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A series of ZrO2-TiO2 mixed oxides with different weight ratios (5, 20, and 30% ZrO2) were prepared by wet impregnation of TiO2-P25 Degussa with certain amounts of ZrO(NO3)2·6H2O (Fluka) dissolved in deionised water. The samples were characterized by the XRD, $$TPD_{NH_3 } $$ , $$TPD_{CO_2 } $$ , $$TPR_{H_2 } $$ , and BET methods. An increase in ZrO2 content shifted the phase transition temperature (anatase into rutile) toward higher temperatures. X-ray diffraction using an Anton Paar XRK900 reactor chamber indicated that, in the case of samples containing ZrO2, an additional diffraction peak appeared after cooling down to 25°C. This peak could be attributed to a polymorph of TiO2 such as in the single crystal of anatase or hexagonal form of TiO2 which appears in the presence of ZrO2. Generally, the preparation of dioxide systems can modify the properties of pure compounds or generate new catalytic sites as a result of strong interaction between ZrO2 and TiO2 oxides. The binary systems exhibit advantages like strong acidity, extended specific surface area, and high thermal stability in comparison with TiO2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Hydrogenation of crotonaldehyde in a gas phase at atmospheric pressure over Pt/Ga2O3 catalysts was studied. Two types of platinum precursors [Pt(acac)2 and H2PtCl6] and two gallia supports (α-Ga2O3 [60.7 m2/g] and β-Ga2O3 [2.2 m2/g]) were used for catalyst preparation. The catalyst 5 wt% Pt/α-Ga2O3 prepared from Pt(acac)2 precursor showed very high and stable selectivity to crotyl alcohol (91% and 63% at 10% and 70% crotonaldehyde conversion, respectively). Because Pt-supported catalysts, showing a high selectivity, usually have relatively low activity, the most interesting finding of this study is that the use of gallium oxide as a support for platinum makes it possible to obtain catalysts with significantly increased Cdrogenation selectivity while maintaining high activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Bariatric surgery offers effective treatment for morbid obesity and associated medical comorbidities, with excellent short- and long-term outcomes. Although it has been well documented that racial minority bariatric patients have worse outcomes than White patients, it remains unclear whether this recognition has led to improvement. Herein, we assess recent trends in bariatric surgery among Black and White patients and compare early postoperative outcomes by race., Methods: Primary sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) patients from 2015 to 2021 reported to the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program were studied. Bariatric patients were stratified by race (Black and White) and perioperative outcomes were compared between matched Black and White patients. Primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes included hospital readmissions, hospital length of stay (LOS), reoperation, and postoperative complications., Results: Overall, there were 193,071 Black and 645,224 White primary bariatric patients, with a higher volume of SG and RGYB performed among White patients. A total of 219,566 Black and White bariatric patients were matched and included in the case-control. Black patients were found to have higher rates of 30-day mortality (0.02% vs. 0.01%; p = 0.03) and readmissions (3.68% vs. 2.65%; p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in LOS, reoperations, or overall postoperative complications. However, there was a higher postoperative pulmonary thromboembolism rate (0.16% vs 0.08%; p < 0.001).). The differences in perioperative outcomes stratified by race persisted over the study period (Fig. 1)., Conclusion: Black bariatric surgery patients continue to have worse perioperative outcomes compared with their White counterparts. Further work must be done to determine contributing factors in order to effect improvement in outcomes in bariatric surgical care for racial minority patients., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Introduction: Enhanced Recovery Programs (ERPs) mitigate racial disparities in postoperative length of stay (LOS) for colorectal populations. It is unclear, however, if these effects exist in the bariatric surgery population. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the racial disparities in LOS before and after implementation of bariatric surgery ERP., Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed using data from a single institution. Patients undergoing minimally invasive sleeve gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass from 2017 to 2019 (pre-ERP) or 2020-2022 (ERP) were included. Chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis, and analysis of variance were used to compare groups, and estimated LOS (eLOS) was assessed via multivariable regression., Results: Seven hundred sixty four patients were identified, including 363 pre-ERPs and 401 ERPs. Pre-ERP and ERP cohorts were similar in age (median 44.3 years versus 43.8 years, P = 0.80), race (53.4% Black versus 56.4% Black, P = 0.42), and preoperative body mass index (median 48.3 versus 49.4, P = 0.14). Overall median LOS following bariatric surgery decreased from 2 days pre-ERP to 1 day following ERP (P < 0.001). Average LOS for Black and White patients decreased by 0.5 and 0.48 days, respectively. However, overall eLOS remained greater for Black patients compared with White patients despite ERP implementation (eLOS 0.21 days, P = 0.01)., Conclusions: Implementation of a bariatric surgery ERP was associated with decreased LOS for both Black and White patients. However, Black patients did have slightly longer LOS than White patients in both pre-ERP and ERP eras. More work is needed to understand the driving mechanism(s) of these disparities to eliminate them., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The Acquisition of Data for Outcomes and Procedure Transfer (ADOPT) program was established by SAGES to develop and expand individual surgeon's comfort with specific, complex operations using hands-on teaching and longitudinal mentoring. The 2022-2023 Foregut (Dominating the Hiatus) section of the course focused on hiatal hernia dissection and gastric fundoplication techniques. Our aim was to describe the experience of surgeons who participated in the course., Methods: The hands-on component occurred in March 2022 at the SAGES annual meeting. Each expert mentor was matched to two participants. The mentors guided the surgeons through steps of a laparoscopic paraesophageal (PEH) hernia repair and fundoplication using a cadaveric model. Afterwards, monthly group webinars occurred and participants could receive individual coaching from their assigned mentor for a year. Each participant was given a pre-course survey with 3 and 12-month follow-up questionnaires., Results: The majority of the 16 participants were employed in non-academic settings (87.5%). Years in practice ranged from 1 to 26, and 69% completed a fellowship. 100% completed the pre-course survey, and 53.8% responded to the 12-month post-course survey. Participant-reported effectiveness in performing a PEH hernia repair with fundoplication increased from 37.5% pre-course to 85.7% by the conclusion of the course. Confidence levels for the six core steps of the operation also increased: pre-course only 56-75% were confident with each step, this improved to 100% in four out of six steps. 85.7% said the course has changed their practice., Discussion: Since inception, the ADOPT program has aimed to provide expert instruction for practicing surgeons to learn new techniques or improve their confidence in performing operations. The data for the 2022 ADOPT Foregut course shows that 1 year of participation made a positive impact on these surgeons' practices. This helps to fill in the learning gap that occurs after formal surgical training ends., (© 2023. This is a U.S. Government work and not under copyright protection in the US; foreign copyright protection may apply.)

The NCI-60 human tumor cell line panel has proved to be a useful tool for the global cancer research community in the search for novel chemotherapeutics. The publicly available cell line characterization and compound screening data from the NCI-60 assay have significantly contributed to the understanding of cellular mechanisms targeted by new oncology agents. Signature sensitivity/resistance patterns generated for a given chemotherapeutic agent against the NCI-60 panel have long served as fingerprint presentations that encompass target information and the mechanism of action associated with the tested agent. We report the establishment of a new public NCI-60 resource based on the cell line screening of a large and growing set of 175 FDA-approved oncology drugs (AOD) plus >825 clinical and investigational oncology agents (IOA), representing a diverse set (>250) of therapeutic targets and mechanisms. This data resource is available to the public (https://ioa.cancer.gov) and includes the raw data from the screening of the IOA and AOD collection along with an extensive set of visualization and analysis tools to allow for comparative study of individual test compounds and multiple compound sets., (©2023 The Authors; Published by the American Association for Cancer Research.)

Introduction: Bariatric surgery is a successful treatment for obesity, but barriers to surgery exist, including low health literacy. National organizations recommend patient education materials (PEM) not exceed a sixth-grade reading level. Difficult to comprehend PEM can exacerbate barriers to bariatric surgery, especially in the Deep South where high obesity and low literacy rates exist. This study aimed to assess and compare the readability of webpages and electronic medical record (EMR) bariatric surgery PEM from one institution., Methods: Readability of online bariatric surgery and standardized perioperative EMR PEM were analyzed and compared. Text readability was assessed by validated instruments: Flesch Reading Ease Formula (FRE), Flesch Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL), Gunning Fog (GF), Coleman-Liau Index (CL), Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG), Automated Readability Index (ARI), and Linsear Write Formula (LWF). Mean readability scores were calculated with standard deviations and compared using unpaired t-tests., Results: 32 webpages and seven EMR education documents were analyzed. Webpages were overall "difficult to read" compared to "standard/average" readability EMR materials (mean FRE 50.5 ± 18.3 vs. 67.4 ± 4.2, p = 0.023). All webpages were at or above high school reading level: mean FKGL 11.8 ± 4.4, GF 14.0 ± 3.9, CL 9.5 ± 3.2, SMOG 11.0 ± 3.2, ARI 11.7 ± 5.1, and LWF 14.9 ± 6.6. Webpages with highest reading levels were nutrition information and lowest were patient testimonials. EMR materials were sixth to ninth grade reading level: FKGL 6.2 ± 0.8, GF 9.3 ± 1.4, CL 9.7 ± 0.9, SMOG 7.1 ± 0.8, ARI 6.1 ± 1.0, and LWF 5.9 ± 0.8., Conclusion: Surgeon curated bariatric surgery webpages have advanced reading levels above recommended thresholds compared to standardized PEM from an EMR. This readability gap may unintentionally contribute to barriers to surgery and affect postoperative outcomes. Streamlined efforts are needed to create materials that are easier to read and comply with recommendations., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Purpose: Double contrast barium esophagography (BAS) and high-resolution manometry (HRM) are traditionally performed on separate days to allow for pre-procedural fasting. In an effort to minimize COVID-19 exposure and improve appointment efficiency with required pre-procedure testing, we permitted same day HRM prior to BAS. Our study aimed to evaluate the adequacy of barium mucosal coating with same day HRM prior to BAS compared to BAS alone., Methods: We performed a retrospective pilot cohort study including 14 patients undergoing same day HRM prior to BAS and 20 patients undergoing BAS alone over an 8-month interval during the COVID-19 pandemic. Three abdominal imaging subspecialty-trained radiologists blindly reviewed the images and graded adequacy of esophageal coating on a 4-point scale with a score of 1 representing inadequate coating and 4 representing optimal coating., Results: For the cohort studied thus far, the mean grade of the HRM and BAS group was 3.17 with a standard deviation of 0.66. The mean grade of the BAS alone group was 3.13 with a standard deviation of 0.79. There was no statistical difference in the adequacy of esophageal coating between the two groups (p-value 0.97)., Conclusion: Same day HRM prior to BAS has no detrimental effect on barium mucosal coating compared to BAS alone. Though created to limit patient exposures during the COVID pandemic, same day BAS and HRM may prevent delays in care and improve convenience towards improved patient-centered care beyond the pandemic., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Tubular-shaped hydrogel structures were obtained in the process of cathodic electrodeposition from a chitosan-hydroxyapatite solution carried out in a cylindrical geometry. The impact of the initial concentration of solution components (i.e., chitosan, hydroxyapatite, and lactic acid) and process parameters (i.e., time and voltage) on the mass and structural properties of deposit was examined. Commercially available chitosan differs in average molecular weight and deacetylation degree; therefore, these parameters were also studied. The application of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry allowed obtaining fundamental information about the type of bonds and interactions created in electrodeposited structures. Biocompatible tubular implants are highly desired in the field of regeneration or replacement of tubular-shaped tissues and organs; therefore, the possibility of obtaining deposits with the desired structural properties is highly anticipated.

The influence of the nature of carbon materials used as a support for Ru/C catalysts on levulinic acid hydrogenation with formic acid as a hydrogen source toward gamma-valerolactone was investigated. It has been shown that the physicochemical properties of carbon strongly affect the catalytic activity of Ru catalysts. The relationship between the hydrogen mobility, strength of hydrogen adsorption, and catalytic performance was established. The catalyst possessing the highest number of defects, stimulating metal support interaction, exhibited the highest activity. The effect of the catalyst grain size was also studied. It was shown that the decrease in the grain size resulted in the formation of smaller Ru crystallites on the catalyst surface, which facilitates the activity.

Objective: The development of these updated clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) was commissioned by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), The Obesity Society (TOS), American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), Obesity Medicine Association (OMA), and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Boards of Directors in adherence with the AACE 2017 protocol for standardized production of CPGs, algorithms, and checklists., Methods: Each recommendation was evaluated and updated based on new evidence from 2013 to the present and subjective factors provided by experts., Results: New or updated topics in this CPG include: contextualization in an adiposity-based chronic disease complications-centric model, nuance-based and algorithm/checklist-assisted clinical decision-making about procedure selection, novel bariatric procedures, enhanced recovery after bariatric surgery protocols, and logistical concerns (including cost factors) in the current health care arena. There are 85 numbered recommendations that have updated supporting evidence, of which 61 are revised and 12 are new. Noting that there can be multiple recommendation statements within a single numbered recommendation, there are 31 (13%) Grade A, 42 (17%) Grade B, 72 (29%) Grade C, and 101 (41%) Grade D recommendations. There are 858 citations, of which 81 (9.4%) are evidence level (EL) 1 (highest), 562 (65.5%) are EL 2, 72 (8.4%) are EL 3, and 143 (16.7%) are EL 4 (lowest)., Conclusions: Bariatric procedures remain a safe and effective intervention for higher-risk patients with obesity. Clinical decision-making should be evidence based within the context of a chronic disease. A team approach to perioperative care is mandatory, with special attention to nutritional and metabolic issues., (By mutual agreement among the authors and editors of their respective journals, this work is being published jointly in Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases, Obesity, and Endocrine Practice. © AACE 2019.)

Objective: The development of these updated clinical practice guidelines (CPG) was commissioned by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, The Obesity Society, the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, the Obesity Medicine Association, and the American Society of Anesthesiologists boards of directors in adherence to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists 2017 protocol for standardized production of CPG, algorithms, and checklists., Methods: Each recommendation was evaluated and updated based on new evidence from 2013 to the present and subjective factors provided by experts., Results: New or updated topics in this CPG include contextualization in an adiposity-based, chronic disease complications-centric model, nuance-based, and algorithm/checklist-assisted clinical decision-making about procedure selection, novel bariatric procedures, enhanced recovery after bariatric surgery protocols, and logistical concerns (including cost factors) in the current healthcare arena. There are 85 numbered recommendations that have updated supporting evidence, of which 61 are revised and 12 are new. Noting that there can be multiple recommendation statements within a single numbered recommendation, there are 31 (13%) Grade A, 42 (17%) Grade B, 72 (29%) Grade C, and 101 (41%) Grade D recommendations. There are 858 citations, of which 81 (9.4%) are evidence level (EL) 1 (highest), 562 (65.5%) are EL 2, 72 (8.4%) are EL 3, and 143 (16.7%) are EL 4 (lowest)., Conclusions: Bariatric procedures remain a safe and effective intervention for higher-risk patients with obesity. Clinical decision-making should be evidence-based within the context of a chronic disease. A team approach to perioperative care is mandatory with special attention to nutritional and metabolic issues., Competing Interests: Disclosures Chair of the Task Force: Jeffrey I. Mechanick, M.D., M.A.C.E.: Abbott Nutrition, honoraria for lectures and program development. Co-Chairs of the Task Force: Caroline Apovian, M.D.: Orexigen, GI Dynamics, Takeda, Nutrisystem, Zafgen, Sanofi-Aventis, Novo Nordisk, Scientific Intake, Xeno Biosciences, Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Eisai, EnteroMedica, Bariatrix Nutrition, consultant; Gelesis and Science-Smart LLC, stock options; Aspire Bariatrics, Myos, the Vela Foundation, the Dr. Robert C. and Veronica Atkins Foundation, Coherence Lab, Energesis, Gelesis, Orexigen, GI Dynamics, Takeda, Novo Nordisk, PCORI, research grant support. Stacy Brethauer, M.D., Medtronic, speaker. W. Timothy Garvey, M.D., F.A.C.E., Merck, Novo Nordisk, American Medical Group Association, BOYDSense, Sanofi, Gilead, Amgen, Abbott Nutrition, National Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute, diaTribe Foundation, consultant; IONIS, Novartis, Bristol-Myers-Squibb, Pfizer, Merck, Lilly, stock; Sanofi, Novo Nordisk, Pfizer, research grant support. Aaron M. Joffe, D.O., F.C.C.M., American Society of Anesthesiologists, speaker. Robert F. Kushner, M.D., Novo Nordisk, Retrofit, Weight Watchers, consultant. Richard Lindquist, M.D., F.A.A.S.P., Seca scales, Metagenics/Bariatric Advantage, Livongo/Retrofit, consultant; Novo Nordisk Orexigen, speaker. Rachel Pessah-Pollack, M.D., F.A.C.E., Boehringer Ingelheim, Eli Lilly, Radius, consultant and advisor. Richard D. Urman, M.B.A., M.D., C.P.E., 3M, Sandoz, consulting fees; Merck, Medtronic, research grant support. Julie Kim, M.D. and Jennifer Seger, M.D., report no potential conflicts of interest. Task Force Members: Shanu Kothari, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.A.S.M.B.S., Ethicon, Lexington Medical, consultant; Gore Medical, speaker. Michael V. Seger, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.A.S.M.B.S., Obalon Therapeutics, consultant and speaker. Christopher D. Still, D.O., F.A.C.N., F.A.C.P., Novo Nordisk, speaker; Ethicon-Endosurgery, research grant support. M. Kathleen Figaro, M.S., M.D., F.A.C.E., Novo Nordisk, Boehringer Ingelheim, speaker. Stephanie Adams, Ph.D., John B. Cleek, M.D., Karen Flanders, M.S.N., C.N.P., C.B.N. Jayleen Grams, M.D., Ph.D., Daniel L. Hurley, M.D., F.A.C.E., and Riccardo Correa, M.D., F.A.C.E., report no potential conflicts of interest. Reviewers: Michael A. Bush, M.D., F.A.C.E., Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi, Boehringer Ingleheim, Janssen, AstraZeneca, speaker. Dace L. Trence, M.D., F.A.C.E., Medtronic, Sanofi, stock ownership. Scott Isaacs, M.D., F.A.C.P., F.A.C.E. and Ann M. Rogers, M.D., F.A.C.S., report no potential conflicts of interest. Note: Reference sources are followed by an evidence level [EL] rating of 1, 2, 3, or 4., (Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Objective: The development of these updated clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) was commissioned by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), The Obesity Society, American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, Obesity Medicine Association, and American Society of Anesthesiologists Boards of Directors in adherence with the AACE 2017 protocol for standardized production of CPGs, algorithms, and checklists. Methods: Each recommendation was evaluated and updated based on new evidence from 2013 to the present and subjective factors provided by experts. Results: New or updated topics in this CPG include: contextualization in an adiposity-based chronic disease complications-centric model, nuance-based and algorithm/checklist-assisted clinical decision-making about procedure selection, novel bariatric procedures, enhanced recovery after bariatric surgery protocols, and logistical concerns (including cost factors) in the current health-care arena. There are 85 numbered recommendations that have updated supporting evidence, of which 61 are revised and 12 are new. Noting that there can be multiple recommendation statements within a single numbered recommendation, there are 31 (13%) Grade A, 42 (17%) Grade B, 72 (29%) Grade C, and 101 (41%) Grade D recommendations. There are 858 citations, of which 81 (9.4%) are evidence level (EL) 1 (highest), 562 (65.5%) are EL 2, 72 (8.4%) are EL 3, and 143 (16.7%) are EL 4 (lowest). Conclusion: Bariatric procedures remain a safe and effective intervention for higher-risk patients with obesity. Clinical decision-making should be evidence based within the context of a chronic disease. A team approach to perioperative care is mandatory, with special attention to nutritional and metabolic issues. A1C = hemoglobin A1c; AACE = American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists; ABCD = adiposity-based chronic disease; ACE = American College of Endocrinology; ADA = American Diabetes Association; AHI = Apnea-Hypopnea Index; ASA = American Society of Anesthesiologists; ASMBS = American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery; BMI = body mass index; BPD = biliopancreatic diversion; BPD/DS = biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch; CI = confidence interval; CPAP = continuous positive airway pressure; CPG = clinical practice guideline; CRP = C-reactive protein; CT = computed tomography; CVD = cardiovascular disease; DBCD = dysglycemia-based chronic disease; DS = duodenal switch; DVT = deep venous thrombosis; DXA = dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry; EFA = essential fatty acid; EL = evidence level; EN = enteral nutrition; ERABS = enhanced recovery after bariatric surgery; FDA = U.S. Food and Drug Administration; G4G = Guidelines for Guidelines; GERD = gastroesophageal reflux disease; GI = gastrointestinal; HCP = health-care professional(s); HTN = hypertension; ICU = intensive care unit; IGB = intragastric balloon(s); IV = intravenous; LAGB = laparoscopic adjustable gastric band; LAGBP = laparoscopic adjustable gastric banded plication; LGP = laparoscopic greater curvature (gastric) plication; LRYGB = laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass; LSG = laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy; MetS = metabolic syndrome; NAFLD = nonalcoholic fatty liver disease; NASH = nonalcoholic steatohepatitis; NSAID = nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug; OA = osteoarthritis; OAGB = one-anastomosis gastric bypass; OMA = Obesity Medicine Association; OR = odds ratio; ORC = obesity-related complication(s); OSA = obstructive sleep apnea; PE = pulmonary embolism; PN = parenteral nutrition; PRM = pulmonary recruitment maneuver; RCT = randomized controlled trial; RD = registered dietician; RDA = recommended daily allowance; RYGB = Roux-en-Y gastric bypass; SG = sleeve gastrectomy; SIBO = small intestinal bacterial overgrowth; TOS = The Obesity Society; TSH = thyroid-stimulating hormone; T1D = type 1 diabetes; T2D = type 2 diabetes; VTE = venous thromboembolism; WE = Wernicke encephalopathy; WHO = World Health Organization.

The main objective of this work was to evaluate an impact of a support on the efficiency of nickel catalysts in the high-temperature conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to hydrogen-rich gas. The most important parameters influencing catalytic performance of the catalysts were identified. The properties of three materials (ZSM-5, ZrO 2 , and MCF (mesostructured cellular foam)) used as a support differing in surface acidity, surface area, pore structure, ability to interact with an active phase, and resistance to coking, have been studied. The results revealed that Ni/MCF, characterized by large pore size and pore volume, low acidity, small NiO crystallites size, and moderate interaction with the active phase, is the most efficient among studied catalysts, while an application of Ni on ZSM-5 support with high-acidity was not beneficial. The results suggest that structure of the support, in particular larger pore size and a better contact between an active phase and reaction intermediates, play an important role in the formation of gaseous products during thermal decomposition of lignocellulosic feedstock. On the other hand, high acidity of the support did not increase the formation of large amounts of hydrogen-rich gaseous products.

Background: NonHispanic black patients bear a disproportionate burden of the obesity epidemic and its related medical co-morbidities. While bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for morbid obesity, black patients access bariatric surgery at lower rates than nonHispanic white patients., Objectives: To examine racial differences before bariatric surgery and in short-term perioperative outcomes and complications, and the extent to which race is independently associated with perioperative morbidity and mortality., Setting: Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program national database., Methods: Data were extracted from the 2015 Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program Participant Use File. Multivariate analysis was used to identify differences in mortality, length of stay, readmission, and reintervention by race in patients undergoing laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG)., Results: A total of 108,198 patients were included in the analysis. There were significant differences in perioperative disease burden. Black patients had a higher body mass index at the time they underwent surgery (laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: 48.0 versus 45.7 kg/m 2 ; SG: 46.8 versus 44.9 kg/m 2 ; P < .001). Black patients had significantly longer length of stay and higher rates of readmission in both the laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and SG groups. In the SG group, black patients had significantly higher 30-day mortality (.2% versus .1%, odds ratio = 3.613, 95% confidence interval 1.990-6.558, P < .001) and higher rates of reoperation or reintervention., Conclusions: We found significant racial disparities in bariatric surgery outcomes, including higher mortality in black patients undergoing SG. The specific causes of these disparities remain unclear and must be the subject of future research., (Copyright © 2019 American Society for Bariatric Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Calcium-modified titania supported Ru catalysts were synthesized and evaluated for the hydrogenation of levulinic acid with formic acid as an internal hydrogen source and water as a green solvent. A new elegant photoassisted method was developed for the synthesis of uniform-size and evenly distributed Ru particles on the titania surface. Compared with the counterpart catalysts prepared by classical wet impregnation, enhanced levulinic acid conversion and γ-valerolactone yield were obtained and further improved through modification of the support by introduction of calcium into the titania support. This synthesis approach resulted in a change of the surface and bulk properties of the support, namely a decrease in the anatase crystallite size and the formation of a new calcium titanate phase. As a consequence, the properties of the catalysts were modified, and smaller ruthenium particles that had stronger interactions with the support were obtained. This affected the strength of the CO adsorption on the catalyst surface and facilitated the reaction performance. The optimum size of Ru particles that allowed for most efficient levulinic acid conversion was established., (© 2019 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)