bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of graphene oxide via electrochemical process: A short review towards flexible synthesis method
Authors: Edward I I , Abdul Manaf N , Tahir Abdul Muthalib S A , Musram Rakunman M R , Tan L.S. , Tsuji T 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Graphene-based material for instance graphene oxide (GO) and reduce graphene oxide (rGO) emerge as unique frontier material that have been widely applied in various application such as energy conversion, nanotechnology as well as oil and gas industry. It properties such as high mechanical properties and enhance electrical conductor have made this material outperforms existing frontier material thus features large-scale commercialization opportunity. At present, electrochemical method has attracted much attention in synthesizing graphene-based material (GO/rGO) due to its green technology (environmentally friendly process), low cost and enhanced efficiency. Nevertheless, based on contemporary studies, different demand in GO/rGO quality requires different parametric setup and characterization analyses subsequently provides significant challenge to identify a standard design of electrochemical that can produce various quality of GO/rGO. This inflexibility affects the progress of commercial scale-up thus entails a systematic review related to various aspects of electrochemical studies for instance parametric analysis, product/material characterization and applications. A parametric analysis includes electrolyte concentration, type of electrolyte, temperature, synthesis time, cathode and anode materials and voltage demand. While, for product characterization, several methods are evaluated for instance Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Raman spectroscopy (RAMAN). This review paper is beneficial to the researcher and industries as a rapid guideline towards the flexible mass-production of GO/rGO via electrochemical method. Finally, future research should be conducted on the flexible design of unit operation (i.e. reactor) to ensure process feasibility.
An insight into advance self-healing composites
Authors: Kadam Shankar , Chavan Sachin , Kanu Nand Jee 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The purpose of the investigation is to review self-healing mechanisms and various advanced self-healing materials which are recently used for repairing composite materials. The manufacturing and characterization processes are studied in depth for self-healing carbon fiber reinforced composites, microcapsules, and supra-molecular elastomers. The composite structures fail due to internal cracks. These cracks are initiated due to continuous loading of structures. It is not possible to fill those cracks especially when the structures are at remote locations. Self-healing materials are designed and prepared to heal their cracks. The present review is about self-healing materials used for the fabrication of composites. It is expected that future applications are based on such advanced self-healing composite materials and thus it is needed to review advanced self-healing composite structures. A brief review of self-healing techniques and materials as well as applications are discussed in the present investigation. The efficient and effective manufacturing techniques are suggested through the article.
Deuterium permeability of a novel AlCrTaTiZr high entropy alloy coating
Authors: Zhang Wei , Wang Long , Luo Xiaofang , Gong Baoping , Wang Xiaoyu , Yang Jijun , Feng Yongjin 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
AlCrTaTiZr, AlCrTaTiZr nitride, and AlCrTaTiZr oxide coatings as tritium permeation barriers (TPBs) were prepared by magnetron co-sputtering technology on a CLF-1 (RAFM) substrate, to evaluate their hydrogen/deuterium permeation resistance. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed that the as-deposited coatings were amorphous. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results revealed that the deposition rates of the AlCrTaTiZr coating, AlCrTaTiZr nitride coating and AlCrTaTiZr oxide coating were approximately 2 μm h−1, 0.75 μm h−1 and 0.15 μm h−1, respectively. The properties of these high-entropy alloy (HEA) coatings were studied with electrochemical hydrogen (ECH) permeation test equipment and a high-temperature gas-driven deuterium permeation (GDP) device. The AlCrTaTiZr HEA coating had the best hydrogen permeation resistance during the electrochemical hydrogen permeation test. However, the AlCrTaTiZr nitride coating had the best deuterium permeation resistance during the gas-deuterium permeation test. Annealing experiments of these coatings showed that changes in their microstructures during the gas-driven deuterium permeation test were the main reasons for the different permeabilities of these coatings during the heating and cooling processes. The oxidization of the HEA coating during the deuterium permeation experiment may have been the main reason that the HEA coating showed better deuterium permeation resistance than the HEA oxide coating.
Intrinsically disordered proteins at the nano-scale
Authors: Ehm T , Shinar H , Meir S , Sekhon A , Sethi V , Morgan I L , Rahamim G , Saleh O A , Beck R 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe human proteome is enriched in proteins that do not fold into a stable 3D structure. These intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) spontaneously fluctuate between a large number of configurations in their native form. Remarkably, the disorder does not lead to dysfunction as with denatured folded proteins. In fact, unlike denatured proteins, recent evidence strongly suggests that multiple biological functions stem from such structural plasticity. Here, focusing on the nanometer length-scale, we review the latest advances in IDP research and discuss some of the future directions in this highly promising field.
On the derivation of exact eigenstates of the generalized squeezing operator
Authors: Pereverzev Andrey , Bittner Eric R 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
We construct the states that are invariant under the action of the generalized squeezing operator

exp
(

za

†
k

−

z

*

a

k

)

for arbitrary positive integer k. The states are given explicitly in the number representation. We find that for a given value of k there are k such states. We show that the states behave as n
−k/4 when occupation number n → ∞ . This implies that for any k ≥ 3 the states are normalizable. For a given k, the expectation values of operators of the form

a

†

a

j

are finite for positive integer j < (k/2 − 1) but diverge for integer j ≥ (k/2 − 1). For k = 3 we also give an explicit form of these states in the momentum representation in terms of Bessel functions.
Defining a Safe Corridor of Cervical Branch Preservation in Lateral Platysmaplasty Surgery During Facial Rejuvenation Surgery
Authors: Malins William L E , Walker Hamish , Guirguis John , Riaz Muhammad , Saleh Daniel B 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Background
During rhytidectomies, the cervical branch of the facial nerve (CBFN) can easily be encountered, and potentially injured, when releasing the cervical retaining ligaments in the lateral neck. This nerve has been shown to occasionally co-innervate the depressor anguli oris muscle, and damage to it can thus potentially compromise outcomes with a postoperative palsy.

Objectives
The authors sought to examine the lateral cervical anatomy specific to the CBFN to ascertain if the position of the nerve can be predicted, thereby enhancing safety of the platysmal flap separation and dissection from this lateral zone of adhesion.

Methods
Eleven cadaveric hemifaces were dissected, and the distance between the medial border of sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) and the CBFN was measured at 3 key points: (1) superior: the distance between the SCM and the nerve at the level of the angle of the mandible in neutral; (2) narrowest: the narrowest distance measurable between the superior and inferior points as the CBFN descends into the neck medial to the SCM; and (3) inferior: the distance at the most distal part of the cervical nerve identified before its final intramuscular course.

Results
The average distances (in mms) were as follows: superior = 12.1 (range, 10.1-15.4), narrowest = 8.8 (range, 5.6-12.2), and inferior = 10.9 (range, 7.9-16.7).

Conclusions
There is a narrow range between the nerve and the anterior border of SCM. We thus propose a safe corridor where lateral deep-plane dissection can be performed to offer cervical retaining ligament release, with reduced risk of endangering the CBFN.
COVID-19 biomarkers and their overlap with comorbidities in a disease biomarker data model
Authors: Gogate Nikhita , Lyman Daniel , Bell Amanda , Cauley Edmund , Crandall Keith A , Joseph Ashia , Kahsay Robel , Natale Darren A , Schriml Lynn M , Sen Sabyasach , Mazumder Raja 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIn response to the COVID-19 outbreak, scientists and medical researchers are capturing a wide range of host responses, symptoms and lingering postrecovery problems within the human population. These variable clinical manifestations suggest differences in influential factors, such as innate and adaptive host immunity, existing or underlying health conditions, comorbidities, genetics and other factors—compounding the complexity of COVID-19 pathobiology and potential biomarkers associated with the disease, as they become available. The heterogeneous data pose challenges for efficient extrapolation of information into clinical applications. We have curated 145 COVID-19 biomarkers by developing a novel cross-cutting disease biomarker data model that allows integration and evaluation of biomarkers in patients with comorbidities. Most biomarkers are related to the immune (SAA, TNF-∝ and IP-10) or coagulation (D-dimer, antithrombin and VWF) cascades, suggesting complex vascular pathobiology of the disease. Furthermore, we observe commonality with established cancer biomarkers (ACE2, IL-6, IL-4 and IL-2) as well as biomarkers for metabolic syndrome and diabetes (CRP, NLR and LDL). We explore these trends as we put forth a COVID-19 biomarker resource (https://data.oncomx.org/covid19) that will help researchers and diagnosticians alike.
O16: TARGETING THE LOX-1 SCAVENGER RECEPTOR ATTENUATES ATHEROSCLEROSIS AND NEOINTIMAL HYPERPLASIA IN APO-E NULL TRANSGENIC MICE
Authors: Cuthbert GA , Yuldasheva N , Tomlinson DC , Ponnambalam S , Homer-Vanniasinkam S 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Introduction
The clinical consequences of atherosclerosis and post-procedure neointimal hyperplasia (NIH) represent a significant proportion of the vascular surgeon's workload. Lectin-like oxidized low density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) is a class E scavenger receptor expressed in endothelial cells implicated in atherosclerosis and NIH. This study aims to demonstrate the therapeutic potential of LOX-1 targeting using a transgenic mouse model and LOX-1-specific non-antibody synthetic protein scaffolds called affimers.

Method
Apolipoprotein-E (APO-E) null and APO-E/LOX-1 double-null transgenic mice were fed a high cholesterol western diet for 12 weeks. One group of APO-E null mice was treated subcutaneously with LOX-1 affimer. All mice underwent unilateral common femoral artery wire injury at week 8. Mice were culled and tissues harvested for evaluation of atherosclerotic burden and femoral artery NIH. Studies were carried out with Home Office approval.

Result
Compared with APO-E null controls, carotid and femoral bifurcation atherosclerosis (p&lt;0.05) and total aortic plaque coverage (p&lt;0.01) were significantly reduced in APO-E/LOX-1 double-null mice. Reductions were observed in APO-E null mice treated with LOX-1 affimer, however these were non-significant. Femoral artery NIH was reduced by 16% in APO-E/LOX-1 double null and 11% in LOX-1 affimer treated APO-E null mice compared with untreated APO-E controls, however these reductions were non-significant.

Conclusion
This study demonstrates the therapeutic potential of LOX-1 targeting in large vessel atherosclerotic disease and NIH. Knockout of the LOX-1 transgene produced promising results, while results following LOX-1 affimer therapy were less impressive. Improvements in affimer pharmacokinetics and drug delivery optimisation are avenues for future studies.

Take-home message
The LOX-1 scavenger receptor is a potential novel therapeutic target in large-vessel atherosclerosis and neointimal hyperplasia.
O36: DEVELOPING A TRAUMA REGISTRY IN A MIDDLE INCOME COUNTRY – BOTSWANA
Authors: Joseph Motsumi Mpapho , Mashalla Yohana , Sebego Miriam , Ho-Foster Ari , Motshome Paul , Mokokwe Lebogang , Mmalane Mompati , Montshiwa Thapelo 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Background
Botswana has a large burden of disease from injury, but no trauma registry. This study sought to design and pilot test a trauma registry at two hospitals.

Methods
A cross sectional study was piloted at a tertiary hospital and a secondary level hospital in Botswana. The study consisted of two stages: stage 1 mainly involved stakeholder consultations on existing data collection tools. Stage 2 consisted of two phases: Phase I involved retrospective collection of existing data from existing data collection tools and Phase II collected data prospectively using the proposed trauma registry prototype.

Results
The pre-hospital road traffic accident data is collected using hard copy forms and some of this data is transferred to a stand-alone electronic registry. The hospital phase of road traffic accident data all goes into hard copy files then stored in institutional registry departments. The post-hospital data is also partially stored as hard copies and some data is stored in a stand-alone electronic registry. The demographics, pre-hospital, triage, diagnosis, management and disposition had a high percent variable completion rate with no significant difference between phases I and II. However, the primary survey variables in Phase I had a low percent variable completion rate which was significantly different from the high completion rates in phase II at both hospitals. A similar picture was observed for the secondary survey at both hospitals.

Conclusion
Electronic trauma registries are feasible and data completion rate is high when using the electronic data registry as opposed to data collected using the existing paper-based data collection tools.

Keywords
Trauma registry, Injury registry, Road Traffic Accident Trauma Registry, Road Traffic Crushes Registry, Road Accident Registry.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS
O38: TACKING VERSUS NO TACKING IN LAPAROSCOPIC TOTALLY EXTRAPERITONEAL REPAIR OF PRIMARY INGUINAL HERNIA - A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS
Authors: Horan J , M Sahebally S , Rogers A , Winter D 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Introduction
The necessity of mesh fixation in laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair remains controversial. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the effectiveness of mesh tacking versus no tacking in laparoscopic TEP repair for primary inguinal hernia.

Materials and Methods
PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane databases were searched for relevant articles from inception until November 2019. All studies that compared tacking versus no tacking in TEP repairs for inguinal herniae were included. Recurrent and femoral herniae were excluded from the current analysis. The primary outcome measure was recurrence, while secondary outcomes included postoperative pain scores at discharge and at 1 month, mean operative time, length of stay and seroma rates. Random effects models were used to calculate pooled effect size estimates.

Result
Eight randomised controlled trials were included capturing 557 patients and 715 inguinal herniae. On random effects analysis, there were no significant differences between tacking and no tacking in terms of recurrence (OR 0.94, 95% CI=0.10 to 9.28, p=0.96), postoperative pain scores on discharge (Mean difference 0.82, 95% CI=-0.35 to 2.00, p=0.17) or at 1 month (Mean difference 0.53, 95% CI=-0.75 to 1.82, p=0.41), mean operative time (Mean difference 1.58 mins, 95% CI=-0.22 to 3.37, p=0.09), seroma (OR=0.70, 95% CI=0.28 to 1.74, p=0.44) or length of stay (Mean difference 0.11 days, 95% CI=-0.04 to 0.25, p=0.14).

Conclusion
Mesh tacking in laparoscopic TEP repair for primary inguinal herniae does not translate into improved postoperative outcomes and may be omitted.

Take-home message
Mesh tacking in laparoscopic TEP repair for primary inguinal herniae does not translate into improved postoperative outcomes and may be omitted.
P15: EVALUATING THE INTERNATIONAL USABILITY OF A LOW-COST LAPAROSCOPIC TRAINER IN LOW- AND HIGH-INCOME SETTINGS
Authors: Franco C , Sawhney R , Burke J , Aruparayil N , Chauhan M , Bolton W , Mishra A , Valdastri P , Jayne D 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Introduction
Limited access to equipment and trained personnel restrict the adoption of laparoscopic surgery globally. There are a wide range of laparoscopic trainers available; however, most of these are not affordable. We propose an ultra-low-cost laparoscopic trainer (Lap-Pack), designed for portability, ease of assembly and compatibility with smart devices. The study aims to evaluate the usability of Lap-Pack as a training tool in low- and high-income settings.

Method
An international usability study was conducted in India and the UK in 2019. The participants (n=60), consisting of senior surgeons (n=18), junior trainees (n=20) and medical students (n=22), were asked to complete two tasks using Lap-Pack. Participants then scored Lap-Pack in a 25-point questionnaire, including a pre-established Face-Validity Criteria and four major evaluation categories – Usability, Camera, View, Material.

Result
Lap-Pack scored highly in Face-Validity with a combined mean score of 4.63 (95%CI: 4.31, 4.95, p &lt;0.05) of a possible 6. In both cohorts, the Usability and Camera categories scored highest, with combined values respectively of 6.10 (95%CI: 6.01, 6.19, p &lt;0.05) and 6.09 (95%CI: 5.88, 6.31, p &lt;0.05) of a possible 7. For both centres, the highest-scoring individual criteria were its light weight and portability.

Conclusion
Overall, Lap-Pack was received positively by medical students and consultants alike, suggesting it is a suitable device for development of skills as part of a larger laparoscopic training curriculum. Its ease of assembly, portability and versatility show promise of increasing access to training opportunities worldwide.

Take-home message
Lap-Pack is an ultra-low-cost, portable laparoscopic simulator featuring compatibility with smart devices designed to help increase access to laparoscopic training worldwide. An international usability study found medical students, junior trainees and senior surgeons rated its usability and camera features highly, suggesting its employability as a laparoscopic training tool on a global scale.
P31: INTESTINAL GIP RELEASE MODIFICATIONS WOULD BE RELATED TO DUODENAL EXCLUSION: BARIATRIC SURGERY CONSEQUENCES
Authors: Pérez-Arana G , Almorza-Gomar D , Falckenheiner J , Camacho-Ramirez A , Bancalero-DelosReyes J , Prada-Oliveira JA 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Introduction
The surgical techniques employed in the treatment of obesity discovered consequences on the global enterohomonal equilibrium. Many hypotheses focused on these enterohormonal system to explain the improvement of Type 2 Diabetes mellitus; as many other functional improvements. GIP is a hormone released for the duodenal and jejunal K cells, which had been implied in the glucose homeostasis. Our purpose was studied the changes in K cells populations, that could be related to the GIP serum level.

Method
We employed 16 non obese euglycemic male Wistar rats, randomised in the surgical groups. These groups were the surgical techniques (Sleeve gastric –SG-, Roux en Y Gastric Bypass –RYGB- and massive intestinal resection –IR50-), and two controls (fasting and Sham). After three months, rats were sacrificed. The intestinal portions (duodenum, jejunum and ileum) were resected and processed for the immunocytochemical technique.

Result
analysis showed several aspects. We found a significant increase of GIP K-cells (number GIP+/mm2 intestinal portion) in the duodenum of RYGB and RI50 versus both control groups. Other data showed a significant decrease of GIP K-cells in SG jejunum versus both control groups. Ileum did not significances.

Conclusion
GIP hormone was related to the nutrient flow through the intestine. Our data showed that GIP expression was inverse to the exclusion to this flow, as in RYGB technique. The increase was severe in IR50 too, which the duodenum was not affected. This mechanism revealed a complex physiologic mechanism, probably established by the feed-back with other hormones, as PPY.

Take-home message
The metabolic consequences after bariatric surgeries are related in enterohormones changes. The GIP release cellularity suffer changes according to the flow of nutrients.
P33: PROPOSAL OF A NEW SCORING TOOL FOR PREDICTION OF HYPOCALCEMIA IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING SURGERY FOR PAPILLARY THYROID CANCER
Authors: Ravindhran B , Rajan S , Mohan L N 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Introduction
Post-operative hypocalcemia occurs more frequently in certain high-risk patients. The aim of our study is to propose a preliminary scoring system to identify patients who are more likely to develop hypocalcemia following surgery for papillary thyroid cancer.

Method
The study was performed with a retrospective developmental cohort(n=131) and a prospective validation cohort(n=71). Patients underwent either Total Thyroidectomy(TT), TT+Central Neck Dissection(CND) or TT+CND+Modified Radical Neck Dissection(MRND). Significant pre-operative variables and operative findings were converted into categorical variables for analysis. Univariate, multivariate analysis and a logistic regression were used to select significant predictors. The score was constructed by converting into integer, the regression coefficients of independently predictive factors in the logistic regression model. This score was validated prospectively in the validation cohort.

Result
24(18%) out of 131 patients in the developmental cohort and 16(22.5%) out of 71 patients in the validation cohort had symptomatic hypocalcemia. Thyroiditis, positive lymph node metastasis, central and lateral compartment dissection, Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR)&gt;3.35 and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio(PLR)&gt;135 were selected as significant predictors. A score with a range of 0-11 was created. The cut-off value for the score was 6 points(sensitivity of 92.0% and specificity of 89.0%). Areas under the ROC curve for the scores were 0.926 and 0.901 in the developmental and validation cohorts, respectively.

Conclusion
This score could be a tool in the prediction of hypocalcemia and could help in identifying patients at a higher risk of post-operative hypocalcemia and guide calcium/Vitamin D treatment, as well as facilitate a safe earlier hospital discharge for low risk patients.

Take-home message
The proposed scoring system could help in identification of patients at a higher risk of post-operative hypocalcemia.