Dispersity determination of poly(ethylene glycol)s using supercritical fluid chromatography-mass spectrometry and different mass analysers.

Rationale: Dispersity values are considered critical quality attributes for the quality control of poly(ethylene glycol) formulations due to the direct impact on drug performance. However, when these polymers are analysed using mass spectrometry, the design of the mass analyser can impact the oligomer response and affect the obtained dispersity values, so further understanding is needed.

Methods: The deconvoluted electrospray ionisation mass spectra of poly(ethylene glycol)s obtained using supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) hyphenated to different mass analysers were compared, and visualisation diagrams were used to understand the differences in the dispersity value calculations.

Development of Simplified and Efficient Sample Preparation Methods for the Analysis of Problem Material within the Diesel Fuel Delivery System.

A new approach for the analysis of diesel engine fuel filters has been developed. This method involves minimal to no sample preparation, allowing rapid and unbiased analysis of diesel fuel filters. In recent years, diesel fuel filter plugging incidences have increased in parallel with changing emissions legislation.

Controlling the positive ion electrospray ionization of poly(ethylene glycols) when using ultra-high-performance supercritical fluid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Poly(ethylene glycols) are complex polymers often added to pharmaceutical formulations to improve drug solubility and delivery. One of the main challenges when using chromatographic techniques coupled to mass spectrometry is the unselective ionization of poly(ethylene glycols) oligomers. Additionally, when the chain length is large enough, multiple charged species are formed, further complicating the mass spectra and processing.

Review of fragmentation of synthetic single-stranded oligonucleotides by tandem mass spectrometry from 2014 to 2022.

The fragmentation of oligonucleotides by mass spectrometry allows for the determination of their sequences. It is necessary to understand how oligonucleotides dissociate in the gas phase, which allows interpretation of data to obtain sequence information. Since 2014, a range of fragmentation mechanisms, including a novel internal rearrangement, have been proposed using different ion dissociation techniques.

Advancements in the characterisation of oligonucleotides by high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry in 2021: A short review.

The first oligonucleotide therapeutic was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1998, and since then, 12 nucleic acids have been commercialised as medicines. To be approved, the oligonucleotides need to be identified and characterised as well as its related impurities. Different methods exist, but the most commonly used is ion-pairing reversed-phase liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry.

Assessing the effectiveness of microplastic extraction methods on fishmeal with different properties.

Microplastic presence in fishmeal is an emerging research area because of its potential to enter food chains, and the importance of fishmeal within global food security. However, fishmeal is a complex medium dependant on fish composition. This study measured properties (organics, carbonates, protein and density) of five fishmeal types (trimmings, sardine and anchovy, krill, tuna and salmon), sourced from locations worldwide (Norway, South America, Antarctica, Spain and Scotland).

Development of ultra-high-performance supercritical fluid chromatography-mass spectrometry assays to analyze potential biomarkers in sweat.

Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry methods were required to afford the rapid separation and detection of purines and small organic acids. These compounds are found in sweat and sebum and are potential biomarkers for the early detection of pressures sores. Two ultra-high-performance supercritical fluid chromatography-mass spectrometry assays have been successfully developed for both classes of compounds.

Evidence of underestimation in microplastic research: A meta-analysis of recovery rate studies.

Research on microplastics in the environment is of high interest to many scientists and industries globally. Key to the success of this research is the accuracy, efficiency, reliability, robustness and repeatability of the method(s) used to isolate the microplastics from environmental media. However, with microplastics now being found in new complex media, many multifaceted methods have been developed to research the quantities of these pollutants.

Quantitative UHPSFC-MS analysis of elemental sulfur in mineral oil via derivatisation with triphenylphosphine: application to corrosive sulfur-related power transformer failure.

An ultrahigh-performance supercritical fluid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPSFC-MS) method has been developed as a rapid and reliable analytical method for the detection and quantification of elemental sulfur in mineral transformer oil. The method described in this paper is based on the selective reaction of elemental sulfur with triphenylphosphine (TPP). The derivatisation of elemental sulfur requires minimal sample preparation and resulted in the formation of a single compound, namely triphenylphosphine sulfide (TPPS).

Development of ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry and ultrahigh-performance supercritical fluid chromatography/mass spectrometry assays to determine the concentration of Bitrex™ and sodium saccharin in homemade facemask fit testing solutions.

Unlabelled: Fast and easily transferable chromatography/mass spectrometry assays were required to detect and quantify the amount of Bitrex™ and sodium saccharin in homemade facemask fit testing solutions.

Methods: Bitrex™ solutions were analysed using reversed-phase ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled with positive ion electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (UHPLC/ESI-MS). Separation was achieved using a mobile phase gradient with an Acquity BEH C18-packed column.

Prepared for transition? A cross-sectional descriptive study of the gains attained in early psychosis programs.

Aim: To examine the degree to which youth identified as ready for discharge from three Canadian early psychosis intervention (EPI) programs had achieved optimal outcomes (ie, symptom remission, quality of life, self-esteem and functioning).

Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study is part of a larger study assessing the effectiveness of an evidence-based intervention to sustain the gains acquired in EPI programs in two Canadian provinces (Ontario and Nova Scotia), as youth transition from EPI services to community-based care. Baseline data collected from 39 participants receiving usual treatment in these three EPI programs comprised the comparison group.

First Synthesis and Characterization of CH @C.

The endohedral fullerene CH @C , in which each C fullerene cage encapsulates a single methane molecule, has been synthesized for the first time. Methane is the first organic molecule, as well as the largest, to have been encapsulated in C to date. The key orifice contraction step, a photochemical desulfinylation of an open fullerene, was completed, even though it is inhibited by the endohedral molecule.

Using Curvature Power To Map the Domain of Inverse Micellar Cubic Phases: The Case of Aliphatic Aldehydes in 1,2-Dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine.

Oxylipins, or fatty aldehydes, are a class of molecules produced from membrane lipids as a result of oxidative stress or enzyme-mediated peroxidation. Here we report the effects of two biologically important fatty aldehydes, trans,trans-2,4-decanedienal (DD) and cis-11-hexadecenal (HD), on the phase behavior of the lipid 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DOPE) in water. We compare the phase behavior of DD/DOPE and HD/DOPE mixtures to the phase behavior of oleic acid/DOPE mixtures and show that DD, HD, and oleic acid have similar effects on the phase diagrams of DOPE.

An electrospray ionization mass spectrometry study of azidoacetic acid/transition metal complexes.

Rationale: The complexation behavior of transition metals with organic azides by electrospray ionization (ESI) tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) is not completely understood. In this study, fragmentation patterns of complex ions having azidoacetic acid coordinated to Ni/Co/Fe were elucidated. The role of transition metals in the mediation of ligand rearrangements in gas phase is experimentally supported.

Open Access UHPSFC/MS - an additional analytical resource for an academic mass spectrometry facility.

Rationale: Many compounds submitted for analysis in Chemistry at the University of Southampton do not retain, elute or ionize using open access reversed-phase ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (RP-UHPLC/MS) and require analysis via infusion. An ultra-high-performance supercritical fluid chromatography mass spectrometry approach was implemented to afford high-throughput analysis of these compounds with chromatographic separation.

Methods: A UPC(2) -TQD MS system has been incorporated into the open access MS provision within Chemistry at the University of Southampton, using an ESCi source (electrospray and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization) and an atmospheric pressure photoionization (APPI) source.

Long-term effects of lowering the alcohol minimum purchasing age on traffic crash injury rates in New Zealand.

Introduction And Aims: In December 1999, New Zealand lowered the alcohol minimum purchasing age from 20 to 18 years. We tested hypotheses that this change was associated with long-term increases in traffic injury attributable to alcohol-impaired driving among 18- to 19-year-olds (target age group) and 15- to 17-year-olds (affected by 'trickle-down').

Design And Methods: We undertook a controlled before-and-after comparison of rates of fatal and non-fatal traffic injury to persons of any age attributable to impaired drivers aged 18-19 years and 15-17 years, versus 20- to 21-year-olds.

Functional status following injury: what recovery pathways do people follow?

Objectives: Functional status can be affected for considerable time after injury. Individual's functional status trajectories, or pathways, following injury may provide insights into achieving, or not achieving, optimal functional status. This study aims to (1) investigate functional status trajectories of injured individuals over two years by multiple dimensions and, (2) determine whether there are differences in functional status trajectories between those hospitalised and non-hospitalised.

Effects of lowering the alcohol minimum purchasing age on weekend hospitalised assaults of young Māori in New Zealand.

Introduction And Aims: We examine the association between reducing the alcohol minimum purchasing age from 20 to 18 years in December 1999 and rates of weekend assault hospitalisation among young Māori in the following 12 years. Our previous work showed deleterious effects for young people overall. In keeping with Treaty of Waitangi principles, we sought to determine whether the policy was similarly detrimental for Māori.

Client and key worker ratings of need in first-episode psychosis early intervention programmes.

Aim: The aim of this study was to fill a gap in the literature by examining agreement on need as rated by clients and their key workers from first-episode psychosis early intervention programmes. Compared with adult populations and more chronic courses of illness, these clients may have unique needs given the onset of their illness in adolescence or early adulthood.

Methods: Needs agreement between clients and key workers was assessed using the Camberwell Assessment of Need in a sample of 188 client-key worker pairs recruited from six early intervention programmes in Ontario, Canada.

Impact evaluation of a farm safety awareness workshop in New Zealand.

Objective: Farming is a hazardous occupation, with high rates of injury and death. FarmSafe, a whole-country approach, sought to address work-related injury on New Zealand sheep, beef, and dairy farms. More than 10 000 farmers participated in 630 workshops held over two years.

Effects of lowering the minimum alcohol purchasing age on weekend assaults resulting in hospitalization in New Zealand.

Objectives: We estimated the effects on assault rates of lowering the minimum alcohol purchasing age in New Zealand from 20 to 18 years. We hypothesized that the law change would increase assaults among young people aged 18 to 19 years (the target group) and those aged 15 to 17 years via illegal sales or alcohol supplied by older friends or family members.

Methods: Using Poisson regression, we examined weekend assaults resulting in hospitalization from 1995 to 2011.

Public, official, and industry submissions on a Bill to increase the alcohol minimum purchasing age: A critical analysis.

Background: In 2005 a Bill was introduced to the New Zealand parliament to increase the alcohol minimum purchasing age (MPA) from 18 to 20 years and submissions were invited from interested parties. We sought to characterise and critique the arguments tendered for and against the proposal.

Methods: We used template analysis to study written submissions on the Bill from 178 people and organisations in New Zealand.