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BACKGROUND: In Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) PCV7 was introduced in 2008, then PCV10 in 2011 and PCV13 in 2014. In 2017 PCV10 was re-introduced, replacing PCV13. In the present study, we investigate the resultant rapidly changing invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) epidemiology. METHODS: We compare the IPD incidence rate ratio (IRR) in NZ (2022 versus 2020) with other countries, and describe the IPD epidemiology (including trends in overall IPD and serotype 19A, and antimicrobial resistance) within NZ. Additionally, we performed a genomic-epidemiology investigation identifying the most common 19A sequence types and associated risk factors. FINDINGS: Though IPD incidence rates have increased in the US and Australia (2021-22) after declines in 2020, in NZ the incidence rate is the highest since 2011 with a significantly higher IRR than US (p

Streptococcus pneumoniae is an important cause of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in Japan. Here, we report the serotype distribution and antimicrobial susceptibility of cultured pneumococcal isolates from Japanese adults aged ≥18 years with CAP. This was a prospective, population-based, active surveillance study conducted in Goto City, Japan from December 2015 to November 2020. Pneumococcal isolates from sterile sites (blood and pleural fluid) and non-sterile sites (sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage) were cultured as part of the standard of care. S. pneumoniae were serotyped using the Quellung reaction. Antimicrobial susceptibility was tested using microdilution and interpreted according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute criteria. Isolates resistant to erythromycin were phenotyped using the triple-risk test and genotyped by polymerase chain reaction. A total of 156 pneumococcal isolates were collected (138 from sputum, 15 from blood, and 3 from bronchoalveolar lavage) from 1992 patients. Of these, 142 were non-duplicate isolates from unique patients and were included in the analyses. Serotypes contained within the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) (including 6C), PCV15 (including 6C), and PCV20 (including 6C and 15C) were detected in 39 (27%), 45 (32%), and 80 (56%) of 142 isolates, respectively. The most common serotypes were 35B (12%), 11A (11%), and 3 (11%). Multidrug resistance (MDR) was detected in 96/142 (68%) isolates. Of the 96 MDR isolates, 31, 32, and 59% were PCV13, PCV15, and PCV20 serotypes, respectively; the most common MDR serotypes were 35B (16%), 6C, 10A, and 15A (9% each), and 3 and 11A (8% each). A total of 119 isolates were resistant to macrolides; 41 (35%) had an M phenotype, 53 (45%) had an iMcLS phenotype, and 25 (21%) had a cMLS phenotype. In conclusion, pneumococcal serotypes 35B, 11A and 3 were most frequently associated with pneumonia and antimicrobial resistance was common among pneumococcal isolates from adults with CAP in Goto City, Japan. Implementing higher-valency PCVs May help reduce vaccine-type CAP among Japanese adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Infant immunization programs using pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) have reduced the rates of pneumococcal disease through direct vaccine-induced protection in vaccinated children and through indirect protection in non-vaccinated children and adults.Areas covered This review summarizes current evidence on the indirect protection of adults conferred by pediatric pneumococcal vaccination, including the impact on invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) incidence and mortality, pneumonia admissions, and nasopharyngeal carriage prevalence. Factors affecting indirect protection against IPD are also discussed.Expert opinion Pediatric immunization with PCVs has substantially decreased vaccine-serotype IPD and pneumonia through indirect protection in both older (≥65 years of age) and younger adults, including those with underlying medical conditions. However, serotype replacement by non-vaccine serotypes, the persistence of some vaccine serotypes, and divergence of serotypes between children and adults have limited the impact of pediatric PCV programs on adult populations. Designing complementary vaccines that leverage indirect protection from pediatric immunization and target the most prevalent adult serotypes may be a preferred strategy to maximize the public health impact of pneumococcal vaccination.

A panel of 25 nutmeg genotypes were evaluated at the Horticulture Research Station, Pechiparai, Kanyakumari district from 2019 to 2022 for the pattern of genetic divergence and relationship among them based on seven morphological traits by cluster and path analysis. Notable difference was observed for yield characteristics of genotypes, in which the genotype MF-4 was observed to record high plant height, stem girth, leaf length and fruit production. Genetic variability analysis revealed that traits such as stem girth, number of fruits and mace yield/tree were found to possess high genotypic coefficient of variation along with high heritability and genetic advance as percent of mean which implied that these traits had higher variability among the studied genotypes. The 25 genotypes were grouped in to four clusters based on cluster analysis. Path analysis revealed that traits such as number of fruits, single fruit weight and plant height had a favourable direct impact on the mace yield. These traits might be used as selection indicators in future breeding programmes.

An investigation was carried out with 101 finger millet genotypes for assessment of genetic variability and heritability in four environments during Kharif 2021. Variation due to genotypes for all the traits under study was found significant suggesting high amount of variability among different genotypes for different traits providing ample scope for selection and further evaluation as well as improvement in the seed yield and its component traits. Grain yield per plant (g) had moderate heritability estimates along with high genetic advance expressed as per cent of mean which implied that the character is controlled by genes having additive nature. High heritability combined with high genetic advance expressed as per cent of mean was noted for the characters viz., main ear head length, finger length, 1000-seed weight, protein content, calcium content, iron content and zinc content. Simple selection for such characters would be rewarding.

Foxtail millet (Setaria italica (L.) Beauv) is one of the earliest cultivated millet for grain, hay and silage. There is wide genetic diversity available in foxtail millet and characterization of available germplasm is a pre-requisite for the genetic improvement of any crop. Keeping the above fact in view 30 foxtail germplasm lines were evaluated during kharif 2020 and 2021 for morphological traits, stover yield, dry fodder yield and seed yield under rainfed conditions of Haryana. The results (based on pooled data of two years) revealed that enough variability was present among germplasm lines for further exploitation. High heritability and positive correlation was reported between traits like plant height, leaf length, leaf stem ratio, stover yield, grain yield etc. Principal component analysis also revealed that PC1, PC2, PC3, PC4 and PC5 contributed for 31.8%, 15.05%, 12.31%, 11.43% and 10.14%, respectively to the total variation. Five foxtail accessions viz., SEA8, SEA12, SEA48, SEJ184 and SEA37 were identified promising for yield and related traits under rainfed conditions of Haryana.

The experiment was conducted during September, 2023 to February, 2024 at the Department of Biochemistry, Anand Agricultural University, Anand, Gujarat, India. Total 28 genotype originating from a cross between a little leaf resistance parent AB 15-06 (S. melongena) and a susceptible parent GRB 5 (S. melongena). Disease incidence recorded from 14 each of highly resistant and susceptible genotypes and their parents AB 15-06 (Resistance against little leaf disease) and GRB 5 (Susceptible against little leaf disease) were selected for biochemical attributes comprised of chlorophyll (0.73-0.98 mg g-1), moisture (76.77-97.43%), phenol (0.43-3.26 mg g-1), total soluble sugar (2.36-4.57 mg g-1), membrane injury (24.56-69.87%). Correlation analysis of biochemical characters like chlorophyll and moisture were observed negatively correlated with disease incidence while rest of biochemical parameters total soluble solids, membrane injury and phenol content were positively correlated. Membrane injury (0.254), moisture (0.026), TSS (0.030), and phenol content (0.016) showed positive skewness whereas chlorophyll (-1.318), membrane injury (-1.540), moisture (-1.543), total soluble sugar (-1.160) and phenol content (-1.626) detected negative kurtosis. GCV, PCV and heritability analysis for all biochemical characters recorded were chlorophyll (36.46%, 36.5% and 99.82%), membrane injury (61.52%, 61.96% and 98.59%), moisture (7.55%, 8.73% and 13.44%), total soluble sugar (99.39%) and phenol content (46.76%, 46.83% and 99.67%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Serbia, PCV10 was introduced into the routine immunization for children under 2 in 2018 and replaced by PCV13 in 2022. We evaluated their impact on the distribution of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) serotypes across all age groups. Overall, 756 isolates were obtained from patients with IPD between 2010 and 2023 through laboratory surveillance. In the post-vaccination period, serotypes 14, 19F, 23F, and 6A significantly declined, while 3 and 19A considerably increased. This was especially evident in the ≤2 years group, making these serotypes the most prevalent among them. Serotype 3 dominated, representing 19.1% of all invasive isolates prior to 2018 and 33.1% thereafter. While serotype coverage of PCV10 has significantly decreased in the ≤2 years group (from 74.2% before 2018 to 29.5% after 2018), PCV13 coverage was 63.9% after 2018. In the post-PCV period, non-PCV13 serotypes, such as 9N, 10A, 15A, 15B, 15C, 22F, 6C, 6D, and 7C, increased across all isolates. Antibiotic non-susceptibility considerably decreased after 2018. MLST analysis showed shifts in sequence type prevalence, with pre-PCV lineages replaced and ongoing serotype 3 persistence, alongside potential capsule-switching events. These findings emphasize a noticeable shift in the distribution of serotypes and adaptability of pneumococcal populations, highlighting the importance of ongoing surveillance and the requirement for the urgent introduction of higher valent vaccines into the National Immunization Program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bacterial meningitis is a rare, but life-threatening disease, which sometimes occurs as a complication to acute otitis media (AOM). The proportion of meningitis cases originating from AOM is not clear. Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the proportion of meningitis cases caused by AOM, to compare risk factors, bacteriology and outcome between otogenic and non-otogenic meningitis, and to analyse the incidence of bacterial meningitis after the introduction of conjugate pneumococcal vaccines (PCV). Methods: The medical charts of all patients admitted to hospitals in southern Sweden with bacterial meningitis between 2000 and 2017 were retrieved. Based on otoscopy and/or imaging, the proportion of otogenic meningitis cases was calculated, as were annual incidences. Results: A total of 216 patients were identified, 25 of whom died. The proportion of otogenic meningitis was 31% but varied from 6% among teenagers to 40% among adults. Before PCV, 23% of all meningitis cases were children < 2 years, compared to 1% post-PCV. The average incidence in the adult population, on the other hand, increased post-PCV, though there were large annual variations. S. pneumoniae was the most commonly identified pathogen in everyone but teenagers, in whom N. meningitidis was predominant. Conclusion: AOM is an important cause of meningitis in children and adults. Though bacterial meningitis almost disappeared in children < 2 years after the introduction of PCV, the incidence of pneumococcal meningitis in adults seems to have increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A single faba bean (Vicia faba L.) population derived from the cross Sakha 3 x Giza 2 was subjected to two cycles of pedigree line selection (PSM). Selection criteria included seed yield/ plant (SY/P), number of pods/ plant (NP/P), and seed index (SI). Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among families within the F3 and F4 generations for all studied traits, indicating successful selection progress. Notably, mean values for all traits, except days to flowering, increased from cycle 1 to cycle 2. Days to flowering exhibited the opposite trend, with a higher mean value observed in cycle 1. The expected gain from selection (EGS%) for SY/P in the F2 generation was 29.52 and increased in the F3 and F4 generations in values of 34.41 and 2.06, respectively. The realized gain from selection (RGS%) for SY/P in the F3 generation was 23.06, then decreased in successive generation which amounted to 9.56 in F4. Multiple promising faba bean genotypes were identified within Families 1, 2, 13, 56, and 60. These families exhibited superior performance in relative yield traits compared to the better parent, check variety, and bulk samples. Additionally, they displayed favorable values for most characters assessed. These findings suggest their significant potential for incorporation into breeding programs to enhance faba bean yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Assessment of genetic variability and inter-relationship between the characters can be used in the breeding programme to evolve new varieties with wide genetic diversity to maximize the yield potential in crop improvement programmes. Eighty-four field pea genotypes were evaluated in an augmented block design for thirteen quantitative traits to study variance components, heritability, genetic advance and inter-relationship between the yield and yield contributing traits. Methods: The extent of phenotypic and genotypic variation that exist in a character was calculated by the formula suggested by Burton and de Vane (1953). Heritability in broad sense and genetic advance as per cent of mean for each character was computed using the formula suggested by Hanson et al. (1956) and Johnson et al. (1955), respectively. Correlation coefficient was calculated by method suggested by Searle (1961) and path coefficient analysis done as per method of Wright (1921) and elaborated by Dewey and Lu (1959). Result: Significant differences observed among the genotypes tested for the yield characters indicated the presence of variability. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percent of mean was observed for the traits viz., plant height, effective pods plant-1, harvest index and seed yield plant-1 were governed by additive gene effects which will aid in effective selection. Correlation coefficient analysis revealed that seed yield plant-1 had highly significant and positive correlation with biological yield plant-1, effective pods plant-1, harvest index, seeds pods-1 and effective nodes plant-1, indicating that these traits are strongly associated with seed yield in field pea. Path coefficient analysis identified biological yield plant-1 followed by harvest index, seed pod-1, effective nodes plant-1, 100-seed weight and day to 50% flowering as highly desirable components with great direct effects on seed yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research was conducted to examine different parameters of variability, correlations, and path coefficients associated with yield and yield-related traits in aerobic rice. The analysis of variance indicated noteworthy variations among the genotypes for all the traits investigated. Among them, flag leaf area and alkali spreading value showed high PCV and GCV. Except for days to fifty per cent flowering, days to maturity, and amylose content, the remaining traits demonstrated substantial heritability combined with high genetic advance as percentage of mean. The correlation analysis revealed significant positive association between grain yield per plant and several traits, namely effective tillers per plant, test weight, chlorophyll content, and length breadth ratio. Traits such as test weight, effective tillers per plant, and flag leaf area showed a positive direct effect on grain yield per plant. Therefore, it is crucial to give priority to traits that exhibit significant positive correlations and substantial direct effects during selection process. This approach will yield rewarding results in the development of high-yielding cultivars suitable for aerobic conditions.

Summary: Background: Childhood vaccinations can reduce disease burden and associated antibiotic use, in turn reducing the risk of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). We retrospectively estimated the population-level reductions in antibiotic use in India following the introduction of vaccines against Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilius influenzae type B in the national immunization program for children in the mid-2010s and projected future gains to 2028 if vaccination coverage were to be increased. Methods: Using IndiaSim, a dynamic agent-based microsimulation model (ABM) for India, we simulated the spread of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilius influenzae type B (Hib) among children to estimate reductions in antibiotic use under the scenarios of: (i) pneumococcal and Hib vaccine coverage levels equivalent to the national coverage of pentavalent diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus third dose (DPT3) compared to a baseline of no vaccination, and (ii) near-universal (90%) coverage of the vaccines compared to pre-COVID national DPT3-level coverage. Model parameters, including national DPT3 coverage rates, were based on data from the National Family Household Survey 2015–2016 and other published sources. We quantified reductions in antibiotic consumption nationally and by state and wealth quintiles. Findings: We estimate that coverage of S. pneumoniae and Hib vaccines at the same level as DPT3 in India would translate to a 61.4% [95% UI: 43.8–69.5] reduction in attributable antibiotic use compared to a baseline of zero vaccination coverage. Increases in childhood vaccination coverage between 2004 and 2016 have likely reduced attributable antibiotic demand by as much as 93.4% among the poorest quintile. Increasing vaccination coverage by an additional 11 percentage points from 2016 levels results in mortality and antibiotic use across wealth quintiles becoming increasingly similar (p

Pneumococcal carriage is the primary reservoir for transmission and a prerequisite for invasive pneumococcal disease. Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine 13 (PCV13) showed a 62% efficacy in protection against experimental Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 6B (Spn6B) carriage in a controlled human infection model (CHIM) of healthy Malawian adults. We, therefore, measured humoral responses to experimental challenge and PCV-13 vaccination and determined the association with protection against pneumococcal carriage. We vaccinated 204 young, healthy Malawian adults with PCV13 or placebo and nasally inoculated them with Spn6B at least four weeks post-vaccination to establish carriage. We collected peripheral blood and nasal lining fluid at baseline, 4 weeks post-vaccination (7 days pre-inoculation), 2, 7, 14 and > 1 year post-inoculation. We measured the concentration of anti-serotype 6B Capsular Polysaccharide (CPS) Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgA antibodies in serum and nasal lining fluid using the World Health Organization (WHO) standardised enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). PCV13-vaccinated adults had higher serum IgG and nasal IgG/IgA anti-Spn6B CPS-specific binding antibodies than placebo recipients 4 to 6 weeks post-vaccination, which persisted for at least a year after vaccination. Nasal challenge with Spn6B did not significantly alter serum or nasal anti-CPS IgG binding antibody titers with or without experimental pneumococcal carriage. Pre-challenge titers of PCV13-induced serum IgG and nasal IgG/IgA anti-Spn6B CPS binding antibodies did not significantly differ between those that got experimentally colonised by Spn6B compared to those that did not. This study demonstrates that despite high PCV13 efficacy against experimental Spn6B carriage in young, healthy Malawian adults, robust vaccine-induced systemic and mucosal anti-Spn6B CPS binding antibodies did not directly relate to protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article, published in the journal "Environment & Ecology," presents a study on the genetic variability and nutrient content of different genotypes of the amaranthus plant. The research found a wide range of major nutrients in both leaves and grains of the amaranthus genotypes, with high heritability observed for all traits. The study suggests that amaranthus has the potential to be a valuable source of nutrition due to its genetic variability and nutrient content. The document provides detailed data on the quality parameters of different amaranthus genotypes, including information on leaf fiber, iron, moisture, oxalates, vitamin C, stem fiber, and color. The authors highlight the nutritional potential of amaranthus as a source of essential nutrients in the human diet and reference other studies that support these findings. [Extracted from the article]

Citrus is an economically important fruit crop with a long history of cultivation worldwide, and many citrus varieties are grown extensively in Morocco, both for domestic consumption and export. Nevertheless, the genetic diversity of this genus in Morocco has not been reported upon. Our objective was to explore phenotypic variations in grapefruit and pomelo genotypes for targeted breeding, enhancing key traits, and identifying opportunities for genetic improvement. We emphasize practical implications and outline future research directions for developing improved citrus varieties. This present study physiochemically analyzes eight grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) and two pomelo (Citrus maxima) cultivars to assess the genetic variability of these fruits' physicochemical characteristics. The results revealed significant variance among the genotypes for all traits. For example, the phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all the traits. Moreover, a high degree of heritability was recorded for seed number, β-carotene, vitamin C, juice yield (%), total soluble solids, titratable acidity, maturity index, fruit diameter, and fruit weight, whereas limited heritability was observed for fruit length, peel thickness, and segment number per fruit. The high genetic advance scores corresponded to the high degree of heritability estimates for seed number per fruit, β-carotene, juice yield, and vitamin C, suggesting the existence of additive genetic effects. Our principal component analysis (PCA) identified four components with cumulative variance of 93.20%, while hierarchical cluster analysis grouped the collection into five clusters. In conclusion, phenotypic distinctions among grapefruit and pomelo genotypes reveal opportunities for genetic enhancement through selection or hybridization. Varied traits, including seed count, vitamin C, beta-carotene, and juice yield, across genotypes suggest potential avenues for targeted breeding and practical applications in diverse citrus varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute hepatitis B virus (HBV) and malaria infections pose serious health risks to the general population and may worsen victims' physical and financial well-being. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of HBV and malaria co-infections during LGA among expectant mothers. This study used a cross-sectional, prospective design. Blood samples were collected from both pregnant and non-pregnant women for parasitological and serological examinations in the study area. This was performed to compare the severity of infections between pregnant and non-pregnant women, as pregnant women are more susceptible to infections. The study included 50 women who attended antenatal care at the time of this project and 10 non-pregnant women who came to the hospitals for check-ups. Samples of people aged 18 to 52 years were collected. Age groups of 18-28 and 40-50 years had the greatest 30(50%) and lowest 8(13%) populations of women screened for malaria and hepatitis B co-infection, respectively. The 1st and 3rd trimesters were followed by the 2nd trimester, which had the highest prevalence. Only the second trimester had a 2% prevalence rate of hepatitis B. Farmers were the group most likely to contract malaria (92%). The percentage of government employees who had malaria and hepatitis B was the highest (20%), followed by traders (5%). Ogrute, the seat of the Local Government had a high rate of malaria infection despite having several medical facilities and less farming activities. Olido (25%), followed by Ogrute (14 point 3%), had the highest rate of co-infection with hepatitis B and malaria. The PCV ranges of 25-27(100%) and 28-30(100%) had the highest prevalence of malaria. This study shows how persistent malaria and hepatitis B are also associated with decreased packed cell volume (PCV) in pregnant women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Pulmonary dysfunction is a frequent postoperative complication in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery and atelectasis is thought to be one of the main causes. Development of atelectasis is associated with decreased lung compliance and impairment of oxygenation. Post-CPB-induced lung atelectasis accounts for most of the marked post-CPB increase in intrapulmonary shunt and hypoxemia. Mechanical ventilation can be harmful to these atelactic lungs, especially when high tidal volumes and pressures that cause lung over distension are used. Pressure-controlled ventilation (PCV) needs frequent titration of the inspiratory pressure to deliver a set tidal volume, whereas pressure-regulated volume-controlled (PRVC) ventilation mode provide the target tidal volume with the lowest possible airway pressure. Material & Methods: Prospective observational study was conducted involving 60 patients operated in cardiovascular and thoracic surgery operation theater, Nair Hospital Mumbai central. study was conducted over a period of one year from February 2017 to January 2018. Result: In terms of demographic data both modes were comparable. After comparing both the modes it was observed that PaO2/FiO2 ratio was better in PCV group half hour after induction and after CPB the end of surgery while no significant difference between two modes on postoperative ray changes and length of ICU stay. Conclusion: PCV mode offers better oxygenation in terms of PaO2/FiO2 at the end of the surgery after CPB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To reduce burden of pneumonia, India has introduced Pneumococcal Conjugate vaccine (PCV) in routine immunization programme. The state of West Bengal, India introduced PCV in 2021. Uptake of new vaccines depends a lot on knowledge of caregivers on the disease and vaccine. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of caregivers regarding pneumococcal diseases and PCV. The study will inform programme managers to develop a comprehensive demand generation strategy for improving uptake of PCV and other new vaccines. Methods: It is an observational, cross-sectional study using a predesigned, pretested and structured questionnaire conducted among 353 caregivers of children who has received at least one dose of PCV. The children were aged between 6 weeks to 20 months, residing in rural and urban areas of Howrah district of West Bengal. Sample size was calculated considering 95 % confidence interval and 5 % margin of error. Results: Results are analysed taking into consideration rural/urban divide, socioeconomic status and other factors influencing vaccine uptake. Study findings suggest lack of knowledge of caregivers regarding pneumococcal diseases and PCV. Most of respondents have no idea about any other pneumococcal diseases apart from pneumonia. More than 40 % does not know about what causes pneumonia and more than 47 % does not know how to prevent pneumonia. They also have poor knowledge about injection site, number of doses, schedule and when to start PCV. Conclusions: Limited knowledge among caregivers may cause negative impact on vaccine coverage and jeopardise the goal of government to reduce morbidity and mortality due to pneumonia.The study findings suggest that there is dearth of knowledge regarding pneumococcal diseases and PCV among caregivers. Therefore the policy makers need to develop a comprehensive plan for awareness generation for improving PCV uptake and strategy developed for this purpose can be implemented in future new vaccine introduction also.

The infant and child stage is an important stage for the continuation and development of human society. The initial years of life have a lasting impact on a child's future. Children under the age of 5 have an immature immune system, especially infants and young children under 6 months of age. At this stage, the population has a low immunity to pathogen infections, making them vulnerable to bacteria and viruses. Vaccination can enhance the immunity of infants and children to specific diseases, reduce the transmission rate of infectious diseases, and promote the development of global public health. This article summarizes the current application status of Rotavirus (RV) vaccine, Hand-foot -mouth disease (HFMD) vaccine, and Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) in China, as well as the research progress of clinical trial vaccine, laying a foundation for subsequent vaccine development.

Asako Tanaka, Masayuki Hata, Memiri Tsuchikawa, Naoko Ueda-Arakawa Ueda-Arakawa, Hiroshi Tamura, Manabu Miyata, Ayako Takahashi, Ai Kido, Yuki Muraoka, Masahiro Miyake, Sotaro Ooto, Akitaka Tsujikawa Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, JapanCorrespondence: Masayuki Hata, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan, Tel +81-75-751-3248, Fax +81-75-752-0933, Email trj74h6@kuhp.kyoto-u.ac.jpPurpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of faricimab injections for treatment-naïve neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nvAMD) patients, including subtypes and pachychoroid phenotypes, and identify predictive factors for visual outcomes.Methods: nvAMD patients were prospectively recruited, receiving three monthly faricimab (6 mg) injections. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) two months after the last injection (month 4) was compared between subtypes, and between pachychoroid neovasculopathy (PNV) and non-PNV eyes. Regression analysis determined factors influencing month 4 BCVA.Results: The study involved 23 patients (12 typical AMD [tAMD], 10 polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy [PCV], 1 retinal angiomatous proliferation [RAP]). Eleven exhibited PNV phenotype. Significant BCVA (P = 4.9 × 10− 4) and central retinal thickness (CRT) (P = 1.3 × 10− 5) improvements were observed post-faricimab treatment. The therapy demonstrated favourable results for both tAMD and PCV eyes, and non-PNV and PNV eyes. Faricimab achieved dry macula in 77.3% of eyes, with subretinal fluid resolution in most cases, although intraretinal fluid (IRF) often persisted. Multivariable analysis identified external limiting membrane (ELM) presence and IRF as BCVA contributors at month 4.Conclusion: Faricimab demonstrated significant effectiveness and safety in treatment-naïve nvAMD patients, particularly for PCV and PNV eyes. ELM presence and IRF is predictive of visual outcomes.Keywords: anti-VEGF, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor, CRT, central retinal thickness, ELM, external limiting membrane, faricimab, IRF, intraretinal fluid, MNV, macular neovascularization, nvAMD, neovascular age-related macular degeneration, PCV, polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, PNV, pachychoroid neovasculopathy, RAP, retinal angiomatous proliferation

Purpose: To evaluate real-world outcomes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) in relation to anatomical success, visual outcomes, and safety of intravitreal brolucizumab (IVBr) injection at 1.5 years. Methods: Prospective, randomized, single-center study between December 2020 and December 2022 that included 71 eyes of 62 patients with nAMD, who received IVBr. Patients were divided into three groups, i.e., naïve choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM), switched therapy (st) CNVM, and st polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (stPCV). They were subdivided into dry, minimal fluid (fluid 100 microns)/PED subgroups depending upon the fluid level at the end of 1.5 years. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), status of fluid, and number of injections at 1.5 years were evaluated. From the beginning, patients were treated on pro re nata (PRN) basis. Results: Of the 71 eyes, 27 eyes (38%) were naïve CNVM, 35 eyes (49.3%) were stCNVM, and 9 (12.7%) were stPCV cases. Significant vision improvement after 1.5 years was seen in the stCNVM category (P = 0.001), while CMT reduction was significant in all three groups (P < 0.05). The mean number of injections required in naïve CNVM and stCNVM groups was significantly less as compared to the stPCV group (P = 0.017). Further, vision improvement was significant in the “Minimal fluid” subgroup (P = 0.002), while the CMT improvement was significant in the “Minimal fluid” and “Dry” subgroups each with P < 0.0001. No ocular/systemic adverse events including intraocular inflammation (IOI) were noted. Conclusion: In a real-world scenario, with 203 procedures and 1.5-year follow-up, brolucizumab is found to be efficacious and safe with the need for a lesser number of injections and more interval-free period in the management of naïve CNVM, stCNVM, and stPCV patients.

The use of antibiotic growth promoters in broiler production has been the norm in developing countries, however, the increased rate of antibiotic resistance in humans has resulted in the search for alternatives without negative residual effects. This study investigated the effect of dietary olive garlic extract oil (OGEO) supplementation on the performance and haematological indices of broilers. The experiment lasted for 42 days and broilers were fed varying levels of OGEO‑supplemented diets at the starter (0–21 days) and finisher (22–42 days) phases using two hundred and forty unsexed Ross broilers. Four experimental diets were formulated for the two phases and the diets were designated as diet 1(control (without OGEO)) while diets 2, 3, and 4 were supplemented with OGEO at 1 % (10 g/kg diet) 3 % (30 g/kg diet) and 5 % (50 g/kg diet). Each had four replicates containing fifteen birds per replicate. Performance was measured weekly and haematological indices were determined on days 21 and 42. Data collected were analysed in a one‑way analysis of variance (SAS, 2000) and significant differences were determined using Tukey’s test. Body weight (BW) increased linearly (L) (p = 0.003) and quadratically (Q) (p = 0.006) with dietary supplementation of OGEO at 1 % for broilers on day 21. Similarly, at day 42, BW increased (L, p = 0.006; Q, p = 0.029) for the broiler on the same treatment. Mortality reduced (Q, p = 0.035) for broilers fed 1 % OGEO‑supplemented diet at day 42. At day 21, Packed cell volume (PCV, 47.33 %) (Q, p = 0.033) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV, 130.83pg) (Q, p = 0.008) increased for broilers fed 1 % and 3 % OGEO supplemented diet respectively. Supplementation of OGEO at 3 % increased (Q, p = 0.036) PCV (37.33 %) and haemoglobin (Q, p = 0.021) (137.30 g/L) at day 42. In conclusion, the supplementation of OGEO in the diet of broilers at 1 % resulted in improved WG and reduced mortality. The PCV and haemoglobin of broilers can be increased with the supplementation of OGEO up to 3 % in the diet of broilers; it is thus a suitable alternative to antibiotics for improved performance and immunity.

Abstract Background Erythropoietic effects of molidustat, a hypoxia‐inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase (HIF‐PH) inhibitor, were previously demonstrated in healthy cats. Objective To evaluate the safety and erythropoietic effects of daily PO administration of molidustat in anemic cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Animals Twenty‐one client‐owned CKD cats (4‐17 years old) with anemia. Methods Multicenter field study; randomized, masked, and placebo‐controlled. Cats were treated PO once daily for 28 days with suspensions of control product (CP; n = 6) or 5 mg/kg of molidustat (n = 15). Hematocrit (HCT) was evaluated at weekly intervals. Individual cat treatment success was defined as a ≥4% point increase in HCT compared to baseline. Results Control group mean HCT remained low throughout the study (20.1%‐23.4%). Mean HCT of molidustat‐treated cats increased weekly, and a significant increase compared to baseline (23.6%) was first observed on Day 21 (27.3%; P

Abstract Background Mechanical power may serve as a valuable parameter for predicting ventilation-induced injury in mechanically ventilated patients. Over time, several equations have been developed to calculate power in both volume control ventilation (VCV) and pressure control ventilation (PCV). Among these equations, the linear model mechanical power equation (MPLM) closely approximates the reference method when applied in PCV. The dynamic mechanical power equation (MPdyn) computes power by utilizing the ventilatory work of breathing parameter (WOBv), which is automatically measured by the mechanical ventilator. In our study, conducted in patients with Covid-19 Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (C-ARDS), we calculated mechanical power using both the MPLM and MPdyn equations, employing different inspiratory rise times (Tslope) at intervals of 5%, ranging from 5 to 20% and compared the obtained results. Results In our analysis, we used univariate linear regression at both I:E ratios of 1:2 and 1:1, considering all Tslope values. These analyses revealed that the MPdyn and MPLM equations exhibited strong correlations, with R 2 values exceeding 0.96. Furthermore, our Bland–Altman analysis, which compared the power values derived from the MPdyn and MPLM equations for patient averages and all measurements, revealed a mean difference of −0.42 ± 0.41 J/min (equivalent to 2.6% ± 2.3%, p

The objective was to identify the optimal stage of production to evaluate the resistance of Pelibuey ewes against gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN). Faecal egg count (FEC) was used to classify the ewes as resistant, sensible or intermediate against GIN. Forty-seven ewes were mating during 30 d. The gestation was verified by ultrasonography, and the breeding date was used to calculate the productive stages. Faeces were taken weekly to determine the FEC. Blood samples were taken to determine the packed cell volume (PCV), the peripheral eosinophils count (PEC), plasma protein concentration (PP), and Immunoglobulin A (IgA) against Haemonchus contortus. The body condition score (BCS) was recorded at each visit. Six moments during the study (early, mid and late gestation; early, mid and late lactation) were considered. The ewes were classified according to FEC (mean FEC ± three standard errors). The higher FEC occurred during all lactation stages than during early and mid-gestation stages (P

Background Mechanical ventilation is a critical therapeutic intervention in the management of patients with respiratory failure. Understanding the implications of different ventilation modes is essential in preventing ventilator-induced lung injuries (VILI). Recently, mechanical power has emerged as a critical element in the development of VILI and mortality. Previous bench work studies have suggested that new optimal (adaptive) modes, such as Adaptive Ventilation Mode 2 (AVM-2), can reduce the mechanical power in turn might reduce the rates of VILI. This study aims to compare the conventional Pressure-Controlled Ventilation (PCV) mode with an emerging design of Adaptive Ventilation Mode-2 (AVM-2), to measure the differences in mechanical power, alongside it’s components of PEEP, Tidal, Elastic, Resistive, Inspiratory, Total work, tidal volume, driving pressure and Power Compliance Index. Methods Between January 2023 and June of 2023, we conducted a prospective crossover study on twenty-two subjects admitted to our ICU within the first day after initiation of mechanical ventilation. Subjects were initially started on PCV settings chosen by the primary treatment team, then switched to AVM-2 with comparable minute ventilation. Mechanical power and its work components (tidal, resistive, PEEP, elastic, inspiratory, total), tidal volume, driving pressure, respiratory rate, and positive end-expiratory pressure, were recorded for each patient every 15 min for the duration of 2 consecutive hours on each mode. Statistical analysis, including paired t-tests were performed to assess the significance of differences between the two ventilation modes. The data is provided in means and 土 SD. Results There were significant differences between PCV and AVM-2 in mechanical power (J/min): 21.62 土 7.61 vs 14.21 土 6.41 (P < 0.001), PEEP work (J): 4.83 土 2.71 vs 4.11 土 2.51 (P < 0.001), Tidal work (J): 3.83 土 1.51 vs 2.21 土 0.89 (P < 0.001), Elastic work (J): 8.62 土 3.13 vs 6.32 土 3.21 (P < 0.001), Resistive work (J): 3.23 土 1.61 vs 1.81 土 1.31 (P 0.013), Inspiratory work (J): 6.95 土 2.58 vs 4.05 土 2.01 (P < 0.001), Total work (J): 11.81 土 3.81 vs 8.11 土 4.23 (P < 0.001). There were significant differences between PCV and AVM-2 in tidal volume (ml): 511 土 8.22 vs 413 土 10.21 (P < 0.001), tidal volume / IBW 7.38 土 1.74 vs 6.49 土 1.72 (P 0.004), driving pressure (cmH2O): 24.45 土 6.29 vs 20.11 土 6.59 (P 0.012), minute ventilation (L/min): 8.96 土 1.34 vs 7.42 土 1.41 (P < 0.001). The respiratory rate (bpm) was not significantly different between PCV and AVM-2 19.61 土 4.32 vs 18.32 土 1.43 (P 0.176). There were no significant differences between PCV and AVM-2 in static compliance (ml/cmH2O) 20.24 土 5.16 vs 22.72 土 6.79 (P 0.346), PaCO2 (mmHg) 44.94 土 9.62 vs 44.13 土 10.11 (P 0.825), and PaO2:FiO2 243.54 土 109.85 vs 274.21 土 125.13 (P 0.343), but significantly higher power compliance index in PCV vs AVM-2: 1.11 土 0.41 vs 0.71 土 0.33 (P < 0.001). Conclusion This study demonstrates that the choice of mechanical ventilation mode, whether PCV or AVM-2, significantly impacts mechanical power and its constituent variables. AVM-2 mode was associated with reduced mechanical power, and its’ components alongside the driving pressure, and tidal volumes, indicating its potential superiority in terms of lung-protective ventilation strategies. Clinicians should consider these findings when selecting the most appropriate ventilation mode to minimize the risk of ventilator-associated complications and improve patient outcomes. Further research is warranted to explore the clinical implications of these findings and to refine best practices in mechanical ventilation.

Abstract Background Non-National Immunization Program (NIP) vaccines have played an important role in controlling vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) in China. However, these vaccines are paid out of pocket and there is room to increase their coverage. We focused on four selected non-NIP vaccines in this study, namely Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine, human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV), and rotavirus vaccine. We aimed to conduct a scoping review of their vaccination rates and the major barriers faced by health systems, providers, and caregivers to increase coverage. Methods We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). We searched five English databases (PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Scopus, and WHO IRIS) and four Chinese databases using the search strategy developed by the study team. Two independent reviewers screened, selected studies, and examined their quality. We summarized the non-NIP vaccine coverage data by vaccine and applied the 5A framework (Access, Affordability, Acceptance, Awareness, Activation) to chart and analyze barriers to increasing coverage. Results A total of 28 articles were included in the analysis (nine pertaining to vaccine coverage, and another 19 reporting challenges of increasing uptake). Among the four selected vaccines, coverage for the Hib vaccine was the highest (54.9–55.9% for 1 dose or more from two meta-analyses) in 2016, while the coverage of the other three vaccines was lower than 30%. Eight of the nine included articles mentioned the regional disparity of coverage, which was lower in under-developing regions. For example, the three-dose Hib vaccination rate in eastern provinces was 38.1%, whereas the rate in central and western provinces was 34.3% and 26.2%, respectively in 2017. Within the 5A framework, acceptance, awareness, and affordability stood out as the most prominent themes. Among the 12 identified sub-themes, high prices, low vaccine awareness, concerns about vaccine safety and efficacy were the most cited barriers to increasing the uptake. Conclusions There is an urgent need to increase coverage of non-NIP vaccines and reduce disparities in access to these vaccines across regions. Concerted efforts from the government, the public, and society are required to tackle the barriers and challenges identified in this study, both on the demand and supply side, to ensure everybody has equal access to life-saving vaccines in China. Particularly, the government should take a prudent approach to gradually incorporate non-NIP vaccines into the NIP step by step, and make a prioritizing strategy based on key factors such as disease burden, financial resources, and market readiness, with special attention to high-risk populations and underdeveloped regions. Graphical Abstract

ABSTRACTIntroduction Diabetic patients are at a higher risk of getting pneumococcal disease and are therefore recommended to get vaccinated. The aim of our systematic review is the retrieval and analysis of all available evidence on the effect of pneumococcal vaccination on the risk of hospitalization and death in adult patients with diabetes.Research design and methods MEDLINEand EMBASE were searched from inception until January 2023. We included all studies investigating whether pneumococcal vaccination reduces the risk of dying or being hospitalized in diabetic patients. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to assess risk of bias. Results Only two studies, encompassing a total of 68,246 subjects, were considered eligible for inclusion and of high quality. In both studies polysaccharide pneumococcal vaccination was associated with a reduction of the risk of hospitalization or death in adult diabetic patients (aHR: 0.76 in one study, aOR: 0.97 in the other one). However, in neither of the two included studies the lower risk was statistically significant.Conclusions Further research is needed due to the potentially major clinical implications for diabetic patients. The results of this systematic review can serve as a foundation for future studies, indicating the importance of continuing research in this area to improve patient outcomes.

Background: Blackgram is an important pulse crop grown in India. The creation of new variability through hybridization or mutation breeding will produce novel segregants for important yield attributing traits. The selection from the population will be effective if the traits have good genetic variability estimates. Methods: The present investigation was conducted on analysing genetic variability parameters in F2 populations of the blackgram crosses CO 5 × VBN 9 and CO 6 × VBN 11 which were evaluated during rabi, 2022. Result: Based on the coefficient of variations, it was found that sufficient amount of genetic variability and high to moderate heritability with high genetic advance were present in the populations for the traits viz., plant height, number of branches per plant, number of clusters per plant, number of pods per cluster, number of pods per plant and seed yield per plant indicates the presence of additive gene action which can be improved by simple selection in the earlier generations. The positive skewness was observed for the traits viz., number of branches per plant, number of pods per cluster, number of pods per plant, hundred seed weight and seed yield per plant in F2 population of CO 5 × VBN 9 and number of clusters per plant, number of pods per cluster, number of pods per plant and seed yield per plant in the F2 population of CO 6 × VBN 11. The above traits could be improved by intensive selection for rapid improvement. The leptokurtic nature of the distribution for the trait hundred seed weight in CO 5 × VBN 9 population and the traits viz., number of clusters per plant, number of pods per plant, pod length, number of seeds per pod and seed yield per plant in CO 6 × VBN 11 population indicates that these traits are controlled by few minor genes. Hence, the good segregants could be selected from these two populations for yield improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]