Evaluation of procedures for the collection, processing, and analysis of biomolecules from low-biomass surfaces.

To comprehensively assess microbial diversity and abundance via molecular-analysis-based methods, procedures for sample collection, processing, and analysis were evaluated in depth. A model microbial community (MMC) of known composition, representative of a typical low-biomass surface sample, was used to examine the effects of variables in sampling matrices, target cell density/molecule concentration, and cryogenic storage on the overall efficacy of the sampling regimen. The MMC used in this study comprised 11 distinct species of bacterial, archaeal, and fungal lineages associated with either spacecraft or clean-room surfaces. A known cellular density of MMC was deposited onto stainless steel coupons, and after drying, a variety of sampling devices were used to recover cells and biomolecules. The biomolecules and cells/spores recovered from each collection device were assessed by cultivable and microscopic enumeration, and quantitative and species-specific PCR assays. rRNA gene-based quantitative PCR analysis showed that cotton swabs were superior to nylon-flocked swabs for sampling of small surface areas, and for larger surfaces, biological sampling kits significantly outperformed polyester wipes. Species-specific PCR revealed differential recovery of certain species dependent upon the sampling device employed. The results of this study empower current and future molecular-analysis-based microbial sampling and processing methodologies.

Image is everything. New York Hospital's institution-wide digital imaging lowers costs and improves care.

UNLABELLED: The New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center, Manhattan: a 1,242-licensed bed voluntary non-profit hospital. PROBLEM: Conventional imaging technology created expensive logistical problems between the radiology facility and the Greenberg Pavilion, a new 850,000 square foot, 11-floor inpatient tower, located two city blocks away. SOLUTION: Use a picture archiving communications system (PACS) to transmit, store and archive digital images. RESULTS: Increased staff efficiencies, improved patient care and reduced costs. KEYS TO SUCCESS: "Many years of planning and a full commitment from the staff."

[A case-control study of multiple occupational risk factors in relation to laryngeal cancer]. / Studio caso-controllo sui rischi multipli lavorativi in rapporto al cancro laringeo.

In this work the A.A. present the results of a case-control study on 2,997 subjects carried out to evaluate the role of professional factors in the development of laryngeal cancer. Our analysis included only cases of laryngeal neoplasia at first diagnosis in 1990. From a statistical point of view we calculated the Odds Ratio (OR) and confidence limits at 95% following Miettinen. The analysis was made on 113 cases and 754 controls, all males smokers or ex-smokers, aged between 35-80 years. The results show a statistically significant correlation between laryngeal cancer and jobs in agriculture (OR = 3.77), in iron-steel industries (OR = 3.25), in metal-mechanic industries (OR = 1.72). Precise knowledge of such data could be very useful in promoting primary and secondary prevention campaigns in the above-mentioned work places. The A.A. stress the need to make experimental cancerogenesis studies to evaluate the effects of the association of occupational risk factors, tobacco smoke and alcohol consumption on the natural history of laryngeal cancer.