January February Research Articles

Deficient editorial practices, perceived quality, and expedient scholarly publishing in a developing nation

Background There is increasing concern about the quality, integrity, and accessibility to research published in the developing world. This study explores the editorial practices and editors’ perspectives to gain insight into the standard of scholarly publishing in Libya. Methods Between 21st January and 12th February, 2022, the editors-in-chief (EC) of Libyan academic journals were invited to complete a questionnaire on editorial practices, degree of satisfaction with submitted and published manuscripts, review processes, and journal performance, as well as challenges facing the journals. Journal websites were examined for quality, and indexation coverage and citations were assessed. We examined the number of citations in Google Scholar for all 2019 articles published in each journal. Descriptive statistics were used to quantitatively summarize the data and thematic analysis was used for the narrative text. Results 48 EC completed the questionnaire. The EC was affiliated with the institution that owns the journal in 92% of cases. Most EC (83%) were satisfied with the peer-review quality, 69% believed that most of their published papers add new ideas or findings, and 96% were satisfied with their journal’s performance. However, despite the high degree of satisfaction, only one journal was indexed in Web of Science or Scopus and only 17% of the journals were indexed in Google Scholar. A qualitative assessment of journal websites revealed shortcomings in publishing practices in a large proportion of the journals. Conclusions The discordance between the satisfaction of the journal editors and the journal quality indicators points to a break in the quality system of Libyan academic publishing. Similar expedient publishing practices might exist in other countries as well. A comprehensive action plan led by academic institutions to enforce high standards for scholarly publishing is needed to advance research and high-quality scholarly publications in developing countries.

Impact of stratospheric variability on subseasonal temperature reversals during late winter over the mid-high latitudes of East Asia

Significant phase shifts in winter surface air temperature (SAT) anomalies have successively occurred in East Asia (EA) during recent years, leading to detrimental effects on socio-economic activities. In this study, we identify the fourth principal mode of month-to-month SAT variations over EA in winter (November–February) using the Season-reliant Empirical Orthogonal Function (S-EOF) analysis. The fourth S-EOF mode (S-EOF4) represents subseasonal SAT reversals over the mid-high latitudes of EA during late winter (January–February), with cold (warm) anomalies over Northeastern Asia in January and widespread warm (cold) anomalies over midlatitude EA in February. Results indicate that the cold-to-warm S-EOF4 is associated with a northward shift of the Siberian High in January and a quasi-barotropic low-pressure system over the Ural region in February. The formation of the S-EOF4 is accompanied by stratospheric temperature anomalies over eastern Siberia–Alaska in January. Stratospheric warming corresponds to cold-to-warm transitions over the mid-high latitudes of EA, and vice versa. Further investigation suggests that stratospheric warming would simultaneously lead to a weakened Arctic stratospheric polar vortex (SPV), which mainly stretches into Northern Eurasia and directly influences cold anomalies over Northeastern Asia in January. The delayed impact of stratospheric variability on the reversal of EA SAT anomalies is accomplished by an “ocean bridge” of the midlatitude North Atlantic sea surface temperature (SST) anomaly. The weakened SPV promotes anomalous westerly winds in the midlatitude North Atlantic and generates a significant SST cooling, which then regulates a cyclonic anomaly over the Ural region and results in warm anomalies over the midlatitude EA in February. The bridge role of the North Atlantic SST anomaly is well supported by a linear baroclinic model. In addition, the deepening of the Aleutian Low in December could significantly enhance the climatological wavenumber 1, serving as the tropospheric precursor of stratospheric warming. These findings contribute to an in-depth comprehension of EA subseasonal temperature variability, offering valuable insights for enhancing seasonal prediction strategies.

An Intrathermocline Eddy Observed in the Southeastern Tropical Indian Ocean

AbstractAn intrathermocline eddy (ITE) was observed over the southeastern tropical Indian Ocean (SETIO) from early February to early May 2020. The ITE was generated near the southwest of Java, and was long lived with a long propagation distance. It had pronounced surface anticyclonic anomalies during westward propagation. Observations from an anchored buoy and several Argo profiles suggested a typical lens‐like vertical structure within the thermocline during the passage of the ITE. The ITE carried a saline water mass with maximum salinity at core depths of 100–150 m. The saline water mass originated from the equatorial Indian Ocean and was transported to the southwest of Java in early January. The formation of the ITE was characterized by a rapid increase of positive sea level anomaly in the southwest of Java, which was closely associated with the local positive wind stress curl in late January and early February.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with malaria infection in children under two years of age in southern Togo prior to perennial malaria chemoprevention implementation

BackgroundMalaria remains the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in young children in sub-Saharan Africa. To prevent malaria in children living in moderate-to-high malaria transmission areas, the World Health Organization has recommended perennial malaria chemoprevention (PMC). Prior to piloting PMC implementation in southern Togo, a household survey was conducted to estimate malaria infection prevalence in children under 2 years of age (U2).MethodsA cross-sectional community-based household survey was conducted in the Haho district in the Togo Plateaux region. A three-stage random sampling method was used to select study participants aged 10–23 months whose caretakers gave informed consent. The prevalence of Plasmodium infection, defined as a positive rapid diagnostic test (RDT), was estimated with 95% confidence interval (CI). Clinical malaria was defined as having a positive RDT plus fever (≥ 37.5 °C) or history of fever in the last 24 h. Mixed-effects logistic regression models were used to assess the child’s, caretaker’s, and household’s factors associated with malaria infection.ResultsA total of 685 children were included in the survey conducted January–February in 2022 (dry season). Median age was 17 months (interquartile range: 13–21). About 80% of the children slept under a bed net the night before the interview. Malaria infection prevalence was 32.1% (95% CI 27.7–37.0) with significant area variation (cluster range: 0.0–73.3). Prevalence of clinical malaria was 15.4% (95% CI 12.2–19.2). Children whose caretakers were animist (aOR: 1.71, 95% CI 1.19–2.46) and those living in mother-headed households (aOR: 2.39, 95% CI 1.43–3.99) were more likely to have a positive RDT. Living more than 5 km away from the nearest health facility (aOR: 1.60, 95% CI 1.04–2.44) and presence of two or more under-5-years children in the household (aOR: 1.44, 95% CI 1.01–2.07) were also associated with increased risk of infection.ConclusionOne-third of the children U2 who participated in this survey had malaria infection, thus PMC could be a promising strategy to reduce malaria burden in young children in Plateaux region. Reinforcement of outreach services and targeting the poorest households should be prioritized to reduce the inequity in malaria prevention in children exposed to the infection.

Targeting average length of hospital stay as a control measure to decrease COVID-19 hospital-acquired infection in surgical cancer patients

BackgroundThe global spread of coronaviruses had a great impact on the economic and social situation of most countries. As the backbone of any society, the health sector made a significant contribution through applying emergency risk management plans in order to control the pandemic. Monitoring the average length of hospital stay (ALOS) was an effective way to release the capacity of the health system during this time. The aim was to evaluate the effect of applying risk assessment/management strategies on ALOS and the impact of this ALOS on COVID-19 infection rates among cancer patients.MethodsThis is a prospective cohort study. All admitted cancer patients in 6 surgical departments from January to June 2021 were included.ResultsA total of 1287 patients were admitted to 6 surgical departments during the selected period. About 46% of them had surgery (n = 578), while 54% did not have surgery (n = 700). Among surgical patients, admission rates were highest in February and head and neck department (24% and 22.1%, respectively), and lowest in April and chest department (12.4% and 8%, respectively). ALOS was significantly different across the 6 months (p value < 0.001) with lower ALOS in (April, May, and June) than in (January–February, and March). No significant difference was found across the 6 surgical departments (p value = 0.423). Twenty-eight patients became COVID-19 positive after admission, 25 of them (89%) were infected from March to June—during the time of the third wave—and a significant decreasing linear trend (p value = 0.009) was found.ConclusionALOS had significantly reduced with commitment to infection control (IC) interventions and recommendations. The significant decreasing trend of COVID-19 infection from March to June (unlike the rising curve of the 3rd COVID-19 wave by that time) could be explained by improvement in ALOS.

Impact of Caesarean section on pregnancy outcomes in ART after transfer of one or more frozen blastocysts

IntroductionThe prevalence of Caesarean delivery is rising steadily worldwide, and it is important to identify its future impact on fertility. A number of articles have been published on this subject, but the impact of Caesarean section on reproductive outcomes is still under debate, and none of these articles focus exclusively on frozen blastocysts. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a previous Caesarean delivery compared with a previous vaginal delivery on the chances of a live birth following the transfer of one or more frozen embryos at the blastocyst stage. MethodsThis was a retrospective, bicentric study at the University Hospitals of Nîmes and Montpellier, conducted between January 1st, 2016 and February 1st, 2021. Three hundred and ninety women with a history of childbirth and a transfer of one or more frozen embryos at blastocyst stage were included in the analysis. The primary outcome was the number of live births. Secondary outcomes were: the rate of positive HCG, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy and clinical pregnancy, as well as the live birth rate according to the presence or absence of an isthmocele. ResultsOf the 390 patients included, 118 had a previous Caesarean delivery and 272 a vaginal delivery. No statistically significant differences were found for the primary (p = 0.9) or secondary outcomes. A trend towards lower live birth rates was observed in patients with isthmoceles, but this did not reach significance (p>0.9). On the other hand, transfers were more often described as difficult in the Caesarean delivery group (p = 0.011). ConclusionOur study found no effect of previous Caesarean delivery on the chances of live birth after transferring one or more frozen blastocysts. However, further prospective studies are needed to confirm these results.

Impact of school lockdown on access to online instruction during the war in Ukraine

AbstractQuarantine measures in connection to the COVID‐19 pandemic challenged the education system in Ukraine, like the education systems of other countries. This manifested over the course of three years in an increased need to develop distance learning online. Also, teacher ability to use digital tools, such as information communication technology (ICT), for instruction online is crucial in wartime circumstances in Ukraine. We describe the effects of school lockdown on teachers in Ukraine and how this affected teacher abilities to use distance instruction online in wartime circumstances. Drawing on a large‐scale survey of 54,254 educators conducted in January–February 2022, we report on challenges and needs identified by teachers in Ukraine. The survey collected responses from teachers and other categories of educators. Our analysis of survey findings focus on key challenges and needs of teachers and schools during the COVID‐19 quarantine. Respondents identified the following challenges: (1) lacking access to ICT equipment; (2) lacking access to stable high‐speed internet; (3) an insufficient level of knowledge and skills in using ICTs (digital competence). The study on which this article reports outlined possibilities for the professional development of teachers in Ukraine, complemented with a teacher self‐assessment of digital competence. The findings demonstrate that methods for organising online education in wartime circumstances in Ukraine benefit from the active interaction of all participants in the education process, their adaptability to changing learning conditions, continued communication about needs, notably teacher abilities to use ICT, and the ICT capacity of institutions.

Changes in Site of Death Among Older Adults Without a COVID-19 Diagnosis During the COVID-19 Pandemic

BackgroundUnderstanding how the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic affected site of death—an important patient-centered outcome related to end-of-life care—would inform healthcare system resiliency in future public health emergencies.ObjectiveTo evaluate the changes in site of death during the COVID-19 pandemic among older adults without a COVID-19 diagnosis.DesignUsing a quasi-experimental difference-in-differences method, we estimated net changes in site of death during the pandemic period (March–December 2020) from the pre-pandemic period (January–February 2020), using data on the same months in prior years (2016–2019) as the control.ParticipantsA 20% sample of Medicare Fee-for-Service beneficiaries aged 66 years and older who died in 2016–2020. We excluded beneficiaries with a hospital diagnosis of COVID-19.Main MeasuresWe assessed each of the following sites of death separately: (1) home or community; (2) acute care hospital; and (3) nursing home.Key ResultsWe included 1,133,273 beneficiaries without a hospital diagnosis of COVID-19. We found that the proportion of Medicare beneficiaries who died at home or in the community setting increased (difference-in-differences [DID] estimate, + 3.1 percentage points [pp]; 95% CI, + 2.6 to + 3.6 pp; P < 0.001) and the proportion of beneficiaries who died (without COVID-19 diagnosis) in an acute care hospital decreased (− 0.8 pp; 95% CI, − 1.2 to − 0.4 pp; P < 0.001) during the pandemic. We found no evidence that the proportion of deaths in nursing homes changed during the pandemic.ConclusionsUsing national data on older adults without a COVID-19 diagnosis, we found that site of death shifted toward home or community settings during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings may inform clinicians and policymakers in supporting end-of-life care during future public health emergencies.

Abstract 17764: Clinical Outcomes and Predictors of Vasoplegia in Patients Undergoing Orthotopic Cardiac Transplantation at a High-Volume Single-Center

Background: Patients undergoing heart transplantation are at significant risk of the developing post-operative vasoplegia, which is associated with poor outcomes. Despite significant burden to these patients, risk factors for development of vasoplegia are poorly understood. We assess these risk factors and outcomes in patients undergoing orthotopic heart transplant at our high-volume academic center. Methods: 173 patients underwent cardiac transplantation between January 1 st , 2015 and February 28 th 2022 at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Baseline demographics, operative characteristics, peri-operative management, and long-term follow-up data were obtained. Vasoplegia was defined as provider documentation of vasoplegia for patients with persistent hypotension requiring the use of one or more vasopressors to maintain mean arterial pressures &gt;65 mmHg in the absence of other explainable causes (cardiogenic shock, sepsis, etc.) The two primary endpoints assessed were development of vasoplegia in the 48 hours post-transplant and all-cause mortality. Statistical significance was assessed using Chi-squared, analysis of variance, or Kruskal-Wallis where appropriate. Results: In total, 173 patients underwent cardiac transplantation. 89 (51.4%) developed vasoplegia in the post-operative period. 130 (75.1%) were males. The average age at transplant was 56 years. Patients with vasoplegia were more likely to have history of atrial fibrillation (p=0.01) and had higher BMI (p&lt;0.01) compared to those without. There were otherwise no significant differences in demographic data such as past medical history and medication history in those with and without vasoplegia. Patients with vasoplegia had significantly higher cardiopulmonary bypass times (p=0.01), aortic cross-clamp times (p&lt;0.01) and need for red blood cell transfusion peri-operatively (p=0.02). Patients with vasoplegia had higher 30-day mortality (p=0.03), however there was no significant difference in 1-year mortality for those with and without vasoplegia. Conclusions: Vasoplegia is common following orthotopic heart transplant, and short-term mortality is high. Appropriate risk-stratification is paramount in caring for these high-risk patients.

Hydrochemical changes in thermal waters related to seismic activity: The case of the 2020–2021 seismic sequence in Granada (S Spain)

Between the end of December 2020 and August 2021, 3110 earthquakes were recorded in the Granada Depression in southern Spain, with 353 of them being felt by the population. The highest concentration of earthquakes occurred between January 23rd and February 23rd, 2021, during which five out of six of the highest magnitude earthquakes (greater than 4.1 Mw) were recorded. This shallow seismicity is associated with NW-SE normal active faults, specifically the Santa Fe fault. Hydrochemical sampling was carried out at two deep, upwelling, and thermal boreholes located near the epicentral zone between January 27th, 2021 and July 18th, 2022, to analyze the response of a set of hydrochemical parameters during and after the earthquakes. The methodology employed different statistical tools, including Principal Components Analysis (PCA), PHREEQC modeling as well as Piper and Langelier-Ludwig diagrams, to determine the hydrochemical evolution during the seismic sequence and the parameter variations in relation to the number and magnitude of the earthquakes. The results showed significant variations in almost all of the parameters analyzed, with greater variations in SO4, Cl, Fe, Ca, Zn, and Al. During the days with the highest number of earthquakes of the highest magnitude, there was a rapid increase in Cl, SO4, SiO2, and Mg, while F, T, EC, and pH decreased. Peaks in SO4 seemed to anticipate earthquakes of greater magnitude that could be related to the preseismic dilatation which allows for an inflow of deep sulphated source water into the aquifer system. PCA and hydrochemical diagrams showed appreciable differences between the two boreholes, which could be related to the sampling distance from the epicentral zone. The results suggest the need for a hydrochemical monitoring network in the region, which has the highest seismic hazard in Spain.

Anthropogenic Influence on 2022 Extreme January–February Precipitation in Southern China

Abstract The precipitation in January–February 2022 in southern China was the second-largest amount since 1961. Anthropogenic influence reduced the likelihood of extreme events like 2022 by about 50% (55%) in HadGEM3 (CMIP6).

Observed current variations in the Bohai Sea in the winter of 2020/2021

Hydrodynamic conditions in the Bohai Sea (BS) play an important role in regulating variabilities in the regional climate and marine ecosystem. In the current study, wintertime current variations in the BS were investigated using continuous in situ observations at two sites in the western BS (S1) and southeastern BS (S2) from November/December 2020 to March 2021. The results indicated that residual currents and their variations were both stronger at S1 than at S2. Residual currents had notable vertical variations, with nearly opposite directions in the upper and lower layers. Upper layer residual currents were mostly southeastward at both sites, while lower layer residual currents were basically west-northwestward at S2 following the topography in the deep trough in the South BS but were north-northwestward at S1 up the slope to the coast. Upper layer residual currents were strongly subsurface-intensified and experienced significant intraseasonal variations. Subsurface currents in the upper layer shifted from being weak in December 2020 to strong in January–February 2021, especially in the western BS. Surface currents were directly driven by surface winds following the Ekman layer dynamics in shallow waters. Weak/strong subsurface currents occurred during/after sustained strong sea surface winds, implying that they experienced more complex dynamics than surface currents. This study provides new understanding to the wintertime circulation pattern in the BS. It is helpful for fully understanding the characteristics and underlying dynamics of the BS circulation variations in winter and their impacts on biogeochemical processes.

Artisanal fisheries catch highlights hotspot for threatened sharks and rays in the Republic of the Congo

AbstractGlobal catch rates of sharks and rays from artisanal fisheries are underreported, leading to a lack of data on population status. This forms a major barrier to developing effective management plans, such is the case in Central and West Africa. Over 3 years, we undertook the first systematic quantitative assessment of sharks and rays landed by an artisanal fishery in the Republic of the Congo. During 507 sampling days (mean 14 surveys per month), we recorded 73,268 individuals. These comprised 42 species, of which 81% are considered at an elevated risk of extinction. Landings were dominated by immature individuals, especially for species of conservation concern. Presence of species thought to have largely disappeared from the region such as the African wedgefish (Rhynchobatus luebberti) and smoothback angelshark (Squatina oculata) suggest Congolese waters are a potential stronghold for these species—warranting increased protection. We identified seasonality of catch within years, but not across years. Both inter‐ and intra‐annual trends varied by species, signifying annual fluctuations in catch of each species but consistent catch of all species year‐on‐year. Analysis showed increased catch between the short‐wet and the long‐wet, and the long‐dry seasons (January–February and August–September). Lowest catch was shown to occur during the short‐wet and the short‐dry seasons (October–December), which may provide an opportunity for seasonal closures or gear restrictions.

Where does floating Sargassum in the East China Sea come from?

Floating macroalgae of Sargassum horneri (S. horneri) in the East China Sea (ECS) has increased in recent years, with ocean warming being one of the driving factors. Yet their possible origins, based on a literature review, are unclear. Here, using multi-sensor high-resolution remote sensing data and numerical experiments for the period of 2015–2023, we show two possible origins of the ECS floating S. horneri, one being local near the Zhejiang coast with initiation in January–February and the other being remote (> 800 km from the first) in the Bohai Sea with initiation in June–November. While their drifting pathways are revealed in the sequential remote sensing imagery, numerical experiments suggest that S. horneri from the remote origin (Bohai Sea) can hardly meander through the strong Yangtze River frontal zone, which may serve as a “wall” to prevent trespassing of surface floating seaweed to the south of the frontal zone, where S. horneri has a local origin. Plain language summarySargassum horneri (S. horneri) is a brown macroalgae (seaweed) abundant in surface waters of the East China Sea (ECS), which can serve as a moving habitat, but can also cause major beaching events and environmental problems. Knowledge of its origins is important to help implement mitigation strategies and understand possible ecological impacts along its drifting pathways. Using high-resolution remote sensing images and numerical experiments, we track floating S. horneri in space and time between 2015 and 2023. Two possible origins are identified, one being far away from the ECS and the other being local, both of which are known to have benthic S. horneri. The study also reveals how S. horneri are transported from their source regions resulting in large-scale distributions previously observed in medium-resolution satellite imagery.

Future projections of extreme precipitation in Tropical America and Panama under global warming based on 150‐year continuous simulations using 20‐km and 60‐km atmospheric general circulation models

AbstractThis study explores future changes in extreme precipitation across tropical America and Panama using 150‐year continuous experiments run on the Meteorological Research Institute atmospheric general circulation model at horizontal resolutions of 20 km (AGCM20) and 60 km (AGCM60). Tropical America is a warming hotspot where the mean seasonal precipitation amounts are decreasing, but annual maximum daily precipitation amounts are following an increasing trend. In Panama, future climates simulated using AGCM20 and AGCM60 show an increase in December–January–February (DJF) precipitation over eastern Panama, and a decrease in June–July–August (JJA) precipitation over western areas near the Pacific coast. Annual maximum daily precipitation increases on the eastern side of the country in both models. The mean annual maximum daily precipitation for tropical America shows decadal oscillations, similar to the global mean but with smaller amplitude variations. The mean annual maximum daily precipitation for Panama shows large oscillations, even for the 10‐year running mean. For tropical America, the mean annual maximum daily precipitation has a linear relationship with surface air temperature that is independent of the Representative Concentration Pathway scenarios, but this is not the case for Panama. Temporal correlations between the tropical America mean annual maximum daily precipitation and annual mean surface air temperature in the historical experiments have a geographical distribution similar to that of the sea surface temperature anomalies during negative El Niño/Southern Oscillation events, but not in the future experiments. The correlation between the Panama mean annual maximum daily precipitation and surface air temperature in both the historical and future experiments has a geographical distribution similar to that of the temporal correlation for the tropical America mean in the historical experiment. The annual maximum daily precipitation in Panama is projected to increase during negative El Niño events in the future, as observed in the historical climate.

Prevalence, associated factors and predictors of post stroke pneumonia in a Nigerian population: A retrospective study

ObjectivesStroke can trigger an immune response that can raise the risk of infection, alter tracheal epithelium, reduce pulmonary clearance and impair secretions drainage capacity. Infection, altered tracheal epithelium, reduced pulmonary clearance, impaired secretions drainage capacity and aspiration can cause pneumonia after stroke. The aim of this study is to find out the prevalence of post stroke pneumonia in a Nigerian population and factors that are associated with it. Materials and MethodStudy data was extracted from the case files of patients with stroke who were managed between 1st January, 2011 and 1st February, 2021 in the study setting. ResultsThe result showed that, there was a record of only 591 patients with stroke (mean age, 62.78 ± 14.86 years) who were managed in the two hospitals during the period of the study. Out of this number, only 102 (17.3 %) had pneumonia. Presence of the pneumonia was only significantly (p < 0.05) associated with sex, type of stroke, lower limb muscle power, and outcome (died or alive). However, only those with ischaemic stroke are less likely to have pneumonia (Odds ratio= 0.467; CI: 0.275 to 0.791, p= 0.005), and patients who survived the stroke and are alive are less likely to develop pneumonia (Odds ratio= 0.150; CI: 0.092 to 0.245, p < 0.001). ConclusionsPneumonia occurs to a large extent after stroke. Therefore, it is important measures are taken to prevent it or complications arising from it especially in those with a hemorrhagic stroke.

Comparative Analysis of the Fatty Acid Profiles of Antarctic Krill (Euphausia superba Dana, 1850) in the Atlantic Sector of the Southern Ocean: Certain Fatty Acids Reflect the Oceanographic and Trophic Conditions of the Habitat

The present study is the attempt to combine oceanologic measurements and biochemical analysis, which is as possible to implement on board as in a laboratory with chosen certain statistics to reveal trophic conditions and the environment state in which Antarctic krill live in season in real time on site. The fatty acid constituents of total lipids in juvenile and mature Antarctic krill sampled from the Bransfield Strait (BS), the Antarctic Sound (AS), and waters at the eastern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula (AP) collected during the 87th cruise of the R/V Akademik Mstislav Keldysh in January–February 2022 were analyzed. The fatty acid (FA) profile in juvenile and mature Antarctic krill was studied by gas chromatography with a mass selective detector to identify the qualitative composition and a flame ionization detector to quantify the studied FAs. Using NMDS analysis (quantitative panel), great difference was found between krill from the BS compared to krill collected in the AS and the AP. The differences are reliable owing to the following 16 FAs, most of them trophic biomarkers of microphytoplankton, and suggest regional differences, mainly in abundance and ability of forage objects. CTD measurements discuss the abiotic factors (potential temperature, salinity, and chlorophyll “a”). Compensatory modifications of the composition of FA components in Antarctic krill inhabiting different water areas are a way of maintaining the species’ viability under certain and variable habitat conditions.

Multiple Markov Chains for Categorial Drought Prediction on the U.S. Drought Monitor at Weekly Scale

Abstract Predicting drought severity is essential for drought management and early warning systems. Although numerous physical model-based and data-driven methods have been put forward for drought prediction, their abilities are largely constrained by data requirements and modeling complexity. There remains a challenging task to efficiently predict categorial drought, especially for the U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM). Aiming at this issue, multiple Markov chains for USDM-based categorial drought prediction are successfully proposed and evaluated in this paper. In particular, this study concentrated on how the Markov order, step size, and training set length affected prediction accuracy (PA). According to experiments from 2000 to 2021, it was found that the 1-step and first-order Markov models had the best accuracy in predicting droughts up to 4 weeks ahead. The PA steadily dropped with increasing step size, and the average accuracy at monthly scale was 88%. In terms of seasonal variability, summer (July–August) had the lowest PA while winter had the highest (January–February). In comparison with the western region, the PA in the eastern United States is 25% higher. Moreover, the length of the training set had an obvious impact on the PA of the model. The PA in 1-step prediction was 87% and 78% under 20- and 5-yr training sets, respectively. The results of the study showed that Markov models predicted categorical drought with high accuracy in the short term and showed different performances on time and space scales. Proper use of Markov models would help disaster managers and policy makers to put mitigation policies and measures into practice.

Clinico-epidemiological profile of non-survivors of COVID-19 during the last two waves in a tertiary care hospital of North India: A retrospective descriptive study

Background: SARS-CoV-causing COVID-19 resulted in mortality, and the clinic-epidemiological profile at the time of admission of patients who died later could provide an insight into pathophysiological consequences due to infection. Method: Retrospective observational study of 64 RTPCR-confirmed COVID-19 non-survivors was conducted from April - June 2021 and January February 2022. Data were analyzed, and a P value&lt;0.05 was taken as significant. Results: 60.94% and 39.06 % were males and females, and 26.57% &amp; 73.43 % of patients had moderate and severe disease, respectively. Fever, cough, and dyspnea were the most common presenting symptoms. 78.12% and 21.88% had pre-existing (diabetes and hypertension were most common) and no co-morbidities, respectively. 65.62 &amp; 17.19 % of patients had bilateral and unilateral ground glass opacities, respectively. Thrombocytopenia, lymphopenia, neutrophilia, elevated monocytes, and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) of 7.52 were hematological findings. D dimer was elevated. ABG showed low PaO2 and SPO2 %. ALT and AST were elevated. Tachycardia was also present. Compared to the first wave, no significant association of gender with severity was found. However, the percentage of male patients was higher. The association of the duration of stay and co-morbidity with disease severity was significant in both the first and subsequent waves of COVID-19. Conclusion: Co-morbidity, disease severity, and radiological lung opacities play a role in the outcome of COVID-19. The associated findings are hematological, renal, liver, cardiovascular, and arterial blood gas derangements.

Fungal versus non-fungal supra-inguinal prosthetic vascular graft infections: A cohort study

ObjectivesFungal prosthetic vascular graft infections are rare and mainly supra-inguinal. Current guidelines are based on the few studies that have specifically investigated this population, with few risk factors described. The objective of this study is to compare fungal and non-fungal supra-inguinal prosthetic vascular graft infections (PVGI), describing their specificities, identifying risk factors, and evaluating outcomes. Patients and MethodsThis is a single-center retrospective cohort study carried out at the Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital in Paris, including all patients who were treated for a supra-inguinal PVGI between January 1st, 2009 and February 28th, 2021. Preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative data were compared between fungal and non-fungal PVGI. ResultsOut of the 475 patients screened, 148 developed a supra-inguinal PVGI: 32 fungal and 116 non-fungal. Factors independently associated with fungal PVGI were presence of a prostheto-digestive fistula (OR 5.98; 95% CI 2.29–15.62) and preoperative antibiotic therapy of seven days or more (OR 2.87; 95% CI 1.12–7.38). Mortality rate at 180 days was significantly higher for fungal as compared to non-fungal PVGIs (38% vs. 16% p = 0.009) and for fungal PVGI with prostheto-digestive fistula. However, there was no statistically significant relation between mortality due to prostheto-digestive fistula in contrast with fungal PVGI alone (p = 0.21). ConclusionProstheto-digestive fistula was strongly associated with fungal PVGI, which leads us to suggest that in such cases, an anti-fungal agent should be prescribed.