bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Methodology to Produce More Skillful United States Cool-Season Precipitation Forecasts
Authors: Switanek Matthew B. , Hamill Thomas M.
Published: May 2022

The water resources of the western United States have enormous agricultural and municipal demands. At the same time, droughts like the one enveloping the West in the summer of 2021 have disrupted supply of this strained and precious resource. Historically, seasonal forecasts of cool-season (November–March) precipitation from dynamical models such as North American Multi-Model Ensemble (NMME) and the Seasonal Forecasting System 5 (SEAS5) from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts have lacked sufficient skill to aid in Western stakeholders’ and water managers’ decision-making. Here, we propose a new empirical–statistical framework to improve cool-season precipitation forecasts across the contiguous United States (CONUS). This newly developed framework is called the Statistical Climate Ensemble Forecast (SCEF) model. The SCEF framework applies a principal component regression model to predictors and predictands that have undergone dimensionality reduction, where the predictors are large-scale meteorological variables that have been prefiltered in space. The forecasts of the SCEF model captures 12.0% of the total CONUS-wide standardized observed variance over the period 1982/83–2019/20, whereas NMME captures 7.2%. Over the more recent period 2000/01–2019/20, the SCEF, NMME, and SEAS5 models respectively capture 11.8%, 4.0%, and 4.1% of the total CONUS-wide standardized observed variance. An important finding is that much of the improved skill in the SCEF, with respect to models such as NMME and SEAS5, can be attributed to better forecasts across most of the western United States.
On the Representation of Mediterranean Overflow Waters in Global Climate Models
Authors: Behr Lorine , Luther Niklas , Josey Simon A. , Luterbacher Jürg , Wagner Sebastian , Xoplaki Elena
Published: May 2022

Accurate representation of the Atlantic–Mediterranean exchange in climate models is important for a reliable simulation of the circulation in the North Atlantic Ocean. We evaluate the performance of 10 global climate models in representing Mediterranean Overflow Water (MOW) over the recent period 1986–2005 by using various performance metrics. The metrics are based on the representation of the climatological mean state and the spatiotemporal variability of temperature, salinity, and volume transports. On the basis of analyses and observations, we perform a model ranking by calculating absolute, relative, and total relative errors Ej over each performance metric and model. The majority of models simulate at least six metrics well. The equilibrium depth of the MOW, the mean Atlantic–Mediterranean exchange flow, and the dominant pattern of the MOW are represented reasonably well by most of the models. Of those models considered, MPI-ESM-MR, MPI-ESM-LR, CSIRO Mk3.6.0, and MRI-CGCM3 provide the best MOW representation (Ej = 0.14, 0.19, 0.19, and 0.25, respectively). They are thus likely to be the most suitable choices for studies of MOW-dependent processes. However, the models experience salinity, temperature, and transport biases and do not represent temporal variability accurately. The implications of our results for future model analysis of the Mediterranean Sea overflow are discussed.
Transition from Balanced to Unbalanced Motion in the Eastern Tropical Pacific
Authors: Soares Saulo M. , Gille Sarah T. , Chereskin Teresa K. , Firing Eric , Hummon Jules , Rocha Cesar B.
Published: May 2022

Kinetic energy associated with inertia–gravity waves (IGWs) and other ageostrophic phenomena often overwhelms kinetic energy due to geostrophic motions for wavelengths on the order of tens of kilometers. Understanding the dependencies of the wavelength at which balanced (geostrophic) variability ceases to be larger than unbalanced variability is important for interpreting high-resolution altimetric data. This wavelength has been termed the transition scale. This study uses acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) data along with auxiliary observations and a numerical model to investigate the transition scale in the eastern tropical Pacific and the mechanisms responsible for its regional and seasonal variations. One-dimensional kinetic energy wavenumber spectra are separated into rotational and divergent components, and subsequently into vortex and wave components. The divergent motions, most likely predominantly IGWs, account for most of the energy at wavelengths less than 100 km. The observed regional and seasonal patterns in the transition scale are consistent with those from a high-resolution global simulation. Observations, however, show weaker seasonality, with only modest wintertime increases in vortex energy. The ADCP-inferred IGW wavenumber spectra suggest that waves with near-inertial frequency dominate the unbalanced variability, while in model output, internal tides strongly influence the wavenumber spectrum. The ADCP-derived transition scales from the eastern tropical Pacific are typically in the 100–200-km range.
The Influence of Convectively Coupled Kelvin Waves on African Easterly Waves in a Wave-Following Framework
Authors: Lawton Quinton A. , Majumdar Sharanya J. , Dotterer Krista , Thorncroft Christopher , Schreck Carl J.
Published: May 2022

While considerable attention has been given to how convectively coupled Kelvin waves (CCKWs) influence the genesis of tropical cyclones (TCs) in the Atlantic Ocean, less attention has been given to their direct influence on African easterly waves (AEWs). This study builds a climatology of AEW and CCKW passages from 1981 to 2019 using an AEW-following framework. Vertical and horizontal composites of these passages are developed and divided into categories based on AEW position and CCKW strength. Many of the relationships that have previously been found for TC genesis also hold true for non-developing AEWs. This includes an increase in convective coverage surrounding the AEW center in phase with the convectively enhanced (“active”) CCKW crest, as well as a buildup of relative vorticity from the lower to upper troposphere following this active crest. Additionally, a new finding is that CCKWs induce specific humidity anomalies around AEWs that are qualitatively similar to those of relative vorticity. These modifications to specific humidity are more pronounced when AEWs are at lower latitudes and interacting with stronger CCKWs. While the influence of CCKWs on AEWs is mostly transient and short lived, CCKWs do modify the AEW propagation speed and westward-filtered relative vorticity, indicating that they may have some longer-term influences on the AEW life cycle. Overall, this analysis provides a more comprehensive view of the AEW–CCKW relationship than has previously been established, and supports assertions by previous studies that CCKW-associated convection, specific humidity, and vorticity may modify the favorability of AEWs to TC genesis over the Atlantic.
Bridging the gap: Introducing a socio-cultural dimension to explain beliefs about man-made threats
Authors: Glogger Isabella , Shehata Adam
Published: May 2022

The belief gap hypothesis focuses on why individuals differ in beliefs about the causes and consequences of issues despite expert consensus. Offering ideological rationalization and media use as an explanation for diverting beliefs, it, so far, has focused on ideological priors that describe traditional socio-economic cleavages—even if scientific and environmental issues go beyond monetary questions. In this study, we aim to counter this shortcoming by introducing a socio-cultural dimension of ideology to research on the belief gap hypothesis. Comparing two issues of man-made threats—climate change and antimicrobial resistance—and emphasizing more strongly the role of media use for belief gaps, we find that a socio-cultural dimension of ideology serves as a better predictor for diverting beliefs about climate change but not for antimicrobial resistance. In contrast to left-leaning media, using right-leaning media outlets widens climate change belief gaps.
Underdiagnosis of cardiac sarcoidosis by ECG and echocardiography in cases of extracardiac sarcoidosis
Authors: Ohira Hiroshi , Sato Takahiro , Manabe Osamu , Oyama-Manabe Noriko , Hayashishita Akiko , Nakaya Toshitaka , Nakamura Junichi , Suzuki Naoko , Sugimoto Ayako , Furuya Sho , Tsuneta Satonori , Watanabe Taku , Tsujino Ichizo , Konno Satoshi
Published: May 2022

Background

Although screening with 12-lead electrocardiography and transthoracic echocardiography for cardiac involvement has been recommended for patients with biopsy-proven extracardiac sarcoidosis, cardiac sarcoidosis has been reported even in patients with normal electrocardiography and echocardiography findings. We investigated the prevalence and characteristics of these patient cohorts.

Methods

We studied 112 consecutive patients (age, 55±17 years, 64% females) with biopsy-proven extracardiac sarcoidosis who had undergone18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging for cardiac sarcoidosis evaluation. The patients were categorised as those showing normal findings both in electrocardiography and transthoracic echocardiography (normal group) and those showing abnormal findings in one or both examinations (abnormal group).

Results

33 (29%) and 79 (71%) patients were categorised into the normal and abnormal groups, respectively, of which 6 (18%) and 43 (54%) patients, respectively, were diagnosed with cardiac sarcoidosis (p<0.01). Of these six patients in the normal group, two with multiple-organ sarcoidosis showed clinical deterioration of cardiac involvement and required steroid therapy; three with small cardiac involvement showed natural remission over follow-up assessments; and one underwent steroid therapy and showed an improvement in the left ventricular ejection fraction to within normal limits.

Conclusions

The prevalence of cardiac sarcoidosis in patients with biopsy-proven extracardiac sarcoidosis and normal electrocardiography and transthoracic echocardiography findings was ∼20%. Electrocardiography and transthoracic echocardiography may not detect cardiac sarcoidosis in patients without conduction and morphological abnormalities. However, some of these patients may subsequently show clinically manifested cardiac sarcoidosis. Physicians should be mindful of this population.
A global $$Anopheles\ gambiae$$ gene co-expression network constructed from hundreds of experimental conditions with missing values
Authors: Kuang Junyao , Buchon Nicolas , Michel Kristin , Scoglio Caterina
Published: May 2022

Background

Gene co-expression networks (GCNs) can be used to determine gene regulation and attribute gene function to biological processes. Different high throughput technologies, including one and two-channel microarrays and RNA-sequencing, allow evaluating thousands of gene expression data simultaneously, but these methodologies provide results that cannot be directly compared. Thus, it is complex to analyze co-expression relations between genes, especially when there are missing values arising for experimental reasons. Networks are a helpful tool for studying gene co-expression, where nodes represent genes and edges represent co-expression of pairs of genes.

Results

In this paper, we establish a method for constructing a gene co-expression network for theAnopheles gambiaetranscriptome from 257 unique studies obtained with different methodologies and experimental designs. We introduce the sliding threshold approach to select node pairs with high Pearson correlation coefficients. The resulting network, which we name AgGCN1.0, is robust to random removal of conditions and has similar characteristics to small-world and scale-free networks. Analysis of network sub-graphs revealed that the core is largely comprised of genes that encode components of the mitochondrial respiratory chain and the ribosome, while different communities are enriched for genes involved in distinct biological processes.

Conclusion

Analysis of the network reveals that both the architecture of the core sub-network and the network communities are based on gene function, supporting the power of the proposed method for GCN construction. Application of network science methodology reveals that the overall network structure is driven to maximize the integration of essential cellular functions, possibly allowing the flexibility to add novel functions.
Psychosocial factors related to physical activity in frail and prefrail elderly people
Authors: Jiménez-Zazo Fabio , Navarrete-Villanueva David , Gómez-Cabello Alba , Romero-Blanco Cristina , Cabanillas Esther , Pérez-Gómez Jorge , Calonge-Pascual Sergio , Ara Ignacio , Vicente-Rodríguez Germán , Aznar Susana
Published: May 2022

Background

Increased physical activity (PA) is a very important factor in a healthy aging lifestyle. Psychosocial factors have also a main role in the initiation and maintenance of this behavior, but nowadays its implications for frailty elderly people are unknown, therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the psychosociological variables of behavior change that influence the practice of (PA) in frail and prefrail elderly.

Methods

A total of 103 frail and pre-frail elderly people (72 females) participated in this cross-sectional study, on the framework of the EXERNET-Elder3.0 project. Age ranged from 68–94 years (mean = 80.4 ± 5.9 years). Individualized face-to-face interviews according to the constructs of the Transtheoretical Model of Change (TTM) [(decisional balance (DB) and self-efficacy (SE)], social support (SS) (family and friends) and outcome expectations (OE) were administered to all participants.

Results

Significant differences were found in DB, perceived benefits (PBn), SE, family-related SS and OE as a function of stages of change (SoC) (p < 0.005), but no significant were found in perceived barriers (PBrr) (p = 0.259) and friends-related SS (p = 0.068). According to the Scheffé post-hoc test, those in advanced SoC (Action-Maintenance), scored higher than those in lower SoC (Precontemplation-Contemplation and Preparation).

Conclusion

The scores obtained from the study variables differed according to the SoC, supporting the external validity for the use of the TTM in frailty elderly. Further research is needed to determine the impact of PBrr and friends-related SS on this people, as well as to identify the validity of this model in the long-term in this population.
Associations between inflammation, coagulation, cardiac strain and injury, and subclinical vascular disease with frailty in older men: a cross-sectional study
Authors: McKechnie Douglas G. J. , Patel Meera , Papacosta A. Olia , Lennon Lucy T. , Ellins Elizabeth A. , Halcox Julian P. J. , Ramsay Sheena E. , Whincup Peter H. , Wannamethee S. Goya
Published: May 2022

Background

Inflammation, coagulation activation, endothelial dysfunction and subclinical vascular disease are cross-sectionally associated with frailty. Cardiac-specific biomarkers are less-well characterised. We assessed associations between these and frailty, in men with, and without, cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Methods

Cross-sectional analysis of 1096 men without, and 303 with, CVD, aged 71–92, from the British Regional Heart Study. Multinominal logistic regression was performed to examine the associations between frailty status (robust/pre-frail/frail) and, separately, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), D-dimer, von Willebrand factor (vWF), high-sensitivity cardiac troponin-T (hs-cTnT), N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) (all natural log-transformed), and, in men without CVD, carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), carotid distensibility coefficient (DC), and ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI), adjusted for age, renal function, BMI, social class, smoking, polypharmacy, cognition, multimorbidity and systolic blood pressure. Explanatory variables with p < 0.05 were carried forward into mutually-adjusted analysis.

Results

In men without CVD, higher CRP, IL-6, vWF, tPA, hs-cTnT, NT-proBNP, cfPWV, and lower DC were significantly associated with frailty; mutually-adjusted, log IL-6 (OR for frailty = 2.02, 95%CI 1.38–2.95), log hs-cTnT (OR = 1.95, 95%CI 1.24–3.05) and DC (OR = 0.92, 95%CI 0.86–0.99) retained associations. In men with CVD, higher CRP, IL-6, and hs-cTnT, but not vWF, tPA, NT-proBNP or D-dimer, were significantly associated with frailty; mutually-adjusted, log hs-cTnT (OR 3.82, 95%CI 1.84–7.95) retained a significant association.

Conclusions

In older men, biomarkers of myocardial injury are associated with frailty. Inflammation is associated with frailty in men without CVD. Carotid artery stiffness is associated with frailty in men without CVD, independently of these biomarkers.
A retrospective longitudinal cohort study of the clinical burden in myasthenia gravis
Authors: Harris Linda , Graham Sophie , MacLachlan Sharon , Exuzides Alex , Jacob Saiju
Published: May 2022

Background

Patients with generalized myasthenia gravis (MG) often experience debilitating exacerbations, with the possibility of life-threatening respiratory crises requiring hospitalization. Long-term longitudinal studies are needed to understand the burden of MG, including in patients whose disease is refractory to conventional treatment.

Methods

A retrospective, longitudinal, cohort study was conducted of patients in England aged ≥ 18 years with treatment-refractory or non-refractory MG, using data recorded during 1997–2016 in the Clinical Practice Research Datalink and the Hospital Episode Statistics databases. A control cohort of patients without MG, matched to the patients in the treatment-refractory MG cohort, was also identified. Outcome measures included myasthenic crises, MG exacerbations, MG-related hospitalizations, comorbidities, and all-cause mortality. Descriptive statistics were calculated for the overall MG population. For continuous variables, between-cohort comparisons were made using t tests for normally distributed data and Mann–Whitney U tests for non-normally distributed data. For categorical data, the comparisons were made by chi-squared tests. Differences in clinical outcomes between cohorts were modeled using negative binomial regression.

Results

A total of 1149 patients with MG were included. Overall, 18.4% of patients experienced myasthenic crises, 24.6% experienced exacerbations, and 38.6% underwent MG-related hospitalizations. Most of these events occurred within 2–3 years of diagnosis. Patients with MG refractory to conventional treatment (n = 66) experienced more exacerbations and MG-related hospitalizations than patients with non-refractory disease (n = 1083). Patients with refractory MG experienced a higher frequency of renal disease and hypertension compared with patients with non-refractory MG, and with matched patients without MG. They were also more likely to have diabetes and congestive heart failure than the matched controls. Rates of all-cause mortality during the follow-up period did not differ between patients with refractory MG and non-refractory MG.

Conclusions

These results show that conventional treatments for MG are not adequately managing patients’ symptoms and that patients with refractory MG are more likely to experience certain comorbidities than those with non-refractory MG or matched controls without MG. Future research should focus on the impact of newer targeted therapies on long-term clinical outcomes and comorbid conditions.
Assessment of the effectiveness of a course in major chemical incidents for front line health care providers: a pilot study from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Bajow Nidaa , Alkhalil Shahnaz , Maghraby Nisreen , Alesa Saleh , Najjar Amal Al , Aloraifi Samer
Published: May 2022

Background

Mass chemical exposure emergencies are infrequent but can cause injury, illness, or loss of life for large numbers of victims. These emergencies can stretch and challenge the available resources of healthcare systems within the community. Political unrest in the Middle East, including chemical terrorist attacks against civilians in Syria and increasing chemical industry accidents, have highlighted the lack of hospital preparedness for chemical incidents in the region. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a course designed to empower frontline healthcare providers involved in mass casualty incidents with the basic knowledge and essential operational skills for mass chemical exposure incidents in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

A mixed-methods approach was used to develop a blended learning, simulation enhanced, competency-based course for major chemical incidents for front line healthcare providers. The course was designed by experts from different disciplines (disaster medicine, poisoning / toxicology, and Hazard Material Threat - HAZMAT team) in four stages. The course was piloted over five days at the Officers Club of the Ministry of Interior (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia). The 41 participants were from different government health discipline sectors in the country. Pre- and post-tests were used to assess learner knowledge while debriefing sessions after the decontamination triage session and simulation-enhanced exercises were used for team performance assessment.

Results

The overall knowledge scores were significantly higher in the post-test (69.47%) than the pre-test (46.3%). All four knowledge domains also had significant differences between pre- and post-test results. There were no differences in the pre and post-test scores for healthcare providers from the different health disciplines. A one-year post-event survey demonstrated that participants were satisfied with their knowledge retention. Interestingly, 38.3% had the opportunity to put this knowledge into practice in relation to mass chemical exposure incidents.

Conclusion

Delivering a foundation level competency-based blended learning course with enhanced simulation training in major chemical incidents for front line healthcare providers may improve their knowledge and skills in response to such incidents. This in turn can improve the level of national preparedness and staff availability and make a crucial difference in reducing the health impacts among victims.
The impact and public health response of chiropractors to the COVID-19 pandemic: a survey across four continents
Authors: Moore Craig , Wong Arnold Y. L. , de Luca Katie , De Carvalho Diana , Johansson Melker S. , Pohlman Katherine A. , Miller Amy , Funabashi Martha , Dougherty Paul , French Simon , Adams Jon , Kawchuk Greg
Published: May 2022

Background

The unprecedented impact of COVID-19 on healthcare professionals has implications for healthcare delivery, including the public health guidance provided to patients. This study aims to assess the response and impact of COVID-19 on chiropractors internationally, and examines the public health response of chiropractors to the COVID-19 pandemic practising under a musculoskeletal spine-care versus subluxation-based care paradigm.

Methods

A survey was distributed to chiropractors in Australia, Canada, Denmark, Hong Kong, United Kingdom and United States (Oct. 2nd–Dec. 22nd, 2020) via professional bodies/publications, and social media. Questions were categorised into three domains: socio-demographic, public health response and business/financial impact. Multivariable logistic regression explored survey items associated with chiropractors practising under different self-reported paradigms.

Results

A total of 2061 chiropractors representing four global regions completed the survey. Our recruitment method did not allow the calculation of an accurate response rate. The vast majority initiated COVID-19 infection control changes within their practice setting, including increased disinfecting of treatment equipment (95%), frequent contact areas (94%) and increased hand hygiene (94%). While findings varied by region, most chiropractors (85%) indicated that they had implemented regulator advice on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Suspension of face-to-face patient care during the peak of the pandemic was reported by 49% of the participants with 26% implementing telehealth since the pandemic began. Chiropractors practising under a musculoskeletal spine-care paradigm were more likely to implement some/all regulator advice on patient PPE use (odds ratio [OR] = 3.25; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.57, 6.74) and practitioner PPE use (OR = 2.59; 95% CI 1.32, 5.08); trust COVID-19 public health information provided by government/World Health Organisation/chiropractic bodies (OR = 2.47; 95% CI 1.49, 4.10), and initiate patient telehealth in response to COVID-19 (OR = 1.46; 95% CI 1.02, 2.08) compared to those practising under a subluxation-based paradigm.

Conclusions

Chiropractors who responded to our survey made substantial infectious control changes in response to COVID-19. However, there was regional variation in the implementation of the advised practitioner and patient use of PPE and limited overall use of telehealth consultations by chiropractors during COVID-19. Musculoskeletal spine-care chiropractors were more adaptive to certain COVID-19 public health changes within their practice setting than subluxation-based chiropractors.
Diagnostic concordance between BioFire® FilmArray® Pneumonia Panel and culture in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia admitted to intensive care units: the experience of the third wave in eight hospitals in Colombia
Authors: Molina Francisco José , Botero Luz Elena , Isaza Juan Pablo , Cano Luz Elena , López Lucelly , Tamayo Leidy , Torres Antoni
Published: May 2022

Background

The detection of coinfections is important to initiate appropriate antimicrobial therapy. Molecular diagnostic testing identifies pathogens at a greater rate than conventional microbiology. We assessed both bacterial coinfections identified via culture or the BioFire® FilmArray® Pneumonia Panel (FA-PNEU) in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 in the ICU and the concordance between these techniques.

Methods

This was a prospective study of patients with SARS-CoV-2 who were hospitalized for no more than 48 h and on mechanical ventilation for no longer than 24 h in 8 ICUs in Medellín, Colombia. We studied mini-bronchoalveolar lavage or endotracheal aspirate samples processed via conventional culture and the FA-PNEU. Coinfection was defined as the identification of a respiratory pathogen using the FA-PNEU or cultures. Serum samples of leukocytes, C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin were taken on the first day of intubation. We analyzed the empirical antibiotics and the changes in antibiotic management according to the results of the FA-PNEUM and cultures.

Results

Of 110 patients whose samples underwent both methods, FA-PNEU- and culture-positive samples comprised 24.54% versus 17.27%, respectively. Eighteen samples were positive in both techniques, 82 were negative, 1 was culture-positive with a negative FA-PNEU result, and 9 were FA-PNEU-positive with negative culture. The two bacteria most frequently detected by the FA-PNEU were Staphylococcus aureus (37.5%) and Streptococcus agalactiae (20%), and those detected by culture were Staphylococcus aureus (34.78%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (26.08%). The overall concordance was 90.1%, and when stratified by microorganism, it was between 92.7 and 100%. The positive predictive value (PPV) was between 50 and 100% and were lower for Enterobacter cloacae and Staphylococcus aureus. The negative predictive value (NPV) was high (between 99.1 and 100%); MecA/C/MREJ had a specificity of 94.55% and an NPV of 100%. The inflammatory response tests showed no significant differences between patients whose samples were positive and negative for both techniques. Sixty-one patients (55.45%) received at least one dose of empirical antibiotics.

Conclusions

The overall concordance was 90.1%, and it was between 92.7% and 100% when stratified by microorganisms. The positive predictive value was between 50 and 100%, with a very high NPV.
Understanding attitudes and obstacles to vaccination against COVID-19 in patients with primary immunodeficiency
Authors: Aberumand Babak , Ayoub Goulstone Whitney , Betschel Stephen
Published: May 2022

Background

Patients with primary immunodeficiency (PID) are at increased risk for infections such as SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), due to the nature of their diseases and being immunocompromised. At this time, four vaccines against COVID-19 (Pfizer-BioNtech’s Comirnaty®, Moderna’s Spikevax®, AstraZeneca’s Vaxzevria®, Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen®) have been approved for use by Health Canada. Due to the novelty of these vaccines, clinical studies in patients with PID are ongoing. Despite limited evidence, Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommend that patients with PID without any contraindications should be vaccinated with any of the approved vaccines as the potential benefits of being immunized against the virus likely outweigh the risks of contracting a severe infection. The aim of this study was to understand the perceptions regarding COVID-19 vaccination among patients with PID and to identify specific factors related to vaccine hesitancy.

Methods

The Canadian Immunodeficiencies Patient Organization (CIPO) conducted an online survey of its members to evaluate uptake of the COVID-19 vaccines by patients with PID. Data was collected using a self-administered online questionnaire. The survey was conducted between March and April 2021.

Results

At the time of survey, among 370 respondents who had not received the COVID-19 vaccine, 302 respondents (81.6%) indicated they were very or somewhat likely to get vaccinated against COVID-19; and 68 respondents (18.4%) indicated they were somewhat or very unlikely, undecided, or not planning to get vaccinated. A large majority of respondents indicated they had a diagnosis of PID (67.8%) and/or specified their type of PID (27.7%). The most common reason for vaccine hesitancy was primarily due to uncertainty about immune response given an underlying immunodeficiency. Other concerns included unknown long-term side effects of COVID-19 vaccination, pre-existing history of allergic reactions, limited amount of data, lack of investigation of safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in those with medical conditions, and skepticism of the underlying science and/or the medical system.

Conclusions

The results point to the importance of ongoing patient outreach, education, and up-to-date information on the rapidly evolving scientific knowledge and evidence on COVID-19 relevant to the PID community, from clinical trials to real-world evidence and observational studies.
Trace amounts of antibiotic altered metabolomic and microbial profiles of weaned pigs infected with a pathogenic E. coli
Authors: Kim Kwangwook , Jinno Cynthia , Ji Peng , Liu Yanhong
Published: May 2022

Background

Our previous study has shown that supplementation of trace amounts of antibiotic exacerbated the detrimental effects of enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) infection and delayed the recovery of pigs that may be associated with modified metabolites and metabolic pathways. Therefore, the objective of this study was to explore the impacts of trace levels of antibiotic (carbadox) on host metabolic profiles and colon microbiota of weaned pigs experimentally infected with ETEC F18.

Results

The multivariate analysis highlighted a distinct metabolomic profile of serum and colon digesta between trace amounts of antibiotic (TRA; 0.5 mg/kg carbadox) and label-recommended dose antibiotic (REC; 50 mg/kg carbadox) on d 5 post-inoculation (PI). The relative abundance of metabolomic markers of amino acids, carbohydrates, and purine metabolism were significantly differentiated between the TRA and REC groups (q < 0.2). In addition, pigs in REC group had the highest (P < 0.05) relative abundance of Lactobacillaceae and tended to have increased (P < 0.10) relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae in the colon digesta on d 5 PI. On d 11 PI, pigs in REC had greater (P < 0.05) relative abundance of Clostridiaceae compared with other groups, whereas had reduced (P < 0.05) relative abundance of Prevotellaceae than pigs in control group.

Conclusions

Trace amounts of antibiotic resulted in differential metabolites and metabolic pathways that may be associated with its slow responses against ETEC F18 infection. The altered gut microbiota profiles by label-recommended dose antibiotic may contribute to the promotion of disease resistance in weaned pigs.
Contagion effect of migration fear in pre and European refugee’s crisis period: evidence from multivariate GARCH and wavelet empirical analysis
Authors: Guenichi Hassan , Chouaibi Nejib , Khalfaoui Hamdi
Published: May 2022

To test the contagion effect of fear migration between countries, and to show its causality direction, our paper contributes to the economic literature by providing a new study based on migration fear indices quarterly data of France, Germany, United Kingdom and United States spanning period 1990–2019. Our empirical strategy is based on dynamic conditional correlation GARCH model and continuous wavelet transform analysis. Our results show a significant contagion effect of fear migration between the selected countries in pre and at the European Refugees crisis. The main findings of this work are changes level of conditional correlation in the two subsample periods, and changes in the arrow’s directions in red space of the phase difference between each two fear migration series. These findings indicate that European Refugees crisis changes the relationship between European Union countries and USA, and the Brexit changes the European people behavior towards migrants and refugees. Our findings offer a new directions and tracks in the international relations to the policy makers, moreover it calls into question the various studies examining economic interdependence and the contagion effect of financial crises and policies events on the different markets.
Combination method for the diagnosis of Tuberculous lymphadenitis in high burden settings
Authors: Shetty Divya , Vyas Dinesh
Published: May 2022

Background

India reports the highest number of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) cases globally, most of which are lymph node TB (LNTB). In high tuberculosis (TB) burden countries rapid diagnosis is very important. Fine needle aspirate cytology (FNAC) diagnosis can be made with features of caseous necrosis with/without epithelioid granulomas. However, bacteriological confirmation is essential. This study was performed to evaluate the performance of the diagnostic tests available namely FNAC, GeneXpert (GX) and Ziehl Neelsen stain (ZN) stain at resource restricted settings, for LNTB.

Methods

FNAC samples from affected lymph nodes were collected from 100 consenting patients with clinically suspected LNTB. FNA material was analyzed by cytomorphology, ZN and GX. If no Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) was detected, repeat aspirate was cultured on Lowenstein Jensen medium. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed.

Results

Out of 100 cases, 73% showed cytological features consistent with TB. The most common cytomorphological pattern was epithelioid cell granulomas with caseous necrosis (59%). Caseous necrosis only pattern was seen in 14%. MTB was detected in 34% by ZN and 60% by GX. Overall, the combination of FNAC, ZN, GX detected 85% of LNTB.

Conclusions

A combination of FNAC, ZN and GX is a practical tool that can improve and quicken the diagnosis of LNTB in resource restricted high-burden settings.
Satellite integrity monitoring for satellite-based augmentation system: an improved covariance-based method
Authors: Zheng Shuaiyong , Gao Mengzhi , Huang Zhigang , Jin Xiaoqin , Li Kun
Published: May 2022

Satellite integrity monitoring is vital to satellite-based augmentation systems, and can provide the confidence of the differential corrections for each monitored satellite satisfying the stringent safety-of-life requirements. Satellite integrity information includes the user differential range error and the clock-ephemeris covariance which are used to deduce integrity probability. However, the existing direct statistic methods suffer from a low integrity bounding percentage. To address this problem, we develop an improved covariance-based method to determine satellite integrity information and evaluate its performance in the range domain and position domain. Compared with the direct statistic method, the integrity bounding percentage is improved by 24.91% and the availability by 5.63%. Compared with the covariance-based method, the convergence rate for the user differential range error is improved by 8.04%. The proposed method is useful for the satellite integrity monitoring of a satellite-based augmentation system.
A novel variant luteinizing hormone receptor in the first transmembrane helix of two homozygous Iranian patients: case report
Authors: Sharif Samaneh , Vakili Saba , Mobini Moein , Lotfi Malihe , Zarei Fatemeh , Abbaszadegan Mohammad Reza , Vakili Rahim
Published: May 2022

Background

Leydig cell hypoplasia (LCH) is a rare autosomal recessive endocrine syndrome that affects the normal development of male external genitalia in 46, XY individuals and is one of the causes of disorder of sexual differentiation (DSD) in males. The responsible gene of LCH is LHCGR which is located on the chromosome 2 and its various mutations lead to different degrees of the disease ranging from micropenis to complete XY DSD.

Case presentation

In this study, we have investigated the clinical presentation and molecular findings of two siblings with complete male LCH and XY DSD. This is the first detailed report of individuals with LCH from Iran. It aimed to study the molecular and clinical characteristics of two sisters with type 1 LCH. Whole exome sequencing was used for these patients to find the underlying genetic cause of the disease. Our Iranian DSD patients had external genitalia (normal labia major and minor, the external opening of the urethra beneath the clitoris) and bilateral testicular tissues in the inguinal region, which were removed by surgical exploration.

Conclusions

Genetic sequencing showed the homozygous variants of the LHCGR gene in the patients, a novel duplication variant in exon 11, c.1091dupT -or pLeu365Profs*5. This mutation is described as likely pathogenic. We think that this case report can widen the genotypic spectrum of the LHCGR variants. Moreover, this study emphasizes the significant rule of Whole Exome Sequencing in differentiating various causes of disorder of sexual differentiation.
Serum Thrombospondin-2 Levels Are Closely Associated With the Severity of Metabolic Syndrome and Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Wu Xuerui , Cheung Cynthia Kwan Yui , Ye Dewei , Chakrabarti Subrata , Mahajan Hema , Yan Sen , Song Erfei , Yang Wah , Lee Chi Ho , Lam Karen Siu Ling , Wang Cunchuan , Xu Aimin
Published: May 2022

Context

Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is the hepatic manifestation of obesity-related metabolic syndrome (MetS). Noninvasive biomarkers for monitoring the progression and severity of these metabolic comorbidities are needed.

Objectives

To investigate the associations of serum thrombospondin-2 (TSP2) with MetS and MAFLD severity, and the potential diagnostic value of serum TSP2 for identifying at-risk metabolic associated steatohepatitis (MASH).

Methods

Blood samples, clinical data, and liver biopsies were collected from consecutively recruited 252 individuals with morbid obesity receiving bariatric surgery. Histopathology samples of liver biopsies were examined in a blinded fashion by 3 independent pathologists. Serum TSP2 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Serum TSP2 levels were significantly elevated in MetS (1.58 [1.07-2.20] ng/mL) compared with non-MetS (1.28 [0.84-1.73] ng/mL; P = .006) in obese patients and positively correlated with increasing number of the MetS components, fasting glucose, glycated hemoglobin, fasting insulin, C-peptide, and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance after adjustment of conventional confounders. Serum TSP2 levels differentiated MASH (1.74 [1.32-3.09] ng/mL) from the other non-MASH less severe groups: normal liver (1.41 [1.04-1.63] ng/mL), simple steatosis (1.45 [0.89-1.92] ng/mL), and borderline MASH (1.30 [0.99-2.17] ng/mL) (P < .05). Elevated serum TSP2 was positively associated with the severity of hepatic steatosis, inflammation, fibrosis, and abnormal liver function independent of age, sex and adiposity. Furthermore, high serum TSP2 identified at-risk MASH with area under the operating curve of 0.84 (95% CI 0.70-0.98).

Conclusion

Serum TSP2 is closely associated with severity and progression of MetS and MAFLD, and is a promising noninvasive biomarker for differentiating MASH from benign steatosis and identifying at-risk MASH patients among individuals with obesity.
Άγχος και απόσυρση σε σχέση με την αυτοαξιολόγηση του εκπαιδευτικού περιβάλλοντος από εφήβους με ελαφρά Νοητική Καθυστέρηση
Authors: ΣΤΑΘΟΠΟΥΛΟΥ ΑΓΑΘΗ , ΜΠΑΣΤΕΑ ΑΓΓΕΛΙΚΗ
Published: May 2022

ΔΕΝ ΥΠΑΡΧΕΙ ΠΕΡΙΛΗΨΗ ΣΤΑ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΑ
Ο ρόλος του Διευθυντή-Ηγέτη στο σύγχρονο εκπαιδευτικό περιβάλλον.
Authors: ΤΕΝΤΖΕΡΗΣ ΕΜΜΑΝΟΥΗΛ , ΤΑΓΚΑΛΟΥ ΑΓΓΕΛΙΚΗ , ΣΤΑΥΡΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ ΒΑΣΙΛΕΙΟΣ
Published: May 2022

Οι σύγχρονες τάσεις της μετανεωτερικής περιόδου που διέπουν τη σχολική πραγματικότητα, καθιστούν το ρόλο του διευθυντή/ηγέτη περισσότερο περίπλοκο και απαιτητικό. Ο ρόλος του Διευθυντή/Ηγέτη στο σύγχρονο εκπαιδευτικό περιβάλλον, προσεγγίζεται μέσα από σύγχρονες θεωρίες της σχολικής ηγεσίας που αφορούν στη βιώσιμη ηγεσία (sustainable leadership), την ηγεσία προσανατολισμένη σε αρχές και ηθικές αξίες (moral leadership) και τη δημοκρατική ηγεσία (democratic leadership). Ο σύγχρονος διευθυντής/ηγέτης είναι εκείνος που επιδίδεται  σε συνεχή κριτικό αναστοχασμό και διαλεκτική σε θέματα που αφορούν αξίες, αρχές και προσανατολισμούς του σχολείου και του ευρύτερου κοινωνικού πλαισίου, προκειμένου να δομήσει μια «προσωπική θεωρία» στην οποία θα βασίσει και θα μεταλαμπαδεύσει το όραμα και την αποστολή του σχολείου στο οποίο ηγείται. Εξέχουσα θέση στην υλοποίηση αυτού του οράματος και της αποστολής έχει το σχολείο της γειτονιάς, προκειμένου οι αλλαγές και οι καινοτομίες να συμβάλλουν στη βιώσιμη ανάπτυξη και αποτελεσματικότητά του.
Η θεωρία των επικαλυπτόμενων κυμάτων ως θεωρία ερμηνείας της γνωστικής ανάπτυξης – Εφαρμογή της θεωρίας στους ευφυείς μαθητές
Authors: ΦΟΥΣΤΑΝΑ ΑΓΓΕΛΙΚΗ
Published: May 2022

ΔΕΝ ΥΠΑΡΧΕΙ ΠΕΡΙΛΗΨΗ ΣΤΑ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΑ
Eternity clause – a realistic or merely an illusory way of protecting the state’s constitutional identity?
Authors: Serowaniec Maciej , Witkowski Zbigniew
Published: May 2022

Eternity clauses can be defined as constitutional provisions or constitutional principles that are immune from amendment. The eternity clauses should be understood as protecting the core of fundamental constitutional principles and therefore leaving space for evolutive interpretation of these principles. Therefore, these clauses function as barriers or “stop lines” to constitutional amendment. Legal scholars observe that eternity clauses can aspire to protect two types of values serving as foundations of the state’s constitutional identity. In the first group unmodifiable provisions protect such universal values as democracy, natural and inalienable human rights, or the principle of the rule of law. The principles in the second group, by contrast, protect specific values reflecting the special characteristic features of a given state’s constitutional identity. Those could include federalism, the role of religion in the state, or the principle of separation of the powers. The analysis of the constitutional regulations and the case-law of the Constitutional Courts should allow us to answer whether the eternity clauses are a realistic or merely an illusory way of protecting the state’s constitutional identity?
L’ “identità costituzionale” italiana nella costituzione composita europea
Authors: Piccirilli Giovanni
Published: May 2022

Il concetto di “identità costituzionale” non è una elaborazione originaria del costituzionalismo italiano. Anzi, il suo recente utilizzo nel corso della c.d. vicenda Taricco testimonia come l’interazione tra ordinamento costituzionale italiano e Unione europea comporti non soltanto una progressiva integrazione giuridica, ma anche una osmosi tra le categorie concettuali fondamentali. Prima dell’entrata in vigore del Trattato di Lisbona (ossia del momento in cui a livello di Unione europea si afferma il concetto di identità costituzionale degli Stati membri) la giurisprudenza della Corte costituzionale italiana aveva sì utilizzato il concetto di “identità costituzionale”, ma in contesti completamente diversi e con significati del tutto “interni” (v. sentt. nn. 203/1989 e 262/2009). L’utilizzo fattone invece nella ord. n. 24/2017 pone il nuovo contenuto dell’art. 4 (2) TUE in piena continuità con la dottrina dei controlimiti, secondo una visione che appare maggiormente cooperativa rispetto a ulteriori approcci seguiti dalle Corti costituzionali di ulteriori Stati Membri. Da ultimo, è stata proposta una interpretazione del contributo della Corte costituzionale italiana alla difesa della identità costituzionale nazionale in chiave “seduttiva”, enfatizzandone la natura relazionale e il contributo alla elaborazione del di “apertura” dell’ordinamento quale parte integrante della identità costituzionale italiana.
New records of the kodkod (Leopardus guigna tigrillo) and the Pampas cat (Leopardus colocola) in Valparaíso region, Chile
Authors: Guzmán Marín Byron Cristian , Hernández-Hernández Julio C. , Olmos de Aguilera-Díaz Natividad
Published: May 2022

La güiña, Leopardus guigna tigrillo y el gato colocolo, Leopardus colocola son dos de las especies de felinos silvestres más escurridizas y crípticas de la región Neotropical.  Los pocos estudios existentes para ambas especies sugieren que su distribución está restringida casi en su totalidad a grandes extensiones de bosque nativo.  A ambas especies se les cataloga dentro de alguna categoría de riesgo de extinción.  Como parte de los proyectos de ciencia ciudadana se obtuvieron nuevos registros de la güiña y del gato colocolo en la zona central de Chile.  Además, para corroborar estos reportes se consultaron los registros previos de ambas especies en la literatura disponible y bases de datos.  El sitio donde fue avistada la güiña es una zona urbana y de playa, con pequeñas franjas de matorral, bosque nativo secundario y plantaciones forestales.  Los registros del gato colocolo se presentaron en carreteras, poniendo en riesgo su integridad.  Los registros de ambas especies se presentaron en sitios con ciertas amenazas, en donde es posible que debido a la fragmentación de sus hábitats se vean obligados a desplazarse a buscar recursos alimenticios en donde antes no lo hacían.  Asimismo, resaltamos la importancia de los fragmentos de vegetación como corredores biológicos para estas y otras especies en la región, que requieren de grandes áreas de hábitat continuo, por lo que es necesario priorizar la conservación de estos sitios en la región.  Es indispensable realizar más investigaciones en la región con el fin de conocer las amenazas y la densidad poblacional de ambas especies.