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Biodiversity is a multidimensional concept spanning the diversity of organismal form and function (functional diversity) together with taxonomic and genetic diversity. In the case of plants, botanical gardens have historically strived to preserve taxonomic diversity with a global scope. However, their success in preserving global functional diversity lacks testing. Given that living collections in botanical gardens span major global vegetation types and evolutionary histories, it is reasonable to expect that a species assemblage in a botanical garden is a representative random sample of global vegetation. In such a case, botanical gardens should contain global functional diversity. Testing for this could elect botanical gardens as laboratories for studying global plant functional diversity, providing a much‐needed alternative in the way we study global patterns of this diversity facet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This technical note describes in detail a method for associating individual sheets of blank A4 white paper from the same ream by the physical fit of machine‐cut edges. A large‐scale laboratory trial involving ~700 sheets of paper from 24 different reams (plus one spoiled sample), and more than 20,000 potential physical fits, correctly associated and sequenced 219 pairs of sheets together with a 100% empirical success rate and no false associations. The edge profile of each short machine‐cut end of a sheet of A4 paper allows us to physically fit sheets of paper from the same ream to each other and use this to predict the sequence of sheets in a set of documents. In a real‐life scenario, it may now be possible to detect the substitution or addition of a sheet in a multipage document, link documents from different sources to each other or to a common source of paper (e.g. to paper from a seized printer or from an accused's address) or to date documents. The study provides data for the application of this method in forensic casework and supports the practitioner when forming conclusions in this type of case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cross reality laboratories are widely used in education, yet research on the usability/user experience (UX) of these laboratories is still lacking. This study wants to start the discussion about challenges for usability/UX by interviewing practitioners from a large project for cross reality laboratories spanning multiple institutes in Germany. A total of 18 challenges were discovered, together with three target groups, namely, developers, maintainers, and learners. In addition, the tension between developers and usability is discussed. Open questions include the need to conduct further research with different target groups and how to increase usability for laboratory developers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Prior to next‐generation sequencing (NGS), the evaluation of a patient with neuropathy typically consisted of screening for acquired causes, followed by clinical genetic testing of PMP22, MFN2, GJB1, and MPZ in patients with a positive family history and symptom onset prior to age 50. In this study, we examined the clinical utility of NGS in a large cohort of patients analyzed in a commercial laboratory. Methods: A cohort of 6849 adult patients underwent clinician‐ordered peripheral neuropathy multigene panel testing ranging from 66 to 111 genes that included NGS and intragenic deletion/duplication analysis. Results: A molecular diagnosis was identified for 8.4% of the cohort (n = 573/6849). Variants in PMP22, MFN2, GJB1, MPZ, and TTR accounted for 73.8% of molecular diagnoses. Results had potential clinical actionability for 398 (69.5%) patients. Our results suggest that 225/573 (39.3%) of molecular diagnoses and 113/398 (28.4%) of clinical interventions would have been missed if the testing approach had been restricted to older guidelines. Interpretation: Our results highlight the need for expanded genetic testing guidelines that account for the increased number of genes associated with hereditary neuropathy, address the overlap of acquired and hereditary neuropathy, and provide broader access to genetic diagnosis for patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To develop a standardised, automated protocol for detecting protein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5) positive intra‐epidermal nerve fibres (IENFs) in skin biopsies, transitioning from the established manual technique to an automated platform. This automated method, although currently intended for research applications, may improve the accessibility of this diagnostic test for small fibre neuropathy in clinical settings. Methods: Skin biopsies (n = 274) from 100 participants (fibromyalgia syndrome n = 62; idiopathic small fibre neuropathy: n = 16; healthy volunteers: n = 22) were processed using an automated immunohistochemistry platform. IENF quantification was performed by blinded examiners, with reliability assessed via a two‐way mixed‐effects model to evaluate inter‐ and intra‐observer variability. Results: The automated staining system reproduced intra‐epidermal nerve fibre density (IENFD) counts consistent with free‐floating sections (mean ± standard deviation: free‐floating: 5.6 ± 3.4 fibres/mm; automated: 5.9 ± 3.2 fibres/mm). A median difference of 0.3 with a lower bound 95% Confidence Interval (CI) at −0.00005 established non‐inferiority against a margin of −0.4 (p =.08). Specifically, the inter‐class correlation coefficient (class denotes consistency in measured observations) was 99% (95% CI: 0.9–1), indicating excellent agreement between free‐floating and automated methods. The inter‐ and intra‐class coefficient between examiners were both 99% (95% CI: 0.9–0.1) for IENFD, demonstrating high reliability using sections stained using the automated method. Interpretation: Automated immunohistochemistry provides high‐throughput reliable and reproducible intra‐epidermal nerve fibre quantification. This method, although currently proof‐of‐concept, for research use only, may be more widely deployed in histopathology laboratories to increase the adoption of IENFD assessment for the diagnosis of peripheral neuropathies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Laboratory‐based studies have shown that children's ability to remember intentions (i.e., prospective memory; PM) can be improved by asking them to imagine performing the PM task beforehand (i.e., episodic future thinking; EFT) or to predict their PM performance. Moreover, combining the two strategies resulted in an additional improvement in children's PM performance. However, the effectiveness of these encoding strategies on real‐life PM tasks is still unknown. Aims: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of EFT instructions, performance predictions, and of their combination on children's PM in a natural setting, namely in the classroom. Sample: Twelve classes composed by a total of 121 children (53% females) aged between seven and 9 years participated to the study. Methods: As a PM task, children were asked by their teachers to deliver a letter to their parents and to bring it back to school the next day. Children were divided into four groups: control, prediction, EFT, and the EFT + prediction group. Parent reports on children's everyday prospective and retrospective memory failures were also collected. Results: Results showed that encoding strategies were effective in enhancing children's PM performance. However, differences compared to previous laboratory‐based findings emerged since predicting PM performance resulted to be most effective in enhancing real‐life PM performance. Moreover, parent reports were related to children's PM performance. Conclusions: These novel findings highlight the importance of studying PM interventions in natural settings in order to increase their ecological validity and inform educational practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inconsistencies between performance data from laboratory‐prepared and field samples have been widely reported. These inconsistencies often result in inaccurate condition prediction, which leads to inefficient maintenance planning. Traditional pavement management systems (PMS) do not have the appropriate means (e.g., mechanistic solutions, extensive data handling facilities, etc.) to consider these data inconsistencies. With the growing demand for sustainable materials, there is a need for more self‐learning systems that could quickly transfer laboratory‐based information to field‐based information inside the PMS. The article aims to present a future‐ready machine learning‐based framework for analyzing the differences between laboratory and field‐prepared samples. Developed on the basis of data obtained from field and laboratory data, the gradient‐boosting decision trees‐based framework was able to establish a good relationship between laboratory performance and field performance (R2test > 80 for all models). At the same time, the framework could also show more complex relationships that are often not considered in practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Falsely elevated synovial white blood cell (WBC) counts using automated hematology analyzers have been reported particularly in the setting of joint arthroplasty. We evaluated the implementation of a laboratory workflow based on Sysmex XN‐1000‐automated cell counting and scattergram interpretation. Methods: WBC and differential were measured for 76 synovial fluid samples (29 native joints and 47 with joint arthroplasties) with Sysmex XN‐1000 and manual methods. All scattergrams were evaluated for possible incorrect WBC and/or differential according to our implemented workflow. A specific finding was the "banana‐shape" scattergram, which indicates possible interferences. The European Bone & Joint Infection Society (EBJIS) criteria were applied to identify possible prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) in patients with joint arthroplasties. Results: Correlation between automated and manual WBC counts, calculated for samples with WBC count <50 000/μL, was higher for native joints (r = 0.938) compared with patients known with arthroplasty (r = 0.906). Scattergrams classified as OK showed overall a higher correlation compared with scattergrams, which were interpreted as NOT OK. "Banana‐shape" scattergrams (n = 19) showed falsely elevated automated WBC count, and the patterns were mainly seen in prosthesis patients (17/19 [89%]). Six of 47 (13%) patients with joint arthroplasties were reclassified from "confirmed" to "unlikely" PJI according to the EBJIS criteria. Conclusion: Our workflow based on scattergram interpretation resulted in accurate WBC counts in synovial fluid using automated/and or manual methods. It is important to identify the presence of "banana‐shape" scattergrams to avoid overestimated automated WBC counts. Overall, automated synovial WBC count can be used, even for patients with arthroplasty, but after visual inspection of the scattergram to exclude possible interferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Obtaining demographic rates often requires complex open‐population capture–mark–recapture (CMR) study designs. Conducting such studies for small‐bodied fishes has been limited in part by excessive mortality after tagging procedures and poor tag retention. As new tag types emerge, information regarding fish survival and tag retention over varying time scales may benefit resource managers to effectively plan future CMR studies. The p‐Chip microtransponder is a 500‐ × 500‐ × 100‐μm tag that is inserted subcutaneously and is read with a handheld laser. Each tag contains a nine‐digit unique identification number. P‐Chip microtransponder tags have been used on a limited number of small‐bodied fishes, with relatively high rates observed for fish survival and tag retention. Information on posttagging survival and retention of p‐Chip microtransponder tags across a range of small‐bodied fish species and tagging locations is needed to inform their effectiveness in future CMR studies. Methods: We quantified survival and tag retention after p‐Chip microtransponder implantation in Creek Chub Semotilus atromaculatus and Northern Pearl Dace Margariscus nachtriebi in a laboratory environment, and retention of p‐Chip microtransponder tags in Northern Pearl Dace was also quantified over a year‐long field study. We marked 56 Creek Chub and 9 Northern Pearl Dace in the laboratory with p‐Chip microtransponder tags and compared them to an equal number of unmarked individuals over 90 days. We marked 1990 Northern Pearl Dace and conducted recapture events through four seasons (June, September, and October 2022 and June 2023) in four headwater streams of Nebraska. Result: Survival for Creek Chub was 85% (standard error [SE] = 5.9) and did not differ from control fish survival (95%; SE = 3.2) in the 90‐day laboratory experiment. Survival for Northern Pearl Dace was 89% (SE = 11.0) and did not differ from that of control fish (100%) in the laboratory experiment. Tag retention was 89% (SE = 4.6) for Creek Chub and 100% for Northern Pearl Dace in the laboratory. The p‐Chip microtransponder performed well during the CMR field study, with tag retention for Northern Pearl Dace at 94% across 374 days. Conclusion: Our results suggest that the p‐Chip microtransponder minimally affected small‐bodied fish survival and had high tag retention in both the laboratory and field studies. Thus, the p‐Chip microtransponder tag may be appropriate for use in small‐bodied fishes when individual identification is needed in a CMR study. Impact StatementP‐Chip microtransponder tags in small‐bodied fish show minimal effects on fish survival and high retention rates; therefore, these tags could be used for study designs that require individual capture and recapture data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrology has a long history, but is still considered a young science due to its lack of a solid scientific foundation as a natural science. Field experimentation is crucial when investigating hydrological processes and mechanisms, and is essential if hydrology is to have a solid, science‐based foundation. Professor Wei‐Zu Gu (1932–2022) was an internationally renowned scientist in the field of hydrology and is recognized as the greatest pioneer of experimental hydrology and isotope hydrology in China. He created the Hydrohill experimental catchment, which serves as both a great public facility for experimental hydrology and a valuable legacy for researchers that will enable them to conduct advanced hydrological experiments in the future. This legacy consists of innovative infrastructure that bridges the gap between natural watershed experiments and artificial physical models. The Hydrohill is an intensively instrumented experimental catchment that allows different elements of the hydrological cycle and their tracing indicators to be comprehensively measured. To provide an in‐depth understanding of the Hydrohill, this paper presents a short history of the site, its experimental objectives, a site description (including location, construction and instrumentation), site conditions (such as soil, hydrological and meteorological properties), and its contributions to hydrological science. We acknowledge Professor Gu for creating the Hydrohill experimental hydrology facility and enhancing our understanding of hydrological processes and mechanisms. Finally, we hope that Chuzhou Scientific Hydrology Laboratory, along with support from Professor Gu's friends, will ensure the continued growth of the Hydrohill so that it can address unsolved problems in hydrology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article emphasizes the crucial role of Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS) in advancing healthcare, especially in light of emerging diseases. Topics discussed include the need for standardized CLS curricula, the role of CLS in disease diagnosis and research, and international approaches to CLS education and training.

Atmospheric new particle formation (NPF), which exerts comprehensive implications for climate, air quality and human health, has received extensive attention. From molecule to cluster is the initial and most important stage of the nucleation process of atmospheric new particles. However, due to the complexity of the nucleation process and limitations of experimental characterization techniques, there is still a great uncertainty in understanding the nucleation mechanism at the molecular level. Laboratory‐based molecular beam methods can experimentally implement the generation and growth of typical atmospheric gas‐phase nucleation precursors to nanoscale clusters, characterize the key physical and chemical properties of clusters such as structure and composition, and obtain a series of their physicochemical parameters, including association rate coefficients, electron binding energy, pickup cross section and pickup probability and so on. These parameters can quantitatively illustrate the physicochemical properties of the cluster, and evaluate the effect of different gas phase nucleation precursors on the formation and growth of atmospheric new particles. We review the present literatures on atmospheric cluster formation and reaction employing the experimental method of laboratory molecular beam. The experimental apparatuses were classified and summarized from three aspects of cluster generation, growth and detection processes. Focus of this review is on the properties of nucleation clusters involving different precursor molecules of water, sulfuric acid, nitric acid and NxOy, respectively. We hope this review will provide a deep insight for effects of cluster physicochemical properties on nucleation, and reveal the formation and growth mechanism of atmospheric new particle at the molecular level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two chemists employed a three‐device rapid screening "toolkit" consisting of a handheld Raman spectrometer, transportable mass spectrometer, and portable Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectrometer at an international mail facility (IMF) satellite laboratory to examine unknown (unlabeled/mislabeled) products for the presence of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Phase I of this project previously demonstrated that this toolkit was the most effective collection of instruments for identifying APIs in product types collected at IMFs during a nationwide mail blitz and Phase II of this project previously demonstrated that results generated using the toolkit during a satellite laboratory pilot program were as reliable as those generated by a full‐service library when two or more of these instruments identify an API. This study (Phase III) described the results of the satellite laboratory toolkit during production mode and encompassed the period ranging from June 2021 through December 2022. During this study, a total of 858 products were examined on‐site at the IMF. The satellite laboratory yielded conclusive results for 726 (84.6%) products, which were used to support regulatory action, and identified 132 (15.4%) products that required additional full‐service laboratory analyses due to inconclusive results. The satellite and full‐service laboratory verified/confirmed at least one API/related substance in 617 (71.9%) products. A total of 709 APIs/related substances were found in the 617 products, and 202 of these 709 compounds were unique/different. Overall, during Phases I through III of this program, 350 different substances have been identified in products collected at IMFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last fifty years, a number of higher energy X‐ray sources have been suggested as alternatives for the usual AlKα source found in the first commercial XPS systems and still the standard anode material for XPS today. This paper reviews the development of a number of such sources, predominantly in the authors' laboratory, and the rationale behind the desire to extend the binding energy range of the technique. The achromatic sources SiKα, ZrLα and TiKα are described along with monochromatic sources AgLα and CrKβ, both based on the standard quartz monochromator geometry but taking higher orders of diffraction. The driving force for much of this development was the desire to probe deeper core levels and CCC Auger transitions. These could be combined into initial or final state Auger parameters as described in much of the work cited in this review. The highest energy source considered is the CuKα source based around an external X‐ray tube, which provides much insight into the electronic structure of steels by measurement of the Fe1s and FeKLL peaks. The last decade or so has seen a significant increase of interest in HAXPES, and all manufacturers of turn‐key XPS instruments offer HAXPES options of one form or another, there are three dedicated HAXPES systems commercially available, which are very briefly described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to the increasing amount of information presented in the cockpit, the visual and hearing channels are unable to adequately transmit information, which may increase the mental load on pilots. This study explores the benefits of multimodal alarms under high and low residual capacities during take‐off in civil aircrafts in a quasi‐experimental study. The performance of two modes of multimodal (visual and auditory [VA], and visual, auditory, and tactile [VAT]) alarms were tested. The results showed that the VAT alarms were superior to the VA alarms in terms of choice response times (CRTs) when the participants were exposed to low residual capacities of vision and hearing. However, this effect was not observed when the participants had high residual capacities for vision and hearing. Thus, we considered that an additional tactile alarm could play a significant role in the CRTs when VA resources were consumed. There was no significant difference in the number of response errors between the three multimodal alarm modes. This study provides a key comparison of the two modes of multimodal alarms, indicating that VAT alarms are ideal for use in alarm design strategies for next‐generation civil cockpits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The Thai National Guidelines for Hemostatic Laboratory Testing were established in 2018. The guidelines recommend that the 20‐min whole blood clotting time (20WBCT) method be used to diagnose/monitor snake bites. The aim of this study was to survey members of the Thailand National External Quality Assessment Scheme (NEQAS) for Blood Coagulation to investigate the use of 20WBCT testing compared between the 2021 post‐guideline and 2007 pre‐guideline periods. Methods: In July 2021, questionnaires were sent from the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University to 521 Thailand NEQAS for Blood Coagulation member laboratories to survey their WBCT practices. Current WBCT practices were compared with pre‐guideline WBCT practices, and chi‐square test (x2) was used to test for differences between groups. Results: Ninety‐seven (18.6%) of 521 surveys were returned. Seventy‐one laboratories (73.2%) reported knowing about 20WBCT from the Thai national guidelines. The reported average frequency of overall WBCT testing in 2021 was 12.4 times/month. The proportion of laboratories that reported using the 20WBCT test increased from 2.0% in 2007 to 46.4% in 2021 (p < 0.001), and the indications for performing WBCT were virtually unchanged from 2007 to 2021. The proportion of laboratories that reported having problems with WBCT testing decreased from 32.7% in 2007 to 16.5% in 2021. Conclusion: Despite our findings that almost three‐quarters of respondent laboratories reported knowing about 20WBCT testing from the WBCT guidelines, and that WBCT‐specific problems decreased significantly from 2007 to 2021, more work and training is needed to improve WBCT guideline dissemination, understanding, and adherence in Thailand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and reliability of the utilization for clinical reporting of the evaluation of digital images of bone marrow aspirates by morphologists and their comparability with the classic microscopic morphological evaluation. Methods: We scanned 180 consecutive bone marrow needle aspirates smears using the "Metafer4 VSlide" whole slide imaging (WSI) digital scanning system. We evaluated the statistical comparability and the risk of bias of the microscopic readings with those performed on the screen on the digitized medullary images. Results: The evaluation of cellularity on the screen was equivalent, with a higher frequency of "normal" than the analysis of digital preparations. The means and medians of the percentage values obtained on the different cell populations with the microscopic and digital reading were comparable as the main categories are concerned, with an average difference equal to 0 for the neutrophilic and eosinophilic granulocytic series, at −0.2% for the total myeloid cells, at 1.2% for the erythroid series, at −0.4% for the lymphocytes and at −0.4% for the blasts. Dysplastic features were consistently identified in 69/71 cell lineages. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that screen evaluation of digitized bone marrow needle aspirates provides quantitative and qualitative results comparable to traditional microscopic analysis of the corresponding slide smears. Digital images offer significant benefits in reducing the workload of experienced operators, reproducibility and sharing of observations, and image preservation. Even in routine diagnostic activities, their use does not alter the quality of the results obtained in evaluating bone marrow needle aspirates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The MC‐80 (Mindray, Shenzhen, China), a newly available artificial intelligence (AI)‐based digital morphology analyzer, is the focus of this study. We aim to compare the leukocyte differential performance of the Mindray MC‐80 with that of the Sysmex DI‐60 and the gold standard, manual microscopy. Methods: A total of 100 abnormal peripheral blood (PB) smears were compared across the MC‐80, DI‐60, and manual microscopy. Sensitivity, specificity, predictive value, and efficiency were calculated according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) EP12‐A2 guidelines. Comparisons were made using Bland–Altman analysis and Passing‐Bablok regression analysis. Additionally, within‐run imprecision was evaluated using five samples, each with varying percentages of mature leukocytes and blasts, in accordance with CLSI EP05‐A3 guidelines. Results: The within‐run coefficient of variation (%CV) of the MC‐80 for most cell classes in the five samples was lower than that of the DI‐60. Sensitivities for the MC‐80 ranged from 98.2% for nucleated red blood cells (NRBC) to 28.6% for reactive lymphocytes. The DI‐60's sensitivities varied between 100% for basophils and reactive lymphocytes, and 11.1% for metamyelocytes. Both analyzers demonstrated high specificity, negative predictive value, and efficiency, with over 90% for most cell classes. However, the DI‐60 showed relatively lower specificity for lymphocytes (73.2%) and lower efficiency for blasts and lymphocytes (80.1% and 78.6%, respectively) compared with the MC‐80. Bland–Altman analysis indicated that the absolute mean differences (%) ranged from 0.01 to 4.57 in MC‐80 versus manual differential and 0.01 to 3.39 in DI‐60 versus manual differential. After verification by technicians, both analyzers exhibited a very high correlation (r = 0.90–1.00) with the manual differential results in neutrophils, lymphocytes, and blasts. Conclusions: The Mindray MC‐80 demonstrated good performance for leukocyte differential in PB smears, notably exhibiting higher sensitivity for blasts identification than the DI‐60. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laboratory studies on embryos of salmonids, such as the brown trout (Salmo trutta), have been extensively used to study environmental stress and how responses vary within and between natural populations. These studies are based on the implicit assumption that early life‐history traits are relevant for stress tolerance in the wild. Here we test this assumption by combining two data sets from studies on the same 60 families. These families had been experimentally produced from wild breeders to determine, in separate samples, (1) stress tolerances of singly kept embryos in the laboratory and (2) growth of juveniles during 6 months in the wild. We found that growth in the wild was well predicted by the larval size of their full sibs in the laboratory, especially if these siblings had been experimentally exposed to a pathogen. Exposure to the pathogen had not caused elevated mortality among the embryos but induced early hatching. The strength of this stress‐induced change of life history was a significant predictor of juvenile growth in the wild: the stronger the response in the laboratory, the slower the growth in the wild. We conclude that embryo performance in controlled environments can be a useful predictor of juvenile performance in the wild. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are promising regenerative therapeutics that primarily exert their effects through secreted extracellular vesicles (EVs). These EVs – being small and non‐living – are easier to handle and possess advantages over cellular products. Consequently, the therapeutic potential of MSC‐EVs is increasingly investigated. However, due to variations in MSC‐EV manufacturing strategies, MSC‐EV products should be considered as highly diverse. Moreover, the diverse array of EV characterisation technologies used for MSC‐EV characterisation further complicates reliable interlaboratory comparisons of published data. Consequently, this study aimed to establish a common method that can easily be used by various MSC‐EV researchers to characterise MSC‐EV preparations to facilitate interlaboratory comparisons. To this end, we conducted a comprehensive inter‐laboratory assessment using a novel multiplex bead‐based EV flow cytometry assay panel. This assessment involved 11 different MSC‐EV products from five laboratories with varying MSC sources, culture conditions, and EV preparation methods. Through this assay panel covering a range of mostly MSC‐related markers, we identified a set of cell surface markers consistently positive (CD44, CD73 and CD105) or negative (CD11b, CD45 and CD197) on EVs of all explored MSC‐EV preparations. Hierarchical clustering analysis revealed distinct surface marker profiles associated with specific preparation processes and laboratory conditions. We propose CD73, CD105 and CD44 as robust positive markers for minimally identifying MSC‐derived EVs and CD11b, CD14, CD19, CD45 and CD79 as reliable negative markers. Additionally, we highlight the influence of culture medium components, particularly human platelet lysate, on EV surface marker profiles, underscoring the influence of culture conditions on resulting EV products. This standardisable approach for MSC‐EV surface marker profiling offers a tool for routine characterisation of manufactured EV products in pre‐clinical and clinical research, enhances the quality control of MSC‐EV preparations, and hopefully paves the way for higher consistency and reproducibility in the emerging therapeutic MSC‐EV field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is a paper on experimental studies performed in the 1940s at the University of Notre Dame accelerator laboratory to investigate radiation effects on materials and also to probe the efficiency of atmospheric cooling of the fireball created by a nuclear fission device. This was a critical question to be addressed during the early phases in the development of the Manhattan project, which was again raised in the film Oppenheimer, posing the question whether "a bomb can set the atmosphere on fire." This paper brings forth the formerly classified reaction studies performed at Notre Dame's Nuclear Science Laboratory to answer this question. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The German Xenotransplantation Consortium is in the process to prepare a clinical trial application (CTA) on xenotransplantation of genetically modified pig hearts. In the CTA documents to the central and national regulatory authorities, that is, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the Paul Ehrlich Institute (PEI), respectively, it is required to list the potential zoonotic or xenozoonotic porcine microorganisms including porcine viruses as well as to describe methods of detection in order to prevent their transmission. The donor animals should be tested using highly sensitive detection systems. I would like to define a detection system as the complex including the actual detection methods, either PCR‐based, cell‐based, or immunological methods and their sensitivity, as well as sample generation, sample preparation, sample origin, time of sampling, and the necessary negative and positive controls. Lessons learned from the identification of porcine cytomegalovirus/porcine roseolovirus (PCMV/PRV) in the xenotransplanted heart in the recipient in the Baltimore study underline how important such systems are. The question is whether veterinary laboratories can supply such assays. Methods: A total of 35 veterinary laboratories in Germany were surveyed for their ability to test for selected xenotransplantation‐relevant viruses, including PCMV/PRV, hepatitis E virus, and porcine endogenous retrovirus‐C (PERV‐C). As comparison, data from Swiss laboratories and a laboratory in the USA were analyzed. Furthermore, we assessed which viruses were screened for in clinical and preclinical trials performed until now and during screening of pig populations. Results: Of the nine laboratories that provided viral diagnostics, none of these included all potential viruses of concern, indeed, the most important assays confirmed in recent human trials, antibody detection of PCMV/PRV and screening for PERV‐C were not available at all. The situation was similar in Swiss and US laboratories. Different viruses have been tested for in first clinical and preclinical trials performed in various countries. Conclusion: Based on these results it is necessary to establish special virological laboratories able to test for all xenotransplantation‐relevant viruses using validated assays, optimally in the xenotransplantation centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After a time away from the classrooms and laboratories due to the global pandemic, the return to teaching activities during the semester represented a challenge to both teachers and students. Our particular situation in a Microbial Physiology course was the necessity of imparting in shorter time, laboratory practices that usually take longer. This article describes a 2‐week‐long laboratory exercise that covers several concepts in an interrelated way: conjugation as a gene transfer mechanism, regulation of microbial physiology, production of secondary metabolites, degradation of macromolecules, and biofilm formation. Utilizing a Quorum Quenching (QQ) strategy, the Quorum Sensing (QS) system of Pseudomonas aeruginosa is first attenuated. Then, phenotypes regulated by QS are evidenced. QS is a regulatory mechanism of microbial physiology that relies on signal molecules. QS is related in P. aeruginosa to several virulence factors, some of which are exploited in the laboratory practices presented in this work. QQ is a phenomenon by which QS is interrupted or attenuated. We utilized a QQ approach based on the enzymatic degradation of the P. aeruginosa QS signals to evidence QS‐regulated traits that are relevant to our Microbial Physiology course. Results obtained with the same test performed by a random group of students before and after the activities show the positive effectiveness of the approach presented in this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of collaborative robots (Cobots) for materials development in chemical laboratories is currently of high priority. Herein, the Cobot is used for autonomous continued analysis and synthesis of graphene oxide–polyethyleneimine‐based membrane to unify a method and prospects for big data collection are shown. Membranes have already demonstrated a selective affinity to potassium cations and promised to adjust permeability for other cations by changing pH. The Cobot allows a variation of membrane properties by its composition modification. The present strategy combines a novel perspective of material production by Cobots and the application of machine learning. Moreover, the current approach can be adapted for different modern chemical laboratories for various scientific research, and the proper workflow is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the mismatch between automated hematology analyzers and visual examination of blood smears, particularly regarding the misclassification of hypogranular eosinophils and platelets. It reports two cases demonstrating how this mismatch can lead to pseudothrombocytopenia, and it highlights the importance of reviewing peripheral blood smears when abnormal scatterplots or histograms are flagged to avoid diagnostic errors and unnecessary testing.

As hydrological systems are pushed outside the envelope of historical experience, the ability of current hydrological models to serve as a basis for credible prediction and decision making is increasingly challenged. Conceptual models are the most common type of surface water hydrological model used for decision support due to reasonable performance in the absence of change, ease of use and computational speed that facilitate scenario, sensitivity and uncertainty analysis. Hence, conceptual models in effect represent the current "shopfront" of hydrological science as seen by practitioners. However, these models have notable limitations in their ability to resolve internal catchment processes and subsequently capture hydrological change. New thinking is needed to confront the challenges faced by the current generation of conceptual models in dealing with a changing environment. We argue the next generation of conceptual models should combine the parsimony of conceptual models with our best available scientific understanding. We propose a strategy to develop such models using multiple hydrological lines of evidence. This strategy includes using appropriately selected physically resolved models as "Virtual Hydrological Laboratories" to test and refine the simpler models' ability to predict future hydrological changes. This approach moves beyond the sole focus on "predictive skill" measured using metrics of historical performance, facilitating the development of the next generation of conceptual models with hydrological fidelity (i.e., models that "get the right answers for the right reasons"). This quest is more than a scientific curiosity; it is expected by policy makers who need to know what to plan for. Key Points: New thinking is needed to improve the predictive skill of conceptual hydrological models as they are confronted by multi‐faceted changeNext generation conceptual models need to increase their "hydrological fidelity" founded upon multiple hydrological lines of evidenceVirtual Hydrological Laboratories accelerate this development through controlled testing for future changes yet to be observed [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laboratory science sometimes looks like it's built exclusively for young people, but if you look closely, you'll find another group of scientists waiting to join your lab: those of us who didn't quite launch our careers on a normal trajectory. Welcoming a second‐career scientist into your lab takes time and resources, but may just be well worth it. Here's what one second‐career scientist wants you to know about supporting second careers in immunology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenomena‐based approaches have become popular for elementary school teachers to engage children's innate curiosity in the natural world. However, integrating such phenomena‐based approaches in existing science courses within teacher education programs present potential challenges for both preservice elementary teachers (PSETs) and for laboratory instructors, both of whom may have had limited opportunities to learn or teach science within the student and instructor roles inherent within these approaches. This study uses a convergent parallel mixed‐methods approach to investigate PSETs' perceptions of their laboratory instructor's role within a Physical Science phenomena‐based laboratory curriculum and how it impacts their conceptual development (2 instructors/121 students). We also examine how the two laboratory instructors' discursive moves within the laboratory align with their's and PSETs' perceptions of the instructor role. Qualitative data includes triangulation between a student questionnaire, an instructor questionnaire, and video classroom observations, while quantitative data includes a nine‐item open response pre‐/post‐semester conceptual test. Guided by Mortimer's and Scott's analytic framework, our findings show that students primarily perceive their instructors as a guide/facilitator or an authoritarian/evaluator. Using Linn's knowledge integration framework, analysis of pre‐/post‐tests indicates that student outcomes align with students' perceptions of their instructors, with students who perceive their instructor as a guide/facilitator having significantly better pre‐/post‐outcomes. Additional analysis of scientific discourse from the classroom observations illustrates how one instructor primarily supports PSETs' perspectives on authentic science learning through dialogic–interactive talk moves whereas the other instructor epistemologically stifles personally relevant investigations with authoritative–interactive or authoritative–noninteractive discourse moves. Overall, this study concludes by discussing challenges facing laboratory instructors that need careful consideration for phenomena‐based approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Mindray MC‐80 is an automated system for digital imaging of white blood cells (WBCs) and their pre‐classification. The objective of this work is to analyse its performance comparing it with the CellaVision® DM9600. Methods: A total of 445 samples were used, 194 normal and 251 abnormal: acute leukaemia (100), myelodysplastic syndromes/myeloproliferative neoplasms (33), lymphoid neoplasms (50), plasma cell neoplasms (14), infections (49) and thrombocytopenia (5). WBC pre‐classification values with the MC‐80 and DM9600 were compared with (1) the microscope, (2) Mindray BC‐6800Plus differentials in only normal samples, and (3) confirmed or reclassified images (post‐classification). Pearson's correlation, Lin's concordance, Passing‐Bablok regression, and Bland–Altman plots were used. Sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values for abnormal cells using the MC‐80 were calculated. Results: The PPV and NPV were above 98% and 99%, for normal samples. For immature granulocytes (IG), NPV and PPV were 100% and 74.2%. When comparing the WBC differentials using the MC‐80, the microscope and the BC‐6800Plus, no differences were found except for basophils and IG. Our results showed good agreement between the pre‐ and post‐classification of normal WBC, including IG, quantified by high correlation and concordance values (0.91–1). Sensitivity and specificity for blasts were 0.984 and 0.640. The MC‐80 detected abnormal lymphocytes in 30% of the smears from patients with lymphoid neoplasm. Plasma cell identification was better using the DM9600. The sensitivity and specificity for erythroblast detection were 1 and 0.890. Conclusion: We found that the MC‐80 shows high performance for WBC differentials for both normal samples and patients with haematological diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which developed a standardized version of the peripheral blood smear (PBS) reporting format according to the International Society of Hematology (ICSH) recommendations and system that allowed automatic descriptions of quantitative values of complete blood count (CBC) data in this reporting format. Topics include components of the automated PBS reporting system and automatically described quantitative results and qualitative results in the PBS smear reporting system.

Summary: The use of intracytoplasmic spermatozoa injection (ICSI) to produce equine embryos has significantly increased over the past decade, leading to the creation of laboratories specific for ICSI and related in vitro fertilisation (IVF) techniques. However, the commitment, resources and skills necessary for developing a viable IVF laboratory can be underestimated or underappreciated. The purpose of this article is to share the difficulties our clinic encountered when developing an IVF laboratory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) faces ongoing challenges in its public health system due to limited resources, logistical issues, and political disruptions. The COVID‐19 pandemic accelerated the need for stronger laboratory capacities to handle the increased demand for testing. In a phased response, EMR countries utilized the National Influenza Centers to rapidly establish and scale molecular testing for SARS‐CoV‐2, the causative agent of COVID‐19. The expansion of capacity included strong collaborations between public health bodies and private and academic sectors to decentralize and expand testing to the subnational level. To ensure that the quality of testing was not impacted by rapid expansion, national and subnational laboratories were enrolled in external quality assurance programs for the duration of the response. Implementation of genomic surveillance was prioritized for variant tracking, leading to the establishment of regional sequencing reference laboratories and the distribution of MinION sequencing platforms to complex emergency countries who previously had limited experience with pathogen sequencing. Challenges included a lack of technical expertise, including in implementing novel diagnostic assays and sequencing, a lack of bioinformatics expertise in the region, and significant logistical and procurement challenges. The collaborative approach, coordinated through the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office, enabled all 22 countries to achieve SARS‐CoV‐2 diagnostic capabilities, highlighting the pivotal role of laboratories in global health security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sexual minority women (SMW) use alcohol at higher rates and experience greater alcohol‐related harms than their heterosexual counterparts. Evidence from observational studies suggests that minority stress (i.e., stress experienced due to marginalization in society) is an important risk factor among SMW, yet there is a lack of experimental evidence to establish a direct causal role of minority stress on alcohol use in this population. We adapted the preexisting personalized guided stress induction paradigm to conduct a pilot study of how minority stress is related to stress response (assessed via subjective measures and salivary cortisol) and mechanisms of alcohol use (craving, demand, and risky decision making) in SMW. Methods: Using a within‐subjects design (N = 8) cisgender SMW who endorsed high‐risk drinking (≥1 heavy drinking episode in the past 30 days) completed three study visits: a script development session and two in‐person imagery induction appointments (minority stress and neutral). Analyses examined feasibility and acceptability, stress response, and mechanisms of alcohol use. Results: The paradigm significantly increased subjective stress response (g = 1.32). Data supported the feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness of the paradigm for use with SMW. While the paradigm did not significantly change scores on minority stress and alcohol outcomes measures, effect sizes for craving and minority stress outcomes were in the small‐to‐medium range (gs = 0.24–0.54). Conclusions: The adapted minority stress paradigm appears to be feasible and appropriate for use with SMW to induce stress in laboratory settings. Future research can use this paradigm to understand the causal effects of minority stress on alcohol use and related outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes the contemporary bioengineering theory and practice of evaluating the fluid handling performance of foam‐based dressings, with focus on the important and clinically relevant engineering structure–function relationships and on advanced laboratory testing methods for pre‐clinical quantitative assessments of this common type of wound dressings. The effects of key wound dressing material‐related and treatment‐related physical factors on the absorbency and overall fluid handling of foam‐based dressings are thoroughly and quantitively analysed. Discussions include exudate viscosity and temperature, action of mechanical forces and the dressing microstructure and associated interactions. Based on this comprehensive review, we propose a newly developed testing method, experimental metrics and clinical benchmarks that are clinically relevant and can set the standard for robust fluid handling performance evaluations. The purpose of this evaluative framework is to translate the physical characteristics and performance determinants of a foam dressing into achievable best clinical outcomes. These guiding principles are key to distinguishing desirable properties of a dressing that contribute to optimal performance in clinical settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise: Low‐cost, repairable lab equipment is rare within the biological sciences. By lowering the costs of entry using 3D printing and open‐source hardware, our goal is to empower both amateur and professional scientists to conduct research. Methods: We developed a modular system of 3D‐printable designs called COBLE (Collection of Bespoke Laboratory Equipment), including novel and remixed 3D‐printable lab equipment that can be inexpensively printed, assembled, and repaired for a fraction of the cost of retail equivalents. Results: Here we present novel tools that utilize 3D printing to enable a wide range of scientific experiments. We include additional resources for scientists and labs that are interested in utilizing 3D printing for their research. Discussion: By describing the broad potential that 3D‐printed designs can have in the biological sciences, we hope to inspire others to implement and improve upon these designs, improving accessibility and enabling science for all. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research reports on implementing the integrated laboratory work to achieve effective learning in the biochemistry course. The integrated laboratory work includes three stages: pre‐laboratory, lab work, and post‐laboratory. In other words, the three stages include planning, implementing, and evaluating investigation activities in the laboratory. The research design used was a posttest control group design consisting of a control and an experimental group. There were 67 students as respondents, who were divided into control (N = 33) and experimental (N = 34) groups. Practical skills were measured using an assessment rubric with the involvement of the observer. The categories of practical skills measured were procedural skills, observation skills, interpretation skills, and reporting skills. Attitude toward biochemistry was measured using a questionnaire with five Likert scales. The indicators of attitudes toward biochemistry used were liking for a biochemistry theory lesson, liking for biochemistry laboratory work, evaluative beliefs about biochemistry, and behavioral tendencies to learn biochemistry. The influence of the implementation of the integrated laboratory work on the students' practical skills and attitudes toward biochemistry was analyzed using MANOVA. The research result shows that implementing the integrated laboratory work improves students' average scores in practical skills and attitudes toward biochemistry. All the practical skills and attitudes categories in the experimental group have a higher score than those in the control group. The reason is that the work of the integrated laboratory can prepare students to conduct better investigations in biochemistry laboratory work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current paper presents an overview of the workflow of the Working Memory, Cognition and Development (WomCogDev) lab at the University of Geneva, Switzerland, as an example of how Open Science principles can be applied in a developmental psychology lab. We describe the importance and challenges of applying Open Science practices in developmental research and detail each step of our workflow from research design to dissemination. We provide examples and give emphasis to steps that typically receive little attention but that may hold promise for application in other labs (namely, project design, data collection and data analysis). Finally, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of our workflow and summarize the main takeaways for other labs. By 'opening up' our lab's workflow, we want to encourage other labs to incorporate the aspects that they like into their own workflows and to share their own processes for the continued benefit of others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the potential applications of chatbots, like ChatGPT, in scientific manuscript preparation, highlighting their advantages, limitations, and ethical considerations. It discusses how chatbots can assist in various stages of manuscript production, including study design, literature search, and writing, while also addressing concerns regarding their accuracy, transparency, and potential for misuse in scientific writing.

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Rationale: Stable‐isotope analyses of nitrate (NO3−) in various water sources are crucial for understanding nitrogen pollution and its impact on aquatic ecosystems. We evaluated the accuracy and precision of stable‐isotope analyses of nitrate conducted by international laboratories. Methods: Six samples with nitrate (2 mg L−1 NO3−‐N) were sent to 47 laboratories. The NO3− had a 30–50 ‰ range of δ values for δ15N, δ18O and δ17O. One blind duplicate evaluated reproducibility and the effect of water δ18O. Laboratories used diverse methods to convert nitrate to N2O, N2, CO or O2 for stable‐isotopic measurements (microbial, cadmium, titanium and elemental analysis) and isotope‐ratio mass spectrometry or laser‐based technologies. Results: Thirty‐six international laboratories (83 %) reported results; however, 23 % did not analyze the test samples due to technical difficulties. Of the reporting laboratories, 79 % and 84 % produced accurate δ15N and δ18O results falling within ±0.8 ‰ and ±1.1 ‰ of the benchmark values, respectively. Three laboratories produced only outliers. The duplicate revealed most laboratories gave internally reproducible results at appropriate analytical precision. For δ17O, six laboratories reported results, but 67 % could not reproduce results within their claimed analytical measurement precision. One complication is a lack of nitrate reference materials for δ17O. Conclusions: Analyst experience contributed to better performance, and underperformance was from compromised standards or inappropriate δ range of working reference materials. The stable isotope community must develop new nitrate reference materials for δ15N spanning −20 ‰ to +80 ‰ and new materials for δ17O. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Earth faults is a challenging fault type to locate in resonant grounded networks due to their naturally low fault current, and the problem increases with an increased fault impedance. This paper describes the detailed implementation and laboratory testing of a method for detection, location and clearing of earth faults with very small fault currents. The method consists of two indicators used in the fault detection stage, where their simultaneous operation ensures selective fault detection and faulty feeder selection. One of these indicators also enables continuous fault indication throughout a sectionalizing process. The laboratory tests demonstrate that both indicators function as intended, and it is the current sensors which ultimately limit the attainable sensitivity. Faults up to 15 kΩ were detected successfully in the laboratory network based on phase current measurements, while the sectionalizing indicator showed much higher sensitivity and functioned as intended in a 50 kΩ fault. Measurements from one field test in a 22 kV network corroborate the laboratory results and demonstrate the expected earth fault indicator response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Implementing artificial intelligence‐based instruments in hematology laboratories requires evidence of efficiency in classifying pathological cells. In two‐Universities, we assessed the performance of the Mindray® MC‐80 for hematology patients with frequent leukemic and dysplastic cells. Methods: The Mindray MC‐80® locates and pre‐classifies cells in blood films. In a two‐university study, four films were prepared from 591 samples, two each for the analyser MC‐80 and the microscope reference method, using reagents from two different manufacturers. We used Microsoft Excel® statistics for imprecision and distributional inaccuracy and a matrix table model (H20‐A2 CLSI standard) for sensitivity, specificity and predictive value for atypical cells. Results: The results indicate minimal within‐run imprecision (ICSH method) and good intra‐method consistency even on duplicate analysis of 413 samples with a high incidence of hematological abnormalities (r = 0.942 or more, except for basophils, r = 0.841, and reactive lymphocytes, r = 0.847). Distributional inaccuracy was also very low compared to the microscope reference, with a pass rate higher than 80% for pathological cells (except 75.1% for reactive lymphocytes). The primary causes of discrepancy were bizarre shapes of dysplastic neutrophils and inconsistent nomenclature for lymphoma cells. Sensitivity for critical samples containing cells typically absent in circulating blood (immature or malignant) was 98.8% for immature granulocytes, 83.8% for all types of neoplastic cells, 93.6% for reactive lymphocytes and 97.5% for nucleated red blood cells. The negative predictive values of MC‐80 were 98.8% for immature granulocytes, 88.4% for the different types of neoplastic cells, 97.8% for reactive lymphocytes, and 96.9% for nucleated red blood cells. Conclusion: Our study highlights the outstanding diagnostic performance of this artificial intelligence–based blood film analyzer for hematology patients with circulating abnormal cells. We appreciated the morphological harmonization of cells observed on the screen and those seen in the microscope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the COVID-19 pandemic, preexisting soil science laboratories were redesigned for self-guided learning (SGL). The SGL laboratories occurred oncampus during the fall 2020 semester in two introductory soil science courses at the University of Tennessee at Martin and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Students carried out the activities by visiting multiple outdoor sites on campus, individually or in pairs, without the instructor. Students accomplished this by following instructions provided on location sign boards and instruction manuals. We evaluated student perceptions of the SGL laboratories using an optional qualitative survey that students completed post-laboratory and student performance on SGL activities using rubrics. Our results showed that students found the difficulty level and amount of time required for the SGL laboratories to be equal to traditional in-person laboratories. Most students found the SGL laboratories enjoyable or very enjoyable because of the flexibility and hands-on learning outdoors. Students recommended more SGL laboratories during and after the pandemic, preferably accompanied by frequent student–instructor interaction. Rubric analysis showed that SGLs were best suited for practicing previously learned skills in practical contexts and learning simple skills and concepts, but students did not perform well with complex and abstract concepts. Overall, students were able to successfully complete SGL laboratory activities in a hands-on yet socially distanced way. The results suggest that SGLs can be implemented in post-pandemic lectures and laboratory courses designed for hands-on learning in a distance learning format. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A few generations of laboratory selection can increase the developmental success of native parasitoids on invasive targets. However, for this approach to be used more widely for biological control, we need to understand if the improved performance of native species, achieved under artificial laboratory conditions, translates to improved control in more natural environments. It is also unknown what the biocontrol potential of laboratory selected generalist native parasitoids may be compared to co‐evolved specialists that are typically introduced for biological control of invasive species. To assess how rearing in artificial diet affected host finding ability in natural hosts, we used laboratory selected (adapted) and nonadapted populations of the generalist native parasitoid Trichopria drosophilae to parasitize the invasive fly, Drosophila suzukii in three different fruit types. In a separate experiment, we compared the effectiveness of adapted and nonadapted populations of T. drosophilae in raspberries with a co‐evolved specialist larval parasitoid Ganaspis brasiliensis from Asia that was recently approved for release in the USA. More adult parasitoids emerged in each fruit type of the adapted compared to the nonadapted population of T. drosophilae. D. suzukii emergence rates were reduced on average by 85% by the adapted T. drosophilae population indicating that the artificial rearing conditions did not significantly impair the ability of parasitoids to locate and attack hosts in natural hosts. The specialist G. brasiliensis had higher adult emergence than the adapted population of T. drosophilae; however, both parasitoid species were able to reduce D. suzukii populations to the same extent. These results show that despite the lower developmental success of the laboratory selected T. drosophilae, they killed the same proportion of D. suzukii as G. brasiliensis when host choice was restricted. In nature, where host choices are available, specialist and generalist parasitoids will be unlikely to exhibit the same biocontrol potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key Takeaways: The effectiveness of powdered activated carbon (PAC) at removing cyanotoxins depends on the specific toxin(s), water pH, and PAC source. A study showed that wood–lignite PAC adsorbed more cyanotoxin than bituminous coal–based PAC, and cyanotoxin removal was more effective at a higher pH. In this study, removal costs decreased as toxin concentration increased, and saxitoxin removal was less expensive when it was present with microcystin‐LR. A decision tree that balances treatment costs with toxin removal efficiency was developed to help water utilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding how to effectively communicate and work with customers can help mitigate situations quickly and build confidence in the water system as well as utility staff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The manual differential count has been recognized for its disadvantages, including large interobserver variability and labor intensiveness. In this light, automated digital cell morphology analyzers have been increasingly adopted in hematology laboratories for their robustness and convenience. This study aims to evaluate the white blood cell differential performance of the Mindray MC‐80, the new automated digital cell morphology analyzer. Methods: The cell identification performance of Mindray MC‐80 was evaluated for sensitivity and specificity using pre‐classification and post‐classification of each cell class. The method comparison study used manual differentials as the gold standard for calculating Pearson correlation, Passing‐Bablok regression, and Bland–Altman analysis. In addition, the precision study was performed and evaluated. Results: The precision was within the acceptable limit for all cell classes. Overall, the specificity of cell identification was higher than 95% for all cell classes. The sensitivity was greater for 95% for most cell classes, except for myelocytes (94.9%), metamyelocytes (90.9%), reactive lymphocytes (89.7%), and plasma cells (60%). Pre‐classification and post‐classification results correlated well with the manual differential results for all the cell types investigated. The regression coefficients were greater than 0.9 for most cell classes except for promyelocytes, metamyelocytes, basophils, and reactive lymphocytes. Conclusion: The performance of Mindray MC‐80 for white blood cell differentials is reliable and seems to be acceptable even in abnormal samples. However, the sensitivity is less than 95% for certain abnormal cell types, so the user should be aware of this limitation where such cells are suspected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study investigates the potential contribution of structural and dispersion parameters, as well as alarms provided by Sysmex XN9000 haematology analyzer. The objective was to assess the need for a microscopic examination in the context of lymphocytosis. It also aims to contribute in differentiating rapidly lymphoproliferative disorders such as chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), non‐chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (NON‐CLL) and non‐infectious reactive lymphocytosis (REAC). Methods: We prospectively assessed lymphocyte parameters (Ly‐X, Ly‐Y, Ly‐Z, Ly‐WX, Ly‐WY, Ly‐WZ) provided by the Sysmex XN9000 analyzer; they were measured in the white blood cell differential (WDF) channel which also provides alarms via the precursor/pathological cellular channel (WPC). Blood samples from 71 subjects with CLL, NON‐CLL lymphoproliferative and REAC non‐infectious reactive lymphocytosis, as well as a control (NORM) group of 12 subjects without any abnormalities were analyzed. Results: The most discriminating parameters to distinguish the different groups were Ly‐X, Ly‐Z and Ly‐WZ. The lymphoid structural parameters Ly‐X and Ly‐Z significantly discriminated the CLL group from the other groups (p < 0.001), and the CLL group from the REAC group (p < 0.01), respectively. The Ly‐WZ parameter discriminated the CLL group from the NON‐CLL, REAC (p < 0.001) and NORM (p < 0.01) groups. Alarms were higher in all study groups compared to the NORM group. An algorithm integrating these structural and alarm parameters is proposed. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that Ly‐X, Ly‐Z, and Ly‐WZ lymphocyte parameters are useful for detecting morphological changes in lymphocytes; they provide useful information for the differential diagnosis of lymphocytosis, and this before the examination of the blood smear. An algorithm combining the WDF (parameters) and the WPC (alarms) makes it possible to decide whether or not to use a microscopic examination or flow cytometry immunophenotyping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]