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The modern society generates vast amounts of digital content, whose credibility plays a pivotal role in shaping public opinion and decision-making processes. The rapid development of social networks and generative technologies, such as deepfakes, significantly increases the risk of disinformation through image manipulation. This article aims to review methods for verifying images' integrity, particularly through deep learning techniques, addressing both passive and active approaches. Their effectiveness in various scenarios has been analyzed, highlighting their advantages and limitations. This study reviews the scientific literature and research findings, focusing on techniques that detect image manipulations and localize areas of tampering, utilizing both statistical properties of images and embedded hidden watermarks. Passive methods, based on analyzing the image itself, are versatile and can be applied across a broad range of cases; however, their effectiveness depends on the complexity of the modifications and the characteristics of the image. Active methods, which involve embedding additional information into the image, offer precise detection and localization of changes but require complete control over creating and distributing visual materials. Both approaches have their applications depending on the context and available resources. In the future, a key challenge remains the development of methods resistant to advanced manipulations generated by diffusion models and further leveraging innovations in deep learning to protect the integrity of visual content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The modern society generates vast amounts of digital content, whose credibility plays a pivotal role in shaping public opinion and decision-making processes. The rapid development of social networks and generative technologies, such as deepfakes, significantly increases the risk of disinformation through image manipulation. This article aims to review methods for verifying images’ integrity, particularly through deep learning techniques, addressing both passive and active approaches. Their effectiveness in various scenarios has been analyzed, highlighting their advantages and limitations. This study reviews the scientific literature and research findings, focusing on techniques that detect image manipulations and localize areas of tampering, utilizing both statistical properties of images and embedded hidden watermarks. Passive methods, based on analyzing the image itself, are versatile and can be applied across a broad range of cases; however, their effectiveness depends on the complexity of the modifications and the characteristics of the image. Active methods, which involve embedding additional information into the image, offer precise detection and localization of changes but require complete control over creating and distributing visual materials. Both approaches have their applications depending on the context and available resources. In the future, a key challenge remains the development of methods resistant to advanced manipulations generated by diffusion models and further leveraging innovations in deep learning to protect the integrity of visual content.

• Outer membrane vesicles were isolated from five pathotypes of diarrhoeagenic E. coli (DEC) and mixed in equal proportions for formulation of pentavalent outer-membrane vesicles (POMVs) based immunogen. • Intraperitoneal administration of three doses of 10 µg POMVs in adult BALB/c mice activated both the humoral and cellular arms of immune response. • POMVs immunized adult BALB/c mice sera elicited significant bactericidal effect against five pathotypes of DEC. • Passive transfer of POMVs immunized adult mice sera significantly protected neonatal mice against DEC infections. Diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) pathotypes are one of the major causative agents of diarrhoea induced childhood morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Licensed vaccines providing broad spectrum protection against DEC mediated infections are not available. Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are microvesicles released by gram-negative bacteria during the growth phase and contain multiple immunogenic proteins. Based on prevalence of infections, we have formulated a pentavalent outer-membrane vesicles (POMVs) based immunogen targeting five main pathotypes of DEC responsible for diarrhoeal diseases. Following isolation, OMVs from five DEC pathotypes were mixed in equal proportions to formulate POMVs and 10 µg of the immunogen was intraperitoneally administered to adult BALB/c mice. Three doses of POMVs induced significant humoral immune response against whole cell lysates (WCLs), outer membrane proteins (OMPs) and lipopolysaccharides (LPS) isolated from DEC pathotypes along with significant induction of cellular immune response in adult mice. Passive transfer of POMVs immunized adult mice sera protected neonatal mice significantly against DEC infections. Overall, this study finds POMVs to be immunogenic in conferring broad-spectrum passive protection to neonatal mice against five main DEC pathotypes. Altogether, these findings suggest that POMVs can be used as a potent vaccine candidate to ameliorate the DEC-mediated health burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of CEDRUS is the property of Mediterranean Civilisations Research Institute and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

IgY is an immunoglobulin primarily found in the serum and egg yolk of birds, amphibians, and reptiles. Recent years, IgY is considered to have a good application prospect in the immunodiagnostics and passive immunotherapy of aquatic diseases. In this study, we prepared a specific IgY against Streptococcus agalactiae in tilapia after immunizing the hens for 4 times. The result of ELISA detection showed that the IgY titers in water-soluble fraction (WSF) after 6 weeks of immunization reached 1:51200 and last for 4 weeks. Western blot (WB) analysis data showed that the specific IgY could recognize the target band, the specific IgY showed a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect on the growth of S. agalactiae , altered cell wall structure and aggluted of S. agalactiae. The quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis data suggested that the specific IgY downregulated the expression of pro-inflammatory factors (IL-8 , TNF-α), upregulated the anti-inflammatory factors (IL-10 , TGF-β). In addition, the histopathological results showed that the specific IgY significantly decreased the pathological manifestations, dramatically improved the survival rates of tilapia in injection, feeding, and immersion experiments. Collectively, our findings demonstrated that the broad potential of specific IgY for the prevention and treatment of S. agalactiae infection in tilapia. • High titer of IgY against Streptococcus agalactiae in tilapia was obtained. • The specific IgY showed a high agglutination and inhibition activity of S. agalactiae. • The specific IgY enhanced the innate immune response of tilapia. • The specific IgY protected the tissues and increased the survival rate of tilapia underlying S. agalactiae infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, Ni-based alloy coatings incorporated with Nb mass fractions of 0%, 3%, 6%, and 9% were successfully fabricated by laser cladding. The morphology, chemical composition, and phases of the obtained Nb-modified Ni-based coatings were characterized, and the effects of Nb contents on their electrochemical performance and immersion rates in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution were analyzed. The results show that the Ni-based coating with low Nb exhibits the most compact and refined microstructure, the best electrochemical passivation, and the lowest immersion corrosion rate of 3.30 × 10−3 mm/year. However, with increasing Nb content, the Laves phase is accumulated, and dendritic growth is promoted, which significantly decreases the coating passive stability and worsens the anti-corrosion performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extensive experiments performed mostly in a variety of animal models convincingly demonstrated the protective effect of polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies administered by the mucosal route. Because of the independence of the mucosal and systemic compartments of the immune system, antibodies from the circulation are not effectively transported in sufficient quantities into external secretions. Nevertheless, local application of antibodies of the desired specificity to mucosal membranes of the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and female genital tracts protected experimental animals from the subsequent challenge by corresponding viral or bacterial pathogens. Thus, generation of monoclonal antibodies of desired specificity and the selection of delivery systems to extend their otherwise short survival on some mucosal surfaces are essential aims of their usability in humans for the effective prevention of mucosally acquired infectious diseases.

The addition of inorganic expanded aggregates, such as perlite or vermiculite is well known in gypsum plasters. However, the reuse of organic wastes in coatings like plasters and renders has been poorly studied. This paper shows the effect of tire rubber wastes on the mechanical properties and fire performance of gypsum plasters. The rubber waste was added to the mixture in mass percentages of 14.50% (C1) and 46.60% (C2). Flexural and compressive strength of plasters made with rubber wastes was visibly reduced as well as their surface hardness (Shore C). In addition, fire tests produced major damages through the entire 2 cm thickness of samples containing rubber wastes, as it was corroborated by X ray diffraction (XRD) and Thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. The heat transfer due to fire exposure modified considerably the chemical composition of plasters, since, on the non-exposed face to fire, the amount of gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O) equivalent to mass loss obtained by TG due to water released by these plasters made with rubber wastes, was 5.4-7.2 lower than that of conventional plasters. The results suggest that certain wastes may reduce the efficiency of gypsum plasters in protecting underneath construction and structural elements against fire.

• Vaccines can be administered to the pig uterus during breeding. • Subunit vaccines formulated with select adjuvants do not affect sperm function or pig fertility. • Repeated intrauterine vaccination did not impact live births or average daily gain. • Antigen-specific serum/colostral/uterine antibodies, and cell-mediated immunity was induced. • Neutralizing antibodies in colostrum led to partial passive protection against PEDV challenge. We assessed whether vaccines administered to the uterus at breeding can lead to sufficient colostral antibodies to protect suckling piglets against Porcine Endemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV). An antigen from Lawsonia intracellularis, a disease that impacts weanling intestinal health, was also included because we have extensive knowledge on the pig immune response to this antigen. Gilts were mock-bred at 2nd estrus with killed sperm including an intrauterine (i.u.) vaccine comprised of recombinant (r) PEDV Spike protein (rPEDVS1) and L. intracellularis flagellin (rFliC) formulated with poly I:C, host defense peptide, and polyphosphazene (TriAdj). Gilts returned to estrus within 3 weeks and they were inseminated with killed sperm (3rd estrus) or live sperm (4th estrus) with rPEDVS1-TriAdj vaccine. They also received an i.m. injection of rFliC-TriAdj at 3rd and 4th estrus to establish whether i.u. vaccination primes systemic immunity without inducing mucosal tolerance. Control gilts were administered semen alone at 2nd estrus which allowed us to compare litter weights and sizes to industry standards. Colostrum from gilts challenged with low dose PEDV plus alum was used as positive reference samples for neutralizing antibodies and passive protection. Thirteen weeks later, the i.u.-vaccinated gilts showed significant PEDVS1-specific serum, colostral, and uterine antibody titers and colostral PEDVS1-neutralizing antibodies but poor cell-mediated immunity. Piglets born to i.u. vaccinated gilts received partial passive protection from PEDV infection 3 days after birth but eventually succumbed to the disease. Immunization by the i.u./i.m. route triggered significant anti-FliC cell-mediated immunity and colostral FliC antibodies that remained high in weaned piglet serum. This trial and a repeat trial wherein gilts were immunized at 1st estrus without semen and at 2nd estrus with live semen showed that intrauterine immunization did not impact fertility, number of live births or piglet growth kinetics. Further optimization is needed to promote robust passive protection in suckling offspring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the workability in gypsum plasters, additives are sometimes used, including citric acid, which provides acceptable setting times for low w/g ratios, maximizing the mechanical properties of the material. The influence of citric acid on the fire response of gypsum coatings is not well known, and so our aim was to analyze the effects that citric acid produces on the behavior of gypsum plasters exposed to fire. Temperature measurements were made with sensors and thermal imaging cameras while other instrumental techniques, including SEM, XRD and TG, were used to characterize the microstructure and composition of gypsum materials subjected to the action of fire. The fire had a greater effect on gypsum plasters containing citric acid as revealed by the cracking patterns and heat propagation profiles observed. Likewise, micro-cracks were observed in gypsum specimens, containing and non-containing citric acid, exposed to fire. In all cases, the alterations were consistent with the temperature profiles and chemical composition of the faces whether exposed to fire or not.

Aim: The major objective of the investigation was to evaluate the hitherto uncharacterized potential of Brucella-specific antibodies to win the battle against virulent Brucella abortus infection. Materials and Methods: Brucella-specific immune serum was raised in mice. The antibody titer of serum was determined by standard tube agglutination test and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (iELISA). Groups of mice and guinea pigs were passively immunized with serum containing specific agglutinin titers. 24 h after immunization, all animals along with unimmunized controls were challenged with B. abortus S544. Total B. abortus S544 counts in the spleen of each animal collected on the 7th day of challenge was determined to evaluate the protective index (PI) of anti-Brucella serum by statistical analysis. Results: A dose-dependent protective response to immune mice serum was observed in both experimental models though the values of PI of mice were higher than those obtained for guinea pigs. The PI values in mice passively immunized with 50 IU or 25 IU antibodies were 1.38 and 0.69, respectively. In guinea pigs, however, animals passively immunized with 50 IU or 25 IU antibodies showed PI values equivalent to 0.79 and 0.41, respectively. Conclusion: The observations support our hypothesis that the presence of antibodies inhibits the initial multiplication and eventual colonization of systemic organs by B. abortus. Therefore, a predominant antibody-mediated response induced by a vaccine is expected to protect the animal against the most severe clinical outcome of infection.

• Half-life of pertussis antibodies in neonates after maternal Tdap vaccination is ∼29–36 days. • There is substantial individual variability in pertussis antibody levels. • 6-week infant antibody levels exceed maternal pre-Tdap levels, despite this short half-life. • These antibody levels may be sufficient to protect infants from pertussis through age 2 months. Kinetics of Tdap-induced maternally-derived antibodies in infants are poorly understood. Pre-Tdap era data suggest that maternal pertussis antibodies in infants have a half-life of approximately 5–6 weeks. 34 mother-infant pairs had blood collected before maternal Tdap vaccination, 4 weeks later, at delivery (maternal and cord), and at infant ages 3 and 6 weeks from June 2014-March 2015. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) to pertussis toxin (PT), filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA), fimbrial proteins (FIM) and pertactin (PRN) was quantified by multiplex luminex assay (IU/ml). Geometric mean concentrations (GMCs) with 95% confidence intervals (C.I.) and half-life of pertussis antibodies were calculated. Tdap was administered to 34 women (mean age 31.1 years) at mean gestation 30.7 weeks (28–32.7). Mean neonatal gestation was 39.1 weeks (36–41.1) and mean birthweight was 3379 g (2580–4584). Four weeks post-Tdap vaccination, maternal pertussis-specific IgG GMCs increased ≥4-fold in 59%, 41%, 29% and 44% of women for PT, FHA, FIM and PRN, respectively, and then waned. The transplacental transport ratio of pertussis antibodies was 1.35 for PT, 1.41 for FHA, 1.31 for FIM and 1.36 for PRN. Between birth and age 6 weeks, infant serum GMC for PT-specific IgG decreased from 55.1 IU/mL (38.6–78.6) to 21.1 IU/ml (14.7–30.2), and the proportion of infants with PT levels ≥10 IU/ml fell from 97% to 67%. Half-life of pertussis-specific IgG in infants in days was 29.4 (95% CI 27.3–31.7) for PT, 29.8 (95% CI 27.7–32.2) for FHA, 31.2 (95% CI 28.9–33.7) for PRN, and 35.8 (95% CI 30.1–44.3) for FIM. The half-life of pertussis-specific antibodies in infants induced by maternal Tdap vaccination (29–36 days) is shorter than previously reported. Understanding how the durability of passively-acquired antibodies impacts infant susceptibility to pertussis and response to primary vaccination is critical to refine prevention strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) released from gram-negative bacteria are key elements in bacterial physiology, pathogenesis, and defence. In this study, we investigated the role of Pseudomonas aeruginosa OMVs in the anti-phage defence as well as in the potential sensitization to LPS-specific phages. Using transmission electron microscopy, virion infectivity, and neutralization assays, we have shown that both phages efficiently absorb on free vesicles and are unable to infect P. aeruginosa host. Nevertheless, the accompanying decrease in PFU titre (neutralization) was only observed for myovirus KT28 but not podovirus LUZ7. Next, we verified whether OMVs derived from wild-type PAO1 strain can sensitize the LPS-deficient mutant (Δwbpl PAO1) resistant to tested phages. The flow cytometry experiments proved a quite effective and comparable association of OMVs to Δwbpl PAO1 and wild-type PAO1; however, the growth kinetic curves and one-step growth assay revealed no sensitization event of the OMV-associated phage-resistant P. aeruginosa deletant to LPS-specific phages. Our findings for the first time identify naturally formed OMVs as important players in passive resistance (protection) of P. aeruginosa population to phages, but we disproved the hypothesis of transferring phage receptors to make resistant strains susceptible to LPS-dependent phages.

Marburg virus (MARV) can cause lethal hemorrhagic fever in humans. Handling of MARV is restricted to high-containment biosafety level 4 (BSL-4) facilities, which greatly impedes research into this virus. In this study, a high titer of MARV pseudovirus was generated through optimization of the HIV backbone vectors, the ratio of backbone vector to MARV glycoprotein expression vector, and the transfection reagents. An in vitro neutralization assay and an in vivo bioluminescent imaging mouse model for MARV were developed based on the pseudovirus. Protective serum against MARV was successfully induced in guinea pigs, which showed high neutralization activity in vitro and could also protect Balb/c mice from MARV pseudovirus infection in vivo. This system could be a convenient tool to enable the evaluation of vaccines and therapeutic drugs against MARV in non-BSL-4 laboratories.

The efficiency of surface protection of sealing masonry structures with intumescent ink was evaluated in relation to mechanical resistance and thermal insulation. Sixty ceramic sealing masonry blocks were used. The temperature of the face directly exposed to the flame was on average 25% lower for the block with passive protection. The compressive strength of the blocks with passive protection was about 70% higher than the unprotected blocks, after 60 minutes of direct exposure to the flame. More than 70% of the blocks without passive protection and that were exposed to flame had compressive resistance of 1.35 MPa, while 100% of the blocks with protection had values 2.38 MPa, even after 60 minutes of exposure

Natural hazards, such as high winds, heavy rains and ice melting, can easily trigger the rockfall which usually leads to great personal injuries and property loss; therefore, the rockfall protection is of great significance and necessity. Among the types of protection, the flexible protection occupies a beneficial condition of application. This paper indicates the basics of flexible protection which includes its classification and advantages, subsequently, analyzing the mechanism of both active protection and passive protection, and then systematically summarizing the research accomplishments, and puts forward the research direction of the flexible protection, including: (1) apart from the traditional rigid protection, the flexible protection has a wide range of advantages, which makes the flexible protection a new and effective protective structure in the rockfall protection; (2) the current researches reveal that though the scholars have done a variety of achievements of flexible protection, there is still a lack of precise simulation of the whole model and local test of the component; (3) putting forward the prospective research direction minutely in both active protection and passive protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper, we investigate the use of geographically weighted choice models for modelling spatially clustered preferences. We argue that this is a useful way of generating highly‐detailed spatial maps of willingness to pay for environmental conservation, given the costs of collecting data. The data used in this study come from a discrete choice experiment survey of public preferences for the implementation of a new national forest management and protection programme in Poland. We combine these with high‐resolution spatial data related to local forest characteristics. Using locally estimated discrete choice models we obtain location‐specific estimates of willingness to pay (WTP). Variation in these estimates is explained by characteristics of the forests close to where respondents live. These results are compared with those obtained from a more typical, two stage procedure which uses Bayesian posterior means of the mixed logit model random parameters to calculate location‐specific estimates of WTP. We find that there are indeed strong spatial patterns to the benefits of changes to the management to national forests. People living in areas with more species‐rich forests and those living nearer bigger areas of mixed forests have significantly different WTP values than those living in other locations. This kind of information potentially enables a better distributional analysis of the gains and losses from changes to natural resource management, and better targeting of investments in forest quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate the efficiency of active and passive protection of the pre-corroded steel reinforcement in reinforced concrete (RC) columns using an externally bonded carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) wrap. Active protection is a novel technique used to impede corrosion achieved by employing the CFRP wrap as the anode of the impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP). Passive protection denotes the anti-corrosion behaviour of the CFRP fabric. Nine reinforced concrete columns with different degrees of corrosion (theoretical mass losses of 1%, 3%, and 6%) were prepared and then treated with different protection methods (non-protection, passive protection, and active protection) by exposing them to wet–dry cycles. By measuring the steel potential, linear polarization, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) of all investigated specimens, the efficiency of active protection was found to be closely related to the degree of the pre-corrosion of the protected specimens. Furthermore, the efficiency of active protection decreased with time, which may be attributed to the deterioration of the CFRP anode and CFRP/concrete interface. Passive protection was proven to be effective in every case, however, it can only slow down the corrosion process but cannot stop the elicited corrosion response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a global public health concern, as it is known to cause multiple diseases while also being etiologically associated with a wide range of epithelial and lymphoid malignancies. Currently, there is no available prophylactic vaccine against EBV. gB is the EBV fusion protein that mediates viral membrane fusion and participates in host recognition, making it critical for EBV infection in both B cells and epithelial cells. Here, we present a gB nanoparticle, gB-I53-50 NP, that displays multiple copies of gB. Compared with the gB trimer, gB-I53-50 NP shows improved structural integrity and stability, as well as enhanced immunogenicity in mice and non-human primate (NHP) preclinical models. Immunization and passive transfer demonstrate a robust and durable protective antibody response that protects humanized mice against lethal EBV challenge. This vaccine candidate demonstrates significant potential in preventing EBV infection, providing a possible platform for developing prophylactic vaccines for EBV. [Display omitted] • An EBV gB nanoparticle, gB-I53-50 NP, shows enhanced stability and antigenicity • gB-I53-50 NP elicits robust, potent, and durable protective antibodies in mice and NHPs • Passive transfer from gB-I53-50-NP-immunized NHPs confers protection to humanized mice An effective EBV vaccine is urgently needed but remains elusive. Sun et al. present a gB nanoparticle vaccine with enhanced stability and immunogenicity that elicits robust and durable protective antibodies in preclinical models. Immunization of humanized mice prevents lethal EBV infection, thereby offering a potential strategy for EBV vaccine development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using an economic valuation approach, we assessed people's stated preferences for policy aimed at enhancing restoration of functional networks of naturally dynamic boreal forest habitats as a public good. Active landscape restoration can improve the functionality of boreal forest habitats as green infrastructure, which is essential for biodiversity conservation and delivery of multiple ecosystem services that production forests are poor at providing. In contrast, so far designation of protected areas in Fennoscandia has focused on remnant patches of near‐natural forests, and not on forest landscape restoration. We assessed citizens' preferences for forest landscape restoration in a transboundary region primarily managed for sustained‐yield wood production for the forest industry, and which hosts the transboundary Fulufjället National Parks in Sweden and Norway. We conducted a discrete choice experiment by asking Swedish and Norwegian citizens to choose among two options for the Fulufjället area, including (1) extension of passive protection on one side or both sides of the border, by additional area protection and restoration of forest naturalness, and (2) a status quo option. The scenario assumed that extension of the protected forest area would imply a compulsory tax administered bilaterally by the two countries. Just over half of the sample, in both countries expressed willingness to pay for forest landscape restoration. Alternatives that contemplated larger extensions of forest landscape restoration were assigned higher willingness‐to‐pay. Public awareness and support, combined with spatial planning, are necessary for forest landscape restoration to become a viable tool for biodiversity conservation in Scandinavia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper investigates the spatial heterogeneity of public's preferences for the implementation of a new country-wide forest management and protection program in Poland. Spatial econometric methods and high resolution geographical information system data related to forest characteristics are used to explain the variation in individual-specific willingness to pay (WTP) values, derived from a discrete choice experiment study. We find that respondents' WTP is higher the closer they live to their nearest forest, and the scarcer forests are in the area where they live. Interestingly, the higher the ecological value of forests in respondents' area, the more people prefer extending areas of national forest protection. We also investigate spatial patterns in individual-specific WTP scores and in latent class membership probabilities, finding that preferences are indeed spatially clustered. We argue that this clustering should be taken into account in forest management and policy-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tip-localized adhesive proteins of bacterial fimbriae from diverse pathogens confer protection in animal models, but efficacy in humans has not been reported. Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) commonly elaborate colonization factors comprising a minor tip adhesin and major stalk-forming subunit. We assessed the efficacy of antiadhesin bovine colostral IgG (bIgG) antibodies against ETEC challenge in volunteers.Methods: Adults were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to take oral hyperimmune bIgG raised against CFA/I minor pilin subunit (CfaE) tip adhesin or colonization factor I (CFA/I) fimbraie (positive control) or placebo. Two days before challenge, volunteers began a thrice-daily, 7-day course of investigational product administered in sodium bicarbonate 15 minutes after each meal. On day 3, subjects drank 1 × 109 colony-forming units of colonization factor I (CFA/I)-ETEC strain H10407 with buffer. The primary efficacy endpoint was diarrhea within 120 hours of challenge.Results: After enrollment and randomization, 31 volunteers received product, underwent ETEC challenge, and were included in the per protocol efficacy analysis. Nine of 11 placebos developed diarrhea, 7 experiencing moderate to severe disease. Protective efficacy of 63% (P = .03) and 88% (P = .002) was observed in the antiadhesin bIgG and positive control groups, respectively.Conclusions: Oral administration of anti-CFA/I minor pilin subunit (CfaE) antibodies conferred significant protection against ETEC, providing the first clinical evidence that fimbrial tip adhesins function as protective antigens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Various studies have shown that infants under the age of 6 months are especially vulnerable for complications due to influenza. Currently there are no vaccines licensed for use in this age group. Vaccination of pregnant women during the last trimester, recommended by the WHO as protective measure for this vulnerable female population, may provide protection of newborns at this early age. Although it has been observed that maternal vaccination can passively transfer protection, maternal antibodies could possibly also interfere with subsequent active vaccination of the offspring. Methods: Using a mouse model, we evaluated in depth the ability of maternal influenza vaccination to protect offspring and the effect of maternal immunization on the subsequent influenza vaccination of the offspring. By varying the regimen of maternal immunization we explored the impact of different levels of maternal antibodies on the longevity of these antibodies in their progeny. We subsequently assessed to what extent maternal antibodies can mediate direct protection against influenza in their offspring, and whether these antibodies interfere with protection induced by active vaccination of the offspring. Results: The number of immunizations of pregnant mice correlates to the level and longevity of maternal antibodies in the offspring. When these antibodies are present at time of influenza challenge they protect offspring against lethal influenza challenge, even in the absence of detectable HAI titers. Moreover, no detectable interference of passively-transferred maternal antibodies on the subsequent vaccination of the offspring was observed. Conclusion: In the absence of a licensed influenza vaccine for young children, vaccination of pregnant women is a promising measure to provide protection of young infants against severe influenza infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: The study presents the results of an investigation of regeneration processes, growth, development and survival of young growth by field measurement and three-dimensional visualization of horizontal and vertical structure. The results are based on the ten-year investigation (1998-2009) on a permanent experimental plot in a mountain beech forest with dead nettle tree (Lamio orvale - Fagetum sylvaticae Ht. 1938) in conditions of passive protection. Materials and Methods: Basic structural indicators were measured (diameter at breast height and height), structural crown elements (size and shape, ground cover crowns) and the occurrence and survival of young growth as the basic conditions of natural regeneration. Particular emphasis in the investigation was paid to the development of crown structures and the process of natural regeneration during the 10 year period. Results and Conclusions: Investigation indicates the occurrence of young growth regeneration cores arising as a result of the die-back of one dominant beech tree with horizontal crown projections of 145 m2 which initiated the possibility of natural regeneration. The greatest change occurred in the beech seedling count, whose numbers increased fourfold from 3556 plants per hectare in 1998 to 12694 plants per hectare in 2009. The share of beech seedlings increased from 8.7% to 22.6% of all species of young growth and shrubs. Thus beech became dominant among the tree species regeneration. However, the majority of the young plants of beech are of poor quality and thus their further development in conditions of passive protection is questionable. The investigations also showed the possibility of a new approach to the study of the dynamics of crown structures and the process of natural regeneration by methods of three-dimensional visualization of horizontal and vertical structures. The methods presented offer a more graphic illustration of the development of stands and high quality presentation of the obtained results. For a long-term scientifically based plan, with the aim of reaching the most favourable decisions on the future of forest stands in protected areas, particularly in today’s conditions of climatic changes, continuous improvement and expansion of monitoring methods by means of a network of permanent experimental plots in all protected forest areas is necessary.

Classical swine fever (CSF) is an economically important infectious disease of pigs caused by Classical swine fever virus (CSFV). To facilitate the eradication of CSF in endemic areas, a marker vaccine enabling differentiation of infected from vaccinated animals (DIVA) is urgently needed. Previously, we have demonstrated that the DIVA vaccine rAdV-SFV-E2, an adenovirus-vectored Semliki Forest virus replicon expressing the E2 glycoprotein of CSFV, induces complete protection from lethal CSFV challenge. The aim of this study was to investigate whether maternally derived antibodies (MDAs) from sows immunized with rAdV-SFV-E2 can effectively protect piglets against lethal CSFV challenge. Three groups of five-week-old piglets ( n = 4), with or without MDAs, were challenged with the highly virulent CSFV Shimen strain. Clinical signs, CSFV-specific antibodies, viremia and pathological and histopathological changes were monitored. The results showed that the piglets with MDAs from the sow immunized with rAdV-SFV-E2 were protected clinically, virologically and pathologically, while the piglets with undetectable MDAs from the rAdV-SFV-E2-immunized sow were partially protected (2/4 survival), in contrast with the piglets from the non-vaccinated sow, which displayed CSF-typical clinical signs, viremia, deaths (4/4) and pathological/histopathological lesions. These results indicate that MDAs from the sow immunized with rAdV-SFV-E2 are able to confer full passive immunity to newborn piglets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to present a passive island detection technique for synchronous distributed generation (DG). The technique is based on frequency oscillation estimation in order to distinguish the islanding from other events that may occur in distribution systems. The island detection uses a small window to estimate the oscillation frequency, obtaining faster responses than the existing methods which use larger windows to estimate the damping and frequency of oscillation. The algorithm performance has been tested considering different generation and load scenarios, including short circuits, load, and capacitor switching, DG outage, and islanding. The technique is reliable since it does not trip for a nonislanding event; the island detection time is less than 40 ms and its nondetection zone is less than 1.6% of the DG nominal power. The proposed method has been compared with one of the most common algorithms used in practice—the rate of change of frequency. The results show that the algorithm based on frequency oscillation detection performs better than the ROCOF, and its mathematical simplicity is adequate for practical relay implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Anti-islanding protection is one of the most important requirements for the connection of distributed generators in power systems. This paper proposes an algorithm to detect unintentional islanding in power systems with distributed generation. It is based on the singular value decomposition and linear discrimination analysis to differentiate frequency oscillations in synchronous generators caused by islanding from those caused by non-islanding events. The algorithm requires a very low number of mathematical operations, which is suitable for relay purposes. This is possible because most of the operations are in the training process and are made off-line. The performance of the proposed algorithm is evaluated for different scenarios and load conditions in IEEE 34 Node Test Feeder. The algorithm is able to detect islanding with active power mismatch of 1.6% of DG nominal power. The pattern recognition also prevents undue tripping, ensuring great robustness for the method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clostridium perfringens type A, an anaerobic pathogen is the most potent cause of soft tissue infections like gas gangrene and enteric diseases like food poisoning and enteritis. The disease manifestations are mediated via two important exotoxins, viz. myonecrotic alpha toxin (αC) and enterotoxin (CPE). In the present study, we synthesized a bivalent chimeric protein r-Cpae comprising C-terminal binding regions of αC and CPE using structural vaccinology rationale and assessed its protective efficacy against both alpha toxin (αC) and enterotoxin (CPE) respectively, in murine model. Active immunization of mice with r-Cpae generated high circulating serum IgG (systemic), significantly increased intestinal mucosal s-IgA antibody titres and resulted in substantial protection to the immunized animals (100% and 75% survival) with reduced tissue morbidity when administered with 5 × LD 100 doses of αC (intramuscular) and CPE (intra-gastric gavage) respectively. Mouse RBCs and Caco-2 cells incubated with a mixture of anti-r-Cpae antibodies and αC and CPE respectively, illustrated significantly higher protection against the respective toxins. Passive immunization of mice with a similar mixture resulted in 91–100% survival at the end of the 15 days observation period while mice immunized with a concoction of sham sera and respective toxins died within 2–3 days. This work demonstrates the efficacy of the rationally designed r-Cpae chimeric protein as a potential sub unit vaccine candidate against αC and CPE of C. perfringens type A toxemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monoclonal antibodies (MABs) ivere produced against an etbylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA) extract of Leptospira interrogans serovar icterohaemorrhagiae being characterized by gel precipitation as IgM and IgG (IgGl and IgG2b). The EDTA extract was detected as several bands by silver staining in SDS-PAGE. In the Western blot the bands around 20 KDa reacted with a monoclonal antibody, 47B4D6, and was oxidized by periodate and was not digested by pronase, suggesting that the determinant is of carbohydrate nature, lmmunocytochemistry, using colloidal gold labeling, showed that an EDTA extract determinant recognized by monoclonal antibody 47B4D6, is localized under the outer envelope of serovar icterohaemorrhagiae. Hoe AIAB raised against the EDTA extract was not able to protect hamsters from lethal challenge with virulent homologous leptospires.Anticorpos monoclonais (AcM) foram produzidos contra o extrato EDTA obtido de Leptospira interrogans, sorovar icterohaemorrhagiae. Pelo teste de precipitação foram caracterizados como IgM e IgG (IgGl e IgG2). A eletroforese em gel de poliacrilamida do extrato EDTA revelou diversas bandas quando corada pela prata. No "Western blot", as bandas em torno de 20 kDa reagiram com o AcM 47B4D6, foram oxidadas pelo periodato e não digeridas pela pronase, sugerindo que o determinante é de natureza carboidrato. O determinante reconhecido pelo AcM 47B4D6 estã localizado sob o envelope externo como revelado pela imunocitoquímica usando marcação com ouro coloidal. O AcM contra extrato EDTA do sorovar icterohaemorrahagiae não protegeu hamsters quando inoculados com lepstopira homóloga virulenta.

Highlights: [•] A combination vaccine comprising inactivated CA16 and EV71 was formulated. [•] The bivalent vaccine induced antibodies potently neutralizing both EV71 and CA16. [•] The bivalent vaccine passively protected mice from EV71 and CA16 lethal infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development of elements for absorption of collision energy of railway vehicles represent an important segment in the design of new and restoration of existing railway passenger coaches. Absorption elements are part of passive protection measures used railway vehicles. Passive protection role is achieved when crash repercussions during impact are minimized. In this article, the analysis of the characteristics of modified tube absorbers for kinetic collision energy of passenger coaches is performed. The research focuses on quasi-static tests and dynamic tests. The presented solution is based on the use of steel tube elements that absorb a certain amount of collision energy of passenger coaches by controlled plastic deformation. The modified tube absorber is installed in a row with a standard buffer for passenger coaches. Given the results obtained, a final evaluation of this type of absorber is done. In addition, proposal for further research is offered with the goal to increase the safety level in railway traffic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mucosal immunization is advantageous over other routes of antigen delivery because it can induce both mucosal and systemic immune responses. In this study, we have developed fimbriae protein of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) F41 was stably expressed on the surface Lactobacillus casei 525. The method of expressing vaccine antigens in L. casei induces both systemic and mucosal immunity after oral or intranasal administration. We demonstrate that an oral or intranasal vaccine based on live recombinant L. casei 525 protects infant mice from ETEC F41 infection. This platform technology can be applied to design oral or intranasal vaccine delivery vehicles against several microbial pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]