A high-throughput method for the comprehensive analysis of terpenes and terpenoids in medicinal cannabis biomass

Posted on July 28, 2020 By LabLynx Journal articles

In this 2020 paper published in the journal Matabolites, Krill et al. of Australia's AgriBio present their findings in an attempt to reduce runtimes and extraction complexity associated with quantifying terpenes in cannabis biomass. Noting the evolving needs of high-throughput cannabis breeding programs, the researchers present a method "based on a simple hexane extract from 40 mg of biomass, with 50 μg/mL dodecane as internal standard, and a gradient of less than 30 minutes." After presenting current background on terpene extraction, the researchers discuss the various aspects of their method and provide the details of materials and equipment used. They conclude that their method "covers a large cross-section of commonly detected cannabis volatiles, is validated for a large proportion of compounds it covers, and offers significant improvement in terms of sample preparation and sample throughput over previously published studies."

Existing data sources in clinical epidemiology: Laboratory information system databases in Denmark

Posted on July 21, 2020 By LabLynx Journal articles

In this data resource review, researchers at several Danish hospitals discuss how the country puts two laboratory information systems (LISs) that collect routine biomarker data to use, as well as how it can be accessed for research. The researchers explain how data is collected into the LISs, how data quality is managed, and how it is used, providing several real-world examples. They then discuss the strengths and weaknesses of their data as they relate to epidemiology, as well as how the data can be accessed. They emphasize "that access to data on routine biomarkers expands the detailed biological and clinical information available on patients in the Danish healthcare system," while the "full potential is enabled through linkage to other Danish healthcare registries."

HEnRY: A DZIF LIMS tool for the collection and documentation of biospecimens in multicentre studies

Posted on July 14, 2020 By LabLynx Journal articles

Effective biobanking of biospecimens for multicenter studies today requires more than spreadsheets and paper documents; a software system capable of improving workflows and sharing while keeping critical personal information deidentified is critical. Both commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) and open-source biobanking laboratory information management systems (LIMS) are available, but, as the University of Cologne found out, those options may be too complex to implement or cost-intensive for multicenter research networks. The university took matters into their own hands and developed the HIV Engaged Research Technology (HEnRY) LIMS, which has since expanded into a broader, open-source biobanking solution that can be applied to contexts beyond HIV research. This 2020 paper discusses the LIMS and its development and application, concluding that it offers "immense potential for emerging research groups, especially in the setting of limited resources and/or complex multicenter studies."