bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Performance of Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein for Detecting Early-Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma Is Influenced by Antiviral Therapy and Serum Aspartate Aminotransferase: A Study in a Large Cohort of Hepatitis B Virus-Infected Patients
Authors: Qian Xiangjun , Liu Yanna , Wu Fengping , Zhang Siyu , Gong Jiao , Nan Yuemin , Hu Bo , Chen Junhui , Zhao Jingmin , Chen Xiangmei , Pan Weidong , Dang Shuangsuo , Lu Fengmin
Published: July 2022

Background and aims: Factors associated with abnormally elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected patients remain to be studied. We aimed to identify factors associated with elevated serum AFP in patients with non-hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and early-stage HCC and their influences on the performance of AFP for detecting early-stage HCC. Methods: This multicenter, retrospective study was conducted in 4401 patients with chronic HBV infection, including 3680 patients with non-HCC and 721 patients with early-stage HCC. Factors associated with elevated AFP were analyzed. Diagnostic performance of AFP for early-stage HCC were compared among groups through area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity. Results: When analyzed by multivariate logistic regression, antiviral therapy was negatively associated with elevated AFP, while hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) > 1× upper limit of normal (ULN) were positively associated with elevated AFP both in patients with non-HCC and early-stage HCC (all p < 0.05). The AUCs of AFP for detecting early-stage HCC in patients with antiviral therapy, HBV DNA (−), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ≤ 1× ULN, and AST ≤ 1× ULN were significantly higher compared to those in non-antiviral therapy, HBV DNA (+), ALT > 1× ULN, and AST > 1× ULN groups, respectively. When categorizing patients into AST ≤ 1× ULN and > 1× ULN, AFP achieved the highest AUCs in patients with AST ≤ 1× ULN regardless of antiviral treatment (AUCs = 0.813 and 0.806, respectively). Furthermore, there were considerable differences in the cut-off values of AFP in detecting early-stage HCC in different subgroups when applying similar sensitivity and specificity. Conclusions: Antiviral therapy and serum AST might be used to help judge and select the specific cut-off values of serum AFP for HCC surveillance in different at-risk populations.
Investigating the Role of Antigen Orientation on the Immune Response Elicited by Neisseria meningitidis Factor H Binding Protein on GMMA
Authors: Alfini Renzo , Brunelli Brunella , Bartolini Erika , Carducci Martina , Luzzi Enrico , Ferlicca Francesca , Buccato Scilla , Galli Barbara , Lo Surdo Paola , Scarselli Maria , Romagnoli Giacomo , Cartocci Elena , Maione Domenico , Savino Silvana , Necchi Francesca , Delany Isabel , Micoli Francesca
Published: July 2022

GMMA are outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) released from Gram-negative bacteria genetically modified to enhance OMVs formation that have been shown to be optimal systems to enhance immunogenicity of protein antigens. Here, we selected Neisseria meningitidis factor H binding protein (fHbp) and used the conjugation chemistry as a tool to alter antigen orientation on GMMA. Indeed, fHbp was randomly linked to GMMA or selectively attached via the N-terminus to mimic native presentation of the protein on the bacterial surface. Interestingly, protein and peptide array analyses confirmed that antibodies induced by the selective and the random conjugates showed a pattern very similar to fHbp natively expressed on bacterial surfaces or to the recombinant protein mixed with GMMA, respectively. However, the two conjugates elicited antibodies with similar serum bactericidal activity against meningococcal strains, superior to the protein alone or physically mixed with GMMA. Presentation of fHbp on GMMA strongly enhances the functional immune response elicited by the protein but its orientation on the bacterial surface does not have an impact. This study demonstrates the flexibility of the GMMA platform as a display and delivery system for enhancing antigen immunogenicity and further supports the use of such promising technology for the development of effective vaccines.
Impact of Parental Knowledge and Beliefs on HPV Vaccine Hesitancy in Kenya—Findings and Implications
Authors: Kolek Chester O. , Opanga Sylvia A. , Okalebo Faith , Birichi Alfred , Kurdi Amanj , Godman Brian , Meyer Johanna C.
Published: July 2022

Cervical cancer can be prevented by human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination. However, parents can have concerns about vaccinating their daughters. Consequently, there is a need to identify prevalence and risk factors for HPV vaccine hesitancy among parents in Kenya. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among parents with children aged 9–14 years attending a leading referral hospital in Kenya. Data on sociodemographic traits, HPV knowledge, beliefs and vaccine hesitancy were collected. Out of 195 participants, 183 (93.5%) were aged >30 years. Thirty-four (46.4%) of males and 39 (35.1%) of females did not know that the vaccine is given to prevent HPV infection. Encouragingly, levels of vaccine acceptance were high (90%) although one-third (37.9%) had a negative perception about the effectiveness of the vaccine, with vaccine hesitancy attributed to safety concerns (76%) and feelings that the child was too young (48%). Positive beliefs and knowledge of the vaccine were positively associated with parental willingness to vaccinate their children. Low levels of parenteral education and a younger age among mothers were negatively associated with willingness to vaccinate. Most parents (59%) would consult their daughters before vaccination, and 77% (n = 150) recommended early sex education. Despite low knowledge levels, there was high parental willingness to have their children vaccinated.
Anti-TNFα Treatment Impairs Long-Term Immune Responses to COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Authors: Rabinowitz Keren , Navon Michal , Edelman-Klapper Hadar , Zittan Eran , Bar-Gil Shitrit Ariella , Goren Idan , Avni-Biron Irit , Ollech Jacob , Lichtenstein Lev , Banai-Eran Hagar , Yanai Henit , Snir Yifat , Pauker Maor , Friedenberg Adi , Levy-Barda Adva , Segal Arie , Broitman Yelena , Maoz Eran , Ovadia Baruch , Aharoni Golan Maya , Shachar Eyal , Ben-Horin Shomron , Maharshak Nitsan , Mor Michal , Ben Zvi Haim , Eliakim Rami , Barkan Revital , Sharar-Fischler Tali , Goren Sophy , Krugliak Noy , Pichinuk Edward , Mor Michael , Werbner Michal , Alter Joel , Abu-Taha Hanan , Kaboub Kawsar , Dessau Moshe , Gal-Tanamy Meital , Cohen Dani , Freund Natalia , Dotan Iris ,   on behalf of the Responses to COVID-19 Vaccine Israeli IBD Group
Published: July 2022

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treated with anti-tumor-necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) exhibited lower serologic responses one-month following the second dose of the COVID-19 BNT162b2 vaccine compared to those not treated with anti-TNFα (non-anti-TNFα) or to healthy controls (HCs). We comprehensively analyzed long-term humoral responses, including anti-spike (S) antibodies, serum inhibition, neutralization, cross-reactivity and circulating B cell six months post BNT162b2, in patients with IBD stratified by therapy compared to HCs. Subjects enrolled in a prospective, controlled, multi-center Israeli study received two BNT162b2 doses. Anti-S levels, functional activity, specific B cells, antigen cross-reactivity, anti-nucleocapsid levels, adverse events and IBD disease score were detected longitudinally. In total, 240 subjects, 151 with IBD (94 not treated with anti-TNFα and 57 treated with anti-TNFα) and 89 HCs participated. Six months after vaccination, patients with IBD treated with anti-TNFα had significantly impaired BNT162b2 responses, specifically, more seronegativity, decreased specific circulating B cells and cross-reactivity compared to patients untreated with anti-TNFα. Importantly, all seronegative subjects were patients with IBD; of those, >90% were treated with anti-TNFα. Finally, IBD activity was unaffected by BNT162b2. Altogether these data support the earlier booster dose administration in these patients.
HPV-Vaccine Hesitancy in Colombia: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Cordoba-Sanchez Veronica , Lemos Mariantonia , Tamayo-Lopera Diego Alfredo , Sheinfeld Gorin Sherri
Published: July 2022

In Colombia, the uptake rate of the HPV vaccine dropped from 96.7% after its introduction in 2013 to 9% in 2020. To identify the behavioural components of HPV-vaccine hesitancy in females aged 15 and under and their families, we conducted a convergent mixed-methods study in which 196 parents/caregivers responded to an online questionnaire and 10 focus groups were held with 13 of these parents/caregivers, and 50 age-eligible girls. The study is novel as it is the first to explore the factors influencing HPV-vaccine hesitancy alongside the COVID vaccine within an integrative model of behaviour change, the capability-opportunity-motivation-behaviour (COM-B) model. We found that COVID-19 has had an impact on the awareness of HPV and HPV vaccination. Lack of information about the vaccination programs, concerns about vaccine safety and the relationship between HPV and sexuality could be related to vaccine hesitancy. Trust in medical recommendations and campaigns focused on the idea that vaccination is a way of protecting daughters from cervical cancer could improve HPV vaccine uptake.
Reduction in Rubella Virus Active Cases among Children and Adolescents after Rubella Vaccine Implementation in Tanzania: A Call for Sustained High Vaccination Coverage
Authors: Michael Fausta , Mirambo Mariam M. , Lyimo Dafrossa , Kyesi Furaha , Msanga Delfina R. , Joachim Georgina , Nyaki Honest , Magodi Richard , Mujuni Delphius , Tinuga Florian , Bulula Ngwegwe , Nestory Bonaventura , Mongi Dhamira , Makuwani Ahmed , Katembo Betina , Mwengee William , Mphuru Alex , Mohamed Nassor , Kayabu David , Nyawale Helmut , Konje Eveline T. , Mshana Stephen E.
Published: July 2022

Rubella virus (RV) infection in susceptible women during the first trimester of pregnancy is associated with congenital Rubella syndrome (CRS). In countries where a vaccination program is implemented, active case surveillance is emphasized. This report documents the magnitude of active cases before and after vaccine implementation in Tanzania. A total of 8750 children and adolescents with signs and symptoms of RV infection were tested for Rubella IgM antibodies between 2013 and 2019 using enzyme immunoassay followed by descriptive analysis. The median age of participants was 3.8 (IQR: 2–6.4) years. About half (4867; 55.6%) of the participants were aged 1–5 years. The prevalence of RV active cases was 534 (32.6%, 95% CI: 30.2–34.9) and 219 (3.2%, 95% CI: 2.7–3.6) before and after vaccine implementation, respectively. Before vaccination, the highest prevalence was recorded in Pemba (78.6%) and the lowest was reported in Geita (15.6%), whereas, after vaccination, the prevalence ranged between 0.5% in Iringa and 6.5% in Pemba. Overall, >50% of the regions had a >90% reduction in active cases. The significant reduction in active cases after vaccine implementation in Tanzania underscores the need to sustain high vaccination coverage to prevent active infections and eventually eliminate CRS, which is the main goal of Rubella vaccine implementation.
Humoral and Cellular Immunogenicity of Six Different Vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 in Adults: A Comparative Study in Tunisia (North Africa)
Authors: Ben Ahmed Melika , Bellali Hedia , Gdoura Mariem , Zamali Imen , Kallala Ouafa , Ben Hmid Ahlem , Hamdi Walid , Ayari Hela , Fares Hajer , Mechri Karim , Marzouki Soumaya , Triki Henda , Ben Alaya Nissaf , Chahed Mohamed Kouni , Klouz Anis , Sebai Ben Amor Sonia , Ben Rayana Chiheb , Razgallah Khrouf Myriam , Hamouda Chokri , Elkadri Noomene , Daghfous Riadh , Trabelsi Abdelhalim
Published: July 2022

Background: The mass vaccination campaign against SARS-CoV-2 was started in Tunisia on 13 March 2021 by using progressively seven different vaccines approved for emergency use. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the humoral and cellular immunity in subjects aged 40 years and over who received one of the following two-dose regimen vaccines against SARS-CoV-2, namely mRNA-1273 or Spikevax (Moderna), BNT162B2 or Comirnaty (Pfizer-BioNTech), Gam-COVID-Vac or Sputnik V (Gamaleya Research Institute), ChAdOx1-S or Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca), BIBP (Sinopharm), and Coronavac (Sinovac). Material and methods: For each type of vaccine, a sample of subjects aged 40 and over was randomly selected from the national platform for monitoring COVID-19 vaccination and contacted to participate to this study. All consenting participants were sampled for peripheral blood at 3–7 weeks after the second vaccine dose to perform anti-S and anti-N serology by the Elecsys® (Lenexa, KS, USA) anti-SARS-CoV-2 assays (Roche® Basel, Switzerland). The CD4 and CD8 T cell responses were evaluated by the QuantiFERON® SARS-CoV-2 (Qiagen® Basel, Switzerland) for a randomly selected sub-group. Results: A total of 501 people consented to the study and, of them, 133 were included for the cellular response investigations. Both humoral and cellular immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 antigens differed significantly between all tested groups. RNA vaccines induced the highest levels of humoral and cellular anti-S responses followed by adenovirus vaccines and then by inactivated vaccines. Vaccines from the same platform induced similar levels of specific anti-S immune responses except in the case of the Sputnik V and the AstraZeneca vaccine, which exhibited contrasting effects on humoral and cellular responses. When analyses were performed in subjects with negative anti-N antibodies, results were similar to those obtained within the total cohort, except for the Moderna vaccine, which gave a better cellular immune response than the Pfizer vaccine and RNA vaccines, which induced similar cellular immune responses to those of adenovirus vaccines. Conclusion: Collectively, our data confirmed the superiority of the RNA-based COVID-19 vaccines, in particular that of Moderna, for both humoral and cellular immunogenicity. Our results comparing between different vaccine platforms in a similar population are of great importance since they may help decision makers to adopt the best strategy for further national vaccination programs.
Looking beyond Pertussis in Prolonged Cough Illness of Young Children
Authors: Viswanathan Rajlakshmi , Bafna Sanjay , Choudhary Manohar Lal , Reddy Monika , Katendra Savita , Maheshwari Shradha , Jadhav Sheetal
Published: July 2022

Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is one of the most poorly controlled vaccine-preventable diseases in the world. South-East Asia is estimated to contribute the most to childhood disease burden while this remains largely unexplored in India. The clinical diagnosis of pertussis in young children is a challenge as the classical four-stage presentation with paroxysmal cough or whoop may be absent. It is also difficult to differentiate from other respiratory infections which can cause pertussis-like illness. Children below two years with prolonged cough illness attending an urban pediatric center in western India, were evaluated for pertussis and viral infections by molecular methods. Bordetella pertussis and B. holmesii were confirmed in three each of 45 suspected cases, and RSV-A and hMPV were the most common viruses that were detected. These organisms can mimic mild cases of pertussis and need to be considered in differential diagnosis of prolonged cough illness in young children. The accurate etiology of prolonged cough illness needs to be detected and documented to ensure appropriate management and accurate estimates of disease burden.
Design of Multi-Epitope Vaccine for Staphylococcus saprophyticus: Pan-Genome and Reverse Vaccinology Approach
Authors: Yousaf Maha , Ullah Asad , Sarosh Nida , Abbasi Sumra Wajid , Ismail Saba , Bibi Shabana , Hasan Mohammad Mehedi , Albadrani Ghadeer M. , Talaat Nouh Nehal Ahmed , Abdulhakim Jawaher A. , Abdel-Daim Mohamed M. , Bin Emran Talha
Published: July 2022

Staphylococcus saprophyticus is a Gram-positive coccus responsible for the occurrence of cystitis in sexually active, young females. While effective antibiotics against this organism exist, resistant strains are on the rise. Therefore, prevention via vaccines appears to be a viable solution to address this problem. In comparison to traditional techniques of vaccine design, computationally aided vaccine development demonstrates marked specificity, efficiency, stability, and safety. In the present study, a novel, multi-epitope vaccine construct was developed against S. saprophyticus by targeting fully sequenced proteomes of its five different strains, which were examined using a pangenome and subtractive proteomic strategy to characterize prospective vaccination targets. The three immunogenic vaccine targets which were utilized to map the probable immune epitopes were verified by annotating the entire proteome. The predicted epitopes were further screened on the basis of antigenicity, allergenicity, water solubility, toxicity, virulence, and binding affinity towards the DRB*0101 allele, resulting in 11 potential epitopes, i.e., DLKKQKEKL, NKDLKKQKE, QDKLKDKSD, NVMDNKDLE, TSGTPDSQA, NANSDGSSS, GSDSSSSNN, DSSSSNNDS, DSSSSDRNN, SSSDRNNGD, and SSDDKSKDS. All these epitopes have the efficacy to cover 99.74% of populations globally. Finally, shortlisted epitopes were joined together with linkers and three different adjuvants to find the most stable and immunogenic vaccine construct. The top-ranked vaccine construct was further scrutinized on the basis of its physicochemical characterization and immunological profile. The non-allergenic and antigenic features of modeled vaccine constructs were initially validated and then subjected to docking with immune receptor major histocompatibility complex I and II (MHC-I and II), resulting in strong contact. In silico cloning validations yielded a codon adaptation index (CAI) value of 1 and an ideal percentage of GC contents (46.717%), indicating a putative expression of the vaccine in E. coli. Furthermore, immune simulation demonstrated that, after injecting the proposed MEVC, powerful antibodies were produced, resulting in the sharpest peaks of IgM + IgG formation (>11,500) within 5 to 15 days. Experimental testing against S. saprophyticus can evaluate the safety and efficacy of these prophylactic vaccination designs.
SARS-CoV-2 Breakthrough Infections: Incidence and Risk Factors in a Large European Multicentric Cohort of Health Workers
Authors: Porru Stefano , Monaco Maria Grazia Lourdes , Spiteri Gianluca , Carta Angela , Pezzani Maria Diletta , Lippi Giuseppe , Gibellini Davide , Tacconelli Evelina , Dalla Vecchia Ilaria , Sala Emma , Sansone Emanuele , De Palma Giuseppe , Bonfanti Carlo , Lombardo Massimo , Terlenghi Luigina , Pira Enrico , Mansour Ihab , Coggiola Maurizio , Ciocan Catalina , Godono Alessandro , Tardon Adonina , Rodriguez-Suarez Marta-Maria , Fernandez-Tardon Guillermo , Jimeno-Demuth Francisco-Jose , Castro-Delgado Rafael-Vicente , Iglesias Cabo Tania , Scapellato Maria Luisa , Liviero Filippo , Moretto Angelo , Mason Paola , Pavanello Sofia , Volpin Anna , Vimercati Luigi , Tafuri Silvio , De Maria Luigi , Sponselli Stefania , Stefanizzi Pasquale , Caputi Antonio , Gobba Fabriziomaria , Modenese Alberto , Casolari Loretta , Garavini Denise , D’Elia Cristiana , Mariani Stefania , Filon Francesca Larese , Cegolon Luca , Negro Corrado , Ronchese Federico , Rui Francesca , De Michieli Paola , Murgia Nicola , Dell’Omo Marco , Muzi Giacomo , Fiordi Tiziana , Gambelunghe Angela , Folletti Ilenia , Mates Dana , Calota Violeta Claudia , Neamtu Andra , Perseca Ovidiu , Staicu Catalin Alexandru , Voinoiu Angelica , Fabiánová Eleonóra , Bérešová Jana , Adamčáková Zora Kľocová , Nedela Roman , Lesňáková Anna , Holčíková Jana , Boffetta Paolo , Abedini Mahsa , Ditano Giorgia , Asafo Shuffield Seyram , Visci Giovanni , Violante Francesco Saverio , Zunarelli Carlotta , Verlato Giuseppe
Published: July 2022

Background: The research aimed to investigate the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infections and their determinants in a large European cohort of more than 60,000 health workers. Methods: A multicentric retrospective cohort study, involving 12 European centers, was carried out within the ORCHESTRA project, collecting data up to 18 November 2021 on fully vaccinated health workers. The cumulative incidence of SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infections was investigated with its association with occupational and social–demographic characteristics (age, sex, job title, previous SARS-CoV-2 infection, antibody titer levels, and time from the vaccination course completion). Results: Among 64,172 health workers from 12 European health centers, 797 breakthrough infections were observed (cumulative incidence of 1.2%). The primary analysis using individual data on 8 out of 12 centers showed that age and previous infection significantly modified breakthrough infection rates. In the meta-analysis of aggregated data from all centers, previous SARS-CoV-2 infection and the standardized antibody titer were inversely related to the risk of breakthrough infection (p = 0.008 and p = 0.007, respectively). Conclusion: The inverse correlation of antibody titer with the risk of breakthrough infection supports the evidence that vaccination plays a primary role in infection prevention, especially in health workers. Cellular immunity, previous clinical conditions, and vaccination timing should be further investigated.
Efficacy of Commercial Infectious Bronchitis Vaccines against Canadian Delmarva (DMV/1639) Infectious Bronchitis Virus Infection in Layers
Authors: Hassan Mohamed S. H. , Buharideen Sabrina M. , Ali Ahmed , Najimudeen Shahnas M. , Goldsmith Dayna , Coffin Carla S. , Cork Susan C. , van der Meer Frank , Abdul-Careem Mohamed Faizal
Published: July 2022

Vaccination is the most important way to control infectious bronchitis (IB) in chickens. Since the end of 2015, the Delmarva (DMV)/1639 strain of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) has caused significant damage to the layer flocks in Eastern Canada. The efficacy of a combination of existing IB vaccines licensed in Canada was assessed against experimental challenge with this IBV strain. The layer pullets were vaccinated during the rearing phase with live attenuated IB vaccines of Massachusetts (Mass) + Connecticut (Conn) types followed by an inactivated IB vaccine of Mass + Arkansas (Ark) types and then challenged with the Canadian IBV DMV/1639 strain at 30 weeks of age. Protection was evaluated based on the egg laying performance, immune responses, viral shedding, and viral genome loads and lesions in IBV target organs. The vaccinated challenged hens were protected from the drop in egg production observed in the non-vaccinated challenged hens. Early (5 dpi) anamnestic serum antibody response was measured in the vaccinated challenged hens as well as a significant level of antibodies was detected in the oviduct washes (14 dpi). In contrast, hens in the non-vaccinated challenged group showed delayed (12 dpi) and significantly lower serum antibody response. Viral RNA loads were reduced in the respiratory, alimentary, and reproductive tissues of the vaccinated challenged hens compared to the non-vaccinated challenged hens. Compared to the control groups, the vaccinated challenged hens had less marked microscopic lesions in the trachea, kidney, magnum, and uterus. Our experimental model demonstrated inconclusive results for cell-mediated immune responses and viral shedding. Overall, the vaccination program used in this study minimized viral replication and histopathological changes in most IBV target organs and protected challenged hens against drop in egg production.
Safety and Efficacy of Influenza Vaccination in Patients Receiving Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lopez-Olivo Maria A. , Valerio Valeria , Karpes Matusevich Aliza R. , Brizio Marianela , Kwok Michelle , Geng Yimin , Suarez-Almazor Maria E. , Colmegna Ines
Published: July 2022

The potential increased risk of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) post-influenza vaccine is a concern in patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). We conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis of studies reporting the effects of influenza vaccination in patients with cancer during ICI treatment. We searched five electronic databases until 01/2022. Two authors independently selected studies, appraised their quality, and collected data. The primary outcome was the determination of pooled irAE rates. Secondary outcomes included determination of immunogenicity and influenza infection rates and cancer-related outcomes. Nineteen studies (26 publications, n = 4705) were included; 89.5% were observational. Vaccinated patients reported slighter lower rates of irAEs compared to unvaccinated patients (32% versus 41%, respectively). Seroprotection for influenza type A was 78%–79%, and for type B was 75%. Influenza and irAE-related death rates were similar between groups. The pooled proportion of participants reporting a laboratory-confirmed infection was 2% (95% CI 0% to 6%), and influenza-like illness was 14% (95% CI 2% to 32%). No differences were reported on the rates of laboratory-confirmed infection between vaccinated and unvaccinated patients. Longer progression-free and overall survival was also observed in vaccinated compared with unvaccinated patients. Current evidence suggests that influenza vaccination is safe in patients receiving ICIs, does not increase the risk of irAEs, and may improve survival.
Report of Adverse Effects Following Population-Wide COVID-19 Vaccination: A Comparative Study between Six Different Vaccines in Baja-California, Mexico
Authors: Mendez-Lizarraga Cesar A. , Chacon-Cruz Enrique , Carrillo-Meza Ricardo , Hernández-Milán Néstor Saúl , Inustroza-Sánchez Leslie C. , Ovalle-Marroquín Diego F. , Machado-Contreras Jesús René , Ceballos Zuñiga Omar , Bejarano-Ramírez Verónica , Aguilar-Aguayo Cipriano , Medina-Amarillas Adrián , Ceballos-Liceaga Santa Elizabeth , Zazueta Oscar E.
Published: July 2022

After emergency authorization, different COVID-19 vaccines were administered across Mexico in 2021, including mRNA, viral vector, and inactivated platform vaccines. In the state of Baja-California, 3,516,394 doses were administered, and 2285 adverse events (AE) were registered in the epidemiological surveillance system in 2021. Incidence rates per 100,000 doses were calculated for total, mild (local and systemic), and severe AE for each vaccine. Symptoms were compared between mRNA and viral vector/inactivated virus vaccines. The overall incidence rate for all AE was 64.98 per 100,000 administered doses; 79.05 AE per 100,000 doses for mRNA vaccines; and 56.9 AE per 100,000 doses for viral vector/inactivated virus vaccine platforms. AE were at least five times higher in recipients of the AstraZeneca vaccine from the Serum Institute of India (AZ from SII). Local injection site symptoms were more common in mRNA vaccines while systemic were more prevalent in viral vector/inactivated virus vaccines. Severe AE rates were similar across all administered vaccines (0.72–1.61 AE per 100,000 doses), except for AZ from SII, which documented 12.6 AE per 100,000 doses. Among 32 hospitalized severe cases, 28 (87.5%) were discharged. Guillain–Barré Syndrome was the most common serious AE reported (n = 7). Adverse events rates differed among vaccine manufacturers but were consistent with clinical trials and population-based reports in the literature.
Sociodemographic and Occupational Factors Associated with Low Early Uptake of COVID-19 Vaccine in Hospital-Based Healthcare Workers, Georgia, March–July 2021
Authors: Lucaccioni Héloïse , Chakhunashvili Giorgi , McKnight Carl Jason , Zardiashvili Tamila , Jorgensen Pernille , Pebody Richard , Kissling Esther , Katz Mark A. , Sanodze Lia
Published: July 2022

In Georgia, an upper-middle income European country, the COVID-19 vaccine rollout began on 15 March 2021 with health workers (HWs), a priority group for vaccination. We assessed the factors associated with COVID-19 vaccination among HWs at six large hospitals in the early stages of the vaccine rollout (March–July 2021). Among 1533 HWs, 274 (17.9%) had received one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Strong independent predictors of early vaccine uptake were age > 40 years, especially 50–59 years old (aOR 2.40, 95% CI 1.50–3.88), considering the vaccine as “somewhat effective” or “very effective” rather than “not effective” (aOR 6.33, 95% CI 2.29–26.3 and aOR 10.9, 95% CI 3.88–45.70, respectively), and previous vaccination against seasonal influenza (aOR 2.98, 95% CI 2.19–4.08). Previous SARS-CoV-2 infection was negatively associated with receiving the vaccine (aOR 0.6, 95% CI 0.40–0.80). Compared to physicians, nurses/midwives (aOR 0.22, 95% CI 0.15–0.32), administrative staff (aOR 0.36, 95% CI 0.22–0.56), and ancillary staff (aOR 0.07, 95% CI 0.04–0.15) were less likely to have received the COVID-19 vaccine. Tailoring the COVID-19 vaccine communications campaign to younger and non-physician HWs, and emphasizing the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine, could help further increase vaccine coverage among HWs in Georgia.
Overview of Tools and Measures Investigating Vaccine Hesitancy in a Ten Year Period: A Scoping Review
Authors: Oduwole Elizabeth O. , Pienaar Elizabeth D. , Mahomed Hassan , Wiysonge Charles S.
Published: July 2022

The challenge of vaccine hesitancy, a growing global concern in the last decade, has been aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The need for monitoring vaccine sentiments and early detection of vaccine hesitancy in a population recommended by the WHO calls for the availability of contextually relevant tools and measures. This scoping review covers a ten year-period from 2010–2019 which included the first nine years of the decade of vaccines and aims to give a broad overview of tools and measures, and present a summary of their nature, similarities, and differences. We conducted the review using the framework for scoping reviews by Arksey and O’Malley (2005) and reported it following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews’ guidelines. Of the 26 studies included, only one was conducted in the WHO African Region. Measures for routine childhood vaccines were found to be the most preponderant in the reviewed literature. The need for validated, contextually relevant tools in the WHO Africa Region is essential, and made more so by the scourge of the ongoing pandemic in which vaccination is critical for curtailment.
Vaccination Status and Attitudes towards Vaccines in a Cohort of Patients with Celiac Disease
Authors: Costantino Andrea , Michelon Marco , Roncoroni Leda , Doneda Luisa , Lombardo Vincenza , Costantino Claudio , Vecchi Maurizio , Elli Luca
Published: July 2022

(1) Background: The identification of vaccination status and attitudes towards vaccines among celiac disease (CD) patients is of great importance, but it has not yet been investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate coverage against vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs), attitudes towards vaccinations, and its determinants among CD patients. (2) Methods: An anonymous web-based validated questionnaire was sent to a mailing list of CD adult patients. Patients were asked to self-report their previous vaccinations and attitudes towards vaccinations, which were defined as positive, negative, and partially positive/negative. The influencing factors towards vaccinations were investigated, and crude and adjusted odds ratios (AdjORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. (3) Results: The questionnaire was sent to 412 patients, with a response rate of 31.6% (130 patients, 105 women, median age 40 years, interquartile range 36–51). Patients self-reported vaccination against the following diseases: 73.8% tetanus, 42.3% flu, 20% measles, mumps and rubella, 19.2% meningitis, and 16.2% pneumococcus. Thirty-two people (24.6%) did not remember all of their previous vaccinations. In total, 104 (80%) respondents had a positive attitude towards vaccines, 25 (19.2%) a partially positive/negative one, and 1 a negative one. The determinants significantly influencing the positive attitude were being a graduate (AdjORs 7.49) and a belief in the possible return of VPDs with declining vaccination coverage rates (AdjORs 7.42), while the use of complementary and alternative medicines (AdjORs 0.11) and past negative experience (AdjORs 0.16) were associated with a negative attitude. (4) Conclusions: Despite four out of five CD patients showing a strong positive attitude towards vaccinations, one out of five had a partially negative one. Only a minority (16–20%) reported being vaccinated against some VPDs potentially harmful to their CD because of hyposplenism, such as meningitis and pneumococcus. The low vaccination rate against some VPDs, in spite of the 80% of CD patients stating a positive attitude towards vaccination, may be explained in part by patients’ vaccine hesitancy and in part by a possible role of physicians in under-prescribing vaccinations to these patients. These results may be a starting point for developing specific vaccination campaigns to increase vaccination rates against VPDs in CD patients.
Diagnostic Tools for Rapid Screening and Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Pandey Satish Kumar , Mohanta Girish C. , Kumar Vinod , Gupta Kuldeep
Published: July 2022

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has severely impacted human health and the health management system globally. The ongoing pandemic has required the development of more effective diagnostic strategies for restricting deadly disease. For appropriate disease management, accurate and rapid screening and isolation of the affected population is an efficient means of containment and the decimation of the disease. Therefore, considerable efforts are being directed toward the development of rapid and robust diagnostic techniques for respiratory infections, including SARS-CoV-2. In this article, we have summarized the origin, transmission, and various diagnostic techniques utilized for the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. These higher-end techniques can also detect the virus copy number in asymptomatic samples. Furthermore, emerging rapid, cost-effective, and point-of-care diagnostic devices capable of large-scale population screening for COVID-19 are discussed. Finally, some breakthrough developments based on spectroscopic diagnosis that could revolutionize the field of rapid diagnosis are discussed.
A U.S. Government-Coordinated Effort to Leverage Non-Human Primate Data to Facilitate Ebolavirus Vaccine Development
Authors: Taylor Kimberly L. , Lanning Lynda , Wolfraim Lawrence , Shrivastava Gales Sonia , Sico Colleen , Dowling William E. , Ward Lucy A. , Florence William C. , Nuzum Edwin , Bryant Paula R.
Published: July 2022

A United States Government (USG) interagency group, the Filovirus Animal Non-Clinical Group (FANG), has been established to support the development of biodefense medical countermeasures (MCMs). As both vaccines and therapeutics are licensed using “non-traditional pathways”, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Animal Rule (AR), non-human primate (NHP) models and associated assays have been developed and standardized across BSL4 testing sites to evaluate candidate products. Vaccine candidates are evaluated using these NHP models, and through this public–private partnership, a meta-analysis of NHP control data has been conducted and submitted to the FDA as a master file. This is an example of how existing NHP control data can be leveraged in lieu of conducting separate natural history studies at multiple testing facilities to demonstrate the consistency of a standardized animal model for vaccine development. As a result, animal use can be minimized and the duplication of effort avoided, thus reducing the amount of time needed to conduct additional studies, as well as the cost of vaccine candidate development. This successful strategy may be applied to other pathogens of high consequence for vaccine development, and shows how strategic preparedness for biodefense can be leveraged in response to outbreaks and public health emergencies.
The Effect of Being Pregnant during Respiratory Pandemics: A Comparison between 2009/10 Flu and 2020/21 COVID-19 Pandemic in Brazil
Authors: Zanon Ana Beatrice Bonganha , Júnior Elias Ribeiro Rosa , Monroy Nátaly Adriana Jiménez , de Godoi Luciana Graziela , de Mattos Bruna Rodrigues , Paganoti Cristiane de Freitas , Francisco Rossana Pulcineli Vieira , Rodrigues Agatha Sacramento , da Costa Rafaela Alkmin
Published: July 2022

Pregnant women undergo physiological changes that make them a challenging group of patients during pandemic respiratory diseases, as previously found during H1N1 2009 pandemic and recently ratified in COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis on 5888 hospitalized women for H1N1 flu pandemic (2190 pregnant and 3698 non-pregnant) and 64,515 hospitalized women for COVID-19 pandemic (5151 pregnant and 59,364 non-pregnant), from the Brazilian national database, to compare demographic profile, clinical aspects, and mortality in childbearing aged women during both pandemics. Additionally, the effect of being pregnant was compared between both pandemics. In both pandemics, pregnant women were younger than non-pregnant women. Overall, pregnant women had lower frequencies of comorbidities and were less symptomatic. Among hospitalized women, pregnant women presented lower mortality rates than non-pregnant women (9.7% vs. 12.6%, p = 0.002 in the H1N1 pandemic and 9.7% vs. 17.4%, p < 0.001 in the COVID-19 pandemic) and this difference was statistically more pronounced in the COVID-19 pandemic, even after balancing pregnant and non-pregnant groups regarding age and chronic diseases.
Safety Messaging Boosts Parental Vaccination Intention for Children Ages 5–11
Authors: Cui Zhihan , Liu Lu , Li Dan , Wu Sherry Jueyu , Zhai Xinyue
Published: July 2022

The COVID-19 vaccination rate among children ages 5–11 is low in the U.S., with parental vaccine hesitancy being the primary cause. Current work suggests that safety and side effect concerns are the primary reasons for such vaccine hesitancy. This study explores whether this hesitancy can be mitigated with information interventions. Based on theories of health decision making and persuasion, we designed four information interventions with varying contents and lengths. We wrote two messages on vaccine safety (a detailed safety-long message and a succinct safety-short message), explaining the vaccine’s lower dosage, low rate of side effects, and the rigorous approval process. We also had two messages on protection effects (protect-family, protect-child). We combined these four messages with a vaccine-irrelevant control message and compared their effects on parental vaccine intention. We measured the parental vaccination intention using a 0–6 Likert scale question. Among the four intervention groups, we found that the short version of the safety message increased the average vaccination intention by over 1 point compared to the control arm, while the other three interventions failed to show significance. Specifically, these effects are particularly pronounced (around 2 points) for Republican parents who had a much lower initial intention to vaccinate their children. Our study highlights the importance of concise and to-the-point information rendering in promoting public health activities and therefore has important policy implications for raising vaccination intentions among parents, especially those leaning towards more conservative political affiliation.
Canine Gastric Cancer: Current Treatment Approaches
Authors: Araújo Diana , Cabral Inês , Vale Nuno , Amorim Irina
Published: July 2022

Human gastric cancer (GC) ranks as the fifth most prevalent cancer worldwide, and is the third leading cause of cancer-related death. The incidence of GC is lower in dogs than in humans, accounting for less than 1% of all canine malignancies. In recent years, efforts have been made to understand the pathogenesis of GC and in find an appropriate therapy to maximize curative results, such as adjuvant chemotherapy treatments in addition to surgery. Although surgery is the first-line treatment, it is associated with several complications. In terms of chemotherapeutic intervention, canine gastric cancer has not received much attention, probably due to its late diagnosis, fast progression, low median survival time, and very high mortality rate, along with the lack of publications with concrete scientific results. In this review, we explore canine GC and the pharmacological approach used in the treatment of this often-fatal disease.
Nonlinear Piezoelectric Energy Harvester: Experimental Output Power Mapping
Authors: Burda Ioan
Published: July 2022

In this paper, the output power map of a nonlinear energy harvester (PEH) made of a console beam and the membrane of a resonant vibration speaker is analyzed experimentally. The PEH uses two large piezoelectric patches (PZT-5H) bonded into a parallel bimorph configuration. The nonlinear response of the deformable structure provides a wider bandwidth in which power can be harvested, compensating for the mistuning effect of linear counterparts. The nonlinear response of the proposed PEH is analyzed from the perspective of its electrical performance. The proposed experimental method provides novelty by measuring the effects produced by the nonlinearity of the deformable structure on the output power map. The objective of this analysis is to optimize the size of the PZT patch in relation to the size of the console beam, providing experimental support for the design. The presentation of the most significant experimental results of a nonlinear PEH, followed by experimental mapping of the output power, ensured that the proposed objective was achieved. The accuracy of the experimental results was determined by the high degree of automation in the experimental setup, assisted by advanced data processing.
Snowmelt-Driven Seasonal Infiltration and Flow in the Upper Critical Zone, Niwot Ridge (Colorado), USA
Authors: Dethier David P. , Williams Noah , Fields Jordan F.
Published: July 2022

The hydrology of alpine and subalpine areas in the Colorado Front Range (USA) is evolving, driven by warming and by the alteration of precipitation patterns, the timing of snowmelt, and other components of the hydrologic budget. Field measurements of soil hydraulic conductivity and moisture along 30-m transects (n = 13) of representative soils developed in surficial deposits and falling head slug tests of shallow groundwater in till demonstrate that hydraulic conductivity in the soil is comparable to hydraulic conductivity values in the shallow aquifer. Soil hydraulic conductivity values were variable (medians ranged from 5.6 × 10−7 to 4.96 × 10−5 m s−1) and increased in alpine areas underlain by periglacial deposits. Hydraulic conductivities measured by a modified Hvorslev technique in test wells ranged from 4.86 × 10−7 to 1.77 × 10−4 m s−1 in subalpine till. The results suggest a gradient from higher hydraulic conductivity in alpine zones, where short travel paths through periglacial deposits support ephemeral streams and wetlands, to lower hydraulic conductivity in the till-mantled subalpine zone. In drier downstream areas, streambed infiltration contributes substantially to near-channel groundwater. As summer temperatures and evapotranspiration (ET) increase and snowmelt occur earlier, alpine soils are likely to become more vulnerable to drought, and groundwater levels in the critical zone may lower, affecting the connectivity between late-melting snow, meltwater streams, and the areas they affect downstream.
Enhanced Removal of Bordeaux B and Red G Dyes Used in Alpaca Wool Dying from Water Using Iron-Modified Activated Carbon
Authors: Colina Andrade Gilberto J. , Vilca Quilla Jessica M. , Terán Hilares Ruly , Tejada Meza Kevin , Mogrovejo Valdivia Alejandra C. , Aguilar-Pineda Jorge A. , Cárdenas García Jaime D. , Pacheco Tanaka David A.
Published: July 2022

The aim of this research was to explore the removal of Red G and Bordeaux B dyes from water using a packed bed column with conventional carbon (C-conv) and iron-modified activated carbon (C-FeCl3). The bands increased in C-FeCl3, corresponding to groups already existing in C-conv, such as C = C and C-C, and the appearance of new groups, such as C-O, C-Cl, Fe-Cl and Fe-O. The total ash content (CT) was CT = (10.53 ± 0.12 and 8.98 ± 0.21)% for C-conv and C-FeCl3, respectively. A molecular structure in the shape of a cross was noticed in Bordeaux B, which was less complex and smaller than the one in Red G. For fixed-bed columns, the carbon fraction was (0.43 and 0.85) mm. The pH of the adsorbents was 8.55 for C-conv and 4.14 for C-FeCl3. Breakthrough curves were obtained and the Thomas model (TM) and Yoon–Nelson model (YNM) were applied. The sorption capacity of Bordeaux B on C-conv and C-FeCl3 was qTH: (237.88 and 216.21) mg/g, respectively, but the one of Red G was qTH: (338.46 and 329.42) mg/g. The dye removal (RT) was over 55%.
The Impacts of Precipitation on Fluorescent Dissolved Organic Matter (FDOM) in an Urban River System
Authors: Yang Jiashuai , Gao Chan , Zhang Xuantong
Published: July 2022

Precipitation is considered a key factor influencing the fluorescent dissolved organic matter (FDOM) of urban rivers. However, the multiple effects of precipitation on FDOM in urban rivers and the long-term impacts of precipitation on the spatial patterns of FDOM are seldom known. Spatiotemporal variations of FDOM at 36 sites from the urban rivers of Jinan City during dry and wet seasons were investigated in this study. Four components were identified using an excitation–emission matrix and parallel factor analysis. Overall, the total fluorescence intensities in dry and wet seasons ranged from 6.59 to 35.7 quinine sulfate units (QSU) and 3.42 to 69.3 QSU, respectively. Significant variations were found for different components that C2 and C3 declined but C4 increased in the wet season (p < 0.05). The temporal variations for different components could be explained by the different combined effects of precipitation dilution and flushing. Three different reference FDOM sources, including background water, spring water, and wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) outlets, were illustrated using principal coordinate analysis (PCoA). The places of FDOM in most sites were more closed to the PCoA location of WWTP outlets in the dry season while central shifted in the wet season. The changes of FDOM sources in the wet season could be explained by the mixed effect of precipitation. In conclusion, this study provided new insights into the multiple impacts of precipitation on FDOM in urban river systems, and also data support for precise pollution discharge and water resource management.