History of Ethanol

Ethanol has become a hot topic today, but its controversial history actually dates back to the 1800s

Mapping multicenter randomized controlled trials in anesthesiology: a scoping review

Background: Evidence suggests that there are substantial inconsistencies in the practice of anesthesia. There has not yet been a comprehensive summary of the anesthesia literature that can guide future knowledge translation interventions to move evidence into practice. As the first step toward identifying the most promising interventions for systematic implementation in anesthesia practice, this scoping review of multicentre RCTs aimed to explore and map the existing literature investigating perioperative anesthesia-related interventions and clinical patient outcomes. Methods: Multicenter randomized controlled trials were eligible for inclusion if they involved a tested anesthesia-related intervention administered to adult surgical patients (≥ 16 years old), with a control group receiving either another anesthesia intervention or no intervention at all. The electronic databases Embase (via OVID), MEDLINE, and MEDLINE in Process (via OVID), and Cochrane Central Register of Control Trials (CENTRAL) were searched from inception to February 26, 2021. Studies were screened and data were extracted by pairs of independent reviewers in duplicate with disagreements resolved through consensus or a third reviewer. Data were summarized narratively. Results: We included 638 multicentre randomized controlled trials (n patients = 615,907) that met the eligibility criteria. The most commonly identified anesthesia-related intervention theme across all studies was pharmacotherapy (n studies = 361 [56.6%]; n patients = 244,610 [39.7%]), followed by anesthetic technique (n studies = 80 [12.5%], n patients = 48,455 [7.9%]). Interventions were most often implemented intraoperatively (n studies = 233 [36.5%]; n patients = 175,974 [28.6%]). Studies typically involved multiple types of surgeries (n studies = 187 [29.2%]; n patients = 206 667 [33.5%]), followed by general surgery only (n studies = 115 [18.1%]; n patients = 201,028 [32.6%]) and orthopedic surgery only (n studies = 94 [14.7%]; n patients = 34,575 [5.6%]). Functional status was the most commonly investigated outcome (n studies = 272), followed by patient experience (n studies = 168), and mortality (n studies = 153). Conclusions: This scoping review provides a map of multicenter RCTs in anesthesia which can be used to optimize future research endeavors in the field. Specifically, we have identified key knowledge gaps in anesthesia that require further systematic assessment, as well as areas where additional research would likely not add value. These findings provide the foundation for streamlining knowledge translation in anesthesia in order to reduce practice variation and enhance patient outcomes

FOLLOW THE MAIZE

From kernel to car fuel: the step-by-step stages of ethanol production

RUNNING ON EMPTY: FOOD VS. FUEL

The recent boom in the ethanol industry has resulted in a greater demand for corn, which, in turn, has led to a strain on the supply, triggering higher prices

Ethanol: Salvation or Damnation?

Contents: Opening Essay BY JOE STARITA Running on Empty: Food vs. Fuel BY MIMI ABEBE The recent boom in the ethanol industry has resulted in a greater demand for corn, which, in turn, has led to a strain on the supply, triggering higher prices Nightmares in the Ethanol Dream BY CASSIE FLEMING Politicians are quick to endorse the benefits of ethanol production. Others say that view is an illusion. Follow the Maize BY MIMI ABEBE The step-by-step stages of ethanol production History of Ethanol BY MIMI ABEBE Ethanol’s controversial history dates back to the 1800s Precise Portions BY CASSIE FLEMING Precision farming assists farmers in meeting government mandates for increased corn-ethanol production Subsidies Support Ethanol BY AARON E. PRICE The ethanol industry receives subsidies from every level of government Unlimited Resource or Looming Roadblock? BY AARON E. PRICE Conflicting needs for water complicate Nebraska’s effort to meet ethanol production goals Increased Corn Production Can Pollute Water BY AARON E. PRICE As farmers raise more corn for ethanol, they’re likely to use more nitrogen fertilizer and other chemicals that can pollute water Corn Monoculture No Friend of Biodiversity BY AARON E. PRICE Federal mandates for corn ethanol, which encourage farmers to plant more corn, may threaten the biodiversity of grasslands Honing in on the Homeland BY CASSIE FLEMING In 2006, the United States was the world’s top energy user Ethanol and the Elements BY MELISSA DROZDA and CAROLYN JOHNSEN Using ethanol in place of gasoline helps to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, but this solution may contribute to the problems New Deal or No Deal BY LUCAS JAMESON Minden’s city officials hope their ethanol plant will spark long-term economic growth Genesis on Hold BY LUCAS JAMESON The Genesis plant filed for bankruptcy, leaving millions of dollars owed to companies and local farmers Infrastructure Impacts BY CAROLYN JOHNSEN How will ethanol be moved around — from factory to distributor to vehicle? Sweet Ideas: Alternative Biofuels BY LUCAS JAMESON Scientists and farmers alike promote research of alternative energy crops but without necessary funds the search to find a cost-effective method continues Reporters, Photographers, Graphics, Documentary, Editors, Designers, Facult