Cryptographic approaches for confidential computations in blockchain.

Blockchain technologies have been widely re- searched in the last decade, mainly because of the revolution they propose for different use cases. Moving away from centralized solutions that abuse their capabilities, blockchain looks like a great solution for integrity, transparency, and decentral- ization. However, there are still some problems to be solved, lack of privacy being one of the main ones. In this paper, we focus on a subset of the privacy area, which is confidentiality. Although users are increasingly aware of the importance of confidentiality, blockchain poses a barrier to the confidential treatment of data. We initiate the study of cryptographic confidential computing tools and focus on how these technologies can endow the blockchain with better capabilities, i.e., enable rich and versatile applications while pro- tecting users’ data. We identify Zero Knowledge Proofs, Fully Homomorphic Encryption, and Se- cure Multiparty Computation as good candidates to achieve this.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Oxigenación con membrana extracorpórea en el paciente COVID-19: resultados del Registro Español ECMO-COVID de la Sociedad Española de Cirugía Cardiovascular y Endovascular (SECCE)

Background and aim: COVID-19 patients with severe heart or respiratory failure are potential candidates for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Indications and management of these patients are unclear. Our aim is to describe the results of a prospective registry of COVID-19 patients treated with ECMO. Methods: An anonymous prospective registry of COVID-19 patients treated with veno-arterial (V-A) or veno-venous (V-V) ECMO was created on march 2020. Clinical, analytical and respiratory preimplantation variables, implantation data and post-implantation course data were recorded. The primary endpoint was all cause in-hospital mortality. Secondary events were functional recovery and the combined endpoint of mortality and functional recovery in patients followed at least 3 months after discharge. Results: Three hundred and sixty-six patients from 25 hospitals were analyzed, 347 V-V ECMO and 18 V-A ECMO patients (mean age 52.7 and 49.5 years respectively). Patients with V-V ECMO were more obese, had less frequently organ damage other than respiratory failure and needed less inotropic support; Thirty three percent of V-A ECMO and 34.9% of V-A ECMO were discharged (P = NS). Hospital mortality was non-significantly different, 56.2% versus 50.9% respectively, mainly during ECMO therapy and mostly due to multiorgan failure. Other 51 patients (14%) remained admitted. Mean follow-up was 196 +/- 101.7 days (95%CI: 170.8-221.6). After logistic regression, body weight (OR 0.967, 95%CI: 0.95-0.99, P = 0.004) and ECMO implantation in the own centre (OR 0.48, 95%CI: 0.27-0.88, P = 0.018) were protective for hospital mortality. Age (OR 1.063, 95%CI: 1.005-1.12, P = 0.032), arterial hypertension (3.593, 95%CI: 1.06-12.19, P = 0.04) and global (2.44, 95%CI: 0.27-0.88, P = 0.019), digestive (OR 4,23, 95%CI: 1.27-14.07, P = 0.019) and neurological (OR 4.66, 95%CI: 1.39-15.62, P = 0.013) complications during ECMO therapy were independent predictors of primary endpoint occurrence. Only the post-discharge day at follow-up was independent predictor of both secondary endpoints occurrence. Conclusions: Hospital survival of severely ill COVID-19 patients treated with ECMO is near 50%. Age, arterial hypertension and ECMO complications are predictors of hospital mortality, and body weight and implantation in the own centre are protective. Functional recovery is only predicted by the follow-up time after discharge. A more homogeneous management of these patients is warranted for clinical results and future research optimization. (C) 2022 Sociedad Espanola de Cirugia Cardiovascular y Endovascular. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L.U

Diversity and ethics in trauma and acute care surgery teams: results from an international survey

Background Investigating the context of trauma and acute care surgery, the article aims at understanding the factors that can enhance some ethical aspects, namely the importance of patient consent, the perceptiveness of the ethical role of the trauma leader, and the perceived importance of ethics as an educational subject. Methods The article employs an international questionnaire promoted by the World Society of Emergency Surgery. Results Through the analysis of 402 fully filled questionnaires by surgeons from 72 different countries, the three main ethical topics are investigated through the lens of gender, membership of an academic or non-academic institution, an official trauma team, and a diverse group. In general terms, results highlight greater attention paid by surgeons belonging to academic institutions, official trauma teams, and diverse groups. Conclusions Our results underline that some organizational factors (e.g., the fact that the team belongs to a university context or is more diverse) might lead to the development of a higher sensibility on ethical matters. Embracing cultural diversity forces trauma teams to deal with different mindsets. Organizations should, therefore, consider those elements in defining their organizational procedures. Level of evidence Trauma and acute care teams work under tremendous pressure and complex circumstances, with their members needing to make ethical decisions quickly. The international survey allowed to shed light on how team assembly decisions might represent an opportunity to coordinate team member actions and increase performance

Global disparities in surgeons’ workloads, academic engagement and rest periods: the on-calL shIft fOr geNEral SurgeonS (LIONESS) study

: The workload of general surgeons is multifaceted, encompassing not only surgical procedures but also a myriad of other responsibilities. From April to May 2023, we conducted a CHERRIES-compliant internet-based survey analyzing clinical practice, academic engagement, and post-on-call rest. The questionnaire featured six sections with 35 questions. Statistical analysis used Chi-square tests, ANOVA, and logistic regression (SPSS® v. 28). The survey received a total of 1.046 responses (65.4%). Over 78.0% of responders came from Europe, 65.1% came from a general surgery unit; 92.8% of European and 87.5% of North American respondents were involved in research, compared to 71.7% in Africa. Europe led in publishing research studies (6.6 ± 8.6 yearly). Teaching involvement was high in North America (100%) and Africa (91.7%). Surgeons reported an average of 6.7 ± 4.9 on-call shifts per month, with European and North American surgeons experiencing 6.5 ± 4.9 and 7.8 ± 4.1 on-calls monthly, respectively. African surgeons had the highest on-call frequency (8.7 ± 6.1). Post-on-call, only 35.1% of respondents received a day off. Europeans were most likely (40%) to have a day off, while African surgeons were least likely (6.7%). On the adjusted multivariable analysis HDI (Human Development Index) (aOR 1.993) hospital capacity > 400 beds (aOR 2.423), working in a specialty surgery unit (aOR 2.087), and making the on-call in-house (aOR 5.446), significantly predicted the likelihood of having a day off after an on-call shift. Our study revealed critical insights into the disparities in workload, access to research, and professional opportunities for surgeons across different continents, underscored by the HDI

Cirugía en la miocardiopatía hipertrófica obstructiva. Resultados a 10 años

Resumen: Introducción: La miocardiopatía hipertrófica obstructiva es una enfermedad infrecuente, el tratamiento quirúrgico con miectomía septal en grandes centros mejora la clínica y la supervivencia. La miectomía septal y, en ocasiones, el reemplazo valvular mitral son las técnicas fundamentales. Métodos: Análisis retrospectivo de 30 pacientes con miocardiopatía hipertrófica obstructiva operados en nuestro centro (2007-2017). Resultados: El grupo presentaba: edad (media) 67,3 ± 12 años; el 56,7% mujeres; EuroSCORE-LOGÍSTICO 6,3 ± 4,4; septo interventricular 24,9 ± 2,9 mm; movimiento sistólico anterior moderado-severo (43,4%); insuficiencia mitral grado iii (46,7%) y iv (33,3%); enfermedad mitral (calcificación, displasia, prolapso) en 17 (56,7%). Procedimientos: miectomía septal (100%); bypass coronario 8 (26,7%), prótesis aórtica 8 (26,7%). El 26,7% (8) recibió reemplazo valvular mitral por enfermedad valvular y persistencia de insuficiencia mitral. Este grupo tenía insuficiencia mitral más severa y peor grado funcional de forma significativa. Hubo una (3,3%) muerte (hemorragia pulmonar) y 2 (6,7%) reoperados por sangrado. El seguimiento medio fue 43,7 ± 36,3 (mediana 30) meses (máximo 116). El grado funcional pasó de: iv (43,3%) y iii (56,7%) precirugía a ii (24,1%) y i (75,9%) poscirugía (p < 0,0001). El gradiente intraventricular descendió de 106,1 ± 27,5 mmHg (mediana 104,5) a 11,9 ± 7,2 mmHg (mediana 10) (p < 0,0001). A 10 años la supervivencia es del 93,1%; del 87,5% si recibieron prótesis mitral y del 95,2% sin prótesis mitral (p = 0,49). Conclusiones: La degeneración valvular mitral obliga con frecuencia a implante protésico mitral, pero con prótesis mitral o sin ella la cirugía en miocardiopatía hipertrófica obstructiva ofrece buena supervivencia y mejoría clínica a largo plazo. Abstract: Introduction: Obstructive hypertrophic myocardiopathy is an uncommon disease. Surgical treatment with septal myectomy in experienced centres improves clinical outcomes and survival. Septal myectomy and, occasionally, mitral valve replacement are the fundamental techniques. Methods: A retrospective analysis carried out on 30 patients with obstructive hypertrophic myocardiopathy operated in our centre (2007-2017). Results: The group variables were: age (mean) 67.3 ± 12 years; 56.7% women; mean EuroSCORE-Logistic 6.3 ± 4.4; interventricular septum 24.9 ± 2.9 mm; moderate-severe septal anterior movement (43.4%); mitral regurgitation grade III (46.7%) and IV (33.3%); mitral disease (calcification, dysplasia, prolapse) in 17 (56.7%). The procedures performed were: septal myectomy (100%); coronary bypass in 8 (26.7%), and aortic valve replacement in 8 (26.7%). The 26.7% (8) that received mitral valve replacement was due to valvular disease and persistence of mitral regurgitation. This group had more severe mitral regurgitation and a significantly worse functional grade. There was one (3.3%) death due to pulmonary haemorrhage, and 2 (6.7%) patients were re-operated due to bleeding. The mean follow-up was 43.7 ± 36.3 (median 30) months (maximum 116). The functional grade went from: IV (43.3%) and III (56.7%) pre-surgery to II (24.1%) and I (75.9%) post-surgery (P < .0001). The intraventricular gradient decreased from 106.1 ± 27.5 mmHg (median 104.5) to 11.9 ± 7.2 mmHg (median 10) (P < .0001). At 10 years, survival was 93.1%. It was 87.5% if they received a MVR and 95.2% without MVR (P = .49). Conclusions: Mitral valve degeneration often requires an implant, but with or without an mitral valve replacement, surgery in obstructive hypertrophic myocardiopathy offers good survival and long-term clinical improvement. Palabras clave: Miocardiopatía hipertrófica obstructiva, Tratamiento quirúrgico, Miectomía septal, Keywords: Obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, Surgical treatment, Septal myectom

Association of the surgical technique with the structural valve deterioration of a bioprosthesis. A prospective cohort study

The Trifecta aortic valve is a prosthesis with externally mounted leaflets and a stent which may be deformed during implant. Our aim was to know if the use of the holder as a protection device during the knotting has an impact on the incidence of structural valve deterioration (SVD) or endocarditis. Prospective cohort study where all patients who underwent aortic valve replacement with a Trifecta aortic valve between 2013 and 2018 were included. The use of the holder as a protection device was collected in a database. Propensity-score matched methods were used and analyses were based on competing events. Death without SVD or prosthesis replacement not due to SVD were considered competing events. 782 patients were included, 352 pairs after the matching. Rates of SVD at 5 and 8 years were 5.8% (95% CI 3.5-8.7) and 13.6% (95% CI 9.2-18.9) in the group without holder and 2.3% (95% CI 1-4.5) and 7% (95% CI 4.2-10.8) in the group with holder; sHR=0.49 (95% CI 0.27 - 0.86; p=0.015). The risk of endocarditis at 8 years was 4.8% (95% CI 2.8 - 7.4) in the group without holder and 2.3% (95% CI 1.1 - 4.3) in the group with holder, sHR = 0.49 (95% CI 0.21-1.15, p=0.1). The use of holder as a protection device during the knotting of the Trifecta aortic valve is associated with less risk of SVD

Time for a paradigm shift in shared decision-making in trauma and emergency surgery? Results from an international survey

Background Shared decision-making (SDM) between clinicians and patients is one of the pillars of the modern patient-centric philosophy of care. This study aims to explore SDM in the discipline of trauma and emergency surgery, investigating its interpretation as well as the barriers and facilitators for its implementation among surgeons. Methods Grounding on the literature on the topics of the understanding, barriers, and facilitators of SDM in trauma and emergency surgery, a survey was created by a multidisciplinary committee and endorsed by the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES). The survey was sent to all 917 WSES members, advertised through the society’s website, and shared on the society’s Twitter profile. Results A total of 650 trauma and emergency surgeons from 71 countries in five continents participated in the initiative. Less than half of the surgeons understood SDM, and 30% still saw the value in exclusively engaging multidisciplinary provider teams without involving the patient. Several barriers to effectively partnering with the patient in the decision-making process were identified, such as the lack of time and the need to concentrate on making medical teams work smoothly. Discussion Our investigation underlines how only a minority of trauma and emergency surgeons understand SDM, and perhaps, the value of SDM is not fully accepted in trauma and emergency situations. The inclusion of SDM practices in clinical guidelines may represent the most feasible and advocated solutions

Surgeons' perspectives on artificial intelligence to support clinical decision-making in trauma and emergency contexts: results from an international survey

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) is gaining traction in medicine and surgery. AI-based applications can offer tools to examine high-volume data to inform predictive analytics that supports complex decision-making processes. Time-sensitive trauma and emergency contexts are often challenging. The study aims to investigate trauma and emergency surgeons' knowledge and perception of using AI-based tools in clinical decision-making processes. Methods: An online survey grounded on literature regarding AI-enabled surgical decision-making aids was created by a multidisciplinary committee and endorsed by the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES). The survey was advertised to 917 WSES members through the society's website and Twitter profile. Results: 650 surgeons from 71 countries in five continents participated in the survey. Results depict the presence of technology enthusiasts and skeptics and surgeons' preference toward more classical decision-making aids like clinical guidelines, traditional training, and the support of their multidisciplinary colleagues. A lack of knowledge about several AI-related aspects emerges and is associated with mistrust. Discussion: The trauma and emergency surgical community is divided into those who firmly believe in the potential of AI and those who do not understand or trust AI-enabled surgical decision-making aids. Academic societies and surgical training programs should promote a foundational, working knowledge of clinical AI

Evaluation of a quality improvement intervention to reduce anastomotic leak following right colectomy (EAGLE): pragmatic, batched stepped-wedge, cluster-randomized trial in 64 countries

Background Anastomotic leak affects 8 per cent of patients after right colectomy with a 10-fold increased risk of postoperative death. The EAGLE study aimed to develop and test whether an international, standardized quality improvement intervention could reduce anastomotic leaks. Methods The internationally intended protocol, iteratively co-developed by a multistage Delphi process, comprised an online educational module introducing risk stratification, an intraoperative checklist, and harmonized surgical techniques. Clusters (hospital teams) were randomized to one of three arms with varied sequences of intervention/data collection by a derived stepped-wedge batch design (at least 18 hospital teams per batch). Patients were blinded to the study allocation. Low- and middle-income country enrolment was encouraged. The primary outcome (assessed by intention to treat) was anastomotic leak rate, and subgroup analyses by module completion (at least 80 per cent of surgeons, high engagement; less than 50 per cent, low engagement) were preplanned. Results A total 355 hospital teams registered, with 332 from 64 countries (39.2 per cent low and middle income) included in the final analysis. The online modules were completed by half of the surgeons (2143 of 4411). The primary analysis included 3039 of the 3268 patients recruited (206 patients had no anastomosis and 23 were lost to follow-up), with anastomotic leaks arising before and after the intervention in 10.1 and 9.6 per cent respectively (adjusted OR 0.87, 95 per cent c.i. 0.59 to 1.30; P = 0.498). The proportion of surgeons completing the educational modules was an influence: the leak rate decreased from 12.2 per cent (61 of 500) before intervention to 5.1 per cent (24 of 473) after intervention in high-engagement centres (adjusted OR 0.36, 0.20 to 0.64; P &lt; 0.001), but this was not observed in low-engagement hospitals (8.3 per cent (59 of 714) and 13.8 per cent (61 of 443) respectively; adjusted OR 2.09, 1.31 to 3.31). Conclusion Completion of globally available digital training by engaged teams can alter anastomotic leak rates. Registration number: NCT04270721 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov)