Portal Of Entry Research Articles

Oral CD8 +T RMsurveil taste buds where their local reactivation drives papillary inflammation and bitter receptor expression

Abstract Resident memory T cells (T RM) expedite pathogen detection and clearance at typical portals of pathogen entry. While paradigms in T RMbiology were largely established in a few select locations, comparatively little is known about how CD8 +T RMintegrate within the oral cavity, which encompasses a functionally organized constellation of absorptive, secretory, and chemosensory tissues. To fill this knowledge gap, we developed a Viral-Prime, Epitope-Pull (VPEP) model for locally augmenting tractable populations of oral T RMto manipulate and study. Leveraging this approach, we document CD8 +T RMwithin and surrounding taste buds and papillae of the soft palate and tongue. Reactivation of oral T cells induced discernable inflammation within taste structures that was abrogated with prior in vivoCD103 +T RMdepletion. Taste buds represent a collection of ~50–100 individual taste receptor cells (TRCs) which sense nutritive and potentially harmful dietary components. We hypothesized that reactivation of taste bud associated T RMwould provoke TRC transcriptional changes including genes involved in gustation (taste). Bulk RNAseq was performed on T RM-reactivated circumvallate papillae and soft palate; primary taste-sensing locations in mice and enriched sources of TRCs relative to other oral tissues. Here we found the significant induction of several Tas2r(bitter receptor) genes not observed in control mice or T RMreactivated buccal mucosa. Teleologically, a heightened sensitivity to bitter compounds downstream of oral T RMreactivation may represent an evolved mechanism to protect against the accidental ingestion of noxious chemicals during oral or upper respiratory tract infections when other chemosensory modalities faulter. T90 DE 022732 K99DE031014

Skin immunity during pregnancy

Abstract Pregnancy presents a challenging immunological dilemma. The maternal immune system must tolerate fetal antigens, which implies pregnancy may induce specific mechanisms of immunoregulation. Yet within this regulatory milieu, protection against pathogens must be maintained. How does the maternal immune system navigate these opposing demands? Successfully navigating this immunological dilemma is essential for supporting the reproductive fitness of the organism, and generally, the survival of any mammalian species. Of particular importance in this context are barrier tissues, like the skin, which represent the primary portal of entry for pathogens. These barrier tissues are an especially important first line of defense during pregnancy, since adaptive immunity must be regulated to tolerate the fetal antigens which distribute throughout maternal tissues. However, little is known about how immunity in barrier tissues is altered during pregnancy. Our preliminary studies have identified an increase in ceramide levels in the skin during pregnancy. Ceramides have been shown to be critical mediators of skin barrier function, and may prevent pathogens from breaching the skin. Additionally, in the setting of S. aureus infection, pregnant skin demonstrated increased infiltration of innate immune cells, as well as an increase in type I immunity among adaptive cells. Together, these data suggest that the protective mechanisms of the skin are altered during pregnancy. Further insights in this area may elucidate an especially critical role for barrier tissue immunity in defending against infection during pregancy, and may eventually help guide improved clinical strategies to prevent and treat infections in pregnant mothers. Supported by Perelman School of Medicine's Medical Scientist Training Program and intramural research funding from NIAID.

Issue Information ‐ TOC

Journal of Food ScienceVolume 88, Issue 5 p. 1781-1783 ISSUE INFORMATIONFree Access Issue Information - TOC First published: 05 May 2023 https://doi.org/10.1111/1750-3841.16598 May Online Cover: Thermal scanning of the surface areas and entry port of the wood-fired pizza oven operating in quasi-steady-state conditions with temperature data attributed to 13 zones of different surface areas, from “Semiempirical modeling of a traditional wood-fired pizza oven in quasi-steady-state operating conditions” by Aniello Falciano, Paolo Masi, and Mauro Moresi. p. 2036–2052. AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Volume88, Issue5May 2023Pages 1781-1783 RelatedInformation

Cover Caption

Journal of Food ScienceVolume 88, Issue 5 CONTENTFree Access Cover Caption First published: 05 May 2023 https://doi.org/10.1111/1750-3841.16599AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Abstract May Online Cover: Thermal scanning of the surface areas and entry port of the wood-fired pizza oven operating in quasi-steady-state conditions with temperature data attributed to 13 zones of different surface areas, from “Semiempirical modeling of a traditional wood-fired pizza oven in quasi-steady-state operating conditions” by Aniello Falciano, Paolo Masi, and Mauro Moresi. p. 2036–2052. Volume88, Issue5May 2023 RelatedInformation

Perceived Health System Challenges of Implementing Cross-Border Malaria Preventive Measures at Ports of Entry in KwaZulu-Natal.

Cross-border movements, especially from a malaria-endemic neighbour, contribute to importation of malaria, as they provide favourable conditions for malaria transmission in the receiving country. In the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province of South Africa (SA), the uMkhanyakude district is one of the endemic malaria areas where the borders are characterised by frequent cross-border movements of travellers coming into the province, mostly from Mozambique. Many studies have suggested that regional efforts through the implementation of cross-border measures are needed in both the high- and low-endemic countries to effectively address imported malaria. The implementation of cross-border measures to prevent imported malaria has led to a significant decline in malaria cases in KZN and SA; however, those measures are subjected to various challenges. This study sought to determine the health system challenges of implementing cross-border preventive measures for imported malaria at the Kosi Bay, Kwaphuza and Golela ports of entry in KZN. This inquiry consisted of a mixed methods approach, of which the qualitative component is reported here. In-depth interviews were conducted with four purposively selected health officers working at the legal and illegal ports of entry of the KZN province. Data were coded manually and then analysed using thematic data and descriptive analyses. This study identified operational and prevention challenges. The related operational challenges included travellers' non-disclosure and refusal, uncontrolled cross-border movements and poor coverage as well as shortage of staff. The prevention challenges included lack of novelty in the existing cross-border preventive measures, insecurity and illegal migration. Concerning travellers' non-disclosure and refusal to cooperate, these issues occur at the legal ports of entry of Kosi Bay and Golela, where travellers were less cooperative in disclosing their health-related information to health border officers. They were more eager to cross and attend to their business. The findings revealed a lack of new ideas in the existing cross-border measures for the prevention of imported malaria, which some scientists considered as the reason for the failure of the elimination efforts in SA. Because of the porous borders and the shortage of staff to cover all the uncontrolled entries, travellers constantly crossed without any hindrances. Porous borders exposed the people living at the border areas and travellers to insecurity, promoted criminal activities and encouraged illegal migration. Cross-border malaria preventive measures are meant to contribute to decreased travel-related disease. Failure to attain this purpose must be carefully examined and mitigation strategies implemented. The study revealed the challenges of implementing cross-border measures at the KZN ports of entry of Kosi Bay, Kwaphuza and Golela. The challenges occurred at the operational and prevention levels, which, if not effectively addressed, could impede the decrease of imported malaria in the malaria-endemic district of KZN and SA in general.

Significant EU Environmental Cases: 2021–2022

This overview covers a selection of case law relevant to EU environmental law from a pool of more than 130 judgments delivered by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) in 2021 and 2022. These are presented in two categories: ‘vertical issues’ and ‘sectoral judgments’ under which entries are listed alphabetically according to theme (for the former) and sector (for the latter). Ultimately, EU environmental case law continues to reinforce both the precautionary principle and procedural environmental rights, including via the port of entry of the Aarhus Convention1 and its implementation in the EU. Implementation of the Habitats-2, EIA3 and Wild Birds4 directives likewise continues apace, with the Court taking, what could be called, a strictly ‘environmentally protective’ view in its answer to often very technical questions in the context of those directives. The same is true for the Water Framework Directive (WFD),5 and to some degree the Waste Framework Directive.6 Yet the Court has also confirmed its strict approach to standing requirements, and a limiting view on whether air quality law grants rights to individuals.

Primary Submandibular Gland Tubercular Sialadenitis: A Case Report

Tuberculosis of the submandibular gland is a rare pathology, the diagnosis of which is difficult, given the non- pathognomic clinical presentation and the absence of diagnostic guidelines, the portal of entry can be by hematogenous route or through the excretory canal of the gland. We present the case of a 33-year-old patient who presented with recurrent submandibular sialadenitis without explanation. In order to make a diagnosis a submandibulectomy was performed. The histological study showed a tubercular epitheliogigantocellular granuloma; the patient was put on antitubercular drugs for 6 months with a good evolution.

Transport of antibody into the skin is only partially dependent upon the neonatal Fc-receptor.

The dermis is the portal of entry for most vector-transmitted pathogens, making the host's immune response at this site critical in mitigating the magnitude of infection. For malaria, antibody-mediated neutralization of Plasmodium parasites in the dermis was recently demonstrated. However, surprisingly little is known about the mechanisms that govern antibody transport into the skin. Since the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) has been shown to transcytose IgG into various tissues, we sought to understand its contribution to IgG transport into the skin and antibody-mediated inhibition of Plasmodium parasites following mosquito bite inoculation. Using confocal imaging, we show that the transport of an anti-Langerin mAb into the skin occurs but is only partially reduced in mice lacking FcRn. To understand the relevance of FcRn in the context of malaria infection, we use the rodent parasite Plasmodium berghei and show that passively-administered anti-malarial antibody in FcRn deficient mice, does not reduce parasite burden to the same extent as previously observed in wildtype mice. Overall, our data suggest that FcRn plays a role in the transport of IgG into the skin but is not the major driver of IgG transport into this tissue. These findings have implications for the rational design of antibody-based therapeutics for malaria as well as other vector-transmitted pathogens.

Phylogeographic analysis of dengue virus serotype 1 and cosmopolitan serotype 2 in Africa

ObjectivesThe origin and spread of dengue virus (DENV) circulating in Africa remain poorly characterized, with African sequences representing <1% of global sequence data. MethodsWhole genome sequencing was performed on serum samples (n = 29) from an undifferentiated fever study in 2016 in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and from febrile travelers returning from Africa. The evolutionary history of the newly acquired African DENV-1 (n = 1) and cosmopolitan genotype DENV-2 (n = 18) genomes was reconstructed using a phylogeographic, time-scaled Bayesian analysis on a curated DENV panel including all known African sequences. ResultsA minimum of 10 and eight introductions could be identified into Africa for DENV-1 and cosmopolitan DENV-2, respectively, almost all originating from Asia. Three introductions were previously unknown. The currently circulating virus comprises mainly the recently introduced clades and one long-established African clade. Robust geographical clustering suggests limited spread of DENV after each introduction. Our data identified the DRC as the source of the 2018 Angolan DENV-2 epidemic, and similarly, the 2013 Angolan DENV-1 outbreak as the origin of our DRC study. ConclusionActive genomic surveillance of DENV in Africa at the portals of entry might help early outbreak response and limit sero- and genotype spread and human disease burden.

CO1 barcodes resolve an asymmetric biphyletic clade for Diabrotica undecimpunctata subspecies and provide nucleotide variants for differentiation from related lineages using real-time PCR.

Diabrotica undecimpunctata is a multivoltine polyphagous beetle species that has long been documented as a significant agricultural pest throughout its native range in North America. This beetle can vector bacterial and viral plant pathogens that result in major losses to crops such as cucumber and soybean. Many countries outside the Americas treat D. undecimpunctata as a species of quarantine importance, while in the USA only the subspecies D. u. duodecimnotata is subject to quarantine, to prevent introduction from Mexico. Identification of D. undecimpunctata on the basis of morphology alone can be complicated given the use of conflicting characters in the description of some subspecific taxa. To better understand relationships among D. undecimpunctata subspecies and other related species, we sequenced mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 (CO1) and nuclear internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) DNA from individuals in different subspecific taxa and across different parts of the species range using museum samples and interceptions. When our data were combined with publicly available Diabrotica data, no pattern of divergence consistent with the currently recognized subspecific designations was found. In addition, we compared phylogenetic patterns in CO1 data from the congener D. virgifera to demonstrate the utility of mitochondrial data in resolving subspecies. From the CO1 data, a diagnostic real-time PCR assay was developed that could successfully identify all haplotypes within the large D. undecimpunctata clade for use in surveys and identification at ports of entry. These findings underscore the need to resolve molecular and morphological datasets into cogent, lineage-based groupings. Such efforts will provide an evolutionary context for the study of agriculturally important attributes of Diabrotica such as host preferences, xenobiotic metabolism, and natural and anthropogenic patterns of dispersal.

Pulmonary Application of Novel Antigen-Loaded Chitosan Nano-Particles Co-Administered with the Mucosal Adjuvant C-Di-AMP Resulted in Enhanced Immune Stimulation and Dose Sparing Capacity.

The most successful medical intervention for preventing infectious diseases is still vaccination. This effective strategy has resulted in decreased mortality and extended life expectancy. However, there is still a critical need for novel vaccination strategies and vaccines. Antigen cargo delivery by nanoparticle-based carriers could promote superior protection against constantly emerging viruses and subsequent diseases. This should be sustained by the induction of vigorous cellular and humoral immunity, capable of acting both at the systemic and mucosal levels. Induction of antigen-specific responses at the portal of entry of pathogens is considered an important scientific challenge. Chitosan, which is widely regarded as a biodegradable, biocompatible and non-toxic material for functionalized nanocarriers, as well as having adjuvant activity, enables antigen administration via less-invasive mucosal routes such as sublingual or pulmonic application route. In this proof of principle study, we evaluate the efficacy of chitosan nanocarriers loaded with the model antigen Ovalbumin (OVA) co-administrated with the STING agonist bis-(3',5')-cyclic dimeric adenosine monophosphate (c-di-AMP) given by pulmonary route. Here, BALB/c mice were immunized with four doses of the formulation that stimulates enhanced antigen-specific IgG titers in sera. In addition, this vaccine formulation also promotes a strong Th1/Th17 response characterized by high secretion of IFN-γ, IL-2 and IL-17, as well as induction of CD8+ T cells. Furthermore, the novel formulation exhibited strong dose-sparing capacity, enabling a 90% reduction of the antigen concentration. Altogether, our results suggest that chitosan nanocarriers, in combination with the mucosal adjuvant c-di-AMP, are a promising technology platform for the development of innovative mucosal vaccines against respiratory pathogens (e.g., Influenza or RSV) or for therapeutic vaccines.

Presence of Streptococcus pyogenes in the throat in invasive Group A Streptococcal disease: a prospective two-year study in two health districts, Finland

Purpose Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus, GAS) is an important human pathogen that can cause severe invasive (iGAS) infections. Throat carriage has been assumed to possibly lead to hematogenous seeding. Retrospective studies may estimate the incidence of throat carriage in iGAS patients inaccurately. In this study we aimed to gather data on the presence of GAS in the throat among iGAS patients in a prospective setting. Methods We conducted a prospective clinical study covering iGAS infections in adult patients in two university hospitals in Finland from June 2018 to July 2020. Recruited patients’ throats were swabbed for culture and isothermal amplification tests (IAT) to search for GAS. The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov as ID NCT03507101. Results We enrolled 45 patients. Throat swabs were obtained from 39/45 (87%) patients. Ten patients (22%) had a positive IAT for GAS. They were statistically significantly more likely to be male (9/10 [90%] vs 13/29 [45%], p = .024). Several different emm types caused the iGAS infections. Conclusions GAS was frequently observed in throat swabs of patients with iGAS infection. This may suggest that hematogenous seeding from the nasopharynx is a possible portal of entry.

Data-driven risk assessment of the incursion of African swine fever virus via pig products brought illegally into South Korea by travelers based on the temporal relationship between outbreaks in China.

Since 2018, Asian countries have been affected by the African swine fever (ASF) virus, with major socioeconomic consequences. Moreover, the number of people traveling in Asian countries has been increasing, leading to an inevitable increase in the risk of ASF spread through livestock products carried by travelers. China and South Korea have close geo-economic ties and numerous international travelers. After the ASF outbreak in China in 2018, many illegally imported pig products (IIPPs) that were confiscated from travelers from China at the port of entry in South Korea tested positive for ASF. The detection of ASF virus (ASFV)-positive IIPPs highlights the need to further assess the risk of incursion by travelers and review the existing prevention strategies. Here, we investigated the temporal relationship between ASF outbreaks in China and the detection of ASFV-positive IIPPs in randomly confiscated samples from all ports of entry, such as flights and ships to South Korea, from 2018 to 2019 using a cross-correlation analysis. Based on the significantly correlated temporal lags between the bivariate time-series data, a risk assessment model, using the Bayesian framework, was built to estimate the distribution of the parameters for the risk assessment model and the monthly probability of ASF being introduced via IIPPs from China to South Korea. ASF outbreaks in China were significantly associated with the detection of ASFV-positive IIPPs in South Korea 5 months later. Hence, the monthly probability of ASFV-infected pig products imported from China via a traveler to South Korea was estimated to be 2.00 × 10-5, corresponding to a 0.98 mean monthly probability of at least one ASF-infected pig product arriving at ports of entry via travelers, from 2018 to 2019. To our knowledge, this study is the first attempt to estimate the risk of ASF introduction via pig products carried by international travelers to all ports from neighboring countries in the Asian region using commonly exchanged observed data. The data presented in this study can be used to refine the intervention strategies to combat the spread of transboundary animal diseases.

Comparative ELISA Detection of SARS-COV-2 Monoclonal Antibodies in Patients` Serum, Saliva, and Nasal Fluid in Iraq

Precise management of COVID-19 infection and global pandemic requires a precise assay of SARS-COV-2 antibodies. Spike protein and RBD specific serum monoclonal antibodies has been known to be elicited with the currently approved mRNA vaccine for COVID-19. Since combating SARS-CoV-2 infection begins as early at the viral entry port, mediated by mucosal immunity; whether the currently approved vaccines have the capacity to elicit mucosal immunity is still to be studied. Method; We conducted our research to detect SARS-Cov-2 IgA-RBD and IgG-NCP, in a set of a randomized three patients’ groups (total 55 subjects, randomized into 20 (Non previously infected control, 20 fully vaccinated people from AlSalam teaching hospital vaccination ward upon receiving the vaccine doses, and 15 patients newly recovered from SARS-CoV-2 infection from AlShifaa quarantine hospital after remission from COVID-19 infection and preparing to discharge) in three fluid samples serum, saliva and nasal fluid, for a total of three samples per participant, to make a total of 165 samples to be tested, using a commercial immunoassay kit (Anti-SARS-CoV-2 ELISA RBD IgA, and Anti-SARS- CoV-2 NCP ELISA IgG) the study was designed to assess the immunoglobulins levels in each sample from different health status and anatomical locations to give the statistical difference and the correct conclusion regarding this study. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 24, as well as Microsoft excel version (16.0.15028), test equations were performed via Mann-Whitney U Test, as well as The Kruskal-Wallis H test, to evaluate the non-gaussian distribution among the study group, for each of the outcomes, p &lt; 0.05 was undertaken as statistically significant. Results; Our work showed that two doses of mRNA BNT162b2 vaccine Comirnaty (Pfizer/BioNTech, New York, NY, USA), elicited a robust anti SARS-CoV-2 nasal and salivary IgA and IgG monoclonal antibody protection (as compared to control 0.625 COI, the vaccinated subjects resulted in a higher median salivary concentration of IgG NCP values as 1.69 COI, with a p-value of 0.0001. same goes for median salivary concentration of IgA RBD with value of 2.875 ± 1.276, as compared to control median values of 0.667 ± 0.208), (as compared to control 0.462 ± 0.2369, the vaccinated subjects resulted in a higher median nasal concentration of IgG NCP values as 1.944 ± 0.694, with a p-value of 0.0001. Same goes for median nasal concentration of IgA RBD with value of 1.941 ± 0.53, as compared to control median values of 0.681 ± 0.226). Two injections 25 days a part shown to trigger a stronger titer of protective immunity as compared to single early shot, still it`s less robust compared to the titers measured for the recovered subjects from COVID-19 infection. Taking into consideration that there was a lack of trustable ELISA based assays with specially designed kit for this purpose, focusing on nasal and salivary secretions, the current study that our pre investigational and investigational data are consistent. The results of this study indicates that a protective antigen specific nasal and salivary monoclonal antibody, can be triggered following proper vaccination regimen with mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, so this paves the way for using mucosal protective antibodies detection kits, as a suitable alternative option as a less invasive method compared to serum investigations, for detecting the protection against SARS-Cov-2 infection, induced by vaccine. The vaccinated subjects are significantly better tested via IgA in Saliva as compared to IgG, because of the higher median values for the IgA vs IgG, 2.875 ± 1.276 and 2.083 ± 1.610 respectively with a p-value of 0.008. in a similar state the IgA is the best test for the convalescent subjects in term of nasal fluid samples investigations, as the median value are comparatively higher than median value of IgG, 2.024 ± 0.520 and 1.786 ± 1.115 respectively.

The effect of the COVID-19 lockdown on malaria transmission in South Africa

BackgroundFor a country such as South Africa which is targeting malaria elimination, mobile and migrant populations pose a substantial risk to importation of malaria parasites. It has been hypothesized that halting cross-border movement of mobile and migrant populations will decrease the importation of malaria, however this option is not a politically, operationally, and financially viable prospect. It has social impacts as well, since families live on either side of the border and preventing travel will challenge family ties. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and closure of ports of entry (land and air) for non-essential travel into South Africa, a unique opportunity arose to test the hypothesis.MethodologyAn interrupted time series analysis was done to assess whether the post-lockdown trends (April–December 2020) in monthly reported imported and local cases differed from the pre-lockdown trends (January 2015–March 2020). The analysis was conducted separately for KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo provinces.ResultsOn average, imported cases were lower in the post-intervention period in all three provinces, and local cases were lower in Mpumalanga and Limpopo, though no results were statistically significant.ConclusionSince population movement continued after the travel restrictions were lifted, border screening with testing and treating should be considered for reducing parasite movement. Another option is reducing malaria cases at the source in neighbouring countries by implementing proven, effective vector and parasite control strategies and through a downstream effect reduce malaria entering South Africa.

ENT Manifestation of Covid-19: An experience at a tertiary care medical teaching institute of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Aim: To determine the frequency of ear, nose and throat related disorders of covid disease in PCR proven positive Covid-19 patients. Methods: This prospective study included 320 Covid-19 positive patients and was conducted at ENT Department of MTI Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar from May 1, 2021 to April 30, 2022. The acute phase of covid-19 was taken as the time interval between the onsets of symptoms as day 1 today 30th post infection. Questions were asked about the following symptoms; flu, sore throat, sinus involvement, taste disturbances, smell disturbances, hoarseness and hearing loss. Clinical examination and relevant investigations were carried out to make a diagnosis. The data was documented on a proforma &amp; analyzed using SPSS 26.0 for windows to determine the frequencies of signs &amp; symptoms related to ENT. Results: A total of 320 patients were included in the study. The ages ranged from 18-50 years with mean age of 33.96 years. The age group 18-25 years mostly presented with symptoms related to ENT. Upper respiratory tract infection was the commonest symptom (60.6%) followed by sore throat (57.5%). Smell and taste disturbances accounted for in 46.3% &amp; 15.3 % of the patients respectively. Fungal rhinosinusitis was observed in 6.9% of the patients. As there is a wide variation of the ENT symptoms in covid disease, it is important to know the predictive symptoms so that appropriate measures can be adopted. Identification &amp; isolation of patients will prevent spread of disease and focused therapy and investigations. Practical implication Conclusion: The portal of entry for the SARS-CoV-2 is through the upper airway. It is important to know the symptoms related to ENT to make an early diagnosis and therefore, institute measures for management and prevention of further spread of the disease. Keywords: Covid-19, Anosmia, Dysosmia, Dysgeusia, Mucormycosis, Sore Throat

Planning and design of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, North America

The Gordie Howe International Bridge project is providing a new modern border crossing between Windsor, ON, Canada and Detroit, MI, USA. The centrepiece of the project is a 2.5 km long cable-stayed bridge with 853 m main span over the Detroit River and 220 m tall towers on both sides of the river. In addition to the bridge, the project includes ports of entry on both sides of the border and a new freeway interchange with Interstate-75 in Detroit. The project was procured as a public–private partnership that allowed the proponents to propose either a suspension or cable-stayed bridge, with the ultimate selection creating the longest cable-stayed bridge in North America. The paper outlines the need for the new border crossing and results of the environmental assessment process, as well as describing the project evolution from planning through procurement and into detailed design. The scoping of the bridge design parameters is discussed, including: comprehensive geotechnical investigation; load study to develop project-specific live loading; the approach for durability requirements to achieve a service life of 125 years; special considerations for security; wind engineering; and compliance with both Canadian and US design codes. The paper also discusses the approach to achieving an aesthetically pleasing bridge design.

Structure vs. chemistry: Alternate mechanisms for controlling leaf microbiomes.

The analysis of phyllosphere microbiomes traditionally relied on DNA extracted from whole leaves. To investigate the microbial communities on the adaxial (upper) and abaxial (lower) leaf surfaces, swabs were collected from both surfaces of two garden plants, Rhapis excelsa and Cordyline fruticosa. Samples were collected at noon and midnight and at five different locations to investigate if the phyllosphere microbial communities change with time and location. The abaxial surface of Rhapis excelsa and Cordyline fruticosa had fewer bacteria in contrast to its adaxial counterpart. This observation was consistent between noon and midnight and across five different locations. Our co-occurrence network analysis further showed that bacteria were found almost exclusively on the adaxial surface while only a small group of leaf blotch fungi thrived on the abaxial surface. There are higher densities of stomata on the abaxial surface and these openings are vulnerable ports of entry into the plant host. While one might argue about the settling of dust particles and microorganisms on the adaxial surface, we detected differences in reactive chemical activities and microstructures between the adaxial and abaxial surfaces. Our results further suggest that both plant species deploy different defence strategies to deter invading pathogens on the abaxial surface. We hypothesize that chemical and mechanical defence strategies evolved independently for harnessing and controlling phyllosphere microbiomes. Our findings have also advanced our understanding that the abaxial leaf surface is distinct from the adaxial surface and that the reduced microbial diversity is likely a consequence of plant-microbe interactions.

Port-of-Entry Simulation Model for Potential Wait Time Reduction and Air Quality Improvement: A Case Study at the Gateway International Bridge in Brownsville, Texas, USA

The mathematical study known as queueing theory has recently become a major point of interest for many government agencies and private companies for increasing efficiency. One such application is vehicle queueing at an international port-of-entry (POE). When queueing, fumes from idling vehicles negatively affect the overall health and well-being of the community, especially the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents that work at the POEs. As such, there is a need to analyze and optimize the border crossing queuing operations to minimize wait times and number of vehicles in the queue and, thus, reduce the vehicle emissions. For this research, the U.S.–Mexico POE located at The Gateway International Bridge in Brownsville, Texas, is used as a case study. Due to data privacy concerns, the hourly wait times for vehicles arriving at the border had to be extracted manually each day using a live wait time tracker online. The data extraction was performed for the month of March 2022. Using these wait times, a queueing simulation software, SIMIO, was used to develop an interactive simulation model and calibrate the service rates. The output from the SIMIO model was then used to develop an artificial neural network (ANN) to predict hourly particulate matter content with an R2 of 0.402. From the ANN, a predictive equation has been developed, which may be used by CBP to make operational decisions and improve the overall efficiency of this POE. Thus, lowering the average wait times and the emissions from idling vehicles in the queue.

Infective Endocarditis: Experience of the Cardiology Department of the Mohammed VI University Hospital

Introduction: Infective endocarditis (IE) is a rare but potentially serious disease. It causes a high mortality and a high level of morbidity and complications. Its epidemiological, clinical and microbiological characteristics have changed in recent years.&#x0D; The Aim of our Work: Is to study the epidemiological, clinical, bacteriological, ultrasonographic, therapeutic and evolutionary data of IE between January 2017 and October 2022 in the Mohammed VI University Hospital and to compare them to the global profile.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: Retrospective study including 110 patients hospitalized for a definite IE, according to the modified DUKE criteria, in the cardiology department of the Mohammed VI University Hospital over a period of 5 years and 10 months from January 2017 to October 2022.&#x0D; Results: The average age of our patients was 43 years with a male predominance. The bacterial graft was on native valve in 80% with predominance of rheumatic origin (69%), on cardiac prosthesis in 10% of patients, on healthy heart (4%) and congenital heart disease (6%). The most frequent portal of entry was dental (30%). Blood cultures were positive only in 33% of patients, isolating a staphylococcus (16%), a streptococcus (14%) and a GNB (3%). Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) showed vegetation in 108 cases, valve perforation in 7 cases, cord rupture in 1 patient and perivalvular abscess in 10 cases. Seventy-seven percent of patients had surgical treatment with a mean delay of 29 days. The overall mortality was 24% with heart failure (p&lt;0.001), renal failure (p=0.004) and neurological complications (p=0.002) as predictive factors of mortality.&#x0D; Conclusion: Infective endocarditis remains a real health problem with a consequent mortality and morbidity. The population is often young, revealing the IE by complications; its prevention is the best way to improve its prognosis.