Disposable Tubes Research Articles

Portable loop-mediated isothermal amplification device with spectrometric detection for rapid pathogen identification

With the rise in extreme weather due to global warming, coupled with globalization facilitating the spread of infectious diseases, there's a pressing need for portable testing platforms offering simplicity, low cost, and remote transmission, particularly beneficial in resource-limited and non-urban areas. We have developed a portable device using loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) with spectrometric detection to identify Salmonella Typhimurium DNA. The device utilizes the LinkIt 7697 microcontroller and a microspectrometer to capture and transmit spectral signals in real-time, allowing for improved monitoring and analysis of the reaction progress. We built a hand-held box containing a microspectrometer, thermoelectric cooler, ultraviolet LED, disposable reaction tube, and homemade thermal module, all powered by rechargeable batteries. Additionally, we conducted thorough experiments to ensure temperature accuracy within 1 °C under thermal control, developed a heating module with a LinkIt 7697 IoT development board to heat the DNA mixture to the reaction temperature within 3 min, and integrated foam insulation and a 3D-printed frame to enhance the device's thermal stability. We successfully demonstrated the amplification of Salmonella Typhimurium DNA with an impressive sensitivity of 2.83 × 10−4 ng/μL. A remote webpage interface allows for monitoring the temperature and fluorescence during the LAMP process, improving usability. This portable LAMP device with real-time detection offers a cost-effective solution for detecting Salmonella Typhimurium in food products. Its unique design and capabilities make it a promising tool for ensuring food safety.

Analysis of impact pressure, rock-breaking effect, and ground vibration induced by the disposable CO2 fracturing tube

The technology of expansion fracturing with liquid CO2 (EFLCO2) has attracted increasing attention due to reduced vibration and damage. The disposable fracturing tube has been developed and is gradually replacing the Cardox tube. However, there is a lack of impact pressure testing of disposable tubes under real working conditions, selection of gas explosion design parameters, and systematic analysis of blasting vibration. This limitation has constrained the widespread application of disposable fracturing tubes in engineering. A joint monitoring of the pressure-time curves in the disposable tubes and boreholes was conducted. The rock-breaking effect of varying hole spacing parameters in the EFLCO2 design was analyzed, and a systematic study was carried out on the vibration peak value, frequency, and energy characteristics. The results show that (1) the pressure distribution characteristics, stress peak value, and duration in the disposable tubes are different from those of Cardox tubes, which show multi-peak distribution, low-pressure peak value, and short duration. The correlation between the pressure in the disposable tube, filling pressure, and liquid CO2 weight is established, and a theoretical calculation method for the borehole wall pressure is proposed; (2) The hole spacing in rocks of different hardness is suggested; and (3) At the same scale distance, the peak particle velocity (PPV) caused by EFLCO2 (PPVCO2) is significantly smaller than that caused by blasting (PPVexplosive). The ratio of PPVexplosive to PPVCO2 is a power function related to scale distance, and a distance-related zonality exist in this relationship. The frequency composition of the vibration signal caused by EFLCO2 is relatively simple with a narrow frequency band. Its PPV and energy are mainly concentrated in the low-frequency band. This research contributes to the optimization of disposable fracturing tubes, gas explosion design, and vibration hazard control.

RENAL DYSFUNCTION IN PRETERM INFANTS WITH PERINATAL PATHOLOGY: RISK FACTORS, SENSITIVITY AND SPECIFICITY OF LABORATORY MARKERS OF DAMAGE

RENAL DYSFUNCTION IN PRETERM INFANTS WITH PERINATAL PATHOLOGY: RISK FACTORS, SENSITIVITY AND SPECIFICITY OF LABORATORY MARKERS OF DAMAGE

Determination of organic acids and anions in exhaled breath by condensation collection-ion chromatography

A non-invasive condensation collection-ion chromatography method was established for the determination of organic acids and anions including lactic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, pyruvic acid, chloride, nitrate, nitrite, and sulfate in the exhaled breath of humans. The breath exhaled was condensed and collected using a home-made exhaled breath condensation equipment. This equipment included a disposable mouthpiece as a blow-off port, one-way valve and flow meter, cold trap, disposable condensate collection tube placed in the cold trap, and gas outlet. A standard sampling procedure was used. Before collection, the collection temperature and sampling volume were set on the instrument control panel, and sampling was started when the cold-trap temperature dropped to the set value, while maintaining the balance. Subjects were required to gargle with pure water before sampling. During the sampling process, the subjects were required to inhale deeply until the lungs were full of gas and then exhale evenly through the air outlet. When the set volume was collected, the instrument made a prompt sound; then, the collection was immediately ended, the expiration time was recorded, and the average collection flow was calculated according to the expiration time and sampling volume. After collection, the disposable condensation collection tube was immediately taken out, sealed, and stored in the refrigerator at -20 ℃ away from light, and immediately used for further testing. The organic acids and anions in exhaled breath condensation (EBC) were filtered through a 0.22 μm membrane filter before injection and detected by ion chromatography with conductivity detection. Factors such as collection temperature and collection flow rate during condensation collection were optimized. The optimal cooling temperature was set at -15 ℃, and the optimal exhaled breath flow rate was set at 15 L/min. The mobile phase consisted of a mixture of sodium carbonate (1.5 mmol/L) and sodium bicarbonate (3 mmol/L). The flow rate was 0.8 mL/min, and the injection volume was 100 μL. An IC-SA3 column (250 mm×4.0 mm) was used, and the temperature was set at 45 ℃. An ICDS-40A electrodialysis suppressor was used, and the current was set at 150 mA. The linear ranges of the eight organic acids and anions were 0.1-10.0 mg/L; their correlation coefficients (r) were ≥0.9993. The limits of detection (LODs) for the eight organic acids and anions were 0.0017-0.0150 mg/L based on a signal-to-noise ratio of 3, and the limits of quantification (LOQs) were 0.0057-0.0500 mg/L based on a signal-to-noise ratio of 10. The intra-day precisions were 5.06%-6.33% (n=5), and the inter-day precisions were 5.37%-7.50% (n=5). This method was used to detect organic acids and anions in the exhaled breath of five healthy subjects. The contents of organic acids and anions in the exhaled breath were calculated. The content of lactic acid was relatively high, at 1.13-42.3 ng/L, and the contents of other seven organic acids and anions were 0.18-11.0 ng/L. During a 10 km-long run, the majority of organic acids and anions in the exhaled breath of five subjects first increased and then decreased. However, due to abnormal metabolism, the content changes of lactic acid, acetic acid, pyruvic acid and chloride in one subject were obviously different from others during exercise, showing a continuous rise. This method has the advantages of involving a simple sampling process and exhibiting good precision, few side effects, and no obvious discomfort or risk to the subjects. This study provides experimental ideas and a theoretical basis for future research on human metabolites.

Quantitative analysis of microplastics and nanoplastics released from disposable PVC infusion tubes

The exposure of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) via medical device is still unknown to us. Herein, a visual quantitative detection of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) MPs and a fluorescent quantitative detection of PVC NPs were developed. To overcome the aggregation of PVC NPs, sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate was used as the stabilizer of PVC NPs. The brand-new disposable PVC infusion tubes were found to carry PVC MPs with the average total number (ATN) of 931.4 particles and PVC NPs with the average mass of 0.040 μg, respectively. For four typical infusion fluids such as 0.9% sodium chloride, 5% glucose, 5% sodium bicarbonate, hydroxyethyl starch 40 sodium chloride, the released PVC MPs and NPs were ranged from 1003.6 ∼ 3494.6 particles and 0.042 ∼ 0.087 μg, respectively in stimulating normal infusion scenario (room temperature 4 h). The released PVC MPs and NPs were also increased with the infusion duration and temperature. The released PVC MPs are mainly in granular form, accounting for 38 ∼ 49% of the total PVC MPs. Our findings indicate PVC MNPs can enter the blood vessel directly with the infusion fluids during intravenous infusion and the PVC MNPs exposure risk towards patients deserves more attention.

Increasing the depth of vestibular sulcus using a disposable IV infusion set tube in apically positioned flap surgery: A technical note

AbstractAimIn this technical note, it was aimed to provide an appropriate retention, better stability and function for our patient's denture by the technique applied newly.Materials and MethodsThe authors offer a new and effective method using a part of disposable IV infusion set tube and single mini titanium screw stabilizing of apically positioned flap in order to secure vestibule sulcus depth gained.Results and ConclusionOne‐year follow‐up of our patient showed that our technique provided a consistent and predictable increase in attached gingival width and could be used successfully in the treatment of insufficient vestibular depth cases.

Ratiometric quantification and visual detection of sulfur dioxide residues using a coumarin-derived fluorescent probe

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a typical additive that serves as an antioxidant, preservative, and decolorizer in industrial production. Yet, excessive SO2 residues in the products pose a potential risk to human health. Although many fluorescent probes have been developed for the detection of SO2, effectively eliminating the interference from thiols on the selective recognition of SO2 remains a challenge. Herein, we developed a coumarin-derived ratiometric fluorescent probe 1 for quantitatively sensing the SO2 residues in actual samples. This probe can selectively recognize bisulfite (HSO3-) based on the different pKa values between HSO3- and thiols. The working mechanism of this probe was further rationalized by the combination of experiments and quantum chemical calculations. Probe 1 was successfully used for the quantitative detection of SO2 residues in medicine-food homology (MFH) samples with good sensitivity and accuracy. Furthermore, rapid visual and semi-quantitative detection of SO2 can also be realized through a disposable test tube.

Towards a single-use, low-cost endoscope for gastroenterological diagnostics.

Early diagnosis and treatment of diseases in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract including colorectal cancers (CRC) via natural orifices have led to a significant increase in patient survival rates. Most screening procedures utilize image-guided techniques via a conventional endoscope. The cost of conventional endoscopes is substantial, ranging in the tens of thousands of USD or more. This presents significant burden for developing countries, which are disproportionally affected by gastroenterological diseases. Conventional endoscopes also require sterilization between use. This increases the chance of cross-infection between patients. To address these problems, this paper introduces a soft endoscope with a disposable insertion tube that can be articulated. This prototype device is hydraulically actuated, capable of a 10 mm bend radius and 180-degree bend angle. The camera system provides 110 degrees field-of-view. The component parts of this disposable endoscope costs less than 200 USD.Clinical relevance-Our low-cost, single-use endoscope eliminates the sterilization step required by conventional systems, thereby reducing the risks of infection and lowering the operating costs. There is also significant scope for our device to be used beyond the human GI track, such as screening for lung or bladder cancers. Given the compact footprint, the minimal cost of the disposable parts, the proposed platform can widen cancer screening programs with quantifiable economic benefit for many patients, particularly those in developing countries.

Short-term efficacy of cholecystectomy plus bile duct T-tube drainage or choledochojejunostomy in the treatment of gallbladder cancer and its effects on median survival time and postoperative complications.

To explore the short-term efficacy of cholecystectomy plus bile duct T-tube drainage or choledochojejunostomy (CJ) in the treatment of gallbladder cancer (GC) and its effects on the median survival time and postoperative complications. The clinical data of 121 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in department of hepatobiliary surgery of the hospital from January 2018 to December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the adjuvant treatment methods, the patients were divided into 2 groups: the control group (n = 61, LC + bile duct T-tube drainage) and experimental group (n = 60, LC + CJ). The perioperative indicators, short-term efficacy, median survival time, postoperative complications and immune stress response were compared between the 2 groups of patients before and after propensity score matching. The surgical time, postoperative anal first exhaust time, and intraoperative blood loss in the experimental group were no different from those in the control group (P > .05), but the hospital stay was shorter than that in the control group (P < .05). There was no difference in the effective rate of treatment and median survival time between the 2 groups (P > .05). The total incidence rate of complications in the experimental group at 14 days after surgery was lower than that in the control group (P < .05). Day 3 after surgery, the levels of immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) of the experimental group were higher than those of the control group (P < .05), while the level of C-reactive protein (CRP) was lower than that of the control group (P < .05). Compared with bile duct T-tube drainage, LC + CJ in the treatment of GC can better shorten the postoperative hospital stay and reduce the postoperative complications and immune stress response, but and the median survival time of the 2 is similar, which can be promoted in clinical practice.

Portable rotary PCR system for real-time detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in milk.

The rapid quantitative detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in milk is of great significance to food safety. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technology is a good choice to meet this requirement. A good qPCR system should show the advantages of being low cost, having low-power consumption, having potential for miniaturization and be portable. However, most of the time-domain-based qPCR systems reported to date do not meet these requirements. In this study, we propose a novel real-time rotary PCR reaction system (RRP) that meets all the abovementioned specifications, and contains four modules: a heating control module, a disposable PCR capillary tube, a mechanical control module, and a photoelectric detection module. The volume of our homemade-PCR capillary tube is only 3 μL. The total manufacturing cost is cheaper than $200, and the capillary tube is about 1.4 cents. The size parameter of the RRP is less than 300 mm × 150 mm × 150 mm, using low mobile power sources to operate. All the features mean that the RRP meets the advantages of low sample volumes, enhanced thermal conductivity and being portable. Through conducting the experimental quantitative detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in milk and theoretical simulations by COMSOL, we prove the feasibility of this rotary PCR real-time detection system, which has broad application prospects in the rapid detection of bacteria and food safety.

A Novel Carbon Dioxide Phase Transition Rock Breaking Technology: Theory and Application of Non-Explosive Blasting

As a non-explosive low-disturbance rock breaking technology, carbon dioxide phase transition blasting (CDPTB) is widely used in rock breaking projects such as pressure relief and permeability enhancement in coal mines, open-pit mining, road subgrade excavation, foundation pit excavation, etc. In this paper, the principle and equipment of CDPTB are systematically analyzed, and the characteristics of a reusable fracturing tube and disposable fracturing tube are determined. Different energy calculation methods are analyzed to determine the magnitude or equivalent explosive equivalent of CDPTB. According to the characteristics of impact stress wave and high-pressure gas, the cracking mechanism of CDPTB is proposed. Under the action of medium-impact stress, rock mass will produce multi-point cracking, and high-pressure gas will produce a gas wedge effect in the initial fracture, which determines the comprehensive action path of the stress wave and high-pressure gas. In terms of fracture characteristics, the fractal method is used to evaluate the macroscopic crack and fragment, microscopic fracture and pore characteristics. In terms of vibration characteristics, the attenuation law of CDPTB vibration with distance is statistically analyzed, and the Hilbert–Huang transform method is used to analyze the time–frequency characteristics of CDPTB. This rock breaking technology can be widely used in different projects, and the existing problems and future challenges are put forward.

Power-free colorimetric biosensing of foodborne bacteria in centrifugal tube

Early finding of pathogens is significant to avoid foodborne diseases. Here, a novel lab-in-centrifugal-tube colorimetric biosensor was reported for Salmonella typhimurium detection using immune nickel nanowires (NNWs) to form capture nets for specific bacterial separation, gold@platinum nanozymes (GPNs) to mark target bacteria for effective signal amplification, and a smartphone App to analyze color change for quantitative bacterial determination. A 3D-printed cylindrical magnetic separator with air pressure self-regulating structure and NNW capture nets was elaboratively constructed and assembled inside the disposable centrifuge tube to simply perform the bacterial separation, label, wash, coloration and detection. Under optimal conditions, Salmonella typhimurium could be quantitatively detected in 2 h with a low detection limit of 21 CFU/mL. The recovery of target bacteria in spiked pork samples ranged from 87.0% to 97.6% with the averaged recovery of 93.9%. This biosensor was Affordable, Sensitive, Specific, User-friendly, Rapid and robust, Equipment-free and Deliverable to end-users (ASSURED), and had shown the potential for point-of-care testing of foodborne pathogens to ensure food safety.

Design and application of a new heat-and-moisture exchanger with anti-splash sputum suctioning function

In the emergency department, open endotracheal suctioning for mechanically ventilated patients with endotracheal intubation will lead to the spread of respiratory droplets and aerosols, polluting the surrounding environment and medical staff. The traditional heat-and-moisture exchanger has the effect of warming and humidifying, and can block pathogenic microorganisms, but it does not have the function of inserting a sputum suction tube. When the heat-and-moisture exchanger is pulled out for sputum suction, it is easy to cause sputum splash, which pollutes the surrounding environment and medical personnel. The addition of closed sputum suction devices will increase the economic burden on patients. Thus, the medical staff of emergency department of the First People's Hospital of Tongxiang City of Zhejiang Province designed a new type of heat-and-moisture exchanger with anti-splash sputum suctioning function and obtained the National Utility Model Patent of China (ZL 2021 2 0017615.0). The new heat-and-moisture exchanger is mainly composed of a receiving cavity, a connecting tube, a sputum suction tube intubation tube, a sealing valve, etc. The disposable sputum suction tube can be used to insert sputum suction, and at the same time, it can prevent the secretion from splashing to ensure sealing. The patent combines the humidification and pathogen blocking functions of the heat-and-moisture exchanger with the anti-splash sputum suctioning function, which is suitable for use in the emergency and critical care medicine departments and has clinically practical value.

7407 A Self-Made Bag Assisted LESS in Ovarian Teratomectomy during Pregnancy

<h3>Study Objective</h3> To show how ovarian teratoma during Pregnancy can be safely managed with laparoendoscopic single-site surgery. <h3>Design</h3> Stepwise demonstration of the technique with narrated video footage. <h3>Setting</h3> The reported incidence of ovarian cysts in pregnancy varies from 0.05% to 1.2%, Compared with open surgery, laparoscopic surgery adnexal cyst during pregnancy does not increase the risk of mother and fetus. LESS has better postoperative recovery. However, conventional laparoscopic surgery is safer than LESS. <h3>Patients or Participants</h3> The patient was a 31-year-old woman, gravida 3, para 2, at gestational age of 15 weeks who was diagnosed with 5.6*4.1cm right ovarian teratoma and 2.0*2.3cm left ovarian cyst. Teratomectomy was performed at the same time of the previous cesarean section in 2018. <h3>Interventions</h3> A Self-made Bag Assisted LESS approach to ovarian teratoma with several key strategies to minimize fetal impact, ovarian damage, blood loss: 1. Make a retrieval bag before surgery with inner packaging bag of the disposable suction tube. 2. Place the affected ovary in the retrieval bag and pull the bottom of the retrieval bag to the umbilicus. To reduce the stimulation of the uterus by surgical procedures. 3. Cut the surface of the affected ovary with a cold blade to reduce ovarian damage. 4.Cut the teratoma pedicle with an ultrasonic knife to reduce bleeding. <h3>Measurements and Main Results</h3> N/A. <h3>Conclusion</h3> When performing an ovarian cystectomy under LESS, we could use upside-down specimen bag to remove the cyst from abdominal cavity conveniently, quickly and with no pollution. Self-made specimen bag is cost-saving, convenient to use. The operation has the least impact on the pregnant uterus and avoids the impact on the fetus. And cold knife and suture are used in the operation to maximize the protection of ovarian function.

Hourglass-mimicking biosensor based on disposable centrifugal tube for bacterial detection in large-volume sample

An hourglass-mimicking biosensor was developed to detect target bacteria in 15 mL centrifugal tube using immune magnetic nanobeads to isolate the target from large-volume sample, gold@platinum nanozymes to label the target for amplification of biological signals, and a microplate reader/colorimetric card for determination of the target. First, a centrifugal tube with an iron ball framework was first coaxially assembled in the center of a Halbach ring magnet. After immune magnetic nanobeads, gold@platinum nanozymes and bacterial sample were mixed by repeated bottom-up of the tube using a stepper motor, nanobead-bacteria-nanozyme complexes were formed. Then, colorless H2O2-TMB was catalyzed by the nanozymes to produce blue TMBox. The color change was finally analyzed using the microplate reader or colorimetric card to determine bacterial concentration. This hourglass-mimicking biosensor could separate ∼95% targets from 10 mL bacteria sample and detect targets from 1.6 × 101 to 1.6 × 106 CFU/mL in 1.0 h with low detection limit of 16 CFU/mL.

Comparative Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Conventional vs Disposable Dental Unit Waterline in Limiting the Contamination of Microorganisms in the Waterline System

Context: Cross infection from contaminated dental instruments is a matter of great concern. On sudden stoppage of an air-rotor, the airflow is cut off creating negative pressure in the unit leading to suck-back of saliva from the patient’s mouth. Aims: To detect the presence of microorganisms in the waterline of air rotor units with time. The effect of using disposable waterline on the microbial load was also investigated. Methods and Material: The study was conducted on randomly selected patients having age range of 20 to 30 years, with indication for single or multiple units fixed partial denture fabrication in the Department of Prosthetic Dentistry. In Group A, the existing waterline system after treatment on each patient was examined for determining the influence of time over the degree of microbial contamination. In Group B, the air-rotor handpiece-coupling joint was attached with sterilised disposable plastic tubelines instead of existing tubeline. Water samples collected from air rotor units and watercan of both Group A and B before and during use for 15,30 &amp; 45 minutes were subjected to microbiological study. Statistical analysis used: Chi-square test was used to assess the effect of time on the microbial load from the data obtained. Results: After 45 minutes of use, 50% of the samples in group A were positively related to microbial contamination and the result obtained from Group B were negative. Conclusions: Air-rotor with existing tube line after 45 minutes of use is significantly responsible for the contamination. Air-rotor with disposable tube line on the contrary could be used without risk of contamination on the next patient even after 45 minutes. Keywords: Air rotor handpiece, Source of bacterial infection, Biofilm, Disinfection.

Effect of Toxoplasma gondii on Some Physiological Indicators in Women's Patients with Diabetic Mellitus Type 2

Aims: Diabetes mellitus is thought to be caused by infection with the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, although this is still debated, In order to better understand the potential link between toxoplasmosis and diabetes mellitus&#x0D; Study Design: China's prevalence rate of diabetes has been gradually growing in recent years, as a result of the country's rising living standards.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: 40 patients who suffer from type 2 diabetes mellitus who were randomly chosen from the Diabetes Mellitus clinic in Al-Sadder Teaching City in Al-Najaf governorate.&#x0D; Methodology: Prior research "on the link between T. gondii infection and diabetes mellitus has been conflicting, we performed matched case-control studies to see whether T. gondii seropositivity is linked" to type 2 diabetes, more research is required. To investigate T. gondii seroprevalence and recognize risk factors and potential transmital pathways of T. gondii infection in type 2 diabetes (T2DM), forty women's blood samples have been gathered and tested for anti-T. gondii IgG, IgM, and SOD. T. gondii seroprevalence in T2DM patients as a whole. Patients' information was collected through a questionnaire that included their age, weight, and blood pressure. Each patient and control participant had five milliliters of venous blood samples collected using a disposable needle and plastic syringes.&#x0D; Results: Patients ranged in age about from (35 to 65) years old. The current investigation was performed on 40 patients who suffer from type 2 diabetes mellitus, Diabetic and T. gondii patientshad a significantly higher compared with control and Diabetic patients only. Also, there were significant differences between patients of diabetic mellitus and control.&#x0D; Conclusion: Blood was permitted to clot for 10 minutes at room temperature before being centrifuged at 6000 rpm for 10 minutes, after which serum was extracted and transferred into fresh disposable tubes. An ELISA test was performed on the blood samples earlier using commercially available kits (EIA-3519 IgG and IgM Germany) and SOD kits.

Portable Molecular Diagnostics Device for Identification of Asini Corii Colla by Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification

Asini Corii Colla (ACC; donkey-hide glue) is one of the most valuable tonic traditional Chinese medicines. Because of the large demand for gelatinous Chinese medicines, bovine or swine skin was sometimes used to make adulterated gelatine in recent decades. Food chemicals can greatly harm people’s health, and detecting chemicals in foods is extremely important. A loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) device with smartphone detection is demonstrated in this study for detecting the DNA of Asini Corii Colla. The complete system is composed of a hand-held box equipped with a smartphone, a cartridge heater, an ultraviolet LED, a disposable reaction tube, and a homemade thermal module. All the processes are powered by a set of rechargeable batteries. Comprehensive experiments of measuring temperature profiles are presented, which showed the accuracy of temperature under thermal control is less than 0.5 °C. By implementing one heating module with an ATmega328p-au microcontroller in the device, the DNA mixture is heated directly up to the reaction temperature within 5 min. Next, a DNA segment of Asini Corii Colla is utilized to evaluate the sensitivity of the DNA amplification in the portable device. A limit of detection to a concentration of 10−4 ng/μL is achieved. Real-time detection of Asini Corii Colla by a smartphone camera can be achieved using this portable device. The unique architecture utilized in this device is ideal for a low-cost DNA analysis system.

Using an RTIL-Based Electrochemical Sensor Platform for Trace Detection of Heptane As Biomarker for Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is one the most common diseases worldwide with more than 1.6 million dead since 2012 [1]. The survival rate for lung cancer is also very low as the disease is generally diagnosed only at an advanced stage when the treatment is not possible as significant damage has been done [2]. Hence, there is a need for an early and timely non-invasive method for the diagnosis of lung cancer. Previous studies have shown the use of endogenously produced volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as target analytes for the detection of lung cancer. Endogenous VOCs are produced in the bloodstream as result of cellular metabolic pathways involved in maintaining homeostasis[3]. Subsequently, the VOCs diffuse into the alveolar air in the blood-gas interface quickly in the lung because of their low solubility in the blood and they are exhaled out of the lung[4]. Therefore, detection of VOC levels in exhaled breath can be used to study the biochemical pathways that have been altered as a result of tumorigenesis. A breathomics device can be developed and used as a tool for non-invasive, sensitive, and specific detection of lung cancer. Moreover, the presence of lung cancer tumor is not masked by other diseases since every disease has its own volatiles fingerprint[5] , thereby making the detection mechanism specific in nature. Electrochemical sensors are gaining widespread interest as they are robust in nature, have faster response time, and specific and sensitive signal response. Electrochemical gas sensors usually involve a two or three electrode setup that causes change in signal as a function of the output current/potential. Electrochemical sensors require an electrode, a transducer, and an electrolyte. A good electrolyte should have high chemical and electrochemical stability, should be stable at elevated temperatures and have high charge transfer ability. Room temperature ionic liquids (RTIL) are being explored as suitable electrolytes for gas sensing applications as they follow all these parameters. There is an increasing interest in the field of non-invasive disease diagnosis, primarily using breath as a sample for monitoring the presence of various metabolites. Breath alkanes such as heptane can be used as a signature target analyte to differentiate the healthy subjects from lung cancer patients. Levels of heptane in breath for a healthy individual are within 50 ppb-200 ppb range. Concentrations greater than 400 ppb are found in breath as a result of altered metabolic pathways. We demonstrate the proof of concept of an electrochemical VOC sensor specific and sensitive for the detection of heptane up to 400 ppb toward developing a handheld breath analyzer for on-site applicability (Scheme 1). We use RTIL as a transducer and the inherent redox properties of these VOCs such as heptane make them a suitable candidate for electrochemical detection. Moreover, RTILs allow easy removal of VOCs by joule heating and prevent fouling of the system, thereby increasing the shelf life of the sensor.For this study, RTIL Triethylsulfonium Bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide with over 98 percent purity and used as received without any further purification. Trace Source™ disposable permeation tube for Heptane was purchased from KINTEK analytical. Chronoamperometry was used as transduction principle for detection and voltage applied was set within the electrochemical window of the RTIL. An electrochemical sensing platform is developed for the detection of heptane in vapor phase. The sensing platform can be used to monitor the presence of heptane in breath upto 400 ppb (LOD). The sensor showed dose dependent response for the concentrations ranging from 400 ppb to 5 ppm. Scheme 1- Schematic illustration of the sensing strategy used for the development of the electrochemical RTIL-based sensor Figure 1-Chronoamperometry scan was performed at −0.6 V for 60 s RTIL-modified interdigitated electrode (IDE) for the target analytes. Calibrated dose response chronoamperograms were observed for heptane, which varies with concentration. References J.-L. Tan, Z.-X. Yong, C.-K. Liam, J Thorac Dis, 8 (2016) 2772–2783.R.L. Siegel, K.D. Miller, A. Jemal, CA Cancer J Clin, 65 (2015) 5–29.W. Cao, Y. Duan, Clin Chem, 52 (2006) 800–811.A.G. Dent, T.G. Sutedja, P. V Zimmerman, J Thorac Dis, 5 Suppl 5 (2013) S540-50.G. Peng, M. Hakim, Y.Y. Broza, S. Billan, R. Abdah-Bortnyak, A. Kuten, U. Tisch, H. Haick, Br J Cancer, 103 (2010) 542–551. Figure 1

Effectiveness of Supraglottic Airways Management Among Paramedics

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of supraglottic airways management by paramedics using selected methods in simulated conditions. Material and methods: The study included a group of 115 professionally active paramedics working in various health care facilities in the Podkarpackie Province. Each subject was asked to open the airways using a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) and a disposable laryngeal tube (LT-D) in simulated conditions. The study assessed the effectiveness of the airway opening taking into account: average tidal volume of a single breath in ml, average minute tidal volume in ml, time of insertion in seconds, the need for a second attempt, pressure on incisors in N. The obtained results were statistically analysed, p&lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. The calculations were performed with the SPSS 20 software. results: The study showed that the time of inserting of LT-D is the same as the time of LMA (LT-D: 25.95s ± 7.89s vs. LMA: 24.78s ± 8.32s; p&gt;0.05). The mean tidal volume of a single breath was significantly higher with the LMA com-pared to LT-D (LMA 633.24 ml vs. LT-D 579.68 ml, p&lt;0.05). During LMA insertion, the pressure on incisors of 11.41N ± 6.22N was used, while in case of LT-D this pressure amounted to 13.15N ± 3.68N. Every fourth examined paramedic had problems with correct insertion of LT-D tube in accordance with the adopted algorithm. Conclusions: The supralottic LMA and LT-D tools seem to be an effective and safe alternative of the airway management in case of life emergency