bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Aspergillus niger Fumonisin Amine Oxidase (AnFAO) to Detoxify Fumonisin-Contaminated Maize
Authors: Telmer Patrick G. , Kelman Megan J. , Renaud Justin B. , Sumarah Mark W. , Garnham Christopher P.
Published: August 2022

Fumonisin mycotoxins are a family of secondary metabolites produced by Fusarium verticillioides and related species, as well as some strains of Aspergillus niger. Fumonisin contamination of maize is a concern when grown under hot, dry conditions. When present above regulatory levels, there can be effects on animal health. New tools to reduce the toxicity of maize and maize products with high concentrations of fumonisin are needed. Recently, we reported an amine oxidase (AnFAO) from a fumonisin-producing Aspergillus niger strain capable of oxidatively deaminating intact fumonisins. In this study, AnFAO was used to reduce intact fumonisin concentrations in milled maize flour, whole kernel maize inoculated with fumonisin-producing Fusarium verticillioides, and dried distillers’ grains with solubles (DDGS). The data showed that milled maize flour incubated with 1 µM AnFAO for 1 h resulted in complete deamination of FB1 and FB2. A greater than 90% reduction in FB1–3 concentrations was observed following a simple washing procedure of whole kernel maize in the presence of 1 µM AnFAO for 1 h. Similarly, a ≥86% reduction in FB1–3 concentrations was observed in DDGS after 4 h incubation with 1 µM AnFAO. Finally, we engineered the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris to produce functional AnFAO in both a secreted and intracellular form. These results support the further development and application of AnFAO as a promising tool to remediate fumonisin-contaminated maize and maize products.
Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices towards Rift Valley Fever among Livestock Farmers in Selected Districts of Malawi
Authors: Kainga Henson , Mponela James , Basikolo Linda , Phonera Marvin Collen , Mpundu Prudence , Munyeme Muso , Simulundu Edgar , Saasa Ngonda
Published: August 2022

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a mosquito-borne viral zoonosis whose cases go unreported in endemic areas without active surveillance. Information on the knowledge, attitude, and practice of RVF among livestock farmers remains speculative in Malawi. A cross-section survey using a semi-structured questionnaire (n = 400) was conducted in eight districts of Malawi to capture information on knowledge, attitude, and management practices (KAP) regarding RVF. The average KAP score was calculated from total scores for knowledge, attitude, and practices and then assessed. The association between the level of knowledge and factors of knowledge, factors of attitude, and factors of practices was determined using Pearson chi-square. Multivariate analysis was used to determine the predictors of knowledge. Participants had an overall poor knowledge (score = 17.94%), negative attitude (score = 9.40%), and poor management practices (score = 41.23%) towards RVF. Only 8.25% (33/400) of participants had sufficient knowledge of RVF. The study found that the cause of abortion (OR: 3.86 (95% CI: 1.14–13.05)) (p = 0.030) and knowledge on transmission of RVFV (OR: 5.65 (95% CI: 1.76–18.12)) (p = 0.004) were predictors of insufficient knowledge of RVF. The current study reported that participants had insufficient knowledge and a negative attitude despite displaying limited management practices towards RVF. Therefore, this study recommends community sensitization to RVF and advocates for the importance of reporting suspected cases to relevant authorities for proper management.
Pathological Abnormalities Observed on Ultrasonography among Fishermen Associated with Male Genital Schistosomiasis (MGS) along the South Lake Malawi Shoreline in Mangochi District, Malawi
Authors: Kayuni Sekeleghe A. , Al-Harbi Mohammad H. , Makaula Peter , Injesi Boniface , Mainga Bright , Lampiao Fanuel , Juziwelo Lazarus , LaCourse E. James , Stothard J. Russell
Published: August 2022

Schistosome eggs cause granulomata and pathological abnormalities, detectable with non-invasive radiological techniques such as ultrasonography which could be useful in male genital schistosomiasis (MGS). As part of our novel MGS study among fishermen along Lake Malawi, we describe pathologies observed on ultrasonography and praziquantel (PZQ) treatment over time. Fishermen aged 18+ years were recruited, submitted urine and semen for parasitological and molecular testing, and thereafter, transabdominal pelvic and scrotal ultrasonography, assessing pathologies in the prostate, seminal vesicles, epididymis and testes. Standard PZQ treatment and follow-up invitation at 1-, 3-, 6- and 12-months’ time-points were offered. A total of 130 recruited fishermen underwent ultrasonography at baseline (median age: 32.0 years); 27 (20.9%, n = 129) had S. haematobium eggs in urine (median: 1.0 egg/10 mL), 10 (12.3%, n = 81) in semen (defined as MGS, median: 2.9 eggs/mL ejaculate) and 16 (28.1%, n = 57) had a positive seminal Schistosoma real-time PCR. At baseline, 9 fishermen (6.9%, n = 130) had abnormalities, with 2 positive MGS having prostatic and testicular nodules. Fewer abnormalities were observed on follow-up. In conclusion, pathologies detected in male genitalia by ultrasonography can describe MGS morbidity in those with positive parasitological and molecular findings. Ultrasonography advances and accessibility in endemic areas can support monitoring of pathologies’ resolution after treatment.
Optimal Validated Multi-Factorial Climate Change Risk Assessment for Adaptation Planning and Evaluation of Infectious Disease: A Case Study of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever in Indonesia
Authors: Faridah Lia , Suroso Djoko Santoso Abi , Fitriyanto Muhammad Suhardjono , Andari Clarisa Dity , Fauzi Isnan , Kurniawan Yonatan , Watanabe Kozo
Published: August 2022

(1) Background: This paper will present an elaboration of the risk assessment methodology by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ), Eurac Research and United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) for the assessment of dengue. (2) Methods: We validate the risk assessment model by best-fitting it with the number of dengue cases per province using the least-square fitting method. Seven out of thirty-four provinces in Indonesia were chosen (North Sumatra, Jakarta Capital, West Java, Central Java, East Java, Bali and East Kalimantan). (3) Results: A risk assessment based on the number of dengue cases showed an increased risk in 2010, 2015 and 2016 in which the effects of El Nino and La Nina extreme climates occurred. North Sumatra, Bali, and West Java were more influenced by the vulnerability component, in line with their risk analysis that tends to be lower than the other provinces in 2010, 2015 and 2016 when El Nino and La Nina occurred. (4) Conclusion: Based on data from the last ten years, in Jakarta Capital, Central Java, East Java and East Kalimantan, dengue risks were mainly influenced by the climatic hazard component while North Sumatra, Bali and West Java were more influenced by the vulnerability component.
Development of an ELISA Method to Differentiate Animals Infected with Wild-Type African Swine Fever Viruses and Attenuated HLJ/18-7GD Vaccine Candidate
Authors: Wang Lulu , Fu Dan , Tesfagaber Weldu , Li Fang , Chen Weiye , Zhu Yuanmao , Sun Encheng , Wang Wan , He Xijun , Guo Yu , Bu Zhigao , Zhao Dongming
Published: August 2022

African swine fever (ASF) is a highly contagious hemorrhagic disease of pigs, posing a significant threat to the world pig industry. Several researchers are investigating the possibilities for developing a safe and efficient vaccine against ASF. In this regard, significant progress has been made and some gene-deleted ASFVs are reported as potential live attenuated vaccines. A seven-gene-deleted live attenuated vaccine candidate HLJ/18-7GD (among which CD2v is included) has been developed in our laboratory and reported to be safe and protective, and it is expected to be commercialized in the near future. There is an urgent need for developing a diagnostic method that can clearly discriminate between wild-type-ASFV-infected and vaccinated animals (DIVA). In the present study, a dual indirect ELISA based on p54 and CD2v proteins was successfully established to specifically distinguish serum antibodies from pigs infected with wild-type ASFV or possessing vaccine immunization. To evaluate the performance of the assay, a total of 433 serum samples from four groups of pigs experimentally infected with the wild-type HLJ/18 ASFV, immunized with the HLJ/18-7GD vaccine candidate, infected with the new lower virulent variant, and specific-pathogen-free pigs were used. Our results showed that the positive rate of immunized serum was 96.54% (p54) and 2.83% (CD2v), and the positive rate of the infection by wild-type virus was 100% (p54) and 97.8% (CD2v). Similarly, the positive rate to infection by the new low-virulent ASFV variant in China was 100% (p54) and 0% (CD2v), indicating the technique was also able to distinguish antibodies from wild-type and the new low-virulent ASFV variant in China. Moreover, no cross-reaction was observed in immune sera from other swine pathogens, such as CSFV, PEDV, PRRSV, HP-PRRSV, PCV2, and PrV. Overall, the developed dual indirect ELISA exhibited high diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and repeatability and will provide a new approach to differentiate serum antibodies between wild virulent and CD2v-unexpressed ASFV infection, which will play a great role in serological diagnosis and epidemiological monitoring of ASF in the future.
Genetic Variation Analysis of Porcine Circovirus Type 4 in South China in 2019 to 2021
Authors: Wu Minhui , Chen Yujie , Lang Wen , Qin Xinyun , Ruan Lian , Su Mengrong , Lv Qizhuang
Published: August 2022

Porcine circovirus type 4 (PCV4) is a novel virus associated with porcine dermatitis and nephropathy syndrome (PDNS)-like signs identified firstly in China in 2019. However, the details of the molecular epidemiology of PCV4 are unclear at this time. A total of forty-two related sequences were selected from the GenBank database to explore the spread of PCV4 and its rule in genetic evolution. Of the selected strains, 41 were from south China in 2019 to 2021 and the other was a foreign representative strain. Phylogenetic tree construction, nucleotide and amino acid (aa) sequence alignment, gene recombination and antigen structure prediction were performed on the collected sequences using bioinformatics softwares. The 42 PCV4 strains were divided into two subgenotypes: PCV4a (35/42) and PCV4b (7/42), according to the constructed genetic evolution tree. PCV4a is the main epidemic strain, and it can be further divided into two different gene clusters: PCV4a-1 (22/35) and PCV4a-2 (13/35). The pairwise comparison analysis showed that the complete genome sequence similarity of the 42 PCV4 strains ranged between 97.9% and 100%, and the aa sequences of the Cap proteins of 42 PCV4 strains had three major heterogenic or hypervariable regions—27–28, 96 and 212—all located near the antigenic epitope of the Cap protein. The results of this study can provide some basis for further studying the spread and epidemic growth of PCV4, and the prevention and control of PCV4 infection in China.
Effect of Monkeypox Virus Preparation on the Lethality of the Intravenous Cynomolgus Macaque Model
Authors: Mucker Eric M. , Shamblin Josh D. , Raymond Jo Lynne , Twenhafel Nancy A. , Garry Robert F. , Hensley Lisa E.
Published: August 2022

For over two decades, researchers have sought to improve smallpox vaccines and also develop therapies to ensure protection against smallpox or smallpox-like disease. The 2022 human monkeypox pandemic is a reminder that these efforts should persist. Advancing such therapies have involved animal models primarily using surrogate viruses such as monkeypox virus. The intravenous monkeypox model in macaques produces a disease that is clinically similar to the lesional phase of fulminant human monkeypox or smallpox. Two criticisms of the model have been the unnatural route of virus administration and the high dose required to induce severe disease. Here, we purified monkeypox virus with the goal of lowering the challenge dose by removing cellular and viral contaminants within the inoculum. We found that there are advantages to using unpurified material for intravenous exposures.
Hepatitis E Virus Seroprevalence and Associated Risk Factors in Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Consultations in Senegal
Authors: Diouara Abou Abdallah Malick , Lo Seynabou , Nguer Cheikh Momar , Senghor Assane , Diop Ndiaye Halimatou , Manga Noël Magloire , Danfakha Fodé , Diallo Sidy , Faye Dieme Marie Edouard , Thiam Ousmane , Biaye Babacar , Manga Ndèye Marie Pascaline , Thiam Fatou , Sarr Habibou , Lo Gora , Ndour Momar , Manga Sébastien Paterne , Diaby Nouhou , Dieng Modou , Diop Idy , Dieye Yakhya , Toure Kane Coumba , Peeters Martine , Ayouba Ahidjo
Published: August 2022

In West Africa, research on the hepatitis E virus (HEV) is barely covered, despite the recorded outbreaks. The low level of access to safe water and adequate sanitation is still one of the main factors of HEV spread in developing countries. HEV infection induces acute or sub-clinical liver diseases with a mortality rate ranging from 0.5 to 4%. The mortality rate is more alarming (15 to 25%) among pregnant women, especially in the last trimester of pregnancy. Herein, we conducted a multicentric socio-demographic and seroepidemiological survey of HEV in Senegal among pregnant women. A consecutive and non-redundant recruitment of participants was carried out over the period of 5 months, from March to July 2021. A total of 1227 consenting participants attending antenatal clinics responded to a standard questionnaire. Plasma samples were collected and tested for anti-HEV IgM and IgG by using the WANTAI HEV-IgM and IgG ELISA assay. The overall HEV seroprevalence was 7.8% (n = 96), with 0.5% (n = 6) and 7.4% (n = 91) for HEV IgM and HEV IgG, respectively. One of the participant samples was IgM/IgG-positive, while four were declared indeterminate to anti-HEV IgM as per the manufacturer’s instructions. From one locality to another, the seroprevalence of HEV antibodies varied from 0 to 1% for HEV IgM and from 1.5 to 10.5% for HEV IgG. The data also showed that seroprevalence varied significantly by marital status (p < 0.0001), by the regularity of income (p = 0.0043), and by access to sanitation services (p = 0.0006). These data could serve as a basis to setup national prevention strategies focused on socio-cultural, environmental, and behavioral aspects for a better management of HEV infection in Senegal.
Development of a Genetically Engineered Bivalent Vaccine against Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus and Porcine Rotavirus
Authors: Li Wan , Lei Mingkai , Li Zhuofei , Li Huimin , Liu Zheng , He Qigai , Luo Rui
Published: August 2022

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is an enteric coronavirus that causes acute diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, and a high mortality rate in neonatal piglets. In recent years, PEDV has been associated with co-infections with other swine enteric viruses, including porcine rotavirus (PoRV), resulting in increased mortality among newborn piglets. In this paper, we developed a bivalent vaccine against PEDV and PoRV by constructing a recombinant PEDV encoding PoRV VP7 (rPEDV-PoRV-VP7). The recombinant virus was constructed by replacing the entire open reading frame 3 (ORF3) in the genome of an attenuated PEDV strain YN150 with the PoRV VP7 gene using reverse genetic systems. Similar plaque morphology and replication kinetics were observed in Vero cells with the recombinant PEDV compared to the wild-type PEDV. It is noteworthy that the VP7 protein could be expressed stably in rPEDV-PoRV-VP7-infected cells. To evaluate the immunogenicity and safety of rPEDV-PoRV-VP7, 10-day-old piglets were vaccinated with the recombinant virus. After inoculation, no piglet displayed clinical symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or anorexia. The PoRV VP7- and PEDV spike-specific IgG in serum and IgA in saliva were detected in piglets after rPEDV-PoRV-VP7 vaccination. Moreover, both PoRV and PEDV neutralizing antibodies were produced simultaneously in the inoculated piglets. Collectively, we engineered a recombinant PEDV expressing PoRV VP7 that could be used as an effective bivalent vaccine against PEDV and PoRV.
Bacteriophage-Based Detection of Staphylococcus aureus in Human Serum
Authors: Brown Matthew , Hall Alex , Zahn Henriett , Eisenberg Marcia , Erickson Stephen
Published: August 2022

Bacteriophages have been investigated for clinical utility, both as diagnostic tools and as therapeutic interventions. In order to be applied successfully, a detailed understanding of the influence of the human matrix on the interaction between bacteriophage and the host bacterium is required. In this study, a cocktail of luciferase bacteriophage reporters was assessed for functionality in a matrix containing human serum and spiked with Staphylococcus aureus. The inhibition of signal and loss of sensitivity was evident with minimal amounts of serum. This phenotype was independent of bacterial growth and bacteriophage viability. Serum-mediated loss of signal was common, albeit not universal, among S. aureus strains. Immunoglobulin G was identified as an inhibitory component and partial inhibition was observed with both the f(ab’)2 and Fc region. A modified bacteriophage cocktail containing recombinant protein A was developed, which substantially improved signal without the need for additional sample purification. This study highlights the importance of assessing bacteriophage activity in relevant host matrices. Furthermore, it identifies an effective solution, recombinant protein A, for promoting bacteriophage-based detection of S. aureus in matrices containing human serum.
Understanding the Role of Psychosocial Factors in Pakistani Parents’ Hesitancy to Vaccinate Their Kids: The Mediating Role of Knowledge and Mistrust of Science about the COVID-19 Vaccine
Authors: Shahani Riffat , Chu Jianxun , Rufai Olayemi Hafeez , Zawar Asma , Muhideen Sayibu , Dilawar Sana , Amosun Tunde Simeon
Published: August 2022

Vaccination is a vital component in the battle against outbreaks of infectious diseases. Recognizing parents’ reluctance to vaccinate their children is even more critical now, given the ongoing threat of a COVID-19 pandemic. Conspiracy theories, vaccination safety concerns, parental efficacy and risk perception, and a lack of confidence in science all influence intention. To investigate how these variables interact with vaccination behavior against COVID-19, we developed a model with psychosocial factors serving as the predictor and mistrust in science and vaccine knowledge serving as the mediator. In order to validate the model, the parents’ intentions regarding their children’s vaccination with COVID-19 were used. The study included 454 Pakistani parents who completed an online questionnaire assessing their intention to vaccinate their children. We analyzed the data using structural equation modeling (SEM). A significant level of vaccine hesitation is due to belief in vaccine conspiracy theories, and vaccine safety concerns were investigated. A surprising correlation exists between risk perception and vaccination intentions, followed by parental self-efficacy. It is significant to note that vaccine knowledge mediated conspiracy beliefs, risk perceptions, and intentions fully but partially mediated parental self-efficacy. Conspiracy theories were mediated by a mistrust in science, while perceptions of risk and vaccine safety were partially mediated. The findings of this research were used to develop sensible policy reforms and public health campaigns to encourage vaccination against both common infections such as measles, human papillomaviruses, or pertussis, and novel diseases such as COVID-19.
Use of a Practitioner-Friendly Behavior Model to Identify Factors Associated with COVID-19 Vaccination and Other Behaviors
Authors: Agha Sohail
Published: August 2022

The lack of capacity for the design and implementation of behavioral interventions in low-and-middle income countries (LMICs) has been recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other global health institutions. There is a need to task-shift, to translate social and behavioral science concepts into “practitioner-friendly” models—models which can be used by intervention designers, implementers, and evaluators with limited technical and financial resources. We illustrate the use of the Fogg Behavior Model (FBM), a model identified as being easy for practitioners to adopt in low-resource settings. The study uses data across four different behaviors in Nigeria, Pakistan, and India. The behaviors examined are COVID-19 vaccine uptake, condom use, iron folate use, and modern contraceptive use. The data are from surveys of healthcare workers (HCWs), married men, women of reproductive age, and adolescents, respectively. The FBM states that behavior happens when both motivation and ability are present, and a prompt occurs. In other words, persons with high motivation and high ability are the first to adopt a behavior. We created a categorical variable for motivation and ability and tested whether high motivation and high ability are associated with a greater likelihood of adopting a behavior. In Nigeria, HCWs with high motivation and high ability had 27 times higher odds of being vaccinated. In Pakistan, married men with high motivation and high ability had 35 times higher odds of condom use with their wives. In India, women with high motivation and high ability had 9 times higher odds of iron folate use. In Nigeria, adolescents and young women with high motivation and high ability had 8 times higher odds of contraceptive use. The study findings suggest that the FBM has the potential to be applied in low resource settings for the design, implementation, and evaluation of behavioral interventions. Rigorous testing of the FBM using data from experimental or quasi-experimental studies is recommended.
Application of mRNA Technology in Cancer Therapeutics
Authors: Eralp Yesim
Published: August 2022

mRNA-based therapeutics pose as promising treatment strategies for cancer immunotherapy. Improvements in materials and technology of delivery systems have helped to overcome major obstacles in generating a sufficient immune response required to fight a specific type of cancer. Several in vivo models and early clinical studies have suggested that various mRNA treatment platforms can induce cancer-specific cytolytic activity, leading to numerous clinical trials to determine the optimal method of combinations and sequencing with already established agents in cancer treatment. Nevertheless, further research is required to optimize RNA stabilization, delivery platforms, and improve clinical efficacy by interacting with the tumor microenvironment to induce a long-term antitumor response. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the available evidence on the recent advances and efforts to overcome existing challenges of mRNA-based treatment strategies, and how these efforts play key roles in offering perceptive insights into future considerations for clinical application.
Neutralizing Antibody Response, Safety, and Efficacy of mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines in Pediatric Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Prospective Multicenter Case—Control Study
Authors: Lee Kyung Jae , Choi So Yoon , Lee Yoo Min , Kim Han Wool
Published: August 2022

The vaccination of immunocompromised children against coronavirus disease 2019 is an important public health issue. We evaluated the serological response, safety, and efficacy of the BNT162b2 vaccine in children with and without inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A prospective, multicenter, case–control study was conducted in a pediatric population, including patients with IBD, aged 12–18 years. Clinical characteristics, safety profile, and serum samples for surrogate virus-neutralizing antibody testing pre- and post-BNT162b2 vaccination were assessed. The breakthrough infection rate during the Omicron outbreak was calculated to evaluate efficacy. Fifteen controls and twenty-three patients with IBD were enrolled. After two vaccine doses, the median level of percentage inhibition was highly increased, without significant differences between the groups (control 96.9 and IBD 96.3). However, it was significantly reduced in IBD patients receiving combination therapy (anti-tumor necrosis factor-α + immunomodulators) relative to those in other therapies and controls. Serious adverse events were not observed. The breakthrough infection rate was 42.1%, without statistical differences between the groups. Immunization with BNT162b2 in patients with IBD was comparable with that in healthy adolescents in terms of immunogenicity and safety. Nevertheless, the efficacy of BNT162b2 in preventing infection caused by the Omicron variant in the pediatric population was insufficient.
Attitudes toward Receiving COVID-19 Booster Dose in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region: A Cross-Sectional Study of 3041 Fully Vaccinated Participants
Authors: Abouzid Mohamed , Ahmed Alhassan Ali , El-Sherif Dina M. , Alonazi Wadi B. , Eatmann Ahmed Ismail , Alshehri Mohammed M. , Saleh Raghad N. , Ahmed Mareb H. , Aziz Ibrahim Adel , Abdelslam Asmaa E. , Omran Asmaa Abu-Bakr , Omar Abdallah A. , Ghorab Mohamed A. , Islam Sheikh Mohammed Shariful
Published: August 2022

COVID-19 vaccines are crucial to control the pandemic and avoid COVID-19 severe infections. The rapid evolution of COVID-19 variants such as B.1.1.529 is alarming, especially with the gradual decrease in serum antibody levels in vaccinated individuals. Middle Eastern countries were less likely to accept the initial doses of vaccines. This study was directed to determine COVID-19 vaccine booster acceptance and its associated factors in the general population in the MENA region to attain public herd immunity. We conducted an online survey in five countries (Egypt, Iraq, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, and Sudan) in November and December 2021. The questionnaire included self-reported information about the vaccine type, side effects, fear level, and several demographic factors. Kruskal–Wallis ANOVA was used to associate the fear level with the type of COVID-19 vaccine. Logistic regression was performed to confirm the results and reported as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals. The final analysis included 3041 fully vaccinated participants. Overall, 60.2% of the respondents reported willingness to receive the COVID-19 booster dose, while 20.4% were hesitant. Safety uncertainties and opinions that the booster dose is not necessary were the primary reasons for refusing the booster dose. The willingness to receive the booster dose was in a triangular relationship with the side effects of first and second doses and the fear (p < 0.0001). Females, individuals with normal body mass index, history of COVID-19 infection, and influenza-unvaccinated individuals were significantly associated with declining the booster dose. Higher fear levels were observed in females, rural citizens, and chronic and immunosuppressed patients. Our results suggest that vaccine hesitancy and fear in several highlighted groups continue to be challenges for healthcare providers, necessitating public health intervention, prioritizing the need for targeted awareness campaigns, and facilitating the spread of evidence-based scientific communication.
Drinking Bottled and Tap Water for Healthier Living in Volcanic Areas: Are All Waters the Same?
Authors: Linhares Diana , Gaspar Diogo , Garcia Patrícia , Rodrigues Armindo
Published: August 2022

In most volcanic areas, the population considers the use of bottled waters as a healthier and safer option. This study aimed to (i) assess the fluoride concentrations in tap and bottled water consumed on São Miguel Island, (ii) confirm the accuracy of the labeling of fluoride levels on bottled water, and (iii) assess the fluoride daily intake and risk exposure and discuss the possible health effects in adults and children. Fluoride concentrations were measured in tap water (49 samples) and bottled water (23 samples) with a fluoride ion-selective electrode. The fluoride concentration was above the recommended limit in tap water from Sete Cidades (1.71 mg/L), in bottled waters nº 5 and 7 from category C (2.05 ± 0.04 mg/L and 2.36 ± 0.14 mg/L, respectively), and in bottled water nº 5 from category D (1.92 ± 0.03 mg/L). Fluoride daily intake in children reached a maximum value in gasified water nº 7 (0.059 mg F/day/kg). The risk assessment evidenced that all the brands with over 1.2 mgF/L might be a concern for potential non-cancer health effects, especially in adults. The most recognized brands of gasified and gasified flavored waters represent a higher risk of exceeding fluoride daily intake when compared to tap and mineral bottled waters.
Conceptual and Methodological Foundations for the Articulation of Geospatial Data on Water Resources in South America’s Cross-Border Hydrographic Basins
Authors: Steinke Valdir Adilson , Pessoa Gabriella Emilly , Silva Romero Gomes Pereira da , Saito Carlos Hiroo
Published: August 2022

When observing transboundary waters through the lens of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), it is essential to emphasize the principle of watershed unicity, which must overcome geopolitical interests while being supported by technical criteria. This paper used a multilevel and multiscale approach for integrated management of transboundary water resources in two South American transboundary river basins: the Javari River Basin (between Brazil and Peru) and the Quaraí River Basin (between Brazil and Uruguay). The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) provided spatialized data for South American watersheds. Our research focused on several broad issues concerning regional transboundary water management: (a) Because only Peru and Brazil use the Otto–Pfafstetter method, a uniform method within a regional agreement about methodological differences for delimiting hydrographic basins in each country is required; (b) It is necessary to organize accurate databases to avoid problems of mismatched borders by overlapping national databases or mismatches due to scale problems; (c) It is also necessary to establish a coordinating body capable of working with each country’s representatives. In this case, building integrated and collaborative cartographic database becomes critical; (d) Because river meanders can change, historical data of a river’s morphology is required. In this sense, this research provides guidelines to make water management in transboundary rivers feasible in South America.
Developing a Novel Alum Sludge-Based Floating Treatment Wetland for Natural Water Restoration
Authors: He Xinlong , Zhao Xiaohong , Zhang Wenshan , Ren Baiming , Zhao Yaqian
Published: August 2022

Novel alum sludge-based floating treatment wetland (FTW) was developed to enhance the purification performances of natural water bodies, i.e., rivers, lakes, and ponds. Polyurethane was applied to foam the lightweight alum sludge based-substrate (PU-AL) of FTW through the response surface method. Three FTWs configurations were created for a half-year lab-scale operation, and the PU-AL FTW presents the greatest purification performance in the removal rate of chemical oxygen demand (COD) of 62.58 ± 6.65%, total nitrogen (TN) of 53.31 ± 4.65%, and total phosphorus (TP) of 45.39 ± 4.69%. PU-AL substrate could enhance the nutrient removal performance of existing FTW by providing a proper media for microbial and plants’ growth. This study provides a good solution and showcase not only from a natural water restoration point of view but also from the waterworks sludge management view for a better understanding of FTWs and good applications in engineering practice.
Hydro-Geochemistry and Groundwater Quality Assessment of Ouargla Basin, South of Algeria
Authors: Mansouri Zina , Leghrieb Youcef , Kouadri Saber , Al-Ansari Nadhir , Najm Hadee Mohammed , Mashaan Nuha S. , Eldirderi Moutaz Mustafa A. , Khedher Khaled Mohamed
Published: August 2022

This study aims to evaluate the hydro-chemical characteristics of Ouargla, Algeria basin groundwaters harvested from the Mio Pliocene aquifer. The study covered 70 samples; the physical parameters, potential of hydrogen (pH), and electrical conductivity EC μS.cm−1 were determined in situ, using a multiparameter; the laboratory analysis included dry residuals DR (mg/L), calcium Ca2+ (mg/L), magnesium Mg2+ (mg/L), sodium Na+ (mg/L), potassium K+ (mg/L), bicarbonates HCO3− (mg/L), sulfates SO42− (mg/L), and chloride Cl− (mg/L). The piper diagram shows that the Ouargla basin ground waters divided into two facies, sodic chlorinated in 93% and sodic sulphated in 7% of samples. The United States Salinity Laboratory Staff (USSL) diagram was used to detect the suitability of groundwater in irrigation where the results show that the groundwater was classed into two classes, poor water (C4 S4) and bad water (C4 S4). Furthermore, indices such as the Kelly index (KI), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), sodium solubility percentage (Na%), and magnesium hazards (MH) confirm the negative effect of groundwater on soil permeability in 96%, 80%, 89%, and 53% of samples. The permeability index (PI) shows that the analyzed samples were considered as doubtful (71%) and safe (29%), otherwise there is no risk related to residual sodium carbonate (RSC). The geo-spatial distribution of deferent indices shows that all the study area has poor groundwater for irrigation, except the south-west part, where the groundwaters of this sub-area do not form a problem related to RSC.
Network Subsystems for Robust Design Optimization of Water Distribution Systems
Authors: Hayelom Assefa , Ostfeld Avi
Published: August 2022

The optimal design of WDS has been extensively researched for centuries, but most of these studies have employed deterministic optimization models, which are premised on the assumption that the parameters of the design are perfectly known. Given the inherently uncertain nature of many of the WDS design parameters, the results derived from such models may be infeasible or suboptimal when they are implemented in reality due to parameter values that differ from those assumed in the model. Consequently, it is necessary to introduce some uncertainty in the design parameters and find more robust solutions. Robust counterpart optimization is one of the methods used to deal with optimization under uncertainty. In this method, a deterministic data set is derived from an uncertain problem, and a solution is computed such that it remains viable for any data realization within the uncertainty bound. This study adopts the newly emerging robust optimization technique to account for the uncertainty associated with nodal demand in designing water distribution systems using the subsystem-based two-stage approach. Two uncertainty data models with ellipsoidal uncertainty set in consumer demand are examined. The first case, referred to as the uncorrelated problem, considers the assumption that demand uncertainty only affects the mass balance constraint, while the second case, referred to as the correlated case, assumes uncertainty in demand and also propagates to the energy balance constraint.
Analysis on the Return Period of “7.20” Rainstorm in the Xiaohua Section of the Yellow River in 2021
Authors: Jin Shuangyan , Guo Shaomeng , Huo Wenbo
Published: August 2022

The “7.20” rainstorm and flood disaster in 2021 occurred in Zhengzhou and adjacent areas of Henan province. According to the Maximum Rainfall Data of Different Periods and the “7.20” rainstorm data of the section from Xiaolangdi to Huayuankou of the Yellow River in 2021, i.e., thirteen kinds of automatic monitoring rainfall data in minutes and six kinds of manual monitoring rainfall data in hours, the rainfall frequency curves of two representative periods of ten reference stations are established using Pearson-III distribution. The return periods of “7.20” rainstorms with maximum 24 h greater than 300 mm and maximum 6 h greater than 100 mm are calculated. The results show that the influence of “7.20” rainstorms on the rainfall return period is obvious. For the ten reference stations, all the maximum 24 h rainfall of “7.20” rainstorms ranked in the first of the series. When establishing the frequency curve, if this value is considered, the largest return period occurs at Sishui station, with a return period of 486 years. Otherwise, the return period of Sishui, Mangling, Minggao, and Xicun stations will exceed 10,000 years. Among ten reference stations, the largest proportion of the maximum 6 h rainfall between “7.20” rainstorms and historical series is Minggao station. Taking Minggao station as an example, the return period is about 200 years when considering the “7.20” value to establish the frequency curve, otherwise it is about 3000 years. The results can provide technical support for the analysis of the rainstorm return period and the flood control operation in the lower Yellow River.
Phosphorus Adsorption on Blast Furnace Slag with Different Magnetism and Its Potential for Phosphorus Recovery
Authors: Wu Xiaoxin , Zhan Rui , Liu Lili , Lan Jinjing , Zhao Ning , Wang Zhiping
Published: August 2022

Phosphorus (P) is one of the essential nutrients for all life but also is involved in the major factor of water eutrophication. This study aimed to investigate a low-cost approach for highly efficient P removal and recovery from wastewater with blast furnace slag (BFS) as the adsorbent. The adsorption characteristics were consistent with the Langmuir adsorption isotherm (q0 0.1370~0.3848 mg/g) and quasi-secondary kinetic model (R2 = 0.9986~0.9997), suggesting monomolecular-layer chemical adsorption might be the dominant pathway. According to the determination of scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive spectroscopy, P was distributed uniformly with other elements in the surface of BFS and even formed needle-like crystals. This indicated that P might be also further deposited in the surface of BFS after the initially chemical adsorption via coordination with the active sites, which led to the slow accumulation of P along with the adsorption experiments. The binding energy and atomic composition analysis of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that phosphate mainly existed as HPO42− in the surface of BFS, especially for those non-magnetic particles with relative low Fe content (<30%), indicating the preference of P to the hydroxyl basic sites. Compared with those magnetic particles, the adsorption capacity of the non-magnetic particles was larger and could be restored more easily with the elution of sulfate acid, resulting in about two times the P recovery capability. Based on the P adsorption mechanism in the surface of BFS, the operation conditions of the BFS adsorption column for P recovery were optimized in an alkaline condition with a low phosphate concentration and long residual time. Therefore, non-magnetic BFS with small size could be used to recover P resources from rural wastewater with low P concentration and facilitated the on-site reuse of P resources in rural districts.
Potential Effects of Urbanization on Precipitation Extremes in the Pearl River Delta Region, China
Authors: Song Xiaomeng , Qi Jiachen , Zou Xianju , Zhang Jianyun , Liu Cuishan
Published: August 2022

Rapid urbanization plays an indelible role in modifying local climate, with more extreme precipitation in urban areas. Understanding the mechanism of urban-induced precipitation changes and quantifying the potential effects of urbanization on the changes in precipitation extremes have become hotspot issues in hydrometeorology. We examine the spatiotemporal changes of precipitation extremes over the Pearl River Delta region in China using the homogenized daily precipitation dataset from the period 1961–2017, and quantify the urbanization effects on these changes. Most of the extreme precipitation indices show increasing trends, but only the mean precipitation intensity has a significant increase. Urbanization could induce the intensification of extreme precipitation, with a higher amount, intensity, and frequency of precipitation extremes and a larger magnitude of their trends in urban areas by comparison with those rural areas. Moreover, high-level urbanization tends to make a greater contribution to the temporal changes in precipitation extremes, indicating that urbanization effects on precipitation extremes may be related to urbanization levels. However, urbanization level shows little effect on the changes in the spatial patterns of precipitation extremes, with similar spatial distribution in different urbanization stages. Our findings highlight the important role of urbanization in precipitation extremes and offer insights into the feedback of anthropogenic changes into variations in precipitation extremes.
Amino acid composition of beef obtained from cattle of beef breeds
Authors:   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Kurgan State Agricultural Academy named after T. S. Maltsev”, Russia, Kurgan region, Lesnikovo, Alekseeva E. I. , Leshchuk T. L. ,   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Kurgan State Agricultural Academy named after T. S. Maltsev”, Russia, Kurgan region, Lesnikovo, Lushnikov N. A. ,   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Kurgan State Agricultural Academy named after T. S. Maltsev”, Russia, Kurgan region, Lesnikovo, Kostomakhin N. M. ,   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy”, Russia, Moscow
Published: August 2022

The purpose of the research was to study the amino acid composition of beef obtained from beef cattle of Aberdeen Angus and Hereford breeds. The studies were conducted on steers of 12- and 18-month-old of Aberdeen Angus and Hereford breeds. The amino acid content was determined in an average meat sample by high-performance liquid chromatography. Samples for analysis were taken by quartering. It was found that beef obtained from Aberdeen-Angus and Hereford steers of diff erent ages was a complete product in terms of amino acid composition, which was confi rmed by the value of the protein quality index of 5,55–5,73 and 5,34–5,49, the ratio of methionine : tryptophan – 1,22 and 1,23. At the age of 12 months, the protein value of beef was higher in herdmates of Aberdeen-Angus breed by 3,78 % more than in steers of Hereford breed. The diff erence in the ratio of methionine : tryptophan was 0,81 % in favor of Hereford steers. The same content of aspartic acid in meat was found in young animals of 18 months of age of the studied breeds – 2,03 g/100 g. A comparative analysis of the concentration of essential amino acids in beef showed that Hereford steers had more valine, histidine, lysine, threonine and phenylalanine than herdmates of Aberdeen-Angus breed by 3,30; 4,26; 1,11; 7,14 (p < 0,05) and 4,76 %, respectively. The concentrations of valine, isoleucine, methionine and tryptophan were higher in Aberdeen Angus steers than in Hereford herdmates by 3,30; 2,50; 2,00 and 2,50 %, respectively. When analyzing the results of beef studies on the content of dispensable amino acids in 18-month-old steers, the advantage in concentration of alanine, glycine, glutamic acid, serine, tyrosine, cystine was in Aberdeen-Angus steers, the diff erence with the herdmates of Hereford breed was 6,50 (p < 0,05), 2,25; 8,28 (p < 0,05), 56,72 (p < 0,001), 1,10 and 9,09 % (p < 0,05), respectively. The indicator of the protein value of beef was higher in Aberdeen Angus steers by 5,11 %. The difference in the ratio of methionine: tryptophan again amounted to 0,81 % in favor of Hereford steers.
The features of morphological and biochemical blood parameters and linear growth of steers of different origin
Authors:   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Ural State Agrarian University”, Russia, Ekaterinburg, Gorelik O. V. , Kharlap S. Yu. ,   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Ural State Agrarian University”, Russia, Ekaterinburg, Gorelik A. S. ,   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Ural State Agrarian University”, Russia, Ekaterinburg, Safronov S. L. ,   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy”, Russia, Moscow
Published: August 2022

The growth of beef production is possible with an increase in the number of young cattle on rearing and fattening. In the Russian Federation over-replacement young cattle of dairy breeds are mainly used for this purpose. However, the transfer of dairy cattle breeding to industrial production technologies has led to a reduction in livestock for fattening. This raises the question of the development of specialized beef cattle breeding and the increase in the number of beef cattle. The purpose of the work was to study the features of morphobiochemical indicators of blood and linear growth of beef steers of diff erent origin. The data on the results of hematological studies of Aberdeen-Angus steers and their crossbreds with Black-and-White breed have been presented in the paper. The changes in the shaped elements and biochemical parameters of the blood by the periods of rearing steers were analyzed. It was found that crossbred animals had higher rates than their purebred herdmates. A higher content of erythrocytes and hemoglobin was observed in crossbred young animals. This indicates more intensive redox processes occurring in the body and its respiratory function, which corresponds to the increase in productivity. It was found that with the age of animals in the experimental groups, there was the decrease in the blood level of hemoglobin and erythrocytes with slight fl uctuations in leukocytes, which is a common biological pattern of growth and development of animals. With a higher level of albumins in the blood, the average daily weight gain was also higher. At 3 months of age, crossbred steers had the highest average daily gains in live weight. They had by 2,3 % higher albumin content than purebred herdmates. A comparative evaluation of the linear growth of experimental steers of the beef productivity direction revealed certain diff erences in the main measurements and conformation indices; a tendency to improve beef forms in crossbred animals was noted.