bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Detection of Respiratory Tract Viruses in Chickens at the Point of Need by Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP)
Authors: El-Tholoth Mohamed , Bau Haim H.
Published: August 2024

Accurate and timely molecular diagnosis of respiratory diseases in chickens is essential for implementing effective control measures, preventing the spread of diseases within poultry flocks, minimizing economic loss, and guarding food security. Traditional molecular diagnostic methods like polymerase chain reaction (PCR) require expensive equipment and trained personnel, limiting their use to centralized labs with a significant delay between sample collection and results. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) of nucleic acids offers an attractive alternative for detecting respiratory viruses in broiler chickens with sensitivity comparable to that of PCR. LAMP’s main advantages over PCR are its constant incubation temperature (∼65 °C), high amplification efficiency, and contaminant tolerance, which reduce equipment complexity, cost, and power consumption and enable instrument-free tests. This review highlights effective LAMP methods and variants that have been developed for detecting respiratory viruses in chickens at the point of need.
QuantiFERON CMV Test and CMV Serostatus in Lung Transplant: Stratification Risk for Infection, Chronic and Acute Allograft Rejection
Authors: Solidoro Paolo , Sciarrone Federico , Sidoti Francesca , Patrucco Filippo , Zanotto Elisa , Boffini Massimo , Rinaldo Rocco Francesco , Bondi Alessandro , Albera Carlo , Curtoni Antonio , Costa Cristina
Published: August 2024

The QuantiFERON CMV (QCMV) test evaluates specific adaptive immune system activity against CMV by measuring IFN-γ released by activated CD8+ T lymphocytes. We aimed to evaluate the QCMV test as a predictive tool for CMV manifestations and acute or chronic lung allograft rejection (AR and CLAD) in lung transplant (LTx) patients. A total of 73 patients were divided into four groups based on donor and recipient (D/R) serology for CMV and QCMV assay: group A low-risk for CMV infection and disease (D−/R−); group B and C at intermediate-risk (R+), group B with non-reactive QCMV and group C with reactive QCMV; group D at high-risk (D+/R−). Group D patients experienced higher viral replication; no differences were observed among R+ patients of groups B and C. D+/R− patients had a higher number of AR events and group C presented a lower incidence of AR. Prevalence of CLAD at 24 months was higher in group B with a higher risk of CLAD development (OR 6.33). The QCMV test allows us to identify R+ non-reactive QCMV population as the most exposed to onset of CLAD. This population had a higher, although non-significant, susceptibility to AR compared to the R+ population with reactive QCMV.
The Silent Syndrome of Long COVID and Gaps in Scientific Knowledge: A Narrative Review
Authors: da Silva Rosilene , Vallinoto Antonio Carlos Rosário , dos Santos Eduardo José Melo
Published: August 2024

COVID-19 is still a major public health concern, mainly due to the persistence of symptoms or the appearance of new symptoms. To date, more than 200 symptoms of long COVID (LC) have been described. The present review describes and maps its relevant clinical characteristics, pathophysiology, epidemiology, and genetic and nongenetic risk factors. Given the currently available evidence on LC, we demonstrate that there are still gaps and controversies in the diagnosis, pathophysiology, epidemiology, and detection of prognostic and predictive factors, as well as the role of the viral strain and vaccination.
Identification and Characterization of a Novel B Cell Epitope of ASFV Virulence Protein B125R Monoclonal Antibody
Authors: Zhao Yanyan , Ren Haojie , Lin Zhizhao , Shi Saiyan , Zhang Biao , Zhang Yuhang , Han Shichong , He Wen-Rui , Wan Bo , Hu Man , Zhang Gai-Ping
Published: August 2024

The African swine fever virus (ASFV) is an ancient, structurally complex, double-stranded DNA virus that causes African swine fever. Since its discovery in Kenya and Africa in 1921, no effective vaccine or antiviral strategy has been developed. Therefore, the selection of more suitable vaccines or antiviral targets is the top priority to solve the African swine fever virus problem. B125R, one of the virulence genes of ASFV, encodes a non-structural protein (pB125R), which is important in ASFV infection. However, the epitope of pB125R is not well characterized at present. We observed that pB125R is specifically recognized by inactivated ASFV-positive sera, suggesting that it has the potential to act as a protective antigen against ASFV infection. Elucidation of the antigenic epitope within pB125R could facilitate the development of an epitope-based vaccine targeting ASFV. In this study, two strains of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against pB125R were produced by using the B cell hybridoma technique, named 9G11 and 15A9. The antigenic epitope recognized by mAb 9G11 was precisely located by using a series of truncated ASFV pB125R. The 52DPLASQRDIYY62 (epitope on ASFV pB125R) was the smallest epitope recognized by mAb 9G11 and this epitope was highly conserved among different strains. The key amino acid sites were identified as D52, Q57, R58, and Y62 by the single-point mutation of 11 amino acids of the epitope by alanine scanning. In addition, the immunological effects of the epitope (pB125R-DY) against 9G11 were evaluated in mice, and the results showed that both full-length pB125R and the epitope pB125R-DY could induce effective humoral and cellular immune responses in mice. The mAbs obtained in this study reacted with the eukaryotic-expressed antigen proteins and the PAM cell samples infected with ASFV, indicating that the mAb can be used as a good tool for the detection of ASFV antigen infection. The B cell epitopes identified in this study provide a fundamental basis for the research and development of epitope-based vaccines against ASFV.
Boost and Increased Antibody Breadth Following a Second Dose of PARVAX for SARS-CoV-2 in Mice and Nonhuman Primates
Authors: Bhatt Urja , Herate Cecile , Estelien Reynette , Relouzat Francis , Dereuddre-Bosquet Nathalie , Maciorowski Dawid , Diop Cheikh , Couto Emma , Staiti Jillian , Cavarelli Mariangela , Bossevot Laëtitia , Sconosciuti Quentin , Bouchard Page , Le Grand Roger , Vandenberghe Luk H. , Zabaleta Nerea
Published: August 2024

PARVAX is a genetic vaccine platform based on an adeno-associated vector that has demonstrated to elicit potent, durable, and protective immunity in nonhuman primates (NHPs) after a single dose. Here, we assessed vaccine immunogenicity following a PARVAX prime-boost regimen against SARS-CoV-2. In mice, a low-dose prime followed by a higher-dose boost elicited potent neutralizing antibody responses and distinct cross-reactivity profiles, depending on the antigen used in the booster vaccine. However, the potent neutralizing anti-vector antibody responses developed in mice limited the dose that could be administered as a prime. We further explored the re-administration efficacy in NHPs primed with a SARS-CoV-2 Delta vaccine and boosted with an Omicron BA.1 vaccine at week 15, after the primary response peak antibody levels were reached. The boost elicited an increase in antibodies against several Omicron variants, but no increase was detected in the antibody titers for other variants. The anti-vector responses were low and showed some increased subsequent boosts but generally declined over time. The potent prime vaccination limited the detection of the boosting effect, and therefore, the effect of anti-vector immunity was not fully elucidated. These data show that PARVAX can be effectively re-administered and induce a novel antigenic response.
Long-Term Safety and Immunogenicity of AZD1222 (ChAdOx1 nCoV-19): 2-Year Follow-Up from a Phase 3 Study
Authors: Shoemaker Kathryn , Soboleva Karina , Branche Angela , Shankaran Shivanjali , Theodore Deborah A. , Bari Muhammad , Ezeh Victor , Green Justin , Kelly Elizabeth , Lan Dongmei , Olsson Urban , Saminathan Senthilkumar , Shankar Nirmal Kumar , Villegas Berta , Villafana Tonya , Falsey Ann R. , Sobieszczyk Magdalena E.
Published: August 2024

A better understanding of the long-term safety, efficacy, and immunogenicity of COVID-19 vaccines is needed. This phase 3, randomized, placebo-controlled study for AZD1222 (ChAdOx1 nCoV-19) primary-series vaccination enrolled 32,450 participants in the USA, Chile, and Peru between August 2020 and January 2021 (NCT04516746). Endpoints included the 2-year follow-up assessment of safety, efficacy, and immunogenicity. After 2 years, no emergent safety signals were observed for AZD1222, and no cases of thrombotic thrombocytopenia syndrome were reported. The assessment of anti-SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid antibody titers confirmed the durability of AZD1222 efficacy for up to 6 months, after which infection rates in the AZD1222 group increased over time. Despite this, all-cause and COVID-19-related mortality remained low through the study end, potentially reflecting the post-Omicron decoupling of SARS-CoV-2 infection rates and severe COVID-19 outcomes. Geometric mean titers were elevated for anti-SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies at the 1-year study visit and the anti-spike antibodies were elevated at year 2, providing further evidence of increasing SARS-CoV-2 infections over long-term follow-up. Overall, this 2-year follow-up of the AZD1222 phase 3 study confirms that the long-term safety profile remains consistent with previous findings and supports the continued need for COVID-19 booster vaccinations due to waning efficacy and humoral immunity.
Addressing Missed Opportunities for Vaccination among Children in Hospitals: Leveraging the P-Process for Health Communication Strategies
Authors: Dhaliwal Baldeep K. , Mathew Joseph L. , Obiagwu Patience N. , Hill Rachel , Wonodi Chizoba B. , Best Tyler , Shet Anita
Published: August 2024

Addressing missed opportunities for vaccination requires a nuanced and context-specific approach. The five-step P-Process provides a robust framework to develop a clearly defined strategy that addresses social and behavioral drivers, integrates into existing health delivery systems, and facilitates collaboration with local experts. This approach allows teams to design, implement, monitor, and evaluate strategies to address public health issues. However, its specific application in vaccination communication programs remains relatively underexplored and under-documented. Our team designed a multi-pronged communication intervention aimed at enhancing vaccine uptake among hospitalized children in two tertiary hospitals in India and Nigeria. In the Inquiry stage, we conducted in-depth interviews with caregivers of hospitalized children to assess barriers to vaccination in a hospital setting. In the Strategic Development stage, we developed a blueprint for activities, identifying target audiences and communication channels and developing implementation plans. During the Create and Test stage, we brought together a range of stakeholders to co-develop a communication intervention through human-centered design workshops, after which we piloted the materials in both hospitals. We then Mobilized and Monitored progress of the activities to identify potential gaps that our materials did not initially address. Lastly, in the Evaluate and Evolve stage, we conducted in-depth interviews with healthcare workers and caregivers to measure outcomes and assess the impact on caregivers’ decisions to vaccinate their hospitalized children. By following the P-Process for the design, caregivers reported that many of their concerns about vaccines were alleviated, and HCWs reported that they were able to communicate with caregivers more effectively about vaccination. By harnessing the power of the P-Process, researchers can forge a context-specific path towards impactful vaccination communication interventions, one step at a time.
COVID-19 Vaccination and Public Health: Addressing Global, Regional, and Within-Country Inequalities
Authors: Santangelo Omar Enzo , Provenzano Sandro , Di Martino Giuseppe , Ferrara Pietro
Published: August 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic, with over 775 million cases and 7 million deaths by May 2024, has drastically impacted global public health and exacerbated existing healthcare inequalities. The swift development and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines have been critical in combating the virus, yet disparities in access to and administration of the vaccine have highlighted deep-seated inequities at global, regional, and national levels. Wealthier nations have benefited from early access to vaccines, while low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) have faced persistent shortages. Initiatives such as COVAX aimed to address these disparities, but challenges persist. Socioeconomic factors, education, ethnic identity, and the healthcare infrastructure play crucial roles in vaccine equity. For example, lower-income individuals often face barriers such as poor access to healthcare, misinformation, and logistical challenges, particularly in rural areas. Addressing these inequities requires a multifaceted approach, integrating national policies with local strategies to enhance vaccines’ accessibility, counter misinformation, and ensure equitable distribution. Collaborative efforts at all levels are essential to promote vaccine equity and effectively control the pandemic, ensuring that all populations have fair access to life-saving vaccines. This review explores these complex issues, offering insights into the barriers and facilitators of vaccine equity and providing recommendations to promote more equitable and effective vaccination programs. With a focus on the different levels at which vaccination policies are planned and implemented, the text provides guidelines to steer vaccination strategies, emphasizing the role of international cooperation and local policy frameworks as keys to achieving equitable vaccination coverage.
Prioritization of Vaccines for Introduction in the National Immunization Program in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Choi Won Suk , Sung Yeonhee , Kim Jimin , Seok Hyeri , Choe Young J. , Cheong Chelim , Cho Jahyun , Lee Dong Woo , Shin Jee Yeon , Yu Su-Yeon
Published: August 2024

This study presents a framework for determining the prioritization of vaccine introduction in the National Immunization Program (NIP) of the Republic of Korea, with a focus on case examples assessed in 2021 and 2023. We describe the predefined criteria for evaluating the prioritization of vaccines in the NIP and the established process in the Republic of Korea. These criteria included disease characteristics, vaccine characteristics, rationality and efficiency of resource allocation, and the acceptance of immunization. The process of prioritizing NIP introduction involved several sequential steps: a demand survey, evidence collection, preliminary evaluation, priority evaluation, and decision making. In 2021 and 2023, 14 and 25 committee members participated in evaluating the prioritization of vaccines in the NIP, respectively. Overall, 13 and 19 NIP vaccine candidates were included in the 2021 and 2023 evaluations, respectively. Through the Delphi survey and consensus processes, the priority order was determined: vaccination against Rotavirus infection was the top priority in 2021, while Influenza 4v (for chronic disease patients) took precedence in 2023. This study demonstrates an evidence-based decision-making process within the healthcare field. The outlined approach may provide valuable guidance for policymakers in other countries seeking to prioritize the inclusion of new vaccines in their NIP.
Subsequent Waves of Convergent Evolution in SARS-CoV-2 Genes and Proteins
Authors: Focosi Daniele , Spezia Pietro Giorgio , Maggi Fabrizio
Published: August 2024

Beginning in 2022, following widespread infection and vaccination among the global population, the SARS-CoV-2 virus mainly evolved to evade immunity derived from vaccines and past infections. This review covers the convergent evolution of structural, nonstructural, and accessory proteins in SARS-CoV-2, with a specific look at common mutations found in long-lasting infections that hint at the virus potentially reverting to an enteric sarbecovirus type.
Beyond Averages: Unpacking Disparities in School-Based Vaccination Coverage in Eastern Sydney: An Ecological Analysis
Authors: McIndoe Leigh , Wilson Elizabeth , Ferson Mark J. , Sheppeard Vicky
Published: August 2024

School vaccination programs are crucial for achieving high immunisation coverage among adolescents, but substantial disparities exist across schools and regions. This ecological study aimed to determine associations between school characteristics and vaccination coverage for diphtheria–tetanus–acellular pertussis (dTpa) and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines among year 7 students in southeastern Sydney. An analysis of data from 70 mainstream schools participating in the 2019 South Eastern Sydney Local Health District School Vaccination Program utilised quasi-Poisson regression models to assess associations between vaccination coverage and school attendance, socio-educational status, Aboriginal enrolments, language background other than English (LBOTE), school sector (government, Catholic, or independent), and coeducation status. Median school coverage was 88% for dTpa, 88% for HPV—girls, and 86% for HPV—boys, with interquartile ranges of 82–93%, 84–92%, and 78–91%, respectively. Higher school attendance was associated with increased dTpa vaccination coverage (PR 1.14, 95% CI 1.02–1.27). Single-sex schools showed higher HPV vaccination coverage compared to coeducational schools for both girls (PR 2.24, 95% CI 2.04–2.46) and boys (PR 1.89, 95% CI 1.72–2.08). No significant associations were found for ICSEA, Aboriginal enrolments, LBOTE, or school sector. School attendance and coeducational status significantly influenced vaccination coverage, with differential impacts on dTpa and HPV vaccines. These findings highlight the need for targeted strategies to address disparities in school-based vaccination programs. Research using qualitative methods could be useful to understand the beliefs and attitudes contributing to these disparities in vaccine uptake so that programs can be tailored to maximise participation.
Innovative Vehicle Design Processes Based on the Integrated Framework for Abstract Physics Modeling (IF4APM)
Authors: Stetter Ralf
Published: August 2024

In industrial vehicle design processes, most companies have implemented model-based systems engineering (MBSE). As a consequence, design processes are nowadays not driven by documents, but by digital models of the vehicle to be developed and its components. These models exist on different levels of abstraction. The models on the requirements level are already well defined as well as the models of the defined product behavior and product properties. In recent years, the specification of models on the level of product functions was largely clarified, and elaborate frameworks already exist. However, this is not yet true for the level between functions and definite properties; this level can be referred to as "abstract physics". The enormous importance of this level, which, amongst others, can represent the physical effect chains which allow a vehicle component to function, is expressed by several researchers. Several research works aim at specifying models on this level, but, until now, no general consensus can be identified, and the existing model specifications are less appropriate for the early stages of vehicle design. This paper explains an Integrated Framework for Abstract Physics Modeling (IF4APM), which incorporates different perspectives of abstract physics and is suited for the early phases. The explanation is based on typical components of several kinds of vehicles. The main advantages of the proposed approach are the consistent interconnection of abstract product models, the clearness and understandability of the resulting matrices, and the aptitude to be used in the early phases of a vehicle design process.
Post-Chemotherapy Canine Lymphomatous Lymph Node Observations on B-Mode and Strain Elastographic Ultrasound
Authors: Sutthigran Somchin , Saisawart Phasamon , Soeratanapant Suphat , Teewasutrakul Patharakrit , Sirivisoot Sirintra , Thanaboonnipat Chutimon , Rungsipipat Anudep , Choisunirachon Nan
Published: August 2024

Canine multicentric lymphoma (CML) is a prevalent hematopoietic neoplasm that initially responds well to treatment but often relapses due to chemotherapy resistance. Evaluation of treatment response is essential for effective management. Ultrasound (US) can differentiate between benign and lymphomatous lymph nodes (LLNs). However, its utility in monitoring LLNs post chemotherapy is limited. This study aimed to compare US parameters of LLNs during the first 3 weeks post treatment and evaluate their diagnostic performance compared with the conventional method for assessing treatment response. This study included 95 LLNs from 15 dogs with CML and 60 normal lymph nodes (NLNs) from 15 healthy dogs. US, including B-mode and elastography, was performed pre-treatment and weekly for 3 weeks post treatment, and compared with the results of NLNs. LLNs were categorized into partial response and stable disease groups using the conventional method. US scores were established by combining B-mode and elastography parameters. The results showed significantly higher values of LLNs in the short-to-long axis ratio, elastographic scales, and blue-to-green color histogram compared with NLNs. Additionally, LLNs at pre-treatment had significantly higher values than LLNs post treatment. US scores significantly differed among the healthy, partial response, and stable disease groups. In conclusion, B-mode US, elastography, and US scores demonstrated changes during chemotherapy consistent with the conventional method and can be used in conjunction with the conventional method to evaluate the treatment response of CML.
Evaluating Empirical, Field, and Laboratory Approaches for Estimating the Hydraulic Conductivity in the Kabul Aquifer
Authors: Mohammaddost Alimahdi , Mohammadi Zargham , Hussainzadeh Javad , Farahmand Asadullah , Sivelle Vianney , Labat David
Published: August 2024

The evaluation of saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) constitutes an invaluable tool for the management and protection of groundwater resources. This study attempted to estimate Ks in the shallow aquifer of Kabul City, Afghanistan, in response to the occurring groundwater crisis caused by overexploitation and a lack of an appropriate monitoring system on pumping wells, based on datasets from well drilling logs, various analytical methods for pumping test analyses, and laboratory-based methodologies. The selection of Ks estimation methods was influenced by data availability and various established equations, including Theis, developed by Cooper–Jacob, Kruger, Zamarin, Zunker, Sauerbrei, and Chapuis, and pre-determined Ks values dedicated to well log segments exhibited the highest correlation coefficients, ranging between 60% and 75%, with the real conditions of the phreatic aquifer system with respect to the drawdown rate map. The results successfully obtained local-specific quantitative Ks value ranges for gravel, sand, silt, clay, and conglomerate. The obtained results fall within the high range of Ks classification, ranging from 30.0 to 139.8 m per day (m/d) on average across various calculation methods. This study proved that the combination of pumping test results, predetermined values derived from empirical and laboratory approaches, geological description, and classified soil materials and analyses constitutes reliable Ks values through cost-effective and accessible results compared with conducting expensive tests in arid and semi-arid areas.
Impact of Design and Mixing Strategies on Biogas Production in Anaerobic Digesters
Authors: Neuner Thomas , Meister Michael , Pillei Martin , Senfter Thomas , Draxl-Weiskopf Simon , Ebner Christian , Winkler Jacqueline , Rauch Wolfgang
Published: August 2024

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a biological process that breaks down organic matter in the absence of oxygen, producing biogas and nutrient-rich digestate. Various reactor designs and mixing strategies are well-established in AD processes, each with their own advantages and benefits. The presented study summarizes and investigates the state of the art of AD in domestic wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in an Austrian alpine region, with a primary focus on finding similarities among the most efficient plants regarding digester design, mixing approaches, and biogas production. By combining surveys and detailed field studies in cooperation with 34 WWTPs, the study provides a comprehensive overview of common AD practices, reactor shapes, and inherent mixing methods, highlighting their potential regarding energetic efficiency and biogas production. The results of the survey reveal qualitative trends in efficient AD design alongside detailed quantitative data derived from the supervised in-field optimization studies. Notably, one of the studies demonstrated energetic savings of 52% with no decrease in biogas production, achieved by transitioning from gas injection to mechanical agitation. Redundant impeller-based overmixing was also practically investigated and demonstrated in another field study. After optimization, the adaptations also resulted in energy savings of 30%, still proving sufficient substrate mixing with biomethane potential analysis. In conclusion, this research emphasizes the economic and environmental importance of energy-refined practices and optimized processes while highlighting the sustainability of AD, particularly for large domestic WWTPs but also for different comparable applications.
Evaluation of Future Changes in Climate Extremes over Southeast Asia Using Downscaled CMIP6 GCM Projections
Authors: Try Sophal , Qin Xiaosheng
Published: August 2024

This study presented an assessment of climate extremes in the Southeast Asia (SEA) region, utilizing downscaled climate projections from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) Global Climate Models (GCMs). The study outputs uncovered statistically significant trends indicating a rise in extreme precipitation and temperature events throughout SEA for both the near-term (2021–2060) and long-term (2061–2100) future under both SSP245 and SSP585 scenarios, in comparison to the historical period (1950–2014). Moreover, we investigated the seasonal fluctuations in rainfall and temperature distributions, accentuating the occurrence of drier dry seasons and wetter rainy seasons in particular geographic areas. The focused examination of seven prominent cities in SEA underscored the escalating frequency of extreme rainfall events and rising temperatures, heightening the urban vulnerability to urban flooding and heatwaves. This study’s findings enhance our comprehension of potential climate extremes in SEA, providing valuable insights to inform climate adaptation, mitigation strategies, and natural disaster preparedness efforts within the region.
Multifactor Mathematical Modeling and Analysis of the Impact of Extreme Climate on Geological Disasters
Authors: Yang Xiaoyu , Sun Xiaohui , Tang Li
Published: August 2024

Objective: To investigate the impact of extreme climate on geological disasters in Shanxi and propose effective disaster prevention and mitigation strategies. Methods: Using daily temperature and precipitation data from 27 meteorological stations in Shanxi Province from 1975 to 2020, 32 extreme climate indices were calculated. Combined with geological disaster site data, the distribution characteristics of extreme climates and their relationship with geological disasters were analyzed, and a regression model for geological disaster risk zones was constructed. Results: Sixteen extreme climate indices in Shanxi Province showed significant changes, especially TMAXmean (100% significant). Indices related to negative precipitation effects showed a declining trend, with 77.78% being significant, while 96.3% of positive temperature effect indices showed an increasing trend, with 73.6% being significant. Geological disaster hotspots were concentrated in the mid-altitude (500–1500 m) hilly and low mountain areas along the central north–south axis and on Q and Pz strata. Extreme high-temperature indices were significantly positively correlated with geological disaster hotspots, while extreme low-temperature indices were negatively correlated. Indices related to extreme heavy precipitation (e.g., R99p.Slope, RX5day.Slope) were associated with an increase in geological disaster hotspots, whereas higher total precipitation and frequent heavy precipitation events were associated with a decrease in disaster hotspots. The grey relational degree between the Z-score and TXn.Slope, TXx.Slope, GSL.Slope, and TX90P.Slope was greater than 0.8. The random forest model performed best in evaluation metrics such as MAE, RMSE, and R2. Conclusions: Shanxi is likely to experience more extreme high-temperature and precipitation events in the future. The low-altitude hilly and terraced areas in Zones III and VII are key regions for geological disaster prevention and control. High temperatures and extreme rainfall events generally increase the disaster risk, while higher total precipitation reduces it. The random forest model is the optimal tool for predicting geological disaster risks in Shanxi Province.
The Impact of Foreshore Slope on Cross-Shore Sediment Transport and Sandbar Formation in Beach Berm Nourishment
Authors: Liu Xinglu , Luo Xiaofeng , Lu Chuanteng , Zhang Gongjin , Ding Wei
Published: August 2024

Foreshore slope is crucial in designing beach berm nourishment schemes and understanding coastal responses to wave forces. Beach berm nourishment often suffers from a high loss rate, necessitating theoretical research and design parameter comparison to mitigate these losses early on. This study uses Bagnold’s energy conservation method and the small-angle approximation method to establish a relationship between cross-shore sediment transport and foreshore slope. The feedback mechanism between these factors shows that when the foreshore slope is fewer than 10 degrees, a smaller initial slope results in a reduced rate of sediment transport. Over time, the foreshore slope decreases and eventually reaches equilibrium, promoting the formation of an offshore sandbar, which helps reduce sediment loss. Using data from Guanhu Beach in Dapeng Bay, this study constructs a realistic numerical beach model to simulate the dynamic behavior of beach profiles with varying foreshore slopes under the influence of monsoon waves and storm surges. The simulation results support the feedback mechanism findings, demonstrating that profiles with minimal foreshore slopes experience the least initial sediment loss, thus facilitating sandbar formation more effectively. These insights can inform beach berm nourishment strategies, emphasizing early-stage efforts to expand beach areas and reduce sediment loss.
Improving Knowledge and Awareness and Contributing to Policy Making on River Pressures through a Citizen Science Approach: Tagus Web Viewer Case (Spain)
Authors: Larraz Beatriz , Urquiaga Raúl , Martínez Antonio , Martín Beatriz
Published: August 2024

Citizen science is considered one of the most appropriate tools to raise public awareness of environmental issues. With the aim of improving knowledge on river environments, this article presents a web application for mobile phones and other portable devices that allows, through the active participation of society, the collection of detailed and systematic information on the main problems facing rivers. The initiative uses a web viewer (Tagus Web Viewer—TagusWV) developed as a pilot project in the Tagus River basin (Spain). This web viewer allows information on river pressures to be collected and the aggregated data to be visualised and extracted for interpretation and analysis. Pressure is defined as any use or activity, legal/illegal, authorised/unauthorised, that has an impact on water quality, morphology, river dynamics or the ecosystem. The data are mainly collected by different groups of citizens. In addition to contributing to the environmental education of citizens involved in a river environment, the data provided in the TagusWV are of particular interest to river managers. The tool is designed to be relevant for any river basin in the world, by simply loading the map, the names of the rivers and the corresponding locations.
Comparison between Genetic Algorithms of Proportional–Integral–Derivative and Linear Quadratic Regulator Controllers, and Fuzzy Logic Controllers for Cruise Control System
Authors: Mahmood Ali , Al-bayati Karrar Y.A. , Szabolcsi Róbert
Published: August 2024

One of the most significant and widely used features currently in autonomous vehicles is the cruise control system that not only deals with constant vehicle velocities but also aims to optimize the safety and comfortability of drivers and passengers. The accuracy and precision of system responses are responsible for cruise control system efficiency via control techniques and algorithms. This study presents the dynamic cruise control system model, then investigates a genetic algorithm of the proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controller with the linear quadratic regulator (LQR) based on four fitness functions, the mean squared error (MSE), the integral squared error (ISE), the integral time squared error (ITSE) and the integral time absolute error (ITAE). Then, the response of the two controllers, PID and LQR, with the genetic algorithm was compared to the response performance of the fuzzy and fuzzy integral (Fuzzy-I) controllers. The MATLAB 2024a program simulation was employed to represent the system time response of each proposed controller. The output simulation of these controllers shows that the type of system stability response was related to the type of controller implemented. The results show that the Fuzzy-I controller outperforms the other proposed controllers according to the least Jmin function, which represents the minimum summation of the overshoot, settling time, and steady-state error of the cruise control system. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of driving accuracy, safety, and comfortability during acceleration and deceleration due to the smoothness and stability of the Fuzzy-I controller with a settling time of 5.232 s and when converging the steady-state error to zero.
Colonic stenting: is the bridge to surgery worth its cost? A cost-effectiveness analysis at a single Asian institution
Authors: Khoo Michelle Shi Qing , Koh Frederick H. , Sivarajah Sharmini Su , Ho Leonard Ming-Li , Aw Darius Kang-Lie , Chong Cheryl Xi-Zi , Foo Fung Joon , Tan Winson Jianhong
Published: August 2024

Purpose: In patients with acute left-sided colonic obstruction, stenting can convert an emergency operation into a semi-elective procedure. However, its use continues to be debated. We performed a cost-effective analysis using our institution’s experiences.Methods: Endoscopic, surgical, and financial details were prospectively collected for patients who presented with acute colonic obstruction and underwent stenting between 2019 and 2022. Outcomes were defined as technical/clinical success and successful surgical resection. The financial cost of stenting was compared with the expected cost without stenting.Results: Forty patients were included, with 29 undergoing definitive resection. The most common pathology was primary colon cancer (27 patients, 93%). Endoscopic stenting had high technical (90%) and clinical (83%) success rates, with low rates of complications such as perforation (2 patients, 7%) and migration (0 patients, 0%). As a bridge to surgery, the median procedure time was 226 minutes and the surgical outcomes also showed a low rate of complications (3 patients, 11%), such as anastomotic leakage (0 patients, 0%), intraabdominal abscesses (2 patients, 7%), and 30-day postoperative mortality (0 patients, 0%). The cumulative costs with colonic stenting were $32,900, while the expected costs with emergency surgery, including stoma reversal, were $40,700 (healthcare cost-savings of $7,800 per person). The difference was mainly due to the avoidance of upfront emergency surgery. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was 0.81, favoring colonic stenting over upfront emergency surgery.Conclusion: Colonic stenting as a bridge to surgery is safe and cost-effective for treating left-sided colonic obstruction with high success rates and low complication rates.
Propofol Versus Midazolam for Sedation in Patients With Cirrhosis Undergoing Upper Endoscopy: A Single-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Khademi Befrouei Mojtaba , Besaratdar Sepideh , Vatankhah Majid , Dadvand Habib
Published: August 2024

Background: Patients with hepatic cirrhosis are frequently screened for the complications of portal vein hypertension using upper endoscopy. The current study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of midazolam and propofol for sedation in patients with cirrhosis undergoing upper endoscopy. Methods: This single-blind randomized clinical trial included 60 cirrhotic patients aged 18-80 years referred to Shahid Mohammadi hospital, Bandar Abbas, Iran from May 22, 2019, to May 21, 2020, for upper endoscopy. The age, gender, weight, and height of the patients were recorded, and they were randomized into two groups. Patients in the midazolam group (n=30) received 0.05 mg/ kg midazolam for induction which continued with a 1 µg/kg/min dose, and those in the propofol group received 1 mg/kg propofol which continued with a 25-75 µg/kg/min dose. Blood pressure, oxygen saturation (SpO2 ), respiratory rate (RR), and heart rate (HR) were measured before induction, immediately, 1, and 5 minutes after induction, and in the recovery unit. Finally, the time to reach the target sedation (Ramsay sedation scale≥5), sedation duration, and recovery time were noted as well. Results: Patients in both groups were comparable regarding age, gender, weight, and height. There were no significant differences between groups regarding hemodynamic parameters at any given time point, except for RR 1 minute after induction, which was significantly higher in the propofol group (P=0.012). Changes in HR from baseline to recovery were significant in both groups. Moreover, changes in SpO2 from baseline to recovery were only significant in the midazolam group (P<0.001). The time to reach the target sedation and sedation duration were significantly lower in the propofol group (P<0.001 and P=0.003, respectively); however, there was no significant difference between groups with regard to the recovery time. Grade II encephalopathy (West Haven criteria) developed in one patient in the midazolam group. Conclusion: Based on the results of the current study, although propofol was superior to midazolam for upper endoscopy in cirrhotic patients with respect to the time to reach the target sedation and sedation duration, the two drugs were rather comparable in terms of hemodynamic stability. However, hepatic encephalopathy with midazolam remains a major concern.
Conventional reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assay as an alternative, low-cost, and reliable method for the detection of COVID-19
Authors: Aboutalebian Shima , Fakhim Hamed , Shoaei Parisa , Mousavi Somayeh , Faramarzi Sama , Ghafel Safiyeh , Gholipour Sahar , Farhang Armin , Nekoeian Shahram , Hosseini rizi Mahnaz , Mirhendi Hossein
Published: August 2024

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a highly contagious infection causing a large number of deaths in susceptible individuals throughout the world. Objectives: In this study, a low-cost, sensitive, and easy-to-perform conventional Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based RNA detection method was evaluated to diagnose the infection that was feasible at a laboratory with minimal molecular infrastructure. Methods: From 4 July to 31 August 2020, a total of 277 nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal swab samples consisting of 72 samples from hospitalized patients with a severe respiratory infection and 205 suspected patients into four different age groups of under 20 years (n=8), 20-39 years (n=90), 40-59 years (n=93), and over 60 years (n=86) in Isfahan, Iran, were tested using the real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR), and conventional PCR assays. Results: Overall, 40 cases out of 72 hospitalized patients were aged more than 60 years, and the majority of the study population were male (54.1%, n=150). Out of 160 clinical samples tested by RT-PCR with the E gene, the sensitivity and specificity of the conventional PCR method were determined at 100%. Furthermore, out of 117 clinical samples evaluated by the probe-based RT-PCR with the N gene, 74.4% of the samples were positive. Moreover, the duplex PCR method using the N gene and RNase P as an internal control reference gene showed that 68.4% of the samples were positive. Therefore, the tested PCRs could detect positive samples with a sensitivity of 92.55% and a specificity of 100%. Conclusion: According to the results, this method is a simple, inexpensive, and valuable alternative as well as a suitable procedure for the laboratory diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Coronavirus and Sexual Transmission: A Systematic Review
Authors: Tajik Razieh , Heshmati Hossein , pormehr-yabandeh Asiyeh , Zahedi Mohadeseh , Yousefi Pooneh , Asadi-Noghabi Fariba
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS) was first identified in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. Although the respiratory system is infected in this disease, other tissues are prone to coronavirus attack so that the male reproductive system is another target for the virus causing sexual transmission of coronavirus. This study systematically examined the results of studies conducted on COVID-19 and possible sexual transmission of this virus. Method: This was a systematic review study in which the articles and papers were collected by using some keywords such as COVID-19, Semen, Novel Coronavirus, SARS-COV-2, ACE2, and Male Infertility searching through databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar) using OR and AND operators from December 2019 to November 2020. Finally, 13 papers as eligible articles were studied. Findings: The collected papers were reviewed, and ultimately 13 papers were entered into this study. According to current studies, the Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE2), which is found abundantly in testicles can perform as a cellular receptor for SARS-COV-2. This finding is the foundation of this hypothesis that human testis and semen can be infected by SARS-COV-2. In particular, a study showed that SARS-COV-2 might be detected in semen of patients with COVID-19 while other studies found no viral RNA in testicular biopsy tissue. Furthermore, some studies concluded that this virus, even in the acute phase, could not infect testicles or the male genital system. Accordingly, no evidence confirms that this virus can be transmitted through male genital organs. Conclusion: Although this virus has not been detected in semen fluid and it has not been sexually transmitted, one study found this virus in semen of coronavirus-infected patients and introduced its possible sexual transmission. Therefore, there is a low probability of sexual transmission of coronavirus.
Investigating Hematological and Renal Effects of Levetiracetam Versus Lamotrigine in Children With Epilepsy: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Esteghamati Maryam , Moayedi Alireza , Jalilzadeh Somayeh , Zoghi Ghazal
Published: August 2024

Objectives: Alterations in hematological and renal parameters have been reported with antiepileptic drugs. This study evaluates the effects of lamotrigine (LTG) and levetiracetam (LEV) on these parameters in children with epilepsy. Methods: This randomized clinical trial included children with a first-time diagnosis of epilepsy referred to Bandar Abbas Children’s Hospital, Bandar Abbas, Iran, from 2017 to 2018. The participants’ age, gender, and family history of epilepsy were recorded. The patients in the LTG group received 0.6 mg/kg oral LTG in two divided doses for two weeks which continued with 1.2 mg/kg for another two weeks and then with a maintenance dose of 5-15 mg/kg daily. The patients in the LEV group received 10 mg/kg oral LEV twice a day. When necessary, the dosage is increased to a maximum of 30 mg/kg twice a day. The treatment continued until seizures were controlled. Hematological and renal parameters were measured at baseline and 3 months after treatment. The total duration of treatment with each drug was also noted. Results: From the 66 children evaluated in this study with a mean age of 8.51±2.11 years, 31 (47%) were male. Age, gender, family history of epilepsy, treatment duration, and baseline hematological and renal parameters did not differ between the LTG group (n=26) and the LEV group (n=40). The patients in both groups were comparable in terms of all the parameters after treatment. Also, no significant change was observed after treatment compared to baseline in either group. Discussion: LTG and LEV have no significant effect on the hematological and renal parameters of children with epilepsy.
Investigating Ki67 and p16 Positivity Pattern in Human Papillomavirus 16 and 18 Versus Other High-risk Human Papillomaviruses
Authors: AtashAbParvar Ali , Baniasadi Mahnaz
Published: August 2024

Objectives: The expression of Ki67 and p16 has been used for the diagnosis of human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 and 18; however, limited research has been conducted on the comparison with other high-risk HPVs (HR-HPVs) in this respect. Accordingly, this study compares the positivity pattern of Ki67 and p16 in HPV16/18 with other HR-HPVs. Methods: This descriptive study included women with positive screening test (Pap smear test) and positive HR-HPV referred to Shahid Mohammadi Hospital, Bandar Abbas, Iran, from 2018-2019 for colposcopy and cervical biopsy. Biopsy specimens were stained for Ki67 and p16. Data on age, education, and menopause status were also recorded. Results: Of the 80 women included in this study with a mean age of 33.16±8.55 years, 48.8% had positive HPV16/18, and 51.2% were positive for other HR-HPVs. The positivity pattern of Ki67 and the type of HR-HPV (HPV16/18 vs other HR-HPVs) were significantly correlated (P=0.006). Full-thickness positive Ki67 was only observed in HPV16/18 positive specimens. Positive Ki67 in the upper and middle thirds were also significantly more frequent with HPV16/18. The correlation between positive Ki67 and HR-HPVs remained significant in women aged >30 years, with university education, and of childbearing age. Discussion: The positivity pattern of Ki67 is significantly correlated with HPV16/18, and age, education, and menopause status are the influential factors. Meanwhile, the strongly positive p16 pattern was more frequent in HPV16/18 compared to other HR-HPVs; however, the relationship between the positivity pattern of p16 and the type of HR-HPV was not significant.