bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on Flow Field Characteristics in Water Jet Nozzle and Surface Damage Caused by Target Impact
Authors: Zhang Qinghong , Shi Zhouhao , Shi Weidong , Xie Zhanshan , Tan Linwei , Yang Yongfei
Published: July 2022

As a new processing method, water jet processing technology has risen rapidly due to its wide range of applications, no pollution, and zero discharge. In this paper, the flow characteristics and failure characteristics of ultra-high-pressure gas-liquid jet in the range of 300 MPa are analyzed by numerical calculation. The research conclusion shows that the jet atomization diffusion is caused by the friction between the liquid medium and the surrounding gas, the mixed flow of broken water droplets and cavitation. The jet diffusion process is essentially the energy exchange process between the jet in the core area and the turbulent flow in the atomization area. The distribution of the turbulent kinetic energy in the atomization area can determine the degree of jet diffusion and the rate of energy decay. The water jet impacted the surface of the target to form a crater-like annular erosion pit. With the increase of the impact pressure, the deformation showed an overall increasing trend, and the increasing trend increased significantly. The central depression of the erosion area is caused by the damage of the material by the stagnation pressure in the core area. The flow characteristics of gas-liquid flow in the process of formation and diffusion in the high-pressure water jet nozzle are explored from the microscopic point of view, and it also provides a theoretical basis for equipment optimization in engineering.
Special Issue Editorial “Special Functions and Polynomials”
Authors: Ricci Paolo Emilio
Published: July 2022

This Special Issue contains 14 articles from the MDPI journal Symmetry on the general subject area of “Special Functions and Polynomials”, written by scholars belonging to different countries of the world. A similar number of submitted articles was not accepted for publication. Several successful Special Issues on the same or closely related topics have already appeared in MDPI’s Symmetry, Mathematics and Axioms journals, in particular those edited by illustrious colleagues such as Hari Mohan Srivastava, Charles F. Dunkl, Junesang Choi, Taekyun Kim, Gradimir Milovanović, and many others, who testify to the importance of this matter for its applications in every field of mathematical, physical, chemical, engineering and statistical sciences. The subjects treated in this Special Issue include, in particular, the following Keywords.
Beamforming Optimization for Intelligent Reflecting Surface-Assisted MIMO Systems
Authors: Zhang Wenjuan , Deng Honggui , Li Youzhen , Zhu Zaoxing , Peng Chengzuo , Liu Gang
Published: July 2022

To improve the spectral efficiency of symmetry-based intelligent reconfigurable surface (IRS)-assisted MIMO communication systems, this paper investigates the joint precoding and passive beamforming optimization problem for millimeter-wave point-to-point MIMO systems under both ideal and practical IRS phase shifts. For the ideal IRS phase shifts setup, we derive a simplified approximate spectral efficiency expression based on Jensen’s inequality and propose a minimum mean square error (MMSE)-based algorithm to transform the simplified non-convex problem into a solvable convex function. For the practical IRS phase shifts setup, we propose a multi-start stepwise optimization algorithm to obtain the passive beamforming by stepwise iterative search. Finally, with the above-obtained passive beamforming, the optimal precoding is derived by performing the singular value decomposition (SVD) on the effective channel and water-filling power allocation. The simulation results verify our performance analysis and demonstrate that spectral efficiency can be effectively improved compared to various benchmark schemes.
Direct Visualization of Cervical Interlaminar Epidural Injections Using Sonography
Authors: Maeda Nana , Maeda Manabu , Tanaka Yasuhito
Published: July 2022

In this case series, we describe a novel ultrasound (US)-guided cervical interlaminar epidural steroid injections (CILESIs) procedure that does not depend on the loss-of-resistance method for epidural space identification. A needle is introduced into three US-identified structures (triple bar sign), the interspinal ligament, ligamentum flavum, and dura mater. The injectants are monitored using superb microvascular imaging during injection. Here, we demonstrate the use of US-guided CILESIs in nine cases and propose the use of sonography, rather than conventional methods, for easier and safer cervical epidural injections. Sonography for direct visualization of cervical epidural injection may allow for outpatient injections.
Heavy Metals Accumulation in Tissues of Wild and Farmed Barramundi from the Northern Bay of Bengal Coast, and Its Estimated Human Health Risks
Authors: Tahity Tanha , Islam Md. Rakeb Ul , Bhuiyan Nurer Zaman , Choudhury Tasrina Rabia , Yu Jimmy , Noman Md. Abu , Hosen Mohammad Mozammal , Quraishi Shamshad B. , Paray Bilal Ahamad , Arai Takaomi , Hossain Mohammad Belal
Published: July 2022

Globally, both natural water bodies and aquaculture systems are being severely contaminated by heavy metals due to rising anthropogenic activities. Fish living in aquatic environments can easily accumulate metals in their bodies, which can then be transferred to consumers and put them at risk. In this study, metal concentrations (Pb, Cd, Cr, As, Mn, Cu, Zn) in different organs (gill, liver, and muscle) of farmed and wild Barramundi (Lates calcarifer) fish from the northern Bay of Bengal were evaluated to quantify and compare contamination levels and related human health risk. Heavy metal concentrations were higher in liver tissues of farmed Barramundi than in wild Barramundi, with the following relative mean values in the liver, gills, and muscle: Zn > Cu > Pb > Mn > Cd > Cr > As; Zn > Cr > Cu > Pb > Mn > Cd > As; Zn > Pb > Cu > Cr > Mn > Cd > As; Zn > Pb > Cu > Cr > Mn > Cd > As; and Zn > Pb > Cu > Cr > Mn > Cd > As, respectively. The differences in heavy metal accumulation observed between farmed and wild fish were probably related to the differences in their environmental conditions and dietary element concentrations. However, ANOVA indicated that the variation of metals in wild and Barramundi was not statically significant. Pb concentrations in the liver tissue of farmed Barramundi exceeded the national and international threshold limits, whereas concentrations of other metals were within the limit. Among the examined organs in both fish species (wild and farmed), muscle had the lowest concentration compared to others, and liver was the target organ for Pb, Cu, and Cd accumulations. Metals such as Zn and Mn exhibited higher concentration in the gills. However, all the studied heavy metals were below the maximum permissible limits of national and international standards, but the mean concentrations of Pb and Cd values in the liver of farmed Barramundi exceeded all international and national guidelines. Based on the contamination factors (CF) and pollution indices (PLI and MPI), the degree of contamination in the fish organs was as follows: gills > liver > muscle. The major accumulation tissues for both farmed and wild fish were found to be the gills (MPI = 0.970) and the liver (MPI = 0.692). Based on the estimated daily intake (EDI), the fish samples examined in this study are safe for human consumption as within the recommended daily allowance (RDA) range established by various authorities. According to the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Carcinogenic Risk (CR) calculations, though the Barramundi fishes depicted no potential hazard to humans, farmed fish posed a higher health risk than wild fish.
The Evaluation of Construction Dust Diffusion and Sedimentation Using Wind Tunnel Experiment
Authors: Zhang Yisheng , Tang Wei , Li Hao , Guo Jinjun , Wu Jingjiang , Guo Yongfu
Published: July 2022

A large quantity of particulate matter is generated during construction of civil engineering projects, which has a negative effect on the atmosphere and environment. In order to explore the concentration, distribution and diffusion of particulate matters generated from construction dust with different moisture contents, a wind tunnel experiment was conducted, and the effects of wind speed and moisture content on the inhibition rate, drifting distance and suppression percentage of particulate matters were investigated. The results show that the peak concentration decreases with the increase in moisture content, compared with dry dust; the peak concentrations for 1%, 2% and 3% moisture content are reduced by 37.07%, 39.53% and 65.38%, respectively. The average concentrations in the cross-section decrease with the increase in the moisture content, resulting in an increasing tendency of the particle inhibition rate. The forecast drifting distance decreases with the increase in the moisture content; when the suspension percentage is 1%, the forecast drifting distances of dry dust, 1%, 2% and 3% moisture content are 641.58, 116.08, 19.33 and 3.82 km, respectively, for a 5 m/s wind speed. Considering that an increase in wind velocity will not only decrease the inhibition rate but also increase the drifting distance, the dust suppression method by increasing the moisture content in low and medium wind velocities is applicable. When the limit value of the particle suppression rate within a distance of 50 m is larger than 70%, construction activities are prohibited at any wind velocity for dry and 1% moisture content, and at wind velocities larger than 2 m/s and 4 m/s for 2% and 3% moisture content, respectively.
The BDNF–TrkB–CREB Signalling Pathway Is Involved in Bisphenol S-Induced Neurotoxicity in Male Mice by Regulating Methylation
Authors: Li Yi-Zhou , Wu Zi-Yao , Zhu Bi-Qi , Wang Yu-Xiao , Kan Ya-Qi , Zeng Huai-Cai
Published: July 2022

Bisphenol S (BPS), the most common substitute for bisphenol A in manufacturing, is associated with neurotoxicity, but its molecular mechanisms are unclear. Here, we studied the role of the BDNF–TrkB–CREB (brain-derived neurotrophic factor–tropomyosin-related kinase B–CAMP response element-binding protein) signalling pathway in bisphenol S-induced neurotoxicity via methylation regulation in male C57BL/6 mice. The mice were treated with sesame oil or 2, 20 and 200 mg/kg body weight BPS for 28 consecutive days, and the hippocampus was extracted. We recorded the body weight, organ index, and hippocampal pathology and ultrastructure of the mice. The BDNF, TrkB, CREB, phosphorylated (p)-CREB, DNMTs (DNA methyltransferases) levels were determined by qRT-PCR and/or Western blotting. BDNF promoter IV methylation level was detected by bisulfite sequencing PCR. BPS damaged the mouse hippocampus ultrastructure and reduced the number of synapses. Further, it increased the methylation rate of BDNF promoter IV; downregulated BDNF, CREB, p-CREB/CREB and DNMT1 expression; and upregulated DNMT3a and DNMT3b expression. Therefore, we speculate that the BDNF–TrkB–CREB pathway may be involved in BPS-induced neurotoxicity in male mice by regulating methylation.
Preliminary Findings of the High Quantity of Microplastics in Faeces of Hong Kong Residents
Authors: Ho Yuen-Wa , Lim Jin Yan , Yeoh Yun Kit , Chiou Jia-Chi , Zhu Yuyan , Lai Keng Po , Li Lei , Chan Paul Kay Sheung , Fang James Kar-Hei
Published: July 2022

Microplastics are recognised as a ubiquitous and hazardous pollutant worldwide. These small-sized particles have been detected in human faeces collected from a number of cities, providing evidence of human ingestion of microplastics and their presence in the gastrointestinal tract. Here, using Raman spectroscopy, we identified an average of 50 particles g−1 (20.4–138.9 particles g−1 wet weight) in faeces collected from a healthy cohort in Hong Kong. This quantity was about five times higher than the values reported in other places in Asia and Europe. Polystyrene was the most abundant polymer type found in the faeces, followed by polypropylene and polyethylene. These particles were primarily fragments, but about two-thirds of the detected polyethylene terephthalate were fibres. More than 88% of the microplastics were smaller than 300 µm in size. Our study provides the first data on the faecal level, and thus the extent of ingestion, of microplastics in Hong Kong’s population. This timely assessment is crucial and supports the recently estimated ingestion rate of microplastics by Hong Kong residents through seafood consumption, which is one of the highest worldwide. These findings may be applicable to other coastal populations in South China with similar eating habits.
Morphometrical, Morphological, and Immunocytochemical Characterization of a Tool for Cytotoxicity Research: 3D Cultures of Breast Cell Lines Grown in Ultra-Low Attachment Plates
Authors: Malhão Fernanda , Macedo Ana , Ramos Alice , Rocha Eduardo
Published: July 2022

Three-dimensional cell cultures may better mimic avascular tumors. Yet, they still lack characterization and standardization. Therefore, this study aimed to (a) generate multicellular aggregates (MCAs) of four breast cell lines: MCF7, MDA-MB-231, and SKBR3 (tumoral) and MCF12A (non-tumoral) using ultra-low attachment (ULA) plates, (b) detail the methodology used for their formation and analysis, providing technical tips, and (c) characterize the MCAs using morphometry, qualitative cytology (at light and electron microscopy), and quantitative immunocytochemistry (ICC) analysis. Each cell line generated uniform MCAs with structural differences among cell lines: MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 MCAs showed an ellipsoid/discoid shape and compact structure, while MCF12A and SKBR3 MCAs were loose, more flattened, and presented bigger areas. MCF7 MCAs revealed glandular breast differentiation features. ICC showed a random distribution of the proliferating and apoptotic cells throughout the MCAs, not fitting in the traditional spheroid model. ICC for cytokeratin, vimentin, and E-cadherin showed different results according to the cell lines. Estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptors were positive only in MCF7 and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) in SKBR3. The presented characterization of the MCAs in non-exposed conditions provided a good baseline to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of potential anticancer compounds.
Exploring Soil Pollution Patterns Using Self-Organizing Maps
Authors: Guagliardi Ilaria , Astel Aleksander Maria , Cicchella Domenico
Published: July 2022

The geochemical composition of bedrock is the key feature determining elemental concentrations in soil, followed by anthropogenic factors that have less impact. Concerning the latter, harmful effects on the trophic chain are increasingly affecting people living in and around urban areas. In the study area of the present survey, the municipalities of Cosenza and Rende (Calabria, southern Italy), topsoil were collected and analysed for 25 elements by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in order to discriminate the different possible sources of elemental concentrations and define soil quality status. Statistical and geostatistical methods were applied to monitoring the concentrations of major oxides and minor elements, while the Self-Organizing Maps (SOM) algorithm was used for unsupervised grouping. Results show that seven clusters were identified—(I) Cr, Co, Fe, V, Ti, Al; (II) Ni, Na; (III) Y, Zr, Rb; (IV) Si, Mg, Ba; (V) Nb, Ce, La; (VI) Sr, P, Ca; (VII) As, Zn, Pb—according to soil elemental associations, which are controlled by chemical and mineralogical factors of the study area parent material and by soil-forming processes, but with some exceptions linked to anthropogenic input.
Massive Neutron Stars and White Dwarfs as Noncommutative Fuzzy Spheres
Authors: Kalita Surajit , Mukhopadhyay Banibrata
Published: July 2022

Over the last couple of decades, there have been direct and indirect evidences for massive compact objects than their conventional counterparts. A couple of such examples are super-Chandrasekhar white dwarfs and massive neutron stars. The observations of more than a dozen peculiar over-luminous type Ia supernovae predict their origins from super-Chandrasekhar white dwarf progenitors. On the other hand, recent gravitational wave detection and some pulsar observations provide arguments for massive neutron stars, lying in the famous mass-gap between lowest astrophysical black hole and conventional highest neutron star masses. We show that the idea of a squashed fuzzy sphere, which brings in noncommutative geometry, can self-consistently explain either of the massive objects as if they are actually fuzzy or squashed fuzzy spheres. Noncommutative geometry is a branch of quantum gravity. If the above proposal is correct, it will provide observational evidences for noncommutativity.
Editorial to the Special Issue: “High-Energy Gamma-Ray Astronomy: Results on Fundamental Questions after 30 Years of Ground-Based Observations”
Authors: de Almeida Ulisses Barres , Doro Michele
Published: July 2022

Gamma-ray astronomy is the observational science that studies the cosmos in the last unexplored electromagnetic window, namely, above the megaelectronvolt (EeV = 106 eV) (MeV) [...]
Glucose Reduces Norovirus Binding to Enterobacter cloacae and Alters Gene Expression of Bacterial Surface Structures in a Growth Phase Dependent Manner
Authors: Long Kendall J. , Mosby Chanel A. , Jones Melissa K.
Published: July 2022

Norovirus is the leading cause of acute viral gastroenteritis. Both human and murine noroviruses attach to commensal bacteria belonging to the mammalian gut flora, and binding levels are influenced by nutrients present in bacterial media. However, it is not known which nutrients are responsible for altering viral binding or why binding is altered. Gene expression of commensal bacteria can be changed by the external environment as well as by interaction with pathogens. For example, growth phase and incubation conditions impact expression levels of specific bacterial genes in Escherichia coli. We have previously shown that binding by both human and murine noroviruses to the commensal bacterium Enterobacter cloacae induces genome-wide changes in gene expression with a large number of differentially expressed genes associated with the surface structure of the bacterial cell. The current study evaluated norovirus binding under nutrient-limited conditions and assessed the expression of a select panel of these genes that are significantly altered by norovirus binding under these conditions. The goal of this work was to determine how norovirus attachment to Enterobacter cloacae affected the expression of these genes under varying nutrient and growth phase conditions. We found that the presence of glucose in minimal media reduced murine norovirus binding to E. cloacae and viral binding in the presence of glucose reduced gene expression for surface structures previously associated with norovirus attachment. Changes in viral binding and gene expression occurred in a growth phase-dependent manner. Collectively, these data demonstrate that both the growth phase and nutrient availability alter viral interactions with commensal bacteria and the subsequent changes in gene expression. Ultimately, this work advances our understanding of norovirus-bacterium interactions and provides a foundation for elucidating the conditions and surface structures that regulate norovirus attachment to bacteria.
Quantitative and Qualitative Changes in the Deformed Wing Virus Population in Honey Bees Associated with the Introduction or Removal of Varroa destructor
Authors: Woodford Luke , Christie Craig R. , Campbell Ewan M. , Budge Giles E. , Bowman Alan S. , Evans David J.
Published: July 2022

Varroa destructor is an ectoparasitic mite associated with significant losses of honeybee colonies globally. The mite vectors a range of pathogenic viruses, the most important of which is the Deformed wing virus (DWV). In the absence of Varroa, DWV exists as a low-level, highly diverse virus population. However, when transmitted by Varroa, certain variants become highly elevated, and may become near-clonal and cause symptomatic infections. Mite transmission between colonies can occur when parasitised workers drift from or rob adjacent hives. These activities can result in elevated mite levels, but the resulting change in the DWV population, the primary determinant of winter colony losses, has not been determined. In reciprocal studies, we investigated the influence of the removal of mites, or their acquisition, on the DWV population. When mites were removed from heavily infested colonies, there was a striking and rapid reduction in virus load. Conversely, siting Varroa-naïve colonies in a mite-infested apiary resulted in the acquisition of mites and concomitant changes in the virus population. We observed both near-clonal and highly divergent virus populations regardless of titre, suggesting changes were stochastic and colony-specific. Our findings have implications for the outcome of strategies in areas with total or patchy implementation of Varroa control plans.
A Hierarchical Framework for Assessing Transmission Causality of Respiratory Viruses
Authors: Jefferson Tom , Heneghan Carl J. , Spencer Elizabeth , Brassey Jon , Plüddemann Annette , Onakpoya Igho , Evans David , Conly John
Published: July 2022

Systematic reviews of 591 primary studies of the modes of transmission for SARS-CoV-2 show significant methodological shortcomings and heterogeneity in the design, conduct, testing, and reporting of SARS-CoV-2 transmission. While this is partly understandable at the outset of a pandemic, evidence rules of proof for assessing the transmission of this virus are needed for present and future pandemics of viral respiratory pathogens. We review the history of causality assessment related to microbial etiologies with a focus on respiratory viruses and suggest a hierarchy of evidence to integrate clinical, epidemiologic, molecular, and laboratory perspectives on transmission. The hierarchy, if applied to future studies, should narrow the uncertainty over the twin concepts of causality and transmission of human respiratory viruses. We attempt to address the translational gap between the current research evidence and the assessment of causality in the transmission of respiratory viruses with a focus on SARS-CoV-2. Experimentation, consistency, and independent replication of research alongside our proposed framework provide a chain of evidence that can reduce the uncertainty over the transmission of respiratory viruses and increase the level of confidence in specific modes of transmission, informing the measures that should be undertaken to prevent transmission.
Clinical Aspects of the Subsequent SARS-CoV-2 Waves in Children from 2020 to 2022—Data from a Local Cohort in Cologne, Germany (n = 21,635)
Authors: Meyer Meike , Ruebsteck Esra , Dewald Felix , Klein Florian , Lehmann Clara , Huenseler Christoph , Weber Lutz Thorsten
Published: July 2022

Almost two and a half years after the appearance of the first cases of SARS-CoV-2 in December 2019, more than 500 million people have been infected with SARS-CoV-2 and over 6 million have died of it worldwide. In terms of the pediatric cohort, it already became evident at an early stage that the infection causes milder symptoms in children and rarely runs a fatal course. Objective: This work presents data gathered over a period of over two years in patients between the age of 0 and 18 years. The aim is to provide information on the clinical aspects of the five different SARS-CoV-2 waves. Methods: Between 13 March 2020 and 22 April 2022, all nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) of children who received a swab for SARS-CoV-2 at our clinic were included. Data were collected on standardized questionnaires. The analysis of the data was anonymized and retrospective. Results: We investigated 21,635 NAATs, of which 1028 of the tests were positive (4.8%). The highest rate of positive results was observed in the fifth wave (541/2.292 NAATs (23.6%)). Most of the children who were hospitalized were hospitalized in wave three (22.9%). The availability of a vaccine was followed by a decrease in positive NAATs in the corresponding age group thereafter. Conclusions: These data underline the fact that children infected with SARS-CoV-2, regardless of which VOC, are often only mildly affected. Vaccinations seem to remain the key to avoid massive numbers of infected people and a potential collapse of the healthcare systems.
TRIM7 Restricts Coxsackievirus and Norovirus Infection by Detecting the C-Terminal Glutamine Generated by 3C Protease Processing
Authors: Luptak Jakub , Mallery Donna L. , Jahun Aminu S. , Albecka Anna , Clift Dean , Ather Osaid , Slodkowicz Greg , Goodfellow Ian , James Leo C.
Published: July 2022

TRIM7 catalyzes the ubiquitination of multiple substrates with unrelated biological functions. This cross-reactivity is at odds with the specificity usually displayed by enzymes, including ubiquitin ligases. Here we show that TRIM7′s extreme substrate promiscuity is due to a highly unusual binding mechanism, in which the PRYSPRY domain captures any ligand with a C-terminal helix that terminates in a hydrophobic residue followed by a glutamine. Many of the non-structural proteins found in RNA viruses contain C-terminal glutamines as a result of polyprotein cleavage by 3C protease. This viral processing strategy generates novel substrates for TRIM7 and explains its ability to inhibit Coxsackie virus and norovirus replication. In addition to viral proteins, cellular proteins such as glycogenin have evolved C-termini that make them a TRIM7 substrate. The ‘helix-ΦQ’ degron motif recognized by TRIM7 is reminiscent of the N-end degron system and is found in ~1% of cellular proteins. These features, together with TRIM7′s restricted tissue expression and lack of immune regulation, suggest that viral restriction may not be its physiological function.
The Effect of Treatment-Induced Viral Eradication on Cytokine and Growth Factor Expression in Chronic Hepatitis C
Authors: Radmanić Leona , Bodulić Kristian , Šimičić Petra , Vince Adriana , Židovec Lepej Snježana
Published: July 2022

In this study, we evaluated the effect of hepatitis C virus eradication using direct-acting antivirals (DAA) on the serum cytokine and growth factor profiles of chronic hepatitis C patients (CHC). Serum concentrations of 12 cytokines and 13 growth factors were measured in 56 patients with CHC before, during the DAA treatment and after sustained virological response using bead-based flow cytometry. Cytokine and growth factor levels were also measured in 15 healthy individuals. The majority of the selected cytokines and growth factors exhibited similar concentrations before, during and after successful DAA treatment, the exceptions being IL-10, EGF, HGF and VEGF. Significantly lower concentrations of IL-10, IL-13, IL-4, IL-4, IL-9, TNF- α and higher levels of Ang-2, HGF and SCF were observed in patients with CHC before and after DAA treatment compared with healthy individuals. Patients with severe fibrosis stages exhibited higher levels of Ang-2 and lower levels of EGF, PDGF-AA and VEGF. Furthermore, IL-4, IL-5 and SCF were characterized as potential biomarkers of DAA treatment using random forest. Additionally, logistic regression characterized EGF as a potential biomarker of severe CHC. Our results suggest inhibition of pro-inflammatory processes and promotion of liver regeneration in CHC patients during DAA treatment.
Prevalence and Predictors of Liver Fibrosis in People Living with Hepatitis B in Senegal
Authors: Ramírez Mena Adrià , Ngom Ndeye Fatou , Tine Judicaël , Ndiaye Kine , Fortes Louise , Ndiaye Ousseynou , Fall Maguette , Gaye Assietou , Ka Daye , Seydi Moussa , Wandeler Gilles
Published: July 2022

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the first cause of liver cirrhosis and cancer in West Africa. Although the exposure to additional environmental and infectious risk factors may lead to the faster progression of liver disease, few large-scale studies have evaluated the determinants of HBV-related liver fibrosis in the region. We used transient elastography to evaluate the prevalence of liver fibrosis and assessed the association between HBV markers and significant liver fibrosis in a cohort of people living with HBV in Dakar, Senegal. The prevalence of significant liver fibrosis was 12.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 9.6%–15.9%) among 471 people with HBV mono-infection (pwHBV) and 6.4% (95% CI 2.6%–12.7%) in 110 people with HIV/HBV co-infection (pwHIV/HBV) on tenofovir-containing antiretroviral therapy (p = 0.07). An HBV viral load > 2000 IU/mL was found in 133 (28.3%) pwHBV and 5 (4.7%) pwHIV/HBV, and was associated with significant liver fibrosis (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.95, 95% CI 1.04–3.66). Male participants (aOR 4.32, 95% CI 2.01–8.96) and those with elevated ALT (aOR 4.32, 95% CI 2.01–8.96) were especially at risk of having significant liver fibrosis. Our study shows that people with an HBV viral load above 2000 IU/mL have a two-fold increase in the risk of liver fibrosis and may have to be considered for antiviral therapy, independent of other disease parameters.
Acceptance Rates of COVID-19 Vaccine Highlight the Need for Targeted Public Health Interventions
Authors: Shkalim Zemer Vered , Grossman Zachi , Cohen Herman Avner , Hoshen Moshe , Gerstein Maya , Yosef Noga , Cohen Moriya , Ashkenazi Shai
Published: July 2022

We aimed to examine rates of COVID-19 vaccination to elucidate the need for targeted public health interventions. We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical files of all adults registered in a central district in Israel from 1 January 2021 to 31 March 2022. The population was characterized by vaccination status against COVID-19 and the number of doses received. Univariate and multivariable analyses were used to identify predictors of low vaccination rates that required targeted interventions. Of the 246,543 subjects included in the study, 207,911 (84.3%) were vaccinated. The minority groups of ultra-Orthodox Jews and Arabs had lower vaccination rates than the non-ultra-Orthodox Jews (68.7%, 80.5% and 87.7%, respectively, p < 0.001). Adults of low socioeconomic status (SES) had lower vaccination rates compared to those of high SES (74.4% vs. 90.8%, p < 0.001). Adults aged 20–59 years had a lower vaccination rate than those ≥60 years (80.0% vs. 92.1%, p < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis identified five independent variables that were significantly (p < 0.001) associated with low vaccination rates: minority groups of the ultra-Orthodox sector and Arab population, and underlying conditions of asthma, smoking and diabetes mellitus (odds ratios: 0.484, 0.453, 0.843, 0.901 and 0.929, respectively). Specific targeted public health interventions towards these subpopulations with significantly lower rates of vaccination are suggested.
Identification of Tumor Antigens and Immune Subtypes of Malignant Mesothelioma for mRNA Vaccine Development
Authors: Wang Shuhang , Yang Yuqi , Li Lu , Ma Peiwen , Jiang Yale , Ge Minghui , Yu Yue , Huang Huiyao , Fang Yuan , Jiang Ning , Miao Huilei , Guo Hao , Yan Linlin , Ren Yong , Sun Lichao , Zha Yan , Li Ning
Published: July 2022

Background: mRNA-based cancer vaccines have been considered a promising anticancer therapeutic approach against various cancers, yet their efficacy for malignant mesothelioma (MESO) is still not clear. The present study is designed to identify MESO antigens that have the potential for mRNA vaccine development, and to determine the immune subtypes for the selection of suitable patients. Methods: A total of 87 MESO datasets were used for the retrieval of RNA sequencing and clinical data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases. The possible antigens were identified by a survival and a genome analysis. The samples were divided into two immune subtypes by the application of a consensus clustering algorithm. The functional annotation was also carried out by using the DAVID program. Furthermore, the characterization of each immune subtype related to the immune microenvironment was integrated by an immunogenomic analysis. A protein–protein interaction network was established to categorize the hub genes. Results: The five tumor antigens were identified in MESO. FAM134B, ALDH3A2, SAV1, and RORC were correlated with superior prognoses and the infiltration of antigen-presenting cells (APCs), while FN1 was associated with poor survival and the infiltration of APCs. Two immune subtypes were identified; TM2 exhibited significantly improved survival and was more likely to benefit from vaccination compared with TM1. TM1 was associated with a relatively quiet microenvironment, high tumor mutation burden, and enriched DNA damage repair pathways. The immune checkpoints and immunogenic cell death modulators were also differentially expressed between two subtypes. Finally, FN1 was identified to be the hub gene. Conclusions: FAM134B, ALDH3A2, SAV1, RORC, and FN1 are considered as possible and effective mRNA anti-MESO antigens for the development of an mRNA vaccine, and TM2 patients are the most suitable for vaccination.
Antibodies to NCP, RBD and S2 SARS-CoV-2 in Vaccinated and Unvaccinated Healthcare Workers
Authors: Błaszczuk Agata , Michalski Aleksander , Malm Maria , Drop Bartłomiej , Polz-Dacewicz Małgorzata
Published: July 2022

In a few months, the SARS-CoV-2 virus caused a worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. In Poland, 6 million cases of the disease and 113,000 deaths from COVID-19 have been reported. Healthcare workers (HCWs) constitute one of the main COVID-19 risk groups. The Microblot-Array COVID-19 IgG assay was used to detect antibodies against three major SARS-CoV-2 antigens: nucleocapsid (NCP), RBD, and Spike 2 (S2). The aim of our study was to determine the seroprevalence and titer of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies—NCP, RBD, and S2—as markers of the humoral response in vaccinated and unvaccinated HCWs. The study included 203 persons who were divided into four groups: “COVID-19 Vaccinated”, “COVID-19 Unvaccinated”, “Non-COVID-19 Vaccinated”, and “Non-COVID-19 Unvaccinated”. The obtained results indicate that both seroprevalence and the antibody titer are the highest in the “COVID-19 Vaccinated” group. There is no so-called sterile vaccination, and after 6 months from the second dose of vaccine, most vaccinated people have a fairly high level of antibodies. We suggest that multiple vaccination and continuous testing are necessary. The Microblot-Array assay can distinguish between antibodies acquired after infection and/or vaccination.
Effectiveness of Comirnaty® Vaccine and Correlates of Immunogenicity and Adverse Reactions: A Single-Center Prospective Case Series Study
Authors: Fernández-Lázaro Diego , Garrosa Manuel , Sánchez-Serrano Nerea , Garrosa Evelina , Jiménez-Callejo Elena , Pardo Yanguas María Dolores , Mielgo-Ayuso Juan , Seco-Calvo Jesús
Published: July 2022

The literature suggests that real-world data on the effectiveness and safety of the BNT162b2 vaccine depend on the characteristics of the vaccinated volunteers. The purpose of this study was to evaluate antibody responses and kinetics, established association with sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, and adverse reactions after complete vaccination with the BNT162b2 vaccine. A single-center prospective case series study was conducted with 112 eligible volunteers who were institutionalized elderly and health care workers with had a negative anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG test prior to receiving the first dose of vaccine. At least one serological antibody test after each dose of vaccine was performed. Volunteers with a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test before vaccination were excluded. A chemiluminescent immunoassay anti-S1 antibody assay performed a serological evaluation. Both vaccine doses elicited positive IgG antibodies 3799.0 ± 2503.0 AU/mL and 8212.0 ± 4731.0 AU/mL after 20 days of the first and second doses of BNT162b2, respectively. Comirnaty® vaccine induced an immune response with antibody production against SARS-CoV-2 in 100% of participants, regardless of age (Spearman rho = −0.10, p-value = 0.312), body mass index (Spearman rho = 0.05, p-value = 0.640), blood group first dose (p-value for Kruskal–Wallis test = 0.093) and second dose (p-value for Kruskal–Wallis test = 0. 268), number of drugs (Spearman rho = −0.07, p-value = 0.490), and number of chronic diseases first dose (p-value for Kruskal–Wallis test = 0.632) and second dose (p-value for Kruskal–Wallis test = 0.510). IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 were intensely elevated after the second administration of the BNT162b2 vaccine. The higher the titer of anti-peptide IgG antibodies generated after the first dose of vaccine, the higher the titer generated by the second dose of vaccine (Spearman rho = 0.86, p-value < 0.001) and the total antibody titer (Spearman rho = 0.93, p-value < 0.001). Furthermore, no serious adverse effects were reported among participants, although mild to moderate adverse effects (local or systemic) were reported after both doses of the BNT162b2 vaccine, being more frequent after the first dose of the vaccine. No participants showed a positive PCR. The BNT162b2 vaccine induces a robust and rapid antibody response regardless of participant characteristics. The second dose might be especially important because of the increased immunogenicity it produces and the possible temporal distancing of the interval between doses. In general, the vaccines were well tolerated.
Intranasal Immunization with a Vaccinia Virus Vaccine Vector Expressing Pre-Fusion Stabilized SARS-CoV-2 Spike Fully Protected Mice against Lethal Challenge with the Heavily Mutated Mouse-Adapted SARS2-N501YMA30 Strain of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Kibler Karen V. , Szczerba Mateusz , Lake Douglas , Roeder Alexa J. , Rahman Masmudur , Hogue Brenda G. , Roy Wong Lok-Yin , Perlman Stanley , Li Yize , Jacobs Bertram L.
Published: July 2022

The Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant has been designated as a variant of concern because its spike protein is heavily mutated. In particular, the Omicron spike is mutated at five positions (K417, N440, E484, Q493, and N501) that have been associated with escape from neutralizing antibodies induced by either infection with or immunization against the early Washington strain of SARS-CoV-2. The mouse-adapted strain of SARS-CoV-2, SARS2-N501YMA30, contains a spike that is also heavily mutated, with mutations at four of the five positions in the Omicron spike associated with neutralizing antibody escape (K417, E484, Q493, and N501). In this manuscript, we show that intranasal immunization with a pre-fusion stabilized Washington strain spike, expressed from a highly attenuated, replication-competent vaccinia virus construct, NYVAC-KC, fully protected mice against symptoms and death from SARS2-N501YMA30. Similarly, immunization by scarification on the skin fully protected against death, but not from mild disease. This data demonstrates that the Washington strain spike, when expressed from a highly attenuated, replication-competent poxvirus—administered without parenteral injection—can fully protect against the heavily mutated mouse-adapted SARS2-N501YMA30.
An Optimal Control Model to Understand the Potential Impact of the New Vaccine and Transmission-Blocking Drugs for Malaria: A Case Study in Papua and West Papua, Indonesia
Authors: Handari Bevina D. , Ramadhani Rossi A. , Chukwu Chidozie W. , Khoshnaw Sarbaz H. A. , Aldila Dipo
Published: July 2022

Malaria is one of the major causes of a high death rate due to infectious diseases every year. Despite attempts to eradicate the disease, results have not been very successful. New vaccines and other treatments are being constantly developed to seek optimal ways to prevent malaria outbreaks. In this article, we formulate and analyze an optimal control model of malaria incorporating the new pre-erythrocytic vaccine and transmission-blocking treatment. Sufficient conditions to guarantee local stability of the malaria-free equilibrium were derived based on the controlled reproduction number condition. Using the non-linear least square fitting method, we fitted the incidence data from the province of Papua and West Papua in Indonesia to estimate the model parameter values. The optimal control characterization and optimality conditions were derived by applying the Pontryagin Maximum Principle, and numerical simulations were also presented. Simulation results show that both the pre-erythrocytic vaccine and transmission-blocking treatment significantly reduce the spread of malaria. Accordingly, a high doses of pre-erythrocytic vaccine is needed if the number of infected individuals is relatively small, while transmission blocking is required if the number of infected individuals is relatively large. These results suggest that a large-scale implementation of both strategies is vital as the world continues with the effort to eradicate malaria, especially in endemic regions across the globe.
Driving Robot for Reproducible Testing: A Novel Combination of Pedal and Steering Robot on a Steerable Vehicle Test Bench
Authors: Rautenberg Philip , Kurz Clemens , Gießler Martin , Gauterin Frank
Published: July 2022

Shorter development times, increased standards for vehicle emissions and a greater number of vehicle variants result in a higher level of complexity in the vehicle development process. Efficient development of powertrain and driver assistance functions under comparable and reproducible operating conditions is possible on vehicle test benches. Yet, the realistic simulation of real driving environments on test benches is a challenge. Current test procedures and new technologies, such as Real Driving Emission tests and Autonomous Driving, require a reproducible and even more detailed simulation of the driving environment. Due to this, the simulation of curve driving in particular is gaining in importance. This results from its significant influence on energy consumption and Autonomous Driving functions with lateral guidance, such as lane departure and evasion assistance. Reproducibility can be additionally increased by using a driving robot. At today’s vehicle test benches, pedal and shift robots are predominantly used for longitudinal dynamic tests in the performed test procedures. In order to meet these new test automation requirements for vehicle test benches, the cooperative operation of pedal and steering robots is needed on a test bench setup suitable for this purpose. In this publication, the authors present the setup of a vehicle test bench to be used in automated and reproducible vehicle-in-the-loop tests during steering events. The focus is on the test-bench-specific setup with steerable front wheels, the actuators for simulating the wheel steering torque around the steering axle and the robots used for pedals and steering wheel. Results from various test series are presented and the potential of the novel test environment is shown. The results are reproducible in various test series due to the closed-loop operation without human driving influences at the test bench.
Gastropod Assemblages Associated with Habitat Heterogeneity and Hydrological Shifts in Two Shallow Waterbodies
Authors: Lajtner Jasna , Kozak Anna , Špoljar Maria , Kuczyńska-Kippen Natalia , Dražina Tvrtko , Sertić Perić Mirela , Tkalčec Ines , Gottstein Sanja , Zrinščak Ivana
Published: July 2022

We aimed to determine the effects of water level and habitat heterogeneity on gastropod fauna in the littoral zone, and the differentiation of functional feeding guilds (FFG) of gastropods. Two periods were analyzed: 2012 (low water level, LWL) and 2013 (high water level, HWL) in the littoral zone of two shallow waterbodies (Sutla backwater, NW Croatia). Waterbody S1, covered with Ceratophyllum demersum, was sampled in the macrophyte stands, and the littoral benthal area, while waterbody S2, without macrophytes, was sampled only in the littoral benthal area. It was observed discovered that among the macrophyte stands in S1, gastropods were significantly more abundant during LWL. The same trend was observed in the littoral benthal area of S2. In contrast, gastropod abundance was higher in the littoral benthal area of S1 during HWL. Comparing gastropods in the two waterbodies, the abundance in S1 was ten times higher than in S2. The most abundant species was Gyraulus parvus, which accounted for 51–92% of the gastropods observed among the macrophytes of S1 and 86% in the adjacent benthic zone. Among the FFG groups, grazers (particularly those feeding on gymnamoebae and rotifers) had the largest proportion, followed by shredders feeding on small pieces of macrophytes. In our research, we indicate the important role of microhabitat diversity and submerged macrophytes as a rich food source for gastropods and safe shelter from predators.
Influence of Tubular Turbine Runaway for Back Pressure Power Generation on the Stability of Circulating Cooling Water System
Authors: Wang Peng , Luo Xingqi , Lu Jinling , Gao Jiawei , Cai Qingsen
Published: July 2022

With the increasing maturity of tubular turbine power generation technology, an increasing number of industrial applications use it to recover the rich back pressure energy of a circulating cooling water system (CCWS). However, the influence of tubular turbine runaway on the stability of CCWS is still unclear. This work combines the one-dimensional (1D) method of characteristics (MOC) with the three-dimensional (3D) computational fluid dynamics (CFD), develops a 1D CCWS and 3D tubular turbine coupling simulation method, and simulates the runaway and runaway shutdown processes of tubular turbine under small flow rate condition and large flow rate condition in the real system. Results show that the main operating parameters of the system slightly change when the tubular turbine transitions from the steady state to the runaway condition. The runner’s radial force substantially increases in the runaway condition of the tubular turbine, and the phenomenon of violent oscillation is observed compared with the steady state. During the shutdown process of the tubular turbine runaway condition, the valves in parallel and series with the faulty turbine adopt a reasonable cooperative control strategy, which allows for a smooth recovery of the system operating pressure to the original steady state conditions.
How Can We Identify Active, Former, and Potential Floodplains? Methods and Lessons Learned from the Danube River
Authors: Eder Markus , Perosa Francesca , Hohensinner Severin , Tritthart Michael , Scheuer Sabrina , Gelhaus Marion , Cyffka Bernd , Kiss Tímea , Van Leeuwen Boudewijn , Tobak Zalán , Sipos György , Csikós Nándor , Smetanová Anna , Bokal Sabina , Samu Andrea , Gruber Tamas , Gălie Andreea-Cristina , Moldoveanu Marinela , Mazilu Petrişor , Habersack Helmut
Published: July 2022

Floodplains are a fundamental source of multiple functions and services. Despite their various benefits, a dramatic reduction in floodplain areas has occurred in most large river systems over the last few centuries, and is still ongoing. Human modifications (such as river regulation, dam construction, and land use changes) due to economic growth, increasing population size, etc., were and still are drivers of major floodplain losses. Therefore, studies offering solutions for floodplain preservation and restoration are of great importance for sustainable floodplain management. This paper presents methods to identify active, former, and potential floodplains, and their application to the Danube River. We used hydraulic data, historical sources, and recent geospatial data to delineate the three floodplain types. Fifty hydraulically active floodplains larger than 500 ha were identified. According to our results, the extent of Danube floodplains has been reduced by around 79%. With the support of different representatives from the Danube countries, we identified 24 potential floodplains. However, the share of active and potential floodplains in relation to former floodplains ranges between 5% and 49%, demonstrating the huge potential for additional restoration sites. This analysis contributes to an understanding of the current and the past floodplain situation, increases awareness of the dramatic floodplain loss along the Danube, and serves as a basis for future floodplain management.