Preparation Procedure Research Articles

Cobalt Decarbonization Catalysts Turning Methane to Clean Hydrogen and Valuable Carbon Nanostructures: A Review

The continuous growth in world energy demands along with the urgent need for decarbonization are strong motivations for the development and usage of sustainable fuels. Hydrogen is highly anticipated to replace fossil fuels in energy production, as it is one of the cleanest energy sources with high energy density per weight. Among the hydrogen production methods, catalytic methane pyrolysis (CMP) stands out as it can contribute to the decarbonization process, since the only co-products include valuable carbon structures and no greenhouse emissions. Cobalt has been shown to be a competent metallic catalytic material with high activity in relation to hydrogen production and selectivity towards valuable carbon nanotubes (CNTs), or carbon nanofibers (CNFs). This review article aims to offer insights relevant to future developments in CMP, by reporting the advantages of methane decomposition over cobalt catalysts. It provides a summary of the factors that influence both hydrogen yield and carbon growth. More specifically, the impacts of different metal loadings and the benefits of utilizing both support carriers and bimetallic systems are addressed. Last but not least, the findings on the most efficient preparation procedures and the optimum operating conditions are also revealed, as supported by published experimental data.

Recyclable and Healable Electro‐Optical Fiber for Sensing and Information Transmission

AbstractElectro‐optical fibers with dual‐mode sensing ability show broad potential in wearable electronics and intelligent human‐machine interaction. However, the complex multi‐step preparation procedures and the limited environmental adaptivity in materials (stretchability, healability, recyclability, etc.) hinder its practical applications. Herein, based on a urea‐oxime polyurethane, a fiber integrating dual‐mode electrical sensing and two‐color light‐emitting functions is developed using a one‐step continuous coaxial wet‐spinning process, with luminescent sulfides‐doped shell layer and an ionogel conductive core layer. The fiber exhibits excellent mechanical, electrical, and optical healing capabilities with efficiencies of 94%, 92%, and 99%, which can be quickly recycled within 30 minutes. Utilizing the electro‐optical bimodular perceptive fiber, multi‐scenario applications including insect phototaxis monitoring, luminous wearables, and smart tripwires are demonstrated, revealing the healing superiority in programming complex fiber architectures to adapt to substrates with shape or size diversity. Moreover, a healing‐programmed fiber with tailored segments is demonstrated for electro‐optical hybrid encrypted information transmission. This work inspires a promising healing‐programming strategy of healable electro‐optical fibers for wide applications in tactile sensing and information communicating.

Prevalence and contributing factors of intravenous medication administration errors in emergency departments: a prospective observational study.

Medication administration in busy emergency departments (EDs) presents significant challenges due to the high-pressure environment and complexity of processes. Medication administration errors (MAEs) are a critical concern as they can severely impact patient safety and increase healthcare costs. Understanding the prevalence and underlying factors contributing to intravenous MAEs is essential for enhancing patient care and improving hospital services. This study aims to explore and measure the frequency of intravenous MAEs in EDs and identify factors contributing to these errors during their preparation and administration. This prospective study utilised the direct observation technique where the preparation and administration of 222 intravenous medications were observed in the EDs of two hospitals in Malaysia. Information on medication preparation, administration and other procedures were recorded. Error rates were calculated and multivariable logistic regression was conducted to identify factors contributing to intravenous MAEs. MAEs were detected in 83.3% (185/222) of the observed medications affecting 86.7% (124/143) patients. Among these, a total of 240 MAEs were identified, with the most common being wrong rate of administration (55.8%), wrong preparation technique (20.8%) and omission error (11.7%). Alimentary tract and metabolism medications accounted for the highest proportion of MAEs (52.0%), followed by anti-infective medications (21.7%) and nervous system medications (15.4%). Excluding wrong time errors reduced the error rate to 80.2% (178/222). Non-verbal orders and inadequate or absence of labelling were significantly associated with MAEs, while factors such as the complexity of preparations, working shift, experience and high-alert medications showed no significant associations. The study highlighted a high prevalence of intravenous MAEs in EDs. Non-verbal orders and inadequacy in labelling of medications were significant contributing factors to MAEs in the ED. Implementing an admixture labelling policy, comprehensive training programs, strict enforcement of existing guidelines and protocols through regular audits, establishing non-punitive error reporting system, and technological solutions where financially feasible are crucial for mitigating these errors to promote patient safety.

Quantification of Viruses in Wastewater on a Centrifugal Microfluidic Disc.

Rapid and onsite detection of pathogens in water is a critical first step in preventing the spread of infectious diseases from the environment to humans. However, current microbial monitoring practices are tedious, expensive, and slow. These limitations significantly impede our ability to promptly identify potential risks to public health, leading to delays in implementing the necessary interventions. In this study, we report the development of a portable centrifugal microfluidic disc (CD) that integrates sample concentration, purification, and a droplet digital reverse transcription LAMP (ddRT-LAMP) assay as a lab-on-a-chip system for rapid virus detection in the environment. Coupled with the pseudo- and nonpseudo forces generated during the CD rotation or oscillation, the assay steps for sample purification, concentration, and quantification were completed in less than 1.5 h. The results showed that the on-CD sample preparation procedures are comparable to the traditional in-tube sample preparation assay. Furthermore, the indigenous pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV) in raw sewage at concentrations ranging from 6.0 × 104 to 2.1 × 107 copies/ml was successfully quantified using the complete on-CD assay, which includes on-CD sample preparation procedures and on-CD ddRT-LAMP. The concentrations of PMMoV detected by the CD assay matched well with those detected by the state-of-the-art virus nucleic acid extraction and ddRT-PCR assay for wastewater and wastewater-spiked environmental water samples, demonstrating the potential of this CD platform for environmental applications.

Cost-effective, user-friendly detection and preconcentration of thrombin on a sustainable paper-based electrochemical platform.

Thrombin overexpression in serum serves as acritical biomarker and is implicated in several diseases associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Existing techniques for thrombin detection are time-consuming and require sophisticated equipment and extensive sample preparation procedures, which further delay the detection and increase the cost of theprocedure. Early and accessible diagnosis at the point of care, especially in limited-resource countries, represents the first step of clinical interventions. To overcome these limitations, we have proposed an innovative, sustainable paper-based electrochemical detection platform for thrombin. In this work, a sustainable paper-based aptasensor was rationally designed, characterized, evaluated against conventional gold standard plastic-based substrates, and applied to human serum, yielding a detection limit of ~ 60 pM. The present method provides an efficient and user-friendly way for the detection of thrombin and potentially leading to better management and treatment outcomes for patients.

A new test system for Salmonella detection in food products by competitive immonoassay

Detecting Salmonella in foods is topical due to the known cases of salmonellosis epidemics. Immunochemical methods including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) have been widely used in Salmonella detection. Traditionally, ELISA of Salmonella is based on detecting lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which is considered to be the main structural component of the outer membrane of the cell of Gram-negative bacteria. Core (conservative LPS element common to all Salmonella) and O-antigen (hypervariable LPS element) are available for interaction with antibodies. It was shown using commercial MAb 5D12A (to the core of LPS) or MAb 10D9H (to the common epitope of the O-antigen of Salmonella serogroups A, B and D) that in the Salmonella culture obtained during sample preparation, traditional for the analysis of these bacteria in foods, LPS is present mainly outside cells, in the medium (no less than 90 %). It has been found that the addition of centrifugation to the standard sample preparation procedure to separate bacteria from the medium and a subsequent analysis of the medium can expand the test-system working range towards lower LPS concentrations and increase the analytical sensitivity. It has been shown that immobilization of the bovine serum albumin (BSA)-LPS conjugate in the wells of a microplate immunosorbent allows one to obtain a more homogeneous coating than immobilization of LPS itself. We have elaborated 2 test systems for Salmonella detection in foods by competitive ELISA of LPS secreted in medium. In each of the two test systems, the BSA-LPS conjugate is immobilized on the solid phase, and in the liquid phase there are either MAb 5D12A or MAb 10D9H. The sensitivity of the analysis for each test system is 105 CFU/ml. The test system based on MAb 5D12A is advan tageous since it allows detecting all Salmonella regardless of serotype.

Protocol for oral fecal gavage to reshape thegutmicrobiota in mice.

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is clinically applied, while oral FMT (oral fecal gavage [OFG]) is preferred for experimental mice. Here, we present a protocol for OFG in antibiotic-pretreated mice, demonstrating the progressive, time-dependent evolution of the gut microbiota in the recipients. We describe steps for fecal sample collection and preparation procedures, oral gavage, and monitoring gut microbiota changes. This protocol serves as a general guide forreshaping the gut microbiota in recipient mice for various experimental applications. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Yang etal.1.

Highly Transparent Superhydrophobic Coatings for Prevention of Raindrop Adhesion on Rearview Mirrors.

The adhesion of raindrops on car rearview mirrors poses a significant threat to traffic safety due to the resulting blurred vision. Transparent superhydrophobic coatings have emerged as a potential solution to this problem. However, the development of transparent superhydrophobic coatings is often hampered by complex preparation procedures, high costs, and limited substrate compatibility, rendering them unsuitable for practical applications. Herein, we present a facile spraying method for fabricating a transparent superhydrophobic perfluorodecyl polysiloxane-modified silica (SiO2@FD-POS) coating with a high transparency of approximately 91%, which is comparable to that of bare glass (∼93%). This coating can be applied onto various substrates, including paper, polycarbonate goggles, and PET fabric, without altering their inherent color. Furthermore, the SiO2@FD-POS coating demonstrates robust mechanical, thermal, and UV durabilities, which are crucial for its application in outdoor conditions. When applied to a rearview mirror, this coating effectively prevents raindrops from adhering on the surface for over 60 min during moderate rainfall, maintaining a clear reflection throughout. Therefore, the SiO2@FD-POS coating holds significant potential in enhancing drivers' visibility during rainy conditions, thus contributing to high driving safety.

P0332 Optimization and assessment of colonoscopy preparation in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: a comprehensive single-center analysis with focus on disease-specific factors

Abstract Background Colonoscopy remains a cornerstone in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) management, yet comprehensive data on preparation quality and tolerability in this specific population remains limited. We aimed to evaluate bowel preparation efficacy, tolerability, and colonoscopy outcomes in IBD patients while analyzing disease-specific influencing factors. Methods We conducted a prospective single-center study of 78 IBD patients (45 ulcerative colitis [UC] and 33 Crohn’s disease [CD]) undergoing routine colonoscopy surveillance. All patients received a split-dose 4L polyethylene glycol preparation. We collected comprehensive data including clinical parameters, Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS) scores, sedation requirements, and procedure tolerability using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS, 0-100mm). Disease activity was assessed using standardized endoscopic scores. Results Mean age was 47.2 ± 14.5 years for UC and 43.8 ± 13.9 years for CD patients. Adequate bowel preparation (BBPS ≥6) was achieved in 85.7% (67/78) of patients, with a mean total BBPS score of 6.3 ± 1.4. Female patients showed slightly higher preparation quality scores compared to males (BBPS 6.5 ± 1.3 vs 6.1 ± 1.4, p=0.12), though this difference was not statistically significant. Complete colonoscopy was successfully performed in 93.6% (73/78) of cases. No significant differences in BBPS scores were observed between UC and CD patients (6.4 ± 1.5 vs 6.2 ± 1.3, p=0.62), or between patients with active disease versus those in remission (6.3 ± 1.4 vs 6.2 ± 1.5, p=0.85). Preparation tolerability was rated as good or excellent (VAS ≥70) in 76.9% (60/78) of patients, with similar ratings between genders (females: 77.8%, males: 75.9%, p=0.83). Notably, 32.1% (25/78) of IBD patients required increased sedation compared to standard doses, with a higher proportion in CD patients (42.4%, 14/33) compared to UC patients (24.4%, 11/45, p=0.047), and in female patients (37.2%, 16/43) compared to males (25.7%, 9/35, p=0.038). Disease-related factors including disease duration, location, and previous surgery did not significantly impact preparation quality. Conclusion Our study demonstrates that high-quality bowel preparation can be achieved in IBD patients regardless of gender and disease characteristics, with good tolerability rates. However, increased sedation requirements, particularly in CD patients and females, should be anticipated. These findings support the implementation of standardized preparation protocols in IBD patients while emphasizing the need for personalized sedation strategies based on both disease and demographic factors.

Spermine Significantly Increases the Transfection Efficiency of Cationic Polymeric Gene Vectors.

Background/Objectives: Non-viral vectors have gained recognition for their ability to enhance the safety of gene delivery processes. Among these, polyethyleneimine (PEI) stands out as the most widely utilized cationic polymer due to its accessibility. Traditional methods of modifying PEI, such as ligand conjugation, chemical derivatization, and cross-linking, are associated with intricate preparation procedures, limited transfection efficiency, and suboptimal biocompatibility. Methods: In this investigation, enhanced transfection efficiency was achieved through the straightforward physical blending of PEI carriers with spermine. Results: Transfection assays explored the maximal enhancement potential conferred by spermine, alongside further methodological refinements aimed at optimizing transfection efficacy, showcasing a potential increase of up to 40.7%. Through the comparison of different addition sequences of spermine, the optimal complex PEI/Spermine/DNA for transfection efficiency was selected. Characterization of PEI/Spermine/DNA revealed that, compared to PEI/DNA, its particle size increased to approximately 150 nm. Molecular dynamics simulation results revealed that spermine can enhance the interaction between PEI and DNA, thereby forming a system with lower energy and greater stability. Mechanistic inquiries studies also disclosed that spermine augments the endosomal escape capability of PEI carriers without altering pathways involved in the cellular uptake of gene nanoparticles, thereby facilitating heightened gene expression. Conclusions: PEI-Sper emerges as a promising non-viral vector for gene delivery, distinguished by its simplicity in preparation, cost-effectiveness, and superior transfection efficiency.

Fabrication of high-performance tin halide perovskite thin-film transistors via chemical solution-based composition engineering.

Metal halide perovskite semiconductors have attracted considerable attention because they enable the development of devices with exceptional optoelectronic and electronic properties via cost-effective and high-throughput chemical solution processes. However, challenges persist in the solution processing of perovskite films, including limited control over crystallization and the formation of defective deposits, leading to suboptimal device performance and reproducibility. Tin (Sn2+) halide perovskite holds promise for achieving high-performance thin-film transistors (TFTs) due to its intrinsic high hole mobility. Nevertheless, reliable production of high-quality Sn2+ perovskite films remains challenging due to the rapid crystallization compared with more extensively studied lead (Pb)-based materials. Recently, composition engineering has emerged as a mature and effective strategy for realizing the high-yield fabrication of Sn2+ halide perovskite thin films. This approach cannot only achieve improved TFT performance with high hole mobilities and current ratios1-6, but also enable reliable device operation with hysteresis-free character and long-term stability7-12. Here we provide the experimental procedure for precursor preparation, film and device fabrication and characterization. The entire process typically takes 20-24 h. This protocol requires a basic understanding of metal halide perovskites, perovskite film coating process, standard TFT fabrication and measurement techniques.

Smart Zinc-Based Coatings with Chitosan–Alginate Nanocontainers Loaded with ZnO and Caffeine for Corrosion Protection of Mild Steel

The development of environmentally friendly materials is a subject of increasing interest in corrosion protection research. The objective of the present investigation is to propose the preparation procedure of chitosan–alginate (CHI/ALG) nanocontainers loaded with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles or combining ZnO nanoparticles with corrosion inhibitor caffeine (CAF), both suitable for incorporation into the matrix of ordinary zinc coatings on mild steel substrates. The nanocontainers were synthesized through spontaneous polysaccharide complexation in the presence of ZnO nanoparticles and CAF using a cross-linking agent, namely tripolyphosphate (TPP). Dynamic light scattering and laser Doppler velocimetry measurements are used for evaluation of the size distribution and zeta potentials of the nanocontainers, both loaded or unloaded with CAF. Using UV-spectroscopy, entrapment efficiency and release amounts of CAF are quantitatively evaluated. The nanocontainers thus obtained were incorporated into the matrices of ordinary zinc coatings via co-electrodeposition with zinc from zinc sulfate solution, aiming to improve the corrosion protection of steel in corrosive environments containing chloride ions. The surface morphology and elemental composition of the electrodeposited hybrid coatings before and after treating in the model corrosive medium of 3.5% NaCl is studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The cyclic voltammetry method (CVA) is applied to characterize the cathodic (electrodeposition) and anodic (dissolution) processes. The protective characteristics of the hybrid coatings are investigated by application of potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) curves and polarization resistance (Rp) measurements after a time interval of 40 days. The obtained results indicate that both hybrid coating types could prolong the life time of mild steel in aggressive Cl− ion-containing solution, combining the protection effect of sacrificial zinc with barrier (ZnO) and active (CAF) protective effects.

Sampling mass mortality events to enable diagnoses: A protocol using freshwater mussels

Abstract Many taxa around the globe are threatened by often unexplained mass mortality events (MMEs), which can decimate populations and compromise key ecosystem functions. One example of a highly threatened taxon facing frequent MMEs is freshwater mussels (Unionida). There has been a recent increase in interest in understanding the causes of freshwater mussel MMEs, but standardised methodologies for how best to respond to them to facilitate diagnoses are unavailable. When an MME is observed, swift and appropriate sample collection is imperative owing to the transient nature of these phenomena. Here we provide structured guidance that will facilitate rapid and appropriate sampling of MMEs, using freshwater mussels as an example. We set out standardised procedures for sample collection, preparation and preservation. The procedures we outline will improve our capacity for diagnostic investigations of MMEs and other mortality events, not only in freshwater mussels but also across many other taxa. This, in turn, can inform appropriate management responses.

Quantitative LC-MS/MS Analysis of Endogenous Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isomeric Metabolites Biliverdin IX Alpha, Beta, and Delta in Cell Culture Supernatant, Cell Pellet, and Lung Tissue.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) utilizes heme as an iron source from the host during infection. Biliverdin beta and delta (BVIXβ and BVIXδ) are generated by HemO, specific to Pa, while biliverdin alpha is generated from the bacterial BphO system and by mammalian heme oxygenases. Here, we have developed and characterized a quantitative LC-MS/MS assay for the separation of three endogenous isomers, BVIXα, BVIXβ, and BVIXδ. The assay was validated for accuracy, precision, linearity, extraction recovery, solution stability, freeze-thaw stability, benchtop stability, postextraction stability, and nonspecific oxidation of BVIX. The addition of an antioxidant, butylated hydroxytoluene, during sample preparation is needed in order to prevent coupled oxidation from inflating quantitative values of BVIX. The assay development included optimization of a liquid-liquid extraction for bacterial culture supernatants and sample preparation procedures for cell pellets and tissue homogenate to reduce sample demand and automate the extraction procedure in a 96-well format, to enhance extraction throughput. This method was applied to analyze isomer distribution in Pa supernatant, bacterial pellet, and infected lung tissue from Pa-challenged mice. This method can be used in the future for low-volume culture samples, as well as tissue samples, to understand the mechanisms of virulence and inform future drug development.

The challenges of policy borrowing: Exploring education faculty professional agency and CAEP accreditation in Oman and Qatar

Policy borrowing from other regions has presented significant obstacles for higher education faculty in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Specifically, accreditation for higher education institutions has become problematic. This study explored the perceptions of faculty in two colleges of education on the influence of the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) policies and procedures on their professional agency. As a form of policy borrowing, US-based CAEP accreditation has been adopted by several colleges of education in the GCC context. Using the framework of professional agency, findings from this qualitative comparative study revealed that seven participants from Oman and eight from Qatar enacted four forms of professional agency in response to accreditation, namely, (1) agency as advocacy, (2) agency as creative compliance, (3) agency as uncritical compliance, and (4) agency as upholding. These forms of agency were derived from analyzing participants’ actions, choices, and stances toward accreditation. They revealed the complex and dynamic interplay of participants’ professional identities and the structural and cultural conditions in each context. The study discusses the findings considering extant literature and offers insight into the judicious borrowing of accreditation in the GCC teacher education context.

Optimization and Evaluation of Cannabis-Based Magistral Formulations: A Path to Personalized Therapy.

The official implementation of pharmaceutical-grade cannabis raw materials for medicinal use has permitted doctors to prescribe and pharmacists to prepare cannabis-based formulations. The objective of the pharmaceutical development and manufacturing process optimization work was to propose a suppository formulation containing doses of 25 mg and 50 mg of tetra-hydrocannabinol (∆-9-THC) as an alternative to existing inhalable or orally administered formulations. The formulation could be used for rectal or vaginal administration, thereby providing dosage control in the treatment of endometriosis and other conditions involving pain. In this study, two substrates from suppositories with standardized Cannabis extractum normatum (CEX) were used: cocoa butter and Witepsol® H15. The long-term stability of CEX was investigated over a period of up to 24 months. The concentrations of ∆-9-THC, cannabidiol (CBD), and cannabinol (CBN) were determined using an HPLC method. Furthermore, the water content of the extract, the ethanol residue, and the microbiological purity were determined. The pharmaceutical properties of CEX-incorporated suppositories, namely content uniformity, hardness, softening time, total deformation time, disintegration time, and the release profile of ∆-9-THC, CBD, and CBN, were evaluated in order to develop optimal preparation procedures for pharmacists. Following a 24-month stability study on CEX, no significant alterations in component content were observed beyond the specified requirements. The disintegration time, total deformation time, and hardness of the suppositories based on Witepsol® H15 with CEX were found to be longer and higher, respectively, than those of suppositories formulated with cocoa butter. In vitro studies demonstrated that suppositories prepared with Witepsol® H15 exhibited superior release of ∆-9-THC compared to those prepared with cocoa butter. We suggest that pharmacists making prescription drugs in a pharmacy setting in the form of medical marijuana suppositories will receive a better release profile of the drug by choosing Witepsol® H15 as a substrate.

Preconcentration of Gold from Mining Waste Samples Using the Solidified Floating Organic Drop Microextraction and Determination by Flow Injection–Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

The increasing demand for gold necessitates the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly recovery methods, particularly from mining waste. In this study, trace and ultra-trace levels of gold ions were preconcentrated using solidified floating organic drop microextraction (SFODME) and quantified by flow injection–flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FI-FAAS). Sodium diethyldithiocarbamate was used as the chelating agent. Key parameters, including the pH, buffer volume, complexing agent concentration, salt effect, extraction time, stirring speed, temperature, and final volume, were optimized using univariate analysis, yielding an enhancement factor of 42.6. The method demonstrated linearity between 20 and 450 µg/L, with limits of detection and a quantification of 5.03 µg/L and 16.76 µg/L, respectively. In order to evaluate the applicability and reliability of the developed method, the method was applied to certified reference samples (Rocklabs CRM SE114, OREAS CRM 61 f, OREAS CRM 231, and OREAS CRM 235) and real mining samples (mining waste samples from an open pit gold–silver mine in the Aegean Region and tailing samples from an underground gold–silver mine in the Aegean Region) after the real sample preparation procedure. The method was further evaluated for the environmental impact using the Analytic GREEnness (AGREE) metric, based on the 12 principles of green chemistry.

Tailoring the Emission Properties of Cs2NaLuCl6 for Anti‐Counterfeiting, X‐Ray Scintillation, and Night Vision Applications

AbstractThe ever‐increasing counterfeiting issues have triggered a research upsurge in multi‐modal fluorescence anti‐counterfeiting materials. All inorganic metal halide double perovskites possess the advantages of facile preparation procedures and high thermal stability, which also provide suitable doping sites to regulate the emission behavior and highlight the potential for serving as multi‐modal fluorescence anti‐counterfeiting materials. Herein, a series of Sb3+, Er3+, and Yb3+ solely or codoped Cs2NaLuCl6 are successfully prepared, and the optical properties are dependent on the doping ratio of Sb3+ and lanthanide ions (Ln3+). Notably, due to the participation of energy‐transfer and cross‐relaxation processes, the tri‐doped Cs2NaLuCl6 (0.3%Sb3+‐20%Er3+‐50%Yb3+‐Cs2NaLuCl6) shows luminescence responses to the excitation sources with different photon energies, which is employed to construct anti‐counterfeiting fluorescence patterns by combining the Sb3+, Er3+, and Yb3+ solely or codoped Cs2NaLuCl6. Besides the multi‐modal luminescence behavior, NIR emission from Er3+ and Yb3+ can be used in the night‐vision device. Remarkably, the 20%Er3+‐doped Cs2NaLuCl6 shows an excellent light yield of 30767 photons MeV−1 and low limit of detection (LoD) of 108 nGy s−1, highlighting the potential in X‐ray imaging. This work provides a rational route to design multi‐functional materials that can be used in anti‐counterfeiting, night vision, and X‐ray imaging.

Simultaneous Quantification of Total Antibody and Conjugated Payload for DS001 in Rat Serum Using a Hybrid Immuno-Capture LC-MS/MS.

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are intricate compounds that pose significant challenges in bioanalytical characterization. Therefore, multiple bioanalytical methods are required to comprehensively elucidate their pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles. In this study, we investigated DS001, an ADC consisting of a humanized monoclonal antibody (hRS7), a cleavable chemical linker, and the microtubule inhibitor monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE), with a drug-to-antibody ratio (DAR) of 8. This study established a rapid and sensitive hybrid immunoaffinity liquid-chromatography-tandem-mass-spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) approach for the simultaneous quantification of the total antibody and the enzymatically cleavable conjugated payload of DS001. This method is capable of monitoring fluctuations in average DAR values during PK assessments. The sample preparation procedure involved immunocapture, denaturation, trypsin digestion, papain digestion, and termination, all completed within a total processing time of less than 4h. The method demonstrated linearity for the total antibody in the range of 100ng/mL (lower-limit-of-quantification, LLOQ) to 100,000ng/mL, and for the conjugated payload from 3.495ng/mL (LLOQ) to 3495ng/mL in rat serum. Both analytes exhibited standard curve correlation coefficients (r) greater than 0.990 within their respective linear ranges. The precision and accuracy of the method were within ± 15% (± 20% for LLOQ). The verified LC-MS/MS approach was successfully employed in the PK analysis following intravenous administration of 0.2mg/kg DS001 in rats via tail vein injection.

Evaluation of controls, quality control assays, and protocol optimisations for PacBio HiFi sequencing on diverse and challenging samples.

The Darwin Tree of Life (DToL) project aims to generate high-quality reference genomes for all eukaryotic organisms in Britain and Ireland. At the time of writing, PacBio HiFi reads are generated for all samples using the Sequel IIe systems by the Wellcome Sanger Institute's Scientific Operations teams, however we expect lessons from this work to apply directly to the Revio system too, as core principles of SMRT sequencing remain the same. We observed that HiFi yield is highly variable for DToL samples. We have investigated what drives this variation, and potential mitigations. To support these investigations a number of controls were evaluated to ensure that the library and sequencing preparation procedures, reagents, consumables, and Sequel IIe instruments, were performing as expected. Our findings support that a primary factor driving variability in HiFi yield is the quality of the DNA prior to library construction, e.g., purity, size, and damage. We investigated whether quality assessment assays could link measurable DNA damage or purity to sequencing yield. Some correlation could be established, however no assay was predictive of sequencing yield for all samples, indicating that the variability is driven by multiple factors that may interact. We demonstrate that contaminants present in some samples are the cause of very low HiFi yield, and show that these contaminants can negatively affect the PacBio internal sequencing control and samples multiplexed on the same SMRT Cell. We found that consistently high yields could be obtained if an amplification workflow was utilised, namely PacBio's ultra-low input library preparation protocol.