Manifestation of ageing in the low temperature conductance of disordered insulators

We are interested in the out of equilibrium phenomena observed in the electrical conductance of disordered insulators at low temperature, which may be signatures of the electron coulomb glass state. The present work is devoted to the occurrence of ageing, a benchmark phenomenon for the glassy state. It is the fact that the dynamical properties of a glass depend on its age, i.e. on the time elapsed since it was quench-cooled. We first critically analyse previous studies on disordered insulators and question their interpretation in terms of ageing. We then present new measurements on insulating granular aluminium thin films which demonstrate that the dynamics is indeed age dependent. We also show that the results of different relaxation protocols are related by a superposition principle. The implications of our findings for the mechanism of the conductance slow relaxations are then discussed

An Open Resource for Non-human Primate Imaging.

Non-human primate neuroimaging is a rapidly growing area of research that promises to transform and scale translational and cross-species comparative neuroscience. Unfortunately, the technological and methodological advances of the past two decades have outpaced the accrual of data, which is particularly challenging given the relatively few centers that have the necessary facilities and capabilities. The PRIMatE Data Exchange (PRIME-DE) addresses this challenge by aggregating independently acquired non-human primate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) datasets and openly sharing them via the International Neuroimaging Data-sharing Initiative (INDI). Here, we present the rationale, design, and procedures for the PRIME-DE consortium, as well as the initial release, consisting of 25 independent data collections aggregated across 22 sites (total = 217 non-human primates). We also outline the unique pitfalls and challenges that should be considered in the analysis of non-human primate MRI datasets, including providing automated quality assessment of the contributed datasets

WHO global research priorities for antimicrobial resistance in human health

The WHO research agenda for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in human health has identified 40 research priorities to be addressed by the year 2030. These priorities focus on bacterial and fungal pathogens of crucial importance in addressing AMR, including drug-resistant pathogens causing tuberculosis. These research priorities encompass the entire people-centred journey, covering prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of antimicrobial-resistant infections, in addition to addressing the overarching knowledge gaps in AMR epidemiology, burden and drivers, policies and regulations, and awareness and education. The research priorities were identified through a multistage process, starting with a comprehensive scoping review of knowledge gaps, with expert inputs gathered through a survey and open call. The priority setting involved a rigorous modified Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative approach, ensuring global representation and applicability of the findings. The ultimate goal of this research agenda is to encourage research and investment in the generation of evidence to better understand AMR dynamics and facilitate policy translation for reducing the burden and consequences of AMR

Factors Associated with Revision Surgery after Internal Fixation of Hip Fractures

Background: Femoral neck fractures are associated with high rates of revision surgery after management with internal fixation. Using data from the Fixation using Alternative Implants for the Treatment of Hip fractures (FAITH) trial evaluating methods of internal fixation in patients with femoral neck fractures, we investigated associations between baseline and surgical factors and the need for revision surgery to promote healing, relieve pain, treat infection or improve function over 24 months postsurgery. Additionally, we investigated factors associated with (1) hardware removal and (2) implant exchange from cancellous screws (CS) or sliding hip screw (SHS) to total hip arthroplasty, hemiarthroplasty, or another internal fixation device. Methods: We identified 15 potential factors a priori that may be associated with revision surgery, 7 with hardware removal, and 14 with implant exchange. We used multivariable Cox proportional hazards analyses in our investigation. Results: Factors associated with increased risk of revision surgery included: female sex, [hazard ratio (HR) 1.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.25-2.50; P = 0.001], higher body mass index (fo

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

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

The sensitivity and specificity of rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) to detect coagulopathy during moderate and severe postpartum haemorrhage: a prospective observational study

Introduction Point-of-care viscoelastic haemostatic assays such as rotational thromboelastometry (including ROTEM and TEG) have been used in the management of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH). This study compared results obtained from the automated ROTEM Sigma with laboratory tests of coagulation and platelet count during PPH. Methods A prospective observational cohort study recruited women with PPH ≥1000 mL (or clinical concern of bleeding). The Fibtem A5, Extem CT and Pltem (Extem A5 – Fibtem A5) results were compared with laboratory tests of fibrinogen, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and platelet count. Results 521 women were recruited, including 274/277 (98.9%) of women with PPH ≥1500 mL. Fibtem A5 results were matched with laboratory fibrinogen in 552/644 (85.7%) samples. The incidence of abnormal laboratory results was low: fibrinogen ≤2 g/L 23/464 (5.0%), PT or APTT >1.5 × midpoint of reference range 4/464 (0.9%), and platelet count <75 × 109/L 11/477 (2.3%). Area-under- the-receiver operator characteristic curve for Fibtem A5 to detect fibrinogen ≤2 g/L was 0.96 (95% Confidence Intervals (CI) 0.94 to 0.98, P<0.001), with sensitivity and specificity of Fibtem A5 ≤11 mm to detect fibrinogen ≤2 g/L of 0.76 and 0.96. Prolonged Extem CT results improved after treatment of hypofibrinogenaemia alone. Intervention points for platelet and fresh frozen plasma (FFP) transfusion based on ROTEM Sigma parameters could not be established. Conclusion During PPH (≥1000 mL or cases of clinical concern about bleeding), ROTEM Sigma Fibtem A5 can detect fibrinogen ≤2 g/L and guide targeted fibrinogen replacement. Laboratory results should continue to be used to guide platelet and FFP transfusion