Higher COVID-19 pneumonia risk associated with anti-IFN-α than with anti-IFN-ω auto-Abs in children

We found that 19 (10.4%) of 183 unvaccinated children hospitalized for COVID-19 pneumonia had autoantibodies (auto-Abs) neutralizing type I IFNs (IFN-alpha 2 in 10 patients: IFN-alpha 2 only in three, IFN-alpha 2 plus IFN-omega in five, and IFN-alpha 2, IFN-omega plus IFN-beta in two; IFN-omega only in nine patients). Seven children (3.8%) had Abs neutralizing at least 10 ng/ml of one IFN, whereas the other 12 (6.6%) had Abs neutralizing only 100 pg/ml. The auto-Abs neutralized both unglycosylated and glycosylated IFNs. We also detected auto-Abs neutralizing 100 pg/ml IFN-alpha 2 in 4 of 2,267 uninfected children (0.2%) and auto-Abs neutralizing IFN-omega in 45 children (2%). The odds ratios (ORs) for life-threatening COVID-19 pneumonia were, therefore, higher for auto-Abs neutralizing IFN-alpha 2 only (OR [95% CI] = 67.6 [5.7-9,196.6]) than for auto-Abs neutralizing IFN-. only (OR [95% CI] = 2.6 [1.2-5.3]). ORs were also higher for auto-Abs neutralizing high concentrations (OR [95% CI] = 12.9 [4.6-35.9]) than for those neutralizing low concentrations (OR [95% CI] = 5.5 [3.1-9.6]) of IFN-omega and/or IFN-alpha 2

Role of age and comorbidities in mortality of patients with infective endocarditis

[Purpose]: The aim of this study was to analyse the characteristics of patients with IE in three groups of age and to assess the ability of age and the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) to predict mortality. [Methods]: Prospective cohort study of all patients with IE included in the GAMES Spanish database between 2008 and 2015.Patients were stratified into three age groups:<65 years,65 to 80 years,and ≥ 80 years.The area under the receiver-operating characteristic (AUROC) curve was calculated to quantify the diagnostic accuracy of the CCI to predict mortality risk. [Results]: A total of 3120 patients with IE (1327 < 65 years;1291 65-80 years;502 ≥ 80 years) were enrolled.Fever and heart failure were the most common presentations of IE, with no differences among age groups.Patients ≥80 years who underwent surgery were significantly lower compared with other age groups (14.3%,65 years; 20.5%,65-79 years; 31.3%,≥80 years). In-hospital mortality was lower in the <65-year group (20.3%,<65 years;30.1%,65-79 years;34.7%,≥80 years;p < 0.001) as well as 1-year mortality (3.2%, <65 years; 5.5%, 65-80 years;7.6%,≥80 years; p = 0.003).Independent predictors of mortality were age ≥ 80 years (hazard ratio [HR]:2.78;95% confidence interval [CI]:2.32–3.34), CCI ≥ 3 (HR:1.62; 95% CI:1.39–1.88),and non-performed surgery (HR:1.64;95% CI:11.16–1.58).When the three age groups were compared,the AUROC curve for CCI was significantly larger for patients aged <65 years(p < 0.001) for both in-hospital and 1-year mortality. [Conclusion]: There were no differences in the clinical presentation of IE between the groups. Age ≥ 80 years, high comorbidity (measured by CCI),and non-performance of surgery were independent predictors of mortality in patients with IE.CCI could help to identify those patients with IE and surgical indication who present a lower risk of in-hospital and 1-year mortality after surgery, especially in the <65-year group

Clonal chromosomal mosaicism and loss of chromosome Y in elderly men increase vulnerability for SARS-CoV-2

The pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19) had an estimated overall case fatality ratio of 1.38% (pre-vaccination), being 53% higher in males and increasing exponentially with age. Among 9578 individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 in the SCOURGE study, we found 133 cases (1.42%) with detectable clonal mosaicism for chromosome alterations (mCA) and 226 males (5.08%) with acquired loss of chromosome Y (LOY). Individuals with clonal mosaic events (mCA and/or LOY) showed a 54% increase in the risk of COVID-19 lethality. LOY is associated with transcriptomic biomarkers of immune dysfunction, pro-coagulation activity and cardiovascular risk. Interferon-induced genes involved in the initial immune response to SARS-CoV-2 are also down-regulated in LOY. Thus, mCA and LOY underlie at least part of the sex-biased severity and mortality of COVID-19 in aging patients. Given its potential therapeutic and prognostic relevance, evaluation of clonal mosaicism should be implemented as biomarker of COVID-19 severity in elderly people. Among 9578 individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 in the SCOURGE study, individuals with clonal mosaic events (clonal mosaicism for chromosome alterations and/or loss of chromosome Y) showed an increased risk of COVID-19 lethality

Determinación de un geoide de alta precisión en áreas de pequeña extensión. Aplicación en el parque nacional de Doñana

The following dissertation partially gathers the research carried out within two projects of the DGICyT (Dirección General de Investigación Científica y Técnica, Spanish Government Department for Scientific and Technical Research) in the National Park of Doñana. The main objectives of those projects were to establish a reference frame for positioning within the Park and to determine an accurate geoid. This would allow obtaining orthometric heights derived from GPS observations, which are very useful in those studies regarding the hydrology and geohydrology of the area. The absence of the geoid model would lead to errors when determining the orthometric heights through ellipsoidal ones, due to the great geoid undulation gradient in this zone.The National Park of Doñana is a protected area due to its great ecological value. It is located in the SW coast of Spain, between Huelva and Sevilla, and it has an extension of 500 km2 approximately. Almost half of its territory is a wetland, covered with water during the humid season. Additionaly, there are several restricted areas. These circumstances difficult the field observations. The first part of the work focuses on the analysis of geodetic and levelling networks already established in the area. It is important to know the conditions and accuracy of these networks, since they will become the base for the network instilled in the inner zone of the Park. The network was used initially when adjusting the different geoid models and later when computing a new model. The local network was linked to the Spanish national network (REGENTE) and to the highly precision levelling network (NAP). The adjustment of the gravimetric geoids IBERGEO95 and EGG97 in the zone was checked.Both were adjusted by means of GPS/levelling/gravimetric observations at some selected points, in two axis showing a N-S and E-W direction approximately, in order to control any directional variation.Checking the adjustment of IBERGEO95 and EGG97 allows to deduce that there is no guarantee of centimetre accuracy within the Park. Thus, a geometric geoid was computed by means of the remove-restore technique, using for that purpose: the global model CG01, obtained from the combined solution of earth data and data coming from space missions CHAMP and GRACE; and the digital terrain model obtained by merging the MDT25 model (from the Instituto Geográfico Nacional, National Geographic Institute of Spain) and the bathymetric data of the zone (from the Instituto Hidrográfico de la Marina, Marine Hydrogeographic Institute of Spain)The field data adquired within this work, as well as the geoid model obtained (namely Doñana 2005) will be of great help for the different studies regarding the superficial hydrology of the marshland and the tectonic and hydrogeological structure of the Park. These studies are currently being carried out and clearly show the inter-relationship among geodetic, geological and hydrogeological disciplines

Technology projects in the 3rd year of compulsory secondary school as an interdisciplinary axis in the scientific-technological area

En aquest article s&rsquo;aporta una proposta did&agrave;ctica, la qual ens permet utilitzar l&rsquo;assignatura de tecnologia com a principal mat&egrave;ria per poder treballar de manera interdisciplin&agrave;ria continguts del curr&iacute;culum de l&rsquo;&agrave;mbit cientificotecnol&ograve;gic o matem&agrave;tic. Aquesta proposta did&agrave;ctica es planteja des de la metodologia de l&rsquo;aprenentatge basat en projectes (ABP) i el treball col&middot;laboratiu. Aquestes metodologies s&oacute;n un marc idoni per integrar aquestes disciplines de l&rsquo;&agrave;mbit cientificotecnol&ograve;gic i matem&agrave;tic. Al mateix temps, proporcionen un proc&eacute;s d&rsquo;aprenentatge a l&rsquo;alumnat que els permet desenvolupar m&uacute;ltiples compet&egrave;ncies, com, per exemple, el treball en equip, la presa de decisions, la iniciativa, etc. La proposta est&agrave; dissenyada per a alumnes de tercer curs de l&rsquo;educaci&oacute; secund&agrave;ria obligat&ograve;ria i es treballaran algunes de les compet&egrave;ncies b&agrave;siques dels &agrave;mbits cientificotecnol&ograve;gic i matem&agrave;tic. Al mateix temps, l&rsquo;alumne ser&agrave; capa&ccedil; d&rsquo;elaborar una s&egrave;rie de projectes que es podran relacionar amb assignatures del mateix nivell acad&egrave;mic o nivells predecessors i, aix&iacute;, refor&ccedil;ar conceptes generals treballats durant la formaci&oacute; acad&egrave;mica al centre i en el curs en q&uuml;esti&oacute;. Alguns d&rsquo;aquests projectes tamb&eacute; pretenen conscienciar l&rsquo;alumnat de l&rsquo;&uacute;s i els beneficis de les energies renovables, el reciclatge o la reutilitzaci&oacute; de materials en la construcci&oacute; dels seus projectes.Paraules clau: Interdisciplinari, tecnologia, col&middot;laboratiu, curr&iacute;culum, ABP, secund&agrave;ria.This article presents a didactic proposal which allows technology to be used as the main subject for interdisciplinary work on the curricular contents in the scientific-technological and mathematical fields. This didactic proposal is based on the project-based learning (PBL) methodology and collaborative work. These methodologies are an ideal framework to integrate these disciplines of the scientific-technological and mathematical fields. At the same time, they provide a learning process to students that allows them to develop multiple competences, such as teamwork, decision making, initiative, etc. The proposal is designed for students in the third year of compulsory secondary education and some of the basic competences of the scientific-technological and mathematical fields will be worked on. In turn, the student will be able to elaborate a series of projects that can be related to subjects of the same academic level or predecessor levels and thus reinforce the general concepts worked on during the academic education in the school and the year in question. Some of these projects also aim to raise awareness among students about the use and benefits of renewable energies, recycling or reuse of materials in the construction of their projects.Keywords: Interdisciplinary, technology, collaborative, curriculum, PBL, secondary school

Implementation of a fixed-location time lapse photogrammetric rock slope monitoring system in Castellfollit de la Roca, Spain

[EN] When monitoring deformations in natural hazards such as rockfalls and landslides, the use of 3D models has become a standard. Several geomatic techniques allow the generation of these models. However, each one has its pros and cons regarding accuracy, cost, sample frequency, etc. In this contribution a fixed-location time lapse camera system for continuous rockfall monitoring using photogrammetry has been developed as an alternative to Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and ground-based interferometric synthetic-aperture radar (GB-InSAR). The usage of stereo photogrammetry allows the obtention of 3D points clouds at a low cost and with a high sample frequency, essential to detect premonitory displacements. In this work the designed system consists of three digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras which collect photographs of the rock slope daily controlled by a Raspberry Pi computer using the open-source library gPhoto2. Photographs are automatically uploaded to a server using 3G network for processing. This system was implemented at Castellfollit de la Roca village (Girona province, Spain), which sits on a basaltic cliff that has shown significant rockfall intensity in recent years. The 3D models obtained will allow monitoring rockfalls frequency, premonitory displacements, and calculate the erosion rate of the slope. All technical decisions taken for the design and implementation on this specific site are discussed and first results shown.Matas, G.; Prades, A.; Núñez-Andrés, MA.; Buill, F.; Lantada, N. (2023). Implementation of a fixed-location time lapse photogrammetric rock slope monitoring system in Castellfollit de la Roca, Spain. Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València. 63-68. https://doi.org/10.4995/JISDM2022.2022.13656636

Geometric Analysis of the original stands of Roman Amphitheater in Tarragona: Method and Results

Despite being a well-known monument, the Roman amphitheatre of Tarragona, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, was only fully studied in the late 1980s. The study was therefore subject to the archaeological research limitations and specific characteristics of that time, as can be seen in the quality of the site's planimetry. The general planimetry was basically available for relevant sections at a scale of 1:100 with sufficient accuracy. However, according to current scientific parameters, this planimetry is clearly inadequate, and cannot be used rigorously to obtain comprehensive architectural knowledge. The technical limitations of the time, and the innate difficulties presented by the monument, meant that only a few sections were obtained, specifically two, with a low level of detail. This has led to misinterpretations, and consequently to dubious or erroneous conclusions. Therefore, the need for complete metric documentation is evident, as this will enable us to correctly analyse the monument. We have obtained metric documentation by carrying out a topographic survey using digital photogrammetry, which provides us with more information than merely measurements. We can use the three-dimensional model that was generated to analyse the sections of the stands and draw conclusions about their geometry

Using Mixed Reality for the Visualization and Dissemination of Complex 3D Models in Geosciences&mdash;Application to the Montserrat Massif (Spain)

In the last two decades, both the amount and quality of geoinformation in the geosciences field have improved substantially due to the increasingly more widespread use of techniques such as Laser Scanning (LiDAR), digital photogrammetry, unmanned aerial vehicles, geophysical reconnaissance (seismic, electrical, geomagnetic), and ground-penetrating radar (GPR), among others. Furthermore, the advances in computing, storage and visualization resources allow the acquisition of 3D terrain models (surface and underground) with unprecedented ease and versatility. However, despite these scientific and technical developments, it is still a common practice to simplify the 3D data in 2D static images, losing part of its communicative potential. The objective of this paper is to demonstrate the possibilities of extended reality (XR) for communication and sharing of 3D geoinformation in the field of geosciences. A brief review of the different variants within XR is followed by the presentation of the design and functionalities of headset-type mixed reality (MR) devices, which allow the 3D models to be investigated collaboratively by several users in the office environment. The specific focus is on the functionalities of Microsoft&rsquo;s HoloLens 2 untethered holographic head mounted display (HMD), and the ADA Platform App by Clirio, which is used to manage model viewing with the HMD. We demonstrate the capabilities of MR for the visualization and dissemination of complex 3D information in geosciences in data rich and self-directed immersive environment, through selected 3D models (most of them of the Montserrat massif). Finally, we highlight the educational possibilities of MR technology. Today MR has an incipient and reduced use; we hope that it will gain popularity as the barriers of entry become lower

Using Mixed Reality for the Visualization and Dissemination of Complex 3D Models in Geosciences—Application to the Montserrat Massif (Spain)

In the last two decades, both the amount and quality of geoinformation in the geosciences field have improved substantially due to the increasingly more widespread use of techniques such as Laser Scanning (LiDAR), digital photogrammetry, unmanned aerial vehicles, geophysical reconnaissance (seismic, electrical, geomagnetic), and ground-penetrating radar (GPR), among others. Furthermore, the advances in computing, storage and visualization resources allow the acquisition of 3D terrain models (surface and underground) with unprecedented ease and versatility. However, despite these scientific and technical developments, it is still a common practice to simplify the 3D data in 2D static images, losing part of its communicative potential. The objective of this paper is to demonstrate the possibilities of extended reality (XR) for communication and sharing of 3D geoinformation in the field of geosciences. A brief review of the different variants within XR is followed by the presentation of the design and functionalities of headset-type mixed reality (MR) devices, which allow the 3D models to be investigated collaboratively by several users in the office environment. The specific focus is on the functionalities of Microsoft’s HoloLens 2 untethered holographic head mounted display (HMD), and the ADA Platform App by Clirio, which is used to manage model viewing with the HMD. We demonstrate the capabilities of MR for the visualization and dissemination of complex 3D information in geosciences in data rich and self-directed immersive environment, through selected 3D models (most of them of the Montserrat massif). Finally, we highlight the educational possibilities of MR technology. Today MR has an incipient and reduced use; we hope that it will gain popularity as the barriers of entry become lower

Terrestrial Laser Scanner for the formal assessment of a Roman-Medieval structure. The cloister of the Cathedral of Tarragona (Spain)

The use of massive data capture techniques in architectural heritage has enhanced the development of new methodologies that have an important impact on their conservation and understanding. The research proposes the study of formal anomalies in the cloister of the Cathedral of Tarragona (c. 12th century). It is a relevant Gothic construction in Catalonia, with the special singularity that part of its structure is raised over an important pre-existing Roman wall. The investigation is based on a point cloud obtained with a terrestrial laser scanner (TLS) and the systematization of the 3D analysis methodology of the point cloud through different reference shapes. In general terms, the construction is in good condition, so the discrepancies between real construction and the shapes of reference are small, with some exceptions. Nevertheless, the different approximations used allowed us to identify some relevant features, such as the variability of the form of rib vaults, and the influence of the criteria used in the definition and location of reference forms