Limited Protection Research Articles

Long-Term SARS-CoV-2-Specific Humoral and T Cell Responses after the BNT162b2 or BBIBP-CorV Booster and the Incidence of Breakthrough Infections among Healthcare Workers.

The effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines developed against the original virus strain deteriorated noticeably in efficacy against the Omicron variant (B.1.1.529). Moreover, the immunity developed after vaccination or due to natural infection rapidly waned. In the present study, covering this period, we summarize the incidence of breakthrough infections among healthcare workers (HCWs) with respect to administration of the three vaccine doses. Additionally, we evaluate the long-term SARS-CoV-2-specific humoral and T cell responses at two different time points: six and twelve months after receipt of the third (booster) dose. The spike-protein-specific antibody levels and the quantity of structural-protein-specific T cells were evaluated at these time points and compared with the values measured earlier, 14 days after the booster vaccination. The study participants were categorized into two cohorts: Members of the first cohort received a two-dose BNT162b2 mRNA-based vaccine regimen, followed by an additional BNT162b2 booster six months later. Individuals in the second cohort received an inactivated-virus-based BBIBP-CorV booster six months after the initial two-dose BNT162b2 vaccination. Overall, 64.3% of participants were infected with SARS-CoV-2 confirmed by PCR or antigen test; however, additional subjects from the first cohort (23%) who did not know about their previous infection but had an anti-nucleocapsid T cell response were also considered virus-experienced. According to our results, no statistically significant difference was found between the two cohorts regarding the SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell response, neutralizing anti-RBD IgG, and anti-S IgA serum antibody levels either six or twelve months after receiving the booster, despite the overall higher median values of the first cohort. The only significant difference was the higher anti-S1/S2 IgG antibody level in the first cohort one year after the BNT162b2 booster (p = 0.039). In summary, the BNT162b2 and BBIBP-CorV boosters maintain durable humoral and T cell-mediated immune memory even one year after application. Although the booster provided limited protection against Omicron breakthrough infections, as 73.6% of these infections occurred after the booster vaccination, which means 53.5% cumulative incidence, it still offered excellent protection against severe disease and hospitalization in both cohorts.

Antigenic similarities and clinical cross-protection between variant and classic non-viscous strains of Moritella viscosa in Atlantic salmon in Norway

Moritella viscosa (M. viscosa) is one of the major etiological agents of winter-ulcers in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in Norway. Outbreaks of ulcerative disease in farmed fish occur across the North Atlantic region, causing reduced animal welfare and economical challenges, and are of hindrance for sustainable growth within the industry. Commercially available multivalent core vaccines containing inactivated bacterin of M. viscosa reduce mortality and clinical signs related to winter ulcer disease. It has previously been described two major genetic clades within M. viscosa, typical (hereafter referred to as classic) and variant, based on gyrB sequencing. In addition, there are phenotypical traits such as viscosity that may differ between different types of isolates. Western blot using salmon plasma showed that classic non-viscous strains are antigenically different from the classic viscous type included in core vaccines. Further, Western blot also showed that there are similarities in binding patterns between Norwegian variant and classic non-viscous isolates, indicating they may be antigenically related. Vaccination-challenge trials using Norwegian gyrB-classic non-viscous isolates of M. viscosa, demonstrate that the isolates from the classic clade that are included in current commercial multivalent core vaccines, provide limited cross protection against the emerging non-viscous strains. However, a vaccine recently approved for marketing authorization in Norway, containing inactivated antigen of a variant M. viscosa strain, demonstrates reduced mortality as well as clinical signs caused by infections with the classic non-viscous M. viscosa isolated from outbreaks in Norwegian salmon farms. The study shows that there are antigenic similarities between variant and classic non-viscous types of M. viscosa, and these similarities are mirrored in the observed cross-protection in vaccination-challenge trials.

Safety and Immunogenicity of an In Vivo Muscle Electroporation Delivery System for DNA-hsp65 Tuberculosis Vaccine in Cynomolgus Monkeys.

A Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is still the only licensed vaccine for the prevention of tuberculosis, providing limited protection against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in adulthood. New advances in the delivery of DNA vaccines by electroporation have been made in the past decade. We evaluated the safety and immunogenicity of the DNA-hsp65 vaccine administered by intramuscular electroporation (EP) in cynomolgus macaques. Animals received three doses of DNA-hsp65 at 30-day intervals. We demonstrated that intramuscular electroporated DNA-hsp65 vaccine immunization of cynomolgus macaques was safe, and there were no vaccine-related effects on hematological, renal, or hepatic profiles, compared to the pre-vaccination parameters. No tuberculin skin test conversion nor lung X-ray alteration was identified. Further, low and transient peripheral cellular immune response and cytokine expression were observed, primarily after the third dose of the DNA-hsp65 vaccine. Electroporated DNA-hsp65 vaccination is safe but provides limited enhancement of peripheral cellular immune responses. Preclinical vaccine trials with DNA-hsp65 delivered via EP may include a combination of plasmid cytokine adjuvant and/or protein prime-boost regimen, to help the induction of a stronger cellular immune response.

Industrial Heritage in India: challenges as well as issues in its identification, protection and management

This article explores the concept of Industrial Heritage and its relevance within the Indian context. Conservation in India has unique challenges arising out of the limited protection framework, the complexity of heritage resources and limited awareness and priority. The main issues confronting the preservation of Industrial Heritage sites in India are related to its lack of identification as a cultural resource and lack of awareness in local communities due to their perception and attitudes towards it. But the question has remained as to how to generate public opinion towards the need to preserve and promote our industrial heritage in a holistic manner, for its conservation as a cultural legacy and part of our identities in this globalizing world. This article explores the challenges in documenting, protecting, restoring, and managing Industrial Heritage sites in India, drawing upon personal experience of the last 27 years in attempting to conserve them.

Increased domestic violence during the COVID‐19 pandemic: India's response

AbstractMotivationDomestic abuse of women, despite being illegal, is common in India: on average, every 4.4 minutes a woman suffers abuse. During the pandemic, owing to curfew and lockdowns, women had additional caring responsibilities, but they lacked social support. A legal system made lethargic by lockdowns, lack of safety protocols for dealing with cases of domestic violence during the pandemic, extended delays in processing cases, and limited protection for victims—all combined to increase domestic violence nationwide.PurposeWhat was the response of the Indian government to domestic violence during the COVID‐19 pandemic? We evaluate policies and interventions through the lens of intersectional feminism and social equity.Methods and approachWe review publicly available documents and scholarly journals published between 2018 and 2022. We identify the national anti‐domestic violence and state‐specific programmes offered to women in India. We critically evaluate the country's anti‐domestic violence campaign. The policy analysis draws on the cultural knowledge and professional expertise of the authors.FindingsThe government's efforts to address domestic violence during the pandemic were limited. Pre‐existing vulnerabilities such as economic hardship, the gender‐based digital divide, and strict gender roles were exacerbated by the pandemic. Although the government tried to address domestic violence, through helplines, keeping shelters open and offering virtual court sessions, it also released convicted abusers from prison, increasing women's vulnerability. Government and non‐governmental organization interventions were not scaled up to meet demand. Many programmes had little oversight and quality control, resulting in differential results that often further victimized victims of domestic violence among vulnerable populations.Policy implicationsOur findings highlight the importance of services and policies on domestic violence being explicit and sensitive to the culture and context in disaster preparedness and public health emergency planning.

Development of Self-Assembled Protein Nanocage Spatially Functionalized with HA Stalk as a Broadly Cross-Reactive Influenza Vaccine Platform.

There remains a need for the development of a universal influenza vaccine, as current seasonal influenza vaccines exhibit limited protection against mismatched, mutated, or pandemic influenza viruses. A desirable approach to developing an effective universal influenza vaccine is the incorporation of highly conserved antigens in a multivalent scaffold that enhances their immunogenicity. Here, we develop a broadly cross-reactive influenza vaccine by functionalizing self-assembled protein nanocages (SAPNs) with multiple copies of the hemagglutinin stalk on the outer surface and matrix protein 2 ectodomain on the inner surface. SAPNs were generated by engineering short coiled coils, and the design was simulated by MD GROMACS. Due to the short sequences, off-target immune responses against empty SAPN scaffolds were not seen in immunized mice. Vaccination with the multivalent SAPNs induces high levels of broadly cross-reactive antibodies of only external antigens, demonstrating tight spatial control over the designed antigen placement. This work demonstrates the use of SAPNs as a potential influenza vaccine.

Ultrathin Aerogel Micro/Nanofiber Membranes with Hierarchical Cellular Architecture for High-Performance Warmth Retention.

A low temperature environment poses significant challenges to the global economy and public health. However, the existing cold-protective materials still struggle with the trade-off between thickness and thermal resistance, resulting in poor thermal-wet comfort and limited personal cold protection performance. Here, a scalable strategy, based on electrospinning and solution casting, is developed to create aerogel micro/nanofiber membranes with a hierarchical cellular architecture by manipulating the phase separation of the charged jets and of the spreading casting solution. The integration of interconnected nanopores (30-60 nm), ultrafine fiber diameter, and high porosity, enables the aerogel micro/nanofiber membranes with lightweight, ultrathin thickness (∼0.5 mm), and superior warmth retention performance with ultralow thermal conductivity of 14.01 mW m-1 K-1. And the resultant membrane with customized semiclosed walls exhibits both striking wind resistance and satisfactory thermal-wet comfort (3.4 °C warmer than the cutting-edge thermal underwear). This work will inspire the design and development of high-performance fibrous materials for thermal management applications.

Using a systems perspective to examine child protection systems and practice: A scoping review on child abandonment and institutionalisation in the Maghreb

The Maghreb (Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco (including Western Sahara), Tunisia) has high rates of child maltreatment and child abandonment, leading to high rates of child institutionalisation. This review aims to provide an estimate of the prevalence of children in institutions in the countries of the Maghreb and to compare and contrast the child protection systems in the region. Using a scoping review approach, we identified 44 relevant studies from databases including Academic Search Premiere, Africa-Wide Information, Policy file Index, Google, and Google Scholar. Estimated children in institutions were as follows: Algeria 550,000, Libya 80–145,000, Mauritania 45,850, Morocco 471,006, and Tunisia 140,000. Common elements included limited child protection resources, lack of transparent databases, limited separation between religion and state, Shariah's influence on social and cultural norms, and a kafala system, an Islamically prescribed from of permanent guardianship for abandoned children. Mauritania and Tunisia had dedicated child protection codes, and all countries except Libya reported to the CRC. The literature indicates that components of the child protection systems in the countries of the Maghreb are fragmented with competing purposes, prioritising existing communitarian cultural mores over child protection. High rates of child abandonment and institutionalisation in the region result from inadequate child safeguarding structures and the stigmatisation of unmarried mothers and their children. Kafala, is a common element of Maghrebian child protection systems, with little alternative care provision, such as foster care. The scoping review highlights the opportunity to develop and adapt existing child safeguarding and alternative care structures and practice between countries of the Maghreb. Intra-regional research is urgently needed to facilitate changes and reduce rates of child abandonment and institutionalisation.

Recruitment of naive CD4+ T cells by the recombinant zoster vaccine correlates with persistent immunity.

Herpes zoster (HZ) is a substantial problem for people with decreased cell-mediated immunity, including older adults. The first vaccine approved for HZ prevention, the zoster vaccine live (ZVL), which provided limited and short-lived protection, has been supplanted by the superior recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV), which provides robust and durable protection. To understand the mechanisms underlying the differential immunologic characteristics of the 2 vaccines, we used T cell receptor β chain sequencing and peptide-MHC class II tetramer staining to analyze recombinant glycoprotein E-specific (gE-specific) CD4+ T cell clonotypes in RZV and ZVL recipients. Compared with ZVL, RZV expanded more gE-specific CD4+ clonotypes, with greater breadth and higher frequency of public clonotypes. RZV recruited a higher proportion of clonotypes from naive than from memory cells, while ZVL recruited equally from memory and naive compartments. Compared with memory-derived, naive-derived clonotypes were more likely to last 5 or more years after immunization. Moreover, the frequency of tetramer+ persistent clones correlated with the frequency of tetramer+ naive CD4+ prevaccination T cells. We conclude that the ability of RZV to recruit naive CD4+ T cells into the response may contribute to the durability of its effect. The abundance, breadth, and frequency of public clonotypes may further add to its protective effect.

Methods for the control of the soil-borne pathogen Ceratocystis fimbriata on sweet potato: A mini review

Ceratocystis fimbriata is a hazardous fungal pathogen that causes black rot disease in sweet potato roots, leading to devastating losses during sweet potato growth and storage. All methods for managing C. fimbriata on sweet potatoes based on synthetic fungicides, biocontrol agents, coatings, and natural compounds are reviewed for the first time. The advantages and disadvantages of the different methods have been discussed, and their efficacy has been compared. The synthetic fungicides carbendazim, flutriafol, liguoling, Stadium®, thiabendazole, and thiophanate methyl, in addition to Bacillus strains, showed the greatest inhibitory activity. Bacillus strains possess an advantage over synthetic fungicides due to the detrimental impact of the studied fungicides on human health. The application of filamentous fungi and yeasts as biocontrol agents for C. fimbriata management has not yet been investigated. The coatings exhibited limited protection, and none of them were combined with nanoparticles or essential oils. Although the natural compounds perillaldehyde and nerol are inexpensive and non-toxic, they showed low efficacy. All management strategies have been used on postharvest sweet potatoes and sweet potato leaves; however, there are no approaches for controlling C. fimbriata in roots during plant growth. Even though several methods for controlling C. fimbriata on sweet potatoes have been reported in recent years, numerous knowledge gaps impede the development of effective and safe approaches.

ANALYSING THE CONDITIONS FOR ESTABLISHING VICARIOUS LIABILITY IN MALAYSIA

Amidst the realm of employment scenarios, there are cases where an employee’s actions caused injury to their victims. Generally, an employer may be held vicariously liable for its employee’s actions, subject to several conditions. The research found that while the concept of vicarious liability has been long recognised in Malaysia, there is still a question over the test used by the court in determining “the course of employment.” The test to determine “the course of employment” has evolved over time, transitioning from “frolic of his own” to a “close connection test,” as affirmed in GMP Kaisar Security (M) Sdn Bhd v Mohamad Amirul Amin Bin Mohamed Amir [2022] 6 MLJ 369. In this case, the Federal Court held that the employee’s shooting was closely connected to his employment, and that it would be fair and just to hold the employer vicariously liable, despite the fact that his actions may have been unauthorised by the employer. However, this flexible approach may offer limited protection to the latter. This research therefore aims to analyse the conditions for establishing vicarious liability in Malaysia, particularly the test employed by the court, to determine whether the defendant’s actions fall within the course of employment. This research adopts a doctrinal approach involving a detailed analysis of the relevant case law and scholarly writing related to this area. Keyword(s) : employment; vicarious liability; close connection test; liable; protection

Evaluating the Effectiveness of COVID-19 Vaccines in Adults with Sickle Cell Disease during the Omicron Period of COVID-19 Pandemic

BACKGROUND: The Omicron variant, one of the variants causing the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19), was first identified in November 2021 and became the predominant variant in 2022. Although causing less severe disease, this variant and its subvariants have been associated with increased transmissibility and limited protection despite vaccination and prior infection (PMID: 35622357). Individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD) are particularly at greater risk of severe illness and death (PMID: 35060794). As more people with SCD are getting vaccinated and restrictions are being lifted during the Omicron period of the pandemic, the impact on this group has yet to be extensively studied. The study aims to determine the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination during this period among individuals with SCD. Additionally, the study aims to examine various factors that can influence the likelihood of COVID-19 infection and severity among SCD individuals. METHODS: This multicenter retrospective study was conducted at three hospital centers in Michigan. A total of 101 SCD adult patients (age ≥ 18 years old) who had emergency and inpatient encounters from January 1 to December 31, 2022, were included in the study. Electronic medical records were reviewed to gather patient data such as demographics, details of COVID-19 infection, underlying comorbidities, and other clinical information, while the immunization registry in Michigan was used to obtain COVID-19 vaccination status. Multivariable regression analysis was conducted to determine the clinical correlation between COVID-19 vaccination status and infection and to examine various factors influencing COVID-19 severity. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 28.0 statistical software, and a p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Of the 101 adults with SCD included in the study, 97 % were Black, with a mean age of 40 years. The majority had the hemoglobin SC (54%) or SS (35%) genotype. 42 individuals with SCD and confirmed COVID-19 were identified. The most reported chief complaints in the emergency rooms at the time of COVID-19 diagnosis were myalgia and chest pain. Interestingly, individuals with SCD and a history of acute chest syndrome were over 3 times more likely to have a COVID-19 infection diagnosis than those without a history of acute chest syndrome (OR=3.68, 95% CI=1.47-9.17). This was likely due to a significant overlap between the symptoms of acute chest syndrome and COVID-19 warranting emergency care visits. 47.5 % of the individuals with SCD were vaccinated by December 2022. Among these, 12.5% were partially vaccinated, 50% were fully vaccinated, and 37.5% had a booster. COVID-19 infection was significantly higher among the nonvaccinated compared to vaccinated individuals (55% vs. 27%, p=0.01). The mean interval days from the latest dose of COVID-19 vaccination to COVID-19 infection was 297.9 ± 160.5 days. The study found that COVID-19 vaccination lowered the infection risk among SCD individuals by over 70% if they have received at least one dose of the vaccine (OR=0.27, 95% CI=0.10-0.77). There was also a significant difference in preventing COVID-19 infection among the different vaccination subgroups of partial, full, and booster (33% vs. 25% vs. 28%, p=0.045).The results of the multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that none of the factors, such as obesity, pre-existing cardiac history, pulmonary history, renal disease, stroke, or transient ischemic attack, were found to be significantly associated with COVID-19 severity in this sample population. CONCLUSION: Receiving at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine can offer protection among individuals with SCD, even with the emergence of Omicron and its subvariants during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, it is crucial that individuals with SCD remain vigilant and seek medical care if they experience chest pain, as this could be the only symptom of COVID-19 among this population.

The generation of hemagglutinin monoclonal antibodies against H9N2 influenza virus

H9N2 avian influenza viruses (AIVs) are widely distributed, causing continuous outbreaks in poultry and sporadic infections in humans. Vaccination is the primary method used to prevent and control H9N2 AIV infection. However, the ongoing evolution and mutation of AIVs often result in limited protection effects from vaccines. Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting influenza viruses offer a promising alternative. In this study, we immunized mice with inactivated H9N2-W1 virus, and we screened and acquired five mAbs, namely 4D12, F4, 5C8, 2G8 and A11. We showed that all five mAbs specifically targeted the HA protein of various H9N2 AIV strains. In vitro neutralization tests demonstrated that all five mAbs exhibited neutralization activity against H9N2 AIVs, with mAb F4 displaying the most potent neutralization effect. The F4 mAb exhibited dose-dependent preventive and therapeutic effects against lethal H9N2-115 infection, and the administration of F4 at a dose of 3 μg/g provided complete protection in vivo. Our study presents an alternative approach for preventing and controlling H9N2 AIV infection. Furthermore, the identified F4 mAb holds promise as a solution to potential pandemics in humans caused by H9N2 AIVs.

The Impact of Climate on the Energetics of Overwintering Paper Wasp Gynes (Polistes dominula and Polistes gallicus).

Gynes of paper wasps (Polistes sp.) spend the cold season in sheltered hibernacles. These hibernacles protect against predators and adverse weather conditions but offer only limited protection against low temperatures. During overwintering diapause, wasps live on the energy they store. We investigated the hibernacles' microclimate conditions of species from the Mediterranean (Italy, P. dominula, P. gallicus) and temperate (Austria, P. dominula) climates in order to describe the environmental conditions and calculate the energetic demand of overwintering according to standard metabolic rate functions. The temperatures at the hibernacles differed significantly between the Mediterranean and temperate habitats (average in Austria: 3.2 ± 5.71 °C, in Italy: 8.5 ± 5.29 °C). In both habitats, the hibernacle temperatures showed variance, but the mean hibernacle temperature corresponded closely to the meteorological climate data. Cumulative mass-specific energetic costs over the studied period were the lowest for the temperate P. dominula population compared with both Mediterranean species. The lower costs of the temperate species were a result of the lower hibernacle temperature and acclimation to lower environmental temperatures. Model calculations with an increased mean temperature of up to 3 °C due to climate change indicate a dramatic increase of up to 40% in additional costs.

The Role of Gold as a Hedge or Safe Haven in African Stock Markets during the COVID-19 Pandemic

This study seeks to investigate the role of gold as a hedge or safe haven against African stock movements during the COVID-19 pandemic by using a two-state Markov Regime-Switching approach. The findings suggest that gold serves as a weak hedge in Malawi, Morocco, Nigeria, Tunisia, and Zambia, a weak safe haven in Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Rwanda, Uganda, and Zimbabwe, and a strong safe haven in Botswana and Tanzania. Furthermore, the findings reveal that gold co-moves with the South African stock market regardless of the market regime. These findings imply that, on average, gold offers limited protection for African equity investors.

Is bedding material a more effective thermal insulator than trap cover for small mammal trapping? A field experiment

Live trapping is a key technique for conducting ecological studies on small mammals. All-metal live traps are popular in monitoring schemes owing to their tested performance, lightweight design (aluminium) and foldability. However, capture represents a stressful situation for small mammals, particularly during cold seasons, when individuals are susceptible to cold weather starvation resulting from low temperature and insufficient food to maintain body temperature. Metal live traps provide limited protection against cold temperatures, and it is often recommended to use covers to buffer external temperature fluctuations and prevent entry of moisture. Here, we compared the insulative performance of a PVC cover designed for Sherman traps and of bedding material, using data loggers to record temperature and humidity inside traps. We conducted different experiments simulating field conditions (traps at night with a heat source inside) and different treatments (cover, bedding material) to test the thermal insulation capacity of three models of widely used commercial traps: Longworth, Sherman, and Heslinga. Our findings indicated that Longworth and Sherman traps were better insulated against ambient air temperature fluctuations than Heslinga traps (+2.0 °C warmer on average). Bedding material was paramount in reducing relative humidity and increasing thermal insulation capacity of traps (+3.1 °C), an effect that was strengthened when a PVC cover was additionally used (+4.2 °C). The covered traps prevented the direct entrance of rain and dew (reducing damp bedding), provided camouflage (reducing thefts), and improved thermal and humidity conditions of traps (potentially increasing survival of captive small mammals). Our results suggest that using covers and bedding materials can improve thermal and humidity conditions within live traps, thus reducing the metabolic costs of thermoregulation and increasing survival chances for trapped small mammals during cold seasons.

Rethinking Gender Recognition in Hong Kong and the Way Forward

This article considers Hong Kong’s (“HK”) current approach in requiring trans to undergo full sex-reassignment surgery (“SRS”) before they can change their gender indicated on their Hong Kong identity cards. Through reflecting upon international and comparative case law, this article first examines how HK’s current approach confers limited protection towards trans’ fundamental rights as against foreign jurisdictions. This article then examines whether the United Kingdom’s (“UK”) Gender Recognition Act 2004 (“GRA”), which was described as a “compelling” model by the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal, confers a higher degree of protection towards trans people. This article concludes by advocating for the elimination of the full SRS requirement as a prerequisite for gender recognition in HK.

Assessing the post hoc effectiveness of tixagevimab-cilgavimab for prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infections in solid organ transplant recipients.

Tixagevimab-cilgavimab (Tix-Cil) was authorized for prophylaxis against COVID-19 in immunocompromised patients from December 2021 through January 2023. Real-world effectiveness for solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients has been unclear. We enrolled 911 SOT recipients into a longitudinal COVID-19 serology study, of whom 381 (42%) received ≥1 dose of Tix-Cil. We collected and analyzed data on incident SARS-CoV-2 infections and antibody kinetics for all patients from January 2022 to March 2023, including periods dominated by Omicron BA and BQ subvariants. Over 253 ± 131 days of follow-up, there were 324 new-onset SARS-CoV-2 infections: 117 (31%) in Tix-Cil treated and 207 (39%) in Tix-Cil untreated patients (p = .012). In analyses adjusting for demographic, clinical, and COVID-19 exposure factors, any Tix-Cil treatment was associated with lower infection risk (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.27-0.96, p = .039) throughout the surveillance period including when more resistant BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 subvariants had emerged (12/1/2022 onwards). Among treated patients, receiving a Tix-Cil dose was associated with substantial and sustained increase in anti-spike IgG antibody and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 binding inhibition levels (Abbott Architect assay) that together also demonstrated association with lower infection risk (p = .042). During the full surveillance period, the frequency of infections requiring hospitalization was low overall (N = 26, 2.9% of the total cohort) and not significantly different between Tix-Cil recipients (N = 12, 3.2% of treated patients) and non-Tix-Cil recipients (N = 14, 2.6% of untreated patients) with unadjusted p = .31 for between-group difference. In a large cohort of SOT recipients, we found that Tix-Cil reduced infection risk even amidst emergent Omicron subvariants. Additionally, the extent of measurable humoral response to Tix-Cil may indicate relative effectiveness. Pre-exposure monoclonal antibody therapy may represent a strategy that will continue to offer clinical benefit for immunocompromised persons who are known to derive limited protection from vaccinations.

Armor for Steel: Facile Synthesis of Hexagonal Boron Nitride Films on Various Substrates

AbstractWhile hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) has been widely used as a buffer or encapsulation layer for emerging electronic devices, interest in utilizing it for large‐area chemical barrier coating has somewhat faded. A chemical vapor deposition process is reported here for the conformal growth of hBN on large surfaces of various alloys and steels, regardless of their complex shapes. In contrast to the previously reported very limited protection by hBN against corrosion and oxidation, protection of steels against 10% HCl and oxidation resistance at 850 °C in air is demonstrated. Furthermore, an order of magnitude reduction in the friction coefficient of the hBN coated steels is shown. The growth mechanism is revealed in experiments on thin metal films, where the tunable growth of single‐crystal hBN with a selected number of layers is demonstrated. The key distinction of the process is the use of N2 gas, which gets activated exclusively on the catalyst's surface and eliminates adverse gas‐phase reactions. This rate‐limiting step allowed independent control of activated nitrogen along with boron coming from a solid source (like elemental boron). Using abundant and benign precursors, this approach can be readily adopted for large‐scale hBN synthesis in applications where cost, production volume, and process safety are essential.

Artificial Intelligence and Wastewater Treatment: A Global Scientific Perspective through Text Mining

The concept of using wastewater as a substitute for limited water resources and environmental protection has enabled this sector to make major technological advancements and, as a result, has given us an abundance of physical data, including chemical, biological, and microbiological information. It is easier to comprehend wastewater treatment systems after studying this data. In order to achieve this, a number of studies use machine learning (ML) algorithms as a proactive approach to solving issues and modeling the functionalities of these processing systems while utilizing the experimental data gathered. The goal of this article is to use textual analysis techniques to extract the most popular machine learning models from scientific documents in the “Web of Science” database and analyze their relevance and historical development. This will help provide a general overview and global scientific follow-up of publications dealing with the application of artificial intelligence (AI) to overcome the challenges faced in wastewater treatment technologies. The findings suggest that developed countries are the major publishers of articles on this research topic, and an analysis of the publication trend reveals an exponential rise in numbers, reflecting the scientific community’s interest in the subject. As well, the results indicate that supervised learning is popular among researchers, with the Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Linear Regression (LR), Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS), Decision Tree (DT), and Gradient Boosting (GB) being the machine learning models most frequently employed in the wastewater treatment domain. Research on optimization methods reveals that the most well-known method for calibrating models is genetic algorithms (GA). Finally, machine learning benefits wastewater treatment by enhancing data analysis accuracy and efficiency. Yet challenges arise as model training demands ample, high-quality data. Moreover, the limited interpretability of machine learning models complicates comprehension of the underlying mechanisms and decisions in wastewater treatment.