bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hourly Building Energy Consumption Prediction Using a Training Sample Selection Method Based on Key Feature Search
Authors: Fang Haizhou , Tan Hongwei , Dai Ningfang , Liu Zhaohui , Kosonen Risto
Published: May 2023

For the management of building operations, hourly building energy consumption prediction (HBECP) is critical. Many factors, such as energy types, expected day intervals, and acquired feature types, significantly impact HBECP. However, the existing training sample selection methods, especially during transitional seasons, are unable to properly adapt to changes in operational conditions. The key feature search selection (KFSS) approach is proposed in this study. This technique ensures a quick response to changes in the parameters of the predicted day while enhancing the model’s accuracy, stability, and generalization. The best training sample set is found dynamically based on the similarity between the feature on the projected day and the historical data, and feature scenario analysis is used to make the most of the acquired data features. The hourly actual data in two years are applied to a major office building in Zhuhai, China as a case study. The findings reveal that, as compared to the original methods, the KFSS method can track daily load well and considerably enhance prediction accuracy. The suggested training sample selection approach can enhance the accuracy of prediction days by 14.5% in spring and 4.9% in autumn, according to the results. The proposed feature search and feature extraction strategy are valuable for enhancing the robustness of data-driven models for HBECP.
International Research Review and Teaching Improvement Measures of College Students’ Learning Psychology under the Background of COVID-19
Authors: Liu Yi , Li Zhigang
Published: May 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on college education. College students have faced great difficulties in terms of learning and living during the lockdown period, which has brought many negative psychological effects. To explore the psychological states of college students learning during the COVID-19 pandemic and the reasons for these states, this study used CiteSpace to analyze 105 articles on WoS about college students’ learning psychology, and the results of this analysis were combined with an interpretation of the literature to summarize the research hotspots, development trends, learning psychology types, and reasons in this field. The main findings were as follows: (1) During the COVID-19 pandemic, the psychological state of learning college students mainly included academic burnout, learning anxiety, and learning pressure. (2) Academic burnout was affected by perceived usefulness and self-control and was manifested as not accepting online teaching and truancy. (3) Learning anxiety was affected by emotional support factors and was manifested as loneliness, anxiety about lockdown management, and fear of infection. (4) Learning pressure was affected by perceived ease-of-use, environmental support, and self-efficacy and was manifested by difficulties completing online learning tasks, academic performance, and future career uncertainty. Given the above findings, this study proposes corresponding teaching improvement measures from the perspective of the sustainability of the teaching methods of teachers and students’ continuous learning, providing teaching references for schools and teachers, and psychological support for students.
Effects of Precipitation Variation on Annual and Winter Soil Respiration in a Semiarid Mountain Shrubland in Northern China
Authors: Shen Huitao , Zhang Tao , Zhao Yanxia , Wu Aibin , Zheng Zhenhua , Cao Jiansheng
Published: May 2023

In response to global climate change, future precipitation changes are expected to profoundly influence soil respiration in arid and semiarid areas. However, few studies focus on CO2 emissions from soils undergoing precipitation changes in semiarid mountain shrublands in winter. A precipitation-manipulation experiment with three levels of precipitation (30% decreased precipitation (DP), ambient precipitation (AP), and 30% increased precipitation (IP)) was performed to examine the effects of variable precipitation on soil respiration (SR) and wintertime contributions to annual SR emissions in Vitex negundo var. heterophylla shrub ecosystems located on the Middle Taihang Mountain in Hebei Province, northern China. The results showed that the average annual SR rates and winter SR rates ranged from 1.37 to 1.67 μmol m−2 s−1 and 0.42 to 0.59 μmol m−2 s−1 among the different precipitation treatments. The model based on soil moisture better represented the soil-respiration rates, suggesting that the variable precipitation extended the water’s limitation of the soil’s CO2 emissions. The cumulative annual soil CO2 emissions were 523, 578, and 634 g C m−2 in response to the DP, AP, and IP treatments, respectively. The ratio of the soil CO2 emissions in winter to the annual CO2 emissions varied from 7.6 to 8.8% in response to the different precipitation treatments. Therefore, ignoring the soil CO2 emissions in winter leads to the underestimation of the carbon losses in semiarid shrublands. Our results highlight that variable precipitation significantly influences soil-respiration rates, and soil CO2 emissions in winter must not be ignored when predicting the future feedback between SR and climate change in semiarid regions.
Slope Failure Risk Assessment Considering Both the Randomness of Groundwater Level and Soil Shear Strength Parameters
Authors: Peng Pu , Li Ze , Zhang Xiaoyan , Liu Wenlian , Sui Sugang , Xu Hanhua
Published: May 2023

Conducting research on slope failure risk assessment is beneficial for the sustainable development of slopes. There will be various failure modes considering both the randomness of the groundwater level and soil shear strength parameters. Based on the integrated failure probability (IFP), the traditional failure risk analysis needs to count all failure modes, including the failure probability (Pf) and failure risk coefficient (C), one-by-one. A new slope failure risk assessment method that uses the sum of the element failure risk to calculate the overall failure risk is proposed in this paper and considers both the randomness of the groundwater level and soil shear strength parameters. The element failure probability is determined by their location information and failure situation; the element failure risk coefficient is determined by their area. It transforms the complex overall failure risk problem into a simple element failure risk problem, which simplifies the calculation process and improves the calculation efficiency greatly. The correctness is verified with the systematic analysis of a classical case. The results show that the slope failure probability and failure risk are greatly increased from 1.40% to 3.30% and 0.829 m2 to 2.094 m2 with rising groundwater level, respectively.
Linking Digital Technologies to Sustainability through Industry 5.0: A bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Ben Youssef Adel , Mejri Issam
Published: May 2023

Industry 5.0 is a new phase of industrialization which focuses on humans, resilience, and sustainability. The importance of the research on Industry 5.0 has grown considerably and includes a range of different themes. Using a large corpus of data from Scopus, this study conducts a bibliometric review with the aim of providing a holistic overview of the research on Industry 5.0. We review 300 publications on Industry 5.0 to identify their theoretical foundations, research trajectories, and main topics, as well as to propose new research orientations. Our review is based on the integration of a co-citation analysis, historical direct citation analysis, and co-occurrence analysis. We found that most articles on Industry 5.0 have been published during 2020–2023 and focus mainly on India, China, and the United States. IEEE Transactions on Industrial Informatics, Sustainability, and Applied Sciences are the most significant journals publishing research on Industry 5.0. Sustainable development, human-centricity, smart manufacturing, and 6G are the most frequent concepts in the Industry 5.0 domain.
Eco-Asset Variations and Their Driving Factors in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, China, under the Context of Global Change
Authors: Yuan Xingming , Guo Bing , Lu Miao , Zang Wenqian , Liu Chuan , Wang Baoyu , Huang Xiangzhi
Published: May 2023

The Qinghai–Tibet plateau (QTP), as the “roof of the world” and the “Asian Water Tower”, provides important ecological resources for China and other Asian countries. The changing trend of ecological assets and their dominant influencing factors in different sub-regions and periods are not yet clear. In order to reveal the differences in driving mechanisms among sub-regions under the context of global changes, this study quantitatively analyzed the ecological assets and their spatial and temporal evolution patterns during 2000–2015 by using the value equivalent method. Then, the Geodetector was introduced to reveal and clarify the dominant factors of ecological asset changes in different ecological sub-regions. The results show the following. (1) From 2000 to 2010, the total value of ecological assets in Nakchu County was the highest, followed by Kangding County, while that in 2015 was the highest in Kangding County, followed by Nakchu County. (2) During 2000–2015, the average value of ecological assets of the Qinghai–Tibet plateau gradually decreased from east to west, while the average ecological asset value in the southern Qinghai–Tibet plateau was lower. (3) The QTP showed the highest value in 2005 with an increasing trend from 2000 to 2005, followed by a subsequent decrease from 2005 to 2015. (4) Between 2000 and 2015, the area of the stable zone (slight or no change) of ecological assets was the largest, followed by that of the decreasing zone. (5) During all the study period, the spatio-temporal evolution of ecological assets in different ecological sub-regions was mainly affected by natural factors, which were the main driving variables rather than human activities. These results could provide important support for decisions regarding the protection of ecosystems and resources in the Qinghai–Tibet plateau.
Symmetry in Fluid Flow II
Authors: Tagawa Toshio
Published: May 2023

Fluid flows sometimes exhibit symmetricity under certain conditions [...]
Some Properties of Double Domination in Vague Graphs with an Application
Authors: Rao Yongsheng , Cai Ruiqi , Talebi Ali Asghar , Mojahedfar Masomeh
Published: May 2023

This paper is devoted to the study of the double domination in vague graphs, and it is a contribution to the Special Issue “Advances in graph theory and Symmetry/Asymmetry” of Symmetry. Symmetry is one of the most important criteria that illustrate the structure and properties of fuzzy graphs. It has many applications in dominating sets and helps find a suitable place for construction. Vague graphs (VGs), which are a family of fuzzy graphs (FGs), are a well-organized and useful tool for capturing and resolving a range of real-world scenarios involving ambiguous data. In the graph theory, a dominating set (DS) for a graph G*=(X,E) is a subset D of the vertices X so that every vertex which is not in D is adjacent to at least one member of D. The subject of energy in graph theory is one of the most attractive topics serving a very important role in biological and chemical sciences. Hence, in this work, we express the notion of energy on a dominating vague graph (DVG) and also use the concept of energy in modeling problems related to DVGs. Moreover, we introduce a new notion of a double dominating vague graph (DDVG) and provide some examples to explain various concepts introduced. Finally, we present an application of energy on DVGs.
Fluctuating Flexoelectric Membranes in Asymmetric Viscoelastic Media: Power Spectrum through Mechanical Network and Transfer Function Models
Authors: Herrera-Valencia Edtson Emilio , Rey Alejandro D.
Published: May 2023

Flexoelectric liquid crystalline membranes immersed in asymmetric viscoelastic media is a material system model with physiological applications such as outer hair cells (OHCs), where membrane oscillations generate bulk flow. Motivated by this physiological process, here we extend our previous work by characterizing the force transmission output of our model in addition to viscoelastic fluid flow, since solid–fluid interactions are an essential feature of confined physiological flow and flow in immersed elastic structures. In this work, the rigidity of the confinement results in a passive force reception, while more complete solid–fluid interactions will be considered in the future. A significant contribution of this work is a new asymmetry linear viscoelastic electro-rheological model and the obtained implicit relation between force transmission and flow generation and how this relation is modulated by electric field frequency and the material properties of the device. Maximal force and flow are found at resonant frequencies of asymmetry viscoelastic bulk phases, flexoelectric and dispersion mechanisms through the elastic and Womersley numbers.
Comment on Nizam Chew, L.C.; Ismail, E.S. S-box Construction Based on Linear Fractional Transformation and Permutation Function. Symmetry 2020, 12, 826
Authors: Arshad Razi , Jalil Mudassar
Published: May 2023

The aim of this comment paper is to identify a technical error in the published article of Nizam Chew et al. [...]
Multi-Planar Jump Performance in Speed Skating Athletes: Investigating Interlimb Differences in an Asymmetrical Sport
Authors: Zukowski Matthew , Herzog Walter , Jordan Matthew
Published: May 2023

Elite speed skaters are exposed to asymmetric lower limb loading consequent to the unidirectional turns inherent to the sport. This presents a unique model to study the effects of sport-specific loading on interlimb differences in mechanical muscle function. This study, therefore, examined baseline interlimb asymmetries in multi-directional jump tests in elite speed skaters using a cross-sectional design. Thereafter, participants were monitored longitudinally using the bilateral countermovement jump (CMJ) to quantify interlimb differences in mechanical muscle function throughout a competitive season. Pre-season baseline testing included a single leg lateral jump (JumpLat) and a single leg forward horizontal jump (JumpHorz) attached to a robotic linear position encoder, along with a bilateral CMJ on a dual force plate system. From baseline, CMJ monitoring was conducted throughout the 24-week competitive season. Within-limb changes in right vs left CMJ concentric impulse (CMJCon) and eccentric deceleration impulse (CMJEcc) were assessed using a linear mixed effects model. No systematic interlimb differences were found at baseline (p = 0.33–0.98) and the between-test agreement in limb dominance was poor (Kappa = −0.17–0.33). Furthermore, there were no time effects observed for interlimb differences in CMJCon (fixed effect = 0.01 N*s) and a small decrease in CMJEcc (fixed effects = −0.35 N*s, p = 0.01). These data suggest that even in a sport with asymmetrical loading, interlimb differences in mechanical output remain stable at the group level. However, changes occurring at the individual athlete level may be occurring that are meaningful for performance and injury.
Lumped Element Method Based Conductivity Reconstruction Algorithm for Localization Using Symmetric Discrete Operators on Coarse Meshes
Authors: Sari Zoltan , Klincsik Mihaly , Odry Peter , Tadic Vladimir , Toth Attila , Vizvari Zoltan
Published: May 2023

The inverse conductivity problem in electrical impedance tomography involves the solving of a nonlinear and under-determined system of equations. This paper presents a new approach, which leads to a quadratic and overdetermined system of equations. The aim of the paper is to establish new research directions in handling of the inverse conductivity problem. The basis of the proposed method is that the material, which can be considered as an isotropic continuum, is modeled as a linear network with concentrated parameters. The weights of the obtained graph represent the properties of the discretized continuum. Further, the application of the developed procedure allows for the dielectric constant to be used in the multi-frequency approach, as a result of which the optimized system of equations always remains overdetermined. Through case studies, the efficacy of the reconstruction method by changing the mesh resolution applied for discretizing is presented and evaluated. The presented results show, that, due to the application of discrete, symmetric mathematical structures, the new approach even at coarse mesh resolution is capable of localizing the inhomogeneities of the material.
Generalized AB-Fractional Operator Inclusions of Hermite–Hadamard’s Type via Fractional Integration
Authors: Bin-Mohsin Bandar , Awan Muhammad , Javed Muhammad , Khan Awais , Budak Hüseyin , Mihai Marcela , Noor Muhammad
Published: May 2023

The aim of this research is to explore fractional integral inequalities that involve interval-valued preinvex functions. Initially, a new set of fractional operators is introduced that uses the extended generalized Mittag-Leffler function Eμ,α,lγ,δ,k,c(τ;p) as a kernel in the interval domain. Additionally, a new form of Atangana–Baleanu operator is defined using the same kernel, which unifies multiple existing integral operators. By varying the parameters in Eμ,α,lγ,δ,k,c(τ;p), several new fractional operators are obtained. This study then utilizes the generalized AB integral operators and the preinvex interval-valued property of functions to establish new Hermite–Hadamard, Pachapatte, and Hermite–Hadamard–Fejer inequalities. The results are supported by numerical examples, graphical illustrations, and special cases.
Replacement of the Mouse LD50 Assay for Determination of the Potency of AbobotulinumtoxinA with a Cell-Based Method in Both Powder and Liquid Formulations
Authors: Fonfria Elena , Marks Elizabeth , Foulkes Lisa-Marie , Schofield Rebecca , Higazi Daniel , Coward Sam , Kippen Alistair
Published: May 2023

Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are important therapeutic agents. The in vivo median lethal dose (LD50) assay has been commonly used to measure the potency of BoNT commercial preparations. As an alternative, we developed cell-based assays for abobotulinumtoxinA in both powder (Dysport®, Azzalure®) and liquid (Alluzience®) formulations using the in vitro BoCell® system. The assays demonstrated linearity over 50–130% of the expected relative potency, with a correlation coefficient of 0.98. Mean recoveries of 90–108% of the stated potency were observed over this range. The coefficients of variation for powder and liquid formulations, respectively, were 3.6% and 4.0% for repeatability and 8.3% and 5.0% for intermediate precision. A statistically powered comparability assessment of the BoCell® and LD50 assays was performed. Equivalence was demonstrated between the assays for the liquid formulation at release and end of shelf life using a paired equivalence test with predefined equivalence margins. For the powder formulation, the assays were also shown to be equivalent for release samples and when determining loss of potency following thermal degradation. The BoCell® assay was approved for establishing the potency of abobotulinumtoxinA for both powder and liquid formulations in Europe and for the powder formulation only in the USA.
Growth, Toxin Content and Production of Dinophysis Norvegica in Cultured Strains Isolated from Funka Bay (Japan)
Authors: Nagai Satoshi , Basti Leila , Uchida Hajime , Kuribayashi Takanori , Natsuike Masafumi , Sildever Sirje , Nakayama Natsuko , Lum Wai Mun , Matsushima Ryuji
Published: May 2023

The successful cultivation of Dinophysis norvegica Claparède & Lachmann, 1859, isolated from Japanese coastal waters, is presented in this study, which also includes an examination of its toxin content and production for the first time. Maintaining the strains at a high abundance (>2000 cells per mL−1) for more than 20 months was achieved by feeding them with the ciliate Mesodinium rubrum Lohmann, 1908, along with the addition of the cryptophyte Teleaulax amphioxeia (W.Conrad) D.R.A.Hill, 1992. Toxin production was examined using seven established strains. At the end of the one-month incubation period, the total amounts of pectenotoxin-2 (PTX2) and dinophysistoxin-1 (DTX1) ranged between 132.0 and 375.0 ng per mL−1 (n = 7), and 0.7 and 3.6 ng per mL−1 (n = 3), respectively. Furthermore, only one strain was found to contain a trace level of okadaic acid (OA). Similarly, the cell quota of pectenotoxin-2 (PTX2) and dinophysistoxin-1 (DTX1) ranged from 60.6 to 152.4 pg per cell−1 (n = 7) and 0.5 to 1.2 pg per cell−1 (n = 3), respectively. The results of this study indicate that toxin production in this species is subject to variation depending on the strain. According to the growth experiment, D. norvegica exhibited a long lag phase, as suggested by the slow growth observed during the first 12 days. In the growth experiment, D. norvegica grew very slowly for the first 12 days, suggesting they had a long lag phase. However, after that, they grew exponentially, with a maximum growth rate of 0.56 divisions per day (during Days 24–27), reaching a maximum concentration of 3000 cells per mL−1 at the end of the incubation (Day 36). In the toxin production study, the concentration of DTX1 and PTX2 increased following their vegetative growth, but the toxin production still increased exponentially on Day 36 (1.3 ng per mL−1 and 154.7 ng per mL−1 of DTX1 and PTX2, respectively). The concentration of OA remained below detectable levels (≤0.010 ng per mL−1) during the 36-day incubation period, with the exception of Day 6. This study presents new information on the toxin production and content of D. norvegica, as well as insights into the maintenance and culturing of this species.
Diversity and Plasticity of Virulent Characteristics of Entamoeba histolytica
Authors: Yanagawa Yasuaki , Singh Upinder
Published: May 2023

The complexity of clinical syndromes of amebiasis, caused by the parasite Entamoeba histolytica, stems from the intricate interplay between the host immune system, the virulence of the invading parasite, and the surrounding environment. Although there is still a relative paucity of information about the precise relationship between virulence factors and the pathogenesis of Entamoeba histolytica, by accumulating data from clinical and basic research, researchers have identified essential pathogenic factors that play a critical role in the pathogenesis of amebiasis, providing important insights into disease development through animal models. Moreover, the parasite’s genetic variability has been associated with differences in virulence and disease outcomes, making it important to fully understand the epidemiology and pathogenesis of amebiasis. Deciphering the true mechanism of disease progression in humans caused by this parasite is made more difficult through its ability to demonstrate both genomic and pathological plasticity. The objective of this article is to underscore the heterogeneous nature of disease states and the malleable virulence characteristics in experimental models, while also identifying persistent scientific issues that need to be addressed.
Vertical Distribution of Oviposition and Temporal Segregation of Arbovirus Vector Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in a Fragment of the Atlantic Forest, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Dias Rayane , de Mello Cecilia Ferreira , Santos Gabriel Silva , Carbajal-de-la-Fuente Ana Laura , Alencar Jeronimo
Published: May 2023

Culicid species, which include potential vectors of yellow fever, are diverse and abundant, with species commonly co-occurring in certain sites. Studying these species can provide important insights into their vector potential and, consequently, epizootic cycles of arboviruses carried about by these vectors. Here, we evaluated the vertical distribution and temporal segregation of mosquito oviposition with emphasis on arbovirus vectors in a fragment of the Atlantic Forest in Casimiro de Abreu, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Two sampling points were selected: Fazenda Três Montes and the Reserva Natural de Propriedade Privada Morro Grande. Collections were carried out at two sites using 10 ovitraps installed on the vegetation cover at different heights (0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 m above ground level) and monitored monthly from July 2018 to December 2020. The hypotheses of temporal and vertical stratification were tested through a PERMANOVA, and the relationship of each species with the vertical distribution was evaluated individually through a correlation analysis. We collected a total of 3075 eggs, including four species of medical importance: Haemagogus leucocelaenus (n = 1513), Haemagogus janthinomys (n = 16), Aedes albopictus (n = 1097), and Aedes terrens (n = 449). We found that Hg. leucocelaenus had a positive relationship with height, exhibiting behavior that appears to benefit from higher heights. The abundance of Ae. terrens seemed to follow Hg. leucocelaenus, although we did not find a relationship with height for the former species. On the other hand, Ae. albopictus exhibited a negative relationship with height, becoming absent or outnumbered at higher strata. Our study site has already presented evidence of recent transmission of the wild yellow fever virus, supporting the need to carefully monitor the emergence of febrile diseases among residents in the surrounding areas and the local population.
The State of the HIV Epidemic in the Philippines: Progress and Challenges in 2023
Authors: Gangcuangco Louie Mar A. , Eustaquio Patrick C.
Published: May 2023

In the past decade, the Philippines has gained notoriety as the country with the fastest-growing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic in the Western Pacific region. While the overall trends of HIV incidence and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related deaths are declining globally, an increase in new cases was reported to the HIV/AIDS and ART Registry of the Philippines. From 2012 to 2023, there was a 411% increase in daily incidence. Late presentation in care remains a concern, with 29% of new confirmed HIV cases in January 2023 having clinical manifestations of advanced HIV disease at the time of diagnosis. Men having sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately affected. Various steps have been taken to address the HIV epidemic in the country. The Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act of 2018 (Republic Act 11166) expanded access to HIV testing and treatment. HIV testing now allows for the screening of minors 15–17 years old without parental consent. Community-based organizations have been instrumental in expanding HIV screening to include self-testing and community-based screening. The Philippines moved from centralized HIV diagnosis confirmation by Western blot to a decentralized rapid HIV diagnostic algorithm (rHIVda). Dolutegravir-based antiretroviral therapy is now the first line. Pre-exposure prophylaxis in the form of emtricitabine–tenofovir disoproxil fumarate has been rolled out. The number of treatment hubs and primary HIV care facilities continues to increase. Despite these efforts, barriers to ending the HIV epidemic remain, including continued stigma, limited harm reduction services for people who inject drugs, sociocultural factors, and political deterrents. HIV RNA quantification and drug resistance testing are not routinely performed due to associated costs. The high burden of tuberculosis and hepatitis B virus co-infection complicate HIV management. CRF_01AE is now the predominant subtype, which has been associated with poorer clinical outcomes and faster CD4 T-cell decline. The HIV epidemic in the Philippines requires a multisectoral approach and calls for sustained political commitment, community involvement, and continued collaboration among various stakeholders. In this article, we outline the current progress and challenges in curbing the HIV epidemic in the Philippines.
Common Prognostic Biomarkers and Outcomes in Patients with COVID-19 Infection in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Abujabal Mashael , Shalaby Mohamed A. , Abdullah Layla , Albanna Amr S. , Elzoghby Mohamed , Alahmadi Ghadeer Ghazi , Sethi Sidharth Kumar , Temsah Mohamad-Hani , Aljamaan Fadi , Alhasan Khalid , Kari Jameela A.
Published: May 2023

Background: COVID-19 is a respiratory disease that eventually became a pandemic, with 300 million people infected around the world. Alongside the improvement in COVID-19 management and vaccine development, identifying biomarkers for COVID-19 has recently been reported to help in early prediction and managing severe cases, which might improve outcomes. Our study aimed to find out if there is any correlation between clinical severity and elevated hematological and biochemical markers in COVID-19 patients and its effect on the outcome. Methods: We have collected retrospective data on socio-demographics, medical history, biomarkers, and disease outcomes from five hospitals and health institutions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Results: Pneumonia was the most common presentation of COVID-19 in our cohort. The presence of abnormal inflammatory biomarkers (D-dimer, CRP, troponin, LDH, ferritin, and t white blood cells) was significantly associated with unstable COVID-19 disease. In addition, patients with evidence of severe respiratory disease, particularly those who required mechanical ventilation, had higher biomarkers when compared to those with stable respiratory conditions (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Identifying biomarkers predicts outcomes for COVID-19 patients and may significantly help in their management.
Explaining the Muon g − 2 Anomaly in Deflected AMSB for NMSSM
Authors: Jia Lijun , Li Zhuang , Wang Fei
Published: May 2023

We propose to embed the General NMSSM (Next-to-Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model) into the deflected AMSB (Anomaly Mediated Supersymmetry Breaking) mechanism with Yukawa/gauge deflection contributions. After the integration of the heavy messenger fields, the analytical expressions of the relevant soft SUSY breaking spectrum for General NMSSM at the messenger scale can be calculated. We find that successful EWSB (Electroweak Symmetry Breaking) and realistic low energy NMSSM spectrum can be obtained in some parameter regions. In addition, we find that the muon g−2 anomaly and electron g−2 anomaly (for positive central value electron g−2 experimental data) can be jointly explained to 1σ and 2σ range, respectively. The Z3 invariant NMSSM, which corresponds to ξF=0 in our case, can also jointly explain the muon and electron anomaly to 1σ and 2σ range, respectively.
Molecular Characterization of Avian Rotaviruses F and G Detected in Brazilian Poultry Flocks
Authors: Pinheiro Mariana S. , Dias Juliana B. L. , Petrucci Melissa P. , Travassos Carlos E. P. F. , Mendes Gabriella S. , Santos Norma
Published: May 2023

Avian rotaviruses (RVs) are important etiologic agents of gastroenteritis in birds. In general, avian RVs are understudied; consequently, there is a paucity of information regarding these viruses. Therefore, the characterization of these viral species is highly relevant because more robust information on genetic, epidemiologic, and evolutionary characteristics can clarify the importance of these infections, and inform efficient prevention and control measures. In this study, we describe partial genome characterizations of two avian RV species, RVF and RVG, detected in asymptomatic poultry flocks in Brazil. Complete or partial sequences of at least one of the genomic segments encoding VP1, VP2, VP4, VP6, VP7, NSP1, NSP4, NSP4, or NSP5 of 23 RVF and 3 RVG strains were obtained, and demonstrated that multiple variants of both RVF and RVG circulate among Brazilian poultry. In this study, new and important information regarding the genomic characteristics of RVF and RVG is described. In addition, the circulation of these viruses in the study region and the genetic variability of the strains detected are demonstrated. Thus, the data generated in this work should help in understanding the genetics and ecology of these viruses. Nonetheless, the availability of a greater number of sequences is necessary to advance the understanding of the evolution and zoonotic potential of these viruses.
Protein-Gene Orthology in Baculoviridae: An Exhaustive Analysis to Redefine the Ancestrally Common Coding Sequences
Authors: Cerrudo Carolina Susana , Motta Lucas Federico , Cuccovia Warlet Franco Uriel , Lassalle Fernando Maku , Simonin Jorge Alejandro , Belaich Mariano Nicolás
Published: May 2023

Baculoviruses are entomopathogens that carry large, double-stranded circular DNA genomes and infect insect larvae of Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera and Diptera, with applications in the biological control of agricultural pests, in the production of recombinant proteins and as viral vectors for various purposes in mammals. These viruses have a variable genetic composition that differs between species, with some sequences shared by all known members, and others that are lineage-specific or unique to isolates. Based on the analysis of nearly 300 sequenced genomes, a thorough bioinformatic investigation was conducted on all the baculoviral protein coding sequences, characterizing their orthology and phylogeny. This analysis confirmed the 38 protein coding sequences currently considered as core genes, while also identifying novel coding sequences as candidates to join this set. Accordingly, homology was found among all the major occlusion body proteins, thus proposing that the polyhedrin, granulin and CUN085 genes be considered as the 39th core gene of Baculoviridae.
Clinical and Genetic Characteristics of the Heidenhain Variant of Creutzfeldt–Jakob Disease
Authors: Kong Yu , Chen Zhongyun , Zhang Jing , Wang Xue , Wu Liyong
Published: May 2023

Background: The Heidenhain variant of Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (HvCJD), as a rare phenotype of CJD, has been under-recognized. We aim to elucidate the clinical and genetic features of HvCJD and investigate the differences of clinical features between genetic and sporadic HvCJD to improve our understanding of this rare subtype. Method: HvCJD patients admitted to the Xuanwu Hospital from February 2012 to September 2022 were identified, and published reports on genetic HvCJD cases were also reviewed. The clinical and genetic features of HvCJD were summarized, and the clinical features between genetic and sporadic HvCJD were compared. Results: A total of 18 (7.9%) HvCJD patients were identified from 229 CJD cases. Blurred vision was the most common visual disturbance at the disease’s onset, and the median duration of isolated visual symptoms was 30.0 (14.8–40.0) days. DWI hyperintensities could appear in the early stage, which might help with early diagnosis. Combined with previous studies, nine genetic HvCJD cases were identified. The most common mutation was V210I (4/9), and all patients (9/9) had methionine homozygosity (MM) at codon 129. Only 25% of cases had a family history of the disease. Compared to sporadic HvCJD, genetic HvCJD cases were more likely to present with non-blurred vision visual symptoms at onset and develop cortical blindness during the progression of the disease. Conclusions: HvCJD not only could be sporadic, but also, it could be caused by different PRNP mutations. Sporadic HvCJD was more likely to present with blurred vision visual symptoms at onset, and genetic HvCJD was more likely to develop cortical blindness with the disease’s progression.
Highly Pathogenic H5 Influenza Viruses Isolated between 2016 and 2017 in Vietnamese Live Bird Markets
Authors: Guan Lizheng , Zhong Gongxun , Fan Shufang , Plisch Erin M. , Presler Robert , Gu Chunyang , Babujee Lavanya , Pattinson David , Le Khanh Nguyen Hang , Hoang Vu Mai Phuong , Le Mai Quynh , van Bakel Harm , Neumann Gabriele , Kawaoka Yoshihiro
Published: May 2023

Routine surveillance in live poultry markets in the northern regions of Vietnam from 2016 to 2017 resulted in the isolation of 27 highly pathogenic avian H5N1 and H5N6 viruses of 3 different clades (2.3.2.1c, 2.3.4.4f, and 2.3.4.4g). Sequence and phylogenetic analysis of these viruses revealed reassortment with various subtypes of low pathogenic avian influenza viruses. Deep-sequencing identified minor viral subpopulations encoding variants that may affect pathogenicity and sensitivity to antiviral drugs. Interestingly, mice infected with two different clade 2.3.2.1c viruses lost body weight rapidly and succumbed to virus infection, whereas mice infected with clade 2.3.4.4f or 2.3.4.4g viruses experienced non-lethal infections.
Transient Decrease in Incidence Rate of Maternal Primary Cytomegalovirus Infection during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Japan
Authors: Toriyabe Kuniaki , Kitamura Asa , Hagimoto-Akasaka Miki , Ikejiri Makoto , Suga Shigeru , Kondo Eiji , Kihira Masamichi , Morikawa Fumihiro , Ikeda Tomoaki
Published: May 2023

This study evaluated the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the occurrence of maternal primary cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in Japan. We performed a nested case-control study using data from maternal CMV antibody screening under the Cytomegalovirus in Mother and infant-engaged Virus serology (CMieV) program in Mie, Japan. Pregnant women with negative IgG antibodies at ≤20 weeks of gestation who were retested at ≥28 weeks were enrolled. The study period was divided into 2015–2019 as the pre-pandemic and 2020–2022 as the pandemic period, and the study site included 26 institutions conducting the CMieV program. The incidence rate of maternal IgG seroconversion was compared between the pre-pandemic (7008 women enrolled) and pandemic (2020, 1283 women enrolled; 2021, 1100 women; and 2022, 398 women) periods. Sixty-one women in the pre-pandemic period and five, four, and five women during 2020, 2021, and 2022, respectively, showed IgG seroconversion. The incidence rates in 2020 and 2021 were lower (p < 0.05) than that in the pre-pandemic period. Our data suggest a transient decrease in the incidence of maternal primary CMV infection in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic, which could be due to prevention and hygiene measures taken at the population level.
HIV and Co-Infections: Updates and Insights
Authors: Di Gennaro Francesco , Vergori Alessandra , Bavaro Davide Fiore
Published: May 2023

Co-infections are frequent in HIV patients; some of them may be AIDS-defining, while others share the same underlying virus mechanism [...]
Elucidation of the Cellular Interactome of African Swine Fever Virus Fusion Proteins and Identification of Potential Therapeutic Targets
Authors: García-Dorival Isabel , Cuesta-Geijo Miguel Ángel , Galindo Inmaculada , del Puerto Ana , Barrado-Gil Lucía , Urquiza Jesús , Alonso Covadonga
Published: May 2023

African swine fever virus (ASFV) encodes more than 150 proteins, most of them of unknown function. We used a high-throughput proteomic analysis to elucidate the interactome of four ASFV proteins, which potentially mediate a critical step of the infection cycle, the fusion and endosomal exit of the virions. Using affinity purification and mass spectrometry, we were able to identify potential interacting partners for those ASFV proteins P34, E199L, MGF360-15R and E248R. Representative molecular pathways for these proteins were intracellular and Golgi vesicle transport, endoplasmic reticulum organization, lipid biosynthesis, and cholesterol metabolism. Rab geranyl geranylation emerged as a significant hit, and also Rab proteins, which are crucial regulators of the endocytic pathway and interactors of both p34 and E199L. Rab proteins co-ordinate a tight regulation of the endocytic pathway that is necessary for ASFV infection. Moreover, several interactors were proteins involved in the molecular exchange at ER membrane contacts. These ASFV fusion proteins shared interacting partners, suggesting potential common functions. Membrane trafficking and lipid metabolism were important categories, as we found significant interactions with several enzymes of the lipid metabolism. These targets were confirmed using specific inhibitors with antiviral effect in cell lines and macrophages.
Broad-Spectrum Antivirals Derived from Natural Products
Authors: Tian Wen-Jun , Wang Xiao-Jia
Published: May 2023

Scientific advances have led to the development and production of numerous vaccines and antiviral drugs, but viruses, including re-emerging and emerging viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2, remain a major threat to human health. Many antiviral agents are rarely used in clinical treatment, however, because of their inefficacy and resistance. The toxicity of natural products may be lower, and some natural products have multiple targets, which means less resistance. Therefore, natural products may be an effective means to solve virus infection in the future. New techniques and ideas are currently being developed for the design and screening of antiviral drugs thanks to recent revelations about virus replication mechanisms and the advancement of molecular docking technology. This review will summarize recently discovered antiviral drugs, mechanisms of action, and screening and design strategies for novel antiviral agents.
Identification of Key Residues in Dengue Virus NS1 Protein That Are Essential for Its Secretion
Authors: Tan Brandon E. K. , Beard Michael R. , Eyre Nicholas S.
Published: May 2023

Dengue virus (DENV) non-structural protein 1 (NS1) is involved in multiple aspects of the DENV lifecycle. Importantly, it is secreted from infected cells as a hexameric lipoparticle that mediates vascular damage that is a hallmark of severe dengue. Although the secretion of NS1 is known to be important in DENV pathogenesis, the exact molecular features of NS1 that are required for its secretion from cells are not fully understood. In this study, we employed random point mutagenesis in the context of an NS1 expression vector encoding a C-terminal HiBiT luminescent peptide tag to identify residues within NS1 that are essential for its secretion. Using this approach, we identified 10 point mutations that corresponded with impaired NS1 secretion, with in silico analyses indicating that the majority of these mutations are located within the β-ladder domain. Additional studies on two of these mutants, V220D and A248V, revealed that they prevented viral RNA replication, while studies using a DENV NS1-NS5 viral polyprotein expression system demonstrated that these mutations resulted in a more reticular NS1 localisation pattern and failure to detect mature NS1 at its predicted molecular weight by Western blotting using a conformation-specific monoclonal antibody. Together, these studies demonstrate that the combination of a luminescent peptide tagged NS1 expression system with random point mutagenesis enables rapid identification of mutations that alter NS1 secretion. Two such mutations identified via this approach revealed residues that are essential for correct NS1 processing or maturation and viral RNA replication.
Molecular Analysis of the Global Population of Potato Virus S Redefines Its Phylogeny, and Has Crop Biosecurity Implications
Authors: Topkaya Şerife , Çelik Ali , Santosa Adyatma Irawan , Jones Roger A. C.
Published: May 2023

In 2020, 264 samples were collected from potato fields in the Turkish provinces of Bolu, Afyon, Kayseri and Niğde. RT-PCR tests, with primers which amplified its coat protein (CP), detected potato virus S (PVS) in 35 samples. Complete CP sequences were obtained from 14 samples. Phylogenetic analysis using non-recombinant sequences of (i) the 14 CP’s, another 8 from Tokat province and 73 others from GenBank; and (ii) 130 complete ORF, RdRp and TGB sequences from GenBank, found that they fitted within phylogroups, PVSI, PVSII or PVSIII. All Turkish CP sequences were in PVSI, clustering within five subclades. Subclades 1 and 4 were in three to four provinces, whereas 2, 3 and 5 were in one province each. All four genome regions were under strong negative selection constraints (ω = 0.0603–0.1825). Considerable genetic variation existed amongst PVSI and PVSII isolates. Three neutrality test methods showed PVSIII remained balanced whilst PVSI and PVSII underwent population expansion. The high fixation index values assigned to all PVSI, PVSII and PVSIII comparisons supported subdivision into three phylogroups. As it spreads more readily by aphid and contact transmission, and may elicit more severe symptoms in potato, PVSII spread constitutes a biosecurity threat for countries still free from it.
Allosteric Inhibitors of Zika Virus NS2B-NS3 Protease Targeting Protease in “Super-Open” Conformation
Authors: Meewan Ittipat , Shiryaev Sergey A. , Kattoula Julius , Huang Chun-Teng , Lin Vivian , Chuang Chiao-Han , Terskikh Alexey V. , Abagyan Ruben
Published: May 2023

The Zika virus (ZIKV), a member of the Flaviviridae family, is considered a major health threat causing multiple cases of microcephaly in newborns and Guillain-Barré syndrome in adults. In this study, we targeted a transient, deep, and hydrophobic pocket of the “super-open” conformation of ZIKV NS2B-NS3 protease to overcome the limitations of the active site pocket. After virtual docking screening of approximately seven million compounds against the novel allosteric site, we selected the top six candidates and assessed them in enzymatic assays. Six candidates inhibited ZIKV NS2B-NS3 protease proteolytic activity at low micromolar concentrations. These six compounds, targeting the selected protease pocket conserved in ZIKV, serve as unique drug candidates and open new opportunities for possible treatment against several flavivirus infections.
Usefulness of Non-Skin Samples in the PCR Diagnosis of Mpox (Monkeypox)
Authors: Algarate Sonia , Bueno Jessica , Crusells María J. , Ara Mariano , Alonso Henar , Alvarado Elena , Ducons María , Arnal Sara , Benito Rafael
Published: May 2023

Cases of mpox have been reported in several European countries, including Spain. Our objective was to evaluate the usefulness of serum and nasopharyngeal samples for diagnosis of mpox. The presence of MPXV DNA was studied using real-time PCR (CerTest Biotec, Zaragoza, Spain) in 106 samples from 50 patients: 32 skin, 31 anogenital, 25 sera, and 18 nasopharyngeal/pharyngeal, in the Hospital Clínico Universitario of Zaragoza (Spain). Sixty-three samples from twenty-seven patients were MPXV PCR-positive. The real-time PCR Ct values in the anogenital and skin samples were lower than serum and nasopharyngeal samples. More than 90% of anogenital (95.7%), serum (94.4%), and skin (92.9%) samples were real-time PCR-positive. Eighteen (66.7%) of the twenty-seven patients who were MPXV PCR-positive had antecedents or presented with one to three sexually transmitted infection (STI) agents. Our results indicate that the use of serum samples can help facilitate the diagnosis of MPXV infections.