Wet Cotton Swabs Research Articles

The effect of ice-cold water spray following the model for symptom management on postoperative thirst in patients admitted to intensive care unit: A randomized controlled study

BackgroundPostoperative thirst is common in patients admitted to the intensive care unit. Existing methods like wet cotton swabs or oral care prove ineffectual or operationally intricate. Currently, an efficacious postoperative thirst alleviation method remains elusive. Exploring a prompt, safe, and efficacious solution is of paramount importance. ObjectiveTo assess the effect of ice-cold water spray applied following a symptom management model on postoperative thirst and to establish a framework for mitigating thirst in intensive care unit patients. Research designSingle-center randomized controlled study. SettingSurgical intensive care unit in a university-affiliated hospital. Main outcome measures56 intensive care unit patients were selected and equally randomized. The experimental group received ice-cold water spray in conjunction with eight symptom management strategies, while the control group underwent standard care involving wet cotton swabs. Thirst intervention was initiated 0.5 hours after postoperative extubation, followed by subsequent interventions at 2-hour, 4-hour, and 6-hour intervals post-extubation. Thirst intensity, oral comfort, and the duration of relief from thirst were assessed and compared between groups before and 0.5 hours after each thirst intervention. ResultsAcross different interventions, the experimental group exhibited superior scores in thirst intensity and oral comfort compared to the control group. Additionally, the nursing time required to alleviate thirst in the experimental group was significantly shorter than that in the control group (P < 0.01). ConclusionIce-cold water spray following the model for symptom management can effectively mitigate the postoperative thirst intensity in intensive care unit patients, improve oral comfort, and reduce the nursing time for relieving thirst. Implications for clinical practiceClinical nurses can employ ice-cold water spray following the model for symptom management to ameliorate postoperative thirst intensity in ICU patients while enhancing oral comfort. Furthermore, the utilization of ice-cold water spray can reduce the nursing time required for relieving postoperative thirst in intensive care unit patients.

EVALUATION OF PERCEPTION OF EXTEROCEPTIVE SENSATIONS IN PRETERM NEONATES-A PILOT STUDY

Aim: Preterm infant is deprived of various in-utero sensory experiences which have been documented as risk factor for prevalence of broad range of neurodevelopmental impairment in preterm infants. The present study evaluates the pain processing pattern in preterm neonates with and without known abnormalities using the Premature Infant Pain Profile (PIPP)-a 7 indicator pain measure that include three behavioural (facial actions: brow bulge, eye squeeze and nasolabial furrow), two physiological (heart rate and oxygen saturation), and two contextual (gestational age and behavioural state). Method: Neonates were randomly observed for receiving one of the following procedures: Dry cotton swab for simple touch (T), Cold and warm water wet cotton swabs for recording temperature perceptions (Tp), venous puncture in the back of the hand (P), considered as a painful stimulus; or alcohol swab friction on the back of the hand (F), considered as a distressing but not painful stimulus. A neonatologist evaluated physiologic and behavioral pain parameters. The evaluation of the perception includes utilizing Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS) and PIPP. Results: The mean pain score is 8.04 which is considered as moderate as per PIPP table. The standard deviation is 3.517. The probability distribution of pain is normal. Conclusion: The pain perception according to the recorded score is moderate in the premature neonates and the perception score is comparatively high in preterm neonates with known abnormalities. The infants born at 29-31 weeks of gestational age group showed greatest changes in the hemodynamic patterns during exteroceptive painful stimulation. KEY WORDS: premature, neonates, Premature Infant Pain Profile, PIPP, Neonatal Infant Pain Scale, NIPS, preterm birth

Design and synthesis of vertical gradient of expansion structure based on polyimide humidity sensing layer with ultra-fast response, high sensitivity, and large deformation driven by humidity

The design of humidity actuators with fast reaction sensitivity (particularly actuation time) while retaining desirable mechanical qualities is critical for advanced smart manufacturing such as soft robots and smart devices, yet it remains a challenge. Here, we fabricated film-based humidity-responsive materials from hydrogenated pyromellitic dianhydrides (HPMDAs) via a simple two-step chemical imidization. The bending of the film is highly sensitive to humidity, and even a small amount of humidity based on a wet cotton swab can be observed from a distance of a few millimeters to bend the film. HPMDAs-based PI (PIs-HPMDAs) not only possess facile fabrication features and excellent properties, such as thermal stability, mechanical properties, and optical properties, but also deliver excellent deformation, including a fast response/recovery (0.02/0.94 s), large deformation (220°), and sufficient bending stability (no detectable degradation after 1200 times). Taking advantage of these benefits, the relative humidity can be converted into a deformation signal of moving object, and it can be further turned into electric signals. Compared with conventional humidity sensors, such the polyimide-based humidity sensor is expected to be used in ambient electrical sensors and relays due to their simple fabrication, rapid response, and high stability. Our strategy of generating and exploiting internal stress in responsive polymers provides a promising platform for humidity actuators.

Application of RapidHIT™ ID for cell authentication by fast and convenient STR profiling.

As cell therapies are injected directly into the body, cell authentication is essential. Short tandem repeat (STR) profiling is used for human identification in forensics as well as for cell authentication. The standard methodology (DNA extraction, quantification, polymerase chain reaction, and capillary electrophoresis) takes at least 6h and requires several instruments to obtain an STR profile. RapidHIT™ ID is a single automated instrument that provides an STR profile in 90 min. In this study, we aimed to propose a method to use RapidHIT™ ID for cell authentication. Four types of cells which are used for cell therapy or in the production process were used. The sensitivity of STR profiling was compared by the cell type and cell count using RapidHIT™ ID. Moreover, the effect of preservation solutions, pre-treatment with cell lysis solution, proteinase K, Flinders Technology Associates (FTA) cards, and dried or wet cotton swabs (with a single cell type or a mixture of two) were examined. The results were compared to those obtained by the standard methodology using genetic analyzer ThermoFisher SeqStudio. We accomplished a high sensitivity through our proposed method that can benefit cytology laboratories. Although the pre-treatment process affected the quality of the STR profile, other variables did not significantly affect STR profiling. As a result of the experiment, RapidHIT™ ID can be used as a faster and simpler instrument for cell authentication.

Synergistic attraction of Western black-legged ticks, Ixodes pacificus, to CO2 and odorant emissions from deer-associated microbes.

Foraging ticks reportedly exploit diverse cues to locate their hosts. Here, we tested the hypothesis that host-seeking Western black-legged ticks, Ixodes pacificus, and black-legged ticks, I. scapularis, respond to microbes dwelling in sebaceous gland secretions of white-tailed deer, Odocoileus virginianus, the ticks' preferred host. Using sterile wet cotton swabs, microbes were collected from the pelage of a sedated deer near forehead, preorbital, tarsal, metatarsal and interdigital glands. Swabs were plated on agar, and isolated microbes were identified by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Of 31 microbial isolates tested in still-air olfactometers, 10 microbes induced positive arrestment responses by ticks, whereas 10 others were deterrent. Of the 10 microbes prompting arrestment by ticks, four microbes-including Bacillus aryabhattai (isolates A4)-also attracted ticks in moving-air Y-tube olfactometers. All four of these microbes emitted carbon dioxide and ammonia as well as volatile blends with overlapping blend constituents. The headspace volatile extract (HVE) of B. aryabhattai (HVE-A4) synergistically enhanced the attraction of I. pacificus to CO2. A synthetic blend of HVE-A4 headspace volatiles in combination with CO2 synergistically attracted more ticks than CO2 alone. Future research should aim to develop a least complex host volatile blend that is attractive to diverse tick taxa.

Effects of a spray-based oropharyngeal moisturising programme for patients following endotracheal extubation after cardiac surgery: A randomised, controlled three-arm trial

BackgroundWhen a patient emerges from cardiac surgery, they may experience intense thirst and discomfort or even impaired swallowing after endotracheal extubation. This may lead to feelings of suffocation, desperation, fear, and anxiety. Although thirst relief and dysphagia prevention share similar mechanisms, there is limited evidence for a combined intervention to alleviate thirst and prevent dysphagia. Furthermore, no studies to date have targeted postoperative cardiac patients. ObjectiveTo evaluate the safety, feasibility, and effects of a spray-based oropharyngeal moisturising programme for cardiac surgery patients following endotracheal extubation. DesignA randomised, controlled three-arm trial was conducted from October 2017 to December 2019. SettingTertiary medical centre cardiac care unit. ParticipantsParticipants (N = 145) were patients who underwent cardiac surgery and received mechanical ventilation. MethodsParticipants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: a four-part programme offering spray-based therapy with either a constant low-temperature cold spray (programme A; n = 47) or low-to-normal temperature spray (programme B; n = 49), or those that received usual care (control group; n = 49). Control group patients who complained of thirst were given wet cotton swabs to moisten their mouths. The primary outcomes included discomfort and various levels of thirst intensity; secondary outcomes included dysphagia and adverse events. Outcomes were evaluated at Time 0 (baseline), Time 1 (3 h), Time 2 (6 h) and Time 3 (96 h) post intervention. Repeated-measures analyses was performed using generalised estimating equations. ResultsThe baseline evaluation indicated no significant differences between the groups. Participants (average age: 55 years; 53.8% men) underwent cardiac surgery for; valvular heart disease (64.8%), coronary atherosclerotic heart disease (25.5%), or aortic dissection (9.7%). Baseline scores indicated moderately severe thirst (6.24±1.57) and discomfort (9.88±2.23). Post intervention, the thirst intensity in the intervention groups was significantly lower than that of the control group (p<0.001). The generalised estimating equation analysis showed no significant difference in reduced thirst intensity between programmes A and B (adjusted β=0.08, 95% CI: −0.59–0.76, p = 0.810) when controlling for intervention condition and time. Comparable results were found for reduced thirst discomfort (adjusted β=0.36, 95% CI: −0.66–1.38, p = 0.493). The three groups showed no significant differences for dysphagia frequency. No observable adverse events were reported during the intervention period. ConclusionsA spray-based oropharyngeal moisturising programme is a practical and effective intervention to alleviate patient thirst after cardiac surgery and tracheal intubation that could be integrated into comfort care for post-surgical patients’ critical care management.Tweetable abstract: A spray-based oropharyngeal moisturising programme for cardiac surgery recipients following endotracheal extubation may alleviate thirst.

The Relationship between Nasal Carriage of Staphylococcus aureus and Surgical Site Infections in a Hospital Center in Morocco.

Background Surgical site infection is a major public health problem in the world. Nasal carriage is a major risk factor for the development of nosocomial Staphylococcus aureus infection, especially methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Our work aims to determine the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and the associated risk factors and to evaluate their sensitivity to 27 antibiotics. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out on 100 patients, hospitalized in preoperative care of surgery units at the Taza Provincial Hospital Center in the Fez-Meknes region, from January to June 2019. Samples were taken from the patient's anterior nostril using single-use sterile dry or wet cotton swabs and then analyzed in the Provincial Public Health Laboratory in Taza. The carriage of Staphylococcus aureus was studied by conventional bacteriological methods by spreading nasal swabs on Chapman culture medium, while antibiotic resistance was determined by the Mueller–Hinton agar disc diffusion method according to the recommendations described by the Antibiogram Committee of the French Society of Microbiology 2019 (CA SFM 2019). Results Of the 84 patients found to be positive, 45.24% had coagulase-positive Staphylococcus aureus and 54.76% had coagulase-negative Staphylococcus. After surgery in the postoperative phase, 16 patients developed surgical site infections, of which two had a negative nasal culture and 14 had positive nasal culture. Among the Staphylococcus aureus-positive patients, 36.84% were colonized by a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and 63.16% by a methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA). Of these, 57.14% of MRSA colonized patients developed an infection of the surgical site and 42.85% showed no sign of SSI, while for patients colonized by MSSA, 16.67% developed SSI and 83.33% showed no sign of SSI. Moreover, children were the most affected by MRSA. Concerning antibiotic sensitivity, multiresistance of MRSA to more than 3 antibiotics has been found. Conclusion To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study carried out in this hospital center with the aim of knowing the prevalence of nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA and to identify the risk factors in order to prevent infections related to nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA.

Study of Fungal Contamination Intensive Care Units of Arak Educational Hospitals and Determining Drug Sensitivity Profiles of Isolated Species

Background and Aim: Fungal infections are among the most critical and common issues for hospitalized patients, especially in intensive care units. This study aimed to determine the fungal contamination of indoor air and surfaces in sensitive wards of the Arak University of Medical Sciences educational hospitals and determine the drug susceptibility pattern of isolated species. Methods &amp; Materials: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 63 air samples were taken from sensitive hospital wards using the one-stage Anderson method, and 63 surfaces samples were taken using wet cotton swabs and cultured in saprodextrose agar medium containing chloramphenicol. Identification of the genus and, as far as possible, the species of fungi was performed using the culture method on the slide. Drug susceptibility testing was performed on isolated species by broth microdilution method (CLSI-M38A2 standard). Ethical Considerations: This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee at Arak University of Medical Sciences (Code: IR.ARAKMU.REC.1395.315). Results: From the total samples, 18 species of fungi were isolated. These included: Aspergillus niger (8), Aspergillus flavus (4), Aspergillus fumigatus (2), Rhizopus spp. (2), Mucor spp. (1) and Fusarium spp. (1). In the drug sensitivity assay, instances of resistance included: Partial sensitivity of Aspergillus fumigatus to Itraconazole (1), Partial sensitivity of Aspergillus niger to Ketoconazole (1), and Resistance of Aspergillus niger to Itraconazole (1). Conclusion: The pattern of nosocomial fungal infection with pathogenic fungi and the drug susceptibility pattern of these organisms in other regions of Iran and the world is relatively consistent with the present study results. And drugs listed in global guidelines for treating these infections, such as voriconazole and caspofungin in the treatment of invasive aspergillosis and amphotericin B in the treatment of invasive mucormycosis and Fusarium wilt, are now effective drugs. Keywords: Invasive fungal infections, Airborne fungi, Dru

Two novel red-emitting fluorescent chemosensors for trace water determination with high sensitivity and large Stokes shift

Water plays a crucial role in human daily life and industrial production. However, the real-time detection technology for trace water still needed to be developed. In this paper, two red-emitting fluorescent receptors (HDBF and NDBF) for the recognition of water were designed and synthesized based on the β-diketone difluoroboron complex and natural product vanillin. The two fluorescent probes showed excellent optical properties such as large Stokes shifts (227 nm and 286 nm), long emission wavelengths (627 nm and 686 nm), and high fluorescence quantum yields (11.28% and 6.15%). The limits of detection of HDBF and NDBF for water were determined as low as 0.016% and 0.018%, respectively. Their detecting mechanism towards water was confirmed as the hydrogen-bonding interaction by 1H NMR titration analysis. Furthermore, the two fluorescent sensors were successfully utilized in probing trace water in 1,4-dioxane by utilizing wet cotton swab as carrier, which suggested their practical application value for trace water determination.

Sampling touch DNA from human skin following skin‐to‐skin contact in mock assault scenarios—A comparison of nine collection methods

Collection of touch DNA from an offender on the victim's skin can provide relevant evidence for investigations of criminal cases. Therefore, the choice of the optimal sample collection method is crucial. In this study, we investigated the recovery of STR profiles from touch DNA on human skin by comparing nine different collection methods: the dry and wet cotton swabs in three different movements, the double-swab (wet-dry) method, the wet and dry Copan FLOQSwabs™, and the Scene Safe FAST™ minitapes. Mock assault scenarios were conducted with a male offender grasping the forearms of a female victim. Samples were collected from the assaulted area of the victim's skin, and the recovery of the offender's STR profile was evaluated. Our results indicate that the different swabs and swabbing techniques did not have a distinct impact on the STR recovery; however, the lowest STR recovery was achieved with Scene Safe FAST™ minitapes. In addition, we compared the double-swab method to the single-swab method by analyzing the DNA quantity of the wet and dry swabs separately. We found on average 13.7% more offender DNA using the double-swab method, but this did not translate into higher STR recovery. Our findings indicate that several methods perform equally well when collecting touch DNA from human skin, although SceneSafe FAST™ minitapes seem to be the least adequate for this purpose.

A new cyanoacrylate-poly(lactic acid)-based system for a wound dressing with on-demand removal

The chemical modification of materials with other polymers has become an effective strategy to improve their physicochemical properties, thus expanding their biomedical applications. In this study, a new polymerizable system based on poly(lactic acid)-modified cyanoacrylate (PLA-CA) was developed. The liquid monomers could rapidly polymerize into solid flexible films on skin and wound surfaces. Both in vitro and in vivo tests showed that the polymer could adhere firmly to the skin and provide coverage protection. More importantly, the polymer could be easily removed on demand by rubbing with a wet cotton swab. Antimicrobial, biocompatibility, and cytotoxicity testing further demonstrated that this system has the potential to be used as a wound dressing material. This work may lead to the construction of new graft polymers, which may also be applicable to polyglycolic acid, chitosan, and other biomaterials.

An efficient approach for wholemount preparation of the myenteric plexus of rat colon

BackgroundThe nerve plexus of the enteric nervous system (ENS) plays a crucial part in regulating gastrointestinal functions, such as muscle contractile activity and nutrient absorption. Studying the nerve plexus can provide vital information for research on ENS disorders. Whole-mount preparation is an important technique for investigating the nerve plexus. However, currently available methods are time consuming and highly technical. New methodThis study describes a simple and rapid method for preparing whole mounts of the longitudinal muscle and myenteric plexuses (LMMPs) of rat colon. Integral LMMPs can be easily separated from the underlying layer by using glass rods and wet cotton swabs. ResultsThe proposed method allows the easy separation of the LMMPs in intact sheets. Immunofluorescence histochemical staining of whole mounts enable clear visualization of enteric ganglia, nerve fibers, and several subtypes of neuronal populations residing in the myenteric plexus. Comparison with existing methodsCompared with existing procedures for whole-mount preparations, the proposed method achieves a quicker and more efficient preparation of high-quality LMMPs from intestinal segments in sufficient quantity. ConclusionsThis work provides a rapid method for efficiently preparing whole mounts of the intestines. Our method can be used for in situ observation of the morphological and functional alterations of the myenteric plexus for further studies on the ENS.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus RNA detection in different matrices under typical storage conditions in the UK.

In the UK, approximately 40 per cent of the pig breeding herds are outdoors. To monitor their porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) status, blood is collected commonly from piglets around weaning. Sample collection in British outdoor pigs often occurs during the early morning hours when the piglets tend to accumulate inside sheltered areas. For practical reasons, dry cotton swabs are occasionally used for blood collection and stored at room temperature until arrival in the laboratory. Detection of PRRSV RNA is a function of viral concentration, sample type and storage condition. To evaluate a possible impact of the sampling protocol on PRRSV1 detection, experimentally spiked blood samples using three dilutions of a representative PRRSV1 strain were prepared. In addition, blood samples from pigs naturally infected with PRRSV were obtained from a PRRSV-positive British herd. Spiked blood and blood from infected pigs were used to obtain sera, dry or wet (immersed in saline) polyester or cotton swabs and FTA cards. The different samples were stored for 24 hours, 48 hours or 7 days at 4°C or 20°C and tested by a real-time reverse transcriptase PRRSV PCR assay. Under the study conditions, the best matrix was serum (96.7 per cent), followed by wet swabs (78 per cent), dry swabs (61.3 per cent) and FTA cards (51 per cent). Polyester swabs (76 per cent) showed a better performance than cotton swabs (63.3 per cent). The reduction in sensitivity obtained for swabs and FTA cards was particularly high at low viral concentrations. The results indicate that wet polyester swabs should be used whenever possible.

Touch DNA sampling with SceneSafe Fast™ minitapes

To achieve optimal results in the forensic analysis of trace DNA, choosing the right collection technique is crucial. Three common approaches are currently well-established for DNA retrieval from items of clothing, notably cutting, swabbing and tape-lifting. The latter two are non-destructive and therefore preferable on items of value. Even though the most recently established technique of DNA retrieval by adhesive tapes is widely used since quite some years now, little information has been published so far on how well it performs compared to other methods. Even more important, when it comes to choosing the right DNA extraction method for forensic lifting-tapes, the available information one can rely on as a forensic geneticist is quite scarce. In our study we compared the two widely used, commercially available and automation suitable magnetic bead-based extraction methods "iPrep Forensic Kit" and "PrepFiler Express BTA™ Kit" to conventional organic solvent extraction. The results demonstrate that DNA extraction from standardized saliva samples applied to SceneSafe Fast™ minitapes is most efficient with phenol-chloroform. We also provide evidence that SceneSafe Fast™ minitapes perform better than wet cotton swabs in the sampling of touch DNA from cotton fabric. Applying the tape only once in every spot on the tissue is thereby sufficient for a considerably better collection performance of the tapes compared to swabbing.

Recovery of Trace DNA on Clothing: A Comparison of Mini-tape Lifting and Three Other Forensic Evidence Collection Techniques.

Trace DNA is often found in forensic science investigations. Experience has shown that it is difficult to retrieve a DNA profile when trace DNA is collected from clothing. The aim of this study was to compare four different DNA collection techniques on six different types of clothing in order to determine the best trace DNA recovery method. The classical stain recovery technique using a wet cotton swab was tested against dry swabbing, scraping and a new method, referred to as the mini-tape lifting technique. Physical contact was simulated with three different "perpetrators" on 18 machine-washed garments. DNA was collected with the four different DNA recovery methods and subjected to standard PCR-based DNA profiling. The comparison of STR results showed best results for the mini-tape lifting and scraping methods independent of the type of clothing. The new mini-tape lifting technique proved to be an easy and reliable DNA collection method for textiles.

Efficacies of topical timolol maleate eye drops for infantile superficial hemangiomas during proliferative phase

To explore the therapeutic value of topical timolol maleate eye drops for infantile superficial hemangiomas. From March 2013 to May 2014, a total of 98 patients of infantile superficial hemangiomas during proliferative phase were divided into treatment (n=68) and control (n=30) groups. Topical smearing of timolol maleate eye drops was applied on tumor with a wet cotton swab. The effective rate of tumor shrinkage and the rate of color improvement for treatment group were better than those for control group (88% vs. 10%; 90% vs. 10%, both P<0.05). And the differences had statistical significance. Topical application of timolol maleate eye drops is both safe and efficacious for infantile superficial hemangiomas during proliferative phase. Key words: Timolol; Hemangioma

Does egg dispersal occur via the ocean in the stick insect Megacrania tsudai (Phasmida: Phasmatidae)?

AbstractAlthough insects expand their distribution by various ways, generally only the adult phase has been taken into consideration in research on dispersal. In Megacrania tsudai, it has been proposed that eggs are dispersed through seawater. To test this hypothesis, eggs were treated under normal condition (NC) on wet cotton swabs, and marine condition (MC), floating on salt water for 30, 60, 90, and 365 days. In addition, eggs in the NC and MC treatment groups were dissected every 10 days to verify the developmental stage. The hatching rates in the NC and MC treatment groups were not significantly different among the five treatment groups. However, the egg period, time from laying to hatching, in the MC treatment group was significantly longer than that in any other treatment groups. The egg period was lengthened when the floating period on seawater was longer. The time of the start of egg development was similar in the NC and MC treatment groups, but the developmental speed was slower in the MC treatment group. These results support that M. tsudai can expand its distribution by dispersing its eggs through seawater, probably thanks to specific characteristics of eggs that allow their survival when they float in the sea.

Spontaneous Formation of Tumorigenic Hybrids between Breast Cancer and Multipotent Stromal Cells Is a Source of Tumor Heterogeneity

Breast cancer progression involves cancer cell heterogeneity, with generation of invasive/metastatic breast cancer cells within populations of nonmetastatic cells of the primary tumor. Sequential genetic mutations, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, interaction with local stroma, and formation of hybrids between cancer cells and normal bone marrow-derived cells have been advocated as tumor progression mechanisms. We report herein the spontaneous in vitro formation of heterotypic hybrids between human bone marrow-derived multipotent stromal cells (MSCs) and two different breast carcinoma cell lines, MDA-MB-231 (MDA) and MA11. Hybrids showed predominantly mesenchymal morphological characteristics, mixed gene expression profiles, and increased DNA ploidy. Both MA11 and MDA hybrids were tumorigenic in immunodeficient mice, and some MDA hybrids had an increased metastatic capacity. Both in culture and as xenografts, hybrids underwent DNA ploidy reduction and morphological reversal to breast carcinoma-like morphological characteristics, while maintaining a mixed breast cancer-mesenchymal expression profile. Analysis of coding single-nucleotide polymorphisms by RNA sequencing revealed genetic contributions from both parental partners to hybrid tumors and metastasis. Because MSCs migrate and localize to breast carcinoma, our findings indicate that formation of MSC-breast cancer cell hybrids is a potential mechanism of the generation of invasive/metastatic breast cancer cells. Our findings reconcile the fusion theory of cancer progression with the common observation that breast cancer metastases are generally aneuploid, but not tetraploid, and are histopathologically similar to the primary neoplasm.

Evaluation of Different Methods for Hygienic Microbiological Control from the Working Surfaces in the Microbiological Laboratories

Background: The role of the inter-hospital non-living environment in spreading of some infections is not universally accepted attitude, but still there is a proof that in some cases it is a risk factor for causing infections with some pathogenic microorganisms. Isolation of microorganisms from the non-living environment can significantly vary in reproducibility and sensitivity of different methods of collecting specimen and its cultivation. Aim: In aim to develop and assess hygienic control strategies with incorporating better monitoring and improved cleaning, we have undertaken this survey in microbiological labs to offer better approach in infection control procedures for sampling specimens from inanimate environment in health care facilities. Material and Methods: Three issues might have influence on isolation rates of the mircroorganisms: sampling technique, cultivation methods and professional behaviour of the staff regarding the recommendations and guidelines for hygiene of the workplace. Staphylococcus aureus was almost the only isolated opportunistic microorganism from the surfaces of the workplaces (five from ten), beside Enterococcus , and there was no obvious differentiation in isolation capability between both used swabs. Semi-quantitative method was used for cultivation of saprophytic bacteria. Average of cfu from all used nutrient media was used to estimate bio-mass. out. Results: Mann-Whitney U test has confirmed statistically significant differentiation between average of cfu (colony-forming unit) (p = 0.0215) sampled with Quanti swab in comparison with wet traditional cotton swab. Plating with swab on trypticase soy agar showed a statistically significant difference between the number of cfu after 24 h and 48 h (Wilcoxon Matched Pairs Test: Z = 2.66; p = 0.0076). Plating with pouring on trypticase soy agar at 450C revealed a statistically significant difference between the number of cfu after 24h and 48 h (Wilcoxon Matched Pairs Test: Z = 2.52; p = 0.01171). Conlusion: This survey suggests that pour plate method is a more sensitive and appropriate cultivation method for hygienic control in healthcare facilities.

Disposition of ketamine and norketamine in hair after a single dose

As a rapid-acting dissociative anesthetic, ketamine has been used in drug-facilitated crimes. The aim of this study is to investigate the disposition of ketamine and its main metabolite norketamine in hair after a single dose of ketamine. Four healthy volunteers were recruited into the study. Hair was collected 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 12 and 16weeks after a single oral dose of ketamine solution (10mg) and analyzed by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. The wet cotton swab wiped the scalp of the subjects at 1h, 24h, 48h and 1week after administration. Maximum hair concentrations (C (max)) for ketamine and norketamine were 19.0 ± 6.5 and 18.7 ± 13.3pg/mg, respectively. Except for the first week, the ratio of ketamine to norketamine in most of segments (87.5%) was greater than 1. All the cotton swab samples collected at 24 and 48h were positive. The results from cotton swabs and the concentrations of ketamine and norketamine in hair segments collected at different times showed that some of ketamine and norketamine incorporated into hair originated from sweat and sebum on the scalp of the subjects.