Types Of Cartridges Research Articles

Application of Raman spectroscopy using an original optical sensor to assess the laboratory efficacy of antiplatelet drugs

The main method for monitoring the laboratory effectiveness of antiplatelet drugs in modern clinical practice is aggregometry, but this method is not without limitations. In this connection, there is an objective need to develop alternative methods. One of the promising areas is the method of Raman spectroscopy (RS).Objective: development of a method to detect high residual platelet reactivity (RPR) in patients with CVD receiving acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) or clopidogrel by giant Raman spectroscopy (GRS) using an original optical biosensor.Material sand Methods. Platelet-rich plasma of patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) was investigated by Raman spectroscopy using an original optical biosensor. Platelet aggregation activity was investigated using a Siemens PFA-200 aggregometer with three types of cartridges – Collagen/EPI, Collagen/ADP, and P2Y. Fisher’s linear discriminant analysis was performed using Statistica 13.0 package.Results. Raman spectra analysis using different values of frequency shifts (970 cm-1 or 1590 cm-1), allows to evaluate laboratory ineffectiveness separately for ASA and clopidogrel. Thus, the number of patients with high residual platelet reactivity (RPR) was 41.7 % ± 6.3 % with ASA and 36.7 % ± 6.2 % with clopidogrel therapy; similar values using aggregometry were 43.5 % ± 10.3 % and 30.4 % ± 9.6 %.Conclusion. Application of the method of Raman spectroscopy using the original optical biosensor allows to distinguish patients with high RPR in the population of patients with CVD receiving antiaggregant therapy.

The Method for Obtaining Shot Cloud Time Span and Range Dependence

When studying the behavior of a shot cloud in space, a variety of information and measurement systems can be applied, for example, based on light screens (photoelectronic blocking devices of a small ballistic measuring installation consisting of a linear emitter and an optical sensor based on a photodiode). To study the process of shot cloud movement in space and to assess its parameters (for example, length at a given range from the muzzle) correctly, it is advisable to have a simulation model of the optical sensor signal when the light screen is crossed by a shot cloud. Taking into account previous studies, it is necessary to know the magnitude of the scale parameter in the Rayleigh distribution describing the shot cloud in the direction of firing in time in order to obtain a similar model at some distance from the muzzle. A method that allows obtaining function of dependence of the mentioned scale parameter and the distance from the muzzle and based on real data from several optical sensors of light screens installed on the shooting track is proposed. The example of application the proposed method to obtain similar functions based on the results of processing optical sensor signals obtained in real experiments for cartridges loaded with three different shot types is given. The obtained dependences were approximated by polynomials of the first and second degree using the least squares method, and the error was estimated for various types of cartridges. Based on the obtained results, specific recommendations for the practical application of the developed method are proposed. The estimation of the confidence interval width for the expectation function of the shot cloud time span is performed. The ways of creating advanced signal simulation models from optical sensors of light screens when shooting with shot are outlined.

Measurement of volatile organic compounds using tethered balloons in a polluted industrial site in Catalonia (Spain).

Understanding the chemical composition of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) near emission sources and in the background atmosphere above the mixing layer height (MLH) provides insight into the fate of VOCs and is essential for developing effective air pollution control strategies. Unfortunately, knowledge of the qualitative and quantitative changes of VOCs and their vertical transport in the atmosphere is limited due to challenging experimental setups. In this study, an innovative method using tethered balloons was tested and implemented to sample 40 VOCs and O3 below and above the MLH at an industrial site in Spain. VOC and O3 samples were collected with different types of sorbent cartridges and analyzed using chromatographic techniques. Overall, a decrease in VOC concentration with altitude was observed along with a homogeneous chemical composition up to 300 m AGL. This decrease with altitude denoted the primary origin of these VOCs, which were strongly influenced by industrial processes and the traffic emissions in the area. Conversely, O3 concentrations were notably higher at balloon level and increased during nighttime temperature inversion episodes in those samples collected above the mixing layer. Ground samples contained freshly emitted pollutants of industrial origin, while balloon samples consisted of aged pollutants from traffic, other combustion sources, or from a secondary origin. This study is the first to assess the vertical composition of VOCs at a site of these characteristics and demonstrates that tethered balloons are a cost-effective method for studying air pollution dynamics from the ground to higher altitudes in the low troposphere.

A faster and more accessible method for the analysis of acephate and methamidophos in water samples by LC-MS/MS

ABSTRACT Pesticide pollution on environmental matrices has attracted increasing attention worldwide. Pesticide runoff from agricultural crops into surface waters may impact ecosystems and human health through drinking water consumption in pesticide-polluted areas. This study aims to develop and validate a simpler, faster, and more accessible methodology for the analysis of organophosphate pesticides, such as acephate and methamidophos, using HPLC-ESI-MS (QqQ). Acephate and methamidophos are two of the most common and efficient systemic pesticides in the organophosphate family, known for their high effectiveness against insects and pests. Firstly, different extractions were tested: liquid-liquid extraction (LLE), low-temperature partitioning extraction (LTPE) and solid-phase extraction (SPE) with a usual and accessible cartridge, C18. LLE and LTPE showed low sensitivities, probably because acephate and methamidophos are extremely hydrophilic compounds, like many organophosphorus pesticides. Thus, they have low interaction with the extractor solvent, resulting in low extraction rates. SPE with C18 cartridge led to the best extraction of acephate and methamidophos in water matrices and was chosen for the validated process. The selected method ensured acceptable recoveries, within the same range found in the scientific literature (9–49%) and within relative standard deviations below 20%. However, future efforts regarding other types of cartridges are encouraged. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) of the analytical method were 0.2 µg/L and 0.5 µg/L for acephate and methamidophos, values lower than those reported in the scientific literature. The developed method was used to quantify the levels of such organophosphate pesticides in samples from Brazilian surface water and none of the target pesticides were detected in these aquatic matrices.

Assessment of triglyceride clearance of haemoperfusion from three cases of hypertriglyceridaemia-induced acute pancreatitis: a case series.

Rapid reduction of plasma triglycerides (TG) is believed to improve the outcome of pancreatitis in the context of hypertriglyceridaemia (HTG)-induced acute pancreatitis (HTG-AP). Previous studies have suggested that haemoperfusion (HP) with the Jafron cartridge series could be effective for reducing TG concentrations in patients with HTG-AP. However, the clearance capacity (CC) for TG removal has not been reported. This case series reports on data from three patients with HTG-AP who underwent HP with HA230 or HA330 cartridges. Blood samples were collected from both before and after the cartridge circuit every 30 min and the CC was calculated. Twelve pairs of blood samples were collected for each type of HP cartridge. The mean ± SD CC of the HA230 cartridge for TG removal in this case series was 0.009781 ± 1.117235 ml/min (95% confidence interval [CI], -0.7000762, 0.7196384 ml). The mean ± SD CC of the HA330 cartridge for TG removal in this case series was 0.344914 ± 1.412183 ml/min (95% CI, -0.5523448, 1.2421721 ml). Based on the findings of this small case series, special caution is advised when considering the use of the HA230 and HA330 cartridges for reducing blood TG concentration pending further conclusive evidence from larger studies.

Evaluating Sediment Removal Efficiency of Catch Basin Inserts as a Post-Construction Water Quality Tool on Roadways

Urban areas produce large amounts of stormwater runoff due to vast areas of impervious surfaces. Stormwater inlets, or catch basins, are commonly used for collecting and directing stormwater runoff away from streets and sidewalks. The conveyances used to direct flow to surface waters may be part of a municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s). Typically, MS4s redirect runoff without providing a means for removing harmful pollutants. These pollutants are then often discharged directly into local lakes, rivers, and streams, potentially harming native aquatic ecosystems. Post-construction stormwater practices are commonly used to treat runoff from urban areas by reducing the total runoff volume, lowering peak flow rates, and/or removing harmful pollutants from runoff. However, some post construction stormwater practices require large footprints, construction, and maintenance. Catch basin inserts (CBIs) are one type of post-construction best management practice that are installed within existing catch basins and require no additional land use while still providing a means for removing pollutants from stormwater runoff before entering the MS4. However, limited data is available to demonstrate the expected performance of various CBIs to ensure that these practices meet the pollutant removal standards set forth by the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). The objective of this study was to evaluate the sediment removal capabilities of eight different proprietary CBI products for potential use as a post-construction stormwater practice for Department of Transportation projects. Results indicate that only two basket-type CBIs met the 80% sediment retention benchmark established for the study. While not surpassing the benchmark, three bag-type CBIs did achieve more than 70% sediment retention. The remaining three CBIs (one basket-type, one bag-type, and one cartridge type) fell notably short of the performance benchmark.

Experimental investigations on a coupled metal hydride based thermal energy storage system

Thermal energy storage using coupled metal hydride reactors is attractive because it offers several advantages such as one-time hydrogen loading, high thermal storage density, compactness and possibility of simultaneous heating and cooling. This study presents experimental investigations on a coupled metal hydride based thermal energy storage system. Based on compatibility criteria of hydrides described in this work, LaNi4.25Al0.75 for thermal energy storage and La0.75Ce0.25Ni5 for hydrogen storage were chosen. The study employed two novel cartridge type coupled reactors with enhanced heat transfer surfaces. The effects of heat source and ambient temperatures on the system performance were investigated. The study reveals that coupled hydride systems with suitable pairs of hydrides can deliver high energy storage capacities at good thermal efficiencies. The heat output of 227.7 kJ was achieved with a heat transfer rate of 130.7 W at 55.7 % efficiency. The hydrogen storage alloy exhibited good compatibility with the energy storage alloy with fast hydrogenation and dehydrogenation. It also produced a cooling effect of 171.8 kJ while desorbing hydrogen.

Development of a novel cartridge for expansive cement application to hard rock breakage

ABSTRACT Expansive cement (EC) is generally a slurry that it is poured into vertical holes for surface rock breakage applications. This paper describes the development of a novel cartridge for extending EC applications from gravity-filled vertical holes to horizontal, uptilted, and wet boreholes. Four cartridge prototypes were made from low-cost and readily available plastics using three-dimensional printers. The performance of each cartridge was investigated in unconfined rock slab tests. The polylactic acid (PLA) cartridge was found to be superior to the thermoplastic polyurethane, polyethylene terephthalate glycol, and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene cartridges. Through partial heat containment, the PLA cartridge accelerated the EC hydraulic reaction and shortened the onset of rock destruction by 30% relative to vertical, gravity-filled EC. Finally, rock breakage with EC was demonstrated in an underground mine using PLA cartridges. This novel type of cartridge could not only suit various applications beyond the scope of the current EC surface applications but also significantly improve the rock fracturing efficiency of EC.

Characterization of two-dimensional cartridge type bidirectional proportional throttle valve

A novel bidirectional proportional throttle valve with a two-dimensional (2D) plug-in structure is proposed in this paper. The valve integrates the 2D valve module and the logic valve into one component, with high integration degree, response speed, and control accuracy. The mathematical model of the 2D valve module is established based on the continuity equation of flow and kinematic equation, and the stability criterion of the valve is established. The effects of the inclination angle, width, and initial overlapping height of the oblique slot and rectangular slot on the dynamic response of the valve are explored by AMESim simulation, and appropriate structural parameters are selected to design and manufacture the prototype valve. A dedicated test bench is built, and the feasibility of the valve design is verified by testing the valve under different system pressures and different load variations. The experimental results show that, at a system pressure of 21 MPa, the prototype valve has a flow rate of 53.5 L min−1, a hysteresis of 0.8%, a linearity of 5%, and a step response time of 6.5 ms. When the analog valve opening is changed by inputting 0.1 Hz signals with different waveforms under different system pressures, the maximum fluctuation of the main spool displacement is less than 1 μm, and the maximum stabilization time does not exceed 110 ms.

Simultaneous determination of 43 antibacterials from nine categories in water using automatic sample loading-solid phase extraction-ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Antibacterials represent a pharmaceutical class that is extensively used and consumed worldwide. The presence of a large number of antibacterial agents in water could result in antibiotic resistance. Thus, the development of a fast, accurate, and high-throughput method to analyze these emerging contaminants in water is necessary. Herein, a method was developed to achieve the simultaneous determination of 43 antibacterials from nine pharmaceutical categories (i.e., sulfonamides, quinolones, fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines, lincosamides, macrolides, nitroimidazoles, diterpenes, and dihydrofolate reductase inhibitors) in water using automatic sample loading-solid phase extraction (SPE)-ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Because the properties of these 43 antibacterials are quite different, the main objective of this work is to develop an extraction procedure that would enable the simultaneous analysis of a wide range of multiclass antibacterials. Given this context, the work presented in this paper optimized the SPE cartridge type, pH, and sample loading amount. Multiresidue extraction was performed as follows. The water samples were filtered through 0.45 μm filter membranes, added with Na2EDTA and NaH2PO4, and pH-adjusted to 2.34 using H3PO4. The solutions were then mixed with the internal standards. An automatic sample loading device fabricated by the authors was used for sample loading, and Oasis HLB cartridges were used for enrichment and purification. The optimized UPLC conditions were as follows: chromatographic column, Waters Acquity UPLC BEH C18 column (50 mm×2.1 mm, 1.7 μm); mobile phases, methanol-acetonitrile (2∶8, v/v) solution containing 0.1% formic acid and 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution; flow rate, 0.3 mL/min; injection volume, 10 μL. The compounds were step scanned using an electrospray ionization source in the positive and multiple-reaction monitoring (MRM) modes, and analyzed by internal and external standard methods. The results showed that the 43 compounds achieved high linearity in their respective linear ranges, with correlation coefficients (r2) greater than 0.996. The limits of detection (LODs) of the 43 antibacterial agents ranged from 0.004 ng/L to 1.000 ng/L, and their limits of quantification (LOQs) ranged from 0.012 ng/L to 3.000 ng/L. The average recoveries ranged from 53.7% to 130.4%, and the relative standard deviations (RSDs) were between 0.9% and 13.2%. The method was successfully applied to the determination of six tap water samples from different districts and six water samples obtained from the Jiangyin section of the Yangtze River and Xicheng Canal. No antibacterial compound was detected in any of the tap water samples, but a total of 20 antibacterial compounds were detected in the river and canal water samples. Among these compounds, sulfamethoxazole showed the highest mass concentrations, ranging from 8.92 to 11.03 ng/L. The types and contents of antibacterials detected in the Xicheng Canal were greater than those found in the Yangtze River, and two kinds of diterpenes, namely tiamulin and valnemulin, were found easily and commonly in water sample. The findings indicate that antibacterial agents are widespread in environmental waters. The developed method is accurate, sensitive, rapid, and suitable for the detection of the 43 antibacterial compounds in water samples.

#3285 EXTRACORPOREAL BLOOD PURIFICATION DURING OPEN HEART SURGERY WITH PROLONGED CPB: CYTOSORB 300 VS JAFRON HA330

Abstract Background and Aims Cardiac surgery is maintained by various complications. Major contribution associated with cardiopulmonary bypass (CBP). Cardiac surgery with CPB provokes activation of the cascade mechanism of inflammation with releasing of cytokines and a systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). Activation of the contact system due to exposure of artificial surface of the bypass circuit to blood cells, endotoxemia, ischemia and reperfusion injury and surgical trauma are all potential triggers of inflammation following CPB. This inflammatory reaction may leads to the development of postoperative complications, including vasoplegia, cytokine storm, myocardial dysfunction, respiratory failure, acute kidney injury, coagulopathy bleeding, and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). A number of different strategies, including new pharmacologic agents, CPB circuits and components, and surgical techniques, have been employed during the last few years in attempts to minimize the impact of SIRS on the outcome of cardiac surgical patients. However, the complex pathophysiology of this problem has not allowed, until now, the use of a single strategy. The aim of our study is assessment of early application of extracorporeal cytokine adsorbers to the inflammation system during open-heart surgery with prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass. Method This prospective randomized single-center controlled trial observed patients, who were assigned a planned open cardiac surgery with a duration of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) more than 120 minutes between January 2021 to January 2023. Patients were randomized into three groups: CytoSorb -300 group, HA 330 group and the control group. A simple 1:1:1 randomization method was applied. Cytokine hemadsorption was conducted intraoperatively. Two types of cytokine cartridges were applied CytoSorb 300 (Cytosorbents Europe GmbH). НА330 (Jafron Biomedical Co., Ltd. China). The inclusion criteria: age ≥18 years, informed consent to participate in the study, CPB more than 120 min. The exclusion criteria: Age less than 18 years; refusal to participate in the study. Results The data of the HA 330 (n = 22) and CytoSorb300 (n = 22) groups were compared with the data of the control group (n = 22). The primary results and details of the work are given in Tables 1-3. Conclusion Intraoperative hemadsorption may be beneficial for patients who underwent open-heart surgery with prolonged CPB. The early hemadsorption has positive impact to postoperative period after cardiac surgery and may reduce requirement of renal replacement therapy.

Venous blood point-of-care testing (POCT) for paramedics in urgent and emergency care: protocol for a single-site feasibility study (POCTPara).

The COVID-19 pandemic placed the UK healthcare system under unprecedented pressure, and recovery will require whole-system investment in innovative, flexible and pragmatic solutions. Positioned at the heart of the healthcare system, ambulance services have been tasked with addressing avoidable hospital conveyance and reducing unnecessary emergency department and hospital attendances through the delivery of care closer to home. Having begun to implement models of care intended to increase 'see and treat' opportunities through greater numbers of senior clinical decision makers, emphasis has now been placed upon the use of remote clinical diagnostic tools and near-patient or point-of-care testing (POCT) to aid clinical decision making. In terms of POCT of blood samples obtained from patients in the pre-hospital setting, there is a paucity of evidence beyond its utility for measuring lactate and troponin in acute presentations such as sepsis, trauma and myocardial infarction, although potential exists for the analysis of a much wider panel of analytes beyond these isolated biomarkers. In addition, there is a relative dearth of evidence in respect of the practicalities of using POCT analysers in the pre-hospital setting. This single-site feasibility study aims to understand whether it is practical to use POCT for the analysis of patients' blood samples in the urgent and emergency care pre-hospital setting, through descriptive data of POCT application and through qualitative focus group interviews of advanced practitioners (specialist paramedics) to inform the feasibility and design of a larger study. The primary outcome measure is focus group data measuring the experiences and perceived self-reported impact by specialist paramedics. Secondary outcome measures are number and type of cartridges used, number of successful and unsuccessful attempts in using the POCT analyser, length of time on scene, specialist paramedic recruitment and retention, number of patients who receive POCT, descriptive data of safe conveyance, patient demographics and presentations where POCT is applied and data quality. The study results will inform the design of a main trial if indicated.

Experimental studies on LaNi4.25Al0.75 alloy for hydrogen and thermal energy storage applications

Reversible exothermic and endothermic reactions between metals/alloys and hydrogen gas provide great opportunity to utilize various thermal energy sources such as waste heat, industrial exhaust, and solar thermal energy. Metal hydrides with favourable properties to operate at medium temperature heat (about 150 °C) are limited, and studies on hydrides in this temperature range are scarce. Hence, the present study aims at experimental investigations on LaNi4.25Al0.75 alloy in the temperature range of 150 °C–200 °C. A novel cartridge type of reactor is employed to investigate the hydrogen storage characteristics and thermal storage performance of this alloy. LaNi4.25Al0.75 is found to have a hydrogen storage capacity of about 1.20 wt% at 10 bar and 25 °C. In addition, it can store a total thermal energy of 285.7 kJ.kgMH−1 and can deliver heat at an average rate of 287.5 W.kgMH−1 at an efficiency of 64.1%.

Creation of a universal housing for a liquid purification filter made of corrosion-resistant steels

Scientists from different countries are engaged in the development of new or improvement of existing water purification technologies. At the same time, not enough attention is paid to the development of equipment for water purification and technologies for their manufacture. The article presents a model of a universal filter housing for cleaning liquids from solid particles. Mechanical filters of cartridge or bag type can be used as filter elements. The main supporting element of the filter housing is a thin-walled cylindrical flask. The use of rotary rolling in the process of manufacturing a cylindrical flask makes it possible to reduce the negative effect of welded seams and increase the strength of the cylindrical shell. The results of experimental studies on assessing the effect of the relative deformation value along the wall thickness during rotary rolling of steel cylindrical shells on their strength and stability are presented.

Development of pretreatment method for analysis of fungicides and hormones in seawater using LC-MS/MS

A simultaneous analytical method for two prohibited fungicides and their metabolites was developed alongside a simultaneous analytical method for two hormone compounds. For the fungicides, conditions such as the SPE cartridge type, pH conditions, and additives were varied while for the hormones, the elution solvents and pH conditions were varied, and finally, the optimal conditions were selected for each compound group. Target fungicide compounds and medroxyprogesterone acetate were ionized in positive mode while diethylstilbestrol was ionized in negative mode. For the fungicides, with the injection of additives and buffer, the MCX cartridge showed more stable recoveries (85.1-140.0%) compared to the HLB (82.3-251.7%) and combined cartridges (56.1-277.2%). The accuracy and precision of the analytical method were 83.2-130.1% and 6.8-15.0%, respectively. The method detection limit and limit of quantification from this study were lower than those reported in previous studies. Meanwhile, for hormones, methanol was the most appropriate elution solvent in the presence of ascorbic acid additive and at pH 2.5. Accuracy and precision ranged from 75.3-106.6% and 4.3-9.1%, respectively. This study's optimized simultaneous analytical methods can be used to proactively detect prohibited substances in seawater and aquaculture farms.

TASER CEW distance determination for models X26P, X2, and TASER 7

TASER weapons, classified as Conducted Energy Weapons (CEWs) are used by law enforcement as electrical, non-lethal weapons. A CEW’s long distance method of deployment launches two barbed probes that embed into the target, before electricity is cycled from one probe to the other. The resulting muscle contractions help incapacitate the intended target. Currently, there is no research on the accuracy of variability of CEW probe spread in determining the distance of the shooter. Thus, in this study, a method of distance determination for TASER models X26P, X2, and TASER 7 was established to help estimate the relative locations of individuals during crime scene reconstruction. Each of four probe cartridge types were launched for six repetitions towards vertical cardboard targets from three different distances (n = 72). The probe spread on the targets was measured for each cartridge and plotted against CEW-To-Target (CTT) distance. Linear regression trendlines and standard deviations were generated for each cartridge type. Results demonstrated probe spread distances to be proportional to probe launch angles, and greater CTT distances resulted in greater standard deviation. Standard error of the estimate was calculated for all four linear regression equations and their ability to predict CTT distance when given probe spread measurements. The mean standard error values appeared acceptable for the X2 (0.460 m), TASER 7 CQ (0.273 m), and X26P (0.322 m) CEW models, while the mean error calculated for the TASER 7 Standoff model (0.846 m) was considerably greater. We expect our findings will help establish a reliable method of distance determination for CEWs, and perhaps with a larger sample size, more thoroughly examine the accuracy of the linear regression equations. CEW distance determination has the potential to provide support in contextualizing crime scene reconstruction with further research. By providing distance estimations alongside a standardized guide of error allowance, it would be possible to induce how far apart individuals were at the time a CEW was fired, within the calculated window of deviation, and in a statistical degree of confidence.

Influence of structural parameters of cartridge-type synchronous magnetic coupling on transmission performance

The study of the structural parameters of the permanent magnet magnetic coupling is particularly important because they determine its transmission performance. In this paper, we first compare and analyze the results of theoretical calculation and simulation, and conclude that the calculation results of the 3D simulation model are closest to the actual situation. Maxwell software is used to study the effect of the cartridge type synchronous permanent magnet coupling on the transmitted torque at different working air gaps, permanent magnet thickness, yoke thickness, and aspect ratio under different pole numbers. The results show that: the increase of working air gap is not conducive to increasing the transmitted torque; the increase of permanent magnet thickness is beneficial to increase the transmitted torque, but the increase rate gradually decreases; the increase of yoke thickness has a small increase on the magnetic torque within a certain range, and the yoke thickness is slightly larger than the permanent magnet thickness is optimal; the increase of permanent magnet’s aspect ratio also increases the torque, and the torque density growth rate is the fastest when the aspect ratio is in the range of 0.5~0.7. Through the analysis, it is important for the design of synchronous magnetic coupling and other researches.

RESEARCH ON THE INFLUENCE OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF ANION-EXCHANGE CARTRIDGES ON THE QUALITY OF [18F]NAF RADIOPHARMACEUTICAL AS PART OF PRODUCTION PROCESS DEVELOPMENT

[18F]Sodium Fluoride radiopharmaceutical is a sterile solution for intravenous administration, intendedfor skeletal visualization by positron emission tomography (PET). [18F]Sodium Fluoride for bone imaging wasintroduced in early 1960's, but with the increased availability of PET scanners in the last two decades, thisradiopharmaceutical has growing use in clinical practice for the detection of bone metastases. The productionprocess of [18F]NaF includes production of the radioisotope [18F]F- and purification and formulation of the [18F]NaFradiopharmaceutical. The radioisotope [18F]F- is produced by a cyclotron via the 18O(p,n)18F nuclear reaction,followed by recovery of [18F]F- from [18O] proton-irradiated water by adsorption and desorption from anionexchangeresins. The fluoride anions are trapped on the anion-exchange SPE (solid-phase extraction) cartridge, andall other cationic and water-soluble radionuclide impurities present in irradiated enriched water are collected in thewaste vial. Next step is desorption of the fluoride anions from the cartridge by elution with saline solution (0.9%NaCl). This study aimed to define the most appropriate type of anion-exchange SPE cartridge which could be usedfor routine production [18F]Sodium fluoride radiopharmaceutical which meets the quality requirements defined inEuropean pharmacopeia monograph. For that purpose, as part of development of in-house production method,manual productions with four different types of anion-exchange cartridges were performed. The influence of sorbentsubstrate and counter-ion of the cartridge on the final yield and the quality of the produced radiopharmaceutical wasinvestigated. The study also aimed to define the minimum volume of physiological solution required for the pHparameter to be within limits.The results have shown that the quality parameters: appearance, chemical purity, radiochemical purity andradionuclide purity were in defined acceptance criteria and did not differ when using different anion-exchangecartridges. The pH analyses have demonstrated that the type of cartridge and counter-ion influence the final pH of[18F]NaF solution. This study confirmed that the three types of anion-exchange resins (QMA-Cl-, QMA-CO32- andPS-OH-) could be used for production. In the experiments where QMA-Cl- was used, the required pH level wasobtained even without dilution. The other cartridges could be used in the [18F]NaF production process, but furtherdilution is necessary in order to obtain the pH value in acceptance criteria. On the basis of this study, the QMA-Cl- ischosen as a cartridge to be used in the further development of the in-house method for [18F]NaF radiopharmaceuticalproduction.

Determination of cannabinoids in illegal e-cigarette fluids in Korea by LC-MS/MS

Recently, the use of illegal e-cigarette containing THC is prevalent in Korea. In this study, the quantitative analysis was performed to measure the contents of cannabinoids in 15 e-cigarette fluids of which 4 was seized in 2016, 1 in 2017 and 10 in 2021. In addition, to investigate the adulteration of △9-THC with the synthetic △8-THC, the concentrations of △8-THC, △9-THC, CBD and CBN were determined in 15 e-cigarette fluids by LC-MS/MS. Of total 15 samples, 5 samples were of cartridge type, 8 samples were of viscous liquid type and 2 samples were of oil type. The samples were diluted to the concentration of 1 mg/mL with methanol and then diluted 100-fold again. By adding the internal standard (Δ9-THC-d3), the mixture was injected into LC-MS/MS. (Agilent 1260 infinity liquid chromatography system and AB3200 Qtrap tandem mass spectrometry). Target compounds were separated on InfinityLab Poroshell 120 EC-C18 column (2.1 × 150 mm, 2.7 μm) and mobile phase was 0.1% formic acid in water and 0.1% formic acid in acetonitril. The method was validated for precision, accuracy and recovery. △8-THC, △9-THC, CBD and CBN were well resolved in this condition. The validation results demonstrated the accuracy of 98 to 103% and the precision of 8 to 14%. The contents of △8-THC in 15 samples ranged from 0.014 mg/mL to 0.235 mg/ml, 0.011 mg/mL to 0.375 mg/mL for △9-THC, 0.003 mg/mL to 0.053 mg/mL for CBD and 0.001 mg/mL to 0.015 mg/mL for CBN respectively. The amounts of total THC (△8-THC and △9-THC) were between 2.6 to 42.5% in 15 samples. Among them, one sample contained over 40% of total THC, 5 samples were between 30 to 40%, 3 samples were between 20 to 30% and 6 samples were lower than 10%. There are 10 samples that were over 20% of total THC, 9 highly viscous liquid type and 1 oil type, and 5 samples that contained less than 10% of THC, 4 cartridge type and 1 oil type. The ratio of [△8-THC]/[△9-THC] ranged from 0.04 to 1.95 in all 15 samples. Among them, the ratio of 12 samples were between 1.06 to 1.95 indicating the higher contents of △8-THC than △9-THC. It was believed that △9-THC was substituted with △8-THC by purposely converting or modifying from △9-THC or CBD because the amount of △8-THC found in cannabis plant is generally less than 1%. The ratio of [CBN]/[△9-THC] were between 0.04 to 13.57 in 15 sample, but particularly 3 samples seized in 2016 showed pointedly higher ratio of 1.91 to 13.57 signifying the waning of freshness. △8-THC, △9-THC, CBD and CBN were well quantitated in 15 e-cigarette fluids by LC-MS/MS. The contents of THC were dispersed in wide range with the total THC (△8-THC and △9-THC) of 2.6 to 42.5% in fluids. However the ratio of [Δ8-THC]/[Δ9-THC] in 12 samples showed over 1.0 demonstrating the amount of Δ8-THC was larger than that of Δ9-THC. It was assumed that the adulteration of △9-THC with the synthetic △8-THC by the conversion of CBD or conversion of Δ9-THC. [CBN]/[Δ9-THC] in the samples of 2016 was significantly higher than that of the later year samples, which was thought to be the decrease of freshness.

Complementarity of two approaches based on the use of high-resolution mass spectrometry for the determination of multi-class antibiotics in water. Photodegradation studies and non-target screenings

The development of analytical methodologies to monitor different antibiotic families in water and the implementation of alternatives for their efficient elimination are a great challenge. The aim of this research was to develop a method based on solid-phase extraction followed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry to analyse multi-class antibiotics, including macrolides, cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, sulfonamides and diaminopyrimidines, in waters. Several parameters affecting the extraction such as the sample pH, type of sorbent and cartridge, elution volume and breakthrough volume were optimized. The method was validated in real samples, and matrix effect was assessed, demonstrating that the use of isotopically labelled surrogate compounds was mandatory to avoid standard addition calibration for each individual samples. Urban and hospital wastewater samples, as well as natural waters, were analysed, confirming the presence of 12 of the 14 target compounds at concentrations up to 3.5 µg L−1. Non-target analysis based on data-independent workflow was also performed, enabling the identification of 94 pollutants. Preliminary photodegradation experiments were also assessed, revealing the total removal of many target compounds after the first 5–10 min of UVC irradiation. In addition, 20 by-products formed after photolysis could be identified using a non-target approach.