bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HIV-1 Nef Protein Affects Cytokine and Extracellular Vesicles Production in the GEN2.2 Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Line
Authors: Aiello Alessandra , Giannessi Flavia , Percario Zulema Antonia , Fecchi Katia , Arenaccio Claudia , Leone Stefano , Carollo Maria , D’Aversa Elisabetta , Chaperot Laurence , Gambari Roberto , Sargiacomo Massimo , Affabris Elisabetta
Published: January 2022

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are a unique dendritic cell subset specialized in type I interferon production, whose role in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and pathogenesis is complex and not yet well defined. Considering the crucial role of the accessory protein Nef in HIV pathogenicity, possible alterations in intracellular signalling and extracellular vesicle (EV) release induced by exogenous Nef on uninfected pDCs have been investigated. As an experimental model system, a human plasmacytoid dendritic cell line, GEN2.2, stimulated with a myristoylated recombinant NefSF2 protein was employed. In GEN2.2 cells, Nef treatment induced the tyrosine phosphorylation of STAT-1 and STAT-2 and the production of a set of cytokines, chemokines and growth factors including IP-10, MIP-1β, MCP-1, IL-8, TNF-α and G-CSF. The released factors differed both in type and amount from those released by macrophages treated with the same viral protein. Moreover, Nef treatment slightly reduces the production of small EVs, and the protein was found associated with the small (size < 200 nm) but not the medium/large vesicles (size > 200 nm) collected from GEN2.2 cells. These results add new information on the interactions between this virulence factor and uninfected pDCs, and may provide the basis for further studies on the interactions of Nef protein with primary pDCs.
History of Rabies Incidence and Rabies Control in Serbia in Support of the Zero by 2030 Campaign to Eliminate Dog-Mediated Human Rabies
Authors: Stankov Srđan , Lalošević Dušan , Fooks Anthony R.
Published: January 2022

Urban (principally canine-mediated) rabies has been a public health risk for people living in Serbia for centuries. The first legal act in urban rabies prevention in Serbia was established in 1834 by introducing high taxes for pet dog owners. Five years later in 1839, the first set of literature describing rabies prevention was issued by the health department from The Serbian Ministry of Interior. An overview of cauterization of rabies wounds was presented as the principal method of rabies post exposure prophylaxis. In 1890, a human rabies vaccination was introduced in Serbia with the royal government directive which ordered patients to be treated at the Pasteur Institute in Budapest in receipt of rabies vaccination. Urban (canine) rabies was eliminated during the 1980s, but sylvatic (principally fox-mediated) rabies still prevailed. The last human rabies case was recorded in the Province of Kosovo and Metohija in 1980. Sylvatic rabies in Serbia is in the final stages of elimination by orally vaccinating foxes (Vulpes vulpes). The only published finding of a lyssavirus among Serbian bats was made in 1954 by Dr Milan Nikolić in the vicinity of Novi Sad. In 2006, a comprehensive two-year active surveillance program of lyssaviruses in bats in Serbia was undertaken. In this single study, all of the bats from Serbia tested negative for a lyssavirus.
The Prevalence of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) and Outcomes in Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19—A Study Based on Data from the Polish National Hospital Register
Authors: Gujski Mariusz , Jankowski Mateusz , Rabczenko Daniel , Goryński Paweł , Juszczyk Grzegorz
Published: January 2022

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a serious complication of COVID-19. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of ARDS among patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in Poland as well as to characterize clinical outcomes in patients hospitalized with COVID-19-associated ARDS. This is a retrospective, secondary analysis of epidemiological data from 116,539 discharge reports on patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in Poland between March and December 2020. The overall prevalence of ARDS was 3.6%, respectively 2.9% among females, and 4.4% among males (p < 0.001). Of the 4237 patients hospitalized with COVID-19-associated ARDS, 3764 deaths were reported (88.8%). Participants aged 60 years and over had more than three times higher odds of COVID-19-associated ARDS. Men had higher odds of COVID-19-associated ARDS than women (OR = 1.55; 95% CI: 1.45–1.65; p < 0.001). Patients with COVID-19 and diabetes had higher odds of COVID-19-associated ARDS (OR = 1.16; 95% CI: 1.03–1.30; p = 0.01). Among patients with COVID-19-associated ARDS, older age, male sex (OR = 1.27; 95% CI: 1.03–1.56; p = 0.02), and presence of cardiovascular diseases (OR = 1.26; 95% CI: 1.00–1.59; p = 0.048) were significantly associated with the risk of in-hospital death. Among patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in Poland, the prevalence of ARDS was relatively low, but the in-hospital mortality rate in patients with COVID-19-associated ARDS was higher compared to other EU countries.
Patient and Clinical Factors at Admission Affect the Levels of Neutralizing Antibodies Six Months after Recovering from COVID-19
Authors: Li Xinjie , Pang Ling , Yin Yue , Zhang Yuqi , Xu Shuyun , Xu Dong , Shen Tao
Published: January 2022

The rate of decline in the levels of neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) greatly varies among patients who recover from Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, little is known about factors associated with this phenomenon. The objective of this study is to investigate early factors at admission that can influence long-term NAb levels in patients who recovered from COVID-19. A total of 306 individuals who recovered from COVID-19 at the Tongji Hospital, Wuhan, China, were included in this study. The patients were classified into two groups with high (NAbhigh, n = 153) and low (NAblow, n = 153) levels of NAb, respectively based on the median NAb levels six months after discharge. The majority (300/306, 98.0%) of the COVID-19 convalescents had detected NAbs. The median NAb concentration was 63.1 (34.7, 108.9) AU/mL. Compared with the NAblow group, a larger proportion of the NAbhigh group received corticosteroids (38.8% vs. 22.4%, p = 0.002) and IVIG therapy (26.5% vs. 16.3%, p = 0.033), and presented with diabetes comorbidity (25.2% vs. 12.2%, p = 0.004); high blood urea (median (IQR): 4.8 (3.7, 6.1) vs. 3.9 (3.5, 5.4) mmol/L; p = 0.017); CRP (31.6 (4.0, 93.7) vs. 16.3 (2.7, 51.4) mg/L; p = 0.027); PCT (0.08 (0.05, 0.17) vs. 0.05 (0.03, 0.09) ng/mL; p = 0.001); SF (838.5 (378.2, 1533.4) vs. 478.5 (222.0, 1133.4) μg/L; p = 0.035); and fibrinogen (5.1 (3.8, 6.4) vs. 4.5 (3.5, 5.7) g/L; p = 0.014) levels, but low SpO2 levels (96.0 (92.0, 98.0) vs. 97.0 (94.0, 98.0)%; p = 0.009). The predictive model based on Gaussian mixture models, displayed an average accuracy of 0.7117 in one of the 8191 formulas, and ROC analysis showed an AUC value of 0.715 (0.657–0.772), and specificity and sensitivity were 72.5% and 67.3%, respectively. In conclusion, we found that several factors at admission can contribute to the high level of NAbs in patients after discharge, and constructed a predictive model for long-term NAb levels, which can provide guidance for clinical treatment and monitoring.
Evaluation of Clinical and Immune Responses in Recovered Children with Mild COVID-19
Authors: Tian Xiaodong , Bai Zhihua , Cao Ying , Liu Haizhou , Liu Di , Liu Wenjun , Li Jing
Published: January 2022

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread globally and variants continue to emerge, with children are accounting for a growing share of COVID-19 cases. However, the establishment of immune memory and the long-term health consequences in asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic children after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection are not fully understood. We collected clinical data and whole blood samples from discharged children for 6–8 months after symptom onset among 0-to-14-year-old children. Representative inflammation signs returned to normal in all age ranges. The infants and young children (0–4 years old) had lung lesions that persisted for 6–8 months and were less responsive for antigen-specific IgG secretion. In the 5-to-14-year-old group, lung imaging abnormalities gradually recovered, and the IgG-specific antibody response was strongest. In addition, we found a robust IgM+ memory B cell response in all age. Memory T cells specific for the spike or nucleocapsid protein were generated, with no significant difference in IFN-γ response among all ages. Our study highlights that although lung lesions caused by COVID-19 can last for at least 6–8 months in infants and young children, most children have detectable residual neutralizing antibodies and specific cellular immune responses at this stage.
Non-Random Pattern of Integration for Epstein-Barr Virus with Preference for Gene-Poor Genomic Chromosomal Regions into the Genome of Burkitt Lymphoma Cell Lines
Authors: Janjetovic Snjezana , Hinke Juliane , Balachandran Saranya , Akyüz Nuray , Behrmann Petra , Bokemeyer Carsten , Dierlamm Judith , Murga Penas Eva Maria
Published: January 2022

Background: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is an oncogenic virus found in about 95% of endemic Burkitt lymphoma (BL) cases. In latently infected cells, EBV DNA is mostly maintained in episomal form, but it can also be integrated into the host genome, or both forms can coexist in the infected cells. Methods: In this study, we mapped the chromosomal integration sites of EBV (EBV-IS) into the genome of 21 EBV+ BL cell lines (BL-CL) using metaphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The data were used to investigate the EBV-IS distribution pattern in BL-CL, its relation to the genome instability, and to assess its association to common fragile sites and episomes. Results: We detected a total of 459 EBV-IS integrated into multiple genome localizations with a preference for gene-poor chromosomes. We did not observe any preferential affinity of EBV to integrate into common and rare fragile sites or enrichment of EBV-IS at the chromosomal breakpoints of the BL-CL analyzed here, as other DNA viruses do. Conclusions: We identified a non-random integration pattern into 13 cytobands, of which eight overlap with the EBV-IS in EBV-transformed lymphoblastoid cell lines and with a preference for gene- and CpGs-poor G-positive cytobands. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that the episomal form of EBV interacts in a non-random manner with gene-poor and AT-rich regions in EBV+ cell lines, which may explain the observed affinity for G-positive cytobands in the EBV integration process. Our results provide new insights into the patterns of EBV integration in BL-CL at the chromosomal level, revealing an unexpected connection between the episomal and integrated forms of EBV.
Impaired Antiviral Responses to Extracellular Double-Stranded RNA and Cytosolic DNA, but Not to Interferon-α Stimulation, in TRIM56-Deficient Cells
Authors: Wang Dang , Wang Ruixue , Li Kui
Published: January 2022

The physiologic function of tripartite motif protein 56 (TRIM56), a ubiquitously expressed E3 ligase classified within the large TRIM protein family, remains elusive. Gene knockdown studies have suggested TRIM56 as a positive regulator of the type I interferon (IFN-I) antiviral response elicited via the Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) and cyclic GMP–AMP synthase (cGAS)–stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathways, which detect and respond to danger signals—extracellular double-stranded (ds) RNA and cytosolic dsDNA, respectively. However, to what extent these pathways depend on TRIM56 in human cells is unclear. In addition, it is debatable whether TRIM56 plays a part in controlling the expression of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) resulting from IFN-I based antiviral treatment. In this study, we created HeLa-derived TRIM56 null cell lines by gene editing and used these cell models to comprehensively examine the impact of endogenous TRIM56 on innate antiviral responses. Our results showed that TRIM56 knockout severely undermined the upregulation of ISGs by extracellular dsRNA and that loss of TRIM56 weakened the response to cytosolic dsDNA. ISG induction and ISGylation following IFN-α stimulation, however, were not compromised by TRIM56 deletion. Using a vesicular stomatitis virus-based antiviral bioactivity assay, we demonstrated that IFN-α could efficiently establish an antiviral state in TRIM56 null cells, providing direct evidence that TRIM56 is not required for the general antiviral action of IFN-I. Altogether, these data ascertain the contributions of TRIM56 to TLR3- and cGAS–STING-dependent antiviral pathways in HeLa cells and add to our understanding of the roles this protein plays in innate immunity.
A Population of CD4+CD8+ Double-Positive T Cells Associated with Risk of Plasma Leakage in Dengue Viral Infection
Authors: Yu Esther Dawen , Wang Hao , da Silva Antunes Ricardo , Tian Yuan , Tippalagama Rashmi , Alahakoon Shakila U. , Premawansa Gayani , Wijewickrama Ananda , Premawansa Sunil , De Silva Aruna Dharshan , Frazier April , Grifoni Alba , Sette Alessandro , Weiskopf Daniela
Published: January 2022

According to the WHO 2009 classification, dengue with warning signs is at the risk of developing severe form of dengue disease. One of the most important warning signs is plasma leakage, which can be a serious complication associated with higher morbidity and mortality. We report that the frequency of CD4+CD8+ double-positive (DP) T cells is significantly increased in patients at risk of developing plasma leakage. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated that CD4+CD8+ DP cells were distinct from CD4+ Single Positive (SP) T cells but co-clustered with CD8+ SP cells, indicating a largely similar transcriptional profile. Twenty significant differentially expressed (DE) genes were identified between CD4+CD8+ DP and CD8+ SP cells. These genes encode OX40 and CCR4 proteins as well as other molecules associated with cell signaling on the cell surface (NT5E, MXRA8, and PTPRK). While comparing the profile of gene expression in CD4+CD8+ DP cells from patients with and without warning signs of plasma leakage, similar expression profile was observed, implying a role of CD4+CD8+ DP cells in plasma leakage through a quantitative increase rather than functional alteration. This study provided novel insight into the host immune response during the acute febrile phase of DENV infection and the role of CD4+CD8+ DP T cells in the pathogenesis of plasma leakage.
Modulation of HIV Replication in Monocyte-Derived Macrophages (MDM) by Host Antiviral Factors Secretory Leukocyte Protease Inhibitor and Serpin Family C Member 1 Induced by Steroid Hormones
Authors: Biswas Santanu , Chen Emily , Gao Yamei , Lee Sherwin , Hewlett Indira , Devadas Krishnakumar
Published: January 2022

The impact of steroid hormones estrogen and progesterone on human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) replication is well documented. However, the exact mechanism involved in the regulation of HIV-1 replication by estrogen and progesterone is still unclear. In the present study, we wanted to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the modulation of HIV-1 replication by estrogen and progesterone. To achieve this goal, we used real-time quantitative PCR arrays (PCR arrays) to identify differentially expressed host genes in response to hormone treatments that are involved in antiviral responses. Our in vitro results suggest that treatment with high doses of estrogen and progesterone promotes the expression of host antiviral factors Secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) and Serpin family C member 1 (SERPIN C1) among others produced in response to HIV-1 infection. SLPI is an enzyme that inhibits human leukocyte elastase, human cathepsin G, human trypsin, neutrophil elastase, and mast cell chymase. SERPIN C1 is a plasma protease inhibitor that regulates the blood coagulation cascade by the inhibition of thrombin and other activated serine proteases of the coagulation system. A dose dependent downmodulation of HIV-1 replication was observed in monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) pre-treated with the two proteins SLPI and SERPIN C1. Further investigations suggests that the host antiviral factors, SLPI and SERPIN C1 act at the pre-integration stage, inhibiting HIV-1 viral entry and leading to the observed downmodulation of HIV-1 replication. Our studies would help identify molecular mechanisms and pathways involved in HIV-1 pathogenesis.
A Vaccine Based on the A/ASIA/G-VII Lineage of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus Offers Low Levels of Protection against Circulating Viruses from the A/ASIA/Iran-05 lineage
Authors: Singanallur Nagendrakumar Balasubramanian , Eblé Phaedra Lydia , Ludi Anna Barbara , Statham Bob , Bin-Tarif Abdelghani , King Donald P. , Dekker Aldo , Vosloo Wilna
Published: January 2022

The recent emergence and circulation of the A/ASIA/G-VII (A/G-VII) lineage of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) in the Middle East has resulted in the development of homologous vaccines to ensure susceptible animals are sufficiently protected against clinical disease. However, a second serotype A lineage called A/ASIA/Iran-05 (A/IRN/05) continues to circulate in the region and it is therefore imperative to ensure vaccine strains used will protect against both lineages. In addition, for FMDV vaccine banks that usually hold a limited number of strains, it is necessary to include strains with a broad antigenic coverage. To assess the cross protective ability of an A/G-VII emergency vaccine (formulated at 43 (95% CI 8–230) PD50/dose as determined during homologous challenge), we performed a heterologous potency test according to the European Pharmacopoeia design using a field isolate from the A/IRN/05 lineage as the challenge virus. The estimated heterologous potency in this study was 2.0 (95% CI 0.4–6.0) PD50/dose, which is below the minimum potency recommended by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). Furthermore, the cross-reactive antibody titres against the heterologous challenge virus were poor (≤log10 0.9), even in those cattle that had received the full dose of vaccine. The geometric mean r1-value was 0.2 (95% CI 0.03–0.8), similar to the potency ratio of 0.04 (95% CI 0.004–0.3). Vaccination decreased viraemia and virus excretion compared to the unvaccinated controls. Our results indicate that this A/G-VII vaccine does not provide sufficient protection against viruses belonging to the A/IRN/05 lineage and therefore the A/G-VII vaccine strain cannot replace the A/IRN/05 vaccine strain but could be considered an additional strain for use in vaccines and antigen banks.
A Pre-Vaccination Baseline of SARS-CoV-2 Genetic Surveillance and Diversity in the United States
Authors: Capoferri Adam A. , Shao Wei , Spindler Jon , Coffin John M. , Rausch Jason W. , Kearney Mary F.
Published: January 2022

COVID-19 vaccines were first administered on 15 December 2020, marking an important transition point for the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in the United States (U.S.). Prior to this point in time, the virus spread to an almost completely immunologically naïve population, whereas subsequently, vaccine-induced immune pressure and prior infections might be expected to influence viral evolution. Accordingly, we conducted a study to characterize the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in the U.S. pre-vaccination, investigate the depth and uniformity of genetic surveillance during this period, and measure and otherwise characterize changing viral genetic diversity, including by comparison with more recently emergent variants of concern (VOCs). In 2020, SARS-CoV-2 spread across the U.S. in three phases distinguishable by peaks in the numbers of infections and shifting geographical distributions. Virus was genetically sampled during this period at an overall rate of ~1.2%, though there was a substantial mismatch between case rates and genetic sampling nationwide. Viral genetic diversity tripled over this period but remained low in comparison to other widespread RNA virus pathogens, and although 54 amino acid changes were detected at frequencies exceeding 5%, linkage among them was not observed. Based on our collective observations, our analysis supports a targeted strategy for worldwide genetic surveillance as perhaps the most sensitive and efficient means of detecting new VOCs.
The Petasites hybridus CO2 Extract (Ze 339) Blocks SARS-CoV-2 Replication In Vitro
Authors: Urda Lorena , Kreuter Matthias Heinrich , Drewe Jürgen , Boonen Georg , Butterweck Veronika , Klimkait Thomas
Published: January 2022

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), has spread worldwide, affecting over 250 million people and resulting in over five million deaths. Antivirals that are effective are still limited. The antiviral activities of the Petasites hybdridus CO2 extract Ze 339 were previously reported. Thus, to assess the anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of Ze 339 as well as isopetasin and neopetasin as major active compounds, a CPE and plaque reduction assay in Vero E6 cells was used for viral output. Antiviral effects were tested using the original virus (Wuhan) and the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2. The antiviral drug remdesivir was used as control. Pre-treatment with Ze 339 in SARS-CoV-2-infected Vero E6 cells with either virus variant significantly inhibited virus replication with IC50 values of 0.10 and 0.40 μg/mL, respectively. The IC50 values obtained for isopetasin ranged between 0.37 and 0.88 μM for both virus variants, and that of remdesivir ranged between 1.53 and 2.37 μM. In conclusion, Ze 339 as well as the petasins potently inhibited SARS-CoV-2 replication in vitro of the Wuhan and Delta variants. Since time is of essence in finding effective treatments, clinical studies will have to demonstrate if Ze339 can become a therapeutic option to treat SARS-CoV-2 infections.
The Association of Previous Vaccination with Live-Attenuated Varicella Zoster Vaccine and COVID-19 Positivity: An Israeli Population-Based Study
Authors: Merzon Eugene , Green Ilan , Somekh Eli , Vinker Shlomo , Golan-Cohen Avivit , Israel Ariel , Gorohovski Alessandro , Frenkel-Morgenstern Milana , Stein Michal
Published: January 2022

The Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine affords indirect protection against COVID-19, which is presumably due to priming of the innate immune system. It was hypothesized that the live attenuated Varicella Zoster (LAVZ) vaccine, recommended for the elderly population, would also protect against COVID-19 infection. A retrospective population-based cross-sectional study was conducted using the Leumit Health Services (LHS) database. LAVZ-vaccinated patients were matched with controls based on a propensity score model using 1:9 nearest-neighbor matching. Matching was based on age, gender, and the presence of some chronic disorders, which were selected according to their association with COVID-19 infection. Multivariate logistic regression analyses, adjusted for sex, age, smoking status, comorbidities, and chronic medications associated with COVID-19 risk, were used to estimate the association between LAVZ vaccination and COVID-19 RT-PCR results. Subjects (625) vaccinated with LAVZ and RT-PCR-tested for COVID-19 were identified. After 1:9 matching of subjects who received the LAVZ vaccine, 6250 subjects were included in the study. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated a significant and independent negative association between having received the LAVZ vaccine and the likelihood of COVID-19 infection (adjusted OR = 0.47 (95% CI 0.33–0.69, p < 0.001)). This association was further strengthened after separate analysis based on the time of LAVZ vaccination before COVID-19 RT-PCR testing. Individuals aged ≥50 years vaccinated with LAVZ had a decreased likelihood of being tested positive for COVID-19.
The Role of Incentives in Deciding to Receive the Available COVID-19 Vaccine in Israel
Authors: Shmueli Liora
Published: January 2022

This study aimed to assess the Israeli public’s intention to get vaccinated immediately after the COVID-19 vaccine became available, and to determine the role of incentives beyond socio-demographic, health-related and behavioral factors, in predicting this intention. An online survey was conducted among adults in Israel (n = 461), immediately after the first COVID-19 vaccine became available (22 December 2020 to 10 January 2021). Two regressions were performed to investigate determinants of intention to receive the available COVID-19 vaccine and sense of urgency to receive the vaccine. Although many adults were willing to receive available COVID-19 vaccine, only 65% were willing to immediately receive the vaccine, 17% preferred to wait 3 months and 18% preferred to wait a year. The sense of urgency to get vaccinated differed by age, periphery level, perceived barriers, cues to action and availability. Incentives such as monetary rewards or the green pass did not increase the probability of getting vaccination immediately. Providing data on the role of incentives in increasing the intention to immediately receive the available COVID-19 vaccine is important for health policy makers and healthcare providers. Our findings underscore the importance of COVID-19 vaccine accessibility. Health policy makers should consider allocating funds for making the vaccine accessible and encourage methods of persuasion, instead of investing funds in monetary incentives.
Safety and Immunogenicity of the Third Booster Dose with Inactivated, Viral Vector, and mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines in Fully Immunized Healthy Adults with Inactivated Vaccine
Authors: Kanokudom Sitthichai , Assawakosri Suvichada , Suntronwong Nungruthai , Auphimai Chompoonut , Nilyanimit Pornjarim , Vichaiwattana Preeyaporn , Thongmee Thanunrat , Yorsaeng Ritthideach , Srimuan Donchida , Thatsanatorn Thaksaporn , Klinfueng Sirapa , Sudhinaraset Natthinee , Wanlapakorn Nasamon , Honsawek Sittisak , Poovorawan Yong
Published: January 2022

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has become a severe healthcare problem worldwide since the first outbreak in late December 2019. Currently, the COVID-19 vaccine has been used in many countries, but it is still unable to control the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, despite patients receiving full vaccination doses. Therefore, we aimed to appraise the booster effect of the different platforms of vaccines, including inactivated vaccine (BBIBP), viral vector vaccine (AZD122), and mRNA vaccine (BNT162b2), in healthy adults who received the full dose of inactivated vaccine (CoronaVac). The booster dose was safe with no serious adverse events. Moreover, the immunogenicity indicated that the booster dose with viral vector and mRNA vaccine achieved a significant proportion of Ig anti-receptor binding domain (RBD), IgG anti-RBD, and IgA anti-S1 booster response. In contrast, inactivated vaccine achieved a lower booster response than others. Consequently, the neutralization activity of vaccinated serum had a high inhibition of over 90% against SARS-CoV-2 wild-type and their variants (B.1.1.7–alpha, B.1.351–beta, and B.1.617.2–delta). In addition, IgG anti-nucleocapsid was observed only among the group that received the BBIBP booster. Our study found a significant increase in levels of IFN-ɣ secreting T-cell response after the additional viral vector or mRNA booster vaccination. This study showed that administration with either viral vector (AZD1222) or mRNA (BNT162b2) boosters in individuals with a history of two doses of inactivated vaccine (CoronaVac) obtained great immunogenicity with acceptable adverse events.
Tibial Plateau Leveling Following Tibial Tuberosity Advancement: A Case Series
Authors: Serrani Daniele , Picavet Pierre , Marti Juan , Bouvy Bernard , Balligand Marc , Witte Philip
Published: January 2022

Persistent stifle instability is a recognized complication following tibial tuberosity advancement techniques (TTAT). The aim of this study is to report the feasibility and outcome of tibial plateau leveling techniques (TPLT) to treat dogs with persistent lameness, suspected to be secondary to persistent stifle instability, following (TTAT). Medical records of dogs presented for persistent lameness after TTAT were reviewed. Preoperative data included orthopedic examination, lameness score and radiographs. Inclusion criteria included performance of a surgery to address persistent lameness and suspected instability. Short-term follow up data included orthopedic examination and radiographs of the stifle. Long-term follow up was based on postoperative Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD) questionnaire. Seven dogs were included in the study. Mean subjective preoperative lameness score was 3 ± 1.53. Mean preoperative patellar ligament angle relative to the tibial plateau (PLATP) was 94° and mean tibial plateau angle (TPA) was 28°. Six dogs had tibial plateau leveling osteotomy and one had modified cranial closing wedge ostectomy. Mean postoperative PLATP was 79° and mean TPA was 5°. Mean subjective lameness score at follow up was 0.57 ± 0.49. Minor complications were present in 2 dogs and major complication in 1 dog. Mean LOAD questionnaire score was 6.6/52. TPLT can be performed after TTAT and may improve clinical function and stability in these cases in which persistent instability is suspected.
Effective Veterinary Clinical Teaching in a Variety of Teaching Settings
Authors: Carr Amanda Nichole (Mandi) , Kirkwood Roy Neville , Petrovski Kiro Risto
Published: January 2022

This review explores different modalities for clinical teaching of veterinary learners globally. Effective clinical teaching aims to prepare graduates for a successful career in clinical practice. Unfortunately, there is scant literature concerning clinical teaching in veterinary medicine. Our intent for this review is to stimulate and/or facilitate discussion and/or research in this important area. We discuss the different forms that veterinary clinical teaching can take, depending on their setting, which can be university-based clinical activities, work-based in commercial clinical practices, or in a traditional academic setting with little to no real-time exposure to clients and patients. We suggest that each of these modalities has a place in clinical teaching of veterinary learners at any point in the curriculum but that a mix of these approaches will likely provide an improved experience for the learner. Further, we discuss strategies to improve clinical teaching in these different settings. Potential strategies related to the teaching skills of clinical instructors could include training in delivery of clinical teaching in a variety of learning settings, and instructors’ official recognition, including opportunities for career progression. Potential strategies to improve clinical teaching in different teaching settings would vary with the learning settings. For example, in traditional academic settings, case-based learning with incorporation of simulation models is one proposed strategy. The involvement of learners in ‘teach-others’ is a strategy for both traditional academic and clinical settings. Finally, clearly addressing Day One competencies is required in any clinical teaching setting.
The First Report of Elaphostrongylus cervi Infection in Two Imported Wapitis (Cervus canadensis) in Slovenia
Authors: Bandelj Petra , Juntes Polona , Vengušt Gorazd , Vengušt Diana Žele
Published: January 2022

This study describes two female wapitis (Cervus canadensis) with neurological signs associated with an Elaphostrongylus cervi (E. cervi) infection. The original host of the nematode parasite is the Eurasian red deer (Cervus elaphus), although other cervids and small ruminants may also be affected. The two wapitis imported from Canada were kept in an enclosure with the Slovenian red deer herd. After developing debilitating neurological signs, the wapitis were euthanized and examined for possible causes. A histopathological examination of the brain of the first wapiti revealed severe diffuse perivascular meningoencephalitis with chronic vasculitis, and some cross-sections of nematodes were found in the leptomeninges. A necropsy of the second wapiti revealed severe pachymeningitis and leptomeningitis, where several adult nematode parasites were found. E. cervi was confirmed by molecular methods. The prevalence of E. cervi in the European red deer population is high, but no study has been conducted to assess its prevalence in Slovenia. This was the first confirmation of E. cervi in Slovenia and the first infection with this parasite described in Europe in a wapiti. Elaphostrongylus cervi should also be considered as a differential diagnosis in Europe for all ruminants grazing on pastures frequented by red deer and showing neurological clinical signs.
The Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Black Baladi Kids Fed Diets with Graded Quantities of Sweet Lupin Grain (Lupinus angustifolius)
Authors: Obeidat Belal S.
Published: January 2022

A study was conducted to examine how lupin grains (LUPs) feeding affected nutritional intake, digestibility, growth, and carcass characteristics in kids. A total of 24 growing black kids (initial body weight (BW) = 16.4 ± 0.49 kg) were allocated to one of three diets at random. Lupin was included in the diet at a rate of 0 (control; CON), 100 (LUP100), or 200 g/kg (LUP200) of total dry matter (DM). The trial lasted for 91 days divided into 7 and 84 days to be used for adaptation and data collection, respectively. Feed intake was evaluated daily throughout the study. At the commencement and the end of the study, each kid’s body weight was measured to determine its average daily gain (ADG). On day 70, 5 kids were chosen at random from each group to investigate nutrient in vivo digestibility and N balance. At the end of the study, all of the kids were slaughtered to examine carcass features. Nutrient intakes (neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and ether extract) were higher (p ≤ 0.01) in LUP-containing diets than in the CON diet. The average daily gain was greater (p ≤ 0.03) in diets containing lupin grains than in the CON diet. Cost of gain ($US/kg growth) was lower (p = 0.004) in kids fed diets containing lupin than the CON diet. Dry matter and CP digestibility rates were greater (p ≤ 0.03) in lupin diets. Retained N was higher (p = 0.04) in lupin-containing diets than in the CON diet. Cold carcass weight was higher (p < 0.05) for kids consuming the LUP100 diet than the CON diet. In lupin diets, carcass cut weights were higher (p < 0.05). Results of the current study indicate that feeding black kids diets containing lupin grains at 100 or 200 g/kg DM basis is cost effective and would increase profitability.
The Right to Water, Law and Municipal Practice: Case Studies from India
Authors: Singh Arkaja
Published: January 2022

Recognition of the right to water in Indian courts has had little impact on the ground. This paper explores the seeming disjuncture between what happens in the court and the everyday reality of living with a less-than-perfect claim on city water services in India’s urban slums. The paper seeks to understand and contextualise a court ruling which looks like it declares a right to water for people in urban slums, but in effect gives them little beyond what they already had. The paper also looks at the ‘everyday reality’ of municipal administration and the provision of drinking water in slums through in-house connections and community taps. In both case studies, the author looks to understand how the practice relates to frameworks of law and policy that shape the rationality and scope of action of the actors concerned, both judges and municipal officials. She found that the issue of land was the main stumbling block in both places, but it was conceptualized a little differently in each situation. These case studies underscore the critical importance of making the local interface between poor people and the state more empowering in order for rights to become local and meaningful.
Study on the Construction of 3D Geological Model of Quaternary Loose Sedimentary Strata Based on the Global Stratigraphic Discrete Points
Authors: Zhu Jixiang , Lu Yan , Zhang Guanghui , Zhou Xiaoyuan , Ji Guangjun
Published: January 2022

Accurately depicting the spatial structure characteristics of Quaternary loose sedimentary strata is not only of great significance for the research of Quaternary geological evolution, but also for the analysis of spatial variation characteristics of the inner hydrogeological and engineering geological attributes of the strata. In this study, an approach for constructing a 3D geological model of Quaternary loose sedimentary strata is proposed based on global stratigraphical discrete points. The approach obtains the discrete control point set of each stratum by using limited borehole data for interpolation and encryption, and the contact relationships and intersection modes of adjacent strata can be determined via the analysis of stratigraphic sequence; finally, taking these as the professional basis, the construction of the 3D geological model of Quaternary loose sedimentary strata can be carried out. This application can not only accurately describe the three-dimensional spatial distribution characteristics of the Quaternary loose sedimentary strata, it can also be used to perform a layered simulation of the spatial variation characteristics of the inner geological properties of the Quaternary loose sedimentary strata, such as lithology, porosity, and water content, by taking the three-dimensional spatial framework of each stratum as the simulation boundary. Finally, this study takes the citizen center of Xiong’an new area as an example in order to verify the reliability and advancement of the 3D geological modeling scheme.
Effects of In-Channel Structure on Chinook Salmon Spawning Habitat and Embryo Production
Authors: Bilski Robyn L. , Wheaton Joseph M. , Merz Joseph E.
Published: January 2022

Adult salmonids are frequently observed building redds adjacent to in-channel structure, including boulders and large woody debris. These areas are thought to be preferentially selected for a variety of reasons, including energy and/or predation refugia for spawners, and increased hyporheic exchange for incubating embryos. This research sought to quantify in-channel structure effects on local hydraulics and hyporheic flow and provide a mechanistic link between these changes and the survival, development, and growth of Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha embryos. Data were collected in an eight-kilometer reach, on the regulated lower Mokelumne River, in the California Central Valley. Nine paired sites, consisting of an area containing in-channel structure paired with an adjacent area lacking in-channel structure, were evaluated. Results indicated that in-channel structure disrupts surface water velocity patterns, creating pressure differences that significantly increase vertical hydraulic gradients within the subsurface. Overall, in-channel structure did not significantly increase survival, development, and growth of Chinook salmon embryos. However, at several low gradient downstream sites containing in-channel structure, embryo survival, development, and growth were significantly higher relative to paired sites lacking such features. Preliminary data indicate that adding or maintaining in-channel structure, including woody material, in suboptimal spawning reaches improves the incubation environment for salmonid embryos in regulated reaches of a lowland stream. More research examining temporal variation and a full range of incubation depths is needed to further assess these findings.
Critical Transitions in Lake Ecosystem State May Be Driven by Coupled Feedback Mechanisms: A Case Study from Lake Erhai, China
Authors: Wang Rong , Dearing John A. , Langdon Peter G.
Published: January 2022

Critical transitions between ecosystem states can be triggered by relatively small external forces or internal perturbations and may show time-lagged or hysteretic recovery. Understanding the precise mechanisms of a transition is important for ecosystem management, but it is hampered by a lack of information about the preceding interactions and associated feedback between different components in an ecosystem. This paper employs a range of data, including paleolimnological, environmental monitoring and documentary sources from lake Erhai and its catchment, to investigate the ecosystem structure and dynamics across multiple trophic levels through the process of eutrophication. A long-term perspective shows the growth and decline of two distinct, but coupled, positive feedback loops: a macrophyte-loop and a phosphorus-recycling-loop. The macrophyte-loop became weaker, and the phosphorus-recycling-loop became stronger during the process of lake eutrophication, indicating that the critical transition was propelled by the interaction of two positive feedback loops with different strengths. For lake restoration, future weakening of the phosphorus-recycling loop or a reduction in external pressures is expected to trigger macrophyte growth and eventually produce clear water conditions, but the speed of recovery will probably depend on the rates of feedback loops and the strength of their coupling.
Detecting Extreme Rainfall Events Using the WRF-ERDS Workflow: The 15 July 2020 Palermo Case Study
Authors: Mazzoglio Paola , Parodi Andrea , Parodi Antonio
Published: January 2022

In this work, we describe the integration of Weather and Research Forecasting (WRF) forecasts produced by CIMA Research Foundation within ITHACA Extreme Rainfall Detection System (ERDS) to increase the forecasting skills of the overall early warning system. The entire workflow is applied to the heavy rainfall event that affected the city of Palermo on 15 July 2020, causing urban flooding due to an exceptional rainfall amount of more than 130 mm recorded in about 2.5 h. This rainfall event was not properly forecasted by meteorological models operational at the time of the event, thus not allowing to issue an adequate alert over that area. The results highlight that the improvement in the quantitative precipitation scenario forecast skills, supported by the adoption of the H2020 LEXIS computing facilities and by the assimilation of in situ observations, allowed the ERDS system to improve the prediction of the peak rainfall depths, thus paving the way to the potential issuing of an alert over the Palermo area.
Application of an Optimization/Simulation Model for the Real-Time Flood Operation of River-Reservoir Systems with One- and Two-Dimensional Unsteady Flow Modeling
Authors: Albo-Salih Hasan , Mays Larry W. , Che Daniel
Published: January 2022

An application is presented of a new methodology for the real-time operations of river-reservoir systems. The methodology is based upon an optimization/simulation modeling approach that interfaces optimization with a one and/or two-dimensional unsteady flow simulation model (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers HEC-RAS). The approach also includes a model for short-term rainfall forecasting, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers HEC-HMS model for rainfall-runoff modeling. Both short-term forecasted rainfall in addition to gaged streamflow data and/or NEXRAD (Next-Generation Radar) can be implemented in the modeling approach. The optimization solution methodology is based upon a genetic algorithm implemented through MATLAB. The application is based upon the May 2010 flood event on the Cumberland River system in the USA, during which releases from Old Hickory dam caused major flooding in the downstream area of Nashville, TN, USA, and allowed the dam to be placed in an emergency operational situation. One of the major features of the modeling effort and the application presented was to investigate the use of different unsteady flow modeling approaches available in the HEC-RAS, including one-dimensional (1D), two-dimensional (2D), and the combined (1D/2D) approach. One of the major results of the application was to investigate the use the different unsteady flow approaches in the modeling approach. The 2D unsteady flow modeling, based upon the diffusion wave approach, was found to be superior for the application to the Cumberland River system. The model application successfully determined real-time operations that would have maintained the flood water surface elevations at the downstream control point in Nashville below the 100-year return period river water surface and maintaining the gate openings at the Old Hickory Dam from reaching an emergency operational situation, which could have caused major losses at the dam.
Rehabilitation in Intermittent Water Distribution Networks for Optimal Operation
Authors: Souza Rui Gabriel , Meirelles Gustavo , Brentan Bruno , Izquierdo Joaquín
Published: January 2022

Equitable distribution of water is a growing source of worry, and concerns water systems’ managers as water-stressed areas steadily increase and situations of water scarcity are becoming more frequent. The problem goes beyond just the water sector and globally affects many countries’ economies since water resources have multiple uses (i.e., power generation, irrigation, etc.). One of the various strategies to overcome periods of extreme events (e.g., water scarcity) is the adoption of intermittent operation. Intermittent operation can minimize water losses, and manages to supply the same water demand (in terms of volume) during a reduced period of time. However, despite minimizing water losses, the energy consumption necessary to cope with the increased flows and head loss, due to the reduced number of operating hours, increases. This paper explores a strategy based on rehabilitation of the system’s main pipes. It also considers optimal selection and scheduling of pumps aiming at improving the system’s hydraulic parameters (e.g., velocity and head losses) and at reducing the operating costs. Both selection and scheduling of pumps and resizing of main pipes are optimized using Particle Swarm Optimization. The obtained results show that this strategy can significantly reduce the energy consumed and can be economically feasible.
Long-Term Geomorphological Evolution of the Mouth Bar in the Modaomen Estuary of the Pearl River over the Last 55 Years (1964–2019)
Authors: Han Zhiyuan , Li Huaiyuan , Xie Hualiang , Yan Bing , Xie Mingxiao
Published: January 2022

Based on mass bathymetric data and remote sensing data in the Modaomen Estuary, this study explored the long-term evolutionary characteristics of the mouth bar in the Modaomen Estuary of the Pearl River from 1964 to 2019. In the past 55 years, due to the impact of human activities, such as shoal reclamation and estuarine regulation in the Modaomen Estuary, the river mouth moved out of the shallow sea covered by several islands and faced the South China Sea directly. Therefore, the mouth bay became a siltation center in the estuarine region and expanded outwards, gradually evolving a geomorphic pattern with three shallow shoals and two distributary branches; a west branch as the main branch accompanied by a small east branch. Over the past decade, high-intensity sand dredging activities in the mouth bar have led to a considerable deepening of the water depth and a significant refinement of bed sediments, forming a discharge pattern of a wide and shallow channel flowing into the sea. Therefore, the evolutionary characteristics of the mouth bar have become abnormal in recent years, so additional field bathymetric data and hydrological data are required for further research regarding the subsequent evolution of the mouth bar, against the background of a significant reduction of sediment discharge and high-intensity human activities.