bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing an IoT Identity Management System Using Blockchain
Authors: Venkatraman Sitalakshmi , Parvin Sazia
Published: March 2022

Identity (ID) management systems have evolved based on traditional data modelling and authentication protocols that are facing security, privacy, and trust challenges with the growth of Internet of Things (IoT). Research surveys reveal that blockchain technology offers special features of self-sovereign identity and cryptography that can be leveraged to address the issues of security breach and privacy leaks prevalent in existing ID management systems. Although research studies are recently exploring the suitability of blockchain based support to existing infrastructure, there is a lack of focus on IoT ecosystem in the secured ID management with data provenance of digital assets in businesses. In this paper, we propose a blockchain based ID management system for computing assets in an IoT ecosystem comprising of devices, software, users, and data operations. We design and develop a proof-of-concept prototype using a federated and distributed blockchain platform with smart contracts to support highly trusted data storage and secure authentication of IoT resources and operations within a business case scenario.
A Survey on GAN-Based Data Augmentation for Hand Pose Estimation Problem
Authors: Farahanipad Farnaz , Rezaei Mohammad , Nasr Mohammad Sadegh , Kamangar Farhad , Athitsos Vassilis
Published: March 2022

Deep learning solutions for hand pose estimation are now very reliant on comprehensive datasets covering diverse camera perspectives, lighting conditions, shapes, and pose variations. While acquiring such datasets is a challenging task, several studies circumvent this problem by exploiting synthetic data, but this does not guarantee that they will work well in real situations mainly due to the gap between the distribution of synthetic and real data. One recent popular solution to the domain shift problem is learning the mapping function between different domains through generative adversarial networks. In this study, we present a comprehensive study on effective hand pose estimation approaches, which are comprised of the leveraged generative adversarial network (GAN), providing a comprehensive training dataset with different modalities. Benefiting from GAN, these algorithms can augment data to a variety of hand shapes and poses where data manipulation is intuitively controlled and greatly realistic. Next, we present related hand pose datasets and performance comparison of some of these methods for the hand pose estimation problem. The quantitative and qualitative results indicate that the state-of-the-art hand pose estimators can be greatly improved with the aid of the training data generated by these GAN-based data augmentation methods. These methods are able to beat the baseline approaches with better visual quality and higher values in most of the metrics (PCK and ME) on both the STB and NYU datasets. Finally, in conclusion, the limitation of the current methods and future directions are discussed.
Risk of Abdominal Obesity Associated with Phthalate Exposure of Nurses
Authors: Kolena Branislav , Hlisníková Henrieta , Kečkéšová Ľubica , Šidlovská Miroslava , Trnovec Tomáš , Petrovičová Ida
Published: March 2022

Background: Occupational health hazards associated with phthalate exposure among nurses are still not well understood. Methods: We used high-performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry to analyze phthalates. Anthropometric measurements and questionnaires were conducted. Results: We observed associations between mono-benzyl phthalate (MBzP) and body mass index (BMI), hip circumference (HC), waist circumference (WC), waist to height ratio (WHtR), and fat mass index (FMI), visceral fat content, BMI risk and hip index risk (HIrisk), adjusted to consumer behavior and consumer practices (r = 0.36–0.61; p ≤ 0.046). In the same model, we detected an association between mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP) and waist to hip ratio (WHR; r = 0.36; p = 0.046), mono-carboxy-isononyl phthalate (cx-MiNP) and BMI (r = 0.37; p = 0.043), HC (r = 0.4; p = 0.026) and WHtR (r = 0.38; p = 0.037), between mono-oxo-isononyl phthalate oxo (MiNP) and HC (r = 0.36; p = 0.045), mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP), mono(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (oxo-MEHP) and HIrisk (r = 0.38–0.41; p ≤ 0.036), between oxo-MEHP and Anthropometric Risk Index (ARI risk; r = 0.4; p = 0.028). We detected a relationship between BMI and MBzP (β = 0.655; p < 0.001) and mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP; β = −0.365; p = 0.003), between hip circumference and MBzP (β = 0.486; p < 0.001), MEHP (β = −0.402; p = 0.001), and sum of secondary metabolites of diisononyl phthalate (∑DiNP; β = 0.307; p = 0.016). We observed a relationship between fat content and MBzP (β = 0.302; p = 0.033), OH-MnBP (β = −0.736; p = 0.006) and MiBP (β = 0.547; p = 0.046), visceral fat content and MBzP (β = 0.307; p = 0.030), HI-risk and MBzP (β = 0.444; p = 0.001), ARI-risk and sum of di-n-butyl phthalate metabolites (∑DnBP; β = 0.337; p = 0.018). We observed an association between the use of protective equipment with cx-MiNP. Conclusions: Occupational exposure to phthalates may induce abdominal obesity and result in obesity-related metabolic disorders.
Characteristics of PM2.5 and Its Correlation with Feed, Manure and NH3 in a Pig-Fattening House
Authors: Pu Shihua , Peng Siyi , Zhu Jiaming , Liu Zuohua , Long Dingbiao , Lim TengTeeh
Published: March 2022

Fine particulate matter (PM), including PM2.5 in pig houses, has received increasing attention due to the potential health risks associated with PM. At present, most studies have analyzed PM2.5 in Chinese pig houses utilizing natural ventilation. These results, however, are strongly affected by the internal structure and regional environment, thus limiting their applicability to non-mechanically ventilated pig houses. This experiment was carried out in an environmentally controlled pig house. The animal feeding operation and manure management in the house were typical for Southwest China. To reduce the influence of various environmental factors on PM2.5, the temperature and humidity in the house were maintained in a relatively stable state by using an environmental control system. The concentration of PM2.5 in the pig house was monitored, while the biological contents and chemical composition of PM2.5 were analyzed, and feed, manure, and dust particles were scanned using an electron microscope. Moreover, bacterial and fungal contents and some water-soluble ions in PM2.5 were identified. The results showed that the concentration of PM2.5 in the pig house was strongly affected by pig activity, and a phenomenon of forming secondary particles in the pig house was found, although the transformation intensity was low. The concentration of PM2.5 had negative correlations of 0.27 and 0.18 with ammonia and hydrogen sulfide, respectively. Interestingly, a stronger correlation was observed between ammonia and hydrogen sulfide and ammonia and carbon dioxide concentrations (the concentration of ammonia had stronger positive correlations with hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide concentrations at +0.44 and +0.59, respectively). The main potential sources of PM2.5 production were feed and manure. We speculate that manure could contribute to the broken, rough, and angular particles that formed the pig house PM2.5 that easily adhered to other components.
Revitalization of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon Contaminated Soil Remediated by Landfarming
Authors: Lee Woo-Chun , Lee Jong-Hwan , Lee Sang-Hun , Lee Sang-Woo , Jeon Ji-Hoon , Lee Sang-Hwan , Kim Soon-Oh
Published: March 2022

Soil health deteriorates through the contamination and remediation processes, resulting in the limitation of the reuse and recycling of the remediated soils. Therefore, soil health should be recovered for the intended purposes of reuse and recycling. This study aimed to evaluate the applicability and effectiveness of several amendments to revitalize total petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated soils remediated by the landfarming process. Ten inorganic, organic, and biological amendments were investigated for their dosage and duration, and nine physicochemical, four fertility, and seven microbial (soil enzyme activity) factors were compared before and after the treatment of amendments. Finally, the extent of recovery was quantitatively estimated, and the significance of results was confirmed with statistical methods, such as simple regression and correlation analyses assisted by principal component analysis. The landfarming process is considered a somewhat environmentally friendly remediation technology to minimize the adverse effect on soil quality, but four soil properties—such as water holding capacity (WHC), exchangeable potassium (Ex. K), nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N), available phosphorus (Av. P), and urease—were confirmed to deteriorate through the landfarming process. The WHC was better improved by organic agents, such as peat moss, biochar, and compost. Zeolite was evaluated as the most effective material for improving Ex. K content. The vermicompost showed the highest efficacy in recovering the NO3-N content of the remediated soil. Chlorella, vermicompost, and compost were investigated for their ability to enhance urease activity effectively. Although each additive showed different effectiveness according to different soil properties, their effect on overall soil properties should be considered for cost-effectiveness and practical implementation. Their overall effect was evaluated using statistical methods, and the results showed that compost, chlorella, and vermicompost were the most relevant amendments for rehabilitating the overall health of the remediated soil for the reuse and/or recycling of agricultural purposes. This study highlighted how to practically improve the health of remediated soils for the reuse and recycling of agricultural purposes.
Effect of Hemocoagulase on the Prevention of Bleeding after Percutaneous Renal Biopsy
Authors: Torigoe Kenta , Yamashita Ayuko , Abe Shinichi , Muta Kumiko , Mukae Hiroshi , Nishino Tomoya
Published: March 2022

A percutaneous renal biopsy is an essential tool for the diagnosis of various renal diseases; however, post-biopsy bleeding is a major complication. Hemocoagulase is a detoxified and purified snake venom enzyme that is widely used to prevent post-procedural bleeding. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the effect of hemocoagulase on post-renal biopsy bleeding. We included 221 patients who underwent percutaneous renal biopsy between April 2017 and December 2020 and analyzed post-renal biopsy hemoglobin (Hb) decline in patients who were administered a periprocedural hemocoagulase injection. After the renal biopsy, the mean Hb decrease in the entire patient cohort was 0.33 ± 0.84 g/dL. Periprocedural hemocoagulase injection lowered the Hb decline post-renal biopsy (0.50 ± 0.87 vs. 0.23 ± 0.80 g/dL, p = 0.0204). The propensity-matched cohort was also adjusted for factors influencing postprocedural bleeding; periprocedural hemocoagulase injection reduced the Hb decline post-renal biopsy (0.56 ± 0.89 vs. 0.17 ± 0.74 g/dL, p = 0.006). There were no adverse events (e.g., thrombosis and anaphylactic shock) due to hemocoagulase. Our study demonstrated the beneficial effect of hemocoagulase on post-renal biopsy Hb decline, suggesting its clinical value in preventing post-renal biopsy bleeding.
Machine Perfusion of the Human Heart
Authors: Large Stephen , Messer Simon
Published: March 2022

This brief communication about machine perfusion of potential human donor hearts describes its historical development. Included in the review are both the isolated perfusion of donor hearts retrieved from heart beating and non-heart-beating donors. Additionally, some detail of in-situ (within the donor body) normothermic regional reperfusion of the heart and other organs is given. This only applies to the DCD donor heart. Similarly, some detail of ex-situ (outside the body) heart perfusion is offered. This article covers the entire history of the reperfusion of donor hearts. It takes us up to the current day describing 6 years follow-up of these donor machine perfused hearts. These clinical results appear similar to the outcomes of heart beating donors if reperfusion is managed within 30 min of normothermic circulatory determined death. Future developments are also offered. These are 3-fold and include: i. the pressing need for objective markers of the clinical outcome after transplantation, ii. the wish for isolated heart perfusion leading to improvement in donor heart quality, and iii. a strategy to safely lengthen the duration of isolated heart perfusion.
RR Lyrae Stars and Anomalous Cepheids as Population Tracers in Local Group Galaxies
Authors: Monelli Matteo , Fiorentino Giuliana
Published: March 2022

We discuss the use and importance of pulsating variable stars as population tracers in Local Group galaxies. Among bright variable crossing the classical instability strip, we mostly focus on RR Lyrae stars and Anomalous Cepheids. We discuss their pulsational properties and how it is possible to use them to constrain the evolution and star formation history of the host galaxy. We discuss RR Lyrae stars as tracers of the old population, and how they can be used to trace the accretion history of large galaxies such as the Milky Way and M31, and also the early chemical evolution. Moreover, we show that the frequency of Anomalous Cepheids follows different relations, and therefore trace the intermediate-age star formation. Finally, we discuss the different methods to derive distances and the impact of the Gaia mission.
Molecular Epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 in Tunisia (North Africa) through Several Successive Waves of COVID-19
Authors: Chouikha Anissa , Fares Wasfi , Laamari Asma , Haddad-Boubaker Sondes , Belaiba Zeineb , Ghedira Kais , Kammoun Rebai Wafa , Ayouni Kaouther , Khedhiri Marwa , Ben Halima Samar , Krichen Henda , Touzi Henda , Ben Dhifallah Imen , Guerfali Fatma Z. , Atri Chiraz , Azouz Saifeddine , Khamessi Oussema , Ardhaoui Monia , Safer Mouna , Ben Alaya Nissaf , Guizani Ikram , Kefi Rym , Gdoura Mariem , Triki Henda
Published: March 2022

Documenting the circulation dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 variants in different regions of the world is crucial for monitoring virus transmission worldwide and contributing to global efforts towards combating the pandemic. Tunisia has experienced several waves of COVID-19 with a significant number of infections and deaths. The present study provides genetic information on the different lineages of SARS-CoV-2 that circulated in Tunisia over 17 months. Lineages were assigned for 1359 samples using whole-genome sequencing, partial S gene sequencing and variant-specific real-time RT-PCR tests. Forty-eight different lineages of SARS-CoV-2 were identified, including variants of concern (VOCs), variants of interest (VOIs) and variants under monitoring (VUMs), particularly Alpha, Beta, Delta, A.27, Zeta and Eta. The first wave, limited to imported and import-related cases, was characterized by a small number of positive samples and lineages. During the second wave, a large number of lineages were detected; the third wave was marked by the predominance of the Alpha VOC, and the fourth wave was characterized by the predominance of the Delta VOC. This study adds new genomic data to the global context of COVID-19, particularly from the North African region, and highlights the importance of the timely molecular characterization of circulating strains.
Identifying Country-Level Risk Factors for the Spread of COVID-19 in Europe Using Machine Learning
Authors: Moustakidis Serafeim , Kokkotis Christos , Tsaopoulos Dimitrios , Sfikakis Petros , Tsiodras Sotirios , Sypsa Vana , Zaoutis Theoklis E. , Paraskevis Dimitrios
Published: March 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has resulted in approximately 5 million deaths around the world with unprecedented consequences in people’s daily routines and in the global economy. Despite vast increases in time and money spent on COVID-19-related research, there is still limited information about the factors at the country level that affected COVID-19 transmission and fatality in EU. The paper focuses on the identification of these risk factors using a machine learning (ML) predictive pipeline and an associated explainability analysis. To achieve this, a hybrid dataset was created employing publicly available sources comprising heterogeneous parameters from the majority of EU countries, e.g., mobility measures, policy responses, vaccinations, and demographics/generic country-level parameters. Data pre-processing and data exploration techniques were initially applied to normalize the available data and decrease the feature dimensionality of the data problem considered. Then, a linear ε-Support Vector Machine (ε-SVM) model was employed to implement the regression task of predicting the number of deaths for each one of the three first pandemic waves (with mean square error of 0.027 for wave 1 and less than 0.02 for waves 2 and 3). Post hoc explainability analysis was finally applied to uncover the rationale behind the decision-making mechanisms of the ML pipeline and thus enhance our understanding with respect to the contribution of the selected country-level parameters to the prediction of COVID-19 deaths in EU.
Insights into Gene Transcriptional Regulation of Kayvirus Bacteriophages Obtained from Therapeutic Mixtures
Authors: Arroyo-Moreno Sara , Buttimer Colin , Bottacini Francesca , Chanishvili Nina , Ross Paul , Hill Colin , Coffey Aidan
Published: March 2022

Bacteriophages (phages) of the genus Kayvirus of Staphylococcus aureus are promising agents for therapeutic applications. In this study, we isolated Kayvirus phages, SAM1 and SAM2, from the Fersisi commercial phage cocktail (George Eliava Institute, Tbilisi, Georgia), which exhibits high sequence homology with phage K (≥94%, BLASTn). We found that phages SAM1 and SAM2 infected 95% and 86% of 21 MRSA of differing sequence types (MLST, SCCmec type) obtained from the Irish National MRSA collection, respectively. We conducted differential transcriptomic analysis by RNA-Seq on phage SAM1 during host infection, showing differential expression of its genes at different points during host infection. This analysis also allowed the identification of potentially adverse outcomes in the application of these phages to target MRSA as therapy. The interaction of phage SAM1 on the host caused the upregulation of prophage genes. Additionally, phage infection was found to cause the slight upregulation of host genes implicated in virulence factors relating to hemolysins, immune evasion, and adhesion, but also the downregulation of genes associated with enterotoxins. The findings of this study give further insights into the biology of kayviruses and their use as therapeutics.
SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza Virus Co-Infection Cases Identified through ILI/SARI Sentinel Surveillance: A Pan-India Report
Authors: Aggarwal Neeraj , Potdar Varsha , Vijay Neetu , Mukhopadhyay Labanya , Borkakoty Biswajyoti , Manjusree S. , Choudhary Manohar Lal , Chowdhury Deepika , Verma Riya , Bhardwaj Sumit Dutt , Sarmah Neelanjana , H. Sreelatha K. , Kumar Prabhat , Gupta Nivedita
Published: March 2022

SARS-CoV-2/influenza virus co-infection studies have focused on hospitalized patients who usually had grave sequelae. Here, we report SARS-CoV-2/influenza virus co-infection cases from both community and hospital settings reported through integrated ILI/SARI (Influenza Like Illness/Severe Acute Respiratory Infection) sentinel surveillance established by the Indian Council of Medical Research. We describe the disease progression and outcomes in these cases. Out of 13,467 samples tested from 4 July 2021–31 January 2022, only 5 (0.04%) were of SARS-CoV-2/influenza virus co-infection from 3 different sites in distinct geographic regions. Of these, three patients with extremes of age required hospital admission, but none required ICU admission or mechanical ventilation. No mortality was reported. The other two co-infection cases from community settings were managed at home. This is the first report on SARS-CoV-2/Influenza virus co-infection from community as well as hospital settings in India and shows that influenza viruses are circulating in the community even during COVID-19. The results emphasize the need for continuous surveillance for multiple respiratory pathogens for effective public health management of ILI/SARI cases in line with the WHO (World Health Organization) recommendations.
Transport of Prions in the Peripheral Nervous System: Pathways, Cell Types, and Mechanisms
Authors: Koshy Sam M. , Kincaid Anthony E. , Bartz Jason C.
Published: March 2022

Prion diseases are transmissible protein misfolding disorders that occur in animals and humans where the endogenous prion protein, PrPC, undergoes a conformational change into self-templating aggregates termed PrPSc. Formation of PrPSc in the central nervous system (CNS) leads to gliosis, spongiosis, and cellular dysfunction that ultimately results in the death of the host. The spread of prions from peripheral inoculation sites to CNS structures occurs through neuroanatomical networks. While it has been established that endogenous PrPC is necessary for prion formation, and that the rate of prion spread is consistent with slow axonal transport, the mechanistic details of PrPSc transport remain elusive. Current research endeavors are primarily focused on the cellular mechanisms of prion transport associated with axons. This includes elucidating specific cell types involved, subcellular machinery, and potential cofactors present during this process.
Investigation of the Low-Populated Excited States of the HIV-1 Nucleocapsid Domain
Authors: Mouhand Assia , Zargarian Loussiné , Belfetmi Anissa , Catala Marjorie , Pasi Marco , Lescop Ewen , Tisné Carine , Mauffret Olivier
Published: March 2022

The nucleocapsid domain (NCd), located at the C-terminus of the HIV-1 Gag protein, is involved in numerous stages of the replication cycle, such as the packaging of the viral genome and reverse transcription. It exists under different forms through the viral life cycle, depending on the processing of Gag by the HIV-1 protease. NCd is constituted of two adjacent zinc knuckles (ZK1 and ZK2), separated by a flexible linker and flanked by disordered regions. Here, conformational equilibria between a major and two minor states were highlighted exclusively in ZK2, by using CPMG and CEST NMR experiments. These minor states appear to be temperature dependent, and their populations are highest at physiological temperature. These minor states are present both in NCp7, the mature form of NCd, and in NCp9 and NCp15, the precursor forms of NCd, with increased populations. The role of these minor states in the targeting of NCd by drugs and its binding properties is discussed.
Protection of Ducklings from Duck Hepatitis A Virus Infection with ELPylated Duck Interferon-α
Authors: Wang Yongjuan , Guo Yanli , Wang Haowei , Wu Zhi , Hong Weiming , Sun Huaichang , Zhu Shanyuan
Published: March 2022

Duck viral hepatitis type I (DVH I) is a lethal disease in ducklings caused by duck hepatitis A virus (DHAV). Although the commercial vaccine is available for vaccination of one-day-old ducklings or breeder ducks, the disease is still prevalent due to the delayed immune response in ducklings and variable maternal antibody levels in breeder duck flocks. To explore the feasibility of duck interferon-α (DuIFN-α) for control of DVH I, DuIFN-α was expressed as an elastin-like polypeptide (ELP) fusion protein (ELP-DuIFN-α) in E. coli and purified by inverse phase transition cycling (ITC). After detection of its cytotoxicity, bioactivity, plasma stability and serum half-life, the protective efficacy of ELP-DuIFN-α against DHAV-1 infection of embryos or ducklings was evaluated using different treatment routes at different infection times. The results show that ELP-DuIFN-α was correctly expressed and purified to more than 90% purity after two cycles of ITC. The purified fusion protein had a specific anti-DHAV-1 activity of 6.0 × 104 IU/mg protein, significantly extended plasma stability and serum half-life without overt cytotoxicity. After allantoic injection with ELP-DuIFN-α pre-infection, co-infection or post-infection with DHAV-1, 5/5, 5/5 or 4/5 embryos survived from the virus challenge. After intramuscular injection or oral administration with ELP-DuIFN-α, 3/5 or 4/5 ducklings survived from co-infection with DHAV-1. After oral administration with ELP-DuIFN-α pre-infection, co-infection or post-infection with DHAV-1, 3/5, 4/5 or 4/5 ducklings survived from the virus challenge, and the relative transcription levels of interferon-stimulated genes were significantly higher than the normal control group and virus challenge control group (p < 0.01). These experimental data suggest that ELP-DuIFN-α can be used as a long-lasting anti-DHAV-1 reagent.
Transduction of HEK293 Cells with BacMam Baculovirus Is an Efficient System for the Production of HIV-1 Virus-like Particles
Authors: Puente-Massaguer Eduard , Cajamarca-Berrezueta Byron , Volart Aleix , González-Domínguez Irene , Gòdia Francesc
Published: March 2022

Gag virus-like particles (VLPs) are promising vaccine candidates against infectious diseases. VLPs are generally produced using the insect cell/baculovirus expression vector system (BEVS), or in mammalian cells by plasmid DNA transient gene expression (TGE). However, VLPs produced with the insect cell/BEVS are difficult to purify and might not display the appropriate post-translational modifications, whereas plasmid DNA TGE approaches are expensive and have a limited scale-up capability. In this study, the production of Gag VLPs with the BacMam expression system in a suspension culture of HEK293 cells is addressed. The optimal conditions of multiplicity of infection (MOI), viable cell density (VCD) at infection, and butyric acid (BA) concentration that maximize cell transduction and VLP production are determined. In these conditions, a maximum cell transduction efficiency of 91.5 ± 1.1%, and a VLP titer of 2.8 ± 0.1 × 109 VLPs/mL are achieved. Successful VLP generation in transduced HEK293 cells is validated using super-resolution fluorescence microscopy, with VLPs produced resembling immature HIV-1 virions and with an average size comprised in the 100–200 nm range. Additionally, evidence that BacMam transduction occurs via different pathways including dynamin-mediated endocytosis and macropinocytosis is provided. This work puts the basis for future studies aiming at scaling up the BacMam baculovirus system as an alternative strategy for VLP production.
Persistence of Naturally Acquired and Functional SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Blood Donors One Year after Infection
Authors: Nunhofer Verena , Weidner Lisa , Hoeggerl Alexandra Domnica , Zimmermann Georg , Badstuber Natalie , Grabmer Christoph , Jungbauer Christof , Lindlbauer Nadja , Held Nina , Pascariuc Monica , Ortner Tuulia , Rohde Eva , Laner-Plamberger Sandra
Published: March 2022

The developmental course of antibodies produced after a SARS-CoV-2 infection has been insufficiently investigated so far. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels against the viral nucleocapsid- and spike-protein among Austrian blood donors as a representative group of a supposedly healthy population within the first year after a SARS-CoV-2 infection. The impact of age, sex, vaccination status, AB0-blood group and awareness about the infection was evaluated. Our study shows that the level of anti-N antibodies is declining, while anti-S antibody levels remain stable. Antibodies detected were functional in vitro. Age, sex and blood group do not influence antibody dynamics. However, blood group AB shows significantly lower antibody levels and in vitro functionality compared to other blood groups. Our data reveal that one out of five individuals was not aware of a previous SARS-CoV-2 infection and that the disease course neither affects the level of antibody production nor the in vitro functionality. We also found that 14% of participants show persisting COVID-19-related symptoms for up to nine months. Our results provide valuable insights into the dynamics of the immune response after a SARS-CoV-2 infection in a representative cohort of adult blood donors in Central Europe.
Enteric Viruses Nucleic Acids Distribution along the Digestive Tract of Rhesus Macaques with Idiopathic Chronic Diarrhea
Authors: Delwart Eric , Merriam David , Ardeshir Amir , Altan Eda , Li Yanpeng , Deng Xutao , Hartigan-O’Connor Dennis J.
Published: March 2022

Idiopathic chronic diarrhea (ICD) is a little understood common clinical problem in captive rhesus macaques claiming 33% of medical culls unrelated to research. The eukaryotic virome in digestive tract tissues collected at necropsy from nine animals with ICD was characterized using viral metagenomics. We compared the distribution of viral reads in tissues and mucosal scrapings from the stomach, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and the proximal, transverse, and distal colons. In situ hybridization (ISH) using viral probes were performed on fixed tissues. Deep sequencing revealed multiple viruses in the Parvoviridae and Picornaviridae family. Tissues and mucosal scraping from the same locations showed closely related viral reads contents while different gut tissues from the same animal varied widely. ISH showed punctuated staining for both RNA and DNA viruses in the distal colon. Parvovirus staining was also detected in the stomach/duodenum/jejunum in distinct oval-shaped structures. The location of enteric viral nucleic acid differed widely between different viral families and along the length of the digestive tract.
Characterisation of Particle Size and Viability of SARS-CoV-2 Aerosols from a Range of Nebuliser Types Using a Novel Sampling Technique
Authors: Paton Susan , Clark Simon , Spencer Antony , Garratt Isobel , Dinesh Ikshitaa , Thompson Katy-Anne , Bennett Allan , Pottage Thomas
Published: March 2022

Little is understood about the impact of nebulisation on the viability of SARS-CoV-2. In this study, a range of nebulisers with differing methods of aerosol generation were evaluated to determine SARS-CoV-2 viability following aerosolization. The aerosol particle size distribution was assessed using an aerosol particle sizer (APS) and SARS-CoV-2 viability was determined after collection into liquid media using All-Glass Impingers (AGI). Viable particles of SARS-CoV-2 were further characterised using the Collison 6-jet nebuliser in conjunction with novel sample techniques in an Andersen size-fractioning sampler to predict lung deposition profiles. Results demonstrate that all the tested nebulisers can generate stable, polydisperse aerosols (Geometric standard deviation (GSD) circa 1.8) in the respirable range (1.2 to 2.2 µm). Viable fractions (VF, units PFU/particle, the virus viability as a function of total particles produced) were circa 5 × 10−3. VF and spray factors were not significantly affected by relative humidity, within this system where aerosols were in the spray tube an extremely short time. The novel Andersen sample collection methods successfully captured viable virus particles across all sizes; with most particle sizes below 3.3 µm. Particle sizes, in MMAD (Mass Median Aerodynamic Diameters), were calculated from linear regression of log10-log10 transformed cumulative PFU data, and calculated MMADs accorded well with APS measurements and did not differ across collection method types. These data will be vital in informing animal aerosol challenge models, and infection prevention and control policies.
Norovirus Genogroup II Epidemics and the Potential Effect of Climate Change on Norovirus Transmission in Taiwan
Authors: Chiu Shu-Chun , Hu Szu-Chieh , Liao Ling-Min , Chen Yu-Hua , Lin Jih-Hui
Published: March 2022

The activity of norovirus varies from season to season, and the effect of climate change on the incidence of norovirus outbreaks is a widely recognized yet poorly understood phenomenon. Investigation of the possible association between climatic factors and the incidence of norovirus is key to a better understanding of the epidemiology of norovirus and early prediction of norovirus outbreaks. In this study, clinical stool samples from acute gastroenteritis outbreaks were collected from January 2015 to June 2019 in Taiwan. Data analysis from our study indicated that more than half of the cases were reported in the winter and spring seasons, including those caused by norovirus of genotypes GII (genogroup II).2, GII.3, GII.6, and GII.17, and 45.1% of the patients who tested positive for norovirus were infected by the GII.4 norovirus in autumn. However, GII.6 norovirus accounted for a higher proportion of the cases reported in summer than any other strain. Temperature is a crucial factor influencing patterns of epidemic outbreaks caused by distinct genotypes of norovirus. The results of this study may help experts predict and issue early public warnings of norovirus transmission and understand the effect of climate change on norovirus outbreaks caused by different genotypes and occurring in different locations.
Risk of Seven-Day Worsening and Death: A New Clinically Derived COVID-19 Score
Authors: Cruciata Alessia , Volpicelli Lorenzo , Di Bari Silvia , Iaiani Giancarlo , Cirillo Bruno , Pugliese Francesco , Pellegrino Daniela , Galardo Gioacchino , Taliani Gloria
Published: March 2022

This monocentric, retrospective, two-stage observational study aimed to recognize the risk factors for a poor outcome in patients hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 infection, and to develop and validate a risk score that identifies subjects at risk of worsening, death, or both. The data of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection during the first wave of the pandemic were collected and analyzed as a derivation cohort. Variables with predictive properties were used to construct a prognostic score, which was tried out on a validation cohort enrolled during the second wave. The derivation cohort included 494 patients; the median age was 62 and the overall fatality rate was 22.3%. In a multivariable analysis, age, oxygen saturation, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, C-reactive protein and lactate dehydrogenase were independent predictors of death and composed the score. A cutoff value of 3 demonstrated a sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of 93.5%, 68.5%, 47.4% and 97.2% for death, and 84.9%, 84.5%, 79.6% and 87.9% for worsening, respectively. The validation cohort included 415 subjects. The score application showed a Se, Sp, PPV and NPV of 93.4%, 61.6%, 29.5% and 98.1% for death, and 81%, 76.3%, 72.1% and 84.1% for worsening, respectively. We propose a new clinical, easy and reliable score to predict the outcome in hospitalized SARS-CoV-2 patients.
Prevalence, Genetics and Evolutionary Properties of Eurasian Avian-like H1N1 Swine Influenza Viruses in Liaoning
Authors: Li Hailing , Leng Haoyu , Tang Siqi , Su Chaofan , Xu Yina , Wang Yongtao , Lv Jiaming , Zhang Shiwei , Feng Yali , Song Shaokang , Zhang Ying
Published: March 2022

Swine influenza virus (SIV) is an important zoonosis pathogen. The 2009 pandemic of H1N1 influenza A virus (2009/H1N1) highlighted the importance of the role of pigs as intermediate hosts. Liaoning province, located in northeastern China, has become one of the largest pig-farming areas since 2016. However, the epidemiology and evolutionary properties of SIVs in Liaoning are largely unknown. We performed systematic epidemiological and genetic dynamics surveillance of SIVs in Liaoning province during 2020. In total, 33,195 pig nasal swabs were collected, with an SIV detection rate of 2%. Our analysis revealed that multiple subtypes of SIVs are co-circulating in the pig population in Liaoning, including H1N1, H1N2 and H3N2 SIVs. Furthermore, 24 H1N1 SIVs were confirmed to belong to the EA H1N1 lineage and divided into two genotypes. The two genotypes were both triple reassortant, and the predominant one with polymerase, nucleoprotein (NP), and matrix protein (M) genes originating from 2009/H1N1; hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) genes originating from EA H1N1; and the nonstructural protein (NS) gene originating from triple reassortant H1N2 (TR H1N2) was detected in Liaoning for the first time. According to our evolutionary analysis, the EA H1N1 virus in Liaoning will undergo further genome variation.
Seroprevalence against Diphtheria in Pregnant Women and Newborns in Colombia: New Arguments to Promote Maternal Immunization
Authors: Rivera-Santamaría Laura María , Hincapié-Palacio Doracelly , Ochoa Jesús , Vargas-Restrepo Felipe , Ospina Marta C. , Buitrago-Giraldo Seti
Published: March 2022

The tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine is recommended during pregnancy for neonatal protection against pertussis, although little is known of the protection it provides against diphtheria. The work used a cross-sectional design to estimate seroprevalence against diphtheria in 805 pregnant women with ≥37 gestation weeks and their newborns whose deliveries were attended in eight hospitals randomly chosen from a subregion of Antioquia, Colombia and to explore factors related with maternal protection. Levels of IgG antibodies were determined by using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test. Placental transfer of antibodies and crude and adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) were analyzed to describe factors related with maternal protection against diphtheria. Protection against diphtheria was observed in 91.7% (95% CI 90.3–93.0) of the pregnant women and 93.1% (95% CI 91.7–94.4) of newborns, whose antibody levels were positively correlated (Spearman’s r = 0.769; p = 0.000). Maternal protection could be influenced by having been vaccinated during the current pregnancy (aPR 0.85, 95% CI: 0.82–0.93). The protective effect of vaccination during pregnancy and the efficiency of maternal antibody transfers were detected. Public health efforts should focus on increasing Tdap vaccination during each pregnancy to protect mothers and newborns against diphtheria.
SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Symptomatic Infections in Previously Infected or Vaccinated South African Healthcare Workers
Authors: Nunes Marta C. , Mbotwe-Sibanda Sthembile , Baillie Vicky L. , Kwatra Gaurav , Aguas Ricardo , Madhi Shabir A. ,   on behalf of the Wits VIDA HCW Study Group
Published: March 2022

We investigated Omicron infections among healthcare workers (HCW) presenting with symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection and evaluated the protective effect of vaccination or prior infection. Between 24 November and 31 December 2021, HCW in Johannesburg, South Africa, were tested for SARS-CoV-2 infection by Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT). Blood samples collected either at the symptomatic visit or in the 3 months prior, were tested for spike protein immunoglobulin G (IgG). Overall, 433 symptomatic HCW were included in the analysis, with 190 (43.9%) having an Omicron infection; 69 (16.7%) were unvaccinated and 270 (62.4%) received a single dose of the Ad26.COV.2 vaccine. There was no difference in the odds of identifying Omicron between unvaccinated and Ad26.COV.2 vaccinated HCW (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.81, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.46, 1.43). One-hundred and fifty-four (35.3%) HCW had at least one SARS-CoV-2 NAAT-confirmed prior infection; these had lower odds of Omicron infection compared with those without past infection (aOR 0.55, 95%CI: 0.36, 0.84). Anti-spike IgG concentration of 1549 binding antibody unit/mL was suggestive of significant reduction in the risk of symptomatic Omicron infection. We found high reinfection and vaccine breakthrough infection rates with the Omicron variant among HCW. Prior infection and high anti-spike IgG concentration were protective against Omicron infection.
Susceptibility to Vaccine-Preventable Diseases in Four Districts of Xaysomboun Province, Lao People’s Democratic Republic
Authors: Virachith Siriphone , Lao Mapor , Inthepphavong Magnoula , Inthalath Saythong , Hübschen Judith M. , Kounnavong Sengchanh , Sayasone Somphou , Black Antony P.
Published: March 2022

Xaysomboun province has some of the lowest health indicators in Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR). This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the vaccination, susceptibility and exposure status of the population to hepatitis B virus (HBV), measles, rubella, and tetanus. Participants aged 5 years and older were randomly selected from four districts. From each enrolled participant, demographic data and 5 mL of blood sample were taken. HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibodies against HBV, measles, rubella, and tetanus were detected by ELISA. A total of 363 participants (age 5 to 80 years) were included. HBV exposure, as determined by anti-HBV core (anti-HBc) antibodies, was 56.2% overall, and was significantly higher among those aged ≥21 years (78.1%). HBsAg was detected in 9.4% overall and increased to 20% in ages 31–40 years. Only 13.8% of participants had serology indicative of vaccination (anti-HBs positive, anti-HBc negative). Seroprotection against measles was 74.6% overall but only 41.7% in children aged 5–10 years. Anti-rubella IgG was 94.2% overall and high in all age groups. Tetanus seroprevalence was only 47.4% overall but significantly higher in females aged 31–40 (75.6%). We suggest strengthening of routine and booster HBV, measles, and tetanus vaccine coverage in Xaysomboun province.
ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 Vaccine Side Effects among Healthcare Workers in Trinidad and Tobago
Authors: Gopaul Chavin D. , Ventour Dale , Thomas Davlin
Published: March 2022

Vaccine hesitancy due to safety concerns is a hindrance to the success of vaccination campaigns. In February 2021, Trinidad and Tobago commenced its National COVID-19 Vaccination Program. Healthcare workers were among the first group to receive the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (Oxford–AstraZeneca (Covishield, Serum Institute of India, Pune, India), the first COVID-19 vaccine available nationally. This study examined the safety of this vaccine in terms of the systemic and local adverse events following immunization reported by healthcare worker recipients. A cross-sectional study was conducted via a telephone questionnaire. Data concerning demographics, medical and COVID-19-related anamneses, and local and systemic side effects experienced within the first 48 h after receiving the first and second dose of this vaccine, respectively, were gathered. Among the 687 participants (male = 275; female = 412), prevalence of fever, body pain, chills, nausea, myalgia, headache, malaise, fatigue, and other systemic symptoms declined significantly 48 h after administration of the second dose compared to the first dose. Chi-square test and multiple logistic regression demonstrated the greater likelihood of younger recipients to report systemic symptoms compared to older recipients. Multiple logistic regression indicated that females were more likely to report headache, fatigue, and discomfort, and were less likely to report no symptoms, compared to males, after both doses. On average, recipients reported less local and systemic side effects 48 h after receiving the second dose compared to the first dose. The reported rate of occurrence of side effects was <50% for most adverse events, which is consistent with the manufacturer’s claims that the vaccine is safe. This study adds data on the safety of this vaccine in a population that has not been previously studied. The findings can inform public health policy efforts to lower vaccine hesitancy based on safety concerns surrounding the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine across various groups in society, including healthcare workers.
Exploring the Motivational Roots of Getting Vaccinated against COVID-19 in a Population of Vaccinated Pediatric Healthcare Professionals: Evidence from an Italian Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Barello Serena , Maiorino Giuseppe , Palamenghi Lorenzo , Torri Chiara , Acampora Marta , Gagliardi Luigi ,   SPACE NET Study Group
Published: March 2022

Health care professionals (HCPs) working in pediatric and perinatal settings have a strong influence on parental vaccine decision making. Furthermore, HCPs’ motivations behind vaccine acceptance are associated with their likelihood of recommending vaccines to their patients. Understanding these motivations in the context of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign may aid in the development of interventions that improve pediatric practitioners’ vaccine confidence and prescription. We aimed at studying the motivations affecting COVID-19 vaccination behavior among a sample of vaccinated Italian HCPs working in pediatric settings. A sample (n = 162) of HCPs completed an online self-reported survey exploring motivations behind getting vaccinated against COVID-19. Emotions of HCPs at the moment of COVID-19 vaccination injection were also recorded to collect data about the main feelings connected to the vaccination decision-making process. Data were collected between 19 March 2021 and 21 April 2021. The most effective motivational incentives were the beliefs that vaccination helped protect vulnerable members of the community (97.5% agreement), could protect one’s own health (93.7%), health authorities could be trusted (58.7%), and the vaccine had been rigorously tested (53.8%). Actual personal exposure to COVID was less important (reported importance agreement 16–24%), and the influence of news and social media was still lower (4–6%). Differences between physicians’ and other HCPs’ ratings were also found. Finally, emotional status at vaccination showed high ratings for positive emotions surrounding the vaccination act. This study provided additional evidence about the multifaceted motivations behind COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and showed the potential of understanding the psychosocial roots of vaccine behaviors for shaping public communication campaigns. The highly emotionally charged response obtained underscores the importance of strengthening the community feeling among HCPs.
Trends in COVID-19 Vaccination Intent, Determinants and Reasons for Vaccine Hesitancy: Results from Repeated Cross-Sectional Surveys in the Adult General Population of Greece during November 2020–June 2021
Authors: Sypsa Vana , Roussos Sotirios , Engeli Vasiliki , Paraskevis Dimitrios , Tsiodras Sotirios , Hatzakis Angelos
Published: March 2022

Vaccine hesitancy is a major barrier to achieving large-scale COVID-19 vaccination. We report trends in vaccination intention and associated determinants from surveys in the adult general population in Greece. Four cross-sectional phone surveys were conducted in November 2020 and February, April and May 2021 on nationally representative samples of adults in Greece. Multinomial logistic regression was used on the combined data of the surveys to evaluate independent predictors of vaccination unwillingness/uncertainty. Vaccination intention increased from 67.6% in November 2020 to 84.8% in May 2021. Individuals aged 65 years or older were more willing to be vaccinated (May 2021: 92.9% vs. 79.5% in 18–39 years, p < 0.001) but between age-groups differences decreased over time. Vaccination intention increased substantially in both men and women, though earlier among men, and was higher in individuals with prograduate education (May 2021: 91.3% vs. 84.0% up to junior high). From multivariable analysis, unwillingness and/or uncertainty to be vaccinated was associated with younger age, female gender (in particular in the April 2021 survey), lower educational level and living with a child ≤12 years old. Among those with vaccine hesitancy, concerns about vaccine effectiveness declined over time (21.6% in November 2020 vs. 9.6% in May 2021, p = 0.014) and were reported more often by men; safety concerns remained stable over time (66.3% in November 2020 vs. 62.1% in May 2021, p = 0.658) and were reported more often by women. In conclusion, vaccination intention increased substantially over time. Tailored communication is needed to address vaccine hesitancy and concerns regarding vaccine safety.