Transect Technique Research Articles

Keanekaragaman Jenis Landak Laut Kelas Echinoidea di Pantai Kadahang Kabupaten Sumba Timur

The purpose of this study was to determine the diversity of sea urchin species on the Kadahang Beach, East Sumba Regency. The sampling technique used is a purposive sampling and analyzed using a quantitative descriptive approach with the Shannon-Wiener diversity index formula. Sea urchin samples were calculated using the quadratic transect technique with a plot size of 1 x 1 meter placed perpendicular to the inside of 50 meters using a plot of 16 plots. The environmental factors measured were temperature, salinity, and acidity (pH). Measurements were carried out at two observation stations. The results showed that 8 species of sea urchin were divided into 4 orders, namely the orders Echinaceae, Diadematoida, Camarodonta, and Stomopnestes. The diversity index obtained is in the moderate category with a value of H` = 2.026.

Keanekaragaman Jenis Gastropoda di Pantai Kadahang Kabupaten Sumba Timur

The purpose of this study was to determine the diversity of gastropod species in Kadahang Beach, East Sumba Regency. This type of research is a quantitative descriptive using the Shannon-Wiener diversity index formula. Sampling using purposive sampling technique. Gastropod samples were counted using the quadratic transect technique with a size of 1 x 1 meter placed perpendicular to the inside of 50 meters using a plot of 30 plots. The environmental factors measured were temperature, salinity, and degree of acidity (pH). Measurements were made at two observation stations. The results showed that 10 species of gastropods were divided into 7 families, 10 genera and 5 orders, namely the orders Littorinimorpha, Archaeogastropoda, Neogastropoda, Trochida, and Cycloneritida with a total of 235 individuals. The types of gastropods found were Conomurex luhuanus, Lambis lambis, Gibberulus gibbosus, Canarium labiatum, Turbo chrysostomus, Cymbiola vespertifilio, Vasum turbinelus, Trochus maculatus, Blasicrura pallidula, and Nerita signata. The diversity index obtained is in the moderate category with a value of H' = 2.168.

Random Forests Algorithm for Two Levels of Coral Reef Ecosystem Mapping Using Planetscope Image in Malalayang Beach, Manado

The coral reef ecosystem has a significant physical and biological function and is also one of the coastal ecosystem components apart from the seagrass and mangrove ecosystem. Besides their ecological function, the coral reef also has an economic function. The condition of the coral reef ecosystem in Malalayang Beach has been changing for years. The utilization of remote sensing images can monitor current conditions. This research aims to map the coral reef ecosystem mapping in Malalayang Beach, Manado and conduct a test for the accuracy of coral reef ecosystem mapping using field survey data as a classification and validation sample. PlanetScope multispectral image has four channels to detect underwater objects: red, green, blue and near infrared. PlanetScope level 3B image for the research has a surface reflectance value for its pixel. The image processing stages of this research consist of sunglint correction, water column correction, and then continue to classify the coral reef ecosystem using random forests algorithm. Classification and accuracy training sample data were obtained using the photo transect technique. The sunglint correction regression equation is between 0.27 – 0.38. The coefficient of attenuation ratio in B1 is 0.927797938, B2 is 0.168841585, and B3 is 0.29033029. This value then becomes the input for the Lyzenga formula. The classification accuracy for level one using random forests is 72,54%, and the accuracy for level two mapping is 37,61%.Keywords: Coral Reef Ecosystem, Planetscope, Random Forests

Sperm whale distribution and seasonal density in the Faroe Shetland Channel

Results from previous surveys suggest that an area of the northeast Atlantic, the Faroe Shetland Channel, is important for cetaceans. This study utilised passive acoustic survey techniques to evaluate the density of sperm whales in the Channel. Two-week surveys were carried out during oceanographic cruises in May and October 2001, and May 2002. A two hydrophone array was towed behind the vessel throughout the majority of the survey routes and was monitored by a two-person team and by software designed to automatically detect and measure bearings to whales. Distances of individual sperm whales from the trackline were determined using target motion analysis. Standard line transect techniques were applied to calculate the density of whales during surveys. The effects of sea conditions and survey vessel on the ability to detect whales were tested; the encounter rate and effective stripwidth (esw) were estimated independently for each sea state and for each of the vessels. A total of 79 individual whales were detected, and their distances from the trackline were calculated. As a probable result of insufficient sample size and a small effects size, neither the esw nor the encounter rates varied significantly with sea state or between the two survey vessels. The density of sperm whales during each of the surveys was estimated to be 2.05, 0.52 and 1.75 whales per 1,000km2 for the May 2001, October 2001 and May 2002 surveys respectively. Sperm whales were distributed across the majority of the Faroe Shetland Channel. This study has provided the basis for meaningful hypothesis generation in future studies and to gain a better understanding of the factors underlying the spatial and temporal distribution patterns of sperm whales in this area; data on oceanographic, biological and anthropogenic determinants should now be examined.

PD35-09 VESSEL-SPARING NON-TRANSECTING ANASTOMOTIC RECONSTRUCTION OF THE POSTERIOR URETHRA: LONG-TERM FOLLOW-UP

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023PD35-09 VESSEL-SPARING NON-TRANSECTING ANASTOMOTIC RECONSTRUCTION OF THE POSTERIOR URETHRA: LONG-TERM FOLLOW-UP Reynaldo Gomez, Jessica Pfeifer, Laura Velarde, and Rodrigo Campos Reynaldo GomezReynaldo Gomez More articles by this author , Jessica PfeiferJessica Pfeifer More articles by this author , Laura VelardeLaura Velarde More articles by this author , and Rodrigo CamposRodrigo Campos More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003333.09AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The classic transecting excision and primary anastomosis (EPA) for reconstruction of posterior urethra stenosis (PUS) entails division of the bulbar arteries. Consequently, irrigation of the spongiosum will depend on the dorsal penile arteries and retrograde flow from the glans. However, if the penile arterial blood supply is compromised, transection may result in ischemia of the bulb and failure of the reconstruction. To decrease this risk, we modified the EPA technique avoiding urethral transection to preserve the bulbar arteries. We report our long-term results with this vessel-sparing posterior EPA approach (vspEPA). METHODS: Surgical Technique. The bulbar urethra is mobilized in a non-transecting fashion by division of the triangular ligament without detachment of the bulb from the perineal body. Distal release and lateral retraction of the bulbar urethra to one side with two vessel loops provides sufficient room for scar removal and anastomosis as with the classic transecting technique. In most cases both bulbar arteries can be spared, but in front of severe local fibrosis, division of one artery may be necessary to remove the scar, preserving the contralateral artery. RESULTS: Since April 2008, 115 patients with PUS received a vspEPA at our institution. The patients had a bulbo-membranous stenosis (n=91, 79%), prostate-membranous stenosis (n=11, 10%), or bulbo-vesical stenosis (n=13, 11%). Median age was 60 years (range 15-83) and median stenosis length was 2.5 cm (range 1-6), Sixty-two patients (54%) had a complete urethral obliteration. Bulbar artery preservation was unilateral in 57 and bilateral in 58. Median operative time was 170 min (range 70-265) and median estimated blood loss was 300 cc (range 50-2,000). A bulbo-membranous anastomosis was performed in 48 patients (42%), bulbo-prostatic in 54 (47%) and bulbo- vesical in 13 (11%). With 47 months of median follow up (range 5-146), vspEPA was successful in 109 patients (95%). Complications occurred in 34 (30%) patients but only 6 (5%) of them were Clavien grade ≥III. CONCLUSIONS: This vspEPA technique is feasible and safe and since 2008 it is our standard approach for anastomotic urethroplasty at the posterior urethra. We believe that vascular preservation may improve the outcome of reconstruction and our results are meaningful and highly encouraging. Source of Funding: None © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e977 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Reynaldo Gomez More articles by this author Jessica Pfeifer More articles by this author Laura Velarde More articles by this author Rodrigo Campos More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Non-Stick Liver Parenchymal Transection With Saline-Linked Bipolar Clamp-Crush Technique in Robotic Liver Resection.

Background Without satisfactory instruments, liver parenchymal transection during robotic liver resection (RLR) remains challenging. We combined the commonly used bipolar clamp-crush technique with the saline drip, achieving a comfortable liver resection without coagulated liver tissues sticking to the bipolar forceps. Methods Between December 2022 and March 2023, six RLRs were performed using the saline-linked bipolar clamp-crush method for both anatomical and non-anatomical liver resections. We assessed the safety and feasibility of our robotic liver parenchymal transection technique. Results Three of six patients were diagnosed with colorectal liver metastasis, two with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and the other with intrahepatic bile duct stricture. Three of the six patients received anatomical liver resection, and the other three underwent non-anatomical liver resection. There were no conversions to open surgery. The median operative time and estimated blood loss were 406.5 minutes (196-670 minutes) and 5 ml (5-465 ml), respectively. The median length of the postoperative hospital stay was nine days (7-10 days). Postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo classification grade II or more) or mortality were not encountered in this cohort. Conclusion We presented here our saline-linked bipolar clamp-crush method for liver parenchymal transection in RLR. By simply adding the saline drip to the commonly used bipolar clamp-crush technique, non-stick and comfortable liver parenchymal transection is now possible. This technique may help overcome the limitations of currently available robotic instruments for liver parenchymal resection.

Comparison of transection techniques in pediatric major hepatectomy: a matched pair analysis

BackgroundEvidence on safety and efficacy of different liver transection techniques in pediatric major hepatectomy is completely lacking, as no study has been conducted so far. The use of stapler hepatectomy has never before been reported in children. MethodsThree liver transection techniques were compared: (1) ultrasonic dissector (CUSA), (2) tissue sealing device (LigaSure™), and (3) stapler hepatectomy. All pediatric hepatectomies performed at a referral center in a 12-year study period were analyzed, patients were pair-matched in a 1:1:1-fashion. Intraoperative weight-adjusted blood loss, operation time, use of inflow occlusion, liver injury (peak-transaminase levels), postoperative complications (CCI), and long-term outcome were compared. ResultsOf 57 pediatric liver resections, 15 patients were matched as triples based on age, weight, tumor stage, and extent of resection. Intraoperative blood loss was not significantly different between the groups (p = 0.765). Stapler hepatectomy was associated with significantly shorter operation time (p = 0.028). Neither postoperative death nor bile leakage occurred, and no reoperation due to hemorrhage was needed in any patient. ConclusionThis is the first comparison of transection techniques in pediatric liver resection and the first report on stapler hepatectomy in children. All three techniques can be safely applied and may harbor individual advantages in pediatric hepatectomy each.

Techniques for mesoappendix transection and appendix resection: insights from the ESTES SnapAppy study

IntroductionSurgically managed appendicitis exhibits great heterogeneity in techniques for mesoappendix transection and appendix amputation from its base. It is unclear whether a particular surgical technique provides outcome benefit or reduces complications.Material and methodsWe undertook a pre-specified subgroup analysis of all patients who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy at index admission during SnapAppy (ClinicalTrials.gov Registration: NCT04365491). We collected routine, anonymized observational data regarding surgical technique, patient demographics and indices of disease severity, without change to clinical care pathway or usual surgeon preference. Outcome measures of interest were the incidence of complications, unplanned reoperation, readmission, admission to the ICU, death, hospital length of stay, and procedure duration. We used Poisson regression models with robust standard errors to calculate incident rate ratios (IRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsThree-thousand seven hundred sixty-eight consecutive adult patients, included from 71 centers in 14 countries, were followed up from date of admission for 90 days. The mesoappendix was divided hemostatically using electrocautery in 1564(69.4%) and an energy device in 688(30.5%). The appendix was amputated by division of its base between looped ligatures in 1379(37.0%), with a stapler in 1421(38.1%) and between clips in 929(24.9%). The technique for securely dividing the appendix at its base in acutely inflamed (AAST Grade 1) appendicitis was equally divided between division between looped ligatures, clips and stapled transection. However, the technique used differed in complicated appendicitis (AAST Grade 2 +) compared with uncomplicated (Grade 1), with a shift toward transection of the appendix base by stapler (58% vs. 38%; p < 0.001). While no statistical difference in outcomes could be detected between different techniques for division of appendix base, decreased risk of any [adjusted IRR (95% CI): 0.58 (0.41–0.82), p = 0.002] and severe [adjusted IRR (95% CI): 0.33 (0.11–0.96), p = 0.045] complications could be detected when using energy devices.ConclusionsSafe mesoappendix transection and appendix resection are accomplished using heterogeneous techniques. Technique selection for both mesoappendix transection and appendix resection correlates with AAST grade. Higher grade led to more ultrasonic tissue transection and stapled appendix resection. Higher AAST appendicitis grade also correlated with infection-related complication occurrence. Despite the overall well-tolerated heterogeneity of approaches to acute appendicitis, increasing disease acuity or complexity appears to encourage homogeneity of intraoperative surgical technique toward advanced adjuncts.

Chopped liver: A guide to robotic hepatic parenchymal transection

Background: To improve patient outcomes, laparoscopic hepatic resections (LHR) became an increasingly accepted alternative for traditional, open hepatic resections (OHR), but presented some unique challenges. Robotic hepatic resections (RHR) can overcome several of the challenges of LHR. However, there is currently no consensus on the preferred method for parenchymal transection in RHR. The purpose of this review was to describe the various techniques of parenchymal transection in RHR.

Role of biological characteristics in the success of invasive alien plant species in tropical ecosystems of Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala, India

Biological invasion is a leading threat to the abiotic and biotic equilibrium of natural landscapes and ecosystems through competition and habitat alteration in many countries, including India. The Invasive Alien Plant Species (IAPS)11IAPS, Invasive Alien Plant Species have become an important biological and ecological component in Kerala, south-west tropical province of the Indian Union. These alien plant species were deliberately or accidentally introduced to the state from different biogeographical realms and are persisting. The characteristics of IAPS, as well as their preferences and advantages in invasion, have received little attention. This article provides a summary of the identifying characteristics of 69 IAPS reported from the study area, with an emphasis on botanical passport data, nativity, ecosystem preference, life form, sociability pattern, reproductive phenology, mode of dispersal, and period of introduction. Phytosociological research was conducted using a random sampling survey and line transect technique. The ecological performance of IAPS was statistically assessed according to seven concepts of invasion success. The findings show that 25 IAPS are considerably more aggressive as a result of their reproductive advantage and generally adhere to the concepts of invasion success for characteristics such as residence time, dispersal strategy, and ecosystem preference. Thus, reproductive characteristics appear to be a key determinant of aggressiveness in IAPS. The characteristic similarities of IAPS frequently result in niche overlap, and those with structural and functional differences will be more adaptable in ecosystems. This information describing the relevant characteristics serves as an essential tool for early detection and rapid response in the systematic management of biological invasion in the state of Kerala and specifically in the district of Thiruvananthapuram.

Novel Liver Parenchymal Transection Technique Using Saline-linked Monopolar Cautery Scissors (SLiC-Scissors) in Robotic Liver Resection.

IntroductionAlthough there are a number of benefits to using robotics in liver surgery over conventional open and laparoscopic approaches, liver parenchymal transection is still the most difficult aspect of robotic liver resection (RLR) due to the limitations of the currently available robotic instruments and the lack of a standardized method.MethodsWe present a novel method for transecting the liver parenchyma during RLR employing saline-linked monopolar cautery (SLiC) scissors (SLiC-Scissors method). Between September 2021 and April 2022, 10 RLRs were performed utilizing the SLiC-Scissors method for both anatomical and non-anatomical liver resections. We assessed the short-term results, as well as the safety and practicality of our robotic liver parenchymal transection technique.ResultsSix of the 10 patients had malignant liver tumors, and four of them had liver metastases from colorectal cancer. Except for S1, the target lesions were present everywhere, and their median size was 25 mm (14-43 mm). The median amount of intraoperative bleeding was 5 mL (5-30 mL), and the median operative and console times were 223 and 134 min, respectively. There were no conversions to open liver resections. The median length of the postoperative stay was seven (4-13) days, and there were no serious postoperative complications or mortality.ConclusionsThe SLiC-Scissors method is a safe and practical procedure for liver parenchymal transection in RLR. In order to standardize and broadly implement RLR into normal patient treatment, this unique approach enables an advanced, locally controlled preparation of intrahepatic vessels and bile ducts.

Abundancia y diversidad de lepidópteros en San Benito, Cajamarca, Perú

Determination of the abundance and diversity of Lepidoptera in the Andean Community of San Benito, Cajamarca, Peru. Several samplings were carried out, using the 500 linear m transect technique, with a monthly frequency throughout 2021, in the riparian areas and surrounding vegetation. The material was dissected and studied in the entomology laboratory of the National University of Trujillo. The analyzes of abundance and diversity of the Lepidoptera species were carried out. 206 individuals were registered, corresponding to 7 families, 9 subfamilies, 6 belonging tribes and 20 species. It is also reported that the families with the highest number of species are the Nymphalidae with 9 species and Pieridae with 5 species. it was determined that the Simpson index (0.94) represents a high diversity of species, the Shannon-Wiener index (2.81) represents a medium diversity of species and the Margalef index (5.06) represents a high diversity of lepidoptera species. The most abundant species are the representatives of the Nymphalidae family. The diversity indices represent a high, medium and high diversity of Lepidoptera species.

A comparison of robotic versus laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy: a single surgeon's robotic experience in a high-volume center.

Robotic surgery is the most recent advanced minimally invasive approach for distal pancreatectomy. However, its benefits over laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) remain undetermined. Previous studies were limited by their small sample size or variations in surgeon skills. This study aimed to compare robotic distal pancreatectomy (RDP) performed by a single surgeon with LDP performed by skilled laparoscopic surgeons in a high-volume center. We retrospectively analyzed consecutive RDP performed by a single surgeon between December 2020 and November 2021 with LDP performed by experienced surgeons during the same period in a high-volume center. Patient characteristics and perioperative variables were compared. The analysis included 55 RDP and 146 LDP procedures. The operative time in the RDP group was significantly shorter than the LDP group (171 vs. 222min, P < 0.001), both in spleen-preserved (154 vs. 212min, P < 0.001) and spleen-removed (192 vs. 230min, P = 0.005) procedures. The RDP group made more frequent use of the stapler technique for pancreas transection (87.3 vs. 68.5%, P = 0.007), and its estimated blood loss was lower (79 vs. 155mL, P < 0.001) than the LDP group. The postoperative hospital stay in the RDP group was significantly shorter than the LDP group (8 vs. 12days, P < 0.001). The groups were similar in their complication distributions. RDP is as safe and feasible a minimally invasive approach as LDP. The advanced manipulation and visualization capabilities of the robotic approach in distal pancreatectomy could help reduce operative time and blood loss, and is related to shorter postoperative hospital stay.

Endoscopic posterior nasal neurectomy for the treatment of allergic rhinitis: anatomy and analysis of clinical efficacy

Objective: To propose total posterior nasal neurectomy with transection of sphenopalatine neurovascular bundle from anatomy for the treatment of allergic rhinitis, and to explore its clinical application. Methods: Two fresh cadaveric heads (4 sides) were dissected through endoscopic transnasal middle meatus approach at Otorhinolaryngology Anatomy Laboratory of China-Japan Friendship Hospital. The structures of the craniofacial bone related to the surgical approach were observed. Twelve patients with allergic rhinitis who treated in Department of Otorhinolaryngology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital from Feb. 1 2019 to Jun. 10 2021 were selected. All the patients were treated by posterior nasal neurotomy with the technique of complete transection of sphenopalatine neurovascular bundle and followed up for 1 year after sugery. During the follow-up, 2 patients were lost. The other 10 patients included 4 males and 6 females, aging from 29 to 69 years. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) were used to evaluate the effect of the surgery. SPSS 25.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Results: Important anatomic landmarks of transnasal middle meatus approach were obtained during anatomy, such as ethmoid crest, sphenopalatine foramen/notch, palatine orbital process and sphenopalatine process. The postoperative VAS scores of nose, eye, pharynx, ear and whole body and total VAS scores were significantly lower than those before operation, with statistically significant difference (nose 2.50±1.70 vs 6.47±2.17, eyes 1.15±0.89 vs 3.60±2.57, pharynx 1.30±1.36 vs 4.25±3.64, ear 1.10±1.03 vs 2.67±2.00, whole body 1.08±1.24 vs 3.60±1.17, total 7.13±4.31 vs 20.58±9.05, all P<0.05). The postoperative RQLQ scores of sleep, nose, eyes, practical problems, emotion, activity and the total RQLQ scores of patients were significantly lower than those before operation, with statistically significant difference (sleep 0.80±0.69 vs 2.93±1.33, nose 1.38±1.18 vs 3.93±1.50, eyes 0.58±0.66 vs 1.80±1.25, practical problems 1.10±1.22 vs 3.03±1.84, emotion 1.00±1.81 vs 2.58±2.00, activity 2.77±2.93 vs 6.00±1.85, total 8.99±8.92 vs 22.42±8.69, all P<0.05). There was no significant difference in preoperative and postoperative scores of non-nasal/ocular symptoms (1.37±1.60 vs 2.16±1.12, P=0.166). There was no other complication except 2 cases with short-term postoperative numbness. Conclusions: Total posterior nasal neurectomy with transection of sphenopalatine neurovascular bundle is a safe, effective and feasible method for the treatment of intractable allergic rhinitis, and its long-term efficacy needs further observation.

A Cadaveric Study of Thread Cubital Tunnel Release with Newly Developed Threads.

ObjectiveThe percutaneous thread transection technique is a surgical dissecting method using a dissecting thread inserted through a needle under ultrasound guidance without skin incision. As the new dissecting threads were developed domestically, this cadaver study was conducted to compare the effectiveness and safety between the new threads (ultra V sswire and smartwire-01) and a pre-existing commercial dissecting thread (loop & shear) by demonstrating a modified looped thread cubital tunnel release. MethodsThe percutaneous cubital tunnel release procedure was performed on 29 fresh cadaveric upper extremities. The preexisting commercial thread was used in 5 upper extremities. The two newly developed threads were used in 24 upper extremities. Two practitioners performed the procedures separately. After the modified looped thread cubital release, anatomical and histological analyses were performed by a blinded anatomist. The presence of the dissected cubital tunnel and damaged adjacent soft tissue was assessed. ResultsOut of the 29 cadaveric upper extremities, 27 specimens showed complete dissection of the Osborne ligament and the proximal fascia of the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle. One specimen was incompletely dissected in each of the ultra V sswire and smartwire-01 groups. There were no injuries of adjacent structures including the ulnar nerve, ulnar artery, medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve, or flexor tendon with either the commercial thread or the newly developed threads. The anatomical analysis revealed clear and sharp incisional margins of the cubital tunnel in the Smartwire-01 and loop & shear groups. All three kinds of threads maintained proper linear elasticity for easy handling during the procedure. The smartwire-01 provided higher visibility in ultrasound than the other threads. ConclusionThe newly developed threads were effective and safe for use in the thread cubital tunnel release procedure.

To Transect or Not Transect: Results from the Scandinavian Urethroplasty Study, A Multicentre Randomised Study of Bulbar Urethroplasty Comparing Excision and Primary Anastomosis Versus Buccal Mucosal Grafting

BackgroundOpen surgical treatment of short bulbar urethral strictures (urethroplasty) is commonly performed as transecting excision and primary anastomosis (tEPA) or buccal mucosa grafting (BMG). Erectile dysfunction and penile complications have been reported, but there is an absence of randomised trials. ObjectiveTo evaluate sexual dysfunction and penile complications after urethroplasty with tEPA versus BMG. Design, setting, and participantsCentres in Finland, Sweden and Norway participated. Patients with a bulbar urethral stricture of ≤2 cm without previous urethroplasty were randomised. The primary endpoints were the degree of erectile dysfunction and penile complications. Follow-up was 12 mo. InterventionPatients were randomised to either tEPA or BMG urethroplasty. Outcome measurements and statistical analysisSexual dysfunction was measured using the International Index of Erectile Function, 5-item version (IIEF-5) and a penile complications questionnaire (PCQ) designed for this study. Continuous data were analysed using analysis of covariance and categorical data were compared using a χ2 test. Results and limitationsA total of 151 patients were randomised to either tEPA (n = 75) or BMG (n = 76). The tEPA group reported more penile complications (p = 0.02), especially reduced glans filling (p = 0.03) and a shortened penis (p = 0.001). There were no differences in postoperative IIEF-5 total scores. Recurrence rates were similar in both groups (12.9%) but the study was not designed to detect differences in recurrence rates. The PCQ is not validated, which is a limitation. ConclusionsMore patients reported penile complications after urethroplasty with tEPA than with BMG. This should be considered when choosing the operative method, and patients should be informed accordingly. Patient summaryThis study compared two common operations for repair of narrowing of the male urethra. Neither of the two methods seems to cause worsened erections. However, penile problems are more common after the transection technique than after the grafting technique.

The Tri-level Transection Method of Laparoscopic Hemihepatectomy: Simplicity, Safety, Satisfaction

Introduction: While segmental resection is widely employed in minimally-invasive hepatic resection, hemihepatectomy continues to be performed in limited numbers due to complexity and the rigors of parenchymal transection. Over the span of greater that 500 laparoscopic hemihepatectomies we have honed a technique of transection of Cantlie's line that results in simplification, safety, and thus broader inclusion of candidate patients in minimally-invasive liver resection.

Standardization of ileoanal J-pouch surgery technique: Quality assessment of minimally invasive ileoanal J-pouch surgery videos

BackgroundIleal pouch anal anastomosis is a complex procedure associated with significant morbidity, with several complications after ileal pouch anal anastomosis surgery leading to pouch failure. The aim of the study is to evaluate the heterogeneity surrounding the technique of ileoanal J-pouch surgery by assessing the safety and quality of published online peer-reviewed surgical videos. MethodsIleal pouch anal anastomosis videos published on peer-reviewed surgical journals and video channels were edited and anonymized to demonstrate specific steps of the surgical procedure: mobilization and division of the rectum, formation of the ileoanal J-pouch reservoir, anastomosis, and lengthening techniques. The anonymized videos were presented to a group of reviewers with expertise in ileal pouch anal anastomosis blinded to the names and affiliations of the surgeons performing the procedure. Primary outcome was the rate of interobserver variability in the assessment of specific technical steps of the ileal pouch anal anastomosis surgery procedure. Secondary outcome was the appropriateness of the use of surgical videos review as an assessment tool for ileal pouch anal anastomosis surgery, measured as rate of reviewers being unable to answer for poor video quality. ResultsIn total, 29 video fragments were distributed, and 13 assessors completed a 60-item survey, organized in 7 major domains. The survey completion rate was 93.4%. Out of a total 729 answers, in 23 (3.2%) the reviewers indicated they were unable to comment due to poor video image, and in 48 (6.5%) were unable to comment due to the particular step not being shown in the procedure. The proportion of assessors rating rectal mobilization technically appropriate ranged from 30.7% to 92.3% and from 7.7% to 69.2% for safety. The level of rectal division was considered appropriate in 0 to 53.8% of the videos, whereas the stapling technique used for rectal division was appropriate in 0 to 70% of the videos. ConclusionOur study assessed published peer-reviewed videos on ileal pouch anal anastomosis surgery and reported heterogeneity in the safety of the demonstrated techniques. Blind assessment of published peer-reviewed ileal pouch anal anastomosis videos reported a high rate of unsafe or inappropriate technique for rectal mobilization and transection in the reviewed videos, with fair interobserver agreement among reviewers. There is a need for consensus on what is considered safe and appropriate in ileal pouch anal anastomosis surgery. Peer review of ileal pouch anal anastomosis surgery videos could facilitate training and accreditation in this complex procedure.

Evaluating Operational Potential of UAV Transect Mapping for Wetland Vegetation Survey

Park, S.-I.; Hwang, Y.-S.; Lee, J.-J., and Um, J.-S., 2021. Evaluating operational potential of UAV transect mapping for wetland vegetation survey. In: Lee, J.L.; Suh, K.-S.; Lee, B.; Shin, S., and Lee, J. (eds.), Crisis and Integrated Management for Coastal and Marine Safety. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 114, pp. 474–478. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. There has been little research on data collection using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) remote sensing in exploring wetland vegetation communities. The aim of this research was to integrate the concept of typical UAV remote sensing into in situ transect techniques. Transect sampling is commonly utilized to identify biological diversity and richness in vegetation communities. The Object-based Image Analysis was used to identify area-wide wetland vegetation that distinctively appears according to the UAV multispectral sensor's spectral characteristic. This study verified UAV transect mapping on wetland vegetation based on comparative evaluation between field survey and UAV transect method. This research offered an objective reference to UAV transect mapping's operational potential as the alternatives to traditional in-situ transect sampling in the coastal wetland.

Coral health status assessment in Malaysia islands; looking towards Marine Spatial Planning

In enhancing coral reef management, identifying the key threats that influence the coral reefs ecosystem needs accurate information on the current knowledge of coral health status and coral communities. This study attempts to update such information by evaluating the data of coral assessment on the reef areas in the southern part of the South China Sea (SCS); the Labuan Marine Park (LMP), Pulau Tioman Marine Park (PTMP), Pulau Kapas Marine Park (PKMP), Pulau Bidong (PB) and Pulau Perhentian Marine Park (PPMP). The Coral Video Transect (CVT) technique was utilised to examine the biotic [live coral (C), algae (ALG) and other invertebrates (OT)] and abiotic [(dead coral (DC), sand, silt and rock (SR)] composition, coral health status and coral communities. The variation of biotic and abiotic components was significantly influenced by ‘Area’ and ‘Tourism Development’, which implied that the reefs were influenced by proximity from the mainland and varying human-induced stressors within the site in the survey area. Lower C composition and high cover of ALG, DC and SR can be associated with the decreasing proximity of the reef ‘Area’ to the mainland and the criteria of ‘Tourism Development’. ‘Areas’ close to the mainland such as PKMP and LMP was mainly dominated by abiotic components. High ALG composition was found in PPMP and some sites in LMP, indicating the high commercial use in the ‘Area’ have induced the algae colonisation. The reefs nearby the mainland and intense human activities consequently resulting in coral health status with some sites rated as ‘poor’ condition. PTMP and PB recorded the highest C composition, suggesting distance from the mainland as a factor to PTMP while low human intervention is an attributable factor to PB. No ‘poor’ sites were found in PTMP and PB, implying that both areas face minimal impact from the local stressors. The coral communities among the areas were dominated by three types of communities; Acropora-Porites-Montipora (LMP), Acropora-Porites (PTMP, PKMP and PPMP) and Acropora-Porites-Fungia (PB), suggesting linkages to the environmental stressor. Conclusively, apart from filling in the information gaps on the current status of the coral reefs, the findings underline the urgent need for systematic Marine Spatial Planning design and adoption to accurately mitigate threats against a more resilient coral reef health in Malaysia.