bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gender-Specific Evaluation Following McLaughlin’s Dynamic Muscle Support for Irreversible Facial Paralysis
Authors: Ederer Ines Ana , Kueenzlen Lara , Sader Robert , Exner Klaus , Schlosshauer Torsten , Rothenberger Jens , Rieger Ulrich Michael
Published: February 2023

Failure of the mimic muscles as a cause of facial nerve paralysis may result in significant asymmetry, which can be addressed by surgical reanimation procedures. Among those, the temporalis muscle transfer as advocated by McLaughlin is a single-stage technique for the dynamic reanimation of the mouth. Despite increasing research directed at women’s health, the gender-specific differences of this technique have not yet been addressed. Thus, we retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent this operation between 2001 and 2021 for gender-specific differences concerning the postoperative outcome. In total, 28 women and 17 men were included. The two cohorts were statistically comparable with respect to etiological characteristics such as age, duration and etiology of paralysis, and preoperative degree of symptoms. After a median follow up of 15 months, restoration of smiling and elevation of the oral commissure was more often achieved among women than men. A statistically significant difference, however, could only be shown for the latter. Resting symmetry was restored in about 50% of both genders. There were no differences concerning postoperative complications or reoperations. The McLaughlin’s dynamic muscle support effectively re-establishes the elevation of the oral commissure and ability to smile among both genders, albeit women tend to be more likely to achieve the desired results.
Prediction of Molecular Initiating Events for Adverse Outcome Pathways Using High-Throughput Identification of Chemical Targets
Authors: Lizano-Fallas Veronica , Carrasco del Amor Ana , Cristobal Susana
Published: February 2023

The impact of exposure to multiple chemicals raises concerns for human and environmental health. The adverse outcome pathway method offers a framework to support mechanism-based assessment in environmental health starting by describing which mechanisms are triggered upon interaction with different stressors. The identification of the molecular initiating event and the molecular interaction between a chemical and a protein target is still a challenge for the development of adverse outcome pathways. The cellular response to chemical exposure studied with omics could not directly identify the protein targets. However, recent mass spectrometry-based methods are offering a proteome-wide identification of protein targets interacting with s but unrevealing a molecular initiating event from a set of targets is still dependent on available knowledge. Here, we directly coupled the target identification findings from the proteome integral solubility alteration assay with an analytical hierarchy process for the prediction of a prioritized molecular initiating event. We demonstrate the applicability of this combination of methodologies with a test compound (TCDD), and it could be further studied and integrated into AOPs. From the eight protein targets identified by the proteome integral solubility alteration assay after analyzing 2824 human hepatic proteins, the analytical hierarchy process can select the most suitable protein for an AOP. Our combined method solves the missing links between high-throughput target identification and prediction of the molecular initiating event. We anticipate its utility to decipher new molecular initiating events and support more sustainable methodologies to gain time and resources in chemical assessment.
Neurobehavioral Effects of Low-Dose Chronic Exposure to Insecticides: A Review
Authors: Antonangeli Laura Maria , Kenzhebekova Saniya , Colosio Claudio
Published: February 2023

The modes of action of insecticides frequently involve a neurotoxic effect; therefore, the study of neurotoxic effects caused by long-term and low-dose insecticide exposure is of particular interest. This study looks at whether or not new studies conducted after 2009 and up to 2021 have provided new evidence for a better understanding of the actual neurobehavioral risk associated with long-term insecticide exposure. We selected and reviewed studies carried out on the neurobehavioral effects of neurotoxic insecticides (organophosphates and/or carbamates, pyrethroids, multiple or undefined insecticides, and organochlorines) considering occupational and non-occupational exposures. The articles were also scored and ranked based on seven parameters. Eighty-six studies were chosen for a final review process from among the 950 scientific papers identified. Twenty-six addressed occupational exposure and six environmental exposure. Among the latter group of studies, 17 focused on rural residents, to be assumed exposed because of living in rural areas, and 43 on the general population. Pending doubts have not been resolved in the last ten years due to the presence of contradictory and hardly comparable results and the fact that in most of the studies showing an evident neurobehavioral impairment the frequent presence of a previous episode of poisoning and hospitalization, with severe brain hypoxia, impaired the possibility of confirming the presence of a causal association with insecticide exposure. Interestingly, the most severely exposed groups, such as applicators who did not wear personal protective equipment, performed worse on neurobehavioral tests. As for residential exposure, there is sufficient evidence to suggest that prenatal OP exposure may increase the risk of ADHD in children.
Levels of Heavy Metals in Grapevine Soil and Leaf Samples in Response to Seasonal Change and Farming Practice in the Cape Winelands
Authors: Mahlungulu Amanda , Kambizi Learnmore , Akinpelu Enoch Akinbiyi , Nchu Felix
Published: February 2023

Heavy metal toxicity is a major threat to the health of both humans and ecosystems. Toxic levels of heavy metals in food crops, such as grapes, can have devastating effects on plant health and the market value of the produce. Two important factors that may influence the prevalence of heavy metals in grapevines are seasonal change and farming practices. The objectives of this study were (i) to conduct a detailed pioneer screening of heavy metal levels in soils and grapevine leaf tissues in selected wine farms and (ii) to study the influence of season and farming on heavy metal levels in soils and grapevine leaf tissues. Soil and grapevine leaf samples were collected from demarcated areas in selected vineyards in the Cape Winelands region of South Africa. The sampling was conducted in winter and summer from the same sites. The soil and leaf samples were analysed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) techniques. The pooled data from the farms practising conventional or organic farming showed that seasonal variation had no significant effect (DF = 1, 22; p > 0.05) on the heavy metal contents in the soil. When the soil data from the winter and summer months were compared separately or pooled, the influence of agricultural practice was well-pronounced in As (DF = 1, 22, or 46; p < 0.05) and Cu (DF = 1, 22, or 46; p <0.05). The agricultural practice greatly influenced (DF = 1, 22; p< 0.05) Cu, As, Cr, and Hg uptake, with little effect on Ni, Co, Cd, and Hg leaf contents. Generally, the heavy metals studied (Cr, Co, Ni, Zn, As, Cd, Hg, and Pb) were substantially below the maximum permitted levels in plant and soil samples, per the recommendations of the WHO and Er indices, respectively. However, moderate contamination of the soils was recorded for Cr, Ni, Zn, and Pb. Remarkably, the Cu levels in the organic vineyard soils were significantly higher than in the conventional vineyards. Furthermore, based on the Igeo index, Cu occurred at moderate to heavy contamination levels.
Preliminary Toxicological Analysis in a Safe-by-Design and Adverse Outcome Pathway-Driven Approach on Different Silver Nanoparticles: Assessment of Acute Responses in A549 Cells
Authors: Motta Giulia , Gualtieri Maurizio , Saibene Melissa , Bengalli Rossella , Brigliadori Andrea , Carrière Marie , Mantecca Paride
Published: February 2023

Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) are among the most widely used metal-based nanomaterials (NMs) and their applications in different products, also as antibacterial additives, are increasing. In the present manuscript, according to an adverse outcome pathway (AOP) approach, we tested two safe-by-design (SbD) newly developed Ag NPs coated with hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), namely AgHEC powder and AgHEC solution. These novel Ag NPs were compared to two reference Ag NPs (naked and coated with polyvinylpyrrolidone—PVP). Cell viability, inflammatory response, reactive oxygen species, oxidative DNA damage, cell cycle, and cell–particle interactions were analyzed in the alveolar in vitro model, A549 cells. The results show a different toxicity pattern of the novel Ag NPs compared to reference NPs and that between the two novel NPs, the AgHEC solution is the one with the lower toxicity and to be further developed within the SbD framework.
Successful Use of Continuous Veno-Venous Haemodialysis in a Case of Potential Lethal Caffeine Intoxication
Authors: Reimerink Elles J. , Huntjens Daan W. , Pelkmans Lindsey G. , Geerts Jan-Willem H. J. , Franssen Eric J. F.
Published: February 2023

Here we describe the case of a potentially lethal caffeine intoxication after the reported ingestion of 10 g of caffeine. Due to hemodynamic instability with tachycardia and hypertension with an insufficient effect of continuous labetalol infusion, the patient was started on continuous veno-venous haemodialysis (CVVHD). After successful treatment for 15 h, CVVHD could be discontinued, and the patient was discharged home the next day. This case report is the first to report the use of CVVHD as a haemodialysis modality in the case of caffeine intoxication and illustrate the effect on caffeine clearance. We stress the importance of an early recognition of caffeine intoxication, so that haemodialysis can be considered in the case of a potentially lethal intoxication.
Type II Toxin–Antitoxin Systems in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Li Meng , Guo Nannan , Song Gaoyu , Huang Yi , Wang Lecheng , Zhang Yani , Wang Tietao
Published: February 2023

Toxin–antitoxin (TA) systems are typically composed of a stable toxin and a labile antitoxin; the latter counteracts the toxicity of the former under suitable conditions. TA systems are classified into eight types based on the nature and molecular modes of action of the antitoxin component so far. The 10 pairs of TA systems discovered and experimentally characterised in Pseudomonas aeruginosa are type II TA systems. Type II TA systems have various physiological functions, such as virulence and biofilm formation, protection host against antibiotics, persistence, plasmid maintenance, and prophage production. Here, we review the type II TA systems of P. aeruginosa, focusing on their biological functions and regulatory mechanisms, providing potential applications for the novel drug design.
A Review on Genotoxic and Genoprotective Effects of Biologically Active Compounds of Animal Origin
Authors: Sjakste Nikolajs , Gajski Goran
Published: February 2023

Envenomation by animal venoms remains a serious medical and social problem, especially in tropical countries. On the other hand, animal venoms are widely used as a source of biologically active compounds for the development of novel drugs. Numerous derivatives of animal venoms are already used in clinical practice. When analysing the mechanisms of action of animal venoms, attention is usually focused on the main target of the venom’s enzymes and peptides such as neurotoxic, cytotoxic or haemorrhagic effects. In the present review, we would like to draw attention to the “hidden” effects of animal venoms and their derivatives in regard to DNA damage and/or protection against DNA damage. Alkaloids and terpenoids isolated from sponges such as avarol, ingenamine G or variolin B manifest the capability to bind DNA in vitro and produce DNA breaks. Trabectidin, isolated from a sea squirt, also binds and damages DNA. A similar action is possible for peptides isolated from bee and wasp venoms such as mastoparan, melectin and melittin. However, DNA lesions produced by the crude venoms of jellyfish, scorpions, spiders and snakes arise as a consequence of cell membrane damage and the subsequent oxidative stress, whereas certain animal venoms or their components produce a genoprotective effect. Current research data point to the possibility of using animal venoms and their components in the development of various potential therapeutic agents; however, before their possible clinical use the route of injection, molecular target, mechanism of action, exact dosage, possible side effects and other fundamental parameters should be further investigated.
Fermionic Greybody Factors in Schwarzschild Acoustic Black Holes
Authors: Kanzi Sara , Sakallı İzzet
Published: February 2023

In Schwarzschild acoustic black hole (SABH) spacetime, we investigate the wave dynamics for the fermions. To this end, we first take into account the Dirac equation in the SABH by employing a null tetrad in the Newman–Penrose (NP) formalism. Then, we consider the Dirac and Rarita–Schwinger equations, respectively. The field equations are reduced to sets of radial and angular equations. By using the analytical solution of the angular equation set, we decouple the radial wave equations and obtain the one-dimensional Schrödinger-like wave equations with their effective potentials. The obtained effective potentials are graphically depicted and analyzed. Finally, we investigate the fermionic greybody factors (GFs) radiated by the SABH spacetime. A thorough investigation is conducted into how the acoustic tuning parameter affects the GFs of the SABH spacetime. Both the semi-analytic WKB method and bounds for the GFs are used to produce the results, which are shown graphically and discussed.
On the η1(1855), π1(1400) and π1(1600) as Dynamically Generated States and Their SU(3) Partners
Authors: Yan Mao-Jun , Dias Jorgivan M. , Guevara Adolfo , Guo Feng-Kun , Zou Bing-Song
Published: February 2023

In this work, we interpret the newly observed η1(1855) resonance with exotic JPC=1−+ quantum numbers in the I=0 sector, reported by the BESIII Collaboration, as a dynamically generated state from the interaction between the lightest pseudoscalar mesons and axial-vector mesons. The interaction is derived from the lowest order chiral Lagrangian from which the Weinberg–Tomozawa term is obtained, describing the transition amplitudes among the relevant channels, which are then unitarized using the Bethe–Salpeter equation, according to the chiral unitary approach. We evaluate the η1(1855) decays into the ηη′ and KK¯*π channels and find that the latter has a larger branching fraction. We also investigate its SU(3) partners, and according to our findings, the π1(1400) and π1(1600) structures may correspond to dynamically generated states, with the former one coupled mostly to the b1π component and the latter one coupled to the K1(1270)K¯ channel. In particular, our result for the ratio Γ(π1(1600)→f1(1285)π)/Γ(π1(1600)→η′π) is consistent with the measured value, which supports our interpretation for the higher π1 state. We also report two poles with a mass about 1.7 GeV in the I=1/2 sector, which may be responsible for the K*(1680). We suggest searching for two additional η1 exotic mesons with masses around 1.4 and 1.7 GeV. In particular, the predicted η1(1700) is expected to have a width around 0.1 GeV and can decay easily into KK¯ππ.
Evaluating Data Sharing of SARS-CoV-2 Genomes for Molecular Epidemiology across the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Rito Teresa , Fernandes Pedro , Duarte Raquel , Soares Pedro
Published: February 2023

Following the emergence of COVID-19 in December 2019, caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, the disease spread dramatically worldwide. The use of genomics to trace the dissemination of the virus and the identification of novel variants was essential in defining measures for containing the disease. We aim to evaluate the global effort to genomically characterize the circulating lineages of SARS-CoV-2, considering the data deposited in GISAID, the major platform for data sharing in a massive worldwide collaborative undertaking. We contextualize data for nearly three years (January 2020–October 2022) for the major contributing countries, percentage of characterized isolates and time for data processing in the context of the global pandemic. Within this collaborative effort, we also evaluated the early detection of seven major SARS-CoV-2 lineages, G, GR, GH, GK, GV, GRY and GRA. While Europe and the USA, following an initial period, showed positive results across time in terms of cases sequenced and time for data deposition, this effort is heterogeneous worldwide. Given the current immunization the major threat is the appearance of variants that evade the acquired immunity. In that scenario, the monitoring of those hypothetical variants will still play an essential role.
SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine-Induced T-Cell Response after Three Doses in People Living with HIV on Antiretroviral Therapy Compared to Seronegative Controls (CTN 328 COVAXHIV Study)
Authors: Alexandrova Yulia , Yero Alexis , Mboumba Bouassa Ralph-Sydney , Comeau Eve , Samarani Suzanne , Brumme Zabrina L. , Hull Mark , Crawley Angela M. , Langlois Marc-André , Angel Jonathan B. , Cooper Curtis L. , Needham Judy , Lee Terry , Singer Joel , Anis Aslam H. , Costiniuk Cecilia T. , Jenabian Mohammad-Ali
Published: February 2023

People living with HIV (PLWH) may be at risk for poor immunogenicity to certain vaccines, including the ability to develop immunological memory. Here, we assessed T-cell immunogenicity following three SARS-CoV-2 vaccine doses in PLWH versus uninfected controls. Blood was collected from 38 PLWH on antiretroviral therapy and 24 age-matched HIV-negative controls, pre-vaccination and after 1st/2nd/3rd dose of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, without prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. Flow cytometry was used to assess ex vivo T-cell immunophenotypes and intracellular Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α/interferon(IFN)-γ/interleukin(IL)-2 following SARS-CoV-2-Spike-peptide stimulation. Comparisons were made using Wilcoxon signed-rank test for paired variables and Mann–Whitney for unpaired. In PLWH, Spike-specific CD4 T-cell frequencies plateaued post-2nd dose, with no significant differences in polyfunctional SARS-CoV-2-specific T-cell proportions between PLWH and uninfected controls post-3rd dose. PLWH had higher frequencies of TNFα+CD4 T-cells and lower frequencies of IFNγ+CD8 T-cells than seronegative participants post-3rd dose. Regardless of HIV status, an increase in naive, regulatory, and PD1+ T-cell frequencies was observed post-3rd dose. In summary, two doses of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine induced a robust T-cell immune response in PLWH, which was maintained after the 3rd dose, with no significant differences in polyfunctional SARS-CoV-2-specific T-cell proportions between PLWH and uninfected controls post-3rd dose.
HIV and COVID-19 Co-Infection: Epidemiology, Clinical Characteristics, and Treatment
Authors: Basoulis Dimitris , Mastrogianni Elpida , Voutsinas Pantazis-Michail , Psichogiou Mina
Published: February 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a global medical emergency with a significant socio-economic impact. People with HIV (PWH), due to the underlying immunosuppression and the particularities of HIV stigma, are considered a vulnerable population at high risk. In this review, we report what is currently known in the available literature with regards to the clinical implications of the overlap of the two epidemics. PWH share the same risk factors for severe COVID-19 as the general population (age, comorbidities), but virological and immunological status also plays an important role. Clinical presentation does not differ significantly, but there are some opportunistic infections that can mimic or co-exist with COVID-19. PWH should be prime candidates for preventative COVID-19 treatments when they are available, but in the setting of resistant strains, this might be not easy. When considering small-molecule medications, physicians need to always remember to address potential interactions with ART, and when considering immunosuppressants, they need to be aware of potential risks for opportunistic infections. COVID-19 shares similarities with HIV in how the public perceives patients—with fear of the unknown and prejudice. There are opportunities for HIV treatment hidden in COVID-19 research with the leaps gained in both monoclonal antibody and vaccine development.
Human Coronavirus OC43 as a Low-Risk Model to Study COVID-19
Authors: Kim Mi Il , Lee Choongho
Published: February 2023

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had irreversible and devastating impacts on every aspect of human life. To better prepare for the next similar pandemic, a clear understanding of coronavirus biology is a prerequisite. Nevertheless, the high-risk nature of the causative agent of COVID-19, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), requires the use of a cumbersome biosafety level-3 (BSL-3) confinement facility. To facilitate the development of preventive and therapeutic measures against SARS-CoV-2, one of the endemic strains of low-risk coronaviruses has gained attention as a useful research alternative: human coronavirus OC43 (HCoV-OC43). In this review, its history, classification, and clinical manifestations are first summarized. The characteristics of its viral genomes, genes, and evolution process are then further explained. In addition, the host factors necessary to support the life cycle of HCoV-OC43 and the innate, as well as adaptive, immunological responses to HCoV-OC43 infection are discussed. Finally, the development of in vitro and in vivo systems to study HCoV-OC43 and its application to the discovery of potential antivirals for COVID-19 by using HCoV-OC43 models are also presented. This review should serve as a concise guide for those who wish to use HCoV-OC43 to study coronaviruses in a low-risk research setting.
Search of Novel Small Molecule Inhibitors for the Main Protease of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Zhang Wenfa , Lin Sheng-Xiang
Published: February 2023

The current outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has prompted the necessity of efficient treatment strategies. The COVID-19 pandemic was caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Main protease (Mpro), also called 3-chymotrypsin-like protease (3CL protease), plays an essential role in cleaving virus polyproteins for the functional replication complex. Therefore, Mpro is a promising drug target for COVID-19 therapy. Through molecular modelling, docking and a protease activity assay, we found four novel inhibitors targeting Mpro with the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) and their binding affinities shown by the dissociation constants (KDs). Our new inhibitors CB-21, CB-25, CP-1 and LC24-20 have IC50s at 14.88 µM (95% Confidence Interval (95% CI): 10.35 µM to 20.48 µM), 22.74 µM (95% CI: 13.01 µM to 38.16 µM), 18.54µM (95% CI: 6.54 µM to 36.30 µM) and 32.87µM (95% CI: 18.37 µM to 54.80 µM)), respectively. The evaluation of interactions suggested that each inhibitor has a hydrogen bond or hydrophobic interactions with important residues, including the most essential catalytic residues: His41 and Cys145. All the four inhibitors have a much higher 50% lethal dose (LD50) compared with the well-known Mpro inhibitor GC376, demonstrating its low toxicity. These four inhibitors can be potential drug candidates for further in vitro and in vivo studies against COVID-19.
Low Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Canine and Feline Serum Samples Collected during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Hong Kong and Korea
Authors: Go Yun Young , Carrai Maura , Choi Yan Ru , Brackman Christopher J. , Tam Karina W. S. , Law Pierra Y. T. , Woodhouse Fiona , Gray Jane , Kim Ji Hun , Park Joohyung , Jeon Chae Won , Jang Hyomi , Magouras Ioannis , Decaro Nicola , Cheng Samuel M.S. , Peiris Malik , Beatty Julia A. , Barrs Vanessa R.
Published: February 2023

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has affected millions of people worldwide since its emergence in 2019. Knowing the potential capacity of the virus to adapt to other species, the serological surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 infection in susceptible animals is important. Hong Kong and Seoul are two of Asia’s most densely populated urban cities, where companion animals often live in close contact with humans. Sera collected from 1040 cats and 855 dogs during the early phase of the pandemic in Hong Kong and Seoul were tested for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies using an ELISA that detects antibodies against the receptor binding domain of the viral spike protein. Positive sera were also tested for virus neutralizing antibodies using a surrogate virus neutralization (sVNT) and plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT). Among feline sera, 4.51% and 2.54% of the samples from Korea and Hong Kong, respectively, tested ELISA positive. However, only 1.64% of the samples from Korea and 0.18% from Hong Kong tested positive by sVNT, while only 0.41% of samples from Korea tested positive by PRNT. Among canine samples, 4.94% and 6.46% from Korea and Hong Kong, respectively, tested positive by ELISA, while only 0.29% of sera from Korea were positive on sVNT and no canine sera tested positive by PRNT. These results confirm a low seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 exposure in companion animals in Korea and Hong Kong. The discordance between the RBD-ELISA and neutralization tests may indicate possible ELISA cross-reactivity with other coronaviruses, especially in canine sera.
Bacterial Pathogenesis in Various Fish Diseases: Recent Advances and Specific Challenges in Vaccine Development
Authors: Irshath Aadil Ahmed , Rajan Anand Prem , Vimal Sugumar , Prabhakaran Vasantha-Srinivasan , Ganesan Raja
Published: February 2023

Aquaculture is a fast-growing food sector but is plagued by a plethora of bacterial pathogens that infect fish. The rearing of fish at high population densities in aquaculture facilities makes them highly susceptible to disease outbreaks, which can cause significant economic loss. Thus, immunity development in fish through vaccination against various pathogens of economically important aquaculture species has been extensively studied and has been largely accepted as a reliable method for preventing infections. Vaccination studies in aquaculture systems are strategically associated with the economically and environmentally sustainable management of aquaculture production worldwide. Historically, most licensed fish vaccines have been developed as inactivated pathogens combined with adjuvants and provided via immersion or injection. In comparison, live vaccines can simulate a whole pathogenic illness and elicit a strong immune response, making them better suited for oral or immersion-based therapy methods to control diseases. Advanced approaches in vaccine development involve targeting specific pathogenic components, including the use of recombinant genes and proteins. Vaccines produced using these techniques, some of which are currently commercially available, appear to elicit and promote higher levels of immunity than conventional fish vaccines. These technological advancements are promising for developing sustainable production processes for commercially important aquatic species. In this review, we explore the multitude of studies on fish bacterial pathogens undertaken in the last decade as well as the recent advances in vaccine development for aquaculture.
Parental Decision Making Regarding COVID-19 Vaccines for Children under Age 5: Does Decision Self-Efficacy Play a Role?
Authors: Allen Jennifer D. , Matsunaga Masako , Lim Eunjung , Zimet Gregory D. , Nguyen Kimberly H. , Fontenot Holly B.
Published: February 2023

Background: COVID-19 vaccines are now available under Emergency Use Authorization for children ages 6 months to 5 years. We examined parents’ intentions to vaccinate their children under the age of 5 years and assessed whether their confidence in making an informed decision about vaccination (decision self-efficacy) was associated with these intentions. Method: We conducted a cross-sectional online survey of U.S. parents between 23 March and 5 April 2022. We examined associations between parental intention to vaccinate their young children (<age 5 years) and confidence in vaccine decision making (decision self-efficacy). A multivariable multinomial logistic regression model was used to obtain adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of parental intention (categorized as intend to vaccinate, unsure, or do not intend to vaccinate). Results: Of the 591 parents in this sample, 49% indicated that they intended to vaccinate their child(ren), 29% reported that they would not, and 21% were undecided. In bivariate analyses, race/ethnicity, health insurance, flu vaccination in the past 12 months, and parental COVID-19 vaccination status were significantly related to parental intention to vaccinate their child(ren). In the multivariable analyses, which controlled for these factors, parents who intended to vaccinate their child(ren) had greater confidence in their ability to make informed decisions about COVID-19 vaccinations compared to those who were unsure about vaccination. Each one standard deviation in the Decision Self-Efficacy score was associated with a 39% increase in intention to vaccinate one’s child versus being unsure about vaccination (AOR 1.39, 95% CI 1.09, 1.77). Conclusions: Parents who are unsure about vaccinating their children against COVID-19 may benefit from interventions designed to increase their ability to obtain, understand, and utilize information to make informed decisions.
Acceptance and Risk Perception of COVID-19 Vaccination among Pregnant and Non Pregnant Women in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Cross-Sectional Matched-Sample Study
Authors: Amiebenomo Onyekachukwu M. , Osuagwu Uchechukwu L. , Envuladu Esther Awazzi , Miner Chundung Asabe , Mashige Khathutshelo P. , Ovenseri-Ogbomo Godwin , Abu Emmanuel Kwasi , Timothy Chikasirimobi Goodhope , Ekpenyong Bernadine N. , Langsi Raymond , Oloruntoba Richard , Goson Piwuna Christopher , Charwe Deborah Donald , Ishaya Tanko , Agho Kingsley E.
Published: February 2023

This study aims to evaluate the acceptance and risk perception of pregnant and non pregnant women towards COVID-19 vaccines using a cross-sectional matched-sample study approach. A web-based questionnaire with closed- and open-ended questions was administered to adults older than 18 years in the sub–Saharan African (SSA) region. Respondents (n = 131) were grouped based on their pregnancy status (54 pregnant and 77 non pregnant women) and matched for comparison by age. The matched groups were compared using the chi-square test and the t-test where appropriate. Compared to non pregnant women, pregnant women reported significantly lower risk perception scores of COVID-19 infection (3.74 vs. 5.78, p < 0.001) and were less likely to take the COVID-19 vaccine (odds ratio = 0.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.06–0.27, p < 0.001). A similar proportion of pregnant and non pregnant women believed in false information about the COVID-19 vaccine, and 40% of unvaccinated pregnant women (n = 40) were concerned about the safety of the vaccine. After adjustment, women’s education, marital status, belief in misconceptions and risk perception were associated with non-vaccination among pregnant women. The content analysis revealed that pregnant women refused the vaccine due to mistrust of their countries’ health systems, concerns about the country where the vaccines were manufactured and a lack of confidence in the production process of the vaccines. This study shows the poor acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines among pregnant women in SSA, who perceived a lower risk of COVID-19 infection. Understanding the reasons for non-acceptance and the motivation to accept the COVID-19 vaccine could guide the development of health education and promotion programmes, and aid governments and policymakers in implementing targeted policy changes.
Topographical Anatomy of the Rhesus Monkey (Macaca mulatta)—Part I: Thoracic Limb
Authors: Casteleyn Christophe , Gram Charlotte , Bakker Jaco
Published: February 2023

Since the rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) is genetically closely related to man, it is generally accepted that its anatomy and physiology are largely similar to that of humans. Consequently, this non-human primate is most commonly used as a model in biomedical research. Not only the validation of the obtained research data, but also the welfare of the captive rhesus monkeys are subject to thorough anatomical knowledge of this species. Unfortunately, anatomical literature on the rhesus monkey is scarce, outdated, and hardly available at present. Furthermore, its anatomy is only illustrated by means of line drawings or black-and-white photographs. Thus, the aim of this study was to describe the anatomy of the thoracic limb of the rhesus monkey topographically, studying the various anatomical structures in relation to each other. In this manuscript, the anatomy of the thoracic limb is described per region. The structures that are visible on the different layers, from the superficial to the deepest layer, are described both in text and in numerous color images. As expected, the anatomy of the rhesus monkey is almost identical to human anatomy. However, some striking differences have been identified. This supports the necessity for an extensive publication on the anatomy of the rhesus monkey.
Wavelet Analysis on Groundwater, Surface-Water Levels and Water Temperature in Doñana National Park (Coastal Aquifer in Southwestern Spain)
Authors: Treviño Jennifer , Rodríguez-Rodríguez Miguel , Montes-Vega María José , Aguilera Héctor , Fernández-Ayuso Ana , Fernández-Naranjo Nuria
Published: February 2023

The Doñana National Park (DNP) is a protected area with water resources drastically diminishing due to the unsustainable extraction of groundwater for agricultural irrigation and human consumption of a nearby coastal city. In this study, we explore the potential of wavelet analysis applied to high-temporal-resolution groundwater-and-surface-water time series of temporary coastal ponds in the DNP. Wavelet analysis was used to measure the frequency of changes in water levels and water temperature, both crucial to our understanding of complex hydrodynamic patterns. Results show that the temporary ponds are groundwater-dependent ecosystems of a through-flow type and are still connected to the sand-dune aquifer, regardless of their hydrological affection, due to groundwater withdrawal. These ponds, even those most affected by pumping in nearby drills, are not perched over the saturated zone. This was proven by the evidence of a semi-diurnal (i.e., 6 h) signal in the surface-level time series of the shallow temporary ponds. This signal is, at the same time, related to the influence of the tides affecting the coastal sand-dune aquifer. Finally, we detected other hydrological processes that affect the ponds, such as evaporation and evapotranspiration, with a clear diurnal (12 h) signal. The maintenance of the ecological values and services to the society of this emblematic wetland is currently in jeopardy, due to the effect of the groundwater abstraction for irrigation. The results of this study contribute to the understanding of the behavior of these fragile ecosystems of DNP, and will also contribute to sound-integrated water-resource management.
Assessing Climate Change Impact on Water Balance Components Using Integrated Groundwater–Surface Water Models (Case Study: Shazand Plain, Iran)
Authors: Soltani Farzaneh , Javadi Saman , Roozbahani Abbas , Massah Bavani Ali Reza , Golmohammadi Golmar , Berndtsson Ronny , Ghordoyee Milan Sami , Maghsoudi Rahimeh
Published: February 2023

Assessing the status of water resources is essential for long-term planning related to water and many other needs of a country. According to climate reports, climate change is on the rise in all parts of the world; however, this phenomenon will have more consequences in arid and semi-arid regions. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of climate change on groundwater, surface water, and their exchanges in Shazand plain in Iran, which has experienced a significant decline in streamflow and groundwater level in recent years. To address this issue, we propose the use of the integrated hydrological model MODFLOW-OWHM to simulate groundwater level, surface water routing, and their interactions; a climate model, NorESM, under scenario SSP2, for climate data prediction; and, finally, the HEC-HMS model to predict future river discharge. The results predict that, under future climate conditions, the river discharges at the hydrometric stations of the region may decrease by 58%, 63%, 75%, and 81%. The average groundwater level in 2060 may decrease significantly by 15.1 m compared to 2010. The results of this study reveal the likely destructive effects of climate change on water resources in this region and highlight the need for sustainable management methods to mitigate these future effects.
Investigation of Hillslope Vineyard Soil Water Dynamics Using Field Measurements and Numerical Modeling
Authors: Krevh Vedran , Groh Jannis , Weihermüller Lutz , Filipović Lana , Defterdarović Jasmina , Kovač Zoran , Magdić Ivan , Lazarević Boris , Baumgartl Thomas , Filipović Vilim
Published: February 2023

Soil heterogeneities can impact hillslope hydropedological processes (e.g., portioning between infiltration and runoff), creating a need for in-depth knowledge of processes governing water dynamics and redistribution. The presented study was conducted at the SUPREHILL Critical Zone Observatory (CZO) (hillslope vineyard) in 2021. A combination of field investigation (soil sampling and monitoring campaign) and numerical modeling with hydrological simulator HYDRUS-1D was used to explore the water dynamics in conjunction with data from a sensor network (soil water content (SWC) and soil-water potential (SWP) sensors), along the hillslope (hilltop, backslope, and footslope). Soil hydraulic properties (SHP) were estimated based on (i) pedotransfer functions (PTFs), (ii) undisturbed soil cores, and (iii) sensor network data, and tested in HYDRUS. Additionally, a model ensemble mean from HYDRUS simulations was calculated with PTFs. The highest agreement of simulated with observed SWC for 40 cm soil depth was found with the combination of laboratory and field data, with the lowest average MAE, RMSE and MAPE (0.02, 0.02, and 5.34%, respectively), and highest average R2 (0.93), while at 80 cm soil depth, PTF model ensemble performed better (MAE = 0.03, RMSE = 0.03, MAPE = 7.55%, R2 = 0.81) than other datasets. Field observations indicated that heterogeneity and spatial variability regarding soil parameters were present at the site. Over the hillslope, SWC acted in a heterogeneous manner, which was most pronounced during soil rewetting. Model results suggested that the incorporation of field data expands model performance and that the PTF model ensemble is a feasible option in the absence of laboratory data.
Groundwater Hydrological Model Simulation
Authors: Di Salvo Cristina
Published: February 2023

The management of groundwater resources commonly involves challenges and complexities, which are taken on by researchers using a variety of different strategies [...]
Innovations in the accounting policy of medical organizations in 2023
Authors:   Federal State Educational Budgetary Institution of Higher Education “Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation”, Moscow, Russia, Dombrovskaya E.N.
Published: February 2023

The article considers changes that should be made to the accounting policy of medical and other organizations in 2023. The changes are related to the update of the Russian regulatory framework in the field of accounting and taxation, which required changes to the working documents of organizations. The article, based on a consistent review of the new documents, considers those changes that should be made to the accounting policies of commercial medical organizations, as well asbudgetary, autonomous or state-owned medical institutions.
Internal audit and financial control: features of the organization in the public sector
Authors:   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Russian Economic University G.V. Plekhanov”, Moscow, Russia, Сhaikovskaya L.А.
Published: February 2023

The article reveals issues related to the peculiarities of the organization of internal audit and financial control in the public sector. Interest in the topic is caused by ongoing changes in the system of internal financial audit and financial control, as a result of which their capabilities have expanded, which will further contribute to the achievement of the goals of public sector organizations. In addition, within the framework of the article, a number of measures are identified, through which it becomes possible to ensure the effective use of internal audit and internal control as a tool for the proper management of public finances. When conducting research, such methods as analysis and synthesis, a logical approach, a systematic approach were used. The results presented in this article are of interest to a wide range of readers who study the issues of internal audit and financial control.
Leave of medical workers must be provided by the employer: note to the accountant
Authors:   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Russian Economic University named after G. Plekhanov”, Ministry of Science and Education of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia, Lebedev V.A. , Lebedeva E.I. ,   Non-profit Partnership “Institute of Professional Accountants and Auditors of Russia”, Moscow, Russia
Published: February 2023

The novelties of labor legislation concerning additional vacations of certain categories of medical workers, which replaced the previously existing regulations, conditions and procedure for their application in 2023, are considered. The analysis of practical issues related to the regime of unused vacations, including ensuring the rights of employees who did not use paid vacations at the set time, is carried out; law enforcement practice concerning the division of annual leave into parts is considered; types of liability of the employer that prevents the employee from exercising his rights to annual basic and additional paid leave.
A Cognitive Approach To Predict the Multi-Directional Trajectory of Pedestrians
Authors: Panneerselvam Jayachitra Virupakshipuram , Subramaniam Bharanidharan , Meenakshisundaram Mathangi
Published: February 2023

Pedestrian detection is one of the important areas in computer vision. This work is about detecting the multi-directional pedestrian’s left, right, and the front movements. On recognizing the direction of movement, the system can be alerted depending on the environmental circumstances. Since multiple pedestrians moving in different directions may be present in a single image, Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) is not suitable for recognizing the multi-directional movement of the pedestrians. Moreover, the Faster R-CNN (FR-CNN) gives faster response output compared to other detection algorithms. In this work, a modified Faster Recurrent Convolutional Neural Network (MFR-CNN), a cognitive approach is proposed for detecting the direction of movement of the pedestrians and it can be deployed in real-time. A fine-tuning of the convolutional layers is performed to extract more information about the image contained in the feature map. The anchors used in the detection process are modified to focus the pedestrians present within a range, which is the major concern for such automated systems. The proposed model reduced the execution time and obtained an accuracy of 88%. The experimental evaluation indicates that the proposed novel model can outperform the other methods by tagging each pedestrian individually in the direction in which they move.
Malaria Parasite Detection on Microscopic Blood Smear Images with Integrated Deep Learning Algorithms
Authors: Jones Christonson Berin , Murugamani Chakravarthi
Published: February 2023

Malaria is a deadly syndrome formed by the Plasmodium parasite that spreads through the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. There are several drugs to cure malaria but it is difficult to detect due to inadequate equipment and technology. Microscopic check-ups of blood smear images by experts help to detect malaria-infected parasites accurately. However, manual analysis is tedious and time-consuming as the experts have to deal with many cases. This paper presents computer assisted malaria parasite detection model by classifying the blood smear image with hybrid deep learning methods that have high accuracy for classification. In the proposed approach the blood smear images are pre-processed using bilateral filtering technique in which features are extracted with the convolutional neural network. These features are selected by the improved grey-wolf optimization, and image classification is performed with the support vector machine. To evaluate the efficiency of the proposed technique, the NIH malaria dataset is utilized and the results are compared with existing approaches in terms of accuracy, F-Measure, recall, precision, and specificity. The outcome reveals that the proposed scheme is accurate and can be more helpful to pathologists for reliable parasite detection.
MCDM and FaaS to Automate the Eligibility of Business Rules in the Decision-Making Task during Business Processes
Authors: Ghlala Riadh , Aouina Zahra , Ben Said Lamjed
Published: February 2023

Serverless Computing, also named Function as a Service (FaaS) in the Azure cloud provider, is a new feature of cloud computing. This is another brick, after managed and fully managed services, allowing to provide on-demand services instead of provisioned resources and it is used to strengthen the company’s ability in order to master its IT system and consequently to make its business processes more profitable. Knowing that decision making is one of the important tasks in business processes, the improvement of this task was the concern of both the industry and the academy communities. Those efforts have led to several models, mainly the two Object Management Group (OMG) models: Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) and Decision Model and Notation (DMN) in order to support this need. The DMN covers the decision-making task in business processes mainly the eligibility of business rules. This eligibility can be automated in order to help designers in the mastering of this important task by the running of an algorithm or a method such as the Multiple Criteria Decision Making (MCDM). This feature can be designed and implemented and deployed in various architectures to integrate it in existing Business Process Management Systems (BPMS). It could then improve supporting several business areas such as the Business Intelligence (BI) process. In this paper, our main contribution is the enrichment of the DMN model by the automation of the business rules eligibility through Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) using FaaS to further streamline the decision-making task in business processes. Results show to strengthen business-IT alignment and reduce the gap between the real world and associated IT solutions.