Application of response surface methodology in optimizing the process conditions for the regeneration of used mobil oil using different kinds of acids.

Optimization of process parameters for the regeneration of used mobil oil by acid/clay method using sulphuric acid as washing agent was successfully carried out. Used mobil oil was characterized before and after regeneration to determine the changes in the physicochemical properties of the oils. The viscosity, flash point and fire point of the oil increased after regeneration while the specific gravity and sulphur content decreased.

Natural language processing for structuring clinical text data on depression using UK-CRIS.

Background: Utilisation of routinely collected electronic health records from secondary care offers unprecedented possibilities for medical science research but can also present difficulties. One key issue is that medical information is presented as free-form text and, therefore, requires time commitment from clinicians to manually extract salient information. Natural language processing (NLP) methods can be used to automatically extract clinically relevant information.

Management of paediatric burns in low- and middle-income countries: assessing capacity using the World Health Organization Surgical Assessment Tool.

Background: Burns are a leading cause of global disease burden, with children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) disproportionately affected. Effective management improves outcomes; however, the availability of necessary resources in LMICs remains unclear. We evaluated surgical centres in LMICs using the WHO Surgical Assessment Tool (SAT) to identify opportunities to optimize paediatric burn care.

Risk factors for surgical site infections in neurosurgery.

Introduction: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are of profound significance in neurosurgical departments, resulting in high morbidity and mortality. There are limited public data regarding the incidence of SSIs in neurosurgery. The aim of this study was to determine the rate of SSIs (particularly those requiring reoperation) over a seven-year period and identify factors leading to an increased risk.

Recurrent sampling and ventriculostomy-associated infections: a case-control study.

Background: External ventricular drain (EVD) insertion is a common neurosurgical procedure with a significant risk of ventriculostomy-associated infections (VAIs), other morbidities and mortality. Several risk factors have been identified but their effect is unclear.

Objective: Our primary objective was to assess whether recurrent EVD sampling increased the risk of VAIs.