bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Thermostable Dissolving Microneedle Vaccine with Recombinant Protein of Botulinum Neurotoxin Serotype A
Authors: Zhao Baohua , Jin Zhiying , Yu Yunzhou , Li Yue , Wang Jing , Wan Wei , Hu Chenyi , Li Xiaoyang , Li Yanwei , Xin Wenwen , Kang Lin , Yang Hao , Wang Jinglin , Gao Shan
Published: December 2022

Background: As a Class A bioterrorism agent, botulinum neurotoxin serotype A (BoNT/A) carries the risk of being used by terrorists to cause mass poisoning. The microneedle (MN) patch has a great potential for application as a novel vaccine delivery method. The aim of this study is to develop a thermally stable, dissolving microneedle patch for the delivery of a recombinant protein vaccine using a recombinant C-terminal heavy chain of BoNT/A (Hc of BoNT/A, AHc) to prevent botulism. Methods: Fish gelatin, a natural non-toxic and bacteriostatic material, was selected as the microneedle matrix for the preparation of the dissolving microneedle vaccine. Subsequently, the mechanical performance, bacteriostatic properties, vaccination effect, and stability of the microneedle patches were evaluated using instruments such as the displacement-force test station and optical coherence tomography (OCT) scanner. Results: Fish gelatin matrix at high concentrations has good bacteriostatic properties, and excellent mechanical performance and vaccination effect, meeting the necessities of a vaccine. In both in vivo and in vitro neutralization experiments, MN vaccines containing different antigen doses achieved the same protective efficacy as subcutaneous vaccinations, protecting mice against 106 LD50 of BoNT/A injected intraperitoneally. Thermal stability analysis of the MN vaccines revealed that the fish gelatin matrix protected the AHc vaccine from protein denaturation even after 7 days of storage at 37 °C and enabled the vaccine patches to maintain good immunogenicity and protective efficacy even after 6 months of storage at room temperature. Conclusion: In this study, we successfully prepared a bacteriostatic MN patch using a fish gelatin matrix that not only has a good vaccination effect, but also obviates the need for a cold chain for the AHc vaccine, providing the possibility of rapid, painless, and large-scale vaccination.
Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Emergence in Southeastern Mexico: The Case of the State of Yucatan
Authors: Canché-Pool Elsy B. , Panti-May Jesús A. , Ruiz-Piña Hugo A. , Torres-Castro Marco , Escobedo-Ortegón Francisco J. , Tamay-Segovia Paulino , Blum-Domínguez Selene , Torres-Castro Jimmy R. , Reyes-Novelo Enrique
Published: December 2022

Environmental changes triggered by deforestation, urban expansion and climate change are present-day drivers of the emergence and reemergence of leishmaniasis. This review describes the current epidemiological scenario and the feasible influence of environmental changes on disease occurrence in the state of Yucatan, Mexico. Relevant literature was accessed through different databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Google, and Mexican official morbidity databases. Recent LCL autochthonous cases, potential vector sandflies and mammal hosts/reservoirs also have been reported in several localities of Yucatan without previous historical records of the disease. The impact of deforestation, urban expansion and projections on climate change have been documented. The current evidence of the relationships between the components of the transmission cycle, the disease occurrence, and the environmental changes on the leishmaniasis emergence in the state shows the need for strength and an update to the intervention and control strategies through a One Health perspective.
A Review of Existing Ecological Design Frameworks Enabling Biodiversity Inclusive Design
Authors: Hernandez-Santin Cristina , Amati Marco , Bekessy Sarah , Desha Cheryl
Published: December 2022

Built environment practitioners currently seek options and opportunities to respond to the biodiversity emergency. Biodiversity Inclusive Design (BID) is an approach to design that seeks to foster functional ecological systems, enable species’ persistence within the built environment and (re) connect people with nature. BID can support designers’ quest toward biodiversity positivity. However, design projects that prioritise biodiversity are sparse and are limited to ad hoc initiatives by individual champions rather than being standard practice. Frameworks providing a structured design process to achieve biodiversity positivity already exist, but they can be difficult to find, compare and navigate. Responding to calls to further develop the concept of Biodiversity Inclusive Design, we systematically analyse 15 design frameworks compatible with BID. We explore how existing design frameworks position biodiversity as a client. For each framework, we uncover the underlying rules, ideas, beliefs, design principles and proposed structure of the design process. Through a thematic analysis, we identify re-emerging concepts and themes underpinning BID. Nested within complementary design frameworks, we conclude by positioning BID as a set of parallel processes that specifically explore biodiversitys’ perspectives (needs, preferences) and how they interact with the socio-ecological system to give a voice to biodiversity within the planning and design process. Our paper formalises BID as a practice and identifies three core dimensions of design action and nine design principles.
Influence of Physicochemical Factors on Adsorption of Ten Shigella flexneri Phages
Authors: Tomat David , Aquili Virginia , Casabonne Cecilia , Quiberoni Andrea
Published: December 2022

Bacterial viruses known as bacteriophages have been demonstrated to be effective in killing foodborne pathogens such as Shigella flexneri. Adsorption is the first step in the phage–host interaction. In the present work, 10 Shigella phages were used to characterize the adsorption process on Shigella flexneri ATCC12022 in several physicochemical conditions related to food and in a food matrix. One-step growth curves were drawn for all the Shigella-phages evaluated. Furthermore, the adsorption rate for each of the 10 phages was determined. In addition, the influence of temperature, Na+, Mg2+, pH, sucrose and glycerol on phage adsorption was investigated. Two phages (Shi22 and Shi30) showed higher burst sizes values (67 and 64 PFU cell−1, respectively) and burst times of 25 min to 30 min, while the other eight phages exhibited burst sizes ranging from 14 to 17 PFU cell−1 with slower burst times. Furthermore, most phages achieved a high adsorption rate, and the adsorption constants (k) ranged from ~10−9 to 10−10 mL min−1. Regarding the influence of temperature, cations and pH, a high or moderate percentage of adsorption was observed for most of the phages evaluated. The adsorption decreased at increasing concentrations of Na+, sucrose and glycerol, although at different levels, since adsorption was more affected by sucrose than by glycerol and Na+ for most phages. The adsorption obtained in Triptein soy broth (TSB) for most of the phages/strain systems evaluated was moderate or high, as well as those observed in a food matrix. Thus, our phages could potentially be used to improve food safety under a wide range of environmental conditions against foodborne pathogens.
Thromboembolic Events in Patients with Influenza: A Scoping Review
Authors: Rubino Raffaella , Imburgia Claudia , Bonura Silvia , Trizzino Marcello , Iaria Chiara , Cascio Antonio
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Influenza is an acute respiratory infection that usually causes a short-term and self-limiting illness. However, in high-risk populations, this can lead to several complications, with an increase in mortality. Aside from the well-known extrapulmonary complications, several studies have investigated the relationship between influenza and acute cardio and cerebrovascular events. Reviews of the thromboembolic complications associated with influenza are lacking. Objectives: the study aims to conduct a scoping review to analyze the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients suffering from influenza and thromboembolic complications. Materials and methods: A computerized search of historical published cases using PubMed and the terms “influenza” or “flu” and “thrombosis”, “embolism”, “thromboembolism”, “stroke”, or “infarct” for the last twenty-five years was conducted. Only articles reporting detailed data on patients with thromboembolic complications of laboratory-confirmed influenza were considered eligible for inclusion in the scoping review. Results: Fifty-eight cases with laboratory documented influenza A or B and a related intravascular thrombosis were retrieved. Their characteristics were analyzed along with those of a patient who motivated our search. The localizations of thromboembolic events were pulmonary embolism 21/58 (36.2%), DVT 12/58 (20.6%), DVT and pulmonary embolism 3/58 (5.1%), acute ischemic stroke 11/58 (18.9%), arterial thrombosis 4/58 (6.8%), and acute myocardial infarction 5/58 (8.6%). Discussion: Our findings are important in clarifying which thromboembolic complications are more frequent in adults and children with influenza. Symptoms of pulmonary embolism and influenza can be very similar, so a careful clinical evaluation is required for proper patient management, possible instrumental deepening, and appropriate pharmacological interventions, especially for patients with respiratory failure.
Characterization of Nervous Necrosis Virus (NNV) Nonstructural Protein B2 and Its Enhancement on Virus Proliferation
Authors: Zhang Yuqi , Dong Fujing , Xing Jing , Tang Xiaoqian , Sheng Xiuzhen , Chi Heng , Zhan Wenbin
Published: December 2022

The nerve necrosis virus (NNV), a pathogen of viral nervous necrosis disease in several important mariculture economic fish species, causes economic loss. Its nonstructural protein B2 encoded by the sub-genomic RNA3 affects the amplification of the virus. In this study, the B2 protein was recombinantly expressed, the polyclonal antibodies were produced and the dynamics of the B2 protein and genomes were measured in vivo and in vitro after NNV infection. Then, the effects of the overexpressed B2 protein on virus proliferation were investigated. The results showed that the polyclonal antibodies can recognize the B2 protein in both SSN-1 cells and the brain/eye of the grouper. The RNA3 expression significantly increased at 12 h and kept rising till the end of the experiment; it was 106.9 copies/μL at 120 h. The B2 protein could be first detected at 3 h post-infection, which was earlier than the capsid protein was first detected (12 h post-infection). The B2 protein can be detected in the brain, eye and heart on day 3 and the copy number of genomes reached a maximum at 6 d post-infection. There was a low expression of NNV genomes in the liver, spleen and kidney, and no virus was detected in the gill, stomach and intestine. In the meantime, the B2 protein was successfully expressed in GF-1 cells and significantly enhanced virus proliferation, which produced an earlier cytopathic effect and higher cell death rates after 3 d post-infection than the control. In conclusion, the B2 protein acts as an early expressed protein during virus replication and proliferation and is involved in the early infection of NNV. The results may provide insight into the early stage of virus infection and prevention of the disease.
Recombinant Simian Varicella Virus-Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Vaccine Induces T and B Cell Functions and Provides Partial Protection against Repeated Mucosal SIV Challenges in Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Pahar Bapi , Gray Wayne , Fahlberg Marissa , Grasperge Brooke , Hunter Meredith , Das Arpita , Mabee Christopher , Aye Pyone Pyone , Schiro Faith , Hensley Krystle , Ratnayake Aneeka , Goff Kelly , LaBranche Celia , Shen Xiaoying , Tomaras Georgia D. , DeMarco C. Todd , Montefiori David , Kissinger Patricia , Marx Preston A. , Traina-Dorge Vicki
Published: December 2022

HIV vaccine mediated efficacy, using an expanded live attenuated recombinant varicella virus-vectored SIV rSVV-SIVgag/env vaccine prime with adjuvanted SIV-Env and SIV-Gag protein boosts, was evaluated in a female rhesus macaques (RM) model against repeated intravaginal SIV challenges. Vaccination induced anti-SIV IgG responses and neutralizing antibodies were found in all vaccinated RMs. Three of the eight vaccinated RM remained uninfected (vaccinated and protected, VP) after 13 repeated challenges with the pathogenic SIVmac251-CX-1. The remaining five vaccinated and infected (VI) macaques had significantly reduced plasma viral loads compared with the infected controls (IC). A significant increase in systemic central memory CD4+ T cells and mucosal CD8+ effector memory T-cell responses was detected in vaccinated RMs compared to controls. Variability in lymph node SIV-Gag and Env specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cell cytokine responses were detected in the VI RMs while all three VP RMs had more durable cytokine responses following vaccination and prior to challenge. VI RMs demonstrated predominately SIV-specific monofunctional cytokine responses while the VP RMs generated polyfunctional cytokine responses. This study demonstrates that varicella virus-vectored SIV vaccination with protein boosts induces a 37.5% efficacy rate against pathogenic SIV challenge by generating mucosal memory, virus specific neutralizing antibodies, binding antibodies, and polyfunctional T-cell responses.
A Single Amino Acid Substitution in Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus Glycoprotein 2 Significantly Impairs Its Infectivity in Macrophages
Authors: Chaudhari Jayeshbhai , Leme Raquel Arruda , Durazo-Martinez Kassandra , Sillman Sarah , Workman Aspen M. , Vu Hiep L. X.
Published: December 2022

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) has a restricted tropism for macrophages and CD163 is a key receptor for infection. In this study, the PRRSV strain NCV1 was passaged on MARC-145 cells for 95 passages, and two plaque-clones (C1 and C2) were randomly selected for further analysis. The C1 virus nearly lost the ability to infect porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs), as well as porcine kidney cells expressing porcine CD163 (PK15-pCD163), while the C2 virus replicates well in these two cell types. Pretreatment of MARC-145 cells with an anti-CD163 antibody nearly blocked C1 virus infection, indicating that the virus still required CD163 to infect cells. The C1 virus carried four unique amino acid substitutions: three in the nonstructural proteins and a K160I in GP2. The introduction of an I160K substitution in GP2 of the C1 virus restored its infectivity in PAMs and PK15-pCD163 cells, while the introduction of a K160I substitution in GP2 of the low-passaged, virulent PRRSV strain NCV13 significantly impaired its infectivity. Importantly, pigs inoculated with the rNCV13-K160I mutant exhibited lower viremia levels and lung lesions than those infected with the parental rNCV13. These results demonstrated that the K160 residue in GP2 is one of the key determinants of PRRSV tropism.
Development of Fluorescence-Tagged SARS-CoV-2 Virus-like Particles by a Tri-Cistronic Vector Expression System for Investigating the Cellular Entry of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Chang Young-Sheng , Chu Li-Wei , Chen Zan-Yu , Wu Joh-Sin , Su Wen-Chi , Yang Chia-Jui , Ping Yueh-Hsin , Lin Cheng-Wen
Published: December 2022

Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused the pandemic that began late December 2019. The co-expression of SARS-CoV-2 structural proteins in cells could assemble into several types of virus-like particles (VLPs) without a viral RNA genome. VLPs containing S proteins with the structural and functional properties of authentic virions are safe materials to exploit for virus-cell entry and vaccine development. In this study, to generate SARS-CoV-2 VLPs (SCoV2-SEM VLPs) composed of three structural proteins including spike (S), envelop (E) protein and membrane (M) protein, a tri-cistronic vector expression system was established in a cell line co-expressing SARS-CoV-2 S, E and M proteins. The SCoV2-SEM VLPs were harvested from the cultured medium, and three structure proteins were confirmed by Western blot assay. A negative-stain TEM assay demonstrated the size of the SCoV2-SEM VLPs with a diameter of about 90 nm. To further characterize the infectious properties of SCoV2-SEM VLPs, the VLPs (atto647N-SCoV2-SEM VLPs) were fluorescence-labeled by conjugation with atto-647N and visualized under confocal microscopy at a single-particle resolution. The results of the infection assay revealed that atto647N-SCoV2-SEM VLPs attached to the surface of the HEK293T cells at the pre-binding phase in a ACE2-dependent manner. At the post-infection phase, atto647N-SCoV2-SEM VLPs either fused with the cellular membrane or internalized into the cytoplasm with mCherry-rab5-positive early endosomes. Moreover, fusion with the cellular membrane and the internalization with early endosomes could be inhibited by the treatment of camostat (a pharmacological inhibitor of TMPRSS2) and chlorpromazine (an endocytosis inhibitor), respectively. These results elucidated that SCoV2-SEM VLPs behave similarly to the authentic live SARS-CoV-2 virus, suggesting that the development of SCoV2-SEM VLPs provide a realistic and safe experimental model for studying the infectious mechanism of SARS-CoV-2.
Media Reports on COVID-19 Vaccinations: A Study of Topic Modeling in South Korea
Authors: Koh Keumseok , Lee Seunghyeon , Park Sangdon , Lee Jaewoo
Published: December 2022

Early successes in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic have prevented Republic of Korea from implementing a prompt, large-scale vaccine rollout to the public. The influence of traditional media on public opinion remains critical and substantial in Republic of Korea, and there have been heated debates about vaccination in traditional media reports in Korea. Effective and efficient public health communication is integral in managing public health challenges. This study explored media reports on the COVID-19 vaccines during the pandemic in Republic of Korea. 12,399 media news reports from May 2020 to September 2021 were collected. An LDA topic model was applied in order to analyze and compare the topics drawn from each study phase using words from the unstructured text data. Although media reports from before the national vaccination implementation focused on the development and rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, diverse topics were reported without any overlap. After the vaccination rollout, the biggest concern was the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine. In sum, Republic of Korea’s major media outlets reported on diverse topics rather than generating a common discourse about topics related to COVID-19 vaccination.
Immune Response to SARS-CoV-2 mRNA Vaccines in an Open-Label Multicenter Study in Participants with Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis Treated with Ofatumumab
Authors: Ziemssen Tjalf , Groth Marie , Ettle Benjamin , Bopp Tobias
Published: December 2022

Background: It is unclear whether multiple sclerosis (MS) patients receiving ofatumumab mount an immune response after SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination. Methods: KYRIOS is an ongoing, multicenter, open-label, prospective clinical study on immune responses in MS patients after initial or booster SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination prior to (cohort 1) or during (cohort 2) ofatumumab treatment. We report one-week and one-month results of the initial vaccination. A comparison with patients vaccinated while receiving beta-interferon, glatiramer acetate, dimethyl fumarate, teriflunomide or no treatment was included (cohort 3). Results: In total, 11 patients received their initial vaccination during the study. The primary endpoint of SARS-CoV-2-specific T-cells at month 1 was reached by 80.0% of patients in cohort 1 (N = 6) and 100.0% in cohort 2 (N = 5). T-cell reactivity peaked at week 1. All cohort 1 patients reached seroconversion for SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies at week 1 and month 1. In cohort 2, neutralizing antibodies increased in all patients and exceeded the cut-off for seropositivity in 40.0% of patients at week 1 and 25.0% at month 1. Immune responses in cohort 3 were comparable to cohort 1. Conclusion: Presence of T-cell response and increase in levels of neutralizing antibodies, although less pronounced compared to controls, suggest that MS patients receiving ofatumumab are able to mount an immune response to SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination.
Seroepidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 Virus in Healthcare Workers before Circulation of the Omicron Sublineages BA.4/BA.5 in Vojvodina, Serbia
Authors: Ristić Mioljub , Vuković Vladimir , Patić Aleksandra , Marković Miloš , Petrović Vladimir
Published: December 2022

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are a vulnerable and critical population in the ongoing response to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. We aimed to estimate the seroprevalence in HCWs considering all of their previous contacts with the SARS-CoV-2 virus and/or the immunity acquired through their immunization against COVID-19 before the advent of the Omicron variants BA.4/BA.5. Serum samples were collected from 28 March to 10 June 2022. We covered 25% out of all the people who worked in some of the government healthcare centers (primary, secondary, and tertiary level) across the entire Autonomous Province of Vojvodina (Northern Serbia). Two serological tests (Anti-SARS-CoV-2 QuantiVac ELISA and LIAISON® SARS-CoV-2 TrimericS) were used to detect anti-spike IgG antibodies. The overall prevalence of the SARS-CoV-2 antibody among the 6936 HCWs was 92.96% [95% CI 92.33–93.55]. Regarding the type of serological test, there was a statistically significant (p = 0.0079) difference of the seropositivity obtained by the LIAISON® SARS-CoV-2 TrimericS (93.87%, 95% CI 92.97–94.69) and Anti-SARS-CoV-2 QuantiVac ELISA (92.23%, 95% CI 91.34–93.06) tests. Seropositivity to SARS-CoV-2 significantly (p < 0.0001) increased with the number of SARS-CoV-2 infections combined with the number of doses of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccines received. A vast majority of the HCWs in Vojvodina had detectable levels of antibodies to the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, but despite this high seropositivity, it is unknown whether this herd immunity among HCWs is protective against the new variants of concern. Further research should evaluate the rates of reinfections and the associated severity of COVID-19 caused by the Omicron sublineages and/or new variants of SARS-CoV-2 among HCWs.
Ag85a-S2 Activates cGAS-STING Signaling Pathway in Intestinal Mucosal Cells
Authors: Dang Sheng , Li Wanyang , Wen Shubo , Song Yang , Bai Meirong , Li Shuyan , Chen Zeliang , Zhai Jingbo
Published: December 2022

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Gram-negative bacteria. Most of the brucellosis vaccines in the application are whole-bacteria vaccines. Live-attenuated vaccines are widely used for brucellosis prevention in sheep, goats, pigs, and cattle. Thus, there is also a need for an adjuvanted vaccine for human brucellosis, because the attenuated Brucella vaccines now utilized in animals cause human illness. Here, we developed a live-attenuated Brucella suis strain 2 vaccine (S2) adjuvanted with Ag85a (Ag85a-S2). We found that Ag85a-S2 activated cGAS-STING pathways both in intestinal mucosal cells in vivo and in the BMDM and U937 cell line in vitro. We demonstrated that the cGAS knockout significantly downregulated the abundance of interferon and other cytokines induced by Ag85a-S2. Moreover, Ag85a-S2 triggered a stronger cellular immune response compared to S2 alone. In sum, Ag85a-S2-mediated enhancement of immune responses was at least partially dependent on the cGAS-STING pathway. Our results provide a new candidate for preventing Brucella pathogens from livestock, which might reduce the dosage and potential toxicity compared to S2.
Effect of Physical Activity and Exercise on the Level of COVID-19 Antibodies and Lifestyle-Related Factors among Vaccinated Health Science Center (HSC) Students: A Pilot Randomized Trial
Authors: Shayea Abdulaziz M. F. , Alotaibi Naser M. , Nadar Mohammed Shaban , Alshemali Kawthar , Alhadlaq Hussah W.
Published: December 2022

A vaccine is a type of medicine that increases immunity and the number of antibodies (IgM and IgG) when injected into the body, preparing it in case of an actual viral infection. It has been shown in several studies that there is a significant relationship between physical activity and vaccination. Furthermore, it has been documented that physical activity can play a major role in reducing stress. Evidence also shows the existence of a relationship between immunity, vaccine response, and sleep duration. To investigate the effects of physical activity on the level of COVID-19 antibodies and lifestyle-related factors, Health Science Center (HSC) students who had taken the third dose of the vaccine and had no prior infection of the COVID-19 virus were investigated. To serve the purpose of this study, an anti-SARS-CoV-2 test was applied by taking a blood sample from the students. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaires and the Borg’s 15-point scale were given to the participants to fill out. The study utilized a two-arm randomized control research design in which 40 participants were randomly assigned into one of two groups, either the control group (n = 20) or the treatment group (n = 20). All tests and assessments were performed before and after intervention for both groups. The control group walked less than 5000 steps every day for one month with a 20 min rest during the exercise session, while the treatment group walked more than 12,000 steps every day for the same time and exercise task session. The students’ steps were monitored using an Apple watch. There was a significant decrease in the IgG antibody level in the treatment group compared to the control group (p < 0.001). The IgM antibody level of all groups did not show any significant difference before starting the intervention. However, there was a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the IgM level of the treatment group after treatment compared to before treatment. Moreover, there was a significant decrease in the treatment group’s stress level and sleep disruption, indicating better sleep quality, compared to the control group (p < 0.035). The levels of IgG and IgM did not improve for the treatment group. However, the treatment group improved their stress level and sleep disruption. Therefore, further rigorous research is needed to investigate vaccine efficacy among more physically active people.
A Sandwich ELISA for Quality Control of PCV2 Virus-like Particles Vaccine
Authors: Sun Mingxia , Wang Shanghui , Fang Zheng , Zhao Man , Gao Yanfei , An Tongqing , Tu Yabin , Wang Haiwei , Cai Xuehui
Published: December 2022

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is a highly prevalent virus in pig farms worldwide that causes significant economic losses in the swine industry. The PCV2 virus-like particles (VLPs) are potent subunit vaccines that are widely used. Currently, the adopted quality control of VLPs vaccines is mainly based in animal testing, the titration of neutralizing antibodies, or other biochemical/biophysical assays. In this study, we generated a monoclonal antibody that can distinguish assembled PCV2 VLPs from the capsid proteins. Subsequently, a convenient Sandwich ELISA was developed based on the monoclonal antibody (mAb) that recognizes the PCV2 VLPs specifically. This assay can be used for the quantity and quality control of PCV2 VLPs vaccines for both the intermediate or final products with high accuracy.
Effectiveness of COVID-19 Vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant (B.1.1.529): A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression
Authors: Pratama Nando Reza , Wafa Ifan Ali , Budi David Setyo , Sutanto Henry , Asmarawati Tri Pudy , Barlian Effendi Gema , Wungu Citrawati Dyah Kencono
Published: December 2022

Vaccine effectiveness (VE) and the urgency of booster vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant need evaluation. A systematic search was conducted from 1–6 April, 2022. VE difference (VED) estimates were assessed using random-effects and meta-regression analyses were performed for evaluating VE over time. Compared to full dose, booster dose of overall vaccines provided better protection against any and severe Omicron infections within 3 months (p < 0.001), and within 3 months or more in any, severe, and symptomatic infections (p < 0.001). From meta-regression analysis of overall vaccines, the full-dose VE against any and symptomatic Omicron infections reduced per month by 2.45% and 5.5%, respectively; whereas booster dose effectiveness against any and symptomatic Omicron infections reduced per month by 1.79% and 1.14%, respectively. The VE estimates of booster dose provide excellent protection against symptomatic infection compared to full dose. The VE estimates of Ad26.COV2.S, BNT162b2, ChAdOx1 nCov-19, and mRNA-1273 against Omicron infection are generally moderate, despite the VE estimates declining over time.
Free Vibrations of Multi-Degree Structures: Solving Quadratic Eigenvalue Problems with an Excitation and Fast Iterative Detection Method
Authors: Liu Chein-Shan , Kuo Chung-Lun , Chang Chih-Wen
Published: December 2022

For the free vibrations of multi-degree mechanical structures appeared in structural dynamics, we solve the quadratic eigenvalue problem either by linearizing it to a generalized eigenvalue problem or directly treating it by developing the iterative detection methods for the real and complex eigenvalues. To solve the generalized eigenvalue problem, we impose a nonzero exciting vector into the eigen-equation, and solve a nonhomogeneous linear system to obtain a response curve, which consists of the magnitudes of the n-vectors with respect to the eigen-parameters in a range. The n-dimensional eigenvector is supposed to be a superposition of a constant exciting vector and an m-vector, which can be obtained in terms of eigen-parameter by solving the projected eigen-equation. In doing so, we can save computational cost because the response curve is generated from the data acquired in a lower dimensional subspace. We develop a fast iterative detection method by maximizing the magnitude to locate the eigenvalue, which appears as a peak in the response curve. Through zoom-in sequentially, very accurate eigenvalue can be obtained. We reduce the number of eigen-equation to n−1 to find the eigen-mode with its certain component being normalized to the unit. The real and complex eigenvalues and eigen-modes can be determined simultaneously, quickly and accurately by the proposed methods.
Moirai: A No-Code Virtual Serious Game Authoring Platform
Authors: Torres Andrei , Kapralos Bill , Da Silva Celina , Peisachovich Eva , Dubrowski Adam
Published: December 2022

Serious games, that is, games whose primary purpose is education and training, are gaining widespread popularity in higher education contexts and have been associated with increased learner memory retention, engagement, and motivation even among learners with special needs. Despite these benefits, serious games have fixed scenarios that cannot be easily modified, leading to predictable and dull experiences that can reduce user engagement. Therefore, there is a demand for tools that allow educators to create new modifications and customize serious game scenarios, and avoid the fixed-scenario problem and a one-size-fits-all approach. Here, we present and detail our novel virtual serious games authoring platform called Moirai, which uses a no-code approach to allow educators who may have limited (or no) prior programming experience to use a diagram-based interface to author and customize serious games focused on decision and communication skills development. We describe two case studies, each of which involved creating serious games for nursing education (one for mental health education and the other for internationally educated nurses). The usability of both games was qualitatively evaluated using the system usability scale (SUS) questionnaire and achieved above-average usability scores.
Carbon Neutrality Assessment and Driving Factor Analysis of China’s Offshore Fishing Industry
Authors: Guan Hongjun , Chen Yuhuan , Zhao Aiwu
Published: December 2022

The marine fishing industry has a huge carbon sink potential and is also an important source of carbon emissions. The low-carbon development of the marine fishing industry is particularly important. Based on the perspective of carbon neutrality, this study analyzed the trend of net carbon emissions, carbon emissions and carbon sinks in the offshore fishing industry in China and 11 coastal provinces from 2010 to 2019 and decomposed the driving factors of the net carbon emissions of the offshore fishing industry with the LMDI decomposition method. The results show the following: (1) China’s offshore fishing industry is in a partially carbon-neutral state. Overall, the net carbon emissions have decreased, and the carbon neutrality capacity has improved. However, the net carbon emissions have increased since 2016. From 2010 to 2019, both the carbon emissions and carbon sinks of China’s offshore fishing industry declined. Carbon emissions fluctuated at first and then declined rapidly, while carbon sinks rose slowly and then showed a significant downward trend. (2) The offshore fishing industry in coastal provinces is also in a state of partial carbon neutrality, and the trends of carbon emissions, carbon sinks and net carbon emissions in most provinces are consistent with the national trends, but there are large differences between regions. (3) For the whole country, among the driving factors of net carbon emissions in the offshore fishing industry, industrial development is the main positive driving factor, and population size is the main negative driving factor. The net carbon coefficient and energy intensity also play a certain role in driving net carbon emissions. (4) Population size is an important inhibitory factor for the net carbon emissions of the offshore fishing industry in most coastal provinces, and the driving direction of the net carbon coefficient, energy intensity and industrial development is inconsistent. Based on the above research, relevant suggestions are put forward for the green development of the marine fishing industry.
Multivariate Analysis of Rotifer Community and Environmental Factors Using the Decomposed Components Extracted from a Time Series
Authors: Hong Geun-Hyeok , Chang Kwang-Hyeon , Oh Hye-Ji , Choi Yerim , Han Sarang , Jeong Hyun-Gi
Published: December 2022

Zooplankton abundance patterns exhibit apparent seasonality depending on seasonal variations in water temperature. To analyze the abundance patterns of zooplankton communities, it is necessary to consider the environmental factors that are essential for zooplankton community succession. However, this approach is challenging due to the seasonal variability of environmental factors. In this study, all rotifer species inhabiting a water body were classified into three groups based on their abundance and frequency of occurrence, and decomposition method was used to classify them into groups that exhibit seasonal vs. non-seasonal variability. Multivariate analysis was performed on the seasonal, trend, and random components derived from the classical decomposition method of zooplankton abundance and related environmental factors. This approach provided more precise results and higher explanatory power for the correlations between rotifer communities and environmental factors, which cannot be clarified with a simple abundance-based approach. Using this approach, we analyzed the seasonality-based patterns of the abundance of rotifer species by dividing the environmental factors into those associated with seasonal and non-seasonal variabilities. Overall, the results demonstrated that the explanatory power of redundancy analysis was higher when using the three time series components than when using undecomposed abundance data.
Physical and Rheological Characteristics of Sediment for Nautical Depth Assessment in Bushehr Port and Its Access Channel
Authors: Samsami Farzin , Haghshenas Seyyed Abbas , Soltanpour Mohsen
Published: December 2022

Sedimentation in ports and waterways covered with fine deposits is a significant challenge in harbor management. The top layer of the bed in such areas typically consists of fluid mud, for which dredging is complicated and less efficient. The goal of this paper is to investigate physical and rheological characteristics of sediment for nautical depth assessment in Bushehr Port and its access channel. In this study the fluid mud layer was detected by hydrographic surveys with a dual-frequency echo sounder. Moreover, sediment properties in various parts of the channel and port were analyzed through a comprehensive sediment sampling in the field and complementary laboratory studies, including sediment grain-size analysis and distribution, carbonate and organic matter content, rheometry, and consolidation and settling tests. It was found that water contents and concentration, and clay-size fractions are the most important factors in rheological characteristics of sediment in the study area. The results indicated that the clay-size fraction in the surficial bed was between 18 and 31%, which categorized it as fine and cohesive sediment. In terms of mineralogy, the sediment was mostly carbonate mud with carbonate content between 52.9 and 57.2%. The results showed that the sediment concentration and yield stress in most samples were lower than 1030 kg/m3 and 123 Pascals, respectively. Based on the hydrographic surveys and obtained sediment characteristics, it is concluded that the nautical bottom approach can be practically implemented in the Bushehr Port and its access channel.
Future Changes in Temperature and Precipitation over Northeastern Brazil by CMIP6 Model
Authors: Dantas Leydson G. , dos Santos Carlos A. C. , Santos Celso A. G. , Martins Eduardo S. P. R. , Alves Lincoln M.
Published: December 2022

Global warming is causing an intensification of extreme climate events with significant changes in frequency, duration, and intensity over many regions. Understanding the current and future influence of this warming in northeastern Brazil (NEB) is important due to the region’s greater vulnerability to natural disasters, as historical records show. In this paper, characteristics of climate change projections (precipitation and air temperature) over NEB are analyzed using 15 models of Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) under four Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs: SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7.0, and SSP5-8.5) scenarios. By using the Taylor diagram, we observed that the HadGEM3-GC31-MM model simulates the seasonal behavior of climate variables more efficiently. Projections for NEB indicate an irreversible increase in average air temperature of at least 1 °C throughout the 21st century, with a reduction of up to 30% in annual rainfall, as present in scenarios of regional rivalry (SSP3-7.0) and high emissions (SSP5-8.5). This means that a higher concentration of greenhouse gases (GHG) will increase air temperature, evaporation, and evapotranspiration, reducing rainfall and increasing drought events. The results obtained in this work are essential for the elaboration of effective strategies for adapting to and mitigating climate change for the NEB.
Modeling Hydrological Regimes of Floodplain Wetlands Using Remote Sensing and Field Survey Data
Authors: Na Xiaodong , Li Wenliang
Published: December 2022

Understanding the variations in the water regimes of wetland ecosystems is crucial to analyzing the dynamics of wetland habitats under different water management policies and recharge conditions. A MIKE21 hydrodynamic model was constructed to simulate changes in the water level and flood extent from 1 May 2014 to 9 October 2014 in the Zhalong National Nature Reserve using field measurements, a digital elevation model (DEM), radar images, and climatic, meteorological, and land-use/land-cover data. The hydrodynamic model was calibrated and validated by water levels derived from hydrological gauge stations and water level loggers and the flooding extent was derived from multi-temporal synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images in different periods to evaluate the suitability of the hydrodynamic model for simulating wetland hydrological processes. The results demonstrated that the hydrodynamic model could simulate changes in the water level and flooding of the wetlands in the entire hydrological year. Accurate simulations were obtained for both calibration and evaluation with high correlations between the simulated and observed water levels. The simulated fine-scale hydrological regimes of semi-enclosed floodplain wetlands could be used to understand the ecohydrological processes affected by different water resource allocation schemes.
A Low-Cost Wireless Sensor for Real-Time Monitoring of Water Level in Lowland Rice Field under Alternate Wetting and Drying Irrigation
Authors: Cruz Kristelle Marie S. Dela , Ella Victor B. , Suministrado Delfin C. , Pereira Gamiello S. , Agulto Edzel S.
Published: December 2022

The use of wireless sensors for real-time monitoring of field water level would greatly facilitate the application of alternate wetting and drying (AWD), an irrigation water management technique proven to result to significant water savings and reduced methane emissions in lowland rice production systems. However, most of the commercially available wireless sensors are generally costly. This study developed a low-cost wireless sensor that can perform real-time monitoring of water depth and surface temperature in lowland rice fields under an AWD irrigation regime. The sensor is composed mainly of an ultrasonic depth sensor, a waterproof temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and a Wi-Fi-enabled microcontroller enclosed in a PVC cap that can be mounted in AWD pipes. The sensor was tested under laboratory, pseudo-field conditions and actual field conditions. Results showed a relatively high degree of agreement between sensor and manual measurements of water depth under all testing conditions, with the error ranging from only 5.2% to 6.6% and RMSE of 5.0 mm to 13.5 mm. The performance of the low-cost sensor also proved to be comparable with that of the high-end sensor, exhibiting practically similar measurement accuracy and higher precision. The wireless sensor developed in this study can provide a low-cost alternative to the high-cost and high-end sensors and other commercially available counterparts for efficient irrigation water management in lowland crop production systems during water-scarce conditions induced by climate change and climate variability.
Collaborative Ecological Flow Decision Making under the Bengbu Sluice Based on Ecological-Economic Objectives
Authors: Pei Ying , Lu Baohong , Song Yang , Yang Yan , Feng Xinyue , Shen Wenlong
Published: December 2022

The construction of dams destroys the integrity of a watershed system and the continuity of natural water flow, creating a watershed with segmented and fragmented rivers. This, in turn, affects and even destroys the health and stability of the watershed ecosystem. This study selected the downstream area of Bengbu Sluice in the Huai River Basin of China as the study area. To address the increasingly prominent ecosystem degradation in the Huai River Basin, ecological flow thresholds were determined using habitat simulation and hydrological approaches for mutual validation. A multi-objective synergistic decision model incorporating ecological and socioeconomic objectives was developed to coordinate the economic and ecological water use conflicts in the study area. The optimal coordinated solution for the ecological flow of important biological habitats in the basin was determined with the multi-objective synergistic method. The results demonstrated that a coordinated solution could guarantee the ecological and economic water demands of the basin. The findings of this study can be used as a reference for scientific guidelines on future ecological operations in dam-controlled rivers.
Discrimination towards Youth in Goods and Services Markets: Evidence from Field Experiments in France
Authors: Gray David M. , L’Horty Yannick , Mbaye Souleymane , Petit Pascale
Published: December 2022

In this study, we carried out seven distinct and independent rounds of correspondence tests to detect discriminatory behavior in domains and markets in France that have not previously been subjected to much investigation in the literature. The study areas included: purchasing a used car; purchasing an auto insurance policy; applying for a car loan; purchasing supplemental health insurance; enrolling in an adult training program; purchasing an existing small business; and renting vacation accommodations. Access to these items and services are associated with either potential pathways to a middle-class job or hallmarks of a middle-class living standard. We seek to discern evidence of discriminatory behavior according to the criteria of age, gender, ethnic origin, and the reputation of the neighborhood of residence (advantaged or disadvantaged). We discern statistically significant patterns in our observed statistical outcome (callback rates) in all seven markets, which we interpret as possibly indicative of discriminatory behavior; however, the criteria, the magnitudes, and the signs differ from one market to another. One finding is that differential treatment based on ethnicity and the reputation of the neighborhood (i.e., neutral or disadvantaged) might not be as systematic and mutually reinforcing as they are frequently perceived to be in the domains of labor and housing markets.
Militarización, emergencia del militarismo civil y erosión democrática en América Latina
Authors: Robledo Marcos
Published: December 2022

El presente trabajo examina las consecuencias de la prolongada militarización de la seguridad pública y de la sostenida expansión de los roles y prerrogativas de las fuerzas armadas en América Latina, y propone que la región ha ingresado en una etapa de creciente militarismo civil. Enfrentadas a una crisis de seguridad pública y a Estados débiles, las élites políticas de la mayor parte de las democracias latinoamericanas han optado por la militarización del policiamiento debido a la mejor aprobación de las fuerzas armadas, a pesar de su escaso —y a veces contraproducente— impacto en la seguridad pública. Se trata de una estrategia política para obtener o mantener el poder a partir de la naturalización de la militarización. En una cantidad importante de países el militarismo civil está desplazando la gobernanza del policiamiento y de la relación civil militar, desde un eje democrático hacia otro híbrido y, en algunos casos, autoritario. Ello contribuye a la erosión de las democracias latinoamericanas mediante su deslegitimación, y el debilitamiento del control civil y del Estado de derecho. El militarismo civil puede constituir un preludio y un camino a través del cual los países de la región transiten hacia nuevas regresiones democráticas.
Obowiązkowe ubezpieczenie odpowiedzialności cywilnej sponsora i badacza za szkody wyrządzone w związku z przeprowadzeniem badania klinicznego produktu leczniczego a wybrane inne medyczne ubezpieczenia obowiązkowe
Authors: Kaczan Damian
Published: December 2022

Artykuł jest poświęcony ubezpieczeniu odpowiedzialności cywilnej sponsora i badacza zaangażowanych w przeprowadzenie badania klinicznego produktu leczniczego. Problematyka ta została zaprezentowana w dwóch rozdziałach na tle odpowiednio ubezpieczenia odpowiedzialności cywilnej podmiotu prowadzącego działalność leczniczą oraz ubezpieczenia odpowiedzialności cywilnej podmiotu prowadzącego eksperyment medyczny. Analizie poddano zarówno przepisy właściwych ustaw, z których wynika obowiązek zawierania umów służących uzyskaniu ochrony ubezpieczeniowej w ramach wymienionych ubezpieczeń, jak i postanowienia rozporządzeń określających ich zakres oraz minimalne sumy gwarancyjne. W opracowaniu uwzględniony został też nakaz sformułowany przez prawodawcę unijnego wobec ustawodawców krajowych stworzenia odpowiedniego systemu kompensacji szkód doznanych przez uczestników badań klinicznych leków