Laboratory Safety Research Articles

Linking Big Five Personality Traits with Laboratory Safety Attitude among Freshmen of Chemistry-Related Majors

Linking Big Five Personality Traits with Laboratory Safety Attitude among Freshmen of Chemistry-Related Majors

A mini review of mycotoxin’s occurrence in food in South America in the last 5 years: research gaps and challenges in a climate change era

Mycotoxins are natural metabolites produced by species of filamentous fungi belonging mainly to the genera Aspergillus, Fusarium, Penicillium, and Alternaria, which can grow in various crops and foodstuffs. The South American climate is diverse, varying from tropical, temperate, and arid to cold, ideal for the growth of different types of fungi and mycotoxin production. This mini review aimed to describe the natural occurrence of mycotoxin in food in South America from 2018 to 2023, identifying research gaps and challenges in an era of climate change. We analyzed 53 studies, 21 from Brazil. Most of the mycotoxins analyzed in South America were the traditional and regulated mycotoxins, with variable occurrences depending on the region, climatic conditions, and methodology used. Emerging and modified mycotoxins have only been studied in Argentina and Brazil, where some studies have shown high occurrences. Given this, it is essential to strengthen food safety laboratories and surveillance capabilities and establish early warning systems. It is also essential to continue working to raise awareness of mycotoxins as a public health issue and to study and prevent the impact of climate change on soil microbial population, the new prevalence of fungi, and the profile of toxigenic species. An effective connection and collaboration between disciplines and sectors in different countries is needed to meet this research challenge.

A Single Centric, Open-Label, Non-Randomized Post- Marketing Surveillance Study to Measure the Efficacy and Safety of Petsaffa Tablets in Subjects Suffering From Constipation, Gas and Acidity

Constipation, gas, and acidity are common gastrointestinal issues with a significant global prevalence. Traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda have long utilized medicinal plants to address these concerns. However, clinical validation of their efficacy in patients with constipation has been lacking. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of Petsaffa tablets, an Ayurvedic formulation containing various herbal ingredients, in relieving constipation, gas, and acidity. Methods: The study, conducted as a single-centric, open-label, non-randomized post-marketing surveillance study, involved 120 subjects with constipation. Subjects were evaluated using inclusion and exclusion criteria and provided Petsaffa tablets for a 14-day intervention. Various parameters, including bowel movement frequency, constipation scores, and subjective assessments, were measured. Vital signs, laboratory safety parameters, and adverse events were also monitored during the study period. Results: Petsaffa tablets significantly improved bowel movement frequency, constipation scores, and subjective symptoms related to constipation. Stool consistency and other associated symptoms such as acidity and gas were also reduced at the end of the study. None of the participants reported any adverse events, and safety parameters remained within normal limits during the study period. Conclusion: Petsaffa tablets offer a promising, safe, and effective alternative option for individuals with common gastrointestinal issues such as constipation, acidity, and gas.

Ammonium sulfate denatures transport medium less dependent on guanidinium isothiocyanate and enables SARS-CoV-2 RNA and antigen detection compatibility.

Rapid identification of infected individuals through viral RNA or antigen detection followed by effective personal isolation is usually the most effective way to prevent the spread of a newly emerging virus. Large-scale detection involves mass specimen collection and transportation. For biosafety reasons, denaturing viral transport medium has been extensively used during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. However, the high concentrations of guanidinium isothiocyanate (GITC) in such media have raised issues around sufficient GITC supply and laboratory safety. Moreover, there is a lack of denaturing transport media compatible with SARS-CoV-2 RNA and antigen detection. Here, we tested whether supplementing media containing low concentrations of GITC with ammonium sulfate (AS) would affect the throat-swab detection of SARS-CoV-2 or a viral inactivation assay targeting coronavirus and other enveloped and non-enveloped viruses. The effect of adding AS to the media on RNA stability and its compatibility with SARS-CoV-2 antigen detection were also tested. We found that adding AS to the denaturing transport media reduced the need for high levels of GITC, improved SARS-COV-2 RNA detection without compromising virus inactivation, and enabled the denaturing transport media compatible with SARS-CoV-2 antigen detection.

Zinc tungstate integrated onto zinc oxide h-MDs-based flexible piezoelectric power device: A new energy technology for real-time indoor laboratory safety warning system

With the rapid development of research world, the number of researchers and research laboratories is increasing rapidly. Simultaneously, accidents in laboratories are on the rise, drawing significant attention from everyone. To address this issue, the current study demonstrates a real-time safety early warning alarm system aimed at preventing accidents and enhancing safety management in laboratories. We developed a zinc tungstate nanoparticles (NPs) integrated on zinc oxide hexagonal microdiscks (h-MDs) (ZnO–ZnWO4@PDMS) composite based on a novel flexible piezoelectric nanogenerator (FPENG). The observed piezoelectric response was 1.32 V, which is ∼4 times better than that of pure ZnWO4, owing to the synergistic effect of ZnO–ZnWO4@PDMS. When subjected to finger-tapping motion, the FPENG can charge a 1 μF capacitor, and it reached 81 mV within 56 s. Subsequently, the light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are powered with amplification. The FPENG system was demonstrated and validated through real-time application in the laboratory setting, marked as a “caution/restricted” line. The application of the system demonstrated its capability to simultaneously illuminate LEDs and sound alarms when people touch or cross the caution line. Furthermore, the proposed FPENG exhibited ∼660 mV even ∼90 % humidity, with no noticeable electrical changes under different solvents, confirming that the proposed FPENG is not affected by varying humidity and various indoor conditions. These outstanding results and real-time demonstrations unequivocally establish the feasibility of this system in contexts such as bank lockers, metro systems, hilly areas, and more.

Empowering Student Laboratory Safety Officer Programs to Strengthen Academic Safety Culture

Empowering Student Laboratory Safety Officer Programs to Strengthen Academic Safety Culture

Low Phase Ratio Stationary Phase Column Technology for the Characterization of Highly Volatile and Reactive Compounds by Gas-Liquid Chromatography

Recent advances in coating techniques and improved polymers employed as gas chromatographic stationary phases have resulted in commercializing low phase ratio capillary column technology with respectable chromatographic efficiency and inertness. Highly volatile compounds that are critical in challenging industrial applications such as alkanes, alkenes, arsine, phosphine, oxygenated, and sulfur compounds have been successfully analyzed with respectable chromatographic performance and resolution using a low phase ratio column such as a 60 m × 0.32 mm id × 8 µm polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) with a β value of 10. An R value of 5.6 was achieved for the separation of hydrogen sulfide and carbonyl sulfide without the use of cryogenic chromatography. In addition to improved retention for highly volatile organic compounds, a low phase ratio column can be employed effectively to enhance chromatographic inertness for reactive analytes. The augmentation of a 3D-printed two stage microreactor for use with flame ionization detection enabled carbon compound independent response, thereby lower cost-of-ownership and improved lab safety.

Study on the comparison between Bosentan and Macitentan in the treatment of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborns, simultaneously on sildenafil: A randomized double-blinded non-inferiority parallel clinical trial

BackgroundPersistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) is characterized by sustained elevated Pulmonary Artery Pressure (PAP). Drug resistance and the adverse effects of current therapeutic agents warrant investigation of other targeted therapies. Bosentan has shown benefits in affected neonates. However, trials reported the association with unwanted effects. Thus, in this study, we assess another agent in the same family, Macitentan. However, its efficacy in the treatment of PPHN is not yet reported. Hence, this study evaluated the effect of Macitentan compared to Bosentan in terms of efficacy and safety in the treatment of PPHN. MethodsThis randomized, double-blinded non-inferiority clinical trial was conducted in Shahid Akbar Abadi hospital, Tehran, Iran. Sixty clinically stable neonates with signs suggestive of PPHN were randomly allocated into two groups (n = 30 in each group) and they received either Bosentan 1 mg/kg/dose BD (twice daily) or Macitentan 1 mg/kg/dose BD simultaneously with sildenafil. The echocardiographic and laboratory indices of efficacy and safety were compared between groups. SPAP (systolic pulmonary artery pressure) was used to assess the non-inferiority of the Macitentan compared to the Bosentan in their respective doses used in the study. ResultsParticipants’ mean (SD) age was 3.53 (1.21) days, and 55% were female. No mortality case occurred. SPAP was reduced in both Bosentan and Macitenan groups with the mean difference in SPAP of 9 (95% CI: 7.34–10.65) in Bosentan and SPAP mean difference of 14 (95% CI: 12.12–15.86) in Macitentan group. Categorical comparison of primary outcome improvement showed that Macitentan was superior to Bosentan with a 10% non-inferiority margin. Similar results were obtained in other echocardiographic indices. Also, no significant alterations were observed in laboratory safety parameters. ConclusionMacitentan 1 mg/kg/dose BD (twice daily) is non-inferior to Bosentan 1 mg/kg/dose BD in improving echo outcomes of PPHN and it was even more effective in improving some of these. Also, it is non-inferior to Bosentan in terms of safety. Trial registry number(IRCT20160120026115N9).

Construction and Research of University Medical Laboratory Safety Education Management System

University laboratories play a vital role in experimental teaching and scientific research. As the basis of laboratory safety management, laboratory safety education is an important means to eliminate hidden dangers and improve the level of laboratory safety management. Combining the characteristics and safety risks of medical laboratories, this study adheres to the goal of people-oriented and life-first safety management. Construct and innovate the medical laboratory safety education management system from five aspects: building laboratory safety responsibility system, improving laboratory safety management system construction, improving laboratory safety management and protection system, strengthening laboratory safety education and publicity system construction and implementing laboratory safety inspection and rectification system, and improve the effectiveness of laboratory safety education, improve the comprehensive quality and safety awareness of laboratory personnel, form a good safety atmosphere for medical laboratories, ensuring the safe and stable operation of medical laboratories, and help the "double first-class" construction of universities and the construction of healthy China.

Safety and immunogenicity of a polyvalent DNA–protein HIV vaccine with matched Env immunogens delivered as a prime–boost regimen or coadministered in HIV-uninfected adults in the USA (HVTN 124): a phase 1, placebo-controlled, double-blind randomised controlled trial

An effective HIV vaccine will most likely need to have potent immunogenicity and broad cross-subtype coverage. The aim of the HIV Vaccine Trials Network (HVTN) 124 was to evaluate safety and immunogenicity of a unique polyvalent DNA-protein HIV vaccine with matching envelope (Env) immunogens. HVTN 124 was a randomised, phase 1, placebo-controlled, double-blind study, including participants who were HIV seronegative and aged 18-50 years at low risk for infection. The DNA vaccine comprised five plasmids: four copies expressing Env gp120 (clades A, B, C, and AE) and one gag p55 (clade C). The protein vaccine included four DNA vaccine-matched GLA-SE-adjuvanted recombinant gp120 proteins. Participants were enrolled across six clinical sites in the USA and were randomly assigned to placebo or one of two vaccine groups (ie, prime-boost or coadministration) in a 5:1 ratio in part A and a 7:1 ratio in part B. Vaccines were delivered via intramuscular needle injection. The primary outcomes were safety and tolerability, assessed via frequency, severity, and attributability of local and systemic reactogenicity and adverse events, laboratory safety measures, and early discontinuations. Part A evaluated safety. Part B evaluated safety and immunogenicity of two regimens: DNA prime (administered at months 0, 1, and 3) with protein boost (months 6 and 8), and DNA-protein coadministration (months 0, 1, 3, 6, and 8). All randomly assigned participants who received at least one dose were included in the safety analysis. The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03409276) and is closed to new participants. Between April 19, 2018 and Feb 13, 2019, 60 participants (12 in part A [five men and seven women] and 48 in part B [21 men and 27 women]) were enrolled. All 60 participants received at least one dose, and 14 did not complete follow-up (six of 21 in the prime-boost group and eight of 21 in the coadminstration group). 11 clinical adverse events deemed by investigators as study-related occurred in seven of 48 participants in part B (eight of 21 in the prime-boost group and three of 21 in the coadministration group). Local reactogenicity in the vaccine groups was common, but the frequency and severity of reactogenicity signs or symptoms did not differ between the prime-boost and coadministration groups (eg, 20 [95%] of 21 in the prime-boost group vs 21 [100%] of 21 in the coadministration group had either local pain or tenderness of any severity [p=1·00], and seven [33%] vs nine [43%] had either erythema or induration [p=0·97]), nor did laboratory safety measures. There were no delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions or vasculitis or any severe clinical adverse events related to vaccination. The most frequently reported systemic reactogenicity symptoms in the active vaccine groups were malaise or fatigue (five [50%] of ten in part A and 17 [81%] of 21 in the prime-boost group vs 15 [71%] of 21 in the coadministration group in part B), headache (five [50%] and 18 [86%] vs 12 [57%]), and myalgia (four [40%] and 13 [62%] vs ten [48%]), mostly of mild or moderate severity. Both vaccine regimens were safe, warranting evaluation in larger trials. US National Institutes of Health and US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

Gamifying cell culture training: The ‘Seru-Otchi’ experience for undergraduates

Working in a stem cell laboratory necessitates a thorough understanding of complex cell culture protocols, the operation of sensitive scientific equipment, adherence to safety standards, and general laboratory etiquette. For novice student researchers, acquiring the necessary specialized knowledge before their initial laboratory experience can be a formidable task. Similarly, for experienced laboratory personnel, efficiently and uniformly training new trainees to a rigorous standard presents a significant challenge. In response to these issues, we have developed an educational and interactive virtual cell culture environment. This interactive virtual lab aims to equip students with foundational knowledge in maintaining cortical brain organoids and to instill an understanding of pertinent safety procedures and laboratory etiquette. The gamification of this training process seeks to provide laboratory supervisors in highly specialized fields with an effective tool to integrate students into their work environments more rapidly and safely.

Acceptance of augmented reality for laboratory safety training: methodology and an evaluation study

This paper presents a proof-of-concept Augmented Reality (AR) system known as “SMARTLab” for safety training in hazardous material science laboratories. The paper contains an overview of the design rationale, development, methodology, and user study. Participants of the user study were domain experts (i.e., actual lab users in a material science research department, n = 13), and the evaluation used a questionnaire and free-form interview responses. The participants undertook a virtual lab experiment, designed in collaboration with a domain expert. While using the AR environment, they were accompanied by a virtual assistant. The user study provides preliminary findings about the impact of multiple dimensions, such as Performance Expectancy, Emotional Reactivity, and Spatial Presence, on SMARTLab acceptance by analyzing their influence on the Behavioral Intention dimension. The findings indicate that users find the approach useful and that they would consider using such a system. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of the SMARTLab assessment data suggests that a) AR-based training is a potential solution for laboratory safety training without the risk of real-world hazards, b) realism remains an important property for some aspects such as fluid dynamics and experimental procedure, and c) use of a virtual assistant is welcome and provides no sense of discomfort or unease. Furthermore, the study recommends the use of AR assistance tools (a virtual assistant, an attention funnel, and an in-situ arrow) to improve usability and make the training experience more user-friendly.

Laboratory Safety Regulations and Training must Emphasize the Underpinning Research Ethics Perspectives

Laboratory Safety Regulations and Training must Emphasize the Underpinning Research Ethics Perspectives

Interactive remote electrical safety laboratory module in biomedical engineering education

Interactive remote electrical safety laboratory module in biomedical engineering education

Science lab safety goes immersive: An ecological media-comparison study with gender analyses assessing iVR’s learning effectiveness

We conducted a media-comparison study in ecologically valid settings to understand immersive virtual reality’s (iVR’s) instructional effectiveness in a university science course. We tested how complementing regular science lab safety instruction with interactive iVR simulation, desktop simulation, or the re-viewing of a text-heavy manual compare with each other in terms of knowledge-related and affective learning outcomes. We also explored gender differences in the outcomes across these instructional conditions. 102 undergraduates (51 females) were randomly assigned to one of the instructional conditions. Throughout the one-day course, all students received the same set of instructions, demonstrations, and hands-on lab safety training except for the following: the iVR group engaged with HMD-based interactive lab safety iVR training simulation; the desktop group interacted with the same simulation on a laptop, whereas the remaining group re-viewed the text-heavy course material in detail. Topic knowledge-related and self-report affective data were collected before and immediately after the course. Statistical analyses revealed that: (i) all three instructional modes helped students gain significant lab safety knowledge, (ii) there were several significant between-group differences in multiple affective measures, and (iii) the instructional modes affected/benefited the two genders considerably differently. Besides extending previous findings, the strong ecological grounding of our results adds important insights into real-life implications of integrating different media in undergraduate education. Our gender-related findings merely scratch the surface on the complex issue of “designing for diversity”, inviting scaled-up efforts to develop more equitable technology-enhanced science learning settings to address the cognitive-affective needs of different genders and other diversities.

Assessment of Efficacy and Safety of Dr.Ortho Capsules in Managing Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Phase IV Post-Marketing Surveillance Study

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the potential efficacy and safety of Dr. Ortho capsules in managing various musculoskeletal conditions, including knee pain, joint stiffness, arthritis, bulky shoulders, joint inflammation, acute sports injuries, strains, and sprains. Methods: The study was a single centric, open-label, non-randomized, post-marketing surveillance study involving 120 subjects. Subjects were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The study assessed changes in pain intensity and disability levels after the administration of Dr. Ortho capsules, employing the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), respectively. Additionally, safety was evaluated through physical examinations, vital sign monitoring, and laboratory safety parameters. Results: The study revealed significant reductions in pain intensity and disability levels among the participants. Pain intensity, as measured by VAS, decreased significantly (p< 0.0001) from a mean score of 4.84 at baseline (day 1) to 0.38 at the end of the study (day 30). Disability levels, indicated by ODI, significantly improved (p<0.0001) from a mean score of 14.73% at baseline to 1.88% at the end of the study. There were no reported adverse events during the study, and all safety parameters remained within normal ranges. Conclusion: The findings of the study suggest that Dr. Ortho capsules may offer effective relief for individuals with musculoskeletal conditions, reducing pain intensity and improving functional abilities. The absence of adverse events and the maintenance of normal safety parameters indicate the safety of Dr. Ortho capsules for human consumption.

The Development of Electronic Modules (E-Module) For Learning Chemical Safety and Security in High School Laboratories

The use of e-learning was very helpful in the distance learning process that was implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the applications of e-Learning media that can be used is the electronic module (e-Module). The purpose of this study is to develop electronic modules (e-Module) on chemical safety and security in high school laboratories. This study uses a descriptive quantitative method with research and development outlined by Borg and Gall. The instrument used in this study was a questionnaire. The e-Module was validated by experts in media and graphics, and experts in content and language. The e-Module was also tested by chemistry teachers, students in 10th grade, and college students in the chemistry education program. The result from the assessment given by experts, teachers, and students from the validation and trial stage can be interpreted as well up to very good. It can be concluded that the e-Module is feasible to be used as a learning media of Chemistry on Chemical Safety and Security in High-School Laboratories for high-school students.
 Keywords: electronic module, chemical safety, security

Re: Laboratory safety evaluation of bedinvetmab, a canine anti-nerve growth factor monoclonal antibody, in dogs

We are writing to express our interest in the article entitled “Laboratory safety evaluation of bedinvetmab, a canine anti-nerve growth factor monoclonal antibody, in dogs”, published in the October, 2021 issue of The Veterinary Journal, Volume 276, 105733, by Krautmann and others.

An investigation into accidents in laboratories in universities in China caused by human error: A study based on improved CREAM and SPAR-H

Although considerable research has been devoted to improving safety in university laboratories, accidents, in that environment, have still occurred frequently at the cost of serious injury or even death of laboratory personnel. Currently, few Human Reliability Analyses (HRA) have been conducted with respect to a university laboratory. The aim of the research was to conduct a reliability study relating to human behaviour in a university laboratory to explore quantitatively the causes and influencing factors relating to the frequency of laboratory accidents. Improved Cognitive Reliability and Error Analysis Method (CREAM) and improved Standardized Plant Analysis Risk HRA (SPAR-H) were employed to assess Human Error Probability (HEP) of 23 subjects. The HEP calculated through improved CREAM proved more accurate than results obtained through improved SPAR-H. Unexpectedly, the results demonstrated that under similar environmental conditions, the HEP of subjects did not decrease with an increase in educational background, including additional experimental time and experience. Moreover, environmental conditions exerted greater impact on personnel reliability than Human Inherent Factors (HIFs) in laboratories. It is anticipated that the study would provide valuable insights, in respect of research methods, and to serve as a practical basis for lowering the accident rate in university laboratories.

WeChat mini program in laboratory biosafety education among medical students at Guangzhou Medical University: a mixed method study of feasibility and usability

BackgroundLaboratory biosafety should be a priority in all healthcare institutions. In traditional laboratory safety teaching students typically receive knowledge passively from their teachers without active involvement. The combination of experiential learning and mobile learning may provide students with greater engagement, retention, and application of knowledge. To address this issue, we developed and conducted a convergent mixed methods study to assess the feasibility and usability of a WeChat mini program (WMP) named WeMed for laboratory biosafety education for medical laboratory students at Guangzhou Medical University (GMU).MethodsThe study was conducted between November 2022 and October 2023 among second-year undergraduate students at GMU. It involved the concurrent collection, analysis, and interpretation of both qualitative and quantitative data to assess feasibility and usability. In the quantitative strand, two evaluations were conducted via online surveys from students (n = 67) after a four-week study period. The System Usability Scale (SUS) was used to evaluate usability, while self-developed questions were used to assess feasibility. Additionally, a knowledge test was administered 6 months after the program completion. In the qualitative strand, fourteen semi-structured interviews were conducted, whereby a reflexive thematic analysis was utilized to analyze the interview data.ResultsThe overall SUS score is adequate (M = 68.17, SD = 14.39). The acceptability of the WeMed program is in the marginal high range. Most students agreed that WeMed was useful for learning biosafety knowledge and skills (13/14, 93%), while 79% (11/14) agreed it was easy to use and they intended to continue using it. After 6 months, a significant difference in the knowledge test scores was observed between the WeMed group (n = 67; 2nd year students) and the traditional training group (n = 90; 3rd year students). However, the results should be interpreted cautiously due to the absence of a pretest.ConclusionThe combination of experiential learning and mobile learning with WMP is a feasible tool for providing laboratory biosafety knowledge and skills. Ongoing improvements should be made in order to increase long-term acceptance.