28th February Research Articles

A randomized trial assessing the efficacy of Silymarin on endometrioma-related manifestations

To study the effect of silymarin on the Interleukin-6 (IL-6) level, size of endometrioma lesion, pain, sexual function, and Quality of Life (QoL) in women diagnosed with endometriosis. This randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed on 70 women with endometriosis which was divided into two groups of intervention and control. The intervention was 140 mg silymarin (or matching placebo) administered twice daily for 12 weeks. The volume of endometrioma lesions, the level of IL-6 concentration in serum, pain, sexual function, and QoL were analyzed before and after the intervention. The means of endometrioma volume (P = 0.04), IL-6 (P = 0.002), and pain (P < 0.001) were reduced significantly in the silymarin group after intervention. However, the QoL and female sexual function did not improve substantially in the two groups (P > 0.05). Silymarin significantly reduced interleukin-6 levels, sizes of endometrioma lesions, and pain-related symptoms. The trial has been registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20150905023897N5) on 4th February 2020 (04/02/2020) (https://en.irct.ir/trial/42215) and the date of initial participant enrollment was 2nd March 2020 (02/03/2020).

Efficacy of drug regimen with and without oseltamivir in hospitalized patients with COVID-19: A retrospective study

IntroductionCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the most critical issue in nowadays medicine. We aimed to evaluate the use and therapeutic outcomes of oseltamivir, an antiviral drug for patients with COVID-19. Materials and methodIn an observational study conducted at Imam Khomeini Hospital in Amol, Iran, data for 544 patients with laboratory and CT scan result confirmed COVID-19 were retrospectively collected between February 24th and April 13th 2020. To compare the characteristics of patients based on gender, the chi-square test was used. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the effect of oseltamivir on the outcome of treatment. Logrank test were used to compare the length of hospital stay in people treated with oseltamivir and drugs other than oseltamivir. ResultsKaplan–Meier and logrank test showed no significant reduction in hospitalization time and survival rate following treatment with oseltamivir. However, a significant increase in lymphocytes count and reduction of C-reactive protein (CRP) level detected. ConclusionAdministration of oseltamivir for patients with COVID-19 didn't show any improvement in hospitalization duration and survival rate.

:Roman Animals in Ritual and Funerary Contexts: Proceedings of the 2nd Meeting of the Zooarchaeology of the Roman Period Working Group, Basel 1st–4th February 2018

:<i>Roman Animals in Ritual and Funerary Contexts: Proceedings of the 2nd Meeting of the Zooarchaeology of the Roman Period Working Group, Basel 1st–4th February 2018</i>

SGLT2i uptake among heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction: ongoing prescriber hesitancy and how to address this

Abstract Background The evidence of mortality benefit from sodium-glucose transport protein 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) in the management of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) has been observed since 2019. Its first-line use in HFrEF, regardless of diabetes status, has been recommended by The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) since September 2021. Yet prescriber hesitancy surrounding SGLT2i use is still an under investigated issue resulting in centres falling short of gold-standard care. A simple review of pharmacotherapy pattern can alert clinicians to under prescribing of SGLT2i inhibitors and respond by improving adherence to guidelines. Purpose To describe the pharmacotherapy pattern of HFrEF patients attending an outpatient (Heart Failure Support Unit) HFSU in Ireland. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed in HFrEF patients actively attending the HFSU. Active attendance was considered a single engagement with the service between 1st January 2021 and 31st December 2021, and patients who have not died, been transferred to another service, or loss to follow-up. Information collected from digital records included patient demographic, comorbidities, baseline investigations, and pharmacotherapy pattern. Sensitivity analysis was performed for patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Results 156 HFrEF patients were actively attending the HFSU. The mean age was 72.1 (±12.5) years and majority were male 114 (73.1%). The following pharmacotherapy pattern was revealed: angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/ angiotensin II receptor blockers (ACEi/ARBs) 80 (51.3%), ARNi 55 (35.3%), β-blockers 142 (91.0%), mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) 58 (37.2%), SGLT2i 9 (5.8%) and Ivabradine 9 (5.8%). Sensitivity analysis for T2DM patients (n=45) reveals a pattern of ACEi/ARBs 46.7%, ARNi 37.8%, β-blockers 95.6%, MRA 42.2%, SGLT2i 20.0% and Ivabradine 8.9%. All 9 instances of SGLT2i use were in T2DM patients. Since identification of SGLT2i under-prescribing, an interim review on 28th February 2022 revealed that total SGLT2i prescription had increased by 19 (211.1%), all of which were outside the T2DM population. Conclusions SGLT2i is still under prescribed for HFrEF management and prescriptions have the tendency to be restricted to T2DM patients. Identification of pharmacotherapy pattern can alert clinicians to prescriber hesitancy and increase new SGLT2i prescriptions outside the T2DM population. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

The Relationship of the COVID-19 pandemic with the Incidence and Management of Upper Limb Fractures: Double-Centre Study.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought about the placement of severe social restrictions in the United Kingdom, limiting activity and impacting public behavior. Limited studies have been published on the relationship of the coronavirus pandemic with the presentation and management of upper limb fractures. The aims of this study were first to assess the change in the incidence of upper limb fractures at key points during the COVID-19 pandemic such as the enactment and lifting of lockdowns, and second to evaluate the relationship between local COVID-19 burden and measures of service efficiency across our trust. We undertook a retrospective analysis of all upper limb fracture referrals, admissions, and surgical procedures from the 1st of March 2020 to the 28th of February 2021. Changes in upper limb fracture incidence were mapped to significant changes in social restrictions. Measurements of service efficiency including time from admission to theatre and length of stay for admitted upper limb fracture patients were mapped to local COVID-19 burden. Subgroup analysis was undertaken to compare across age groups, including the pediatric population, all adults, and the elderly. The study involved 1251, 659, and 641 patients with upper limb fracture referrals, admissions, and procedures across the trust, respectively. Referrals (n=128) and procedures (n=72) both peaked in August 2020. Admissions peaked in both May and December 2020 (63 for both). Admissions and procedures both demonstrated a decrease in March and April 2020 compared to the rest of the study period (40 and 38 admissions, as well as 48 and 29 procedures respectively). Across the cohort, referrals and admissions did not demonstrate a statistically significant relationship with the relaxing of social restrictions (P=0.504). There were statistically significant differences among referrals, admissions, and procedures when stratifying patients by age (p =<0.001). Length of stay demonstrated an inverse relationship with COVID-19 burden throughout the study period, with the shortest average length of stay recorded in months with the highest number of local COVID-19 cases. The average time from injury occurrence to theatre increased during the winter months (P=0.001). There is a relationship between changes in social restrictions and the incidence of upper limb fractures. These changes also had differing impacts on upper limb fracture rates when stratifying by patient age groups. The orthopedic service demonstrated adaptability in response to the local COVID-19 burden, and further research is needed to determine what effect this had on clinical outcomes.

A Retrospective Observational Study of Neurological Manifestations in COVID-19 (SON-CoV).

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has neurologic manifestations associated with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This study aimed to retrospectively analyze SARS COVID-19 patients with neurological manifestations and identify patterns of presentation including the site of neuroaxis involvement, neuroimaging, and associated systemic involvement. This retrospective observational study was conducted at two tertiary care hospitals in western Rajasthan. Data on age, sex, presenting symptoms, and comorbidities (hypertension, diabetes, cardiac, cerebrovascular disease, and cancer) were collected from 28th February 2020 to 31st December 2020 through medical records, discharge summaries, and radiological studies. Verbal/written patient consent was obtained due to the prevailing COVID-19 norms at the time of the first wave. Major inclusion criteria were as follows: age &gt;18 years, consent from patient/surrogate, positive RT-PCR report in case of active COVID cases, or positive COVID antibody test in case of post-COVID neurological sequelae. All neurological manifestations were reviewed by at least two neurologists and were divided into central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS) manifestations. Systemic features and their temporal relationship with neurological features were recorded. Various other specialized assessments and therapeutic interventions were conducted. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS software. A Chi-square test was performed to determine the association between variables. Student's t-test and one-way analysis of variance were used to determine differences in mean values. Statistical significance was set at p &lt; 0.05. The mean age was 57.32 years for the CNS group and 40 years for the PNS group (p = 0.025). Age was significantly lower in the PNS group than in the CNS group (p = 0.025). Anemia, leucocytosis, and elevated serum creatinine were more commonly seen in the CNS group, although the difference was not statistically significant. The most common CNS manifestations were stroke (41.8%), of which ischemic stroke constituted 83% of cases, followed by seizure (22%), encephalopathy (20.9%), headache (15.1%), and vertigo (3.8%). The most common PNS manifestation was neuropathy (57%), which included Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), critical illness neuropathy, and autonomic neuropathy Conclusion: CNS symptoms of COVID-19 are more common than PNS symptoms. Stroke is the most frequent (46%) COVID-CNS symptom, which occurs in people of age above 35 years and is associated with high mortality.

Structural stigma and its impact on healthcare for borderline personality disorder: a scoping review

BackgroundPeople with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and their carers/families continue to experience structural stigma when accessing health services. Structural stigma involves societal-level conditions, cultural norms, and organizational policies that inhibit the opportunities, resources, and wellbeing of people living with attributes that are the object of stigma. BPD is a serious mental illness characterized by pervasive psychosocial dysfunction including, problems regulating emotions and suicidality. This scoping review aimed to identify, map, and explore the international literature on structural stigma associated with BPD and its impact on healthcare for consumers with BPD, their carers/families, and health practitioners.MethodsA comprehensive search of the literature encompassed MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and JBI Evidence-Based databases (from inception to February 28th 2022). The search strategy also included grey literature searches and handsearching the references of included studies. Eligibility criteria included citations relevant to structural stigma associated with BPD and health and crisis care services. Quality appraisal of included citations were completed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool 2018 version (MMAT v.18), the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Checklist for Systematic Reviews and Research Syntheses Tool, and the AGREE II: advancing guideline development, reporting, and evaluation in health care tool. Thematic Analysis was used to inform data extraction, analysis, interpretation, and synthesis of the data.ResultsA total of 57 citations were included in the review comprising empirical peer-reviewed articles (n = 55), and reports (n = 2). Studies included quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods, and systematic review designs. Review findings identified several extant macro- and micro-level structural mechanisms, challenges, and barriers contributing to BPD-related stigma in health systems. These structural factors have a substantial impact on health service access and care for BPD. Key themes that emerged from the data comprised: structural stigma and the BPD diagnosis and BPD-related stigma surrounding health and crisis care services.ConclusionNarrative synthesis of the findings provide evidence about the impact of structural stigma on healthcare for BPD. It is anticipated that results of this review will inform future research, policy, and practice to address BPD-related stigma in health systems, as well as approaches for improving the delivery of responsive health services and care for consumers with BPD and their carers/families.Review Registration: Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/bhpg4).

The security of digital and information rights of condemnes in institutions of the execution of punishments at the terms of martial law

This article is dedicated to the analisys of the security of digital and information rights of condemes in institutions of the execution of punishments and also to the creation of ways of the improvement of the mechanism of the realization these rights at the terms of martial law. We emphasize that the creation of the position of the ombudsman, functioning of human rights organizations, the adoptions of the chain of normative legal acts which are directed for regulating of human rights in different fields of social life testify to the formation of a human-centered environments in Ukrainian society. Ukraine progressed in the part of the formation human rights but at the 24-th of February 2022 year russian federation started a full-scale invasion of the territory of sovereign and independent Ukraine and which was accompanied by a purposeful violation of human rights of Ukrainian by the aggressor state.&#x0D; It is the step «backwards» in the formation of free and democratic society where human rights, in particular rights of condemnes, are fixed at the legislative level and also properly implemented in practice.&#x0D; Russian occupants systematically break international law and make obstacles to full and free use of the Internet by citizens of Ukraine and connect them to Russian providers. In these situations the State Security of special communications and information protection of Ukraine recommends to connect to occupant`s providers only by a system of VPN. Condemens are prohibited from using of the system of VPN, so the problem of the security of digital and information rights of condemens at the terms of the martial law needs special attention.&#x0D; Authors focus the attention on the creation of organization and law basics of the security of digital and information rights of condemens in institutions of the execution of punishments that will operate during the martial law.

Effects of camel feed supplementation on milk yields and composition during early pregnancy period

A study was conducted between January and March 2022 which was the camel mating season at Ngaremara ward of Isiolo County. The objective was to determine the effect of feed supplementation on milk yield and composition in early pregnancy. It is documented that camels in pastoral environment drop milk production immediately after conception. There is limited information in literature on effects of supplementation on milk production at this stage. A complete randomized design was used to select ten camels which were supplemented with a formulated concentrate supplement made of locally available materials and ten un-supplemented which was the control. All camels were dewormed at the beginning of the study. Formulated feeds were gradually introduced to ten camels by adding 1 kg daily and enticing them with green acacia pods for 2 weeks until all supplemented were able to feed 3.5 kgs in the evening after grazing. Mating took place naturally using a bull between 6th January and 15th February 2022 and one supplemented and two un-supplemented camels were not mated. Milking was done in the mornings after allowing the calves to stimulate the teats for the milk letdown reflex. Production of milk in litres was recorded daily and total production per camel tabulated on weekly basis. Milk samples were taken every week and analyzed for protein and fat levels. Statistical data analysis for milk yields was done by comparing weekly means using ANOVA with the help of SPSS. Mean weekly milk yields per camel in litres for the supplemented and un-supplemented was 8.6067 ± 0.23691 and 8.0797±0.26185 respectively. There was a consistent increase in milk production for the supplemented camels with a significant increase of 1.63 litres at week 3 (P&lt;0.05). The un-supplemented camels had a consistent drop of milk production which was more significant (P&lt;0.05) at week 5 and 7. Supplemented camels milk had percentage increase in fat content of 3.470 ±0.0300 compared to 3.157±0.0228 for the un-supplemented. The supplemented camels were mated earlier than the un-supplemented. Six supplemented and five un-supplemented were confirmed pregnant through the indigenous knowledge method of cocking the tail (kutoa mkia) when the male or a person approaches. The study concludes that feed supplementation can positively affect the lactation curve and fertility in camels. It is recommended that camels be supplemented with feed formulations made from locally available materials at around the time of mating to improve production and reproduction. Further studies are recommended to determine the effect of pregnancy on milk yields and composition.

The incidence of congenital anomalies in newborns before and during the Covid-19 pandemic

BackgroundPregnant women are one of the most vulnerable groups in the Covid-19 pandemic. Due to the lack of knowledge about fetal and perinatal complications following Covid-19 infection, the association of Covid-19 pandemic and congenital anomalies in babies conceived and born during this pandemic is unclear. Current study aimed to investigate the association between the Covid-19 pandemic and congenital birth anomalies in Iran. The population of newborns whose embryonic period coincided with the Covid-19 crises were compared with a similar group born during the pre-Covid-19 period.MethodsThis is a retrospective comparative analysis of congenital birth anomalies in Iran; desired data was extracted from national birth registry database. All registered congenital anomalies in hospital births were compared between two time periods: During Covid-19 (1st November 2020- 28th February 2021) and Before Covid-19 (1st November 2019-29th February 2020). Incidence of congenital anomalies at birth were compared and analyzed between these two time periods.ResultsThe incidence of congenital birth anomalies are significantly increased during Covid-19 pandemic compared with before Covid-19 (P value < 0.00001). The number of all types of anomalies has increased in the current pandemic, but the congenital anomalies of the central nervous system (P value = 0.04) and Genitourinary (P value = 0.03) have a larger contribution than before.ConclusionCovid-19 pandemic are associated with congenital anomalies at birth. There are several factors in the Covid-19 pandemic which can affect fetal development in the first trimester of pregnancy. Possible reasons include vertical transmission of Covid-19 infection; maternal fever, stress and anxiety; insufficient preconception and prenatal care; neglect of fetal screening; and poverty imposed by this pandemic.

Health literacy in relation to health outcomes in hypertension: A systematic review

The article aims at presenting scientific evidence on the possible role of Health Literacy (HL) on hypertension health outcomes. Original-research studies published in English from January 1st 1990 to February 28th 2021, were selected through a computer-assisted literature search, using specific key words relating to hypertension and HL. Studies in full text, on adult hypertensive patients, were included. Out of the 56 articles reviewed, 29 publications met the criteria for inclusion. Twenty-four studies were cross-sectional, 2 studies were interventions and there was 1 study from each of the following categories: randomised control trial (RCT), retrospective study and a non-randomised prospective cohort trial. The findings differ according to the design of the study, however, there seems to be good evidence that higher HL is usually associated with better blood pressure control, better hypertension knowledge, better medication adherence and higher levels of health-related quality of life of the participants. There is evidence that health literacy levels positively affect hypertension health outcomes.

Human Rights without Borders for Refugees and Asylum Seekers. Social and Jurisdictional Aspects

The refugee crisis generated by internal conflicts and civil wars from various areas consolidated unilateral interventions towards security, rather than developing a collective answer and providing immediate actions based on human rights to support vulnerable groups. A retrospection of the past decade events in the Arabic World, illustrates that during the years 2014 - 2021, the world witnessed the highest wave of refugees migrating from Syria, Yemen, Afghanistan and Iraq to Europe. By analysing this, we can argue that concerns regarding security policies led to a significant increase in the number of difficulties that refugees and asylum seekers encounter in obtaining international protection support. The 24th of February 2022 marks the beginning of the Russian invasion in Ukraine. It similarly marks the day when the twenty seven countries – members of the EU allowed the directive for temporary protection and support to the Ukrainian refugees, for the first time in the European Union history. This current study examines the collective efforts of the Intra – European relocations offering immediate support to those fleeing the war while respecting the fundamental international human rights.

The Comparison Of The Frequency Of Surgical Site Infections in patients With Primary Closure Vs Delayed Primary Closure In Contaminated Abdominal surgeries

Aim: To compare the frequency of surgical site infections in patients with primary closure versus delayed primary closure in contaminated abdominal surgeries. Study duration: 7th August 2020 to 6th February 2021 Study design &amp; setting: Randomized controlled trial in the Department of Surgery, Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur. Methods: A sample size of eighty two patients presented with the complaint of contaminated abdomen surgical procedures of any gender between the age of 20-60 years have been The calculated sample size was eighty two i.e. forty one in each group with 5% level of significance, the surgical site infections in patients with major closure as 42.5% and with delayed closure as 17.5%. Sampling technique was Non-probability, consecutive sampling. All subjects presented with contaminated stomach surgical procedures as per operational definitions and age twenty to sixty years have been included in the study. The patients with malignant ascites was excluded from the study. Patients with records of penetrating/blunt stomach injuries, with persistent steroid use i.e. &gt;1 month and patients with persistent renal failure Results: The age of women mean in group A was 37.68±7.37 years and in group B was 36.44 ± 8.12 years. Majority of the subjects were forty eight (58.54%) have been between twenty to forty years of age. Out of eighty two patients, fifty seven (69.51%) have been men and 25 (30.49%). The surgical site contamination in group A (primary closure) as eleven (26.83%) and in Group B (delayed primary closure) as four (9.76%) respectively with p-value of 0.046. Conclusion: Therefore it is concluded that frequency of surgical site infections is much less in patients with delayed major closure in contaminated abdomen surgeries as in compare to main closure. Keywords: Surgical site infections, delayed primary closure, Prolene.

Association of Serum 25(OH) D Levels with Gestational Hypertension and Risk of Pre-eclampsia in Our Population

Background: Pre-eclampsia is a syndrome of immune system of pregnant females, which causes severe obstetrical complications. Low serum level of 25-hydroxyvitamin-D is common during pregnancy complicated with preeclampsia but local evidence is missing. Aim: To determine the association of pre-eclampsia with decreased vitamin- D levels during two phases of gestation (after 20 weeks) over a period of six months. Study design: Cohort study Place and duration of study: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lady Willingdon Hospital, Lahore from 4th February 2019 to 3rd August 2019. Methodology: One hundred and seventy females were enrolled in study at 20 weeks gestational age. They were divided into two groups (85 patients in each group). Those with normal Vitamin D3 levels (&gt;30 ng/ml) were grouped as Low risk group and those with relatively low (insufficient) serum vitamin D3 levels (between 21-29 ng/ml) were grouped as high-risk group with potential risk factor for pre-eclampsia. Both groups were followed from 24+1 weeks to 36 weeks of gestation with every two weeks’ interval, for assessment of development of pre-eclampsia or not. Both groups were followed up and outcome was noted. Results: The mean age of the patients was 26.44±4.08 years and mean gestational age was 35.47±2.34 weeks. One hundred and 42(83.53%) patients appeared with PIH while 28(16.47%) patients appeared with preeclampsia. Among high risk patients, preeclampsia was noted in 26(30.6%) patients while in low risk group patients, preeclampsia was noted in 2(2.4%) patients (p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: A significant association observed between pre-eclampsia and decreased vitamin D level during phases of pregnancy. Keywords: Vitamin D level, Preeclampsia, Hypertension

Operation rate and cancer prevalence among thyroid nodules with FNAC report of suspicious for malignancy (TIR4) or malignant (TIR5) according to Italian classification system: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundIn the Italian system for reporting thyroid cytology (ICCRTC), nodules suspicious for (TIR4) and consistent with (TIR5) malignancy are thought being 5% and 4–8% of all biopsies and having risk of malignancy of 60–80% and >95%, respectively. However, no evidence-based data exist about these figures. The present systematic review aimed at achieving solid estimates about TIR4 and TIR5 also considering potential influencing factors.MethodsThe review was conducted according to MOOSE. Databases of Google Scholar and Cochrane were searched. No language restriction was used. The last search was performed on February 26th 2022. Quality assessment was performed. Proportion meta-analyses were performed using random-effect model. Statistical analyses were performed using OpenMeta [Analyst].ResultsThe online search retrieved 271 articles and 16 were finally included for quantitative analysis. The risk of bias was generally low. The pooled cancer prevalence in TIR4 was 92.5% (95%CI 89.4–95.6%) with unexplained moderate heterogeneity. The pooled cancer rate among TIR5 was 99.7% (95%CI 99.3–100%) without heterogeneity. The resection rate in TIR4 and TIR5 showed heterogeneity, being the latter explained when using their prevalence among biopsies: the higher the prevalence, the higher the operation rate. The pooled risk difference between TIR5 and TIR4 was significant (OR 11.153).ConclusionsThese figures can form the basis for the next updated version of ICCRTC. Any institution using ICCRTC should revise its series of TIR4/TIR5 to calculate the cancer rate, and, importantly, consider the modifiers of the risk of malignancy. A cross check among institutions is advised.

A MEMS modulator-based dual-channel mid-infrared laser heterodyne radiometer for simultaneous remote sensing of atmospheric CH4, H2O and N2O.

The performance of a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) modulator-based dual-channel mid-infrared laser heterodyne radiometer (MIR-LHR) was demonstrated in ground-based solar occultation mode for the first time. A MEMS mirror was employed as an alternative modulator to the traditional mechanical chopper, which makes the system more stable and compact. Two inter-band cascade lasers (ICL) centered at 3.53 µm and 3.93 µm, were employed as local oscillators (LO) to probe absorption lines of methane (CH4), water vapor (H2O) and nitrous oxide (N2O). The system stability greater than 1000 s was evaluated by Allan variance. The experimental MIR-LHR spectra (acquired at Hefei, China, on February 24th 2022) of two channels were compared and were in good agreement with simulation spectra from atmospheric transmission modeling. The mixing ratio of CH4, H2O and N2O were determined to be ∼1.906 ppm, 3069 ppm and ∼338 ppb, respectively. The reported MEMS modulator-based dual-channel MIR-LHR in this manuscript has great potential to be a portable and high spectral resolution instrument for remote sensing of multi-component gases in the atmospheric column.

Unveiling the Space Weather During the Starlink Satellites Destruction Event on 4 February 2022

AbstractOn 4 February 2022, 38 Starlink satellites were destroyed by the geomagnetic storm, which brought significant financial, aerospace and public influences. In this letter, we reveal the space weather process during 3–4 February 2022 geomagnetic disturbances, from the Sun all the way to the satellite orbiting atmosphere. Initiated by an M1.0 class flare and the following coronal mass ejection (CME), a moderate geomagnetic storm was stimulated on 3rd February by the CME arrival at Earth. Subsequently, another moderate storm was triggered on 4th February by the passage of another CME. Model simulations driven by solar wind show that the first geomagnetic storm induced around 20% atmospheric density perturbations at 210 km altitude on 3rd February. The unexpected subsequent storm on 4th February led to a density enhancement of around 20%–30% at around 210 km. The resulting atmospheric drag can be even larger, since the regional density enhancement was over 60% and the satellite orbits were continuously decaying. This event brings forth the urgent requirements of better understanding and accurate prediction of the space weather as well as collaborations between industry and space weather community.

Fear and death anxiety in the shadow of COVID-19 among the Lebanese population: A cross-sectional study.

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic was one of the most devastating health crises the world has seen. One of its mental health consequences includes fear of being infected, which could lead to anxiety. This study aimed to assess the fear related to the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated factors among the adult population in Lebanon.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in Lebanon between February 26th and April 29th, 2021. Data was collected through an online survey among adults aged 18 years and older. Information on sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the participants, fear and death anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic, depression, and anxiety were collected. Multivariable linear regression analyses were carried out to identify the predictors of fear related to the COVID-19 pandemic.ResultsA total of 1840 participants were included in the analysis of which 62.9% were females and 62.2% were single. The age of the participants ranged from 18 to 70 years with a mean of 26.6 ±8.8 years. Of the total participants, 41.9% felt uncomfortable thinking about the novel Coronavirus and 35.4% of candidates became nervous/anxious when watching the news about COVID-19 on social media. About one-third of the participants (33.7%) were afraid of COVID-19 and 23.8% were afraid of losing their life because of the disease. Concerning somatic symptoms of fear, 7.9% reported increased heart races or palpitations whenever they thought about getting infected with COVID-19, 3.7% complained about sleep disturbances while 2.5% developed tremors or sweating in their hands when they thought about Coronavirus. In addition, Death anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic was one of the most fear-related factors (B = 0.191, 95% CI (0.172 to 0.211), P-value < 0.0001).ConclusionThis study provides insights on the impact of COVID-19 on individuals at the level of fear in Lebanon. Death anxiety was identified as the most significant predictor of fear related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Considering the negative psychological effects of fear, it is necessary to educate the adults on how to deal with death anxiety and implement psychological interventions and counseling programs to relieve fear and improve the mental health of Lebanese adults.

The reaction of G20+ stock markets to the Russia–Ukraine conflict “black-swan” event: Evidence from event study approach

In this paper we examine the impact of the breakout of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine on the G20 and other selected stock markets using the event study approach. The analysis of the abnormal returns (AR) before and after the launch of the ‘special military operation’ by Russian military forces on the 24th of February 2022 revealed a strong negative impact of this military action on a majority of the stock markets, especially on the Russian market. The aggregate stock market analysis indicates a significant and negative impact of the Russia–Ukraine conflict on the event day and post event days. The country-wise analysis demonstrated that the stock markets of Hungary, Russia, Poland, and Slovakia were first to react in anticipation of the military actions in Ukraine, showing negative returns in pre- event days already, whereas the stock markets of Australia, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Romania, South Africa, Spain, and Turkey were adversely affected in the post-invasion days. Finally, the regional analysis indicates that the European and Asian regions are significantly and adversely affected by this event.

THERE was a great ripping up OF ROMANCE OCCURRING.: A Performance by Lucy Beynon and Lisa Jeschke

A live performance of THERE was a great ripping up OF ROMANCE OCCURRING.&amp;nbsp;PEOPLE who were in love WERE BEING LEFT BEHIND in a reserved paddock of the imagination. The ANALYSTS were aT work--: a short play (198-?) by Grace Lake.&amp;nbsp;Performed 4th February 2017 at the Anna Mendelssohn Symposium, University of Sussex.&amp;nbsp;