Affordable Diffusion Microchamber Array Designs for Isolating Microbes in Classrooms and Laboratories.

Diffusion microchamber array (DMA) devices have provided contemporary microbiologists with a successful alternative to the century-old plating method using petri dishes to isolate and cultivate environmental bacteria. The "ichip" DMA device, developed by the research group of Slava Epstein, is exemplary of this technology, using membranes to culture rare or otherwise nonmodel bacterial taxa, whereby the target cells are nourished by environmental medium across the separating membrane. However, DMA devices have not sufficiently infiltrated the university-level microbiology curriculum, and the size and shape of the ichip make the device challenging for use by students. The following work provides guidance in the creation and use of a suite of DMA devices called "iplates," which are ichip-like tools for use in microbiology education. An iplate mimics the shape and size of a 96-well plate, making it a simpler, more affordable, and customizable design for the isolation and incubation of bacteria and other microorganisms using fresh environmental media. Iplates and their many customizations are intended to enable teachers, students, and researchers to isolate, grow, and analyze the widest possible diversity of microorganisms, complementing standard plating methods. We offer additional tips and tools to help instructors and students get started creating DMA devices to meet their unique needs and research interests.

Evaluating the effectiveness of a lower extremity venous phantom on developing ultrasound examination skills and confidence.

INTRODUCTION: The aims of this study were: (1) Determine the effect on student ultrasound scanning skills using a lower extremity venous ultrasound phantom in addition to standard teaching methods of didactic lecture and scanning live volunteers and (2) Determine the effect of using a lower extremity venous ultrasound phantom in addition to standard teaching methods of didactic lecture and scanning live volunteers on student confidence levels in performing the lower extremity venous ultrasound examination. METHODS: Participants were first year diagnostic medical sonography students with minimal scanning experience (n = 11), which were randomized into two groups. Group 1 (n = 5) received the standard didactic lecture and attended a scan lab assessment where they performed a lower extremity venous examination on a human volunteer. Group 2 (n = 6) received the standard didactic lecture, performed three scheduled scanning sessions on an anatomic lower extremity venous phantom with flow and then attended the same scan lab assessment as Group 1, where they performed a lower extremity venous examination on a human volunteer. RESULTS: Scan lab assessments on day 4 of the study demonstrated a significant difference in scanning performance (p = 0.019) between the two groups. Post scan lab assessment confidence scores also demonstrated a significant difference between how participants in each group scored their confidence levels (p = 0.0260), especially in the ability to image calf veins. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests anatomical phantoms can be used to develop scanning skills and build confidence in ultrasound imaging of the lower extremity venous structures.

A syringe adapter for reduced muscular strain and fatigue.

Workers in hospitals, clinics, and contract research organizations who repetitively use syringes have an increased risk for musculoskeletal disorders. This study developed and tested a novel syringe adapter designed to reduce muscle strain associated with repetitive fluid draws. Three syringe plunger extension methods (ring-finger, middle-finger, and syringe adapter) were studied across twenty participants. Electromyogram signals for the flexor digitorum superficialis and extensor digitorum muscles were recorded. The syringe adapter required 31% of the 90th percentile flexor muscle activity as compared to the ring-finger syringe extension method, and 45% the 90th percentile flexor muscle activity as compared to the middle-finger method (p < 0.001). The greatest differences were observed when the syringe was near full extension. Although the syringe adapter took more time than the other syringe extension methods (1.5 times greater), it greatly helped reduce physical stress associated with repetitive, awkward syringe procedures.