ABSTRACT
The growing interest in the development of next-generation net zero energy systems has led to the expansion of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) research in this area. This activity has resulted in a wide range of manufacturing/synthesis methods, controllable morphologies, diverse carbonaceous composite structures, a multitude of applicable characterization techniques, and multiple energy applications for MoS2. To assess the literature trends, 37,347 MoS2 research articles from Web of Science were text scanned to classify articles according to energy application research and characterization techniques employed. Within the review, characterization techniques are grouped under the following categories: morphology, crystal structure, composition, and chemistry. The most common characterization techniques identified through text scanning are recommended as the base fingerprint for MoS2 samples. These include: scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Raman spectroscopy. Similarly, XPS and Raman spectroscopy are suggested for 2H or 1T MoS2 phase confirmation. We provide guidance on the collection and presentation of MoS2 characterization data. This includes how to effectively combine multiple characterization techniques, considering the sample area probed by each technique and their statistical significance, and the benefit of using reference samples. For ease of access for future experimental comparison, key numeric MoS2 characterization values are tabulated and major literature discrepancies or currently debated characterization disputes are highlighted.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate changes in annual blood transfusion requirements and complications after splenectomy in patients with ß-thalassemia. METHODS: Forty post-splenectomy ß-thalassemic patients aged 8-33 y, receiving regular blood transfusions and chelation therapy were included and non transfusion dependant patients were excluded from this retrospective cross-sectional study. Details about their surgery, transfusion requirements, and platelet levels were recorded on a standard proforma. All patients underwent a B-mode and color-coded duplex sonography of the hepatoportal system during the study period. RESULTS: The average ferritin level in the year prior to the study was 4432 mcg/L (range 480-12,200 mcg/L). The annual blood transfusion requirement in the first year and 5 y post splenectomy [mean ± SD (138.41 ± 90.38 ml/kg/y); (116 ± 41.44 ml/kg/y)] were significantly different from requirements before splenectomy [(mean ± SD) 294.85 ± 226 ml/kg/y; p value <0.001]. There was a significant rise in platelet counts within 24 h post splenectomy with a mean rise of 4,51,000/mm(3) (p value < 0.001). During the follow up period, infections were noted in 50 % of patients, with malaria (18.75 %) being the most common. Doppler study of the portal system in one case showed portal vein thrombosis. CONCLUSIONS: A significant sustained fall in annual blood transfusion requirement and a rise in platelet counts occurred post-splenectomy. Increase in annual blood transfusion requirement should be investigated to find the cause.
Subject(s)
Blood Transfusion , Platelet Count/methods , Portal System/diagnostic imaging , Postoperative Complications , Splenectomy/adverse effects , beta-Thalassemia , Adolescent , Adult , Blood Transfusion/methods , Blood Transfusion/statistics & numerical data , Child , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Humans , India/epidemiology , Male , Outcome Assessment, Health Care , Postoperative Complications/blood , Postoperative Complications/diagnosis , Postoperative Complications/epidemiology , Retrospective Studies , Splenectomy/methods , Ultrasonography, Doppler, Duplex/methods , Ultrasonography, Doppler, Duplex/statistics & numerical data , beta-Thalassemia/epidemiology , beta-Thalassemia/surgeryABSTRACT
As a more consultative but less procedurally oriented specialty, Hepatology has been considered a financial liability in some academic centers. However, no actual data exist on the relative contribution of a Hepatology practice. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the direct and indirect (i.e., downstream effect) charges generated by a Hepatology section in comparison with a Gastroenterology section. Using a computerized database, retrospective cohorts of new outpatient consultations and initial admissions seen by the Hepatology and Gastroenterology sections over a 3-month period were created. The cohorts were followed for 12 months. Charges generated directly to the section (direct charges) and to the hospital system (indirect charges) were calculated. Each cohort consisted of 179 patients. The Hepatology patients generated 5,851,463 dollars in overall charges for the hospital, compared with 2,273,339 dollars for the Gastroenterology cohort. Only 3.6% of the Hepatology charges were direct, compared with 15.9% of the Gastroenterology charges. For every 1 dollar billed by Hepatology, the hospital system generated an additional 26.95 dollars in charges (51.03 dollars for the orthotopic liver transplantation patients, and 14.26 dollars for the non-orthotopic liver transplantation patients). For every 1 dollar billed by Gastroenterology, the hospital system generated an additional 5.31 dollars in charges. Similar inpatient collection rates were seen between the two groups (27.7% for hepatology and 33.6% for gastroenterology). In conclusion, although Hepatology generates only a small amount of direct charges, it accounts for a very substantial amount of indirect or downstream billing for an academic medical center. This study validates the importance of a hospital's support for a Hepatology section, especially in a center performing orthotopic liver transplantation.
