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Journal of Current Ophthalmology 2023To review current eyedrop instillation techniques, common difficulties faced by patients instilling eyedrops, available eyedrop assistive devices, and patient education... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
To review current eyedrop instillation techniques, common difficulties faced by patients instilling eyedrops, available eyedrop assistive devices, and patient education regarding eyedrop instillation.
METHODS
PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar were searched from conception until June 2022 for articles on eyedrop instillation difficulties, techniques, tools, and patient education.
RESULTS
Instillation involves pulling down the lower eyelids and placing drops on the corneal surface or conjunctival fornix, followed by closing of the eyelids for about 1 min. Examples of techniques include eyelid closure and nasolacrimal obstruction techniques. Patients encounter many difficulties when administering eyedrops, including but not limited to poor visibility, squeezing the dropper bottle, aiming the bottle, and accidentally blinking. However, devices are available that assist with aim and dropper compression-force reduction in eyedrop instillation. These can be particularly useful in patient demographics with diminished manual dexterity or the ability to generate force from their fingers. Furthermore, despite patient education in eyedrop instillation not being a common practice, it has been found that adequate patient education can lead to significant improvement in eyedrop instillation technique.
CONCLUSIONS
While many factors are associated with poor eyedrop instillation technique, there are many solutions available including assistive devices and proper instillation education.
PubMed: 38681691
DOI: 10.4103/joco.joco_308_22 -
Tidsskrift For Den Norske Laegeforening... Mar 2024The knowledge base on new psychoactive substances (NPS) is generally limited. This introduces new challenges and increased unpredictability in substance abuse treatment.
BACKGROUND
The knowledge base on new psychoactive substances (NPS) is generally limited. This introduces new challenges and increased unpredictability in substance abuse treatment.
CASE PRESENTATION
A man in his thirties was submitted to detoxification after reportedly using flubromazolam, a high potency designer benzodiazepine, which he had purchased on the dark web. Extensive drug testing of serum, urine and hair, and the remains in a dropper bottle delivered by the patient, did not reveal flubromazolam or possible metabolites, but did reveal several common drugs of abuse, and 8-aminoclonazolam, a metabolite of clonazolam, another designer benzodiazepine sold on the dark web. The detoxification was uncomplicated. An excessive treatment protocol based on the patient's information, involving high preparedness and increased resources, both clinically and analytically, turned out to be unnecessary.
INTERPRETATION
The drug use and clinical course in this case proved to be more common than the unit prepared for. The case history illustrates both the challenges with users of NPS and the general unpredictability in substance abuse treatment.
Topics: Male; Humans; Benzodiazepines; Designer Drugs; Substance-Related Disorders; Substance Abuse Detection; Psychotropic Drugs
PubMed: 38506014
DOI: 10.4045/tidsskr.23.0668 -
European Journal of Pediatrics Feb 2024This study aimed to assess the accuracy of liquid drug dose measurements made by caregivers and explore the factors influencing these measurements. Caregivers... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
This study aimed to assess the accuracy of liquid drug dose measurements made by caregivers and explore the factors influencing these measurements. Caregivers (n = 176) of children aged less than 8 years, who were treated at the pediatric clinic of a university hospital in Turkey between July and October 2019, were eligible to participate in this study. The caregivers' ability to accurately measure a 2.5-mL dose of medication was observed using standardized measurement instruments, including 15-mL and 30-mL dosing cups, a 3-mL dropper, a 5-mL dose spoon, and a 5-mL oral syringe. A comparison was made with the reference weight determined for the 2.5-mL dose to calculate the margin of error. A dose of ± 20% of the reference value was considered a clinically significant error. The chi-square test was used to examine differences in dose error rates concerning individual characteristics. Caregivers exhibited a dosing error rate exceeding 20%. Specifically, 43% of the errors occurred when using 15-mL cups, 37% with 30-mL cups, 22% with 3-mL droppers, 4.5% with 5-mL spoons, and 4% with 5-mL syringes. In cases where errors were under 20%, the rates were as follows: 1.1% with 15-mL cups, 2.8% with 30-mL cups, 19% with 3-mL droppers, 3.4% with 5-mL spoons, and 4% with 5-mL syringes. The dosing errors were not affected by the role and health literacy level of caregivers, regardless of the type of dosing tool they used (all p values > 0.05). The study found that oral syringes and dosing spoons had the lowest error rates, whereas dosing cups had the highest error rates. Conclusion: Healthcare providers in family health centers and pediatric clinics should educate caregivers about proper drug administration with oral syringes and dosing spoons, even if dosing cups are included. What is Known: • Dose calculation errors and incorrect measurement tools are the leading factors causing errors. • Liquid medicine bottles are still often accompanied by dosing cups as measuring instruments. • Both the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommend that parents use standard measuring instruments such as oral syringes, droppers, and measuring spoons instead of kitchen spoons for administering the correct dose to children. What is New: • The measuring tool with the maximum errors was the dosing cup, whereas oral syringes and dosing spoons were more accurate. • Individual administering medication at home and the health literacy level had no effect on the accuracy of dose measurement. • Pediatric nurses, in particular, should incorporate safe liquid medication measurement tools into parental education.
Topics: Humans; Child; Medication Errors; Caregivers; Health Literacy; Parents; Reference Values
PubMed: 37875630
DOI: 10.1007/s00431-023-05293-6 -
Journal of Visualized Experiments : JoVE May 2023An erratum was issued for: Eyestalk Ablation to Increase Ovarian Maturation in Mud Crabs. The Introduction, Protocol, Discussion and References were updated. The forth...
An erratum was issued for: Eyestalk Ablation to Increase Ovarian Maturation in Mud Crabs. The Introduction, Protocol, Discussion and References were updated. The forth sentence in the third paragraph of the Introduction has been updated from: The eyestalk ablation protocol in this work minimizes stress by using fully sedated crabs and minimizes physical injury to personnel from crab bites. to: The eyestalk ablation protocol in this work minimizes stress by using fully anesthetized crabs and minimizes physical injury to personnel from crab bites. The start of the Protocol has been updated from: This protocol follows the Malaysian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes outlined by the Laboratory Animal Science Association of Malaysia. The sacrifice of the experimental samples was done according to the National Institutes of Health Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (NIH Publications No. 8023, revised 1978). Sexually pre-mature female mud crabs (orange mud crab S. olivacea) were collected from the local market (5°66'62''N, 102°72'33''E) at the Setiu Wetlands in Malaysia. The mud crab species was identified based on morphological characteristics. to: This protocol follows the Malaysian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes outlined by the Laboratory Animal Science Association of Malaysia and was approved by the Universiti Malaysia Terengganu's Research Ethics Committee (Animal ethics approval number: UMT/JKEPHMK/2023/96). The sacrifice of the experimental samples was done according to the AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals: 2020 Edition. Sexually pre-mature female mud crabs (orange mud crab Scylla olivacea) were collected from the local market (5°66'62''N, 102°72'33''E) at the Setiu Wetlands in Malaysia. The mud crab species was identified based on morphological characteristics. Section 4 of the Protocol has been updated from: 4. Cold-shock anesthesia Select sexually mature females with a dark-colored oval-shaped abdominal flap with a CW >86 mm (Figure 1). Catch the crabs with a scoop net, and keep them individually in small aquariums for cold shock anesthesia. Prepare 2 L of 4 °C to 1 °C seawater (20 ppt) in a transparent plastic aquarium. Maintain the temperature using (-20 °C) ice bags for cold shock anesthesia. NOTE: Check the temperature with a digital thermometer. Immerse the crab in the 4 °C seawater until sedated (about 3-5 min). Ensure the crabs are fully anesthetized by the lack of spontaneous movement. The legs and chelipeds joints will still show minor movements when touched with forceps. to: 4. Anesthesia Select sexually mature females with a dark-colored oval-shaped abdominal flap with a CW >86 mm (Figure 1). Catch the crabs with a scoop net, and keep them individually in small aquariums for anesthesia. After 5 min of acclimatization period, add 2-phenoxyethanol (2-PE) at 2 mL/L into each aquarium and allow 15 min of anesthesia treatment. Ensure the crabs are fully anesthetized by the lack of spontaneous movement. Section 5 of the Protocol has been updated from: 5. Eyestalk ablation Cauterization technique Perform all procedures on top of a table and in an open area. Take a flat head nickel-steel metal rod (e.g., a screwdriver) with a wooden or plastic handle, and cover the handle with a wet cotton towel. Sterilize two stainless surgical forceps in an autoclave. Prepare 70% ethanol in a spray bottle. Have tissue paper ready for use. NOTE: Ethanol is highly flammable. Maintain a safe distance from fire sources. Connect a blowtorch to a gas cylinder (butane) securely. CAUTION: Follow the instructions on the blowtorch and gas cylinder. Make sure that the blowtorch is switched off when connecting with the gas cylinder. Read and follow all the fire safety precautions mentioned on the gas cylinder. Wear thick cotton gloves to avoid injury from hot objects. Subject the tip of the metal rod to the fire of the blowtorch until the metal rod is bright red. Cover the anesthetized (sedated) crab with a wet cotton towel. NOTE: Cover all the tentacles of the crab to avoid unnecessary damage. Hold one eye of the crab with sterilized forceps. NOTE: Sterilize the forceps in an autoclave for first-time use, and disinfect using 70% ethanol for subsequent use on other crabs. Hold the red-hot metal flat tip onto the eye of the crab and press slightly for about 10-15 s until the eyestalk turns an orange or reddish-orange color. NOTE: Two people are needed to execute eyestalk ablation following the cauterization method: one to hold the crab and another to perform the ablation procedure. Disinfect the forceps with 70% ethanol spray to ensure no cross-contamination between crabs. After performing the eyestalk ablation on all crabs, dip the hot nickel steel metal rod (screwdriver) into tap water. Disinfect the towel before reuse. Multiple towels can be used to save time. NOTE: Wash the towel with tap water, and dip it into 30 ppm chlorinated water for 5 min. Then, wash the towel with tap water again, and dip it in a 1 g/L sodium thiosulphate solution. Keep the blowtorch in a safe place after turning it off, and wait until it returns to environmental temperature (about 30 min) before disconnecting. Surgery technique Perform the procedure in a well-ventilated area. Sterilize two surgical scissors and forceps in an autoclave. Pour 50 mL of 70% ethanol into a 100 mL glass beaker. Prepare the tincture of iodine solution in a dropper bottle. NOTE: Tincture of iodine (iodine tincture or weak iodine solution) is made up of 2%-7% elemental iodine and potassium iodide, or sodium iodide, dissolved in ethanol and water. Wear thick cotton gloves. Hold the sedated crab, and cover it with a wet cotton towel. Hold one eye of the crab with sterilized forceps. Swiftly cut off the eyestalk using sterilized surgical scissors. NOTE: Hemolymph may be lost from the wounded part of the crab. Dip the scissors and forceps in 70% ethanol after every use, and dry them using tissue paper before reuse. Apply two to three drops of iodine tincture to the wounded part of the eyestalk immediately after cutting it off. NOTE: Tincture of iodine is used for healing and to prevent infection. to: 5. Eyestalk ablation Cauterization technique Perform all procedures on top of a table and in an open area. Take a flat head nickel-steel metal rod (e.g., a screwdriver) with a wooden or plastic handle, and cover the handle with a wet cotton towel. Sterilize two stainless surgical forceps in an autoclave. Prepare 70% ethanol in a spray bottle and keep it away from any fire-related sources, such as blow torch and red hot screwdriver. Have tissue paper ready for use. NOTE: Ethanol is highly flammable. Maintain a safe distance from fire sources. Connect a blowtorch to a gas cylinder (butane) securely. CAUTION: Follow the instructions on the blowtorch and gas cylinder. Make sure that the blowtorch is switched off when connecting with the gas cylinder. Read and follow all the fire safety precautions mentioned on the gas cylinder. Wear thick cotton gloves to avoid injury from hot objects. Subject the tip of the metal rod to the fire of the blowtorch until the metal rod is bright red. Cover the anesthetized crab with a wet cotton towel. NOTE: Cover the antennae of the crab to avoid unnecessary damage. Hold one eye of the crab with sterilized forceps. NOTE: Sterilize the forceps in an autoclave for first-time use, and disinfect using 70% ethanol for subsequent use on other crabs. Hold the red-hot metal flat tip onto the eye of the crab and press slightly for about 10-15 s until the eyestalk turns an orange or reddish-orange color. Be careful when conducting this step to avoid damage to adjacent structures. NOTE: Two people are needed to execute eyestalk ablation following the cauterization method: one to hold the crab and another to perform the ablation procedure. Disinfect the forceps with 70% ethanol spray to ensure no cross-contamination between crabs. NOTE: Only perform this step at least waiting for 5 min after the eyestalk ablation procedure to ensure the forceps are cooled down before disinfection using 70% ethanol to prevent potential fire hazards. After performing the eyestalk ablation on all crabs, dip the hot nickel steel metal rod (screwdriver) into tap water. Disinfect the towel before reuse. Multiple towels can be used to save time. NOTE: Wash the towel with tap water, and dip it into 30 ppm chlorinated water for 5 min. Then, wash the towel with tap water again, and dip it in a 1 g/L sodium thiosulphate solution. Keep the blowtorch in a safe place after turning it off, and wait until it returns to environmental temperature (about 30 min) before disconnecting. Surgery technique Perform the procedure in a well-ventilated area. Sterilize two surgical scissors and forceps in an autoclave. Pour 50 mL of 70% ethanol into a 100 mL glass beaker. Wear thick cotton gloves. Hold the anesthetized crab, and cover it with a wet cotton towel. Hold one eye of the crab with sterilized forceps. Swiftly cut off the eyestalk using sterilized surgical scissors. NOTE: Hemolymph may be lost from the wounded part of the crab. Dip the scissors and forceps in 70% ethanol after every use, and dry them using tissue paper before reuse. Step 7.2.2 of the Protocol has been updated from: Sedate the females individually with the cold shock anesthesia method. to: Anesthetize the females individually with the 2-PE immersion anesthesia method. The Discussion has been updated from: This protocol was developed for the eyestalk ablation of the mud crab, Scylla spp., and can be applied as an efficient method to induce gonad maturation. This protocol can be easily replicated for the commercial ovary maturation of mud crabs and can be implemented to reduce the latent period (time from one spawning to another) in mud crab seed production. The eyestalk ablation of crustaceans (i.e., freshwater prawn, marine shrimp) is typically done to induce gonad maturation and out-of-season spawning . Eyestalk ablation in brachyuran crabs has also been done to study molting , hormonal regulation, gonad maturation, and induced breeding and reproductive performance . Unilateral or bilateral eyestalk ablation influences the physiology of the crustacean. Eyestalk ablation following the protocol stated in this study also influences the ovarian maturation rate of mud crabs. In the control treatment (without eyestalk ablation), 43.33% ± 5.77% of female crabs had an immature ovary (stage-1). However, in the same rearing period (30 days), eyestalk-ablated female crabs had pre-maturing ovaries (stage-3; 56.67% ± 11.55% and 53.33% ± 15.28% with the cauterization and surgery techniques, respectively), which shows that eyestalk ablation can increase the gonad maturation of mud crabs. Previous studies have also reported that the ovarian development of intact crabs (without eyestalk ablation) is slower than that of eyestalk-ablated crabs . Due to the slower gonadal development in intact crustaceans, eyestalk ablation is widely done in commercial prawn and shrimp hatcheries. In this protocol, the eyestalk-ablated female crabs achieved higher percentages of ovarian maturation compared to the female crabs without the eyestalk ablation treatment (Figure 3). The gonad maturation of the mud crab is regulated by hormones . The eyestalk contains important endocrine glands (i.e., the X-organ-sinus gland complex) that play vital roles in the gonadal maturation process of mud crabs . Unilateral eyestalk ablation, either by cauterization or surgery, damages one of the major endocrine glands that is involved in the synthesis and release of inhibiting hormones (e.g., VIH), thereby resulting in a higher level of gonad-stimulating hormones (i.e., VSH). The ovarian maturation stages of Scylla spp. can be differentiated by observing the ovarian tissue coloration with the naked eye . Translucent or creamy white ovarian tissues are indications of immature ovaries . In this study, immature ovaries (stage-1) were still found in the group of female crabs without eyestalk ablation due to the slower ovarian maturation process. However, the crabs in the eyestalk-ablated groups (both by the cauterization and surgery techniques) mostly showed pre-maturing ovaries (stage-3), with some individuals exhibiting fully matured ovaries (stage-4). Therefore, the protocol of eyestalk ablation described here can be used to increase ovarian maturation in female mud crabs. This protocol can also be applied directly to wild-collected mature female mud crabs to hasten their seed production. To evaluate the effectiveness of cauterization and surgery methods on mud crab gonad maturation and to ensure the accurate estimation of molting duration, sexually pre-mature crabs were used. After the (induced) molting of sexually pre-mature female crabs, we noticed that their ovaries were still in the immature or early developing stages . After 30 days of rearing the newly mature female crabs (either eyestalk-ablated or without eyestalk ablation), the ovarian development stages (stage-1 to stage-4) were determined by the color of the ovarian tissues. This protocol encourages the use of the cauterization technique to perform eyestalk ablation in mud crabs to avoid any hemolymph loss and prevent infection at the ablated sites. Cauterization immediately seals the wound, whereas the surgery technique requires an additional step of disinfection using iodine. For commercial purposes, larger mature crabs, preferably at a later stage of ovarian maturation, should be selected for eyestalk ablation to shorten the time to reach the fully matured ovary stage for subsequent commerce or brood stock culture. In addition to eyestalk ablation, individual rearing with sand substrate and sufficient feeding, preferably with live feed, can increase the gonad maturation rate of mud crabs in captivity . Crustacean blood is called hemolymph and can be lost during eyestalk ablation. An excessive loss of hemolymph may lead to the death of eyestalk-ablated crabs, especially when performing surgery to remove the eyestalk. The hemolymph can coagulate in the wounded part to prevent loss. The application of a tincture of iodine can prevent infection of the wounded part. However, in comparison to the surgery technique, the cauterization technique seals the wounded part immediately, thereby preventing the loss of hemolymph and possible infection. Mud crab mortality after unilateral eyestalk ablation with either cauterization or surgery was not found within the first 7 days. Thus, eyestalk ablation can be done with a higher survival rate. Unilateral eyestalk ablation does not hamper the survival rate of the crab. Stress during crab handling and eyestalk ablation may contribute to crab mortality. Proper anesthesia is needed to minimize handling stress during eyestalk ablation. In crustacean eyestalk ablation, chemical anesthetics (i.e., xylocaine, lidocaine) are used at the base of the eyestalk before eyestalk ablation . However, due to the aggressive nature and large size of mud crabs, the use of anesthesia only at the base of the eyestalk is not sufficient and might result in additional stress to the animals during the injection. On the other hand, anesthesia by subjecting them to a lower water temperature is more economical and safer. The use of cold water for anesthesia in mud crabs is common and has been used in other studies due to its efficiency, simplicity, and minimal impact on recovery and survival . Although eyestalk ablation using both cauterization and surgery methods has a minimal effect on crab survival and enhances ovarian maturation, performing eyestalk ablation requires professional mastery of the techniques. The timing between the steps is critical as any delay between protocols adds additional stress for the crabs. Unlike the surgery technique, the cauterization technique is dangerous because it involves the use of flammable equipment (i.e., a blow torch and butane gas). Thus, extra caution is needed when performing the cauterization technique. Crabs are cannibalistic in nature, and they are known to prey on others that have just completed their molt and are still in their soft-shell conditions . Thus, rearing the crabs individually can avoid unnecessary mortality due to cannibalism. The use of individual rearing in mud crab culture is commonly practiced, both in high-density culture and pond culture, for fattening and soft-shell crab farming purposes . This protocol also utilized individual rearing and maintenance. During the transportation of the crabs for rearing or commerce, the crab chelipeds are tied up securely (or even autotomized) to prevent fighting, unnecessary injury, and limb loss. The described protocol for eyestalk ablation should be performed with multiple persons. After completing the eyestalk ablation, non-disposable equipment (e.g., the aquarium, tray, towel, etc.) should be disinfected with 30 ppm chlorine. The crabs must be monitored at least twice per day. Any dead crabs, uneaten feed, ablated limbs, or molted crab shells should be swiftly disposed of (i.e., buried in soil with bleaching powder) to prevent any potential for disease spread. to: This protocol was developed for the eyestalk ablation of the mud crab, Scylla spp., and can be applied as an efficient method to induce gonad maturation. This protocol can be easily replicated for the commercial ovary maturation of mud crabs and can be implemented to reduce the latent period (time from one spawning to another) in mud crab seed production. The eyestalk ablation of crustaceans (i.e., freshwater prawn, marine shrimp) is typically done to induce gonad maturation and out-of-season spawning . Eyestalk ablation in brachyuran crabs has also been done to study molting , hormonal regulation, gonad maturation, and induced breeding and reproductive performance . Anesthesia via immersion in 2-phenoxyethanol was used as it is comparable to the use of tricaine methanesulfonate (MS-222) in arthopods but cheaper and does not require the use of additional buffer. Unilateral or bilateral eyestalk ablation influences the physiology of the crustacean. Eyestalk ablation following the protocol stated in this study also influences the ovarian maturation rate of mud crabs. In the control treatment (without eyestalk ablation), 43.33% ± 5.77% of female crabs had an immature ovary (stage-1). However, in the same rearing period (30 days), eyestalk-ablated female crabs had pre-maturing ovaries (stage-3; 56.67% ± 11.55% and 53.33% ± 15.28% with the cauterization and surgery techniques, respectively), which shows that eyestalk ablation can increase the gonad maturation of mud crabs. Previous studies have also reported that the ovarian development of intact crabs (without eyestalk ablation) is slower than that of eyestalk-ablated crabs . Due to the slower gonadal development in intact crustaceans, eyestalk ablation is widely done in commercial prawn and shrimp hatcheries. In this protocol, the eyestalk-ablated female crabs achieved higher percentages of ovarian maturation compared to the female crabs without the eyestalk ablation treatment (Figure 3). The gonad maturation of the mud crab is regulated by hormones . The eyestalk contains important endocrine glands (i.e., the X-organ-sinus gland complex) that play vital roles in the gonadal maturation process of mud crabs . Unilateral eyestalk ablation, either by cauterization or surgery, damages one of the major endocrine glands that is involved in the synthesis and release of inhibiting hormones (e.g., VIH), thereby resulting in a higher level of gonad-stimulating hormones (i.e., VSH). The ovarian maturation stages of Scylla spp. can be differentiated by observing the ovarian tissue coloration with the naked eye . Translucent or creamy white ovarian tissues are indications of immature ovaries . In this study, immature ovaries (stage-1) were still found in the group of female crabs without eyestalk ablation due to the slower ovarian maturation process. However, the crabs in the eyestalk-ablated groups (both by the cauterization and surgery techniques) mostly showed pre-maturing ovaries (stage-3), with some individuals exhibiting fully matured ovaries (stage-4). Therefore, the protocol of eyestalk ablation described here can be used to increase ovarian maturation in female mud crabs. This protocol can also be applied directly to wild-collected mature female mud crabs to hasten their seed production. To evaluate the effectiveness of cauterization and surgery methods on mud crab gonad maturation and to ensure the accurate estimation of molting duration, sexually pre-mature crabs were used. After the (induced) molting of sexually pre-mature female crabs, we noticed that their ovaries were still in the immature or early developing stages . After 30 days of rearing the newly mature female crabs (either eyestalk-ablated or without eyestalk ablation), the ovarian development stages (stage-1 to stage-4) were determined by the color of the ovarian tissues. This protocol encourages the use of the cauterization technique to perform eyestalk ablation in mud crabs to avoid any hemolymph loss and prevent infection at the ablated sites. Cauterization immediately seals the wound, whereas the surgery technique takes time for the wound to heal and this would allow for chance of infection. For commercial purposes, larger mature crabs, preferably at a later stage of ovarian maturation, should be selected for eyestalk ablation to shorten the time to reach the fully matured ovary stage for subsequent commerce or brood stock culture. In addition to eyestalk ablation, individual rearing with sand substrate and sufficient feeding, preferably with live feed, can increase the gonad maturation rate of mud crabs in captivity . Crustacean blood is called hemolymph and can be lost during eyestalk ablation. An excessive loss of hemolymph may lead to the death of eyestalk-ablated crabs, especially when performing surgery to remove the eyestalk. The hemolymph can coagulate in the wounded part to prevent loss. However, in comparison to the surgery technique, the cauterization technique seals the wounded part immediately, thereby preventing the loss of hemolymph and possible infection. Mud crab mortality after unilateral eyestalk ablation with either cauterization or surgery was not found within the first 7 days. Thus, eyestalk ablation can be done with a higher survival rate. Unilateral eyestalk ablation does not hamper the survival rate of the crab. Stress during crab handling and eyestalk ablation may contribute to crab mortality. Proper anesthesia is needed to minimize handling stress during eyestalk ablation. In crustacean eyestalk ablation, chemical anesthetics (i.e., xylocaine, lidocaine) are used at the base of the eyestalk before eyestalk ablation . However, due to the aggressive nature and large size of mud crabs, the use of anesthesia only at the base of the eyestalk is not sufficient and might result in additional stress to the animals during the injection. On the other hand, anesthesia by subjecting them to a lower water temperature is more economical and safer. The use of cold water for anesthesia in mud crabs is common and has been used in other studies due to its efficiency, simplicity, and minimal impact on recovery and survival . In addition, future research on pain assessment following eyestalk ablation on mud crabs is recommended to highlight the change in behaviours associated with pain and stress, as evident in freshwater prawn Macrobrachium americanum. Although eyestalk ablation using both cauterization and surgery methods has a minimal effect on crab survival and enhances ovarian maturation, performing eyestalk ablation requires professional mastery of the techniques. The timing between the steps is critical as any delay between protocols adds additional stress for the crabs. Unlike the surgery technique, the cauterization technique is dangerous because it involves the use of flammable equipment (i.e., a blow torch and butane gas). Thus, extra caution is needed when performing the cauterization technique. Crabs are cannibalistic in nature, and they are known to prey on others that have just completed their molt and are still in their soft-shell conditions . Thus, rearing the crabs individually can avoid unnecessary mortality due to cannibalism. The use of individual rearing in mud crab culture is commonly practiced, both in high-density culture and pond culture, for fattening and soft-shell crab farming purposes . This protocol also utilized individual rearing and maintenance. During the transportation of the crabs for rearing or commerce, the crab chelipeds are tied up securely (or even autotomized) to prevent fighting, unnecessary injury, and limb loss. The described protocol for eyestalk ablation should be performed with multiple persons. After completing the eyestalk ablation, non-disposable equipment (e.g., the aquarium, tray, towel, etc.) should be disinfected with 30 ppm chlorine. The crabs must be monitored at least twice per day. Any dead crabs, uneaten feed, ablated limbs, or molted crab shells should be swiftly disposed of (i.e., buried in soil with bleaching powder) to prevent any potential for disease spread. The References have been updated from: Keenan, C. P., Davie, P. J. F., Mann, D. L. A revision of the genus Scylla de Haan, 1833 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura: Portunidae). Raffles Bulletin of Zoology. 46 (1), 217-245 (1998). Fazhan, H. et al. Morphological descriptions and morphometric discriminant function analysis reveal an additional four groups of Scylla spp. PeerJ. 8, e8066 (2020). Ikhwanuddin, M., Bachok, Z., Hilmi, M. G., Azmie, G., Zakaria, M. Z. Species diversity, carapace width-body weight relationship, size distribution and sex ratio of mud crab, genus Scylla from Setiu Wetlands of Terengganu coastal waters, Malaysia. Journal of Sustainability Science and Management. 5 (2), 97-109 (2010). Ikhwanuddin, M., Bachok, Z., Mohd Faizal, W. W. Y., Azmie, G., Abol-Munafi, A. B. Size of maturity of mud crab Scylla olivacea (Herbst, 1796) from mangrove areas of Terengganu coastal waters. Journal of Sustainability Science and Management. 5 (2), 134-147 (2010). Waiho, K. et al. On types of sexual maturity in brachyurans, with special reference to size at the onset of sexual maturity. Journal of Shellfish Research. 36 (3), 807-839 (2017). Mykles, D. L., Chang, E. S. Hormonal control of the crustacean molting gland: Insights from transcriptomics and proteomics. General and Comparative Endocrinology. 294, 113493 (2020). Fujaya, Y. et al. Is limb autotomy really efficient compared to traditional rearing in soft-shell crab (Scylla olivacea) production? Aquaculture Reports. 18, 100432 (2020). Waiho, K. et al. Moult induction methods in soft-shell crab production. Aquaculture Research. 52 (9), 4026-4042 (2021). Rahman, M. R. et al. Evaluation of limb autotomy as a promising strategy to improve production performances of mud crab (Scylla olivacea) in the soft-shell farming system. Aquaculture Research. 51 (6), 2555-2572 (2020). Okumura, T. et al. Expression of vitellogenin and cortical rod proteins during induced ovarian development by eyestalk ablation in the kuruma prawn, Marsupenaeus japonicus. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Molecular & Integrative Physiology. 143 (2), 246-253 (2006). Pervaiz, P. A., Jhon, S. M., Sikdar-bar, M. Studies on the effect of unilateral eyestalk ablation in maturation of gonads of a freshwater prawn Macrobrachium dayanum. World Journal of Zoology. 6 (2), 159-163 (2011). Primavera, J. H. Induced maturation and spawning in five-month-old Penaeus monodon Fabricius by eyestalk ablation. Aquaculture. 13 (4), 355-359 (1978). Shyne Anand, P. S. et al. Reproductive performance of wild brooders of Indian white shrimp, Penaeus indicus: Potential and challenges for selective breeding program. Journal of Coastal Research. 86 (sp1), 65 (2019). Diarte-Plata, G. et al. Eyestalk ablation procedures to minimize pain in the freshwater prawn Macrobrachium americanum. Applied Animal Behaviour Science. 140 (3-4), 172-178 (2012). Vargas-Téllez, I. et al. Impact of unilateral eyestalk ablation on Callinectes arcuatus (Ordway, 1863) under laboratory conditions: Behavioral evaluation. Latin American Journal of Aquatic Research. 49 (4), 576-594 (2021). Chu, K. H., Chow, W. K. Effects of unilateral versus bilateral eyestalk ablation on molting and growth of the shrimp, Penaeus chinensis (Osbeck, 1765) (Decapoda, Penaeidea). Crustaceana. 62 (3), 225-233 (1992). Taylor, J. Minimizing the effects of stress during eyestalk ablation of Litopenaeus vannamei females with topical anesthetic and a coagulating agent. Aquaculture. 233 (1-4), 173-179 (2004). Wang, M., Ye, H., Miao, L., Li, X. Role of short neuropeptide F in regulating eyestalk neuroendocrine systems in the mud crab Scylla paramamosain. Aquaculture. 560, 738493 (2022). Nagaraju, G. P. C. Reproductive regulators in decapod crustaceans: an overview. Journal of Experimental Biology. 214 (1), 3-16 (2011). Kornthong, N. et al. Characterization of red pigment concentrating hormone (RPCH) in the female mud crab (Scylla olivacea) and the effect of 5-HT on its expression. General and Comparative Endocrinology. 185, 28-36 (2013). Kornthong, N. et al. Molecular characterization of a vitellogenesis-inhibiting hormone (VIH) in the mud crab (Scylla olivacea) and temporal changes in abundances of VIH mRNA transcripts during ovarian maturation and following neurotransmitter administration. Animal Reproduction Science. 208, 106122 (2019). Liu, C. et al. VIH from the mud crab is specifically expressed in the eyestalk and potentially regulated by transactivator of Sox9/Oct4/Oct1. General and Comparative Endocrinology. 255, 1-11 (2018). Chen, H.-Y., Kang, B. J., Sultana, Z., Wilder, M. N. Variation of protein kinase C-α expression in eyestalk removal-activated ovaries in whiteleg shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Molecular & Integrative Physiology. 237 (300), 110552 (2019). Rotllant, G., Nguyen, T. V., Aizen, J., Suwansa-ard, S., Ventura, T. Toward the identification of female gonad-stimulating factors in crustaceans. Hydrobiologia. 825 (1), 91-119 (2018). Supriya, N. T., Sudha, K., Krishnakumar, V., Anilkumar, G. Molt and reproduction enhancement together with hemolymph ecdysteroid elevation under eyestalk ablation in the female fiddler crab, Uca triangularis (Brachyura: Decapoda). Chinese Journal of Oceanology and Limnology. 35 (3), 645-657 (2017). Wilder, M. N. Advances in the science of crustacean reproductive physiology and potential applications to new seed production technology. Journal of Coastal Research. 86 (sp1), 6-10 (2019). Arcos, G. F., Ibarra, A. M., Vazquez-Boucard, C., Palacios, E., Racotta, I. S. Haemolymph metabolic variables in relation to eyestalk ablation and gonad development of Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei Boone. Aquaculture Research. 34 (9), 749-755 (2003). Desai, U. M., Achuthankutty, C. T. Complete regeneration of ablated eyestalk in penaeid prawn, Penaeus monodon. Current Science. 79 (11), 1602-1603 (2000). Wu, Q. et al. Growth performance and biochemical composition dynamics of ovary, hepatopancreas and muscle tissues at different ovarian maturation stages of female mud crab, Scylla paramamosain. Aquaculture. 515, 734560 (2020). Ghazali, A., Azra, M. N., Noordin, N. M., Abol-Munafi, A. B., Ikhwanuddin, M. Ovarian morphological development and fatty acids profile of mud crab (Scylla olivacea) fed with various diets. Aquaculture. 468 (Part 1), 45-52 (2017). Farhadi, A. et al. The regulatory mechanism of sexual development in decapod crustaceans. Frontiers in Marine Science. 8 (2021). Sukardi, P., Prayogo, N. A., Harisam, T., Sudaryono, A. Effect of eyestalk-ablation and differences salinity in rearing pond on molting speed of Scylla serrata. AIP Conference Proceedings. 2094, 020029 (2019). Stella, V. S., López Greco, L. S., Rodríguez, E. M. Effects of eyestalk ablation at different times of the year on molting and reproduction of the estuarine grapsid crab Chasmagnathus granulata (Decapoda, Brachyura). Journal of Crustacean Biology. 20 (2), 239-244 (2000). Jang, I. K. et al. The effects of manipulating water temperature, photoperiod, and eyestalk ablation on gonad maturation of the swimming crab, Portunus trituberculatus.Crustaceana. 83 (2), 129-141 (2010). Millamena, O. M., Quinitio, E. The effects of diets on reproductive performance of eyestalk ablated and intact mud crab Scylla serrata. Aquaculture. 181 (1-2), 81-90 (2000). Zeng, C. Induced out-of-season spawning of the mud crab, Scylla paramamosain (Estampador) and effects of temperature on embryo development. Aquaculture Research. 38 (14), 1478-1485 (2007). Rana, S. Eye stalk ablation of freshwater crab, Barytelphusa lugubris: An alternative approach of hormonal induced breeding. International Journal of Pure and Applied Zoology. 6 (3), 30-34 (2018). Yi, S.-K., Lee, S.-G., Lee, J.-M. Preliminary study of seed production of the Micronesian mud crab Scylla serrata (Crustacea: Portunidae) in Korea. Ocean and Polar Research. 31 (3), 257-264 (2009). Azra, M. N., Abol-Munafi, A. B., Ikhwanuddin, M. A review of broodstock improvement to brachyuran crab: Reproductive performance. International Journal of Aquaculture. 5 (38), 1-10 (2016). Muhd-Farouk, H., Abol-Munafi, A. B., Jasmani, S., Ikhwanuddin, M. Effect of steroid hormones 17α-hydroxyprogesterone and 17α-hydroxypregnenolone on ovary external morphology of orange mud crab, Scylla olivacea. Asian Journal of Cell Biology. 9 (1), 23-28 (2013). Muhd-Farouk, H., Jasmani, S., Ikhwanuddin, M. Effect of vertebrate steroid hormones on the ovarian maturation stages of orange mud crab, Scylla olivacea (Herbst, 1796). Aquaculture. 451, 78-86 (2016). Ghazali, A., Mat Noordin, N., Abol-Munafi, A. B., Azra, M. N., Ikhwanuddin, M. Ovarian maturation stages of wild and captive mud crab, Scylla olivacea fed with two diets. Sains Malaysiana. 46 (12), 2273-2280 (2017). Aaqillah-Amr, M. A., Hidir, A., Noordiyana, M. N., Ikhwanuddin, M. Morphological, biochemical and histological analysis of mud crab ovary and hepatopancreas at different stages of development. Animal Reproduction Science. 195, 274-283 (2018). Amin-Safwan, A., Muhd-Farouk, H., Mardhiyyah, M. P., Nadirah, M., Ikhwanuddin, M. Does water salinity affect the level of 17β-estradiol and ovarian physiology of orange mud crab, Scylla olivacea (Herbst, 1796) in captivity? Journal of King Saud University - Science. 31 (4), 827-835 (2019). Wu, X. et al. Effect of dietary supplementation of phospholipids and highly unsaturated fatty acids on reproductive performance and offspring quality of Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis (H. Milne-Edwards), female broodstock. Aquaculture. 273 (4), 602-613 (2007). Azra, M. N., Ikhwanuddin, M. A review of maturation diets for mud crab genus Scylla broodstock: Present research, problems and future perspective. Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences. 23 (2), 257-267 (2016). Maschio Rodrigues, M., López Greco, L. S., de Almeida, L. C. F., Bertini, G. Reproductive performance of Macrobrachium acanthurus (Crustacea, Palaemonidae) females subjected to unilateral eyestalk ablation. Acta Zoologica. 103 (3), 326-334 (2022). Zhang, C. et al. Changes in bud morphology, growth-related genes and nutritional status during cheliped regeneration in the Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis. PLoS One. 13 (12), e0209617 (2018). Zhang, C. et al. Hemolymph transcriptome analysis of Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) with intact, left cheliped autotomy and bilateral eyestalk ablation. Fish & Shellfish Immunology. 81, 266-275 (2018). Mirera, D. O., Moksnes, P. O. Comparative performance of wild juvenile mud crab (Scylla serrata) in different culture systems in East Africa: Effect of shelter, crab size and stocking density. Aquaculture International. 23 (1), 155-173 (2015). Ut, V. N., Le Vay, L., Nghia, T. T., Hong Hanh, T. T. Development of nursery cultures for the mud crab Scylla paramamosain (Estampador). Aquaculture Research. 38 (14), 1563-1568 (2007). Fazhan, H. et al. Limb loss and feeding ability in the juvenile mud crab Scylla olivacea: Implications of limb autotomy for aquaculture practice. Applied Animal Behaviour Science. 247, 105553 (2022). to: Keenan, C. P., Davie, P. J. F., Mann, D. L. A revision of the genus Scylla de Haan, 1833 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura: Portunidae). Raffles Bulletin of Zoology. 46 (1), 217-245 (1998). Fazhan, H. et al. Morphological descriptions and morphometric discriminant function analysis reveal an additional four groups of Scylla spp. PeerJ. 8, e8066 (2020). Ikhwanuddin, M., Bachok, Z., Hilmi, M. G., Azmie, G., Zakaria, M. Z. Species diversity, carapace width-body weight relationship, size distribution and sex ratio of mud crab, genus Scylla from Setiu Wetlands of Terengganu coastal waters, Malaysia. Journal of Sustainability Science and Management. 5 (2), 97-109 (2010). Ikhwanuddin, M., Bachok, Z., Mohd Faizal, W. W. Y., Azmie, G., Abol-Munafi, A. B. Size of maturity of mud crab Scylla olivacea (Herbst, 1796) from mangrove areas of Terengganu coastal waters. Journal of Sustainability Science and Management. 5 (2), 134-147 (2010). Waiho, K. et al. On types of sexual maturity in brachyurans, with special reference to size at the onset of sexual maturity. Journal of Shellfish Research. 36 (3), 807-839 (2017). Mykles, D. L., Chang, E. S. Hormonal control of the crustacean molting gland: Insights from transcriptomics and proteomics. General and Comparative Endocrinology. 294, 113493 (2020). Fujaya, Y. et al. Is limb autotomy really efficient compared to traditional rearing in soft-shell crab (Scylla olivacea) production? Aquaculture Reports. 18, 100432 (2020). Waiho, K. et al. Moult induction methods in soft-shell crab production. Aquaculture Research. 52 (9), 4026-4042 (2021). Rahman, M. R. et al. Evaluation of limb autotomy as a promising strategy to improve production performances of mud crab (Scylla olivacea) in the soft-shell farming system. Aquaculture Research. 51 (6), 2555-2572 (2020). Okumura, T. et al. Expression of vitellogenin and cortical rod proteins during induced ovarian development by eyestalk ablation in the kuruma prawn, Marsupenaeus japonicus. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Molecular & Integrative Physiology. 143 (2), 246-253 (2006). Pervaiz, P. A., Jhon, S. M., Sikdar-bar, M. Studies on the effect of unilateral eyestalk ablation in maturation of gonads of a freshwater prawn Macrobrachium dayanum. World Journal of Zoology. 6 (2), 159-163 (2011). Primavera, J. H. Induced maturation and spawning in five-month-old Penaeus monodon Fabricius by eyestalk ablation. Aquaculture. 13 (4), 355-359 (1978). Shyne Anand, P. S. et al. Reproductive performance of wild brooders of Indian white shrimp, Penaeus indicus: Potential and challenges for selective breeding program. Journal of Coastal Research. 86 (sp1), 65 (2019). Diarte-Plata, G. et al. Eyestalk ablation procedures to minimize pain in the freshwater prawn Macrobrachium americanum. Applied Animal Behaviour Science. 140 (3-4), 172-178 (2012). Vargas-Téllez, I. et al. Impact of unilateral eyestalk ablation on Callinectes arcuatus (Ordway, 1863) under laboratory conditions: Behavioral evaluation. Latin American Journal of Aquatic Research. 49 (4), 576-594 (2021). Chu, K. H., Chow, W. K. Effects of unilateral versus bilateral eyestalk ablation on molting and growth of the shrimp, Penaeus chinensis (Osbeck, 1765) (Decapoda, Penaeidea). Crustaceana. 62 (3), 225-233 (1992). Taylor, J. Minimizing the effects of stress during eyestalk ablation of Litopenaeus vannamei females with topical anesthetic and a coagulating agent. Aquaculture. 233 (1-4), 173-179 (2004). Wang, M., Ye, H., Miao, L., Li, X. Role of short neuropeptide F in regulating eyestalk neuroendocrine systems in the mud crab Scylla paramamosain. Aquaculture. 560, 738493 (2022). Nagaraju, G. P. C. Reproductive regulators in decapod crustaceans: an overview. Journal of Experimental Biology. 214 (1), 3-16 (2011). Kornthong, N. et al. Characterization of red pigment concentrating hormone (RPCH) in the female mud crab (Scylla olivacea) and the effect of 5-HT on its expression. General and Comparative Endocrinology. 185, 28-36 (2013). Kornthong, N. et al. Molecular characterization of a vitellogenesis-inhibiting hormone (VIH) in the mud crab (Scylla olivacea) and temporal changes in abundances of VIH mRNA transcripts during ovarian maturation and following neurotransmitter administration. Animal Reproduction Science. 208, 106122 (2019). Liu, C. et al. VIH from the mud crab is specifically expressed in the eyestalk and potentially regulated by transactivator of Sox9/Oct4/Oct1. General and Comparative Endocrinology. 255, 1-11 (2018). Chen, H.-Y., Kang, B. J., Sultana, Z., Wilder, M. N. Variation of protein kinase C-α expression in eyestalk removal-activated ovaries in whiteleg shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Molecular & Integrative Physiology. 237 (300), 110552 (2019). Rotllant, G., Nguyen, T. V., Aizen, J., Suwansa-ard, S., Ventura, T. Toward the identification of female gonad-stimulating factors in crustaceans. Hydrobiologia. 825 (1), 91-119 (2018). Supriya, N. T., Sudha, K., Krishnakumar, V., Anilkumar, G. Molt and reproduction enhancement together with hemolymph ecdysteroid elevation under eyestalk ablation in the female fiddler crab, Uca triangularis (Brachyura: Decapoda). Chinese Journal of Oceanology and Limnology. 35 (3), 645-657 (2017). Wilder, M. N. Advances in the science of crustacean reproductive physiology and potential applications to new seed production technology. Journal of Coastal Research. 86 (sp1), 6-10 (2019). Arcos, G. F., Ibarra, A. M., Vazquez-Boucard, C., Palacios, E., Racotta, I. S. Haemolymph metabolic variables in relation to eyestalk ablation and gonad development of Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei Boone. Aquaculture Research. 34 (9), 749-755 (2003). Desai, U. M., Achuthankutty, C. T. Complete regeneration of ablated eyestalk in penaeid prawn, Penaeus monodon. Current Science. 79 (11), 1602-1603 (2000). Wu, Q. et al. Growth performance and biochemical composition dynamics of ovary, hepatopancreas and muscle tissues at different ovarian maturation stages of female mud crab, Scylla paramamosain. Aquaculture. 515, 734560 (2020). Ghazali, A., Azra, M. N., Noordin, N. M., Abol-Munafi, A. B., Ikhwanuddin, M. Ovarian morphological development and fatty acids profile of mud crab (Scylla olivacea) fed with various diets. Aquaculture. 468 (Part 1), 45-52 (2017). Farhadi, A. et al. The regulatory mechanism of sexual development in decapod crustaceans. Frontiers in Marine Science. 8 (2021). Sukardi, P., Prayogo, N. A., Harisam, T., Sudaryono, A. Effect of eyestalk-ablation and differences salinity in rearing pond on molting speed of Scylla serrata. AIP Conference Proceedings. 2094, 020029 (2019). Stella, V. S., López Greco, L. S., Rodríguez, E. M. Effects of eyestalk ablation at different times of the year on molting and reproduction of the estuarine grapsid crab Chasmagnathus granulata (Decapoda, Brachyura). Journal of Crustacean Biology. 20 (2), 239-244 (2000). Jang, I. K. et al. The effects of manipulating water temperature, photoperiod, and eyestalk ablation on gonad maturation of the swimming crab, Portunus trituberculatus.Crustaceana. 83 (2), 129-141 (2010). Millamena, O. M., Quinitio, E. The effects of diets on reproductive performance of eyestalk ablated and intact mud crab Scylla serrata. Aquaculture. 181 (1-2), 81-90 (2000). Zeng, C. Induced out-of-season spawning of the mud crab, Scylla paramamosain (Estampador) and effects of temperature on embryo development. Aquaculture Research. 38 (14), 1478-1485 (2007). Rana, S. Eye stalk ablation of freshwater crab, Barytelphusa lugubris: An alternative approach of hormonal induced breeding. International Journal of Pure and Applied Zoology. 6 (3), 30-34 (2018). Yi, S.-K., Lee, S.-G., Lee, J.-M. Preliminary study of seed production of the Micronesian mud crab Scylla serrata (Crustacea: Portunidae) in Korea. Ocean and Polar Research. 31 (3), 257-264 (2009). Azra, M. N., Abol-Munafi, A. B., Ikhwanuddin, M. A review of broodstock improvement to brachyuran crab: Reproductive performance. International Journal of Aquaculture. 5 (38), 1-10 (2016). Archibald, K. E., Scott, G. N., Bailey, K. M., Harms, C. A. 2-phenoxyethanol (2-PE) and tricaine methanesulfonate (MS-222) immersion anesthesia of American horseshoe crabs (Limulus polyphemus). Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine. 50 (1), 96-106 (2019). Muhd-Farouk, H., Abol-Munafi, A. B., Jasmani, S., Ikhwanuddin, M. Effect of steroid hormones 17α-hydroxyprogesterone and 17α-hydroxypregnenolone on ovary external morphology of orange mud crab, Scylla olivacea. Asian Journal of Cell Biology. 9 (1), 23-28 (2013). Muhd-Farouk, H., Jasmani, S., Ikhwanuddin, M. Effect of vertebrate steroid hormones on the ovarian maturation stages of orange mud crab, Scylla olivacea (Herbst, 1796). Aquaculture. 451, 78-86 (2016). Ghazali, A., Mat Noordin, N., Abol-Munafi, A. B., Azra, M. N., Ikhwanuddin, M. Ovarian maturation stages of wild and captive mud crab, Scylla olivacea fed with two diets. Sains Malaysiana. 46 (12), 2273-2280 (2017). Aaqillah-Amr, M. A., Hidir, A., Noordiyana, M. N., Ikhwanuddin, M. Morphological, biochemical and histological analysis of mud crab ovary and hepatopancreas at different stages of development. Animal Reproduction Science. 195, 274-283 (2018). Amin-Safwan, A., Muhd-Farouk, H., Mardhiyyah, M. P., Nadirah, M., Ikhwanuddin, M. Does water salinity affect the level of 17β-estradiol and ovarian physiology of orange mud crab, Scylla olivacea (Herbst, 1796) in captivity? Journal of King Saud University - Science. 31 (4), 827-835 (2019). Wu, X. et al. Effect of dietary supplementation of phospholipids and highly unsaturated fatty acids on reproductive performance and offspring quality of Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis (H. Milne-Edwards), female broodstock. Aquaculture. 273 (4), 602-613 (2007). Azra, M. N., Ikhwanuddin, M. A review of maturation diets for mud crab genus Scylla broodstock: Present research, problems and future perspective. Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences. 23 (2), 257-267 (2016). Maschio Rodrigues, M., López Greco, L. S., de Almeida, L. C. F., Bertini, G. Reproductive performance of Macrobrachium acanthurus (Crustacea, Palaemonidae) females subjected to unilateral eyestalk ablation. Acta Zoologica. 103 (3), 326-334 (2022). Zhang, C. et al. Changes in bud morphology, growth-related genes and nutritional status during cheliped regeneration in the Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis. PLoS One. 13 (12), e0209617 (2018). Zhang, C. et al. Hemolymph transcriptome analysis of Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) with intact, left cheliped autotomy and bilateral eyestalk ablation. Fish & Shellfish Immunology. 81, 266-275 (2018). Diarte-Plata, G., Sainz-Hernandez, J. C., Aguiñaga-Cruz, J. A., Fierro-Coronado, J. A., Polanco-Torres, A., Puente-Palazuelos, C. Eyestalk ablation procedures to minimize pain in the freshwater prawn Macrobrachium americanum. Applied Animal Behaviour Science. 140 (3-4), 172-178 (2012). Mirera, D. O., Moksnes, P. O. Comparative performance of wild juvenile mud crab (Scylla serrata) in different culture systems in East Africa: Effect of shelter, crab size and stocking density. Aquaculture International. 23 (1), 155-173 (2015). Ut, V. N., Le Vay, L., Nghia, T. T., Hong Hanh, T. T. Development of nursery cultures for the mud crab Scylla paramamosain (Estampador). Aquaculture Research. 38 (14), 1563-1568 (2007). Fazhan, H. et al. Limb loss and feeding ability in the juvenile mud crab Scylla olivacea: Implications of limb autotomy for aquaculture practice. Applied Animal Behaviour Science. 247, 105553 (2022).
PubMed: 37235796
DOI: 10.3791/6561 -
Clinical and Experimental Vaccine... Apr 2023Sublingual immunotherapy is currently promoted by various companies, with administration schedules variable in the different products even though almost all are...
PURPOSE
Sublingual immunotherapy is currently promoted by various companies, with administration schedules variable in the different products even though almost all are standardized immunologically. So, this study was planned to examine the efficacy of simple nondaily dosing of sublingual immunotherapy instead of the widely used daily schedule.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Fifty-two patients with allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma were enrolled. Sublingual immunotherapy (manufactured at the allergen immunotherapy preparation unit at Mansoura University) was given in suitable bottles with a dropper mechanism that permits comfortable dosing under the tongue. The physician recommended that the patient put the drops under his/her tongue and leave the drops beneath the tongue for 2 minutes before swallowing. This was repeated every 3 days, with the drop number and concentration gradually rising.
RESULTS
After 2 months of follow-up, 65.8% responded partially to the symptom score and 26.3% responded completely to the medication score. There was a significant decline in the symptom and medication scores from the baseline scores (p<0.0001). After 4 months of follow-up, 95.8% responded partially to symptom scores and no one has not responded; 54.2% responded completely to medication scores; and 81% of studied patients had no side effects. However, the most frequent side effect was a sore throat.
CONCLUSION
Our nondaily schedule of sublingual immunotherapy is tolerable, safe, and effective in patients with allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma.
PubMed: 37214147
DOI: 10.7774/cevr.2023.12.2.121 -
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) Jan 2023(1) Background: Water is necessary for the preparation of some medicines found in pharmacies where the local water source does not meet the required purity. This study...
(1) Background: Water is necessary for the preparation of some medicines found in pharmacies where the local water source does not meet the required purity. This study aimed to investigate the presence of coliform contamination in water used for drug reconstitution in community pharmacies in Jordan. (2) Methods: Two water samples from 50 randomly selected community pharmacies representing all Jordanian governorates were filtered and then cultured in plate count agars to determine total microbial count, and in m-Endo Agar Les and Eosin Methylene Blue (EMB) agar to cultivate (). The presence of was further characterized with gram stains, biochemical tests, and Polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Antibiotic susceptibility of isolated was tested against a variety of standard antibiotics. (3) Results: Community pharmacies used droppers filled with water from coolers (62%), bottled water (20%), boiled tap water (16%) and tap water (2%). The majority of the sampled water contained coliform bacteria (88%), and was isolated from 26% of all samples. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference in the percentage of contaminated water samples based on its source location. Nonetheless, the results showed a tendency for higher proportions of contamination in droppers filled from boiled tap water (37.5%; SE: 17.1), followed by water from water coolers (25.8%; SE: 7.9), and then from bottled water (20%; SE: 12.7). All of the isolated were sensitive to gentamycin, ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin. The susceptibility of the isolates to ceftazidime, doxycycline, tetracycline, azithromycin and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid were 92%, 61%, 46%, 23% and 15%, respectively. (4) Conclusions: This study confirms the widespread presence of multidrug-resistant bacteria in water intended for reconstituting drugs in local pharmacies. These findings expose an alarming situation that needs special attention by the acting pharmacists and competent authorities. Higher levels of personal hygiene in the pharmacies coupled with regular inspection of water quality may reduce the risk of microbial contamination in compounded products, especially multidrug-resistant strains of and other index microorganisms.
PubMed: 36766874
DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11030299 -
Hospital Pharmacy Feb 2022Compounded eye drop solutions of vancomycin hydrochloride have important clinical applications, such as postoperative antimicrobial prophylaxis and bacterial keratitis....
PURPOSE
Compounded eye drop solutions of vancomycin hydrochloride have important clinical applications, such as postoperative antimicrobial prophylaxis and bacterial keratitis. There exists a plethora of data to support the use of various liquid vehicles to compound vancomycin hydrochloride eye drops. However, there are a number of limitations for implementation, especially the frequent shortage or discontinuation of the vehicle products. This study was designed to investigate the use of an OTC eye wash product as the evergreen vehicle and to evaluate the physical and chemical stability of the new formulation.
METHODS
The Advance Eye Relief eye wash and vancomycin hydrochloride for injection vials were used to prepare 10 and 50 mg/mL vancomycin eye drop solutions. The solutions were packaged in Steri-Droppers bottles and stored in a freezer for 14 days followed by 28 days in refrigeration. The 14-day period of freezing was included to allow time for sterility testing. At pre-determined stability time points, samples were taken for visual inspection, pH and osmolality measurement, and analysis by a stability-indicating high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method.
RESULTS
Freshly prepared vancomycin eye drops were clear, colorless, and free of particulates. The pH readings were 7.03 and 6.28 for the 10 and 50 mg/mL solutions, respectively. The osmolality of both solutions were within the range of 300-330 mOsmol/kg and considered isotonic. Initial drug concentrations of all samples were confirmed by HPLC to be within 100%-103% of the label claims. Throughout the stability study period, there were no significant changes in the appearance, pH, or osmolality of any samples. The HPLC results also confirmed that the drug concentrations in all stability samples were within 98%-101% of the initial time zero values and no significant degradation product peaks were observed.
CONCLUSION
A new compounded vancomycin eye drop formulation was developed to mitigate vehicle sourcing issues. This eye drop formulation was easy to prepare, exhibited satisfactory properties for ophthalmic applications, and remained stable chemically and physically when stored for 14 days in freezer followed by 28 days in refrigerator.
PubMed: 35521008
DOI: 10.1177/0018578720973885 -
Advances in Ophthalmology Practice and... 2022It is possible that preservative-free eye drops can be contaminated. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of microbial contamination of preservative-free...
BACKGROUND
It is possible that preservative-free eye drops can be contaminated. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of microbial contamination of preservative-free hospital-prepared anti-infective eye drops and investigate factors that contribute to contamination. This finding may help to raise awareness of this problem to medical healthcare staff and patients in order to prevent the transmission of microorganisms from eye drops to the patients through treatment of pre-existing eye diseases.
METHODS
Two hundred and ninety-five eye drop bottles were collected from patients attending Rajavithi Hospital Ophthalmologic outpatient and inpatient department, including both those used by patients at home and those administered in the hospital by medical staff. Samples were taken from the tips of droppers and bottles, and the residual fluid inside the bottles was then cultivated onto different culture plates. The culture results were identified and analyzed according to various factors related to both individual users and the bottles.
RESULTS
Seven different types of eye drops were collected and 71 (24.06%) of the 295 bottles were contaminated. Vancomycin eye drops were the most contaminated. Twenty-six different types of pathogens were identified, most frequently mold (42.98%), and the amount of contamination was higher in tips than in residual fluid inside the bottle. There was no statistically significant difference in contamination between patients used eye drops collected in outpatient units (32.14%) and medical staff used eye drops collected in inpatient settings (23.22%). The only factor that was statistically significant was the number of eye drops used per person. We found that samples from patients who used only up to 2 eye drops suffered contamination (42.8%) more than those from their counterparts who used at least 3 (22.18%), = 0.02.
CONCLUSIONS
Of these preservative-free hospital preparations anti-infective eye drops, 24.06% were contaminated. The number of eye drops used per person was statistically significant in triggering contamination. There is a possibility of number of eyedrops use person may trigger contamination.
PubMed: 37846225
DOI: 10.1016/j.aopr.2022.100046 -
Scientific Reports Oct 2021In this study, we examined the rate of contamination of multi-dose ophthalmic solutions in the operating theatre and the underlying risk for infection by examining the...
In this study, we examined the rate of contamination of multi-dose ophthalmic solutions in the operating theatre and the underlying risk for infection by examining the microbiological load on the tips of the dispenser bottles. A total of 245 samples of eye drop bottles were collected and analysed between June 2018 and January 2019. All were collected in the operating theatre of the University Eye Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf. Contamination of the dropper tip occurred in 2% of the samples. Although the prevalence of contamination was low, the results of this study reveal the possibility of contamination of multi-dose eyedrops even when used by health care professionals in the controlled environment of an operating theatre. Following these results, we recommend the use of single-dose eyedrops in the pre- and intraoperative context.
PubMed: 34645913
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-99892-8 -
Ophthalmic Epidemiology Oct 2022To study cosmetics and personal care products-related ocular exposures in the United States.
PURPOSE
To study cosmetics and personal care products-related ocular exposures in the United States.
METHODS
A retrospective analysis of cosmetics and personal care products-related ocular exposures from 2000 through 2018 was conducted using data from the National Poison Data System.
RESULTS
From January 2000 through December 2018, United States Poison Control Centers received 266,743 calls concerning eye exposures to cosmetics and personal care products, corresponding to a mean of 14,039 calls per year. Young children (<6 years old) represented 51.6% of exposures, while older children and teenagers (6-19 years old) and adults (≥ 20 years old) represented 19.5% and 28.9% of exposures, respectively. Over the study period, the annual frequency of exposures decreased by 46.0%. The product subcategories associated with the highest proportion of exposures were perfumes, colognes, and aftershaves (19.0%), suntan and/or sunscreen products (11.2%), nail polishes (9.5%), soaps (6.3%), and creams, lotions, and make-up (5.8%). The product subcategories associated with the greatest proportion of moderate or major medical outcomes were acrylic nail adhesives (14.4%), miscellaneous nail products (12.9%), other hair care products excluding peroxides (10.9%), hair coloring agents excluding peroxides (8.9%), and peroxides (7.5%).
CONCLUSIONS
Although the annual frequency of exposures to cosmetics and personal care products declined during the study period, public health efforts are needed to prevent further ocular exposures to these products. Containers of potentially ocular-toxic products should be redesigned to reduce confusion with eye dropper bottles and to reduce attractiveness to young children, with immediate priority placed on acrylic nail adhesives.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Child; Child, Preschool; Cosmetics; Databases, Factual; Hair Dyes; Humans; Peroxides; Poison Control Centers; Poisons; Retrospective Studies; Soaps; Sunscreening Agents; United States; Young Adult
PubMed: 34551657
DOI: 10.1080/09286586.2021.1980590