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Rationale: The development of analytical screening techniques for pesticides is crucial for preventing and mitigating environmental contamination. Mass spectrometry‐based screening methods differ based on the complexity of the sample matrix and the diversity of the target compounds. One of the major challenges is balancing cost reduction in the extraction process with the optimization of analytical results. This protocol introduces a universal and efficient scheme for the qualitative and quantitative schemes for 45 pesticides within a single analytical run. Methods: Water samples were extracted using an SPE column, with the pH adjusted to 7. Soil samples were processed using a modified QuEChERS method. The pretreatment for water samples emphasized selecting appropriate SPE columns and optimizing pH, while for soil samples, the focus was on choosing suitable extraction solvents and extraction salt packages. The enriched samples were then analyzed using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). The method was evaluated for accuracy, precision, detection limits, and matrix effects. Results: The method enabled the simultaneous detection of 45 pesticides within a 15‐minute analysis period. SPE recoveries ranged from 56.1% to 118.8%. Instrumental detection limits varied between 0.02 and 1 pg, while method detection limits extended from 0.05 to 18.47 ng/l in soil and water matrices. The approach was successfully applied to water and soil samples, with the pesticide concentration ranging from 0.1 ng/L to 38 μg/L. Conclusions: The protocol substantially enhances the characterization and quantification of 45 pesticides in environmental samples, achieving a remarkable reduction in detection limits by an order of magnitude compared to previous research. This method enables the simultaneous detection of pesticides in both water and soil matrices using a single system, addressing the challenges of using separate systems for different environmental media. Furthermore, this protocol provides a crucial theoretical foundation for managing and safeguarding against pesticide pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: The sources and chemical compositions of organic aerosol (OA) exert a significant influence on both regional and global atmospheric conditions, thereby having far‐reaching implications on environmental chemistry. However, existing mass spectrometry (MS) methods have limitations in characterizing the detailed composition of OA due to selective ionization as well as fractionation during cold‐water extraction and solid‐phase extraction (SPE). Methods: A comprehensive MS study was conducted using aerosol samples collected on dusty, clean, and polluted days. To supplement the data obtained from electrospray ionization (ESI), a strategy for analyzing OAs collected using the quartz fiber filter directly utilizing laser desorption ionization (LDI) was employed. Additionally, the ESI method was conducted to explore suitable approaches for determining various OA compositions from samples collected on dusty, clean, and polluted days. Results: In situ LDI has the advantages of significantly reducing the sample volume, simplifying sample preparation, and overcoming the problem of overestimating sulfur‐containing compounds usually encountered in ESI. It is suitable for the characterization of highly unsaturated and hydrophobic aerosols, such as brown carbon‐type compounds with low volatility and high stability, which is supplementary to ESI. Conclusions: Compared with other ionization methods, in situ LDI helps provide a complementary description of the molecular compositions of OAs, especially for analyzing OAs in polluted day samples. This method may contribute to a more comprehensive MS analysis of the elusive compositions and sources of OA in the atmosphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article "Remembering Robert Kinnear Boyd (1938–2024)" in Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry pays tribute to the life and contributions of Bob Boyd, a prominent figure in Canadian mass spectrometry. Born in Scotland, Bob's career spanned academia, research, and leadership roles, with significant contributions to mass spectrometry and physical chemistry. His legacy as a mentor, innovator, and humble individual continues to inspire future scientists, and his impact on the scientific community remains profound. Bob's passing marks the end of a remarkable journey, but his spirit of curiosity, exploration, and generosity will endure as a reminder of the noble pursuit of knowledge. [Extracted from the article]

This experiment describes a simple protocol for teaching acid-base titrations using potentiometry, conductivity, and/or photometry to determine end points without an added indicator. The chosen example examines the titratable acidity of a red wine with NaOH. Wines contain anthocyanins, the colors of which change with pH. Importantly, at the equivalence point, anthocyanins maintain their color, and this effect can be captured optically using a desktop scanner. RGB-based color values are obtained from the digitized images using a dedicated application and employed to generate plots of |v| versus titrant volume. The end point is the point at which the slope (d|v|/?/dV) of the titration curve is at a maximum; (d|v| is a vector expression of the color change). The photometric titrations were carried out using a plastic 96-well immunology plate and a flat-bed scanner, and RGB values were extracted simultaneously from all 96 wells in less than 5 min from the images using the ImageJ plugin "ReadPlate". The wine was also titrated using conventional potentiometric and conductometric techniques, and methods were compared using F-test, "t"-test, and one-way ANOVA. The potentiometric titration yields pH versus titrant volume curves, and the equivalence point is where the slope, or the slope of the derivative curve (dpH/dV), is greatest. The conductometric titration yields conductivity versus titrant volume curves, and the end point is determined as the volume where the slope exhibits a marked change. All titration and derivative curves were plotted and analyzed using spreadsheet software.

A large body of research shows an association between higher body weight and low vitamin D status, as assessed using serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations. Vitamin D can be metabolised in adipose tissue and has been reported to influence gene expression and modulate inflammation and adipose tissue metabolism in vitro. However, the exact metabolism of vitamin D in adipose tissue is currently unknown. White adipose tissue expresses the vitamin D receptor and hydroxylase enzymes, substantially involved in vitamin D metabolism and efficacy. The distribution and concentrations of the generated vitamin D compounds in adipose tissue, however, are largely unknown. Closing this knowledge gap could help to understand whether the different vitamin D compounds have specific health effects in the setting of adiposity. This review summarises the current evidence for a role of vitamin D in adipose tissue and discusses options to accurately measure vitamin D compounds in adipose tissue using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry is firmly established today as the gold standard technique for analysis of vitamin D, both for vitamin D status assessments as well as for measuring complex and intricate vitamin D metabolic fingerprints. While the actual mass spectrometry technology has seen only incremental performance increases in recent years, there have been major, very impactful changes in the front‐ and back‐end of MS‐based vitamin D assays; for example, the extension to new types of biological sample matrices analyzed for an increasing number of different vitamin D metabolites, novel sample preparation techniques, new powerful chemical derivatization reagents, as well the continued integration of high resolution mass spectrometers into clinical laboratories, replacing established triple‐quadrupole instruments. At the same time, the sustainability of mass spectrometry operation in the vitamin D field is now firmly established through proven analytical harmonization and standardization programs. The present review summarizes the most important of these recent developments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]