bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment and Evaluation of the Response of Vegetation Dynamics to Climate Variability in Africa
Authors: Nzabarinda Vincent , Bao Anming , Xu Wenqiang , Uwamahoro Solange , Jiang Liangliang , Duan Yongchao , Nahayo Lamek , Yu Tao , Wang Ting , Long Gang
Published: January 2021

Understanding the impacts of climate variability and change on terrestrial ecosystems in Africa remains a critical issue for ecology as well as for regional and global climate policy making. However, acquiring this knowledge can be useful for future predictions towards improved governance for sustainable development. In this study, we analyzed the spatial–temporal characteristics of vegetation greenness, and identified the possible relationships with climatic factors and vulnerable plant species across Africa. Using a set of robust statistical metrics on the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI3g) for precipitation and temperature over 34 years from 1982 to 2015, relevant results were obtained. The findings show that, for NDVI, the annual rate of increase (0.013 y−1) was less than that of decrease (−0.014 y−1). In contrast, climate data showed a sharper increase than a marked decrease. Temperature is increasing while rainfall is decreasing, both at a sharp rate in central Africa. In Africa, tree cover, broadleaved, deciduous, closed to open (>15%) and shrubland plant species are critically endangered. The tropical vegetation devastated by the climate variability, causes different plant species to gradually perish; some were cleared out from the areas which experienced degradation, while others were from that of improvement. This study provides valuable information to African governments in order to improve environmental sustainability and development that will lead to the sustainability of natural resources.
Conceptual Research Framework of Consumer Resilience to Privacy Violation Online
Authors: Budak Jelena , Rajh Edo , Slijepčević Sunčana , Škrinjarić Bruno
Published: January 2021

This is a conceptual paper that aims to identify relevant approaches for assessing consumer resilience with regard to online privacy violation and to develop a research model suitable for subsequent empirical testing. Based on the relevant literature, we made a synthesis of theoretical approaches to individual resilience from diverse disciplines and in the next step we proposed a set of variables in the model to serve as determinants and behavioral consequences of consumer resilience with regard to online privacy violation. Finally, we offer the developed conceptual model for further scholarly debate and for future empirical verification from the research community.
The Role of Financial Flexibility on Enterprise Sustainable Development during the COVID-19 Crisis—A Consideration of Tangible Assets
Authors: Teng Xiaodong , Chang Bao-Guang , Wu Kun-Shan
Published: January 2021

Financial flexibility refers to the ability of a firm to respond effectively to unanticipated shocks to its cash flows or its investment opportunities and is a key factor in the sustainable development of enterprise. This article explores the effect of financial flexibility on the enterprise performance of Taiwan’s manufacturing industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data for the first and second quarter of 2020 from companies listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange were collected and analyzed. The results indicate that for listed manufacturing companies on the Taiwan Stock Exchange, financial flexibility has a significant and positive effect on enterprise performance (return on assets, ROA), particularly in the asset-heavy manufacturing industry. However, financial flexibility has no significant effect on the enterprise performance of the asset-light manufacturing industry or the semiconductor industry. This study also show evidence that Taiwan’s asset-light manufacturing industry suffered the most from the COVID-19 crisis, which is not conducive to its sustainable development. In summary, the results show that Taiwan’s manufacturing industry has poor financial flexibility and one of the worst ROA during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the results of this research, effective suggestions to rationally retain financial flexibility and pay more attention to liquidity risk management for sustainable development are proposed for Taiwan’s manufacturing industry.
Adsorption of 4,4″-Diamino-p-Terphenyl on Cu(001): A First-Principles Study
Authors: Wang Chang-Tian , Zhang Yan-Fang , Du Shixuan
Published: January 2021

Single-molecular devices show remarkable potential for applications in downscale electronic devices. The adsorption behavior of a molecule on a metal surface is of great importance from both fundamental and technological points of view. Herein, based on first-principles calculations, the adsorption of a 4,4″-diamino-p-terphenyl (DAT) molecule on a Cu(001) surface has been systematically explored. The most stable configuration is the DAT molecule lying flat with a rotation angle of 13° relative to the [100] surface direction. It was found that the adsorption sites of benzene rings and nitrogen atoms in the DAT molecule have important influences on the stability of the adsorption configuration. Electron density differences analysis shows that the electrons accumulate at the DAT-Cu(001) interface. The density of states projected on a DAT molecule of DAT/Cu(001) exhibits a metallic character, while the freestanding ones are semiconducting, indicating a strong interaction between the DAT molecule and the Cu(001) surface in the most stable adsorption configuration. These results provide useful information for tuning the properties and functions of DAT molecules, and may offer useful insights for other organic molecule/surface systems.
Stability Analysis and Cauchy Matrix of a Mathematical Model of Hepatitis B Virus with Control on Immune System near Neighborhood of Equilibrium Free Point
Authors: Volinsky Irina , Lombardo Salvo Danilo , Cheredman Paz
Published: January 2021

Mathematical models are useful tools to describe the dynamics of infection and predict the role of possible drug combinations. In this paper, we present an analysis of a hepatitis B virus (HBV) model including cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and antibody responses, under distributed feedback control, expressed as an integral form to predict the effect of a combination treatment with interleukin-2 (IL-2). The method presented in this paper is based on the symmetry properties of Cauchy matrices C(t,s), which allow us to construct and analyze the stability of corresponding integro-differential systems.
Complexity of Mathematical Expressions and Its Application in Automatic Answer Checking
Authors: Su Wei , Cai Chuan , Wang Paul S. , Li Hengjie , Huang Zhen , Huang Qiang
Published: January 2021

The complexity of a mathematical expression is a measure that can be used to compare the expression with other mathematical expressions and judge which one is simpler. In the paper, we analyze three effect factors for the complexity of a mathematical expression: representational length, computational time, and intelligibility. Mainly, the paper introduces a binary-lambda-calculus based calculation method for representational complexity and a rule based calculation method for algebraic computation complexity. In the process of calculating the representation complexity of mathematical expressions, we transform the de bruijn notation into the binary lambda calculus of mathematical expressions that is inspired by compressing symmetry strings in Kolmogorov complexity theorem. Furthermore, the application of complexity of mathematical expressions in MACP, a mathematics answer checking protocol, is also addressed. MACP can be used in a computer aided assessment system in order to compute correct answers, verify equivalence of expressions, check user answers whether in a simplification form, and give automatic partial grades.
Impacts of Neonicotinoids on Molluscs: What We Know and What We Need to Know
Authors: Ewere Endurance E , Reichelt-Brushett Amanda , Benkendorff Kirsten
Published: January 2021

The broad utilisation of neonicotinoids in agriculture has led to the unplanned contamination of adjacent terrestrial and aquatic systems around the world. Environmental monitoring regularly detects neonicotinoids at concentrations that may cause negative impacts on molluscs. The toxicity of neonicotinoids to some non-target invertebrates has been established; however, information on mollusc species is limited. Molluscs are likely to be exposed to various concentrations of neonicotinoids in the soil, food and water, which could increase their vulnerability to other sources of mortality and cause accidental exposure of other organisms higher in the food chain. This review examines the impacts of various concentrations of neonicotinoids on molluscs, including behavioural, physiological and biochemical responses. The review also identifies knowledge gaps and provides recommendations for future studies, to ensure a more comprehensive understanding of impacts from neonicotinoid exposure to molluscs.
Metabolism of Zearalenone in the Rumen of Dairy Cows with and without Application of a Zearalenone-Degrading Enzyme
Authors: Gruber-Dorninger Christiane , Faas Johannes , Doupovec Barbara , Aleschko Markus , Stoiber Christian , Höbartner-Gußl Andreas , Schöndorfer Karin , Killinger Manuela , Zebeli Qendrim , Schatzmayr Dian
Published: January 2021

The mycotoxin zearalenone (ZEN) is a frequent contaminant of animal feed and is well known for its estrogenic effects in animals. Cattle are considered less sensitive to ZEN than pigs. However, ZEN has previously been shown to be converted to the highly estrogenic metabolite α-zearalenol (α-ZEL) in rumen fluid in vitro. Here, we investigate the metabolism of ZEN in the reticulorumen of dairy cows. To this end, rumen-fistulated non-lactating Holstein Friesian cows (n = 4) received a one-time oral dose of ZEN (5 mg ZEN in 500 g concentrate feed) and the concentrations of ZEN and ZEN metabolites were measured in free rumen liquid from three reticulorumen locations (reticulum, ventral sac and dorsal mat layer) during a 34-h period. In all three locations, α-ZEL was the predominant ZEN metabolite and β-zearalenol (β-ZEL) was detected in lower concentrations. ZEN, α-ZEL and β-ZEL were eliminated from the ventral sac and reticulum within 34 h, yet low concentrations of ZEN and α-ZEL were still detected in the dorsal mat 34 h after ZEN administration. In a second step, we investigated the efficacy of the enzyme zearalenone hydrolase ZenA (EC 3.1.1.-, commercial name ZENzyme®, BIOMIN Holding GmbH, Getzersdorf, Austria) to degrade ZEN to the non-estrogenic metabolite hydrolyzed zearalenone (HZEN) in the reticulorumen in vitro and in vivo. ZenA showed a high ZEN-degrading activity in rumen fluid in vitro. When ZenA was added to ZEN-contaminated concentrate fed to rumen-fistulated cows (n = 4), concentrations of ZEN, α-ZEL and β-ZEL were significantly reduced in all three reticulorumen compartments compared to administration of ZEN-contaminated concentrate without ZenA. Upon ZenA administration, degradation products HZEN and decarboxylated HZEN were detected in the reticulorumen. In conclusion, endogenous metabolization of ZEN in the reticulorumen increases its estrogenic potency due to the formation of α-ZEL. Our results suggest that application of zearalenone hydrolase ZenA as a feed additive may be a promising strategy to counteract estrogenic effects of ZEN in cattle.
Monitoring of the Sensitivity In Vivo of Plasmodium falciparum to Artemether-Lumefantrine in Mali
Authors: Diarra Modibo , Coulibaly Drissa , Tapily Amadou , Guindo Boureima , Sanogo Koualy , Koné Diakalia , Koné Youssouf , Koné Karim , Bathily Aboudramane , Yattara Oumar , Thera Mahamadou A. , Dicko Alassane , Djimdé Abdoulaye A. , Sagara Issaka
Published: January 2021

In Mali, since 2007, artemether-lumefantrine has been the first choice against uncomplicated malaria. Despite its effectiveness, a rapid selection of markers of resistance to partner drugs has been documented. This work evaluated the treatment according to the World Health Organization’s standard 28-day treatment method. The primary endpoint was the clinical and parasitological response corrected by a polymerase chain reaction. It was more than 99.9 percent, the proportion of patients with anemia significantly decrease compared to baseline (p < 0.001), and no serious events were recorded. Plasmodium falciparum remains sensitive to artemether-lumefantrine in Mali.
First Detection of Bat Astroviruses (BtAstVs) among Bats in Poland: The Genetic BtAstVs Diversity Reveals Multiple Co-Infection of Bats with Different Strains
Authors: Orłowska Anna , Smreczak Marcin , Potyrało Patrycja , Bomba Arkadiusz , Trębas Paweł , Rola Jerzy
Published: January 2021

Background: Astroviruses (AstVs) are common pathogens of a wide range of animal hosts, including mammals and avians, causing gastrointestinal diseases, mainly gastroenteritis and diarrhea. They prompt a significant health problem in newborns and young children and economic losses in the poultry sector and mink farms. Recent studies revealed a growing number of bat species carrying astroviruses with a noticeable prevalence and diversity. Here, we demonstrate the first detection of bat astroviruses (BtAstVs) circulating in the population of insectivorous bats in the territory of Poland. Results: Genetically diverse BtAstVs (n = 18) were found with a varying degree of bat species specificity in five out of 15 bat species in Poland previously recognized as BtAstV hosts. Astroviral RNA was found in 12 out of 98 (12.2%, 95% CI 7.1–20.2) bat intestines, six bat kidneys (6.1%, 95% CI 2.8–12.7) and two bat livers (2.0%, 95% CI 0.4–7.1). Deep sequencing of the astroviral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) region revealed co-infections in five single bat individuals with highly distinct astrovirus strains. Conclusions: The detection of highly distinct bat astroviruses in Polish bats favors virus recombination and the generation of novel divergent AstVs and creates a potential risk of virus transmission to domestic animals and humans in the country. These findings provide a new insight into molecular epidemiology, prevalence of astroviruses in European bat populations and the risk of interspecies transmission to other animals including humans.
Induction of Brain Tumors by the Archetype Strain of Human Neurotropic JCPyV in a Transgenic Mouse Model
Authors: Del Valle Luis , Khalili Kamel
Published: January 2021

JC Virus (JCPyV), a member of the Polyomaviridiæ family, is a human neurotropic virus with world-wide distribution. JCPyV is the established opportunistic infectious agent of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, a fatal demyelinating disease, which results from the cytolytic infection of oligodendrocytes. Mutations in the regulatory region of JCPyV determine the different viral strains. Mad-1 the strain associated with PML contains two 98 base pair repeats, whereas the archetype strain (CY), which is the transmissible form of JCPyV, contains only one 98 tandem with two insertions of 62 and 23 base pairs respectively. The oncogenicity of JCPyV has been suspected since direct inoculation into the brain of rodents and primates resulted in the development of brain tumors and has been attributed to the viral protein, T-Antigen. To further understand the oncogenicity of JCPyV, a transgenic mouse colony containing the early region of the archetype strain (CY), under the regulation of its own promoter was generated. These transgenic animals developed tumors of neural crest origin, including: primitive neuroectodermal tumors, medulloblastomas, adrenal neuroblastomas, pituitary tumors, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors, and glioblastomas. Neoplastic cells from all different phenotypes express T-Antigen. The close parallels between the tumors developed by these transgenic animals and human CNS tumors make this animal model an excellent tool for the study of viral oncogenesis.
Citrus Tristeza Virus Genotype Detection Using High-Throughput Sequencing
Authors: Bester Rachelle , Cook Glynnis , Maree Hans J.
Published: January 2021

The application of high-throughput sequencing (HTS) has successfully been used for virus discovery to resolve disease etiology in many agricultural crops. The greatest advantage of HTS is that it can provide a complete viral status of a plant, including information on mixed infections of viral species or virus variants. This provides insight into the virus population structure, ecology, or evolution and can be used to differentiate among virus variants that may contribute differently toward disease etiology. In this study, the use of HTS for citrus tristeza virus (CTV) genotype detection was evaluated. A bioinformatic pipeline for CTV genotype detection was constructed and evaluated using simulated and real data sets to determine the parameters to discriminate between false positive read mappings and true genotype-specific genome coverage. A 50% genome coverage cut-off was identified for non-target read mappings. HTS with the associated bioinformatic pipeline was validated and proposed as a CTV genotyping assay.
The Ecology of Nipah Virus in Bangladesh: A Nexus of Land-Use Change and Opportunistic Feeding Behavior in Bats
Authors: McKee Clifton D. , Islam Ausraful , Luby Stephen P. , Salje Henrik , Hudson Peter J. , Plowright Raina K. , Gurley Emily S.
Published: January 2021

Nipah virus is a bat-borne paramyxovirus that produces yearly outbreaks of fatal encephalitis in Bangladesh. Understanding the ecological conditions that lead to spillover from bats to humans can assist in designing effective interventions. To investigate the current and historical processes that drive Nipah spillover in Bangladesh, we analyzed the relationship among spillover events and climatic conditions, the spatial distribution and size of Pteropus medius roosts, and patterns of land-use change in Bangladesh over the last 300 years. We found that 53% of annual variation in winter spillovers is explained by winter temperature, which may affect bat behavior, physiology, and human risk behaviors. We infer from changes in forest cover that a progressive shift in bat roosting behavior occurred over hundreds of years, producing the current system where a majority of P. medius populations are small (median of 150 bats), occupy roost sites for 10 years or more, live in areas of high human population density, and opportunistically feed on cultivated food resources—conditions that promote viral spillover. Without interventions, continuing anthropogenic pressure on bat populations similar to what has occurred in Bangladesh could result in more regular spillovers of other bat viruses, including Hendra and Ebola viruses.
Epidemiology and Genetic Variability of HHV-8/KSHV among Rural Populations and Kaposi’s Sarcoma Patients in Gabon, Central Africa. Review of the Geographical Distribution of HHV-8 K1 Genotypes in Africa
Authors: Mamimandjiami Antony Idam , Mouinga-Ondémé Augustin , Ramassamy Jill-Léa , Djuicy Délia Doreen , Afonso Philippe V. , Mahé Antoine , Lekana-Douki Jean-Bernard , Cassar Olivier , Gessain Antoine
Published: January 2021

Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) is the etiological agent of all forms of Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS). K1 gene studies have identified five major molecular genotypes with geographical clustering. This study described the epidemiology of HHV-8 and its molecular diversity in Gabon among Bantu and Pygmy adult rural populations and KS patients. Plasma antibodies against latency-associated nuclear antigens (LANA) were searched by indirect immunofluorescence. Buffy coat DNA samples were subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to obtain a K1 gene fragment. We studied 1020 persons; 91% were Bantus and 9% Pygmies. HHV-8 seroprevalence was 48.3% and 36.5% at the 1:40 and 1:160 dilution thresholds, respectively, although the seroprevalence of HHV-8 is probably higher in Gabon. These seroprevalences did not differ by sex, age, ethnicity or province. The detection rate of HHV-8 K1 sequence was 2.6% by PCR. Most of the 31 HHV-8 strains belonged to the B genotype (24), while the remaining clustered within the A5 subgroup (6) and one belonged to the F genotype. Additionally, we reviewed the K1 molecular diversity of published HHV-8 strains in Africa. This study demonstrated a high seroprevalence of HHV-8 in rural adult populations in Gabon and the presence of genetically diverse strains with B, A and also F genotypes.
Molecular Transmission Dynamics of Primary HIV Infections in Lazio Region, Years 2013–2020
Authors: Fabeni Lavinia , Rozera Gabriella , Berno Giulia , Giombini Emanuela , Gori Caterina , Orchi Nicoletta , De Carli Gabriella , Pittalis Silvia , Puro Vincenzo , Pinnetti Carmela , Mondi Annalisa , Camici Marta , Plazzi Maria Maddalena , Antinori Andrea , Capobianchi Maria Rosaria , Abbate Isabella
Published: January 2021

Molecular investigation of primary HIV infections (PHI) is crucial to describe current dynamics of HIV transmission. Aim of the study was to investigate HIV transmission clusters (TC) in PHI referred during the years 2013–2020 to the National Institute for Infectious Diseases in Rome (INMI), that is the Lazio regional AIDS reference centre, and factors possibly associated with inclusion in TC. These were identified by phylogenetic analysis, based on population sequencing of pol; a more in depth analysis was performed on TC of B subtype, using ultra-deep sequencing (UDS) of env. Of 270 patients diagnosed with PHI during the study period, 229 were enrolled (median follow-up 168 (IQR 96–232) weeks). Median age: 39 (IQR 32–48) years; 94.8% males, 86.5% Italians, 83.4% MSM, 56.8% carrying HIV-1 subtype B. Of them, 92.6% started early treatment within a median of 4 (IQR 2–7) days after diagnosis; median time to sustained suppression was 20 (IQR 8–32) weeks. Twenty TC (median size 3, range 2–9 individuals), including 68 patients, were identified. A diagnosis prior to 2015 was the unique factor associated with inclusion in a TC. Added value of UDS was the identification of shared quasispecies components in transmission pairs within TC.
Clinical and Economic Outcomes Associated with Cell-Based Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine vs. Standard-Dose Egg-Based Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccines during the 2018–19 Influenza Season in the United States
Authors: Krishnarajah Girishanthy , Divino Victoria , Postma Maarten J. , Pelton Stephen I. , Anupindi Vamshi Ruthwik , DeKoven Mitch , Mould-Quevedo Joaquin
Published: January 2021

Non-egg-based influenza vaccines eliminate the potential for egg-adapted mutations and potentially increase vaccine effectiveness. This retrospective study compared hospitalizations/emergency room (ER) visits and all-cause annualized healthcare costs among subjects aged 4–64 years who received cell-based quadrivalent (QIVc) or standard-dose egg-based quadrivalent (QIVe-SD) influenza vaccine during the 2018–19 influenza season. Administrative claims data (IQVIA PharMetrics® Plus, IQVIA, USA) were utilized to evaluate clinical and economic outcomes. Adjusted relative vaccine effectiveness (rVE) of QIVc vs. QIVe-SD among overall cohort, as well as for three subgroups (age 4–17 years, age 18–64 years, and high-risk) was evaluated using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) and Poisson regression models. Generalized estimating equation models among the propensity score matched sample were used to estimate annualized all-cause costs. A total of 669,030 recipients of QIVc and 3,062,797 of QIVe-SD were identified after IPTW adjustments. Among the overall cohort, QIVc had higher adjusted rVEs against hospitalizations/ER visits related to influenza, all-cause hospitalizations, and hospitalizations/ER visits associated with any respiratory event compared to QIVe-SD. The adjusted annualized all-cause total costs were higher for QIVe-SD compared to QIVc ((+$461); p < 0.05).
Development of mRNA Vaccines: Scientific and Regulatory Issues
Authors: Knezevic Ivana , Liu Margaret A. , Peden Keith , Zhou Tiequn , Kang Hye-Na
Published: January 2021

The global research and development of mRNA vaccines have been prodigious over the past decade, and the work in this field has been stimulated by the urgent need for rapid development of vaccines in response to an emergent disease such as the current COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, there remain gaps in our understanding of the mechanism of action of mRNA vaccines, as well as their long-term performance in areas such as safety and efficacy. This paper reviews the technologies and processes used for developing mRNA prophylactic vaccines, the current status of vaccine development, and discusses the immune responses induced by mRNA vaccines. It also discusses important issues with regard to the evaluation of mRNA vaccines from regulatory perspectives. Setting global norms and standards for biologicals including vaccines to assure their quality, safety and efficacy has been a WHO mandate and a core function for more than 70 years. New initiatives are ongoing at WHO to arrive at a broad consensus to formulate international guidance on the manufacture and quality control, as well as nonclinical and clinical evaluation of mRNA vaccines, which is deemed necessary to facilitate international convergence of manufacturing and regulatory practices and provide support to National Regulatory Authorities in WHO member states.
Coverage with Timely Administered Vaccination against Hepatitis B Virus and Its Influence on the Prevalence of HBV Infection in the Regions of Different Endemicity
Authors: Kyuregyan Karen K. , Kichatova Vera S. , Isaeva Olga V. , Potemkin Ilya A. , Malinnikova Elena Yu. , Lopatukhina Maria A. , Karlsen Anastasia A. , Asadi Mobarhan Fedor A. , Mullin Eugeniy V. , Slukinova Olga S. , Ignateva Margarita E. , Sleptsova Snezhana S. , Oglezneva Elena E. , Shibrik Elena V. , Isaguliants Maria G. , Mikhailov Mikhail I.
Published: January 2021

Universal hepatitis B vaccination of newborns was implemented in Russia starting from 1998. From 1998 to 2019, the incidence of acute hepatitis B reduced from 43.8 to 0.57 cases per 100,000 population. Here, we assessed the timely coverage of newborns with the birth dose (HepB-BD), second dose (HepB-2nd), and three vaccine doses (HepB3) in two remote regions of Russia with low (Belgorod Oblast) and high (Yakutia) levels of hepatitis B virus (HBV) endemicity. Vaccination data were obtained from the medical records of 1000 children in Yakutia and 2182 children in Belgorod Oblast. Sera of healthy volunteers from Belgorod Oblast (n = 1754) and Yakutia (n = 1072) across all age groups were tested for serological markers of HBV to assess the infection prevalence and herd immunity. Average HepB-BD coverage was 99.2% in Yakutia and 89.4% in Belgorod Oblast (p < 0.0001) and in both regions varied significantly, from 66% to 100%, between medical centers. The principal reason for the absence of HepB-BD was parent refusal, which accounted for 63.5% of cases of non-vaccination (83/123). While timely HepB-2nd coverage was only 55.4%–64.7%: HepB3 coverage by the age of one year exceeded 90% in both study regions. HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) prevalence in the 1998–2019 birth cohort was 0.2% (95% CI: 0.01–1.3%) in Belgorod Oblast and 3.2% (95% CI: 1.9–5.2%) in Yakutia. The proportion of persons testing negative for both antibodies to HBsAg (anti-HBs) and antibodies to HBV core antigen (anti-HBc) in the 1998–2019 birth cohort was 26.2% (125/481) in Belgorod Oblast and 32.3% (162/501) in Yakutia. We also assessed the knowledge of and attitude towards vaccination among 782 students and teachers of both medical and non-medical specialties from Belgorod State University. Only 60% of medical students knew that hepatitis B is a vaccine-preventable disease. Both medical and nonmedical students, 37.8% and 31.3%, respectively, expressed concerns about safety and actual necessity of vaccination. These data indicate the need to introduce a vaccine delivery audit system, improve medical education with respect to vaccination strategies and policies, and reinforce public knowledge on the benefits of vaccination.
Cancer Vaccines: Antigen Selection Strategy
Authors: Zhao Yue , Baldin Alexey V. , Isayev Orkhan , Werner Jens , Zamyatnin Andrey A. , Bazhin Alexandr V.
Published: January 2021

Unlike traditional cancer therapies, cancer vaccines (CVs) harness a high specificity of the host’s immunity to kill tumor cells. CVs can train and bolster the patient’s immune system to recognize and eliminate malignant cells by enhancing immune cells’ identification of antigens expressed on cancer cells. Various features of antigens like immunogenicity and avidity influence the efficacy of CVs. Therefore, the choice and application of antigens play a critical role in establishing and developing CVs. Tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), a group of proteins expressed at elevated levels in tumor cells but lower levels in healthy normal cells, have been well-studied and developed in CVs. However, immunological tolerance, HLA restriction, and adverse events are major obstacles that threaten TAA-based CVs’ efficacy due to the “self-protein” characteristic of TAAs. As “abnormal proteins” that are completely absent from normal cells, tumor-specific antigens (TSAs) can trigger a robust immune response against tumor cells with high specificity and without going through central tolerance, contributing to cancer vaccine development feasibility. In this review, we focus on the unique features of TAAs and TSAs and their application in vaccines, summarizing their performance in preclinical and clinical trials.
Internet Survey of Awareness and Behavior Related to HPV Vaccination in Japan
Authors: Kudo Risa , Sekine Masayuki , Yamaguchi Manako , Hara Megumi , Hanley Sharon J. B. , Ueda Yutaka , Yagi Asami , Adachi Sosuke , Kurosawa Megumi , Miyagi Etsuko , Enomoto Takayuki
Published: January 2021

Recommendations for HPV vaccines were suspended in 2013 due to unfounded safety fears in Japan. We aimed to clarify the differences between vaccinated and unvaccinated females in their awareness, knowledge, and behaviors toward cervical cancer, HPV vaccination and sex. Questionnaires were administered online to women aged 16 to 20. We conducted investigations for the following: awareness, knowledge, and actions for cervical cancer, HPV vaccination, and sexual activity, as well as items related to participants’ social background. The survey in 828 girls revealed three points. The first is that more than half of the surveyed Japanese girls had poor knowledge about cervical cancer screening, HPV, or HPV vaccines. The second is that those in the unvaccinated group had a particularly poor knowledge of the subject and tended to have higher sexual activity. The final is that only 0.5% of the girls experienced changes in awareness about sexual activity after vaccination. In conclusion, this is the first large-scale survey analyzing the association between HPV vaccination and sexual activity in Japanese girls. Not only do unvaccinated girls not benefit from vaccines, but they also tend to engage in high-risk sexual behavior, and thus it is even more important to provide information on the effectiveness of vaccines and the usefulness of cancer screening.
Comparison of Three Cellular Assays to Predict the Course of CMV Infection in Liver Transplant Recipients
Authors: Gliga Smaranda , Fiedler Melanie , Dornieden Theresa , Achterfeld Anne , Paul Andreas , Horn Peter A. , Herzer Kerstin , Lindemann Monika
Published: January 2021

To estimate protection from cytomegalovirus (CMV) replication after solid organ transplantation, CMV serology has been considered insufficient and thus CMV immunity is increasingly assessed by cellular in vitro methods. We compared two commercially available IFN-γ ELISpot assays (T-Track CMV and T-SPOT.CMV) and an IFN-γ ELISA (QuantiFERON-CMV). Currently, there is no study comparing these three assays. The assays were performed in 56 liver transplant recipients at the end of antiviral prophylaxis and one month thereafter. In CMV high- or intermediate-risk patients the two ELISpot assays showed significant correlation (p < 0.0001, r > 0.6) but the correlation of the ELISpot assays with QuantiFERON-CMV was weaker. Results of both ELISpot assays were similarly predictive of protection from CMV-DNAemia ≥500 copies/mL [CMV pp65 T-SPOT.CMV at the end of prophylaxis: area under curve (AUC) = 0.744, cut-off 142 spot forming units (SFU), sensitivity set to 100%, specificity 46%; CMV IE-1 T-Track CMV at month 1: AUC = 0.762, cut-off 3.5 SFU, sensitivity set to 100%, specificity 59%]. The QuantiFERON-CMV assay was inferior, reaching a specificity of 23% when setting the sensitivity to 100%. In conclusion, both CMV-specific ELISpot assays appear suitable to assess protection from CMV infection/reactivation in liver transplant recipients.
Current Applications and Future Perspectives of Fluorescence Light Energy Biomodulation in Veterinary Medicine
Authors: Marchegiani Andrea , Spaterna Andrea , Cerquetella Matteo
Published: January 2021

The purpose of this review is to determine the state of the art of the mode of action and potential applications of fluorescence photobiomodulation in veterinary medicine. After a summary of the assets that have led the translation of such light-based therapies from bench side into clinical use, recent advances in canine dermatology using this brand-new approach are presented, and future scenarios where this type of care may provide benefits over the current standard care are highlighted.
Infrastructure Shaming and Consequences for Management of Urban WEF Security Nexus in China and India
Authors: Gondhalekar Daphne , Drewes Jörg E.
Published: January 2021

Worldwide, consumption of resources such as water, energy and food continues to rise exponentially despite environmental and climatic change related challenges. Centralized sewerage systems continue to be implemented worldwide despite being very water and energy intensive, and although this is not always the best option for regions facing water scarcity. Deploying the Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus approach, particularly through alternative technology options that can support decentralized water reclamation with integrated resource recovery, can enable resource conservation and more effective management of the WEF security Nexus for local governments with limited capacities. However, a certain pattern of “business as usual” infrastructure development and investment linked to infrastructure shaming continuously reinforces implementation of centralized sewerage systems, thereby hampering deployment of alternative technology options. This study uses two typical case study towns, Shaxi in China and Leh in India, to describe this pattern. The study finds that alternative technology approaches were in place in both towns. Yet after international consulting companies got involved, centralized sewerage systems were implemented despite limited water availability and large segments of the population not having flush toilets. This study discusses management of the WEF security Nexus implications thereof in the context of cities worldwide and a systemic socio-technical transition to a circular economy.
An Integrated Modeling System for the Evaluation of Water Resources in Coastal Agricultural Watersheds: Application in Almyros Basin, Thessaly, Greece
Authors: Lyra Aikaterini , Loukas Athanasios , Sidiropoulos Pantelis , Tziatzios Georgios , Mylopoulos Nikitas
Published: January 2021

This study presents an integrated modeling system for the evaluation of the quantity and quality of water resources of coastal agricultural watersheds. The modeling system consists of coupled and interrelated models, including (i) a surface hydrology model (UTHBAL), (ii) a groundwater hydrology model (MODFLOW), (iii) a crop growth/nitrate leaching model (REPIC, an R-ArcGIS-based EPIC model), (iv) a groundwater contaminant transport model (MT3DMS), and (v) a groundwater seawater intrusion model (SEAWAT). The efficacy of the modeling system to simulate the quantity and quality of water resources has been applied to the Almyros basin in Thessaly, Greece. It is a coastal agricultural basin with irrigated and intensified agriculture facing serious groundwater problems, such as groundwater depletion, nitrate pollution, and seawater intrusion. Irrigation demands were estimated for the main crops cultivated in the area, based on precipitation and temperature from regional weather stations. The models have been calibrated and validated against time-series of observed crop yields, groundwater table observations, and observed concentrations of nitrates and chlorides. The results indicate that the modeling system simulates the water resources quantity and quality with increased accuracy. The proposed modeling system could be used as a tool for the simulation of water resources management and climate change scenarios.
Optical Absorption Characteristics, Spatial Distribution, and Source Analysis of Colored Dissolved Organic Matter in Wetland Water around Poyang Lake
Authors: Jian Zhengjun , Xu Jian , Huang Xiaolan , Yang Wenjing , Hu Qiwu
Published: January 2021

Colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) is an important part of aquatic ecosystems and plays a key role in the biogeochemical cycle. In this study, CDOM absorption spectrum curves and water quality parameters from 30 sampling sites in the wetlands of Poyang Lake, Jiangxi Province, China, were collected in October 2016. The optical absorption characteristics and spatial distribution of CDOM, the correlation between the absorption coefficient of CDOM at a wavelength of 355 nm (ag(355)), and the concentration of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) were analyzed. Spectral characteristic parameters—namely, E2/E3 (the ratio of the CDOM absorption coefficient at a wavelength of 250 nm to the CDOM absorption coefficient at a wavelength of 365 nm), SUVA254 (the ratio of the CDOM absorption coefficient at a wavelength of 254 nm to the DOC concentration), and spectral slopes—were used to infer the composition and sources of CDOM in the Poyang Lake wetlands. The results showed the following: (1) the CDOM absorption spectrum of water of the Poyang Lake wetlands presented significant spatial variation, showing a trend of south > west > north > east; (2) there was a strong linear correlation between the CDOM absorption coefficient and the DOC concentration in the water of the Poyang Lake wetlands (ag(355) = 1.075DOC–0.659 (r2 = 0.723, p < 0.001, n = 30)); (3) the analysis of the spectral characteristic parameters E2/E3, SUVA254, and spectral slopes showed that the CDOM in the Poyang Lake wetlands has relatively high aromaticity and molecular weight, which were shown to be mainly affected by terrestrial inputs. The results showed that the molecular weight and aromaticity of CDOM were higher in the south of the lake than in other parts.
Multislot Fishway Improves Entrance Performance and Fish Transit Time over Vertical Slots
Authors: Romão Filipe , Quaresma Ana L. , Santos José M. , Amaral Susana D. , Branco Paulo , Pinheiro António N.
Published: January 2021

Pool-type fishways have been increasingly tested to improve fish passage performance and minimize migration delays. Designing cost-effective fishways is essential for a trade-off between water uses and successful longitudinal connectivity restoration. The multislot fishway (MSF) concept, which operates with 30–50% lower discharge than a vertical slot fishway (VSF), was recently developed. This study assessed and compared the entrance performance (entrance time; entry efficiency) and transit times of two cyprinids for VSFs and MSFs. Four configurations, with the same structural characteristics (slope; water depth; head drop; pool width and depth), operating with different discharges (Q), were tested (VSF 1: Q = 112 L·s−1; VSF 2: Q = 80 L·s−1; MSF 1: Q = 58 L·s−1; MSF 2: Q = 37 L·s−1). Hydrodynamics characterization was performed using a numerical model. Results showed that entry efficiency was higher in MSFs than in VSFs, while entrance time and transit time were overall lower. Numerical modelling revealed that velocities were around 30% lower in MSFs, and turbulence could reach a difference of around 70% in Reynolds shear stress and 50% in turbulent kinetic energy. Overall, MSFs can be considered as a cost-effective fishway solution that can balance the trade-offs between divergent interests in water uses.
Water Lice and Other Macroinvertebrates in Drinking Water Pipes: Diversity, Abundance and Health Risk
Authors: Gunkel Günter , Michels Ute , Scheideler Michael
Published: January 2021

Activities to ensure and maintain water quality in drinking water networks, including flushing, are presented after standardized hydrant sampling combined with a stainless-steel low pressure–high flow rate (NDHF) filter and a 100 µm mesh size was used to separate pipe inhabitants. A databank of more than 1000 hydrant samples in European lowland areas was developed and used to analyze the diversity and abundance of macroinvertebrates in drinking water networks. Load classes for water louse (Asellus aquaticus) and oligochaetes are given with three evaluation classes: normal colonization, increased colonization, and mass development. The response of Asellus aquaticus in drinking water networks to environmental conditions are presented as are their growth and reproduction, promotion of a third generation by climate change effects, food limitations, and the composition and stability of their feces. Finally, the health risks posed by dead water lice and water lice feces with bacterial regrowth and the promotion of microbe development on house filters are analyzed.
Field Investigation and Economic Benefit of a Novel Method of Silver Application to Ceramic Water Filters for Point-Of-Use Water Treatment in Low-Income Settings
Authors: Ndebele Nkosinobubelo , Edokpayi Joshua , Odiyo John , Smith James
Published: January 2021

In this study, we report on field testing of ceramic water filters (CWFs) fabricated using a new method of silver application (using silver nitrate as a raw material) compared to conventionally manufactured CWFs (fabricated with silver nanoparticles). Both types of filters were manufactured at the PureMadi ceramic filter production facility in Dertig, South Africa. Thirty households received filters fabricated with silver nitrate (AgNO3), and ten of those households were given an extra filter fabricated with silver nanoparticles. Filter performance was quantified by measurement of total coliform and Escherichia coli (E. coli) removal and silver residual concentration in the effluent. Silver-nitrate CWFs had removal efficiencies for total coliforms and E. coli of 95% and 99%, respectively. A comparison of the performance of silver-nitrate and silver-nanoparticle filters showed that the different filters had similar levels of total coliform and E. coli removal, although the silver nitrate filters produced the highest average removal of 97% while silver nanoparticles filters recorded an average removal of 85%. Average effluent silver levels were below 10 ppb for the silver-nitrate and silver-nanoparticle filters, which was significantly below the Environmental Protection Agencies of the United States (EPA) and World Health Organization (WHO) secondary guidelines of 100 ppb. Silver-nitrate filters resulted in the lowest effluent silver concentrations, which could potentially increase the effective life span of the filter. A cost analysis shows that it is more economical to produce CWFs using silver nitrate due to a reduction in raw-material costs and reduced labor costs for production. Furthermore, the production of silver-nitrate filters reduces inhalation exposure of silver by workers. The results obtained from this study will be applied to improve the ceramic filtration technology as a point-of-use (POU) water treatment device and hence reduce health problems associated with microbial contamination of water stored at the household level.
A Framework to Assess the Reliability of a Multipurpose Reservoir under Uncertainty in Land Use
Authors: Nguyen Anh , Cochrane Thomas , Pahlow Markus
Published: January 2021

Socioeconomic development in watersheds lead to land-use changes, which can alter water and sediment inflows into reservoirs, leading to uncertainty in water supply reliability. A modelling framework coupling the Soil and Water Assessments Tool (SWAT) and the @RISK genetic algorithm optimisation tool was developed to optimise water allocation and estimate water supply reliability under uncertainty in future land-use. The multi-purpose Nuicoc reservoir in Vietnam was used as a case study. Modelling results showed that an expansion of the urban areas by 10% and conversion of 5% of the forest to agricultural areas produced the highest water releases for downstream demands of all simulated scenarios, with 5 Mcm/year greater water releases than the baseline for the case where sedimentation was not considered. However, when sedimentation was considered, it generated the greatest decrease in water releases, with 6.25 Mcm/year less than the baseline. Additionally, it was determined that spatial distribution of land-use significantly affect sediment inflows into the reservoir, highlighting the importance of targeted sediment management. This demonstrates the usefulness of the proposed framework for decision-makers in assessing the impact of possible land-use changes on the reservoir operation.
Photocatalytic Oxidation of Natural Organic Matter in Water
Authors: Gowland Dan C. A. , Robertson Neil , Chatzisymeon Efthalia
Published: January 2021

Increased concentrations of natural organic matter (NOM), a complex mixture of organic substances found in most surface waters, have recently emerged as a substantial environmental issue. NOM has a significant variety of molecular and chemical properties, which in combination with its varying concentrations both geographically and seasonally, introduce the opportunity for an array of interactions with the environment. Due to an observable increase in amounts of NOM in water treatment supply sources, an improved effort to remove naturally-occurring organics from drinking water supplies, as well as from municipal wastewater effluents, is required to continue the development of highly efficient and versatile water treatment technologies. Photocatalysis has received increasing interest from around the world, especially during the last decade, as several investigated processes have been regularly reported to be amongst the best performing water treatment technologies to remove NOM from drinking water supplies and mitigate the formation of disinfection by products. Consequently, this overview highlights recent research and developments on the application of photocatalysis to degrade NOM by means of TiO2-based heterogeneous and homogeneous photocatalysts. Analytical techniques to quantify NOM in water and hybrid photocatalytic processes are also reviewed and discussed.