bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multidisciplinary Research of Thermal Springs Area in Topusko (Croatia)
Authors: Pavić Mirja , Kosović Ivan , Pola Marco , Urumović Kosta , Briški Maja , Borović Staša
Published: March 2023

Topusko is the second warmest natural thermal water spring area in Croatia, located at the southwest edge of the Pannonian Basin System. Due to favourable geothermal properties, these waters have been used for heating and health and recreational tourism since the 1980s. Thermal springs with temperatures up to 50 °C are the final part of an intermediate-scale hydrothermal system. However, systematic research on the Topusko spring area has not been conducted to lay the foundation for sustainable resource utilisation. Multidisciplinary research including the hydrogeochemical characterisation of naturally emerging thermal water, an electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) investigation conducted to reconstruct the subsurface geology, and hydrogeological parametrisation of the geothermal aquifer was carried out to refine the existing local conceptual model. The results show Ca-HCO3 facies of Topusko thermal waters, which get heated in a Mesozoic carbonate aquifer. The water equilibrium temperature in the geothermal aquifer is estimated to be 78 °C based on the SiO2-quartz geothermometer. The fault damage zone, which enables the upwelling of thermal water, was identified by ERT investigations. The transmissivity values of the aquifer derived from the results of step-drawdown tests range from 1.8 × 10−2 to 2.3 × 10−2 m2/s. Further multidisciplinary research is necessary to improve the existing conceptual model of the Topusko hydrothermal system.
A Modeling Study Focused on Improving the Aerodynamic Performance of a Small Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine
Authors: Khan Sikandar
Published: March 2023

The excessive burning of the fossil fuels has excessively changed the global temperature in the last few decades. The global warming caused due to the burning of the fossil fuels has initiated a need of increasing the use of renewal energy sources. The wind energy is one of the renewable energy sources that can mitigate the excessive global dependency on the fossil fuels. For locations with low-to-medium wind speeds (less than 7 m/s), the main problem is with the starting of the wind turbine. To start a stationary wind turbine, not only is it necessary to overcome the inertia and static friction of the turbine, but the angle of incidence of the wind relative to blade profile also needs to be favorable. Thus, at low wind speeds, the resulting low torque is not enough to start the turbine. It is, therefore, necessary to incorporate a good starting torque in the design requirements of turbines. In this paper, a modeling study is performed using the Pro/E, ADAMS and MATLAB software to improve the starting behavior of a horizontal axis wind turbine for the Cherat location in the northern areas of Pakistan. The yearly average wind speed in the northern areas of Pakistan is less than 5 m/s. The blade element momentum (BEM) theory is used to calculate the optimized wind turbine blade parameters (blade angles and chord lengths) that correspond to the maximum starting torque. Based on the optimized wind turbine blade parameters, Pro/E models were developed and imported to ADAMS software to calculate the torque. As compared to the initial wind turbine model, for the optimized wind turbine model, the starting torque increased from 22.5 N-m to 28 N-m and the coefficient of performance (COP) increased from 0.42 to 0.49 at a tip–speed ratio of 4. The starting torque of the wind turbine should exceed the resistive torques due to bearing friction, generator static, dynamic torque and the inertia of the rotor in order to start the wind turbine. The starting behavior of the horizontal axis wind turbine was successfully improved, and the optimized wind turbine model showed an increased starting torque for low-to-medium wind speed ranges.
Nature-Based Solutions for Cooling in High-Density Neighbourhoods in Shenzhen: A Case Study of Baishizhou
Authors: Zheng Ying , Keeffe Greg , Mariotti Jasna
Published: March 2023

These days, high-density cities are facing growing challenges related to the urban heat island (UHI) effect. Greening can be a nature-based solution for UHI effect mitigation. This study aims to evaluate the potential of nature-based solutions to improve the urban living environments in Baishizhou, a high-density neighbourhood in Shenzhen. An integrated 3D visualisation research method was proposed in this study. Rhino 7, Grasshopper, and ENVI-met software were combined to evaluate environment characteristics before and after design, as well as compare differences in the outdoor thermal comfort index and the building surface temperature. The greening design scenarios include adding trees, green roofs, and green facades. The simulations ran for 24 h during the test period from 01:00 to 24:00 on 9 August 2019, which was the hottest day in Shenzhen. Baishizhou was selected as the test area for this study and environmental simulation. Results indicated that (1) vegetation has a positive cooling effect, providing outdoor thermal comfort, while shade “trees” provide significant cooling effects on hot days in tropical and subtropical climates; (2) adding green roofs and green facades to a building can significantly affect the cooling effect.
Determinants and Impacts of Quality Attributes on Guest Perceptions in Norwegian Green Hotels
Authors: Ali Usman , Arasli Huseyin , Arasli Furkan , Saydam Mehmet Bahri , Capkiner Emel , Aksoy Emel , Atai Guzide
Published: March 2023

The study aims to contribute to tourism literature and the Norwegian hospitality industry by integrating and mapping guests’ green hotel experiences. Hence, the study deploys mix-methods to aid in depicting guest preferences and perspectives on Norwegian green hotels. Accordingly, these experiences are represented with 1575 guests’ venue-specific generated contents (UGC) found within designated hotel pages of TripAdvisor. Scholars conducted descriptive analysis on guest ratings, machine-learning integrated content analysis to map harmonious and divergent qualities of venue-specific green hotel experiences, and explored users’ community profiles to enrich and reveal further similarities with guest demographics. Consequentially, the study unveiled key themes and concepts relevant to guests’ satisfaction with nine Norwegian green hotels and attributed qualities. Accordingly, the study revealed ten key themes, namely “hotel”, “room”, “food”, “location”, “staff”, “stay”, “service”, “recommend”, “value”, and “experience”. To exemplify, the majority of guests were found to be satisfied with their attributed qualities. Regarding hotel themes, guests were dissatisfied with green practices, booking, check-in, and other aspects of attribution. To contribute, the study offers valuable insights for practitioners and provides theoretical implications. Green hoteliers of Norway should firmly grasp green practices, as improvements and diversification strategies with green practices must be present for both online and embodiments of their venues. In an ever-evolving world of digital presence, practitioners must sustain relevance with UGC content encompassing guest experiences.
Redesigning a Solar PV Kiosk in High-Temperature Environments of Burundi, Africa
Authors: Godfrey Samuel
Published: March 2023

Solar PV systems in Africa are installed in high-temperature environments ranging from 25 °C to 40 °C. Experience and the literature note that these systems frequently fail a few years after installation and require the replacement of essential components such as PV panels, inverters, or batteries. In Burundi, batteries operating in high-temperature environments with a designed shelf life of 15 years are being replaced every 4 years due to thermal runaway. The motivation of this paper was to redesign a 45 kWh/day multi-use solar PV kiosk in Ruhoro, Burundi, Africa, so as to improve its sustainability. Using original primary field data, the project calculated a mean energy demand at the Ruhoro PV kiosk of 14.50 kWh/day in 2022 and a forecasted demand of 16.50 kWh/day in 2025. The kiosk is designed to supply 20.25 kWh/day after losses, which is sufficient for the current and future demand. The paper reviewed the impact of high-temperature environments on both solar PV panels and batteries. Results indicated only a 13% reduction in power output in the solar PV panels and a 60% reduction in the shelf life of acid gel batteries from 15 years to 6 years when exposed to temperatures of between 25 °C to 40 °C. To improve the shelf life of the batteries, the paper researched different cooling technologies for batteries. These included water cooling, fan cooling, and refrigeration cooling. Using engineering modelling formulae, the paper observed that the application of a fan cooling system resulted in an improvement in the product life of the batteries by 4 years and a refrigeration cooling system by 9 years. The paper concluded that using a refrigeration cooling system in the Ruhoro solar PV kiosk was appropriate and requires an additional 5.28 kWh/day. Factoring in this additional demand, the refrigeration cooling still reduced the lifecycle CAPEX cost from USD 94,625 to USD 72,875 over a 15-year period. The inclusion of a refrigeration cooling system also improved the net present value (NPV) cost effectiveness over a 15-year period from USD—62,481 to USD 4893. This is a net profit of almost USD 5000 if a refrigeration unit is installed. The paper therefore recommends the use of refrigeration cooling systems as appropriate for high-temperature environments such as the Ruhoro solar kiosk. It concludes that the refrigeration system is a cost-effective option for long-term sustainable use for communities in Africa living in high-temperature environments.
Bio-Inspired Machine Learning Approach to Type 2 Diabetes Detection
Authors: Al-Tawil Marwan , Mahafzah Basel A. , Al Tawil Arar , Aljarah Ibrahim
Published: March 2023

Type 2 diabetes is a common life-changing disease that has been growing rapidly in recent years. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 90% of patients with diabetes worldwide have type 2 diabetes. Although there is no permanent cure for type 2 diabetes, this disease needs to be detected at an early stage to provide prognostic support to allied health professionals and develop an effective prevention plan. This can be accomplished by analyzing medical datasets using data mining and machine-learning techniques. Due to their efficiency, metaheuristic algorithms are now utilized in medical datasets for detecting chronic diseases, with better results than traditional methods. The main goal is to improve the performance of the existing approaches for the detection of type 2 diabetes. A bio-inspired metaheuristic algorithm called cuttlefish was used to select the essential features in the medical data preprocessing stage. The performance of the proposed approach was compared to that of a well-known bio-inspired metaheuristic feature selection algorithm called the genetic algorithm. The features selected from the cuttlefish and genetic algorithms were used with different classifiers. The implementation was applied to two datasets: the Pima Indian diabetes dataset and the hospital Frankfurt diabetes dataset; generally, these datasets are asymmetry, but some of the features in these datasets are close to symmetry. The results show that the cuttlefish algorithm has better accuracy rates, particularly when the number of instances in the dataset increases.
Enhancing Interval-Valued Pythagorean Fuzzy Decision-Making through Dombi-Based Aggregation Operators
Authors: Alhamzi Ghaliah , Javaid Saman , Shuaib Umer , Razaq Abdul , Garg Harish , Razzaque Asima
Published: March 2023

The success of any endeavor or process is heavily contingent on the ability to reconcile and satisfy balance requirements, which are often characterized by symmetry considerations. In practical applications, the primary goal of decision-making processes is to efficiently manage the symmetry or asymmetry that exists within different sources of information. In order to address this challenge, the primary aim of this study is to introduce novel Dombi operation concepts that are formulated within the framework of interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy aggregation operators. In this study, an updated score function is presented to resolve the deficiency of the current score function in an interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy environment. The concept of Dombi operations is used to introduce some interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy aggregation operators, including the interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy Dombi weighted arithmetic (IVPFDWA) operator, the interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy Dombi ordered weighted arithmetic (IVPFDOWA) operator, the interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy Dombi weighted geometric (IVPFDWG) operator, and the interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy Dombi ordered weighted geometric (IVPFDOWG) operator. Moreover, the study investigates many important properties of these operators that provide new semantic meaning to the evaluation. In addition, the suggested score function and newly derived interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy Dombi aggregation (IVPFDA) operators are successfully employed to select a subject expert in a certain institution. The proposed approach is demonstrated to be successful through empirical validation. Lastly, a comparative study is conducted to demonstrate the validity and applicability of the suggested approaches in comparison with current techniques. This research contributes to the ongoing efforts to advance the field of evaluation and decision-making by providing novel and effective tools and techniques.
A Novel Heteromorphic Ensemble Algorithm for Hand Pose Recognition
Authors: Liu Shiruo , Yuan Xiaoguang , Feng Wei , Ren Aifeng , Hu Zhenyong , Ming Zuheng , Zahid Adnan , Abbasi Qammer , Wang Shuo
Published: March 2023

Imagining recognition of behaviors from video sequences for a machine is full of challenges but meaningful. This work aims to predict students’ behavior in an experimental class, which relies on the symmetry idea from reality to annotated reality centered on the feature space. A heteromorphic ensemble algorithm is proposed to make the obtained features more aggregated and reduce the computational burden. Namely, the deep learning models are improved to obtain feature vectors representing gestures from video frames and the classification algorithm is optimized for behavior recognition. So, the symmetric idea is realized by decomposing the task into three schemas including hand detection and cropping, hand joints feature extraction, and gesture classification. Firstly, a new detector method named YOLOv4-specific tiny detection (STD) is proposed by reconstituting the YOLOv4-tiny model, which could produce two outputs with some attention mechanism leveraging context information. Secondly, the efficient pyramid squeeze attention (EPSA) net is integrated into EvoNorm-S0 and the spatial pyramid pool (SPP) layer to obtain the hand joint position information. Lastly, the D–S theory is used to fuse two classifiers, support vector machine (SVM) and random forest (RF), to produce a mixed classifier named S–R. Eventually, the synergetic effects of our algorithm are shown by experiments on self-created datasets with a high average recognition accuracy of 89.6%.
Algebraic Morphology of DNA–RNA Transcription and Regulation
Authors: Planat Michel , Amaral Marcelo M. , Irwin Klee
Published: March 2023

Transcription factors (TFs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) are co-actors in genome-scale decoding and regulatory networks, often targeting common genes. To discover the symmetries and invariants of the transcription and regulation at the scale of the genome, in this paper, we introduce tools of infinite group theory and of algebraic geometry to describe both TFs and miRNAs. In TFs, the generator of the group is a DNA-binding domain while, in miRNAs, the generator is the seed of the sequence. For such a generated (infinite) group π, we compute the SL(2,C) character variety, where SL(2,C) is simultaneously a ‘space-time’ (a Lorentz group) and a ‘quantum’ (a spin) group. A noteworthy result of our approach is to recognize that optimal regulation occurs when π looks similar to a free group Fr (r=1 to 3) in the cardinality sequence of its subgroups, a result obtained in our previous papers. A non-free group structure features a potential disease. A second noteworthy result is about the structure of the Groebner basis G of the variety. A surface with simple singularities (such as the well known Cayley cubic) within G is a signature of a potential disease even when π looks similar to a free group Fr in its structure of subgroups. Our methods apply to groups with a generating sequence made of two to four distinct DNA/RNA bases in {A,T/U,G,C}. We produce a few tables of human TFs and miRNAs showing that a disease may occur when either π is away from a free group or G contains surfaces with isolated singularities.
Engineering IoT-Based Open MAS for Large-Scale V2G/G2V
Authors: Spanoudakis Nikolaos I. , Akasiadis Charilaos , Iatrakis Georgios , Chalkiadakis Georgios
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we aimed to demonstrate how to engineer Internet of Things (IoT)-based open multiagent systems (MASs). Specifically, we put forward an IoT/MAS architectural framework, along with a case study within the important and challenging-to-engineer vehicle-to-grid (V2G) and grid-to-vehicle (G2V) energy transfer problem domain. The proposed solution addresses the important non-functional requirement of scalability. To this end, we employed an open multiagent systems architecture, arranging agents as modular microservices that were interconnected via a multi-protocol Internet of Things platform. Our approach allows agents to view, offer, interconnect, and re-use their various strategies, mechanisms, or other algorithms as modular smart grid services, thus enabling their seamless integration into our MAS architecture, and enabling the solution of the challenging V2G/G2V problem. At the same time, our IoT-based implementation offers both direct applicability in real-world settings and advanced analytics capabilities via enabling digital twin models for smart grid ecosystems. We have described our MAS/IoT-based architecture in detail; validated its applicability via simulation experiments involving large numbers of heterogeneous agents, operating and interacting towards effective V2G/G2V; and studied the performance of various electric vehicle charging scheduling and V2G/G2V-incentivising electricity pricing algorithms. To engineer our solution, we used ASEME, a state-of-the-art methodology for multiagent systems using the Internet of Things. Our solution can be employed for the implementation of real-world prototypes to deliver large-scale V2G/G2V services, as well as for the testing of various schemes in simulation mode.
Kinetics of Excretion of the Perfluoroalkyl Surfactant cC6O4 in Humans
Authors: Fustinoni Silvia , Mercadante Rosa , Lainati Giorgia , Cafagna Simone , Consonni Dario
Published: March 2023

cC6O4 is a new-generation perfluoroalkyl surfactant used in the chemical industry for the synthesis of perfluoroalkyl polymers. It was introduced as a less biopersistent substitute of traditional perfluoroalkyl surfactants such as PFOA, but its kinetics in humans was never investigated. This work is aimed to investigate the kinetics of elimination of cC6O4 in exposed workers. Eighteen male individuals occupationally exposed to cC6O4 in the production of fluoropolymers volunteered for the study. Blood and urine samples were collected from the end of a work-shift for the following 5 days off work. Serum and urinary cC6O4 were measured by LC-MS/MS. Seventy-two samples with serum cC6O4 ranging from 0.38 to 11.29 µg/L were obtained; mean levels were 3.07, 2.82, 2.67 and 2.01 µg/L at times 0, 18, 42 and 114 h. Two hundred and fifty-four urine samples with cC6O4 ranging from 0.19 to 5.92 µg/L were obtained. A random-intercept multiple regression model was applied to serum data and a half-life of 184 (95% CI 162–213) h for a first-order kinetics elimination was calculated; a mean distribution volume of 80 mL/kg was also estimated. Pearson’s correlation between ln-transformed serum and daily urine concentrations was good, with r ranging from 0.802 to 0.838. The amount of cC6O4 excreted daily in urine was about 20% of the amount present in serum. The study allowed calculating a half-life for cC6O4 in blood of about 8 days in humans, supporting its much shorter biopersistence in comparison with legacy PFAS. The good correlation between urine and serum cC6O4 suggests urine as a possible non-invasive matrix for biomonitoring. The amount of cC6O4 excreted daily in urine suggests urine as the sole elimination route.
Model of the Origin of a Ciguatoxic Grouper (Plectropomus leopardus)
Authors: Holmes Michael J. , Lewis Richard J.
Published: March 2023

Published data were used to model the transfer of ciguatoxins (CTX) across three trophic levels of a marine food chain on the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), Australia, to produce a mildly toxic common coral trout (Plectropomus leopardus), one of the most targeted food fishes on the GBR. Our model generated a 1.6 kg grouper with a flesh concentration of 0.1 µg/kg of Pacific-ciguatoxin-1 (P-CTX-1 = CTX1B) from 1.1 to 4.3 µg of P-CTX-1 equivalents (eq.) entering the food chain from 0.7 to 2.7 million benthic dinoflagellates (Gambierdiscus sp.) producing 1.6 pg/cell of the P-CTX-1 precursor, P-CTX-4B (CTX4B). We simulated the food chain transfer of ciguatoxins via surgeonfishes by modelling Ctenochaetus striatus feeding on turf algae. A C. striatus feeding on ≥1000 Gambierdiscus/cm2 of turf algae accumulates sufficient toxin in <2 days that when preyed on, produces a 1.6 kg common coral trout with a flesh concentration of 0.1 µg/kg P-CTX-1. Our model shows that even transient blooms of highly ciguatoxic Gambierdiscus can generate ciguateric fishes. In contrast, sparse cell densities of ≤10 Gambierdiscus/cm2 are unlikely to pose a significant risk, at least in areas where the P-CTX-1 family of ciguatoxins predominate. The ciguatera risk from intermediate Gambierdiscus densities (~100 cells/cm2) is more difficult to assess, as it requires feeding times for surgeonfish (~4–14 days) that overlap with turnover rates of turf algae that are grazed by herbivorous fishes, at least in regions such as the GBR, where stocks of herbivorous fishes are not impacted by fishing. We use our model to explore how the duration of ciguatoxic Gambierdiscus blooms, the type of ciguatoxins they produce, and fish feeding behaviours can produce differences in relative toxicities between trophic levels. Our simple model indicates thresholds for the design of risk and mitigation strategies for ciguatera and the variables that can be manipulated to explore alternate scenarios for the accumulation and transfer of P-CTX-1 analogues through marine food chains and, potentially, for other ciguatoxins in other regions, as more data become available.
Evaluation and Monitoring of the Natural Toxin Ptaquiloside in Bracken Fern, Meat, and Dairy Products
Authors: Park Hana , Cho Yoeseph , Lee JiEun , Lee Kang Mi , Kim Ho Jun , Lee Jaeick , Bahn Yong-Sun , Son Junghyun
Published: March 2023

Ptaquiloside, a naturally occurring cancer-causing substance in bracken fern, has been detected in the meat and milk of cows fed a diet containing bracken fern. A rapid and sensitive method for the quantitative analysis of ptaquiloside in bracken fern, meat, and dairy products was developed using the QuEChERS method and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. The method was validated according to the Association of Official Analytical Chemists guidelines and met the criteria. A single matrix-matched calibration method with bracken fern has been proposed, which is a novel strategy that uses one calibration for multiple matrices. The calibration curve ranged from 0.1 to 50 µg/kg and showed good linearity (r2 > 0.99). The limits of detection and quantification were 0.03 and 0.09 µg/kg, respectively. The intraday and interday accuracies were 83.5–98.5%, and the precision was <9.0%. This method was used for the monitoring and exposure assessment of ptaquiloside in all routes of exposure. A total of 0.1 µg/kg of ptaquiloside was detected in free-range beef, and the daily dietary exposure of South Koreans to ptaquiloside was estimated at up to 3.0 × 10−5 µg/kg b.w./day. The significance of this study is to evaluate commercially available products in which ptaquiloside may be present, to monitor consumer safety.
Importance of Cellular Immunity and IFN-γ Concentration in Preventing SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Reinfection: A Cohort Study
Authors: Primorac Dragan , Brlek Petar , Pavelić Eduard Stjepan , Mešić Jana , Glavaš Weinberger David , Matišić Vid , Molnar Vilim , Srića Saša , Zadro Renata
Published: March 2023

Recent studies have highlighted the underestimated importance of the cellular immune response after the emergence of variants of concern (VOCs) of SARS-CoV-2, and the significantly reduced neutralizing power of antibody titers in individuals with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination. Our study included 303 participants who were tested at St. Catherine Specialty Hospital using the Quan-T-Cell SARS-CoV-2 in combination with the Quan-T-Cell ELISA (Euroimmun Medizinische Labordiagnostika, Lübeck, Germany) for the analysis of IFN-γ concentration, and with Anti-SARS-CoV-2 QuantiVac ELISA IgG (Euroimmun Medizinische Labordiagnostika, Lübeck, Germany) for the detection of human antibodies of the immunoglobulin class IgG against the S1 domain of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. The statistical analysis showed a significant difference in the concentration of IFN-γ between reinfected participants and those without infection (p = 0.012). Participants who were not infected or reinfected with SARS-CoV-2 after vaccination and/or previous SARS-CoV-2 infection had a significantly higher level of cellular immunity. Furthermore, in individuals without additional vaccination, those who experienced infection/reinfection had significantly lower levels of IFN-γ compared to uninfected participants (p = 0.016). Our findings suggest a long-lasting effect of cellular immunity, measured by IFN-γ concentrations, which plays a key role in preventing infections and reinfections after the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern.
Correlation of SARS-CoV-2 Neutralization with Antibody Levels in Vaccinated Individuals
Authors: Chowdhury Shazeda Haque , Riley Sean , Mikolajczyk Riley , Smith Lauren , Suresh Lakshmanan , Jacobs Amy
Published: March 2023

Neutralizing antibody titers are an important measurement of the effectiveness of vaccination against SARS-CoV-2. Our laboratory has set out to further verify the functionality of these antibodies by measuring the neutralization capacity of patient samples against infectious SARS-CoV-2. Samples from patients from Western New York who had been vaccinated with the original Moderna and Pfizer vaccines (two doses) were tested for neutralization of both Delta (B.1.617.2) and Omicron (BA.5). Strong correlations between antibody levels and neutralization of the delta variant were attained; however, antibodies from the first two doses of the vaccines did not have good neutralization coverage of the subvariant omicron BA.5. Further studies are ongoing with local patient samples to determine correlation following updated booster administration.
B and T Cell Epitopes of the Incursionary Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus Serotype SAT2 for Vaccine Development
Authors: Li Qian , Wubshet Ashenafi Kiros , Wang Yang , Heath Livio , Zhang Jie
Published: March 2023

Failure of cross-protection among interserotypes and intratypes of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) is a big threat to endemic countries and their prevention and control strategies. However, insights into practices relating to the development of a multi-epitope vaccine appear as a best alternative approach to alleviate the cross-protection-associated problems. In order to facilitate the development of such a vaccine design approach, identification and prediction of the antigenic B and T cell epitopes along with determining the level of immunogenicity are essential bioinformatics steps. These steps are well applied in Eurasian serotypes, but very rare in South African Territories (SAT) Types, particularly in serotype SAT2. For this reason, the available scattered immunogenic information on SAT2 epitopes needs to be organized and clearly understood. Therefore, in this review, we compiled relevant bioinformatic reports about B and T cell epitopes of the incursionary SAT2 FMDV and the promising experimental demonstrations of such designed and developed vaccines against this serotype.
Elucidating the Implications of Norovirus N- and O-Glycosylation, O-GlcNAcylation, and Phosphorylation
Authors: Cheng Chia-Chi , Ke Guan-Ming , Chu Pei-Yu , Ke Liang-Yin
Published: March 2023

Norovirus is the most common cause of foodborne gastroenteritis, affecting millions of people worldwide annually. Among the ten genotypes (GI–GX) of norovirus, only GI, GII, GIV, GVIII, and GIX infect humans. Some genotypes reportedly exhibit post-translational modifications (PTMs), including N- and O-glycosylation, O-GlcNAcylation, and phosphorylation, in their viral antigens. PTMs have been linked to increased viral genome replication, viral particle release, and virulence. Owing to breakthroughs in mass spectrometry (MS) technologies, more PTMs have been discovered in recent years and have contributed significantly to preventing and treating infectious diseases. However, the mechanisms by which PTMs act on noroviruses remain poorly understood. In this section, we outline the current knowledge of the three common types of PTM and investigate their impact on norovirus pathogenesis. Moreover, we summarize the strategies and techniques for the identification of PTMs.
Uncovering the Drivers of Childhood Immunization Inequality with Caregivers, Community Members and Health System Stakeholders: Results from a Human-Centered Design Study in DRC, Mozambique and Nigeria
Authors: Shearer Jessica C. , Nava Olivia , Prosser Wendy , Nawaz Saira , Mulongo Salva , Mambu Thérèse , Mafuta Eric , Munguambe Khatia , Sigauque Betuel , Cherima Yakubu Joel , Durosinmi-Etti Olawale , Okojie Obehi , Hadejia Idris Suleman , Oyewole Femi , Mekonnen Dessie Ayalew , Kanagat Natasha , Hooks Carol , Fields Rebecca , Richart Vanessa , Chee Grace
Published: March 2023

Background: The importance of immunization for child survival underscores the need to eliminate immunization inequalities. Few existing studies of inequalities use approaches that view the challenges and potential solutions from the perspective of caregivers. This study aimed to identify barriers and context-appropriate solutions by engaging deeply with caregivers, community members, health workers, and other health system actors through participatory action research, intersectionality, and human-centered design lenses. Methods: This study was conducted in the Demographic Republic of Congo, Mozambique and Nigeria. Rapid qualitative research was followed by co-creation workshops with study participants to identify solutions. We analyzed the data using the UNICEF Journey to Health and Immunization Framework. Results: Caregivers of zero-dose and under-immunized children faced multiple intersecting and interacting barriers related to gender, poverty, geographic access, and service experience. Immunization programs were not aligned with needs of the most vulnerable due to the sub-optimal implementation of pro-equity strategies, such as outreach vaccination. Caregivers and communities identified feasible solutions through co-creation workshops and this approach should be used whenever possible to inform local planning. Conclusions: Policymakers and managers can integrate HCD and intersectionality mindsets into existing planning and assessment processes, and focus on overcoming root causes of sub-optimal implementation.
COVID-19 Disease in Under-5 Children: Current Status and Strategies for Prevention including Vaccination
Authors: Pillai Anish , Nayak Anuja , Tiwari Deepika , Pillai Pratichi Kadam , Pandita Aakash , Sakharkar Sachin , Balasubramanian Haribalakrishna , Kabra Nandkishor
Published: March 2023

Since the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic hit the globe in early 2020, we have steadily gained insight into its pathogenesis; thereby improving surveillance and preventive measures. In contrast to other respiratory viruses, neonates and young children infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) have a milder clinical presentation, with only a small proportion needing hospitalization and intensive care support. With the emergence of novel variants and improved testing services, there has been a higher incidence of COVID-19 disease reported among children and neonates. Despite this, the proportion of young children with severe disease has not increased. Key mechanisms that protect young children from severe COVID-19 disease include the placental barrier, differential expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) receptors, immature immune response, and passive transfer of antibodies via placenta and human milk. Implementing mass vaccination programs has been a major milestone in reducing the global disease burden. However, considering the lower risk of severe COVID-19 illness in young children and the limited evidence about long-term vaccine safety, the risk–benefit balance in children under five years of age is more complex. In this review, we do not support or undermine vaccination of young children but outline current evidence and guidelines, and highlight controversies, knowledge gaps, and ethical issues related to COVID-19 vaccination in young children. Regulatory bodies should consider the individual and community benefits of vaccinating younger children in their local epidemiological setting while planning regional immunization policies.
An Epidemiological Study of Brucellosis in Different Animal Species from the Al-Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Almuzaini Abdulaziz M.
Published: March 2023

Brucellosis is a zoonotic bacterial illness that affects humans and a variety of domestic animals, especially ruminants. It is mostly transmitted through the consumption of contaminated drinks, foods, undercooked meat, or unpasteurized milk or contact with infected animals. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of brucellosis in camels, sheep, and goat herds in the Qassim region, Saudi Arabia, using commonly used diagnostic serological procedures such as the Rose Bengal test (RBT), complement fixation test (CFT), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The seroprevalence of brucellosis in camels, sheep, and goats was determined in the selected areas using a cross-sectional study design and a total of 690 farm animals of both sexes of different ages from the three animal species (274 camels, 227 sheep, and 189 goats). According to RBT results, 65 sera were positive for brucellosis, including 15 (5.47%) for camels, 32 (14.09%) for sheep, and 18 (9.50%) for goats. CFT and c-ELISA were performed as confirmatory tests on positive samples resulting from RBT. With c-ELISA, 60 serum samples were confirmed positive, in 14 (5.10%), 30 (13.21%), and 16 (8.46%) camels, sheep, and goats, respectively. There were 59 serum samples confirmed as positive for CFT, including 14 (5.11%), 29 (12.77%), and 16 (8.46%) for camels, sheep, and goats, respectively. Overall, the highest seroprevalence of brucellosis was found in sheep while the least was found in camels from the three tests (RBT, c-ELISA, and CFT). The highest seroprevalence of brucellosis was found in sheep while the least seroprevalence was found in camels. There was also a higher seroprevalence of brucellosis among female animals than males as well as among old animals than young animals. The study, thus, demonstrates brucellosis seroprevalence among farm animals (camels, sheep, and goats) and the significance of intervention measures against brucellosis incidence in both humans and animals through the creation of public awareness and other relevant policy measures such as livestock vaccination, effective hygiene management, and adequate quarantine or serological analysis for newly introduced animals.
The Integrated Consideration of Vaccine Platforms, Adjuvants, and Delivery Routes for Successful Vaccine Development
Authors: Kozak Michael , Hu Jiafen
Published: March 2023

Vaccines have proven to be the most cost-efficient and reasonable way to fight and exterminate virulent pathogens. Vaccines can be designed using a variety of platforms including inactivated/attenuated pathogen or subunits of it. The most recent COVID mRNA vaccines have employed nucleic acid sequences for the antigen of interest to combat the pandemic. Different vaccine platforms have been chosen for different licensed vaccines which all have shown their ability to induce durable immune responses and protection. In addition to platforms, different adjuvants have been used to strengthen the immunogenicity of vaccines. Among the delivery routes, intramuscular injection has been the most common for vaccination. In this review, we present a historical overview of the integrated consideration of vaccine platforms, adjuvants, and delivery routes in the success of vaccine development. We also discuss the advantages and limitations of each choice in the efficacy of vaccine development.
Immune Response Related to Lymphadenopathy Post COVID-19 Vaccination
Authors: Ho Tzu-Chuan , Shen Daniel Hueng-Yuan , Chang Chin-Chuan , Chan Hung-Pin , Chuang Kuo-Pin , Yuan Cheng-Hui , Chen Ciao-Ning , Yang Ming-Hui , Tyan Yu-Chang
Published: March 2023

Mass vaccination against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global health strategy to control the COVID-19 pandemic. With the increasing number of vaccinations, COVID-19 vaccine-associated lymphadenopathy (C19-VAL) has been frequently reported. Current findings emphasize the characteristics of C19-VAL. The mechanism of C19-VAL is complicated to explore. Accumulated reports separately show that C19-VAL incidence is associated with receiver age and gender, reactive change within lymph nodes (LN), etc. We constructed a systematic review to evaluate the associated elements of C19-VAL and provide the mechanism of C19-VAL. Articles were searched from PubMed, Web of Science and EMBASE by using the processing of PRISMA. The search terms included combinations of the COVID-19 vaccine, COVID-19 vaccination and lymphadenopathy. Finally, sixty-two articles have been included in this study. Our results show that days post-vaccination and B cell germinal center response are negatively correlated with C19-VAL incidence. The reactive change within LN is highly related to C19-VAL development. The study results suggested that strong vaccine immune response may contribute to the C19-VAL development and perhaps through the B cell germinal center response post vaccination. From the perspective of imaging interpretation, it is important to carefully distinguish reactive lymph nodes from metastatic lymph node enlargement through medical history collection or evaluation, especially in patients with underlying malignancy.
Outcomes of High-Grade Cervical Dysplasia with Positive Margins and HPV Persistence after Cervical Conization
Authors: Giannini Andrea , Di Donato Violante , Sopracordevole Francesco , Ciavattini Andrea , Ghelardi Alessandro , Vizza Enrico , D’Oria Ottavia , Simoncini Tommaso , Plotti Francesco , Casarin Jvan , Golia D’Augè Tullio , Cuccu Ilaria , Serati Maurizio , Pinelli Ciro , Bergamini Alice , Gardella Barbara , Dell’Acqua Andrea , Monti Ermelinda , Vercellini Paolo , D’Ippolito Giovanni , Aguzzoli Lorenzo , Dario Mandato Vincenzo , Giannella Luca , Scaffa Cono , Ditto Antonino , Falcone Francesca , Borghi Chiara , Malzoni Mario , Di Giovanni Alessandra , Salerno Maria Giovanna , Liberale Viola , Contino Biagio , Donfrancesco Cristina , Desiato Michele , Perrone Anna Myriam , De Iaco Pierandrea , Ferrero Simone , Sarpietro Giuseppe , Matarazzo Maria G. , Cianci Antonio , Cianci Stefano , Bosio Sara , Ruisi Simona , Mosca Lavinia , Tinelli Raffaele , De Vincenzo Rosa , Zannoni Gian Franco , Ferrandina Gabriella , Petrillo Marco , Capobianco Giampiero , Carlea Annunziata , Zullo Fulvio , Muschiato Barbara , Palomba Stefano , Greggi Stefano , Spinillo Arsenio , Ghezzi Fabio , Colacurci Nicola , Angioli Roberto , Benedetti Panici Pierluigi , Muzii Ludovico , Scambia Giovanni , Raspagliesi Francesco , Bogani Giorgio
Published: March 2023

The objective of this work is to assess the 5-year outcomes of patients undergoing conization for high-grade cervical lesions that simultaneously present as risk factors in the persistence of HPV infection and the positivity of surgical resection margins. This is a retrospective study evaluating patients undergoing conization for high-grade cervical lesions. All patients included had both positive surgical margins and experienced HPV persistence at 6 months. Associations were evaluated with Cox proportional hazard regression and summarized using hazard ratio (HR). The charts of 2966 patients undergoing conization were reviewed. Among the whole population, 163 (5.5%) patients met the inclusion criteria, being at high risk due to the presence of positive surgical margins and experiencing HPV persistence. Of 163 patients included, 17 (10.4%) patients developed a CIN2+ recurrence during the 5-year follow-up. Via univariate analyses, diagnosis of CIN3 instead of CIN2 (HR: 4.88 (95%CI: 1.10, 12.41); p = 0.035) and positive endocervical instead of ectocervical margins (HR: 6.44 (95%CI: 2.80, 9.65); p < 0.001) were associated with increased risk of persistence/recurrence. Via multivariate analyses, only positive endocervical instead of ectocervical margins (HR: 4.56 (95%CI: 1.23, 7.95); p = 0.021) were associated with worse outcomes. In this high-risk group, positive endocervical margins is the main risk factor predicting 5-year recurrence.
Regulatory T Cells (Tregs) and COVID-19: Unveiling the Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Potentialities with a Special Focus on Long COVID
Authors: Dhawan Manish , Rabaan Ali A. , Alwarthan Sara , Alhajri Mashael , Halwani Muhammad A. , Alshengeti Amer , Najim Mustafa A. , Alwashmi Ameen S. S. , Alshehri Ahmad A. , Alshamrani Saleh A. , AlShehail Bashayer M. , Garout Mohammed , Al-Abdulhadi Saleh , Al-Ahmed Shamsah H. , Thakur Nanamika , Verma Geetika
Published: March 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused havoc all around the world. The causative agent of COVID-19 is the novel form of the coronavirus (CoV) named SARS-CoV-2, which results in immune system disruption, increased inflammation, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). T cells have been important components of the immune system, which decide the fate of the COVID-19 disease. Recent studies have reported an important subset of T cells known as regulatory T cells (Tregs), which possess immunosuppressive and immunoregulatory properties and play a crucial role in the prognosis of COVID-19 disease. Recent studies have shown that COVID-19 patients have considerably fewer Tregs than the general population. Such a decrement may have an impact on COVID-19 patients in a number of ways, including diminishing the effect of inflammatory inhibition, creating an inequality in the Treg/Th17 percentage, and raising the chance of respiratory failure. Having fewer Tregs may enhance the likelihood of long COVID development in addition to contributing to the disease’s poor prognosis. Additionally, tissue-resident Tregs provide tissue repair in addition to immunosuppressive and immunoregulatory activities, which may aid in the recovery of COVID-19 patients. The severity of the illness is also linked to abnormalities in the Tregs’ phenotype, such as reduced expression of FoxP3 and other immunosuppressive cytokines, including IL-10 and TGF-beta. Hence, in this review, we summarize the immunosuppressive mechanisms and their possible roles in the prognosis of COVID-19 disease. Furthermore, the perturbations in Tregs have been associated with disease severity. The roles of Tregs are also explained in the long COVID. This review also discusses the potential therapeutic roles of Tregs in the management of patients with COVID-19.
Editorial: Special Issue “Addressing New Therapeutic Strategies Using Models”
Authors: Faustino-Rocha Ana I. , Oliveira Paula A.
Published: March 2023

A disease model displays pathological processes observed in human or animal diseases [...]
Fecal Protein Profile in Eight Dogs Suffering from Acute Uncomplicated Diarrhea before and after Treatment
Authors: Cerquetella Matteo , Mangiaterra Sara , Rossi Giacomo , Gavazza Alessandra , Marchegiani Andrea , Sagratini Gianni , Ricciutelli Massimo , Angeloni Simone , Fioretti Licia , Marini Carlotta , Pucciarelli Stefania , Vincenzetti Silvia
Published: March 2023

Acute diarrhea is a very frequent condition affecting dogs; nevertheless, little is known about what happens in the GI tract during such conditions. Proteomics allows the study of proteins present in a specific biologic substrate, and fecal proteomic investigations have been recently implemented to study GI diseases in dogs. In the present study, the fecal protein profiles of eight dogs suffering from acute uncomplicated diarrhea at the time of inclusion was investigated for the first time, and then the same patients were followed, replicating two further evaluations at two subsequent time points (after 2 and 14 days from the first presentation), with the aim of gaining possible new insights regarding the pathologic changes in the gastrointestinal environment during such conditions. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) was performed, followed by mass spectrometry. Nine spots, corresponding to four (groups of) proteins (i.e., albumin, alkaline phosphatase, chymotrypsin-C-like, and some immunoglobulins), showed significant differences at two or more of the three time points investigated, almost all behaving similarly and decreasing at T1 (2 days after the onset of the condition) and significantly increasing at T2 (14 days after the onset), mainly evidencing a reaction of the organism. Further studies including a greater number of patients and possibly different techniques are needed to confirm the present findings.
Assessment of the Macrophage Scavenger Receptor CD163 in Mediating Glaesserella parasuis Infection of Host Cells
Authors: Deng Xiangwei , Li Shuilian , Zhu Ying , Yu Bo , Zhang Jing , Fang Qianhai , Li Zhimin , Chen Hongbo , Zhou Huanhuan
Published: March 2023

The macrophage CD163 surface glycoprotein is a member of the SRCR family class B, which has been identified as the key trigger in host–pathogen interactions, but its specific roles in sensing Glaesserella parasuis (G. parasuis) infection are largely unknown. Here, we investigated porcine CD163 in mediating the adhesion and immune response of G. parasuis using in vitro host–bacteria interaction models. CD163-overexpressing Chinese hamster ovary K1 cells (CHO-K1) showed obvious subcellular localization in the cytoplasm, especially in the cytomembrane. Although detection using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed the bacterial adhesion, there was no significant difference in the adhesion of G. parasuis to CHO-K1 cells between the presence and absence of CD163. In addition, similar results were observed in 3D4/21 cells. Meanwhile, bindings of G. parasuis to nine synthetic peptides, the bacterial binding motifs within SRCR domains of CD163, were weak based on a solid-phase adhesion assay and agglutination assay. Moreover, CD163 had no effect on the expression of G. parasuis-induced inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, INF-γ, IL-10, IL-4 and TGF-β) in CHO-K1 cells. In conclusion, these findings indicate that porcine CD163 plays a minor role in sensing G. parasuis infection.