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adel benhamed

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Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia

The University of Texas at Austin

Shabib H . Syed

University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan

Mikail F Lumentut

National Taiwan University

Aashique Rezwan

University of Wisconsin-Madison

ELCHİN SULEYMANOV

Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences

Daniel M. Knight

University of St Andrews

José Francisco Pessanha

UERJ - Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro / Rio de Janeiro State University

West Bengal University Of Technology

Prof. Mahendra S I N G H Sevda

Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal

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Papers by adel benhamed

Investigating similarities between Islamic and conventional banks in GCC countries: a dynamic time warping approach

International Journal of Islamic and Middle Eastern Finance and Management

Purpose Several studies have studied the points that distinguish Islamic banks from conventional ... more Purpose Several studies have studied the points that distinguish Islamic banks from conventional ones. The corresponding conclusions are a bit contradictory. This paper aims to study the similarities between Islamic and conventional banks in the Gulf countries using a new approach, namely, the clustering method based on dynamic time warping (DTW) distance. Design/methodology/approach To study the similarities between Islamic and conventional banks, in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, this study used the DTW distance. Then, a clustering based on this distance was carried out to find out which banks are the most similar. Finally, the authors have studied the factors that explain these similarities. Findings This empirical study covered 44 Islamic banks and 46 conventional banks in GCC countries during 2006–2015. The results show that Islamic and conventional banks are included in the same cluster for Qatar, Bahrain and Oman. In contrast, Islamic and conventional banks do not ...

Abstract the Impact of Resident Post Graduate Year Involvement in Body Contouring Procedures a Comprehensive Analysis of 9 638 Patients

Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open, Sep 1, 2018

Nicht-gentoxische Kanzerogene

162: A comparison of estimated blood loss and quantitative blood loss as predictors of peripartum hemoglobin change

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2018

Weighing the risks of maternal morbidity and mortality against GA-associated neonatal complicatio... more

史蒂文森VS比卡“超人”与“蝎子王”

A high space and time resolution stratospheric ozonometer

1. Development and Implementation of a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Virtual Curriculum

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery - Global Open, 2021

Body: Background: COVID-19 displaced medical students from operating rooms and into virtual class... more Body: Background: COVID-19 displaced medical students from operating rooms and into virtual classrooms. The impact of this pandemic is far-reaching and may adversely influence interest in surgical specialties, diversity in anatomic knowledge, and hands-on surgical experience. We aimed to develop a plastic surgery virtual curriculum to fill this gap with the goals to expose students to the specialty, build surgical knowledge, teach technical skills, and create community. Methods: We designed and implemented a structured, four-week educational curriculum which included curated learning modules that cover main topics within plastic surgery. Students were provided daily assignments from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Resident Education Curriculum and DeckerMed Plastic Surgery Core Curriculum. Biweekly, small group virtual clinical case discussions and weekly virtual knot tying workshops were provided. Pre-and post-course surveys were administered and analyzed using SPSS. Results: 298 medical students and recent graduates (35.9% fourth-years) from 18 countries enrolled in the course in June 2020. 190 students completed the pre-course survey (63.8% response rate), and of those, 30.5% completed the post-course survey. 98.4% participants reported having at least one educational commitment cancelled in June. Students who participated in case discussions (n=33) had significant increases in confidence levels in knowledge of relevant anatomy, work-up, and surgical approaches for common clinical cases (p<0.001). Confidence in knot-tying technique significantly improved among workshop participants (p=0.003). Students applying to residency programs this cycle felt significantly more connected to the community of applicants after the course (p=0.001). Conclusion: The Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Virtual Curriculum improved knowledge, surgical skills, and community in the field among medical student participants. This course may serve to inform other surgical subspecialties in developing similar virtual educational opportunities and also serve to provide a paradigm for structured virtual learning activities for students interested in plastic surgery.

Lymphatic Drainage Reconstitution in DIEP Flap Procedures

Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, 2021

A Single Institution Multi-Disciplinary Approach to Power-Assisted Liposuction for the Management of Lymphedema

Annals of Surgery, 2020

OBJECTIVE To implement and evaluate outcomes from a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary debulking p... more OBJECTIVE To implement and evaluate outcomes from a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary debulking program in the United States. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA Interest in and access to surgical treatment for chronic lymphedema (LE) in the United States have increased in recent years, yet there remains little attention on liposuction, or debulking, as an effective treatment option. In some other countries, debulking is a common procedure for the surgical treatment of LE, is covered by insurance, and has demonstrated excellent, reproducible outcomes. In this study we describe our experience implementing a debulking technique from Sweden in the United States. METHODS Patients who presented with chronic lymphedema followed a systematic multi-disciplinary work-up. For debulking with power assisted liposuction, the surgical protocol was modeled after that developed by Håkan Brorson. A retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent debulking at our institution was conducted. RESULTS Between December 2017 and January 2020, 39 patients underwent 41 debulking procedures with power assisted liposuction, including 23 upper and 18 lower extremities. Mean patient age was 58 years and 85% of patients had LE secondary to cancer, the majority of which (64%) was breast cancer. Patients experienced excess volume reductions of 111% and 115% in the upper and lower extremities, respectively, at one year post-operatively. Overall quality of life (LYMQOL) improved by a mean of 33%. Finally, patients reported a decreased incidence of cellulitis and decreased reliance on conservative therapy modalities post-operatively. CONCLUSIONS Debulking with power assisted liposuction is an effective treatment for patients with chronic extremity lymphedema. The operation addresses patient goals and improves quality of life, and additionally reduces extremity volumes, infection rates and reliance on outpatient therapy. A comprehensive, multi-disciplinary debulking program can be successfully implemented in the United States healthcare system.

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery - Global Open, 2019

All implanted medical devices stimulate collagen deposition resulting in a surrounding fibrotic c... more All implanted medical devices stimulate collagen deposition resulting in a surrounding fibrotic capsule. Implants are frequently used for reconstruction, such as breast implants following mastectomy. The most common complication following breast implants is capsular fibrosis (CF), with its severity clinically measured by the Baker I-IV classification. Despite the clinical prevalence, the mechanisms underlying CF are still poorly understood and therapeutic interventions are limited. For the first time, we analyze human capsule samples to identify the pathways activated in human capsular fibrosis, and use animal models to clarify the mechanisms underlying the fibrotic process resulting in CF. METHODS: We have established the largest tissue bank worldwide for breast capsular tissues, including histological and clinical data. Consisting of over 600 breast tissues, this registry provides the opportunity to analyze mechanisms underlying CF. Using RNA analysis with a 2,559-gene probeset, the gene expression from a total of 40 patients was analyzed. 20 patients expressing the mildest form of capsular fibrosis (Baker I) were compared to 20 human samples of the most severe form of this disease (Baker IV). All breast capsule samples were obtained after implant-based revision surgery. To recreate CF within an animal model, miniature silicone implants were placed subcutaneously in Bl6-mice. Cells from the capsule were then isolated and characterized by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), single cell quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and single cell RNA sequencing to determine the genetic profiles of those most responsible for fibrotic development. Further, en-bloc capsule was additionally resected for SEM, TEM, 3D-confocal imaging and several stains.

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery - Global Open, 2018

compared to those not using NRT. We advise caution regarding prescribing NRT to active smokers in... more

Flow-through Omental Flap for Vascularized Lymph Node Transfer

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery - Global Open, 2019

The vascularized omental free flap has been described as a reliable option for the treatment of p... more The vascularized omental free flap has been described as a reliable option for the treatment of peripheral lymphedema. However, the flap has been associated with venous hypertension which may require venous supercharging or intra-flap arteriovenous fistula creation to offload the arterial inflow. The aim of this study is to introduce and present our experience using a flow-through omental flap as a novel approach to optimize flap hemodynamics. A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained quality improvement database was performed. Seven consecutive patients with unilateral breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) who underwent delayed lymphatic reconstruction using a flow-through omental free flap were identified. In all patients, the right gastroepiploic artery and vein were anastomosed to the proximal end of the radial artery and to one venae comitante, respectively. An anastomosis of the distal end of the radial artery to the left gastroepiploic artery was performed. The flap was then supercharged by anastomosing the left gastroepiploic vein to the cephalic or basilic vein. There were no flap losses or other surgical complications. A distinct advantage of this inset includes the ability to moderate the arterial inflow to the omental flap to avoid an inflow-outflow mismatch and alleviate venous hypertension. Further study is needed to validate this technique in a larger study sample with longer follow-up.

The All but Forgotten Mascagni–Sappey Pathway: Learning from Immediate Lymphatic Reconstruction

Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery, 2019

Background Upper extremity lymphedema occurs in 25 to 40% of patients after axillary lymph node d... more Background Upper extremity lymphedema occurs in 25 to 40% of patients after axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). Immediate lymphatic reconstruction (ILR) or the lymphatic micro- surgical preventative healing approach has demonstrated a significant decrease in postoperative rates of lymphedema (LE) from 4 to 12%. Our objective was to map the Mascagni -Sappey pathway, the lateral upper arm draining lymphatics, in patients undergoing ILR to better characterize the drainage pattern of this lymphosome to the axilla. Methods A retrospective review of our institutional lymphatic database was conducted and consecutive breast cancer patients undergoing ILR were identified from November 2017 through June 2018. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and intraoperative records were retrieved and analyzed. Results Twenty-nine consecutive breast cancer patients who underwent ILR after ALND were identified. Patients had a mean age of 54.6years and body mass index (BMI) of 26.6 kg/m2. Fl...

Surgical outcomes of sternal rigid plate fixation from 2005 to 2016 using the American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database

Archives of Plastic Surgery, 2019

Background Sternal rigid plate fixation (RPF) has been adopted in recent years in high-risk cases... more Background Sternal rigid plate fixation (RPF) has been adopted in recent years in high-risk cases to reduce complications associated with steel wire cerclage, the traditional approach to sternal closure. While sternal RPF has been associated with lower complication rates than wire cerclage, it has its own complication profile that requires evaluation, necessitating a critical examination from a national perspective. This study will report the outcomes and associated risk factors of sternal RPF using a national database. Methods Patients undergoing sternal RPF from 2005 to 2016 in the American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program were identified. Demographics, perioperative information, and complication rates were reviewed. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for postoperative complications. Results There were 381 patient cases of RPF identified. The most common complications included bleeding (28.9%), mechanical ventilatio...

Estimation of Net Radiation Flux of Antarctic Ice Sheet in East Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica, During Clear Sky Days Using Remote Sensing and Meteorological Data

Remote Sensing in Earth Systems Sciences, 2019

In the present paper, incoming shortwave radiation flux, net shortwave radiation flux, net longwa... more In the present paper, incoming shortwave radiation flux, net shortwave radiation flux, net longwave radiation flux, and net radiation flux have been estimated at 1-km spatial scale for the ice sheet in East Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica. Terra-MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) products (i.e., land and atmospheric data products) have been used to estimate net radiation flux during few clear sky days of the years 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010. Estimated surface energy fluxes using MODIS products have been evaluated using in situ recorded values of energy fluxes. In situ data of the surface energy fluxes and meteorological parameters have been collected using automatic weather stations (AWS) on ice sheet at two locations near the Indian Research Station BMaitri.^Net radiation flux has been estimated for the study area from net shortwave radiation flux and net longwave radiation flux maps. Bias, correlation, and root mean square error (RMSE) between AWS-recorded and MODISderived radiation fluxes have been observed as − 23 W m −2 , 0.91 and 61 W m −2 for net shortwave radiation flux and − 21.3 W m −2 , 0.93 and 64 W m −2 for net radiation flux, respectively. The study highlights the validation of some of the MODIS products and MODIS-derived energy fluxes in Antarctica. Spatial and temporal variations of radiative energy fluxes have also been investigated in the study area.

Reconstruction of Mohs Defects Located in the Head and Neck

Journal of Craniofacial Surgery, 2019

Background: Defects following Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) can range in size from small defect... more Background: Defects following Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) can range in size from small defects requiring linear closure to large defects needing flap coverage. Reconstruction is dependent on defect size and facial aesthetic unit involvement. The aim of this study was to review the types of facial reconstruction per aesthetic unit involvement and describe their outcomes. Methods: All data were retrieved for patients !18 years who underwent multidisciplinary treatment including dermatological MMS and plastic surgical reconstruction at a single tertiary hospital center (2001-2017). Patient characteristics, tumor pathology, surgical specifics, reconstructive modalities, and surgical outcomes were analyzed. Results: A total of 418 patients were included. Patients were predominantly White, non-Hispanic (97%) and female (58%) with a mean age of 60 AE 13.9 years. Tumor pathology was predominantly basal cell carcinoma in 73% of all cases followed by squamous cell carcinoma in 14%. The nasal aesthetic unit was mostly affected (50%). Local advancement flaps and different types of grafts were used in 51% and 25% of reconstructions, respectively. Complications were observed in 3% and local cancer recurrence in 4% of the patients. Scar revision was needed in 6% of the patients. Conclusion: Reconstruction of facial defects after Mohs micrographic surgery can be challenging due to its technical complexity and aesthetic implications. There were differences in complications in reconstructions performed within the same day versus 1 week, with a majority of complications occurring within same-day Mohs reconstructions. A multidisciplinary structured approach, which incorporates patient-reported outcomes, may be needed to optimize surgical results.

Outcomes for the Journal: Introduction of Four Subdomains

Plastic and reconstructive surgery, Jul 1, 2018

Synthesis, Characterisation and Applications of Coiled Carbon Nanotubes

Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, 2010

Encapsulation is a powerful method for the targeted delivery of concentrated reagents, as well as... more Encapsulation is a powerful method for the targeted delivery of concentrated reagents, as well as capture of valuable materials in dilute systems. To this end, many encapsulation schemes for specific scenarios have been devised, that incorporate chemospecificity or stimulus response in terms of uptake or release. However, an encapsulation platform that enables highly tailorable surface chemistry for targeting, stimulus response, and core chemistry for capture and release of reagents remains elusive. Here we present such a system comprising composite core-shell capsule particles of hydrophilic polymers coated with thin silica layers, synthesised via straightforward one-pot syntheses. Silica is found to encapsulate a range of polymer hydrogels through a mechanism independent of the specific core chemistry. The hybrid materials possess significantly enhanced rigidity, while allowing surface modification through simple yet versatile silane coupling reactions without a reduction in the functionality of the core. They are shown to have applications as diverse as recyclable catalysis and controlled delivery vehicles for agrochemicals. The successful synthesis and utilisation of this catalogue of materi-1

COVID-19, cryptocurrencies bubbles and digital market efficiency: sensitivity and similarity analysis

Finance Research Letters, 2021

Abstract This paper compares the degree of cryptocurrency market efficiency during the pre- and p... more Abstract This paper compares the degree of cryptocurrency market efficiency during the pre- and post COVID-19 pandemic with the bubble and non-bubble periods of cryptocurrency markets. Furthermore, it examines and clusters eighteen cryptocurrencies by exploring their market efficiency similarity. Comparing the cryptocurrency bubble periods with the COVID-19 pandemic, the results indicate that this pandemic has the highest impact on cryptocurrency market efficiency. Interestingly, using the dynamic time warping clustering approach, we found evidence on the presence of three clusters that essentially represent mining coins, non-mining coins and token categorizations .

A Possibility Approach to Solve Fuzzy Fixed Charge Transportation Problem

Investigating similarities between Islamic and conventional banks in GCC countries: a dynamic time warping approach

International Journal of Islamic and Middle Eastern Finance and Management

Purpose Several studies have studied the points that distinguish Islamic banks from conventional ... more Purpose Several studies have studied the points that distinguish Islamic banks from conventional ones. The corresponding conclusions are a bit contradictory. This paper aims to study the similarities between Islamic and conventional banks in the Gulf countries using a new approach, namely, the clustering method based on dynamic time warping (DTW) distance. Design/methodology/approach To study the similarities between Islamic and conventional banks, in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, this study used the DTW distance. Then, a clustering based on this distance was carried out to find out which banks are the most similar. Finally, the authors have studied the factors that explain these similarities. Findings This empirical study covered 44 Islamic banks and 46 conventional banks in GCC countries during 2006–2015. The results show that Islamic and conventional banks are included in the same cluster for Qatar, Bahrain and Oman. In contrast, Islamic and conventional banks do not ...

Abstract the Impact of Resident Post Graduate Year Involvement in Body Contouring Procedures a Comprehensive Analysis of 9 638 Patients

Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open, Sep 1, 2018

Nicht-gentoxische Kanzerogene

162: A comparison of estimated blood loss and quantitative blood loss as predictors of peripartum hemoglobin change

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2018

Weighing the risks of maternal morbidity and mortality against GA-associated neonatal complicatio... more

史蒂文森VS比卡“超人”与“蝎子王”

A high space and time resolution stratospheric ozonometer

1. Development and Implementation of a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Virtual Curriculum

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery - Global Open, 2021

Body: Background: COVID-19 displaced medical students from operating rooms and into virtual class... more Body: Background: COVID-19 displaced medical students from operating rooms and into virtual classrooms. The impact of this pandemic is far-reaching and may adversely influence interest in surgical specialties, diversity in anatomic knowledge, and hands-on surgical experience. We aimed to develop a plastic surgery virtual curriculum to fill this gap with the goals to expose students to the specialty, build surgical knowledge, teach technical skills, and create community. Methods: We designed and implemented a structured, four-week educational curriculum which included curated learning modules that cover main topics within plastic surgery. Students were provided daily assignments from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Resident Education Curriculum and DeckerMed Plastic Surgery Core Curriculum. Biweekly, small group virtual clinical case discussions and weekly virtual knot tying workshops were provided. Pre-and post-course surveys were administered and analyzed using SPSS. Results: 298 medical students and recent graduates (35.9% fourth-years) from 18 countries enrolled in the course in June 2020. 190 students completed the pre-course survey (63.8% response rate), and of those, 30.5% completed the post-course survey. 98.4% participants reported having at least one educational commitment cancelled in June. Students who participated in case discussions (n=33) had significant increases in confidence levels in knowledge of relevant anatomy, work-up, and surgical approaches for common clinical cases (p<0.001). Confidence in knot-tying technique significantly improved among workshop participants (p=0.003). Students applying to residency programs this cycle felt significantly more connected to the community of applicants after the course (p=0.001). Conclusion: The Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Virtual Curriculum improved knowledge, surgical skills, and community in the field among medical student participants. This course may serve to inform other surgical subspecialties in developing similar virtual educational opportunities and also serve to provide a paradigm for structured virtual learning activities for students interested in plastic surgery.

Lymphatic Drainage Reconstitution in DIEP Flap Procedures

Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, 2021

A Single Institution Multi-Disciplinary Approach to Power-Assisted Liposuction for the Management of Lymphedema

Annals of Surgery, 2020

OBJECTIVE To implement and evaluate outcomes from a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary debulking p... more OBJECTIVE To implement and evaluate outcomes from a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary debulking program in the United States. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA Interest in and access to surgical treatment for chronic lymphedema (LE) in the United States have increased in recent years, yet there remains little attention on liposuction, or debulking, as an effective treatment option. In some other countries, debulking is a common procedure for the surgical treatment of LE, is covered by insurance, and has demonstrated excellent, reproducible outcomes. In this study we describe our experience implementing a debulking technique from Sweden in the United States. METHODS Patients who presented with chronic lymphedema followed a systematic multi-disciplinary work-up. For debulking with power assisted liposuction, the surgical protocol was modeled after that developed by Håkan Brorson. A retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent debulking at our institution was conducted. RESULTS Between December 2017 and January 2020, 39 patients underwent 41 debulking procedures with power assisted liposuction, including 23 upper and 18 lower extremities. Mean patient age was 58 years and 85% of patients had LE secondary to cancer, the majority of which (64%) was breast cancer. Patients experienced excess volume reductions of 111% and 115% in the upper and lower extremities, respectively, at one year post-operatively. Overall quality of life (LYMQOL) improved by a mean of 33%. Finally, patients reported a decreased incidence of cellulitis and decreased reliance on conservative therapy modalities post-operatively. CONCLUSIONS Debulking with power assisted liposuction is an effective treatment for patients with chronic extremity lymphedema. The operation addresses patient goals and improves quality of life, and additionally reduces extremity volumes, infection rates and reliance on outpatient therapy. A comprehensive, multi-disciplinary debulking program can be successfully implemented in the United States healthcare system.

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery - Global Open, 2019

All implanted medical devices stimulate collagen deposition resulting in a surrounding fibrotic c... more All implanted medical devices stimulate collagen deposition resulting in a surrounding fibrotic capsule. Implants are frequently used for reconstruction, such as breast implants following mastectomy. The most common complication following breast implants is capsular fibrosis (CF), with its severity clinically measured by the Baker I-IV classification. Despite the clinical prevalence, the mechanisms underlying CF are still poorly understood and therapeutic interventions are limited. For the first time, we analyze human capsule samples to identify the pathways activated in human capsular fibrosis, and use animal models to clarify the mechanisms underlying the fibrotic process resulting in CF. METHODS: We have established the largest tissue bank worldwide for breast capsular tissues, including histological and clinical data. Consisting of over 600 breast tissues, this registry provides the opportunity to analyze mechanisms underlying CF. Using RNA analysis with a 2,559-gene probeset, the gene expression from a total of 40 patients was analyzed. 20 patients expressing the mildest form of capsular fibrosis (Baker I) were compared to 20 human samples of the most severe form of this disease (Baker IV). All breast capsule samples were obtained after implant-based revision surgery. To recreate CF within an animal model, miniature silicone implants were placed subcutaneously in Bl6-mice. Cells from the capsule were then isolated and characterized by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), single cell quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and single cell RNA sequencing to determine the genetic profiles of those most responsible for fibrotic development. Further, en-bloc capsule was additionally resected for SEM, TEM, 3D-confocal imaging and several stains.

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery - Global Open, 2018

compared to those not using NRT. We advise caution regarding prescribing NRT to active smokers in... more

Flow-through Omental Flap for Vascularized Lymph Node Transfer

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery - Global Open, 2019

The vascularized omental free flap has been described as a reliable option for the treatment of p... more The vascularized omental free flap has been described as a reliable option for the treatment of peripheral lymphedema. However, the flap has been associated with venous hypertension which may require venous supercharging or intra-flap arteriovenous fistula creation to offload the arterial inflow. The aim of this study is to introduce and present our experience using a flow-through omental flap as a novel approach to optimize flap hemodynamics. A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained quality improvement database was performed. Seven consecutive patients with unilateral breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) who underwent delayed lymphatic reconstruction using a flow-through omental free flap were identified. In all patients, the right gastroepiploic artery and vein were anastomosed to the proximal end of the radial artery and to one venae comitante, respectively. An anastomosis of the distal end of the radial artery to the left gastroepiploic artery was performed. The flap was then supercharged by anastomosing the left gastroepiploic vein to the cephalic or basilic vein. There were no flap losses or other surgical complications. A distinct advantage of this inset includes the ability to moderate the arterial inflow to the omental flap to avoid an inflow-outflow mismatch and alleviate venous hypertension. Further study is needed to validate this technique in a larger study sample with longer follow-up.

The All but Forgotten Mascagni–Sappey Pathway: Learning from Immediate Lymphatic Reconstruction

Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery, 2019

Background Upper extremity lymphedema occurs in 25 to 40% of patients after axillary lymph node d... more Background Upper extremity lymphedema occurs in 25 to 40% of patients after axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). Immediate lymphatic reconstruction (ILR) or the lymphatic micro- surgical preventative healing approach has demonstrated a significant decrease in postoperative rates of lymphedema (LE) from 4 to 12%. Our objective was to map the Mascagni -Sappey pathway, the lateral upper arm draining lymphatics, in patients undergoing ILR to better characterize the drainage pattern of this lymphosome to the axilla. Methods A retrospective review of our institutional lymphatic database was conducted and consecutive breast cancer patients undergoing ILR were identified from November 2017 through June 2018. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and intraoperative records were retrieved and analyzed. Results Twenty-nine consecutive breast cancer patients who underwent ILR after ALND were identified. Patients had a mean age of 54.6years and body mass index (BMI) of 26.6 kg/m2. Fl...

Surgical outcomes of sternal rigid plate fixation from 2005 to 2016 using the American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database

Archives of Plastic Surgery, 2019

Background Sternal rigid plate fixation (RPF) has been adopted in recent years in high-risk cases... more Background Sternal rigid plate fixation (RPF) has been adopted in recent years in high-risk cases to reduce complications associated with steel wire cerclage, the traditional approach to sternal closure. While sternal RPF has been associated with lower complication rates than wire cerclage, it has its own complication profile that requires evaluation, necessitating a critical examination from a national perspective. This study will report the outcomes and associated risk factors of sternal RPF using a national database. Methods Patients undergoing sternal RPF from 2005 to 2016 in the American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program were identified. Demographics, perioperative information, and complication rates were reviewed. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for postoperative complications. Results There were 381 patient cases of RPF identified. The most common complications included bleeding (28.9%), mechanical ventilatio...

Estimation of Net Radiation Flux of Antarctic Ice Sheet in East Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica, During Clear Sky Days Using Remote Sensing and Meteorological Data

Remote Sensing in Earth Systems Sciences, 2019

In the present paper, incoming shortwave radiation flux, net shortwave radiation flux, net longwa... more In the present paper, incoming shortwave radiation flux, net shortwave radiation flux, net longwave radiation flux, and net radiation flux have been estimated at 1-km spatial scale for the ice sheet in East Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica. Terra-MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) products (i.e., land and atmospheric data products) have been used to estimate net radiation flux during few clear sky days of the years 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010. Estimated surface energy fluxes using MODIS products have been evaluated using in situ recorded values of energy fluxes. In situ data of the surface energy fluxes and meteorological parameters have been collected using automatic weather stations (AWS) on ice sheet at two locations near the Indian Research Station BMaitri.^Net radiation flux has been estimated for the study area from net shortwave radiation flux and net longwave radiation flux maps. Bias, correlation, and root mean square error (RMSE) between AWS-recorded and MODISderived radiation fluxes have been observed as − 23 W m −2 , 0.91 and 61 W m −2 for net shortwave radiation flux and − 21.3 W m −2 , 0.93 and 64 W m −2 for net radiation flux, respectively. The study highlights the validation of some of the MODIS products and MODIS-derived energy fluxes in Antarctica. Spatial and temporal variations of radiative energy fluxes have also been investigated in the study area.

Reconstruction of Mohs Defects Located in the Head and Neck

Journal of Craniofacial Surgery, 2019

Background: Defects following Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) can range in size from small defect... more Background: Defects following Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) can range in size from small defects requiring linear closure to large defects needing flap coverage. Reconstruction is dependent on defect size and facial aesthetic unit involvement. The aim of this study was to review the types of facial reconstruction per aesthetic unit involvement and describe their outcomes. Methods: All data were retrieved for patients !18 years who underwent multidisciplinary treatment including dermatological MMS and plastic surgical reconstruction at a single tertiary hospital center (2001-2017). Patient characteristics, tumor pathology, surgical specifics, reconstructive modalities, and surgical outcomes were analyzed. Results: A total of 418 patients were included. Patients were predominantly White, non-Hispanic (97%) and female (58%) with a mean age of 60 AE 13.9 years. Tumor pathology was predominantly basal cell carcinoma in 73% of all cases followed by squamous cell carcinoma in 14%. The nasal aesthetic unit was mostly affected (50%). Local advancement flaps and different types of grafts were used in 51% and 25% of reconstructions, respectively. Complications were observed in 3% and local cancer recurrence in 4% of the patients. Scar revision was needed in 6% of the patients. Conclusion: Reconstruction of facial defects after Mohs micrographic surgery can be challenging due to its technical complexity and aesthetic implications. There were differences in complications in reconstructions performed within the same day versus 1 week, with a majority of complications occurring within same-day Mohs reconstructions. A multidisciplinary structured approach, which incorporates patient-reported outcomes, may be needed to optimize surgical results.

Outcomes for the Journal: Introduction of Four Subdomains

Plastic and reconstructive surgery, Jul 1, 2018

Synthesis, Characterisation and Applications of Coiled Carbon Nanotubes

Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, 2010

Encapsulation is a powerful method for the targeted delivery of concentrated reagents, as well as... more Encapsulation is a powerful method for the targeted delivery of concentrated reagents, as well as capture of valuable materials in dilute systems. To this end, many encapsulation schemes for specific scenarios have been devised, that incorporate chemospecificity or stimulus response in terms of uptake or release. However, an encapsulation platform that enables highly tailorable surface chemistry for targeting, stimulus response, and core chemistry for capture and release of reagents remains elusive. Here we present such a system comprising composite core-shell capsule particles of hydrophilic polymers coated with thin silica layers, synthesised via straightforward one-pot syntheses. Silica is found to encapsulate a range of polymer hydrogels through a mechanism independent of the specific core chemistry. The hybrid materials possess significantly enhanced rigidity, while allowing surface modification through simple yet versatile silane coupling reactions without a reduction in the functionality of the core. They are shown to have applications as diverse as recyclable catalysis and controlled delivery vehicles for agrochemicals. The successful synthesis and utilisation of this catalogue of materi-1

COVID-19, cryptocurrencies bubbles and digital market efficiency: sensitivity and similarity analysis

Finance Research Letters, 2021

Abstract This paper compares the degree of cryptocurrency market efficiency during the pre- and p... more Abstract This paper compares the degree of cryptocurrency market efficiency during the pre- and post COVID-19 pandemic with the bubble and non-bubble periods of cryptocurrency markets. Furthermore, it examines and clusters eighteen cryptocurrencies by exploring their market efficiency similarity. Comparing the cryptocurrency bubble periods with the COVID-19 pandemic, the results indicate that this pandemic has the highest impact on cryptocurrency market efficiency. Interestingly, using the dynamic time warping clustering approach, we found evidence on the presence of three clusters that essentially represent mining coins, non-mining coins and token categorizations .

A Possibility Approach to Solve Fuzzy Fixed Charge Transportation Problem