Adaptation and Mal-Adaptation to Ambient Hypoxia; Andean, Ethiopian and Himalayan Patterns

The study of the biology of evolution has been confined to laboratories and model organisms. However, controlled laboratory conditions are unlikely to model variations in environments that influence selection in wild populations. Thus, the study of “fitness” for survival and the genetics that influence this are best carried out in the field and in matching environments

Mortality and pulmonary complications in patients undergoing surgery with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection: an international cohort study

Background: The impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on postoperative recovery needs to be understood to inform clinical decision making during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. This study reports 30-day mortality and pulmonary complication rates in patients with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods: This international, multicentre, cohort study at 235 hospitals in 24 countries included all patients undergoing surgery who had SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed within 7 days before or 30 days after surgery. The primary outcome measure was 30-day postoperative mortality and was assessed in all enrolled patients. The main secondary outcome measure was pulmonary complications, defined as pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, or unexpected postoperative ventilation. Findings: This analysis includes 1128 patients who had surgery between Jan 1 and March 31, 2020, of whom 835 (74·0%) had emergency surgery and 280 (24·8%) had elective surgery. SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed preoperatively in 294 (26·1%) patients. 30-day mortality was 23·8% (268 of 1128). Pulmonary complications occurred in 577 (51·2%) of 1128 patients; 30-day mortality in these patients was 38·0% (219 of 577), accounting for 81·7% (219 of 268) of all deaths. In adjusted analyses, 30-day mortality was associated with male sex (odds ratio 1·75 [95% CI 1·28–2·40], p\textless0·0001), age 70 years or older versus younger than 70 years (2·30 [1·65–3·22], p\textless0·0001), American Society of Anesthesiologists grades 3–5 versus grades 1–2 (2·35 [1·57–3·53], p\textless0·0001), malignant versus benign or obstetric diagnosis (1·55 [1·01–2·39], p=0·046), emergency versus elective surgery (1·67 [1·06–2·63], p=0·026), and major versus minor surgery (1·52 [1·01–2·31], p=0·047). Interpretation: Postoperative pulmonary complications occur in half of patients with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection and are associated with high mortality. Thresholds for surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic should be higher than during normal practice, particularly in men aged 70 years and older. Consideration should be given for postponing non-urgent procedures and promoting non-operative treatment to delay or avoid the need for surgery. Funding: National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland, Bowel and Cancer Research, Bowel Disease Research Foundation, Association of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeons, British Association of Surgical Oncology, British Gynaecological Cancer Society, European Society of Coloproctology, NIHR Academy, Sarcoma UK, Vascular Society for Great Britain and Ireland, and Yorkshire Cancer Research

Artificial Intelligence sector study 2022. Research report for the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT)

AI has the potential to transform our economy, and our daily lives. It can help us to tackle some of the biggest challenges we face, from climate change to healthcare. It can drive innovation and growth and make our businesses more competitive on the global stage. That is why the United Kingdom (UK) is taking a leading role in advancing the development and adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) globally.As the pace of technological progress continues to increase around the world, we are committed to sustaining the UK’s position as a global leader. That is why we identified AI as one of four grand challenges within the Industrial Strategy white paper more than 5 years ago; it is why we, working with industry, invested £1 billion in the AI Sector Deal in 2019; why we published the National AI Strategy and supported the establishment of the Alan Turing Institute, the Office for Artificial Intelligence, and the Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation. It is also why, on the 6 March, we announced a further £110 million investment to support artificial intelligence technology missions.However, AI also raises important questions and challenges. We need to ensure that it is developed and used in a way that is responsible, transparent and accountable. Our work on AI ethics builds on the UK’s existing regulatory strengths. We will continue to ensure that we take a pro-innovation approach to the development and adoption of artificial intelligence – one that serves both industry and society and act as global advocates for the responsible design, development and use of these technologies.We commissioned this study to provide a better understanding of the UK’s AI Sector. It provides a baseline analysis of AI activity that will contribute to future AI policy in support of innovation and growth across the whole of the UK. We now know that there are more than 3,000 innovative AI companies in the UK, generating more than £10bn in revenues, employing more than 50,000 people in AI related roles, and contributing £3.7 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA).Through subsequent iterations of this analysis, we will continue to monitor sectoral developments, ensuring that our decision-making is grounded in a thorough understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing AI businesses