Dry Lab Research Articles

Calculation of Any M<SUP>+</SUP> Value in Mass Spectrometry

This paper discusses our “Dry Lab” experiment where students are shown the procedure for calculating the nominal and precise M+ values of a compound. However, our main focus deals with the detailed step-by-step process for calculating the precise M+1 and M+2 values of a compound, as well as any of its higher order M+ values, when its molecular formula is known.

Development of an NGS-Based Workflow for Improved Monitoring of Circulating Plasmids in Support of Risk Assessment of Antimicrobial Resistance Gene Dissemination.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most prominent public health threats. AMR genes localized on plasmids can be easily transferred between bacterial isolates by horizontal gene transfer, thereby contributing to the spread of AMR. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies are ideal for the detection of AMR genes; however, reliable reconstruction of plasmids is still a challenge due to large repetitive regions. This study proposes a workflow to reconstruct plasmids with NGS data in view of AMR gene localization, i.e., chromosomal or on a plasmid. Whole-genome and plasmid DNA extraction methods were compared, as were assemblies consisting of short reads (Illumina MiSeq), long reads (Oxford Nanopore Technologies) and a combination of both (hybrid). Furthermore, the added value of conjugation of a plasmid to a known host was evaluated. As a case study, an isolate harboring a large, low-copy mcr-1-carrying plasmid (>200 kb) was used. Hybrid assemblies of NGS data obtained from whole-genome DNA extractions of the original isolates resulted in the most complete reconstruction of plasmids. The optimal workflow was successfully applied to multidrug-resistant Salmonella Kentucky isolates, where the transfer of an ESBL-gene-containing fragment from a plasmid to the chromosome was detected. This study highlights a strategy including wet and dry lab parameters that allows accurate plasmid reconstruction, which will contribute to an improved monitoring of circulating plasmids and the assessment of their risk of transfer.

A compact mechanical power take-off for wave energy converters: Design, analysis, and test verification

Power Take-off (PTO) is one of the most critical components in the field of ocean wave energy conversion. This paper introduces a novel compact mechanical PTO using a ball screw mechanism and a Mechanical Motion Rectifier (MMR) to improve the energy conversion performance. The proposed MMR PTO converts the bidirectional oscillatory motion of the ocean waves into the unidirectional rotation. The detailed design and working principle of the MMR PTO are explicitly explained. Dynamic analysis is presented for the three most important factors that influence the performance, including the equivalent mass, the equivalent damping, and the excitation frequency. The analytical relationship between these factors and the disengaged freewheeling motion caused by the MMR mechanism is derived, and the analytical solution is verified through dry lab testing. Experimental results in bench tests show that compared with the traditional linear PTO which uses the ball screw to drive the generator directly, the MMR PTO is more efficient because of the unique freewheeling motion, achieving a maximum 81.2% energy transfer efficiency. After integrating the prototyped PTO with a single-body point absorber type of wave energy converter, the testing in a water tank show that the MMR PTO can achieve total efficiency up to 62.4%, showing promising potential for real applications.

Structured robot-assisted surgery training curriculum for residents in Urology and impact on future surgical activity.

To gain insight into the availability of training for robot assisted surgery (RAS) and the possibility to perform RAS during Dutch residency curriculum and to analyze the effects on surgical skills by the introduction of an advanced course in RAS for residents. A combination of a validated snap shot survey and a prospective cohort study. Structured advanced RAS training including virtual reality (VR) simulation, dry and wet lab facility at ORSI academy (Belgium). A snap-shot survey has been sent to all the residents and specialists in Urology graduated during the years 2017-2020 in Netherlands. Among residents, only last year residents (5th and 6th year) have been considered for the RAS training. Although most of the residents (88.2%) and young urologists (95%) were asked to follow a basic training or meet basic requirements before starting RAS, the requirements set by the educators were different from center to center. Some of them were required to attend only an online course on RAS, whereas others were asked to achieve threshold scores at VR simulator and participate in a standardized course at a training institute. The attendance to a structured advanced course in RAS showed a significant increase in surgical skills. Our study shows residents in urology are allowed to perform RAS during their residency though the criteria for starting RAS differ significantly amongst the teaching hospitals. To guarantee a basic level of skills and knowledge a structured, (multi-step) training and certification program for RAS should be implemented.

Applying the Delphi process for development of a hepatopancreaticobiliary robotic surgery training curriculum.

Robotic hepatopancreaticobiliary (HPB) procedures are performed worldwide and establishing processes for safe adoption of this technology is essential for patient benefit. We report results of the Delphi process to define and optimize robotic training procedures for HPB surgeons. In 2019, a robotic HPB surgery panel with an interest in surgical training from the Americas and Europe was created and met. An e-consensus-finding exercise using the Delphi process was applied and consensus was defined as 80% agreement on each question. Iterations of anonymous voting continued over three rounds. Members agreed on several points: there was need for a standardized robotic training curriculum for HPB surgery that considers experience of surgeons and based on a robotic hepatectomy includes a common approach for "basic robotic skills" training (e-learning module, including hardware description, patient selection, port placement, docking, troubleshooting, fundamentals of robotic surgery, team training and efficiency, and emergencies) and an "advanced technical skills curriculum" (e-learning, including patient selection information, cognitive skills, and recommended operative equipment lists). A modular approach to index procedures should be used with video demonstrations, port placement for index procedure, troubleshooting, and emergency scenario management information. Inexperienced surgeons should undergo training in basic robotic skills and console proficiency, transitioning to full procedure training of e-learning (video demonstration, simulation training, case observation, and final evaluation). Experienced surgeons should undergo basic training when using a new system (e-learning, dry lab, and operating room (OR) team training, virtual reality modules, and wet lab; case observations were unnecessary for basic training) and should complete the advanced index procedural robotic curriculum with assessment by wet lab, case observation, and OR team training. Optimization and standardization of training and education of HPB surgeons in robotic procedures was agreed upon. Results are being incorporated into future curriculum for education in robotic surgery.

The road to becoming a certified robotic surgeon

Surgical educators are challenged with introducing new technologies into general surgery training. There has been a rapid and widespread adoption of the robotic surgical system with a lag in the development of a comprehensive training and credentialing framework. A literature search on robotic surgical training techniques and benchmarks were conducted to provide an evidence-based road map for the development of a robotic surgical skills for the novice robotic surgeon. A structured training curriculum is suggested incorporating evidence-based training techniques and benchmarks for progress. This usually involves sequential progression from observation, case assisting, acquisition of basic robotic skills in the dry and wet lab setting along with achievement of individual and team-based non-technical skills, modular console training under supervision, and finally independent practice. There is a need for a standardized curriculum for training and assessment of robotic surgeons to proficiency, followed by high stakes testing for certification. A standardized process for certifying the skills of a robotic surgeon has begun to emerge.

Development and Assessment of a Simulator for in Vivo Confocal Microscopy in Fungal and Acanthamoeba Keratitis

ABSTRACT Background and Purpose In vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) is a non-invasive imaging technique that allows morphological analysis as a diagnostic approach of the cornea in real time, thus providing a suspected diagnosis of fungal or amoebic keratitis immediately, whereas culture or PCR require several days or even weeks. Since these infections are rare, it is difficult for ophthalmologists to gain the experience necessary to differentiate infection from normal findings or artefacts. The purpose of this project was to establish a simulator, on which physicians could practice as well as acquiring a database of IVCM images of fungal or amoebic keratitis and respective analyses. Patients and methods An IVCM simulator was set up with cadaver human corneas, infected with either acanthamoeba, candida or aspergillus. Twenty-one ophthalmologists were trained in IVC microscopy first in a Dry Lab, then practically on the simulator. For evaluation, the participants were asked to fill out a standardized questionnaire, with a pre- and post-course self-assessment. Results The self-assessed theoretical and practical skills in differentiating infectious from non-infectious keratitis in IVCM significantly increased (p = 0.0001, p = 0.0002, respectively). The barrier to use this technique decreased (p = 0.0474). Conclusion A very simple protocol based on a model of ex vivo corneal mycotic and amoebic infections can be used to train novices in the structured approach and diagnostic use of IVCM for corneal infections.

Improved multi-resolution foveated laparoscope with real-time digital transverse chromatic correction.

A multi-resolution foveated laparoscope (MRFL) with autofocus and zooming capabilities was previously designed to address the limiting trade-off between spatial resolution and field of view during laparoscopic minimally invasive surgery. The MRFL splits incoming light into two paths enabling simultaneous capture of the full surgical field and a zoomed-in view of the local surgical site. A fully functional prototype was constructed to demonstrate and test the autofocus, zooming capabilities, and clinical utility of this new laparoscope. The test of the prototype in both dry lab and animal models was successful, but it also revealed several major limitations of the prototype. In this paper, we present a brief overview of the aforementioned MRFL prototype design and results, and the shortcomings associated with its optical and mechanical designs. We then present several methods to address the shortcomings of the existing prototype with a modified optical layout and redesigned mechanics. The performances of the new and old system prototypes are comparatively analyzed in accordance with the design goals of the new MRFL. Finally, we present and demonstrate a real-time digital method for correcting transverse chromatic aberration to further improve the overall image quality, which can be adapted to future MRFL systems.

FlyBuilder: A Multimodal Dry Lab Curriculum Teaches Mendelian Genetics through the Lens of Drosophila Balancer Chromosomes

FlyBuilder: A Multimodal Dry Lab Curriculum Teaches Mendelian Genetics through the Lens of Drosophila Balancer Chromosomes

Wet & Dry Lab Activities to Introduce Students to CRISPR-Based Gene Editing

CRISPR (also known as CRISPR-Cas9) is a powerful biotechnology tool that gives scientists unprecedented access to the genetic makeup of all living organisms, including humans. It originally evolved as an adaptive immune system in bacteria to defend against viruses. When artificially harnessed in the laboratory it allows scientists to accurately and precisely edit genes almost as if using a word processor. In mice, CRISPR has already been used to treat diabetes, muscular dystrophy, cancer, and blindness. CRISPR has made cultured human cells immune to HIV, and a variety of CRISPR experiments involving human embryos are well under way. But CRISPR is not limited to biomedical applications. It is also revolutionizing the food industry and many areas of biological research. It is imperative that science educators help prepare students for this compelling new era of biology. This article presents wet and dry lab simulations to help introduce high school and undergraduate students to CRISPR-based gene editing technology.

MP47-12 CORRELATING SIMULATOR AND LIVE ROBOTIC SURGICAL PERFORMANCE USING BIOMETRICS, SIMULATOR METRICS AND AUTOMATED PERFORMANCE METRICS

You have accessJournal of UrologySurgical Technology & Simulation: Training & Skills Assessment II (MP47)1 Apr 2020MP47-12 CORRELATING SIMULATOR AND LIVE ROBOTIC SURGICAL PERFORMANCE USING BIOMETRICS, SIMULATOR METRICS AND AUTOMATED PERFORMANCE METRICS Andrew Cowan*, Runzhuo Ma, Jessica Nguyen, Swetha Rajkumar, Samuel Mingo, Ryan Hakim, Sandra Marshall, and Andrew Hung Andrew Cowan*Andrew Cowan* More articles by this author , Runzhuo MaRunzhuo Ma More articles by this author , Jessica NguyenJessica Nguyen More articles by this author , Swetha RajkumarSwetha Rajkumar More articles by this author , Samuel MingoSamuel Mingo More articles by this author , Ryan HakimRyan Hakim More articles by this author , Sandra MarshallSandra Marshall More articles by this author , and Andrew HungAndrew Hung More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000000902.012AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Multiple training modalities exist for robotic surgery, each with their own performance metrics. This study compares performance in analogous vesicourethral anastomosis (VUA) training tasks in simulation (SIM) and dry lab (DL). We investigated recorded biometrics, SIM metrics, and DL Automated Performance Metrics (APMs) to determine which were capable of distinguishing experts (E) from novices (N). METHODS: Experts (≥ 300 cases) and novices (<300 cases) performed VUAs during SIM and DL sessions (Figure 1). 22 SIM metrics (kinematics, safety) were captured by the simulator. 20 DL APMs (kinematics, events) were recorded by a systems data recorder (Intuitive Surgical). In both settings, task-evoked pupillary response (reported as Index of Cognitive Activity [ICA]) and heart rate variability (HRV) were collected as cognitive workload and stress biometrics respectively, analyzed by EyeWorks Cognitive Workload Software and Kubios HRV. Pearson Correlation, Mann-Whitney and Independent t-tests were used for the comparative analyses. RESULTS: Our study included 6 experts (median 1300 [400-3000]) and 11 novices (25 [0-250]). 7/8 metrics directly comparable between SIM and DL showed significant positive correlation (p≤0.032). Of these, kinematic metrics including path lengths of all three instruments (dominant/non-dominant hand, camera) (ρ≥0.677, p≤0.008), and both biometrics (ρ≥0.806, p≤0.001) showed strong correlations. ICA distinguished E v. N across SIM (p=0.036) and DL (p=0.024) while HRV was able in DL (p=0.024). 4/22 SIM metrics distinguished E v. N: task time (p=0.031), clutch usage (p=0.040), unnecessary needle piercings (p=0.026) and suspected injury to endopelvic fascia (p=0.040). This contrasts with 13/20 DL APMs (p≤0.038) including: linear velocities of all three instruments (p≤0.038) and dominant-hand instrument wrist articulation (p=0.013). Novices experienced higher cognitive workload in DL (p=0.024) and SIM (p=0.036), while all participants experienced higher cognitive workload in SIM than DL (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A majority of performance metrics between SIM and DL exhibited a moderate to strong correlation. APMs on the live robot, focused on kinematics, are better able to distinguish E v. N surgical ability than error-focused SIM metrics. Source of Funding: This study was funded in part by an Intuitive Surgical Clinical Grant; Intuitive Surgical provided the systems data recorder. Research reported in this publication was supported in part by the National Institute Of Biomedical Imaging And Bioengineering of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number K23EB026493. © 2020 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 203Issue Supplement 4April 2020Page: e688-e689 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2020 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Andrew Cowan* More articles by this author Runzhuo Ma More articles by this author Jessica Nguyen More articles by this author Swetha Rajkumar More articles by this author Samuel Mingo More articles by this author Ryan Hakim More articles by this author Sandra Marshall More articles by this author Andrew Hung More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

MP34-17 ASSESSMENT OF MENTAL IMAGERY BY NEUROIMAGING FOR SURGICAL DEVELOPMENT: THE MIND TRIAL

You have accessJournal of UrologySurgical Technology & Simulation: Training & Skills Assessment I (MP34)1 Apr 2020MP34-17 ASSESSMENT OF MENTAL IMAGERY BY NEUROIMAGING FOR SURGICAL DEVELOPMENT: THE MIND TRIAL Nicholas Raison*, Michael Hutel, Oliver Brunckhorst, Abdullatif Aydin, Kamran Ahmed, Sebastien Ourselin, and Prokar Dasgupta Nicholas Raison*Nicholas Raison* More articles by this author , Michael HutelMichael Hutel More articles by this author , Oliver BrunckhorstOliver Brunckhorst More articles by this author , Abdullatif AydinAbdullatif Aydin More articles by this author , Kamran AhmedKamran Ahmed More articles by this author , Sebastien OurselinSebastien Ourselin More articles by this author , and Prokar DasguptaProkar Dasgupta More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000000878.017AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Motor imagery (MI) is widely used in the training of elite athletes and during neurorehabilitation. Studies have demonstrated the potential of MI for surgical training but heterogenous results and inconsistent methodologies have limited its uptake. Resting state functional connectivity (rsFC) using fMRI offers a unique opportunity for evaluating motor training effects on neural motor networks. This study aims to evaluate the direct effects of MI of a surgical task on neural functional connectivity. METHODS: 4 intermediate level surgical trainees were recruited and underwent an initial brain fMRI. Functional images of the participants performing MI or motor execution of a simple hand task were acquired to identify key regions of interest. Resting-state fMRI acquisition was then performed. Baseline surgical skills were evaluated using a dry lab laparoscopic suturing test. Performances were videoed for post-hoc assessment. Participants were then taught MI for the laparoscopic suturing task using MI script developed by a cognitive psychologist. After 14 days of independent MI training, resting state fMRI and laparoscopic skills assessments were repeated. Blinded technical skills assessment was performed by an experienced laparoscopic surgeon using GOALS and a validated suturing checklist. RESULTS: 6 regions of interest were identified. Resting state functional connectivity was analysed between all possible pairs of the 6 regions. A significant increase in the connectivity between the prefrontal and frontal regions containing the premotor and motor cortices was seen. Activity between all other clusters remained constant. There were non-significant increases in both medial GOALS and the suturing check list scores following training. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term focussed MI training of laparoscopic suturing resulted in significantly increased connectivity between the prefrontal and frontal cortex alongside improvements in technical performance. These results highlight the potential role of MI for surgical training and support further comparative trials. Source of Funding: Nil © 2020 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 203Issue Supplement 4April 2020Page: e509-e510 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2020 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Nicholas Raison* More articles by this author Michael Hutel More articles by this author Oliver Brunckhorst More articles by this author Abdullatif Aydin More articles by this author Kamran Ahmed More articles by this author Sebastien Ourselin More articles by this author Prokar Dasgupta More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

MP04-08 ROBOTIC-ASSISTED FLUOROSCOPIC GUIDANCE PROVIDES MORE ACCURATE AND CONFIDENT RENAL ACCESS THAN ULTRASOUND GUIDANCE

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Renal access is the most important step for successful percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Several techniques have been developed to improve the accuracy of renal access; however, using a state-of-the-art technology with artificial intelligence may yield a better feature of completely automated puncture. To evaluate the feasibility of robotic-assisted fluoroscopic-guided (RAG) puncture, we compared RAG, using a novel robot system for percutaneous renal access with ultrasound-guided (USG) puncture. METHODS: We conducted a benchtop study with a renal phantom model using the Automated Needle Targeting with X-ray method. In total, 17 urologists participated in this study and performed RAG and USG phantom punctures with or without needle guide attachment. The number of punctures, time required for a device set-up, needle puncture, and fluoroscopic exposure were recorded for analyses. RESULTS: The single-puncture success rates of the RAG and USG puncture were 100% and 70.6%, respectively (p = 0.021). The median needle puncture time of RAG was 24% shorter than that of USG ( 35.0 vs. 46.0 seconds; p < 0.001), and the median device set-up time for RAG was a minute longer than that for USG ( 93.0 vs. 30.5 seconds; p < 0.001). The median duration of fluoroscopic exposure in RAG was longer than that in USG (38.0 vs. 6.5 seconds; p < 0.001) (Table 1). The surgeon’s self-assessments demonstrated that the participating urologist felt better visibility, safer, and more satisfied with RAF than with USG punctures. A sub-analysis revealed that attending physicians required a shorter total procedure time than did residents, in the RAG group (p = 0.045). Moreover, the needle insertion analysis of phantom models in the dry lab revealed that the heterogeneity of insertion angles was related to target failure by USG puncture. CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed that although RAG and USG punctures had comparable performance, RAG puncture was safer and more accurate than USG puncture for renal access.Source of Funding: None

Concurrent, face, content, and construct validity of the RobotiX Mentor simulator for robotic basic skills.

To assess several criteria, such as concurrent, face, content, and construct validity of the RobotiX Mentor (RXM) simulator for basic robotic skills and to compare virtual and actual dry lab dome. A prospective study was conducted from December 2017 to May 2018 using RXM and a da Vinci Si robot. 37 subjects, divided into three groups according to their initial surgical training (expert, intermediate, and novice), were evaluated in terms of six representative exercises of basic robotic specific skills as recommended by the fundamentals of robotic surgery. There was a correlation between the automatic data from the RXM and the subjective evaluation with the robot. The face and content validity, which were evaluated by the experts, were generally considered high (71.5% and 62.5%, respectively). Three levels (analysis of variance [ANOVA]; P = .01) and two levels (P = .001) of experience were clearly identified by the simulator. Our study proves the concurrent validity and confirms the face, content, and construct validity of the RXM.

Flash Box - A pragmatic tool to hone surgical skills of residents during postgraduate curriculum in ophthalmology

Purpose: To introduce a novel pragmatic tool (FLASH BOX) to help students learn, practice, and improve surgical skills during postgraduate curriculum in ophthalmology, especially small incision cataract surgery (SICS). Materials and Methods: Surgical training and transfer of surgical skills to the ophthalmology residents who will be our future lineage is the need of a good residency program. Animal eyes, postmortem human eyes, simulators, devices, teaching tools such as Kitaro dry lab and wet lab system kit are currently available to learn and practice surgical steps. Their availability in teaching institutes is really grueling. Flash box is a simple intraocular lens box freely available in each operation theater in all set ups and can be used freely to learn and master various steps of SICS. Results: Practicing on Flash box allows residents to get familiar with various surgical steps, operating microscope, and ophthalmic microsurgical instruments in a stress-free environment and helps to nurture surgical skills in residents. Conclusion: Flash box will help in the transformation of the surgical mindset of residents and can be a very helpful option for learning surgical steps of various ophthalmic surgeries.

Three-dimensional printed dry lab training models to simulate robotic-assisted pancreaticojejunostomy.

This pioneering study is aimed to design training models for robotic pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) and to assess their usefulness using quality improvement exercise in the dry lab. Three dry lab models were developed including the anastomosis model of a transected silicon pancreatic stent (model 1), a rough model (model 2) simulating PJ, and an advanced three-dimensional printed model (model 3) more vividly simulating PJ. Three surgeons (A, B, C) with same specialty and levels of expertise in surgery were enrolled in the training which was divided into three rounds of tasks. In the first round, all three surgeons (A, B, C) participated in the training on basic technical tasks before moved on to the next rounds. While surgeons A, B participated in the second round on model 1, only surgeon A worked on model 2 in the third round. Their proficiency of performance was evaluated on model 3. The results of the first and second rounds between surgeons are similar. Surgeon A practiced with model 2 for 6 h, completing 10 cases. In model 3, the times of attempts before achieving a consecutively three times of satisfactory anastomosis procedures were compared, for surgeon A, six cases, 20 for B and 25 for C. The specifically designed series of dry lab training models may be a potential training tool for advancing the robotic PJ through quality improvement exercise in dry lab. Further larger and well-designed studies are warranted to validate this issue.

2992 Does Dry Lab Training Improve Measured Performance in Laparoscopic Knot Tying?

Study Objective Our study wishes to appraise the effectiveness of hands-on laparoscopic training sessions using visual analogue scales. Design Evaluation of training was performed via self and tutor assessment questionnaires using visual analogue scale of 10 cm length to measure pre and post-training scores. We measured 5 different skills considered essential in performing safe laparoscopic surgery: manual dexterity, needle handling, tissue handling and knot efficiency. In addition, we measured the ability tie specific laparoscopic knots: surgical, square, spaghetti, Watson. Scores were analyzed for statistical significance using student t-test. Setting Dry lab laparoscopic training boxes. Patients or Participants 9 trainees in Obstetrics and Gynecology, year 3 to 7 of training. Interventions One-day course based on theoretical lectures, video presentations and supervised practice in dry lab laparoscopic suturing. The ratio was one faculty to each two delegates. Measurements and Main Results There was a statistically significant difference in mean scores showing improvement for both candidate self-assessment and tutor assessment pre and post teaching session. The mean scores for generic skills were 3.7 to 5.8 for needle handling (P=0.000), 5.1 to 5.3 for dexterity (P=0.000), 4.8 to 5.3 for tissue handling (P=0.000), 0.3 to 3 for knot efficiency (P=0.000), 0.6 to 2.4 for knot tension (P=0.000). The mean scores recorded by faculty were similar. This was observed irrespective of the trainee's laparoscopic skills proficiency. Conclusion The perception of acquisition of skills and knowledge appears to be similar in candidate's and tutor's assessments. Feedback can quantify competence, confidence and the quality of the course. Although there are validated assessment tools for gynecological laparoscopic skills (SUTT from GESEA training program), there may be a place for simple, reproducible assessment tools for focused training sessions and specific skills development.

Quality assessment of oil and biodiesel derived from Balanites aegyptiaca collected from different regions of Rajasthan

Increasing demand for clean and sustainable energy resources has enhanced the importance of biodiesel. Balanites aegyptiaca is an underexplored plant with biodiesel potential and wide range adaptability. In the present study, variations in oil yield in samples of Balanites aegyptiaca collected from the different agro-climatic zone of Rajasthan have been explored. The fatty acid analysis was carried out using GC-FID and oil samples were compared for their fatty acid composition. Based on data of fatty acids, biodiesel parameters were estimated using a dry lab. The study reveals that out of the seven agro-climatic regions under study Jodhpur, Dungarpur, Udaipur, Kota and Alwar regions are the suitable regions to get high oil yield of B. aegyptiaca with statistically no significant difference in the oil yield. The oil is rich in oleic acid irrespective of the region. Oleic acid varied from ~39% to ~58% of the total fatty acids content. Density, kinematic viscosity, iodine value and cetane number of the biodiesel derived from the oil samples collected from all the regions follows the European biodiesel standards (EN 14214). The study will help in exploring the possibility of getting biodiesel from this salt and drought tolerant plant.

Return to the Real World: A Novel Program to Improve Resident Readiness for the Transplant Surgery Rotation

We describe a novel didactic program to prepare mid-level residents for the operative complexities of the transplant surgery rotation. A faculty led dry and wet lab experience was held for all residents returning to clinical rotations from a 2-year research experience. Residents were provided instructional video prior to the dry lab and instructed through both labs by transplant faculty and fellows. The culmination of the program entailed a porcine renal autotransplantation. The University of Cincinnati, Department of Surgery, Cincinnati, OH. Incoming third year general surgery residents returning to clinical rotations from a 2-year research experience. This lab was well received by residents and faculty and increased confidence in residents. This program increased confidence in complex operations seen on the transplant surgery rotation and can be replicated in a cost-effective manner.

The Effect of Interactive Drills Using Dry Lab on the Acquisition of Laboratory Skills in Learning Science Among the Ninth-Grade Female Students in Palestine in Light of Their Thinking Style

The study aimed to identify the effect of the interactive drills using the dry laboratory on the acquisition of scientific concepts and laboratory skills in science among the ninth-grade female students in Palestine in light of their thinking styles. The study used quizzes of experimental method. The sample consisted of 68 female students distributed on two groups: an experimental group (n = 34 students) and a control group (n = 34 students). In order to achieve the objectives of the study, test of laboratory skills and thinking styles tests were used. The results showed that there were statistically significant differences between the means of the experimental group that was studied using the interactive method of the dry laboratory and the control group that studied using the traditional method via laboratory skills tests in favor of the experimental group. The results also revealed that there was an interaction between the method of teaching (the interactive drills using dry laboratory and the traditional method) and thinking styles on the acquisition of laboratory skills. In light of these results, several recommendations were suggested.