28th February Research Articles

Inflation expectations in the wake of the war in Ukraine

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine brought a range of new challenges to the global economy, including affecting the inflation expectations of individuals. In this paper, we aim to quantify the effect of the invasion on short- and long-term inflation expectations of individuals in Germany. We use microdata from the Bundesbank Online Panel - Households (BOP-HH), for the period from February 15th to March 29th, 2022. Treating the unanticipated start of the war in Ukraine on the 24th of February 2022 as a natural experiment, we find that both short- and long-term inflation expectations increased as an immediate result of the invasion. Long-term inflation expectations increased by around 0.4 percentage points, while the impact on short-term inflation expectations was more than twice as large - around one percentage point. These significant deviations from the central bank’s target, highlight an elevated risk of de-anchoring of inflation expectations early in March 2022. Looking into the possible mechanisms of this increase, we suggest that it can be partially attributed to individuals’ fears of soaring energy prices and increasing pessimism about economic trends in general. Our results indicate that large geopolitical shocks can have a substantial impact on both short and long-term inflation expectations.

The Impact of Russia – Ukraine War on Global Economy

The invasion of Ukraine by Russia contributed to a notable rise in global prices of food and crude oil petroleum. The surge in the global food price index following the invasion was fueled by supply chain disruptions. In general, the incursion resulted in a continuous increase in inflation in both belligerent and non-belligerent nations. The following study shows how economic sanctions and regional conflict lead to an international energy crisis. Despite mediating countries like Turkey, it had a disastrous impact not only on geopolitical stability but also on economic development within and outside of Europe. The study used to assess the impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on global trade and business. This paper investigates the global economic growth and consequences of the Russia-Ukraine war over a four month period from December 2021 to March 2022. Russia invaded Ukraine on the 24th of February 2022.

Kawasaki disease before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: a single-center comparative study in Switzerland.

Kawasaki disease is a rare systemic inflammatory syndrome that mainly affects children under five years of age and is the first cause of pediatric acquired cardiovascular disease. The pathogenesis is complex and a viral trigger is suspected, as well as genetic susceptibility. Multiple studies around the world have shown a decrease in the incidence of Kawasaki disease and have hypothesized that the different sanitary measures enforced in each country during the pandemic period could be responsible to a certain extent. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the disease's incidence, defining characteristics, coronary artery outcomes and management in a tertiary center in Switzerland. This study is a retrospective analysis of children who have been diagnosed with Kawasaki disease that compares clinical, laboratory, SARS-CoV-2 exposure, and echocardiographic data as well as treatments before (January 1st 2017 to February 24th 2020) and during (February 25th 2020 to December 31st 2022) the COVID-19 pandemic in Switzerland. Statistical significance of differences in the compared parameters was assessed. Of the 90 patients included, 31 belonged to the first group and 59 belonged to the second group. There was a statistically significant (p < 0.05) increase in incidence during the pandemic period (5.91/100,000 children) of 88% compared to the pre-pandemic period (3.14/100,000 children). A lesser seasonal variation was observed during the pandemic. 30% of the patients in the pandemic group had an exposure to SARS-CoV-2. There was no other notable difference in demographic factors, clinical presentation, coronary outcome or administered treatment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first prolonged European study comparing Kawasaki disease before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. There was a significant increase in incidence in Kawasaki disease during the COVID-19 pandemic. In contrast, studies done in Japan, South Korea and the USA have shown a decrease in incidence. Differences in methodologies, genetics, ethnicities, environments, microbiome-altering behaviors, sanitary measures and SARS-CoV-2 spread are factors that should be considered. Further studies analyzing the differences between countries with increased incidence of Kawasaki disease could help better understand the relevance of such factors and provide more insight into the etiologies of this particular disease.

7560 Using a Single Pre-test Cortisol Level To Reduce The Need For Dynamic Testing For Adrenal Insufficiency In A Southeast Asian Population

Abstract Disclosure: V. Ramadoss: None. L. Tan: None. A.E. Teo: None. K. Lazarus: None. K. Meeran: None. D. Deepak: None. L. Ong: None. C. Khoo: None. P. Eng: None. Introduction: The Short Synacthen Test (SST) is widely used in clinical practice to assess Adrenal Insufficiency (AI). Despite its relative ease of administration, Synacthen use is limited by its availability and its administration demands supervision by experienced staff, resulting in increased testing cost. A single measurement of serum cortisol has been shown to predict AI, but the suggested threshold varies according to the patient cohort studied, assay variation and the prevalence of the condition relative to the size of population tested. This study aims to (a) identify a threshold cortisol level to screen for AI in a South-East Asian population and (b) to determine the utility of a stimulated 60-minute cortisol level in the diagnosis of AI. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of SSTs (250 micrograms) performed in our institution between 28th February 2022 to 28th February 2023. Serum cortisol in our institution was measured by Abbott Alinity analysers. We defined a normal response as a stimulated cortisol value of ≥ 420nmol/L at either 30-minutes, 60-minutes, or at both time points. Logistic regression analysis was performed to predict normal responses based on baseline cortisol level. Results: Median cortisol level at baseline, 30-minutes, and 60-minutes after Synacthen stimulation were 254 (IQR 191-320) nmol/L, 499 (IQR 415 -585) nmol/L, 574 (IQR 476 -662) nmol/L respectively. A total of 785 SSTs were performed, out of which 83.1% were normal and 16.9% were abnormal. Of the 785 SSTs, 55 (7.0%) would have failed if only the 30-minute cortisol was assessed without the 60-minute value, whereas 10 (1.4%) would have failed if only the 60-minute cortisol was assessed without the 30-minutes value. An early morning basal cortisol (0800am to 1200pm) cut-off of &amp;lt;300nmol/L identified subnormal cortisol with 95.0% sensitivity and an afternoon cortisol (1200pm to 1700) of &amp;lt; 312nmol/L achieved 95.2% sensitivity. A basal cortisol level of &amp;lt; 100nmol/L will confirm AI with 97.3% specificity. Using a basal cortisol level of ≥ 300nmol/L, 94.8% of individuals go on to pass the SST. Use of this basal cortisol value would avoid 252 (32.1%) SSTs. Conclusion: A single measurement of basal cortisol of ≥ 300nmol/L has the potential to exclude AI with 95% sensitivity on Abbott Alinity platform in our cohort of patients. Using a threshold cortisol level of 300nmol/L, at least 32% of the SSTs could be avoided. This would have improved patients experience with cost savings implications. Furthermore, a stimulated 60-minute cortisol level identifies 55 (7%) of individuals who would otherwise be misclassified as AI, thereby avoiding unnecessary long-term glucocorticoid replacement. Presentation: 6/1/2024

THE EUROPEAN MIRROR OF HYBRID WAR: HOW RUSSIA TRIES TO DESTABILIZE THE EUROPEAN COUNTRIES

The unprovoked Russian aggression against Ukraine, which is the biggest war after the World War II, has caused a number of problems in Europe and in the whole democratic world, which is concerning regarding the functioning of the international institutions, the security of the countries that are part of international organizations, but aren't members of the EU and NATO, the protection of human rights mechanisms and the lack of mechanisms for the prevention of war and conflicts. It is clear that the Russian invasion of Ukraine is no accident. The Russian elites, led by President Vladimir Putin, have been preparing for this move for years. Not only have they acted openly, but they have also been waging a hybrid war. Moreover, the war in Ukraine has been going on since 2014, when Russia supported the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics for succession. And before that, Moscow unilaterally annexed Crimea. The European response to Russian aggression has been diplomatic expressions of concern and threats, and some sanctions, which Russia has successfully evaded. It seemed that Europe had consistently adapted to the new geopolitical environment. But only after 24th of February 2022, all civilization's words stand by Ukraine and the Ukrainians. The Western allies of Ukraine give money and weapons, humanitarian aid, training of military and deminers and take in Ukrainian refugees. The war in Ukraine is in its third year. This analysis elaborates the Russian influence on different levels and the European reactions to their attacks and provocations.

Review of the treatment options and results of earthquake-related pelvic injuries after the Türkiye earthquake on 6th February.

The aim of this study was to review the characteristics and classifications of pelvic injuries due to earthquake trauma, to determine the treatment options and outcomes, and to present the experiences of our single trauma center. Sixty patients (23 male, 37 female) who underwent surgical treatment for pelvic ring injuries after the earthquake were analyzed in this study. Demographic data, such as age and gender, operations, and fracture details were recorded. Laboratory results and the amount of blood used were included in the analysis. Fractures were classified according to the Young-Burgess classification. Surgical treatment methods, side of injury, accompanying injuries, and treatment results were analyzed using SPSS software. Left-sided trauma was the most common mechanism of injury, with 36 patients (60%) sustaining left-sided pelvic fractures. Pelvic ring fractures were detected in 78.3% of patients, and combined acetabulum and pelvic ring fractures were identified in 21.7% of patients. Thoracic trauma and extra-pelvic fractures were seen in 12 (20%) and 18 (30%) patients, respectively. Twenty percent of patients underwent emergency abdominal surgery prior to pelvic surgery. Complications were observed in 7 patients (11.6%) in the early period. The average amount of blood used for patients was 2.91 U (min: 0, max: 13 U, SD: 2.66). This study has shown us that lateral compression injuries are more common, and that low hemoglobin levels, high inflammation parameters, previous abdominal surgery, accompanying fractures, and lung injury are the main characteristics of patients with earthquake-related pelvic injuries. It also demonstrates that for the optimal use of materials and implants, experience in different techniques is required, and shows the significant need for blood transfusions in the treatment of these injuries. Level IV, Therapeutic study.

Prevalence and determinants of occupational depression, anxiety, and stress among Ethiopian healthcare workers

Studies on the prevalence and factors of depression, and anxiety symptoms from a work-ascribed or causal perspective are not available and studies on the prevalence of occupational stress in Ethiopia are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of occupational depression, job anxiety, and occupational stress, and to identify their determinants in healthcare workers. We conducted a multicenter cross-sectional study in selected public hospitals in the Central and Southern Ethiopia from 16th January to 28th February 2023. We used stratified random sampling to select 9 public hospitals from three strata: primary, general and tertiary hospitals. We collected data using scales of perceived occupational stress, occupational depression inventory, and job anxiety. We performed a confirmatory factor analysis followed by determining the prevalence of those mental symptoms and identifying independent factors using multiple ordinal logistic regression. Among 1426 healthcare workers, the overall prevalence of occupational depressive, job anxiety, and occupational stress symptoms were 39.0%, 57.6%, and 68.0%, respectively. Females, medical specialists, participants with a history of disease or injury, those with low job dissatisfaction, higher sleeping disorder scores, higher life-threatening events (LTEs) scores, and longer working hours were more likely to report occupational depressive symptoms. Participants with poor perceived health significantly increased the odds of reporting job anxiety symptoms. Participants with low job satisfaction, a history of workplace verbal violence, higher scores for sleep disorders, and higher LTEs score had significantly greater odds of reporting both job anxiety and occupational stress symptoms. Younger participants were also more likely to report occupational stress symptoms. Our study highlights the need to prioritize workplace mental health interventions for healthcare workers. The study also suggested the need to address gender, educational level, job satisfaction, and sleep hygiene, develop coping mechanisms for LTEs, prevent workplace violence, and manage of working hours per week to enhance the mental well-being of healthcare workers in Ethiopia.

Yoga as Potential Therapy for Burnout: Health Technology Assessment Report on Efficacy, Safety, Economic, Social, Ethical, Legal and Organizational Aspects.

PURPOSEOF REVIEW: This health technology assessment aimed to systematically assess the efficacy and safety of yoga as therapy for burnout. Economic, ethical, legal, social and organizational aspects were considered as well. RECENT FINDINGS: Yoga as a therapy has been shown to have positive effects on a range of symptoms, including stress, anxiety and depression. Regarding work-related stress and burnout, the effects of yoga have mainly been examined in a preventative context. Meta-analyses revealed no effects on burnout severity comparing yoga with passive controls in general. Compared with passive controls, yoga had a positive effect on subjective stress. Compared to active control, yoga had an effect on the burnout subscale depersonalization on individual study level. Yoga may have positive effects on burnout, but the results are mixed. Common definitions and standardized diagnostic tools are necessary to improve research and further assess yoga as therapy for burnout. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The HTA is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42022299405, on 6th February 2022.

A case report of human infection with avian influenza H10N3 with a complex respiratory disease history

BackgroundOn March 16th 2024, the first case of Human infection with avian influenza H10N3 since the end of the global COVID-19 Pandemic was reported in Kunming, China. To enhance comprehension of the source of infection and risk factors of the H10N3 virus infection, this case report summarizes the clinical features, epidemiological investigation, and laboratory test results. Provides recommendations for the prevention and control of Human infection with avian influenza H10N3.Case presentationA 51-year-old male with a history of COVID-19 infection and a smoking habit of 30 years, worked in livestock breeding and was exposed to sick and dead poultry before falling ill with fever and chills on 28th February 2024. A week later, he was diagnosed with severe pneumonia, influenza, and respiratory failure by the Third People's Hospital of Kunming(KM-TPH). He was discharged on 17th April and none of his 6 close contacts showed any symptoms of illness. Environmental samples taken from the epidemic spot revealed that peacock feces tested positive for avian influenza sub-type H9 and waterfowl specimens showed positive results for avian influenza sub-type H5. Gene sequencing conducted on positive specimens from the patient's respiratory tract by the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CCDC) showed a high degree of similarity (98.6–99.5%) with the strain responsible for the second global case of human infected with H10N3 (reported from Zhejiang, China 2022).ConclusionsAccording to the available epidemiological information, there is limited evidence to suggest that H10N3 viruses are excessively lethal. However, adaptive site mutations have been observed in the H10N3 isoform of mammals. While it is unlikely that the H10N3 virus will spread among humans, the possibility of additional cases cannot be entirely ruled out. Symptoms of human infection with H10N3 avian influenza are similar to those of common respiratory infections, which may result in them being overlooked during initial clinical consultations. Therefore, it is essential to improve surveillance of the H10 sub-type of avian influenza and to increase the awareness of hospital-related workers of cases of pneumonia of unknown origin.

644. CUSTOMIZING A LARGE LANGUAGE MODEL TO PROVIDE CLINICALLY TAILORED ADVICE FOR EMERGENCY ESOPHAGEAL IMPACTIONS

Abstract Background There is interest in applying Large Language Models (LLMsclinically, but they are not trained for medical purposes. Equally, the development of LLMsrequires significant time and financial resources. Customizing an existing LLM for clinical purposes may overcome these limitations and would be of interest to clinicians, patients, hospital managers, and government/policy makers. Methods Thirty patient cases with nonbony esophageal impactions were developed using guidance from UpToDate. Standardized prompts were engineered for physicians as the end user. The customization tool was applied to ChatGPT-4.0 to create the Esophageal Impaction Tool (GPT-EIT), which provides advice for managing patients with esophageal impactions. Both GPT-EIT and the generic ChatGPT-4.0 models were queried February 28th, 2024. Their performance was evaluated based on guidelines for the removal of foreign bodies from the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Outcome data was presented using descriptive statistics in the form of counts and percentages. Results The GPT-EIT provided accurate recommendations for 30/30 (100.0%) cases. Each case was managed appropriately, recommending that stable patients received endoscopy within 24 hours, while patients with drooling were recognized as a surgical emergency and advice was given to provide endoscopy within 2 hours, but no more than 6 hours. GPT-EIT also advised to consider the appropriateness of treatment for patients presenting at 97 years of age based on their comorbidities and health status. The generic ChatGPT-4.0 model produced accurate guidance for 14/30 (46.7%) of cases. Patients with signs of significant obstruction would not have received timely endoscopy (Table 1). Conclusions ChatGPT can be customized to overcome limitations with its training dataset to develop clinically relevant, accurate advice for esophageal impactions. Clinicians, patients, hospital managers, and policymakers should take note that this methodology may be applied for other clinical purposes to avoid limitations related to resource constraints with developing LLMsfrom scratch.

Parent and child opinion on the use of standing desks in the classroom

ObjectiveStanding desks present a novel approach to reduce sedentary time in the classroom and address cardiovascular risk factors at an early age. In the context of designing a standing desk study, parents and children were surveyed regarding their perceptions and current use of standing desks and other flexible seating. MethodsSurvey administered from January 31st to February 26th, 2024 to a convenience cohort of 50 parent–child pairs presenting for well or acute care at a pediatrics clinic affiliated with an academic institution (Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States). Logistic regression examined parent support of and child willingness to use a standing desk in the classroom. ResultsParents were primarily non-Hispanic, white females above 40 years of age. Child participants mean age and grade level were 10.5 years and 5th grade respectively. Among parents, 85 % (39/46) were supportive of their child’s use of a standing desk in the classroom, with 4 declining to answer. For children, almost half, 48 % (24/50), were willing to use a standing desk. Acceptability decreased for child body mass index (BMI) ≥85th percentile versus BMI <85th percentile (parent acceptability OR = 0.07 [95 % CI: 0.01–0.63; p = 0.018]; child acceptability: OR = 0.13 [95 % CI 0.03–0.51, p = 0.003]). ConclusionsMost parents and children are amenable to use of a standing desk in the classroom. Additional information for children with elevated BMI and their parents may be required to address reservations about standing. This study was limited by its small sample size, which may not generalize to other populations.

(Complex) PTSD in Ukrainian refugees: Prevalence and association with acts of war in the Danish refugee cohort (DARECO)

BackgroundThe Russian invasion of Ukraine has driven millions of Ukrainians away from their homes. Among these, the majority have likely experienced war-related potentially traumatic events, and some will experience symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The aims of the study are to estimate the prevalence of PTSD and Complex PTSD (CPTSD) in displaced Ukrainians and examine associations between war- and other potentially traumatic exposures and (C)PTSD. MethodsQuestionnaires were distributed to all registered adult Ukrainians (18+) who arrived in Denmark between February 24th 2022 and February 15th 2023 (N = 18,389). We estimate the prevalence of war exposures, other potentially traumatic exposures, and (C)PTSD. In logistic regression analyses, we test if exposure to war and other potentially traumatic events are associated with PTSD and CPTSD. ResultsThe final sample size was 6993 (38.0 %). Responders were more likely to be female and younger than non-responders. Prevalence of PTSD and CPTSD was 15.9 % and 13.5 %, respectively. Female gender, high education, and loss of a relative due to the war were associated with (C)PTSD. Direct and indirect exposure to war and combat was related to PTSD but not CPTSD, while exposure to war prior to the 2022 invasion was related to CPTSD but not PTSD. LimitationsThe study is cross-sectional and based on self-report. ConclusionClose to one third of the sample fulfill the criteria of PTSD or CPTSD. War exposures are differentially related to PTSD and CPTSD. The findings illustrate that trauma-related psychopathology is a pertinent problem in displaced Ukrainians.

One Year of Experience in the Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgical Care of War Refugees and Soldiers from Ukraine in a Maximum Care Trauma Centre.

According to the United Nations, around 8,400 people have been injured and over 5,800 killed on the Ukrainian side in the Ukraine war, which has been going on for over 14 months. Extensive humanitarian aid operations were carried out to support Ukraine, so that war-wounded people from Ukraine were also cared for in Germany. In a retrospective cohort study, 10 patients were examined who were treated in the department between February 24th 2022 and February 24th 2023, using the cloverleaf system from Ukraine.The average duration of inpatient treatment was 53.10 days. The average ISS was 23.7. The patients were operated on an average of 3.3 times in our institution. All patients received consultative psychological care. All patients were initially put into protective isolation until the results of a corona test and microbiological swabs were available. After preliminary protective isolation, further isolation had to be carried out in 5 cases due to germs requiring isolation. Eight patients were released to state accommodation. Three patients were transferred back to Ukraine at their own request.The treatment of war-injured patients from Ukraine represents a particular challenge. It absolutely requires an interdisciplinary treatment concept that, in addition to special trauma surgery and orthopaedic expertise, also requires plastic-reconstructive, microbiological and, last but not least, psychological care. Due to the high rate of infections requiring isolation, long, costly therapy with multiple revision operations is often necessary.

Pediatric Ear and Nose Foreign Bodies during COVID-19 Pandemic: Is it so boring to Stay at Home?

Introduction: During the COVID-19 lockdown children, confined at home, had a potentially increased risk of domestic accidents like the placement of foreign bodies in ears and noses. Thus, we analyzed the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) consultations in the ED of Giannina Gaslini Children’s Hospital in Genoa due to foreign bodies (FB). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed all ED admissions in our Institute due to an ENT diagnosis in a year of COVID-19 emergency starting from the first day of school closure, the February 24th, 2020 (COVID-19, group A), and compared them with data from the same period of the previous year (pre COVID-19, group B). We then compared the incidence of nasal and ear FB in these two periods. We also evaluated differences in the clinical severity, type of foreign bodies, presence of complications, and need for hospitalization in these two groups. Results: During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a significant decrease in the need for ENT consultations (19% Group A vs. 23% Group B, p &lt; 0.001). However, the percentage of ENT consultations for all FB increased (8% Group A vs. 4% Group B, p &lt; 0.001), as well as for nose FB (0.6% vs.1.8%, p &lt; 0.001), and ear FB (0.9% vs. 0.6%, p = 0.005). Conclusion: COVID-19 lockdown increased ENT ED accesses for foreign bodies, even though the overall need for ENT specialists in the ED decreased.

Improving prevention and early detection of sepsis among patient groups at risk: Introducing a model for a multimodal information campaign-The SepWiss study protocol.

Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction due to a dysregulated host response to infection. Annually, sepsis leads to approx. 90.000 deaths in Germany. Risk factors include amongst others older age (>60), innate or acquired dysfunction of the immune system, and underlying chronic diseases of the lung, heart, liver, or kidneys. The manifestation of sepsis is a medical emergency, and patient outcomes depend on timely diagnosis and immediate treatment. In addition, vaccinations e.g., against pneumococci or influenza virus, are a highly effective public health tool to prevent the most common underlying infections that may lead to sepsis. However, a lack of public awareness for the relevance of vaccination and detecting sepsis as an emergency underlines the need for public health interventions that address these issues. SepWiss aims to evaluate the effects of a multimodal information campaign designed to address this lack of awareness among the risk population in Germany. SepWiss is an intervention at state level, consisting of a multimodal information campaign targeting risk groups in the German federal states of Berlin and Brandenburg (intervention region). Based on available evidence, various information formats were developed and implemented by outdoor advertising, social media, educational formats and through stakeholders' platforms, starting in August 2021. The control region comprises of the remaining 14 German federal states. We will analyze vaccination coverage (primary outcome), and sepsis knowledge, the ability to detect sepsis as an emergency, and attitude towards vaccination (secondary outcomes) amongst the risk population in a controlled before-after comparison. The implementation is accompanied by a mixed-method process evaluation. SepWiss is the first project of its kind to evaluate a complex multi-faceted evidence-based information campaign with regards to the topics of vaccination coverage, and the importance of sepsis detection and prevention for the most vulnerable populations in Germany. Results will be valuable for informing further nationwide campaigns. German Registry for Clinical Trials: DRKS00024475. Registered February 24th, 2021.

Newly developed site-specific response spectrum for site in Abbottabad city, Pakistan and its comparison with building code of Pakistan, 2021

Use of site-specific response spectrum has become an integral part of seismic hazard analysis to incorporate the effects of soil beneath the structure. Current study has been performed as a result of lesson learned from recent devasting Turkey earthquake of 6th February 2023, where design ground motions were greatly exceeded. This study presents development of site-specific response spectrum and its comparison with recently published building code of Pakistan, 2021. The results of this study indicate that mobilized shear strength of input motions increased along depth due to development of different shear strain in different soil layers which affected the shear modulus showing its resistance to deformation by exerted shear stress. Input bedrock motions with PGA of 0.31g amplified at the surface up to 0.36g as result of response from the soil profile used. After comparison with design spectrum of building code 2021, it is further validated that the development of site-specific response is underpinning when using design spectrum of BCP-2021 developed for return period of 475 years under currently used soil/site conditions.

The Monetisation of Personal Data in EU Strategies: The Hoda/Google Case

In July 2022, the Competition and Market Authority opened, on Hoda s.r.l.’s recommendation, an investigation (Competition and Market Authority, 2022) against Google for its alleged abuse of its dominant position and for having hindered interoperability in sharing the data of its users with other operators. Hoda itself is a start-up, active in the intermediation of personal data through the Weople app; natural persons who register with the app delegate Hoda for the collection of their data held by other companies, which are then archived in a digital wallet. The aforementioned proceeding concluded with an undertaking, with communication dated 28th February 2023, by the Alphabet company, to develop new, automatic tools that allow network users to download and export their data from Google to a third-party app. The case leads one to reflect on the consequences and challenges that Europe is called upon to face in managing the phenomenon of the governance and the monetisation of personal data. The institution of data portability, to the extent that it facilitates the circulation of data and the mobility of users, offers alternative operators the possibility of exerting competitive pressure on tech giants such as Google, which assert their dominance on the creation of ecosystems based on the management of potentially unlimited quantities of data, functional to one’s business model. The topic arouses particular interest because if, on the one hand, it paves the way for the monetisation of personal data, on the other, it leads one to reflect, as highlighted in the past by the President of the Guarantor Authority for the protection of personal data, on the consequences in terms of a re-feudalisation of social relationships that the remuneration of consent to the treatment of one’s data would risk determining.

The fight against disinformation and its consequences: measuring the impact of “Russia state-affiliated media” on Twitter

On February 28th, shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24th, Twitter announced the expansion of its labelling policy for “Russia state-affiliated media”, in order to address disinformation in favour of the Russian government.. While this ‘soft’ approach does not include the removal of content, it entails issues for freedom of expression and information. This article investigates the consequences of this labelling policy for the range and impact of accounts labelled “Russia state-affiliated media” during the Ukrainian war. Using an iterative detection method, a total of 90 accounts of both media outlets and individual journalists with this label were identified. The analysis of these accounts’ information and timeline, as well as the comparison of the impact of their tweets before and after February 28th with an ARIMA model, strongly suggests, that this policy, despite its limited scope, could have contributed to a reduction in the impact of the sampled tweets, among other concurrent events. These results provide empirical evidence to guide critical reflection on this content moderation policy.

Genetic analysis of SARS-CoV-2 spike gene using Next Generation Sequencing from COVID-19 patients in Erbil/Iraq.

SARS-CoV-2 has been identified by the WHO as a new virus causing mild to severe respiratory illnesses that belong to the Coronavirus family. The virus underwent rapid and continuous changes in the genetic material, especially the S gene, during COVID-19 pandemic and generated a number of new variants announced by WHO in late 2020. Mutations in the S gene have greatly affected virus pathogenesis as the spike protein is responsible for many critical processes. Delta and Omicron variants were studied extensively due to increased mortality and morbidity rates associated with their pandemic waves. This study aimed to analyse the S gene through NGS in an attempt to identify and characterize the circulating variants among the infected population in Erbil/Iraq. Nasopharyngeal and throat swab samples were collected from hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients with COVID-19 symptoms in Erbil City/Iraq from the 1st of November 2021 to the 28th of February 2022. Following confirmation of SARS-CoV-2 infection by RT-PCR, 15 samples were selected and sent to Intergen Lab (Ankara/Turkey) for NGS and analysis. Following analysis and alignment of the received sequences with the Wuhan-Hu-1 strain (wild-type), Delta variant was identified in 13 samples, and Omicron in two. On the whole, different mutation classes have been observed including nonsynonymous, synonymous, non-frameshift deletions and a non-frameshift insertion. The Delta-specific set of mutations, L452R, T478K and P681R, was detected in all Delta isolates. Both Omicron variants appeared to have 35 mutations. D614G variation was conserved in both variants.

Mediators and Predictors of Peritraumatic Dissociation after Devastating Consecutive Earthquakes: The role of social support

Objective: Dissociation involves the tendency to detach from one's environment, own body and mental states. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of psychiatric symptoms, coping strategies with earthquake stress and the relationship between peritraumatic dissociation one month after two earthquakes that occurred 9 hours apart on 6th February 2023 in Turkey. Method: In this cross-sectional, an online questionnaire distributed through social media groups was filled by 786 university students studying in Adana, including Peritraumatic Dissociative Experiences Questionnaire (PDEQ), Coping Strategies with Earthquake Stress Scale, and Brief Symptom Inventory. Results: The peritraumatic dissociation showed a weak negative relationship with religious coping strategy and a very weak positive relationship with seeking social support. Obsessive-compulsivity (β=0.650), anxiety (β=0.572), depression (β=-0.316, i.e., negatively), phobic anxiety (β=0.390), positive symptom distress index (β=-1.888), social support (β=0.597) sub-dimensions were found to be important predictors of PDEQ in the linear regression model (explanatory power R2=0.379) with obsessive-compulsivity (30.9%) being the most contributing factor. Peritraumatic dissociation scores were significantly higher in females and in those with damage or destruction in their homes. Mediation analysis revealed that depression indirectly increased the dissociation score, i.e., by decreasing the seeking social support scores, the latter being found to mediate peritraumatic dissociation. Discussion: The most important predictor of peritraumatic dissociation was obsessive-compulsivity symptoms, with the highest risk in those with more anxiety symptoms and who sought more social support. Therefore, social support is suggested to accompany early symptom screening after the earthquake to reduce outcomes like post-traumatic stress disorders. Keywords: Earthquake; Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder; Peritraumatic Dissociative Experiences Questionnaire; Coping Strategies with Earthquake Stress Scale; Brief Symptom Inventory