The optimal formulation of a readily compostable horticultural growing substrate for vertical farming was determined using design of experiments.

A novel, optimized, polysaccharide and biochar-based, compostable hydrogel horticultural growing substrate for use in hydroponics and vertical farming was created based upon empirical methods and statistical design of experiments. A 15-run D-optimal mixture design of experiments was completed that increased the 14-day plant growing ability of a five-component hydrogel nearly ten-fold from 4.3695 g to 41.

Cytokine profiles and their roles in development of provoked vulvodynia.

Provoked, localized, vulvodynia (PVD) is the main subtype of vulvodynia. Although the etiology of PVD is still a topic of debate, inflammation caused by cytokines responding to a dysregulated microbiome is one of the leading proposed theories. Therefore, the purpose of our study is to further explore the cytokine profiles in the study group with PVD using multiplex immunoassays based on electrochemiluminescence.

Preterm Complete Uterine Rupture With En Caul Expulsion.

Spontaneous uterine rupture is a catastrophic obstetric complication for both the mother and fetus. We highlight a case of a 32-year-old G2P1A0L1 Hispanic female at 36 weeks gestation who presented to the labor and delivery unit with minimal prenatal care, complaining of abdominal pains and vaginal bleeding. An abdominopelvic ultrasound confirmed an empty uterus and fetal demise in the abdominal cavity, leading to an exploratory laparotomy to evacuate the fetus.

A Risk-Stratified Peri-Operative Protocol for Reducing Surgical Site Infection after Cesarean Delivery.

Surgical site infections (SSI) are multifaceted. Pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative factors influence the risk of developing an infection. Our objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of an infection risk-stratification checklist, utilizing known SSI risk factors, and a tailored surgical protocol for SSI prevention in women undergoing cesarean delivery.

Vaginal Lactobacillus species and inflammatory biomarkers in pregnancy.

Background: The aim of this study was to identify vaginal Lactobacillus spp. and quantify vaginal inflammatory cytokines in primigravida vs. multigravida women and pregnant vs.

Expanded genetic carrier screening in clinical practice: a current survey of patient impressions and attitudes.

Purpose: Expanded genetic carrier screening (ECS) is an important part of gynecological practice and preconception planning. We evaluated the awareness and attitudes among women regarding ECS and factors that may influence decision-making in a family planning context.

Methods: A 32-question survey in an academic university practice was given to 521 women who were either currently pregnant (n = 108), undergoing gynecologic care who were considering future fertility (n = 308), and considering or receiving fertility treatment (n = 105).

Expanded carrier screening: a current survey of physician utilization and attitudes.

Purpose: Expanded carrier screening (ECS) is an available component of preconception and prenatal care. There is complexity around offering, administering, and following-up test results. The goal of this study is to evaluate current physicians' utilization and attitudes towards ECS in current practice.

Hysteroscopic morcellator to overcome cervical stenosis.

Objective: To report a step-by-step technique to using a hysteroscopic morcellator to safely gain access into the intrauterine cavity in two patients with severe cervical stenosis and concomitant intrauterine pathology.

Design: Video article introducing the hysteroscopic morcellator for overcoming severe cervical stenosis.

Setting: Academic-based practice.

Establishing Benchmarks For Minimum Competence With Dry Lab Robotic Surgery Drills.

The Robotic Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (R-OSATS) is a previously validated assessment tool that is used to assess 5 standardized inanimate robotic surgery drills. R-OSATS is used to evaluate performance on surgical drills, with scores of 0 to 20 for each drill. Our objective was to establish the minimum threshold score that denotes competence on these drills.

Obstetric vulvar lacerations and postpartum dyspareunia.

Objective: To report the type and prevalence of obstetric lacerations in a primigravid patient population after term spontaneous vaginal delivery without episiotomy. We examined the characteristics of lacerations in patients with postpartum dyspareunia or vulvodynia.

Study Design: This was a retrospective cohort of primiparous patients who spontaneously delivered in the residents' service at a large urban hospital under the supervision of Ob/Gyn faculty.

Validity and reliability of the robotic Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills.

Objective: Objective Structured Assessments of Technical Skills have been developed to measure the skill of surgical trainees. Our aim was to develop an Objective Structured Assessments of Technical Skills specifically for trainees learning robotic surgery.

Methods: This is a multiinstitutional study conducted in eight academic training programs.

Evaluation of treatment outcome in 175 patients with Hodgkin lymphoma aged 60 years or over: the SHIELD study.

The SHIELD program for Hodgkin lymphoma in patients 60 years of age or older, prospectively evaluated clinical features and outcome in a large patient cohort (n = 175). The central element was a phase 2 study of VEPEMB chemotherapy (n = 103, median age 73 years) incorporating comorbidity assessment. A total of 72 other patients were treated off-study but registered prospectively and treated concurrently with: ABVD (n = 35); CLVPP (n = 19), or other (n = 18).

Lichen sclerosus: a 5-year follow-up after topical, subdermal, or combined therapy.

Objective: The purpose of our study was to compare clinical data regarding patients with pruritic lichen sclerosus (LS) at moderate or severe stages using 2 different therapies with a 5-year follow-up.

Materials And Methods: The study was approved by the institutional review board and was presented as a retrospective clinical data review of patients with pruritic biopsy diagnosis LS who underwent therapy at our university private practice from 2002 to 2005. We compared the results of a weekly topical application of high-potency steroid (HPS) with a combined HPS and monthly anesthetic/steroid subdermal injection (ASI).

BESC knowledgebase public portal.

Unlabelled: The BioEnergy Science Center (BESC) is undertaking large experimental campaigns to understand the biosynthesis and biodegradation of biomass and to develop biofuel solutions. BESC is generating large volumes of diverse data, including genome sequences, omics data and assay results. The purpose of the BESC Knowledgebase is to serve as a centralized repository for experimentally generated data and to provide an integrated, interactive and user-friendly analysis framework.

Macrocytosis: pitfalls in testing and summary of guidance.

Low vitamin B-12 levels can occur without deficiency being present, and normal levels don't always rule out vitamin B-12 deficiency. A clinical assessment, together with blood count and blood film results, can ensure a correct interpretation of vitamin B-12 and folate levels

Investigating iron status in microcytic anaemia.

Microcytic anaemia is often assumed to indicate iron deficiency, but up to 20-30% of patients will have another diagnosis, particularly anaemia of chronic inflammation or myelodysplasia. Measurement of serum ferritin offers the best means of confirming iron deficiency, although in some cases a trial of iron may be required.