Dry Lab Research Articles

Rate of Orientation Change as a New Metric for Robot-Assisted and Open Surgical Skill Evaluation

Surgeons' technical skill directly impacts patient outcomes. To date, the angular motion of the instruments has been largely overlooked in objective skill evaluation. To fill this gap, we have developed metrics for surgical skill evaluation that are based on the orientation of surgical instruments. We tested our new metrics on two datasets with different conditions: (1) a dataset of experienced robotic surgeons and nonmedical users performing needle-driving on a dry lab model, and (2) a small dataset of suturing movements performed by surgeons training on a porcine model. We evaluated the performance of our new metrics (angular displacement and the rate of orientation change) alongside the performances of classical metrics (task time and path length). We calculated each metric on different segments of the movement. Our results highlighted the importance of segmentation rather than calculating the metrics on the entire movement. Our new metric, the rate of orientation change, showed statistically significant differences between experienced surgeons and nonmedical users / novice surgeons, which were consistent with the classical task time metric. The rate of orientation change captures technical aspects that are taught during surgeons' training, and together with classical metrics can lead to a more comprehensive discrimination of skills.

Dry Lab Training Model of Laparoscopic Lateral Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection for Rectal Cancer.

Dry Lab Training Model of Laparoscopic Lateral Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection for Rectal Cancer.

Moving a Journal Article-Based Upper-Level Microbiology Dry Lab from In-Person to Online Instruction.

During the spring semester of 2020, a journal article–based upper-level microbiology laboratory course was offered through Western New Mexico University at Glendale Community College in Glendale, AZ. Because most of the students had taken a lower-level microbiology class with a traditional wet laboratory, a dry lab format was used instead. In the first period of each 2-week cycle, a microbiology article selected by the instructor from the primary literature was discussed using a PowerPoint presentation and a detailed study sheet. Students then turned in answers to five specific questions about the article. In the second period of each 2-week cycle, students met to discuss possible research projects based on that article. They then turned in a two- to three-page research proposal describing their project. Before the COVID-19 pandemic became severe and the college moved to online instruction, there were active discussions between the instructor and the students in both class periods. After the campus was shut down, discussions of the journal articles and preparation of the research proposals were done online using Canvas as the learning platform. Students were provided with discussion sites, but no video instruction systems were used. In general, the answers to the journal article questions and the quality of the research proposals were better during in-person instruction. Instructors may be able to adapt this journal article–based lab approach to a fully online format, but it will require extensive training and the use of Zoom or other video instruction methods.

The Artisential® Articulated Laparoscopic Forceps: A Dry Lab Study to Examine Dexterity and Learning Effects in Operators with Different Levels of Laparoscopic Experience

Purpose: The advent of robotic surgery has highlighted the advantages of articulation. This dry-lab study examined the dexterity and learning effect of a new articulated laparoscopic instrument: the ArtiSential® forceps (LIVSMED, Seongnam, Republic of Korea). Methods: A peg board task was designed. Three groups of volunteers with varying levels of laparoscopic expertise were organized to perform the task: expert, intermediate and novice. The participants performed the task using articulated and straight instruments, once before a 30-min training session and once afterwards. The times required to perform the task were recorded. The performances were analyzed and compared between the groups as well as between the straight and articulated instruments. Results: The experts were significantly faster than the novices with both instruments before the 30-min training session (p = 0.0317 for each instrument). No significant time difference was found among the three groups after the 30-min training session. The decrease in the time required to perform the peg-transfer task with the articulated instrument was significantly greater in the novice and intermediate groups (p = 0.0159 for each group). No significant difference in time reduction was observed between the groups with the straight instrument. Regardless of the user, the articulated device was associated with faster task performance than the straight device after 8 hours of training (p = 0.0039). Conclusion: The ArtiSential® articulated device can improve dexterity. A significantly greater learning effect was observed in the novice and intermediate groups in comparison with experts. A plateau in the learning curve was observed after a few hours of training.

Substitution partielle du saccharose par des édulcorants intenses non nutritifs dans des marmelades d'oranges amères: effets sur les paramètres de qualité et la réponse glycémique postprandiale aiguë chez des volontaires sains

Background: Overconsumption of added sugars, particularly refined sugars, has been shown to be associated with adverse health concerns. Aim: The present study aimed to elaborate calorie-reduced marmalades with nutritional benefits as well as satisfactory sensory properties, in order to reduce sugar intake without compromising consumers' acceptance. Materials and methods: Two formulas of sugar-reduced marmalades were elaborated by substituting 30% of sucrose with different commercial non-nutritive sweeteners: a blend of aspartame-acesulfame-K and sucralose. Physico-chemical, sensory, and microbiological analyses were carried out, in comparison with control sample marmalade. Blood glucose concentrations were determined in 12 healthy volunteers, at 30-min intervals until 120 min after consumption of marmalades. Results: Marmalade quality characterization revealed a significant effect of sucrose substitution on dry extract, Brix, reducing sugars, aw, and CIE Lab color parameters, but not on pH and acidity. The microbiological analysis highlighted that marmalades’ sanitary quality was in accordance with safety standards. Interestingly, sensory analysis by trained panelists showed that the substitution of sucrose by an intense sweetening substance did not impair the sensory properties. Our data also indicate that consumption of calorie-reduced marmalades significantly reduced acute postprandial glycemic responses in healthy volunteers; this effect was more pronounced with sucralose. Conclusions: Taken together, our results showed that the use of sucralose can constitute a relatively healthy choice for food basket of families, in particular for those with high risk of lifestyle-related diseases. Keywords: Citrus marmalade, Aspartame-acesulfame-K, Sucralose, Calories reduction, Quality, Glycemic response.

Reusable Modular 3D-Printed Dry Lab Training Models to Simulate Minimally Invasive Choledochojejunostomy

Reusable Modular 3D-Printed Dry Lab Training Models to Simulate Minimally Invasive Choledochojejunostomy

RetiSurge - Enabling "Dry Lab" vitreoretinal surgical training during COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in reduction of patient volumes in Ophthalmology. With only emergency surgical procedures being performed with few elective surgical procedures, surgical volumes are at an all-time low. This has resulted in decreased surgical training opportunities for trainee surgeons. We developed a simple, cost-effective, 3D printed model eye – RetiSurge – for “Dry Lab” vitreoretinal surgery training. The model incorporates a retinal film that can be changed, making it suitable for multiple uses. The RetiSurge model can be used to practice visualization, instrument manipulation and endolaser photocoagulation. RetiSurge can be sterilized by ethylene oxide and is safe for use inside the operating room. RetiSurge is a simple, cost-effective, and reusable model eye for early training in Vitreoretinal surgery.

Laparoscopy training status in India and a review of the current resident skill standards.

Context:The aim was to identify the current training standard of laparoscopy skills among the urology residents.Aims:This paper presents the residents’ subjective perception of their laparoscopy skills and evidence of an objective assessment of their actual skills.Settings and Design:An online survey was mailed, and completed by urology residents in training. The residents’ perception of laparoscopy training received, exposure to laparoscopy procedures, and training facilities were queried. The assessment was done on the skill levels of the residents presenting at an annual training program.Subjects and Methods:103 residents responded to the online survey and 115 residents were assessed at the training program.Statistical Analysis Used:Discrete data were compared using the t-test to test for significance of the means; P < 0.05 was considered significant. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to obtain the relationship between variables.Results:An overwhelming 91% rated their laparoscopy skill as just “satisfactory” or worse, and 60% did not have any training facilities in their department. 66% continue to be “assistants only” in conventional laparoscopy surgeries. Assessment of basic laparoscopy skills in the dry lab revealed 92% of residents having poor laparoscopy skills; similar to the subjective opinion in the survey. Only 6% (n = 5) of the residents showed a good or better skill score in the dry lab; similar to the survey.Conclusions:Based on the survey, a large number of residents have a poor opinion of their own laparoscopy skills, and the training facilities available to them. The data objectively prove the self-assessment of the residents on their laparoscopy skill level.

Enhanced Laparoscopic Vision Improves Detection of Intraoperative Adverse Events During Laparoscopy

BackgroundThe absence of visibility of the entire surgical scene in laparoscopic surgery can lead to unforeseen intraoperative complications. An Enhanced Laparoscopy Vision System (ELViS) was developed to eliminate the blind spots of the traditional endoscope by providing a broad view of the surgical scene from a distance, thanks to two additional images. This study assessed whether the broad view provided by the Enhanced Laparoscopic Vision (ELV) helped the surgeon to detect and react to an unexpected intraoperative adverse event (simulated hemorrhage) occurring while performing a standard task. MethodsWhile participants were performing a standard task (sorting pins) on a dry lab laparoscopic simulator with or without ELV, a simulated bleeding (LED lighting) was randomly triggered. Per-procedure metrics were recorded and surgeons' feedback gathered at the end of the session. ResultsThirteen Senior surgeons participated. Mean response time was significantly reduced when using ELV, with a similar number of simulated bleeding events between both modalities. All surgeons agreed that ELV could be helpful and constitutes an acceptable increase in cognitive load. ConclusionIn a dry lab setup, compared to traditional endoscopy, the broader field of view provided by ELV improved outcomes when dealing with unforeseen complications like bleeding.

Laboratory quality assessment of candidate gene panel testing for acute myeloid leukaemia: a joint ALLG / RCPAQAP initiative

Accurate classification of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) has become increasingly reliant on molecular characterisation of this blood cancer. Throughout Australia and New Zealand massively parallel sequencing (MPS) is being adopted by diagnostic laboratories for the routine evaluation of patients with AML. This technology enables the surveying of many genes simultaneously, with many technical advantages over single gene testing approaches. However, there are many variations in wet and dry lab MPS procedures, which raises the prospect of discordant results between laboratories. This study compared the results obtained from MPS testing of ten diagnostic AML bone marrow aspirate samples sent to eight participating laboratories across Australasia. A reassuringly high concordance of 94% was observed with regard to variant detection and characterisation of pathogenicity. The level of discordance observed, although low, demonstrates the need for ongoing assessment of concordance between diagnostic testing laboratories through quality assurance programs.

A questionnaire based comparative study on dry lab versus wet lab among second year medical undergraduates in a tertiary care hospital of Bihar

Background: Objective of the study was to identify whether there is any benefit of integrating dry lab/computer assisted lab (CAL) tool with conventional teaching/wet lab in experimental part of pharmacology.Methods: A questionnaire based study was conducted among 158 second year medical undergraduates in the department of pharmacology. The questionnaire was distributed among students with proper prior instructions in practical class. Students willing to participate in the study were included.Results: Total 94.9% were in the favour of replacing conventional teaching with CAL lab learning, 74.7% felt conventional lab to be more complex, 92.4% has the opinion of CAL lab result has less error along with that majority student felt it to be less time consuming, need lesser assistance and enhance learning. 67% student also felt real experimentation can’t be learned by CAL tool and 83.5% have their thought that CAL lab can never help them in exercising real experiment.Conclusions: Although there is no substitution of conventional teaching methods, in this new era of information and technology CAL lab can be the saviour to students in making better understanding and enhancing the performance without help of experimental animals.

Repurposing legacy metallurgical data part II: Case studies of plant performance optimisation and process simulation

The history of the metallurgical industry is rich with data. An enormous amount of data is generated from mining operations and industrial factories, and as deployment of new technologies such as on-line monitoring and in-situ instrumentation proliferate through the 4th industrial revolution, the quantity and quality of data will increase dramatically. The first paper (Part I), describes a range of promising technologies that integrate well with existing mineral processing plants and testing laboratories to demonstrate the enormous potential of a dry laboratory. A dry lab is a type of laboratory that includes applied or computational mathematical analyses for an extensive range of different applications. In both laboratories and mineral processing plants, integration of timely, accurate and reliable data analytics is key to leveraging data to enable data-driven plant design, optimisation and monitoring. However and despite progresses in analytical technology and increasing availability of data and sophisticated data analytics, legacy metallurgical plant and test work data are being underutilised. Understanding the insights contained within legacy metallurgical plant data is critical to the transition into a data- and analytics-driven industry. This paper (Part II) details two case studies that use legacy data to benefit metallurgical processes. One case study focuses on operational data from a gold recovery plant and provide indirect knowledge of the structure and/or composition of the feed sources, and insights to guide the optimisation of the operation. The other case study focuses on laboratory flotation tests, and demonstrates the effectiveness of aggregated data in establishing empirical guidelines that can guide the design and optimisation of new and existing processing operations.

A Novel Resident Robotic Curriculum Using Self-Selection for Advanced Training and a Single Web-Based Tool for Feedback and Case-Tracking

Study Objective Describe a novel two-phase robotic curriculum facilitated by a web-based feedback and case-tracking tool, which allows residents to self-select into advanced training. Design Descriptive. Setting Academic Hospital. Patients or Participants OBGYN residents and faculty. Interventions Phase I (Basic), required of all residents, includes online training modules, assessment, and robotic dry lab. Phase II (Advanced) console training is elective. Residents complete 10 SIM drills to proficiency before performing live surgery. A web-based tool is used for surgical feedback. Resident online assessments, SIM lab reports, feedback, and case-logs were reviewed (7/2018-6/2019). Attendings and residents completed a beta-tested satisfaction survey. Measurements and Main Results All 24 residents completed Phase I training. Phase II was initiated by 12 residents and 10/12(83.3%) completed all 10 SIM drills. A median of 10(3,26) attempts were required to complete each drill with a mean time of 5.1hrs to complete all drills. 128 web-based post-surgical feedback entries were completed. Residents performed as bedside assistants (75%,n=96), console surgeon (5.5%,n=7), or both (19.5%,n=25). Most common tracked procedure was hysterectomy 111/193(57.5%). Console surgeons performed 32 cases with a mean console time of 34.6±19.5min. Most common procedure steps included: colpotomy/cuff closure 31.1%, uterine artery 75% and utero-ovarian vessel seal/transection 84.4%(n=32). 28/32(87.5%) Global Evaluative Assessment of Robotic Skills (GEARS) assessments were completed. Mean GEARS score 20.6±3.7(n=28), communication (4.2±0.8,n=61), workload management (3.9±0.9,n=54), and team skills (4.3±0.8,n=60). Residents completing >50% of case were assessed as “apprentice” 38.5% or “competent” 23.1%(n=13). 27/44(61.4%), satisfaction survey response rate. After curriculum change, attendings considered residents prepared as bedside assistants and console surgeons (100%), whereas only 16.7% were prepared before (n=6). Respondents were satisfied with the curriculum (95.0%), found the web-based tool helpful to give/receive feedback (90.0%), and recommended continued use (90.0%) (n=19). Conclusion This novel robotic curriculum allows residents to self-select into advanced training. A web-based tool improves individualized feedback and case-tracking alleviates many challenges of graduated robotic training.

Validity of a 3D Printed Dry Lab Model in Laparoscopic Anti-Reflux Surgery Training

Validity of a 3D Printed Dry Lab Model in Laparoscopic Anti-Reflux Surgery Training

A Dry Lab Surgical Training Model for Bariatric Surgery

A Dry Lab Surgical Training Model for Bariatric Surgery

Annotation of Plant Genome: A Case Study of Oryza sativa

Rice! A perennial claim crop of the world. Besides satisfying the eager of energy rice, has also been known to support worlds trade economy. Hence, being a crop of such crucial importance its examinational study at genome level will serve in multiplying its production and quality to irrigate the burning crave of humanity. Likewise, the senescence gene of rice is responsible for its age duration. Hence, understanding its property at 360° will help us to modify or to alter its function in positive portion. Using Insilco analysis mode, the present study is an attempt to examine various characteristics conformation of senescence causing gene in rice. The two gene chosen were HCP and RR because, the interaction in between these two led to the onset of senescence in rice. Two gene that is HCP (Histidine-containing phosphotransfer protein 1) and RR (Two-component response regulator) are responsible for attaining the stage of senescence in rice. Understanding their molecular and structural property will be going to let us closer to perform successful adjustments. Moreover, their specific property is also responsible for their specific interaction which led to generation of such signals that triggers senescence. Therefore, this analysis was aimed to understand the features of the two genes as well as their interaction by the means of computational technique. Understanding the features, function and flow of gene will lead us to stabilized effective measure in order to get a beneficiary outcome while going for alteration in its characters. As the pure data for the structure conformation of the selected genes are not available so, we have at first, searched the most similar homolog of the query sequence and the search was based on similar sequence homology on the platform of local alignment tool. And further analysis was carried out on the base conformation of the most relevant homologs (structure/sequence) found. We have analyze the query gene sequence by various dry lab analysis tool to explore its structural and molecular features with the motive to contribute a little knowledge for the sake of further studies to delay senescence in rice plant in order to increase grain productivity.

Technical notes on deploying a LVIS stent – The importance of push and pull passively depending on the catheter torque

ObjectiveLow-profile visualized intraluminal support (LVIS®) is a braided stent utilized for stent-assisted coil embolization of intracranial aneurysms. In this report, we review the technical notes of coil embolization for unruptured intracranial aneurysm using LVIS® stents. Case descriptionWe reported six consecutive cases of unruptured saccular aneurysm of the internal carotid artery all of whom underwent stent-assisted coil embolization with the LVIS® stent. After the first three cases, dry lab training using a complicated parent artery model allowed us to determine how to effectively place an LVIS® stent and to shorten operative time significantly. All patients were followed up for at least 1 year after the procedure. Thus far, none of the patients have experienced recurrence or complications. ConclusionsOur experience with patients undergoing stent-assisted coil embolization using LVIS® stents before and after dry lab training reveal that several simple technical tips, including careful measurement of the parent artery diameter, choice of an appropriate stent size, and evasion of pushing or pulling the stent beyond what is necessary, are important for easy and stable deployment of LVIS® stents.

Institution-specific utilization of the American College of Surgeons/Association of Program Directors operative skills curriculum: From needs assessment to implementation

BackgroundThe American College of Surgeons/Association of Program Directors in Surgery operative skills curriculum standardizes training. However, simulation resources are variable with curriculum implementation institution dependent. Our aim was to use Kern's six steps of curricular development to demonstrate how to tailor the American College of Surgeons/Association of Program Directors in Surgery Phase 2 curriculum to program specific needs. MethodsProblem identification and general needs assessment was performed. Targeted needs assessment of general surgery residents and attendings was conducted to determine perceived importance of operative skills and residents’ confidence with these skills and attendings perceptions of deficiencies in technical skills using the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills criteria. Educational strategies were developed dependent on program resources. The program was piloted between 2018 to 2019 and implemented in the 2019 to 2020 academic year. Assessment of resident technical skills and resident or faculty teaching skills was performed for each session. Resident confidence with procedures was assessed using the Zwisch scale before and after modules. Curricular evaluations were completed by residents after each module. ResultsThe previous curriculum did not comprehensively cover Phase 2 modules and was not tailored to the needs of residents. Targeted needs assessment revealed differences in prioritization of learning for techniques by seniority (most important operation for faculty: laparoscopic cholecystectomy, postgraduate year 4 and 5: laparoscopic partial colectomy, interns: open inguinal/femoral hernia repair). Faculty identified technical skills on which to focus (ie, interns’ knowledge of a specific procedure, postgraduate year 4 and 5 flow of the operation and forward planning). Educational strategies employed included wet and dry lab simulations and online materials. Residents reported increased procedural confidence after curriculum completion. ConclusionThis comprehensive implementation of the American College of Surgeons/Association of Program Directors in Surgery Phase 2 skills curriculum effectively used resources and expertise of an institution and focused on the knowledge and technical deficiencies of the target learners. Improvement in learner confidence was demonstrated by this approach.

An adaptable dry lab for SYBR based RT-qPCR primer design to reinforce concepts in molecular biology and nucleic acids.

The real time PCR (qPCR) method provides a powerful method to assess levels of particular species of DNA. When combined with reverse transcription (RT-qPCR) it is the predominate technique to measure expression of gene transcripts. While this approach is very powerful, particular care must be taken in the design of the primers to facilitate specific and sensitive detection. Herein describes the framework for an undergraduate assignment which aims to teach primer design for SYBR based RT-qPCR. Beyond gaining direct experience with primer design, students will gain familiarity with important bioinformatic resources as well as a deeper theoretical understanding of the RT-qPCR approach and potential limitations. Moreover, as students' progress through the assignment they re-encounter many important concepts in molecular biology, gene expression, and nucleic acids, creating an opportunity for spiral learning. As this exercise only requires access to free web-based resources and does not require a laboratory it can be used in most science education settings. Despite not being a wet lab, this is a highly authentic research experience as this design process is commonplace in a molecular biology laboratory. Furthermore, the assignment is highly adaptable for different learning outcomes, time frames, and student background and ability. This article seeks to highlight connections and expanded learning outcomes for those already teaching such material, as well as a step-by-step guide for those new to teaching such content.

Characterization and verification of a two-body wave energy converter with a novel power take-off

The lack of high efficient, predictable, and reliable power take-off (PTO) systems limits developments of ocean wave energy technology. In this paper, a two-body self-reacting wave energy converter (WEC) with a novel PTO is designed, modelled and implemented for efficiency enhancement. A novel mechanical motion rectifier (MMR) using a ball screw mechanism and an enclosed gear set is integrated to improve the energy harvesting efficiency and reliability by rectifying the oscillatory wave motion into unidirectional rotation of the generator. Detailed design and dynamic modelling for the proposed WEC are presented. A prototype of the PTO is tested in a dry lab to characterize and refine the dynamic modelling. The characterized PTO model is combined with the WEC model to create an overall system model. A water tank test is conducted to verify the overall system dynamics, which proves the accuracy of the model and shows the advantages of the proposed WEC on efficiency and predictability. Following the method of how the WEC system is characterized, performance prediction of the proposed WEC with MMR PTO can be achieved with high accuracy.