bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Abstract 10712: Observational Findings of PULS Cardiac Test Findings for Inflammatory Markers in Patients Receiving mRNA Vaccines
Authors: Gundry Steven R 
Published: March 2022

This clinic has been using the PULS Cardiac Test (Predictive Health Diagnostics Co., Irvine, CA) a clinically utilized measurement of multiple protein biomarkers, which generates a score predicting the 5 yr risk (percentage chance) of a new Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) called the PULS Score. The score is based on changes from the norm of multiple protein inflammatory biomarkers including IL-16, a proinflammatory cytokine, soluble Fas, an inducer of apoptosis, and Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) which serves as a marker for chemotaxis of T-cells into epithelium and cardiac tissue, among other markers. Elevation above the norm increases the PULS score, while decreases below the norm lowers the PULS score. The PULS score has been measured every 3-6 months in our patient population for 8 years. Recently, with the advent of the mRNA COVID 19 vaccines (vac) by Moderna and Pfizer, we tracked the changes of the PULS score and three of the inflammatory markers it measures in all of our patients consecutively receiving these vaccines.

This report summarizes those results. A total of 566 pts, aged 28 to 97, M:F ratio 1:1 seen in a preventive cardiology practice had a previously scheduled PULS test drawn from 2 to 10 weeks following the 2
nd
mRNA COVID shot and was compared to the pt’s PULS test drawn 3 to 5 months previously pre-shot. Each vac pt’s PULS score and inflammatory marker changes were compared to their pre-vac PULS score, thus serving as their own control. There was no comparison made with unvaccinated patients or pts treated with other vaccines.

Baseline IL-16 increased from 35+/-20 above the norm to 82 +/- 75 above the norm post-vac; sFas increased from 22+/- 15 above the norm to 46+/-24 above the norm post vac; HGF increased from 42+/-12 above the norm to 86+/-31 above the norm post vac. These changes resulted in an increase of the pre vac PULS score of predicted 11% 5 yr ACS risk to a post vac PULS score of a predicted 25% 5 yr ACS risk, based on data which has not been validated in this population. No statistical comparison was done in this observational study.
In conclusion, the mRNA vacs numerically increase (but not statistically tested) the markers IL-16, Fas, and HGF, all markers previously described by others for denoting inflammation on the endothelium and T cell infiltration of cardiac muscle, in a consecutive series of a single clinic patient population receiving mRNA vaccines without a control group.
Abstract 11149: Psychological Functioning and Parameters of Physiological Status in Youth with Fontan Circulation
Authors: Seivert Nicholas P , Park Christine , Rychik Jack , Goldberg David J , Demianczyk Abigail , Dodds Katie 
Published: March 2022

Individuals with Fontan circulation (FC) are at high risk for physical and psychological problems. Many have poor growth, low weight gain, and low oxygen saturation (O2 sat). They also often have learning problems, inattention, and mood/anxiety disorders. Research on associations between these physical and mental challenges is limited. This study explores potential relations among these variables in a cohort with FC. We hypothesize that poorer growth, weight, and O2 sat are associated with greater problems with school, mood/anxiety, and inattention.
A team, including pediatric cardiologist, psychologist, and other medical specialties, evaluated participants in our FORWARD program, a dedicated multidisciplinary clinic for patients with FC. Data were extracted from medical records. Height, weight, and resting O2 sat were measured at the clinic visit. Patients completed a psychological screening questionnaire (BASC-3); scales selected for analyses were based on commonly recognized problems in FC: school (academic difficulties, negative school attitude), internalizing (mood/anxiety), and attention problems.

Sample consisted of 45 subjects; 53% male, 84% White, 81% had private health insurance. Plurality had hypoplastic left heart syndrome (47%). Mean age was 12.7
+
2.7 years, O2 sat 93.9
+
2.7 %, height z-score -0.58
+
1.42, and weight z-score -0.23
+
1.43. Mean values on all psychological measures were not indicative of problems. Height and weight were not related to psychological measures. O2 sat was inversely correlated with school problems (r= -.350, p= .018). Internalizing (r= .503, p< .001 ) and attention (r= .427, p= .002) problems were correlated with school problems. O2 sat, internalizing and attention problems were entered into a regression predicting school problems; the model explained 35.4% of the variance (p< .001).

School problems of individuals with FC are likely determined by both physical and psychological factors. In our relatively small and young cohort of patients, lower O2 sat may reflect relative overall FC unwellness, and is associated with greater psychological health challenges. Exploration of potential mechanisms underlying relations between physical and psychological health in those with FC is warranted.
Intentionality and Kabbalistic Practices in Early Modern East-Central Europe
Authors: Paluch Agata 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Kavanot, or mystical intentions, have acquired varied meanings and interpretations in kabbalistic literatures, from the practice of harmonising one’s mind with the requirement of performed ritual to elaborate processes of mental focus, exercised during prayer and other ritual acts, on divine attributes signified by divine names and stipulated meticulously in kabbalistic prayer-books. Early modern practical kabbalistic manuals also, to no surprise, abound with instructions which recommend a variety of kavanot. In many of these manuals and books of recipes, it is the intention that enables extending of one’s mind toward matter, and builds a new type of continuity between the practitioner and the outside world. Intentionality in kabbalistic practice thus channels the emergence of the performing, knowledgeable self, engaged in shaping the material world, a development which runs parallel to the emergence of new configurations of knowledge in the early modern period. This rise of intentional self, manifest in kabbalistic practices as expressed in early modern handwritten books of recipes of East-Central European provenance, will be the focus of this article.
Kabbalah Practices / Practical Kabbalah
Authors: Chajes J.H. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Kabbalistic trees—ilanot, in Hebrew—are not merely arboreal diagrams illustrating the sefirot and other symbols associated with them. By the fifteenth century, the term ilan (singular) referred to a genre of kabbalistic creativity that fused this schema with a specific medium: an ilan was a diagram of the sefirot inscribed on a parchment sheet or rotulus. Ilanot had a variety of functions, from meditative to mnemonic. The present essay isolates a common element in the various uses of ilanot: they are performative, ritually-used artefacts. The ilan is thus a tool of kabbalistic practice, but is it to be considered part of so-called “Practical Kabbalah”? By the nineteenth century, ilanot were being produced specifically to serve as amulets; these apotropaic rotuli are certainly classifiable as artefacts of Practical Kabbalah. Ilanot not produced as amulets are best regarded as magical—but in the sense that they facilitate opportunities for ritual identification with the divine image that they map, and therefore participation in and manipulation of the divine.
R. Aqiba and the Relatives Disqualified from Giving Testimony
Authors: Sabato Mordechai 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
M. San. 3:4 records two lists of relatives who are disqualified from giving testimony: a list attributed to “the first Mishnah” and one assigned to R. Aqiba. The first Mishnah disqualifies relatives who are eligible to be the person’s heir, to the maximum degree of a cousin. R. Aqiba abolished the inheritance criterion and drew up a list that includes even relatives who are ineligible to be heirs. Based on an analysis of expositions from which the sages derived the disqualification of relatives from giving testimony, this article examines the reason for the change introduced by R. Aqiba. It concludes that, in R. Aqiba’s view, the relevant criterion is not the possibility of inheritance but only the degree of kinship.
Judicial Reasoning and Non-State Participation before Inter-State Courts and Tribunals
Authors: McGarry Brian , Suedi Yusra 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The present article explores the premise that the participation of non-State actors may in some instances be necessary to the conduct of contentious or advisory proceedings before inter-State courts and tribunals. It first considers whether such necessity may be directly asserted as a legal requirement, in the absence of lex specialis treaty mechanisms or party consent. The article thus considers the potential to apply general principles of law, customary international law, and doctrinal concepts to this question. Unsatisfied with reliance on the stated legal considerations of international courts and tribunals, however, it turns to assess the root causes of such necessity, beneath pronouncements of legal sources and doctrine. The authors identify these as practicality – which speaks to what a court or tribunal must do to fulfil its mandate today – and legitimacy, which speaks to what it should do to ensure that its mandate is respected tomorrow.
Appointment and Dis-Appointment at the CJEU: Part II – The Sharpston Litigation
Authors: Bradley Kieran 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
This second and concluding part of a two-part article considers the annulment actions by Advocate General Sharpston of the CJEU seeking to challenge the premature termination of her term of office as a result of a decision of the Member State governments, following withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union. While in its case law the Court of Justice has been in the vanguard in ensuring the protection of judicial independence in the courts of the Member States and the right of judges to a review of decisions entailing their dismissal, Ms. Sharpston’s proceedings were rejected by both the General Court and on appeal the Court of Justice essentially on grounds of lack of jurisdiction. The Courts’ reasoning is incomplete and unconvincing, and doubts remain as to whether the former Advocate General has been afforded effective judicial protection of her claimed right to finish out her term of office.
International Procedure between Past and Future – Procedural Developments in Law of the Sea Dispute Settlement in 2021
Authors: Oral Nilüfer , Lando Massimo 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Only two decisions in law of the sea dispute settlement cases were issued in 2021. Not a single arbitral award was issued in 2021, and the only case decided by the International Court of Justice was on the merits in the maritime dispute between Somalia and Kenya. Finally, a Special Chamber of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea rendered a judgment on preliminary objections in the maritime dispute between Mauritius and the Maldives.
The Institutional Tragedy of Pandemic Triage Regulation in Italy and Germany
Authors: Domenici Irene , Engeser Franciska 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
This article adopts a comparative approach exploring the reactions to the scarcity of resources resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic in Italy and Germany. Both countries showed a fragmented structure including individual hospitals, medical associations and recommendatory interdisciplinary bodies, such as ethics councils. Against this background, the authors use the different constitutional frameworks in which the healthcare systems are embedded to assess the legitimacy of the intervention by non-legislative bodies. It is demonstrated that, in both jurisdictions, a certain level of parliamentary involvement in establishing triage criteria or procedures is constitutionally required, as in situations of extreme scarcity the prioritisation decision cannot be determined by a mere clinical analysis but rather demands a normative choice.
Law and Religion: A Comparative Approach to the Management of Religious Intolerance in Brazil and Canada
Authors: Nicácio Camila Silva 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The issue of religious intolerance, despite its antiquity, currently poses new problems, due to globalization, cultural diversity, the speed of exchanges and the phenomenon of migration, the latter being forced or not. How can we guarantee a coexistence that respects, at the same time, religious freedom and cultural pluralism, religious diversity included? The Canadian experience based notably on the notion of “reasonable accommodation” seems to represent a demanding effort to reconcile diversity and unity. It is not, however, exempt from criticism, such as the one elaborated by Lori Beaman from the notion of “deep equality”. This article comments on that experience and the criticism addressed to it, relating it to the existing ways to deal with religious intolerance in Brazil.
Reading Ibāḍī Women’s Legacies through Stone Town’s Built Environment
Authors: Wortmann Kimberly T. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
This article explores how women of means in nineteenth-century Zanzibar used their built legacies to convey their piety and authority even though they were not active in public religious life. The focus of the study is an old Ibāḍī mosque named after its founder, ‘Aisha bint Jumʻa al-Mughayri, and the tombstone of her younger female relative Muhayra bint Jumʻa al-Mughayri. While the details of the two women’s lives, works and property do not appear prominently in the written record of Zanzibar, this article asks what we can glean about their religious and economic commitments from the built legacies and religious endowments they left behind, as well as from the writings of their male contemporaries, British colonial officials and their descendants. The article also demonstrates how the conservation and upkeep of historic religious institutions in Zanzibar today depends greatly on collaborations between local family members, state institutions and transnational faith-based organizations (fbo s).
An Embassy from the Sultan of Darfur to the Sublime Porte in 1791
Authors: Peacock A.C.S. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
This article presents documents relating to the embassy sent by Sultan ʿAbd al-Raḥmān of Darfur to the Ottoman Sultan Selim III in 1791. These include an original Arabic letter which is an unusually early surviving example of sultanic correspondence from the Sahel. The documents permit a new interpretation of the purposes of the embassy, as well as an examination of chancery practice in Darfur, and offer an insight into Darfuri views of the outside world. To aid the analysis, the article compares this letter with a second surviving letter from ʿAbd al-Raḥmān addressed to Napoleon Bonaparte around 1800, of which the Arabic text has not previously been published.
Marker assisted introgression of semi-dwarfing (sd1) gene in Katarni rice (Oryza sativa L.) landrace
Authors: Kumar Mankesh , Vaibhav Kumar , Chandra Anamika , Suvidha Kumari , Mahto Divya , Satyendra  , Singh Suresh Prasad , Singh Prabhash Kumar , Sinha Sweta 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
‘Katarni Rice’ is a fine quality scented rice landrace of Bihar, India and has tremendous export potential and commercial value. This is a preferred rice in the state due to its flavour, palatability and popcorn like essence before and after cooking. But its area has been shrunken drastically in recent years due to its low yielding (25–30 Q/ha) ability caused due tall and week stature and lodging tendency at maturity. To overcome this problem, marker assisted introgression of semi-dwarfing (sd1) gene from semi-dwarf and high yielding rice varieties Rajendra Sweta and BPT5204 was attempted. Parental polymorphism was obtained through 109 SSR markers. The gene specific markers for fragrance and semi-dwarfing genes were used in the segregants to track their transfer. Recombinant selection was done for the donor genome segments flanking to the target gene i.e., sd1 followed by background selection through genome wide polymorphic SSR markers. More than 90% recurrent parent genome recovery was observed and the selected plants showed a reduction of plant height and flowering time in comparison to Katarni in the successive backcross generation along with the retention of aroma. The identified lines can be evaluated further in multilocation trials to release it as a sustainable high yielding aromatic genotype.
Discontent with Procedural and Meritocratic Democracy
Authors: van der Haak Donovan , Deweer Dries 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Although there is much literature on populism and its causes, Michael Sandel’s particular contribution to this field of study has received little attention so far. The purpose of this essay is to explain what Sandel adds to the status questionis on the causes of populism, and to evaluate the remedy that follows from his analysis. We argue that Sandel’s earlier works incorporate aspects of the Durkheimian mass society thesis, as they emphasize how the public discontent with liberal individualism stimulates populist sentiments. Sandel’s later works, however, are more similar to the Downsian economic thesis, as he therein focusses on the role of markets, meritocracy and globalization processes. We end by analysing Sandel’s republican approach as an alternative solution to the rise of populism.
Laboratory and imaging findings of necrotizing otitis externa are associated with pathogen type and disease outcome: A retrospective analysis.
Authors: Margulis Itai , Cohen-Kerem Raanan , Roitman Ariel , Gez-Reder Hadar , Aviram Ariel , Bitterman-Fisher Sivan , Kugelman Nir , Doweck Ilana 
Published: March 2022

Objective To examine associations of laboratory and imaging data with diagnostic parameters of necrotizing otitis externa (NOE) and its severity, and to compare between bacterial and fungal infections. Methods Records of patients diagnosed with NOE during 2010–2018 at the Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery were reviewed retrospectively for demographics; disease characteristics; and laboratory, scintigraphy, and imaging results. Results Of 48 patients with NOE, the mean age is 73±11.6 years; 32 (67%) were males; 83% had diabetes mellitus. Common pathogens were pseudomonas (49%) and fungi (33%). Sensitivities of the technetium-scan (SPECT ratio ≥1.5), temporal bone computed tomography (CT), and gallium-scan (SPECT ratio ≥1.3) were: 78.7%, 48.8%, and 31.4%, respectively. Gallium-scan results correlated positively with CT bone involvement (p=0.002) and hospital length of stay (p=0.0014). C-reactive protein (CRP) level correlated with hospital length of stay (p=0.028) and positive technetium-scan results (p=0.012). Fungal infection had a higher technetium SPECT ratio (2.16 vs. 1.77, p=0.04), gallium SPECT ratio (1.4 vs. 1.2, p=0.02), longer duration of systemic treatment (87.4 vs. 37.9 days, p=0.014), and longer hospital length of stay (31.6 vs. 15.2 days, p=0.004) compared to non-fungal infection. Eight (17%) patients had responded poorly to treatment. Fungal pathogens, facial nerve paresis, extra-auricular, and bilateral disease were more prevalent among the non-responders. Conclusion The technetium scan has higher sensitivity than temporal bone CT for diagnosing NOE. The gallium scan and CRP correlated well with hospital length of stay. A high rate of fungal infection was found, with significantly higher technetium and gallium SPECT ratios and worse outcome compared to bacterial infection. Fungal NOE remains therapeutically challenging.
Racial disparities in COVID-19 test positivity among people living with HIV in the United States
Authors: Islam Jessica Y , Madhira Vithal , Sun Jing , Olex Amy , Franceschini Nora , Kirk Gregory , Patel Rena 
Published: March 2022

Objective This study aimed to compare COVID-19 positivity by HIV status and race/ethnicity using data from the U.S. National COVID Cohort Collaborative (N3C). Methods The N3C cohort (≥ 18 years) includes patients with any encounter after 1/1/2020 with SARS-CoV-2 laboratory tests. Detailed electronic medical records are centralized and harmonized across health-care organizations (34 sites). COVID-19 diagnosis was defined by RT-PCR or antibody testing. HIV infection was defined by standard diagnostic codes within 2 years prior to COVID-19 testing. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression were utilized to compare COVID-19 positivity and HIV status by patient’s race/ethnicity. Results Over 2.1 million patients were captured in the N3C as of 01/29/2021, of whom 372,716 (15%) were positive for COVID-19; 17,820 (0.7%) were PLWH of whom 2428 (13.6%) tested positive for COVID-19. COVID-19 positive PLWH were more likely to be 30+ years of age (90% vs. 70%; χ2 p < 0.001), male (67% vs. 46%, χ2 p < 0.001), and Black (44% vs. 15%, χ2 p < 0.001) compared to HIV-negative patients. Compared to non-Hispanic/Latinx (NH)-White PLWH, NH-Black (aOR: 1.59, 95% CI: 1.37–1.86), Latinx (aOR: 2.17, 95% CI: 1.68–2.83), and NH-Asian (aOR: 2.18, 95% CI: 1.30–3.63) PLWH were more likely to have COVID-19 after adjustment for age, sex, and CharlsonDeyo comorbidity score. Conclusion PLWH and minoritized communities, including NH-Black and Latinx or Hispanic adults, appear to be disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Change in contrast sensitivity and OCT parameters in idiopathic intracranial hypertension
Authors: Rehman Obaidur , Ichhpujani Parul , Singla Ekta , Negi Reetika , Kumar Suresh 
Published: March 2022

Background: Deterioration in peripheral contrast sensitivity (CS) can be an indicator to detect progressive deterioration of visual function in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in central and peripheral CS and optical coherence tomography (OCT) parameters and in patients with IIH. Design and Methods: In this pilot observational study, data of 20 eyes of 10 ‘treatment-naïve’ IIH patients were analyzed. Detailed ocular examination was performed including CS assessment using both Pelli–Robson (PR) test and Spaeth–Richman Contrast Sensitivity Test (SPARCS) along with the OCT for macular and optic nerve head (ONH) parameters. A comparative analysis was done for CS and OCT parameters from baseline to a follow-up visit > 12 months (range: 18–24 months). Results: The study population had a female preponderance (80%, n = 8), and mean age at diagnosis was 31.9 ± 10.3 years. Mean follow-up period was 21.2 months (range: 15–24 months). At presentation, 6/6 visual acuity was noted in 75% eyes ( n = 15) while all eyes had 6/6 vision at the last follow-up. Average PR score increased from 1.96 ± 0.36 to 2.30 at the last visit (Wilcoxon test: V = 0.0, p ⩽ 0.001) while average SPARCS score (total) increased from 71.85 ± 9.10 to 77.55 ± 6.20 (Paired t-test: t = −2.3, p = 0.035). Change in SPARCS score was significant in average total score ( p = 0.035), and quadrant-wise score in superonasal ( p = 0.014), inferonasal ( p = 0.001), and inferotemporal ( p = 0.021) quadrants. Same trend in SPARCS scores was observed when eyes with and without recurrence were analyzed. Statistically significant difference in retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness ( p = 0.007) and macular thickness (MT) in nasal quadrant ( p = 0.006) was seen between the eyes with recurrence and without recurrence. Conclusion: Peripheral CS showed significant difference in all eyes over time. It showed significant change in eyes with recurrence, even in the presence of intact visual acuity and preserved central CS. Changes in RNFL thickness and nasal MT could differentiate eyes which developed recurrence from normal eyes.