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The opilionid Amilenus auranticus from caves in Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland/Germany (Arachnida: Opiliones: Phalangiidae)

Emergency general surgeons often provide care to severely ill patients requiring surgical interventions and intensive support. One of the primary drivers of morbidity and mortality is perioperative bleeding. In general, when addressing life threatening haemorrhage, blood transfusion can become an essential part of overall resuscitation. However, under all circumstances, indications for blood transfusion must be accurately evaluated. When patients decline blood transfusions, regardless of the reason, surgeons should aim to provide optimal care and respect and accommodate each patient's values and target the best outcome possible given the patient's desires and his/her clinical condition. The aim of this position paper was to perform a review of the existing literature and to provide comprehensive recommendations on organizational, surgical, anaesthetic, and haemostatic strategies that can be used to provide optimal peri-operative blood management, reduce, or avoid blood transfusions and ultimately improve patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition to novel environments, such as groundwater colonization by surface organisms, provides an excellent research ground to study phenotypic evolution. However, interspecific comparative studies on evolution to groundwater life are few because of the challenge in assembling large ecological and molecular resources for species‐rich taxa comprised of surface and subterranean species. Here, we make available to the scientific community an operational set of working tools and resources for the Asellidae, a family of freshwater isopods containing hundreds of surface and subterranean species. First, we release the World Asellidae database (WAD) and its web application, a sustainable and FAIR solution to producing and sharing data and biological material. WAD provides access to thousands of species occurrences, specimens, DNA extracts and DNA sequences with rich metadata ensuring full scientific traceability. Second, we perform a large‐scale dated phylogenetic reconstruction of Asellidae to support phylogenetic comparative analyses. Of 424 terminal branches, we identify 34 pairs of surface and subterranean species representing independent replicates of the transition from surface water to groundwater. Third, we exemplify the usefulness of WAD for documenting phenotypic shifts associated with colonization of subterranean habitats. We provide the first phylogenetically controlled evidence that body size of males decreases relative to that of females upon groundwater colonization, suggesting competition for rare receptive females selects for smaller, more agile males in groundwater. By making these tools and resources widely accessible, we open up new opportunities for exploring how phenotypic traits evolve in response to changes in selective pressures and trade‐offs during groundwater colonization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Niphargus carolinensis sp. nov. was sampled from the Carolina Mine located in North Rhine–Westphalia, Germany. The new species is described and compared to phylogenetically related species and species identified in nearby locations. The three phylogenetic markers (i.e., COI, 28S rRNA and ITS2) studied in the examined specimens had different sequences compared to those belonging to species present in locations neighboring the Carolina Mine, i.e., in a radius of 40 km. N. carolinensis sp. nov. is a small-to-medium-sized species that is poorly setose; has a relatively short antenna I, trapezoidal gnathopod propodites, long pereopod VI, and short uropod III; and is not differentiated sexually. The new species described herein is a case of narrow endemism and adds to the diversity of the genus Niphargus in Germany. This work is a contribution to knowledge on groundwater amphipod diversity and the systematics of the genus Niphargus close to the northern border of the distribution of this genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microsporidian genus Nosema is primarily known to infect insects of economic importance stimulating high research interest, while other hosts remain understudied. Nosema granulosis is one of the formally described Nosema species infecting amphipod crustaceans, being known to infect only two host species. Our first aim was to characterize Nosema spp. infections in different amphipod species from various European localities using the small subunit ribosomal DNA (SSU) marker. Second, we aimed to assess the phylogenetic diversity, host specificity and to explore the evolutionary history that may explain the diversity of gammarid-infecting Nosema lineages by performing a phylogenetic reconstruction based on RNA polymerase II subunit B1 (RPB1) gene sequences. For the host species Gammarus balcanicus, we also analyzed sex ratios of progenies to test for sex ratio distortion in relation with Nosema infection. We identified Nosema spp. in 316 individuals from nine amphipod species being widespread in Europe. The RPB1-based phylogenetic reconstruction using newly reported sequences and available data from other invertebrates identified 39 haplogroups being associated with amphipods. These haplogroups clustered into five clades (A-E) that did not form a single amphipod-infecting monophyletic group. Closely related sister clades C and D correspond to Nosema granulosis. Clades A, B and E might represent unknown Nosema species infecting amphipods. Host specificity seemed to be variable with some clades being restricted to single hosts, and some that could be found in several host species. We show that Nosema parasite richness in gammarid hosts is much higher than expected, illustrating the advantage of the use of RPB1 marker over SSU. Finally, we found no hint of sex ratio distortion in Nosema clade A infecting G. balcanicus. This study shows that Nosema spp. are abundant, widespread and diverse in European gammarids. Thus, Nosema is as diverse in aquatic as in terrestrial hosts. Author summary: The intracellular microsporidian parasites of the genus Nosema are important pathogens as they infect insects of economic importance such as pollinators or domestic silk moths. However, they have been overlooked in other groups of invertebrates such as crustaceans, where only few Nosema spp. were detected, including Nosema granulosis in two gammarid amphipod hosts. Here, using molecular tools, we detected infections by Nosema spp. in nine freshwater amphipod species from various European localities. These infections are common, widespread, and the phylogenetic analysis revealed that some Nosema lineages are specific to certain host species, while the others are not restricted to single hosts. We also confirms that there are several Nosema lineages infecting gammarid crustaceans, not only N. granulosis, that can be new candidate species of Nosema. We conclude that Nosema is as diverse in aquatic as in terrestrial hosts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An interactive simulation of a transmission electron microscope (TEM) called TEMGYM Basic is developed here, which enables users to understand how to operate and control an electron beam without the need to access an instrument. TEMGYM Basic allows users to familiarize themselves with alignment procedures offline, reducing the time and money required to become a proficient TEM operator. In addition to teaching the basics of electron beam alignments, the software enables users to create bespoke microscope configurations and develop an understanding of how to operate the configurations without sitting at a microscope. TEMGYM Basic also creates static ray diagram figures for a given lens configuration. The available components include apertures, lenses, quadrupoles, deflectors and biprisms. The software design uses first‐order ray transfer matrices to calculate ray paths through each electron microscope component, and the program is developed entirely in Python to facilitate compatibility with machine‐learning packages for future exploration of automated control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Electric scooters (e‐Scooters) are a form of motorized vehicle that offers cheap, efficient and environmentally friendly transportation. Increased e‐Scooter utilization has been accompanied by increases in e‐Scooter related injuries in multiple countries. This project describes the incidence, injury pattern, injury severity and patient factors associated with e‐Scooter use from the Western Australian State Trauma Registry. Methods: Retrospective cohort of all trauma patients captured by the Western Australian State Trauma Registry between 01 July 2017 and 30 June 2022 were analysed. Patient demographics, helmet use, reported drug use, and injury details (including principal and additional diagnoses, ISS) were collected. Results: Eighty‐one patients sustained e‐Scooter related injuries between 2017 and 2022. Fifty‐four (66%) of hospital admissions were recorded in 2021–2022, an annual percent change of 385.7% from the previous year. Most patients were male (80%). Median age was 40 years (IQR: 32–50). Helmet use was reported in 43% of patients. Helmet use was associated with a significantly lower odds of head injury (OR = 4.42, CI: 1.38–14.21; P = 0.01). Thirty‐five percent of patients were intoxicated with either alcohol or drugs. Forty‐four (54%) patients required surgery. Conclusion: E‐Scooter crashes are a new mechanism of injury affecting patients captured by the Western Australian State Trauma Registry. Helmet use correlated with a reduced risk of head injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The COVID‐19 pandemic led to a global shortage of iodinated contrast media (ICM) in early 2022. ICM is used in more than half of the computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis (CTAP) performed to diagnose an acute abdomen (AA). In response to the shortage, the RANZCR published contrast‐conserving recommendations. This study aimed to compare AA diagnostic outcomes of non‐contrast CTs performed before and during the shortage. Methods: A single‐centre retrospective observational cohort study of all adult patients presenting with an AA who underwent a CTAP was conducted during the contrast shortage period from May to July 2022. The pre‐shortage control comparison group was from January to March 2022; key demographics, imaging modality indication and diagnostic outcomes were collected and analysed using SPSS v27. Results: Nine hundred and sixty‐two cases met the inclusion criteria, of which n = 502, 52.2% were in the shortage period group. There was a significant increase of 464% in the number of non‐contrast CTAPs performed during the shortage period (P < 0.001). For the six AA pathologies, only n = 3, 1.8% of non‐contrast CTAPs had equivocal findings requiring further imaging with a contrast CTAP. Of the total CTs performed, n = 464, 48.2% were negative. Conclusion: This study showed that when non‐contrast CTs are selected appropriately, they appear to be non‐inferior to contrast‐enhanced CTAPs in diagnosing acute appendicitis, colitis, diverticulitis, hernia, collection, and obstruction. This study highlights the need for further research into utilizing non‐contrast scans for assessing the AA to minimize contrast‐associated complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyporheic interstitials are ecologically dynamic and often neglected aquatic environments. In this study, groundwater amphipods (Niphargidae, Pseudoniphargidae and Crangonyctidae) were sampled in hyporheic interstitials throughout Luxembourg and The Greater Region and specimens were analyzed by DNA barcoding. Sites characterized by gravel or coarse sand and high flow velocities of incoming water were the most species- and specimen-rich. A total of 11 species were detected, of which the Niphargus aquilex lineage EF of the N. aquilex cryptic species complex and juveniles of N. schellenbergi dominated the data set, but an unknown lineage of the N. aquilex-complex was also found. Some regions appeared to be devoid of groundwater amphipods. We hypothesize that underlying sandstone formations resulting in low sediment porosity may prevent physical colonization, but also that historical water pollution may have a long-lasting effect, either through the persistence of contaminants in the sediment or low recolonization rates of affected populations. In summary, our approach expanded regional species inventories, confirmed known occurrences, and validated previously questionable or historical morphology-based detections. In addition, the collection of absence data provided valuable insights into local extinctions. Finally, DNA-based distribution data are needed to gather information on the ecological affinities of groundwater amphipods to understudied hyporheic interstitial environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Open coal mining companies in Kuzbass (Western Siberia, Russia) constantly face challenges to increase the economic efficiency of mining operations, reduce coal losses and increase profitability. One of the ways to increase the efficiency of open pit mining is to improve the technology for the development of coal-bearing zones of quarry fields on complex structured inclined and steep deposits. At present, the projects for promising deposits have been completed, and a number of operating open pits conduct the development of coal-bearing zones along their entire width by horizontal layers. The excavating and loading equipment for overburden and mining operations in these zones is diverse: quarry rope shovels, hydraulic backhoes or their joint work. When they work together in the coal-bearing zone, the rope shovels extracts the interbeds, and the hydraulic backhoes extract the coal seams. However, such technical solutions are not sufficiently substantiated. The fact is that rope shovels and hydraulic backhoes have their advantages and disadvantages in operating.

Background: Despite the negative effect of sarcopenia on postoperative outcomes being well recognized in the elective setting, there remains a paucity of studies describing this phenomenon in the emergency laparotomy (EL) setting. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to compare short‐ and long‐term postoperative outcomes following EL in patients with and without sarcopenia. Methods: A systematic review using PRISMA guidelines was used to identify studies comparing perioperative outcomes following EL for patients with and without sarcopenia. A subsequent meta‐analysis was conducted. The following data were extracted from the included studies: patient demographics, pathology or type of operation performed for EL, post‐operative mortality at inpatient, 30‐day, 90‐day and 1‐year, and functional outcomes. A quality assessment of included studies was undertaken. Results: Twelve studies reporting the outcomes of sarcopenia following EL were identified. Sarcopenia was significantly associated with higher 30‐day and 1‐year mortality rates following EL (OR 3.50, P < 0.01; OR 3.49, P < 0.01, respectively). Additionally, sarcopenia was significantly associated with unfavourable functional outcomes at discharge following emergency laparotomy (OR 2.44, p < 0.01). Conclusion: Opportunistically identified on cross‐sectional imaging, sarcopenia is a valuable predictor of short‐ and long‐term morbidity and mortality following EL. Further studies are required to identify the most appropriate diagnostic criteria of sarcopenia and better define this physiological phenomenon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is a group of diseases characterized by an interruption of the blood supply to varying portions of the intestine, leading to ischemia and secondary inflammatory changes. If untreated, this process may progress to life-threatening intestinal necrosis. The incidence is low, estimated at 0.09–0.2% of all acute surgical admissions, but increases with age. Although the entity is an uncommon cause of abdominal pain, diligence is required because if untreated, mortality remains in the range of 50%. Early diagnosis and timely surgical intervention are the cornerstones of modern treatment to reduce the high mortality associated with this entity. The advent of endovascular approaches in parallel with modern imaging techniques is evolving and provides new treatment options. Lastly, a focused multidisciplinary approach based on early diagnosis and individualized treatment is essential. Thus, we believe that updated guidelines from World Society of Emergency Surgery are warranted, in order to provide the most recent and practical recommendations for diagnosis and treatment of AMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients presenting with acute abdominal pain that occurs after months or years following bariatric surgery may present for assessment and management in the local emergency units. Due to the large variety of surgical bariatric techniques, emergency surgeons have to be aware of the main functional outcomes and long-term surgical complications following the most performed bariatric surgical procedures. The purpose of these evidence-based guidelines is to present a consensus position from members of the WSES in collaboration with IFSO bariatric experienced surgeons, on the management of acute abdomen after bariatric surgery focusing on long-term complications in patients who have undergone laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Method: A working group of experienced general, acute care, and bariatric surgeons was created to carry out a systematic review of the literature following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) and to answer the PICO questions formulated after the Operative management in bariatric acute abdomen survey. The literature search was limited to late/long-term complications following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Conclusions: The acute abdomen after bariatric surgery is a common cause of admission in emergency departments. Knowledge of the most common late/long-term complications (> 4 weeks after surgical procedure) following sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and their anatomy leads to a focused management in the emergency setting with good outcomes and decreased morbidity and mortality rates. A close collaboration between emergency surgeons, radiologists, endoscopists, and anesthesiologists is mandatory in the management of this group of patients in the emergency setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corpus Inscriptionum Iranicarum, part II: Inscriptions of the Seleucid and Parthian Periods and of Eastern Iran and Central Asia, vol. II: Parthian, Parthian Economic Documents from Nisa (Texts I pp. [...]

Background: Emergency laparotomies (EL) are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. To date, 30-day mortality has been predominately reported, and been the focus of various national emergency laparotomy audits. Only a few studies have reported on the long-term mortality associated with EL. The aim of this study was to review the one-year mortality following EL. Method: A systematic review was conducted using PRISMA guidelines to identify studies published in the last 10 years reporting on long-term mortality associated with EL. The data abstracted included: patient demographics, pathology or type of operation performed for EL, post-operative mortality at 7-day, 30-day, 90-day, 1-year, beyond 1-year and inpatient, functional outcomes and risk factors associated with mortality. A quality assessment of included studies was performed. Results: Fifteen studies reporting long-term outcomes associated with EL were identified, including the results of 48,023 patients. The indications and/or pathologies for ELs varied. The 30-day mortality after EL ranged from 5.3% to 21.8%, and the one-year mortality ranged from 15.1 to 47%. The mortality in the six studies focusing on elderly patients ranged from 30 to 47%. Conclusion: The long-term mortality rate associated with EL is substantial. Further study is required to understand the 1-year mortality described in the studies and translate these findings for meaningful application into the clinical care of these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper was to review the recent literature to create recommendations for the day-to-day diagnosis and surgical management of small bowel and colon injuries. Where knowledge gaps were identified, expert consensus was pursued during the 8th International Congress of the World Society of Emergency Surgery Annual (September 2021, Edinburgh). This process also aimed to guide future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]