Wet Labs Research Articles

Development and field testing a satellite-linked fluorometer for marine vertebrates

Understanding the responses of marine vertebrates to spatial and temporal variability of primary productivity is fundamental for their conservation and for predicting how they will be affected by climate change. Despite recent advances in biotelemetry, fluorometers have only recently been incorporated into larger transmitting systems. The purpose of this project was to incorporate a miniature fluorometer into a satellite-linked transmitter to provide measures of in situ phytoplankton fluorescence, which were used to calculate chlorophyll-a (chl-a), a proxy for primary productivity. After evaluating the suitability of commercially available fluorometers, the ECO Puck™ (WET Labs, Philomath, OR), which measures chl-a (0 to 75 µg Chl/L), was first interfaced with an archival instrument (TDR10) manufactured by Wildlife Computers (Redmond, WA, USA) to (1) determine if the interfaced prototype functioned properly, (2) examine data relative to the orientation of the optics, (3) monitor the behavior of tagged animals, and (4) collect a complete dive/sensor record to validate a data reduction routine established for Service Argos and verify performance of the Argos message generation. After laboratory and field trials indicated the interfaced archival prototype operated effectively and was robust to animal behavior, housing was constructed to support the ECO Puck™ with the SPLASH10 satellite transmitter, resulting in the AM-A320A-AU Fluorometer (458 g, 11.9 × 5.8 × 6.2 cm). This instrument was deployed on a Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) captured at Adak, Alaska, on 9 October 2014. For 3 weeks, 188 messages were transmitted successfully for the first dive exceeding 9.5 m after the top of the hour and included: (1) the chl-a (µg/cl) and temperature (°C) values at 3 m depth, (2) the maximum chl-a value and the temperature and depth values at which it occurred, (3) the chl-a and temperature values at the maximum dive depth (including the depth value), and (4) the sum of all chl-a values from the surface to the maximum depth of the dive. Although fluorescence quenching, bio-fouling, and additional calibration of the AM-A320A-AU Fluorometer warrant additional investigation, preliminary data indicated this instrument should be an effective means for providing sub-surface, in situ phytoplankton fluorescence (chl-a) relative to animal ecology.

Continuing Veterinary Medical Education Needs Assessment of Small Animal Practitioners in South Korea.

This first survey of small animal veterinarians in Korea explores demographic patterns, previous learning experiences, and program preferences for continuing veterinary medical education (CVME). Data were analyzed to identify and describe learning needs and preferences. Respondents' average CVME hours (38.4 hours/year) exceeded the mandatory 10 hours per year. Almost all respondents recognized the importance of CVME. Lack of time and travel distance were identified as significant barriers to CVME participation. CVME courses scheduled after 9 p.m. on weekdays with a registration fee of up to $50 US per hour were preferred. Respondents clearly defined the educational quality criteria of preferred CVME programs: delivery in a series of interventions in a small seminar format, with lectures on theory combined with practical skill-building wet labs taught by experienced veterinarians and board-certified specialists. Small animal veterinarians in Korea are enthusiastic life-long learners who are strongly motivated to select CVME learning activities based on self-identified needs. The changing environment of veterinary medicine in Korea demands an evolution of CVME quality criteria, such as clear program goals reflecting veterinarians' educational needs and desirable competencies, and specific measurable learning objectives. Moreover, the current accreditation system, which does not encourage hands-on skill development formats, needs urgent improvement.

PWE-407 Scottish surgical boot camp: an induction to a community of practice

<h3>Introduction</h3> A reduction in hours of “apprentice style” training, has led to increased interest in alternative pedagogic paradigms. Intensive “Boot Camps” have been found to accelerate the acquisition of key surgical skills.¹A 4 day residential Scottish Surgical Boot Camp in the Inverness Clinical Skills Centre is now adopted by 2 Royal Colleges and recommended for 1^styear Core Surgical Trainees in Scotland. It is simulation-rich and includes technical and non-technical skills, e.g. wet labs, simulated ward rounds, etc. Evaluation of other Boot Camp models have been from the quantitative perspective of efficacy of training,²usually limited to Kirkpatrick levels 1 and 2. We take a qualitative perspective to explore the development and delivery of this Boot Camp. <h3>Method</h3> Grounded in social constructivism and consistent with the theoretical lens of cultural-historical activity theory,³we used a rapid ethnographic approach⁴involving observations, semi-structured formal interviews with faculty and field interviews with students and faculty to understand the relationships and processes of the SSBC. <h3>Results</h3> Kirkpatrick level one feedback was positive. Further, our empirical data showed the important factors shaping the design, aims, objectives, development and positioning of SSBC within national training programmes, and a surgical community of practice. Interviews with faculty provided a picture of how the content of SSBC had changed over time in response to the trainee needs, curricular changes and growing faculty expertise. Within the SSBC, there were clear rules and expectations, division of labour, and social and skills-focused learning objectives. <h3>Conclusion</h3> This theory-grounded case study gives a unique insight into the complexity of interacting influences shaping a Boot Camp, which we believe enables a better description and understanding of the SSBC. Further data illustrating the usefulness of CHAT as a means of developing and evaluating this educational activity will be presented on the day. <h3>Disclosure of interest</h3> None Declared. <h3>References</h3> Cohen ER, Barsuk JH, Moazed F, Caprio T, Didwania A, McGaghie WC. Making July Safer: Simulation-Based Mastery Learning During Intern Boot Camp. Acad Med. 2013;88:233–239 Parent RJ, Plerhoples TA, Long EE, <i>et al</i>. Early, intermediate, and late effects of a surgical skills “Boot Camp” on an objective structured assessment of technical skills: a randomized controlled study. J Am Coll Surg. 2010;210: 984–989 Engestrom Y, Miettinen R, Punamaki R. Activity Theory and Individual and Social Transformation. Perspectives on Activity Theory. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press 1999 Savage J. Ethnography and healthcare. BMJ 2000;321:1400

Developing the First Operational Nutrient Observatory for Ecosystem, Climate, and Hazard Monitoring for NERACOOS

Abstract An integrated nutrient observatory is being developed within the Northeastern Regional Association of Coastal Ocean Observing Systems (NERACOOS), capable of monitoring nutrient dynamics year-round at temporal and spatial scales necessary to address critical needs of stakeholders throughout the Northeast region. Nutrient levels and fluxes drive total biological productivity throughout the region, from phytoplankton to commercially exploited fish stocks. Nitrate sensors (Satlantic SUNAs) are being installed on existing mooring assets in western Long Island Sound, Narragansett Bay (Prudence Island), Great Bay in New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, three sites along the coastal shelf of the Gulf of Maine (GOM), at five depths in Jordan Basin in the interior GOM, and at two depths in the GOM Northeast Channel. Phosphate and ammonium sensors (WET Labs Cycle-PO4 and Cycle-NH4) are also being deployed at the three nearshore sites. The measurements from these sensors will extend the current sparse, long-term records of nutrients from discretely collected samples in the Northeast region and will dramatically improve temporal resolution and continuity of the data for use in studying potential impacts of climate change. Nearshore measurements will be used by NERACOOS stakeholders to help assess, regulate, and mitigate the adverse impacts on water quality associated with excessive pollutant loadings. Measurements throughout the GOM will be used to assess basin-wide nutrient variability and to initialize harmful algal bloom (Alexandrium fundyense) forecast models.

Development of an Augmented Reality Game to Teach Abstract Concepts in Food Chemistry

AbstractOne of the most pressing issues for many land grant institutions is the ever increasing cost to build and operate wet chemistry laboratories. A partial solution is to develop computer‐based teaching modules that take advantage of animation, web‐based or off‐campus learning experiences directed at engaging students’ creative experiences. We used the learning objectives of one of the most difficult topics in food chemistry, enzyme kinetics, to test this concept. Students are apprehensive of this subject and often criticize the staid instructional methods typically used in teaching this material. As a result, students do not acquire a useful background in this important subject. To rectify these issues, we developed an interactive augmented reality application to teach the basic concepts of enzyme kinetics in the context of an interactive search that took students to several locations on campus where they were able to gather raw materials and view videos that taught the basics of enzyme kinetics as applied to the production of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). The students needed this background to prepare for a mock interview with an HFCS manufacturer. Students and instructors alike found the game to be preferable to sitting in a classroom listening to, or giving, a PowerPoint presentation. We feel that this use of gaming technology to teach difficult, abstract concepts may be a breakthrough in food science education and help alleviate the drain on administrative budgets from multiple wet labs.

PO-0788 ’kidneys In Crisis’ A Snapshot Of Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy In Picu, Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin, Dublin

Introduction Continuous Veno Venous Haemofiltration (CVVH) is the extracorporeal renal support therapy of choice in PICU at OLCHC. 1 It is an extracorporeal blood treatment where ≤8% of patients blood is passed through a haemofilter. It removes fluid and waste products from the body in a gradual and controlled way avoiding massive fluid shifts. 2 CVVH in PICU OLCHC CVVH in OLCHC has seen a considerable expansion over the last 5 years. There are currently 21 CVVH specialists, including a CVVH co-ordinator in post. 2–3 specialists are on duty every shift which ensures continuous service availability. CVVH specialists require 60 pump hours/year to maintain competency. Wet labs are used to facilitate training. CVVH is provided using the Aquarius ® which offers a paediatric mode, a safer therapy choice in children (Nikkiso, Co, Ltd). Results The CVVH service has progressively developed, as is evident in Figure 1. In 2011, 8 patients were supported with CVVH with a run time of 639 h, by 2013 this number increased to 15 patients and the run time had tripled. Discussion The progressive increase in patients supported with this therapy mirrors its remarkable growth internationally. CVVH is the most dominant form of artificial renal support in Australian and European critical care, and its role as adjuvant therapy in sepsis is attracting increased focus. 3 Conclusion CVVH activity is increasing at our institution, facilitated by a competent and flexible team of CVVH specialists. Future adequately powered multivariate logistic regression analysis should address outcomes of patients supported on CVVH.

We have been investing in wet chem labs and pilot plant to foster long term growth and stability!

RETURN TO ISSUEPREVAdvertisementNEXTWe have been investing in wet chem labs and pilot plant to foster long term growth and stability!Cite this: Chem. Eng. News 2014, 92, 35, 4Publication Date (Print):September 1, 2014Publication History Published online31 March 2015Published inissue 1 September 2014https://doi.org/10.1021/cen-09235-ad03Copyright © 2014 Chemical & Engineering NewsArticle Views64Altmetric-Citations-LEARN ABOUT THESE METRICSArticle Views are the COUNTER-compliant sum of full text article downloads since November 2008 (both PDF and HTML) across all institutions and individuals. These metrics are regularly updated to reflect usage leading up to the last few days.Citations are the number of other articles citing this article, calculated by Crossref and updated daily. Find more information about Crossref citation counts.The Altmetric Attention Score is a quantitative measure of the attention that a research article has received online. Clicking on the donut icon will load a page at altmetric.com with additional details about the score and the social media presence for the given article. Find more information on the Altmetric Attention Score and how the score is calculated. Share Add toView InAdd Full Text with ReferenceAdd Description ExportRISCitationCitation and abstractCitation and referencesMore Options Share onFacebookTwitterWechatLinked InReddit PDF (790 KB) SUBJECTS:Manufacturing,Stability Get e-Alerts

S.Fyodorov Eye Microsurgery Complex: Past, present and future

AbstractProf. S. Fyodorov is known for his multiple innovations in refractive and cataract surgery fields. He founded Eye Microsurgery Institute in 1980. The main concept was to combine clinical, research, educational and manufacturing activities under one roof. In 1986, Eye Microsurgery Complex was created, headquartered in Moscow with satellite clinics installed in 11 cities. This allowed spreading modern eye surgery technologies, covering all Russian territories and providing high quality eye care. In 2000, after Fyodorov passed away, the Complex started to bear his name. Currently the number of employees is exceeding 4,500 employees. In 2013 all clinics jointly performed over 225,000 eye surgeries. Along with the clinical activities; extensive scientific and educational work is being performed. Wet Labs for teaching ophthalmic surgeries are established in 6 locations including Moscow. Wide range of research activities is focused on the new surgical technologies in cataract and implant surgery, corneal transplantation, laser refractive surgery, glaucoma, pediatric eye care, stem cell research, and many others. Overview of the historical and current activities of the S. Fyodorov Eye Microsurgery Complex will be presented.

Collecting and analyzing diffraction data from multiple crystals

Recent years have witnessed a marked revival of multiple crystal data collection and analysis methods. This has been brought about in many ways by a proliferation of microfocus beamlines [1] that have provided convenient access to structural biologists who wish to measure from their tiny crystals. Further to this however has been a realization that in some cases careful data collection and analysis of multiple crystal data can replace months if not years of effort in wet labs optimizing crystals to be large enough to yield a single crystal data set. The presentation will briefly discuss recent progress in multiple crystal data collection and analysis and illustrate it with some case studies.

Student‐Centered and Dynamic Interfaces that Enrich Technical Learning for Online Science Learners: A Review of the Literature

AbstractCommunicating complex scientific and technical information presents a challenge for food science educators. The most efficient learning occurs when all senses are engaged, one reason that many educators believe that scientific principles are best taught with hands‐on laboratory experiences. Today there are many challenges to the continuation of these “wet labs” including the cost of building the labs as well as equipment, materials, and personnel to run them. Many current e‐learning technologies are based on 2‐dimensional delivery systems, and are often inadequate to provide a substitute for a laboratory exercise. However, recent advances in technology have evolved to more closely reflect the kinds of learning experiences that students typically have in a laboratory class. This review describes the role of these emerging technologies as teaching tools for educators, with the clear understanding that similar concepts can be utilized by management of technical teams in the work place.

ABSTRACT 965

Background and aims: Birmingham Children’s Hospital has provided cardiac Extracorporeal Life Support (ECLS) since 2008, and is a designated surge respiratory centre. Staff were initially trained at an experienced high volume centre. Aims: This was expensive, had limited places and quickly became unsustainable for our growing service. Methods: A comparative analysis of cost, including course fees, travel, backfill, teacher costs, room hire, equipment hire was conducted. Our education and ECLS teams collaborated to develop a tailor made, quality controlled education programme with a pilot course in January 2012 for 12 staff. Results: The cost analysis revealed the actual cost of external education was £4000 compared with £1500 per person for an in house provision. Our pilot course received excellent evaluations. 100% of candidates felt they gained clear understanding of ECLS and managing emergencies. Knowledge was tested with a written and practical exam, with 100% pass rate. The course is now established with 4 intakes per year, with 102 participants so far, including 33 external candidates. For in-house staff, there are 40 hours of bedside preceptorship, with ongoing education including annual updates, wet labs and bedside teaching. Conclusions: This programme is essential in supporting team and service growth. It is quality controlled and has 100% positive evaluation. There has been a cost saving of £2500 per person trained and income generated enables a cost neutral programme. We recommend developing in-house bespoke education for ECLS in low volume centres such as ours, to create sustainability and cost saving.

Submersible Optical Sensors Exposed to Chemically Dispersed Crude Oil: Wave Tank Simulations for Improved Oil Spill Monitoring

In situ fluorometers were deployed during the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) Gulf of Mexico oil spill to track the subsea oil plume. Uncertainties regarding instrument specifications and capabilities necessitated performance testing of sensors exposed to simulated, dispersed oil plumes. Dynamic ranges of the Chelsea Technologies Group AQUAtracka, Turner Designs Cyclops, Satlantic SUNA and WET Labs, Inc. ECO, exposed to fresh and artificially weathered crude oil, were determined. Sensors were standardized against known oil volumes and total petroleum hydrocarbons and benzene-toluene-ethylbenzene-xylene measurements-both collected during spills, providing oil estimates during wave tank dilution experiments. All sensors estimated oil concentrations down to 300 ppb oil, refuting previous reports. Sensor performance results assist interpretation of DWH oil spill data and formulating future protocols.

A method to rationally increase protein stability based on the charge–charge interaction, with application to lipase LipK107

We report a suite of enzyme redesign protocol based on the surface charge-charge interaction calculation, which is potentially applied to improve the stability of an enzyme without compromising its catalytic activity. Together with the experimental validation, we have released a suite of enzyme redesign algorithm Enzyme Thermal Stability System, written based on our model, for open access to meet the needs in wet labs. Lipk107, a lipase of a versatile industrial use, was chosen to test our software. Our calculation determined that four residues, D113, D149, D213, and D253, located on the surface of LipK107 were critical to the stability of the enzyme. The model was validated with mutagenesis at these four residues followed by stability and activity tests. LipK107 mutants D113A and D149K were more resistant to thermal inactivation with ∼10°C higher half-inactivation temperature than wild-type LipK107. Moreover, mutant D149K exhibited significant retention in residual activity under constant heat, showing a 14-fold increase in the half-inactivation time at 50°C. Activity tests showed that these mutants retained the equal or higher specific activity, among which noteworthy was the mutant D253A with as much as 20% higher activity. We suggest that our protocol could be used as a general guideline to redesign protein enzymes with increased stabilities and enhanced activities.

Retrieval and Validation of Chlorophyll-a Concentrations in the Coastal Waters Off Yanam and Kakinada (Godavari) Basin Along East Coast of India

In this study chlorophyll measurements were made during March 2012 in the estuarine waters of Off Kakinada and Yanam coast, Bay of Bengal onboard a coastal vessel. In-situ water samples and optical data was collected at 21 stations (surface to 150 m depth) using Underwater radiometer (Hyperpro-II). In-vivo chlorophyll profiles were collected using wet labs fluorometer integrated with underwater Hyperspectral radiometer. Chlorophyll-a concentrations were estimated using HPLC by collecting the water samples at each sampling location. And also chlorophyll-a concentrations were retrieved from the OCM-2 data of OCEANSAT-2 satellite, processed using SeaDAS v.6.2 with the available global ocean colour algorithms namely, OC2 and OC4V4. A total of 33 samples used covering all the stations for chlorophyll-a estimation, and surface water samples of all the stations only being used for direct comparison among chlorophyll concentrations of HPLC, in-situ (fluorometrically integrated to Hyperpro-II) and retrieved from OCM-2. A good correlation found between the Fluorometer derived and HPLC measured chlorophyll-a concentration with an R2 value of 0.78. The relation between Chlorophyll-a concentration measured from HPLC and retrieved from OCM-2 (OC2 and OC4V4 algorithms) using SeaDASv.6.2 for 10 samples has been compared for validation and obtained an R2 value of 0.6. Also comparisons done with the in-situ measured (fluorometer) Chlorophyll-a concentration with OCM-2 chlorophyll data (OC4-V4 and OC2 algorithms) and validation with 10 concurrent in-situ surface measurements showed a significant overestimation by OCM-2 at low chlorophyll-a concentrations and underestimation at high chlorophyll-a concentrations.

Comparison between wet and dry lab in low-fidelity simulation of mitral valve surgery

Methods We performed different MV repair techniques using MV models in a dry lab and porcine hearts in wet lab. The properties of materials used in both models were tested e.g tissue handling. The possibility of 3D construction of normal and pathological MV and the ease of repair were examined. Availability, flexibility, portability, disposal of remains and cost of organizing both environments were noted. The number of procedures performed on each model was recorded. Results The self 3D construction of MV is only possible in dry model, which will enhance the understanding of 3D complexity of MV components and allows creation of pathological models. The porcine heart allows performing MV repair techniques with closer resemblance to the human heart in mechanical properties. The availability, flexibility and disposal of remains are feasible in dry lab because the constructing materials are readily available and there is a lack of need of proper storage e.g. refrigeration. The dry model is portable and it can be used every time and everywhere. The number of procedures performed on the dry lab was higher than wet lab due to the nature of material which is reusable, recyclable and cost effective. Conclusion The dry and wet labs are valuable tools in improving training in MV surgery. There are more advantages of using the dry model initially as low fidelity simulator than the wet model because of flexibility, availability, low cost, the possibility of self modelling of normal and pathological MV and it can be used for an unrestricted number of procedures.

Evaluation and Improvement of an Iterative Scattering Correction Scheme for in situ Absorption and Attenuation Measurements

Abstract The performance of several scattering correction schemes for reflecting-tube absorption and beam attenuation measurements is evaluated with data collected in European shelf seas. Standard scattering correction procedures for absorption measurements perform poorly because of nonzero absorption in the near infrared and wavelength-dependent scattering phase functions. A previously described iterative correction procedure based on Monte Carlo simulations of the Western Environmental Technologies Laboratories (WET Labs) ac-9 and independent estimates of particle backscattering initially performs poorly, but is greatly improved when realistic losses at flow-tube walls are incorporated into the model. The updated Monte Carlo scattering correction provides excellent agreement with independent absorption and attenuation measurements made with a point-source integrating-cavity absorption meter (PSICAM) and a Laser In Situ Scattering and Transmissometer (LISST, Sequoia Scientific), respectively. Implications for historic datasets and requirements for application to future datasets are discussed.

Nutrient Loading and Transformations in the Columbia River Estuary Determined by High-Resolution In Situ Sensors

The Columbia River estuary is characterized by relatively large tidal currents and water residence times of a few days or less. These and other environmental conditions tend to suppress water column productivity and favor the export of riverborne nutrients to the coastal ocean. However, hotspots of biological activity may allow for significant nutrient transformation and removal within the estuary, but these processes have previously been difficult to quantify due to the challenges of obtaining measurements at appropriate frequency and duration. In this study, nutrient biogeochemical dynamics within the salt-influenced region of the estuary were quantified using high-resolution in situ observations of nutrients and physical water properties. During 2010, three autonomous nutrient sensors (Satlantic SUNA, SubChem Systems Inc. APNA, WET Labs Cycle-PO4) that together measured nitrate + nitrite, orthophosphate, ammonium, silicic acid, and nitrite were deployed on fixed observatory platforms. Hourly measurements captured tidal fluctuations and permitted an analysis of river and ocean end-member mixing. The results suggested that during summer, the lower estuary released high concentrations of ammonium and phosphate despite low concentrations in the river and coastal ocean. This was likely a result of organic matter accumulation and remineralization in the estuarine turbidity maximum and the lateral bays adjacent to the main channel.

A Real 3-D Monte Carlo Model for the Simulation of Radiative Transfer in Waters

A forward Monte Carlo 3-D (FMC3D) model is developed for simulating light fields in a volume of water where the boundary conditions for radiance values can be expressed by mathematical formulas, which cannot be done using the radiative transfer models currently available such as HydroLight. Water is assumed parallel homogenous for these models, which are incapable of investigating the sidewall reflectance effect on the light fields. These ones are called quasi-3-D radiative transfer models. The FMC3D model perfects the assumption and the incapability and is validated using the in situ data measured in the tank experiment. The FMC3D model is first applied to investigate the sidewall reflectance effect on the remote sensing reflectance Rrs for waters in a fabricated tank with infinite depth and different radii. The investigation shows that the effect is decreasing with the increase in the tank radius and that the minimum radius that the effect is negligible for highly scattering water is bigger than that for highly absorbing water. Taking the tank used in the experiment carried out in a previous work by Han and Rundquist as an example, the FMC3D model is second applied to investigate the combining effects on Rrs from bottom and sidewall reflectances. Compared with Rrs for open water, the Rrs for tank water having the same inherent optical properties is underestimated. The underestimation is increasing with the increase in the single scattering albedo ω and can be up to 32% for water with ω = 0.88, showing that the effects cannot be removed by the black inside wall, which is a method commonly used in tank experiments. The potential applications of the FMC3D model are discussed, taking the examples of the correction for the wall reflectance effect on apparent spectra measured in tank experiments and of the scattering error correction for the reflective tube absorption coefficient measured using a WET Labs AC-9 or AC-S device.

Welcome to the 8th International Conference on Pediatric Mechanical Circulatory Support Systems &amp; Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Perfusion

The 8th International Conference on Pediatric Mechanical Circulatory Support Systems & Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Perfusion will be held at the Galatasaray University, Istanbul, Turkey, June 13–16, 2012. Atif Akcevin, MD, Chief of Cardiovascular Surgery at the American Hospital in Istanbul, will be the Local Conference Chair. The scientific cochairs of this unique event will be Tijen AlkanBozkaya, MD, Turkey; Ihsan Bakir, MD, Turkey; Yves Durandy, MD, France; Huriyet Ersayin-Kantas, FCCP, UK; Colleen E. Gruenwald, PhD, Canada; Giovanni Battista Luciani, MD, Italy; John L. Myers, MD, USA; David Palanzo, CCP, USA; Linda B. Pauliks, MD, MPH, USA; Chitra Ravishankar, MD, USA; Eugen Sandica, MD, Germany; Shunji Sano, MD, PhD, Japan; Kyung Sun, MD, PhD, MBA, Korea; Riza Turkoz, MD, Turkey; and Bonnie Weaver, RN, CCRN, USA. This year, we were fortunate enough to organize our event at the historic Galatasaray University and its magnificent facilities located in Istanbul which is the only city in the world built on two continents, Asia and Europe. The university was first established in 1481 and was called the Galata Palace (“Galata Saray”) as an “Enderun-u Humayunu” (Galata Palace Imperial School). All of the magnificent past of this university can be found at the following link: http://gsu.edu.tr/en/universite/tarihce. We hope that all of the participants will enjoy the event in this historic setting and incredible view of the Bosphorus. As soon as the registration was opened, it was a pleasure to see participants immediately registering for the 8th event from locations as far as New Zealand. This year’s meeting will commence with registration on Wednesday, June 13, 2012. Plenary sessions, mini-symposiums, and regular slide and poster presentations will start on Thursday morning, June 14, and continue through 5 pm on Saturday, June 16th. This year’s participants will also have the distinct pleasure of welcoming Professor Emeritus,William S. Pierce, MD, from Penn State Hershey College of Medicine, as the key note lecturer. His lecture is entitled “A 40-Year Odyssey in Mechanical Circulatory Support.” The topic of the first plenary session will be “Managing the Single Ventricle Patient From Fetus to Definite Treatment,” followed by a key note lecture.The second plenary panel will focus on “Pediatric Mechanical Circulatory Support Devices and Outcomes” including a special lecture entitled “Pediatric MCS and Pediatric Heart Transplantation in Japan” by Shunji Sano, MD. The first day’s scientific program will end with a mini-symposium entitled “Bioengineering Approaches in Pediatric Cardiovascular Medicine.” After the end of the scientific program at 5:30 pm, participants are invited to a special gala dinner aboard a ship from 7 pm to 10 pm. This dinner cruise will offer spectacular sightseeing of the Bosphorus as the boat travels between Europe and Asia. The second and third days of the event will also cover the most important neonatal/pediatric cuttingedge topics and all new results on extracorporeal life support systems including a multidisciplinary team approach to solve the complex problems in neonatal and pediatric cardiac surgery, cardiopulmonary perfusion, myocardial protection, neonatal and pediatric anesthesia, neuromonitoring, and pediatric MCS and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) around the globe. In addition, there will be dozens of slide and poster presentations from young investigators. The last day of the event will bring several wet labs including neuromonitoring, near-infrared spectroscopy, extracorporeal life support (ECLS) circuits, ventricular assist devices, ultrafiltration, pulsatile perfusion, neonatal/pediatric CPB circuit—step-bystep circuit setup, and neonatal/pediatric oxygenators with integrated arterial filters. These wet labs doi:10.1111/j.1525-1594.2012.01450.x bs_bs_banner

Highland surgical boot camp—an apprenticeship in a week

Surgical training has changed: the apprenticeship model of training is dead, but what has taken its place? NHS Highland has developed the Highland surgical boot camp to help tackle this challenge. The boot camp is aimed at trainees at the beginning of their careers: early years specialty or core trainees and surgically minded foundation doctors. My course had nine participants from foundation year 1 to core training year 2. The excellent new Centre for Health Sciences at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness is a new facility with state of the art wet labs, clinical simulators, and a mock ward. The course was developed and is led by the general surgeons Angus Watson and Kenneth …