Cotton Swab Research Articles

Evaluation of Different Swab Wetting Chemicals Affecting the Yield of DNA Obtained From Biological Evidence on Cartridge Casings

Cartridge casings made from transition metals can be examined ballistically and also serve as significant evidence by containing touch DNA. However, the success rate of profiles obtained from this type of evidence is generally low. To enhance the success of DNA profiling from suspects' biological evidence, using swabs moistened with chemicals can be beneficial. Swabs are typically moistened with water, whose hypotonic nature disrupts cell integrity, causing the release of DNA. However, water is not the only agent used for moistening swabs; various buffer solutions are also utilized. The ability of swabs to transfer touch DNA depends on the type of buffer solution used. Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), a strong anionic detergent, denatures non-covalently linked secondary and tertiary structures to increase the release of bound DNA. Another buffer solution used for swab moistening is Te+4 buffer, which contains EDTA and Tris. EDTA chelates metal ions, inactivating enzymes that could potentially damage DNA, while Tris adjusts the pH to an optimal level. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of microfibre and cotton swabs moistened with SDS, Te+4 buffer, and water in recovering genetic material from blood and epithelial cells deposited on brass cartridge casings. The study also evaluates the impact of firing on the quality of DNA profiles. Among the profiles obtained, the swabs moistened with SDS produced the highest rate of complete profiles at 44%, while the lowest rate of complete profiles at 22% was observed with swabs moistened with Te+4 buffer. SDS is particularly advantageous over water when used on casings with epithelial cells. Microfibre swabs are more effective in eliminating degradative factors caused by firing, thus enhancing profiling success. Comparisons of the RFU values indicate that casings yield lower values compared to cartridges, supporting the negative impact of the high heat, pressure, and residues generated during firearm discharge.

Microbiological comparison of the disinfecting efficacy of small and large cotton swabs in nasotracheal intubation: a randomized trial.

Nasotracheal intubation (NTI) is necessary during surgeries requiring clear access to the surgical field and in patients with respiratory issues. This study investigates the pre-NTI nasal disinfection efficacy of different cotton swab sizes, hypothesizing that smaller swabs could minimize bleeding while maintaining disinfection efficacy. Patients classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists-physical status (ASA-PS) class 1 or 2 scheduled for general anesthesia with NTI were randomly assigned to either a large cotton swabs (LCS) or fine cotton swabs (FCS) group in this randomized controlled trial (RCT)." After anesthesia, a fine cotton swab was inserted into the inferior nasal meatus in both groups to collect bacteria (sample A). Next, the nasal cavity was disinfected with LCS or FCS according to the patient group. Bacteria were collected by inserting a fine cotton swab into the inferior nasal meatus (sample B). After surgery, bacteria were collected from the endotracheal tube tip using a fine cotton swab in both groups (sample C). The samples were cultured for 24 hours, and the colonies from samples A-C were counted. The changes in bacteria count between samples A and B and samples A and C were determined. Nasal bleeding from cotton swab insertion was assessed as a secondary outcome. Student's t-tests, a chi-square independence test, and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for the statistical analysis. The statistical significance level was set at p < 0.05. Between samples A and B, the change in bacteria count was 7.2% (1.4-26.1%) (median[interquartile range]) in the LCS group and 6.9% (0.9-22%) in the FCS group (p = 0.90). Between samples A and C, the change in bacteria count was 7.5% (0.2-44%) in the LCS group and 8.3% (0.3-39%) in the FCS group (p = 0.55). We examined 62 subjects in each group (LCS and FCS), and samples A, B, and C were collected from all participants in both groups. Nasal bleeding occurred in 42/62 in the LCS group and 22/62 in the FCS group (p < 0.01). Cotton swab thickness did not impact disinfection efficacy, but large swabs increased the risk of nasal bleeding. We recommend FCS for nasal disinfection prior to NTI in ASA 1-2 patients, as they reduce bleeding risk without compromising disinfection. UMIN-CTR (registration no. UMIN000051495), June 30, 2023.

Clinical Evidence Regarding Spermidine–Hyaluronate Gel as a Novel Therapeutic Strategy in Vestibulodynia Management

Background: Vestibulodynia (VBD) represents a summation and overlapping of trigger factors (infections, hormonal disturbances, allergies, genetic aspects, psychological vulnerability, and others) with broad individual variability. As there are no standard treatment options for VBD, the disease is still in need of appropriate therapeutic tools. Objectives: A prospective observational trial was performed to confirm the efficacy of a topical gel containing a spermidine–hyaluronate complex (UBIGEL donna™) as either a stand-alone or companion treatment through a multicenter study on a large sample population. Methods: For women with VBD (n = 154), the treatment consisted of approximately two months (4 + 4 weeks) of applications according to the posology of UBIGEL. Evaluation of symptoms was performed on relevant clinical endpoints: dyspareunia and vulvovaginal pain/burning by a visual scale (VAS); vestibular trophism by a vestibular trophic health (VeTH) score; vulvoscopy through a cotton swab test; and the level of hypertonic pelvic floor by a physical graded assessment of levator ani hypertonus. Results: A total of 154 patients treated with UBIGEL donna™ showed significant improvements across all five evaluated parameters, including pain, dyspareunia, swab test results, muscle hypertonicity, and vestibular trophism. Pain and dyspareunia scores decreased by 46.5% and 33.5%, respectively, while significant improvements were also observed in the other parameters (p &lt; 0.0001). These improvements were consistent across various stratifications, including age and disease duration. Conclusions: The findings of the present study suggest that UBIGEL donna™ is effective in alleviating pain and dyspareunia, as well as reducing vestibular hypersensitivity in women with VBD. Although UBIGEL donna™ alone cannot serve as a comprehensive substitute for all recommended therapies, we suggest that multimodal therapy strategies may be crucial for attaining substantial improvement in any aspect of the condition.

Optimisation of the sampling method for skin microbiome studies in healthy children: a pilot cohort study

IntroductionRecent interest in the diverse ecosystem of bacteria, fungi and viruses that make up the skin microbiome has led to numerous studies investigating the skin microbiome in healthy skin and in dermatological conditions. However, skin microbiome analysis is challenging due to relatively low numbers of skin microorganisms compared to mucosal sites, such as the respiratory or gastrointestinal tracts. Microbiome results are heavily influenced by sampling methods. Previous sampling methods include that of cotton swabs, tape stripping, patch sampling and punch biopsies. It is essential to have a standardised sampling method for microbiome studies to have comparable results between studies. Two non-invasive methods of sampling the skin microbiome; a skin scraping versus a flocked swab were chosen as methodologies likely to be efficient, effective, and easy to access for future skin microbiome studies in children. Here we compare the two sampling methods to describe the composition of the skin microbiome in healthy children.MethodSamples were collected from six healthy children aged three to nine years from the skin overlying the cubital fossa, cheek and axilla using (i) flocked swabs and (ii) skin scrapings with a glass slide. Samples were collected from the left and right sides of the body at two separate time points, one week apart. Quantitative PCR of the gene encoding 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) was performed to compare the bacterial load collected by each sampling method. Full-length 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing was performed to compare the relationship of sampling method and time with the diversity and ecology of bacteria between different body sites.ResultsFrom six children, 78 flocked swabs and 78 skin scraping samples were collected, along with details of their overall health and skin care practices. qPCR results indicated higher total bacterial load from flocked swabs compared with skin scrapings. Flocked swabs and skin scraping methods had very similar bacterial compositional profiles. The skin microbiome was diverse between individuals and remained relatively stable within individuals over time.DiscussionOverall, results were similar between sample types, however bacterial DNA yield was higher for flocked swab samples (compared to skin scraping methods) and with a simpler protocol is the preferred sampling method for future studies.

BACTERIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF SURGICAL SITE INFECTIONS AND THEIR ANTIBIOGRAM: A STUDY IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Objective: To ascertain the frequency of surgical site infection (SSI) occurrences and the prevalence of aerobic bacterial infections associated with their antibiogram. Methods: For 1 year, a tertiary care hospital affiliated with Government Medical College, Amritsar, served as the site of this cross-sectional study. Pus aspirates were aseptically taken from 86 consecutive individuals suspected of having SSI using a sterile surgical syringe with a needle and sterile cotton surgical swabs. The specimens were cultivated and placed in an incubator at 37°C for 24 h. The individual strains were then identified using traditional techniques. The Kirby–Bauer’s Disc Diffusion Method was employed to conduct antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Results: Among 1021 patients, 86 were clinically suspected of SSI, and 64 were culture-positive. The incidence of SSI was 8.42%. The most common organisms were Klebsiella pneumoniae 34% (17/50) and Escherichia coli 32% (16/50), whereas Staphylococcus aureus 100% (14/14) was the only organism found among Gram-positive cocci. The antimicrobial Profile of Gram-positive isolates showed maximum sensitivity to linezolid (100%), followed by erythromycin (85.7%). The antimicrobial profile of lactose fermenters revealed maximum sensitivity to polymyxin (100%). Antibiogram of Proteus species showed maximum sensitivity to meropenem (100%) and ceftazidime tazobactam (100%). Non-fermenters showed 100% polymyxin and 80% sensitivity to aztreonam. Conclusion: Our study has revealed significant findings. The incidence of SSI was found to vary between 8% and 12% in our tertiary care center. K. pneumoniae 26.5% (17/64) and E. coli 25% (16/64) were the most common organisms isolated. S. aureus 21.2% (14/64) was the only organism found among Gram-positive cocci. SSI below waist surgery was far more 75% (48/64) than above waist surgery of 25% (16/64).

Visual monitoring of hydrazine in food and environmental samples by wearable probe

Hydrazine is a poisonous compound that has been widely applied in the agricultural and chemical industry, leading to serious environmental pollution. Thus, the detection of hydrazine remained extremely important for ensuring food safety and environmental protection. Considering the importance of hydrazine detection for human health, a novel colorimetric/fluorescent probe (TPB) for the detection of hydrazine in various samples has been developed. In the presence of hydrazine, TPB emits a blue emission band at 452nm with high sensitivity (limit of detection equal to 40nM), ultrafast detection (less than 10s), broad working pH range (6−10), and strong anti-interference capabilities. These excellent performances have been exploited to fabricate hydrogel-based sensing labels (test kits, cotton swabs, glass rods, and gloves), which allowed the detection of hydrazine traces in soil, earthworms, plant samples, and living cells. This work presents a novel sensing approach for future research, aiming to develop a novel fluorescent probe exploiting the ICT process for the detection of hydrazine.

Engineering a fluorescent probe for the visual and wearable detection of N2H4 in foods, environment samples and biological imaging

Hydrazine (N2H4), as an important chemical raw material widely used in many fields, caused serious harm to human, food and environment. Therefore, a smart fluorescent probe TPC-N2H4 with intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) process was fabricated for colorimetric and fluorescent differentiating of N2H4 in many samples. When TPC-N2H4 met N2H4, blue emission at 451 nm was obviously observed attributed to the interruption of ICT process, resulting in the formation of the hydrazone structure. Additionally, smartphone-assisted colorimetric and fluorescent sensing platforms had been developed for real-time monitoring of N2H4. Importantly, TPC-N2H4 with low toxicity revealed its ability to image N2H4 in HeLa cells, onion and Arabidopsis thaliana. Interestingly, a hydrogel-coated cotton swab sensor was developed with TPC-N2H4 as recognition unit, which showed obvious color and emission changes after N2H4 fumigation with fast response speed. Flexible fluorescent TPC-N2H4-glove was constructed for wearable N2H4 detection and used to monitor N2H4 in food and environment samples. In brief, the TPC-N2H4 probe not only showed great potential in N2H4 detection for environmental and food safety, but also provided a new method for wearable tracking platforms in toxic substance detection.

Bacterial Contamination of Veterinary Ear Cleaners in Homes and Clinics

Bacterial Contamination of Veterinary Ear Cleaners in Homes and Clinics

A cotton swab platform for fluorescent detection of aluminum ion in food samples based on aggregation-induced emission of carbon dots.

A novel portable cotton swab based on nitrogen-doped carbon dots (NCDs) for Al3+ detection was constructed for the first time. NCDs with bright green fluorescence were prepared by hydrothermal method with phenylhydrazine hydrochloride and 3-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid hydrazide as precursors. The surface of NCDs was exposed to abundant functional groups (such as amino, carboxyl, hydroxyl, etc.), which was helpful for the formation of complexes between NCDs and Al3+. In the presence of Al3+, the aggregation of NCDs obviously induced their fluorescence enhancement due to the aggregation-induced emission (AIE) of NCDs. Furthermore, the quantum yield (QY) of NCDs was enhanced by 12 times with Al3+, and the fluorescence lifetime was increased by 7.54ns. The fluorescence intensity was linearly correlated with the concentration of Al3+ (2.5-300μM), and the limit of detection was 0.76μM. Moreover, for the portable way, cotton swabs were successfully employed to construct the sensors for the detection of Al3+ in food samples. This proposal haspotential for the application in food analysis.

Development and evaluation of a standardised sampling protocol to determine the effect of cleaning in the pig sty

BackgroundAll-in, all-out with strict hygienic routines is necessary in modern pig production. Furthermore, a standardised, validated method is needed to quantitatively control the effect of these hygiene protocols. This study aimed to establish a reproducible and reliable sampling method to assess cleaning of the pig pen.MethodsSterilised pig faeces were mixed with indicator bacteria (i.e. Enterococcus hirae, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus) and spread out in a controlled environment. The retrieval rate of three different sampling methods were evaluated; swabbing by (i) a cloth and (ii) a sponge, analysed by standardised bacterial culture and counting of colony-forming units, and (iii) a cotton swab analysed by adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence. Two time-points were evaluated during the study; after drying overnight and after manual scraping of the surfaces. To determine sample-to-sample variability, sampling by the cloth and the cotton swab was carried out after manual scraping and further, after high-pressure washing with cold water.ResultsSampling by the cloth and the sponge showed few differences in in the number of CFU obtained before and after the manual scraping (retrieval rate), whereas the swabs, measuring ATP bioluminescence, showed a very high retrieval rate. Sample-to-sample variability was low for all three methods.ConclusionsIn conclusion, to sample pens for the presence of bacteria, the cloth was assessed as the preferable material, being cheap, easy, specific, and approachable, and with a low sample-to-sample variability. The ATP measurement could have potential for use when evaluating the cleaning of stables, however, threshold values for evaluating the cleaning of a pig sty needs to be developed.

Estimation of the concentration of some biochemical parameters and bacterial profile in patients with periodontitis and its relationship with cardiovascular disease

Background: Concerning the widespread occurrence of hyperlipidemia, a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and unclear findings on the connection between periodontal disease and the levels of lipids in the blood. Aim of the study: This study aimed to isolation different bacterial type from periodontitis patients and evaluated level of lipid profile in the same patients Material and methods: The study included a collection age group of 90 samples swaps (patient and control), 60 samples from patients with periodontitis attending outpatient clinics and Balad General Hospitalthe sample were collected for different ages between 15-55 years old and both sexes, from july 2023to December 2024. The sample was taken using a sterile cotton swab (transport cotton swab). The blood samples were taking from their arms from (cubital vien), 5cc of venous blood taken from patients &amp; control healthy individual, Samples were cultured directly using the plotting method on culture media suitable for bacterial growth, which included blood agar, MacConkey agar, mannitol salt agar, MSB agar, and chromo agar. The plates were incubated upside down at 37°C for 18–24 days. The bacterial isolates were identified based on physiological tests and biochemical tests. Result: The present study’s result showed About (60%) showed positive bacterial growth which were Prophyromonas gingivalis (30%), Staph. aureus (16.7%), Strep. pneumonia (11.7%), Staph. epidermidis (10%), Strep. pyogenes, Strep. Viridans, Strep. mutans (8.3% %) for them, and (6.7%) for Enterococcus fecalis that was diagnosed based on biochemical tests, and the diagnosis of some bacterial species was confirmed with the VITEK device., whereas (40%) showed no growth, And there were a high significant differences between the periodontitis patient compared with control group in mean level of cholesterol, HDL and LDL which scored (151.1±42.7, 139.9±41.4, 184.9±25.4) respectively in patient compared with controls (80.0±16.8, 46.2±14.6, 99.1±27.1). While Triglyceride and VLDL showed no differences between studied groups. Conclusion: This study concluded increase cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein in periodontitis patient, While no differences in Triglyceride and VLDL level

Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp.-equisimilis as an emerging secondary pathogen in leprosy foot ulcers.

Leprosy foot ulcers (LFU) tend to become chronic due to secondary bacterial infections, leading to subsequent disfigurement and disability. Treatment modality for infected plantar ulcers thus so far is majorly based on conventional approach of empirical antibacterial therapy. However, this approach tends to overlook unconventional pathogens which are likely to be present in the LFU. Twenty-six leprosy patients (17 males and 9 females) who had completed multidrug therapy (MDT) and those are suffering from foot ulcer were included. Using sterile cotton swabs, two wound swabs were collected, of these; one for bacterial culture and another for NGS (Next Generation Sequencing). Out of 26 samples tested on conventional bacterial culture, Streptococcus spp. (50%) was predominant organism. On NGS, 09/26 (34.61%) showed Streptococcus-dysgalactiae-subsp.-equisimilis-GGS 12 as the most abundant single organism, along with some unknown and unclassified organisms; 03/26 (11.5%) were Arcanobacterium-haemolyticum-DSM-20595 alone and 02/26 (7.69%) were Streptococcus-pyogenes alone.Acombination of Arcanobacterium-haemolyticum-DSM-20595 and Streptococcus-dysgalactiae-subsp.-equisimilis-GGS 124 was found in nine (34.61%) specimens. Polymicrobial infection with conventional and unconventional pathogenic bacteria is another notable finding suggesting appropriate interventions. The study findings also reiterate the need for understanding the polymicrobial infections and their role in the clinical progression of the LFU.

Development of the headspace gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for ethylene oxide and ethylene chlorohydrin residue in medical devices.

Ethylene oxide (EO) sterilization is commonly employed for the sterilization of medical devices and has a very high market share. However, EO and its metabolite ethylene chlorohydrin (ECH) are toxic to humans. In compliance with the classification and residue limits of medical devices defined by ISO 10993-7, our study established two extraction methods for the testing of EO and ECH. The first method involves simulated-use extraction using water as the extraction solvent. While the second, exhaustive extraction, directly extracts sample through headspace sampling analysis. Gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in multiple reaction monitoring mode was utilized, requiring only 16 min. Then, the developed method was applied to assess 10 commercially available medical devices sterilized by EO. In simulated-use extraction, calibration curves were evaluated in the range of 1-100 and 5-500 μg for EO and ECH, respectively (r > 0.999). Inter-day recoveries ranged from 85.0% to 95.2% and from 94.8% to 102.4%. In exhaustive extraction, calibration curves spanned 0.5-50 and 2-200 μg for EO and ECH, respectively (r > 0.999). Inter-day recoveries ranged from 101.6% to 102.1% for EO and from 98.1% to 102.2% for ECH. After analysis of the 10 commercially available medical devices, two cotton swabs were found to have ECH of 35.1 and 28.4μg per device, and four medical devices were found to have EO with concentration below the limit of quantification. Meanwhile, we found that the EO internal standard (propylene oxide) recommended by ISO 10993-7 had interference problems with other similar substances and was not suitable as an internal standard for EO. This study offers a sensitive and straightforward analytical approach to EO and ECH residues in a variety of medical devices. In addition, the results show that the EO or ECH content of these types of medical devices in our study falls below the regulatory limits, therefore instilling confidence among consumers regarding their safe use.

Trace detection of styphnate from pre- and post-blast samples by hydrophilic interaction chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry.

Although ubiquitous in explosives and ammunition, few trace methods for detection of heavy metal-containing primary explosives from forensic samples are currently in practice. Extracts of cotton swabs or direct sampling of items were cleaned up using solid-phase extraction to remove heavy metal contaminants (i.e., lead) while retaining the organic styphnate component. The styphnate was chromatographically separated using hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) and detected via high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) using a sensitive, targeted approach in five minutes or less. A mass spectrometric method for the detection of styphnate, including limit of detection (LOD), sample stability, and interferences was developed. We present a validated method for the extraction, separation, and detection of styphnate from lead(II) styphnate with an estimated LOD of 257 ppt (pg/mL). We detail an improved LOD relative to previous reports for trace detection of styphnate and, for the first time to our knowledge, the post-blast analysis of styphnate.

Investigation of the Effects Of ACE Gene Polymorphism on Athletic Performance in Active Adult Males

Studying genes associated with exercise-related physiological systems and metabolic pathways has proven to be an effective method for identifying genetic markers associated with enhanced athletic performance. One of the extensively studied genes in genetics is "Angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE)" which has a significant role in regulating blood pressure, plasma volume, and the development of cardiac and skeletal muscle. The objective of this study was to determine the different results and genetic variations in the effects of ACE gene polymorphisms on the performance of the 30m sprint test and the arrowhead agility drill test in active adult males after a 6-week training program. Following the manufacturer's instructions, genomic DNA was extracted from participant mouth swab samples using the Buccalyse DNA Extraction Kit from Isohelix. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 25 application was used to perform statistical analysis on the research data. The findings indicate that 45.7% of the participants possess the I/D genotype, 31.4% possess the I/I genotype, and 22.9% possess the D/D genotype. There was no notable disparity in the performance of the arrowhead agility test and the 30 m sprint test among the different genotype groups (p&lt;0.05). Our analysis revealed a lack of association between genetic variants and the values obtained from performance measurements in the test outcomes. Due to the involvement of various genes and variables, further research is needed to improve the predictability of approaches to ACE gene variations, considering their performance-enhancing benefits.

Etiological Agents of Superficial Surgical Site Infections among Post Operative Patients Attending a Teaching Hospital in Southeastern Nigeria

Surgical site infections (SSI) are infections at or around the site of incision where surgical procedure is conducted. It is a major cause of hospital morbidity, resulting in prolonged hospital stay, increased treatment costs, higher rates of re-operation, and even increased mortality rates. The etiological agents of superficial surgical site infections among post-operative patients attending a Teaching Hospital in Southeastern Nigeria were evaluated using standard microbiological methods. Seventy superficial surgical wound swab specimens were properly and aseptically obtained from post-operative patients after ethical clearance was duly obtained from the hospital’s ethical committee. Pure microbial cultures were obtained after 24 - 48 hours incubation, aerobically at 25oC, on blood, nutrient and Sabouraud’ Dextrose agar plates. The isolates were identified based on their morphological, physiological, biochemical and molecular characteristics. Out of the 70 surgical swab specimens collected, 81% were bacterial isolates which included Staphylococcus aureus 41%, Escherichia coli 16%, Pseudomonas aeruginosa 14% and Staphylococcus xylosus 10%. The fungi isolates (19%) were Candida tropicalis 8% and Trichosporon asahii 11%. These isolates were probably endogenous and exogenous flora from the patients’ and hospital’ environments respectively; thereby necessitating the need for adequate patient care before, during and after surgical procedures.

Some Pro-inflammatory Cytokines Levels in Staphylococcal infection

Staphylococci is gram-positive, spherical cells, they are commonly distributed in the environment often part of normal human flora. Staph. aureus, Staph. saprophyticus, and Staph. epidermidis are the three most significant clinically important pathogens. Cytokines are small secreted proteins (&lt;40 kDa), which are produced by nearly every cell to regulate and affect immune response (96). Proinflammatory cytokines are proteins that have been associated with cell proliferation, differentiation, and changes in gene expression, and synthesis of matrix proteins important to cell growth and tissue repair, these proteins are often released in a cascade, where an initial release of TNF is followed first by IL-1 and then by IL-6. 110 clinical samples include 110 throat swap and 60 saliva samples were collected from tonsillitis patients in Kirkuk of both gender and different age groups. Sterile cotton swab were used for throat swab and sterile container for saliva collection. The results showed that Staphylococcus aureus scored highest percentage (59%), followed by Staph. hemolyticus (15%) compared to Staph. epidermidis that scored lowest percentage (2.4%). A sensitivity test was carried out for all bacterial isolates, Staphylococcus spp. showed high resistance to Cefotoxin (, Benzyle-pencillin (, Ampicillin-Sulbactam(, Oxacillin (, Ceftriaxone (, and Erythromycin(, while Staphylococcus spp. showed high sensitive to Linezolid (100%), Teicoplanin (100%), Vancomycin (100%), and Rifampicin (100%). Staph. aureus scored high mean levels at IL-6 (14.51±13.1 ng/L) compared with other Staphylococcus spp. (0.52±0.1 ng/L), while Staph. aureus scored (90.47±77.79 pg/ml) compared with other Staphylococcus spp. (113.0±79.9 pg/ml).

Aminothiophenol and 7-diethylamino-4-hydroxycoumarin derived probe for reversible turn off–on–off detection of Cu2+ ions and cysteine

Here, we present a simple disulfide linked probe HTP for rapid detection of Cu2+ ions, which was prepared by a condensation reaction between 7-diethylamino-4-hydroxycoumarin aldehyde and 2-aminothiophenol. The disulfide linked probe HTP was characterized using 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and HRMS spectroscopic analysis and confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The photophysical behavior of HTP in various solvents (non-polar to polar) was studied and HTP displayed aggregation induced emission (AIE) characteristics in CH3CN-water mixtures (0–99 %). Upon binding with Cu2+ ions, emission enhancement occurs along with color changes from weak green to intense yellow emission in CH3CN/Tris-HCl buffer (20 μM, 9:1, 10 mM Tris HCl Buffer, pH = 7.4). Detection limit for Cu2+ ions was found to be 0.97 nM which is lower than the recommended tolerance limit by the WHO and the association constant 0.42 × 108 M−1 was obtained using B-H plot. Furthermore, the stoichiometric ratio 1:1 was confirmed by job’s plot, 1H NMR, mass spectral analysis and DFT calculations were supported the formation of HTP-Cu2+ complex. The reversibility of HTP with Cu2+ ions was achieved by cysteine with detection limit and association constant value of 1.64 µM and 0.15 × 107 M−1 respectively. The reversible sensing nature of HTP with Cu2+/cysteine was further applied for constructing a molecular logic gate (INHIBIT) and practical applications such as paper strips, cotton swabs and real water analysis.

Aspergillus otitis externa: A retrospective study of predisposing factors, treatment, and complications.

To study the predisposing factors, treatment, and complications of Aspergillus otitis externa. A retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with Aspergillus otitis externa at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Helsinki University Hospital, between January 2010 and December 2018 was performed. Of the 269 Aspergillus otitis externa (OE) patients, 96 developed otitis media (OM) and 7 developed mastoiditis. Antibiotic and steroid treatment and otological history were risk factors for Aspergillus OE. Systemic diseases and immunocompromising states were more common in mastoiditis patients. Repetitive ear cleaning and topical drugs are primary treatments, but systemic drugs and surgery were needed in resistant and invasive cases. Forty-five novel tympanic membrane (TM) perforations were reported. A strong association between Aspergillus species and final infection types was found; A. niger was the dominant species in OM and in novel TM perforations, whereas A. flavus and A. fumigatus caused mastoiditis. Some of the TM perforations persisted despite treatment. Permanent hearing impairment was associated with OM and mastoiditis. As Aspergillus OE has the potential to cause acute and chronic complications, fungal OE should be suspected early on if the infection persists after conventional treatment. The identification of Aspergillus species could aid in spotting patients at risk for more severe disease and complications. Intensive local treatment is sufficient in most cases of OE and OM but effective topical antifungals are limited. Patients with Aspergillus OM and mastoiditis should be followed up for hearing impairment and permanent TM perforations after the infection resolves. Level 4 (The Oxford 2011 Levels of Evidence).

Biofilm Formation among Staphylococcus aureus Strains from Food Contact Surfaces in Households: A Public Health Concern

Staphylococcus aureus is a foodborne pathogen of serious public health concern due to its high biofilm formation capability. One of the contributing factors to foodborne illnesses is improper cleaning and sanitization of food contact surfaces This study aimed to determine the prevalence of S. aureus with biofilm formation potential (BFP) from various food contact surfaces. A total of 100 samples were obtained, 20 from each of stainless steel spoons, plastic plates, plastic eating bowls, plastic cutting boards and glass cups. Samples were obtained by surface swabbing. The cotton swabs were streaked onto nutrient agar plates and incubated overnight. Colonies obtained were subjected to Gram staining, coagulase, catalase and DNAse tests for the identification of S. aureus. The identified S. aureus strains were subjected to biofilm formation potential assay using crystal violet assay (CV-assay) in polystyrene 96-well microtitre plates. Out of the 100 samples obtained, 26 were found to harbour S. aureus. Moreover, out of the 20 isolates, 2 (10%) were from stainless steel spoons, 8 (40%) from plastic plates, 5 (25%) from plastic-eating bowls, 10 (50%) from plastic cutting boards and 1 (5%) from glass cups. Additionally, 11 (42%) of the strains had strong BFP, 11 (42%) had moderate BFP, 3 (12%) and 1 (4%) had no BFP. Presence of S. aureus with BFP on food contact surfaces should be checked to avoid foodborne outbreaks due to this organism.