VLA Observations of the AE Aqr-type Cataclysmic Variable LAMOST J024048.51+195226.9

AE Aqr was until recently the only known magnetic cataclysmic variable (MCV) containing a rapidly spinning (33.08 s) white dwarf (WD). Its radio emission is believed to be a superposition of synchrotron-emitting plasmoids, because it has a positive spectral index spanning three orders of magnitude (≈2–2000 GHz) and is unpolarized. Both characteristics are unusual for MCVs. Recently, Thorstensen has suggested that the cataclysmic variable LAMOST J024048.51+195226.9 (henceforth, J0240+19) is a twin of AE Aqr based on its optical spectra. Optical photometry shows the star to be a high-inclination eclipsing binary with a spin period of 24.93 s, making it the fastest spinning WD. This paper presents three hours of Very Large Array radio observations of J0240+19. These observations show that the persistent radio emission from J0240+19 is dissimilar to that of AE Aqr in that it shows high circular polarization and a negative spectral index. The emission is most similar to that from the nova-like CV V603 Aql. We argue that the radio emission is caused by a superposition of plasmoids emitting plasma radiation or electron cyclotron maser emission from the lower corona of the donor star and not from the magnetosphere near the WD, because the latter site is expected to be modulated at the orbital period of the binary and to show eclipses—of which there is no evidence. The radio source J0240+19, although weak (≲ 1 mJy), is a persistent source in a high-inclination eclipsing binary, making it a good laboratory for studying radio emission from CVs.

Assessment of Ion S5 NGS protocol for SARS-CoV-2 genome sequencing

Monitoring of the lineages SARS-CoV-2 is equally important in a fight against COVID-19 epidemics, as is regular RT - PCR testing. Ion AmpliSeq Library kit plus is a robust and validated protocol for library preparation, but certain optimizations for better sequencing results were required. Clinical SARS-CoV-2 samples were transported in three different viral transport mediums (VTM), on arrival at the testing lab, samples were stored on -20OC. Viral RNA isolation was done on an automatic extractor using a magnetic beads-based protocol. Screening for positive SARS-CoV-2 samples was performed on RT–PCR with IVD certified detection kit. This study aims to present results as follows: impact of first PCR cycle variation on library quantity, comparison of VTMs with a quantified library, maximum storage time of virus and correlation between used cDNA synthesis kit with generated target base coverage. Our results confirmed the adequacy of the three tested VTMs for SARS-CoV-2 whole-genome sequencing. Tested cDNA synthesis kits are valid for NGS library preparation and all kits give good quality cDNA uniformed in viral sequence coverage. Results of this report are useful for applicative scientists who work on SARS-CoV-2 whole-genome sequencing to compare and apply good laboratory practice for optimal preparation of the NGS library.

PELATIHAN DAN PENDAMPINGAN DEMO INSTRUMENTASI BAGI MAHASISWA SEBAGAI BAGIAN GOOD LABORATORY PRACTICE

ABSTRAKLaboratorium kimia merupakan salah satu jenis laboratorium yang memiliki resiko sangat berbahaya dalam penyelenggaraan pendidikan, penelitian dan/atau pengabdian kepada masyarakat, sehingga laboratorium harus dikelola dan digunakan secara baik dan bijaksana. Pengoperasian peralatan sebagai salah satu aktivitas Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) merupakan aktivitas secara rutin dilakukan di laboratorium kimia. GLP dapat mewujudkan keselamatan kerja di laboratorium dan meminimalisir kerusakan peralatan akibat kesalahan operasi dan pemeliharaan instrumen. Kegiatan pengabdian ini adalah demo peralatan/instrumentasi Laboratorium Kimia Analitik FMIPA–Universitas Mataram. Metode kegiatan yang dilakukan yaitu pelatihan dan pendampingan yang berupa demo peralatan/instrumentasi meliputi kromatografi gas–spektroskopi massa (GC-MS), kromatografi cair kinerja tinggi (KCKT), spektrometer serapan atom (SSA) dan infra merah (FTIR). Kegiatan ini dilakukan untuk meningkatkan keterampilan dasar mitra dalam pengoperasian instrumentasi tersebut. Mitra kegiatan adalah 20 mahasiswa program studi Kimia semester lanjut (5-8). Keberhasilan kegiatan diukur dengan membandingkan skor tes mitra sebelum dan setelah kegiatan dilakukan. Kegiatan pengabdian berlangsung baik dan menghasilkan peningkatan pemahaman serta keterampilan mitra dalam mengoperasikan instrumen yang ditunjukkan dengan peningkatan skor tes mitra. Kegiatan ini diharapkan dapat mewujudkan GLP sehingga kegiatan penelitian dilakukan dengan aman dan efisien. Kata kunci: pelatihan; instrumen; good laboratory practise; mahasiswa. ABSTRACTChemical laboratory is one type of laboratory that has a very dangerous risk in the implementation of education, research and/or community service, so the laboratory must be managed and used properly and wisely. Equipment operation as one of the Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) activities is a routine activity carried out in chemical laboratory. GLP could realize work safety in laboratory and minimize instrument operation and maintenance mistake This community service activity was a demonstration of instrumentation of the Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, FMIPA–University of Mataram. The method of activity carried out are training and assistance in form of instrument demo including gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy (GC-MS), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC or HPLC), atomic absorption spectrometer (SSA or AAS) and infrared spectrometer (FTIR). This activity is carried to improve basic skill of partner in operating of instruments. The activity partners are 20 students of the advanced semester (5-8th semester) in Departement of Chemistry. The success of activity was measured by comparing the partner’s test score before and after the activity was carried out.The service activity went well and could increase the partners' understanding and skills in operating the instrument. This activity is expected to realize the GLP so that research activities are carried out safely and efficiently. Keywords: training; instrument; good laboratory practice; student.

Antibacterial and antifungal activity of intraoral products containing phthalocyanine: in vitro study

The present study aimed to evaluate the in vitro antiseptic efficacy of a mouthwash and a dental gel containing phthalocyanine derivatives (Pc) against bacteria and fungi frequently found in patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia. The experiment in this study was conducted following Good Laboratory Practices. The product was tested at concentrations of 0.015% (mouthwash) and 0.100% (dental gel). The contact time of the suspension test (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella sp., Candida albicans, and Aspergillus niger) was 60 s (1 min). In this analysis, the Phtalox® Mouthwash and Dental Gel resulted in a 99.99% reduction against the tested microorganisms after 1 min of contact time in both products. The Pc-containing mouthwash and dental gel were effective against bacteria and fungi found in patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia.

Investigation of Ifosfamide Toxicity Induces Common Upstream Regulator in Liver and Kidney

Ifosfamide is an alkylating agent, a synthetic analogue of cyclophosphamide, used to treat various solid cancers. In this study, the toxicity of ifosfamide was evaluated using single-and multiple-dose intraperitoneal administration in rats under Good Laboratory Practice guidelines, and an additional microarray experiment was followed to support toxicological findings. A single dose of ifosfamide (50 mg/kg) did not induce any pathological changes. Meanwhile, severe renal toxicity was observed in the 7 and 28 days consecutively administered groups, with significant increases in blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels. In the tox-list analysis, cholesterol synthesis-related genes were mostly affected in the liver and renal failure-related genes were affected in the kidney after ifosfamide administration. Moreover, interferon regulatory factor 7 was selected as the main upstream regulator that changed in both the liver and kidney, and was found to interact with other target genes, such as ubiquitin specific peptidase 18, radical S-adenosyl methionine domain containing 2, and interferon-stimulated gene 15, which was further confirmed by real-time RT-PCR analysis. In conclusion, we confirmed kidney-biased ifosfamide organ toxicity and identified identically altered genes in both the liver and kidney. Further comprehensive toxicogenomic studies are required to reveal the exact relationship between ifosfamide-induced genes and organ toxicity.

Ebolavirus Disease (EVD)

Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a rare but severe, often fatal hemorrhagic illness occurring either sporadically or with large local outbreaks originating in (western) Africa. The virus is first transmitted from wild animals to humans (hunters; food handlers) followed by human-to-human transmission via blood or via body secretions. The average EVD case fatality rate is around 50% (range: 25% to 90% in past outbreaks). Community engagement is key to successfully controlling outbreaks using several interventions (case management, prevention and control practices, surveillance and contact tracing, good laboratory service, safe and dignified burials and social mobilization). Early supportive care with rehydration and symptomatic treatment improves survival. Two monoclonal antibodies (Inmazeb and Ebanga) were approved for the treatment of Zaire ebolavirus (Ebolavirus) infection in adults and children by the FDA in late 2020. Two vaccine regimens to protect against EVD were recently licensed and helped control outbreaks in Guinea and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Ebola

Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a rare but severe, often fatal hemorrhagic illness occurring either sporadically or with large local outbreaks originating in (western) Africa. The virus is first transmitted from wild animals to humans (hunters; food handlers) followed by human-to-human transmission via blood or via body secretions. The average EVD case fatality rate is around 50% (range: 25% to 90% in past outbreaks). Community engagement is key to successfully controlling outbreaks using several interventions (case management, prevention and control practices, surveillance and contact tracing, good laboratory service, safe and dignified burials and social mobilization). Early supportive care with rehydration and symptomatic treatment improves survival. Two monoclonal antibodies (Inmazeb and Ebanga) were approved for the treatment of Zaire ebolavirus (Ebolavirus) infection in adults and children by the FDA in late 2020. Two vaccine regimens to protect against EVD were recently licensed and helped control outbreaks in Guinea and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Hybrid Hydrogen Peroxide for Viral Disinfection

Decontamination is often necessary in facilities with sensitive spaces where pathogen elimination is critical. Historically, high concentration vaporized hydrogen peroxide technologies have been applied in these areas for pathogen disinfection. While effective, these high concentration solutions come with inherent risks to human health and safety. Alternatively, one recent innovation is a hybrid hydrogen peroxide system which combines a 7% hydrogen peroxide solution with a calibrated fogging device that delivers a mixture of vaporous and micro aerosolized particles, significantly lowering the risk of exposure to high-concentration hazardous chemicals. Studies performed with this technology demonstrate high level pathogen decontamination across a variety of tested pathogens and substrates. This chapter will cover a brief history of hydrogen peroxide technologies and their application processes; examine the correlations between viral inactivation, viral disinfection, and biological indicators for validation; demonstrate the necessity of dwell time for optimal efficacy; discuss the effects of viral disinfectant use on laboratory surfaces; and examine various studies, including virologic work performed in Biosafety Level 3 facilities and good laboratory practice (GLP) data performed by EPA-approved laboratories. This chapter will provide readers a deeper understanding of essential components and considerations when implementing hydrogen peroxide systems for viral decontamination.

The First GLP Compliant Study in Africa for the Evaluation of LLIN’s; Efficacy of SafeNet® and SafeNet NF®

Background: To attain and sustain the universal Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) coverage, cheap nets that provides equivalent or better protection than the standard LLINs, are required. While it is essential to follow the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for the evaluation of LLINs, adherence to the Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) is necessary to generate reliable and reproducible data that will facilitate efficient LLINs to be speedy registered. Adherence to GLP obviate the need to duplicate the assessment and ensures substandard LLINs are not reaching the market. This study aimed to evaluate efficacy of SafeNet NF® and SafeNet® LLIN in accordance to the WHO Pest Evaluation Scheme (WHOPES) and the GLP guidelines. Both candidate LLINs were manufactured with less fabrics to cut down manufacturing costs, motivated by the need for cheaper LLINs to achieve universal coverage. Materials & Methods: SafeNet NF® and SafeNet® LLIN, were assessed in experimental huts against wild, pyrethroid-resistant Anopheles arabiensis mosquitoes. Efficacy in terms of mosquito blood-feeding inhibition and mortality, was compared with Interceptor® LLIN and an untreated net. All nets were washed and artificially holed to simulate a used torn net. The GLP guidelines were followed throughout this study.Results: The mortality of mosquitoes exposed to SafeNet NF® and SafeNet® LLIN were equivalent to that of the reference net. Blood-feeding inhibition was only evident in Interceptor® LLIN. Adherence to GLP was observed throughout the study.Conclusions: Step-wise procedures to conduct LLIN evaluation in compliance to both WHOPES and GLP guidelines are elaborated in this study. SafeNet NF® and SafeNet® LLIN offers equivalent protection as Interceptor® LLIN and can facilitate universal LLIN coverage due to its low manufacturing cost. However, further research is needed to understand durability, acceptability and residual efficacy of these nets in field environments.

Laboratory Management in Improving the Tri Dharma of Higher Education in The Department of Mining Engineering

Improving the quality of laboratory services must always be improved in improving the quality of the tri dharma of higher education. Good laboratory management is one of the supporting factors, for that reason, the Department of Mining Engineering manages the laboratory. Laboratory management, in this case, is the laboratory equipment inventory system and laboratory control system. This system will be used to carry out monitoring data on the use of website-based laboratory equipment where the use of laboratory equipment must be carried out systematically. The first step is to create a web system for administration and inventory in the laboratory. In this study, in conducting website-based lab management, it is also necessary to map the problems faced by students in relation to services and supporting infrastructure in the laboratory.