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Abstract: Prion diseases are devastating neurological disorders caused by the propagation of particles containing an alternative β−sheet-rich form of the prion protein (PrP). Genes paralogous to PrP, called Doppel and Shadoo, have been identified, that also have neuropathological relevance. To aid in the further functional characterization of PrP and its relatives, we annotated completely the PrP gene family (PrP-GF), in the genomes of 42 vertebrates, through combined strategic application of gene prediction programs and advanced remote homology detection techniques (such as HMMs, PSI-TBLASTN and pGenThreader). We have uncovered several previously undescribed paralogous genes and pseudogenes. We find that current high-quality genomic evidence indicates that the PrP relative Doppel, was likely present in the last common ancestor of present-day Tetrapoda, but was lost in the bird lineage, since its divergence from reptiles. Using the new gene annotations, we have defined the consensus of structural features that are characteristic of the PrP and Doppel structures, across diverse Tetrapoda clades. Furthermore, we describe in detail a transcribed pseudogene derived from Shadoo that is conserved across primates, and that overlaps the meiosis gene, SYCE1, thus possibly regulating its expression. In addition, we analysed the locus of PRNP/PRND for significant conservation across the genomic DNA of eleven mammals, and determined the phylogenetic penetration of non-coding exons. The genomic evidence indicates that the second PRNP non-coding exon found in even-toed ungulates and rodents, is conserved in all high-coverage genome assemblies of primates (human, chimp, orang utan and macaque), and is, at least, likely to have fallen out of use during primate speciation. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that the PRNT gene (at the PRNP human locus) is conserved across at least sixteen mammals, and evolves like a long non-coding RNA, fashioned from fragments of ancient, long, interspersed elements. These annotations and evolutionary analyses will be of further use for functional characterisation of the PrP-GF, and will be updatable in a semi-automated fashion as more genomes accumulate. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Powders and thin films of ferroelectric Bi3.25La0.75Ti3O12 (BLT) have been prepared from a sol-gel precursor heated at various temperatures, up to 600°C. The BLT precursor and the BLT powders have been characterized by thermal analyses, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM). Then, the precursor has been used to deposit thin films of ferroelectric BLT on specific silicon substrates, using a specific spin coating process. The thin films have been characterized by XRD, SEM and ellipsometry. Electrical polarization analyses have been finally performed on these films, and performing remnant polarization has been obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Catalytic ruthenium dioxide films were deposited by spin-coating process on ferroelectric films mainly constituted of SrBi2Ta2O9 (SBT) and Ba2NaNb5O15 (BNN) phases. After thermal treatment under air, these ferroelectric–catalytic systems were characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM images showed that RuO2 film morphology depended on substrate nature. A study of CH4 conversion into CO2 and H2O was carried out using these catalytic–ferroelectric multilayers: the conversion was analyzed from Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, at various temperatures. Improved catalytic properties were observed for RuO2 films deposited on BNN oxide layer. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A novel mechanochemical activation route was applied in order to obtain the Ba2ANb5O15 (A=K, Na, Li) ferroelectric materials. The evolution of the 4BaO2:A2CO3:5Nb2O5 powder mixtures during mechanical treatment and subsequent annealings, was followed by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), thermal analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The sought bronze-type phases were mechanosynthesized after 48h of treatment in a planetary mill. Very crystalline phases can be obtained with very important decreases in the temperatures and reaction times as compared with the traditional ceramic method. Dense ceramics were processed from mechanosynthesized precursors at relative low temperature, by a conventional-sintering route, and their dielectric properties characterized. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A new family of ferroelectric compounds with Ba2−x Na1+x Li x Nb5O15 composition (0≤ x ≤1) and tetragonal tungsten–bronze structure is processed for the first time. This new family of materials derived from Ba2NaNb5O15 compound was processed by classical solid-state reaction and by mechanosynthesis. The powders prepared by these two routes were characterized by X-ray diffraction (at room and high temperature), differential thermal analysis, thermogravimetry and scanning electron microscopy. The results confirm the formation of the solid solution in the whole range of composition. The influence of Li addition on the dielectric permittivity and losses and on the ferro-paraelectric transition temperature is also studied. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Alcanivorax borkumensis is a cosmopolitan marine bacterium that uses oil hydrocarbons as its exclusive source of carbon and energy. Although barely detectable in unpolluted environments, A. borkumensis becomes the dominant microbe in oil-polluted waters. A. borkumensis SK2 has a streamlined genome with a paucity of mobile genetic elements and energy generation-related genes, but with a plethora of genes accounting for its wide hydrocarbon substrate range and efficient oil-degradation capabilities. The genome further specifies systems for scavenging of nutrients, particularly organic and inorganic nitrogen and oligo-elements, biofilm formation at the oil-water interface, biosurfactant production and niche-specific stress responses. The unique combination of these features provides A. borkumensis SK2 with a competitive edge in oil-polluted environments. This genome sequence provides the basis for the future design of strategies to mitigate the ecological damage caused by oil spills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A metagenome expression library of bulk DNA extracted from the rumen content of a dairy cow was established in a phage lambda vector and activity-based screening employed to explore the functional diversity of the microbial flora. Twenty-two clones specifying distinct hydrolytic activities (12 esterases, nine endo-β-1,4-glucanases and one cyclodextrinase) were identified in the library and characterized. Sequence analysis of the retrieved enzymes revealed that eight (36%) were entirely new and formed deep-branched phylogenetic lineages with no close relatives among known ester- and glycosyl-hydrolases. Bioinformatic analyses of the hydrolase gene sequences, and the sequences and contexts of neighbouring genes, suggested tentative phylogenetic assignments of the rumen organisms producing the retrieved enzymes. The phylogenetic novelty of the hydrolases suggests that some of them may have potential for new applications in biocatalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dyspnea and heart murmur are common reasons for referrals in cardiology and both are associated with a broad differential diagnosis. Sinus of Valsalva aneurysms are rare abnormalities of the aortic root that should be considered in the differential diagnosis in young and middle aged patients. Sinus of Valsalva aneurysms are often associated with supracristal ventricular septal defects and can be identified on transthoracic echocardiography. Diagnosis of a SVA should trigger a careful search for ventricular septal defect, which may necessitate transesophageal echocardiography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Understanding the research landscape surrounding midazolam is crucial for identifying the current state of knowledge and potential areas for further investigation. Methodology: This bibliometric review utilizes various bibliometric indicators to analyze and summarize the body of research on midazolam. A comprehensive search of relevant literature databases is conducted, and the retrieved publications are subjected to data analysis. Bibliometric indicators, such as frequently researched themes, frequently occurring keywords, influential and active journals, relevant and emerging topics, and trends over time, are examined to gain insights into the research landscape. Results: The most frequently researched themes include the clinical use of midazolam in anesthesia, sedation, and critical care, as well as its pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Frequently occurring keywords highlight topics such as adverse effects, drug interactions, and patient outcomes. Influential and active journals in the field are identified, indicating the key sources of research dissemination. Word cloud and trending topic analyses provide visual representations of the data, showcasing the prominent themes and emerging areas of interest. Conclusion: This bibliometric review provides a comprehensive overview of midazolam research and its trends and patterns over time. The findings demonstrate the importance of midazolam in clinical practice and research, highlighting the key areas of investigation and emerging topics. The analysis identifies knowledge gaps and potential areas for further research, contributing to the understanding of midazolam's effects, safety, and optimal use. Recommendations: Investigations into the long-term outcomes and efficacy of midazolam in different patient populations can provide valuable insights. Furthermore, interdisciplinary collaborations and knowledge exchange between researchers in anesthesia, pharmacology, and critical care can foster innovation and advance the understanding of midazolam. Finally, staying updated with emerging topics and trends in midazolam research is crucial for guiding future investigations and informing clinical practice.

Introduction: Patients infected with SARS-Cov-2, the causative virus behind the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic, have been increasing rapidly in New York City. New York City has the highest incidence in the United States and fully 45% of all deaths from COVID-19. Our medical center is located within a high-density region of cases in south Brooklyn and, in fact, three of our neighborhood zip codes are in the top seven in New York in incidence. As a result, our center has experienced a dramatic increase in hospitalizations, particularly respiratory distress secondary to COVID-19, which rapidly exceeded the capacity of our internal medicine service. This necessitated the formation of new COVID-19 units throughout the hospital, replacing all former service lines. These units employed management teams composed of residents from many medical and surgical disciplines, including general surgery residents. Methods: Our general surgery residency program established a surgical COVID-19 (SCOVID) management team. Initially, 4 surgical residents (2 senior and 2 junior), 1 attending surgeon, and 1 attending internal medicine physician were allocated to the initial SCOVID team. On day 3 of implementation, to achieve more rapid competence in the complex management of these patients, a senior medicine resident with direct experience in the care of COVID-19 patients was added in an advisory capacity. Results: The addition of an experienced senior medical resident and attending allowed for the quick adoption of uniform management protocols by surgical residents and attendings. Discussion: We describe a protocol for the establishment of COVID-19 management teams staffed with general surgical residents, as well as a strategy for the achievement of rapid increases in competency. The addition of a senior internal medicine resident and attending to our SCOVID team allowed for rapid achievement of competency in the care of COVID-19 patients in our large institution at the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Population-based HIV-free survival at 18–24 months of age among HIV-exposed infants in high prevalence settings in the era of treatment for all is largely unknown. We conducted a community-based survey to determine outcomes of HIV-exposed infants at 18–24 months in Lesotho. Methods: Between November 2015 and December 2016, we conducted a survey among households with a child born 18–24 months prior to data collection. Catchment areas from 25 health facilities in Butha-Buthe, Maseru, Mohale's Hoek and Thaba-Tseka districts were randomly selected using probability proportional to size sampling. Consecutive households were visited and eligible consenting caregivers and children were enrolled. Rapid HIV antibody testing was performed on mothers of unknown HIV status (never tested or tested HIV-negative >3 months prior) and their children, and to children born to known HIV-positive mothers. Information on demographics, health-seeking behavior, HIV, and mortality were captured for mothers and children, including those who died. The difference in survival between subgroups was determined using the log-rank test. Results: Of the 1,852 mothers/caregivers enrolled, 570 mothers were HIV-positive. The mother-to-child HIV transmission rate was 5.7% [95% CI: 4.0–8.0]. The mortality rate was 2.6% [95% CI: 1.6–4.2] among HIV-exposed children compared to 1.4% (95% CI: 0.9–2.3) among HIV-unexposed children. HIV-free survival was 91.8% [95% CI: 89.2–93.8] among HIV-exposed infants. Disclosure of mother's HIV status (aOR = 4.9, 95% CI: 1.3–18.2) and initiation of cotrimoxazole prophylaxis in the child (aOR = 3.9, 95% CI: 1.2–12.6) were independently associated with increased HIV-free survival while child growth problems (aOR = 0.2, 95% CI: 0.09–0.5) were independently associated with reduced HIV-free survival. Conclusion: Even in the context of lifelong antiretroviral therapy among pregnant and breastfeeding women, HIV has a significant effect on survival among HIV-exposed children compared to unexposed children. Lesotho has not reached elimination of HIV transmission from mother to child. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Statistics can be used in a variety of ways to present, compute, and critically analyze experimental data. To determine the significance and validity of the experimental data, a variety of statistical tests are used. Using a synthesized CoO/NiO/MnO 2 Nanocomposite, the present study used adsorption to remove the dye Bromophenol Blue (BPB) from a contaminated aqueous solution. In order to (a) determine the optimal pH of the solution, (b) confirm the experiment's success, and (c) investigate the effect of adsorbent dose on BPB dye removal from aqueous solutions. The experimental data were statistically analyzed through hypothesis testing using the t -test, paired t -test, and Chi-square test. The null hypothesis that the optimal pH value is 7 is accepted since t observed (−1.979)

Introduction Population-based HIV-free survival at 18–24 months of age among HIV-exposed infants in high prevalence settings in the era of treatment for all is largely unknown. We conducted a community-based survey to determine outcomes of HIV-exposed infants at 18–24 months in Lesotho. Methods Between November 2015 and December 2016, we conducted a survey among households with a child born 18–24 months prior to data collection. Catchment areas from 25 health facilities in Butha-Buthe, Maseru, Mohale’s Hoek and Thaba-Tseka districts were randomly selected using probability proportional to size sampling. Consecutive households were visited and eligible consenting caregivers and children were enrolled. Rapid HIV antibody testing was performed on mothers of unknown HIV status (never tested or tested HIV-negative >3 months prior) and their children, and to children born to known HIV-positive mothers. Information on demographics, health-seeking behavior, HIV, and mortality were captured for mothers and children, including those who died. The difference in survival between subgroups was determined using the log-rank test. Results Of the 1,852 mothers/caregivers enrolled, 570 mothers were HIV-positive. The mother-to-child HIV transmission rate was 5.7% [95% CI: 4.0–8.0]. The mortality rate was 2.6% [95% CI: 1.6–4.2] among HIV-exposed children compared to 1.4% (95% CI: 0.9–2.3) among HIV-unexposed children. HIV-free survival was 91.8% [95% CI: 89.2–93.8] among HIV-exposed infants. Disclosure of mother’s HIV status (aOR = 4.9, 95% CI: 1.3–18.2) and initiation of cotrimoxazole prophylaxis in the child (aOR = 3.9, 95% CI: 1.2–12.6) were independently associated with increased HIV-free survival while child growth problems (aOR = 0.2, 95% CI: 0.09–0.5) were independently associated with reduced HIV-free survival. Conclusion Even in the context of lifelong antiretroviral therapy among pregnant and breastfeeding women, HIV has a significant effect on survival among HIV-exposed children compared to unexposed children. Lesotho has not reached elimination of HIV transmission from mother to child.

The production and distribution of counterfeit drugs is an urgent and increasingly critical worldwide issue, especially in pandemics. The imperfect supply chain system in the pharmaceutical industry is one of the reasons for drug counterfeiting. Drugs ownership changes from manufacturers to wholesaler, distributor, and then pharmacist before it reaches the customer thus making it difficult to keep track of it. In this paper, we have compared the existing proposed architectures of blockchain and IoT based supply chain management systems. The system implemented using hyper ledger fabric ensures sharing, storing, transparency, and traceability of data in each link of the supply chain. On the other hand, Ethereum architecture utilized the features of smart contracts to manage the interactions between sender and receiver. Finally, the study mainly focuses on increasing the safety of pharmaceutical products and reducing the manual operation of the supply chain with the most efficient architecture.

Biodiversity is declining world-wide with detrimental effects on ecosystems. However, we lack a quantitative understanding of the shape of the relationship between microbial biodiversity and ecosystem function ( BEF). This limits our understanding of how microbial diversity depletion can impact key functions for human well-being, including pollutant detoxification., Three independent microcosm experiments were conducted to evaluate the direction (i.e. positive, negative or null) and the shape of the relationships between bacterial diversity and both broad (i.e. microbial respiration) and specialized (i.e. toxin degradation) functions in five Australian and two UK freshwater ecosystems using next-generation sequencing platforms., Reduced bacterial diversity, even after accounting for biomass, caused a decrease in broad (i.e. cumulative microbial respiration) and specialized (biodegradation of two important toxins) functions in all cases. Unlike the positive but decelerating BEF relationship observed most frequently in plants and animals, most evaluated functional measurements were related to bacterial diversity in a non-redundant fashion (e.g. exponentially and/or linearly)., Synthesis. Our results suggest that there is a lack of functional redundancy in the relationship between bacterial diversity and ecosystem functioning; thus, the consequences of declining microbial diversity on ecosystem functioning and human welfare have likely been considerably underestimated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil stores more carbon (C) than plants and atmosphere combined and it is vulnerable to increased microbial respiration under projected global changes including land-use change and future climate scenarios (mainly elevated temperature). Land-use change is known to have a direct impact on soil organic C and soil respiration (Rs) but the mechanisms that drive these changes remain debatable. Similarly, recent studies and simulation models predict that Rs will respond positively to projected climate warming. However, there are significant uncertainties in the magnitude and mechanisms of this feedback response of Rs to global change. To identify the mechanisms of Rs response to land-use change and climate warming, we first investigated Rs from different land use types. Soil respiration was estimated seasonally from four different Scottish land uses: moorland, birch woodland, grassland and pine forest (n = 24). Our results demonstrated that despite a dramatic loss of total C and nitrogen (N) in the soils under birch trees, the Rs in the birch woodland was similar to that of the moorland and pine forest, with Rs in the grassland being significantly higher. The microbial community structure, estimated by Multiplex Terminal-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (MT-RFLP) and 454 pyrosequencing, was significantly different under each land use type. A strong correlation of Rs with soil properties (pH, inorganic N, C:N ratio and moisture) and with microbial community structure was identified. To test the impact of elevated temperature on Rs and to identify potential microbial mechanisms, we performed laboratory incubation studies. Soils from different land uses were incubated at 7 °C (mean annual temperature (MAT) in Scotland) and 10 °C (MAT + 3 °C) with and without the presence of a labile ( 13 C-glucose) and recalcitrant ( 13 C-lignin) form of C to identify the active groups of microbes and to determine the role of substrate availability on feedback response. The warming treatment induced an increase in Rs rates in all soils. The magnitude of the Rs response to warming was modulated by the land use types, and the Rs was more prominent in soils with high C contents. The addition of glucose substantially increased both total and rate of Rs compared to no substrate- and lignin-amended soils, providing evidence of labile C depletion as a mechanism for the thermal response of Rs. The warming treatment did not impact the composition of the active or total microbial community as revealed by phospholipid fatty acid-stable isotope probing (PLFA-SIP), MT-RFLP and 454 pyrosequencing. Our results showed that the microbial metabolic activity was higher under warming treatment suggesting that a positive feedback of Rs to increased temperature is mediated by changes in substrate availability and microbial metabolic rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Various substituted 1,5-diarylpyrazol-3-one derivatives were synthesized and screened for analgesic, anti-inflammatory activities, ulcerogenic potential and for their ability to release nitric oxide. Most compounds exhibited significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities. It was interesting to note that out of ten compounds, 7j (59.64%) was found to have anti-inflammatory activity greater than the standard drug Indomethacin (57.89%), whereas compound 7b (57.89%) was found to be equipotent to that of standard, Indomethacin. The pharmacological studies suggested that the presence of 4-nitro and 2-methoxy on phenyl ring at C5 of pyrazole has a significant anti-inflammatory activity and 4-chloro substitution on same phenyl ring was found to have decreased activity. However only a phenyl substituted derivative was found to have most potent activity. Compound 7j containing plane phenyl at C5 of pyrazole was found to have significant analgesic activity (56.86%) in acetic acid induced writhing model. Compounds 7d and 7i having 4-chloro substituted phenyl ring showed least analgesic activity (10.78%) and (6.86%) respectively. The compounds also showed significantly reduced GI-ulcerogenicity and gastroprotective results in histopathological studies i.e. they were found to be causing no mucosal injury. All the synthesized compounds were found to exhibit significant nitric oxide releasing activity, in both in vitro and in vivo models. Molecular docking studies served to be an important tool for the study of binding of compounds with that of a COX-2 enzyme. The results of the docking studies were found to endorse the result of experimental work. Thus, the rationale used to design the NCEs was found to produce the promising results as anticipated. Therefore it can be said that the strategy employed can serve as an important tool in future for the design and development of novel therapeutic agents of various categories too. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A series of 4-(morpholin-4-yl)-N′-(arylidene)benzohydrazides were synthesized using appropriate synthetic route. Antimycobacterial activity of the synthesized compounds (5a–5j) was carried out and percentage reduction in relative light units (RLU) was calculated using luciferase reporter phages (LRP) assay. Percentage reduction in relative light units (RLU) for isoniazid was also calculated. The test compounds showed significant antitubercular activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv and clinical isolates: S, H, R, and E resistant M. tuberculosis, when tested in vitro. Quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) investigation with 2D-QSAR analysis was applied to find a correlation between different experimental or calculated physicochemical parameters of the compounds studied and 3D-QSAR analysis and to indicate the exact steric and electronic requirements in the ranges at various positions around pharmacophore. In general Schiff bases exhibit antimycobacterial activity and morpholine ring is important for antimicrobial activity. So we have synthesized 10 different 4-(morpholin-4-yl)-N′-(arylidene)benzohydrazides. The structures of new compounds were characterized by TLC, FTIR, 1H NMR, mass spectral data and elemental analysis. Amongst the compounds tested 5d and 5c were found to be the most potent, while 5i, 5e, and 5j were found to have an average activity against M. tuberculosis H37Rv and 5a, 5f, 5h, 5g, and 5b were found to have a greater activity against clinical isolates: S, H, R, and E resistant M. tuberculosis as compared to M. tuberculosis H37Rv. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Eight derivatives of general formula 2-(2-(4-(3-((5-substituted methylene)-4-oxo-2-(phenylimino)thiazolidin-3-yl)-2-hydroxypropylamino)benzoyl)hydrazinyl)-2-oxoethyl nitrate were synthesized and tested for electrocardiographic, antiarrhythmic, vasorelaxing and antihypertensive activity as well as for in-vitro nitric oxide (NO) releasing ability. Compound 8b 2-(2-(4-(3-(5-benzyliden-4-oxo-2-(phenylimino)thiazolidin-3-yl)-2-hydroxypropylamino)benzoyl)hydrazinyl)-2-oxoethyl nitrate, was the most potent in this series. The pharmacological results suggested that the antiarrhythmic effects of these compounds were related to their adrenolytic properties which are believed to be due to the presence of the 5-(substituted)methylen-2-(phenylimino)thiazolidin-4-one moiety with less bulky, electron donating substituent on the phenyl ring at 5th position of the thiazolidin-4-one. In conclusion, most of the synthesized compounds were significantly potent as antiarrhythmic and antihypertensive; this might be due to the presence of different pharmacopores which might act at different locations with different mode of action. Further insights of the same can be obtained by doing investigation at receptor level. The potency of compounds 8a–8h were promising enough to continue further experiments. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: We created a metagenome expression library from the brine:seawater interface of the Urania hypersaline basin, screened it for esterases, and characterized five of these. Two had no significant sequence homology to known esterases, hydrolyzed both carboxylesters and thioesters, and exhibited unusual, habitat-specific characteristics (preference for high hydrostatic pressure and salinity). One has an unusual structural signature incorporating three catalytic active centers mediating distinct hydrolytic activities and an adaptive tertiary-quaternary structure that alters between three molecular states, according to the prevailing physicochemical conditions. Some of the esterases have high activities, specificities, enantioselectivities, and exceptional stability in polar solvents, and they are therefore potentially useful for industrial biotransformations. One possesses the highest enantioselectivity toward an ester of the important chiral synthon solketal (E: 126[S]; 98%ee). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Endovascular intervention has become the first-line treatment of patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) or aortoiliac occlusive disease (AIOD). However, open abdominal aortic repair remains a valuable treatment option for patients who are younger, those with unfavorable anatomy, and patients for whom endovascular intervention has failed. The cohort of patients undergoing open repair has become highly selected; nevertheless, updated outcomes or patient selection recommendations have been unavailable. In the present study, we explored and compared the characteristics and postoperative outcomes of patients who had undergone open abdominal aortic repair from 2009 to 2018., Methods: Patients who had undergone open AAA (n = 9481) or AIOD (n = 9257) repair were collected from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. The primary outcome was the 30-day mortality. The secondary outcomes included 30-day return to the operating room, total operative time, total hospital stay, and postoperative complications. Unmatched and matched differences between the two groups and changes over time were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were conducted to assess the risk factors predicting for 30-day mortality., Results: After propensity matching (n = 4980), those in the AIOD group had had a higher 30-day mortality rate (5.1% vs 4.1%; P = .021), a higher incidence of wound complications (7.4% vs 5.1%; P<.0001) and an increased 30-day return to the operating room (14.2% vs 9.1%; P < .0001). More open AIOD cases (P = .02) and fewer open AAA cases (P = .04) had been treated in the second half of the decade than in the first. The factors associated with an increased odds of 30-day mortality included advanced age, American Society of Anesthesiologists score ≥III, functional dependence, blood transfusion <72 hours before surgery, weight loss in previous 6 months, and a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease., Conclusions: From 2009 to 2018, the number of open AAA repairs decreased and the proportion of open abdominal AIOD cases increased. Open AIOD surgery was associated with higher 30-day mortality, increased return to the operating room, and increased wound complications vs open AAA repair. Multiple risk factors increased the odds for perioperative mortality. Thus, open abdominal aortic repair should be selectively applied to patients with fewer risk factors., (Copyright © 2022 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The WHO Surgical Safety Checklist has been shown to reduce perioperative morbidity and mortality worldwide. There is evidence to suggest that sign-out is the most poorly performed phase of the checklist as it coincides with a period of high workload for team members. This study aimed to see whether modification of this process might result in greater compliance., Methods: A controlled longitudinal (before and after) study was performed to evaluate the effect of a modified checklist sign-out on compliance in a single surgical department. Checklist quality was evaluated by measurement of checklist completion, active participation, and team member presence. Workload assessment was performed to identify the optimal moment for the sign-out process. The sign-out process was modified through an iterative multidisciplinary approach, informed by results from the workload assessment. Feedback was obtained through staff surveys., Results: A total of 185 operations were used, with an intervention group in vascular surgery and a control group in orthopaedics. The optimal timing for sign-out was identified as after final wound closure. The modified sign-out process improved active participation of team members (21 of 34 versus 31 of 34; P = 0.010). In the control group, complete compliance improved (48 of 76 versus 30 of 41; P = 0.041). However, active participation decreased (53 of 76 versus 19 of 41; P = 0.022). No differences were noted between groups in team member presence. Eighteen of 21 staff questioned viewed the modifications positively., Conclusion: The optimal sign-out timing was identified as immediately after final wound closure prior to undraping the patient., (© The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of BJS Society Ltd.)

Introduction: Evaluation of new surgical innovations is complex and variably regulated, and historically the quality of surgical studies has been criticized. The IDEAL (Idea, Development, Exploration, Assessment, Long-term monitoring) Framework was established to provide a pathway for evaluating surgical innovations at each stage of their development in order to produce high quality surgical research. Since the inception of IDEAL in 2009, there has been no assessment of its use. In this review, we look at the uptake and usage of IDEAL by examining the published literature., Methods: We conducted a literature search to identify all of the publications that cited IDEAL and included only those papers that intentionally used IDEAL as part of the study methodology. We then characterized these publications by year of publication, specialty, and geographical location. We performed a critical appraisal of Stage 1, 2a, and 2b studies in order to assess the degree to which authors have correctly followed the Framework and Recommendations., Results: We found 790 citations of IDEAL publications, and after abstract and full-text screening, 38 prospective studies for a surgical innovation that used IDEAL remained. We saw an overall increase in the uptake of IDEAL, with a predominance in urology and origin in the United Kingdom. The critical appraisal showed that although authors identified their project as using IDEAL, they often failed to include key IDEAL characteristics; this was especially true for the features unique to IDEAL Stages 2a and 2b., Conclusion: It is evident from the large number of studies citing IDEAL that the importance and challenges of reporting surgical research is well recognized among researchers. There is growing enthusiasm for using IDEAL but the current level of understanding of the Recommendations is low. Clearer and more comprehensive explanation of the application of the IDEAL Framework and Recommendations is needed to guide surgical researchers undertaking IDEAL based studies of surgical innovations., (Copyright © 2018 IJS Publishing Group Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: New surgical procedures, devices and other complex interventions need robust evaluation for safety, efficacy and effectiveness. The IDEAL Framework and Recommendations lay out a pathway to achieve this and offer general guidance on how studies at each stage should be reported. However, researchers require some assistance in translating theory into practice. We will develop a set of reporting guidelines for each IDEAL stage where deemed necessary through Delphi consensus methodology., Methods: For each IDEAL stage requiring a new set of reporting guidelines, we will use the following process. We will search for the relevant reporting guidelines already in existence and use principles developed by the IDEAL Collaboration to compile the initial long list of potential checklist items. In each round, the participants will rate the importance of reporting each element on a nine-point Likert scale as proposed by the GRADE group. Sequential rounds and questionnaire administration and completion will take place until a final set of items is produced. There will then be a final consensus meeting of a working group to condense and refine the final recommendations for the reporting guidelines., (© 2018 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Surgical Associates Ltd.)