Additional Precaution Research Articles

Obesity is an independent risk factor for postoperative pulmonary embolism after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion

BACKGROUNDOver the past decade, the prevalence of obesity has risen in the United States, in parallel with the demand for anterior cervical discectomy with fusion (ACDF). Prior studies have evaluated the role of obesity classes in cervical spine surgery in smaller patient populations. We aimed to evaluate any potential correlation to a national population sample by utilizing a large multicenter database. PURPOSEThe purpose of this study was to analyze obesity level's influence on perioperative complication rates in patients undergoing ACDF. STUDY DESIGN/SETTINGA retrospective cohort, large multicenter database study. PATIENT SAMPLEThe American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database was queried to identify patients who had undergone an elective ACDF procedure between 2011 and 2020 using Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code 22551. OUTCOME MEASURESMedical and surgical complications within thirty days of operation. METHODSPatients were categorized into four BMI groups: nonobese (BMI 18.5−29.9 kg/m2), obese class I (BMI 30−34.9 kg/m2), obese class II (BMI 35−39.9 kg/m2), and obese class III (BMI ≥40 kg/m2). A univariate analysis conducted for demographic variables and preoperative comorbidities identified age, sex, race, smoking status, hypertension requiring medication, diabetes, history of congestive heart failure, history of bleeding disorder, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease as risk factors. Chi-square test was used to compare incidence of complications among groups. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was subsequently performed to adjust for these preoperative risk factors and compare obesity classes I-III to nonobese patients. RESULTSAbout 64,718 patients were identified of whom 33,365 were nonobese, 17,190 were obese class I, 8,608 were obese class II, and 5,555 were obese class III. Obese classes I-III patients had a higher incidence of surgical site infections (0. 33%, 0.36%, 0.41%, vs. 0.24%, p=.039) and pulmonary embolism (PE) (0.25%, 0.31, 0.29 vs. 0.15%, p=.003). Obese classes I-III had a lower incidence of blood transfusion (0.23%, 0.17%, 0.27% vs. 0.4%, p<.001) obese class I, obese class II, and obese class III independently increased the risk for PE (OR: 1.716, 95% CI (1.129−2.599); OR: 2.213, 95% CI (1.349−3.559); OR: 2.207, 95% CI (1.190--3.892), respectively). CONCLUSIONSRisk for postoperative PEs after an ACDF was significantly higher for obese classes I-III compared to nonobese patients. These findings may further support the use of additional prophylaxis measures and precaution in the perioperative setting.

Facilitators and barriers to the uptake of COVID-19 vaccine precaution dose among adult population: qualitative analysis across six different states of India.

India launched the COVID-19 vaccination drive on 16th January 2021 by vaccinating the adult population above 18 years of age. This was followed by the introduction of an additional precaution dose. As on 18th October 2022, 1,02,66,96,808 (1.02 Billion) first dose and 94, 95, 39,516 (949 Million) second doses of COVID-19 vaccine were administered. However, when compared to the uptake of the primary doses, the precaution dose uptake lagged behind with only 21,75, 12,721 (217 million) doses administered. Even though, the uptake of the primary doses remained optimal, irrespective of different interventions by the Government of India, the uptake of the precaution dose remained poor. In this context, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare wanted to understand the facilitators and Barriers for precaution dose uptake among adults so that future immunization campaigns could address these issues. An exploratory qualitative study was conducted to assess the facilitators and barriers for COVID-19 precaution dose uptake at community level across 6 different states in India. From each of the states, two districts with the highest and lowest rates of COVID-19 vaccine precaution dose uptake were selected. In each of these districts, 2 block Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs), one with high and one with low uptake were identified. Within these block PHCs, a PHC field area with high and low precaution dose uptakes was identified. From the identified sites a minimum of four IDIs, four FGDs were conducted among the community members. KIIs of the State Immunization Officers, District Immunisation Officers, PHC Medical Officers, healthcare workers like Accredited Social Health Activist/Auxiliary Nurse Midwife were also conducted. The data was audio recorded and it was transcribed, translated and analysed using framework approach. It was observed that rise in COVID-19 cases prompted the community to take the precaution dose, this along with the cost of hospitalization and the number of productive days being lost as a result of being infected resulted in vaccine uptake. The fear of non-availability of COVID-19 vaccines latter on also prompted people for vaccine uptake. While the barriers were, poor accessibility to vaccination centers, long hours of travel, poor road connectivity and lack of transportation facilities. However, the most prominent barriers observed across all study sites was that a sense of pandemic fatigue and complacency had developed both among the providers as well as the beneficiaries. Other barriers include differences in vaccination schedules and longer duration between the primary doses of some vaccines. Media was identified to be both a barrier and facilitator for Covid-19 Precaution dose uptake. Even though media played an important role in disseminating information in the beginning of the campaign, it was soon followed by the circulation of both misinformation and disinformation. The study identified that dissemination of accurate information and community involvement at each stage of planning and implementation are crucial for the success of any campaign. Efforts should be constantly made to address and re-invent strategies that will be most suitable for the needs of the community. Therefore, in order to ensure successful vaccination campaigns, it is crucial that along with political will it is also important to have a decentralized approach with inter-sectoral coordination with different stakeholders such as healthcare workers, community members and the different departments such as the local self-governments, education department, law & order department etc. These lessons learnt from COVID-19 vaccination campaigns must not be forgotten and must be applied in future vaccination campaigns and while framing public health policies.

High glycemia and resistin normalized in children with double burden of malnutrition: a cross-sectional study.

The coexistence of stunting and excess weight in the same individual is defined as a double burden of malnutrition (DBM) and is associated with noncommunicable diseases. In this study, we evaluated the impact of DBM on adipokine concentrations and metabolic profiles in children compared with weight excess alone. Children were allocated to the weight excess group (n=23) (height-for-age (HAZ)>0.0 and < 2.0 Z-score and body mass index-for-age (BMI/A)>1.0 Z-score) or DBM (n=22) group (HAZ < -1.0 Z-score (including mild stunting) and BMI/A >1.0 Z-score). Lipid, glycemic profile, resistin, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, leptin, and adiponectin concentrations were analyzed. Glycemia was significantly higher in the DBM group compared to the weight excess group (5.05 (4.76-5.31) mmol/L vs. 4.57 (4.35-4.81) mmol/L), although no differences were found in insulin and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Adipokine concentrations did not differ between the groups. However, the DBM group showed higher resistin concentrations normalized by body fat mass than those of the weight excess group (1.44 (0.98-1.93) ng/mL vs. 0.76 (0.55-1.45) ng/mL). Insulin and HOMA-IR showed a negative correlation with adiponectin (r= -0.590 and -0.624, respectively, both p<0.01). DBM was associated with increased glucose and resistin concentrations adjusted by fat mass compared to that associated with excess weight alone. Therefore, this association between mild stunting and weight excess has deleterious potential for long-term metabolic function, highlighting an additional precaution against weight gain in children, especially in those with stunting.

Angelman syndrome: A genetic challenge for physical and learning disabilities

Angelman syndrome (AS) was first reported in 1965 by Dr. Harry Angelman. It is a condition of neurodevelopment characterized by, a lack of speech, distinctive behavior, seizure, intellectual capacity, and cheerful disposition. The cause of AS is a lack of production by maternal imprinted genes (UBE3A) on the 15q11-q13 chromosome. The complications of AS are strabismus, atrophy of the optical nerve, and blindness, which are rarely reported. There is a possibility of complications in the laboratory diagnostic tests for AS. One method is to evaluate with DNA methylation analysis of AS/Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) imprinting center (IC). On cytogenetic analysis, at least 50–60% of patients had a maternally induced de novo mutation of chromosome 15q11-13 with more serious clinical phenotypes such as microcephaly, seizures, language impairment, and motor difficulties. Multiexonic or whole gene deletion is identified by array-comparative genomic hybridisation (CGH) in some cases and laboratory and methodology may vary such deletions. Diagnosis of AS can be suggested by unsteady movements before walking. Based on the patient’s medical history, electroencephalogram (EEG) data, clinical symptoms, and the presence or absence of a chromosome 50 deletion, a diagnosis of AS is made. Incidence estimated for AS is approximately 1 in 12,000–20,000 birth lives, but the epidemiological measures of life expectancy remains unknown. The clinical features of AS phenotype include seizures, sleep disturbance, intellectual disability, and movement disorders such as tremor and ataxia, anxiety, expressive language is limited, behavioral changes, pleasant demeanor, and easily manipulated laughs, EEG abnormalities were discovered in around 100% of the patients. The researcher identified problems with inflammation at the injection site caused by a higher dose of a drug and they monitored proteins in the individual’s blood and cerebrospinal fluid as an additional safety precaution. Genetic counseling for families with one child with AS to address the likelihood of recurrence can be a challenging subject that frequently requires specialist advice.

Sugar Beet Root Storage Properties Are Unaffected by Cercospora Leaf Spot.

Cercospora leaf spot (CLS; causal agent Cercospora beticola Sacc.) is endemic in many sugar beet production regions due to the widespread distribution of C. beticola and the inability of current management practices to provide complete control of the disease. Roots harvested from plants with CLS, therefore, are inevitably incorporated into sugar beet root storage piles, even though the effects of CLS on root storage properties are largely unknown. Research was conducted to determine the effects of CLS on storage properties including root respiration rate, sucrose loss, invert sugar accumulation, loss in recoverable sucrose yield, and changes in sucrose loss to molasses with respect to CLS disease severity and storage duration. Roots were obtained from plants with four levels of CLS severity in each of three production years, stored at 5°C and 95% relative humidity for up to 120 days, and evaluated for storage characteristics after 30, 90, and 120 days storage. No significant or repeatable effects of CLS on root respiration rate, sucrose loss, invert sugar accumulation, loss in recoverable sucrose yield, or change in sucrose loss to molasses were detected after 30, 90, or 120 days storage regardless of the severity of CLS disease symptoms. Therefore, no evidence was found that CLS accelerates sugar beet storage losses, and it is concluded that roots harvested from plants with CLS can be stored without additional or specialized precaution, regardless of CLS symptom severity.

Treatability of Wastewater Containing Reactive Yellow 145 Dyestuff by Ozonation Process

When the textile industry wastewater volume and considering the composition appears to be one of the most environmentally hazardous industries. Due to the basic properties of textile dyeing industry wastewater, additional precaution are required besides conventional wastewater treatment to remove color. The most basic approach is to remove the color of the wastewater and to break down the chromophores and double bonds that make up the color by oxidative means. In this study, the treatability of wastewater containing Reactive Yellow 145 (RY 145) dyestuff by ozonation process has been investigated. The initial concentration of the wastewater containing RY 145 is 50 mg / L. In the study, pH, O3 dose and reaction time parameters have been studied in RY 145 dye removal. The most appropriate removal of RY 145 from wastewater have occured at pH 5, 0.05 g / L.sa O3 dose and 10 minutes reaction time. The removal efficiency of RY 145 has obtained as 99.07% under optimum conditions.

Development and validation of a time and motion guide to assess the costs of prevention and control interventions for nosocomial infections: A Delphi method among experts.

BackgroundNosocomial infections place a heavy burden on patients and healthcare providers and impact health care institutions financially. Reducing nosocomial infections requires an integrated program of prevention and control using key clinical best care practices. No instrument currently exists that measures these practices in terms of personnel time and material costs.ObjectiveTo develop and validate an instrument that would measure nosocomial infection control and prevention best care practice costs, including estimates of human and material resources.MethodsAn evaluation of the literature identified four practices essential for the control of pathogens: hand hygiene, hygiene and sanitation, screening and additional precaution. To reflect time, materials and products used in these practices, our team developed a time and motion guide. Iterations of the guide were assessed in a Delphi technique; content validity was established using the content validity index and reliability was assessed using Kruskall Wallis one-way ANOVA of rank test.ResultsTwo rounds of Delphi review were required; 88% of invited experts completed the assessment. The final version of the guide contains eight dimensions: Identification [83 items]; Personnel [5 items]; Additional Precautions [1 item]; Hand Hygiene [2 items]; Personal Protective Equipment [14 items]; Screening [4 items]; Cleaning and Disinfection of Patient Care Equipment [33 items]; and Hygiene and Sanitation [24 items]. The content validity index obtained for all dimensions was acceptable (> 80%). Experts statistically agreed on six of the eight dimensions.Discussion/ConclusionThis study developed and validated a new instrument based on expert opinion, the time and motion guide, for the systematic assessment of costs relating to the human and material resources used in nosocomial infection prevention and control. This guide will prove useful to measure the intensity of the application of prevention and control measures taken before, during and after outbreak periods or during pandemics such as COVID-19.

Evaluation of heat release and combustion analysis in spark ignition Wankel and reciprocating engine

In this study, a single-rotor multi side port Wankel research engine and a single cylinder spark ignition (SI) engine having three different type combustion chamber geometry (MR, Cylindrical bowl, Flat) were used. Engine experiments were performed at 2000 rpm, 3 bar and 5 bar bmep (brake mean effective pressure) and stoichiometric conditions. Combustion analysis was performed for Wankel and a reciprocating SI engine with three types combustion chamber geometries, which are not included in the literature.In the Wankel engine, the maximum pressure value was lower than the reciprocating SI engines and the maximum pressure obtained far away from the TDC. The reason of this is lower burning velocity and combustion progress toward the expansion stroke. Wankel engine's lower burning velocity also reduced the maximum temperature values. The normalized cumulative heat release rate was about 15% higher than the reciprocating SI engine with different combustion chambers. In Wankel engine, NO emissions are 15–45% lower due to the lower combustion temperatures. On the contrary, THC emissions were up to two times higher due to the combustion chamber geometry and absence of squish effect.The MR type combustion chamber has the highest combustion speed and pressure value due to the intense flow and mixture conditions. In the Wankel engine, combustion process is shifted toward the expansion phase, thus resulting to the lower thermal efficiency. In order to improve this process, additional precaution, such as different mixture formation and flow intensification methods in the combustion chamber are required.

Load capacity and recovery behaviour of ALD-coated MCP-PMTs

Abstract We report the saturation and recovery properties of ALD-coated MCP-PMTs produced by Hamamatsu Photonics K.K. and Photek Ltd. compared to a non-ALD device produced by Photonis, Inc. Similar study has been done previously for ALD-coated Photonis MCP-PMTs. The obtained results confirm that ALD-coated MCP-PMTs produced by any of these manufacturers feature an unexpectedly long time needed for the gain recovery once the saturation was reached (from few minutes up to more than an hour). Despite the saturation level in terms of the average anode current for such devices may reach 0.4 μ A/cm 2 their use in high load accelerator-based experiments requires additional precaution to avoid driving an MCP-PMT to a saturated mode even for a short time before the start of any data taking period.

Investigations on the microstructure and mechanical properties of laser welded dissimilar galvanized steel–aluminum joints

In this study, galvanized high-strength steel and aluminum alloy sheets were laser-welded in zero-gap lap joint configuration. In order to determine the influences of the heat input levels, microstructural and mechanical properties of the joints were investigated. The weld bead geometry, microstructure, and intermetallic phases at the interface of welded joints were investigated using an optical microscope and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) at different heat input levels. Mechanical properties and microhardness distribution of the welded joints were examined according to the weld bead dimension. The results revealed that there is a correlation between the weld seam geometry and intermetallic phase formation. At relatively high heat input level, the penetration depth increased, and thick Al-rich intermetallic layer was observed at the interface of the weld seam, which deteriorated the tensile strength of the joint. It has been found that without the need for any additional precaution, the thickness of the IMC layer can be limited to 5–15 μm when the optimum welding parameters were conducted. The experimental results showed that with limited heat input and penetration depths, up to 108.7-N/mm tensile strength could be achieved and fracture initiated at the weld seam–steel interface.

Dumb-Bell Shaped Hydatid Cyst in the Parotid Gland – A Rare Presentation

Human echinococcosis is a zoonotic infection caused by the tapeworm of the genus Echinococcus and transmitted by dog and other canine animals. It is a serious problem in tropical areas and is seen in many parts of Bangladesh. In children lungs are the most common site of infection, whereas in adults liver is infected most frequently. Primary hydatid cyst of the parotid gland is extremely rare, even in the endemic areas and very few cases are reported in parotid gland The disease is prevalent in most part of the world, though it is most extensive in the sheep and cattle raising areas. FNAC is contraindicated in suspected hydatid cyst cases due to risk of hypersensitivity reaction and additional precaution of intact cyst excision is mandatory in such cases to prevent recurrence and anaphylaxis reaction. A 30 year old female patient presented with gradually increasing painless large smooth cystic swelling of the right parotid region with trismus. CT scan showed a huge dumb bell shaped cystic lesion in the superficial and deep lobe of the parotid gland that is compatible with hydatid cyst. The parotid tumor was surgically removed by midline mandibulotomy approach. Pathological study of the cystic lesion confirmed hydatid disease of the parotid gland.TAJ 2017; 30(1): 73-77

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding in neck of femur fracture patients: a single tertiary centre experience.

This study aimed to identify the incidence of perioperative acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) in our hip fracture patients; to evaluate the characteristics, management and clinical outcomes of these patients; and to explore risk factors and protective factors. Of the 1691 consecutive patients admitted for surgical management of hip fractures, 11 (0.65%) had UGIB and a further four patients for each case were selected as controls for evaluation of risk factors and protective factors. Pre-existing peptic ulcer disease was identified as a risk factor for acute UGIB (odds ratio 7.9; 95% confidence interval: 1.1-54.9). This study reported a very low incidence of UGIB in hip fracture patients. Despite being a high-risk population, timely endoscopic evaluation can be safely undertaken to optimise patient outcome. When risk factors such as history of peptic ulcer disease are present, additional precaution including gastro-protective agent and nutritional support should be undertaken.

Valbenazine for tardive dyskinesia: A systematic review of the efficacy and safety profile for this newly approved novel medication-What is the number needed to treat, number needed to harm and likelihood to be helped or harmed?

The objective of this systematic review was to describe the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of valbenazine for the treatment of tardive dyskinesia (TD). The pivotal registration trials were accessed by querying http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ and http://www.clinicaltrials.gov, for the search terms 'valbenazine' OR 'NBI-98854', and by also querying the EMBASE (Elsevier) commercial database for clinical poster abstracts, and by asking the manufacturer for copies of posters presented at congresses. Product labeling provided additional information. All available clinical reports of studies were identified. Descriptions of the principal results and calculation of number needed to treat (NNT) and number needed to harm (NNH) for relevant dichotomous outcomes were extracted from the available study reports and other sources of information. Valbenazine, a reversible inhibitor of Vesicular Monoamine Transporter Type 2 (VMAT2), received approval for the treatment of TD in adults based on a clinical trial development programme that included three 6-week parallel group, randomised, placebo-controlled studies, including one Phase III trial described in product labeling. The recommended dose for valbenazine is 80mg/d. The percentage of responders in the Phase III acute study, as defined by ≥50% reduction from baseline in the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale dyskinesia score was 40.0% for valbenazine 80mg/d vs 8.7% for placebo, yielding a NNT of 4 (95% CI 3-6). As pooled from available data, discontinuation rates because of an adverse event were 2.9% for valbenazine-treated patients vs 1.6% for placebo-treated patients, resulting in a NNH of 76 (ns). The only adverse event that met the threshold of incidence ≥5% for valbenazine and a rate of ≥2 times than that observed with placebo was somnolence (somnolence, fatigue, sedation), with rates of 10.9% for valbenazine (all doses) vs 4.2% for placebo, resulting in a NNH of 15 (95% CI 9-52). An additional warning and precaution is that valbenazine can prolong the ECG QT interval, however, the valbenazine product label does not contain any bolded boxed warnings or contraindications. Valbenazine is presently the only US Food and Drug Administration-approved agent specifically indicated for the treatment of TD. Valbenazine is about 15 times more likely to result in a response than in a discontinuation because of an adverse event. Head-to-head comparisons with other VMAT2 inhibitors among patients with TD in the 'real world' are needed.

CFD modelling of hydrogen stratification in enclosures: Model validation and application to PAR performance

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models are maturing into useful tools for supporting safety analyses. This paper investigates the capabilities of CFD models for predicting hydrogen stratification in a containment vessel using data from the NEA/OECD SETH2 MISTRA experiments. Further simulations are then carried out to illustrate the qualitative effects of hydrogen stratification on the performance of Passive Autocatalytic Recombiner (PAR) units. The MISTRA experiments have well-defined initial and boundary conditions which makes them well suited for use in a validation study. Results are presented for the sensitivity to mesh resolution and mesh type. Whilst the predictions are shown to be largely insensitive to the mesh resolution they are surprisingly sensitive to the mesh type. In particular, tetrahedral meshes are found to induce small unphysical convection currents that result in molecular diffusion and turbulent mixing being under-predicted. This behaviour is not unique to the CFD model used here (ANSYS CFX) and furthermore, it may affect simulations run on other non-aligned meshes (meshes that are not aligned perpendicular to gravity), including non-aligned structured meshes. Following existing best practice guidelines can help to identify potential unphysical predictions, but as an additional precaution consideration should be given to using gravity-aligned meshes for modelling stratified flows. CFD simulations of hydrogen recombination in the Becker Technologies THAI facility are presented with high and low PAR positions and homogeneous and stratified initial hydrogen distributions. For the stratified initial hydrogen distribution, as expected, the high PAR location performs better than the low positioned PAR. However, for the homogeneous initial hydrogen distribution, the low PAR location performs better than the high PAR. The work demonstrates that CFD can be a useful tool to help inform the positioning of PAR units, which may provide a practicable risk-reduction measure for situations where hydrogen releases are possible.

Varicella zoster virus transmission in youth during incarceration.

Purpose - Facility-based Varicella zoster virus (VZV) transmission is reported in a Canadian youth offender correctional centre (YOCC). Transmission occurred from an immunocompetent youth offender (YO) with localized Herpes zoster to another immunocompetent single dose vaccinated YO, resulting in Varicella zoster (VZ) breakthrough disease. The purpose of this paper is to identify infection prevention and control (IPAC) measures utilized in this setting. Design/methodology/approach - A retrospective chart and immunization record review was conducted for two VZV cases and 27 exposed YO contacts in order to obtain demographic, clinical and immunization data. Descriptive data analysis was performed. Findings - All VZV cases and exposed contacts were male with an average age of 14.2 and 15.6 years for cases and contacts, respectively. Both cases shared the same living unit in the YOCC. There were 28 identified YO contacts, of whom 70 percent were single dose vaccinated with univalent vaccine, followed by 22 percent with a previous history of Varicella disease. All cases and contacts were born in Canada. No foreign-born populations were involved with this event. Infection control measures included additional precaution management, enhanced surveillance and environmental cleaning. As such, no hospitalizations or post-exposure immunizations were required. Originality/value - This report highlights the role that VZ breakthrough disease could play in fueling an outbreak in a high-risk environment without rapid recognition and implementation of preventative measures. It also underscores the importance of IPAC presence and public health immunization programs within correctional centers to avoid infectious disease threats.

Norway and Russia: Bargaining Precautionary Fisheries Management in the Barents Sea

The Barents Sea contains some of the most valuable fish resources in the world, including the world’s largest cod stock. Since the mid-1970s, Norway and the Soviet Union/Russia have managed the most important stocks in the area together, through the Joint Norwegian–Russian Fisheries Commission. During the 1990s, the precautionary approach was adopted as the leading device for global fisheries management, introducing a requirement for additional precaution when scientific evidence is uncertain, as well as a number of practical regulatory measures related to scientific research, regulation and enforcement. Since the late 1990s, the Joint Commission has gradually adopted a number of measures required by the precautionary approach. Russia has never formally introduced the principle in its own fisheries legislation, but by and large employed regulatory measures in line with it. The article presents the major precautionary regulatory measures adopted by the Commission, including precautionary reference points for spawning stocks and fish mortality, a harvest control rule for quota settlement and various enforcement initiatives. A particular focus is on Norwegian–Russian collaboration and how Norway has bargained with Russia for precautionary management measures.Keywords: Barents Sea, fisheries management, precautionary principleCitation: Arctic Review on Law and Politics, vol. 5, 1/2014 pp. 75–99. ISSN 1891-6252

Biosafety in embryos and semen cryopreservation, storage, management and transport.

This chapter summarizes pertinent procedures, data and opinions on the potential hazards of disease transmission through liquid nitrogen (LN)-cryopreserved and banked germplasm and tissues for somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) The importance of applying internationally adopted sanitary washing procedures to germplasm as a crucial step towards their successful microbial-free cryopreservation and storage is emphasised. Special attention is given to the survival of pathogens in LN, variety of vitrification methods, sterility of LN, risks associated with the use of straws and cryovials, and LN Dewars including dry shippers. It was experimentally demonstrated that cross-contamination between LN and embryos may occur, when infectious agents are present in LN and if embryos are not protected by use of a sealed container. It is important, therefore, to prevent direct contact of germplasm and reproductive tissues with LN during cryopreservation and their storage as a mandatory measure for reducing the risk of contamination. This includes the usage of hermetically sealed high quality shatter proof freezing containers and/or the application of a secondary enclosure such as "double bagging or straw in straw". A periodic disinfection of cryo-Dewars should be considered as an additional precaution to diminish the potential for inadvertent cross-contamination. It would be advisable to use separate LN Dewars to quarantine embryos derived from infected donors of valuable genotypes or from unknown health status, extinction-threatened species.

Gaze Contingent Control for a Robotic Laparoscope Holder

Gaze Contingent Control for a Robotic Laparoscope Holder

Displacement noise from back scattering and specular reflection of input optics in advanced gravitational wave detectors

The second generation of ground-based interferometric gravitational wave detectors are currently being built and installed. They are designed to be better in strain sensitivity by about a factor 10 with respect to the first generation. Light originating from the laser and following unintended paths, called stray light, has been a major problem during the commissioning of all of the first generation detectors. Indeed, stray light carries information about the phase of the emitting object. Therefore, in the next generation all the optics will be suspended in the vacuum in order to mitigate their associated stray light displacement noise. Despite this additional precaution, the challenging target sensitivity at low frequency which is partially limited by quantum radiation pressure combined with up-conversion effects, requires more detailed investigation. In this paper, we turn our attention to stray light originating from auxiliary optical benches. We use a dedicated formalism to compute the re-coupling of back-reflected and back-scattered light. We show, in particular, how much care should be taken in designing and setting requirements for the input bench optics.

Quantifying the tradeoff between precaution and yield in fishery reference points

Abstract Hart, D. R. 2013. Quantifying the tradeoff between precaution and yield in fishery reference points. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 70: 591–603. A method using Monte Carlo simulations for estimating fishery reference points that accounts for parameter uncertainty is presented. Uncertainties in the input parameters of yield-per-recruit and stock-recruit analyses are propagated to estimate uncertainty in reference points such as FMSY. These uncertainties are used to evaluate the tradeoffs between the risks of overfishing and stock collapse, and the cost of reduced expected yield due to setting fishing mortality below FMSY. At fishing mortalities near FMSY, reduction in fishing mortality substantially decreases the probability of overfishing and stock collapse in exchange for slightly reduced expected yield. At lower fishing mortality rates, the marginal benefit (in terms of lessened risk of overfishing and stock collapse) from further reductions in fishing mortality is less, and the cost in forgone yield is greater. Less resilient “low steepness” stocks require additional precaution due to the risk of complete population collapse. Marine protected areas can also reduce risks of collapse, but at a higher cost in terms of expected yield than effort reduction. Implementation uncertainty (i.e. uncertainty in achieving a fishing mortality target) increases the risk of overfishing as well the loss of yield due to precaution, except at fishing mortalities near or above FMSY.