bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A DEMATEL Framework for Modeling Cause-and-Effect Relationships of Inbound Contamination in Single-Stream Recycling Programs
Authors: Bafail Omer
Published: September 2022

Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) are the foundation of United States recycling programs. MRFs collect recyclable materials from end users for export to be processed abroad or to sell to mills for further refinement and reuse. The most popular type of recycling collection in the United States is Single-Stream Recycling (SSR). Numerous studies have validated the program’s popularity and consumer acceptance. In contrast to other recycling plans, SSR’s favored status rests on its minimal consumer burden, which requires only a cursory identification of potentially recyclable materials for placement in a single container separate from other waste. Researchers have also found that collecting SSR materials requires less staff and cheaper collection vehicles. While SSR generates greater end-user acceptance than other recycling collection programs, SSR differs markedly in terms of higher inbound contamination rates and quality of recovered recycling materials. Single-stream collection increases cross-contamination through mixing recyclable and non-recyclable materials in a single container. High contamination rates lower the quality of incoming recyclables and increase overall MRF operating costs due to additional sorting time and related staffing costs. This paper aims to analyze the causes of high inbound contamination in SSR using Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) techniques to support deeper analysis of the relative importance of three factors that scholars have identified as being related to SSR inbound contamination of MRFs. Based on the results obtained, the absence of awareness campaigns is one of the crucial factors increasing inbound contamination due to the inefficiency of the SSR system in separating unrecyclable from recyclable materials; therefore, the sorting equipment at MRFs requires further improvement. Focused analysis of causal inbound contamination factors may assist in furthering efforts to reduce SSR contamination.
Research on Higher Education during the COVID-19 in the Gulf Cooperation Council: An Overview of Publications in the Journal Sustainability
Authors: Michaleczek Igor Jacky Dimitri , Kayan-Fadlelmula Fatma , Sellami Abdel Latif
Published: September 2022

This study analyzes the research associated with higher education during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, offering an overview of papers published in Sustainability by utilizing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA). The analysis comprised a total of 17 papers, illuminating a number of common features, thematic foci, and prevailing issues as well as recommendations for rethinking higher education delivery in the future. Briefly, the analysis of common features revealed that most of the papers were published in 2021, researchers were mostly affiliated with higher education institutions in Saudi Arabia, data were mostly collected from undergraduate students, and papers were mostly quantitative. Regarding thematic focus, papers were generally related to teaching, learning, and assessment. As for prevailing issues, results highlighted a lack of practical studies in higher education research in the GCC region and a need for extending the conducted research to further context including other countries and populations. Finally, the key recommendations included improvement in the use of information technology and distance learning tools, as well as the design of policies and regulations to ensure more relevant academic intervention and guidelines for utilizing the tools and technologies.
Selection of Landfill Cover Materials Based on Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA)—A Case Study on Four Typical Covering Materials
Authors: Zhang Yibo , Liu Yan , Min Xuefeng , Jiang Qifan , Su Weizhou
Published: September 2022

Against the background of sustainable development, landfill covers can consist of a range of materials, from clay to geocomposite and polymer composites. Given engineering and environmental requirements, we analyzed the performance and sustainability of four sanitary landfill cover materials, namely clay, HDPE, PVC, and GCL. Within the principles of environmentally sustainable design, we constructed a material selection index based on the performance as well as the economic and environmental impacts of the materials. In addition, using a data envelopment analysis (DEA) model with an analytic hierarchical process (AHP) preference cone, we developed a C2WH model to evaluate the performance of the selected materials. Through the calculation, we found that the comprehensive indexes of the four covering materials were E1 = 0.2600, E2 = 0.5757, E3 = 0.7815, and E4 = 1.0000, respectively. Our results indicated that the investigated materials could be ranked according to performance as follows: GCL > PVC > HDPE > clay. Thus, our results showed that GCL, with the highest efficiency value, was the optimal cover of the investigated materials. The multiobjective decision model developed in our study can be used as a technical reference and offers support for the selection of eco-friendly landfill cover materials.
Life-Cycle Assessment in the LEED-CI v4 Categories of Location and Transportation (LT) and Energy and Atmosphere (EA) in California: A Case Study of Two Strategies for LEED Projects
Authors: Pushkar Svetlana
Published: September 2022

This study aimed to identify different certification strategies for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Commercial Interior version 4 (LEED-CI v4) gold-certified office projects in California’s cities and to explore these certification strategies using life-cycle assessments (LCAs). The LEED-CI v4 data were divided into two groups: high- and low-achievement groups in the Location and Transportation (LT) category. The author identified two strategies for achieving the same level of certification across LEED-CI v4 projects: (1) high achievements in LT (LTHigh) and low achievements in the Energy and Atmosphere (EA) category (EALow), and (2) low achievements in the LT category (LTLow) and high achievements in EA (EAHigh). The author adopted LTHigh–EALow and LTLow–EAHigh achievements as functional units for LCA. Three alternatives were LTHigh: typical bus, EALow: gas; LTLow: typical car, EAHigh: gas; and LTLow: eco-friendly car, EAHigh: gas, where a typical bus used diesel, a typical car used natural gas, an eco-friendly car used EURO5diesel, and natural gas was used as a building’s operational energy. The ReCiPe2016 results showed that the LTHigh: typical bus, EALow: gas strategy was preferable from a short-term perspective, and the LTLow: eco-friendly car, EAHigh: gas strategy was preferable in a long-term and an infinite time perspective, while the LTLow: typical car, EAHigh: gas strategy continued to be the most environmentally damaging certification strategy for all the time horizons of the existing pollutants. Thus, it can be concluded that if there are alternative strategies for LEED certification, an analysis of their LCAs can be useful to refine the best sustainable strategy.
Land-Use-Based Runoff Yield Method to Modify Hydrological Model for Flood Management: A Case in the Basin of Simple Underlying Surface
Authors: Xu Chaowei , Fu Hao , Yang Jiashuai , Wang Lingyue , Wang Yizhen
Published: September 2022

The study of runoff under the influence of human activities is a research hot spot in the field of water science. Land-use change is one of the main forms of human activities and it is also the major driver of changes to the runoff process. As for the relationship between land use and the runoff process, runoff yield theories pointed out that the runoff yield capacity is spatially heterogeneous. The present work hypothesizes that the distribution of the runoff yield can be divided by land use, which is, areas with the same land-use type are similar in runoff yield, while areas of different land uses are significantly different. To prove it, we proposed a land-use-based framework for runoff yield calculations based on a conceptual rainfall–runoff model, the Xin’anjiang (XAJ) model. Based on the framework, the modified land-use-based Xin’anjiang (L-XAJ) model was constructed by replacing the yielding area (f/F) in the water storage capacity curve of the XAJ model with the area ratio of different land-use types (L/F; L is the area of specific land-use types, F is the whole basin area). The L-XAJ model was then applied to the typical cultivated–urban binary land-use-type basin (Taipingchi basin) to evaluate its performance. Results showed great success of the L-XAJ model, which demonstrated the area ratio of different land-use types can represent the corresponding yielding area in the XAJ model. The L-XAJ model enhanced the physical meaning of the runoff generation in the XAJ model and was expected to be used in the sustainable development of basin water resources.
Exploring the Technological Changes of Green Agriculture in China: Evidence from Patent Data (1998–2021)
Authors: Hu Ruifeng , Xu Weiqiao
Published: September 2022

China views the development of sustainable agriculture as a crucial aspect of agricultural development. Using green agriculture patents from 1998 to 2021, this paper analyzes the spatial and temporal distribution of patent numbers and investigates the IPC co-occurrence network. The findings are as follows. First, the number of patents for green agriculture in mainland China has increased significantly. From 2010 to 2015, the number of patents reached its highest point. Second, the spatial distribution of green agriculture patents is quite uneven, particularly in Heilongjiang province, which has the largest grain production and the lowest patent output level. Third, while the majority of IPC subclasses are well-developed, some are unevenly developed. In China, popular fields include seed breeding, planting, and organic fertilizers. This research aims to present empirical evidence for the future layout of green agriculture in China and the development of green agriculture in other developing countries.
China’s Foreign Aid and Sustainable Growth of Recipient Countries: Mechanism and Evaluation
Authors: Wan Yifang , Chen Yunxian
Published: September 2022

Since the beginning of the 21st century, emerging donors have developed a suite of aid innovations that play a significant role in the international financing arrangements of recipient countries. Using the OECD Creditor Reporting System (CRS) aid classification to categorize China’s foreign aid by sector, this paper examines the impact of China’s foreign aid on the economic growth of 121 recipient countries from 2000 to 2017. Our findings indicate that (1) the relationship between China’s foreign aid and recipient countries’ economic growth is “U-shaped”, with a threshold effect and primarily due to growth aid; (2) the relationship between recipient countries’ economic growth and their dependence on China’s foreign aid is “inverted U-shaped”, in both growth aid and welfare aid; (3) there is discernible regional heterogeneity in the economic impact of China’s foreign aid, and the impact may be underestimated if the endogeneity problem is not taken into account; and (4) China’s foreign aid, especially growth aid, promotes the economic growth of recipient countries through factor mobility, foreign direct investment (FDI), and international trade.
Aerobic Granular Sludge as a Substrate in Anaerobic Digestion—Current Status and Perspectives
Authors: Kazimierowicz Joanna , Dębowski Marcin
Published: September 2022

Even though many wastewater treatment systems have been applied so far, there is still a need to develop methods, the implementation of which are technologically and economically justified. The aerobic granular sludge (AGS) method, which has been developed for several years, may represent an alternative to traditional technologies. One of the barriers to AGS deployment is the limited knowledge on the determinants and efficiency of the anaerobic digestion (AD) of AGS, as little research has been devoted to it. Therefore, the aim of the present paper is to summarize the current state of knowledge on the subject, including a review of technological conditions, process performance, and AGS parameters that can impact AD, and currently used pre-treatment methods. The anaerobic stabilization performance of AGS is compared against conventional activated sludge (CAS). The paper also identifies avenues for further research and practical implementations to further optimize the process and to determine whether AD is viable in full-scale plants.
A Longitudinal Study on Students’ Foreign Language Anxiety and Cognitive Load in Gamified Classes of Higher Education
Authors: Chen Yang , Zhang Luying , Yin Hua
Published: September 2022

Using gamification as an instructional intervention to manage students’ learning emotions has become a trending topic. Meanwhile, the cognitive load resulting from gamified learning environments may impact learning emotions negatively. In order to clarify students’ foreign language anxiety and cognitive load in a gamified English as a foreign language class, this study designed a gamified flipped learning context in a Chinese university and conducted five surveys, three semi-structured interviews, and consecutive in-class observation in 15 sessions. This study has the following findings: First, neither the foreign language anxiety nor the cognitive load of the students changed significantly through the entire course; second, the game elements produced contradictory effects on the students’ multiple-sourced foreign language anxiety (communication apprehension, fear of negative evaluation, and lack of self-confidence); third, the introduction of games had transient effects on extraneous cognitive load, and the immersion in games indirectly influenced the intrinsic and germane cognitive load; in addition, foreign language anxiety and cognitive load correlated in a complicated and dynamic manner as a result of diverse gamification factors. These findings are expected to provide useful insights for researchers into the significance of utilizing gamification in emotion management while taking cognitive dimensions into account from both the collective and the individual perspectives.
Disruption in Resource-Intensive Supply Chains: Reshoring and Nearshoring as Strategies to Enable Them to Become More Resilient and Sustainable
Authors: Fernández-Miguel Andrés , Riccardi Maria Pia , Veglio Valerio , García-Muiña Fernando E. , Fernández del Hoyo Alfonso P. , Settembre-Blundo Davide
Published: September 2022

Disruption in many supply chains has shown the vulnerability of global supply networks, especially resource-intensive ones, due to the simultaneous effects of pandemics and geopolitical crises. Reshoring and nearshoring strategies are the possible responses of manufacturing companies to disruptions in order to adapt to unforeseen events. The supply chain for the Italian ceramic sector, which is characterized by a high intensity of natural and energy resource consumption and a sourcing system with a high geopolitical risk, is examined in this study. The functional decomposition technique was used to analyze the supply chain; then, three scenarios were developed as potential remedies for the unexpected termination of Ukrainian plastic clay supply. The study also showed that complex issues require multifaceted analysis approaches, which is why a transdisciplinary approach was chosen. In addition, the analysis of the ceramic industry showed that nearshoring and reshoring strategies can reduce supply risk and have a positive impact on the environment. The study also showed how bringing extraction sources closer to factories significantly reduces CO2 emissions to the atmosphere from transportation. The main contribution of this paper is the analysis of the complexity of supply chains in times of disruption, configuring reshoring and nearshoring options through transdisciplinarity.
Consumer Willingness to Pay for Sustainable Wine—The Chilean Case
Authors: Valenzuela Lionel , Ortega Rodrigo , Moscovici Daniel , Gow Jeff , Alonso Ugaglia Adeline , Mihailescu Radu
Published: September 2022

Sustainability in production and consumption is increasing in importance in many diverse industries worldwide. The wine industry is no exception. There are many wine-related eco-certifications that incorporate sustainability concepts; however, it is unknown to what extent wine consumers value such certifications in wine-producing countries such as Chile. An online survey was conducted in which 526 Chilean wine consumers were asked about their attitudes towards and willingness to pay for sustainably produced wines. Statistical analysis was undertaken using multiple linear regression. It is notable that 76% of respondents had previously purchased eco-certified wines (fairtrade, biodynamic, organic, natural, and sustainable), and there was an evident willingness to buy eco-certified wines in the future—78% expressed a willingness to buy organic wines, and 77% sustainable wines. Furthermore, we asked how much more willing the respondents would be to pay for wines with eco-certification; 22% indicated that they would be willing to pay a premium price, ranging from USD 5 to USD 16 more, for organic wines, while 19% expressed a willingness to pay the same price premium for sustainable wines.
Risk Control in Optimization of Cascade Hydropower: Considering Water Abandonment Risk Probability
Authors: Zhang Xinyi , Fang Guohua , Ye Jian , Liu Jin , Wen Xin , Wu Chengjun
Published: September 2022

Water abandonment risk caused by inflow uncertainties is a major problem in cascade hydropower generation operation and water resources management. In this study, we propose a theoretical estimation method (TEM) to calculate water abandonment risk probability (WARP) utilizing sample inflow data and historical forecast errors. The method analyzes the differences in risk quantification between the head hydropower station and downstream stations, and the corresponding probability formula is provided. Then, a short-term optimal operation model of cascade hydropower stations considering the additional WARP water level constraints is constructed to dynamically control water level risk. The Dahuashui (DHS)-Geliqiao (GLQ) cascade hydropower stations in the Wujiang River Basin of China is investigated as a case study. The results show that compared with the historical scheme, the total amount of water abandonment of DHS, GLQ and DHS-GLQ in the WARP optimal scheme decreases by 11.69%, 47.69% and 28.27%, respectively, and the flood peak of GLQ is reduced by 21.6%. In conclusion, compared with the traditional control approach and actual operation processes, the proposed risk control in optimization of cascade hydropower considering WARP can improve the comprehensive utilization efficiency of cascade hydropower systems by reducing the occurrence of water abandonment and thereby increase generation profits.
Symmetric Tangling of Honeycomb Networks
Authors: Evans Myfanwy E. , Hyde Stephen T.
Published: September 2022

Symmetric, elegantly entangled structures are a curious mathematical construction that has found their way into the heart of the chemistry lab and the toolbox of constructive geometry. Of particular interest are those structures—knots, links and weavings—which are composed locally of simple twisted strands and are globally symmetric. This paper considers the symmetric tangling of multiple 2-periodic honeycomb networks. We do this using a constructive methodology borrowing elements of graph theory, low-dimensional topology and geometry. The result is a wide-ranging enumeration of symmetric tangled honeycomb networks, providing a foundation for their exploration in both the chemistry lab and the geometers toolbox.
Electromagnetic Fields around Black Holes in Einstein Æther Gravity
Authors: Rayimbaev Javlon , Ahmedov Bobomurat , Karimbaev Eldor
Published: September 2022

Axial symmetry and stationary properties of spacetime allow to find exact analytical solutions of differential equations describing fields and particles in a gravitational background. The present work is mainly devoted to derivation of exact solutions of Maxwell’s equations for magnetic fields generated by current loops around static black holes (BHs) in Einstein-aether gravity based on the spacetime symmetries in both regions: (i) interior and (ii) exterior to the current loop for a proper observer. The spacetime symmetries are applied in separating variables to solve the second order ordinary differential equation for vector potential of electromagnetic field and the equations of motion of test particles around the aether BH. We also study effects of the aether field on innermost stable circular orbits (ISCOs) of the test particles assuming the current loop position is placed there. It is obtained that the ISCO radius, as well as dipole magnetic moment of the current loop decrease with the increase of the aether parameter c14. Moreover, the performed analysis indicates that the aether field causes a decrease in the magnetic field inside and outside the current loop due to the change of its position.
Inflammation and Autophagy: A Convergent Point between Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)-Related Genetic and Environmental Factors: Focus on Aluminum Adjuvants
Authors: Angrand Loïc , Masson Jean-Daniel , Rubio-Casillas Alberto , Nosten-Bertrand Marika , Crépeaux Guillemette
Published: September 2022

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder are genetically complex and heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) resulting from genetic factors and gene-environment (GxE) interactions for which onset occurs in early brain development. Recent progress highlights the link between ASD and (i) immunogenetics, neurodevelopment, and inflammation, and (ii) impairments of autophagy, a crucial neurodevelopmental process involved in synaptic pruning. Among various environmental factors causing risk for ASD, aluminum (Al)-containing vaccines injected during critical periods have received special attention and triggered relevant scientific questions. The aim of this review is to discuss the current knowledge on the role of early inflammation, immune and autophagy dysfunction in ASD as well as preclinical studies which question Al adjuvant impacts on brain and immune maturation. We highlight the most recent breakthroughs and the lack of epidemiological, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data constituting a “scientific gap”. We propose additional research, such as genetic studies that could contribute to identify populations at genetic risk, improving diagnosis, and potentially the development of new therapeutic tools.
Toxic Effects of Two Representative Rare Earth Elements (La and Gd) on Danio rerio Based on Transcriptome Analysis
Authors: Kang Shu , Guo Cheng , Xue Chenyang , Ma Chenshu , Mu Huaizhong , Sun Lizong
Published: September 2022

The expanding applications of rare earth elements (REEs) in various fields have raised concerns about their biosafety. However, previous studies are insufficient to elucidate their toxic effects and mechanisms of action and whether there are uniform or predictable toxicity patterns among REEs. Herein, we investigated the toxic effects of two representative REEs (lanthanum (La) and gadolinium (Gd)) on zebrafish (Danio rerio) through toxicity experiments and transcriptome analysis. The results of the toxicity experiments showed that the two REEs have similar lethality, with half-lethal concentrations (LC50) at micromolar levels and mixed toxicity showing additive effects. Differential expression gene screening and functional group enrichment analysis showed that La and Gd might affect the growth and development of Danio rerio by interfering with some biological molecules. The two REEs showed significant effects on the metabolic pathways of exogenous or endogenous substances, including glutathione sulfotransferase and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase. Moreover, some basic biological processes, such as DNA replication, the insulin signaling pathway, and the p53 signaling pathway, were significantly enriched. Overall, the toxicity patterns of La and Gd may affect some biological processes with different intensities; however, there are many similarities in their toxicity mechanisms and modes of action. The concentrations investigated in this study were comparable to those of REE residues at highly contaminated sites, thus mimicking the ecotoxicological effects at environmentally relevant concentrations.
Purification and Mechanism of Microcystinase MlrC for Catalyzing Linearized Cyanobacterial Hepatotoxins Using Sphingopyxis sp. USTB-05
Authors: Zou Qianwen , Teng Junhui , Wang Kunyan , Huang Yiming , Hu Qingbei , Chen Sisi , Xu Qianqian , Zhang Haiyang , Fang Duyuan , Yan Hai
Published: September 2022

Cyanobacterial hepatotoxins, including microcystins (MCs) and nodularins (NODs), are widely produced, distributed and extremely hazardous to human beings and the environment. However, the catalytic mechanism of microcystinase for biodegrading cyanobacterial hepatotoxins is not completely understood yet. The first microcystinase (MlrA) catalyzes the ring opening of cyclic hepatotoxins, while being further hydrolyzed by the third microcystinase (MlrC). Based on the homology modeling, we postulated that MlrC of Sphingopyxis sp. USTB-05 was a Zn2+-dependent metalloprotease including five active sites: Glu56, His150, Asp184, His186 and His208. Here, the active recombinant MlrC and five site-directed mutants were successfully obtained with heterologous expression and then purified for investigating the activity. The results indicated that the purified recombinant MlrC had high activity to catalyze linearized hepatotoxins. Combined with the biodegradation of linearized NOD by MlrC and its mutants, a complete enzymatic mechanism for linearized hepatotoxin biodegradation by MlrC was revealed.
Arabic Gum Could Alleviate the Aflatoxin B1-provoked Hepatic Injury in Rat: The Involvement of Oxidative Stress, Inflammatory, and Apoptotic Pathways
Authors: Ahmed Noha , El-Rayes Samir M. , Khalil Waleed F. , Abdeen Ahmed , Abdelkader Afaf , Youssef Mohammed , Maher Zainab M. , Ibrahim Amany N. , Abdelrahman Shaymaa M. , Ibrahim Samah F. , Abdelrahaman Doaa , Alsieni Mohammed , Elserafy Osama S. , Ghamry Heba I. , Emam Hanan T. , Shanab Obeid
Published: September 2022

Aflatoxin B1 (AF) is an unavoidable environmental pollutant that contaminates food, feed, and grains, which seriously threatens human and animal health. Arabic gum (AG) has recently evoked much attention owing to its promising therapeutic potential. Thus, the current study was conducted to look into the possible mechanisms beyond the ameliorative activity of AG against AF-inflicted hepatic injury. Male Wistar rats were assigned into four groups: Control, AG (7.5 g/kg b.w/day, orally), AF (200 µg/kg b.w), and AG plus AF group. AF induced marked liver damage expounded by considerable changes in biochemical profile and histological architecture. The oxidative stress stimulated by AF boosted the production of plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) level along with decreases in the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) level and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity. Additionally, AF exposure was associated with down-regulation of the nuclear factor erythroid2–related factor2 (Nrf2) and superoxide dismutase1 (SOD1) protein expression in liver tissue. Apoptotic cascade has also been evoked following AF-exposure, as depicted in overexpression of cytochrome c (Cyto c), cleaved Caspase3 (Cl. Casp3), along with enhanced up-regulation of inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and nuclear factor kappa-B transcription factor/p65 (NF-κB/p65) mRNA expression levels. Interestingly, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory contents of AG may reverse the induced oxidative damage, inflammation, and apoptosis in AF-exposed animals.
Antibodies as Snakebite Antivenoms: Past and Future
Authors: Dias da Silva Wilmar , De Andrade Sonia A. , Megale Ângela Alice Amadeu , De Souza Daniel Alexandre , Sant’Anna Osvaldo Augusto , Magnoli Fábio Carlos , Guidolin Felipe Raimondi , Godoi Kemily Stephanie , Saladini Lucas Yuri , Spencer Patrick Jack , Portaro Fernanda Calheta Vieira
Published: September 2022

Snakebite envenomation is considered a neglected tropical disease, affecting tens of thousands of people each year. The recommended treatment is the use of antivenom, which is composed of immunoglobulins or immunoglobulin fragments obtained from the plasma of animals hyperimmunized with one (monospecific) or several (polyspecific) venoms. In this review, the efforts made in the improvement of the already available antivenoms and the development of new antivenoms, focusing on snakes of medical importance from sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America, are described. Some antivenoms currently used are composed of whole IgGs, whereas others use F(ab’)2 fragments. The classic methods of attaining snake antivenoms are presented, in addition to new strategies to improve their effectiveness. Punctual changes in immunization protocols, in addition to the use of cross-reactivity between venoms from different snakes for the manufacture of more potent and widely used antivenoms, are presented. It is known that venoms are a complex mixture of components; however, advances in the field of antivenoms have shown that there are key toxins that, if effectively blocked, are capable of reversing the condition of in vivo envenomation. These studies provide an opportunity for the use of monoclonal antibodies in the development of new-generation antivenoms. Thus, monoclonal antibodies and their fragments are described as a possible alternative for the production of antivenoms, regardless of the venom. This review also highlights the challenges associated with their development.
Co-Occurrence of Hypoglycin A and Hypoglycin B in Sycamore and Box Elder Maple Proved by LC-MS/MS and LC-HR-MS
Authors: El-Khatib Ahmed H. , Engel Anna Maria , Weigel Stefan
Published: September 2022

Hypoglycin A (HGA) and methylenecyclpropylglycine (MCPrG) are formed by some maple trees (Acer species) and have been associated with incidences of atypical myopathy among horses in pastures. In this work, a simple and sensitive ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS) method without derivatization was developed for the quantification of HGA and MCPrG in maple samples and validated according to EU guidelines. The LOQ presented here for HGA (16.4 µg/kg) is considerably lower than the lowest published LOQ (500 µg/kg). This method confirms that sycamore and box elder maple contain considerable amounts of HGA and MCPrG. In addition, the presence of the dipeptides hypoglycin B and γ-glutamyl-MCPrG in these two maple species is shown using high-resolution MS. This is the first report on the presence of these dipeptides in maple since 1973. The presence of HGB and γ-glutamyl-MCPrG could change the way we understand animal intoxication following the ingestion of maple.
Viral Metagenomics for the Identification of Emerging Infections in Clinical Samples with Inconclusive Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya Viral Amplification
Authors: Souza Juliana Vanessa Cavalcante , Santos Hazerral de Oliveira , Leite Anderson Brandão , Giovanetti Marta , Bezerra Rafael dos Santos , Carvalho Eneas de , Bernardino Jardelina de Souza Todão , Viala Vincent Louis , Haddad Rodrigo , Ciccozzi Massimo , Alcantara Luiz Carlos Junior , Sampaio Sandra Coccuzzo , Covas Dimas Tadeu , Kashima Simone , Elias Maria Carolina , Slavov Svetoslav Nanev
Published: September 2022

Viral metagenomics is increasingly being used for the identification of emerging and re-emerging viral pathogens in clinical samples with unknown etiology. The objective of this study was to shield light on the metavirome composition in clinical samples obtained from patients with clinical history compatible with an arboviral infection, but that presented inconclusive results when tested using RT-qPCR. The inconclusive amplification results might be an indication of the presence of an emerging arboviral agent that is inefficiently amplified by conventional PCR techniques. A total of eight serum samples with inconclusive amplification results for the routinely tested arboviruses—dengue (DENV), Zika (ZIKV), and Chikungunya (CHIKV) obtained during DENV and CHIKV outbreaks registered in the state of Alagoas, Northeast Brazil between July and August 2021—were submitted to metagenomic next-generation sequencing assay using NextSeq 2000 and bioinformatic pipeline for viral discovery. The performed bioinformatic analysis revealed the presence of two arboviruses: DENV type 2 (DENV-2) and CHIKV with a high genome coverage. Further, the metavirome of those samples revealed the presence of multiple commensal viruses apparently without clinical significance. The phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the DENV-2 genome belonged to the Asian/American genotype and clustered with other Brazilian strains. The identified CHIKV genome was taxonomically assigned as ECSA genotype, which is circulating in Brazil. Together, our results reinforce the utility of metagenomics as a valuable tool for viral identification in samples with inconclusive arboviral amplification. Viral metagenomics is one of the most potent methods for the identification of emerging arboviruses.
An Outbreak of Japanese Encephalitis Virus in Australia; What Is the Risk to Blood Safety?
Authors: Hoad Veronica C. , Kiely Philip , Seed Clive R. , Viennet Elvina , Gosbell Iain B.
Published: September 2022

A widespread outbreak of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) was detected in mainland Australia in 2022 in a previous non-endemic area. Given JEV is known to be transfusion-transmissible, a rapid blood-safety risk assessment was performed using a simple deterministic model to estimate the risk to blood safety over a 3-month outbreak period during which 234,212 donors attended. The cumulative estimated incidence in donors was 82 infections with an estimated 4.26 viraemic components issued, 1.58 resulting in transfusion-transmission and an estimated risk of encephalitis of 1 in 4.3 million per component transfused over the risk period. Australia has initiated a robust public health response, including vector control, animal control and movement, and surveillance. Unlike West Nile virus, there is an effective vaccine that is being rolled-out to those at higher risk. Risk evaluation considered options such as restricting those potentially at risk to plasma for fractionation, which incorporates additional pathogen reduction, introducing a screening test, physicochemical pathogen reduction, quarantine, post donation illness policy changes and a new donor deferral. However, except for introducing a new deferral to potentially cover rare flavivirus risks, no option resulted in a clear risk reduction benefit but all posed threats to blood sufficiency or cost. Therefore, the blood safety risk was concluded to be tolerable without specific mitigations.
Hepatitis B among University Population: Prevalence, Associated Risk Factors, Knowledge Assessment, and Treatment Management
Authors: Kazmi Syed Ayaz , Rauf Abdul , Alshahrani Mohammed Merae , Awadh Ahmed Abdullah Al , Iqbal Zahoor , Soltane Raya , Tag-Eldin ElSayed , Ahmad Altaf , Ansari Zulqarnain , Zia-ur-Rehman Zia-ur-Rehman
Published: September 2022

Background: Very few studies have been reported on hepatitis B in the State of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan, and none of them are specific to the prevalence and causes of hepatitis B spread among educational institutes. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of hepatitis B infection and its associated risk factors among the University of AJ and K population. Methods: An observational, cross-sectional, and analytical study was conducted with 7015 students and employees. Hepatitis B was detected by rapid immunochromatographic tests (ICTs), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and real-time quantitative PCR. A questionnaire and interview method was used to assess the disease knowledge and associated risk factors with hepatitis B through Chi-square, Fisher’s exact test, and paired t-test. Results: Of the participants, 150 (2.13%) were found positive for the hepatitis B surface antigen (57.3% male and 42.7% female). Only 0.3% participants were found fully vaccinated against the hepatitis B virus. Among ethnic groups, the Syed tribe was found more prevalent for hepatitis B infection (40.6%), while use of contaminated mourning blades (95% CI: p = 0.0001) was found as an overlooked risk factor. Hepatitis preventive awareness sessions were found to be very significant (p = 0.0001). Conclusions: The study showed that an overlooked risk factor is playing a key role in the spread of HBV in a tribe living worldwide, which must be addressed globally to eradicate hepatitis B. In Pakistan, a country-wide annual HBV vaccination program should be launched to control hepatitis B.
Characterization and Immunogenicity of Influenza H7N9 Vaccine Antigens Produced Using a Serum-Free Suspension MDCK Cell-Based Platform
Authors: Chia Min-Yuan , Lin Chun-Yang , Chen Po-Ling , Lai Chia-Chun , Weng Tsai-Chuan , Sung Wang-Chou , Hu Alan Yung-Chih , Lee Min-Shi
Published: September 2022

Human infections with avian-origin H7N9 influenza A viruses were first reported in China, and an approximately 38% human mortality rate was described across six waves from February 2013 to September 2018. Vaccination is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce morbidity and mortality during influenza epidemics and pandemics. Egg-based platforms for the production of influenza vaccines are labor-intensive and unable to meet the surging demand during pandemics. Therefore, cell culture-based technology is becoming the alternative strategy for producing influenza vaccines. The current influenza H7N9 vaccine virus (NIBRG-268), a reassortant virus from A/Anhui/1/2013 (H7N9) and egg-adapted A/PR/8/34 (H1N1) viruses, could grow efficiently in embryonated eggs but not mammalian cells. Moreover, a freezing-dry formulation of influenza H7N9 vaccines with long-term stability will be desirable for pandemic preparedness, as the occurrence of influenza H7N9 pandemics is not predictable. In this study, we adapted a serum-free anchorage-independent suspension Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cell line for producing influenza H7N9 vaccines and compared the biochemical characteristics and immunogenicity of three influenza H7N9 vaccine antigens produced using the suspension MDCK cell-based platform without freeze-drying (S-WO-H7N9), the suspension MDCK cell-based platform with freeze-drying (S-W-H7N9) or the egg-based platform with freeze-drying (E-W-H7N9). We demonstrated these three vaccine antigens have comparable biochemical characteristics. In addition, these three vaccine antigens induced robust and comparable neutralizing antibody (NT; geometric mean between 1016 and 4064) and hemagglutinin-inhibition antibody (HI; geometric mean between 640 and 1613) titers in mice. In conclusion, the serum-free suspension MDCK cell-derived freeze-dried influenza H7N9 vaccine is highly immunogenic in mice, and clinical development is warranted.
Hepatitis B Virus Research in South Africa
Authors: Maepa Mohube B. , Ely Abdullah , Kramvis Anna , Bloom Kristie , Naidoo Kubendran , Simani Omphile E. , Maponga Tongai G. , Arbuthnot Patrick
Published: September 2022

Despite being vaccine-preventable, hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains the seventh leading cause of mortality in the world. In South Africa (SA), over 1.9 million people are chronically infected with HBV, and 70% of all Black chronic carriers are infected with HBV subgenotype A1. The virus remains a significant burden on public health in SA despite the introduction of an infant immunization program implemented in 1995 and the availability of effective treatment for chronic HBV infection. In addition, the high prevalence of HIV infection amplifies HBV replication, predisposes patients to chronicity, and complicates management of the infection. HBV research has made significant progress leading to better understanding of HBV epidemiology and management challenges in the SA context. This has led to recent revision of the national HBV infection management guidelines. Research on developing new vaccines and therapies is underway and progress has been made with designing potentially curative gene therapies against HBV. This review summarizes research carried out in SA on HBV molecular biology, epidemiology, treatment, and vaccination strategies.
Recombinant Mammalian Prions: The “Correctly” Misfolded Prion Protein Conformers
Authors: Ma Jiyan , Zhang Jingjing , Yan Runchuan
Published: September 2022

Generating a prion with exogenously produced recombinant prion protein is widely accepted as the ultimate proof of the prion hypothesis. Over the years, a plethora of misfolded recPrP conformers have been generated, but despite their seeding capability, many of them have failed to elicit a fatal neurodegenerative disorder in wild-type animals like a naturally occurring prion. The application of the protein misfolding cyclic amplification technique and the inclusion of non-protein cofactors in the reaction mixture have led to the generation of authentic recombinant prions that fully recapitulate the characteristics of native prions. Together, these studies reveal that recPrP can stably exist in a variety of misfolded conformations and when inoculated into wild-type animals, misfolded recPrP conformers cause a wide range of outcomes, from being completely innocuous to lethal. Since all these recPrP conformers possess seeding capabilities, these results clearly suggest that seeding activity alone is not equivalent to prion activity. Instead, authentic prions are those PrP conformers that are not only heritable (the ability to seed the conversion of normal PrP) but also pathogenic (the ability to cause fatal neurodegeneration). The knowledge gained from the studies of the recombinant prion is important for us to understand the pathogenesis of prion disease and the roles of misfolded proteins in other neurodegenerative disorders.
Linking Human Betaretrovirus with Autoimmunity and Liver Disease in Patients with Primary Biliary Cholangitis
Authors: Syed Hussain , Penner Tara , Mason Andrew L.
Published: September 2022

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is an autoimmune liver disease characterized by the production of diagnostic antimitochondrial antibodies (AMA) reactive to the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex. A human betaretrovirus (HBRV) resembling mouse mammary tumor virus has been characterized in patients with PBC. However, linking the viral infection with the disease is not a straight-forward process because PBC is a complex multifactorial disease influenced by genetic, hormonal, autoimmune, environmental, and other factors. Currently, PBC is assumed to have an autoimmune etiology, but the evidence is lacking to support this conjecture. In this review, we describe different approaches connecting HBRV with PBC. Initially, we used co-cultivation of HBRV with biliary epithelial cells to trigger the PBC-specific phenotype with cell surface expression of cryptic mitochondrial autoantigens linked with antimitochondrial antibody expression. Subsequently, we have derived layers of proof to support the role of betaretrovirus infection in mouse models of autoimmune biliary disease with spontaneous AMA production and in patients with PBC. Using Hill’s criteria, we provide an overview of how betaretrovirus infection may trigger autoimmunity and propagate biliary disease. Ultimately, the demonstration that disease can be cured with antiviral therapy may sway the argument toward an infectious disease etiology in an analogous fashion that was used to link H. pylori with peptic ulcer disease.
Chronic Hepatitis B Viral Activity Enough to Take Antiviral Drug Could Predict the Survival Rate in Malignant Lymphoma
Authors: Seo Kwang-Il , Jo Jae-Cheol , Kim Da-Jung , Jeong Jee-Yeong , Lee Sangjin , Lee Ho-Sup
Published: September 2022

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection carries a risk of liver cancer and extrahepatic malignancy. However, the incidence trend and clinical course of malignant lymphoma (ML) in HBV patients are not well known. Data about ML newly diagnosed in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients from 2003 to 2016 were collected from National Health Insurance Service claims. A total of 13,942 CHB patients were newly diagnosed with ML from 2003 to 2016. The number of patients increased 3.8 times, from 442 in 2003 to 1711 in 2016. The 2-year survival rate of all patients was 76.8%, and the 5-year survival rate was 69.8%. The survival rate of patients taking antivirals due to high viral activity before their diagnosis with ML was significantly lower than that of patients with lower viral activity without antivirals (1 yr—77.3%, 3 yr—64.5%, and 5 yr—58.3% vs. 1 yr—84.0%, 3 yr—73.4%, and 5 yr—68.0%, respectively). The survival rate of patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) at baseline was significantly lower than that of those without LC. Cirrhotic patients taking antivirals before ML diagnosis had a worse prognosis than who did not. High viral activity in CHB patients with ML seems to be useful in predicting the prognosis for survival.
Anti-Prion Systems in Saccharomyces cerevisiae Turn an Avalanche of Prions into a Flurry
Authors: Son Moonil , Wickner Reed B.
Published: September 2022

Prions are infectious proteins, mostly having a self-propagating amyloid (filamentous protein polymer) structure consisting of an abnormal form of a normally soluble protein. These prions arise spontaneously in the cell without known reason, and their effects were generally considered to be fatal based on prion diseases in humans or mammals. However, the wide array of prion studies in yeast including filamentous fungi revealed that their effects can range widely, from lethal to very mild (even cryptic) or functional, depending on the nature of the prion protein and the specific prion variant (or strain) made by the same prion protein but with a different conformation. This prion biology is affected by an array of molecular chaperone systems, such as Hsp40, Hsp70, Hsp104, and combinations of them. In parallel with the systems required for prion propagation, yeast has multiple anti-prion systems, constantly working in the normal cell without overproduction of or a deficiency in any protein, which have negative effects on prions by blocking their formation, curing many prions after they arise, preventing prion infections, and reducing the cytotoxicity produced by prions. From the protectors of nascent polypeptides (Ssb1/2p, Zuo1p, and Ssz1p) to the protein sequesterase (Btn2p), the disaggregator (Hsp104), and the mysterious Cur1p, normal levels of each can cure the prion variants arising in its absence. The controllers of mRNA quality, nonsense-mediated mRNA decay proteins (Upf1, 2, 3), can cure newly formed prion variants by association with a prion-forming protein. The regulator of the inositol pyrophosphate metabolic pathway (Siw14p) cures certain prion variants by lowering the levels of certain organic compounds. Some of these proteins have other cellular functions (e.g., Btn2), while others produce an anti-prion effect through their primary role in the normal cell (e.g., ribosomal chaperones). Thus, these anti-prion actions are the innate defense strategy against prions. Here, we outline the anti-prion systems in yeast that produce innate immunity to prions by a multi-layered operation targeting each step of prion development.