bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measuring TiO2N and AgHEC Airborne Particle Density during a Spray Coating Process
Authors: Trabucco Sara , Koivisto Antti Joonas , Ravegnani Fabrizio , Ortelli Simona , Zanoni Ilaria , Blosi Magda , Costa Anna Luisa , Belosi Franco
Published: August 2022

Effective particle density is a key parameter for assessing inhalation exposure of engineered NPs in occupational environments. In this paper, particle density measurements were carried out using two different techniques: one based on the ratio between mass and volumetric particle concentrations; the other one based on the ratio between aerodynamic and geometric particle diameter. These different approaches were applied to both field- and laboratory-scale atomization processes where the two target NPs (N-doped TiO2, TiO2N and AgNPs capped with a quaternized hydroxyethylcellulose, AgHEC) were generated. Spray tests using TiO2N were observed to release more and bigger particles than tests with AgHEC, as indicated by the measured particle mass concentrations and volumes. Our findings give an effective density of TiO2N particle to be in a similar range between field and laboratory measurements (1.8 ± 0.5 g/cm3); while AgHEC particle density showed wide variations (3.0 ± 0.5 g/cm3 and 1.2 + 0.1 g/cm3 for field and laboratory campaigns, respectively). This finding leads to speculation regarding the composition of particles emitted because atomized particle fragments may contain different Ag-to-HEC ratios, leading to different density values. A further uncertainty factor is probably related to low process emissions, making the subtraction of background concentrations from AgHEC process emissions unreliable.
Chitosan-Modified Biochar and Unmodified Biochar for Methyl Orange: Adsorption Characteristics and Mechanism Exploration
Authors: Loc Nguyen Xuan , Tuyen Phan Thi Thanh , Mai Le Chi , Phuong Do Thi My
Published: August 2022

In this study, shrimp shell-derived chitosan (CS) and rice husk-derived biochar (RHB) were produced; CS and RHB were then used to synthesize chitosan-modified biochar (CSBC) hydrogel beads. N2 adsorption (77K), SEM-EDX and FT-IR techniques were used to evaluate the physicochemical properties of the adsorbents. A batch experiment was conducted to test the methyl orange (MO) adsorption performance of RHB and CSBC. The results showed that the MO adsorption process was strongly pH-dependent. The kinetics were well described by the pseudo-second-order and intra-particle diffusion models, assuming the chemisorption and intraparticle diffusion mechanisms govern the adsorption process. Homogeneous adsorption for MO on the surface of RHB and CSBC was also assumed since the isotherm data showed the best-fit to the Langmuir model. Under the experimental conditions of initial pH 3, dosage 0.2 g, contact time 240 min and temperature 298 K, the maximum adsorption capacity of CSBC and RHB for MO dye adsorption was 38.75 mg.g−1 and 31.63 mg.g−1, respectively. This result demonstrated that biochar had better performance after modification with chitosan, which provided more functional groups (i.e., −NH2 and −OH groups) for enhanced electrostatic interactions and complexation between MO and CSBC. Overall, CSBC is an effective adsorbent for the removal of MO from aqueous solution.
High-Throughput Phototactic Ecotoxicity Biotests with Nauplii of Artemia franciscana
Authors: Bai Yutao , Henry Jason , Karpiński Tomasz M. , Wlodkowic Donald
Published: August 2022

Analysis of sensorimotor behavioral responses to stimuli such as light can provide an enhanced relevance during rapid prioritisation of chemical risk. Due to technical limitations, there have been, however, only minimal studies on using invertebrate phototactic behaviors in aquatic ecotoxicity testing. In this work, we demonstrate an innovative, purpose-built analytical system for a high-throughput phototactic biotest with nauplii of euryhaline brine shrimp Artemia franciscana. We also, for the first time, present a novel and dedicated bioinformatic approach that facilitates high-throughput analysis of phototactic behaviors at scale with great fidelity. The nauplii exhibited consistent light-seeking behaviors upon extinguishing a brief programmable light stimulus (5500K, 400 lux) without habituation. A proof-of-concept validation involving the short-term exposure of eggs (24 h) and instar I larval stages (6 h) to sub-lethal concentrations of insecticides organophosphate chlorpyrifos (10 µg/L) and neonicotinoid imidacloprid (50 µg/L) showed perturbation in light seeking behaviors in the absence of or minimal alteration in general mobility. Our preliminary data further support the notion that phototactic bioassays can represent an attractive new avenue in behavioral ecotoxicology because of their potential sensitivity, responsiveness, and low cost.
Disinfection through Advance Oxidation Processes: Optimization and Application on Real Wastewater Matrices
Authors: Blanco-Canella Pablo , Lama Gabriela , Sanromán Mª Angeles , Pazos Marta
Published: August 2022

Disinfection is an essential and significant process for water treatment to protect the environment and human beings from pathogenic infections. In this study, disinfection through the generation of hydroxyl (Fenton process (FP)) and sulfate (Fenton-like process (FLP)) radicals was validated and optimized. The optimization was carried out in synthetic water through an experimental design methodology using the bacteria Escherichia coli as a model microorganism. Different variables were evaluated in both processes: precursor concentration (peroxymonosulfate (PMS) and H2O2), catalyst concentration (Fe+2), and pH in the Fenton process. After that, the optimized conditions (FP: 132.36 mM H2O2, 0.56 mM Fe+2 and 3.26 pH; FLP: 3.82 mM PMS and 0.40 mM Fe+2) were applied to real matrices from wastewater treatment plants. The obtained results suggest that both processes are promising for disinfection due to the high oxidant power of hydroxyl and sulfate radicals.
Worldwide Web: High Venom Potency and Ability to Optimize Venom Usage Make the Globally Invasive Noble False Widow Spider Steatoda nobilis (Thorell, 1875) (Theridiidae) Highly Competitive against Native European Spiders Sharing the Same Habitats
Authors: Rayner Sean , Vitkauskaite Aiste , Healy Kevin , Lyons Keith , McSharry Leona , Leonard Dayle , Dunbar John P. , Dugon Michel M.
Published: August 2022

Venom compositions include complex mixtures of toxic proteins that evolved to immobilize/dissuade organisms by disrupting biological functions. Venom production is metabolically expensive, and parsimonious use is expected, as suggested by the venom optimisation hypothesis. The decision-making capacity to regulate venom usage has never been demonstrated for the globally invasive Noble false widow Steatoda nobilis (Thorell, 1875) (Theridiidae). Here, we investigated variations of venom quantities available in a wild population of S. nobilis and prey choice depending on venom availability. To partially determine their competitiveness, we compared their attack rate success, median effective dose (ED50) and lethal dose (LD50), with four sympatric synanthropic species: the lace webbed spider Amaurobius similis, the giant house spider Eratigena atrica, the missing sector orb-weaver Zygiella x-notata, and the cellar spider Pholcus phalangioides. We show that S. nobilis regulates its venom usage based on availability, and its venom is up to 230-fold (0.56 mg/kg) more potent than native spiders. The high potency of S. nobilis venom and its ability to optimize its usage make this species highly competitive against native European spiders sharing the same habitats.
Bioactive Metabolite Production in the Genus Pyrenophora (Pleosporaceae, Pleosporales)
Authors: Masi Marco , Zorrilla Jesús García , Meyer Susan
Published: August 2022

The genus Pyrenophora includes two important cereal crop foliar pathogens and a large number of less well-known species, many of which are also grass pathogens. Only a few of these have been examined in terms of secondary metabolite production, yet even these few species have yielded a remarkable array of bioactive metabolites that include compounds produced through each of the major biosynthetic pathways. There is little overlap among species in the compounds identified. Pyrenophora tritici-repentis produces protein toxin effectors that mediate host-specific responses as well as spirocyclic lactams and at least one anthraquinone. Pyrenophora teres produces marasmine amino acid and isoquinoline derivatives involved in pathogenesis on barley as well as nonenolides with antifungal activity, while P. semeniperda produces cytochalasans and sesquiterpenoids implicated in pathogenesis on seeds as well as spirocyclic lactams with phytotoxic and antibacterial activity. Less well-known species have produced some unusual macrocyclic compounds in addition to a diverse array of anthraquinones. For the three best-studied species, in silico genome mining has predicted the existence of biosynthetic pathways for a much larger array of potentially toxic secondary metabolites than has yet been produced in culture. Most compounds identified to date have potentially useful biological activity.
New Soliton Solutions of Time-Fractional Korteweg–de Vries Systems
Authors: Qayyum Mubashir , Ahmad Efaza , Riaz Muhammad Bilal , Awrejcewicz Jan , Saeed Syed Tauseef
Published: August 2022

Model construction for different physical situations, and developing their solutions, are the major characteristics of the scientific work in physics and engineering. Korteweg–de Vries (KdV) models are very important due to their ability to capture different physical situations such as thin film flows and waves on shallow water surfaces. In this work, a new approach for predicting and analyzing nonlinear time-fractional coupled KdV systems is proposed based on Laplace transform and homotopy perturbation along with Caputo fractional derivatives. This algorithm provides a convergent series solution by applying simple steps through symbolic computations. The efficiency of the proposed algorithm is tested against different nonlinear time-fractional KdV systems, including dispersive long wave and generalized Hirota–Satsuma KdV systems. For validity purposes, the obtained results are compared with the existing solutions from the literature. The convergence of the proposed algorithm over the entire fractional domain is confirmed by finding solutions and errors at various values of fractional parameters. Numerical simulations clearly reassert the supremacy and capability of the proposed technique in terms of accuracy and fewer computations as compared to other available schemes. Analysis reveals that the projected scheme is reliable and hence can be utilized with other kernels in more advanced systems in physics and engineering.
sunRunner1D: A Tool for Exploring ICME Evolution through the Inner Heliosphere
Authors: Riley Pete , Ben-Nun Michal
Published: August 2022

Accurate forecasts of the properties of interplanetary coronal mass ejections (ICMEs) prior to their arrival at Earth are unquestionably a key goal for space weather. Currently, there are several promising techniques for accomplishing this, including the more focused but limited objective of predicting the time of arrival (ToA) of the ICME at Earth. In this study, we describe a new tool, sunRunner1D, with the initial goal of being able to reproduce the structure and evolution of four categories of CMEs as they propagate from the corona to 1 AU. We demonstrate that sunRunner1D can reproduce the essential properties of these ICMEs to varying degrees of success. We suggest that, ultimately, this tool could assist operational forecasters in predicting space weather events, and their associated geomagnetic consequences. In the nearer term, we anticipate that it could potentially provide useful forecasts for ToA.
Generating CP Violation from a Modified Fridberg-Lee Model
Authors: Razzaghi Neda , Rasouli Seyed Meraj Mousavi , Parada Paulo , Moniz Paulo
Published: August 2022

The overall characteristics of the solar and atmospheric neutrino oscillations are approximately consistent with a tribimaximal form of the mixing matrix U of the lepton sector. Exact tribimaximal mixing leads to θ13=0. However, the results from the Daya Bay and RENO experiments have established, such that in comparison to the other neutrino mixing angles, θ13 is small. Moreover, the atmospheric and solar mass splitting differ by two orders of magnitude. These significant differences constitutes the great enthusiasm and main motivation for our research herein reported. Keeping the behavior of U as tribimaximal, we would make a response to the following questions: at some level, whether or not the small parameters such as the solar neutrino mass splitting and Ue3, which vanish in a new framework, can be interpreted as a modified FL neutrino mass model? Subsequently, a minimal single perturbation leads to nonzero values for both of them? Our minimal perturbation matrix is constructed solely from computing the third mass eigenstate, using the rules of perturbation theory. Let us point out that, unlike other investigations, this matrix is not adopted on an ad hoc basis, but is created following a series of steps that we will describe. Also in compared to the original FL neutrino mass model which generalize it by inserting phase factors, our work is more accurate. Subsequently, we produce the following results that add new contributions to the literature: (a) we obtain a realistic neutrino mixing matrix with δ≠0 and θ23=45∘; (b) the solar mass splitting term is dominated by an imaginary term, which could induce the existence of Majorana neutrinos, along with explaining a large CP violation in nature; (c) the ordering of the neutrino masses is normal; however, at the end of the allowed range, it becomes more degenerate (97%); (d) we also obtain the allowed range of the mass parameters, which not only are in accordance with the experimental data but also allow falsifiable predictions for the masses of the neutrinos and the CP violating phases which none of these results has been achieved in the original FL neutrino mass model. Finally, let us emphasize that the results obtained by our framework here are much more efficient compared to those obtained in previous works in terms of currently available experimental data (namely, the best fit column).
Path Integral Action for a Resonant Detector of Gravitational Waves in the Generalized Uncertainty Principle Framework
Authors: Sen Soham , Bhattacharyya Sukanta , Gangopadhyay Sunandan
Published: August 2022

The Heisenberg uncertainty principle is modified by the introduction of an observer-independent minimal length. In this work, we have considered the resonant gravitational wave detector in the modified uncertainty principle framework, where we have used the position momentum uncertainty relation with a quadratic order correction only. We have then used the path integral approach to calculate an action for the bar detector in the presence of a gravitational wave and then derived the Lagrangian of the system, leading to the equation of motion for the configuration-space position coordinate in one dimension. We then find a perturbative solution for the coordinate of the detector for a circularly polarized gravitational wave, leading to a classical solution of the same for the given initial conditions. Using this classical form of the coordinate of the detector, we finally obtain the classical form of the on-shell action describing the harmonic oscillator–gravitational wave system. Finally, we have obtained the free particle propagator containing the quantum fluctuation term considering gravitational wave interaction.
Progress in the Composite View of the Newton Gravitational Constant and Its Link to the Planck Scale
Authors: Haug Espen Gaarder
Published: August 2022

The Newtonian gravity constant G plays a central role in gravitational theory. Researchers have, since at least the 1980s, tried to see if the Newton gravitational constant can be expressed or replaced with more fundamental units, such as the Planck units. However, it was already pointed out in 1987 that this led to a circular problem; namely, that one must know G to find the Planck units, and that it is therefore of little or no use to express G through the Planck units. This is a view repeated in the literature in recent years, and is held by the physics’ community. However, we will claim that the circular problem was solved a few years ago. In addition, when one expresses the mass from the Compton wavelength formula, this leads to the conclusion that the three universal constants of G, h, and c now can be replaced with only lp and c to predict observable gravitational phenomena. While there have been several review papers on the Newton gravitational constant, for example, about how to measure it, we have not found a single review paper on the composite view of the gravitational constant. This paper will review the history of, as well as recent progress in, the composite view of the gravitational constant. This should hopefully be a useful supplement in the ongoing research for understanding and discussion of Newton’s gravitational constant.
Batai Orthobunyavirus: An Emerging Mosquito-Borne Virus in Europe
Authors: Mansfield Karen L. , Folly Arran J. , Hernández-Triana Luis M. , Sewgobind Sanam , Johnson Nicholas
Published: August 2022

Batai virus (BATV) is a zoonotic orthobunyavirus transmitted by a wide range of mosquito vectors. The virus is distributed throughout Asia and parts of Africa and has been sporadically detected in several European countries. There is increasing evidence that BATV is emerging in Europe as a potential threat to both animal and human health, having been detected in mosquitoes, mammals, birds and humans. In recent years, serological surveillance in cattle, sheep and goats has suggested an antibody prevalence of up to 46% in European livestock, although human serological prevalence remains generally low. However, the recent and continued spread of invasive mosquito species into Europe may facilitate the establishment of competent populations of mosquitoes leading to increased BATV transmission. Migratory birds may also potentially facilitate the emergence of BATV in geographical locations where it was previously undetected. Although BATV has the potential to cause disease in humans and livestock, our understanding of the impact in wild animal populations is extremely limited. Therefore, there is a need for increased surveillance for BATV in mosquitoes, livestock, wild mammals and birds in Europe to understand the true impact of this virus.
A Glance at the Development and Patent Literature of Tecovirimat: The First-in-Class Therapy for Emerging Monkeypox Outbreak
Authors: Almehmadi Mazen , Allahyani Mamdouh , Alsaiari Ahad Amer , Alshammari Mohammed Kanan , Alharbi Abrar Saleh , Hussain Khansa Hamza , Alsubaihi Lojain Ibrahim , Kamal Mehnaz , Alotaibi Shahad Saleh , Alotaibi Atheer Nasser , Aldhafeeri Afeefah Awaid , Imran Mohd
Published: August 2022

Monkeypox disease (MPX) is currently considered a global threat after COVID-19. European Medicines Agency (EMA) approved Tecovirimat in capsule dosage form (200 mg) as the first treatment for MPX in January 2022. This article highlights Tecovirimat’s development and patent literature review and is believed to benefit the scientists working on developing MPX treatments. The literature for Tecovirimat was gathered from the website of SIGA Technologies (developer of Tecovirimat), regulatory agencies (EMA, United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA), and Health Canada), PubMed, and freely accessible clinical/patent databases. Tecovirimat was first recognized as an anti-orthopoxvirus molecule in 2002 and developed by SIGA Technologies. The USFDA and Health Canada have also recently approved Tecovirimat to treat smallpox in 2018 and 2021, respectively. The efficacy of Tecovirimat was verified in infected non-human primates (monkeys) and rabbits under the USFDA’s Animal Rule. Most clinical studies have been done on Tecovirimat’s safety and pharmacokinetic parameters. The patent literature has revealed inventions related to the capsule, injection, suspension, crystalline forms, amorphous form, and drug combinations (Tecovirimat + cidofovir) and process for preparing Tecovirimat. The authors foresee the off-label use of Tecovirimat in the USA and Canada for MPX and other orthopoxvirus infections. The authors also trust that there is immense scope for developing new Tecovirimat-based treatments (new drug combinations with other antivirals) for orthopoxvirus and other viral diseases. Drug interaction studies and drug resistance studies on Tecovirimat are also recommended. Tecovirimat is believed to handle the current MPX outbreak and is a new hope of biosecurity against smallpox or orthopoxvirus-related bioterrorism attack.
Chikungunya Virus Shedding in Semen: A Case Series
Authors: Martins Ezequias B. , de Bruycker-Nogueira Fernanda , Rodrigues Cintia D. S. , Santos Carolina C. , Sampaio Simone A. , Fabri Allison A. , Guerra-Campos Vinícius , Mares-Guia Maria Angélica M. , Faria Nieli R. C. , Santos Aline S. , Pinto Marcelle A. S. , Silva Michele F. B. , Moraes Isabella C. V. , Pina-Costa Anielle , Filippis Ana Maria B. , Brasil Patrícia , Calvet Guilherme A.
Published: August 2022

Background: Chikungunya is a viral disease that is transmitted by mosquitoes. It is characterized by an acute onset of fever and severe arthralgia. Methods: We describe six cases of acute and post-acute chikungunya in which viral RNA was detected in semen. Conclusions: The most prolonged detection period was 56 days after illness onset. We attempted to cultivate positive semen samples, but virus isolation was unsuccessful in all cases.
Pro-Inflammatory Profile of Children Exposed to Maternal Chikungunya Virus Infection during the Intrauterine Period: A One-Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Faustino Renan , Carvalho Fabiana Rabe , Medeiros Thalia , Familiar-Macedo Débora , Vianna Renata Artimos de Oliveira , Leite Paulo Emílio Côrrea , Pereira Isabela Resende , Cardoso Claudete Aparecida Araújo , De Azeredo Elzinandes Leal , Silva Andrea Alice
Published: August 2022

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) vertical transmission occurs due to maternal viremia in the prepartum. Clinical presentation in neonates can be varied; however, the consequences of intrauterine exposure on the immune response are unclear. Thus, we aimed to analyze inflammatory alterations in children exposed to maternal CHIKV infection. This is a cross-sectional study that included children exposed to maternal CHIKV infection (confirmed by RT-qPCR and/or IgM). Circulant immune mediators were analyzed by a multiplex assay. RESULTS: We included 33 children, with a mean age of 3 ± 2.9 months-old, and 19 (57.6%) were male. Only one child presented neurological alterations. CHIKV-exposed infants showed elevated levels of MIP-1α, MIP-1β, and CCL-2 (p < 0.05). Pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNFα, IL-6, and IL-7 (p < 0.0001) were also increased. In addition, lower levels of PDGF-BB and GM-CSF were observed in the same group (p < 0.0001). Principal component (PC) analysis highlighted a distinction in the inflammatory profile between groups, where PC explained 56.6% of the alterations. Our findings suggest that maternal exposure to CHIKV can affect the circulating levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines during the infants’ first year of life. The long-term clinical consequences of these findings should be investigated.
Effects of Non-Virion Gene Expression Level and Viral
Genome Length on the Replication and Pathogenicity of Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia Virus
Authors: Abdellaoui Najib , Kim Seon Young , Kim Ki Hong , Kim Min Sun
Published: August 2022

Fish novirhabdoviruses, including viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV), hirame rhabdovirus (HIRRV), and infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV), harbor a unique non-virion (NV) gene that is crucial for efficient replication and pathogenicity. The effective levels and the function of the N-terminal region of the NV protein, however, remain poorly understood. In the present study, several recombinant VHSVs, which completely lack (rVHSV-ΔNV) or harbor an additional (rVHSV-dNV) NV gene, were generated using reverse genetics. To confirm the function of the N-terminal region of the NV protein, recombinant VHSVs with the NV gene that gradually mutated from the start codon (ATG) to the stop codon (TGA), expressed as N-terminally truncated NV proteins (rVHSV-NV1, -NV2, and -NV3), were generated. CPE progression and viral growth analyses showed that epithelioma papulosum cyprini (EPC) cells infected with rVHSV-ΔNV or rVHSV-NV3—which did not express NV protein—rarely showed CPE and viral replication as opposed to EPC cells infected with rVHSV-wild. Interestingly, regardless of the presence of two NV genes in the rVHSV-dNV genome, EPC cells infected with rVHSV-dNV or rVHSV-A-EGFP (control) failed to induce CPE and viral replication. In EPC cells infected with rVHSV-dNV or rVHSV-A-EGFP, which harbored a longer VHSV genome than the wild-type, Mx gene expression levels, which were detected by luciferase activity assay, were particularly high; Mx gene expression levels were higher in EPC cells infected with rVHSV-ΔNV, -NV2, or -NV3 than in those infected with rVHSV-wild or rVHSV-NV1. The total amount of NV transcript produced in EPC cells infected with rVHSV-wild was much higher than that in EPC cells infected with rVHSV-dNV. However, the expression levels of the NV gene per viral particle were significantly higher in EPC cells infected with rVHSV-dNV than in cells infected with rVHSV-wild. These results suggest that the NV protein is an essential component in the inhibition of host type-I interferon (IFN) and the induction of viral replication. Most importantly, viral genome length might affect viral replication efficiency to a greater extent than does NV gene expression. In in vivo pathogenicity experiments, the cumulative mortality rates of olive flounder fingerlings infected with rVHSV-dNV or rVHSV-wild were similar (60–70%), while those of fingerlings infected with rVHSV-A-EGFP were lower. Moreover, the virulence of rVHSV-ΔNV and rVHSV, both harboring a truncated NV gene (rVHSV-NV1, -NV2, and -NV3), was completely attenuated in the olive flounder. These results suggest that viral pathogenicity is affected by the viral replication rate and NV gene expression. In conclusion, the genome length and NV gene (particularly the N-terminal region) expression of VHSVs are closely associated with viral replication in host type-I IFN response and the viral pathogenicity.
Myotis fimbriatus Virome, a Window to Virus Diversity and Evolution in the Genus Myotis
Authors: Armero Alix , Li Ruiya , Bienes Kathrina Mae , Chen Xing , Li Jihao , Xu Shiman , Chen Yanhua , Hughes Alice C. , Berthet Nicolas , Wong Gary
Published: August 2022

Significant efforts have been made to characterize viral diversity in bats from China. Many of these studies were prospective and focused mainly on Rhinolophus bats that could be related to zoonotic events. However, other species of bats that are part of ecosystems identified as virus diversity hotspots have not been studied in-depth. We analyzed the virome of a group of Myotis fimbriatus bats collected from the Yunnan Province during 2020. The virome of M. fimbriatus revealed the presence of families of pathogenic viruses such as Coronavirus, Astrovirus, Mastadenovirus, and Picornavirus, among others. The viral sequences identified in M. fimbriatus were characterized by significant divergence from other known viral sequences of bat origin. Complex phylogenetic landscapes implying a tendency of co-specificity and relationships with viruses from other mammals characterize these groups. The most prevalent and abundant virus in M. fimbriatus individuals was an alphacoronavirus. The genome of this virus shows evidence of recombination and is likely the product of ancestral host-switch. The close phylogenetic and ecological relationship of some species of the Myotis genus in China may have played an important role in the emergence of this alphacoronavirus.
Virus-like Particles as Nanocarriers for Intracellular Delivery of Biomolecules and Compounds
Authors: He Junyao , Yu Linying , Lin Xiaodi , Liu Xiaoyan , Zhang Yanming , Yang Fan , Deng Wen
Published: August 2022

Virus-like particles (VLPs) are nanostructures assemble from viral proteins. Besides widely used for vaccine development, VLPs have also been explored as nanocarriers for cargo delivery as they combine the key advantages of viral and non-viral vectors. While it protects cargo molecules from degradation, the VLP has good cell penetrating property to mediate cargo passing the cell membrane and released into cells, making the VLP an ideal tool for intracellular delivery of biomolecules and drugs. Great progresses have been achieved and multiple challenges are still on the way for broad applications of VLP as delivery vectors. Here we summarize current advances and applications in VLP as a delivery vector. Progresses on delivery of different types of biomolecules as well as drugs by VLPs are introduced, and the strategies for cargo packaging are highlighted which is one of the key steps for VLP mediated intracellular delivery. Production and applications of VLPs are also briefly reviewed, with a discussion on future challenges in this rapidly developing field.
The N-Terminal α-Helix of Potato Virus X-Encoded RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase Is Required for Membrane Association and Multimerization
Authors: Jiang Xue , Luan Yameng , Chai Mengzhu , Yang Yingshuai , Wang Yuting , Deng Wenjia , Li Yonggang , Cheng Xiaofei , Wu Xiaoyun
Published: August 2022

Positive-sense single-stranded RNA viruses replicate in virus-induced membranous organelles for maximum efficiency and immune escaping. The replication of potato virus X (PVX) takes place on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER); however, how PVX-encoded RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) is associated with the ER is still unknown. A proline-kinked amphipathic α-helix was recently found in the MET domain of RdRp. In this study, we further illustrate that the first α-helix of the MET domain is also required for ER association. Moreover, we found that the MET domain forms multimers on ER and the first α-helix is essential for multimerization. These results suggest that the RdRp of PVX adopts more than one hydrophobic motif for membrane association and for multimerization.
Resurgence of Influenza Circulation in the Russian Federation during the Delta and Omicron COVID-19 Era
Authors: Sominina Anna , Danilenko Daria , Komissarov Andrey , Karpova Ludmila , Pisareva Maria , Fadeev Artem , Konovalova Nadezhda , Eropkin Mikhail , Stolyarov Kirill , Shtro Anna , Burtseva Elena , Lioznov Dmitry
Published: August 2022

Influenza circulation was substantially reduced after March 2020 in the European region and globally due to the wide introduction of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) against COVID-19. The virus, however, has been actively circulating in natural reservoirs. In summer 2021, NPIs were loosened in Russia, and influenza activity resumed shortly thereafter. Here, we summarize the epidemiological and virological data on the influenza epidemic in Russia in 2021–2022 obtained by the two National Influenza Centers. We demonstrate that the commonly used baseline for acute respiratory infection (ARI) is no longer sufficiently sensitive and BL for ILI incidence was more specific for early recognition of the epidemic. We also present the results of PCR detection of influenza, SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses as well as antigenic and genetic analysis of influenza viruses. Influenza A(H3N2) prevailed this season with influenza B being detected at low levels at the end of the epidemic. The majority of A(H3N2) viruses were antigenically and genetically homogenous and belonged to the clade 3C.2a1b.2a.2 of the vaccine strain A/Darwin/9/2021 for the season 2022–2023. All influenza B viruses belonged to the Victoria lineage and were similar to the influenza B/Austria/1359417/2021 virus. No influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and influenza B/Yamagata lineage was isolated last season.
The African Swine Fever Isolate ASFV-Kenya-IX-1033 Is Highly Virulent and Stable after Propagation in the Wild Boar Cell Line WSL
Authors: Hemmink Johanneke D. , Abkallo Hussein M. , Henson Sonal P. , Khazalwa Emmanuel M. , Oduor Bernard , Lacasta Anna , Okoth Edward , Riitho Victor , Fuchs Walter , Bishop Richard P. , Steinaa Lucilla
Published: August 2022

We describe the characterization of an African swine fever genotype IX virus (ASFV-Kenya-IX-1033), which was isolated from a domestic pig in western Kenya during a reported outbreak. This includes the efficiency of virus replication and in vivo virulence, together with genome stability and virulence, following passage in blood macrophages and in a wild boar lung cell line (WSL). The ASFV-Kenya-IX-1033 stock retained its ability to replicate in primary macrophages and retained virulence in vivo, following more than 20 passages in a WSL. At the whole genome level, a few single-nucleotide differences were observed between the macrophage and WSL-propagated viruses. Thus, we propose that the WSL is suitable for the production of live-attenuated ASFV vaccine candidates based on the modification of this wild-type isolate. The genome sequences for ASFV-Kenya-IX-1033 propagated in macrophages and in WSL cells were submitted to GenBank, and a challenge model based on the isolate was developed. This will aid the development of vaccines against the genotype IX ASFV circulating in eastern and central Africa.
Comparing Current and Next-Generation Humanized Mouse Models for Advancing HIV and HIV/Mtb Co-Infection Studies
Authors: Lepard Madeleine , Yang Jack X. , Afkhami Sam , Nazli Aisha , Zganiacz Anna , Tang Shangguo , Choi Margaret Wa Yan , Vahedi Fatemah , Deshiere Alexandre , Tremblay Michel J. , Xing Zhou , Kaushic Charu , Gillgrass Amy
Published: August 2022

In people living with HIV, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is the major cause of death. Due to the increased morbidity/mortality in co-infection, further research is urgently required. A limiting factor to research in HIV and HIV/Mtb co-infection is the lack of accessible in vivo models. Next-generation humanized mice expressing HLA transgenes report improved human immune reconstitution and functionality, which may better recapitulate human disease. This study compares well-established huNRG mice and next-generation HLA I/II-transgenic (huDRAG-A2) mice for immune reconstitution, disease course, and pathology in HIV and TB. HuDRAG-A2 mice have improved engraftment of key immune cell types involved in HIV and TB disease. Upon intravaginal HIV-1 infection, both models developed significant HIV target cell depletion in the blood and tissues. Upon intranasal Mtb infection, both models sustained high bacterial load within the lungs and tissue dissemination. Some huDRAG-A2 granulomas appeared more classically organized, characterized by focal central necrosis, multinucleated giant cells, and foamy macrophages surrounded by a halo of CD4+ T cells. HIV/Mtb co-infection in huNRG mice trended towards worsened TB pathology and showed potential for modeling co-infection. Both huNRG and huDRAG-A2 mice are viable options for investigating HIV and TB, but the huDRAG-A2 model may offer advantages.
A Comparative Analysis of Influenza-Associated Disease Burden with Different Influenza Vaccination Strategies for the Elderly Population in South Korea
Authors: Choi Min Joo , Yun Jae-Won , Song Joon Young , Ko Karam , Mould Joaquin F. , Cheong Hee Jin
Published: August 2022

Influenza affects all age groups, but the risk of hospitalization and death due to influenza is strongly age-related and is at its highest among the elderly aged 65 years and older. The objective of this study is to compare the differences in influenza-associated disease burden under three different influenza vaccination strategies—the standard-dose quadrivalent influenza vaccine (QIV), high-dose QIV (HD-QIV), and MF59®-adjuvanted QIV (aQIV)—for the elderly population aged 65 years and older in South Korea. A one-year decision-tree model was developed to compare influenza disease burdens. The input data for the model were obtained from published literature reviews and surveillance data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). The analysis indicated that aQIV is more effective than QIV, preventing 35,390 influenza cases, 1602 influenza-associated complications, 709 influenza-associated hospitalizations, and 145 influenza-associated deaths annually. Additionally, aQIV, when compared to HD-QIV, also reduced the influenza-associated burden of disease, preventing 7247 influenza cases, 328 influenza-associated complications, 145 influenza-associated hospitalizations, and 30 influenza-associated deaths annually. Switching the vaccination strategy from QIV to aQIV is predicted to reduce the influenza-associated disease burden for the elderly in South Korea. The public health gains from aQIV and HD-QIV are expected to be comparable. Future studies comparing the effectiveness of the vaccines will further inform future vaccination strategies for the elderly in South Korea.
Declining Epstein-Barr Virus Antibody Prevalence in College Freshmen Strengthens the Rationale for a Prophylactic EBV Vaccine
Authors: Balfour Henry H. , Meirhaeghe Madeline R. , Stancari Arianna L. , Geris Jennifer M. , Condon Lawrence M. , Cederberg Laurel E.
Published: August 2022

Background: To better understand the epidemiology of primary Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and to identify EBV-naïve candidates eligible to receive a prophylactic EBV vaccine, we screened freshmen from the University of Minnesota Class of 2025 for circulating EBV antibody, which is indicative of previous infection. This permitted us to compare their EBV antibody prevalence with that of 4 other freshman classes (Classes of 2010, 2011, 2016, 2021) that have been previously published. Methods: Freshman students were recruited during screening sessions in the residence halls. Venous blood was collected and the serum fraction tested for IgG antibody against EBV viral capsid antigen (VCA IgG) using commercial enzyme immunoassays. Results: All classes combined, 1196 participants were tested (female, 677; male, 513; did not identify gender, 6) who were 18–23 years old (median, 18; mean, 18.37). The EBV VCA IgG antibody prevalence was 58% (689/1196) and was higher in women than men. The EBV antibody prevalence of 64% (170/267) in the 2010 freshman class versus 52% (78/150) in the Class of 2025 was statistically significantly different (p = 0.0223, Fisher exact test).” Conclusions: Sufficient participants are available for a prophylactic vaccine trial. Antibody prevalence decreased over 15 years from 64% to 52%. If this trend continues, the number of EBV-naïve adolescents and young adults who are in the age group most susceptible to infectious mononucleosis will increase, strengthening the rationale to develop an effective prophylactic EBV vaccine.
“I Would Never Push a Vaccine on You”: A Qualitative Study of Social Norms and Pressure in Vaccine Behavior in the U.S.
Authors: Lin Cheryl , Parker Taylor , Pejavara Kartik , Smith Danielle , Tu Rungting , Tu Pikuei
Published: August 2022

Previous researchers have established the influence of social norms on vaccine behavior. However, little work has been performed contextualizing individuals’ experience with these social factors and how they operate to persuade individuals’ acceptance or refusal of a vaccine. We aimed to determine the mechanisms of familial and societal pressure or expectations that contribute to COVID-19 vaccine decision-making. We conducted four focus groups and eleven individual interviews (total n = 32) with participants from across the U.S. of different vaccination statuses. We identified three emergent themes: (1) Altruistic reasoning was particularly prevalent among initially hesitant late adopters—the desire to protect loved ones and others constituted a dominant motive, more powerful than protecting oneself. Vaccination was also reckoned as part of a joint effort to return to normal life; hence, it invoked a sense of responsibility or “obligation”; (2) expectation often became pressure; although most vaccinated participants stated that they respected others’ choices, late adopters or unvaccinated participants perceived differently and felt rushed or “forced” into choosing, and many resented being “targeted” or “bullied”; (3) vaccination status became a new label, frequently dividing families, thus producing familial mandates, exclusions, or social stratifications. This caused sadness and feelings of isolation, along with the formation of a camaraderie among the excluded unvaccinated. A vaccine decision builds from the complexities of individuals’ experiences and cultures. The vaccinated were not free of hesitancy nor were the unvaccinated all anti-vaxxers. Vigorous vaccine promotion successfully converted some undecided individuals but also fostered distrust of government; alarmingly, the push to receive the COVID-19 vaccine further triggered doubts about established vaccines. Communication strategies need to be developed and implemented carefully so as not to ostracize the unvaccinated community and strengthen their resistance.
Healthcare Workers’ Worries and Monkeypox Vaccine Advocacy during the First Month of the WHO Monkeypox Alert: Cross-Sectional Survey in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Aljamaan Fadi , Alenezi Shuliweeh , Alhasan Khalid , Saddik Basema , Alhaboob Ali , Altawil Esraa , Alshahrani Fatimah , Alrabiaah Abdulkarim , Alaraj Ali , Alkriadees Khaled , Alshamlani Yousef , Alharbi Homood , Jamal Amr , Halwani Rabih , AlZamil Fahad , Al-Subaie Sarah , Barry Mazin , Memish Ziad , Al-Tawfiq Jaffar , Temsah Mohamad-Hani
Published: August 2022

Background: Monkeypox virus re-surged in May 2022 as a new potential global health threat, with outbreaks bursting in multiple countries across different continents. This study was conducted in Saudi Arabia during the first month following the WHO announcement of the Monkeypox outbreak, to assess healthcare workers (HCWs) perceptions of, worries concerning, and vaccine acceptance for, Monkeypox, in light of the resolving COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A national cross-sectional survey was conducted between 27 May and 10 June 2022, in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected on: HCWs’ sociodemographic and job-related characteristics; COVID-19 infection status; and worries concerning Monkeypox, compared to COVID-19 and its sources; as well as their perceptions and awareness of, and advocacy for, supporting Monkeypox vaccination. Results: A total of 1130 HCWs completed the survey, of which 41.6% have already developed COVID-19. However, 56.5% were more concerned about COVID-19 compared to Monkeypox, while the rest were more worried about Monkeypox disease. The main cause for concern among 68.8% of the participants was the development of another worldwide pandemic, post-COVID-19, followed by their concern of either themselves or their families contracting the infection (49.6%). Most HCWs (60%) rated their level of self-awareness of Monkeypox disease as moderate to high. Males, and those who had previously developed COVID-19, were significantly less likely to worry about Monkeypox. The worry about Monkeypox developing into a pandemic, and the perception of Monkeypox being a severe disease, correlated significantly positively with the odds of high worry concerning the disease. The major predictors of participants’ advocacy for vaccination against Monkeypox disease were: those who had developed COVID-19 previously; and those who supported tighter infection control measures (than those currently used) to combat the disease. A total of 74.2% of the surveyed HCWs perceived that they needed to read more about Monkeypox disease. Conclusions: Approximately half of the HCWs in this study were more concerned about Monkeypox disease than COVID-19, particularly regarding its possible progression into a new pandemic, during the first month following the WHO’s Monkeypox international alert. In addition, the majority of participants were in favor of applying tighter infection prevention measures to combat the disease. The current study highlights areas requiring attention for healthcare administrators regarding HCWs’ perceptions and preparedness for Monkeypox, especially in the event of a local or international pandemic.
Immune Evaluation of Avian Influenza Virus HAr Protein Expressed in Dunaliella salina in the Mucosa of Chicken
Authors: Castellanos-Huerta Inkar , Gómez-Verduzco Gabriela , Tellez-Isaias Guillermo , Ayora-Talavera Guadalupe , Bañuelos-Hernández Bernardo , Petrone-García Víctor Manuel , Fernández-Siurob Isidro , Velázquez-Juárez Gilberto
Published: August 2022

Avian influenza (AI) is a serious threat to the poultry industry worldwide. Currently, vaccination efforts are based on inactivated, live attenuated, and recombinant vaccines, where the principal focus is on the type of virus hemagglutinin (HA), and the proposed use of recombinant proteins of AI virus (AIV). The use of antigens produced in microalgae is a novel strategy for the induction of an immune response in the mucosal tissue. The capacity of the immune system in poultry, particularly in mucosa, plays an important role in the defense against pathogens. This system depends on a complex relationship between specialized cells and soluble factors, which confer protection against pathogens. Primary lymphoid organs (PLO), as well as lymphocytic aggregates (LA) such as the Harderian gland (HG) and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT), actively participate in a local immune response which is mainly secretory IgA (S-IgA). This study demonstrates the usefulness of subunit antigens for the induction of a local and systemic immune response in poultry via ocular application. These findings suggest that a complex protein such as HAr from AIV (H5N2) can successfully induce increased local production of S-IgA and a specific systemic immune response in chickens.
Multifunctional Plant Virus Nanoparticles for Targeting Breast Cancer Tumors
Authors: Shahgolzari Mehdi , Dianat-Moghadam Hassan , Yavari Afagh , Fiering Steven N. , Hefferon Kathleen
Published: August 2022

Breast cancer treatment using plant-virus-based nanoparticles (PVNPs) has achieved considerable success in preclinical studies. PVNP-based breast cancer therapies include non-targeted and targeted nanoplatforms for delivery of anticancer therapeutic chemo and immune agents and cancer vaccines for activation of local and systemic antitumor immunity. Interestingly, PVNP platforms combined with other tumor immunotherapeutic options and other modalities of oncotherapy can improve tumor efficacy treatment. These applications can be achieved by encapsulation of a wide range of active ingredients and conjugating ligands for targeting immune and tumor cells. This review presents the current breast cancer treatments based on PVNP platforms.
Sinonasal Meningioma in a Siberian Tiger (Panthera tigris altaica)
Authors: van der Weyden Louise , Caldwell Peter , Steyrer Christine , O’Dell Nicolize , Henning Alischa
Published: August 2022

Meningiomas are the most common primary brain tumour in dogs and cats. However, whilst there are numerous reports of extracranial (spinal, orbital and sinonasal) meningiomas in the dog, there have only been a few case reports of spinal meningiomas, and no post-mortem confirmed orbital or sinonasal meningiomas in cats. In this report, a 20-year-old captive tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) with a history of chronic ocular inflammation resulting in enucleation, spontaneously developed tetanic convulsions (epileptic seizures) that over a 2-year period resulted in a gradually worsening condition and the animal was eventually euthanized. At autopsy, a focal, expansile, neoplastic mass was found in the caudal nasal cavity midline, abutting the cribriform plate and slightly compressing the calvarium. Histological analysis revealed nasal turbinates attached to a well-circumscribed expansile multi-lobular mass consisting of interlacing whorls and streams of neoplastic cells supported by a variably fibrous to microcystic collagenous matrix displaying rare psammoma bodies. The diagnosis was sinonasal transitional meningioma. This is the first report of a captive wild felid with an extracranial meningioma, specifically a tiger with a sinonasal transitional meningioma.