Standard Vials Research Articles

Population parameters of Drosophila larval cooperative foraging.

Cooperative foraging behavior can be advantageous when there is a common exploitable resource. By cooperating, members of the group can take advantage of the potential of increased efficiency of working together as well as equitable distribution of the product. An experimental signature of cooperative foraging is an Allee effect where at a certain number of individuals, there is a peak of fitness. What happens when there are intruders especially ones that do not contribute to any work required for foraging? Drosophila larvae secrete digestive enzymes and exodigest food. Under crowded conditions in liquid food these larvae form synchronized feeding clusters which provides a fitness benefit. A key for this synchronized feeding behavior is the visually guided alignment between adjacent larvae in a feeding cluster. Larvae who do not align their movements are excluded from the groups and subsequently lose the benefit. This may be a way of editing the group to include only known members. To test the model, the fitness benefit from cooperative behavior was further investigated to establish an Allee effect for a number of strains including those who cannot exodigest or cluster. In a standard lab vial, about 40 larvae is the optimal number for fitness. Combinations of these larvae were also examined. The expectation was that larvae who do not contribute to exodigestion are obligate cheaters and would be expelled. Indeed, obligate cheaters gain greatly from the hosts but paradoxically, so do the hosts. Clusters that include cheaters are more stable. Therefore, clustering and the benefits from it are dependent on more than just the contribution to exodigestion. This experimental system should provide a rich future model to understand the metrics of cooperative behavior.

Validation of collection and anaerobic fermentation techniques for measuring prebiotic impact on gut microbiota

BackgroundDefining the ability of prebiotic dietary carbohydrates to influence the composition and metabolism of the gut microbiota is central to defining their health impact in diverse individuals. Many clinical trials are using indirect methods. This study aimed to validate collection and fermentation methods enabling their use in the context of clinical studies. Methods and ResultsParameters tested included stool sample acquisition, storage, and growth conditions. Stool from 3 infants and 3 adults was collected and stored under varying conditions. Samples were cultured anaerobically for two days in the presence of prebiotics, whereupon optical density and pH were measured across time. Whole genome shotgun sequencing and NMR metabolomics were performed. Neither the type of collection vial (standard vial and two different BD anaerobic collection vials) nor cryopreservation (-80 °C or 4 °C) significantly influenced either microbial composition at 16 h of anaerobic culture or the principal components of the metabolome at 8 or 16 h. Metagenomic differences were driven primarily by subject, while metabolomic differences were driven by fermentation sugar (2’-fucosyllactose or dextrose). ConclusionsThese data identified a feasible and valid approach for prebiotic fermentation analysis of individual samples in large clinical studies: collection of stool microbiota using standard vials; cryopreservation prior to testing; and collecting fermentation read-out at 8 and 16 hr. Thus, fermentation analysis can be a valid technique for testing the effects of prebiotics on human fecal microbiota.

Evaluation of the Applicability of External X-ray Radiation to Stimulate the Autoradiolysis Processes in Therapeutic Radiopharmaceuticals (Exemplified by [153Sm]Sm-PSMA-617 and [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617)

The paper presents the results of a study on the radiolytic degradation of vector molecules in radiopharmaceuticals, caused by ionizing radiation from the radionuclide used in the preparations, in comparison with the equal dose of external X-ray irradiation. The dose factors for therapeutic radionuclides samarium-153 and lutetium-177 in aqueous solutions were estimated in geometry simulating the finished dosage form of radiopharmaceuticals (standard injection vial ) both by computational methods (in silico) and applying chemical dosimetry. Irradiation with external X-ray source to doses formed in volume of therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals with given radioactivity concentration was performed on an LNK-268 X-ray unit. Using the [153Sm]Sm-PSMA-617 and [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 radiopharmaceuticals as an instance, we compared the degree of radiolytic degradation and the profiles of radiolytic impurities formed as a result of both external X-ray irradiation and autoradiolysis. Qualitative coincidence of the impurity profiles formed in both cases was noted. It has been shown that external X-ray radiation can be used to simulate the autoradiolysis processes of radiopharmaceuticals if additional corrections are made for the type of radiation and dose rate.

BD BACTEC™ Mycosis IC/F culture vials for fungemia diagnosis and follow-up: a retrospective study from 2013 to 2020

This retrospective study compared the BD BACTEC™ Mycosis IC/F with the BD BACTEC™ Plus Aerobic/F and BD BACTEC™ Lytic Anaerobic/F culture vials (i.e., standard vials) for fungemia diagnosis at Nîmes University Hospital, France. From 2013 to 2020, 57 blood samples were concomitantly collected in the 3 culture vial types. For 43.8% of these samples, all vials were positive for yeast. The mean time to positivity was shorter (32.0 hours vs 44.2 hours; −12.2 hours) and longer (89.4 hours vs 33.7 hours; +55.7 hours) with the BD BACTEC™ Mycosis IC/F culture vials than with the other culture vials in patients without and with antifungal treatment, respectively. Moreover 31.6% and 24.6% of samples were positive only with the standard vials and with the BD BACTEC™ Mycosis IC/F culture vials, respectively. The BD BACTEC™ Mycosis IC/F culture vials are useful for the initial fungemia diagnosis (before any treatment) because they provide faster results.

A sensor-based system for rapid on-site testing of microbial contamination in meat samples and carcasses.

To develop an oxygen sensor-based method for testing total aerobic viable counts (TVC) in raw meat samples and cattle carcass swabs, which is rapid, simple, affordable, provides good sensitivity and analytical performance and allows on-site use. The test uses the same sample preparation procedure as the established plate counting TVC method for meat samples and carcasses, ISO4833-1:2013. After this liquid samples are transferred into standard 25-ml vials with built-in phosphorescent O2 sensors and incubated on a block heater with hourly readings of sensor signals with a handheld reader, to determine signal threshold time (TT, hours) for each sample. The method is demonstrated with the quantification of TVC in industrial cuts of raw beef meat (CFU per g) and carcass swabs (CFU per cm2 ). Calibration curves were generated, which give the following analytical equations for calculating the TVC load in unknown samples from measured TT values: TVC [Log(CFU per cm2 )] = 7.83-0.73*TT(h) and TVC [Log(CFU per g)] = 8.74-0.70*TT(h) for the carcass swabs and meat samples respectively. The new tests show good correlation with the ISO methods, with correlation coefficients 0.85 and 0.83 respectively. The testing requires no dilutions, covers the ranges 2-7 Log(CFU per g) for the meat samples and 1-7 Log(CFU per cm2 ) for carcass swabs, and has time to result 1-10h with faster detection of more contaminated samples. The sensor-based testing demonstrates simplicity, high speed, sample throughput and automation. It can provide a straightforward replacement for the conventional TVC tests, which are time consuming, laborious and have time to result of 48-72h. The method(s) can be adopted by the meat industry and research labs, and used to improve microbial quality and safety of meat products and processes.

Genetic basis of offspring number–body weight tradeoff in Drosophila melanogaster

Drosophila melanogaster egg production, a proxy for fecundity, is an extensively studied life-history trait with a strong genetic basis. As eggs develop into larvae and adults, space and resource constraints can put pressure on the developing offspring, leading to a decrease in viability, body size, and lifespan. Our goal was to map the genetic basis of offspring number and weight under the restriction of a standard laboratory vial. We screened 143 lines from the Drosophila Genetic Reference Panel for offspring numbers and weights to create an “offspring index” that captured the number vs weight tradeoff. We found 18 genes containing 30 variants associated with variation in the offspring index. Validation of hid, Sox21b, CG8312, and mub candidate genes using gene disruption mutants demonstrated a role in adult stage viability, while mutations in Ih and Rbp increased offspring number and increased weight, respectively. The polygenic basis of offspring number and weight, with many variants of small effect, as well as the involvement of genes with varied functional roles, support the notion of Fisher’s “infinitesimal model” for this life-history trait.

Automated device for continuous stirring while sampling in liquid chromatography systems

Ultra-performance liquid chromatography is a common analysis tool, and stirring is common in many laboratory setups. Here we show a device which enables continuous stirring of samples whilst inside an ultra-performance liquid chromatography system. Utilizing standard magnetic stirring bars that fit standard vials, the device allows for the automation of experimental setups that require stirring. The device is designed such that it can replace the standard sample holder and fits in its place, while being battery operated. The use of three-dimensional (3D) printing and commercially available parts enables low-effort and low-cost device production, as well as easy modifications. Testing the device was performed by video analysis and by following the kinetics of a dynamic combinatorial library that is known to be exquisitely sensitive to agitation, as a result of involving a fiber growth-breakage mechanism. Design files and schematics are provided.

Frequency of valproic acid induced thrombocytopenia in epileptic patients in Tertiary Care Hospital, Faisalabad.

Epilepsy may be defined as recurrent abnormal neuronal discharge leading to seizures or periods of unusual behavior, sensations and sometimes loss of awareness. Valproic acid is a widely-used first-generation antiepileptic drug. It has good efficacy and pharmacoeconomic profiles. But adverse drug reactions are also reported. Thrombocytopenia is one of the adverse effects of valproic acid treatment. But local evidence was lacking. So we conducted this study to get local evidence. Objectives: To see the frequency of thrombocytopenia in epileptic patients taking valproic acid. Study Design: Descriptive cross sectional. Setting: Pediatric Department of DHQ Hospital Faisalabad. Period: 19-06-2017 to 19-12-2017. Material & Methods: 75 children were included. Then after taking informed consent patient’s blood sample was taken for complete blood count in standard vials and was sent to DHQ hospital pathology laboratory to diagnose thrombocytopenia as a count less than 150000cmm, where reports were verified by pathologist. All the data was analyzed by using SPSS version 20. Results: In this study, the mean age of patients was 6.59±3.15 years. There were 43 (57.3%) males and 32 (42.7%) females. In this study, 34 (45.3%) children had generalized type of epilepsy while 41 (54.7%) had focal type of epilepsy. The mean duration of valproic acid treatment was 3.15±2.82 years. The mean dose of valproic acid treatment was 38.40±6.07mg/kg. The mean platelet count 199602.87±58058.85mg/dl and 18 (24%) had thrombocytopenia while 57 (76%) did not develop thrombocytopenia. Conclusion: Thus the frequency of thrombocytopenia is low but still we will advise the patients to screen out themselves for bleeding or bruising.

Testing for local adaptation in adult male and female fitness among populations evolved under different mate competition regimes.

Mating/fertilization success and fecundity are influenced by sexual interactions among individuals, the nature and frequency of which can vary among different environments. The extent of local adaptation for such adult fitness components is poorly understood. We allowed 63 populations of Drosophila melanogaster to independently evolve in one of three mating environments that alter sexual interactions: one involved enforced monogamy, while the other two permitted polygamy in either structurally simple standard fly vials or in larger "cages" with added complexity. Adult male and female reproductive fitness were measured after 16 and 28 generations, respectively, via full reciprocal transplants. In males, reciprocal local adaptation was observed between the monogamy and simple polygamy treatments, consistent with the evolution of reproductively competitive males under polygamy that perform poorly under monogamy because they harm their only mate. However, males evolved in the complex polygamy treatment performed similarly or better than all other males in all mating environments, consistent with previous results showing higher genetic quality in this treatment. Differences in female fitness were more muted, suggesting selection on females was less divergent across the mating treatments and echoing a common pattern of greater phenotypic and expression divergence in males than females.

Comparative Leachable Study of Glass Vials to Demonstrate the Impact of Low Fill Volume.

The pharmacopeia method for measuring the chemical durability of parenteral glass packaging is the hydrolytic resistance test in which the vial is filled to 90% of its brimful volume as described, for example, in USP <660>. However, an increasing number of innovative drugs are filled significantly below the nominal volume of the vial. As a consequence, the determined hydrolytic resistance is not representative of the concentrations of leached "glass" elements for low fill volumes. This is attributable to two main factors: Firstly, an increasing ratio of the wetted surface to volume and secondly an increased leaching tendency typically observed with borosilicate glass of the wall near bottom area, especially when standard manufacturing technology is applied.The extent of both contributing effects has been analyzed by determining the amounts of the representative leached "glass" elements, boron, sodium, and silicon, after vial storage for 24 weeks at 40°C with different fill volumes (0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mL). The vials which have been investigated in this study have a nominal fill volume of 2 mL, were made from Type I class B borosilicate glass (Fiolax®) and from aluminosilicate glass and were filled with either purified water or a 15% KCl solution.The standard conversion process for tubing into vials was used for Fiolax vials (standard quality vials) and for aluminosilicate vials. In addition, an optimized conversion process (delamination controlled technology) was used to create low-fill quality Fiolax vials. The vial quality obtained from the two different converting technologies greatly influenced the concentrations of leached "glass" elements measured, especially when low fill volumes were used.LAY ABSTRACT: Borosilicate glass containers, because of their chemical inertness, excellent barrier properties, high transparency, and mechanical stability, have been successfully used for decades to package parenteral drug formulations. Nevertheless, Type I glass can be altered over a period of time when in contact with the drug formulation. The result of this interaction is even more pronounced for some new innovative drugs that are delivered to the patient in small dosages significantly below the nominal storage capacity of the glass vials. When the fill volume of the vials is reduced, the contribution of the bottom area to the wetted surface increases, resulting in a higher surface-to-volume ratio. Therefore, the concentrations of leached elements will be increased and this can cause problems for sensitive medical products. This effect is not usually observed with the standard test procedures described in the pharmacopeia because the vials are filled with a high volume to 90% brimful capacity (e.g., as described in USP <660>). In this study, the leachable behaviors of vials made of borosilicate and aluminosilicate glass were evaluated by using medium and low fill volumes with storage for 24 weeks at 40°C. The standard conversion process to manufacture a vial from glass tubing introduces volatile "glass" elements into the vial wall near the bottom area. This mechanism has been described and supported by time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) measurements of the inner vial surface as reported by Rupertus et al. The diffusion mechanism of volatile components will increase the leaching propensity of the vial, especially for low fill volumes. However, innovative manufacturing techniques are able to avoid the diffusion of volatile elements into the wall near the bottom area. This is achieved by a specific process setup in combination with a suitable monitoring test during vial production, which gives a quantitative measure of the leaching tendency of the wall near the bottom area. Borosilicate glass vials manufactured with this setup (low-fill quality vials) showed a drastic reduction in leachables, especially with low fill volumes. Vials composed of a boron-free glass showed no advantages in terms of leaching behavior when compared with borosilicate glass vials in general.

IMPROVING PLEURAL MICROBIOLOGY YIELD WITH BLOOD CULTURE BOTTLES

SESSION TITLE: Chest Infections 1 SESSION TYPE: Original Investigation Posters PRESENTED ON: 10/10/2018 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM PURPOSE: Pleural infection, a complication of pneumonia, is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. To maximize the success in treatment, identification of the infectious agent is of utmost importance. When performing thoracenteses, fluid samples are typically collected in sterile containers, and are then sent for gram stain and culture. The yield using this method, however, is low, with previous reports hovering around 40%. This often leads to excessive use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, or potentially increased antibiotic resistance. Using blood culture bottles has been shown to significantly increase the yield of positive microbiology results (in one study, from 37.7% to 58.5%). Implementing this into common practice may therefore lead to more specific antibiotic targets and improve patient outcome. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we reviewed patients in three New York hospitals who had undergone small bore chest tube placement by pulmonary physicians over a nine-month period (June 2017 - February 2018). Of these, we identified eight cases of empyema, based on pleural fluid analysis (pH < 7.2, glucose < 5, presence of pus, positive gram stain or culture), and clinical presentation. Through chart review, we looked at the microbiology results and the antibiotic regimen each patient received. RESULTS: In each case, a pleural fluid sample was sent for microbiology analysis using standard sterile thoracentesis containers. Three out of the 8 cases had positive microbiology results (37.5%), which was similar to the percentage seen in prior reports. There was no statistically significant difference regarding hospital length of stay or mortality between patients with positive and negative results. CONCLUSIONS: Using standard techniques, the yield of microbiology testing of pleural fluid is relatively low at these three academic institutions. Sampling pleural fluid with blood culture bottles may improve the yield of microbiology testing. An increase in positive results will enable the pulmonary team to more effectively treat pleural infections, although it is unclear if this will affect patient length of stay or mortality. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: With this data, we plan to implement a quality improvement project wherein all patients with pleural infections who undergo small bore chest tube placement will have microbiology testing of the pleural fluid analysis utilizing blood culture bottles in place of the standard sterile vials. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Young Im Lee, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Adam Rothman, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Gorav Sharma, source=Web Response

The composition of nonbeverage alcohols consumed in Russia in 2015–2017

Introduction From previous research it is known that nonbeverage alcohols (NAs) were consumed by significant proportions of Russian population for drinking (e.g. 7% of working age males). In illegal NAs spirits other than ethanol may be used for their manufacturing. Such cases of illegal production from time to time manifest in outbreaks of deadly alcohol poisonings. The most recent such outbreak occurred in December 17–26 2016 in the Siberian city of Irkutsk, where 123 people, who drunk spirituous bath additive “Hawthorn” containing admixture of methanol, were poisoned, of whom 76 died. In a previous study conducted in 2005 NAs typically contained rectified highly concentrated ethanol. However, the study was conducted more than a decade ago and on a relatively small number of samples purchased only in one region of Russian Federation. To provide most up to date information on the problem we conducted a study of composition of NAs, which were available in retail in cities across the vast geography of Russia. Methods For analysis of composition we selected 92 samples of NAs, which were purchased in a survey of NAs availability in 50 Russian cities between 2015 and 2017. Consumption for drinking of selected types of NAs has been confirmed in simultaneous survey of subjects with substance use disorders recruited in narcology clinic in Kazan, Russia in 2015–2017. Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS) on a Hewlett-Packard 7820A gas chromatograph were used to determine NAs composition. For detection of extractable organic components we employed a method of micro extraction in a vial. For this purpose nonbeverage alcohol, internal standard and extragent were aliquoted to a standard vial for auto injector. After extraction of organic compounds inside the vial in a vibro shaker and separation of organic layer the later was taken for GC-MS analysis. The literature on toxicity of identified admixtures was reviewed. Results The majority of NAs contained 60 v/v% or more ethanol and represented either pure solutions of ethanol without other admixtures, or contained specific active ingredients. The following substances were identified in significant amounts in some of the analysed samples: –eau-de-colognes and some lotions consumed for drinking (e.g. Troynoi, Shipr, Ogurechniy, Hawthorn): propylene glycol and polypropylene glycols (e.g. dypropylene glycol), phenylethyl alcohol, linalyl anthranilate, ethyl salicylate, diphenyl ether; butylated hydroxytoluene, 3-phenyl-2-butanol, benzenemethanol, cyclamal, lilyal, and other substances; –cosmetic lotions: diethyl phthalate; –antiseptics: formic acid; –medicinal tinctures: compounds of plant extracts. Some medicinal tinctures sold in 100 ml bottles and cosmetic lotions didn’t contain active substances (e.g. capsaicin, flavouring agents, plant extracts). Conclusions On some identified compounds (e.g. 3,3′-oxybis-2-butanol; lilyal, etc.) limited or no human toxicity data is available, especially when ingested. Propylene glycols, although classed as substances with low toxicity, when ingested in large amounts may cause metabolic acidosis, cardiac arrhythmias and even cardiac arrest. Antiseptic containing 1.4% solution of formic acid in 70% ethanol when swallowed may cause multiple toxic effects of various severities, depending on amount consumed. These include gastrointestinal mucous burns, ulcerations, and bleeding; circulatory collapse, renal failure, ischemic lesions in liver and heart; late oesophageal, gastric and pyloric stenosis; asphyxial death due to glottic oedema, or due to toxic shock among others. Absence of active substances in some NAs suggests their illegal nature. Control of NAs production and consumption in Russia must be a priority as toxicity of some of them is determined not only by cheap concentrated ethanol, but also by other toxic admixtures. More toxicological research is needed on interaction of various compounds of NAs with ethanol and its metabolites.

Blister Packaging Medication Increases Treatment Adherence in Psychiatric Patients.

To evaluate whether blister packing medications would improve prescription medication adherence in psychiatric patients. It was hypothesized that patients in the blister pack (BP) condition would be more adherent to their daily medications than those in the dispense as usual condition. This was a randomized trial involving up to 1 year of monthly follow-up assessments. Participants were recruited from an urban Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center in the Western United States. Inclusion criteria for participants included being diagnosed with a major affective disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia, or a combination of these disorders; being 18 to 89 years of age; receiving prescription medications from the VA pharmacy; and being considered competent to manage their own medications. Of the 303 patients who consented to participate, 277 were randomized to 1 of the 2 study conditions, and 243 were retained in the study. The sample was 87% male, 47% white, with a mean age of 54.4 years. All medications prescribed and dispensed by the VA were either repackaged in monthly BPs or dispensed in standard pill vials. The primary hypothesis was supported. Patients in the BPs condition showed evidence of better adherence at 12-month follow-up, as well as larger increases in adherence from 1 month to 12 months. Psychiatric patients adhere better to prescription medication regimens when receiving their medications in BP.

The physical environment mediates male harm and its effect on selection in females.

Recent experiments indicate that male preferential harassment of high-quality females reduces the variance in female fitness, thereby weakening natural selection through females and hampering adaptation and purging. We propose that this phenomenon, which results from a combination of male choice and male-induced harm, should be mediated by the physical environment in which intersexual interactions occur. Using Drosophila melanogaster, we examined intersexual interactions in small and simple (standard fly vials) versus slightly more realistic (small cages with spatial structure) environments. We show that in these more realistic environments, sexual interactions are less frequent, are no longer biased towards high-quality females, and that overall male harm is reduced. Next, we examine the selective advantage of high- over low-quality females while manipulating the opportunity for male choice. Male choice weakens the viability advantage of high-quality females in the simple environment, consistent with previous work, but strengthens selection on females in the more realistic environment. Laboratory studies in simple environments have strongly shaped our understanding of sexual conflict but may provide biased insight. Our results suggest that the physical environment plays a key role in the evolutionary consequences of sexual interactions and ultimately the alignment of natural and sexual selection.

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among patients attending in a tertiary care hospital of eastern region of Nepal – A retrospective, laboratory based study

Background: Intestinal parasitosis still constitutes one of the major causes of public healthproblems in the world, particularly in developing countries. Nepal is a small, impoverished country prevalent to infectious diseases, including intestinal parasitosis. Poverty, lack of awareness, failure to practice proper hand washing after defecation, practice of open defecation, unsafe drinking water and use of improper toilets are some of the reasons causing of parasitic infections.Aims and Objective: To determine the types of intestinal parasites in stool samples of patients attending to hospital. Materials and Methods: Stools specimens collected in standard stool vial were submitted in microbiology (2006-2010) unit at BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences hospital (BPKIHS) were examined for intestinal parasites by direct wet mount using normal saline (0.9%) and lugol’s iodine (0.5%).Results: A total of 11,791 stool samples (2928 in 2006, 2238 in 2007, 2151 in 2008, 2344 in 2009 and 2130 in 2010) were submitted to the Parasitology section of Department of Microbiology BPKIHS were included in the analysis. Of these, 675 (5.72%) were positive intestinal protozoa and 289 (2.45%) for intestinal helminths. Giardia intestinalis accounted for the most prevalent parasitic infection (3.34%) followed by Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar (1.96%) and Hookworm (0.97%). A parasitic infection was observed to be highest among 20-50 years of age group and lowest in the less than 5 years group of subjects.Conclusion: Intestinal parasitosis is a common problem. Amoebiasis, giardiasis and the common intestinal helminthes Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm, and Trichuris trichiura were prevalent in our settings.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.8(3) 2017 55-59

Injections from sub-μL sample volumes in commercial capillary electrophoresis

A simple sample injection procedure compatible with commercial capillary electrophoresis (CE) instrumentation was developed, which enables handling sample volumes as little as 250nL for analytical applications where sample volume availability is of concern. Single-use micro-sampling inserts were prepared by thermal modification of polypropylene micropipette tips and the inserts were accommodated in standard CE vials in CE autosampler carousel. To ensure direct contact of separation capillary injection end with sample solution and to avoid possible damage to the capillary, a soft compression spring was placed at the bottom of the vial underneath the micro-sampling insert. Injections from sub-μL samples were carried out in conventional as well as in short-end injection mode, were compatible with standard i.d./o.d. (25–100μm/365μm) fused silica capillaries and with various background electrolyte solutions and detection modes. Excellent repeatability of replicate injections from 250nL to 3μL was achieved based on RSD values of quantitative analytical measures (peak heights ≤2.4% and peak areas ≤3.7%) for CE-UV–vis, CE-ESI–MS and CE-contactless conductivity detection of model basic drugs. The achieved RSD values were comparable with those for replicate injections of the drugs from standard CE vials. The reported concept of injections from micro-sampling inserts was further demonstrated useful in evaluation of micro-electromembrane extraction (μ-EME) of model basic drugs. Sub-μL volumes of operational solutions resulted in reduced lengths of μ-EME phases and improved extraction recoveries (66–91%) were achieved.

Calibrations for RA-223 chloride spect quantitative imaging

Introduction Ra-223 chloride has been approved by EMA, EU/1/13/873/001, for radionuclide therapy, by the name Xofigo in a glass vial 6.0 mL of 1100 kBq/mL solution. Its short-range high-LET α -particles may provide a means to destroy micro-metastases. Accurate dosimetry calculations are necessary in Ra-223 SPECT quantitative imaging. Purpose Patient-specific dosimetry is essential in Ra-223-chloride therapy estimations. The absorbed doses achieved should be verified, through starting procedures. Calibration and correction factors of the instruments used (Dose Calibrator – SPECT- γ -camera) should be determined. Materials and methods Radium-223 has a half-life of 11.4 days. 95.3% fraction of its energy is emitted as α -particles, 3.6% as β -particles and 1.1% as γ -radiation. The γ -rays associated with Ra-223 decay and its daughters allow for radioactivity measurements of Ra-223-Chloride by standard Capintec-CRC-15R and spectrum creation, peak selection in imaging by SPECT- γ -camera. The most prominently γ -emissions of Ra-223 and its daughters are 269.5 KeV (14%) Ra-223, 271.2 KeV (11%) Rn-219 and 351 KeV (13%) Bi-211. Results Capintec-CRC-15R-s/n158895 (pure Argon gas ionization chamber) was calibrated for accuracy, constancy, linearity and geometry. It was also calibrated with two NIST traceable radium-223 standard vials. Calibration setup in 29-6-2015 determined the calibration number and storage of Ra-223 in calibrator’s memory and a user key was created. Energy spectra of the two samples positioned on the ElScint-SPECT- γ -camera head surface were recorded graphically to study the energy distribution, decide the energy peak selection, the net area under each γ -ray peak, the full-energy-peak efficiency and put right factors. Conclusion Correction factors found that should be applied for accurate quantitative imaging measurements in patient-specific therapy by Ra-223-chloride. A protocol with all Ra-223 therapy steps in our institute has completed.

Fricke gel dosimeter with improved sensitivity for low-dose-level measurements.

Fricke solution has a wide range of applications as radiation detector and dosimetry. It is particularly appreciated in terms of relevant comparative advantages, like tissue‐equivalence when prepared in aqueous media like gel matrix, continuous mapping capability, independence of dose rate and incident direction, as well as linear dose response. This work presents the development and characterization of an improved Fricke gel system, based on modified chemical compositions, making possible its application in clinical radiology due to its improved sensitivity. Properties of standard Fricke gel dosimeter for high‐dose levels are used as a starting point, and suitable chemical modifications are introduced and carefully investigated in order to attain high resolution for low‐dose ranges, like those corresponding to radiology interventions. The developed Fricke gel radiation dosimeter system achieves the expected typical dose‐dependency, showing linear response in the dose range from 20 up to 4000 mGy. Systematic investigations including several chemical compositions are carried out in order to obtain an adequate dosimeter response for low‐dose levels. A suitable composition from among those studied is selected as a good candidate for low‐dose‐level radiation dosimetry consisting of a modified Fricke solution fixed to a gel matrix containing benzoic acid along with sulfuric acid, ferrous sulfate, Xylenol orange, and tridistilled water. Dosimeter samples are prepared in standard vials for in‐phantom irradiation and further characterization by spectrophotometry measuring visible light transmission and absorbance before and after irradiation. Samples are irradiated using typical X‐ray tubes for radiology and calibrated Farmer‐type ionization chamber is used as reference to measure dose rates inside phantoms at vial locations. Once sensitive material composition is optimized, dose‐response curves show significant improvement regarding overall sensitivity for low dose levels. The aim of this work consists of implementing the optimized gel dosimeter to perform direct measurements of absorbed dose in samples irradiated during microcomputed tomography scanning in order to preliminary assess dose levels for further scanning of small animals for further applications in veterinary and paleontology. As a first attempt, dose distributions were measured in water‐equivalent phantoms having dimensions comparable to small animals, 100 to 1000 cm3, approximately. According to the obtained results, it is found that the proposed method shows satisfactory reliability and adequate performance for a promising gel dosimetry system.PACS number(s): 87.53.Bn, 87.57.uq, 87.59.‐e

Microemulsions of Record Low Amphiphile Concentrations Are Affected by the Ambient Gravitational Field.

It is shown that the ternary system heavy water-heptane-hexadecyl hexaethylene oxide (C16E6) has a stable bicontinuous microemulsion phase down to an exceptionally low concentration at the balanced temperature of 26.8 °C. It is further demonstrated that the ambient gravitational field has an influence on the observed phase equilibria for typical sample sizes (∼1 cm). Direct measurements using a nuclear magnetic resonance imaging technique demonstrate that sample compositions vary with the height in the vials. It is furthermore found that some samples show four phases at equilibrium in apparent violation of Gibbs' phase rule. It is pointed out that Gibbs' phase rule strictly applies only when effects of gravity are negligible. A further consequence of the ambient gravitational field is that, for the system studied, the microemulsion one-phase samples are not observed, when using standard size vials, that is, sample heights on the order of a centimeter. Quantitative determinations of concentration profiles can be used to determine parameters of the free-energy density for the system.

Update on insulin treatment for dogs and cats: insulin dosing pens and more.

Insulin therapy is still the primary therapy for all diabetic dogs and cats. Several insulin options are available for each species, including veterinary registered products and human insulin preparations. The insulin chosen depends on the individual patient’s requirements. Intermediate-acting insulin is usually the first choice for dogs, and longer-acting insulin is the first choice for cats. Once the insulin type is chosen, the best method of insulin administration should be considered. Traditionally, insulin vials and syringes have been used, but insulin pen devices have recently entered the veterinary market. Pens have different handling requirements when compared with standard insulin vials including: storage out of the refrigerator for some insulin preparations once pen cartridges are in use; priming of the pen to ensure a full dose of insulin is administered; and holding the pen device in place for several seconds during the injection. Many different types of pen devices are available, with features such as half-unit dosing, large dials for visually impaired people, and memory that can display the last time and dose of insulin administered. Insulin pens come in both reusable and disposable options. Pens have several benefits over syringes, including improved dose accuracy, especially for low insulin doses.