bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Century of Drought in Hawaiʻi: Geospatial Analysis and Synthesis across Hydrological, Ecological, and Socioeconomic Scales
Authors: Frazier Abby G. , Giardina Christian P. , Giambelluca Thomas W. , Brewington Laura , Chen Yi-Leng , Chu Pao-Shin , Berio Fortini Lucas , Hall Danielle , Helweg David A. , Keener Victoria W. , Longman Ryan J. , Lucas Matthew P. , Mair Alan , Oki Delwyn S. , Reyes Julian J. , Yelenik Stephanie G. , Trauernicht Clay
Published: September 2022

Drought is a prominent feature of Hawaiʻi’s climate. However, it has been over 30 years since the last comprehensive meteorological drought analysis, and recent drying trends have emphasized the need to better understand drought dynamics and multi-sector effects in Hawaiʻi. Here, we provide a comprehensive synthesis of past drought effects in Hawaiʻi that we integrate with geospatial analysis of drought characteristics using a newly developed 100-year (1920–2019) gridded Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) dataset. The synthesis examines past droughts classified into five categories: Meteorological, agricultural, hydrological, ecological, and socioeconomic drought. Results show that drought duration and magnitude have increased significantly, consistent with trends found in other Pacific Islands. We found that most droughts were associated with El Niño events, and the two worst droughts of the past century were multi-year events occurring in 1998–2002 and 2007–2014. The former event was most severe on the islands of O’ahu and Kaua’i while the latter event was most severe on Hawaiʻi Island. Within islands, we found different spatial patterns depending on leeward versus windward contrasts. Droughts have resulted in over $80 million in agricultural relief since 1996 and have increased wildfire risk, especially during El Niño years. In addition to providing the historical context needed to better understand future drought projections and to develop effective policies and management strategies to protect natural, cultural, hydrological, and agricultural resources, this work provides a framework for conducting drought analyses in other tropical island systems, especially those with a complex topography and strong climatic gradients.
Iterative Learning Control for Actuator Fault Uncertain Systems
Authors: Wang Lei , Dong Liangxin , Chen Yiyang , Wang Keqing , Gao Feng
Published: September 2022

An iterative learning fault-tolerant control method is designed for an actuator fault intermittent process with simultaneous uncertainties for the system parameters. First, an intermittent fault tolerance controller is designed using 2D system theory, and the iterative learning control (ILC) intermittent process is transformed into a 2D Roesser model. Secondly, sufficient conditions for the controller’s existence are analyzed using the linear matrix inequality (LMI) technique, and the control gain matrices are obtained by convex optimization with LMI constraints. Under these conditions for all additive uncertainties for the system parameters and admissible failures, the controller can ensure closed-loop fault-tolerant performance in both the time and batch directions, and it can also meet the H∞ robust performance level against outside disturbances. Eventually, the algorithm’s computational complexity is analyzed, and the effectiveness of the algorithm is verified by simulation with respect to an injection molding machine model. Compared with traditional ILC laws, which do not consider actuator faults, the proposed algorithm has a better convergence speed and stability when the time-invariant and time-variant actuator faults occur during implementation.
Comparative Study of SnO2 and ZnO Semiconductor Nanoparticles (Synthesized Using Randia echinocarpa) in the Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Dyes
Authors: Chinchillas-Chinchillas Manuel , Garrafa-Gálvez Horacio , Orozco-Carmona Victor , Luque-Morales Priscy
Published: September 2022

Symmetry in nanomaterials is essential to know the behavior of their properties. In the present research, the photocatalytic properties of SnO2 and ZnO nanoparticles were compared for the degradation of the cationic dyes Methylene Blue (MB) and Rhodamine B (RB). The nanoparticles were obtained through a green synthesis process assisted by Randia echinocarpa extracts; they were then analyzed through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to characterize their structure. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to identify the morphology and disclose nanoparticle size, and the optical properties were studied through Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis). The results show that the synthesized SnO2 and ZnO nanomaterials have quasispherical morphologies with average sizes of 8–12 and 4–6 nm, cassiterite and wurtzite crystal phases, and band gap values of 3.5 and 3.8 eV, respectively. The photocatalytic activity yielded 100% degradation of the MB and RB dyes in 210 and 150 min, respectively. ZnO performed higher photocatalytic degradation of the cationic dyes than SnO2 due to a higher content of Randia echinocarpa extracts remaining after the green synthesis process.
Transient Propagation of Longitudinal and Transverse Waves in Cancellous Bone: Application of Biot Theory and Fractional Calculus
Authors: Benmorsli Djihane , Fellah Zine El Abiddine , Belgroune Djema , Ongwen Nicholas O. , Ogam Erick , Depollier Claude , Fellah Mohamed
Published: September 2022

In this paper, the influence of the transverse wave on sound propagation in a porous medium with a flexible structure is considered. The study is carried out in the time domain using the modified Biot theory obtained by the symmetry of the Lagrangian (invariance by translation and rotation). The viscous exchanges between the fluid and the structure are described by fractional calculus. When a sound pulse arrives at normal incidence on a porous material with a flexible structure, the transverse waves interfere with the longitudinal waves during propagation because of the viscous interactions that appear between the fluid and the structure. By performing a calculation in the Laplace domain, the reflection and transmission operators are derived. Their time domain expressions depend on the Green functions of the longitudinal and transverse waves. In order to study the effects of the transverse wave on the transmitted longitudinal waves, numerical simulations of the transmitted waves in the time domain by varying the characteristic parameters of the medium are realized whether the transverse wave is considered or not.
On τ-Pseudo-ν-Convex κ-Fold Symmetric Bi-Univalent Function Family
Authors: Swamy Sondekola Rudra , Cotîrlă Luminiţa-Ioana
Published: September 2022

The object of this article is to explore a τ-pseudo-ν-convex κ-fold symmetric bi-univalent function family satisfying subordinations condition generalizing certain previously examined families. We originate the initial Taylor–Maclaurin coefficient estimates of functions in the defined family. The classical Fekete–Szegö inequalities for functions in the defined τ-pseudo-ν-convex family is also estimated. Furthermore, we present some of the special cases of the main results. Relevant connections with those in several earlier works are also pointed out. Our study in this paper is also motivated by the symmetry nature of κ-fold symmetric bi-univalent functions in the defined class.
Acoustic Modeling of Compressible Jet from Chevron Nozzle: A Comparison of URANS, LES and DES Models
Authors: Murugu Sakthi Prakash , Srikrishnan A. R. , Krishnaraj Bharath Kumar , Jayaraj Anguraj , Mohammad Akram , Velamati Ratna Kishore
Published: September 2022

Chevron nozzles, which are characterized by the serrations at the nozzle exit, are widely used for suppressing jet noise in aircraft engines. The noise suppression is accomplished by the enhanced mixing of the exhaust streams, which, in turn, is a result of the streamwise vorticity induced by the serrations. The present study focuses on the numerical modeling of the acoustic field in a compressible jet issuing from a chevron nozzle at a Mach number of 0.8. The study evaluates the effectiveness of turbulence modeling approaches of Large Eddy Simulation and Detached Eddy Simulation methods and compares them with the less computationally intensive Unsteady Reynolds Averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) formulation. The Ffowcs Williams–Hawkings noise model was used to predict the overall sound pressure level in the far field. The LES predictions of the acoustic signature were found to match well with the experimental data, whereas the URANS model grossly underpredicted the sound pressure levels in the compressible jet flow field.
A Comparative Study of the Genetic Deep Learning Image Segmentation Algorithms
Authors: Wang Wenbo , Yousaf Muhammad , Liu Ding , Sohail Ayesha
Published: September 2022

Medical optical imaging, with the aid of the “terahertz tomography”, is a novel medical imaging technique based on the electromagnetic waves. Such advanced imaging techniques strive for the detailed theoretical and computational analysis for better verification and validation. Two important aspects, the analytic approach for the understanding of the Schrodinger transforms and machine learning approaches for the understanding of the medical images segmentation, are presented in this manuscript. While developing an AI algorithm for complex datasets, the computational speed and accuracy cannot be overlooked. With the passage of time, machine learning approaches have been further modified using the Bayesian, genetic and quantum approaches. These strategies have boosted the efficiency of the machine learning, and specifically the deep learning tools, by taking into account the probabilistic, evolutionary and quantum qubits hypothesis and operations, respectively. The current research encompasses the detailed analysis of image segmentation algorithms based on the evolutionary approach. The image segmentation algorithm that converts the color model from RGB to HSI and the image segmentation algorithm that uses the clustering technique are discussed in detail, and further extensions of these genetic algorithms to quantum algorithms are proposed. Based on the genetic algorithm, the optimal selection of parameters is realized so as to achieve a better segmentation effect.
Numerical Study of Bearing Capacity of the Pile-Supported Embankments for the Flexible Floating, Rigid Floating and End-Bearing Piles
Authors: Hu Shunlei , Zhuang Yan , Wu Yifan , Zhang Xidong , Dong Xiaoqiang
Published: September 2022

Floating pile-supported embankment involves more complex load transfer mechanisms, and there are no clear uniform guidelines available for its design. The concepts of flexible floating, rigid floating and end-bearing pile-supported embankments were proposed in this paper. Based on three typical field cases, their pile-soil interactions and soil arching effect were examined using the three-dimensional finite element method. Due to symmetry, only a half-width embankment model was simulated here. It has been found that the flexible floating piles carry the load mainly relying on the skin friction, but end-bearing piles rely on the pile tip resistance. The rigid floating piles were somehow in between. The earth pressure coefficient (K) in the end-bearing pile-supported embankment reached a maximum of 3.28, greater than Rankine passive values of the earth pressure coefficient (KP), in which the soil arching was fully developed. The K in the embankment with rigid floating pile reached 2.21, where soil arching might be partially formed. At the bottom of the flexible floating pile-supported embankment, the K tended to equal the Rankine active values of the earth pressure coefficient (Ka), and thus soil arching was insignificant. It has also been found that using rigid floating piles might significantly improve the bearing capacity of the embankments and was cost-effective for deep soft soil areas.
Variable Matrix-Type Step-Size Affine Projection Sign Algorithm for System Identification in the Presence of Impulsive Noise
Authors: Shin Jaewook , Park Bum Yong , Lee Won Il , Yoo Jinwoo
Published: September 2022

This paper presents a novel variable matrix-type step-size affine projection sign algorithm (VMSS-APSA) characterized by robustness against impulsive noise. To mathematically derive a matrix-type step size, VMSS-APSA utilizes mean-square deviation (MSD) for the modified version of the original APSA. Accurately establishing the MSD of APSA is impossible. Therefore, the proposed VMSS-APSA derives the upper bound of the MSD using the upper bound of the L1-norm of the measurement noise. The optimal matrix-type step size is calculated at each iteration by minimizing the upper bound of the MSD, thereby improving the filter performance in terms of convergence rate and steady-state estimation error. Because a novel cost function of the proposed VMSS-APSA was designed to maintain a form similar to the original APSA, they have symmetric characteristics. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed VMSS-APSA improves filter performance in a system-identification scenario in the presence of impulsive noise.
Warehouse Location for Product Distribution by E-Commerce in Brazil: Comparing Symmetrical MCDM Applications
Authors: Torre Nuno M. M. , Salomon Valerio A. P. , Loche Emilson , Gazale Shalom A. , Palermo Vinicius M.
Published: September 2022

The crisis that affected Brazil as a result of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic impacted several businesses. However, the distribution of products sold by e-commerce is one business that had increased its demand on a large scale. The Southeastern Region of Brazil has a wide territorial extension, a high number of inhabitants, and difficulties with transport logistics. Thus, this work presents a solution for choosing a location for the installation of an e-commerce warehouse, considering three possible locations, in two different Brazilian states: Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. Our main objective is to identify policies that allow a balance in the trade-off between risks and service levels. Specifically, we seek to decrease logistics costs and ensure improvements in services. The choice of a location for a warehouse is a decision problem that can be solved with multiple criteria decision-making (MCDM). Three methods of MCDM have been applied: Fuzzy Decision Approach (FDA), Multi-Attribute Utility Theory (MAUT), and Multi-Attribute Value Theory (MAVT). The reasons for the application of the MAUT and MAVT methods originate from their easy understanding and use, while the concepts of FDA address the consideration of uncertainty. To maintain the simplicity of MCDM application, the FDA model is symmetric, even with symmetrical and asymmetrical fuzzy sets. Important criteria were the distance from capital cities, distance to ports, distance to airports, distance to highways, and the costs of land. Three different locations were considered for the installation of the warehouse. All three methods, FDA, MAUT, and MAVT, resulted in Location 1 as the best location for the installation of the warehouse for the distribution of e-commerce products. A discussion on conceptual qualitative divergences and the small quantitative divergence of results is also included in the conclusions.
Mitochondria-Mediated Apoptosis and Autophagy Participate in Buprofezin-Induced Toxic Effects in Non-Target A549 Cells
Authors: Ren Yuanhang , He Xuan , Yang Yanting , Cao Yanan , Li Qiang , Lu Lidan , Peng Lianxin , Zou Liang
Published: September 2022

Buprofezin (BUP) is an insecticide used for control of sucking pests. Its widespread use has raised concerns about possible adverse effects on the environment, and especially human health. The mechanism of toxicity of BUP, with respect to human health, is still unclear. Consequently, human A549 cells were employed to clarify the cytotoxicity and toxic mechanism of BUP at the molecular and cellular levels. The outcomes revealed BUP latent toxicity to A549 in a time- and dose-related way. Moreover, BUP induced mitochondrial dysfunction associated with mitochondrial membrane potential collapse, mitochondrial calcium overload, and ROS aggregation, ultimately resulting in the apoptosis and autophagy of A549 cells. Symbolic apoptotic and autophagic modifications were detected, including leakage of cyt-c, elevation of Bax/Bcl-2, activation of cas-9/-3, constitution of autophagic vacuoles, promotion of Beclin-1, conversion of LC3-II, and reduction of p62. Additionally, in total, 1216 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were defined after BUP treatment. Several apoptosis- and autophagy-related genes, such as BCL2, ATG5, and ATG16, down- or upregulated at the RNA transcription level, and functional DEGs enrichment analysis showed their involvement in the metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450, mTOR signalling pathway, and AMPK signalling pathway. Results confirmed that BUP could induce cytotoxicity associated with mitochondria-mediated programmed cell death in A549 cells.
Glyphosate and AMPA in Human Urine of HBM4EU-Aligned Studies: Part B Adults
Authors: Buekers Jurgen , Remy Sylvie , Bessems Jos , Govarts Eva , Rambaud Loïc , Riou Margaux , Halldorsson Thorhallur I , Ólafsdóttir Kristin , Probst-Hensch Nicole , Ammann Priska , Weber Till , Kolossa-Gehring Marike , Esteban-López Marta , Castaño Argelia , Andersen Helle Raun , Schoeters Greet
Published: September 2022

Within HBM4EU, human biomonitoring (HBM) studies measuring glyphosate (Gly) and aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) in urine samples from the general adult population were aligned and quality-controlled/assured. Data from four studies (ESB Germany (2015–2020); Swiss HBM4EU study (2020); DIET-HBM Iceland (2019–2020); ESTEBAN France (2014–2016)) were included representing Northern and Western Europe. Overall, median values were below the reported quantification limits (LOQs) (0.05–0.1 µg/L). The 95th percentiles (P95) ranged between 0.24 and 0.37 µg/L urine for Gly and between 0.21 and 0.38 µg/L for AMPA. Lower values were observed in adults compared to children. Indications exist for autonomous sources of AMPA in the environment. As for children, reversed dosimetry calculations based on HBM data in adults did not lead to exceedances of the ADI (proposed acceptable daily intake of EFSA for Gly 0.1 mg/kg bw/day based on histopathological findings in the salivary gland of rats) indicating no human health risks in the studied populations at the moment. However, the controversy on carcinogenicity, potential endocrine effects and the absence of a group ADI for Gly and AMPA induce uncertainty to the risk assessment. Exposure determinant analysis showed few significant associations. More data on specific subgroups, such as those occupationally exposed or living close to agricultural fields or with certain consumption patterns (vegetarian, vegan, organic food, high cereal consumer), are needed to evaluate major exposure sources.
Inhibition of Essential Oils on Growth of Aspergillus flavus and Aflatoxin B1 Production in Broth and Poultry Feed
Authors: Han Bing , Fu Guang-Wu , Wang Jin-Quan
Published: September 2022

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), a common contaminant in food and feed during storage, does great harm to human and animal health. Five essential oils (thymol, carvacrol, cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, and citral) were tested for their inhibition effect against Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus) in broth and feed. Cinnamaldehyde and citral were proven to be most effective against A. flavus compared to others and have a synergistic effect when used simultaneously. The broth supplemented with cinnamaldehyde and citral was inoculated with A. flavus (106 CFU/mL) by using the checkerboard method, and mold counts and AFB1 production were tested on days 0, 1, 3, and 5. Similarly, 100 g poultry feed supplemented with the mixture of cinnamaldehyde and citral at the ratio 1:1 was also inoculated with A. flavus, and the same parameters were tested on days 0, 7, 14, and 21. In poultry feed, cinnamaldehyde and citral significantly reduced mold counts and AFB1 concentrations (p < 0.05). Results showed that cinnamaldehyde and citral have a positive synergy effect and could both inhibit at least 90% the fungal growth and aflatoxin B1 production at 40 μg/mL in broth and poultry feed, and could be an alternative to control aflatoxin contamination in food and feed in future.
Mining Public Opinions on COVID-19 Vaccination: A Temporal Analysis to Support Combating Misinformation
Authors: de Carvalho Victor Diogho Heuer , Nepomuceno Thyago Celso Cavalcante , Poleto Thiago , Turet Jean Gomes , Costa Ana Paula Cabral Seixas
Published: September 2022

This article presents a study that applied opinion analysis about COVID-19 immunization in Brazil. An initial set of 143,615 tweets was collected containing 49,477 pro- and 44,643 anti-vaccination and 49,495 neutral posts. Supervised classifiers (multinomial naïve Bayes, logistic regression, linear support vector machines, random forests, adaptative boosting, and multilayer perceptron) were tested, and multinomial naïve Bayes, which had the best trade-off between overfitting and correctness, was selected to classify a second set containing 221,884 unclassified tweets. A timeline with the classified tweets was constructed, helping to identify dates with peaks in each polarity and search for events that may have caused the peaks, providing methodological assistance in combating sources of misinformation linked to the spread of anti-vaccination opinion.
Epidemiology, Clinical Characteristics, Diagnostic Work Up, and Treatment Options of Leishmania Infection in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Systematic Review
Authors: Favi Evaldo , Santolamazza Giuliano , Botticelli Francesco , Alfieri Carlo , Delbue Serena , Cacciola Roberto , Guarneri Andrea , Ferraresso Mariano
Published: September 2022

Current knowledge on Leishmania infection after kidney transplantation (KT) is limited. In order to offer a comprehensive guide for the management of post-transplant Leishmaniasis, we performed a systematic review following the latest PRISMA Checklist and using PubMed, Scopus, and Embase as databases. No time restrictions were applied, including all English-edited articles on Leishmaniasis in KT recipients. Selected items were assessed for methodological quality using a modified Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Given the nature and quality of the studies (case reports and retrospective uncontrolled case series), data could not be meta-analyzed. A descriptive summary was therefore provided. Eventually, we selected 70 studies, describing a total of 159 cases of Leishmaniasis. Most of the patients were adult, male, and Caucasian. Furthermore, they were frequently living or travelling to endemic regions. The onset of the disease was variable, but more often in the late transplant course. The clinical features were basically similar to those reported in the general population. However, a generalized delay in diagnosis and treatment could be detected. Bone marrow aspiration was the preferred diagnostic modality. The main treatment options included pentavalent antimonial and liposomal amphotericin B, both showing mixed results. Overall, the outcomes appeared as concerning, with several patients dying or losing their transplant.
Radio Pulsars in an Electromagnetic Universe
Authors: Rayimbaev Javlon , Jumaniyozov Shokhzod , Umaraliyev Maksud , Abdujabbarov Ahmadjon
Published: September 2022

The vacuum and plasma magnetosphere of neutron stars (NSs) in an electromagnetic universe (EU) were studied. First, we found vacuum solutions of the Maxwell equation for the electromagnetic field of rotating magnetized NSs in the slow-rotation approximation and analyzed the effects of the EU parameter on magnetic field components. It has been shown that in the presence of the EU field, the magnetic field lines near the star become denser and stronger compared with the case of GR. The Goldreich–Julian (GJ) charge density as a source of induced electric field was calculated. Our analyses showed that the GJ charge density increases with the increase in the EU parameter, while the size of the polar cap of NSs decreases. The solutions of Poisson equation for the scalar electric field have also been obtained at near and far zones. It has been shown that the parallel accelerating electric field increases in presence of the EU. We have also analyzed the effects of the EU on the death line for radio pulsars and shown that the position of the death line in the P−P˙ diagram shifts up. Finally, we investigated the energy losses of rotating NSs due to electromagnetic radiation. It was obtained that at a critical value of the EU parameter, which depends on the compactness parameter, the luminosity of electromagnetic radiations of magnetospheric radiation increases about 106 times.
Garlic Potyviruses Are Translocated to the True Seeds through the Vegetative and Reproductive Systems of the Mother Plant
Authors: Shemesh-Mayer Einat , Gelbart Dana , Belausov Eduard , Sher Nisan , Daus Ahuva , Rabinowitch Haim D. , Kamenetsky-Goldstein Rina
Published: September 2022

Garlic lost its ability to produce true seeds millennia ago, and today non-fertile commercial cultivars are propagated only vegetatively. Garlic viruses are commonly carried over from one generation of vegetative propagules to the other, while nematodes and arthropods further transmit the pathogens from infected to healthy plants. A recent breakthrough in the production of true (botanical) garlic seeds resulted in rapid scientific progress, but the question of whether viruses are transmitted via seeds remains open and is important for the further development of commercial seed production. We combined morpho-physiological analysis, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and PCR analysis to follow potyvirus localization and translocation within garlic fertile plants and seeds. Spatial distribution was recorded in both vegetative and reproductive organs. We conclude that garlic potyviruses are translocated to the seeds from the infected mother plant during flower development and post-fertilization, while pollen remains virus-free and does not contribute to seed infection. Therefore, the main practical goal for virus-clean seed production in garlic is the careful maintenance of virus-free mother plants. Although garlic pollen is free of potyviral infection, the male parents’ plants also need to be protected from contamination, since viral infection weakens plants, reducing flowering ability and pollen production.
A Botybirnavirus Isolated from Alternaria tenuissima Confers Hypervirulence and Decreased Sensitivity of Its Host Fungus to Difenoconazole
Authors: Liang Zhijian , Hua Huihui , Wu Chunyan , Zhou Tao , Wu Xuehong
Published: September 2022

Alternaria alternata botybirnavirus 1 (AaBRV1) was isolated from a strain of Alternaria alternata, causing watermelon leaf blight in our previous research. The effect of AaBRV1 on the phenotype of its host fungus, however, was not determined. In the present study, a novel strain of AaBRV1 was identified in A. tenuissima strain TJ-NH-51S-4, the causal agent of cotton Alternaria leaf spot, and designated as AaBRV1-AT1. A mycovirus AaBRV1-AT1-free strain TJ-NH-51S-4-VF was obtained by protoplast regeneration, which eliminated AaBRV1-AT1 from the mycovirus AaBRV1-AT1-infected strain TJ-NH-51S-4. Colony growth rate, spore production, and virulence of strain TJ-NH-51S-4 were greater than they were in TJ-NH-51S-4-VF, while the sensitivity of strain TJ-NH-51S-4 to difenoconazole, as measured by the EC50, was lower. AaBRV1-AT1 was capable of vertical transmission via asexual spores and horizontal transmission from strain TJ-NH-51S-4 to strain XJ-BZ-5-1hyg (another strain of A. tenuissima) through hyphal contact in pairing cultures. A total of 613 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in a comparative transcriptome analysis between TJ-NH-51S-4 and TJ-NH-51S-4-VF. Relative to strain TJ-NH-51S-4-VF, the number of up-regulated and down-regulated DEGs in strain TJ-NH-51S-4 was 286 and 327, respectively. Notably, the expression level of one DEG-encoding cytochrome P450 sterol 14α-demethylase and four DEGs encoding siderophore iron transporters were significantly up-regulated. To our knowledge, this is the first documentation of hypervirulence and reduced sensitivity to difenoconazole induced by AaBRV1-AT1 infection in A. tenuissima.
A Journey to the Central Nervous System: Routes of Flaviviral Neuroinvasion in Human Disease
Authors: Marshall Eleanor , Koopmans Marion , Rockx Barry
Published: September 2022

Many arboviruses, including viruses of the Flavivirus genus, are known to cause severe neurological disease in humans, often with long-lasting, debilitating sequalae in surviving patients. These emerging pathogens impact millions of people worldwide, yet still relatively little is known about the exact mechanisms by which they gain access to the human central nervous system. This review focusses on potential haematogenous and transneural routes of neuroinvasion employed by flaviviruses and identifies numerous gaps in knowledge, especially regarding lesser-studied interfaces of possible invasion such as the blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier, and novel routes such as the gut–brain axis. The complex balance of pro-inflammatory and antiviral immune responses to viral neuroinvasion and pathology is also discussed, especially in the context of the hypothesised Trojan horse mechanism of neuroinvasion. A greater understanding of the routes and mechanisms of arboviral neuroinvasion, and how they differ between viruses, will aid in predictive assessments of the neuroinvasive potential of new and emerging arboviruses, and may provide opportunity for attenuation, development of novel intervention strategies and rational vaccine design for highly neurovirulent arboviruses.
Molecular Epidemiology of HIV-1 in Eastern Europe and Russia
Authors: van de Klundert Maarten A. A. , Antonova Anastasiia , Di Teodoro Giulia , Ceña Diez Rafael , Chkhartishvili Nikoloz , Heger Eva , Kuznetsova Anna , Lebedev Aleksey , Narayanan Aswathy , Ozhmegova Ekaterina , Pronin Alexander , Shemshura Andrey , Tumanov Alexandr , Pfeifer Nico , Kaiser Rolf , Saladini Francesco , Zazzi Maurizio , Incardona Francesca , Bobkova Marina , Sönnerborg Anders
Published: September 2022

The HIV epidemic in Eastern Europe and Russia is large and not well-controlled. To describe the more recent molecular epidemiology of HIV-1, transmitted drug resistance, and the relationship between the epidemics in this region, we sequenced the protease and reverse transcriptase genes of HIV-1 from 812 people living with HIV from Ukraine (n = 191), Georgia (n = 201), and Russia (n = 420) before the initiation of antiretroviral therapy. In 190 Ukrainian patients, the integrase gene sequence was also determined. The most reported route of transmission was heterosexual contact, followed by intravenous drug use, and men having sex with men (MSM). Several pre-existing drug resistance mutations were found against non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (RTIs) (n = 103), protease inhibitors (n = 11), and nucleoside analogue RTIs (n = 12), mostly polymorphic mutations or revertants. In the integrase gene, four strains with accessory integrase strand transfer inhibitor mutations were identified. Sub-subtype A6 caused most of the infections (713/812; 87.8%) in all three countries, including in MSM. In contrast to earlier studies, no clear clusters related to the route of transmission were identified, indicating that, within the region, the exchange of viruses among the different risk groups may occur more often than earlier reported.
Preventable Disease, the Case of Colorado: School District Demographics and Childhood Immunizations
Authors: Nicolich Katherine , Gerken Jacob , Mallahan Blaire , Ross David W. , Zapata Isain
Published: September 2022

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of selected sociodemographic factors on childhood vaccination hesitancy and to define their role according to specific exemptions. This population-based cohort study utilized vaccination rate and sociodemographic data from 1st to 12th grade from 2017 to 2021 for all school districts in Colorado. Data included immunization status and exemptions for each vaccine, race, ethnicity, and free and reduced meal status. Data were evaluated through dimensional analysis and Generalized Linear Mixed Models. School districts with a higher representation of White students had lower immunization rates and use more personal exemptions while school districts with larger Hispanic populations and higher proportions of free and reduced lunches had higher vaccination rates and used more religious exemptions. Black and Pacific Islander populations had higher rates of incomplete vaccination records while Asian American population displayed increased vaccination compliance. Colorado is a robust example of how socioeconomic and cultural differences are important factors with a direct influence on vaccination rates. Future childhood vaccination campaigns and legislation should consider complex socioeconomic and cultural factors.
Computational Based Designing of a Multi-Epitopes Vaccine against Burkholderia mallei
Authors: Irfan Muhammad , Khan Saifullah , Hameed Alaa R. , Al-Harbi Alhanouf I. , Abideen Syed Ainul , Ismail Saba , Ullah Asad , Abbasi Sumra Wajid , Ahmad Sajjad
Published: September 2022

The emergence of antibiotic resistance in bacterial species is a major threat to public health and has resulted in high mortality as well as high health care costs. Burkholderia mallei is one of the etiological agents of health care-associated infections. As no licensed vaccine is available against the pathogen herein, using reverse vaccinology, bioinformatics, and immunoinformatics approaches, a multi-epitope-based vaccine against B. mallei was designed. In completely sequenced proteomes of B. mallei, 18,405 core, 3671 non-redundant, and 14,734 redundant proteins were predicted. Among the 3671 non-redundant proteins, 3 proteins were predicted in the extracellular matrix, 11 were predicted as outer membrane proteins, and 11 proteins were predicted in the periplasmic membrane. Only two proteins, type VI secretion system tube protein (Hcp) and type IV pilus secretin proteins, were selected for epitope prediction. Six epitopes, EAMPERMPAA, RSSPPAAGA, DNRPISINL, RQRFDAHAR, AERERQRFDA, and HARAAQLEPL, were shortlisted for multi-epitopes vaccine design. The predicted epitopes were linked to each other via a specific GPGPG linker and the epitopes peptide was then linked to an adjuvant molecule through an EAAAK linker to make the designed vaccine more immunologically potent. The designed vaccine was also found to have favorable physicochemical properties with a low molecular weight and fewer transmembrane helices. Molecular docking studies revealed vaccine construct stable binding with MHC-I, MHC-II, and TLR-4 with energy scores of −944.1 kcal/mol, −975.5 kcal/mol, and −1067.3 kcal/mol, respectively. Molecular dynamic simulation assay noticed stable dynamics of the docked vaccine-receptors complexes and no drastic changes were observed. Binding free energies estimation revealed a net value of −283.74 kcal/mol for the vaccine-MHC-I complex, −296.88 kcal/mol for the vaccine-MHC-II complex, and −586.38 kcal/mol for the vaccine-TLR-4 complex. These findings validate that the designed vaccine construct showed promising ability in terms of binding to immune receptors and may be capable of eliciting strong immune responses once administered to the host. Further evidence from experimentations in mice models is required to validate real immune protection of the designed vaccine construct against B. mallei.
Assessment of Attitudes and Intentions towards COVID-19 Vaccines and Associated Factors among General Populations of Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Khattak Saadullah , Idrees Muhammad , Iqbal Hafiza Iqra , Khan Maqbool , Assad Nasir , Khan Muhammad Naeem , Yousaf Muhammad Tufail , Farooq Muhammad , Yang Chang-Yong , Wu Dong-Dong , Ji Xin-Ying
Published: September 2022

Objective: The goal of public health in combatting COVID-19 is to increase herd immunity. However, vaccine reluctance makes attaining herd immunity a worldwide challenge. This investigation aimed to identify negative and positive attitudes and intentions about COVID-19 vaccinations. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted once free COVID-19 vaccines became available in Pakistan in 2021. 4392 Pakistanis aged 18 and older were surveyed from seven administrative units between 1 July and 30 August 2021. Online structured questionnaires were utilized to collect data using a simple sampling procedure. The questionnaires were divided into three major sections: sociodemographic, health factors, and attitudes toward COVID-19. Results: The survey link was shared with approximately 4500 participants. 97.6%(4392) completed the survey once begun. Frequency, percentage and Chi-square tests were used to analyze statistical data. Most of the participants in the research were men (2703 (61.54%)), 3277 (74.61%) were aged 18–29 years, and 1824 (41.53%) were residents of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. (18.69%) Respondents expressed COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, whereas 36.66% of participants liked getting the Sinopharm and Sinovac vaccines and (35.84%) of participants preferred the Pfizer vaccine. A significant number of participants (38.05%) were concerned about the vaccine’s unexpected side effects Thus, it is essential to realize that many participants were concerned about the vaccine’s unexpected side effects. Conclusions: The overall high level of concern about the unforeseen side effects of COVID-19 vaccines, as well as widespread vaccine hesitancy among Pakistani populations and its predictors, should be taken into account if public health intervention campaigns in Pakistan are changing negative attitudes and improving compliance with regard to COVID-19 vaccines.
Vaccine Hesitancy during the Coronavirus Pandemic in South Tyrol, Italy: Linguistic Correlates in a Representative Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Barbieri Verena , Wiedermann Christian J. , Lombardo Stefano , Ausserhofer Dietmar , Plagg Barbara , Piccoliori Giuliano , Gärtner Timon , Wiedermann Wolfgang , Engl Adolf
Published: September 2022

Background: German is a minority language in Italy and is spoken by the majority of the inhabitants of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano, South Tyrol. Linguistic group membership in South Tyrol is an established determinant of health information-seeking behavior. Because the COVID-19 incidence and vaccination coverage in the second year of the pandemic in Italy was the worst in South Tyrol, we investigated whether linguistic group membership is related to COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on a probability-based sample of 1425 citizens from South Tyrol in March 2021. The questionnaire collected information on socio-demographics, including linguistic group membership, comorbidities, COVID-19-related experiences, conspiracy thinking, well-being, altruism, and likelihood of accepting the national vaccination plan. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the significant predictors of vaccine hesitancy. Results: Overall, 15.6 percent of the sample reported vaccine hesitancy, which was significantly higher among German speakers than among other linguistic groups. Increased hesitancy was mostly observed in young age, the absence of chronic disease, rural residence, a worsened economic situation, mistrust in institutions, and conspiracy thinking. In the multiple logistic regression analyses, linguistic group membership was not an independent predictor of vaccine hesitancy. Conclusion: Although German is a minority language in Italy and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was higher in the German native language group than in the Italian, linguistic group membership was not an independent predictor of hesitancy in the autonomous province. Known predictors of vaccine hesitancy are distributed unevenly across language groups. Whether language group-specific intervention strategies to promote vaccine hesitancy are useful requires further study.
A Multi-Age-Group Interrupted Time-Series Study for Evaluating the Effectiveness of National Expanded Program on Immunization on Mumps
Authors: Shi Chen , Liu Wen-Hui , Yang Lin , Yan Ze-Lin , Li Li , Zhang Zhou-Bin , Ou Chun-Quan
Published: September 2022

The national Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) in China has covered vaccines for measles, mumps, and rubella, among children aged 18–24 months since September 2008. However, no previous studies have quantified the effectiveness of the EPI on mumps incidence. There are methodological challenges in assessing the effect of an intervention that targets a subpopulation but finally influences the whole population. In this study, monthly data on mumps incidence were collected in Guangzhou, China, during 2005–2019. We proposed a multi-age-group interrupted time-series design, setting the starting time of exerting effect separately for 14 different age groups. A mixed-effects quasi-Poisson regression was applied to analyze the effectiveness of the EPI on mumps incidence, after controlling for long-term and seasonal trends, and meteorological factors. The model also accounted for the first-order autocorrelation within each age group. Between-age-group correlations were expressed using the contact matrix of age groups. We found that 70,682 mumps cases were reported during 2005–2019, with an annual incidence rate of 37.91 cases per 100,000 population. The effect of EPI strengthened over time, resulting in a decrease in the incidence of mumps by 16.6% (EPI-associated excess risk% = −16.6%, 95% CI: −27.0% to −4.7%) in September 2009 to 40.1% (EPI-associated excess risk% = −40.1%, 95% CI: −46.1% to −33.3%) in September 2019. A reverse U-shape pattern was found in age-specific effect estimates, with the largest reduction of 129 cases per 100,000 population (95% CI: 14 to 1173) in those aged 4–5 years. The EPI is effective in reducing the mumps incidence in Guangzhou. The proposed modeling strategy can be applied for simultaneous assessment of the effectiveness of public health interventions across different age groups, with adequate adjustment for within- and between-group correlations.
Protection Induced by Vaccination with Recombinant Baculovirus and Virus-like Particles Expressing Toxoplasma gondii Rhoptry Protein 18
Authors: Yoon Keon-Woong , Chu Ki-Back , Kang Hae-Ji , Kim Min-Ju , Eom Gi-Deok , Mao Jie , Lee Su-Hwa , Ahmed Md Atique , Quan Fu-Shi
Published: September 2022

Heterologous immunization is garnering attention as a promising strategy to improve vaccine efficacy. Vaccines based on recombinant baculovirus (rBV) and virus-like particle (VLP) are safe for use, but heterologous immunization studies incorporating these two vaccine platforms remain unreported to date. Oral immunization is the simplest, most convenient, and safest means for mass immunization. In the present study, mice were immunized with the Toxoplasma gondii rhoptry protein 18 (ROP18)-expressing rBVs (rBVs-ROP18) and VLPs (VLPs-ROP18) via oral, intranasal, and intramuscular (IM) routes to evaluate the protection elicited against the intracellular parasite T. gondii ME49 strain. Overall, boost immunization with VLPs-ROP18 induced a significant increase in T. gondii-specific antibody response in all three immunization routes. Parasite-specific mucosal and cerebral antibody responses were observed from all immunization groups, but the highest mucosal IgA response was detected from the intestines of orally immunized mice. Antibody-secreting cell (ASC), CD8+ T cell, and germinal center B cell responses were strikingly similar across all three immunization groups. Oral immunization significantly reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 in the brains as well as that by IN and IM. Importantly, all of the immunized mice survived against lethal challenge infections where body weight loss was negligible from all three immunizations. These results demonstrated that protection induced against T. gondii by oral rBV-VLP immunization regimen is just as effective as IN or IM immunizations.
Quantitative Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 Serological Responses Post Three Doses of Immunization and Prior to Breakthrough COVID-19 Infections
Authors: Macrae Kathryn , Gong Catherine Yuqing , Sheth Prameet , Martinez-Cajas Jorge , Gong Yanping
Published: September 2022

Background: Vaccine mediated SARS-CoV-2 antibody responses should be carefully evaluated. With regular follow-up in healthy individuals, we aimed to determine SARS-CoV-2 serological responses post three doses of immunization and prior to breakthrough infections in the Canadian population. Methods: In a prospective cohort study, we enrolled 140 healthy participants post COVID-19 vaccination in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. IgG antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor–binding domain were quantified by immunoassay post three doses of immunization. With COVID-19 rapid antigen test, polymerase chain reaction, and whole genome sequencing, 27 breakthrough infections were identified. Results: Following SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (including BNT162b2, AZD1222, and mRNA-1273), the median serum anti-spike protein antibody level was 143.6 BAU/mL (binding antibody unit, interquartile range 79.0–266.6) post the first dose of immunization, 1046.4 BAU/mL (423.9–1738.2) post the second dose, and 1604.7 BAU/mL (700.1–3764.0) post the third dose. Observed differences were significant (p ≤ 0.001). The median antibody level of 1604.7 BAU/mL post third dose is 45.6 times that of the seroconversion level (35.2 BAU/mL). This indicates that most vaccines approved are effective in producing robust antibody responses. In seven breakthrough cases characterized by whole genome sequencing, prior to infection, antibody concentrations of breakthrough cases were at 3249.4 (Delta), 2748.4 (Delta), 4893.9 (Omicron), 209.1 (Omicron), and 231.5 (Omicron), 725.7 (Omicron), and 2346.6 (Omicron) BAU/mL. Compared with the average antibody concentration of 2057.7 BAU/mL (58 times that of the seroconversion concentration) from above seven cases, 37.2% of triple vaccinated, 19.0% of double vaccinated, and 1.5% single dosed individuals have higher SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels. Conclusions: Most vaccines are effective in producing robust antibody responses when more than one dose is given, and the more doses the higher the serological response. Likely due to the highly contagious nature of SARS-CoV-2 variants, a significant number of participants have SARS-CoV-2 antibody responses lower than the average antibody concentration prior to the known breakthrough infections. Additional vaccination is likely required to ensure immunity against infection by SARS-CoV-2.
Using ELEFIGHT® QR Codes for Quick Access to Information on Influenza Burden and Prevention: A Pilot Study in Lyon University Hospital
Authors: Khanafer Nagham , Oudot Sylvain , Planckaert Catherine , Paquin Nathalie , Mena Camille , Mandel Nadège Trehet , Chapurlat Roland , Lombard Catherine , Martin-Gaujard Géraldine , Juillard Laurent , Elias Christelle , Janoly-Dumenil Audrey , Jolivot Anne , Benazzouz Meriem , Maligeay Margot , Ayala Marie-Pierre , Ismail Diana , Vanhems Philippe
Published: September 2022

(1) Background: The Vaccine Coverage Rate of influenza remains low and omnichannel efforts are required to improve it. The objective was to evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of a QR Code nudging system in outpatient departments. (2) Methods: The study was performed in 6 departments ensuring ambulatory activities in a French university Hospital between November and December 2021. By scanning QR codes, users accessed anonymously to the ELEFIGHT® web app, which provides medical information on influenza and invites them to initiate a discussion about influenza prevention with their physicians during the consultation. (3) Results: 351 people made 529 scans with an average reading time of 1 min and 4 s and a conversion rate of 32%, i.e., people willing to engage in a discussion. (4) Conclusions: The study suggests that direct access to medical information through QR codes in hospitals might help nudge people to raise their awareness and trigger their action on influenza prevention.