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Otology & Neurotology : Official... Jul 2023The comparative postural health of surgeons performing endoscopic and microscopic otologic surgeries has been a topic of active debate, with many nascent or anecdotal...
OBJECTIVE
The comparative postural health of surgeons performing endoscopic and microscopic otologic surgeries has been a topic of active debate, with many nascent or anecdotal reports suggesting the latter encourages suboptimal ergonomics. Using inertial body sensors to measure joint angles, this study sought to objectively evaluate and compare the ergonomics of surgeons during endoscopic and microscopic otologic surgeries.
STUDY DESIGN
Prospective pilot trial.
SETTING
Large, multicenter, academic hospital system. Performed 21 otologic operations (10 endoscopic and 11 microscopic) in November 2020 and January 2021. All attendings were fellowship trained in otology/neurotology.
SUBJECTS
Eight otolaryngologists (four attendings and four residents) performing 21 otologic surgeries (11 microscopic and 10 endoscopic).
INTERVENTION
Approach to otologic surgery: endoscope or microscope.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Surgeons' neck and back angles while wearing ergonomic sensors affixed to either side of each major joint, mental and physical burdens and pain after each surgery (via modified NASA Task Load Index).
RESULTS
Residents' necks (9.54° microscopic vs. -4.79° endoscopic, p = 0.04) and backs (16.48° microscopic vs. 3.66° endoscopic, p = 0.01) were significantly more flexed when performing microscopic surgery than when performing endoscopic surgery, although attending neck and back flexion were comparable during microscopic and endoscopic surgeries. Attendings reported significantly higher pain levels after operating microscopically than after operating endoscopically (0.13 vs. 2.76, p = 0.01).
CONCLUSIONS
Residents were found to operate with significantly higher risk back and neck postures (as defined by the validated ergonomic tool, Rapid Entire Body Assessment) when operating microscopically. Attendings reported significantly higher levels of pain after operating microscopically versus endoscopically, suggesting that the suboptimal microscopic postures adopted earlier in training may pose an indelible risk later in a surgeon's career.
Topics: Humans; Prospective Studies; Otologic Surgical Procedures; Ergonomics; Endoscopes; Pain
PubMed: 37026810
DOI: 10.1097/MAO.0000000000003858 -
FEMS Microbiology Letters Apr 2022The self-made nature of Antoni van Leeuwenhoek's discoveries and microscopes tends to obscure the rich and dynamic 17th-century culture of microscopy that preceded his...
The self-made nature of Antoni van Leeuwenhoek's discoveries and microscopes tends to obscure the rich and dynamic 17th-century culture of microscopy that preceded his work. Rather than being limited by available magnifications, 17th-century microscopy was shaped by philosophical paradigms, visual and preparation techniques, and observation conditions. Taking into account new insights into his lens making methods, a comparison of Van Leeuwenhoek's methodology with 17th-century predecessors reveals, on the one hand, how his work was rooted in existing traditions, while on the other hand it makes us appreciate his innovations better. Van Leeuwenhoek elegantly turned the viewing practice associated with high-magnification microscopy into a convincing narrative. In doing so, he reaffirmed the central role of the microscope in the 17th-century inquiry of nature. This allowed him to open up new vistas and become the founder of microbiology.
Topics: History, 17th Century; Microscopy
PubMed: 35325115
DOI: 10.1093/femsle/fnac031 -
Archives of Plastic Surgery Jan 2023Three-dimensional (3D) video exoscopes are high-magnification stereo cameras that project onto monitors mounted in the operating room, viewable from different angles....
Three-dimensional (3D) video exoscopes are high-magnification stereo cameras that project onto monitors mounted in the operating room, viewable from different angles. Outside of plastic surgery, exoscopes have been shown to successfully improve the ergonomics of microsurgery, though sometimes with prolonged operating times. We compare a single surgeon's early experience performing free flap procedures from 2020 to 2021 using either a binocular microscope or a 3D video exoscope. Ten procedures were performed with the standard operating microscope and 8 procedures with the 3D exoscope. The microsurgeon, having minimal prior experience using an exoscope, reported less neck discomfort following the free flap procedures performed with the exoscope compared with the binocular surgical microscope. Total average operating time was comparable between the standard surgical microscope and the 3D exoscope (13.7 vs. 13.4 hours, = 0.34). Our early experience using a 3D exoscope in place of a standard optical microscope demonstrated that the exoscope shows promise, offering an ergonomic alternative during microvascular reconstruction without increasing overall operating times. Future studies will compare free flap ischemia time between cases performed using the exoscope and the conventional binocular microscope. Medical Subject Headings authorized following words: free tissue flaps; operating rooms; ergonomics; microsurgery.
PubMed: 36755658
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1758768 -
Microscopy Research and Technique Aug 2022Maize (Zea mays L.) is considered as one of the main cereals, used as a source of food, forage, and processed products. The loss of maize productivity is reported due to...
Maize (Zea mays L.) is considered as one of the main cereals, used as a source of food, forage, and processed products. The loss of maize productivity is reported due to effect on roots, stalks, ears, and kernels mainly caused by many fungi. Among these fungal pathogens of maize, Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus) are the most prevalent that produces highly toxigenic aflatoxins that are highly carcinogenic to the consumers. The present study is confined to isolate and characterize the A. flavus from maize seeds for accurate identification that can be helpful for determination and management of aflatoxins in maize crop. Eighty stored seed samples of maize were collected from warehouses where seeds are stored for food and feeding purposes. For the isolation of A. flavus, Potato Dextrose Agar was used. Isolated fungi were identified macro and microscopically using light microscope and scanning electron microscope. A total of 212 Aspergillus isolates were identified based on macro-morphological and micro-morphological characteristics. The results showed that A. flavus colonies were granular, flat with yellow-green to deep yellow-green colony color having a white border and compact, spherical spore heads. Rapid rate of growth was observed maturing in about 3-5 days. In microscopic features, A. flavus have apically swollen conidiophores with various conidia bearing cells in long and dry chains. Spherical conidial heads were split into several columns ranging 300-400 μm in diameter. This will be helpful for farmers, researchers and traders in future for correct identification of sources of aflatoxins. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Maize seed samples were collected from Pothohar region of Pakistan. The fungi were isolated on PDA. Aspergillus flavus was identified macro-morphologically by observing growth rate, colony color and texture. Furthermore, these fungi were identified micro-morphologically by using light and scanning electron microscope. The 212 Aspergillus flavus strains were isolated and identified.
Topics: Aflatoxins; Aspergillus flavus; Electrons; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Zea mays
PubMed: 35531970
DOI: 10.1002/jemt.24139 -
Zebrafish Apr 2024Microscopes are essential for research and education in science. Unlike computers and online learning tools, however, microscopes are not currently a fixed element in...
Microscopes are essential for research and education in science. Unlike computers and online learning tools, however, microscopes are not currently a fixed element in K-12 classrooms, due to steep cost, needless complexity, and often requiring a prohibitive level of staff training to effectively deploy. In a collaboration with Area 10 Labs, Integrated Science Education Outreach (InSciEd Out) developed a state-of-the-art alternative microscope, the InSciEdRS View, to reduce the financial barrier, prohibitive per-student cost, unnecessary complexity, and extensive staff training. Utilizing a 1080p camera and a lunchbox-style case, this Wi-Fi- and USB-connectable microscope comes with all necessary components for visualization of microscopic specimens (10 × -50 × magnification). While built to handle the rigors of classroom use, its imaging capability and battery-operation can make it flexible for a laboratory or fieldwork as well. We further highlight here K-12 curricula that we have developed using larval zebrafish to enable teachers, science outreach leaders, and parents to support active hands-on science observations. The InSciEdRS View microscope and the InSciEd Out curricula are readily scalable, translatable, and accessible for traditional and neurodiverse students and integrating these in various settings can be an efficient way to achieve better outcomes in science education.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Zebrafish; Curriculum; Students; Microscopy
PubMed: 38621211
DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2023.0093 -
American Journal of Otolaryngology 2015Modern operative microscopes use light sources which possess the power to severely damage underlying tissue. Currently, manufacturers provide a safety warning of this...
PURPOSE
Modern operative microscopes use light sources which possess the power to severely damage underlying tissue. Currently, manufacturers provide a safety warning of this possibility. However, they are unable to suggest specific settings due to a stated "lack of scientific publications on this topic". We aim to radiometrically evaluate multiple otologic microscopes at variables which effect irradiance in order to determine reference emissions levels and provide guidelines for improved intraoperative safety.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The optical radiance of four otologic microscopes was evaluated at variable field illumination sizes (spot size), intensity settings and working distances. The spectral emission of each microscope was separately measured. The energy absorbed in skin with representative properties was then calculated as a function of time for each microscope by accounting for the emission spectrum of the microscope and the absorption spectrum of skin.
RESULTS
Microscopes showed a wide range of optical radiance based on model, spots size, intensity setting and working distances. Spectral emission of all four microscopes was centered in the visible spectrum with minimal ultraviolet or infrared contribution. A large amount of energy is absorbed by skin during usage of operative microscopes. The highest calculated absorption at 200 min of use was 736.26 J/cm(2).
CONCLUSIONS
Operative microscopes have the ability to cause patient morbidity secondary to the energy they impart. In an effort to decrease potential injury we recommend that physicians be aware of their microscopes properties and how to control variables which effect irradiance of the skin.
Topics: Burns; Humans; Lighting; Microscopy; Microsurgery; Otologic Surgical Procedures
PubMed: 25619429
DOI: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2014.12.009 -
Journal of the History of the... 2019Experiences following stimulation of the senses have been recorded for millennia, and they could be related to the gross anatomy of the sense organs. Examination of...
Experiences following stimulation of the senses have been recorded for millennia, and they could be related to the gross anatomy of the sense organs. Examination of their microanatomy was to await the development of achromatic microscopes in the early nineteenth century. Among the microscopic structures that were isolated and described were specialized sensory cells, called receptors, and they could be related to the stimuli that excited them. Those located in well-defined sense organs (like the eyes, ears, nose, and tongue) were named on the basis of their morphology, whereas the receptors in or beneath the surface of the skin were generally named after those who first described them. Illustrations of early representations of sensory receptors are combined with "perceptual portraits" of the microanatomists who described them.
Topics: Anatomy; Histology; History, 17th Century; History, 19th Century; History, Ancient; Humans; Medical Illustration; Microscopy; Sensation; Sensory Receptor Cells
PubMed: 30856054
DOI: 10.1080/0964704X.2018.1554298 -
Der Hautarzt; Zeitschrift Fur... Feb 2022Excisions and biopsies are firmly anchored in everyday dermatology. The biopsy, excision or diagnostic-therapeutic confirmation of the clinical diagnosis of neoplasms or... (Review)
Review
Excisions and biopsies are firmly anchored in everyday dermatology. The biopsy, excision or diagnostic-therapeutic confirmation of the clinical diagnosis of neoplasms or inflammatory diseases is decisive for the dermatopathological diagnosis of tissue samples. Dermatopathology, however, is not a magic box into which a tissue sample can be placed without comment or information and receive-within 24 h at the latest-a complete, high-quality diagnosis. The present article describes problems, hurdles, and challenges in everyday dermatopathology that occur on the way to the microscope, even before the actual dermatopathological diagnosis takes place.
Topics: Biopsy; Dermatology; Humans; Skin Diseases
PubMed: 34939128
DOI: 10.1007/s00105-021-04927-w -
Journal of Neurochemistry Feb 2023Over the past decade, novel optical imaging tools have been developed for imaging neuronal activities along with the evolution of fluorescence indicators with brighter... (Review)
Review
Over the past decade, novel optical imaging tools have been developed for imaging neuronal activities along with the evolution of fluorescence indicators with brighter expression and higher sensitivity. Miniature microscopes, as revolutionary approaches, enable the imaging of large populations of neuron ensembles in freely behaving rodents and mammals, which allows exploring the neural basis of behaviors. Recent progress in two-photon miniature microscopes and mesoscale single-photon miniature microscopes further expand those affordable methods to navigate neural activities during naturalistic behaviors. In this review article, two-photon miniature microscopy techniques are summarized historically from the first documented attempt to the latest ones, and comparisons are made. The driving force behind and their potential for neuroscientific inquiries are also discussed. Current progress in terms of the mesoscale, i.e., the large field-of-view miniature microscopy technique, is addressed as well. Then, pipelines for registering single cells from the data of two-photon and large field-of-view miniature microscopes are discussed. Finally, we present the potential evolution of the techniques.
Topics: Animals; Microscopy; Optical Imaging; Mammals; Neurons; Behavior, Animal
PubMed: 36281555
DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15711 -
Optics Express Aug 2022Structured Illumination Microscopy (SIM) is a key technology for high resolution and super-resolution imaging of biological cells and molecules. The spread of portable...
Structured Illumination Microscopy (SIM) is a key technology for high resolution and super-resolution imaging of biological cells and molecules. The spread of portable and easy-to-align SIM systems requires the development of novel methods to generate a light pattern and to shift it across the field of view of the microscope. Here we show a miniaturized chip that incorporates optical waveguides, splitters, and phase shifters, to generate a 2D structured illumination pattern suitable for SIM microscopy. The chip creates three point-sources, coherent and controlled in phase, without the need for further alignment. Placed in the pupil of a microscope's objective, the three sources generate a hexagonal illumination pattern on the sample, which is spatially translated thanks to thermal phase shifters. We validate and use the chip, upgrading a commercial inverted fluorescence microscope to a SIM setup and we image biological sample slides, extending the resolution of the microscope.
Topics: Lighting; Microscopy, Fluorescence; Optical Devices
PubMed: 36242132
DOI: 10.1364/OE.466225