bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a Small-Scale Anaerobic Digestion System for a Cattle Farm under an Integrated Agriculture System in Indonesia with Relation to the Status of Anaerobic Digestion System in Japan
Authors: Hanum Farida , Nagahata Masanori , Nindhia Tjokorda Gde Tirta , Kamahara Hirotsugu , Atsuta Yoichi , Daimon Hiroyuki
Published: February 2023

The Integrated Agriculture System in Indonesia was established in 2009. By the end of 2018, 752 small-scale anaerobic digestion (AD) systems treating beef cattle manure were successfully installed. In this study, the system was studied comprehensively at the first attempt by considering the current operating conditions, the actual performance of the digester, and site-specific factors for biogas production. Compost and bio-urine were produced at approximately 0.13 t/day and 4.8 L/day, respectively. The digester produced an unstable biogas amount of 0.109 to 0.521 m3/day. However, digester in Japan produces biogas 980 m3/day. This observed difference was due to the difference in the inputs and technological peculiarities. The main purpose for installation of the AD system was also different. Producing compost and bio-urine were the aimed in Indonesia, while producing biogas and reducing sawdust usage were the target in Japan. Thus, this study suggested that monitoring and controlling the operational parameters of digester in Indonesia could increase the biogas production as a first step without installing any additional temperature controller or mixing equipment. This approach might also be useful for improving the quality of compost and bio-urine by providing stable treatment conditions.
Adsorption Properties of a Polyamine Special Ion Exchange Resin for Removing Molybdenum from Ammonium Tungstate Solutions
Authors: Zeng Bin , Zeng Xiangrong , Huang Lijinhong , Huang Wanfu , Shu Ronghua
Published: February 2023

A polyamine special ion exchange resin was used to adsorb Mo from ammonium tungstate solutions. The effects of adsorption time, S2− concentration, adsorption temperature, CO32− concentration, mass ratio of WO3 to Mo, and Mo concentration on the Mo and WO3 adsorption capacities were investigated. Energy dispersive spectrometer plane scans were used to study the distributions of Mo, W, S, and Na on the loaded polyamine special ion exchange resin and the desorbed polyamine special ion exchange resin. The results showed that the polyamine special ion exchange resin performed well during adsorption and desorption. Under the optimum conditions for the static adsorption experiments, the adsorption capacities for Mo and WO3 were 99.29 mg/mL and 31.97 mg/mL, respectively, and the desorption rates for Mo and WO3 were 99.35% and 99.43%, respectively. Adsorption and desorption of molybdenum and tungsten on the polyamine special ion exchange resin were investigated by dynamic adsorption experiments with an ammonium tungstate solution containing 125.0 g/L WO3, 12.50 g/L Mo, 15.65 g/L S2−, and 0 g/L CO32−. The adsorption capacities for Mo and WO3 were 53.48 mg/mL and 9.79 mg/mL, and the adsorption rates for Mo and WO3 were 99.05% and 1.81%, respectively. The loaded polyamine special resin was desorbed with a 45 g/L sodium hydroxide solution, and the dynamic desorption rates for Mo and WO3 were 99.02% and 99.29%, respectively.
Evaluation of Mangrove Ecosystem Importance for Local Livelihoods in Different Landscapes: A Case Study of the Hau and Hoang Mai River Estuaries in Nghe An, North-Central Vietnam
Authors: Tran Tuyen Thi , Takahashi Kazuya , Nishikawa Hiroaki , Nguyen Viet Ha Thi , Hoang Thuy Thi , Nguyen Thuy Ha Thi , Dau Tai Khac , Vo Vinh Thi , Tran Du Dinh
Published: February 2023

Mangrove ecosystems play an important role in local livelihoods in coastal regions of tropical and subtropical countries. However, in recent years, urbanisation changed the income structure of residents near mangroves. Different landscapes provide different job opportunities; thus, analysis of regional landscape patterns is important for understanding income structures. In this study, surveys on the income structure and landscape patterns of the surrounding areas of three mangrove sites were conducted in the Hau and Hoang Mai River estuaries in Nghe An Province, North-Central Vietnam. The results reveal that both natural and socio-economic landscape components affected income structure. The major occupations in the study area were agriculture, including husbandry, sea fishing, and trading. Land morphology and river type were the major factors influencing the income from agriculture, while coastline morphology primarily affected income from sea fishing. Community-based trading was carried out in the study area; thus, the population inside each administrative unit was a significant factor increasing income, while the retail market size in an area had significant negative effects, potentially due to the increasing number of competitors. Our study aimed to evaluate mangrove ecosystem importance for local livelihoods in relation to landscape patterns, and the results contribute to urban planning based on the conservation and sustainable use of mangrove ecosystems.
Laparoscopic Intraperitoneal Onlay Mesh (IPOM): Short- and Long-Term Results in a Single Center
Authors: Giuffrida Mario , Rossini Matteo , Pagliai Lorenzo , Del Rio Paolo , Cozzani Federico
Published: February 2023

The laparoscopic intraperitoneal onlay mesh repair (IPOM) approach has become the most widely adopted technique in the last decade. The role of laparoscopic IPOM in the last years has been resizing due to several limitations. The aim of the present study is to evaluate short- and long-term outcomes in patients who underwent laparoscopic IPOM. This retrospective single-center study describes 170 patients who underwent laparoscopic IPOM for ventral hernia at the General Surgery Unit of Parma University Hospital from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2020. We evaluated patient, hernia, surgical and postoperative characteristics. According to the defect size, we divided the patients into Group 1 (Ø < 30 mm), Group 2 (30 < Ø < 50 mm) and Group 3 (Ø > 50 mm). A total of 167 patients were included. The mean defect diameter was 41.1 ± 16.3 mm. The mean operative time was different among the three groups (p < 0.001). Higher Charlson Comorbidity Index, obesity and incisional hernia were related to postoperative seroma and obesity alone with SSO. p < 0.001 Recurrence was significantly higher in larger defects (Group 3) and incisional hernia. p < 0.001. This retrospective study suggests that laparoscopic IPOM is a feasible and safe surgical technique with an acceptable complication rate, especially in the treatment of smaller defects up to 5 cm.
A Coupling Optimization Method of Vehicle Structure and Restraint System for Occupant Injury Protection in Traffic Accidents
Authors: Wang Danqi , Zhang Junyuan , Zhang Tianqi , Zhang Honghao , Peng Yong
Published: February 2023

Vehicle front-end structure has the characteristic of symmetry. The damage of occupants in the crash process is determined by the combined effect of the front-end structure and the restraint system of the vehicle. In this paper, the coupling relationship and an optimized method for the vehicle front-end structure and restraint system are studied based on vehicle crash dynamics, to reduce occupant injury. A fast solution algorithm for occupant motion response was established using a crash analytical model. Then, an occupant response database was established using the algorithm, to analyze the coupling relationship between the crash pulse and the restraint specific stiffness, with respect to the curve shape and parameters. The results showed that the combination of the concave crash pulse and upward restraint stiffness curve was the best coupling. Subsequently, a coupled optimization method of a concave pulse and upward restraint stiffness was proposed and combined with a crash analytical model and genetic algorithm (GA). The crash pulse and restraint stiffness of vehicle crash data from the NHTSA databases were optimized, as an example, to verify the effectiveness of the method. The optimal occupant acceleration was reduced by 44%. In addition, the feasibility of the optimal result is discussed, to provide a reference for occupant injury protection in traffic accidents.
A Trapezoidal Fuzzy Number-Based VIKOR Method with Completely Unknown Weight Information
Authors: Liu Guangzheng , Wang Xingang
Published: February 2023

Multi-attribute group decision-making plays an important role in modern politics, economy, culture, and life. The multi-attribute decision-making process is limited by policymakers’ experience, and knowledge of uncertainty factors, such as weight information, is difficult to directly provide. Moreover, many types of complex rescue information are difficult to accurately describe in numerical terms, which reduces the accuracy and objectivity of the decision results, although the fuzzy theory to solve these problems provides a suitable tool. In order to solve the above problems, a new VIKOR decision method based on trapezoidal fuzzy numbers (TFNs) is proposed. Firstly, the expert weight is calculated by the distance measurement method, the criterion weight is calculated by the deviation maximization method, and then the VIKOR method is used to solve the problem. In order to verify the effectiveness and feasibility of this method, it is applied to the emergency alternative selection problem. Finally, the symmetry analysis of the method is carried out by contrast experiment and sensitivity test.
On Statistical Modeling Using a New Version of the Flexible Weibull Model: Bayesian, Maximum Likelihood Estimates, and Distributional Properties with Applications in the Actuarial and Engineering Fields
Authors: Emam Walid
Published: February 2023

In this article, we present a new statistical modification of the Weibull model for updating the flexibility, called the generalized Weibull-Weibull distribution. The new modification of the Weibull model is defined and studied in detail. Some mathematical and statistical functions are studied, such as the quantile function, moments, the information generating measure, the Shannon entropy and the information energy. The joint distribution functions of the two marginal univariate models via the Copula model are provided. The unknown parameters are estimated using the maximum likelihood method and Bayesian method via Monte Carlo simulations. The Bayesian approach is discussed using three different loss functions: the quadratic error loss function, the LINEX loss function, and the general entropy loss function. We perform some numerical simulations to show how interesting the theoretical results are. Finally, the practical application of the proposed model is illustrated by analyzing two applications in the actuarial and engineering fields using corporate data to show the elasticity and advantage of the proposed generalized Weibull-Weibull model. The practical applications show that proposed model is very suitable for modeling actuarial and technical data sets and other related fields.
Effects of Post-Labeling Delay on Magnetic Resonance Evaluation of Brain Tumor Blood Flow Using Arterial Spin Labeling
Authors: Ukisu Ryutaro , Inoue Yusuke , Hata Hirofumi , Tanaka Yoshihito , Iwasaki Rie
Published: February 2023

We investigated the effect of post-labeling delay (PLD) on the evaluation of brain tumor blood flow using arterial spin labeling (ASL) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging to assess the need for imaging with two PLDs. Retrospective analysis was conducted on 63 adult patients with brain tumors who underwent contrast-enhanced MR imaging including ASL imaging with PLDs of both 1525 and 2525 ms on a 1.5 T or 3 T MR unit. Blood flow was estimated in the tumors and normal-appearing brain parenchyma, and tumor blood flow was normalized by parenchymal flow. Estimates of tumor blood flow, parenchymal flow, and normalized tumor flow showed no statistically significant differences between PLDs of 1525 and 2525 ms. Close correlations between different PLDs were found, with the closest correlation for normalized tumor flow. These results were similarly observed for the 1.5 T and 3 T units. The blood flow estimates obtained using ASL MR imaging in patients with brain tumors were highly concordant between PLDs of 1525 and 2525 ms, irrespective of the magnetic field strength. It is indicated that imaging with a single, standard PLD is acceptable for ASL assessment of brain tumor perfusion and that additional imaging with a long PLD is not required.
Association of Dietary Nitrate, Nitrite, and N-Nitroso Compounds Intake and Gastrointestinal Cancers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Seyyedsalehi Monireh Sadat , Mohebbi Elham , Tourang Fatemeh , Sasanfar Bahareh , Boffetta Paolo , Zendehdel Kazem
Published: February 2023

N-nitroso compounds (NOCs) are a class of chemical carcinogens found in various environmental sources such as food, drinking water, cigarette smoke, the work environment, and the indoor air population. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the links between nitrate, nitrite, and NOCs in food and water and the risk of gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, including esophageal cancer (EC), gastric cancer (GC), colorectal cancer (CRC), and pancreatic cancer (PC). A systematic search of the literature in Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Embase was performed for studies on the association between NOCs in drinking water and food sources and GI cancers. Forest plots of relative risk (RR) were constructed for all the cancer sites and the intake sources. The random-effects model was used to assess the heterogeneity between studies. Forty articles were included after removing duplicate and irrelevant articles. The meta-analysis indicated that the intake of high dose vs. low dose of these compounds was significantly associated with the overall GI cancer risk and nitrite (RR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.07–1.29), and N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) (RR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.06–1.65). We found that dietary nitrite intake increased GC (RR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.02–1.73), and EC (RR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.01–1.89). Additionally, dietary NDMA intake increased the risk of CRC (RR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.18–1.58). This meta-analysis provides some evidence that the intake of dietary and water nitrate, nitrite, and NOCs may be associated with GI cancers. In particular, dietary nitrite is linked to GC and EC risks and dietary NDMA intake is associated with CRC.
In Silico Approaches for the Identification of Aptamer Binding Interactions to Leptospira spp. Cell Surface Proteins
Authors: Almazar Chembie A. , Mendoza Marjo V. , Rivera Windell L.
Published: February 2023

Aptamers are nucleic acids that can bind with high affinity and specificity to a range of target molecules. However, their functionality relies on their secondary and tertiary structures such that the combination of nucleotides determines their three-dimensional conformation. In this study, the binding mechanisms of candidate aptamers and their interactions with selected target proteins found in the cell surface of Leptospira were predicted to select high-affinity aptamers. Four aptamers were evaluated through molecular modeling and docking using available software and web-based tools, following the workflow previously designed for in silico evaluation of DNA aptamers. The most predominant and highly conserved surface-exposed proteins among pathogenic Leptospira species were used as aptamer targets. The highest number of interactions was seen in aptamers AP5 and AP1. Hydrogen bonds, along with a few hydrophobic interactions, occur in most aptamer–protein complexes. Further analysis revealed serine, threonine, glutamine, and lysine as main protein residues. H-bond interactions occur mostly with polar amino acids, as reflected in the predicted interaction profiles of aptamer–protein complexes. In silico strategies allowed the identification of key residues crucial in aptamer–target interaction during aptamer screening. Such information can be used in aptamer modification for improved binding affinity and accuracy for diagnostics application.
Distribution and Risk of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Authors: Ullah Wasia , Yen Tsai-Ying , Niaz Sadaf , Nasreen Nasreen , Tsai Yu-Feng , Rodriguez-Vivas Roger Ivan , Khan Adil , Tsai Kun-Hsien
Published: February 2023

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a zoonotic infection caused by obligate intracellular protozoa of the genus Leishmania. This study aimed to investigate CL in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan and to estimate the risk of epidemics. Clinico-epidemiological data of 3188 CL patients were collected from health facilities in 2021. Risk factors were analyzed using the chi-square test. ArcGIS V.10.7.1 was applied for spatial analysis. The association between CL occurrence and climatic variables was examined by Bayesian geostatistical analysis. The clinical data revealed males or individuals younger than 20 years old were more affected. Most patients presented with a single lesion, and the face was the most attacked body part. CL was prevalent in the southern region in winter. A proportional symbol map, a choropleth map, and a digital elevation model map were built to show the distribution of CL. Focal transmission was predicted by inverse distance weighting interpolation. Cluster and outlier analysis identified clusters in Bannu, Dir Lower, and Mardan, and hotspot analysis suggested Bannu as a high-risk foci. Bayesian geostatistical analysis indicated that increasing precipitation and temperature as well as low altitudes were associated with CL infection. The study has provided important information for public health sectors to develop intervention strategies for future CL epidemics.
Cross-Hemispheric Genetic Diversity and Spatial Genetic Structure of Callinectes sapidus Reovirus 1 (CsRV1)
Authors: Zhao Mingli , Plough Louis V. , Behringer Donald C. , Bojko Jamie , Kough Andrew S. , Alper Nathaniel W. , Xu Lan , Schott Eric J.
Published: February 2023

The movement of viruses in aquatic systems is rarely studied over large geographic scales. Oceanic currents, host migration, latitude-based variation in climate, and resulting changes in host life history are all potential drivers of virus connectivity, adaptation, and genetic structure. To expand our understanding of the genetic diversity of Callinectes sapidus reovirus 1 (CsRV1) across a broad spatial and host life history range of its blue crab host (Callinectes sapidus), we obtained 22 complete and 96 partial genomic sequences for CsRV1 strains from the US Atlantic coast, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, and the Atlantic coast of South America. Phylogenetic analyses of CsRV1 genomes revealed that virus genotypes were divided into four major genogroups consistent with their host geographic origins. However, some CsRV1 sequences from the US mid-Atlantic shared high genetic similarity with the Gulf of Mexico genotypes, suggesting potential human-mediated movement of CsRV1 between the US mid-Atlantic and Gulf coasts. This study advances our understanding of how climate, coastal geography, host life history, and human activity drive patterns of genetic structure and diversity of viruses in marine animals and contributes to the capacity to infer broadscale host population connectivity in marine ecosystems from virus population genetic data.
An Update on Eukaryotic Viruses Revived from Ancient Permafrost
Authors: Alempic Jean-Marie , Lartigue Audrey , Goncharov Artemiy E. , Grosse Guido , Strauss Jens , Tikhonov Alexey N. , Fedorov Alexander N. , Poirot Olivier , Legendre Matthieu , Santini Sébastien , Abergel Chantal , Claverie Jean-Michel
Published: February 2023

One quarter of the Northern hemisphere is underlain by permanently frozen ground, referred to as permafrost. Due to climate warming, irreversibly thawing permafrost is releasing organic matter frozen for up to a million years, most of which decomposes into carbon dioxide and methane, further enhancing the greenhouse effect. Part of this organic matter also consists of revived cellular microbes (prokaryotes, unicellular eukaryotes) as well as viruses that have remained dormant since prehistorical times. While the literature abounds on descriptions of the rich and diverse prokaryotic microbiomes found in permafrost, no additional report about “live” viruses have been published since the two original studies describing pithovirus (in 2014) and mollivirus (in 2015). This wrongly suggests that such occurrences are rare and that “zombie viruses” are not a public health threat. To restore an appreciation closer to reality, we report the preliminary characterizations of 13 new viruses isolated from seven different ancient Siberian permafrost samples, one from the Lena river and one from Kamchatka cryosol. As expected from the host specificity imposed by our protocol, these viruses belong to five different clades infecting Acanthamoeba spp. but not previously revived from permafrost: Pandoravirus, Cedratvirus, Megavirus, and Pacmanvirus, in addition to a new Pithovirus strain.
Evaluation of the Function of ASFV Gene E66L in the Process of Virus Replication and Virulence in Swine
Authors: Ramirez-Medina Elizabeth , Vuono Elizabeth A. , Rai Ayushi , Espinoza Nallely , Valladares Alyssa , Spinard Edward , Velazquez-Salinas Lauro , Gladue Douglas P. , Borca Manuel V.
Published: February 2023

African swine fever virus (ASFV) is the etiological agent of an economically important disease of swine currently affecting large areas of Africa, Eurasia and the Caribbean. ASFV has a complex structure harboring a large dsDNA genome which encodes for more than 160 proteins. One of the proteins, E66L, has recently been involved in arresting gene transcription in the infected host cell. Here, we investigate the role of E66L in the processes of virus replication in swine macrophages and disease production in domestic swine. A recombinant ASFV was developed (ASFV-G-∆E66L), from the virulent parental Georgia 2010 isolate (ASFV-G), harboring the deletion of the E66L gene as a tool to assess the role of the gene. ASFV-G-∆E66L showed that the E66L gene is non-essential for ASFV replication in primary swine macrophages when compared with the parental highly virulent field isolate ASFV-G. Additionally, domestic pigs infected with ASFV-G-∆E66L developed a clinical disease undistinguishable from that produced by ASFV-G. Therefore, E66L is not involved in virus replication or virulence in domestic pigs.
Fragment-Based Approaches Identified Tecovirimat-Competitive Novel Drug Candidate for Targeting the F13 Protein of the Monkeypox Virus
Authors: Ali Yasir , Imtiaz Hina , Tahir Muhammad Mutaal , Gul Fouzia , Saddozai Umair Ali Khan , ur Rehman Ashfaq , Ren Zhi-Guang , Khattak Saadullah , Ji Xin-Ying
Published: February 2023

Monkeypox is a serious public health issue in tropical and subtropical areas. Antivirals that target monkeypox proteins might lead to more effective and efficient therapy. The F13 protein is essential for the growth and maturation of the monkeypox virus. F13 inhibition might be a viable therapeutic target for monkeypox. The in silico fragment-based drug discovery method for developing antivirals may provide novel therapeutic options. In this study, we generated 800 compounds based on tecovirimat, an FDA-approved drug that is efficacious at nanomolar quantities against monkeypox. These compounds were evaluated to identify the most promising fragments based on binding affinity and pharmacological characteristics. The top hits from the chemical screening were docked into the active site of the F13 protein. Molecular dynamics simulations were performed on the top two probable new candidates from molecular docking. The ligand–enzyme interaction analysis revealed that the C2 ligand had lower binding free energy than the standard ligand tecovirimat. Water bridges, among other interactions, were shown to stabilize the C2 molecule. Conformational transitions and secondary structure changes in F13 protein upon C2 binding show more native three-dimensional folding of the protein. Prediction of pharmacological properties revealed that compound C2 may be promising as a drug candidate for monkeypox fever. However, additional in vitro and in vivo testing is required for validation.
Diverse Marine T4-like Cyanophage Communities Are Primarily Comprised of Low-Abundance Species Including Species with Distinct Seasonal, Persistent, Occasional, or Sporadic Dynamics
Authors: Dart Emily , Fuhrman Jed A. , Ahlgren Nathan A.
Published: February 2023

Cyanophages exert important top-down controls on their cyanobacteria hosts; however, concurrent analysis of both phage and host populations is needed to better assess phage–host interaction models. We analyzed picocyanobacteria Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus and T4-like cyanophage communities in Pacific Ocean surface waters using five years of monthly viral and cellular fraction metagenomes. Cyanophage communities contained thousands of mostly low-abundance (<2% relative abundance) species with varying temporal dynamics, categorized as seasonally recurring or non-seasonal and occurring persistently, occasionally, or sporadically (detected in ≥85%, 15-85%, or <15% of samples, respectively). Viromes contained mostly seasonal and persistent phages (~40% each), while cellular fraction metagenomes had mostly sporadic species (~50%), reflecting that these sample sets capture different steps of the infection cycle—virions from prior infections or within currently infected cells, respectively. Two groups of seasonal phages correlated to Synechococcus or Prochlorococcus were abundant in spring/summer or fall/winter, respectively. Cyanophages likely have a strong influence on the host community structure, as their communities explained up to 32% of host community variation. These results support how both seasonally recurrent and apparent stochastic processes, likely determined by host availability and different host-range strategies among phages, are critical to phage–host interactions and dynamics, consistent with both the Kill-the-Winner and the Bank models.
Estimating the Global Spread of Epidemic Human Monkeypox with Bayesian Directed Acyclic Graphic Model
Authors: Liao Ling-Chun , Hsu Chen-Yang , Chen Hsiu-Hsi , Lai Chao-Chih
Published: February 2023

A “Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)” monkeypox outbreak was declared by the World Health Organization on 23 June 2022. More than 16,000 monkeypox cases were reported in more than 75 countries across six regions as of July 25. The Bayesian SIR (Susceptible–Infected–Recovered) model with the directed acyclic graphic method was used to estimate the basic/effective reproductive number (R0/Re) and to assess the epidemic spread of monkeypox across the globe. The maximum estimated R0/Re was 1.16 (1.15–1.17), 1.20 (1.20–1.20), 1.34 (1.34–1.35), 1.33 (1.33–1.33) and 2.52 (2.41–2.66) in the United States, Spain, Brazil, the United Kingdom and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, respectively. The values of R0/Re were below 1 after August 2022. The estimated infectious time before isolation ranged from 2.05 to 2.74 days. The PHEIC of the global spreading of human monkeypox has been contained so as to avoid a pandemic in the light of the reasoning-based epidemic model assessment.
Infection, Transmission, Pathogenesis and Vaccine Development against Mycoplasma gallisepticum
Authors: Mugunthan Susithra Priyadarshni , Kannan Ganapathy , Chandra Harish Mani , Paital Biswaranjan
Published: February 2023

Mycoplasma sp. comprises cell wall-less bacteria with reduced genome size and can infect mammals, reptiles, birds, and plants. Avian mycoplasmosis, particularly in chickens, is primarily caused by Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) and Mycoplasma synoviae. It causes infection and pathology mainly in the respiratory, reproductive, and musculoskeletal systems. MG is the most widely distributed pathogenic avian mycoplasma with a wide range of host susceptibility and virulence. MG is transmitted both by horizontal and vertical routes. MG infection induces innate, cellular, mucosal, and adaptive immune responses in the host. Macrophages aid in phagocytosis and clearance, and B and T cells play critical roles in the clearance and prevention of MG. The virulent factors of MG are adhesion proteins, lipoproteins, heat shock proteins, and antigenic variation proteins, all of which play pivotal roles in host cell entry and pathogenesis. Prevention of MG relies on farm and flock biosecurity, management strategies, early diagnosis, use of antimicrobials, and vaccination. This review summarizes the vital pathogenic mechanisms underlying MG infection and recapitulates the virulence factors of MG–host cell adhesion, antigenic variation, nutrient transport, and immune evasion. The review also highlights the limitations of current vaccines and the development of innovative future vaccines against MG.
Cohort-Specific Peptide Reagents Broaden Depth and Breadth Estimates of the CD8 T Cell Response to HIV-1 Gag Potential T Cell Epitopes
Authors: Michelo Clive M. , Fiore-Gartland Andrew , Dalel Jama A. , Hayes Peter , Tang Jianming , McGowan Edward , Kilembe William , Fernandez Natalia , Gilmour Jill , Hunter Eric
Published: February 2023

An effective HIV vaccine will need to stimulate immune responses against the sequence diversity presented in circulating virus strains. In this study, we evaluate breadth and depth estimates of potential T-cell epitopes (PTEs) in transmitted founder virus sequence-derived cohort-specific peptide reagents against reagents representative of consensus and global sequences. CD8 T-cells from twenty-six HIV-1+ PBMC donor samples, obtained at 1-year post estimated date of infection, were evaluated. ELISpot assays compared responses to 15mer consensus (n = 121), multivalent-global (n = 320), and 10mer multivalent cohort-specific (n = 300) PTE peptides, all mapping to the Gag antigen. Responses to 38 consensus, 71 global, and 62 cohort-specific PTEs were confirmed, with sixty percent of common global and cohort-specific PTEs corresponding to consensus sequences. Both global and cohort-specific peptides exhibited broader epitope coverage compared to commonly used consensus reagents, with mean breadth estimates of 3.2 (global), 3.4 (cohort) and 2.2 (consensus) epitopes. Global or cohort peptides each identified unique epitope responses that would not be detected if these peptide pools were used alone. A peptide set designed around specific virologic and immunogenetic characteristics of a target cohort can expand the detection of CD8 T-cell responses to epitopes in circulating viruses, providing a novel way to better define the host response to HIV-1 with implications for vaccine development.
Development of Autoantibodies Following BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 Vaccination and Their Association with Disease Flares in Adult Patients with Autoimmune Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases (AIIRD) and the General Population: Results of 1-Year Prospective Follow-Up Study
Authors: Gazitt Tal , Eviatar Tali , Shear Jacqueline , Meidan Roni , Furer Victoria , Feld Joy , Haddad Amir , Elias Muna , Hijazi Nizar , Stein Nili , Shaked Mishan Pninit , Zetser Anna , Peleg Hagit , Elkayam Ori , Zisman Devy
Published: February 2023

Development of autoantibodies following BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccination and their association with disease flares in adult patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIIRD) and the general population: results of 1-year prospective follow-up study. We conducted a prospective study aimed at investigating the incidence of appearance of autoantibodies (antinuclear, antiphospholipid, and rheumatoid factor) in the sera of 463 adult patients with AIIRD compared to 55 controls from the general population prior to, and following the second and third vaccine doses, and at 1-year of follow-up. Pre- and post-vaccination disease activity indices and the association of autoantibodies with rheumatic disease flares and new onset AIIRD were examined. Autoantibody development of any type in AIIRD patients vs. the controls was 4.0% (vs. 6.7%, p = 0.423) following two vaccine doses and 7.6% (vs. 0%, p = 0.152) after three doses. There was no significant difference in sex, age, or disease-type among individuals with and without autoantibody development, regardless of the immunosuppressant use. More patients developed autoantibodies following the third than the second vaccine dose (p = 0.004). Disease flares occurred in 5.8% and 7.2% of AIIRD patients following second and third vaccine doses, respectively, with autoantibody production increasing the risk of flares following the second (p = 0.002) and third (p = 0.004) vaccine doses. BNT162b2 vaccination resulted in the development of autoantibodies in a minority of AIIRD patients and controls. Autoantibody development was associated with disease flares in patients, but no new-onset autoimmunity was observed.
Incidence and Associated Factors of SARS-CoV-2 Infection Post-mRNA-1273 Booster Vaccination in Health-Care Workers
Authors: Hasibuan Anshari Saifuddin , Koesnoe Sukamto , Widhani Alvina , Muhadi Muhadi , Shatri Hamzah , Ginanjar Eka , Yunihastuti Evy , Soewondo Pradana , Aman Nasution Sally , Djauzi Samsuridjal , Dina Liastuti Lies , Koento Trimartani , Sumariyono Sumariyono , Mulyantini Astri
Published: February 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant morbidity and mortality worldwide, especially among health-care workers. One of the most important preventive measures is vaccination. This study examined factors associated with the incidence rate of SARS-CoV-2 infection after mRNA-1273 booster vaccination (preceded by the CoronaVac primary vaccination) and the antibody profile of health-care workers at one of the tertiary hospitals in Indonesia. This was a combined retrospective cohort and cross-sectional study. Three hundred health-care workers who were given the mRNA-1273 booster vaccine a minimum of 5 months prior to this study were randomly selected. Participants were then interviewed about their history of COVID-19 vaccination, history of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and comorbidities. Blood samples were taken to assess IgG sRBD antibody levels. The median antibody level was found to be 659 BAU/mL (min 37 BAU/mL, max 5680 BAU/mL, QIR 822 BAU/mL) after the booster, and this was not related to age, sex, comorbidities, or adverse events following immunization (AEFI) after the booster. SARS-CoV-2 infection after the booster was correlated with higher antibody levels. In sum, 56 participants (18.6%) experienced SARS-CoV-2 infection after the mRNA-1273 booster vaccination within 5 months. Incidence per person per month was 3.2%. Age, sex, diabetes mellitus type 2, hypertension, obesity, and post-booster AEFI were not related to COVID-19 incidence after the booster. History of SARS-CoV-2 infection before the booster vaccination was significantly associated with a reduced risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection after booster vaccination, with a relative risk (RR) of 0.21 (95% CI 0.09–0.45, p < 0.001).
Seascape Ethnomapping on the Inner Continental Shelf of the Brazilian Semiarid Coast
Authors: Pinheiro Lidriana , Rodrigues Ximenes Neto Antônio , Aquino Bezerra Filho Francisco Assis , Rosane Silveira Pinto Cassia , de Souza Pinheiro Laldiane , Pessoa Paulo , Lima Filho Regimário , Balbino da Silva Regina , Morais Jáder , Gorayeb Adryane , Bramanti Lorenzo , Rossi Sergio
Published: February 2023

Seascape mapping is critical to understanding ecosystem services and managing areas with potential for fishing, power generation, mining, and tourism. Despite advances in marine geophysics, the necessary equipment to make underwater cartography can be expensive and requires a certain degree of specialization. In areas with scarce data, ethnomapping can be used for the elaboration or complementation of marine cartography. In addition, it provides information about the nature, concepts, phenomena, and nomenclatures attributed by the local population. The aim of this study was to integrate the knowledge of artisanal fishermen from NE Brazil into the mapping of seascapes, validating the obtained cartography with scientific sampling. Focus groups were used to promote an open discussion of local users’ knowledge about seascapes and their importance for local fisheries. After analyzing, it was possible to correlate the products of participatory mapping with the scientific data available in the literature, resulting in the seascape ethnomap. Nine seascapes relevant to subsistence fisheries were identified. The mapping of seascapes and fauna captured by indigenous fishermen was similar to that produced from preexisting geology, geomorphology, and fishing data. This validated the methodological protocol and the importance of the participation of local populations in coastal conservation and management activities.
Floods and Adaptation to Climate Change in Tourist Areas: Management Experiences on the Coast of the Province of Alicante (Spain)
Authors: Sánchez-Almodóvar Esther , Olcina-Cantos Jorge , Martí-Talavera Javier , Prieto-Cerdán Antonio , Padilla-Blanco Ascensión
Published: February 2023

One of the principal challenges for cities on the Mediterranean coast is the management of urban runoff after episodes of intense rainfall. This problem is aggravated by the effects of climate change, with the increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather phenomena in this region. In light of this situation, the local governments, in collaboration with the concessionaire companies providing supply and sewage services, are committed to adopting measures aimed at a more efficient management of non-conventional water resources. Examples of good practice for reducing urban flood risk and adapting to climate change are those actions developed in the tourist municipalities of Alicante, Torrevieja, and Benidorm, where measures have been implemented or have been planned and integrated with green spaces, with a commitment to sustainability, such as sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS) or Nature-Based Solutions (NBSs). This study analyses these case studies, based on a detailed review of the technical projects that contemplate each of the actions. Furthermore, several field trips were made with technical personnel who are familiar with the measures adopted. The results show that the implementation of these systems contributes to advancing the reduction of urban flood risk and the adaptation to climate change, creating more resilient and safer urban spaces for the citizens residing in them.
Ultraviolet Radiation-Assisted Preparation of a Novel Biomass Fiber to Remove Cadmium from Wastewater
Authors: Xue Hao , Xu Min , Yu Yueyang , Wan Jiancheng , Liu Chen , Meng Fansheng
Published: February 2023

The heavy metal adsorbents developed based on biomass resources have valuable application prospects due to the characteristics of rich sources, renewability and low cost. In the present work, a carboxyl functioned loofah fiber (LF@AA) was synthesized via UV-induced polymerization, and its adsorption capacity for cadmium (Cd2+) was investigated systematically. This modification resulted in the effective combination of a loofah fiber template and polyacrylic acid (PAA), which promoted its adsorption of Cd2+ to significantly increase to 339.3 mg·g−1, and the applicable pH range was 4.0~7.0. Furthermore, the adsorbability of LF@AA remained stable at a high level after eight consecutive cycles. The adsorption kinetics and isotherm parameters revealed that the adsorption characteristics of cadmium conformed to the Weber–Morris and pseudo-second-order kinetics equations, and the adsorption process of cadmium conformed to Redlich–Peterson and Langmuir models. In addition, consequences of EDS, FTIR, and Zeta potential analysis reflected that the main adsorption mechanism should be ion exchange. Cd2+ was drawn to the adsorbent surface by electrostatic binding, and ion exchange occurred to form a bidentate chelate. This study suggests that it is reasonable and feasible to use natural biomass materials to develop efficient adsorbents to treat heavy metal pollution in wastewater.
Aquatic Productivity under Multiple Stressors
Authors: Häder Donat-P. , Gao Kunshan
Published: February 2023

Aquatic ecosystems are responsible for about 50% of global productivity. They mitigate climate change by taking up a substantial fraction of anthropogenically emitted CO2 and sink part of it into the deep ocean. Productivity is controlled by a number of environmental factors, such as water temperature, ocean acidification, nutrient availability, deoxygenation and exposure to solar UV radiation. Recent studies have revealed that these factors may interact to yield additive, synergistic or antagonistic effects. While ocean warming and deoxygenation are supposed to affect mitochondrial respiration oppositely, they can act synergistically to influence the migration of plankton and N2-fixation of diazotrophs. Ocean acidification, along with elevated pCO2, exhibits controversial effects on marine primary producers, resulting in negative impacts under high light and limited availability of nutrients. However, the acidic stress has been shown to exacerbate viral attacks on microalgae and to act synergistically with UV radiation to reduce the calcification of algal calcifiers. Elevated pCO2 in surface oceans is known to downregulate the CCMs (CO2 concentrating mechanisms) of phytoplankton, but deoxygenation is proposed to enhance CCMs by suppressing photorespiration. While most of the studies on climate-change drivers have been carried out under controlled conditions, field observations over long periods of time have been scarce. Mechanistic responses of phytoplankton to multiple drivers have been little documented due to the logistic difficulties to manipulate numerous replications for different treatments representative of the drivers. Nevertheless, future studies are expected to explore responses and involved mechanisms to multiple drivers in different regions, considering that regional chemical and physical environmental forcings modulate the effects of ocean global climate changes.
Dissolved Methane Transport in the Tatar Strait and the Deepest Basin of the Japan (East) Sea from Its Possible Sources
Authors: Kholmogorov Andrei , Ponomarev Vladimir , Syrbu Nadezhda , Shkorba Svetlana
Published: February 2023

Dissolved methane coming from its various sources is an important component of seawater. Finding these probable sources allows for the determination of potential oil and/or gas deposit areas. From an ecological point of view, methane transport studies can reveal probable pollution areas on the one hand and biological communities, being the lower part of the food chain commercial species, on the other hand. Moreover, the methane transport mechanism can help to obtain a better understanding of the contribution of the World’s oceans to global greenhouse gas emissions. Our research combines gas geochemistry and oceanography. In comparing the research results of both branches, we show the mechanism of methane transport. The features of the dissolved methane on oceanographic sections in the southern part of the Tatar Strait are discussed. The CH4 intake from the bottom sediment and the transport of dissolved methane by the currents in the Tatar Strait are shown. The absolute maximum concentration of CH4 (155.6 nM/L) was observed on the western Sakhalin Island shelf at the near-bottom layer at a depth of 65 m. The local maximum, 84.4 nM/L, was found north of the absolute maximum in the jet current under the seasonal pycnocline. A comparison of the simulated surface seawater origin and dissolved methane in the 4 m depth distribution shows methane transport with the currents in the Tatar Strait. Another studied section is along 134° E in the Japan Basin of the Japan (East) Sea. Here, the East Korean Warm Current close to the Yamato Rise slope and a quasi-stationary mesoscale anticyclonic eddy centered at 41° N intersect. The local maximum methane concentration of 8.2 nM/L is also observed under the seasonal pycnocline. In a mesoscale anticyclonic eddy at 134° E in the deep part of the Japan Basin, a local methane maximum of 5.2 nM/L is detected under the seasonal pycnocline as well.
Allometric Growth Patterns and Ontogenetic Development during Early Larval Stages of Schizothorax waltoni Regan and Percocypris retrodorslis in Southwest China
Authors: Xu Bin , Li Dapeng , Wei Kaijin , Zhu Xiangyun , Xu Jin , Ma Baoshan
Published: February 2023

Due to a sharp decline in resources, Schizothorax waltoni Regan and Percocypris retrodorslis have been listed as wildlife under second-class protection in China. Under culture conditions, the early development and allometric growth patterns of S. waltoni and P. retrodorslis were researched from the hatching stage to 60 DPHs (days post-hatching), and a sampling of ten to fifteen larvae was made every day, followed by measurements with Axio Vision 4.8 software (Carl Zeiss AG, Jena, Germany). Morphological indicators included the anal fin length, the body depth, the body depth at the anus level, the caudal fin length, the dorsal fin length, the eye diameter, the head length, the head depth, the pectoral fin length, the tail length, the trunk length, the snout length, the total length, and the ventral fin length. Based on the morphology development of S. waltoni Regan and P. retrodorslis, four periods of larval growth were identified: pre-flexion larvae at 0–14 DPHs and 0–16 DPHs; flexion larvae at 14–23 DPHs and 16–26 DPHs, post-flexion larvae at 23–50 DPHs and 26–52 DPHs, and the juvenile stage. In newly hatched larvae, most organs and body parts were not differentiated, and they successively developed within 26 DPHs. The depletion of the yolk sac was observed at 23 DPHs and 25 DPHs. Allometric growth mainly occurs in the head and tail regions, indicating that body parts related to feeding and swimming behaviors were more important than the other parts. In addition, the growth pattern shows that the development of organs gives priority to the functions of gill respiration, sensation, exogenous feeding, and swimming. The inflection points of body part growth patterns only appeared before 40 DAH, so future studies should concentrate focus on developing the best feeding from the first feeding to 40 DAH. These outcomes were discussed with regard to the ontogeny of the functional morphology in relation to ecology and aquaculture. It is expected that this research can provide valuable perspectives in species conservation.