bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exposure to Sub-Lethal Doses of Permethrin Is Associated with Neurotoxicity: Changes in Bioenergetics, Redox Markers, Neuroinflammation and Morphology
Authors: López-Aceves Teresita Guadalupe , Coballase-Urrutia Elvia , Estrada-Rojo Francisco , Vanoye-Carlo América , Carmona-Aparicio Liliana , Hernández María Eugenia , Pedraza-Chaverri José , Navarro Luz , Aparicio-Trejo Omar E. , Pérez-Torres Armando , Medina-Campos Omar N. , Martínez-Fong Daniel , Sánchez-Valle Vicente , Cárdenas-Rodríguez Noemi , Granados-Rojas Leticia , Pulido-Camarillo Evelyn , Rodríguez-Mata Verónica , León-Sicairos Claudia del R.
Published: December 2021

Permethrin (PERM) is a member of the class I family of synthetic pyrethroids. Human use has shown that it affects different systems, with wide health dysfunctions. Our aim was to determine bioenergetics, neuroinflammation and morphology changes, as redox markers after subacute exposure to PERM in rats. We used MDA determination, protein carbonyl assay, mitochondrial O2 consumption, expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and a deep histopathological analysis of the hippocampus. PERM (150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg body weight/day, o.v.) increased lipoperoxidation and carbonylated proteins in a dose-dependent manner in the brain regions. The activities of antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase, reductase, S-transferase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase showed an increase in all the different brain areas, with dose-dependent effects in the cerebellum. Cytokine profiles (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α) increased in a dose-dependent manner in different brain tissues. Exposure to 150 mg/kg of permethrin induced degenerated and/or dead neurons in the rat hippocampus and induced mitochondrial uncoupling and reduction of oxidative phosphorylation and significantly decreased the respiratory parameters state 3-associated respiration in complex I and II. PERM exposure at low doses induces reactive oxygen species production and imbalance in the enzymatic antioxidant system, increases gene expression of pro-inflammatory interleukins, and could lead to cell damage mediated by mitochondrial functional impairment.
Widespread Distribution and Adaptive Degradation of Microcystin Degrader (mlr-Genotype) in Lake Taihu, China
Authors: Hu Chenlin , Zuo Yanxia , Peng Liang , Gan Nanqin , Song Lirong
Published: December 2021

Microbial degradation is an important route for removing environmental microcystins (MCs). Here, we investigated the ecological distribution of microcystin degraders (mlr-genotype), and the relationship between the substrate specificity of the microcystin degrader and the profile of microcystin congener production in the habitat. We showed that microcystin degraders were widely distributed and closely associated with Microcystis abundance in Lake Taihu, China. We characterized an indigenous degrader, Sphingopyxis N5 in the northern Lake Taihu, and it metabolized six microcystin congeners in increasing order (RR > LR > YR > LA > LF and LW). Such a substrate-specificity pattern was congruent to the order of the dominance levels of these congeners in northern Lake Taihu. Furthermore, a meta-analysis on global microcystin degraders revealed that the substrate-specificity patterns varied geographically, but generally matched the profiles of microcystin congener production in the degrader habitats, and the indigenous degrader typically metabolized well the dominant MC congeners, but not the rare congeners in the habitat. This highlighted the phenotypic congruence between microcystin production and degradation in natural environments. We theorize that such congruence resulted from the metabolic adaptation of the indigenous degrader to the local microcystin congeners. Under the nutrient microcystin selection, the degraders might have evolved to better exploit the locally dominant congeners. This study provided the novel insight into the ecological distribution and adaptive degradation of microcystin degraders.
Nontrivial Isometric Embeddings for Flat Spaces
Authors: Paston Sergey , Zaitseva Taisiia
Published: December 2021

Nontrivial isometric embeddings for flat metrics (i.e., those which are not just planes in the ambient space) can serve as useful tools in the description of gravity in the embedding gravity approach. Such embeddings can additionally be required to have the same symmetry as the metric. On the other hand, it is possible to require the embedding to be unfolded so that the surface in the ambient space would occupy the subspace of the maximum possible dimension. In the weak gravitational field limit, such a requirement together with a large enough dimension of the ambient space makes embedding gravity equivalent to general relativity, while at lower dimensions it guarantees the linearizability of the equations of motion. We discuss symmetric embeddings for the metrics of flat Euclidean three-dimensional space and Minkowski space. We propose the method of sequential surface deformations for the construction of unfolded embeddings. We use it to construct such embeddings of flat Euclidean three-dimensional space and Minkowski space, which can be used to analyze the equations of motion of embedding gravity.
Torsion in String-Inspired Cosmologies and the Universe Dark Sector
Authors: Mavromatos Nick E.
Published: December 2021

Several aspects of torsion in string-inspired cosmologies are reviewed. In particular, its connection with fundamental, string-model independent, axion fields associated with the massless gravitational multiplet of the string are discussed. It is argued in favour of the role of primordial gravitational anomalies coupled to such axions in inducing inflation of a type encountered in the “Running-Vacuum-Model (RVM)” cosmological framework, without fundamental inflaton fields. The gravitational-anomaly terms owe their existence to the Green–Schwarz mechanism for the (extra-dimensional) anomaly cancellation, and may be non-trivial in such theories in the presence of (primordial) gravitational waves at early stages of the four-dimensional string universe (after compactification). The paper also discusses how the torsion-induced stringy axions can acquire a mass in the post inflationary era, due to non-perturbative effects, thus having the potential to play the role of (a component of) dark matter in such models. Finally, the current-era phenomenology of this model is briefly described with emphasis placed on the possibility of alleviating tensions observed in the current-era cosmological data. A brief phenomenological comparison with other cosmological models in contorted geometries is also made.
Fast, Reliable, and Simple Point-of-Care-like Adaptation of RT-qPCR for the Detection of SARS-CoV-2 for Use in Hospital Emergency Departments
Authors: Pavletić Martina , Mazor Marija , Lerga Mate , Mileta Tatjana , Železnjak Jelena , Ružić Tina , Ravlić Sanda , Palčevski Dora , Kirinčić Jelena , Mežnarić Silvestar , Mišković Ana , Materljan Maja , Šustić Alan , Lisnić Berislav , Juranić Lisnić Vanda
Published: December 2021

During COVID-19 pandemics, the availability of testing has often been a limiting factor during patient admissions into the hospital. To circumvent this problem, we adapted an existing diagnostic assay, Seegene Allplex SARS-CoV-2, into a point-of-care-style direct qPCR (POC dqPCR) assay and implemented it in the Emergency Department of Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka, Croatia. In a 4-month analysis, we tested over 10,000 patients and demonstrated that POC-dqPCR is robust and reliable and can be successfully implemented in emergency departments and similar near-patient settings and can be performed by medical personnel with little prior experience in qPCR.
Past and Future of Phage Therapy and Phage-Derived Proteins in Patients with Bone and Joint Infection
Authors: Ferry Tristan , Kolenda Camille , Briot Thomas , Souche Aubin , Lustig Sébastien , Josse Jérôme , Batailler Cécile , Pirot Fabrice , Medina Mathieu , Leboucher Gilles , Laurent Frédéric ,   on behalf of the Lyon BJI Study Group,   on behalf of the PHAGEinLYON Study Group
Published: December 2021

Phage-derived therapies comprise phage therapy and the use of phage-derived proteins as anti-bacterial therapy. Bacteriophages are natural viruses that target specific bacteria. They were proposed to be used to treat bacterial infections in the 1920s, before the discovery and widespread over-commercialized use of antibiotics. Phage therapy was totally abandoned in Western countries, whereas it is still used in Poland, Georgia and Russia. We review here the history of phage therapy by focusing on bone and joint infection, and on the development of phage therapy in France in this indication. We discuss the rationale of its use in bacterial infection and show the feasibility of phage therapy in the 2020s, based on several patients with complex bone and joint infection who recently received phages as compassionate therapy. Although the status of phage therapy remains to be clarified by health care authorities, obtaining pharmaceutical-grade therapeutic phages (i.e., following good manufacturing practice guidelines or being “GMP-like”) targeting bacterial species of concern is essential. Moreover, multidisciplinary clinical expertise has to determine what could be the relevant indications to perform clinical trials. Finally “phage therapy 2.0” has to integrate the following steps: (i) follow the status of phage therapy, that is not settled and defined; (ii) develop in each country a close relationship with the national health care authority; (iii) develop industrial–academic partnerships; (iv) create academic reference centers; (v) identify relevant clinical indications; (vi) use GMP/GMP-like phages with guaranteed quality bioproduction; (vii) start as salvage therapy; (vii) combine with antibiotics and adequate surgery; and (viii) perform clinical trials, to finally (ix) demonstrate in which clinical settings phage therapy provides benefit. Phage-derived proteins such as peptidoglycan hydrolases, polysaccharide depolymerases or lysins are enzymes that also have anti-biofilm activity. In contrast to phages, their development has to follow the classical process of medicinal products. Phage therapy and phage-derived products also have a huge potential to treat biofilm-associated bacterial diseases, and this is of crucial importance in the worldwide spread of antimicrobial resistance.
WGS- versus ORF5-Based Typing of PRRSV: A Belgian Case Study
Authors: Vandenbussche Frank , Mathijs Elisabeth , Tignon Marylène , Vandersmissen Tamara , Cay Ann Brigitte
Published: December 2021

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is the causative agent of one of the most widespread and economically devastating diseases in the swine industry. Typing circulating PRRSV strains by means of sequencing is crucial for developing adequate control strategies. Most genetic studies only target the highly variable open reading frame (ORF) 5, for which an extensive database is available. In this study, we performed whole-genome sequencing (WGS) on a collection of 124 PRRSV-1 positive serum samples that were collected over a 5-year period (2015–2019) in Belgium. Our results show that (nearly) complete PRRSV genomes can be obtained directly from serum samples with a high success rate. Analysis of the coding regions confirmed the exceptionally high genetic diversity, even among Belgian PRRSV-1 strains. To gain more insight into the added value of WGS, we performed phylogenetic cluster analyses on separate ORF datasets as well as on a single, concatenated dataset (CDS) containing all ORFs. A comparison between the CDS and ORF clustering schemes revealed numerous discrepancies. To explain these differences, we performed a large-scale recombination analysis, which allowed us to identify a large number of potential recombination events that were scattered across the genome. As PRRSV does not contain typical recombination hot-spots, typing PRRSV strains based on a single ORF is not recommended. Although the typing accuracy can be improved by including multiple regions, our results show that the full genetic diversity among PRRSV strains can only be captured by analysing (nearly) complete genomes. Finally, we also identified several vaccine-derived recombinant strains, which once more raises the question of the safety of these vaccines.
ZRC3308 Monoclonal Antibody Cocktail Shows Protective Efficacy in Syrian Hamsters against SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Yadav Pragya D. , Mendiratta Sanjeev Kumar , Mohandas Sreelekshmy , Singh Arun K. , Abraham Priya , Shete Anita , Bandyopadhyay Sanjay , Kumar Sanjay , Parikh Aashini , Kalita Pankaj , Sharma Vibhuti , Pandya Hardik , Patel Chirag G. , Patel Mihir , Soni Swagat , Giri Suresh , Jain Mukul
Published: December 2021

We have developed a monoclonal antibody (mAb) cocktail (ZRC-3308) comprising of ZRC3308-A7 and ZRC3308-B10 in the ratio 1:1 for COVID-19 treatment. The mAbs were designed to have reduced immune effector functions and increased circulation half-life. mAbs showed good binding affinities to non-competing epitopes on RBD of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and were found neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 variants B.1, B.1.1.7, B.1.351, B.1.617.2, and B.1.617.2 AY.1 in vitro. The mAb cocktail demonstrated effective prophylactic and therapeutic activity against SARS-CoV-2 infection in Syrian hamsters. The antibody cocktail appears to be a promising candidate for prophylactic use and for therapy in early COVID-19 cases that have not progressed to severe disease.
No Evidence of the Vertical Transmission of Non-Virulent Infectious Salmon Anaemia Virus (ISAV-HPR0) in Farmed Atlantic Salmon
Authors: Christiansen Debes Hammershaimb , Petersen Petra Elisabeth , Dahl Maria Marjunardóttir , Vest Nicolina , Aamelfot Maria , Kristoffersen Anja Bråthen , Jansen Mona Dverdal , Matejusova Iveta , Gallagher Michael D. , Jónsson Gísli , Rodriguez Eduardo , Fosse Johanna Hol , Falk Knut
Published: December 2021

The nonvirulent infectious salmon anaemia virus (ISAV-HPR0) is the putative progenitor for virulent-ISAV, and a potential risk factor for the development of infectious salmon anaemia (ISA). Understanding the transmission dynamics of ISAV-HPR0 is fundamental to proper management and mitigation strategies. Here, we demonstrate that ISAV-HPR0 causes prevalent and transient infections in all three production stages of Atlantic salmon in the Faroe Islands. Phylogenetic analysis of the haemagglutinin-esterase gene from 247 salmon showed a clear geographical structuring into two significantly distinct HPR0-subgroups, which were designated G2 and G4. Whereas G2 and G4 co-circulated in marine farms, Faroese broodfish were predominantly infected by G2, and smolt were predominantly infected by G4. This infection pattern was confirmed by our G2- and G4-specific RT-qPCR assays. Moreover, the HPR0 variants detected in Icelandic and Norwegian broodfish were never detected in the Faroe Islands, despite the extensive import of ova from both countries. Accordingly, the vertical transmission of HPR0 from broodfish to progeny is uncommon. Phylogenetic and statistical analysis suggest that HPR0 persists in the smolt farms as “house-strains”, and that new HPR0 variants are occasionally introduced from the marine environment, probably by HPR0-contaminated sea-spray. Thus, high biosecurity—including water and air intake—is required to avoid the introduction of pathogens to the smolt farms.
Soliris to Stop Immune-Mediated Death in COVID-19 (SOLID-C19)—A Compassionate-Use Study of Terminal Complement Blockade in Critically Ill Patients with COVID-19-Related Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Pitts Thomas C.
Published: December 2021

Eculizumab, a terminal complement (C5)-inhibiting monoclonal antibody, was administered in five mechanically ventilated patients in life-threatening condition due to COVID-19-related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) between 23 March 2020 and 3 April 2020. Their clinical progress was monitored. The primary endpoint was mortality. One patient was excluded while two passed away. The remaining two patients survived. At the time of this study, the mortality rate in mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients suffering from ARDS receiving the standard of care as their therapeutic regimen was reportedly as high as 97%. This pilot study demonstrates a 50% mortality rate in patients receiving eculizumab therapy.
High-Throughput Sequencing of Small RNAs for Diagnostics of Grapevine Viruses and Viroids in Russia
Authors: Navrotskaya Emiliya , Porotikova Elena , Yurchenko Eugeniya , Galbacs Zsuzsanna Nagyne , Varallyay Eva , Vinogradova Svetlana
Published: December 2021

The use of high-throughput sequencing (HTS) technology has led to significant progress in the identification of many viruses and their genetic variants. In this study, we used the HTS platform to sequence small RNAs (sRNAs) of grapevine to study the virome. Isolation of RNA was performed using symptomatic grapevines collected from commercial vineyards in Krasnodar Krai in 2017–2018. To determine the viromes of vineyards, we used an integrated approach that included a bioinformatic analysis of the results of sRNA HTS and the molecular method RT-PCR, which made it possible to identify 13 viruses and 4 viroids. Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 4 (GLRaV-4), Grapevine Syrah Virus-1 (GSyV-1), Raspberry bushy dwarf virus (RBDV), Australian grapevine viroid (AGVd), and Grapevine yellow speckle viroid 2 (GYSVd-2) were identified for the first time in Russia. Out of 38 samples analyzed, 37 had mixed infections with 4–11 viruses, indicating a high viral load. Analysis of the obtained sequences of fragments of virus genomes made it possible to identify recombination events in GLRaV-1, GLRaV-2, GLRaV-3, GLRaV-4, GVT, GPGV, GRSPaV, GVA, and GFLV. The obtained results indicate a wide spread of the viruses and a high genetic diversity in the vineyards of Krasnodar Krai and emphasize the urgent need to develop and implement long-term strategies for the control of viral grapevine diseases.
INMI1 Zika Virus NS4B Antagonizes the Interferon Signaling by Suppressing STAT1 Phosphorylation
Authors: Fanunza Elisa , Grandi Nicole , Quartu Marina , Carletti Fabrizio , Ermellino Laura , Milia Jessica , Corona Angela , Capobianchi Maria Rosaria , Ippolito Giuseppe , Tramontano Enzo
Published: December 2021

The evasion of the Interferon response has important implications in Zika virus (ZIKV) disease. Mutations in ZIKV viral protein NS4B, associated with modulation of the interferon (IFN) system, have been linked to increased pathogenicity in animal models. In this study, we unravel ZIKV NS4B as antagonist of the IFN signaling cascade. Firstly, we reported the genomic characterization of NS4B isolated from a strain of the 2016 outbreak, ZIKV Brazil/2016/INMI1, and we predicted its membrane topology. Secondly, we analyzed its phylogenetic correlation with other flaviviruses, finding a high similarity with dengue virus 2 (DEN2) strains; in particular, the highest conservation was found when NS4B was aligned with the IFN inhibitory domain of DEN2 NS4B. Hence, we asked whether ZIKV NS4B was also able to inhibit the IFN signaling cascade, as reported for DEN2 NS4B. Our results showed that ZIKV NS4B was able to strongly inhibit the IFN stimulated response element and the IFN-γ-activated site transcription, blocking IFN-I/-II responses. mRNA expression levels of the IFN stimulated genes ISG15 and OAS1 were also strongly reduced in presence of NS4B. We found that the viral protein was acting by suppressing the STAT1 phosphorylation and consequently blocking the nuclear transport of both STAT1 and STAT2.
Fullerene Derivatives Prevent Packaging of Viral Genomic RNA into HIV-1 Particles by Binding Nucleocapsid Protein
Authors: Křížová Ivana , Dostálková Alžběta , Castro Edison , Prchal Jan , Hadravová Romana , Kaufman Filip , Hrabal Richard , Ruml Tomáš , Llano Manuel , Echegoyen Luis , Rumlová Michaela
Published: December 2021

Fullerene derivatives with hydrophilic substituents have been shown to exhibit a range of biological activities, including antiviral ones. For a long time, the anti-HIV activity of fullerene derivatives was believed to be due to their binding into the hydrophobic pocket of HIV-1 protease, thereby blocking its activity. Recent work, however, brought new evidence of a novel, protease-independent mechanism of fullerene derivatives’ action. We studied in more detail the mechanism of the anti-HIV-1 activity of N,N-dimethyl[70]fulleropyrrolidinium iodide fullerene derivatives. By using a combination of in vitro and cell-based approaches, we showed that these C70 derivatives inhibited neither HIV-1 protease nor HIV-1 maturation. Instead, our data indicate effects of fullerene C70 derivatives on viral genomic RNA packaging and HIV-1 cDNA synthesis during reverse transcription—without impairing reverse transcriptase activity though. Molecularly, this could be explained by a strong binding affinity of these fullerene derivatives to HIV-1 nucleocapsid domain, preventing its proper interaction with viral genomic RNA, thereby blocking reverse transcription and HIV-1 infectivity. Moreover, the fullerene derivatives’ oxidative activity and fluorescence quenching, which could be one of the reasons for the inconsistency among reported anti-HIV-1 mechanisms, are discussed herein.
Assessing Acceptability of COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Dose among Adult Americans: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Yadete Tesfaye , Batra Kavita , Netski Dale M. , Antonio Sabrina , Patros Michael J. , Bester Johan C.
Published: December 2021

Given the emergence of breakthrough infections, new variants, and concerns of waning immunity from the primary COVID-19 vaccines, booster shots emerged as a viable option to shore-up protection against COVID-19. Following the recent authorization of vaccine boosters among vulnerable Americans, this study aims to assess COVID-19 vaccine booster hesitancy and its associated factors in a nationally representative sample. A web-based 48-item psychometric valid survey was used to measure vaccine literacy, vaccine confidence, trust, and general attitudes towards vaccines. Data were analyzed through Chi-square (with a post hoc contingency table analysis) and independent-sample t-/Welch tests. Among 2138 participants, nearly 62% intended to take booster doses and the remaining were COVID-19 vaccine booster hesitant. The vaccine-booster-hesitant group was more likely to be unvaccinated (62.6% vs. 12.9%) and did not intend to have their children vaccinated (86.1% vs. 27.5%) compared to their non-hesitant counterparts. A significantly higher proportion of booster dose hesitant individuals had very little to no trust in the COVID-19 vaccine information given by public health/government agencies (55% vs. 12%) compared to non-hesitant ones. The mean scores of vaccine confidence index and vaccine literacy were lower among the hesitant group compared to the non-hesitant group. Compared to the non-hesitant group, vaccine hesitant participants were single or never married (41.8% vs. 28.7%), less educated, and living in a southern region of the nation (40.9% vs. 33.3%). These findings underscore the need of developing effective communication strategies emphasizing vaccine science in ways that are accessible to individuals with lower levels of education and vaccine literacy to increase vaccination uptake.
A Bioinformatics Approach to Identifying Potential Biomarkers for Cryptosporidium parvum: A Coccidian Parasite Associated with Fetal Diarrhea
Authors: Sabir Mumdooh J. , Low Ross , Hall Neil , Kamli Majid Rasool , Malik Md. Zubbair
Published: December 2021

Cryptosporidium parvum (C. parvum) is a protozoan parasite known for cryptosporidiosis in pre-weaned calves. Animals and patients with immunosuppression are at risk of developing the disease, which can cause potentially fatal diarrhoea. The present study aimed to construct a network biology framework based on the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of C. parvum infected subjects. In this way, the gene expression profiling analysis of C. parvum infected individuals can give us a snapshot of actively expressed genes and transcripts under infection conditions. In the present study, we have analyzed microarray data sets and compared the gene expression profiles of the patients with the different data sets of the healthy control. Using a network medicine approach to identify the most influential genes in the gene interaction network, we uncovered essential genes and pathways related to C. parvum infection. We identified 164 differentially expressed genes (109 up- and 54 down-regulated DEGs) and allocated them to pathway and gene set enrichment analysis. The results underpin the identification of seven significant hub genes with high centrality values: ISG15, MX1, IFI44L, STAT1, IFIT1, OAS1, IFIT3, RSAD2, IFITM1, and IFI44. These genes are associated with diverse biological processes not limited to host interaction, type 1 interferon production, or response to IL-gamma. Furthermore, four genes (IFI44, IFIT3, IFITM1, and MX1) were also discovered to be involved in innate immunity, inflammation, apoptosis, phosphorylation, cell proliferation, and cell signaling. In conclusion, these results reinforce the development and implementation of tools based on gene profiles to identify and treat Cryptosporidium parvum-related diseases at an early stage.
COVID-19 mRNA Based Vaccine Immune-Response Assessment in Nursing Home Residents for Public Health Decision
Authors: San Segundo David , Comins-Boo Alejandra , Lamadrid-Perojo Patricia , Irure-Ventura Juan , Castillo-Otí José María , Wallman Reinhard , Calvo-Montes Jorge , Méndez-Legaza José Manuel , Baamonde-Calzada Carmela , Sánchez-Molina Isabel , Lecue-Martínez Marina , Ventisca-Pérez Silvia , Batlle-López Ana , Hoyos Marcos López
Published: December 2021

Nursing home residents (NHR) have been targeted as a vaccination priority due to their higher risk of worse outcome after COVID-19 infection. The mRNA-based vaccine BTN2b2 was first approved in Europe for NHRs. The assessment of the specific vaccine immune response (both humoral and cellular) at long term in NHRs has not been addressed yet. A representative sample of 624 NHR subjects in Northern region of Spain was studied to assess immune response against full vaccination with BTN2b2. The anti-S1 antibody levels and specific T cells were measured at two and six months after vaccination. 24.4% of NHR had a previous infection prior to vaccination. The remaining NHR were included in the full vaccination assessment group (FVA). After two months, a 94.9% of the FVA presented anti-S1 antibodies, whereas those seronegative without specific cellular response were 2.54%. At long-term, the frequency of NHR within the FVA group with anti-S1 antibodies at six months were 88.12% and the seronegative subjects without specific cellular response was 8.07%. The cellular immune assays complement the humoral test in the immune vaccine response assessment. Therefore, the cellular immune assessment in NHRs allows for the fine tuning of those seronegative subjects with potential competent immune responses against the vaccine.
Impact of Molecular Modifications on the Immunogenicity and Efficacy of Recombinant Raccoon Poxvirus-Vectored Rabies Vaccine Candidates in Mice
Authors: Malavé Carly M. , Lopera-Madrid Jaime , Medina-Magües Lex G. , Rocke Tonie E. , Osorio Jorge E.
Published: December 2021

Rabies is an ancient disease that is responsible for approximately 59,000 human deaths annually. Bats (Order Chiroptera) are thought to be the original hosts of rabies virus (RABV) and currently account for most rabies cases in wildlife in the Americas. Vaccination is being used to manage rabies in other wildlife reservoirs like fox and raccoon, but no rabies vaccine is available for bats. We previously developed a recombinant raccoonpox virus (RCN) vaccine candidate expressing a mosaic glycoprotein (MoG) gene that protected mice and big brown bats when challenged with RABV. In this study, we developed two new recombinant RCN candidates expressing MoG (RCN-tPA-MoG and RCN-SS-TD-MoG) with the aim of improving RCN-MoG. We assessed and compared in vitro expression, in vivo immunogenicity, and protective efficacy in vaccinated mice challenged intracerebrally with RABV. All three candidates induced significant humoral immune responses, and inoculation with RCN-tPA-MoG or RCN-MoG significantly increased survival after RABV challenge. These results demonstrate the importance of considering molecular elements in the design of vaccines, and that vaccination with either RCN-tPA-MoG or RCN-MoG confers adequate protection from rabies infection, and either may be a sufficient vaccine candidate for bats in future work.
Maternal Left Ventricular Diastolic and Systolic Function during Normal Pregnancy in Saint Bernard Dogs
Authors: Lobo Luís , Esteves-Guimarães Joana , Oliveira Pedro , Salazar Luís , Pereira André , Fontes-Sousa Ana Patrícia
Published: December 2021

This study aimed to evaluate maternal left ventricular (LV) systo-diastolic function using conventional and TDI echocardiography and included 10 healthy Saint-Bernard pregnant bitches. M-mode, peak transmitral flow velocities during early diastole (E) and atrial contraction (A), aortic and pulmonic flow, myocardial performance index (MPI), TDI studies (peak myocardial velocities during early diastole (E’), atrial contraction (A’) and peak systole (S’)), and blood pressure were measured at 21 to 28 (T1), 40 (T2) and 60 (T3) days of gestation and four to eight weeks postpartum (T4). Cardiac output and heart rate were 20% and 9% higher at T3, respectively, compared to T4 (p < 0.01). Lateral S’ was 36% higher at T3 than at T1 (p < 0.05). Changes in diastolic function were demonstrated by 10% lower E wave and 15% A wave at T1, compared to T4 (p < 0.05). E’ and A’ were 23% and 42% higher at T3 compared to T4 (p < 0.01). Both lateral E/E’ and E’/A’ were 6% and 19% lower at T3 compared to T1 (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). At T3, MPI was 51% and 34% lower when compared to T1 or T2 (p < 0.05). The echocardiographic evaluation of maternal cardiac function is important, as structural, and functional changes occur throughout pregnancy.
Prevalence and Patterns of Antimicrobial Resistance among Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus spp. in a Veterinary University Hospital
Authors: Cocca Giorgia , Piva Silvia , Magno Sara Del , Scarpellini Raffaele , Giacometti Federica , Serraino Andrea , Giunti Massimo
Published: December 2021

The occurrence of antimicrobial resistance in commensal strains of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus spp. was investigated in 320 samples collected from patients and the environment of a veterinary university hospital—specifically, the consultation area (CA) and intensive care unit (ICU). E. coli was isolated in 70/160 samples (44%), while Staphylococcus spp. were isolated in 110/160 (69%) samples. The occurrence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates from CA and ICU admission were similar for E. coli (1/12 (8%) versus 4/27 (15%), respectively) and Staphylococcus spp. (10/19 (53%) versus 26/50 (52%), respectively). MDR E. coli isolates increased significantly at hospital discharge (18/31; 58%; p = 0.008). Antimicrobial treatment administered during hospitalization was a risk factor for carriage of MDR E. coli (OR, 23.9; 95% CI: 1.18–484.19; p = 0.04) and MDR Staphylococcus spp. (OR, 19.5; 95% CI 1.30–292.76; p = 0.02), respectively. The odds ratio for MDR E. coli was 41.4 (95% CI 2.13–806.03; p = 0.01), if the administration of fluoroquinolones was evaluated. The mecA gene was detected in 19/24 (79%) coagulase-positive Staphylococcus spp. isolates resistant to oxacillin. High rates of MDR Staphylococcus spp. were reported. Hospitalization in the ICU and antimicrobial treatment were risk factors for colonization by MDR commensal bacteria.
Nutritive support for pregnant women in the practice of a medical nurse
Authors: Skvortsov Vsevolod Vladimirovich
Published: December 2021

The article is devoted to the issues of nutritional characteristics and nutritional support of the mother and the fetus during physiological pregnancy and the need to take vitamin-mineral complexes.
DYNAMICS OF ACCUMULATION OF BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE SUBSTANCES IN HYSSOPUS OFFICINALIS L. PLANTS GROWN IN THE FOOTHILL ZONE OF CRIMEA
Authors:   Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea, Pekhova O.A. , Timasheva L.A. ,   Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea, Danilova I.L. ,   Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea, Belova I.V. ,   Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea
Published: December 2021

Hyssopus officinalis L. is a promising essential oil plant of complex use containing various types of biologically active substances (BAS). The purpose of the research was twofold: study the features of accumulation of various types of BAS in H. officinalis plants grown in the foothill zone of the Crimea; assess the possibility to use them in perfumery, cosmetics, food industry, pharmacy and medicine. The research was conducted in 2017–2019 in the FSBSI “Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea”. The raw materials of H. officinalis (population with blue flowers) grown without irrigation served as the research material. Qualitative and quantitative characteristics of raw materials and different types of BAS were determined according to generally accepted methods. Structural analysis of H. officinalis showed that the aboveground part of plants during the growing season had the following fractional composition: leaves (21.4–70.6 %), stems (18.8–30.9 %), inflorescences (22.0−59.1 %). The ratio of fractions by phases of vegetation varied, namely: in the phase of regrowth, leaves prevailed – 70.6 % but, at the end of the flowering, their content decreased to 21.4 %; the content of inflorescences reached its maximum in the phases of mass flowering and end of flowering 53.3–59.1 %. The main oil-synthesizing organs of H. officinalis were leaves and inflorescences. The highest yield amount of H. officinalis essential oil was obtained from inflorescences (1.94 %), which in the fractional composition of the raw material amounted to 53.3 %. The maximum amount of essential oil of specific quality accumulated in plants during the phase of mass flowering (1.26 % in terms of absolutely dry weight). The dominant components of essential oil are ketones: isopinocamphone and pinocamphone (75.9–78.6 %). A high level of phenolic compounds was determined in the phases of regrowth and flowering; extractive substances – in the budding phase; tannins – in the phase of mass flowering. During the storage of air-dry raw materials for two years, insignificant losses of essential oil occur (up to 20.2 %); its component composition changes (hydrocarbons amount decreased by 2.5–22.7 %; ketones – increased by 3.4–16.2 %). The content of other types of BAS during storage of raw materials increased by 10–30 %. Therefore, it is advisable to store air-dry raw materials of Hyssopus officinalis for two years or longer.
METHODOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO ASSESSING THE CONDITION OF RURAL AREAS
Authors:   Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea, Dunaieva Ie. A. , Popovich V.V. ,   Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea, Vecherkov V.V. ,   Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea
Published: December 2021

Currently, for the agro-industrial complex development, it is necessary to apply new modern methodological approaches. Among the variety of methods, it is advisable to choose those methodological approaches that will make it possible to form the optimal directions for socio-economic development of rural areas more adequately, provided they improve the integral ecosystem state. This article is devoted to the development of a methodology for searching, selecting, calculating key parameters and integral indicators having a significant impact on the state and development of agricultural territories. The research aims to study the possibilities of integrating assessments based on the processing of statistical reporting materials and Earth remote sensing (ERS) data. The novelty of the work is in the development of a methodological approach for using statistical reporting data and indirect remote sensing data on the level of territory bioproductivity (net primary production) at various levels of spatial analysis (from the level of rural settlement and above). A database of indicators of ecosystem state of rural areas for various levels of integration (from a rural settlement and above) was created using modern software. Moreover, comparable level indicators of their current state were calculated; procedures for spatial visualization of the calculation results for pilot districts and Crimea as a whole were developed. The indicator of the socio-economic direction in 2020 for the Republic of Crimea decreased by 7 % compared to 2019; only for the Kirovsky and Leninsky districts, it remained at the same level. Considering the ecological indicator, the overall integral indicator of the ecosystem state of territories decreased by 3.9 % and worsened for almost all districts (except Kirovsky). The use of satellite information to analyze the dynamics of the development of rural areas showed the continuing negative trend in annual indicators of bioproductivity (about 1.2 % on average per year for the period 2000–2020). All visualization data are implemented through a server web platform using GIS software product – NextGISWeb to allow a third-party user having an opportunity to access the available information to conduct analytical or management activities.
Un exemple de rapport ville/université. Toulouse devient scientifique (1870-1914)
Authors: Grossetti Michel , Nevers Jean-Yves , Azam Martine , Vannier P.
Published: December 2021

La réorganisation du système local d'enseignement supérieur au début du siècle est l'occasion d'analyser ce qui peut se jouer entre la Ville et l'Université dans un contexte où l'État laisse une marge importante d'autonomie aux universités et autorise les villes à y financer de nouveaux enseignements. On montre comment la question universitaire est abordée par les différents acteurs de la Ville et pourquoi, à Toulouse en particulier, cette ouverture de l'Université aux initiatives locales s'est traduite par un essor considérable de l'enseignement scientifique et technique.
Vivre à Bayonne intensément. Mise en scène de l'identité et de la citoyenneté urbaine à travers la fête
Authors: Garat Isabelle
Published: December 2021

The relationship to the city is now changing for the inhabitants, because of the multiplication of possible places to which they can develop a sense of belonging. Nonetheless the city, which still secretes a sort of meaning, remains a spatial area charged with significance. In Bayonne in the first week of August the town carnival allows the townspeople to renew contact with the urban environment which most of them have rejected as a residential area in preference for the urban outskirts even though most of them still claim to be city dwellers and bayonnais.
Les ingénieurs du sens
Authors: Floris Bernard
Published: December 2021

The scientific validity of social expert evaluation presents some problems : because social science is insufficiently distanced from its object, it cannot claim perfect epistemological parity with natural science ; industrial relations expert evaluation has a tendency to consist simply of a sort of technocratic regulation of labour relations. The second part of this article will study these hypotheses by analysing practices of experts in business communication : having recourse to specialized, scientific knowledge appears as a means of justifying managerial power behind the mask of the illusion of rational, instrumental control of labour relations.
La frontière de l'Etat. Approche historique et juridique
Authors: Bottin Michel
Published: December 2021

A country and its frontiers. A juridical and historical approach

The image which we have of the frontier is the reflection of ideas and practices inherited from the 19th century. The frontier has not always been an obstacle difficult to cross. History allows us to relativise this approach. We can make the distinction between frontier (zone) and boundary (line). The first is marked by the disappearance of enclaves and the end of the practice of mixed or jumbled up pockets of land ; the second enables us to establish the fact that we had, early on, a very precise idea of this separation. When thinking about the possibilities of frontier (boundary) crossing one should distinguish between the frontier as obstacle and the frontier as point of contact. The first is symbolized by the installation of the customs and the police along the frontier line, the second is associated with the existence of intense neighbour interaction which could well justify a difference of juridical approach.
Globalisation et frontière
Authors: Courlet Claude
Published: December 2021

La frontière n'est pas un obstacle pour un territoire, mais un mécanisme que l'on retrouve au détour de chaque action. Grâce à elle, le capitalisme évolue, sépare, différencie, régule. En dynamique, cette perspective d'analyse insiste sur le fait que le capitalisme joue avec la frontière. A l'heure de la globalisation, se définissent de nouvelles frontières et de nouveaux clivages. La globalisation n'entraîne pas la disparition de petits espaces locaux et régionaux (régions transfrontalières, systèmes productifs locaux), mais d'une certaine manière, les renforce.
Stratégies des groupes-médias français. Des configurations inédites
Authors: Vesins Hugues de
Published: December 2021

Cet article cherche à cerner, dans le cadre d'une économie de réseaux, l'organisation concurrentielle du secteur français des médias en retraçant les jeux des acteurs financiers, industriels et politiques qui le composent et le structurent. Les stratégies d'indépendance et de neutralité développées par les groupes-médias disparaissent au profit de configurations inédites. Ces configurations visent à construire une nouvelle autonomie stratégique au prix de relations de dépendance générées par une multiplicité d'alliances. Le "pôle-médias" français semble constituer la configuration la plus aboutie.
Dynamique des régions rurales. Une approche localisée
Authors: Guérin Marc , Aubert Francis , Perrier-Cornet Philippe , Sylvestre Jean-Pierre
Published: December 2021

Dinâmica de las regiones rurales. Un enfoque localizado

Actualmente, los espacios rurales mas periféricos conocen los efectos de las fuerzas económicas que favorecen los fenómenos de aglomeración. Sin embargo, lejos de depender mecânicamente de las leyes de determinismo economico, las regiones rurales enclavadas pueden presentar trayectorias de evolución diversificadas y eficientes. Un marco de anâlisis que subraya la importancia y las formas evolutivas del anclaje social de las empresas (factores de localización, demograffa, organización de los protagonistas sociales) contribuye a explicar la diversidad de estas lógicas de desarrollo. Su aplicación en el valle del Eyrieux (Ardèche) muestra formas concretas de la dinamica económica actual en contexto rural.
Participation dans les démarches qualité et confiance sociale
Authors: Dubois Michel , Doutre Elisabeth , Kouabenan Rémi. D
Published: December 2021

La participación en la gestion de la calidad y la confianza social

A pesar de su caracter muy técnico y muy racional, los procedimientos de gestion de la calidad tienen una influencia sobre el componente humano de las organizaciones, a la vez al nivel social, organizacional y psicológico. En efecto, la introducciôn de un procedimiento de calidad en una organización, siempre es la oportunidad de muchos trastornos que afectan las costumbres de trabajo, el sistema de relaciones sociales, la posición de los actores, su poder de control, asi como sus competencias y habilidades. El présente artfculo trata particularmente de las relaciones complejas entre los procesos de codificacion y de participaciôn que acompanan generalmente los procedimientos de gestion de la calidad y la confianza social. Nuestras reflexiones se apoyan en un estudio realizado en una empresa del sector aeroespacial.
Les recettes du restaurant. La codification comme moyen de créer des opportunités d'action
Authors: Dubuisson-Quellier Sophie
Published: December 2021

Las recetas del restaurante. La codificacion como método para crear oportunidades de acción

En el marco de una investigation de la mejora de la calidad de los servicios de una empresa de restauration colectiva, hemos analizado la coproduction de diferentes instrumentes de gestion de la calidad dentro de la organización (procedimiento, dis-positivos técnicos, reglas) y la utilización por los actores operativos de dichos instrumentes destinados a conducir la action. El objetivo del articulo es comprender lo que produce el instrumento de gestion normalizado para el actor que lo utiliza, en el âmbito de una interrogaciôn mas general que estriba en el desplazamiento de la cuestión de la relation a la régla, inducida por la escritura colectiva de estas reglas. La existencia de estos instrumentes codificados abre a los actores nuevos espacios hacia unas acciones locales de ajuste.
Choc exogène et évolution des formes organisations lie s hybrides. Les effets de la crise dite "de la vache folle" sur la filière viande bovine
Authors: Sans Pierre , Fontguyon Guy de
Published: December 2021

Exogenous shock and hybrid forms : the effect of the «mad cow » crisis on the beef meat supply chain

The «mad cow » crisis, triggered off in March 1996, has produced a great external shock on the French beef supply chain. Using some recent examples, the authors show how the crisis has favoured the development of new forms of co-ordination between all stages of the beef chain (producers, processors and retailers). These have often lead to a product certification. Therefore, when a consumer buys beef, he is able to ascertain the breed, the feeding program and the respect for animal welfare. Finally, the authors propose an analysis of the evolution of the multilateral contracts in the supply chain.
Chercheur et acteur face à l'industrialisation de la formation
Authors: Fichez Élisabeth , Deceuninck Julien
Published: December 2021

Les auteurs, impliqués sur des modes différents dans les mutations de la formation, et engagés dans la réflexion théorique sur l'industrialisation de la formation, défendent l'idée que le point de vue du chercheur est essentiel à l'acteur pour qu'il trouve du sens à son rôle d'innovateur et pèse sur les évolutions. Ils définissent d'abord l'objectif de l'acteur : parvenir à une méthodologie d'étude des projets d'innovation socio-technique pour en évaluer la viabilité de façon multidimensionnelle et multi-niveaux. Ils montrent ensuite comment l'hypothèse de l'industrialisation permet de faire la distinction entre des projets relevant d'un processus d'industrialisation dans l'éducation (de nouveaux objets ou supports sont introduits pour servir la communication éducative) et ceux qui relèvent d'un processus d'industrialisation de l'éducation (au sein des dispositifs de formation, les procédures sont rationalisées, les ressources réparties et la division du travail introduite).