Assessing the contribution of semiconductors to the sustainable development goals (SDGs) from 2017 to 2022

Semiconductor development is a major driving force for global economic growth. However, synchronizing it with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations remains a critical challenge. To gain insight into this, we analyzed SDG-related publications on semiconductors from 2017 to 2022 using the SciVal database. The study found 77,706 documents related to SDGs in the field of semiconductor research, with an overall increase in the number of publications each year. The main focus of these publications was SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), accounting for 68.9 % of the total publication count. Additionally, the results indicate that semiconductors have multifaceted potential in advancing a range of SDGs. From fostering innovations in healthcare (SDG 3), ensuring clean water access (SDG 6), catalyzing transformative industrial growth (SDG 9), to contributing to climate mitigation strategies (SDG 13), semiconductors emerge as versatile drivers of sustainable development. The respective publication percentages for these goals were 7.3 %, 5.9 %, 9.7 %, and 4.4 %, underscoring their capacity to make substantial contributions across various facets of sustainability. It's worth noting that only 2.9 % of these publications stem from academia-industry collaborations. This indicates a pressing need to facilitate collaboration between academia and industry, as such partnerships have the potential to amplify the impact of semiconductor innovations on the SDGs. The novelty of this study lies in its specific exploration through a comprehensive analysis spanning five years, revealing the alignment between semiconductor advancements and the latest SDGs. It uncovers the significance of collaborative ecosystems involving research institutions, businesses, and governments. Through these results, our study addresses a gap in the existing literature and advances semiconductor contributions to the SDGs.

Rapid identification and detection of aristolochic acids in the herbal extracts by Raman spectroscopy

Herbs containing aristolochic acids (AAs) have already been proven to be highly carcinogenic and nephrotoxic. In this study, a novel surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) identification method was developed. Ag-APS nanoparticles with a particle size of 3.53 ± 0.92 nm were produced by combining silver nitrate and 3-aminopropylsilatrane. The reaction between the carboxylic acid group of aristolochic acid I (AAI) and amine group of Ag-APS NPs was used to form amide bonds, and thus, concentrate AAI, rendering it easy to detect via SERS and amplified to obtain the best SERS enhancement effect. Detection limit was calculated to be approximately 40 nM. Using the SERS method, AAI was successfully detected in the samples of four Chinese herbal medicines containing AAI. Therefore, this method has a high potential to be applied in the future development of AAI analysis and rapid qualitative and quantitative analysis of AAI in dietary supplements and edible herbs.

CaO recovered from eggshell waste as a potential adsorbent for greenhouse gas CO2

The growing number of industrial carbon emissions have resulted in a significant increase in the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO₂), which, in turn, will have a major impact on climate change. Therefore, the reduction, storage, and reuse of CO₂ is an important concern in modern society. Calcium oxide (CaO) is known to be an excellent adsorbent of CO₂ in a high-temperature environment. However, since deterioration of the adsorbent is likely to occur after repeated cycles of adsorption under high temperature conditions, it would be desirable to mitigate this phenomenon, in order to maintain the stability of CaO. In the present study, common eggshell waste was used as the starting material. The main component of eggshell waste is calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), which was purified to produce CaO. Different surfactants and amino-containing polymers were added to synthesize CaO-based adsorbents with different configurations and pore sizes. The amount of CO₂ adsorbed was determined using a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA). The results showed that the CO₂ adsorption capacity of the synthetic CaO recovered from purified eggshell waste could reach 0.6 g-CO₂/g-sorbent, indicating a good adsorption capacity. CaO modified with a dopamine-containing polymer was shown to have an adsorption capacity of 0.62 g-CO₂/g-sorbent. Moreover, it showed an excellent adsorption capacity of 0.40 g-CO₂/g-sorbent, even after 10 cycles of CO₂ adsorption. The present study suggests that using eggshell waste to synthesize CaO-based adsorbents for effective CO₂ adsorption can not only reduce environmental waste, but also have the potential to capture greenhouse gas CO₂ emissions, which conforms to the principles of green chemistry.

Endoscopic Management of Bowel Obstruction

The traditional morbidity and mortality associated with traditional management has stimulated exploration of endoscopic approaches. Success depends on patient selection, the location and etiology of obstruction, patient status, and the capability of the endoscopist. This article discusses techniques of intralumenal dilation and stent placement and results from systematic reviews.

Article Commentary: Defining New Directions for More Effective Management of Surgical Pain in the United States: Highlights of the Inaugural Surgical Pain Congress™

Despite advances in pharmacologic options for the management of surgical pain, there appears to have been little or no overall improvement over the last two decades in the level of pain experienced by patients. The importance of adequate and effective surgical pain management, however, is clear, because inadequate pain control 1) has a wide range of undesirable physiologic and immunologic effects; 2) is associated with poor surgical outcomes; 3) has increased probability of readmission; and 4) adversely affects the overall cost of care as well as patient satisfaction. There is a clear unmet need for a national surgical pain management consensus task force to raise awareness and develop best practice guidelines for improving surgical pain management, patient safety, patient satisfaction, rapid postsurgical recovery, and health economic outcomes. To comprehensively address this need, the multidisciplinary Surgical Pain Congress™ has been established. The inaugural meeting of this Congress (March 8 to 10, 2013, Celebration, Florida) evaluated the current surgical pain management paradigm and identified key components of best practices.

Comparing pathologic outcomes for robotic versus laparoscopic Surgery in rectal cancer resection: a propensity adjusted analysis of 7616 patients

BACKGROUND

Margin negative resection of rectal cancer with minimally invasive techniques remains technically challenging. Robotic surgery has potential advantages over traditional laparoscopy. We hypothesize that the difference in the rate of negative margin status will be < 6% between laparoscopic and robotic approach.

METHODS

The National Cancer Database (2010-2014) was queried for adults with locally advanced rectal cancer who underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiation and curative resection to conduct an observational retrospective cohort study of a prospectively maintained database. Patients were grouped by either robotic (ROB) or laparoscopic (LAP) approach in an intent-to-treat analysis. Primary outcome was negative margin status, defined as a composite of circumferential resection margin and distal margin. Secondary outcomes included length of stay (LOS), readmission, 90-day mortality, and overall survival.

RESULTS

7616 patients with locally advanced rectal cancer who underwent minimally invasive resection were identified. 2472 (32%) underwent attempted robotic approach. The overall conversion rate was 13% and was increased in the laparoscopic group [LAP: 15% vs. ROB: 8%; OR 0.47; 95% CI (0.39, 0.57)]. Differences in margin negative resection rate were within the prespecified range of practical equivalence (LAP: 93% vs.: ROB 94%; 95% CI (0.69, 1.06); [Formula: see text] = 1). For secondary outcomes, there was no difference in 30-day readmission [LAP: 9% vs.: ROB 8%; 95% CI (0.84, 1.24)] and 90-day mortality [LAP: 1% vs.: ROB 1%; 95% CI (0.38, 1.24)]. While the median LOS was 5 days in both groups, the mean LOS was 0.6 (95% CI: 0.24, 0.89) days shorter in the robotic group.

CONCLUSION

This robust analysis supports either robotic or laparoscopic approach for resection of locally advanced rectal cancer from a margin perspective. Both have similar readmission and 5-year overall survival rates. Patients undergoing robotic surgery have a 0.6-day decrease in LOS and decreased conversion rate.

Clopidogrel bisulfate (Plavix) does not increase bleeding complications in patients undergoing rubber band ligation for symptomatic hemorrhoids

BACKGROUND

The incidence of postprocedural bleeding in patients undergoing rubber band ligation (RBL) for symptomatic internal hemorrhoids while taking clopidogrel bisulfate is unknown. To determine the postprocedural bleeding risk of RBL for patients taking clopidogrel compared with age- and sex-matched controls.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective case-controlled cohort study analyzing data from 2005 to 2013 conducted at a single tertiary care academic center. The study included a total of 80 rubber bands placed on 41 patients taking clopidogrel bisulfate and 72 bands placed on 41 control patients not taking clopidogrel matched for age and sex. The 30-d rates of significant and insignificant bleeding events after RBL were recorded. A bleeding event was considered significant if the patient required admission to the hospital, transfusion of blood products, or additional procedures to stop the bleeding. Insignificant bleeding was defined as passage of blood or clots per rectum with spontaneous cessation and no need for additional intervention.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in the number of bleeding events per band placed in the clopidogrel group when compared with the control group (3.75% versus 2.78%, P = 0.7387). The rate of significant (2.5% versus 1.39%, P = 0.6244) and insignificant bleeding events (1.25% versus 1.39%, P = 0.9399) was also similar between the two groups. Two significant bleeding events occurred in the clopidogrel group requiring intervention: cauterization in one patient and colonoscopy and transfusion in the other.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of a bleeding complication after RBL for hemorrhoids does not appear to be increased in patients taking clopidogrel. Our results support the practice of continuing clopidogrel bisulfate in the periprocedural period as the associated risk of thrombosis is greater than the risk of bleeding.

Overall Survival Associated With Ileostomy Closure in Patients With Rectal Cancer Before and After Adjuvant Therapy

BACKGROUND

A diverting loop ileostomy is commonly constructed to protect a distal anastomosis after proctectomy for rectal cancer. Little data are available on whether closing the ileostomy before or after adjuvant chemotherapy affects survival.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of patients with rectal cancer who underwent a low anterior resection with diverting loop ileostomy followed by adjuvant chemotherapy at Ochsner Medical Center. The primary outcome was the long-term survival in patients who had their loop ileostomies closed before chemotherapy (BC) vs after chemotherapy (AC).

RESULTS

Seventy-two patients were identified (22 in the BC group vs 50 in the AC group). No difference in mean age (BC 59.5 ± 9.8 vs AC 59.2 ± 12.6, P=0.9) or preoperative clinical stage was seen between study groups. The mean interval from ileostomy creation to closure was significantly shorter in the BC group vs AC group (16.9 ± 14.5 weeks vs 33.6 ± 18.1 weeks, P=0.0001). Follow-up data revealed a similar mean duration from surgery to last contact (BC 50.6 ± 23.6 months vs AC 43.5 ± 22.1 months, P=0.23) and similar overall survival (BC 86% vs AC 70%, P=0.23) between groups.

CONCLUSION

Long-term survival was similar in patients who underwent ileostomy closure before and after adjuvant therapy following low anterior resection for rectal cancer. While this study was underpowered, it adds additional insight to an area of surgery lacking significant data. The timing of ileostomy closure should be individualized for each patient.

Perineural Liposomal Bupivacaine for Postoperative Pain Control in Patients Undergoing Upper Extremity Orthopedic Surgery: A Prospective and Randomized Pilot Study

BACKGROUND

Upper extremity surgery is commonly performed in the ambulatory setting and is associated with moderate to severe postoperative pain.

METHODS

Patients scheduled for upper extremity orthopedic surgery with a peripheral nerve block were randomized to receive either an ultrasound-guided single-injection supraclavicular block or ultrasound-guided median, ulnar, and radial nerve blocks (forearm blocks) performed at the level of the mid to proximal forearm with liposomal bupivacaine (Exparel) combined with a short-acting supraclavicular block. A sham block was performed in an attempt to blind enrollees in the control group. We administered the EuroQol 5D-5L questionnaire preoperatively and on postoperative days 1-3 and considered the results the primary outcome of our investigation. Block procedure times, postanesthesia care unit (PACU) length of stay, instances of nausea/vomiting, need for narcotic administration, and patient satisfaction were also assessed.

RESULTS

We observed no significant differences in postoperative EuroQol scores between the 2 groups and no significant differences in patient demographics, PACU length of stay, or side effects in the PACU. In some instances, the short-acting supraclavicular block resolved in the PACU, and these patients reported higher pain scores and required titration of analgesics prior to discharge.

CONCLUSION

Larger prospective studies are needed to determine the safety and efficacy of liposomal bupivacaine in patients undergoing upper extremity surgery. Liposomal bupivacaine is currently only approved for local anesthetic infiltration use.

Benefits of a Multimodal Regimen for Postsurgical Pain Management in Colorectal Surgery

BACKGROUND

Postoperative pain management is a major concern and a significant component of postoperative care pathways for surgery patients.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective medical record review of 233 consecutive patients undergoing major colorectal surgery from October 2011 to January 2013 at an academic medical center. All patients were managed with similar enhanced recovery pathways; 66 patients received multimodal postsurgical pain management that included liposomal bupivacaine intraoperatively, and 167 patients received conventional pain management with intravenous opioids. Comparisons were made using t test and chi-square analysis with StatView (SAS Institute Inc.).

RESULTS

Patients receiving multimodal pain management with liposomal bupivacaine injected in the surgical site at the end of major colorectal procedures had lower postoperative pain scores and used significantly less opioids at 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, and 72 hours (P=0.03). Patients in the multimodal group also had a significantly decreased risk of opioid-related adverse events, with decreased use of antipruritic medications and antiemetic medications postoperatively. A significant decrease in length of postoperative hospital stay was seen in the multimodal group (7.2 vs 9.0 days, P=0.04).

CONCLUSION

The use of multimodal pain management including liposomal bupivacaine during major colorectal surgeries improved postoperative outcomes, decreased lengths of stay, and increased bed availability.

Defining new directions for more effective management of surgical pain in the United States: highlights of the inaugural Surgical Pain Congress™

Despite advances in pharmacologic options for the management of surgical pain, there appears to have been little or no overall improvement over the last two decades in the level of pain experienced by patients. The importance of adequate and effective surgical pain management, however, is clear, because inadequate pain control 1) has a wide range of undesirable physiologic and immunologic effects; 2) is associated with poor surgical outcomes; 3) has increased probability of readmission; and 4) adversely affects the overall cost of care as well as patient satisfaction. There is a clear unmet need for a national surgical pain management consensus task force to raise awareness and develop best practice guidelines for improving surgical pain management, patient safety, patient satisfaction, rapid postsurgical recovery, and health economic outcomes. To comprehensively address this need, the multidisciplinary Surgical Pain Congress™ has been established. The inaugural meeting of this Congress (March 8 to 10, 2013, Celebration, Florida) evaluated the current surgical pain management paradigm and identified key components of best practices.

Surgical management of colonic inertia

For the select small number of constipated patients that cannot be managed medically, surgical options should be considered. Increases in our knowledge of colorectal physiology and experience have fostered improvements in patient evaluation and surgical management. Currently, patients with refractory colonic inertia are offered total abdominal colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis, often with laparoscopic techniques. With proper patient selection, the results have been excellent for resolving the frequency and quality of bowel movements. However, symptoms such as bloating and abdominal pain, which may be related to irritable bowel syndrome rather than the colonic inertia, may persist.

Restorative proctocolectomy: the current ochsner experience

BACKGROUND

Restorative proctocolectomy with an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis is a technically demanding procedure to treat ulcerative colitis and familial adenomatous polyposis. Since its initial description almost 30 years ago, the operation has undergone technical and perioperative modifications to improve the patient's experience.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of the records of patients undergoing restorative proctocolectomy at the Ochsner Clinic Foundation Hospital from 2008 to 2012 and compared data from that period to data from 1989-1995 (prior to laparoscopic pouch surgery) to determine factors associated with patient outcome.

RESULTS

Ileal pouch-anal procedures were performed in 77 patients. The 30 male and 47 female patients ranged in age from 13 to 63 years (mean, 34.5 years). The indications for the procedure were ulcerative colitis in 62 patients, polyposis coli in 12 patients, and Crohn disease in 3 patients. Forty patients (52%) had laparoscopic-assisted procedures. The overall hospital length of stay for pouch creation averaged 6.9 days (range 3-29) and for ileostomy closure averaged 4.3 days (range 1-15). No perioperative deaths occurred within 30 days. Complications occurred in 37.7% of patients. Compared to a previous report of 72 patients from 1989 to 1995, the recent group had more laparoscopic procedures, shorter hospital stays, a smaller percentage of 3-stage procedures, and fewer general and pouch-related complications. Pouch failures were similar for both groups.

CONCLUSION

Advances in operative techniques and perioperative management have improved the outcome of restorative proctocolectomies.

Role of professional societies in career development

Professional medical societies serve several functions that may benefit society, the sponsoring medical profession, and individual members. Several professional societies are available for colorectal surgeons to join and participate in. Reasons to join include service, educational offerings, networking, and companionship. Participation can vary from membership to leadership. The advantages and costs of participation and how this may enhance a surgeon's career are described in this article.

Intramural colonic splenosis: a rare case of lower gastrointestinal bleeding

BACKGROUND

A 41-year-old man had left upper quadrant abdominal pain, constipation, and melena. About 6 years previously, he received a single gunshot wound to the abdomen, which required partial gastrectomy and small bowel resection. He subsequently developed bleeding gastric varices for which he underwent a splenectomy 2 years before the current admission.

DISCUSSION

A CT scan identified a 6.5 × 2.5 cm left upper quadrant mass. Upper endoscopy was unremarkable, but on colonoscopy, a 3-cm polypoid mass partially obstructed the descending colon. A left hemicolectomy was performed with a primary colonic anastomosis and incidental appendectomy. The mass involved the muscularis of the colon and caused ulceration of the mucosa was ectopic hyperplasic splenic tissue, indicating intramural colonic splenosis. We hypothesize that after the patient's splenectomy, a colonic focus of heterotrophic spleen became hyperplastic and led to a clinically apparent lesion.

Retirement: when, why, and how?

Retirement from a career in Colon and Rectal Surgery is usually a personal decision. The details of when, why, and how are individually specific and are shaped by life experience, desires, personal and family commitments, as well as financial considerations.

Multispecialty clinic practice

A multispecialty clinic practice is a common practice arrangement for colorectal surgeons. This type of practice has a variety of features, both positive and negative. The authors explore location, practice patterns, lifestyles, compensation, and academic opportunities associated with a multispecialty clinic practice. This information can assist younger surgeons in choosing a practice opportunity and guide experienced surgeons through their career progression.

Bowel obstruction in a pregnant patient with a restorative proctocolectomy and ileoanal j-pouch: a case report

A 24-year-old pregnant woman had a bowel obstruction secondary to a gravid uterus. A multispecialty team approach resulted in a restorative proctocolectomy, which led to resolution of acute symptoms and a successful pregnancy.