scholarly journals Emergence of Unusual Rotavirus G9p[4] and G8p[8] Strains During Post Vaccination Surveillance in Argentina, 2017-2018 

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan I Degiuseppe ◽  
Juan A Stupka
Keyword(s):  
Early Spring ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Phylogenetic Study ◽  
Genotype Distribution ◽  
Post Vaccination ◽  
Rotavirus Vaccination ◽  
Immunization Strategies ◽  
Monovalent Vaccine ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Children Under 5

Abstract Background. In 2015, Argentina included RotarixTM monovalent vaccine for universal administration and it showed a sharp decline in all-cause and rotavirus-confirmed cases as well as an immediate predominance of the G2P[4] genotype. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of rotavirus vaccination on disease burden and genotype distribution in our country following its introduction. Methods. Prevalence and seasonality of laboratory-confirmed rotavirus cases data were assessed. Analyses of circulating genotypes were performed by conventional binary characterization (G and P typing). Phylogenetic study of VP7 gene was performed from emergent unusual strains. Results. During 2017-2018, 1183 rotavirus cases (13.2%) were detected and prevalence was uniform among different age subgroups. Weekly distribution showed a raise of confirmed cases around late July and early August. In 2017 the most frequently detected genotypes were G2P[4] and G3P[8]. However, in 2018 G12P[8] genotype increased and it was detected at a high rate. Noteworthy, the detection of uncommon G9P[4] and G8P[8] strains (bearing DS-1-like genetic backbones) was observed at moderate rates. Conclusions. Following four years of this strategy, the prevalence of rotavirus remained low in children under 5 years of age with a shift of the seasonal peak in early spring. The emergence of uncommon genotypes was due to introduction of new strains rather than to reassortment of local strains. Continuous monitoring of rotavirus burden of disease and genotype distribution provides useful evidence to evaluate existing immunization strategies and to contribute in the development of new vaccines as well.

scholarly journals Seroconversion rates following COVID-19 vaccination amongst patients with malignant disease- the impact of diagnosis and cancer-directed therapies

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Astha Thakkar ◽  
Jesus Gonzalez Lugo ◽  
Niyati Goradia ◽  
Radhika Gali ◽  
Lauren C. Shapiro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Passive Immunization ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Oncology Patients ◽  
Post Vaccination ◽  
Patients With Cancer ◽  
Immunization Strategies ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy ◽  
Hormonal Therapies ◽  
Anti Cd20 ◽  
The Impact

As COVID-19 has been shown to adversely affect patients with cancer, prophylactic strategies are critically needed. We determined the immunogenicity of COVID-19 vaccination in a cohort of cancer patients that had received full dosing with one of the FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines. 201 oncology patients underwent anti-spike protein SARS-CoV-2 IgG testing post-vaccination and demonstrated a high rate of seroconversion (94%) overall. When compared to solid tumors (98%), a significantly lower rate of seroconversion was observed in patients with hematological malignancies (85%), particularly recipients of anti-CD20 therapies (70%) and stem cell transplantation (74%). Patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy (97%) or hormonal therapies (100%) demonstrated high seroconversion post-vaccination. Patients with prior COVID-19 infection demonstrated higher anti-spike IgG titers post-vaccination. Relatively lower IgG titers were noted following vaccination with the adenoviral when compared to the mRNA-based vaccines. These data demonstrate generally high immunogenicity of COVID-19 vaccination in oncology patients and identify vulnerable cohorts that need novel vaccination or passive immunization strategies.

scholarly journals Impact of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine on invasive pneumococcal disease in children under 5 years of age in the Czech Republic

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. e0247862
Author(s):  
Jana Kozakova ◽  
Pavla Krizova ◽  
Marek Maly
Keyword(s):  
Czech Republic ◽  
Conjugate Vaccine ◽  
Invasive Pneumococcal Disease ◽  
Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine ◽  
Pneumococcal Disease ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Post Vaccination ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Vaccination Period ◽  
Children Under 5

Introduction The aim of this study is to analyse the impact of vaccination of infants with pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) on the incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) in children under 5 years of age in the Czech Republic. Material and methods The present study includes all IPD cases reported in children aged 0–4 years within the surveillance program in 2007–2017. The impact of PCV is analysed for five categories of IPD: cases caused by all serotypes, cases caused by PCV7 serotypes (4, 6B, 9V, 14, 18C, 19F, and 23F), cases caused by three additional PCV10 serotypes (1, 5, and 7F), cases caused by three additional PCV13 serotypes (3, 6A, and 19A), and cases caused by non-PCV serotypes. To assess the impact of PCV, the study period was divided into the pre-vaccination period 2007–2008 and post-vaccination period 2009–2017, which was divided into three three-year parts: 2009–2011, 2012–2014, and 2015–2017. Analysis of differences between periods was based on the Poisson regression model where the population numbers were handled as an offset. Results The annual incidence of IPD in children under 5 years of age caused by all serotypes has had a downward trend since 2007: it dropped from 8.52/100 000 in 2007 to 2.67/100 000 in 2017, with slight increases in 2010 and 2013. All three post-vaccination periods show significantly lower (p<0.001) incidences in comparison to the pre-vaccination period, but they do not statistically significantly differ from each other. Conclusions IPD surveillance data in the Czech Republic show that after the introduction of PCV vaccination of infants, there has been a significant decrease in the IPD incidence of children under 5 years of age. Continued IPD surveillance is essential to monitor for possible post-vaccination serotype replacement.

scholarly journals Sustained low rotavirus activity and hospitalisation rates in the post-vaccination era in Belgium, 2007 to 2014

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (27) ◽  
Author(s):  
Martine Sabbe ◽  
Nicolas Berger ◽  
Adriaan Blommaert ◽  
Benson Ogunjimi ◽  
Tine Grammens ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Herd Immunity ◽  
Vaccination Schedule ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Age Group ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Post Vaccination ◽  
Rotavirus Vaccination ◽  
Rotavirus Gastroenteritis ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Vaccination Period

In 2006, Belgium was the first country in the European Union to recommend rotavirus vaccination in the routine infant vaccination schedule and rapidly achieved high vaccine uptake (86–89% in 2007). We used regional and national data sources up to 7 years post-vaccination to study the impact of vaccination on laboratory-confirmed rotavirus cases and rotavirus-related hospitalisations and deaths. We showed that (i) from 2007 until 2013, vaccination coverage remained at 79–88% for a complete course, (ii) in children 0–2 years, rotavirus cases decreased by 79% (95% confidence intervals (CI): 68–­89%) in 2008–2014 compared to the pre-vaccination period (1999–­2006) and by 50% (95% CI: 14–82%) in the age group ≥ 10 years, (iii) hospitalisations for rotavirus gastroenteritis decreased by 87% (95% CI: 84–90%) in 2008–­2012 compared to the pre-vaccination period (2002–­2006), (iv) median age of rotavirus cases increased from 12 months to 17 months and (v) the rotavirus seasonal peak was reduced and delayed in all post-vaccination years. The substantial decline in rotavirus gastroenteritis requiring hospitalisations and in rotavirus activity following introduction of rotavirus vaccination is sustained over time and more pronounced in the target age group, but with evidence of herd immunity.

scholarly journals Prevalence, Pattern and Genetic Diversity of Rotaviruses among Children under 5 Years of Age with Acute Gastroenteritis in South Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 1905
Author(s):  
Cornelius A. Omatola ◽  
Ropo E. Ogunsakin ◽  
Ademola O. Olaniran
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Acute Gastroenteritis ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Genotype Distribution ◽  
Post Vaccination ◽  
Rotavirus Infection ◽  
Vaccine Introduction ◽  
Vaccination Period ◽  
Children Under 5

Rotavirus is the most significant cause of severe acute gastroenteritis among children under 5 years of age, worldwide. Sub-Saharan Africa particularly bears the brunt of the diarrheal deaths. A meta-analysis was conducted on 43 eligible studies published between 1982 and 2020 to estimate the pooled prevalence of rotavirus infection and changes in the main rotavirus strains circulating before and after vaccine introduction among under-five children in South Africa. The pooled national prevalence of rotavirus infection was estimated at 24% (95% CI: 21–27%) for the pre-vaccination period and decreased to 23% (95% CI: 21–25%) in the post-vaccination period. However, an increased number of cases was observed in the KwaZulu-Natal (21–28%) and Western Cape (18–24%) regions post-vaccination. The most dominant genotype combinations in the pre-vaccine era was G1P[8], followed by G2P[4], G3P[8], and G1P[6]. After vaccine introduction, a greater genotype diversity was observed, with G9P[8] emerging as the predominant genotype combination, followed by G2P[4], G12P[8], and G1P[8]. The introduction of the rotavirus vaccine was associated with a reduction in the burden of rotavirus-associated diarrhea in South Africa, although not without regional fluctuation. The observed changing patterns of genotype distribution highlights the need for ongoing surveillance to monitor the disease trend and to identify any potential effects associated with the dynamics of genotype changes on vaccine pressure/failure.

scholarly journals Effect of rotavirus vaccination offer to children observed in Italy between 2010-2018

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
F Antinolfi ◽  
L Brunelli ◽  
T Gallo ◽  
F Valent
Keyword(s):  
Low Birthweight ◽  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
Vaccine Coverage ◽  
Hospitalization Rate ◽  
Continuous Assessment ◽  
Rotavirus Vaccination ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Friuli Venezia Giulia ◽  
Observation Period ◽  
Children Under 5

Abstract Background Rotavirus (RV) is the most common cause of gastroenteritis (GE) among children under 5 years. Since 2012 Friuli Venezia Giulia (FVG) Region (Italy) has offered free RV vaccination to low birthweight preterm and other at-risk babies. Starting from 2018, the offer has been extended to all newborns. Aim of the study is to investigate the effectiveness of RV vaccination offer on coverage and GE-related hospital admissions among FVG children under 1 year between 2010-2018. Methods With a retrospective analysis we identified FVG Region children &lt;1y with at least one dose of RV vaccine and children &lt;1y admitted to hospital with a diagnosis of Non-Specific GE (NSGE; ICD9-CM codes 001-009) and RVGE (008.61) from 2010 to 2018. Vaccination coverage and hospitalization risk in each annual child cohort were calculated. Hospitalization and vaccination data were also linked using a univocal anonymous stochastic key. Results Of 77,330 children (51% males) born in FVG during 2010-2018, 8209 (11%) were vaccinated for RV. Coverage progressively increased from 0.2% in 2010 (22/9736) to 23% in 2017 (1782/7747) and then almost tripled in 2018 reaching 67% (5006/7425). During the 9 years observed, 414 children were hospitalized for NSGE (0.5%) and 172 for RVGE (0.2%). NSGE hospitalizations started from 48 (0.5%) in 2010 and reached 58 (0.8%) in 2018. Admissions for RVGE were 27 (0.3%) in 2010 and decreased to 15 (0.2%) in 2018. Annual hospitalization rate fluctuated with no clear pattern. In the observation period, 11 RV vaccinated children were admitted to hospital for NSGE (2.6% of total NSGE admissions), 1 of them specifically with RVGE. Conclusions The offer of RV vaccination to newborns results to be effective to gain vaccine coverage among children under 5 years. The impact of this offer on GE-related hospital admission and RVGE in particular cannot be properly evaluated yet, as not enough time has passed since the implementation of free offer to all newborns. Key messages Defining and implementing an appropriate vaccination offer is essential to ensure adequate levels of coverage against Rotavirus among children under 5 years. The evaluation of the effect of Rotavirus vaccination on hospital admissions for NSGE and RVGE needs a careful and continuous assessment in next years.

scholarly journals First assessment of all-cause acute diarrhoea and rotavirus-confirmed cases following massive vaccination in Argentina

2018 ◽  
Vol 146 (15) ◽  
pp. 1948-1954 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. I. Degiuseppe ◽  
J. A. Stupka
Keyword(s):  
Disease Burden ◽  
Winter Season ◽  
Acute Diarrhoea ◽  
Diarrhoeal Disease ◽  
Genotype Distribution ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Seasonal Incidence ◽  
Post Vaccination ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Vaccination Period

AbstractArgentina incorporated rotavirus massive vaccination in 2015. No specific strategy has been designed to accurately measure the impact of this recent introduction on the diarrhoeal disease burden in our country. We assessed post-vaccine introduction data (all-cause acute diarrhoea and rotavirus laboratory-confirmed cases, and genotype distribution), compared with pre-vaccination period in children under 5 years of age in Argentina. Cross-sectional ecologic analysis was conducted with data from the Argentine Surveillance Health System. Endemic channel and global and seasonal incidence rates of pre- and post-vaccination periods were calculated and further compared. Conventional binary genotypification on rotavirus-positive samples was also performed. In post-vaccination period, a global decrease of 20.8% in the rate of all-cause acute diarrhoea cases was found. The endemic channel showed that declination was more significant in the autumn/winter season. Rotavirus laboratory-confirmed cases showed 61.7% of reduction and the weekly distribution analyses indicated a significant flattening of the expected seasonal peak. G2P[4] was the most prevalent circulating genotype (57.2%). This study represents the first assessment of diarrhoeal disease burden since rotavirus massive vaccination strategy was implemented in Argentina. This introduction represented a successful intervention due to the significant decrease in all-cause acute diarrhoea cases and rotavirus laboratory-confirmed cases.

Individual and Combined Assessment of Ser680Asn FSH Receptor and FSHβ -211 G>T Gene Polymorphisms in Ovarian Response in IVF/ICSI Program

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elli Anagnostou ◽  
Alexia Kafkoutsou ◽  
Despina Mavrogianni ◽  
Ekaterini Domali ◽  
Evangelia Dimitroulia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Polymorphism ◽  
Gene Polymorphisms ◽  
Ovarian Response ◽  
Greek Population ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Genotype Distribution ◽  
Β Subunit ◽  
Molecular Genetic Study ◽  
The Impact ◽  
First Time

Background: Molecular biology tools, such as the detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), have been considered to assist to the management of the ovarian stimulation protocols. Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of two polymorphisms, the Asn680Ser polymorphism of the FSHR gene, and the FSH β subunit (FSHβ) gene polymorphism -211 G>T, in a Greek population of women undergoing IVF/ICSI program in our center. In addition, a control group of fertile women was studied, to verify whether there are differences in the genotype distribution between fertile and infertile population for both polymorphisms, as the FSHβ gene polymorphism -211 G>T is studied for the first time in the Greek population. Results : The FSH β-211 G>T polymorphism, studied for the first time in the Greek infertile population, appears to be quite rare. When studying the two polymorphisms separately, statistically significant differences were obtained that concerned the LH levels. Discussion: According to the combination analysis of the two polymorphisms by the number of alleles, women with 2-3 polymorphic alleles needed more days of stimulation, but there were no differences in pregnancy rates. Conclusion: This molecular genetic study helps to elucidate whether the polygenic combination of the Asn680Ser and FSH β subunit -211 G>T gene polymorphisms is of additive value in the prediction of ovarian response to exogenous gonadotropins.

Others' participation rate influences an individual's charitable behavior: Others' similarity as a moderator

2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (10) ◽  
pp. 1607-1618 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seung Yun Lee ◽  
Sunho Jung ◽  
Sangdo Oh ◽  
Seong Hoon Park
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Participation Rate ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Charitable Behavior ◽  
High Participation ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
The Impact ◽  
And Diffusion ◽  
High Participation Rate ◽  
Diffusion Of Responsibility

We proposed that a moderator, others' similarity, would determine the impact of high participation rates of others on an individual's charitable behavior, and aimed to show that this moderator would work through the diffusion of responsibility motive. Participants (N = 152 undergraduate students) completed measures of charitable behavior and diffusion of responsibility, after being assigned to 1 of 2 conditions where a set percentage of other students (manipulated as either similar undergraduate students or dissimilar graduate students) were stated to have already donated to a charitable campaign (high contribution condition = 70% participation, low contribution condition = 30% participation). Our results showed that the high participation rate of others increased an individual's charitable behavior when the others in question were similar to that individual, but not when the others were dissimilar. In addition, the high rate of participation by others increased the diffusion of responsibility motive when the others in question were dissimilar to that individual, leading to a negative effect on that individual's charitable behavior.

scholarly journals Immunization Strategies for Funding Multiple Inflation-Linked Retirement Income Benefits

Risks ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 60
Author(s):  
Cláudia Simões ◽  
Luís Oliveira ◽  
Jorge M. Bravo
Keyword(s):  
Interest Rate ◽  
Yield Curve ◽  
Risk Measure ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Interest Rate Risk ◽  
Insurance Companies ◽  
Retirement Income ◽  
Investment Strategies ◽  
Immunization Strategies ◽  
The Impact

Protecting against unexpected yield curve, inflation, and longevity shifts are some of the most critical issues institutional and private investors must solve when managing post-retirement income benefits. This paper empirically investigates the performance of alternative immunization strategies for funding targeted multiple liabilities that are fixed in timing but random in size (inflation-linked), i.e., that change stochastically according to consumer price or wage level indexes. The immunization procedure is based on a targeted minimax strategy considering the M-Absolute as the interest rate risk measure. We investigate to what extent the inflation-hedging properties of ILBs in asset liability management strategies targeted to immunize multiple liabilities of random size are superior to that of nominal bonds. We use two alternative datasets comprising daily closing prices for U.S. Treasuries and U.S. inflation-linked bonds from 2000 to 2018. The immunization performance is tested over 3-year and 5-year investment horizons, uses real and not simulated bond data and takes into consideration the impact of transaction costs in the performance of immunization strategies and in the selection of optimal investment strategies. The results show that the multiple liability immunization strategy using inflation-linked bonds outperforms the equivalent strategy using nominal bonds and is robust even in a nearly zero interest rate scenario. These results have important implications in the design and structuring of ALM liability-driven investment strategies, particularly for retirement income providers such as pension schemes or life insurance companies.

scholarly journals Peculiarities of Neurostimulation by Intense Nanosecond Pulsed Electric Fields: How to Avoid Firing in Peripheral Nerve Fibers

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (13) ◽  
pp. 7051
Author(s):  
Vitalii Kim ◽  
Emily Gudvangen ◽  
Oleg Kondratiev ◽  
Luis Redondo ◽  
Shu Xiao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Electric Fields ◽  
Pulsed Electric Fields ◽  
Opposite Polarity ◽  
Nerve Fibers ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Excitation Threshold ◽  
Compound Action Potentials ◽  
Supramaximal Stimulation ◽  
The Impact

Intense pulsed electric fields (PEF) are a novel modality for the efficient and targeted ablation of tumors by electroporation. The major adverse side effects of PEF therapies are strong involuntary muscle contractions and pain. Nanosecond-range PEF (nsPEF) are less efficient at neurostimulation and can be employed to minimize such side effects. We quantified the impact of the electrode configuration, PEF strength (up to 20 kV/cm), repetition rate (up to 3 MHz), bi- and triphasic pulse shapes, and pulse duration (down to 10 ns) on eliciting compound action potentials (CAPs) in nerve fibers. The excitation thresholds for single unipolar but not bipolar stimuli followed the classic strength–duration dependence. The addition of the opposite polarity phase for nsPEF increased the excitation threshold, with symmetrical bipolar nsPEF being the least efficient. Stimulation by nsPEF bursts decreased the excitation threshold as a power function above a critical duty cycle of 0.1%. The threshold reduction was much weaker for symmetrical bipolar nsPEF. Supramaximal stimulation by high-rate nsPEF bursts elicited only a single CAP as long as the burst duration did not exceed the nerve refractory period. Such brief bursts of bipolar nsPEF could be the best choice to minimize neuromuscular stimulation in ablation therapies.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document