Rapid differentiation of cystic fibrosis-related bacteria via reagentless atmospheric pressure photoionisation mass spectrometry.

Breath analysis is an area of significant interest in medical research as it allows for non-invasive sampling with exceptional potential for disease monitoring and diagnosis. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in breath can offer critical insight into a person's lifestyle and/or disease/health state. To this end, the development of a rapid, sensitive, cost-effective and potentially portable method for the detection of key compounds in breath would mark a significant advancement.

Portable Instrumentation for Ambient Ionization and Miniature Mass Spectrometers.

We critically evaluate the current status of portable mass spectrometry (pMS), particularly where this aligns with ambient ionization. Assessing the field of pMS can be quite subjective, especially in relation to the portable aspects of design, deployment, and operation. In this review, we discuss what it means to be portable and introduce a set of criteria by which pMS and ambient ionization sources can be assessed.

Emergency diagnosis made easy: matrix removal and analyte enrichment from raw saliva using paper-arrow mass spectrometry.

Paracetamol overdose is a leading cause of acute liver failure that can prove fatal. Establishing paracetamol concentration accurately and quickly is critical. Current detection methods are invasive, time-consuming and/or expensive.

Focusing ion funnel-assisted ambient electrospray enables high-density and uniform deposition of non-spherical gold nanoparticles for highly sensitive surface-enhanced Raman scattering.

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is a powerful technique for detecting trace amounts of analytes. However, the performance of SERS substrates depends on many variables including the enhancement factor, morphology, consistency, and interaction with target analytes. In this study, we investigated, for the first time, the use of electrospray deposition (ESD) combined with a novel ambient focusing DC ion funnel to deposit a high density of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to generate large-area, uniform substrates for highly sensitive SERS analysis.

Cyanostilbene-based fluorescent paper array for monitoring fish and meat freshness via amino content detection.

The detection of biogenic amines released from degraded meats is an effective method for evaluating meat freshness. However, existing traditional methods like titration are deemed tedious, while the use of sophisticated analytical instruments is not amenable to field testing. Herein, a cyanostilbene-based fluorescent array was rapidly fabricated using macroarray synthesis on a cellulose paper surface to detect amines liberated from spoiled beef, fish, and chicken.

Rapid geographical indication of peppercorn seeds using corona discharge mass spectrometry.

With increasing demands for more rapid and practical analyses, various techniques of ambient ionization mass spectrometry have gained significant interest due to the speed of analysis and abundance of information provided. Herein, an ambient ionization technique that utilizes corona discharge was applied, for the first time, to analyze and categorize whole seeds of black and white peppers from different origins. This setup requires no solvent application nor gas flow, thus resulting in a very simple and rapid analysis that can be applied directly to the sample without any prior workup or preparation.

Flexible Drift Tube for High Resolution Ion Mobility Spectrometry (Flex-DT-IMS).

This paper describes, in detail, the development of a novel, low-cost, and flexible drift tube (DT) along with an associated ion mobility spectrometer system. The DT is constructed from a flexible printed circuit board (PCB), with a bespoke "dog-leg" track design, that can be rolled up for ease of assembly. This approach incorporates a shielding layer, as part of the flexible PCB design, and represents the minimum dimensional footprint conceivable for a DT.

Rapid Scotch Whisky Analysis and Authentication using Desorption Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionisation Mass Spectrometry.

Whisky, as a high value product, is often adulterated, with adverse economic effects for both producers and consumers as well as potential public health impacts. Here we report the use of DAPCI-MS to analyse and chemically profile both genuine and counterfeit whisky samples employing a novel 'direct from the bottle' methodology with zero sample pre-treatment, zero solvent requirement and almost no sample usage. 25 samples have been analysed from a collection of blended Scotch whisky (n = 15) and known counterfeit whisky products (n = 10).

Dried Blood Spheroids for Dry-State Room Temperature Stabilization of Microliter Blood Samples.

It is well-known that 2D dried blood spots on paper offer a facile sample collection, storage, and transportation of blood. However, large volume requirements, possible analyte instability, and difficult sample recovery plague this method, lowering confidence in analyte quantification. For the first time, we demonstrate a new approach using 3D dried blood spheroids for stabilization of small volume blood samples, mitigating these effects without cold storage.

Novel psoriasis therapies and patient outcomes, Part 3: Systemic medications.

The therapeutic armamentarium for patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) has been strengthened by research affording more individualized treatment regimens with new therapeutic targets. In this article, new systemic therapies for psoriasis are discussed, including a review of the relevant clinical trials for novel therapeutics and their respective mechanisms of action, patient outcomes, and safety profiles. This article is the final installment in a 3-part series on agents in the pipeline for the management of psoriasis and PsA including topical agents, biologic treatments, and systemic therapies in phase 2 through phase 4 clinical trials.

Novel psoriasis therapies and patient outcomes, part 2: biologic treatments.

Biologic treatments have revolutionized the management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α monoclonal antibodies presently are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of these conditions. In this article, new therapies that target this pathway and other steps in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and PsA are discussed, including IL-12/IL-23, IL-17, T-cell activation in antigen-presenting cells, regulatory T cells, toll-like receptors, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor.

Novel psoriasis therapies and patient outcomes, part 1: topical medications.

In recent years, advances in our understanding of inflammatory mediators and the underlying pathogenesis of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis have shed light on potential therapeutic targets, which has led to the development of several new promising treatments. In this article, key clinical trials, mechanisms of action, patient outcomes, and relevant safety information for these novel topical medications will be evaluated. This article is the first in a 3-part series on treatments presently in the pipeline for the management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis including topical agents, biologic treatments, and systemic therapies in phase 2 and phase 3 clinical trials.

Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome secondary to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole.

Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) results from autoantibodies to cell surface phospholipids or phospholipid-binding proteins resulting in clotting anomalies and can have devastating sequelae, including stroke, deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and recurrent spontaneous abortions. However, cutaneous manifestations are the first sign of APS in up to 41% of patients. We present a case report of APS that developed several days after taking trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole.

Generalized pustular psoriasis of Zambusch: case report of successful disease control with cyclosporine and etanercept.

Generalized pustular psoriasis of Zambusch is a unique and challenging skin condition to successfully manage. Patients often encounter potentially high recurrence rates of pustular eruptions despite multidrug treatment regimens with high morbidity as a consequence. We report a case of generalized pustular psoriasis of Zambusch in a patient whose disease initially flared following early treatment with the anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (anti-TNF-alpha) inhibitor etanercept but was later successfully managed with cyclosporine and reintroduction of etanercept.

Successful treatment of von Zumbusch generalized pustular psoriasis with cyclosporine after eruption post etanercept injection.

Von Zumbusch generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is the most severe type of psoriasis with possible life-threatening complications. We report the case of a 22-year-old woman who presented with a severe eruption of generalized pustular psoriasis 48 hours after receiving an injection of etanercept (Enbrel).

Herpes gladiatorum with ocular involvement in a mixed martial arts fighter.

We report a case of herpes gladiatorum (HG) in a professional mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter. The eruption appeared following a sparring session with a new partner and progressed to involve the left eye. Fever and facial rash prompted the patient to go to the hospital where he was treated with antiviral therapy.

Effects and mechanisms of action of the ergopeptides ergotamine and ergovaline and the effects of peramine on reticulum motility of sheep.

Objective: To investigate effects and mechanisms of ergotamine and ergovaline and effects of peramine on reticulum motility of sheep.

Sample Population: 3 sheep with indwelling electrodes in the reticulum and samples of reticulum collected from 126 sheep at an abattoir.

Procedures: In conscious sheep, motility was recorded as integrated electromyograms from the reticulum.

Structure-activity relationships in the haemolytic activity and nephrotoxicity of derivatives of 1,2- and 1,4-naphthoquinone.

Naphthoquinone derivatives are under investigation as potential therapeutic agents. Some such compounds are known, however, to be toxic to both animals and humans. Many naphthoquinone derivatives are haemolytic agents, while others cause necrosis of tubular epithelial cells.