Reusable rocket engine intelligent control system framework design, phase 2

Elements of an advanced functional framework for reusable rocket engine propulsion system control are presented for the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) demonstration case. Functional elements of the baseline functional framework are defined in detail. The SSME failure modes are evaluated and specific failure modes identified for inclusion in the advanced functional framework diagnostic system. Active control of the SSME start transient is investigated, leading to the identification of a promising approach to mitigating start transient excursions. Key elements of the functional framework are simulated and demonstration cases are provided. Finally, the advanced function framework for control of reusable rocket engines is presented

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

The Effect of a Multidisciplinary Trauma Team Leader Paradigm at a Tertiary Trauma Center: 10-Year Experience

Background. To illustrate the impact of the implementation of a multidisciplinary TTL program in 2005 on the mortality of trauma patients in a level 1 trauma center as well as admission rates and length of stay. Methods. Retrospective observational study of all trauma patients included in the provincial trauma database at the Montreal General Hospital between 1998 and 2015. The primary outcome studied was in-hospital mortality. The secondary outcomes studied were hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) rates of admission and hospital and ICU length of stay. Results. 24,107 patients were included. We observed a statistically significant reduction in mortality of 1.25% or a relative reduction of 16% (p value = 0.0058; rate ratio 0.844 (95% CI 0.747–0.952)). ICU admissions were also significantly reduced where we observed a statistically significant absolute reduction of 4.46% or a relative reduction of 14% (p value = 8.38 × 10−7; rate ratio 0.859 (95% CI 0.808–0.912)). The ICU length of stay was increased by 0.91 days or 19.03% (p value = 0.016 (95% CI 0.167–1.655)). There was no observed change in overall length of stay (13.97 days pre-TTL and 12.91 post-TTL (p value = 0.13; estimate −1.053 (95% CI −2.424–0.318))). Conclusions. This article suggests that multidisciplinary TTL model may be beneficial in the care of trauma patients. Further subgroup analysis may help determine which patients could benefit more

Trauma Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Canadian Survey

Purpose: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has placed major limitations on trauma health care systems. This survey aims to identify how Canadian trauma centres altered their processes to care for injured patients and protect their staff during the pandemic. Methods: A survey was distributed to trauma directors at level 1 Canadian adult trauma centres in July 2020. Questions included changes made to the trauma service in preparation for the pandemic, modification to clinical practice and expected lasting modifications after the pandemic. Results: The response rate was 68.4%. All trauma centres modified their treatment and investigation protocols for the pandemic. Most respondents adopted online platforms for meetings and educational activities and used simulation to prepare for COVID-19-infected trauma patients. The approach to who would intubate trauma patients, which trauma patients should be tested for COVID-19 and who should use N95 ventilators, varied among the sites surveyed. Conclusion: All centres modified some of their treatment and investigation protocols for the pandemic but not all modifications were adopted universally. Knowing these steps and comparing them with other global centres will help organize disaster plans for the current and future pandemics

Expectant Parents’ Understanding of the Implications and Management of Fever in the Neonate

<div><p>Objective</p><p>We estimated the extent to which Canadian expectant parents would seek medical care in a febrile neonate (age 30 days or less). We also evaluated expectant parents’ knowledge of signs and symptoms of fever in a neonate, and explored the actions Canadian expectant parents would take to optimize the health of their child.</p><p>Methods</p><p>We conducted a cross-sectional survey of a sample of expectant parents from a large urban center in Canada. We recruited participants from waiting rooms in an obstetrical ultrasound clinic located in an urban tertiary care hospital in Montreal, Canada. We asked participants nine questions about fever in neonates including if, and how, they would seek care for their neonate if they suspected he/she were febrile.</p><p>Results</p><p>Among the 355 respondents, (response rate 87%) we found that 75% of parents reported that they would take their febrile neonate for immediate medical assessment, with nearly one fifth of the sample reporting that they would not seek medical care. We found no significant associations between the choice to seek medical care and expectant parents socio-demographic characteristics.</p><p>Conclusions</p><p>Despite universal access to high quality health care in Canada, our study highlights concerning gaps in the knowledge of the care of the febrile infant in one fifth of expectant parents. Physicians and health providers should strive to provide early education to expectant parents about how to recognize signs of fever in the neonate and how best to seek medical care. This may improve neonatal health outcomes in Canada.</p></div

Actions expectant parents reported that they would take if they suspected fever in their neonate (n = 355).

<p>*Info-Santé is a Quebec health information phone hotline; MD = medical doctor.</p><p>Actions expectant parents reported that they would take if they suspected fever in their neonate (n = 355).</p