Joule spectroscopy of hybrid superconductor–semiconductor nanodevices

Hybrid superconductor-semiconductor devices offer highly tunable platforms, potentially suitable for quantum technology applications, that have been intensively studied in the past decade. Here we establish that measurements of the superconductor-to-normal transition originating from Joule heating provide a powerful spectroscopical tool to characterize such hybrid devices. Concretely, we apply this technique to junctions in full-shell Al-InAs nanowires in the Little-Parks regime and obtain detailed information of each lead independently and in a single measurement, including differences in the superconducting coherence lengths of the leads, inhomogeneous covering of the epitaxial shell, and the inverse superconducting proximity effect; all-in-all constituting a unique fingerprint of each device with applications in the interpretation of low-bias data, the optimization of device geometries, and the uncovering of disorder in these systems. Besides the practical uses, our work also underscores the importance of heating in hybrid devices, an effect that is often overlookedWe acknowledge funding by EU through the European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant agreement 716559 (TOPOQDot), the FET-Open contract AndQC, by the Danish National Research Foundation, Inno vation Fund Denmark, the Carlsberg Foundation, and by the Spanish AEI through Grant No. PID2020-117671GB-I00 and through the “María de Maeztu” Programme for Units of Excellence in R&D (CEX2018- 000805-M) and the ”Ramón y Cajal” programme grant RYC 2015-1797

Prenatal Hyperandrogenization Induces Metabolic and Endocrine Alterations Which Depend on the Levels of Testosterone Exposure

Prenatal hyperandrogenism is able to induce polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in rats. The aim of the present study was to establish if the levels of prenatal testosterone may determine the extent of metabolic and endocrine alterations during the adult life. Pregnant Sprague Dawley rats were prenatally injected with either 2 or 5 mg free testosterone (groups T2 and T5 respectively) from day 16 to day 19 day of gestation. Female offspring from T2 and T5 displayed different phenotype of PCOS during adult life. Offspring from T2 showed hyperandrogenism, ovarian cysts and ovulatory cycles whereas those from T5 displayed hyperandrogenism, ovarian cysts and anovulatory cycles. Both group showed increased circulating glucose levels after the intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT; an evaluation of insulin resistance). IPGTT was higher in T5 rats and directly correlated with body weight at prepubertal age. However, the decrease in the body weight at prepubertal age was compensated during adult life. Although both groups showed enhanced ovarian steroidogenesis, it appears that the molecular mechanisms involved were different. The higher dose of testosterone enhanced the expression of both the protein that regulates cholesterol availability (the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR)) and the protein expression of the transcriptional factor: peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR gamma). Prenatal hyperandrogenization induced an anti-oxidant response that prevented a possible pro-oxidant status. The higher dose of testosterone induced a pro-inflammatory state in ovarian tissue mediated by increased levels of prostaglandin E (PG) and the protein expression of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2, the limiting enzyme of PGs synthesis). In summary, our data show that the levels of testosterone prenatally injected modulate the uterine environment and that this, in turn, would be responsible for the endocrine and metabolic abnormalities and the phenotype of PCOS during the adult life

Infected pancreatic necrosis: outcomes and clinical predictors of mortality. A post hoc analysis of the MANCTRA-1 international study

: The identification of high-risk patients in the early stages of infected pancreatic necrosis (IPN) is critical, because it could help the clinicians to adopt more effective management strategies. We conducted a post hoc analysis of the MANCTRA-1 international study to assess the association between clinical risk factors and mortality among adult patients with IPN. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify prognostic factors of mortality. We identified 247 consecutive patients with IPN hospitalised between January 2019 and December 2020. History of uncontrolled arterial hypertension (p = 0.032; 95% CI 1.135-15.882; aOR 4.245), qSOFA (p = 0.005; 95% CI 1.359-5.879; aOR 2.828), renal failure (p = 0.022; 95% CI 1.138-5.442; aOR 2.489), and haemodynamic failure (p = 0.018; 95% CI 1.184-5.978; aOR 2.661), were identified as independent predictors of mortality in IPN patients. Cholangitis (p = 0.003; 95% CI 1.598-9.930; aOR 3.983), abdominal compartment syndrome (p = 0.032; 95% CI 1.090-6.967; aOR 2.735), and gastrointestinal/intra-abdominal bleeding (p = 0.009; 95% CI 1.286-5.712; aOR 2.710) were independently associated with the risk of mortality. Upfront open surgical necrosectomy was strongly associated with the risk of mortality (p < 0.001; 95% CI 1.912-7.442; aOR 3.772), whereas endoscopic drainage of pancreatic necrosis (p = 0.018; 95% CI 0.138-0.834; aOR 0.339) and enteral nutrition (p = 0.003; 95% CI 0.143-0.716; aOR 0.320) were found as protective factors. Organ failure, acute cholangitis, and upfront open surgical necrosectomy were the most significant predictors of mortality. Our study confirmed that, even in a subgroup of particularly ill patients such as those with IPN, upfront open surgery should be avoided as much as possible. Study protocol registered in ClinicalTrials.Gov (I.D. Number NCT04747990)

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Abstract Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

Uso problemático de las tecnologías, actividades de ocio y funciones ejecutivas en adolescentes

Introducción: El objetivo principal de este estudio es analizar la relación entre el uso problemático de las tecnologías de la información y comunicación (UPT), las funciones ejecutivas (control inhibitorio, planificación y logro de metas) y las actividades de ocio de los/as adolescentes (ocio positivo y ocio no estructurado), en función del género, la edad y el rendimiento académico. Metodología: En esta investigación han participado 3.831 adolescentes escolarizados de 13 a 18 años de 4 países (Chile, España, México y Perú). El instrumento utilizado es el cuestionario de autoinforme del proyecto YOURLIFE. Se ha realizado un análisis de regresión lineal múltiple con el fin de obtener un modelo predictivo. Resultados Los análisis han mostrado que el UPT era más frecuente en el grupo de más edad. El modelo predictivo ha indicado que un menor control inhibitorio, así como las actividades de ocio no estructurado, se asociaban con el UPT. A su vez, las actividades de ocio positivo (actividades familiares y lectura recreativa) se han presentado como factores protectores de la PUT. Discusión: En el artículo se discute sobre la necesidad de desarrollar programas para adolescentes que promuevan actividades de ocio positivo, la intervención educativa y psicológica y la implicación de los padres y madres en la educación para el uso responsable y eficiente de las Tecnologías de Información y Comunicación.Introduction: The main objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between problematic use of information and communication technologies (PUT), executive functions (inhibitory control, planning and goal achievement) and leisure activities of adolescents (positive leisure and unstructured leisure), according to gender, age and academic performance. Methodology: This research has involved 3,831 school-going adolescents aged 13 to 18 from four countries (Chile, Spain, Mexico and Peru). The instrument used is the self-report questionnaire of the YOURLIFE project. A multiple linear regression analysis was performed in order to obtain a predictive model. Results: The analyses showed that PUT was more frequent in the older group. The predictive model indicated that lower inhibitory control, as well as unstructured leisure activities, were associated with PUT. In addition, positive leisure activities (family activities and recreational reading) were found to be protective factors for PUT. Discussion: The article highlights the need for developmental programs for adolescents that promote positive leisure activities, educational and psychological intervention, and parental involvement in education for responsible and efficient use of information and communication technologies

Predictors of substance abuse treatment participation among homeless adults.

The current study focuses on the relationships among a trauma history, a substance use history, chronic homelessness, and the mediating role of recent emotional distress in predicting drug treatment participation among adult homeless people. We explored the predictors of participation in substance abuse treatment because enrolling and retaining clients in substance abuse treatment programs is always a challenge particularly among homeless people. Participants were 853 homeless adults from Los Angeles, California. Using structural equation models, findings indicated that trauma history, substance use history and chronicity of homelessness were associated, and were significant predictors of greater recent emotional distress. The most notable result was that recent emotional distress predicted less participation in current substance abuse treatment (both formal and self-help) whereas a substance use history alone predicted significantly more participation in treatment. Implications concerning treatment engagement and difficulties in obtaining appropriate dual-diagnosis services for homeless mentally distressed individuals are discussed

Uso problemático de las tecnologías, actividades de ocio y funciones ejecutivas en adolescentes

Introducción: El objetivo principal de este estudio es analizar la relación entre el uso problemático de las tecnologías de la información y comunicación (UPT), las funciones ejecutivas (control inhibitorio, planificación y logro de metas) y las actividades de ocio de los/as adolescentes (ocio positivo y ocio no estructurado), en función del género, la edad y el rendimiento académico. Metodología: En esta investigación han participado 3.831 adolescentes escolarizados de 13 a 18 años de 4 países (Chile, España, México y Perú). El instrumento utilizado es el cuestionario de autoinforme del proyecto YOURLIFE. Se ha realizado un análisis de regresión lineal múltiple con el fin de obtener un modelo predictivo. Resultados Los análisis han mostrado que el UPT era más frecuente en el grupo de más edad. El modelo predictivo ha indicado que un menor control inhibitorio, así como las actividades de ocio no estructurado, se asociaban con el UPT. A su vez, las actividades de ocio positivo (actividades familiares y lectura recreativa) se han presentado como factores protectores de la PUT. Discusión: En el artículo se discute sobre la necesidad de desarrollar programas para adolescentes que promuevan actividades de ocio positivo, la intervención educativa y psicológica y la implicación de los padres y madres en la educación para el uso responsable y eficiente de las Tecnologías de Información y Comunicación.Introduction: The main objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between problematic use of information and communication technologies (PUT), executive functions (inhibitory control, planning and goal achievement) and leisure activities of adolescents (positive leisure and unstructured leisure), according to gender, age and academic performance. Methodology: This research has involved 3,831 school-going adolescents aged 13 to 18 from four countries (Chile, Spain, Mexico and Peru). The instrument used is the self-report questionnaire of the YOURLIFE project. A multiple linear regression analysis was performed in order to obtain a predictive model. Results: The analyses showed that PUT was more frequent in the older group. The predictive model indicated that lower inhibitory control, as well as unstructured leisure activities, were associated with PUT. In addition, positive leisure activities (family activities and recreational reading) were found to be protective factors for PUT. Discussion: The article highlights the need for developmental programs for adolescents that promote positive leisure activities, educational and psychological intervention, and parental involvement in education for responsible and efficient use of information and communication technologies