bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vitiligo-like Lesions and COVID-19: Case Report and Review of Vaccination- and Infection-Associated Vitiligo
Authors: Macca Laura , Peterle Lucia , Ceccarelli Manuela , Ingrasciotta Ylenia , Nunnari Giuseppe , Guarneri Claudio
Published: October 2022

Several cutaneous manifestations in patients undergoing COVID-19 vaccination have been described in the literature. Herein, we presented a case of new-onset vitiligo that occurred after the second dose of the Comirnaty vaccine. An updated literature search revealed the occurrence of a total of 16 cases, including new-onset or worsening of preexisting vitiligo. Given the autoimmune pathogenesis of the disease, we reviewed and discussed the potential role of the vaccine prophylaxis as a trigger for the development of such hypopigmented skin lesions.
Pneumococcal Disease in High-Risk Adults in Lebanon: Expert Opinion
Authors: Bizri Abdulrahman , Ibrahim Ahmad , Dagher Elissar , Matar Madonna , Mohammed Malek , Bitar Nizar , Atallah Paola , Moghnieh Rima , Musharrafieh Umayya , Aoun-Bacha Zeina
Published: October 2022

Pneumococcal disease affects people across all ages but is more prevalent in young children and the elderly. Despite the availability of the pneumococcal vaccine for adults, the disease burden and mortality associated with it remains a challenge. A few studies conducted in Lebanon have reported epidemiology of pneumococcal disease, concurring the high burden among adults and older adults in the region. The pneumococcal vaccine is a part of the routine immunization schedule for children, but there are no recommendations for adult vaccination. A medical advisory board was hence conducted in September 2020 to discuss the burden of pneumococcal disease (PD) among adults in Lebanon. The participants were experts from the fields of internal medicine, family medicine, hematology, cardiology, oncology, endocrinology, pulmonology, and infectious diseases. The experts reached a consensus that there is a need to take steps to increase the rate of adult vaccination uptake and create awareness among physicians, pharmacists, caregivers, and patients. The physicians should be trained on adult immunization and should actively discuss the importance of the pneumococcal vaccine, especially with high-risk adult patients. Implementing adult vaccination as a routine practice and involving various stakeholders to address the gaps can help in reducing the burden of pneumococcal disease in adults.
A Comprehensive Review on the Current Vaccines and Their Efficacies to Combat SARS-CoV-2 Variants
Authors: Rabaan Ali A. , Mutair Abbas Al , Hajissa Khalid , Alfaraj Amal H. , Al-Jishi Jumana M. , Alhajri Mashael , Alwarthan Sara , Alsuliman Shahab A. , Al-Najjar Amal H. , Al Zaydani Ibrahim A. , Al-Absi Ghadeer Hassan , Alshaikh Sana A. , Alkathlan Mohammed S. , Almuthree Souad A. , Alawfi Abdulsalam , Alshengeti Amer , Almubarak Fatimah Z. , Qashgari Mohammed S. , Abdalla Areeg N. K. , Alhumaid Saad
Published: October 2022

Since the first case of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in 2019, SARS-CoV-2 infection has affected many individuals worldwide. Eventually, some highly infectious mutants—caused by frequent genetic recombination—have been reported for SARS-CoV-2 that can potentially escape from the immune responses and induce long-term immunity, linked with a high mortality rate. In addition, several reports stated that vaccines designed for the SARS-CoV-2 wild-type variant have mixed responses against the variants of concern (VOCs) and variants of interest (VOIs) in the human population. These results advocate the designing and development of a panvaccine with the potential to neutralize all the possible emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2. In this context, recent discoveries suggest the design of SARS-CoV-2 panvaccines using nanotechnology, siRNA, antibodies or CRISPR-Cas platforms. Thereof, the present comprehensive review summarizes the current vaccine design approaches against SARS-CoV-2 infection, the role of genetic mutations in the emergence of new viral variants, the efficacy of existing vaccines in limiting the infection of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants, and efforts or challenges in designing SARS panvaccines.
Timing of the First Dose of the Hepatitis B Vaccine in Preterm Infants
Authors: Lei Donna , Miller Taryn , Carr Jeremy , Buttery Jim , Nold-Petry Claudia A. , Nold Marcel F. , Malhotra Atul
Published: October 2022

Introduction: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends all newborn infants receive the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine within 24 h of birth irrespective of maternal hepatitis B carrier status. However, the physiological immaturity of the immune system in preterm infants may influence the immune responses to the vaccine particularly in the first few days and weeks of life, and adverse events may occur following vaccination that are not observed in infants born at term. Objectives: To review existing published guidelines surrounding timing of the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine in preterm infants born to hepatitis B surface antigen negative (HBsAg-negative) mothers. Methods: A search was performed for relevant papers and guidelines published between January 2002 and July 2022 on the Ovid MEDLINE and Embase databases and through targeted searches. Two authors independently reviewed the search results to identify relevant sources, which were then analysed and described through narrative synthesis. Results: Twenty-seven relevant papers and guidelines regarding 15 countries and regions were included. Of these, 13.3% of guidelines, which represented 16.8% of the overall population of 4.1 billion people covered by the identified guidelines, recommended a nationwide birth dose of the hepatitis B vaccine to all preterm infants. In 40.0% of guidelines (77.9% of the overall population), the birth dose was only recommended for infants with a birth weight of more than 2000–2200 g. Another 33.3% of countries and regions (covering 4.4% of the population) recommended no universal birth dose for all infants, including preterm infants, whilst 13.3% (1.0% of the population) had guidelines that varied between jurisdictions and hospitals within their country/region. Conclusions: Existing guidelines surrounding the timing of the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine in preterm infants vary substantially between countries and regions. Further research comparing the immunogenicity and safety of different hepatitis B vaccine schedules is needed to provide concrete evidence to provide guidance regarding the timing of vaccination against hepatitis B in preterm infants.
Genomic Biomarker Heterogeneities between SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19
Authors: Zhang Zhengjun
Published: October 2022

Genes functionally associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection and genes functionally related to the COVID-19 disease can be different, whose distinction will become the first essential step for successfully fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, this first step has not been completed in all biological and medical research. Using a newly developed max-competing logistic classifier, two genes, ATP6V1B2 and IFI27, stand out to be critical in the transcriptional response to SARS-CoV-2 infection with differential expressions derived from NP/OP swab PCR. This finding is evidenced by combining these two genes with another gene in predicting disease status to achieve better-indicating accuracy than existing classifiers with the same number of genes. In addition, combining these two genes with three other genes to form a five-gene classifier outperforms existing classifiers with ten or more genes. These two genes can be critical in fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic as a new focus and direction with their exceptional predicting accuracy. Comparing the functional effects of these genes with a five-gene classifier with 100% accuracy identified and tested from blood samples in our earlier work, the genes and their transcriptional response and functional effects on SARS-CoV-2 infection, and the genes and their functional signature patterns on COVID-19 antibodies, are significantly different. We will use a total of fourteen cohort studies (including breakthrough infections and omicron variants) with 1481 samples to justify our results. Such significant findings can help explore the causal and pathological links between SARS-CoV-2 infection and the COVID-19 disease, and fight against the disease with more targeted genes, vaccines, antiviral drugs, and therapies.
Temporal Association between Hampton’s Hump Pulmonary Embolism and First-Dose ChAdOx1 nCov-19 Vaccine in a Patient with Activated Protein C Resistance
Authors: Kriegshäuser Gernot , Braunsteiner Andreas
Published: October 2022

A 58-year-old man presented to his practitioner with right-sided pleuritic chest pain, dyspnea, and fatigue 18 days following the first dose of the ChAdOx1 nCov-19 vaccine. Chest radiography showed a basal wedge-shaped consolidation indicative of a Hampton’s hump in the right lower lobe, which was confirmed by subsequent computed tomography pulmonary angiography. The major laboratory abnormalities were a markedly elevated D-dimer level of 7.53 µg/mL (normal range < 0.5 µg/mL), a CRP level of 62.8 mg/L (normal range < 5 mg/L), and a previously unknown activated protein C resistance of 1.3 (normal range ≥ 1.8). Genetic analysis identified the patient to be heterozygous for the FVLeiden mutation. Neither other errors of hemostasis nor antibodies against platelet factor 4-polyanion complexes could be observed. Moreover, we failed to demonstrate Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 infection. The patient fully recovered with no sequelae but is being continued on long-term anticoagulation given his risk of recurrent venous thromboembolism. Here we report on the temporal association between the first dose of the ChAdOx1 nCov-19 vaccine and extensive pulmonary embolism in an otherwise healthy patient with activated protein C resistance, however, further investigation is needed to prove causality.
Evaluation of Adverse Reactions to Influenza Vaccination: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kumabe Ayako , Kenzaka Tsuneaki , Yahata Shinsuke , Goda Ken , Okayama Masanobu
Published: October 2022

This study aimed to investigate the influence of sex, age, and quadrivalent vaccination history on adverse reactions (ARs) to influenza vaccines and the relationship between the occurrence of ARs and the risk of influenza infection. Study participants were employees of three hospitals in the Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, who received the influenza vaccine in 2019. Data were collected using questionnaires. The main factors were age, sex, and history of influenza vaccination as a control. The primary outcomes were the incidence of local and systemic ARs attributable to the vaccine and positive influenza cases among the participants during the influenza season. Logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Among the 1493 participants, 80% experienced either local or systemic ARs. ARs were less common among men than among women (OR: 0.28, 95% CI: 0.21–0.37) and less common among those aged ≥60 years (OR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.26–0.89). ARs were significantly more likely to occur in those with a history of influenza vaccination (OR: 1.96, 95% CI: 1.15–3.33). Those who had ARs, notably localized ones, were significantly more likely to incur influenza infection. Individuals who report ARs to influenza vaccination should strictly adopt non-pharmaceutical preventive measures in the hospital, community settings, and at home.
Willingness of Older Adults with Chronic Diseases to Receive a Booster Dose of Inactivated Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccine: A Cross-Sectional Study in Taizhou, China
Authors: Lin Xiao-Qing , Li A-Li , Zhang Mei-Xian , Lv Li , Chen Yan , Chen He-Dan , Tung Tao-Hsin , Zhu Jian-Sheng
Published: October 2022

Vaccination is an important measure to control the spread of COVID-19 among elderly high-risk groups; however, the propensity to receive COVID-19 vaccine boosters has not been evaluated in these populations. Here, we aimed to investigate the willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccine booster among the elderly chronic disease population in Taizhou, China. A cross-sectional, hospital-based survey was conducted in the outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital between 6 July and 11 August 2021 in Taizhou, China, and the data were uploaded to Wen-Juan-Xing, one of the largest online platforms used to collect survey data in China. The targeted population was non-oncology chronic disease patients aged 60 years and above. The minimum sample size was 229, determined by the G*Power software (v3.1.9.2, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany). A total of 254 patients with valid data were enrolled in this study, with a response rate of 82.5% (254/308). Chi-square tests and one-way binary regression were used to compare the proportions and the degree of influence of categorical factors. The magnitude of the effect for the comparisons was measured by Gramer’s V. A multivariate binary logistic regression model was used to correct for confounders and to identify factors. All data were analyzed using SPSS v24.0 (IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, USA). A total of 198 respondents (77.9%) were willing to receive a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose, and 77.6% of respondents were willing to receive the primary dose. Age < 70 years (OR 2.82), stable disease control (OR 2.79), confidence in the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine (OR 3.11), and vaccine recipient (OR 5.02) were significantly associated with the willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose. Promoting primary dose vaccination is essential for advancing booster vaccination, and it is important to focus on elderly patients’ confidence in the vaccine, in addition to strengthening health management and promoting disease stability. Follow-up studies should focus on elderly patients who belong to specific disease groups.
Comparison of SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Levels after a Third Heterologous and Homologous BNT162b2 Booster Dose
Authors: Gareayaghi Nesrin , Demirci Mehmet , Ozbey Dogukan , Dasdemir Ferhat , Dinc Harika Oyku , Balkan Ilker Inanc , Saribas Suat , Saltoglu Neşe , Kocazeybek Bekir
Published: October 2022

This study aimed to determine the anti-S (receptor binding protein) RBD IgG antibody titers formed against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) and the neutralizing antibody inhibition percentages (nAb IH%) in blood samples taken after two doses of inactive or mRNA-based vaccine and a booster dose. Volunteers with two doses of inactivated CoronaVac (heterologous group; n = 75) and BioNTech (BNT)162b2 mRNA vaccine (homologous group; n = 75) were included in this study. All participants preferred the BNT162b2 vaccine as a booster dose. First, peripheral blood samples were taken 3 months after the second vaccine dose. Second, peripheral blood samples were taken 1 month after the booster dose. Anti-S-RBD IgG titers were determined by CMIA (SARS-CoV-2 IgG II Quant). Neutralizing antibodies were detected by a surrogate neutralization assay (SARS-CoV-2 NeutraLISA, Euroimmun, Lübeck, Germany). The median age of the volunteers was 40 (IQR 29–47) years old. After the heterologous booster dose, anti-S-RBD IgG levels and neutralizing antibodies increased approximately 50-fold and 9-fold, respectively. Anti-S-RBD IgG titers increased by 9 and 57 times, respectively, while nAb IH% increased by 1.5 and 16 times, respectively, among those with heterologous reminder doses and those with and without a prior history of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). This study showed that after the administration of a heterologous booster dose with BNT162b2 to those whose primary vaccination was with inactivated CoronaVac, the binding and neutralizing antibody levels were similar to those who received a homologous BNT162b2 booster dose. It was observed that the administration of heterologous and homologous booster doses resulted in the development of similar levels of neutralizing antibodies, independently from a prior history of COVID-19.
Sports Elite Means Vaccine Elite? Concerns and Beliefs Related to COVID-19 Vaccines among Olympians and Elite Athletes
Authors: Sobierajski Tomasz , Krzywański Jarosław , Mikulski Tomasz , Pokrywka Andrzej , Krysztofiak Hubert , Kuchar Ernest
Published: October 2022

(1) Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the concerns and beliefs of Olympians and elite athletes toward COVID-19 vaccination. (2) Methods: The study was framed by a quantitative method and was conducted using the PAPI (pen and paper interview) technique among 895 Polish elite athletes representing 34 sports. (3) Results: Three-quarters (76.3%) of the athletes were vaccinated against COVID-19; statistically participants were more likely to be women, and athletes who participated in the Olympic Games. Four in ten (39.2%) were in favor of vaccination. Athletes were mainly concerned that COVID-19 would exclude them from training/competition (19.3%) and could have a long-term impact on their health (17.2%). Athletes who were vaccinated reported much higher confidence in the composition of the vaccine and the doctors who recommended vaccination than unvaccinated athletes. Athletes who competed at the Olympic level were more likely than others to disbelieve that vaccines were produced too quickly and were not well tested. National-level athletes showed the highest degree of distrust in the government regarding COVID-19 vaccination, with one in six respondents distrusting doctors with respect to COVID-19 vaccination. Four in ten respondents said they were in favor of vaccination. (4) Conclusions: Athletes’ attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination were significantly influenced by their environment—especially coaches and relatives. The power of social norms with respect to the decision to vaccinate against COVID-19 was very strong. Therefore, it is essential to build awareness about preventive policies among athletes and their social environment.
Survey upon the Reasons of COVID-19 Vaccination Acceptance in Romania
Authors: Mărcău Flavius Cristian , Gheorghițoiu Roxana , Bărbăcioru Iuliana Carmen
Published: October 2022

Aim: The present study aims to observe the reasons for which the participants have chosen to uptake one of the COVID-19 vaccines approved in Romania. Thus, it will help us to determine whether the reasons are medical in nature, with the respondents’ scope to stay healthy, or if there are other motivations. High rates of vaccine acceptance are essential in the struggle against the COVID-19 pandemic, and trust indicators in other inoculations may be vital for the good management of the vaccination campaign. Methods: The research consisted in applying an online questionnaire in the period January–March 2022 during the fifth wave of COVID-19. The individuals in the target group had to comply with three conditions: they should be inoculated, at least 18 years of age and Romanian residents. The questionnaire was administered to 2297 people and structured to obtain socio-demographic data, determine confidence in mandatory and optional vaccines (rotavirus, hepatitis A, meningococcal vaccine, etc.) and extract the reasons why respondents chose to be vaccinated. Results: The data extracted from the questionnaire reveal a high rate of confidence of participants in the vaccines included in the national vaccination scheme (98.6%) and in the optional vaccines other than anti-COVID-19 (97.2%). Of the respondents, 23.4% had at least one positive test for COVID-19. Although the entire sample is vaccinated against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the reasons behind the decision to vaccinate are not only medical in nature, thus, 18.3% were motivated by “protecting their own health/protection against the virus”, 17% due to “fear of the disease”, 8.8% for getting back to normal life and ending the pandemic and 8.5% due to government restrictions/vaccination certificate. Conclusions: In our study, we were able to validate the research hypothesis that the reasons for vaccine acceptance are multiple and not only medical (health protection, existing co-morbidities, etc.) and to show that although vaccination has been accepted, some participants believe in conspiracy theories, including those that try to convince people of the harmfulness of the vaccine. In addition, by applying Pearson, Kendall and Spearman correlation tests, we observed that indicators showing high confidence in optional vaccines relate strongly with the decision to vaccinate against COVID-19.
A New Stochastic Split-Step θ-Nonstandard Finite Difference Method for the Developed SVIR Epidemic Model with Temporary Immunities and General Incidence Rates
Authors: Alkhazzan Abdulwasea , Wang Jungang , Nie Yufeng , Hattaf Khalid
Published: October 2022

In this paper, an SVIR epidemic model with temporary immunities and general incidence rates is constructed and analyzed. By utilizing Lyapunov functions, we prove the existence and uniqueness of the positive global solution of the constructed model, as well as the sufficient conditions of extinction and persistence of disease, are provided. Due to the difficulty of obtaining the analytical solution to our model, we construct two numerical schemes to generate an approximate solution to the model. The first one is called the split-step θ-Milstein (SSTM) method, and the second one is called the stochastic split-step θ-nonstandard finite difference (SSSNSFD) method, which is designed by merging split-step θ method with stochastic nonstandard finite difference method for the first time in this paper. Further, we prove the positivity, boundedness, and stability of the SSSTNSFD method. By employing the two mentioned methods, we support the validity of the studied theoretical results, as well, the effect of the length of immunity periods, parameters values of the incidence rates, and noise on the dynamics of the model are discussed and simulated. The increase in the size of time step size plays a vital role in revealing the method that preserves positivity, boundedness, and stability. To this end, a comparison between the proposed numerical methods is carried out graphically.
Benefits of Switching Mycophenolic Acid to Sirolimus on Serological Response after a SARS-CoV-2 Booster Dose among Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Pilot Study
Authors: Banjongjit Athiphat , Phirom Supitchaya , Phannajit Jeerath , Jantarabenjakul Watsamon , Paitoonpong Leilani , Kittanamongkolchai Wonngarm , Wattanatorn Salin , Prasithsirikul Wisit , Eiam-Ong Somchai , Avihingsanon Yingyos , Hansasuta Pokrath , Vanichanan Jakapat , Townamchai Natavudh
Published: October 2022

Kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) have a suboptimal immune response to COVID-19 vaccination due to the effects of immunosuppression, mostly mycophenolic acid (MPA). This study investigated the benefits of switching from the standard immunosuppressive regimen (tacrolimus (TAC), MPA, and prednisolone) to a regimen of mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor (mTORi), TAC and prednisolone two weeks pre- and two weeks post-BNT162b2 booster vaccination. A single-center, opened-label pilot study was conducted in KTRs, who received two doses of ChAdOx-1 and a single dose of BNT162b2. The participants were randomly assigned to continue the standard regimen (control group, n = 14) or switched to a sirolimus (an mTORi), TAC, and prednisolone (switching group, n = 14) regimen two weeks before and two weeks after receiving a booster dose of BNT162b2. The anti-SARS-CoV-2 S antibody level after vaccination in the switching group was significantly greater than the control group (4051.0 [IQR 3142.0–6466.0] BAU/mL vs. 2081.0 [IQR 1077.0–3960.0] BAU/mL, respectively; p = 0.01). One participant who was initially seronegative in the control group remained seronegative after the booster dose. These findings suggest humoral immune response benefits of switching the standard immunosuppressive regimen to the regimen of mTORi, TAC, and prednisolone in KTRs during vaccination.
Adult-Onset Still’s Disease following Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Vaccination: A Case Report
Authors: Chua Xiang-He , Lin Wea-Lung , Lee Yuan-Ti
Published: October 2022

In recent years, during the ravages of COVID-19, a variety of vaccines have been developed and are now on the market. However, although these new vaccines have undergone various trials, there are still many unknown side effects. We report a case of a 30-year-old woman who presented with general weakness, sore throat, generalized skin rashes, symmetrical arthralgia, and persistent fever of up to 40 °C with onset 16 days after receiving the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. Adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD) was diagnosed according to Yamaguchi’s criteria after excluding the feasibility of infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases, and malignancies. In particular, her responses to glucocorticoids and naproxen were significant and inversely proportional to her use of empirical antibiotics in the initial stage of treatment. We studied some similar cases of AOSD, which also considered the adverse effects of COVID-19 vaccination and suggested the immunogenicity and possibility of inflammatory responses related to COVID-19 vaccination.
Comprehensive Highlights of the Universal Efforts towards the Development of COVID-19 Vaccine
Authors: Shaik Riyaz Ahamed , Ahmad Mohammed Shakil , Alzahrani Mansour , Alzerwi Nasser A. N. , Alnemare Ahmad K. , Reyzah Musaed , Albar Haitham M. , Alshagrawi Salah , Elkhalifa Ahmed M. E. , Alzahrani Raed , Alrohaimi Yousef , Mahfoz Turki M. Bin , Ahmad Ritu Kumar , Alahmdi Riyadh Ahmed , Al-baradie Nora Raid Saleem
Published: October 2022

The world has taken proactive measures to combat the pandemic since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, which was caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). These measures range from increasing the production of personal protective equipment (PPE) and highlighting the value of social distancing to the emergency use authorization (EUA) of therapeutic drugs or antibodies and their appropriate use; nonetheless, the disease is still spreading quickly and is ruining people’s social lives, the economy, and public health. As a result, effective vaccines are critical for bringing the pandemic to an end and restoring normalcy in society. Several potential COVID-19 vaccines are now being researched, developed, tested, and reviewed. Since the end of June 2022, several vaccines have been provisionally approved, whereas others are about to be approved. In the upcoming years, a large number of new medications that are presently undergoing clinical testing are anticipated to hit the market. To illustrate the advantages and disadvantages of their technique, to emphasize the additives and delivery methods used in their creation, and to project potential future growth, this study explores these vaccines and the related research endeavors, including conventional and prospective approaches.
Recurrent and De Novo Toxoplasmosis Retinochoroiditis following Coronavirus Disease 2019 Infection or Vaccination
Authors: Hébert Mélanie , Bouhout Soumaya , Vadboncoeur Julie , Aubin Marie-Josée
Published: October 2022

This study reports three cases of toxoplasmosis retinochoroiditis following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection or vaccination from the national Canadian COVID-19 Eye Registry between December 2020 and September 2021. A 56-year-old male presented 15 days after a positive COVID-19 test with toxoplasmosis retinochoroiditis. He later relapsed 8 days following a first Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine dose. Two patients presented with toxoplasmosis retinochoroiditis following COVID-19 vaccination: A 58-year-old female presenting 4 days following a first Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine dose with anterior uveitis and a posterior pole lesion discovered 3 months later and a 39-year-old female presenting 17 days after a first Moderna vaccine dose. Resolution was achieved with oral clindamycin, oral trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, and topical prednisolone acetate 1%. Patients were offered prophylactic trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole for subsequent doses without relapse. Following COVID-19 infection or vaccination, patients may be at risk for toxoplasmosis retinochoroiditis. Prophylactic antibiotics for future doses may be offered to patients with known ocular toxoplasmosis to prevent recurrence.
Antibody Response to ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (AZD1222) Vaccine in Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Bhadauria Dharmendra S. , Katiyar Harshita , Goel Amit , Tiwari Prachi , Kishore Ravi V. Krishna , Aggarwal Amita , Verma Alka , Khetan Dheeraj , Kaul Anupma , Yachha Monika , Behera Manas Ranjan , Yadav Brijesh , Prasad Narayan
Published: October 2022

Kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) are at a much higher risk of complications and death following COVID-19 and are poor vaccine responders. The data are limited on the immune response to Covishield® in KTRs. We prospectively recruited a cohort of 67 KTRs aged >18 between April 2021 and December 2021. Each participant was given two intramuscular doses of Covishield®, each of 0.5 mL, at an interval of 12 weeks. A blood specimen of 5.0 mL was collected from each participant at two points within a few days before administering the first dose of the vaccine and at any time between 4–12 weeks after administering the second dose. The sera were tested for anti-RBD antibody (ARAb) titre and neutralising antibody (NAb). An ACE2 competition assay was used as a proxy for virus neutralization. According to the prior COVID-19 infection, participants were grouped as (i) group A: prior symptomatic COVID-19 infection, (ii) group B: prior asymptomatic COVID-19 infection as evidenced by detectable ARAb in the prevaccination specimen, (iii) Group C: no prior infection with COVID-19, (iv) group D: Unclassified, i.e., participants had no symptoms suggestive of COVID-19, but their prevaccination specimen was not available for ARAb testing before vaccination. Fifty of sixty-seven participants (74.6%) provided paired specimens (group A 14, group B 27, and group C 9) and 17 participants (25.4%) provided only postvaccination specimens (group D). In the overall cohort (n = 67), 91% and 77.6% of participants developed ARAb and NAb, respectively. Their ARAb titre and NAb proportion were 2927 (520–7124) U/mL and 87.9 (24.4–93.2) %, respectively. Their median ARAb titre increased 65.6 folds, from 38.2 U/mL to 3137 U/mL. Similarly, the proportion of participants with NAb increased from 56% to 86%, and the NAb proportion raised 2.7 folds, from 23% to 91%. A comparison of vaccine response between the study groups showed that all those with or without prior COVID-19 infection showed a significant rise in ARAb titre (p < 0.05) and NAb proportion (p < 0.05) after the two doses of vaccine administration. The median value of folds rise in anti-RBD and NAb between groups A and B were comparable. Hence, ARAb is present in more than 3/4th of KTRs before the ChAdOx1 vaccine in India. The titer of ARAb and the proportion of NAb significantly increased after the two doses of the ChAdOx1 vaccine in KTRs.
A Dual Adjuvant System for Intranasal Boosting of Local and Systemic Immunity for Influenza Vaccination
Authors: Sato-Kaneko Fumi , Yao Shiyin , Lao Fitzgerald S. , Sako Yukiya , Jin Jasmine , Shukla Nikunj M. , Cottam Howard B. , Chan Michael , Belsuzarri Masiel M. , Carson Dennis A. , Hayashi Tomoko
Published: October 2022

Systemically vaccinated individuals against COVID-19 and influenza may continue to support viral replication and shedding in the upper airways, contributing to the spread of infections. Thus, a vaccine regimen that enhances mucosal immunity in the respiratory mucosa is needed to prevent a pandemic. Intranasal/pulmonary (IN) vaccines can promote mucosal immunity by promoting IgA secretion at the infection site. Here, we demonstrate that an intramuscular (IM) priming-IN boosting regimen with an inactivated influenza A virus adjuvanted with the liposomal dual TLR4/7 adjuvant (Fos47) enhances systemic and local/mucosal immunity. The IN boosting with Fos47 (IN-Fos47) enhanced antigen-specific IgA secretion in the upper and lower respiratory tracts compared to the IM boosting with Fos47 (IM-Fos47). The secreted IgA induced by IN-Fos47 was also cross-reactive to multiple influenza virus strains. Antigen-specific tissue-resident memory T cells in the lung were increased after IN boosting with Fos47, indicating that IN-Fos47 established tissue-resident T cells. Furthermore, IN-Fos47 induced systemic cross-reactive IgG antibody titers comparable to those of IM-Fos47. Neither local nor systemic reactogenicity or adverse effects were observed after IN delivery of Fos47. Collectively, these results indicate that the IM/IN regimen with Fos47 is safe and provides both local and systemic anti-influenza immune responses.
Exploring the Association between Negative Emotions and COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Unvaccinated Adults in Sweden
Authors: Wei Ying , Harriman Nigel Walsh , Piltch-Loeb Rachael , Testa Marcia A. , Savoia Elena
Published: October 2022

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a significant impact on individuals’ mental health. This study aimed to investigate how negative emotions toward the COVID-19 pandemic, including feeling anxious, depressed, upset, and stressed, were associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in Sweden. The study is a cross-sectional online survey conducted between 21–28 May 2021, using three nested hierarchical logistic regression models to assess the association. The study included 965 unvaccinated individuals, 51.2% (n = 494) of whom reported their intention to get vaccinated. We observed graded positive associations between reported negative emotions and vaccine acceptance. Individuals who experienced economic stress had lower odds of vaccine acceptance while having a positive opinion of the government’s response to COVID-19 was associated with higher odds of being vaccine-acceptant. In conclusion, unvaccinated individuals experiencing negative emotions about the pandemic were more willing to get the vaccine. On the contrary, those with a negative opinion about the government’s response, and those that had experienced economic stress were less likely to accept the immunization.
What can patients expect in the long term from radiofrequency thermocoagulation of hemorrhoids on bleeding, prolapse, quality of life, and recurrence: “no pain, no gain” or “no pain but a gain”?
Authors: Didelot Jean-Michel , Raux Benjamin , Didelot Romain , Rudler Franz , Mulliez Aurelien , Buisson Anthony , Abergel Armando , Blanc Pierre
Published: October 2022

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the long-term efficacy of hemorrhoidal radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFT) on bleeding, prolapse, quality of life (QoL), and recurrence.Methods: This retrospective, single-center study, with RFT performed using procedure modified via hemorrhoid exteriorization assessed the evolution of hemorrhoidal prolapse rated by Goligher scale; bleeding and discomfort (0–10), feeling of improvement and satisfaction (–5 to +5/5) by analog scales; the impact of hemorrhoids on QoL by HEMO-FISS-QoL score.Results: From April 2016 to January 2021, 124 patients underwent surgery and 107 were interviewed in September 2021. The average follow-up was 30 months (range, 8–62 months). The mean work stoppage was 3 days, none in 71.0% of the cases. A mean of 4,334 J was applied. No analgesics were required for 66.4% of patients. External hemorrhoidal thrombosis was the only immediate complication in 9 patients, with no long-term reported complication. Bleeding disappeared in 53 out of 102 patients or dropped from 7 to 3 out of 10 (P<0.001). Prolapse reduced from mean grade 3 to 2 (P<0.001), discomfort from 7 to 2 out of 10 (P<0.001). HEMO-FISS-QoL score improved from 22 to 7 out of 100 (P<0.001). Feeling of improvement and overall satisfaction rate were +4/5. Recurrence occurred in 21.5% of patients at 22 months, and 6 required reoperation. Of the patients, 91.6% would choose the same procedure again and 96.3% recommend it.Conclusion: RFT, although imperfect, leads to a significant improvement in hemorrhoidal symptoms and a lasting increase in QoL with minimal pain and downtime, high acceptance, and low complication and recurrence rates.
Garg scoring system to predict long-term healing in cryptoglandular anal fistulas: a prospective validation study
Authors: Dawka Sushil , Yagnik Vipul D. , Kaur Baljit , Menon Geetha R. , Garg Pankaj
Published: October 2022

Purpose: Complex anal fistulas can recur after clinical healing, even after a long interval which leads to significant anxiety. Also, ascertaining the efficacy of any new treatment procedure becomes difficult and takes several years. We prospectively analyzed the validity of Garg scoring system (GSS) to predict long-term fistula healing.Methods: In patients operated for cryptoglandular anal fistulas, magnetic resonance imaging was performed preoperatively and at 3 months postoperatively to assess fistula healing. Scores as per the GSS were calculated for each patient at 3 months postoperatively and correlated with long-term healing to check the accuracy of the scoring system.Results: Fifty-seven patients were enrolled, but 50 were finally included (7 were excluded). These 50 patients (age, 41.2±12.4 years; 46 men) were followed up for 12 to 20 months (median, 17 months). Forty-seven patients (94.0%) had complex fistulas, 28 (56.0%) had recurrent fistulas, 48 (96.0%) had multiple tracts, 20 (40.0%) had horseshoe tracts, 15 (32.0%) had associated abscesses, 5 (10.0%) were suprasphincteric, and 8 (16.0%) were supralevator fistulas. The GSS could accurately predict long-term healing (high positive predictive value, 31 of 31 [100%]) but was not very accurate in predicting nonhealing (negative predictive value, 15 of 19 [78.9%]). The sensitivity in predicting healing was 31 of 35 (88.6%).Conclusion: GSS accurately predicts long-term fistula with a high positive predictive value (100%) but is less accurate in predicting nonhealing. This scoring system can help allay anxiety in patients and facilitate the early validation of innovative procedures for anal fistulas.
Behavioral factors of investors' activity and their importance in the development of the financial market of the Republic of Belarus
Authors: Osmolovets Svetlana S.
Published: October 2022

The article is dedicated to the study of the factors that form the motives of investors to investing in financial instruments. The importance of state regulation on the financial market was determined, that is influencing on the formation of the savings behavior of investors .The concept of financial market liquidity is investigated. The conclusion is made about the factors determining the activity of investors in the financial market: the system of information disclosure about financial instruments, liquidity.
Start-up cost estimation using marketing tools
Authors: Lyubyashenko Artem A. , Buimov Sofia N.
Published: October 2022

The article shows the relevance of quantitative assessment of service sector startups at an early stage of development and optimizes the profitable approach of evaluating startups. The specifics of the improved methodology are: the introduction of marketing tools to predict the financial performance of existing organizations and startups; a comprehensive study of the driving market forces (advertising budget, etc.) that determine the effectiveness of a startup; the ability to model the results of a startup in an unstable external environment.
Accounting for contractual obligations in a finance lease transaction
Authors: Kanapinova Saule S. , Plotnikov Victor S.
Published: October 2022

Discussions on lease accounting have been going on among accounting researchers for at least 100 years. However, they are reduced to one goal - the recognition of the lease as an object of accounting. At the same time, the lease determines the totality of accounting for various objects and entities involved in the system of lease relations based on the system of property objects transferred for rent from the lessor to the lessee. Consequently, the objects of lease accounting should be economic resources transferred under a lease agreement to the lessee with the right to use them for a certain period of time for the production of other goods or services by the lessee and reimbursement of the value of the property received and the corresponding variable remuneration to the lessee for the right to use the leased assets expressed in the form of contractual obligations of the lessee. The content of the article proposed for consideration is based on the disclosure of the content of this author's position.
Closed-end mutual funds investing in real estate. Development prospects
Authors: Tropina Zhanna N.
Published: October 2022

The article deals with topical issues of the development of such significant representatives of the collective investment segment of the national financial market as closed-end mutual funds investing in real estate. The author, investigating the problems of the functioning of mutual investment funds of this group, analyzes the changes proposed by the Bank of Russia regarding the expansion of the range of objects allowed for investment funds focused on unqualified investors. The article gives an assessment of the prospects for the development of this segment of the collective investment industry, considers measures the implementation of which could stimulate the development of funds of this group and ensure a large-scale arrival of retail investors.
On the problems of modern philology and the creative methodology of teaching foreign languages in the European educational system
Authors: Hurbanska Svitlana , Botvyn Tetiana , Burmakina Nataliia , Shovkoplias Yuliia , Hurbanska Antonina
Published: October 2022

The modern philology involves many creative methods in the study of foreign languages. European education system used measures related to the involvement of the new technologies and distance learning due to the global pandemic. The aim – to describe the latest methodology in combination with new technologies and creativity. The methodology of creative pauses was conducted among the students in Comenius University Bratislava. Methods: monitoring, testing, data analysis, description, experimental training using multimedia resources. The results showed that non-traditional methodologies (creative pauses) adapted to the FluentU media resource in combination with distance forms of education become an alternative to traditional learning.
Typology of competence characteristics of pupils with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Prokhorenko Lesіa , Sokolova Hanna , Forostian Olha , Kravets Yuliia , Horbatiuk Olena
Published: October 2022

The purpose is to develop a typology of competence characteristics of pupils with intellectual disabilities as a measure of a child’s integration into educational activity. The following methods were applied: retrospective analysis and generalization; empirical measurement of relevant parameters of the research subject by means of valid and proprietary methods; k-means clustering, mathematical methods for data processing. The experiment participants: the total number (n=114) of the children from the first to the fifth grades: the pupils with intellectual disabilities (Group 1: n=57; 50.0%) and the pupils with normal development (Group 2: n=57; 50.0%). Key differences were found in the following competences of the research participants: intellectual-cognitive, emotional-motivational and social. It was established that deficiency of cognitive and adaptive skills, violation of social norms and limited communication prevail in the children with intellectual disabilities. Three types of competence characteristics in the pupils with intellectual disabilities in education were determined: Operational-Reproductive (ORT), Limited-Practical (LPT), Limited-Fixed (LFT). The prospect is to create a conceptual model and correction-development program for the formation of key competences of pupils with intellectual disabilities.
Social assistance and psychological counseling in Ukraine against the backdrop of Russian armed aggression
Authors: Romanova Iryna , Syniakova Vira , Kononova Maryna , Melnychuk Maiia , Reva Maryna , Nemesh Viacheslav
Published: October 2022

The work aims to analyze the specifics of social assistance and psychological counseling against the background of the spread of the Russian-Ukrainian war. The object of the work is psychological aid to servicemen, children, internally displaced persons, and general peculiarities of psychological counseling development in Ukraine against the background of Russian aggression. The work uses general scientific methods of research: axiological, comparative, historical, systematic, and others. The results consider the structural changes in relation to psychology and the organization of psychological help that took place in Ukraine after 2014. Particular attention is paid to the coverage of the peculiarities of assistance to children affected by war. Active hostilities affect the disruption of children's habitual life: they begin to experience fear, anxiety, and despair at the level of adults. Such conditions need correction by specialists. The paper also considers the problem of support for servicemen - veterans of the Russian-Ukrainian war. It is concluded that since the beginning of the full-scale Russian offensive (February 2022) there has been an urgent need for psychological help for many categories of the population: internally displaced persons, children, servicemen. It is noted that Russian aggression has changed the system of psychological assistance, in particular, due to the involvement of certain American models of psychological rehabilitation.
Sharing unreviewed research data: Problems and prospects
Authors: Fiialka Svitlana , Figol Nadija , Fisenko Tetiana , Kasianchuk Valeriia , Holovko Olha , Teremko Vasyl
Published: October 2022

This paper highlights the results of the survey of Ukrainian scientists on the exchange of unreviewed research data with other scientists, and their motivation to use and disseminate unreviewed research data. By “research data” we mean both processed (summarized in the form of text data, tables, figures, infographics, etc.) and unprocessed information collected by researchers due to experiments, observations, simulations, through surveys or in other ways, or generated from available information. A questionnaire was distributed in different Facebook groups for scientists (“Ukrainian Scientific Journals” “Ukrainian Scientists Worldwide”, “Pseudoscience News in Ukraine”, “Scientific Conferences and Publications”, “Academic Virtue and Plagiarism”, “Higher School and Science of Ukraine: Disintegration or Blossoming?”, “Ukrainian cuisine of scientific publications”) and through university networks. Results from 736 respondents demonstrated awareness and attitudes about data sharing, advantages, and disadvantages of data sharing for scientists. Most of the respondents don’t trust the results of scientific research published in sources other than peer-reviewed scientific journals. Only 34.7 % of the respondents use to publish their unreviewed research data. The reasons that can stop scientists from sharing research data are the following: problems with copyright protection, luck of time, fear to lose publishing opportunities, contradictions with the requirements of the journals, risk of misinterpretation, risk of losing leadership in the field of research, ethical norms violations, prejudice. Researchers, especially those who work at universities, highlighted lack of time for data sharing, because they teach and supervise students, conduct research, have administrative activities, participate in community services. Among the reasons for data sharing the scientists noted cooperation, formation of reputation, increasing the likelihood of being quoted, feedback from the scientific community, development of science, saving results to use in the future, etc. 30.9 % of the respondents indicated that they do not find anything that could motivate them to share research data. Meanwhile about 78.0 % of respondents are sure, that they need trainings in the field of data sharing.