and immunohistochemical analysis of the sample indicated lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma. PET scan was negative for hypermetabolic lesions. Bone marrow biopsy, serum protein electrophoresis, urine protein electrophoresis, and CSF analysis were unremarkable. A diagnosis of primary central nervous system lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (PCNSLPL) was given after comprehensive workup. Treatment with 10 cycles of bendamustine and rituximab (BR regimen) resulted in a good response. The patient has been clinically stable and improving for over a year. Radiologically, there has been interval shrinkage of the right parietal mass and follow-up scans continue to be stable. The plan is to continue maintenance rituximab for 2 years. Although extremely rare, PCNSLPL should be considered in differential diagnoses of hematolymphoid tumors of the CNS and bendamustine with rituximab as induction treatment followed by maintenance rituximab might be considered.

Comprehensive analysis of different types of ginsenosides in the different parts of American ginseng by targeted and nontargeted MS/MS scanning.

To comprehensively study the ginsenosides distribution in the various tissues of American ginseng, the qualitative and quantitative-targeted and nontargeted mass spectroscopic methods were established using the high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with Qtrap triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (HPLC-QtrapQQQ-MS). The total ginsenosides of the root, stem, and leaf of American ginseng were determined by a colorimetric method, and the contents showed the order from high to low root, stem, and leaf. Eighty-two kinds of ginsenosides were detected in the different parts of American ginseng by enhanced mass scan-information-dependent data acquisition (IDA)-enhanced product ion (EPI) scan mode, including 69 from the root, 62 from the stem, and 48 from the leaf. An HPLC-multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) method was established, and 28 representative ginsenosides were further quantified in the three parts. Nearly all ginsenosides had the highest contents in the root and the lowest content in the leaf. Three types of ginsenosides (protopanaxadiol [PPD]-, protopanaxatiol [PPT]-, and oleanolic acid [OA]-types) were analyzed by precursor ion-IDA-EPI and MRM-IDA-EPI scan modes. Root had the most abundant ginsenosides in PPD- and PPT-type ginsenosides. Meanwhile, the OA-type ginsenosides are significantly enriched in the stem and leaf of American ginseng. The results provided a supplement to the quality assessment of American ginseng. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The distribution profile of ginsenosides in the parts of American ginseng is different. Except for the root, the stem, and leaf of American ginseng have the most abundant ginsenosides in oleanolic acid type. The results reported herein can help the manufacturers choose appropriate materials to extract the ginsenosides.

Comprehensive investigation of sputtering deposition pressure effects on a-InGaZnO Schottky diodes

The effects of Ar sputtering deposition pressure on the optical, structural, morphological, and electrical properties of amorphous InGaZnO thin films were investigated. The InGaZnO thin films, which have amorphous structures determined by grazing incidence x-ray diffraction, contained In, Ga, Zn, and O confirmed by secondary ion mass spectrometry method. Additionally, when the thicknesses of the deposited thin films are examined, it was seen that the profilometer measurement results of the crater formed by secondary ion mass spectrometer and scanning electron microscope measurement results are nearly similar, and it is approximately 100 nm. The surface roughness, obtained from Atomic Force Microscopy results, show that decreased up to a particular value with the increase of the working pressure, and then the surface roughness increased. The optical band gaps of the films were obtained in the range of 3.50 eV−3.58 eV via Tauc relation by using the Ultraviolet-Visible measurements carried out in the wavelength range of 200 nm−1100 nm. It was seen that the optical band gap was decreased with the increase in Ar pressure. The electrical properties of InGaZnO thin film-based Schottky diodes, such as the barrier height, ideality factor, saturation current, series resistance, and shunt resistance, have also been studied comprehensively. The electrical results showed that diode properties change with increasing deposition pressure.

Impact of electrochemically activated water solution on plant polysaccharides: phenomenology and spectrophotometry

The determination of changes in the properties of polysaccharides in electrochemically activated water solution were carried out by means of UV-Vis spectrophotometry, time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy. It was shown how the properties of samples analyzed (agar, modified starch, edible starch) changed depending on a fraction of electrochemically activated water solution (catholyte/anolyte). Our findings demonstrate that the determined changes can be valuable information in designing novel approaches to managing the properties of biological raw material used for food manufacturing process. Furthermore, the technology of electrochemically activated water solutions is a suitable green chemical process that can be translated to industrial level.

Effect of the isotope mass on pedestal structure, transport and stability in D, D/T and T plasmas at similar β N and gas rate in JET-ILW type I ELMy H-modes

The work describes the pedestal structure, transport and stability in an effective mass (A eff) scan from pure deuterium to pure tritium plasmas using a type I ELMy H-mode dataset in which key parameters that affect the pedestal behaviour (normalized pressure, ratio of the separatrix density to the pedestal density, pedestal ion Larmor radius, pedestal collisionality and rotation) are kept as constant as possible. Experimental results show a significant increase of the density at the pedestal top with increasing A eff, a modest reduction in the temperature and an increase in the pressure. The variations in the pedestal heights are mainly due to a change in the pedestal gradients while only small differences are observed in the pedestal width. A clear increase in the pedestal density and pressure gradients are observed from deuterium to tritium. The experimental results suggest a reduction of the pedestal inter-edge localized mode (inter-ELM) transport from deuterium to tritium. The reduction is likely in the pedestal inter-ELM particle transport, as suggested by the clear increase of the pedestal density gradients. The experimental results suggest also a possible reduction of the pedestal inter-ELM heat transport, however, the large experimental uncertainties do not allow conclusive claims on the heat diffusivity. The clear experimental reduction of η e (the ratio between density and temperature gradient lengths) in the middle/top of the pedestal with increasing A eff suggests that there may be a link between increasing A eff and the reduction of electron scale turbulent transport. From the modelling point of view, an initial characterization of the behaviour of pedestal microinstabilities shows that the tritium plasma is characterized by growth rates lower than the deuterium plasmas. The pedestal stability of peeling-ballooning modes is assessed with both ideal and resistive magnetohydrodynamics (MHD). No significant effect of the isotope mass on the pedestal stability is observed using ideal MHD. Instead, resistive MHD shows a clear increase of the stability with increasing isotope mass. The resistive MHD results are in reasonable agreement with the experimental results of the normalized pedestal pressure gradient. The experimental and modelling results suggest that the main candidates to explain the change in the pedestal are a reduction in the inter-ELM transport and an improvement of the pedestal stability from deuterium to tritium.

FRI224 A Rare Case Of Recurrent Paraganglioma Presented With Liver Metastasis

Abstract Disclosure: E. Gupta: None. M. Al Mushref: None. Malignant Paragangliomas (PGLs) and Pheochromocytomas (PCC) are extremely rare. Approximately 10% of PCCs and 25% of PGLs are metastatic. Metastatic PGLs typically occur in patients with predisposing genetic mutations. We present a case of recurrent metastatic PGL in a young female with no known genetic predisposition to metastatic disease occurring after surgical resection. Our patient is a 28-year-old female with a history of PGL status post left adrenalectomy and nephrectomy two and a half years prior who presented to the ED for abdominal pain. She was first diagnosed after being admitted for hypertensive emergency. During time of diagnosis, plasma and urinary metanephrines were significantly elevated at 1.13 nmol/L and 907 ug/gCr respectively and plasma and urinary normetanephrines were elevated at 80.2 nmol/L and 52043 ug/gCr respectively. MRI showed a 16 cm left retroperitoneal mass and MIBG scan showed increased uptake in the mass however no evidence of metastatic disease was noted then. The patient had immigrated from Haiti. Her mother had passed away at age 20 of unknown cause and her father has no known history. Genetic testing was negative for hereditary gene mutations including multiple SDHDs, VHL, NF1, MEN1 and MAX. Surgical exploration showed a giant left retroperitoneal neoplasm involving the left kidney and left adrenal and both organs were resected. Pathology revealed PGL, focally extending to peripheral specimen margin and benign retroperitoneal lymph nodes and soft tissues. Post-resection meta- and normetanephrines levels were normal. Unfortunately, the patient was lost to follow up after surgery. On this admission, she endorsed right lower quadrant abdominal pain. Plasma normetanephrine was 1.72 nmol/L, metanephrine was normal, and chromogranin A level was elevated at 545 ng/mL. CT scan revealed multiple hepatic lesions and MIBG scan further showed new increased uptake suggesting metastasis. The patient was asymptomatic and blood pressure remained normal during her hospitalization. Due to concerns of recurrent PGL with metastasis, she established care with Oncology for initiation of treatment. PGL is an extremely rare neuroendocrine tumor and is closely related to PCC. Sympathetic PGLs cause catecholamine surge symptoms but low volume disease may remain asymptomatic. Genetic predisposition is common in malignant PGL particularly succinate dehydrogenase mutation subunit B. Patients should be closely followed up to screen for recurrence and genetic testing should also be done. In our patient’s case, despite surgical resection and negative genetic testing, she developed recurrence of the PGL with new metastasis emphasizing the importance of close surveillance in the case of PGL to monitor for recurrence. Presentation: Friday, June 16, 2023

Analyzing Biomarkers in an Enhanced Polyherbal Formula with Antidiabetic Attributes through High-performance Thin-layer Chromatography and Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry/ Mass Spectrometry

ABSTRACT Context: In this research, we subjected a polyherbal formulation (PHF) prepared in-house, previously evaluated for its antidiabetic effects in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, to further analytical characterization using high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) and Liquid Chromatography coupled with Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Aim: The aim of this research was to measure the active components within a newly developed in-house PHF with antidiabetic properties, prepared using dried leaves of Tinospora cordifolia, dried bark of Cinnamomum zeylanicum, dried seeds of Trigonella foenum, and dried seeds of Nigella sativa, employing HPTLC and LC-MS/MS techniques. Materials and Methods: Magnoflorine (MAG), cinnamaldehyde (CIN), trigonelline (TRI), and thymoquinone (THY) were identified as the active components of the ethanolic extract of the PHF. We utilized HPTLC and liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for the characterization of these constituents. The gradient mobile phase consisted of water, acetonitrile, and 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid. Chromatographic separation was achieved using an XBridge C18, 250 × 4.6, 3 mm analytical column with a flow rate set at 1.0 mL/min, maintained at ambient temperature employing a gradient system that spanned 30 min. Mass scanning was conducted in positive mode, with a scan speed ranging from 100 to 2000 amu/s, covering a mass range from 20 to 1974 Da. Electron spray ionization mode was utilized, with a source temperature maintained at 150°C and a desolvation temperature at 350°C. For HPTLC separation, precoated silica gel 60 GF254 plates were employed, employing a mobile phase consisting of toluene/chloroform/ethyl acetate/methanol/formic acid in a ratio of 2.5:2.5:2.5:2.0:0.5 (v/v). The plates were developed at room temperature, extending to a distance of 9.0 cm. Each individual component (MAG, CIN, TRI, and THY) was scanned and quantified at its respective maximum absorption wavelength (237 nm, 259 nm, 305 nm, and 338 nm). Results: Experimental parameters such as band size, chamber saturation duration, solvent front migration, slit width, and others were carefully examined to determine the optimized chromatographic conditions. LC-MS analysis of the alcoholic extract of the PHF successfully identified the presence of all five bioactive chemical constituents, namely, MAG, CIN, TRI, and THY. In addition, the drug samples exhibited satisfactory resolution with retention factor values of 0.27 ± 0.01, 0.64 ± 0.01, 0.55 ± 0.01, and 0.92 ± 0.01 for CIN, MAG, TRI, and THY respectively, using HPTLC. Conclusion: The integration of Ayurvedic formulations with contemporary high-throughput screening techniques holds great promise in discovering more potent and biocompatible drug leads. The results of this study offer compelling scientific evidence that strengthens the case for the therapeutic utility of the PHF, further underscoring its significance in the field of health care.

MassSpecPreppy-An end-to-end solution for automated protein concentration determination and flexible sample digestion for proteomics applications.

In proteomics, fast, efficient, and highly reproducible sample preparation is of utmost importance, particularly in view of fast scanning mass spectrometers enabling analyses of large sample series. To address this need, we have developed the web application MassSpecPreppy that operates on the open science OT-2 liquid handling robot from Opentrons. This platform can prepare up to 96 samples at once, performing tasks like BCA protein concentration determination, sample digestion with normalization, reduction/alkylation and peptide elution into vials or loading specified peptide amounts onto Evotips in an automated and flexible manner. The performance of the developed workflows using MassSpecPreppy was compared with standard manual sample preparation workflows. The BCA assay experiments revealed an average recovery of 101.3% (SD:±7.82%) for the MassSpecPreppy workflow, while the manual workflow had a recovery of 96.3% (SD:±9.73%). The species mix used in the evaluation experiments showed that 94.5% of protein groups for OT-2 digestion and 95% for manual digestion passed the significance thresholds with comparable peptide level coefficient of variations. These results demonstrate that MassSpecPreppy is a versatile and scalable platform for automated sample preparation, producing injection-ready samples for proteomics research.

Podocyte Infolding Glomerulopathy: A Special Morphology of Podocyte Injury Caused by Heterogeneous Diseases

Podocyte infolding glomerulopathy (PIG) is a newly recognized rare glomerular injury. The clinical significance and mechanism of this injury pattern remains unclear. We conducted a retrospective study of renal biopsies from January 2018 to December 2020 in Kingmed Diagnostics. The renal biopsy features and clinical data were reviewed. Laser scanning microdissection and mass spectrometry (LMD/MS) was conducted to analyze the potential mechanism. A total of 116 (0.092%) out of 126,086 biopsies were diagnosed as PIG during the period. Of these, 89 (76.7%) cases were found to have PIG coexisting with immune-complex associated glomerulonephritis (IC-PIG) whereas 27 (23.3%) were identified as isolated PIG without immunoglobulin or complement deposition. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), especially with membranous lupus nephritis (LN), was diagnosed in most (70.8%) IC-PIG cases. Of the isolated PIG cases, 51.9% had no known underlying conditions; however, a relatively high positive rate (42.1%) of antinuclear antibody (ANA) was detected. Nearly half (47.5%) of the patients presented with nephrotic syndrome (NS). PIG grade was associated with proteinuria in isolated PIG (P= 0.035). LMD/MS revealed dysregulated cytoskeletal protein α-actinin4 (ACTN4) and tubulin beta-4 chain in PIG compared with normal donor kidney and minimal change disease (MCD). The displacement of ACTN4 into the glomerular basement membrane (GBM) was confirmed by the confocal microscope. PIG is a rare podocyte injury that can exist alone without underlying disease or be concurrent with various diseases, especially SLE. Podocyte cytoskeletal protein ACTN4 and tubulin beta-4 chain were dysregulated, which may be involved in the mechanism of PIG.

Rare Earth Element Characteristics in Coal Ash from the Jungar Energy Gangue Power Plant, Inner Mongolia, China

The coal and coal-bearing measures in the Jungar Coalfield in Inner Mongolia are characterized by rare earth element (REE) enrichment. Combustion in coal-fired power plants can lead to further enrichment of REEs in coal ash, which serves as a new potential source for REE extraction and smelting. Further, investigating the content, modes of occurrence, and transformation behavior of REEs during coal combustion may help in better understanding REE differentiation during coal combustion and facilitate the development of economically feasible REE recovery technologies. Therefore, in this study, we analyzed coal ash from the Jungar Energy Gangue Power Plant in Inner Mongolia via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy combined with energy-dispersive spectroscopy. Our results showed that the REE content of the feed coal was 220 μg/g, slightly higher than the average for global coal. Additionally, fly ash had a higher REE content (898 μg/g) than bottom ash, and its rare earth oxide content was approximately 1152 μg/g, which meets the industrial requirements. Bottom and fly ashes contained similar minerals; however, their relative abundances were different. Specifically, mullite, quartz, calcite, and gypsum were slightly more abundant in fly ash than in bottom ash, whereas amorphous solids were slightly more abundant in bottom ash than in fly ash. Furthermore, fly ash, dominated by Si- and Al-rich minerals, was composed of irregular particles of different shapes and sizes. It also contained monazite and REE fluoro-oxides, which possibly originated from the feed coal and had mineral structures that remained unchanged during coal combustion. Thus, the REE fluoro-oxides possibly resulted from the conversion of bastnaesite in the feed coal during combustion and thereafter became attached to the edge of the Si–Al minerals in the fly ash.