Exploration of anode candidacy of Ni0.2Co2.8O4 and integrated Ni0.2Co2.8O4/MWCNTs in supercapacitor and oxygen evolution reaction.

In the current research work, Ni0.2Co2.8O4 and Ni0.2Co2.8/MWCNTs have been synthesized via facile sol-gel and wet impregnation method. The synthesized materials attained the crystalline structures as evident from X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). The uniform morphology and well dispersion of Ni0.2Co2.8O4 onto MWCNTs was observed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The electrochemical investigations for supercapacitor application by cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge discharge (GCD), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) revealed that, among both materials, Ni0.2Co2.8O4/MWCNTs has high specific capacitance (CV; 505.8 Fg-1 at 5 mV/s, GCD; 1598 Fg-1 at 0.5 A/g), greater capacitance retention (85 %) at 1000 cycles and has lower charge transfer resistance (Rct; 3.48 Ω cm2). These findings reflected the potential candidacy of Ni0.2Co2.8O4/MWCNTs to be used as anode material in supercapacitor. Further investigations by CV and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity in 1.0 M KOH showed comparatively low over potential of 340 mV @100 mA/cm2 for the same integrated material. Additionally, the lower Tafel slope (47 mV/dec) and solution resistance authenticated it as an appropriate electrocatalyst for OER in water splitting. The CPE (controlled potential electrolysis) revealed the stability of both materials for OER in water oxidation.

Clinical challenges of glycemic control in the intensive care unit: A narrative review.

Glucose control in patient admitted to the intensive care unit has been a topic of much debate over the past 20 years. The harmful effects of uncontrolled hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia in critically ill patients is well established. Although a large clinical trial in 2001 demonstrated significant mortality and morbidity benefits with tight glucose control in this patient population, the results could not be replicated by other investigators. The "Normoglycemia in Intensive Care Evaluation-Survival Using Glucose Algorithm Regulation" trial in 2009 established that tight glucose control was not only of no benefit, but in fact harmful due to the significant risk of hypoglycemia. The current guidelines suggest a moderate approach with the initiation of intravenous insulin therapy in critically ill patients when the blood glucose level is above 180 mg/dL. The most important factor that underpins glycemic management in intensive care unit patients is the consequent prevention of hypoglycemia. Robust glucose monitoring strategies and insulin protocols need to be implemented in order to achieve this goal.

Impact of changes in the NHSN catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) surveillance criteria on the frequency and epidemiology of CAUTI in intensive care units (ICUs).

The impact of the 2013 NHSN CAUTI definition on CAUTI rates was analyzed. A total of 107 CAUTI episodes were identified; 60 according to NHSN 2013 definitions only and 47 according to the 2012 and 2013 definitions. Physician-diagnosed "other infections" were more common among patients who had CAUTI only according to NHSN 2013 definitions (P<.001).

Preablation Stimulated Thyroglobulin/TSH Ratio as a Predictor of Successful I(131)Remnant Ablation in Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Cancer following Total Thyroidectomy.

Background. About 90% of thyroid cancers are differentiated thyroid cancers. Standard treatment is total thyroidectomy followed by radioactive I(131)remnant ablation and TSH suppression with thyroxine. Unsuccessful ablation drastically affects the prognosis of patients with DTC particularly high risk individuals; therefore, identifying the factors that affect the success of ablation is important in the management of patients with DTC. sTg is a good predictor of successful ablation in DTC. Its levels can be influenced by tumor staging and TSH values, as well as other factors. Therefore, we did this study using TSH to correct the predictive value of sTg in success of RRA. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 75 patients with DTC, who underwent total thyroidectomy followed by RRA and TSH suppression. Results. Preablation sTg and sTg/TSH ratio are significantly associated with ablation outcome. Cutoff value for sTg to predict successful and unsuccessful ablation was 18 ng/mL with 76.7% sensitivity and 79.1% specificity, while for sTg/TSH cutoff was 0.35 with 81.4% sensitivity and 81.5% specificity (P < 0.001). Association was stronger for sTg/TSH ratio with adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 11.64 (2.43-55.61) than for sTg with AOR 5.42 (1.18-24.88). Conclusions. Preablation sTg/TSH ratio can be considered as better predictor of ablation outcome than sTg, tumor size, and capsular invasion.