Conversion Rate Research Articles

Improving oral absorption of a rapidly crystallizing parent drug using prodrug strategy: Comparison of phosphate versus glycine based prodrugs

With an increasing number of Biopharmaceutical Classification System (BCS) II/IV pipeline compounds, solubilizing and supersaturating formulation strategies are becoming prevalent. Beyond formulation and solid form strategies, prodrugs are also employed to overcome solubility-limited absorption of poorly water-soluble compounds. Prodrugs can potentially yield supersaturated systems upon conversion to the parent drug intraluminally and thus enhance absorption. However, supersaturation also increases the driving force for crystallization, resulting in low solution concentrations, which can potentially negate the advantage of prodrugs. In this work, two unique solubility-enhancing prodrugs, phosphate and glycine esters, were investigated for a rapidly crystallizing parent drug. Ex vivo absorption studies using rat tissue and in vivo studies in dogs were performed. Conversion rate of the phosphate prodrug to the parent was dependent on the milieu and increased ∼24-fold in the presence of intestinal contents as medium and tissue relative to neat buffer. In contrast, conversion of the glycine prodrug was minimal under any conditions tested, suggesting that the conversion occurs after absorption into the enterocytes. Phosphate prodrug showed a non-linear increase in parent drug absorptive flux across rat intestinal tissue with concentration when intestinal contents were used as donor media. This was attributed to rapid conversion and high supersaturation of the parent drug which subsequently resulted in crystallization at high doses in the donor chamber. Glycine prodrug did not undergo complete conversion at high doses and was absorbed unchanged on the basolateral side, indicating saturation of the converting enzymes in the enterocytes. The combined flux (parent drug and glycine) showed a linear increase with dose and crystallization was not observed. Under physiological conditions, glycine prodrug that is absorbed unchanged from the intestine can potentially undergo complete conversion in hepatocytes after absorption and make the parent drug systemically available. Thus, glycine prodrug provided overall higher absorption compared to phosphate prodrug. The observed flux levels for both the prodrugs were higher compared to the parent drug alone, highlighting an advantage to use of a prodrug strategy to improve absorption of such compounds. Oral dosing in a dog PK study revealed that the bioavailability using the phosphate prodrug was ∼50% whereas, it was ∼100% with glycine prodrug, supporting the in vitro observations.

Effect of moisture content on pyrolysis product yield from lignite and lignite-peanut shell mixtures using slow pyrolysis

ABSTRACT The conversion of biomass-coal mixtures into energy using thermal conversion systems offers a more environmentally sustainable alternative to conventional coal consumption. A reactor with an internal compartment is proposed to improve the pyrolysis performance of lignite coal and mixtures of lignite coal with peanut shells. The study investigates lignite coal with varying moisture contents and peanut shell proportions (0%, 10%, 25%, and 50%) at a temperature of 500°C, using a heating rate of 0.1°C/s. The results indicated that dry mixtures demonstrated higher overall productivity compared to wet mixtures, particularly in terms of charcoal production. The weight of charcoal increased by 4.83%, 4.71%, 4.02%, and 2.61% across the mixtures. The total conversion rates for dry mixtures were 24.59%, 29.27%, 34.36%, and 40.44%, while for wet mixtures, the conversion rates were 29.42%, 33.98%, 38.38%, and 43.05%, respectively. The results revealed that moisture content during pyrolysis significantly influenced the productivity of lignite and lignite-peanut shell mixtures. The conversion rates in dry mixtures were lower compared to those in wet mixtures. The novelty of this work lies in its pioneering investigation of the impact of moisture on the slow pyrolysis of Turkish lignite mixed with peanut shells. It offers novel insights into optimizing the thermal conversion process for these materials by uniquely examining the effects of moisture on productivity and conversion rates.

Effect of teleneurology on door-to-needle times for tenecteplase in acute ischemic stroke

IntroductionIntravenous thrombolysis remains the primary treatment for acute ischemic stroke (AIS); however, administration is time sensitive. Teleneurology services have increased in popularity in recent years due to their ability to aid in triaging patients with neurological conditions. Teleneurology services were implemented at this comprehensive stroke center, in August 2023 to aid in streamlining the administration of tenecteplase in AIS patients. Currently, there are no studies assessing whether the implementation of teleneurology services at a comprehensive stroke center influences tenecteplase door-to-needle time. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the difference in door-to-needle times when tenecteplase is administered with versus without a teleneurology consult. MethodsThis was an institutional review board approved, retrospective cohort study conducted at a single comprehensive stroke center. Adult patients who presented to the emergency department between January 1st, 2022 and April 1st, 2023 were included if they received tenecteplase for the treatment of AIS. The primary outcome was door-to-needle time, defined as the moment the patient first enters the door of the emergency department to the moment the IV bolus of fibrinolytic is administered. Secondary outcomes included the proportion of patients with door-to-needle time within 45 min, neurological improvement at 24 h and discharge, and rate of hemorrhagic conversion. ResultsA total of 93 patients were included with 43 patients in the pre-teleneurology group and 50 patients in the post-teleneurology group. Baseline characteristics were comparable between both treatment groups. The median door-to-needle time was significantly reduced in the post-teleneurology group (49 minutes [IQR, 40.0–70.0] preintervention vs. 34.5 minutes [IQR, 23.8–43.0] postintervention, p < 0.01). For secondary outcomes, the post-teleneurology group had more patients with a door-to-needle time within 45 minutes (44.2% vs. 80.0%, p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in early neurological improvement (58.1% vs. 54.0%), neurological improvement at discharge (60.5% vs. 62.0%), or hemorrhagic conversion (7.0% vs. 12.0%). ConclusionAmong patients who received tenecteplase for the treatment of AIS, there was a significant reduction in door-to-needle time with the use of teleneurology services. There was no difference in neurological improvement or rate of hemorrhagic conversion.

Low-Temperature Reduction of NOx by NH3 with Unity Conversion on Nanofilament MnO2/Activated Semi-Coke Catalyst.

Selective catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides with NH3 at low temperatures remains a crucial goal for industrial applications. However, effective catalysts operating at 70-90 °C are rarely reported, limiting SCR scenarios to high-temperature conditions. Herein, we report a unique MnO2 nanofilament catalyst grown on activated semi-coke synthesized via a one-step in situ hydrothermal approach, which exhibits a stable and marked 100 % conversion rate of NO to N2 with 100 % selectivity at 90 °C, superior to the other prepared structures (nanowires, nanorods, and nanotubes). Temperature-programmed desorption shows a large number of acid sites on MnO2(NFs)/ASC, benefiting the formation of NH4 + ions. Meanwhile, diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy reveals the activation of NO with O2 to form bidentate nitrate/bridging nitrate NO2 intermediates via bidentate nitrate species, triggering the Fast SCR with NH3 at low temperatures. Such an effective, easy-to-prepare, and low-cost catalyst paves a new pathway for low-temperature SCR for a wide range of application scenarios.

Mapping anthropogenic impacts on natural resources in the northeastern Sahara region: A case study on the past 26 years over the Ziban region (Algeria)

The objective of this research was to map and analyze anthropogenic impacts on natural resources in the Ziban region of Algeria using remote sensing imagery from 1995 to 2021. Medium-resolution satellite images from Landsat TM and OLI were utilized, with image processing techniques such as colorful compositions and supervised classification to map land cover. Seven land use and land cover (LULC) classes were identified, distinguishing human-derived categories (palm, agriculture, urban, and greenhouses) from natural surfaces (nebka, natural vegetation, and bare soil). The results indicated significant increases in human-driven elements like palm, urban areas, agriculture, greenhouses, and nebka, and notable decreases in natural components like vegetation and bare soil. Specifically, the rate of change (Tc) showed increases of 0.9% for palm, 1.14% for urban, 1.55% for agriculture, 1.91% for greenhouses, and 9.37% for nebka, and decreases of -3.68% for vegetation and -11.19% for bare soil. These findings highlight the impact of agricultural policies, population growth, and natural and human-induced conditions on natural resources. Palm areas remained largely unchanged due to state policies, whereas agriculture saw significant conversions to bare soil and palm. Vegetation declined substantially due to adverse climatic conditions and agricultural expansion. Nebka and urban areas had moderate to high conversion rates, and bare soil saw notable changes due to sand movement and urban/agricultural development. The study highlights the role of remote sensing and land cover analysis in managing natural resources sustainably, considering factors like agricultural policies and population growth. It emphasizes developing data-driven strategies for effective land use and management.

Electrocatalytic arsenic removal: Unveiling selective capturing and conversion with a redox-active silica-lignosulfonate hybrid framework

Addressing the global challenge of arsenic groundwater pollution to ensure a safe water supply is crucial. Thus, we developed a versatile ferrocene (Fc) incorporated silica-lignosulphonate nano framework (Fc–Si–LS). This framework was precisely designed to target and transform the toxic arsenite (As+3) into a controllable form of arsenic (As+5). Results revealed that the unique Fc–Si–LS framework had significantly targeted As+3 and showed an impressive selective conversion (84 %) performance even at high concentrations (1 mM). Additionally, in real water application (As = 150 μg/L), the As+3 conversion rate remained effective (∼81.6 %). Remarkably, the synergy between Fc and Si–LS resulted in an exceptional adsorption capacity (106 mg/g) at 1.2 V, attaining a low energy consumption of only 0.072 kWh/m3. DFT simulations established a phenomenon that simultaneous selective capturing and conversion of arsenic requires a redox moiety integration on the catalyst surface to accept electrons from the selectively trapped As+3 to the electrode. Hence, this study highlighted the potential of precisely persuading Si–LS based redox-active nano frameworks in evolving energy effective solutions for arsenic removal from drinking water, thereby offering significant implications for sustainable water treatment technologies.

Ionic liquid catalysed synthesis of benzimidazolone from Ortho-Phenylenediamine in the presence of carbon dioxide as a carbonyl source under solvent free condition

In this study, we report synthesis of benzimidazolones from o-phenylene diamine by utilizing carbon dioxide as a carbonyl source under mild reaction conditions in the presence of ionic liquid as a catalyst. Six bifunctional protonic ionic liquids (PILs) were synthesised by reacting superbases 1,5,7-Triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec-5-ene (TBD) and 1,8-diazabicyclo-[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU) with proton donors such as Trifluoroethanol (TFE), Cyclopropane carboxylic acid (CPCA) and 2,2,2-Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). Among them, [TBDH+][TFE−] was the most effective, achieving high conversion rates of o-phenylene diamine to 2-benzimidazolone at 1 bar CO2 pressure and 60° C. This PIL could be reused for up to six cycles. Our method offers a green and efficient approach for producing 2-benzimidazolone derivatives, with potential applications in pharmaceuticals and materials science.

Droplet detachment from a vertical filament with one end clamped

Understanding whether a droplet adheres to or detaches from a flexible filament upon axial impact is of significant interest, particularly in the context of raindrop impact on natural surfaces. This process involves dynamic buckling followed by mode coarsening, dissipating the initial droplet kinetic energy and converting the remaining into elastic energy of the filament. To elucidate this phenomenon, we construct two phase diagrams, one while fixing the filament height and the other the droplet diameter. Notably, we observe that the energy conversion rate is inversely proportional to a Cauchy number, defining the transition between attached and detached droplet in the filament length–falling height diagram. This enables us to derive an expression for the critical falling height as a function of the filament parameters, accounting for the energy conversion rate, which emerges as a key factor for droplet detachment. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Daratumumab with lenalidomide as maintenance after transplant in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma: the AURIGA study

AbstractNo randomized trial has directly compared daratumumab and lenalidomide (D-R) maintenance therapy with standard-of-care lenalidomide (R) alone after transplantation. Herein, we report the primary results of the phase 3 AURIGA study evaluating D-R vs R maintenance in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who had ≥very good partial response, were minimal residual disease (MRD)-positive (threshold 10–5), and were anti-CD38–naïve after transplantation. A total of 200 patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to D-R or R maintenance for up to 36 cycles (D-R, n = 99; R, n = 101). The primary end point, MRD-negative (10–5) conversion rate by 12 months from start of maintenance, was significantly higher for D-R than for R (50.5% vs 18.8%; odds ratio [OR], 4.51; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.37-8.57; P < .0001). MRD-negative (10–6) conversion rate was similarly higher with D-R (23.2% vs 5.0%; OR, 5.97; 95% CI, 2.15-16.58; P = .0002). At 32.3-month median follow-up, D-R achieved a higher overall MRD-negative (10–5) conversion rate (D-R, 60.6% vs R, 27.7%; OR, 4.12; 95% CI, 2.26-7.52; P < .0001) and ≥complete response rate (75.8% vs 61.4%; OR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.08-3.69; P = .0255) vs R alone. Progression-free survival (PFS) favored D-R over R (hazard ratio, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.29-0.97); estimated 30-month PFS rates were 82.7% for D-R and 66.4% for R. Incidences of grade 3/4 cytopenias (54.2% vs 46.9%) and infections (18.8% vs 13.3%) were slightly higher with D-R than with R. In conclusion, D-R maintenance achieved a higher MRD-negative conversion rate and improved PFS after transplantation compared with R alone, with no new safety concerns. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT03901963.

From Consumption to Online Review Posting: Examining the Influential Factors of Conversion Rate

ABSTRACT Online reviews reflect consumer needs and generate an electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) effect influencing businesses’ financial performance. Existing literature on online reviews largely assumes consumers have a consistent conversion rate of writing and posting online reviews after a consumption experience. Using dual-source data of consumers’ footprints and online restaurant reviews, we challenge this assumption and quantify the online review conversion rate by depicting a comprehensive pathway from consumers’ visitation to their review writing. We find that consumer overall satisfaction has a nonlinear impact on the online review conversion rate. Extremely dissatisfied consumers are more likely to post online reviews to complain than generally dissatisfied consumers. In contrast, generally satisfied consumers are more likely to post online reviews than extremely satisfied consumers. Additionally, consumer engagement in the platform stimulates their online review behavior. Further, consumers’ geographical distance from providers has a U-shaped impact on online review conversion rate. Local nearby consumers and consumers from a relatively long distance have a higher chance to post online reviews than consumers from a moderate distance. Moreover, price promotions from providers facilitate consumers’ review behavior. The findings guide businesses to prioritize reading and responding to online consumer reviews based on these influential factors. Companies thus can use more targeted actions to encourage consumers to post positive reviews and spread a positive eWOM effect to attract consumers and enhance financial performance

Preparation of two new chiral metal-organic frameworks for lipase immobilization and their use as biocatalysis in the enantioselective hydrolysis of racemic naproxen methyl ester

Considering the selective pharmacological activity of chiral drugs, it is important to develop new chiral materials to synthesize them. In this work, two new chiral MOFs (UiO-66@Np and UiO-66@Ib) were prepared by the covalent attachment of the chiral compounds (S-naproxen and S-ibuprofen) to the amine-functionalized Zr-MOF (UiO-66-NH2). Then, Candida rugosa lipase (CRL) was immobilized on these chiral MOFs to fabricate two new biocomposites (UiO-66@Np@CRL and UiO-66@Ib@CRL) as effective biocatalysts, which enable significant enhancement in the catalytic activity and enantioselectivity of lipase. The FTIR, SEM, EDX, TGA, and PXRD analyses were carried out to confirm the formation of the biocomposites. The catalytic performances of the biocomposites (UiO-66@Np@CRL and UiO-66@Ib@CRL) were evaluated in the typical hydrolysis of p-nitro-phenyl palmitate (p-NPP) and the catalytic enantioselective hydrolysis of (R,S)-naproxen methyl ester. Under optimal conditions, UiO-66@Np@CRL showed a higher enantiomeric excess of the substrate (ees) value and a 98 % and 50 % conversion rate, respectively, than that of UiO-66@Ib@CRL. Besides, an excellent enantioselectivity (E) value of 458 was obtained in the presence of the biocomposite (UiO-66@Np@CRL). In addition, it was observed that the catalytic activity, conversion rate and ees value of this composite (UiO-66@Np@CRL) remained almost unchanged in reuse after 6 months. The results showed that in enantioselective reactions, the highest conversion and enantioselectivity could be achieved when the chiral compound bound to the MOF and the model compound used are the same.

Species specific kinetics of imidacloprid and carbendazim in mouse and rat and consequences for biomonitoring

This study aimed to develop physiologically based kinetic (PBK) models to predict the blood concentrations of imidacloprid and carbendazim and their primary metabolites 5-hydroxy-imidacloprid and 2-aminobenzimidazole after single or repeated oral exposure in mouse (Mus musculus), and compare this to corresponding kinetic data in rat (Rattus norvegicus). PBK model constants for conversion of imidacloprid and carbendazim and formation and clearance of their selected primary metabolites were quantified by in vitro mouse liver microsomal and S9 incubations. The performance of the newly developed PBK models was evaluated, based on a comparison to available literature data, showing that the models performed well. Predictions made were also compared to results from PBK model simulations for rats reported previously to obtain insight in species dependent differences in kinetics of these pesticides. The results thus obtained revealed substantial species differences in kinetics for these two pesticides between mouse and rat, especially for imidacloprid and to a lesser extent for carbendazim. Repeated dose PBK model simulations revealed that the models can facilitate estimation of external exposure levels under wildlife conditions based on internal blood concentrations of the parent compound. The rate of conversion and liver volume fraction were shown to influence the accuracy of these predictions with lower values providing less variable outcomes. It is concluded that PBK modeling provides a new approach methodology of use for wildlife biomonitoring studies and that results of the present study facilitate benchmarking of the species and compounds for which kinetics enable this with sufficient accuracy.

Comparison of outcomes between single-port and multiport retroperitoneal robotic partial nephrectomy

IntroductionSingle-port (SP) robotic surgical system performs well in small anatomical spaces, which makes it suitable for retroperitoneal robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN). However, there is limited evidence comparing the safety and feasibility of SP RPN to multiport (MP) RPN. To address this gap in evidence, we sought to analyze and compare the safety of retroperitoneal RPN between SP and MP approaches. MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study using data from the Single Port Advanced Research Consortium (SPARC) and a multicenter database of patients who underwent retroperitoneal RPN using either SP or MP between 2017 and 2023. Baseline, perioperative, and postoperative data were compared using t-tests, Mann-Whitney U test, χ2 test, and Fisher exact test. Multivariable analyses were conducted using robust and Poisson regressions. ResultsA total of 286 patients (SP RPN, n = 86 [30%]; MP RPN, n = 200 [70%]) underwent retroperitoneal RPN. R.E.N.A.L nephrometry score and tumor location were significantly different between the 2 groups. Notably, the ischemia time was significantly shorter in the MP group (16 vs. SP, 22 minutes, P < 0.001). Adjusting for baseline characteristics, the ischemia time was approximately 7.89 minutes longer for patients in the SP group compared to the MP group, on average (95% CI: 5.87, 9.92; P < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in operative time, EBL, blood transfusion, conversion rates, LOS, PSM, and overall 30-day postoperative complications between the 2 groups. ConclusionOur study shows that retroperitoneal SP and MP RPN have comparable perioperative and postoperative outcomes, except for the longer ischemia time in the SP platform. SP RPN is a safe and viable alternative; however, further research is needed to explore its potential benefits, cost-effectiveness, and long-term oncologic outcomes.

NEURO-LINGUISTIC PROGRAMMING ELEMENTS IN ADVERTISING: CRAFTING PERSUASIVE DISCOURSE

This study explores the application of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) principles inadvertising, focusing on how these elements enhance persuasive discourse. NLP is a psychological approach that examines the interplay between language, behavior, and thought patterns, providing valuable insights into consumer decision-making processes. The research aims to identify specific NLP techniques—such as anchoring, reframing, and the use of sensory language—and analyze their effectiveness in creating compelling advertising messages that resonate with target audiences. Through a mixed-methods approach, this study evaluates a selection of advertising campaigns that successfully employ NLP strategies. Qualitative analysis of consumer responses and quantitative assessments of campaign performance metrics reveal a significant correlation between the useof NLP elements and improved consumer engagement and conversion rates. The findings suggest that advertisements incorporating NLP techniques can effectively influence perceptions, emotions, and behaviors, ultimately leading to higher brand loyalty and sales. This research contributes to the understanding of how language and psychological frameworks can be strategically utilized in marketing to enhance persuasive communication. It highlights the need for advertisers to adopt NLP principles to craft messagesthat not only capture attention but also drive meaningful consumer interactions. The implications of these findings underscore the importance of integrating psychological insights into advertising practices, paving the way for future studies in the intersection of psychology and marketing.

Climbing the Research Ladder: A 25-year Analysis of K-to-R Grant Conversion among Plastic Surgeons.

We evaluate the performance of plastic surgeons in converting National Institutes of Health K grants in early career to R grants intended for established investigators. We also investigate characteristics that may positively predict successful transition from K to R grants. K08, K23, and R01 (or equivalent) grants awarded to plastic surgeons and physicians within the departments of ophthalmology, dermatology, and neurosurgery were collected. Analyses of successful conversion rates from a K to an R grant between plastic surgeons and physicians within the selected departments were performed. Cross-sectional analysis of characteristics among identified plastic surgeons was completed via logistic regression to elucidate possible predictors of successful conversion. Comparison of pathway initiation rates demonstrate that plastic surgeons receive significantly fewer K grants relative to the size of their field when compared with other specialties (all P < 0.01). Of the analyzed plastic surgeons, 52.9% successfully converted to an R-series grant within 5.4 years of beginning their K-series grant. Conversion rates were not significantly different between plastic surgeons and physicians within the selected departments. Logistic regression analyses revealed that the time-adjusted mean relative citation ratio of K series-associated publications is a positive predictor of successful conversion (P = 0.047). With regard to increasing National Institutes of Health funding via the K-to-R pathway, we believe the field of plastic surgery could benefit from an increased effort to pursue a pathway of K-to-R conversion with a focus on quality over quantity when publishing articles associated with a K-series grant.

A “sizing-free” strategy to improve the interfacial property of PEEK/CF composites based on “grafting-bridging” bifunctional diazonium salt

Achieving simple and efficient interfacial modification between carbon fiber and polyether ether ketone (PEEK) has been the pursuit of researchers. In this study, by comparing the nucleophilicity of various aromatic amines, a direct Schiff base reaction with polyether ether ketone (PEEK) has been achieved. Based on this, a “grafting-bridging” bifunctional diazonium salt containing a phenylethylamine structure was designed and synthesized to enhance the interfacial strength through covalent bonding without the use of sizing agents. The diazonium salt was grafted onto the surface of carbon fiber through electrochemical reduction, while the PEEK resin and phenylethylamine could achieve bridging through heat treatment, thus a PEEK/CF interface with enhanced covalent bonds was constructed. The reaction and conversion rate between phenylethylamine and PEEK resin were confirmed through IR and NMR. The successful grafting of the diazonium salt on the carbon fiber was determined through XPS and cyclic voltammetry. The bridging reaction on the surface of carbon fiber was verified through XPS and the use of 6F-PEEK with characteristic elements. As a result, the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) of the modified PEEK/CF interface reached 86.2 MPa, representing a 102.8 % improvement compared to the untreated interface of 42.5 MPa, fully demonstrating the excellent effect of the bifunctional diazonium salt.

Exploring the feasibility of home-delivered capsule endoscopy with 5G support: innovations and carbon footprint insights.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) poses a significant global health threat, necessitating early detection. Traditional diagnostic tools like optical colonoscopy have limitations prompting our '5G-SUCCEEDS' initiative to explore a novel approach involving remote colon capsule endoscopy (CCE). This prospective feasibility study was conducted at a single hospital in England. Between December 2022 and September 2023, we introduced a remote CCE service within the 5G-SUCCEEDS framework. We undertook a feasibility study of CCE in patients with low-risk/moderate-risk CRC stratified by faecal haemoglobin. Outcomes included carbon footprint analysis (outlined through three potential clinical pathways) and patient-reported outcomes through structured questionnaires and interviews. Among 25 participants, 88% expressed satisfaction with remote CCE. 82% were willing to have remote CCE if clinically indicated in future. CCE findings included adenomatous polyps (58%), normal results (17%) and diverticulosis (21%), with no cancers identified in this pilot. Notably, we found that the carbon footprint associated with delivery of CCE at home (pathway 3) was lower compared with CCE delivered in a clinical setting (pathway 2). A fully optimised, automated scaled-up pathway would combine the delivery and collection of CCE equipment within a local area to reduce the carbon footprint of the travel element by 75%. Moreover, the conversion rate into a colonoscopy pathway is not static and clinicians acknowledge that this could be as low as 28%. Carbon footprint is more favourable for home-delivered CCE in the optimised scenario, while less so when considering the need for additional procedures (colonoscopy conversion). The 5G-SUCCEEDS initiative highlights the feasibility and advantages of home-based diagnostics using CCE.

Achievement of international benchmark outcomes for robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy in a low volume country

BackgroundRecently, there has been an increase in the utilisation of the robotic platform to perform minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy in high volume centres, with the goal of reducing morbidity and improving patient outcomes. This study reports the successful implementation of a robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy (RPD) programme in the relatively low volume setting of Australia, measured against established, internationally accepted benchmarks for low-risk open pancreaticoduodenectomy (OPD). MethodsRetrospective review of a prospectively maintained database for consecutive RPD at two Brisbane hospitals was performed, comparing data to internationally established benchmarks for low-risk OPD. A structured RPD programme was implemented by two surgeons across a study period spanning May 2017 to December 2023. ResultsOver the study period, seventy-two consecutive RPDs were performed, with 79 % for malignancy. Perioperative outcomes for transfusions, conversion rate, postoperative fistula rate, morbidity, mortality and oncological outcomes were all within established benchmark cutoffs for low-risk open pancreaticoduodenectomy (OPD), although operative time exceeded the benchmark value by 0.7hrs. ConclusionA carefully implemented RPD programme in the low volume Australian setting is feasible, with high quality outcomes achievable when compared to established benchmarks for low-risk OPD and to reported RPD series published by high volume pioneering centres.

The influence of CeO2 different morphologies effects on hydrodeoxygenation for guaiacol on Ni/CeO2 catalysts

Catalytic hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) is an effective way to produce high–value products from lignin-derived phenolic compounds. In this work, three different morphologies of Ni/CeO2 catalysts (amorphous, cubic, and rod-shaped) have been prepared through the conventional wet impregnation method. They can be used for the HDO of guaiacol to prepare cyclohexanol, an important chemical raw material. The influence of different morphologies of CeO2 on catalytic activity was explored. The research results indicate that Ni/CeO2–r catalysts with rod-shaped structures exhibit excellent catalytic properties. As a result, a 100 % conversion rate and 96.9 % cyclohexanol yield were achieved on the Ni/CeO2–r catalyst at 240 °C. The catalytic performance of the three catalysts follows this order: Ni/CeO2–r (rod-shaped) > Ni/CeO2–c (cubic) > Ni/CeO2–p (amorphous). The results of Raman and XPS indicate significant differences in the surface oxygen vacancy in catalysts with different morphologies. The Ni/CeO2–r catalyst has the highest oxygen vacancy concentration and defect. In addition, Ni/CeO2–r also has the largest specific surface area (SBET) and the highest nickel dispersion, and forms more Ni0 because of the strong interaction of Ni species and CeO2 support. Therefore, Ni/CeO2–r exhibits the most excellent catalytic performance for the hydrogenation of guaiacol than the other two catalysts. Moreover, the cycling activity test was also investigated over the Ni/CeO2–r catalyst. After five cycles, the conversion rate of guaiacol and the yield of cyclohexanol hardly decrease. This work provides vital ideas for the development of higher-activity, higher-stability, and low-cost catalysts for the conversion of lignin-derived phenolic compounds in the future.

Establishment of Mongolia's first independent and sustainable minimally invasive general thoracic surgery program: A Mongolian-Canadian initiative

ObjectiveThe advent of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in Mongolia has faced funding and accessibility challenges, leading to languid adoption. A Mongolian-Canadian collaboration was inaugurated to support the development of a self-sustainable, self-governed minimally invasive thoracic surgery (MITS) program in Mongolia. MethodsA multidisciplinary Canadian thoracic surgery team collaborated with the National Cancer Center of Mongolia Thoracic Surgery service from 2016 to 2023. The team engaged in patient rounds, MITS procedures, and service education. Program and patient outcomes were reviewed. ResultsThirty-four patients underwent MITS procedures as part of the Mongolian-Canadian collaboration. Median age was 51 years (range, 16-76 years), and 41% (14 out of 34) were men. Lung, esophageal, and mediastinal procedures composed 50% (17 out of 34), 21% (7 out of 34), and 21% (7 out of 34) of procedures, respectively. Conversion rate, median operative time, and hospital length of stay were 0%, 172.5 minutes, and 8 days, respectively. The complication rate was 9% (3 out of 34) with 3% (1 out of 34) being Clavien-Dindo >3 requiring re-operation. Thirty-day mortality was 0%. Mongolia's thoracic surgery team progressed from surgical assists to primary operators and a self-governed program. In 2023, the National Cancer Center of Mongolia's thoracic surgery service independently conducted 72% (50 out of 69) of esophagectomies and 91% (48 out of 53) of pulmonary resections via minimally invasive technique compared with 0% in 2015. ConclusionsThe Mongolian-Canadian collaboration demonstrated successful transfer of MITS proficiency through global noncolonialist surgical partnership, consequentially shifting the national thoracic surgical paradigm. Continued collaboration will focus on sustainability and supporting local surgeons in regional dissemination of MITS proficiency with the aim of globalizing thoracic surgical excellence.