bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mycotoxin Co-Occurrence in Milks and Exposure Estimation: A Pilot Study in São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Frey Matheus , Rosim Roice , Oliveira Carlos
Published: July 2021

The aim of this study was to conduct a first evaluation on the co-occurrence of aflatoxins (AF) M1, B1, B2, G1 and G2; fumonisins (F) B1 and B2; deoxynivalenol (DON); de-epoxydeoxinivalenol (DOM-1); ochratoxin A (OTA); zearalenone (ZEN); α-zearalenol (α-ZEL); and β-zearalenol (β-ZEL) in 68 samples of fluid milk consumed in Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil. The probable daily intake (PDI) was also calculated for each mycotoxin evaluated. Mycotoxins were determined by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Sixty-two (91.2%) samples contained at least one type of mycotoxin. AFM1 was found in 6 samples (8.8%), and none of them presented concentrations above the Brazilian maximum permitted level in milk (500 ng/L). Low levels of non-regulated mycotoxins DOM-1, OTA, FB1, FB2, α-ZEL and β-ZEL were found in 6 (8.8%), 17 (25%), 10 (14.7%), 3 (4.4%), 39 (57.4%) and 28 (41.2%) samples of milk, respectively. None of the PDIs calculated for the quantified mycotoxins were above recommended values, indicating low exposure through milk consumption in the area studied. However, 21 samples (30.9%) contained 2–4 types of mycotoxins, which warrants concern about the potential adverse effects of mycotoxin mixtures in milks.
Identification of 24-O-β-d-Glycosides and 7-Deoxy-Analogues of Okadaic Acid and Dinophysistoxin-1 and -2 in Extracts from Dinophysis Blooms, Dinophysis and Prorocentrum Cultures, and Shellfish in Europe, North America and Australasia
Authors: Wilkins Alistair L. , Rundberget Thomas , Sandvik Morten , Rise Frode , Knudsen Brent K. , Kilcoyne Jane , Reguera Beatriz , Rial Pilar , Wright Elliott J. , Giddings Sabrina D. , Boundy Michael J. , Rafuse Cheryl , Miles Christopher O.
Published: July 2021

Two high-mass polar compounds were observed in aqueous side-fractions from the purification of okadaic acid (1) and dinophysistoxin-2 (2) from Dinophysis blooms in Spain and Norway. These were isolated and shown to be 24-O-β-d-glucosides of 1 and 2 (4 and 5, respectively) by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and enzymatic hydrolysis. These, together with standards of 1, 2, dinophysistoxin-1 (3), and a synthetic specimen of 7-deoxy-1 (7), combined with an understanding of their mass spectrometric fragmentation patterns, were then used to identify 1–5, the 24-O-β-d-glucoside of dinophysistoxin-1 (6), 7, 7-deoxy-2 (8), and 7-deoxy-3 (9) in a range of extracts from Dinophysis blooms, Dinophysis cultures, and contaminated shellfish from Spain, Norway, Ireland, Canada, and New Zealand. A range of Prorocentrum lima cultures was also examined by liquid chromatography–high resolution tandem mass spectrometry (LC–HRMS/MS) and was found to contain 1, 3, 7, and 9. However, although 4–6 were not detected in these cultures, low levels of putative glycosides with the same exact masses as 4 and 6 were present. The potential implications of these findings for the toxicology, metabolism, and biosynthesis of the okadaic acid group of marine biotoxins are briefly discussed.
Deoxynivalenol (Vomitoxin)-Induced Anorexia Is Induced by the Release of Intestinal Hormones in Mice
Authors: Yue Jianming , Guo Dawei , Gao Xiuge , Wang Jiacai , Nepovimova Eugenie , Wu Wenda , Kuca Kamil
Published: July 2021

Deoxynivalenol (DON), also known as vomitoxin, is a mycotoxin that can cause antifeeding and vomiting in animals. However, the mechanism of DON inducing anorexia is complicated. Studies have shown that intestinal hormones play a significant part in the anorexia caused by DON. We adopted the “modeling of acute antifeeding in mice” as the basic experimental model, and used two methods of gavage and intraperitoneal injection to explore the effect of intestinal hormones on the antifeedant response induced by DON in mice. We found that 1 and 2.5 mg/kg·bw of DON can acutely induce anorexia and increase the plasma intestinal hormones CCK, PYY, GIP, and GLP-1 in mice within 3 h. Direct injection of exogenous intestinal hormones CCK, PYY, GIP, and GLP-1 can trigger anorexia behavior in mice. Furthermore, the PYY receptor antagonist JNJ-31020028, GLP-1 receptor antagonist Exendin(9-39), CCK receptor antagonist Proglumide, GIP receptor antagonist GIP(3-30)NH2 attenuated both intestinal hormone and DON-induced anorectic responses. These results indicate that intestinal hormones play a critical role in the anorexia response induced by DON.
Snake Venom Proteomics, Immunoreactivity and Toxicity Neutralization Studies for the Asiatic Mountain Pit Vipers, Ovophis convictus, Ovophis tonkinensis, and Hime Habu, Ovophis okinavensis
Authors: Tan Choo Hock , Palasuberniam Praneetha , Tan Kae Yi
Published: July 2021

Snakebite envenomation is a serious neglected tropical disease, and its management is often complicated by the diversity of snake venoms. In Asia, pit vipers of the Ovophis species complex are medically important venomous snakes whose venom properties have not been investigated in depth. This study characterized the venom proteomes of Ovophis convictus (West Malaysia), Ovophis tonkinensis (northern Vietnam, southern China), and Ovophis okinavensis (Okinawa, Japan) by applying liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, which detected a high abundance of snake venom serine proteases (SVSP, constituting 40–60% of total venom proteins), followed by phospholipases A2, snake venom metalloproteinases of mainly P-III class, L-amino acid oxidases, and toxins from other protein families which were less abundant. The venoms exhibited different procoagulant activities in human plasma, with potency decreasing from O. tonkinensis > O. okinavensis > O. convictus. The procoagulant nature of venom confirms that consumptive coagulopathy underlies the pathophysiology of Ovophis pit viper envenomation. The hetero-specific antivenoms Gloydius brevicaudus monovalent antivenom (GbMAV) and Trimeresurus albolabris monovalent antivenom (TaMAV) were immunoreactive toward the venoms, and cross-neutralized their procoagulant activities, albeit at variably limited efficacy. In the absence of species-specific antivenom, these hetero-specific antivenoms may be useful in treating coagulotoxic envenomation caused by the different snakes in their respective regions.
Critical Review and Conceptual and Quantitative Models for the Transfer and Depuration of Ciguatoxins in Fishes
Authors: Holmes Michael J. , Venables Bill , Lewis Richard J.
Published: July 2021

We review and develop conceptual models for the bio-transfer of ciguatoxins in food chains for Platypus Bay and the Great Barrier Reef on the east coast of Australia. Platypus Bay is unique in repeatedly producing ciguateric fishes in Australia, with ciguatoxins produced by benthic dinoflagellates (Gambierdiscus spp.) growing epiphytically on free-living, benthic macroalgae. The Gambierdiscus are consumed by invertebrates living within the macroalgae, which are preyed upon by small carnivorous fishes, which are then preyed upon by Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus commerson). We hypothesise that Gambierdiscus and/or Fukuyoa species growing on turf algae are the main source of ciguatoxins entering marine food chains to cause ciguatera on the Great Barrier Reef. The abundance of surgeonfish that feed on turf algae may act as a feedback mechanism controlling the flow of ciguatoxins through this marine food chain. If this hypothesis is broadly applicable, then a reduction in herbivory from overharvesting of herbivores could lead to increases in ciguatera by concentrating ciguatoxins through the remaining, smaller population of herbivores. Modelling the dilution of ciguatoxins by somatic growth in Spanish mackerel and coral trout (Plectropomus leopardus) revealed that growth could not significantly reduce the toxicity of fish flesh, except in young fast-growing fishes or legal-sized fishes contaminated with low levels of ciguatoxins. If Spanish mackerel along the east coast of Australia can depurate ciguatoxins, it is most likely with a half-life of ≤1-year. Our review and conceptual models can aid management and research of ciguatera in Australia, and globally.
The Requirement of Glycoprotein C for Interindividual Spread Is Functionally Conserved within the Alphaherpesvirus Genus (Mardivirus), but Not the Host (Gallid)
Authors: Vega-Rodriguez Widaliz , Ponnuraj Nagendraprabhu , Garcia Maricarmen , Jarosinski Keith W.
Published: July 2021

Marek’s disease (MD) in chickens is caused by Gallid alphaherpesvirus 2, better known as MD herpesvirus (MDV). Current vaccines do not block interindividual spread from chicken-to-chicken, therefore, understanding MDV interindividual spread provides important information for the development of potential therapies to protect against MD, while also providing a natural host to study herpesvirus dissemination. It has long been thought that glycoprotein C (gC) of alphaherpesviruses evolved with their host based on their ability to bind and inhibit complement in a species-selective manner. Here, we tested the functional importance of gC during interindividual spread and host specificity using the natural model system of MDV in chickens through classical compensation experiments. By exchanging MDV gC with another chicken alphaherpesvirus (Gallid alphaherpesvirus 1 or infectious laryngotracheitis virus; ILTV) gC, we determined that ILTV gC could not compensate for MDV gC during interindividual spread. In contrast, exchanging turkey herpesvirus (Meleagrid alphaherpesvirus 1 or HVT) gC could compensate for chicken MDV gC. Both ILTV and MDV are Gallid alphaherpesviruses; however, ILTV is a member of the Iltovirus genus, while MDV is classified as a Mardivirus along with HVT. These results suggest that gC is functionally conserved based on the virus genera (Mardivirus vs. Iltovirus) and not the host (Gallid vs. Meleagrid).
Neurodevelopment in Children Exposed to Zika Virus: What Are the Consequences for Children Who Do Not Present with Microcephaly at Birth?
Authors: Sobral da Silva Paula , Eickmann Sophie , Ximenes Ricardo , Martelli Celina , Brickley Elizabeth , C. Lima Marília , Montarroyos Ulisses , Carvalho Maria , Rodrigues Laura , Araújo Thalia , Ventura Liana , da Silva Oliveira Danielle , Ferreira Ramos Regina , Miranda-Filho Demócrito , on behalf of the Microcephaly Epidemic Research Group (MERG)
Published: July 2021

The relation of Zika virus (ZIKV) with microcephaly is well established. However, knowledge is lacking on later developmental outcomes in children with evidence of maternal ZIKV infection during pregnancy born without microcephaly. The objective of this analysis is to investigate the impact of prenatal exposure to ZIKV on neuropsychomotor development in children without microcephaly. We evaluated 274 children including 235 ZIKV exposed and 39 controls using the Bayley-III Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (BSIDIII) and neurological examination. We observed a difference in cognition with a borderline p-value (p = 0.052): 9.4% of exposed children and none of the unexposed control group had mild to moderate delays. The prevalence of delays in the language and motor domains did not differ significantly between ZIKV-exposed and unexposed children (language: 12.3% versus 12.8%; motor: 4.7% versus 2.6%). Notably, neurological examination results were predictive of neurodevelopmental delays in the BSIDIII assessments for exposed children: 46.7% of children with abnormalities on clinical neurological examination presented with delay in contrast to 17.8% among exposed children without apparent neurological abnormalities (p = 0.001). Overall, our findings suggest that relative to their unexposed peers, ZIKV-exposed children without microcephaly are not at considerably increased risk of neurodevelopmental impairment in the first 42 months of life, although a small group of children demonstrated higher frequencies of cognitive delay. It is important to highlight that in the group of exposed children, an abnormal neuroclinical examination may be a predictor of developmental delay. The article contributes to practical guidance and advances our knowledge about congenital Zika.
The Emergence of SARS-CoV-2 within the Dog Population in Croatia: Host Factors and Clinical Outcome
Authors: Stevanovic Vladimir , Tabain Irena , Vilibic-Cavlek Tatjana , Mauric Maljkovic Maja , Benvin Iva , Hruskar Zeljka , Kovac Snjezana , Smit Iva , Miletic Gorana , Hadina Suzana , Staresina Vilim , Radin Lada , Plichta Valentina , Skrlin Branimir , Vrbanac Zoran , Brkljacic Mirna , Cvetnic Marija , Habus Josipa , Martinkovic Kresimir , Zecevic Iva , Jurkic Gabrijela , Ferencak Ivana , Stritof Zinka , Perharic Matko , Bucic Lovro , Barbic Ljubo
Published: July 2021

Over a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, there is growing evidence that SARS-CoV-2 infections among dogs are more common than previously thought. In this study, the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was investigated in two dog populations. The first group was comprised of 1069 dogs admitted to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital for any given reason. The second group included dogs that shared households with confirmed COVID-19 cases in humans. This study group numbered 78 dogs. In COVID-19 infected households, 43.9% tested ELISA positive, and neutralising antibodies were detected in 25.64% of dogs. Those data are comparable with the secondary attack rate in the human population. With 14.69% of dogs in the general population testing ELISA positive, there was a surge of SARS-CoV-2 infections within the dog population amid the second wave of the pandemic. Noticeably seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in the dog and the human population did not differ at the end of the study period. Male sex, breed and age were identified as significant risk factors. This study gives strong evidence that while acute dog infections are mostly asymptomatic, they can pose a significant risk to dog health. Due to the retrospective nature of this study, samples for viral isolation and PCR were unavailable. Still, seropositive dogs had a 1.97 times greater risk for developing central nervous symptoms.
HTLV-2 Encoded Antisense Protein APH-2 Suppresses HIV-1 Replication
Authors: Londhe Rajkumar , Kulkarni Smita
Published: July 2021

Antisense protein of Human T-cell Leukemia Virus Type 2 (HTLV-2), also called APH-2, negatively regulates the HTLV-2 and helps the virus to maintain latency via scheming the transcription. Despite the remarkable occurrence of HTLV-2/HIV-1 co-infection, the role of APH-2 influencing HIV-1 replication kinetics is poorly understood and needs investigation. In this study, we investigated the plausible role of APH-2 regulating HIV-1 replication. Herein, we report that the overexpression of APH-2 not only hampered the release of HIV-1 pNL4.3 from 293T cells in a dose-dependent manner but also affected the cellular gag expression. A similar and consistent effect of APH-2 overexpression was also observed in case of HIV-1 gag expression vector HXB2 pGag-EGFP. APH-2 overexpression also inhibited the ability of HIV-1 Tat to transactivate the HIV-1 LTR-driven expression of luciferase. Furthermore, the introduction of mutations in the IXXLL motif at the N-terminal domain of APH-2 reverted the inhibitory effect on HIV-1 Tat-mediated transcription, suggesting the possible role of this motif towards the downregulation of Tat-mediated transactivation. Overall, these findings indicate that the HTLV-2 APH-2 may affect the HIV-1 replication at multiple levels by (a) inhibiting the Tat-mediated transactivation and (b) hampering the virus release by affecting the cellular gag expression.
Update in Diagnostics of Toscana Virus Infection in a Hyperendemic Region (Southern Spain)
Authors: Sanbonmatsu-Gámez Sara , Pedrosa-Corral Irene , Navarro-Marí José María , Pérez-Ruiz Mercedes
Published: July 2021

The sandfly fever Toscana virus (TOSV, genus Phlebovirus, family Phenuiviridae) is endemic in Mediterranean countries. In Spain, phylogenetic studies of TOSV strains demonstrated that a genotype, different from the Italian, was circulating. This update reports 107 cases of TOSV neurological infection detected in Andalusia from 1988 to 2020, by viral culture, serology and/or RT-PCR. Most cases were located in Granada province, a hyperendemic region. TOSV neurological infection may be underdiagnosed since few laboratories include this virus in their portfolio. This work presents a reliable automated method, validated for the detection of the main viruses involved in acute meningitis and encephalitis, including the arboviruses TOSV and West Nile virus. This assay solves the need for multiple molecular platforms for different viruses and thus, improves the time to results for these syndromes, which require a rapid and efficient diagnostic approach.
SARS-CoV-2 N Protein Targets TRIM25-Mediated RIG-I Activation to Suppress Innate Immunity
Authors: Gori Savellini Gianni , Anichini Gabriele , Gandolfo Claudia , Cusi Maria Grazia
Published: July 2021

A weak production of INF-β along with an exacerbated release of pro-inflammatory cytokines have been reported during infection by the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus. SARS-CoV-2 encodes several proteins able to counteract the host immune system, which is believed to be one of the most important features contributing to the viral pathogenesis and development of a severe clinical picture. Previous reports have demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 N protein, along with some non-structural and accessory proteins, efficiently suppresses INF-β production by interacting with RIG-I, an important pattern recognition receptor (PRR) involved in the recognition of pathogen-derived molecules. In the present study, we better characterized the mechanism by which the SARS-CoV-2 N counteracts INF-β secretion and affects RIG-I signaling pathways. In detail, when the N protein was ectopically expressed, we noted a marked decrease in TRIM25-mediated RIG-I activation. The capability of the N protein to bind to, and probably mask, TRIM25 could be the consequence of its antagonistic activity. Furthermore, this interaction occurred at the SPRY domain of TRIM25, harboring the RNA-binding activity necessary for TRIM25 self-activation. Here, we describe new findings regarding the interplay between SARS-CoV-2 and the IFN system, filling some gaps for a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms affecting the innate immune response in COVID-19.
Vaccination of Sheep with Bovine Viral Diarrhea Vaccines Does Not Protect against Fetal Infection after Challenge of Pregnant Ewes with Border Disease Virus
Authors: Meyer Gilles , Combes Mickael , Teillaud Angelique , Pouget Celine , Bethune Marie-Anne , Cassard Herve
Published: July 2021

Border Disease (BD) is a major sheep disease characterized by immunosuppression, congenital disorders, abortion, and birth of lambs persistently infected (PI) by Border Disease Virus (BDV). Control measures are based on the elimination of PI lambs, biosecurity, and frequent vaccination which aims to prevent fetal infection and birth of PI. As there are no vaccines against BDV, farmers use vaccines directed against the related Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV). To date, there is no published evidence of cross-effectiveness of BVDV vaccination against BDV infection in sheep. We tested three commonly used BVDV vaccines, at half the dose used in cattle, for their efficacy of protection against a BDV challenge of ewes at 52 days of gestation. Vaccination limits the duration of virus-induced leukopenia after challenge, suggesting partial protection in transient infection. Despite the presence of BDV neutralizing antibodies in vaccinated ewes on the day of the challenge, fetuses of vaccinated and unvaccinated sheep were, two months after, highly positive for BDV RNA loads and seronegative for antibodies. Therefore, BVDV vaccination at half dose was not sufficient to prevent ovine fetal infection by BDV in a severe challenge model and can only be reconsidered as a complementary mean in BD control.
Effects of a Recombinant Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Vaccine on Reproductive Function in Adult Male ICR Mice
Authors: Chang Ai-Mei , Chen Chen-Chih , Hou Ding-Liang , Ke Guan-Ming , Lee Jai-Wei
Published: July 2021

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) regulates the reproductive endocrine system in mammals. The GnRH immunocontraception vaccine can aid animal population control and management. We evaluated a recombinant GnRH fusion protein with the adjuvant MONTANIDE ISA 206 VG as a GnRH vaccine in adult male ICR mice by evaluating anti-GnRH antibodies; concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone; testis size and histomorphology; and semen quality. Response was assessed after intramuscular administration of the vaccine to mice in weeks 0, 4, and 8. The vaccine induced specific antibody response by week 5, with peak of antibody levels observed by week 13 and a declining level thereafter until the end of the study at week 24. Furthermore, it reduced serum FSH, LH, and testosterone concentrations. The vaccinated mice exhibited testicular atrophy and reduced sperm quality, concentration, morphology, and viability compared to control males. The outcomes of pairings of treated males with untreated females revealed reduced mating, pregnancy rates and number of litters compared to control pairings. Assessment of this GnRH vaccine in different species could assist its development for future applications.
Probiotics as Adjuvants in Vaccine Strategy: Is There More Room for Improvement?
Authors: Peroni Diego Giampietro , Morelli Lorenzo
Published: July 2021

Background. It has been recognized that microbiota plays a key role in shaping immune system maturation and activity. Since probiotic administration influences the microbiota composition and acts as a biological response modifier, the efficacy of an adjuvant for boosting vaccine-specific immunity is investigated. Methods. A review of the literature was performed, starting from the mechanisms to laboratory and clinical evidence. Results. The mechanisms, and in vitro and animal models provide biological plausibility for microbiota use. Probiotics have been investigated as adjuvants in farm conditions and as models to understand their potential in human vaccinations with promising results. In human studies, although probiotics were effective in ameliorating seroconversion to vaccines for influenza, rotavirus and other micro-organisms, the results for clinical use are still controversial, especially in particular settings, such as during the last trimester of pregnancy. Conclusion. Although this topic remains controversial, the use of probiotics as adjuvant factors in vaccination represents a strategic key for different applications. The available data are deeply influenced by heterogeneity among studies in terms of strains, timing and duration of administration, and patients. Although these do not allow us to draw definitive conclusions, probiotics as adjuvants in vaccination should be considered in future studies, especially in the elderly and in children, where vaccine effectiveness and duration of immunization really matter.
Next-Generation Bioinformatics Approaches and Resources for Coronavirus Vaccine Discovery and Development—A Perspective Review
Authors: Chatterjee Rahul , Ghosh Mrinmoy , Sahoo Susrita , Padhi Santwana , Misra Namrata , Raina Visakha , Suar Mrutyunjay , Son Young-Ok
Published: July 2021

COVID-19 is a contagious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). To fight this pandemic, which has caused a massive death toll around the globe, researchers are putting efforts into developing an effective vaccine against the pathogen. As genome sequencing projects for several coronavirus strains have been completed, a detailed investigation of the functions of the proteins and their 3D structures has gained increasing attention. These high throughput data are a valuable resource for accelerating the emerging field of immuno-informatics, which is primarily aimed toward the identification of potential antigenic epitopes in viral proteins that can be targeted for the development of a vaccine construct eliciting a high immune response. Bioinformatics platforms and various computational tools and databases are also essential for the identification of promising vaccine targets making the best use of genomic resources, for further experimental validation. The present review focuses on the various stages of the vaccine development process and the vaccines available for COVID-19. Additionally, recent advances in genomic platforms and publicly available bioinformatics resources in coronavirus vaccine discovery together with related immunoinformatics databases and advances in technology are discussed.
Examining Vaccine Hesitancy in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Survey of the Knowledge and Attitudes among Adults to Receive COVID-19 Vaccines in Ghana
Authors: Acheampong Theophilus , Akorsikumah Eli A. , Osae-Kwapong John , Khalid Musah , Appiah Alfred , Amuasi John H.
Published: July 2021

The impact of COVID-19 vaccination programmes on disease transmission, morbidity and mortality relies heavily on the population’s willingness to accept the vaccine. We explore Ghanaian adult citizens’ vaccine hesitancy attitudes and identify the likelihood of participation or non-participation in the government’s effort to get citizens vaccinated. A fully anonymised cross-sectional online survey of 2345 adult Ghanaians was conducted from 23 to 28 February 2021. Differences in intentions regarding COVID-19 vaccination were explored using Pearson Chi-square tests. Additionally, multinomial logistic regression was used to analyse the factors associated with willingness to receive vaccines. Responses were weighted using the iterative proportional fitting technique to generate a representative sample. About half (51%) of mostly urban adult Ghanaians over 15 years are likely to take the COVID-19 vaccine if made generally available. Almost a fifth (21%) of the respondents were unlikely to take the vaccine, while another 28% were undecided. Additionally, we find differences in vaccine hesitancy among some socio-demographic characteristics such as age, gender, and primary sources of information. Attaining the proverbial 63% to 70% herd immunity threshold in Ghana is only possible if the preventive vaccination programmes are combined with an enhanced and coordinated public education campaign. Such a campaign should focus on promoting the individual and population-level benefits of vaccination and pre-emptive efforts towards addressing misinformation about vaccines.
Vaccinations and Autoimmune Diseases
Authors: Olivieri Bianca , Betterle Corrado , Zanoni Giovanna
Published: July 2021

Vaccines represent one of the most effective measures of public health medicine, saving countless lives and preventing lifelong disabilities. Vaccines are extremely safe, however, no vaccine is completely free from risks and adverse events can occur following vaccination. An adverse event following immunization (AEFI) may be a true adverse reaction caused by the vaccine or an event that temporally occurred after immunization but is not caused by it. Among the adverse reactions to vaccines, one of the most feared is the triggering of autoimmune diseases, which are a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by dysregulation of the immune system. Currently, no mechanisms have been demonstrated that could explain the correlation between vaccination and the development of autoimmune diseases. Furthermore, epidemiological studies do not support the hypothesis that vaccines cause systemic autoimmune diseases. The only confirmed associations, although very rare, are those between the flu vaccine and Guillain-Barré syndrome, especially with old vaccine preparations, and measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and thrombocytopenia. Due to the SARS-CoV2 pandemic, new types of vaccines have been developed and are now available. Close vaccine safety-surveillance is currently underway for these new vaccines.
Evaluation of Avian Reovirus S1133 Vaccine Strain in Neonatal Broiler Chickens in Gastrointestinal Integrity and Performance in a Large-Scale Commercial Field Trial
Authors: Petrone-Garcia Victor Manuel , Gonzalez-Soto Joshua , Lopez-Arellano Raquel , Delgadillo-Gonzalez Mariano , Valdes-Narvaez Victor M. , Alba-Hurtado Fernando , Hernandez-Velasco Xochitl , Castellanos-Huerta Inkar , Tellez-Isaias Guillermo
Published: July 2021

Avian reovirus (ARV) is the principal cause of several diseases. The vaccination of breeders allows for the control of viral arthritis and delivery of maternal-derived antibodies to the progeny. The vaccination of broiler chickens with ARV strain S1133 is used to prevent viral arthritis. However, the post-vaccination enteric effects have not been well-characterized. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of vaccination with the S1133 strain on the weight gain and feed conversion of broiler chickens and to characterize the gastric, enteric, and pancreatic lesions that the strain could induce. A total of 672,000 chickens were divided into two groups: a group vaccinated with ARV strain S1133 (S1133ARV) and a control group (not vaccinated). Upon histological analysis, the vaccine group showed less proventricular glandular tissue and atrophy of the pancreas and duodenal villi, as well as having a lower average daily profit. The conclusion based on the results of this investigation is that neonatal vaccination with S1133ARV causes atrophy of the pancreatic acini, proventricular glands, and intestinal villi, leading to an increased diameter of the glandular lumen and atrophy of the enteric villous, as well as weight loss, in broiler chickens.
Investigating Management of Transboundary Waters through Cooperation: A Serious Games Case Study of the Hueco Bolson Aquifer in Chihuahua, Mexico and Texas, United States
Authors: Mayer Alex , Heyman Josiah , Granados-Olivas Alfredo , Hargrove William , Sanderson Mathew , Martinez Erica , Vazquez-Galvez Adrian , Alatorre-Cejudo Luis Carlos
Published: July 2021

Management of transboundary aquifers is a vexing water resources challenge, especially when the aquifers are overexploited. The Hueco Bolson aquifer, which is bisected by the United States–Mexico border and where pumping far exceeds recharge, is an apt example. We conducted a binational, multisector, serious games workshop to explore collaborative solutions for extending the life of the shared aquifer. The value of the serious game workshop was building knowledge, interest, understanding, and constituency among critical stakeholders from both sides of the border. Participants also learned about negotiations and group decision-making while building mutual respect and trust. We did not achieve consensus, but a number of major outcomes emerged, including: (1) participants agreed that action is called for and that completely depleting the freshwater in the shared aquifer could be catastrophic to the region; (2) addressing depletion and prolonging the life of the aquifer will require binational action, because actions on only one side of the border is not enough; and (3) informal binational cooperation will be required to be successful. Agreeing that binational action is called for, the serious games intervention was an important next step toward improving management of this crucial binational resource.
Application of Neural Network Models and ANFIS for Water Level Forecasting of the Salve Faccha Dam in the Andean Zone in Northern Ecuador
Authors: Páliz Larrea Pablo , Zapata-Ríos Xavier , Campozano Parra Lenin
Published: July 2021

Despite the importance of dams for water distribution of various uses, adequate forecasting on a day-to-day scale is still in great need of intensive study worldwide. Machine learning models have had a wide application in water resource studies and have shown satisfactory results, including the time series forecasting of water levels and dam flows. In this study, neural network models (NN) and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference systems (ANFIS) models were generated to forecast the water level of the Salve Faccha reservoir, which supplies water to Quito, the Capital of Ecuador. For NN, a non-linear input–output net with a maximum delay of 13 days was used with variation in the number of nodes and hidden layers. For ANFIS, after up to four days of delay, the subtractive clustering algorithm was used with a hyperparameter variation from 0.5 to 0.8. The results indicate that precipitation was not influencing input in the prediction of the reservoir water level. The best neural network and ANFIS models showed high performance, with a r > 0.95, a Nash index > 0.95, and a RMSE < 0.1. The best the neural network model was t + 4, and the best ANFIS model was model t + 6.
Nopalea cochenillifera Biomass as Bioadsorbent in Water Purification
Authors: Lima Vitória Régia do Nascimento , Silva Álvaro Gustavo Ferreira da , Cruz Renata Ranielly Pedroza , Barbosa Luana da Silva , Junior Neilier Rodrigues da Silva , Sales Giuliana Naiara Barros , Limão Marcelo Augusto Rocha , Costa Franciscleudo Bezerra da , Souza Pahlevi Augusto de , Lopes Kilson Pinheiro , Bruno Riselane de Lucena Alcântara , Andrade Alberício Pereira de , Ribeiro Wellington Souto
Published: July 2021

Contaminated water consumption is one of the greatest risks to human health, especially in underdeveloped and developing countries. Water is a universal right, but millions of people worldwide consume untreated surface water. The objective in this study is to evaluate water purification with Nopalea cochenillifera var. Miúda biomass. Fragments (1, 2, and 3 g) of N. cochenillifera were added to the aqueous solution containing red-yellow Chromic and Podzolic Luvisol simulating turbid water sources in Northeastern Brazil. The total, non-structural (i.e., reducing and non-reducing sugars, alcohol insoluble solids), and structural (i.e., pectin) carbohydrates, adsorption kinetics, turbidity, electrical conductivity, pH, zeta potential, and total coliforms presence were evaluated. Findings show that the Nopalea cochenillifera biomass adsorbed the suspended particles in the aqueous solution, making it more translucent due to the complex and heterogeneous adsorbents’ ion exchange matrix, but the biomass addition did not eliminate total coliforms from the aqueous solution. We concluded that the Nopalea cochenillifera biomass water treatment reduces suspended dissolved particles and turbidity, but it needs to be associated with other treatments to eliminate total coliforms and ensure water safety for human consumption.
Evaluating the Potential Hydrological Performance of a Bioretention Media with 100% Recycled Waste Components
Authors: De-Ville Simon , Green Daniel , Edmondson Jill , Stirling Ross , Dawson Richard , Stovin Virginia
Published: July 2021

Bioretention systems are a popular type of Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS). However, their largest single component, the fill media, is often a non-sustainably sourced material. This study evaluates a bioretention fill media comprising 100% recycled waste components. The fill media components come from multiple waste streams, quarry waste from the construction sector, crushed glass and green waste compost from domestic waste, and sugar-beet washings from the food processing sector. The hydraulically important physical characteristics of the recycled fill media were evaluated against reported literature examples of bioretention fill media, alongside UK and international guidance documentation. The particle size distribution of the recycled fill media was found to be unlike that seen in the literature and was also not compliant with the UK’s CIRIA ’The SuDS Manual’ guidance (d≥6 mm = 45% vs. 0% target). However, this did not result in any additional non-compliance, with laboratory-derived saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks=101 mm/h) and porosity (ϕ=44%) within recommended ranges (100≤Ks≤300 mm/h, ϕ>30%). SWMM was used to predict the performance of a bioretention system installed with the recycled fill media compared to UK guidance configured systems. It was found that the recycled fill media would have similar performance to a UK guidance compliant system, irrespective of its particle size distribution. Further work is required to validate the predicted performance of the recycled media.
GIS research project on karst in Bulgaria
Authors: Jelev Georgi , Stefanova Dilyana , Stefanov Petar , Bonev Dimitar , Stoyanova Alexandra , Chilakova Dema
Published: July 2021

This paper is focusing on the development of geographic information system (GIS) which aim is to facilitate the study of anthropogenic influence on karst systems in Bulgaria by analysing characteristic model areas. Five model areas are selected representing different types of karst systems in the context of the political, socio-economic, and global changes. This study is part of the project „Current impacts of global changes on evolution of karst (based on the i ntegrated monitoring of model karst geosystems in Bulgaria)”, Science Research Fund.
Fingerprinting sources of salinity in a coastal chalk aquifer in Denmark using trace elements
Authors: Knudsen Christian , Hinsby Klaus , Jakobsen Rasmus , Juul Kjærgård Lars , Rasmussen Per
Published: July 2021

Salinity levels above the drinking water standard (>250 mg/l Cl–) are observed at shallow depth in a Maastrichtian chalk aquifer on the island of Falster, south-eastern Denmark. To understand the source of the salt, 63 samples from 12 individual, 1 m, screened intervals between 14 and 26 m b.s. were collected from 1 May to 4 June 2018. The samples were collected during a tracer test to estimate the dual porosity properties of the chalk and were analysed for a wide range of elements. Furthermore, samples from the Baltic Sea and from deeper saline aquifers in the area (40 and 85 m b.s.) were analysed for comparison. The geochemical data were analysed using an unsupervised machine-learning algorithm, self-organising maps, to fingerprint water sources. The water composition in the screened intervals at various stratigraphic levels has specific geochemical fingerprints that are maintained for the first days of pumping and are distinct amongst the different levels. This suggests an evolution in water composition because of reaction with the chalk. Water composition is distinct from both seawater from the nearby Baltic Sea and salty water from deeper levels of the reservoir. Thus, neither up-coning of salty water nor intrusion of seawater caused the elevated salinity levels in the area. The slightly saline composition of groundwater in the shallow aquifer (14–26 m b.s.) is more likely because of incomplete refreshing of the salty connate water in the chalk during the Pleistocene and Holocene. Furthermore, the geochemical fingerprint of salty water from the deeper aquifer at 40 m was similar to water from the Baltic Sea, suggesting a Baltic Sea source for salt in the aquifer at 40 m b.s., c. 100 m from the coast. Statistical analysis based on self-organising maps is an effective tool for interpreting a large number of variables to understand the compositional variation in an aquifer and a useful alternative to linear dimensionality-reduction methods such as principal component analysis. The approach using the multi-element analysis combined with the analysis of self-organising maps may be useful in future studies of groundwater quality.
The Permian to Cretaceous succession at Permpasset, Wollaston Forland: the northernmost Permian and Triassic in North–East Greenland
Authors: Andrews Steven D. , Nøhr-Hansen Henrik , Guarnieri Pierpaolo , Dybkjær Karen , Lindström Sofie , Alsen Peter
Published: July 2021

Permian to Triassic outcrops in East Greenland diminish significantly northwards. Understanding the northward extent, and nature, of the Permian and Triassic successions has implications for regional palaeogeographic reconstructions and exploration in adjacent offshore basins. Examining the structural relationships between the basement, Permian, Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous successions can further our understanding of the tectonic evolution of the region. Here, we describe a hitherto overlooked section through the Permian to Cretaceous from central Wollaston Forland and consider its structural context. The western side of Permpasset forms the upthrown eroded crest of a horst block, which provides exposure of the earliest stratigraphic intervals in the region. The fractured Caledonian basement is overlain by evaporitic marine limestone facies of the Karstryggen Formation, which are succeeded by shallow marine sandstones assigned to the Schuchert Dal Formation, both Upper Permian. The overlying unit records a period of fluvial deposition and is not possible to date. However, an Early to Middle Triassic age (Pingo Dal Group) seems most likely, given regional eustatic considerations. This is, therefore, the most northerly record of Triassic strata in North–East Greenland. West of the horst structure, fine-grained sandstones and bioturbated siltstones of the Jurassic (Oxfordian) Jakobsstigen Formation are recorded. These were downfaulted prior to a prolonged hiatus after which both the Triassic and Jurassic strata were draped by Cretaceous shales of the Fosdalen Formation. The Cretaceous succession is overlain by a thick basalt pile of Eocene age, heralding the opening of the North-East Atlantic. Glendonites overlie Oxfordian siltstones at the base of the middle Albian Fosdalen Formation. These were likely winnowed from slightly older Cretaceous strata and overlie the hiatus surface between the Jurassic and Cretaceous. This is the first record of glendonites from the Cretaceous of East Greenland and they are interpreted to record the Circum–Arctic late Aptian – early Albian cooling event.
Genleştirilmiş Cam Agrega ve Genleştirilmiş Perlit Agrega İkameli Şap Betonlarının Bazı Fiziksel Özelliklerinin Araştırılması
Authors: ALTUNCI Yusuf Tahir , ÖCAL Cenk , SAPLIOĞLU Kemal , İNCE Hüseyin Hakan , CEVİKBAS Murat
Published: July 2021

Betondan kaynaklı sabit yükleri azaltmak için en etkili yöntem hafif agrega kullanmaktır. Bu çalışmada; şap betonu üretiminde CEN standart kumu yerine %0, %5, %10, %15, %20, %25 ve %30 oranlarında genleştirilmiş cam agregası (0.25mm - 0.50 mm) ve genleştirilmiş perlit agregası (0.25mm - 0.50 mm) ikame edilerek ve CEM I 42.5 R, CEM I 52.5 N, CEM II 42.5 R ve CEM IV 32.5 N tipi çimentolar kullanarak şap betonları üretilmiştir. Üretilen şap betonlarının bazı fiziksel özelliklerini belirlemek için; sertleşmiş yoğunluk, ağırlıkça su emme ve kılcal su emme deneyleri yapılmıştır. Çalışmanın sonucunda, hafifliğin ön planda olduğu durumlarda genleştirilmiş perlit agregası ikameli CEM IV 32.5 N tipi çimento ile üretilen şap betonlarının, su emme özelliği açısından CEM I 52.5 N tipi çimento ile üretilen şap betonlarının ve kılcal su emme özelliği açısından ise %30 genleştirilmiş perlit agregası ikameli CEM IV 32.5 N tipi çimento ile üretilen şap betonlarıının tercih edilmesinin uygun olacağı sonucuna varılmıştır.
Thermodynamics Analysis of The Experimental Freeze Drying System
Authors: KOVACI Tuğba , DİKMEN Erkan , ŞENCAN ŞAHİN Arzu
Published: July 2021

The drying process is an area with high energy consumption in the sector. The freeze-drying process carried out at low vapour pressure involves a longer drying time than other drying systems; therefore, it involves significant energy consumption. Aim should be to reduce time and energy consumption while maintaining the quality of the sample. In this study, energy and exergy analysis of an experimental freeze-drying system were made. Thus, it will be possible to integrate this system with other drying systems, to reduce energy consumption and to increase energy efficiency.
Prizmatik Derin Çekme İşlemlerinde Farklı Malzemelere Uygulanan Tavlama İşleminin Biçimlendirilebilirliğe Etkisi
Authors: DELİKANLI Kamil , ENGİN Mert , TUNÇ Osman
Published: July 2021

Derin çekme işlemi sac levhaların şekillendirilmesinde kullanılan etkin yöntemlerden biridir. Günümüz ihtiyaçları arttıkça üretime çeşitlilik kazandırılması amacıyla farklı malzemelerin işlenmesi ve imalata kazandırılması kaçınılmaz olmuştur. Bu makalede derin çekmenin bir çeşidi olan prizmatik derin çekme işlemi kullanılarak farklı malzemeler olan HRP, DKP ve pirinç alaşımının bu prosesle işlenebilirlik kabiliyetleri deneysel olarak araştırılmıştır. Malzemelerden alınan numunelere uygulanan farklı tavlama sıcaklıkları ve sürelerine bağlı olarak malzemelerin işlenebilirlikleri yapılan deneylerle gözlemlenmiştir. Gözlemlenen verilerden elde edilen grafikler yorumlanarak tavlama parametrelerinin yapılan farklı deneyler üzerindeki etkisi belirlenmeye çalışmıştır. Bu etkilerin belirlenmesi ile prizmatik derin çekme ile imalatın verimliliğini artırmak amaçlanmıştır.
A javítóintézeti nevelés komplexitása a kriminálpedagógia tükrében
Authors: Molnár Fanni
Published: July 2021

E tanulmány a javítóintézeti nevelés (jeleneteit, oktatóit) vizsgálja a kriminálpedagógia tükrében. Ebben a cikkben egy folyamat közbeni kvalitatív kutatás is bemutatásra kerül, amely a javítóintézeti nevelés oktatási folyamatát vizsgálja. A tanulmány tartalmazza a kutatás kriminálpedagógiai alapjait.
A földrajzoktatás jelenléti és online formáinak tapasztalatai
Authors: Simonyi Sándor Rajmond
Published: July 2021

A jelenlegi kutatás fókuszában a kiválasztott közoktatási intézmények infrastrukturális felszereltségének vizsgálata állt, ezen belül is a digitális eszközökkel való ellátottság. A kutatás a Covid-19 járvány előtt kezdődött el, majd az első eredmények alapján egy újabb digitális kérdőív elkészítésére került sor a megváltozott oktatási környezet módszertani változásait kutatva. Kíváncsiak voltunk a tanároknak a tantermen kívüli (online) oktatásról alkotott véleményére. Olyan kérdésekre kerestük a választ, hogy készen áll-e a magyar közoktatás az online tanításra? Milyen előnyeit és hátrányait látják az „újfajta” tanítási környezetnek? A kitöltő pedagógusok 75%-a úgy vélekedett, hogy Magyarországon az elkövetkezendő 5-10 évben lesz teljesen, problémamentesen kivitelezhető a virtuális osztályterem, a zökkenőmentes digitális oktatás minden iskolatípus számára.