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This position statement on undergraduate teaching on the use of magnification in endodontics represents the consensus of the British Endodontic Society Teachers of Endodontology Group. Current clinical and scientific evidence, as well as the expertise of the committee, has been used to develop this statement. The contributors to this position statement consider, as a minimum requirement, the use of dental loupes in non‐surgical endodontics at undergraduate level. It is recommended that the use of dental loupes should be integrated into endodontic clinical skills training and the performance of endodontic treatment in the undergraduate curriculum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Textile artist Anne Wilson curated the Davis Street Drawing Room in her Evanston home, showcasing her extensive practice in fiber art. Visitors are invited to engage in slow, close looking at her meticulous textile archive, preparatory studies, and materials on display. Guests are encouraged to create responses to their experience, contributing to the Drawing Room's archive. The space offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the relationships we have with textiles and the stories they hold, inviting a deeper connection to the fabrics of life. [Extracted from the article]

(1) Background: Musculoskeletal disorders of the upper limbs are a common medical condition among dental hygienists and dentists, making them a common occupational risk for dental professionals. The purpose of the work was to collect information about the dental professions and their habits to highlight what can be good practices to be carried out to prevent any musculoskeletal disorders. (2) Methods: To identify habits and problems inherent in the professional activity of dental hygienists and dentists, a questionnaire was formulated on the use of enlarging systems. (3) Results: The questionnaire was completed by 241 dental professionals. As for the use of magnifiers, 72.6% of participants use them: among dental hygienists, 67.8% use magnifiers, among dentists, 80.9% use magnifiers; there is a statistically significant difference. There is no statistically significant difference between professions regarding muscle disorders. (4) Conclusions: For a clearer assessment, it would be appropriate to submit the questionnaire to a wider sample of professionals, to define better the correlation between musculoskeletal disorders, work activity and the type of enlarging systems used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The use of operating microscopes may contribute to decreasing risk of hepatic artery thrombosis in pediatric liver transplantation. • This may translate to lower risks of early graft loss and mortality. • Adoption of microsurgical principles in general may have contributed to the improved outcomes in institutions that utilize surgical loupes. To review the impact of the operating microscope (OM) for reconstruction of the hepatic artery (HA) by comparing the outcomes with standard loupe reconstruction (SL) in pediatric liver transplantation (LT). Studies comparing the application of OM and SL for the reconstruction of the HA in primary pediatric LT were included from a systematic search of MEDLINE, Cochrane Library and EMBASE from inception to June 2022. Re-transplantation, dual grafts and auxiliary transplants were excluded. Primary outcome was the rate of HA thrombosis (HAT). Secondary outcomes were graft loss and mortality. There were 1261 liver recipients from 9 included studies published until June 2022. There were 484 patients in the OM group and 777 patients in the SL group. HAT incidence with OM was significantly lower with OR = 0.18 (95% CI: 0.07-0.48). The 1-year graft survival was significantly better in the OM group with OR = 2.77 (95% CI: 1.13-6.80). 1-year overall mortality was also significantly lower with OM with OR = 0.39 (0.18-0.86). The use of OM did not significantly impact the incidence of HAT in the living donor liver transplant subgroup. Differences in time for hepatic HA reconstruction, total operating time and length of hospital stay did not reach statistical significance. The use of OM has reduced the risk of HAT, graft loss and mortality in pediatric liver transplantation. Adoption of microsurgical principles in general may have contributed to the improved outcomes with SL reconstruction of HA in pediatric LT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Larval surveys can be an important tool in butterfly studies serving many purposes including determining species presence. Current survey recommendations for the imperiled frosted elfin Callophrys irus (Godart, 1824) (Family: Lycaenidae) include use of larval surveys for detecting species presence. But similar-appearing larvae of the gray hairstreak Strymon melinus (Hubner, 1818) (Family: Lycaenidae) also occur on C. irus host plants, which if misidentified as C. irus can result in false-positive detections. We reared C. irus and S. melinus larvae (n = 61 and n = 16 respectively) and assessed three characteristics of late instar larvae for distinguishing between them in the field. Larval body coloration overlapped for both species (pale green and pale pink) though C. irus was typically green while S. melinus was typically pale pink or red. Cranial pigmentation was also a helpful though imperfect distinguishing characteristic accurately identifying 65 (94.20%) of 69 larvae. The ratio of cranial width to distance between the sensory setae insertions on the prothoracic shield was a definitive distinguishing characteristic with C. irus having ratios <2.20 and S. melinus having ratios >2.20. We recommend observers determine the presence of C. irus at a given site based on multiple larvae (2-3 individuals minimum) if using a combination of body color and cranial pigmentation, or on one individual larva if using ratio measurements. Both larval body color and cranial pigmentation can be determined in the field; the former with the naked eye and the latter with a 60x hand lens. Ratio measurements require use of a dissecting microscope ex-situ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article, titled "Uncovering Earth's History, One Sample at a Time," discusses the importance of studying the Earth's history through rocks and core samples. It introduces two trade books, "A Stone Is a Story" and "Uncovering Earth's Secrets: Science and Adventure on the JOIDES Resolution," which provide insights into the formation of rocks and the process of retrieving core samples from the ocean floor. The article also includes lesson plans for students in grades K-2 and grades 3-5, which involve examining and analyzing different rocks and core samples to understand their formation and interpret their geological history. [Extracted from the article]

The quantitative real-time reverse polymerase chain reaction (RRT-PCR) is the preferred test method for the diagnosis of avian influenza (AI), but can be performed only in specialized laboratories. Different antigen detection methods for the diagnosis of AI were previously reported to be specific and sensitive in field outbreaks. These tests can be performed in basic countryside labs. Brain smears of domestic birds (n = 105) collected during AI field outbreaks were examined with immunocytochemistry (IC). The results were statistically analysed by comparing IC to brain histology (BH), and immunohistochemistry (IHC), to gross pathological examination (GP) (n = 105), and RRT-PCR (n = 91). AI was diagnosed with RRT-PCR in 66 cases. IC and IHC were positive in 59/66 (90%) and 60/66 (91%) cases, respectively. Lesions suspicious for AI were detected with GP and HP in 66/66 (100%) and 61/66 (92%) cases, respectively. An almost perfect agreement was found between RRT-PCR, IC, IHC, and HP. Substantial agreement was found between IC and GP, between IHC and GP, between HP and GP, and between RRT-PCR and GP. The chromogen-based IC test presented in this study produces durable staining, which can be evaluated using a simple brightfield microscope. The test is rapid (can be completed in 2 h), sensitive (90%), specific (100%), and cost-effective, which makes the method suitable for routine diagnostic tests in AI epidemics. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS Avian influenza virus (AIV) antigen detection was examined in field outbreaks. Bird brain smears were tested using immunocytochemistry (IC). IC results strongly correlated with real-time RT-PCR results. The IC method was rapid, specific, sensitive, and cost-effective in AIV field outbreaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the role of the female film editor in the production of German silent cinema, turning to the depiction of editing in a little-known short comedy from 1926, Wenn die Filmkleberin gebummelt hat (When the Film Editor Dawdled, dir. O. F. Mauer), also known as Tragödie einer Uraufführung (Tragedy of a World Premiere). This film, about a distracted editor who mixes revue film and newsreel footage to produce an avant-garde montage film, hands authority over the film to the editor while suggesting that the film she has produced is simply a mistake. Situating the film within discourse on silent-film production practices and Weimar-era montage techniques, the article uses the film as a magnifying glass through which to consider female labor and its relationship to mediation and aesthetic form. It shows how the film offers a remarkable—and relatively early—feminist theory of montage as disruption that hinges on unruly women workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractPurposeMethodsResultsConclusions\nIMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONWe determined over-the-counter magnifier usage rates by patients who newly presented for vision rehabilitation services, and sought to elucidate whether patients’ ratings of over-the-counter magnifiers were associated with vision rehabilitation management strategies.Retrospective records reviews of 274 new vision rehabilitation patients seen between 2021-2023 were completed by three optometric providers at an ophthalmic academic center, college of optometry, and private practice.Over half (58%) of patients tried an over-the-counter magnifier. Older age was significantly associated with trying over-the-counter magnifiers (OR:1.04; p < 0.001). Patients who tried an over-the-counter magnifier had significantly greater odds of the provider recommending and/or dispensing a prescribed hand-held optical illuminated magnifier (P< =0.04) or recommending a CCTV electronic magnifier (p = 0.049). The majority indicated over-the-counter magnifiers were somewhat (46%) or not helpful (38%). There was a significantly greater odds of rating the over-the-counter magnifier as not helpful when the provider subsequently recommended a CCTV (OR:4.8; p = 0.01) or higher spectacle-based near add power (OR: 2.0; p = 0.02).Since most new patients were unsatisfied with over-the-counter magnifiers, it is encouraging that previous over-the-counter magnifier use often led to upgrades with hand-held optical illuminated magnifiers prescribed by vision rehabilitation providers, or patients were transitioned to CCTV electronic magnifiers or spectacle-based high add powers for near reading. These findings support that older adults who have previously experienced that over-the-counter magnifiers were either helpful or unhelpful are ideal candidates to receive vision rehabilitation by optometric providers who can transition them to a prescribed magnification device to better support their visual functioning needs for near reading.Over-the-counter magnifiers were deemed helpful by only a small proportion of visually-impaired patients who were newly seeking vision rehabilitation services; but there other are viable options for them, since optometric vision rehabilitation providers prescribed alternative magnification devices, such as spectacle-based high near add powers or electronic visual aids for patients.Patients who have previously tried an over-the-counter magnifier were often recommended and received a different magnification device from vision rehabilitation providers who should be encouraged to evaluate other aids in-office to determine if they are more acceptable and/or better suited to meet patients’ needs.For patients and their families who have not yet pursued vision rehabilitation, our findings indicate that they should not give up on magnifiers and remain open to the possibility of using other types of magnification that could be helpful, such as a different optical magnifier, prescription for strong near reading glasses, electronic video magnification, or visual assistive apps for smartphones or tablets.Over-the-counter magnifiers were deemed helpful by only a small proportion of visually-impaired patients who were newly seeking vision rehabilitation services; but there other are viable options for them, since optometric vision rehabilitation providers prescribed alternative magnification devices, such as spectacle-based high near add powers or electronic visual aids for patients.Patients who have previously tried an over-the-counter magnifier were often recommended and received a different magnification device from vision rehabilitation providers who should be encouraged to evaluate other aids in-office to determine if they are more acceptable and/or better suited to meet patients’ needs.For patients and their families who have not yet pursued vision rehabilitation, our findings indicate that they should not give up on magnifiers and remain open to the possibility of using other types of magnification that could be helpful, such as a different optical magnifier, prescription for strong near reading glasses, electronic video magnification, or visual assistive apps for smartphones or tablets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we present a bibliometric analysis of studies examining the consequences of boundary-crossing information communication technology (ICT) use, e.g., the use of ICT to conduct tasks across the work and family domains. We explore main contributors, disciplines, and topics of focus, as well as knowledge gaps, and lines of communication within this interdisciplinary field. Our aim is to explore knowledge production and knowledge exchange across disciplines and research employing different methods. Our findings reveal two clusters of publications: an interdisciplinary cluster, and a cluster dominated by organizational psychology, organizational science, and human resource management. Furthermore, our findings show that despite overlapping topics, qualitative and quantitative studies primary rely on two different bodies of literature. We argue that more communication across research employing different methods and a greater variety of disciplines is needed to advance the research on boundary-crossing ICT use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoscopic systems exhibit diverse molecular substructures by which they facilitate specific functions. Theoretical models of them, which aim at describing, understanding, and predicting these capabilities, are difficult to build. Viable quantum-classical hybrid models come with specific challenges regarding atomistic structure construction and quantum region selection. Moreover, if their dynamics are mapped onto a state-to-state mechanism such as a chemical reaction network, its exhaustive exploration will be impossible due to the combinatorial explosion of the reaction space. Here, we introduce a "quantum magnifying glass" that allows one to interactively manipulate nanoscale structures at the quantum level. The quantum magnifying glass seamlessly combines autonomous model parametrization, ultra-fast quantum mechanical calculations, and automated reaction exploration. It represents an approach to investigate complex reaction sequences in a physically consistent manner with unprecedented effortlessness in real time. We demonstrate these features for reactions in bio-macromolecules and metal-organic frameworks, diverse systems that highlight general applicability. It is difficult to gain an atomistic understanding of reactions within nanoscopic systems due to their large size. Here, the authors introduce a computational framework, the quantum magnifying glass, that enables such studies to be carried out interactively in real time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surgeons are at high risk of developing musculoskeletal symptoms due to a range of factors including, maladaptive positioning and surgical ergonomics. Cervical muscle strain and biomechanical load is most prevalent due to repetitive motions and prolonged static neck positioning. This issue is apparent through reports of prevalence between 10 and 74.4% among surgeons. The aim of this systematic review is to provide an objective assessment of the clinical evidence available and a descriptive analysis of the effects of kinematics and surgical ergonomics on the prevalence of surgeons' cervical musculoskeletal pain. This is PRISMA-compliant systematic review of clinical studies assessing the prevalence of cervical musculoskeletal dysfunction in surgeons by searching PUBMED and Ovid EMBASE databases from inception to 19th October 2023. Study quality was graded according to the National Institutes of Health study quality assessment tools. A total of 9 studies were included in the final qualitative analysis. The use of loupes, open surgery and excessive neck flexion (>30°) were associated with cervical dysfunction. Comparison of study outcomes was challenging due to heterogeneity within study methods and the paucity of methodological quality. The current literature assessing ergonomic and biomechanical factors predisposing surgeons to cervical musculoskeletal dysfunction is insufficient to provide reliable guidance for clinicians. Although the literature identifies factors contributing to work-related cervical dysfunction, few attempt to evaluate interventions for improved surgical ergonomics. An objective assessment of interventions that prompt postural correction with the aim to improve neck pain in surgeon cohorts is warranted. • Maladaptive positioning is a risk for musculoskeletal dysfunction among surgeons. • Prevalence of neck pain in surgeons has been reported to range between 10% and 74.4%. • Recommendations for improvement in surgical ergonomic is limited. • Awareness of biomechanical strain is warranted to guide intervention. • Promotion of cervical spine health in surgeons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article captures a shift occurring at the peripheries of the Italian asylum system where, as reception infrastructures are progressively gutted, dismantled, and transformed into security apparatuses, local organizations refocus their efforts on helping refugees and asylum seekers carve out spaces of agency and autonomy in the time-space after institutional reception. I introduce the concept of "makeshift activism" to describe this relentless, creative patching together of solutions to support migrant emplacement beyond and – sometimes – against the confines of official programs. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork in one of the world's first Covid-19 hotspots – Italy's Veneto region, I take the pandemic as a magnifying glass to expose the precarious nature of this activism but also its potential for prefiguring alternatives to the state's (non-existent) paths towards long-term inclusion. More broadly, I shift the anthropological gaze towards charting the afterlives and aftermaths of refugee "welcome" in less spectacular locales, such as mid-size cities and small municipalities in peripheral mountain regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emission of ultrafine particles from small desktop Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) 3D printers has been frequently investigated in the past years. However, the vast majority of FFF emission and exposure studies have not considered the possible occurrence of particles below the typical detection limit of Condensation Particle Counters and could have systematically underestimated the total particle emission as well as the related exposure risks. Therefore, we comparatively measured particle number concentrations and size distributions of sub-4 nm particles with two commercially available diethylene glycol-based instruments – the TSI 3757 Nano Enhancer and the Airmodus A10 Particle Size Magnifier. Both instruments were evaluated for their suitability of measuring FFF-3D printing emissions in the sub-4 nm size range while operated as a particle counter or as a particle size spectrometer. For particle counting, both instruments match best when the Airmodus system was adjusted to a cut-off of 1.5 nm. For size spectroscopy, both instruments show limitations due to either the fast dynamics or rather low levels of particle emissions from FFF-3D printing in this range. The effects are discussed in detail in this article. The findings could be used to implement sub-4 nm particle measurement in future emission or exposure studies, but also for the development of standard test protocols for FFF-3D printing emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several books, studies and videos are available on the Internet on the importance and role of singing in schools and choral singing, and on effective ways of learning songs and choral works. As a result of technological progress, MIDI recordings and digital choral parts are available to choirs and choir leaders to facilitate the rehearsal and learning process. However, what on the one hand seems modern and innovative (digital pianos, audio and video recordings, easy and fast communication, streaming, virtual choirs) can have a negative impact on the other. At international conferences and symposiums, it is common to see choirmasters making hand gestures to sound one or more parts, as a kind of attraction to show off solfa singing. It is not always clear, however, what the intelligent use of solmization can do beyond the two- (three-)part singing or vocal warm-up. The following chapters will point out why reading music with a relative system of solfa is beneficial, and why learning to sing a part or a choral work with the help of piano is less supported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the provision of maternal care. The IMAgiNE EURO study investigates the Quality of Maternal and Newborn Care during the pandemic in over 20 countries, including Switzerland. Aim: This study aims to understand women's experiences of disrespect and abuse in Swiss health facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Data were collected via an anonymous online survey on REDCap®. Women who gave birth between March 2020 and March 2022 and answered an open-ended question in the IMAgiNE EURO questionnaire were included in the study. A qualitative thematic analysis of the women's comments was conducted using the International Confederation of Midwives' RESPECT toolkit as a framework for analysis. Findings: The data source for this study consisted of 199 comments provided by women in response to the open-ended question in the IMAgiNE EURO questionnaire. Analysis of these comments revealed clear patterns of disrespect and abuse in health facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. These patterns include non-consensual care, with disregard for women's choices and birth preferences; undignified care, characterised by disrespectful attitudes and a lack of empathy from healthcare professionals; and feelings of abandonment and neglect, including denial of companionship during childbirth and separation from newborns. Insufficient organisational and human resources in health facilities were identified as contributing factors to disrespectful care. Empathic relationships with healthcare professionals were reported to be the cornerstone of positive experiences. Discussion: Swiss healthcare facilities showed shortcomings related to disrespect and abuse in maternal care. The pandemic context may have brought new challenges that compromised certain aspects of respectful care. The COVID-19 crisis also acted as a magnifying glass, potentially revealing and exacerbating pre-existing gaps and structural weaknesses within the healthcare system, including understaffing. Conclusions: These findings should guide advocacy efforts, urging policy makers and health facilities to allocate adequate resources to ensure respectful and high-quality maternal care during pandemics and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motivation Identifying chromatin accessibility is one of the key steps in studying the regulation of eukaryotic genomes. The combination of exogenous methyltransferase and nanopore sequencing provides an strategy to identify open chromatin over long genomic ranges at the single-molecule scale. However, endogenous methylation, non-open-chromatin-specific exogenous methylation and base-calling errors limit the accuracy and hinders its application to complex genomes. Results We systematically evaluated the impact of these three influence factors, and developed a model-based computational method, methyltransferase accessible genome region finder (MAGNIFIER), to address the issues. By incorporating control data, MAGNIFIER attenuates the three influence factors with data-adaptive comparison strategy. We demonstrate that MAGNIFIER is not only sensitive to identify the open chromatin with much improved accuracy, but also able to detect the chromatin accessibility of repetitive regions that are missed by NGS-based methods. By incorporating long-read RNA-seq data, we revealed the association between the accessible Alu elements and non-classic gene isoforms. Availability and implementation Freely available on web at https://github.com/Goatofmountain/MAGNIFIER. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Significance: Current treatment for stage III colorectal cancer (CRC) patients involves surgery that may not be sufficient in many cases, requiring additional adjuvant systemic therapy. Identification of this latter cohort that is likely to recur following surgery is key to better personalized therapy selection, but there is a lack of proper quantitative assessment tools for potential clinical adoption. Aim: The purpose of this study is to employ Mueller matrix (MM) polarized light microscopy in combination with supervised machine learning (ML) to quantitatively analyze the prognostic value of peri-tumoral collagen in CRC in relation to 5-year local recurrence (LR). Approach: A simple MM microscope setup was used to image surgical resection samples acquired from stage III CRC patients. Various potential biomarkers of LR were derived from MM elements via decomposition and transformation operations. These were used as features by different supervised ML models to distinguish samples from patients that locally recurred 5 years later from those that did not. Results: Using the top five most prognostic polarimetric biomarkers ranked by their relevant feature importances, the best-performing XGBoost model achieved a patient-level accuracy of 86%. When the patient pool was further stratified, 96% accuracy was achieved within a tumor-stage-III sub-cohort. Conclusions: ML-aided polarimetric analysis of collagenous stroma may provide prognostic value toward improving the clinical management of CRC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigates the inquiries and sanctions that followed accusations of fraud directed toward Dutch social psychologist Diederik Stapel in the early 2010s. Relying on the public reports published by the investigative committees, as well as on interviews conducted with committee members and Stapel's former students and collaborators, we propose to analyze how this case facilitated the diffusion, in social psychology, of statistical rules that were hitherto unenforced in this field. The Stapel case thus illustrates the regulative role played by statistics in the contemporary scientific field while also demonstrating the appeal of legal modes of dealing with misconduct when it comes to the treatment of scientific deviance. More generally, this article shows how the study of scientific deviance can serve to bring to light symbolic hierarchies that are habitually kept tacit, thus serving as a magnifying glass for the scientific field's inner processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic publicly exposed the urgent need for seasonal workers in agriculture. In Germany, an entry ban and entry quotas for seasonal workers at the beginning of the pandemic caused major attention. Taking this moment as magnifying glass, the article asks how the German seasonal labour migration regime is constructed (legally) and legitimated (discursively), and in how far the pandemic has caused shifts within this regime. Based on an analysis of the legal framework and the political discourse around seasonal work from 2018 to 2020 in Germany, the seasonal labour migration regime is characterised as just-in-time migration tailored to the needs of agricultural business, where migrants' work force is not absorbed homogenously by precarious labour sectors, but rather specific groups of migrant workers are integrated differently through mechanisms of differential inclusion. Within this regime, seasonal workers function as outsourced labour, whose reproduction costs remain abroad. On the discursive level, the article shows how seasonal workers are produced as 'wanted migrants' by linking seasonal migration to the interests of the 'homeland'. While the pandemic momentarily caused some shifts on the discoursively level, the article shows that the seasonal labour regime as a whole remains rather stable in time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantifying the optical extinction cross section of a single plasmonic nanoparticle (NP) has recently emerged as a powerful method to characterize the NP morphometry, i.e., size and shape, with a precision comparable to electron microscopy while using a simple optical microscope. Here, we enhance the capabilities of extinction microscopy by introducing a high numerical aperture annular illumination coupled with a radial polarizer to generate a strong axial polarization component. This enables us to probe the NP response to axial polarized light, and, in turn, to distinguish flat-lying nanoplates from other geometries. Polarization-resolved optical extinction cross sections were acquired on 219 individual colloidal silver NPs of a nominally triangular nanoplate shape but, in practice, exhibiting heterogeneous morphometries, including decahedrons and non-plate spheroids. An unsupervised machine learning cluster analysis algorithm was developed, which allowed us to separate NPs into different groups, owing to the measured differences in cross sections. Comparison of the measurements with a computational model of the absorption and scattering cross section accounting for nanoplates of varying geometries beyond simple triangles provided insight into the NP shape of each group. The results provide a significant improvement of polarization-resolved optical extinction microscopy to reconstruct NP shapes, further boosting the utility of the method as an alternative to electron microscopy analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article "Geometrical Optics Study of the Magnifying Glass" examines the use of a magnifying glass as a tool for observing small objects. It explores the role of the lens and the eye's ability to focus in achieving magnification. The study presents equations and formulas to calculate the maximum magnification possible and identifies the optimal conditions for achieving the greatest magnification. The article provides a thorough analysis of the geometrical optics theory behind the magnifying glass, discussing its use as a visual aid for the naked eye and how the maximum magnification can vary for different types of eyes. Experimental results are also included to support the calculated maximum magnifications. [Extracted from the article]

Despite advances in surgical techniques, biliary complications are still considered to be a technical "Achilles' heel" of liver transplantation (LT). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of loupe magnification in reducing biliary complications after LT. From April 2017 to February 2022, LT was performed on 307 patients in our center. Among them, except for 3 patients who underwent hepaticojejunostomy, 304 adult patients with LT were enrolled. They were divided into 3 groups according to the loupe magnification: 2.5 times (×2.5 group, n = 105), 3.5 times (×3.5 group, n = 95), and 5.0 times (×5.0 group, n = 105). Biliary complications occurred in 63 (20.7%) patients. Anastomosis site leakage occurred in 37 patients (12.2%), and stricture occurred in 52 patients (17.1%). Anastomosis site leakage occurred in 15 patients (14.3%) in the ×2.5 group, 15 patients (16.0%) in the ×3.5 group, and 7 patients (6.7%) in the ×5.0 group (P =.097). Biliary stricture occurred in 26 patients (24.8%) in the ×2.5 group, 15 patients (16.0%) in the ×3.5 group, and 11 patients (10.5%) in the ×5.0 group (P =.021). Total biliary complications occurred in 31 patients (29.5%) in the ×2.5 group, 19 patients in the ×3.5 group (20.2%), and 13 patients in the ×5.0 group (12.4%) (P =.009). The use of a high magnification loupe can reduce biliary complications in liver transplantation. Further large-scale analyses of clinical data or randomized controlled trials are required to support this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This prospective randomized study evaluates surgical outcomes of head and neck free tissue transfer surgery performed by a single head and neck reconstructive surgeon comparing the use of surgical loupes and the operating microscope. Methods: Cases using surgical loupes were performed under ×3.5 magnification, whereas cases using the microscope were done using the standard operating microscope. Patient demographics, comorbidities, operative details, surgical outcomes, and flap failure were assessed. Results: Eighty‐five free tissue transfer surgeries were included. Of these, 51.8% (n = 44) free tissue transfers were performed using loupe magnification and 48.2% (n = 41) were performed using the operating microscope. Total cases requiring intraoperative microvascular anastomosis revision was 12 (15.4%)—of these, 41.7% (n = 5) were originally performed with surgical loupes and 58.3% (n = 7) were with microscope (p = 0.24). Conclusion: The current study provides novel, prospective data regarding a single head and neck reconstructive surgeon's experience at a single academic institution. From this, surgical loupes or the operating microscope can be used to perform head and neck microvascular reconstruction with no significant difference in rates of free tissue transfer failure or perioperative complications or outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is widely used in the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic and bile duct disorders. The procedure is performed under the guidance of fluoroscopy. This study aims to investigate the dose received by staff in the Endoscopy Department of AbuAli Sina Medicine and Organ Transplant Hospital in Shiraz. The dosimetry was performed using thermoluminescent dosemeters (TLD), type TLD-100. The values of Hp(10), Hp(3) and Hp(0.07) were estimated for the staff for 2 months. According to the results obtained in this study, the equivalent dose of the gastroenterologist's body, eye lenses and hands was 0.045 ± 0.001 mSv, 0.111 ± 0.014 mSv and 0.357 ± 0.034  |$\mathrm{mSv}$|⁠ , respectively. This study showed that the annual radiation exposure for ERCP department staff of Abu Ali Sinai Hospital is less than the annual dose limit. However, if the principles of proper radiation protection and individual dosimetry are followed, the dose to staff members can be reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mineral classification is a crucial task for geologists. Minerals are identified by their characteristics. In the field, geologists can identify minerals by examining lustre, color, streak, hardness, crystal habit, cleavage, fracture, and specific features. Geologists sometimes use a magnifying hand lens to identify minerals in the field. Surface color can assist in identifying minerals. However, it varies widely, even within a single mineral family. Some minerals predominantly show a single color. So, identifying minerals is possible considering surface color and texture. But, again, a limited database of minerals is available with large-scale images. So, the challenges arise to identify the minerals using their images with limited images. With the advancement of machine learning, the deep learning approach with bi-layer feature fusion enhances the dimension of the feature vector with the possibility of high accuracy. Here, an experimental analysis is reported with three possibilities of bi-layer feature fusion of three CNN models like Alexnet, VGG16 & VGG19, and a framework is suggested. Alexnet delivers the highest performance with the bi-layer fusion of fc6 and fc7. The achieved accuracy is 84.23%, sensitivity 84.23%, specificity 97.37%, precision 84.7%, FPR 2.63%, F1 Score 84.17%, MCC 81.75%, and Kappa 53.59%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is the first cause of blindness in working-age adults (20-74 years old), but if prompt diagnosis is made, 80% of DR complications can be delayed or prevented. Smartphone and wide-field fundus photography have been showing promising results for DR screening; however, efforts continue to get better fundus camera devices regarding image quality, FOV, affordability, and accessibility that could help prevent blindness through prompt diagnosis. Here we show the design, implementation, and characterization of a wide-field smartphone-based fundus camera prototype (TRL 4) to be used as a point-of-care device for DR screening. What stands our design apart is the use of a smartphone's macro-camera with a high diopter ophthalmic loupe for wide-field in a single shot, our cross-polarized ring for reflection-free fundus images, and the two-handed mechanical design to enhance stability. The presented prototype is safe (Group 1 according to ISO 15004-2), easy to use (80° static FOV), affordable (500 USD <), portable (hand-held, 280 x 90 x 90 mm and 410 gr), and reliable (46 lp/mm central spatial resolution at fundus). The prototype represents an ideal alternative for DR screening at point-of-care and, by incorporating the appropriate Al and teleophthalmology tools, a potential improvement in blindness prevention in the diabetic population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Microfluidic devices have been increasingly used as tools to accelerate the development of new biomanufacturing methods, given their ability to test a large set of variables in a short amount of time with minimal reagent consumption. However, while being able to expedite a bioprocess design, the modular aspect of these devices has not been systematically explored, with most applications focusing on single unitary operations. This paper explores the modular design of these devices through the development of an integrated microfluidic chip. RESULTS: Two separate unitary operations were included into a single device for continuous operation: product release by chemical cell lysis and product concentration by aqueous two‐phase system. In this way, it is possible to screen multiple conditions for each operation and evaluate their combined effect on the final product, making this a great tool in the development and optimization of a process. A recombinant Escherichia coli (E. coli) strain producing green fluorescent protein (GFP) was used as model system, which allows for lysis efficiency and partition coefficient to be evaluated by fluorescence microscopy. A chemical lysis solutions was used in the lysis step, presenting lysis efficiencies of about 100%, while a polyethylene glycol (PEG)/phosphate system was screened for the separation stage, presenting partition coefficients of about 4. CONCLUSIONS: The integrated device allowed for the continuous screening of multiple combinations of operation conditions, highlighting, for example, conditions where improvements on the lysis efficiency subsequently impaired the separation, decreasing the partition of the target product, thus demonstrating the need for the evaluation of a process in its entirety. In this way, the microfluidic device delivered a rapid process screening and optimization, with very low reagent consumption, and using a simple fluorescence microscope for data collection. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the field of ophthalmology, slit‑lamp gonioscopy has long been a cornerstone for examining anterior chamber angles and diagnosing conditions such as angle closure, secondary causes of raised intraocular pressure, neovascularization of angle, angle recession, angle tumors, and foreign bodies. However, the conventional approach for goniophotography is a demanding procedure requiring juggling a gonioscopy lens in one hand and a smartphone in the other. Balancing a gonioscopy lens with one hand makes it difficult to adjust and focus the image in busy clinical settings. This article introduces a groundbreaking solution to this problem – a universal slit‑lamp–mounted gonioscope ingeniously repurposed from discarded materials, that is, indirect goniophotography (IndiGo). This novel system simplifies the process of both gonioscopy and goniophotography, allowing ophthalmologists to easily assess anterior chamber angles and capture high‑quality images. These images can be swiftly shared with glaucoma specialists worldwide for digital analysis. Not only does this approach enhance examination efficiency, but also it fosters sustainability in ophthalmic diagnostics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tracheal resection and anastomosis is characterized in the last years by significant innovations which are well codified and standardized. Although the mortality rate is markedly reduced, the operation is still not free from risk of complications such as recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, anastomosis dehiscence, granulation tissue formation and restenosis. Pearson FG, Cooper ID, Nelems JL (1975) Primary tracheal anastomosis after resection of the cricoide cartilage with preservation of the recurrent laryngeal nerves. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 70:806–16. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on children's voices as they were presented in Swedish newspapers during the COVID-19 pandemic. It explores the ways in which journalists featured children's experiences of everyday life during a time of crisis. A descriptive, thematic text analysis of 83 articles resulted in four prominent themes: children's voices as a mouthpiece for or against school closure, children as cocreators of a new normal daily life, children as responsible and caring citizens, and COVID-19 as a magnifying glass for existing vulnerabilities in everyday life. The selection and representation of children's viewpoints was adult led and limited, and the study thus calls for further research on media constructions of children/childhood and related consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surgeons sustain deviated postures during procedures even with the use of loupes or an operative microscope. The surgical exoscope is a new intraoperative visualization technology designed to improve surgical ergonomics; however, no objective data exist to say that surgeon posture is significantly improved. This study aimed to quantify the difference in posture during standard anterior cervical spine procedures performed with the aid of an operative microscope versus an exoscope. This was a prospective cohort study utilizing a posture-sensing device at the surgeon's cervicothoracic junction. The primary outcome was the proportion of time under scope spent in a deviated posture, defined as greater than 10 degrees of deviation from neutral in the x- and y- axes (flexion/extension and lateral bending) of the surgeon's upper torso. Average deviation from baseline for the x- , y- , and z- axes (flexion/extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation, respectively), as well as the percentage of operative time spent with the visualization aid was also analyzed. Overall, 37 anterior cervical procedures were recorded: 18 were performed with an exoscope and 19 with a microscope. Surgeons spent significantly more time in the deviated posture with the operative microscope than with the exoscope (32% vs. 8% with x- axis >10 deg, P <0.005; 20% vs. 6% with y- axis >10 deg, P <0.05). This is also reflected by the significant differences in the average deviation in the x- and y- axes, while under scope. Utilizing the exoscope for anterior cervical spine procedures allows surgeons to spend less time in a deviated posture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose To assess the causes and management of low vision in school-age children in Menoufia Governorate. Patients and methods This prospective study was made among 140 children with vision impairment aged from 6 to 18 years who came to the low-vision clinic of the Department of Ophthalmology of Menoufia University Hospitals with visual acuity less than 6/18 in the better eye best correction. A complete history was obtained. Complete examination of the anterior and posterior segments was done. Strabismus existence was determined. Refractive errors were measured. Before and after using low-vision aids, near and far visual acuity was measured. Results The mean age of patients was 11.94±3.61 years; 76 (54.29%) of the children were males and 64 (45.71%) of the children were females. According to the distribution of the diagnoses, hereditary fundus dystrophies were the most prevalent diagnosis among the children, accounting for 28.57% of diagnoses, followed by albinism (20%). The rehabilitation techniques that were mostly used were telescopic glasses (54.29%) for distant vision, electronic magnifiers (31.43%), and optical magnifiers (20.0%) for near vision. Low-vision devices were shown to significantly improve both near and distant visual acuity. Conclusions Visual rehabilitation for school-age children with visual impairment can result in a considerable improvement in both distant and near vision. As a result, pediatricians and ophthalmologists must recommend vision rehabilitation for children with vision impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction/purpose of the research: Latent fingermarks can be found on the crime scene on various surfaces and made visible by different forensic methods. As this evidence can often be found on brass surfaces (ammunition casings, decorative items, etc.) the paper discusses the possibilities of applying electrochemical deposition of nickel on brass. The condition for the application of this technique is the existence of a conductive substrate. Fatty components of latent fingermarks have insulating properties and prevent the electrodeposition process. Methods: Experimental thin rectangular pieces of brass foil were used as substrates for latent fingermarks. Samples were degreased in acetone and ethyl alcohol, rinsed in deionized water, and dried in a stream of compressed air before leaving the fingermarks. To enhance the presence of sweat on friction ridges, the hand was placed in the silicone glove for five minutes. A slight touch of the index finger was left on the tiles. Fingermarks were developed on brass samples by fingerprint powder and the electrochemical deposition of nickel on another brass surface simultaneously. In order to obtain the best possible evidence, the parameters affecting the deposition rate (current density, deposition time) were changed until a clear fingermark was obtained. Results: The fingermarks were compared visually using a magnifying glass with illumination to observe the contrast between the papillary lines and the interpapillary space and the characteristic details (minutiae). The optimal results were achieved with the current density (deposition rate) of 50mA/cm2 for 10s. Conclusion: Electrochemical deposition of nickel on brass is an applicable technique for developing latent fingermarks with certain limitations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: Precision in dental treatment can be achieved by perfect visualization, and magnification devices play an essential role. Magnification is considered one of the biggest revolutions in the realm of modern dentistry. Innovation is a cornerstone of dentistry, and the recent breakthrough boosted a number of global investigations and increased knowledge in this area. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge, awareness, and attitude towards using magnification loupes among dental students. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted in Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia. Study population was selected using cluster random sampling. Questionnaire was distributed online, and 255 dental students responded. RESULTS: Data was tabulated and analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. c2 test was applied to analyze data, and a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Of the 255 respondents, 52% were females and 48% were males. 50.8% of participants were between 24 and 26 years old. CONCLUSIONS: It was found that all respondents were aware of magnification loupes, and the most common sources of information were colleagues/friends, online/social networking sites, and company-sponsored demonstrations. Many individuals were aware of the advantages of using magnification loupes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A succession of slightly siliceous limestone of the Kometan Formation is studied geochemically and strati graphically. The studied area is located on the SW limb of the Azmir anticline at the northeastern of Sulaimaniyah city. The studied section is situated at longitudes 45°38'310"E and latitudes 35°36'129'N inside the Folded Zone, Kurdistan Region, northeastern Iraq. The exposed section is sampled for lab studies, and inspected by eyes and hand lenses in the field. In this study, petrographic and geochemical analyses of 17 limestone samples were carried out. This study aims to investigate the major oxides of the limestone samples, using the X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), for preliminary assessment for possible cement production. A petrographic study was also carried out, in order. Depending on the petrographic study, three major microfacies were recognized: lime mudstone microfacies, lime wackestone microfacies, and lime packstone microfacies, which subdivided into four submicrofacies are planktonic foraminifera lime mudstone submicrofacies, planktonic foraminifera lime wackestone submicrofacies, and planktonic foraminifera lime packstone submicrofacies and heterohelix lime packstone submicrofacies. The geochemical analysis shows that a range of variations in constituents: LOI (35.90% to 42,72%), SiO2 (3.77% to 14.66%), CaO (42.59% to 49.95%), Al2O3 (0.44% to 2.22%), Fe2O3 (0.02% to 0.78%) and MgO (1.50% to 2.26%); K2O and Na2O are present in traces. The high CaO (49.95%) indicates that calcite is the primary carbonate mineral. Due to mineralogical considerations, CaO with LOI shows a positive correlation, whereas CaO with SiO2 shows a negative correlation. The low MgO contents in calcitic limestone and calcitic limestone with chert nodules recommend a lack of dolomitization process. The silica modulus and lime saturation factor from geochemical data indicated that the siliceous limestone samples from the Kometan Formation and Azmir Anticline can be used in the cement-making process provided they are processed for silica removal treatment to reduce its percentage to less than 8%, as required level, where the CaO can be automatically enriched. Depending on field observation, petrography, and geochemistry analysis, we conclude that the source of the chert or silica minerals is diagenetic processes and depositional environment origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate measurement of the size distribution of sub-10 nm aerosol particles is still a challenge. Here we introduce a novel version of the Airmodus particle size magnifier (PSM 2.0), which is a condensation-particle-counter-based instrument with a sizing range of 1-12 nm. The extended size range compared to the earlier PSM version enables the direct detection of forming clusters and particles as well as the study of their growth processes without the challenges related to particle charging. It also gives an overlap between the activation size distribution measurements with the PSM and mobility size distribution measurements with conventional mobility particle sizers. We compared the performance of PSM 2.0 to that of a mobility particle size spectrometer, the original A10 particle size magnifier, and a Neutral cluster and Air Ion Spectrometer (NAIS) during field measurements. Also, calibration results were compared against the A10 instrument. The results show that PSM 2.0 is able to activate sub-2 nm clusters and that the concentration and size distribution between 2-12 nm compare well, especially with the NAIS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The knowledge of Jugular foramen is important to neurosurgeons while performingsurgeries related to Jugular foramen because, in case of tumor invasion, all structures are not clearly seenand hence correct knowledge is required when approachingsuch tumors or other related diseases. The diameters of Jugular foramen are different in different sex, races, and age. Objective: This osteological study was to provide complete knowledge of Jugular foramen in Indian population with some other characteristics like dome and separation in Jugular foramen. Material and Methods: 68 skulls were obtained from anatomy department, NHLMMC and BJMC. Anteroposterior and transverse diameter of jugular foramen was measured using vernier calipers. The presence of dome shaped bony roof and septa was observed using magnifying glass. We did not include bones with broken or damaged Jugular foramen. Results: We found dome in 4 skulls on right side and in 1 skull on left side. Separation was found complete in 11 skulls, partial in 81 skulls and absent in 44 skulls. In 55.8%, size of the foramen was greater on right side than left. Average anteroposterior diameter was0.82cm and average transverse diameter was 1.10 cm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]