Evaluation of the diagnostic assays detecting red sea bream iridovirus infection at different severity levels

Red sea bream iridovirus (RSIV) is a highly contagious viral infection that affects various fish species and poses a significant threat to the global aquaculture industry. Thus, accurate and timely diagnosis is paramount for sustainable management of fish health. This study rigorously evaluated the diagnostic efficacy of various polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays, focusing on those recommended by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) and the assays newly proposed by WOAH's Aquatic Animals Health Standards Commission. Specifically, this study assessed conventional PCR, nested PCR, modified 1-F/1-R, and real-time PCR assays using a 95% limit of detection (LoD95%), as well as diagnostic sensitivity (DSe) and specificity (DSp) tests across different RSIV severity grades (G0-G4). In previous studies, the LoD95% for the 1-F/1-R and 4-F/4-R conventional assays were 225.81 and 328.7 copies/reaction, respectively. The modified 1-F/1-R exhibited a lower LoD95% of 51.32 copies/reaction. Notably, the nested PCR had an LoD95% of 11.23 copies/reaction, and the real-time PCR assay had an LoD95% of 12.02 copies/reaction. The DSe varied across RSIV severity grades, especially in the lower G0-G2 grades. The nested PCR and modified 1-F/1-R assays displayed the highest DSe, making them particularly useful for early-stage screening and detection of asymptomatic carriers. In addition, the PCR assays did not cross-react with any other aquatic pathogens except RSIV. Our findings significantly advanced the diagnostic capabilities of RSIVD by suggesting that nested PCR and modified 1-F/1-R assays are particularly promising for early detection. We propose their inclusion in future WOAH guidelines for a more comprehensive diagnostic framework.

Clinical Assessment of Thermotherapy Applications during Hepatectomy and Laparotomy in Sturgeon (Acipenser ruthenus): Impact on Bioparameter Variations Based on Liver Condition

Surgical techniques are gaining attention for treating physical diseases in aquaculture and aquarium fish. Sturgeon is a suitable species for surgical experiments due to its industrial significance. Maintaining homeostasis is crucial during surgical procedures, and the liver plays a major role in immune regulation. High temperature is suggested to improve physiological activity and wound healing. This study investigated differences in hepatectomy sturgeons' tolerance and histopathological responses of internal organs. Moreover, this study investigated the effects of high temperatures on wound healing and hematopoietic recovery in fish undergoing surgical procedures. The liver condition was found to play a pivotal role in the analysis, and cortisol levels were affected by anesthesia. The results showed that high temperature facilitated hematopoietic recovery and wound healing, but excessive induction of physiological activity caused damage. Managing high temperatures and liver conditions induced a remarkable improvement in wound healing. However, anesthesia itself can be a significant stressor for fish, and wound healing requires a greater amount of energy. Further research is needed to understand the stress factors caused by surgical procedures and anesthesia and to promote animal welfare in fishery products.

First report of L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM) in flat fish (Starry flounder): Molecular features and expression analysis

In this study, the starry flounder L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM) sequence was obtained using next-generation sequencing, and the integrity of the sequence was verified by cloning and sequencing. First, the amino acid sequence was predicted using the cDNA sequence, and the gene was then identified through multiple sequence alignment analysis with related sequences and phylogenetic analysis. Thus, homogeneity was confirmed. The expression level of PsL1CAM (Platichthys stellatus L1CAM) mRNA in healthy starry flounder was detected in all tissues used in the experiment, and tissue- and gene-specific expression levels were confirmed. In addition, as a result of mRNA expression analysis after artificial infection with viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) and Streptococcus parauberis PH0710, significant expression changes and characteristics were confirmed following infection with VHSV and S. parauberis PH0710. After artificial infection with VHSV, the expression level of PsL1CAM mRNA was significantly upregulated in almost all major tissues of the starry flounder, whereas it was significantly downregulated in mucosal-associated lymphoid tissues, such as the gills and intestine. Infection with S. parauberis PH0710 significantly upregulated the expression of PsL1CAM mRNA in almost all major tissues of the starry flounder, whereas it was significantly downregulated in the heart after infection. Our results indicate that PsL1CAM may be involved in the host immune response to starry flounders.

Assessment of Salinomycin's Potential to Treat Microcotyle sebastis in Korean Rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii)

Aquaculture, a crucial sector of the global food industry, faces a myriad of issues due to parasitic invasions. One such parasite, Microcotyle sebastis, which afflicts Korean rockfish in South Korea, has a significant economic impact. The impending danger of resistance to traditional anthelmintics necessitates the exploration of new antiparasitic candidates. Although the efficacy of salinomycin against aquatic parasites such as ciliates and sporozoans is known, its influence on monogeneans has yet to be studied. Therefore, this study investigated the efficacy and safety of salinomycin for the treatment of M. sebastis infections, presenting the first exploration of salinomycin's therapeutic potential against monogeneans. In vitro examinations revealed a minimum effective concentration of salinomycin of 5 mg/kg, which led to necrosis of the haptor upon dislodging from the gill filaments. The one-time oral administration of the drug at concentrations of 5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg showed a significant dose-dependent reduction in parasite counts, with no apparent behavioral side effects in Korean rockfish. Biochemical analyses monitored the liver, heart, and kidney enzymes, specifically aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB). At both 20 °C and 13 °C, no significant differences were observed in the levels of AST and ALT. However, at 20 °C, alterations in BUN levels were evident on Day 14, a deviation not observed at 13 °C. The CK-MB analysis revealed elevated enzyme levels at both temperatures when compared to the control group, reflecting the similar changes observed in terrestrial animals administered salinomycin. The biochemical data suggest that the oral administration of salinomycin is potentially more favorable at 13 °C than at 20 °C. Although our findings warrant further comprehensive studies, including on the long-term and potential effects on nontarget species and water quality, they also suggest that salinomycin could be considered as an alternative or adjunctive treatment if resistance to the currently used praziquantel against M. sebastis is confirmed.

Identification of Potential Hazards Associated with South Korean Prawns and Monitoring Results Targeting Fishing Bait

This study detected two potential pathogens, Vibro parahaemolyticus, which causes acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND), and white spot syndrome virus (WSSV), in fishing bait in South Korea. However, their infectious nature was not confirmed, possibly due to the degradation caused by freezing/thawing or prolonged storage under frozen conditions. While infectivity was not confirmed in this study, there is still a significant risk of exposure to these aquatic products. Furthermore, fishing bait and feed should be handled with caution as they are directly exposed to water, increasing the risk of disease transmission. In Australia, cases of WSSV infection caused by imported shrimp intended for human consumption have occurred, highlighting the need for preventive measures. While freezing/thawing is a method for inactivating pathogens, there are still regulatory and realistic issues to be addressed.

Outcomes Following Radiation Therapy (RT) for Very Young Age CNS Embryonal Tumors on COG ACNS0334 According to Molecular-Confirmed Diagnosis

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

The outcomes of upfront or relapse radiation therapy (RT) for the Children's Oncology Group ACNS0334 protocol based on molecular diagnosis were assessed. Therapy included maximal safe surgery, high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell rescue, randomization for inclusion of high dose methotrexate (MTX) and optional RT.

MATERIALS/METHODS

There were 24 patients that received RT on COG ACNS0334 of 77 evaluable patients with a diagnosis of either high-risk medulloblastoma (MB) or supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumor (SPNET). RT was a recommendation (M0: Focal, M+: CSI 18 Gy) given young patient age <36 months at enrollment. Seven RT patients were excluded for ineligible pathology (1 ATRT, 1 HGG) or insufficient tissue. The aim of this report is to review outcomes of 17 patients on ACNS0334 receiving RT (8 Upfront, 9 at relapse) with a molecular diagnosis that included MB, Pineoblastoma (PB), or Embryonal tumor with multilayered rosettes (ETMR).

RESULTS

In the MB group, there were 9 patients irradiated with MB (Group 3 = 8, SHH = 1). 5-year OS for MB Group 3 receiving RT (median primary dose 54 Gy) was 62.5% with no difference observed comparing 6 patients treated with upfront RT versus 2 treated at relapse (p = 0.27). All upfront RT for MB Group 3 had initial partial response (PR) to 0334 chemotherapy. RT delivery for upfront RT MB Group 3 included craniospinal radiation (CSI) in 5 patients and 1 patient who received focal RT to the primary (50 Gy) and metastatic site (44 Gy). Eighty percent of CSI for upfront RT in Group 3 was 18 Gy or 23.4 Gy. Relapse RT for MB Group 3 (2 patients) utilized full dose CSI (36 Gy, 39.6 Gy) and both patients are survivors with 5+ years follow-up. CSI dose for Group 3 MB was higher for relapse RT (mean 37.8 Gy) as compared to upfront RT (mean 19.8 Gy, p = 0.013). Use of MTX was 50% in both upfront RT and relapse RT Group 3 MB cohorts. One patient with MB SHH (classic histology) underwent upfront focal RT (54 Gy) after initial PR to systemic therapy (without MTX) and is surviving 5+ years. PB: Of 4 PB patients (median primary dose 48.8 Gy) 1 had RT upfront (CSI 18 Gy) and 3 had RT at relapse (1 patient received CSI, 21 Gy). All patients with PB expired within 2 years. MTX was given in 75% (including 1 upfront RT PB). Two of 3 patients treated at relapse had prior complete response (CR). ETMR: All 4 patients (median primary dose 54 Gy) with ETMR were treated at relapse, with CSI given in 1 patient (23.4 Gy). All patients with ETMR expired within 2 years, and 2 (50%) had received MTX. Two patients (50%) had initial CR.

CONCLUSION

The RT cohort for Group 3 MB on ACNS0334 exhibited long-term survival both for both upfront and relapse RT, however relapsed Group 3 MB received higher dose CSI. RT upfront for MB, including one surviving MB SHH patient receiving focal RT, was solely given for incomplete initial chemotherapy response. There were no survivors for either PB or ETMR when the majority (88%) were treated at relapse.

Correlation of endemicity between monogenean trematode, Microcotyle sebastis, and parasitic copepods in Korean rockfish, Sebastes schlegelii, from a fish farm in Tongyeong-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea

Infestations of parasites, particularly those caused by copepods and monogeneans, are a major hindrance to aquaculture and have a big negative economic impact. Sebastes schlegelii, a farmed Korean rockfish, is particularly prone to copepods and monogeneans. This study comprehended how parasitic copepods and rockfish from a farm in Tongyeong-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea, are related to the monogenean trematode Microcotyle sebastis. Our research revealed that monogeneans predominated, with a rate of 98.4% and an average infection intensity of 7 per infected fish. With an average infection intensity of 4 per sick fish, the infection rate for parasitic copepods was equally considerable, coming in at 91.7%. The high co-infection rate of both parasite families, at 90.8%, is noteworthy. Furthermore, Lepeophtheirus elegans and Peniculus truncatus, 2 parasitic copepod species, were discovered to have M. sebastis eggs attached to their bodies. This demonstrates a connection between parasitic copepod infestations in farmed Korean rockfish and the monogenean trematode M. sebastis. These discoveries highlight the necessity for creating more potent parasite control methods for the aquaculture sector and shed light on the intricate relationships between various parasite species.

Exploring the Efficacy and Safety of Levamisole Hydrochloride against Microcotyle sebastis in Korean Rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii): An In Vitro and In Vivo Approach

Parasitic infections pose significant challenges in aquaculture, and the increasing resistance to conventional anthelmintics necessitates the exploration of alternative treatments. Levamisole hydrochloride (HCl) has demonstrated efficacy against monogenean infections in various fish species; however, research focused on Microcotyle sebastis infections in Korean rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii) remains limited. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of levamisole HCl against M. sebastis infections in Korean rockfish with the goal of optimizing anthelmintic usage in aquaculture. In this study, we first assessed the susceptibility of M. sebastis to levamisole HCl in vitro. Subsequently, in vivo evaluations were conducted to assess the drug's efficacy, safety, and to identify optimal administration methods. In vitro experiments revealed concentration-dependent sensitivity of M. sebastis to levamisole HCl, with a minimum effective concentration (MEC) of 100 mg/L. In vivo experiments employed oral administration, intraperitoneal injection, and immersion treatments based on the MEC. Oral administration proved to be a safe method, yielding efficacy rates of 27.3% and 41.6% for 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg doses, respectively, in contrast to the immersion and injection methods, which induced symptoms of abnormal swimming, vomiting, and death. Biochemical analyses conducted to assess the safety of levamisole HCl revealed a transient, statistically significant elevation in the levels of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) and glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) on day three post-administration at 20 °C. Following this, no substantial differences were observed. However, at 13 °C, the enzyme levels remained relatively consistent, emphasizing the role of water temperature conditions in influencing the action of levamisole HCl. Our research findings substantiate the efficacy of levamisole HCl against M. sebastis in Korean rockfish, underscoring its potential for safe oral administration. These results provide valuable insights for developing parasite control strategies involving levamisole HCl in Korean rockfish populations while minimizing adverse impacts on fish health and the environment. However, this study bears limitations due to its controlled setting and narrow focus. Future research should expand on these findings by testing levamisole HCl in diverse environments, exploring different administration protocols, and examining wider temperature ranges.

Red Sea Bream Iridovirus Kinetics, Tissue Tropism, and Interspecies Horizontal Transmission in Flathead Grey Mullets (Mugil cephalus)

Red sea bream iridovirus (RSIV) causes significant economic losses in the aquaculture industry. We analyzed the pathogenicity of RSIV in flathead grey mullets (Mugil cephalus), the correlation of histopathological lesions, and interspecies horizontal transmission, through immersion infection and cohabitation challenges. Flathead grey mullets, which were challenged by immersion infection, exhibited mortality at 14 and 24 days after RSIV exposure. Viral shedding in seawater peaked 2-3 days before or after the observed mortality. Specific lesions of RSIV were observed in the spleen and kidney, and the correlation between histopathological grade and viral load was the highest in the spleen. In a cohabitation challenge, flathead grey mullets were the donors, and healthy rock bream, red sea bream, and flathead grey mullets were the recipients. Viral shedding in seawater was the highest in flathead grey mullet and rock bream at 25 °C, with 10^6.0 RSIV copies L/g at 14 dpi. No mortality was observed in any group challenged at 15 °C, and no RSIV was detected in seawater after 30 dpi. The virus shed from RSIV-infected flathead grey mullets caused horizontal transmission through seawater. These findings suggest that rapid decision-making is warranted when managing disease in fish farms.

Impact of Red Sea Bream Iridovirus Infection on Rock Bream (Oplegnathus fasciatus) and Other Fish Species: A Study of Horizontal Transmission

Red sea bream iridovirus (RSIV) causes significant economic losses in aquaculture. Here, we analyzed the pathogenicity, viral shedding, and transmission dynamics of RSIV in rock bream (Oplegnathus fasciatus) by employing immersion infection and cohabitation challenge models. Rock bream challenged by immersion exposure exhibited 100% mortality within 35 days post RSIV exposure, indicating that the viral shedding in seawater peaked after mortality. At 25 °C, a positive correlation between the viral loads within infected rock bream and virus shedding into the seawater was observed. Specific RSIV lesions were observed in the spleen and kidney of the infected rock bream, and the viral load in the spleen had the highest correlation with the histopathological grade. A cohabitation challenge mimicking the natural transmission conditions was performed to assess the virus transmission and determine the pathogenicity and viral load. The RSIV-infected rock breams (donors) were cohabited with uninfected rock bream, red sea bream (Pagrus major), and flathead grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) (recipients) at both 25 °C and 15 °C. In the cohabitation challenge group maintained at 15 °C, no mortality was observed across all experimental groups. However, RSIV was detected in both seawater and the recipient fish. Our results provide preliminary data for further epidemiological analyses and aid in the development of preventive measures and management of RSIVD in aquaculture.

Development of a Propidium Monoazide-Based Viability Quantitative PCR Assay for Red Sea Bream Iridovirus Detection

Red sea bream iridovirus (RSIV) is an important aquatic virus that causes high mortality in marine fish. RSIV infection mainly spreads through horizontal transmission via seawater, and its early detection could help prevent disease outbreaks. Although quantitative PCR (qPCR) is a sensitive and rapid method for detecting RSIV, it cannot differentiate between infectious and inactive viruses. Here, we aimed to develop a viability qPCR assay based on propidium monoazide (PMAxx), which is a photoactive dye that penetrates damaged viral particles and binds to viral DNA to prevent qPCR amplification, to distinguish between infectious and inactive viruses effectively. Our results demonstrated that PMAxx at 75 μM effectively inhibited the amplification of heat-inactivated RSIV in viability qPCR, allowing the discrimination of inactive and infectious RSIV. Furthermore, the PMAxx-based viability qPCR assay selectively detected the infectious RSIV in seawater more efficiently than the conventional qPCR and cell culture methods. The reported viability qPCR method will help prevent the overestimation of red sea bream iridoviral disease caused by RSIV. Furthermore, this non-invasive method will aid in establishing a disease prediction system and in epidemiological analysis using seawater.

Red sea bream interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-8 expression, subcellular localization, and antiviral activity against red sea bream iridovirus (RSIV)

Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) is transcribed by monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells in response to activation of toll-like receptors (TLRs) by pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) or cytokine signalling and causes a rapid inflammatory response to infection. IL-8, also known as chemokine C-X-C motif ligand (CXCL)-8, is regulated by IL-1β and affects the chemotaxis of macrophages and neutrophils upon pathogen infection. In healthy red sea bream, rsbIL-1β is most highly distributed in the liver, and rsbIL-8 is most highly distributed in the head kidney. In response to RSIV infection, rsbIL-1β and rsbIL-8 mRNA are significantly upregulated in the kidney and spleen. This may be because the primary infection targets of RSIV are the kidney and spleen. In the gills, both genes were significantly upregulated at 7 days after RSIV infection and may be accompanied by a cytokine storm. In the liver, both genes were significantly downregulated at most observation points, which may be because the immune cells such as macrophages and dendritic cells expressing rsbIL-1β or rsbIL-8 migrated to other tissues because the degree of RSIV infection was relatively low. Using a GFP fusion protein, it was confirmed that rsbIL-1β and rsbIL-8 were localized to the cytoplasm of Pagrus major fin (PMF) cells. RsbIL-1β overexpression induced the expression of interferon gamma (IFN-γ), myxovirus-resistance protein (Mx) 1, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α, and MyD88, while rsbIL-8 overexpression induced the expression of IFN-γ, Mx1, rsbIL-1β and TNF-α. In addition, overexpression of both genes significantly reduced the genome copies of RSIV and significantly reduced the viral titers. Therefore, rsbIL-1β and rsbIL-8 in red sea bream play an antiviral role against RSIV through their normal signalling.

Search for Subsolar-Mass Binaries in the First Half of Advanced LIGO's and Advanced Virgo's Third Observing Run

We report on a search for compact binary coalescences where at least one binary component has a mass between 0.2  M_{⊙} and 1.0  M_{⊙} in Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo data collected between 1 April 2019 1500 UTC and 1 October 2019 1500 UTC. We extend our previous analyses in two main ways: we include data from the Virgo detector and we allow for more unequal mass systems, with mass ratio q≥0.1. We do not report any gravitational-wave candidates. The most significant trigger has a false alarm rate of 0.14  yr^{-1}. This implies an upper limit on the merger rate of subsolar binaries in the range [220-24200]  Gpc^{-3} yr^{-1}, depending on the chirp mass of the binary. We use this upper limit to derive astrophysical constraints on two phenomenological models that could produce subsolar-mass compact objects. One is an isotropic distribution of equal-mass primordial black holes. Using this model, we find that the fraction of dark matter in primordial black holes in the mass range 0.2  M_{⊙}<m_{PBH}<1.0  M_{⊙} is f_{PBH}≡Ω_{PBH}/Ω_{DM}≲6%. This improves existing constraints on primordial black hole abundance by a factor of ∼3. The other is a dissipative dark matter model, in which fermionic dark matter can collapse and form black holes. The upper limit on the fraction of dark matter black holes depends on the minimum mass of the black holes that can be formed: the most constraining result is obtained at M_{min}=1  M_{⊙}, where f_{DBH}≡Ω_{DBH}/Ω_{DM}≲0.003%. These are the first constraints placed on dissipative dark models by subsolar-mass analyses.

Red Sea Bream Iridovirus (RSIV) Kinetics in Rock Bream (Oplegnathus fasciatus) at Various Fish-Rearing Seawater Temperatures

Simple Summary

Red sea bream iridoviral disease (RSIVD) generates serious economic losses by causing mass mortality events of rock bream during the season with high water temperature in the Republic of Korea and other Asian countries. However, very few studies have investigated RSIV kinetics in rock bream under various rearing water temperatures. In this paper, we investigated the viral load shedding of RSIV into seawater after artificially infecting rock bream (Oplegnathus fasciatus) with the virus. Overall, our data suggest that the viral load shedding of RSIV into seawater varies depending on water temperature and virus inoculation concentration. Our results reveal the potential of non-invasive virus detection approaches, such as the utilization of environmental DNA in fish farms. In addition, we showed that the quantitative analysis of seawater viruses can indirectly improve our understanding of disease progression in fish, potentially contributing to enhanced disease control.

Abstract

Red sea bream iridoviral disease (RSIVD) causes serious economic losses in the aquaculture industry. In this paper, we evaluated RSIV kinetics in rock bream under various rearing water temperatures and different RSIV inoculation concentrations. High viral copy numbers (approximately 10^3.7–10^6.7 RSIV genome copies/L/g) were observed during the period of active fish mortality after RSIV infection at all concentrations in the tanks (25 °C and 20 °C). In the group injected with 10⁴ RSIV genome copies/fish, RSIV was not detected at 21–30 days post-infection (dpi) in the rearing seawater. In rock bream infected at 15 °C and subjected to increasing water temperature (1 °C/d until 25 °C) 3 days later, the virus replication rate and number of viral copies shed into the rearing seawater increased. With the decrease in temperature (1 °C/d) from 25 to 15 °C after the infection, the virus replicated rapidly and was released at high loads on the initial 3–5 dpi, whereas the number of viral copies in the fish and seawater decreased after 14 dpi. These results indicate that the number of viral copies shed into the rearing seawater varies depending on the RSIV infection level in rock bream.

Molecular characterization and expression analysis of septin gene family and phagocytic function of recombinant septin 2, 3 and 8 of starry flounder (Platichthys stellatus)

Septin is an evolutionarily conserved family of GTP-binding proteins. Septins are known to be involved in a variety of cellular processes, including cell division, chromosome separation, cell polarity, motility, membrane dynamics, exocytosis, apoptosis, phagocytosis, DNA damage responses, and other immune responses. In this study, the sequences of the septin gene family of starry flounder were obtained using NGS sequencing, and the integrity of the sequences was verified through cloning and sequencing. At first, the amino acid sequence was annotated using the cDNA sequence, and then, the gene sequence was verified through multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic analyses using the related conserved sequences. The septin gene family was classified into three subgroups based on the phylogenetic analysis. High conservation within the domain and homology between the genes reported in different species were confirmed. The expression level of septin gene family mRNA in each tissue of healthy starry flounder was evaluated to confirm the tissue- and gene-specific expression levels. Additionally, as a result of the analysis of mRNA expression after simulated pathogen infection, significant expression changes and characteristics were confirmed upon infection with bacteria (Streptococcus parauberis PH0710) and virus (VHSV). Based on the current results and that of previous studies, to confirm the immunological function, Septin 2, 3, and 8 were produced as recombinant proteins based on the amino acid sequences, and their role in phagocytosis was further investigated. The results of this study indicate that septin gene family plays a complex and crucial role in the host immune response to pathogens of starry flounder.

The efficacy and safety of rotavirus vaccines in countries in Africa and Asia with high child mortality

Rotavirus remains a leading cause of diarrhoeal morbidity and mortality in young children and rotavirus vaccines are critical for reducing global disease burden. This report addresses the performance of rotavirus vaccines in countries with high child mortality. We performed a sensitivity analysis as part of a systematic review on rotavirus vaccines to inform development of World Health Organization vaccine recommendations. The efficacy of four prequalified vaccines against severe rotavirus gastroenteritis was similar across high mortality settings in Asia and Africa. Within the first year following vaccination, vaccine efficacy for the four vaccines ranged from 48% to 57% while in the second year, efficacy ranged from 29% to 54%. The four vaccines showed no increase in intussusception risk in these settings. All four vaccines appear to prevent significant numbers of severe rotavirus gastroenteritis episodes with no measurable increase in intussusception risk in high mortality settings in Africa and Asia.

First report of eosinophil peroxidase in starry flounder (Platichthys stellatus): Gene identification and gene expression profiling

Eosinophils are granular leukocytes that are evolutionarily preserved in the innate immune system of some invertebrates and vertebrates, and these cells can directly remove invading microorganisms and secrete various cytokines, and are also involved in homeostasis. These eosinophils are made up of specific granular proteins that can be differentiated from other cells, and eosinophil peroxidase (EPX) is a peroxidase released only from eosinophils that plays an important role in maintaining the main function and homeostasis of eosinophils. We obtained the sequence information of EPX for the first time from the starry flounder (Platichthys stellatus), and predicted it by amino acid sequencing to confirm sequence alignment and phylogenetic characteristics with other species. Based on analysis of the expression characteristics of PsEPX mRNA in healthy P. stellatus, it was expressed at the highest level in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) and was also expressed at a relatively high level in the head kidney and intestine, which are immune-related tissues. After artificial infection with Streptococcus parauberis and viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus, which are the causes of major pathogenic diseases, the expression level of PsEPX was significantly regulated, which showed specific characteristics of pathogens or tissues. These results suggest that PsEPX is an important component of the immune system of P. stellatus and is considered a basic research case for the study of the immunological function of eosinophils in fish.

Constraints on Cosmic Strings Using Data from the Third Advanced LIGO-Virgo Observing Run

We search for gravitational-wave signals produced by cosmic strings in the Advanced LIGO and Virgo full O3 dataset. Search results are presented for gravitational waves produced by cosmic string loop features such as cusps, kinks, and, for the first time, kink-kink collisions. A template-based search for short-duration transient signals does not yield a detection. We also use the stochastic gravitational-wave background energy density upper limits derived from the O3 data to constrain the cosmic string tension Gμ as a function of the number of kinks, or the number of cusps, for two cosmic string loop distribution models. Additionally, we develop and test a third model that interpolates between these two models. Our results improve upon the previous LIGO-Virgo constraints on Gμ by 1 to 2 orders of magnitude depending on the model that is tested. In particular, for the one-loop distribution model, we set the most competitive constraints to date: Gμ≲4×10^{-15}. In the case of cosmic strings formed at the end of inflation in the context of grand unified theories, these results challenge simple inflationary models.

Constraints on Cosmic Strings Using Data from the Third Advanced LIGO-Virgo Observing Run

We search for gravitational-wave signals produced by cosmic strings in the Advanced LIGO and Virgo full O3 dataset. Search results are presented for gravitational waves produced by cosmic string loop features such as cusps, kinks, and, for the first time, kink-kink collisions. A template-based search for short-duration transient signals does not yield a detection. We also use the stochastic gravitational-wave background energy density upper limits derived from the O3 data to constrain the cosmic string tension Gμ as a function of the number of kinks, or the number of cusps, for two cosmic string loop distribution models. Additionally, we develop and test a third model that interpolates between these two models. Our results improve upon the previous LIGO-Virgo constraints on Gμ by 1 to 2 orders of magnitude depending on the model that is tested. In particular, for the one-loop distribution model, we set the most competitive constraints to date: Gμ≲4×10^{-15}. In the case of cosmic strings formed at the end of inflation in the context of grand unified theories, these results challenge simple inflationary models.

Immunogenicity and safety of two monovalent rotavirus vaccines, ROTAVAC® and ROTAVAC 5D® in Zambian infants

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

ROTAVAC® (frozen formulation stored at -20 °C) and ROTAVAC 5D® (liquid formulation stable at 2-8 °C) are rotavirus vaccines derived from the 116E human neonatal rotavirus strain, developed and licensed in India. This study evaluated and compared the safety and immunogenicity of these vaccines in an infant population in Zambia.

METHODS

We conducted a phase 2b, open-label, randomized, controlled trial wherein 450 infants 6 to 8 weeks of age were randomized equally to receive three doses of ROTAVAC or ROTAVAC 5D, or two doses of ROTARIX®. Study vaccines were administered concomitantly with routine immunizations. Blood samples were collected pre-vaccination and 28 days after the last dose. Serum anti-rotavirus IgA antibodies were measured by ELISA, with WC3 and 89-12 rotavirus strains as viral lysates in the assays. The primary analysis was to assess non-inferiority of ROTAVAC 5D to ROTAVAC in terms of the geometric mean concentration (GMC) of serum IgA (WC3) antibodies. Seroresponse and seropositivity were also determined. Safety was evaluated as occurrence of immediate, solicited, unsolicited, and serious adverse events after each dose.

RESULTS

The study evaluated 388 infants in the per-protocol population. All three vaccines were well tolerated and immunogenic. The post-vaccination GMCs were 14.0 U/mL (95% CI: 10.4, 18.8) and 18.1 U/mL (95% CI: 13.7, 24.0) for the ROTAVAC and ROTAVAC 5D groups, respectively, yielding a ratio of 1.3 (95% CI: 0.9, 1.9), thus meeting the pre-set non-inferiority criteria. Solicited and unsolicited adverse events were similar across all study arms. No death or intussusception case was reported during study period.

CONCLUSIONS

Among Zambian infants, both ROTAVAC and ROTAVAC 5D were well tolerated and the immunogenicity of ROTAVAC 5D was non-inferior to that of ROTAVAC. These results are consistent with those observed in licensure trials in India and support use of these vaccines across wider geographical areas.

Deep neural network trained on surface ECG improves diagnostic accuracy of prior myocardial infarction over Q wave analysis

Background

Detection of prior myocardial infarction (MI) may inform arrhythmia treatment and prognosis, yet cardiac imaging is resource intensive. ECG Q-wave analysis is quick and inexpensive but has poor accuracy for assessing prior MI.

Purpose

To evaluate the ability of a deep neural network (DNN) trained on the surface ECG to identify patients with prior MI.

Methods

We assessed 608 well-characterized patients (61.4±14.5 years, 31.2% female) at 2 academic centers. From one 12-lead ECG, median beats were calculated in 3 orthogonal planes (X, Y, Z; Fig. 1A) and used to train a DNN to identify a history of prior MI. Accuracy was compared to manual assessment of pathologic Q waves, defined as a deflection &gt;25% of the subsequent R wave, &gt;40ms in width, and &gt;0.2mV amplitude in 1 of 3 ECG planes.

Results

Of 608 patients, 175 had history of MI (28.7%). The DNN outperformed the accuracy of pathologic Q waves. In training, DNN converged to &gt;98% accuracy and in testing, its accuracy was 71±5% (Fig. 1B) (k=5-fold cross validation). This outperformed the 62% accuracy of pathologic Q waves in this study (red dotted line, Fig. 1B). In the validation cohort, DNN provided an area under the receiver operating characteristics curve of 0.730 (Fig. 1C).

Conclusion

Deep learning of a 12-lead ECG can identify features of prior myocardial injury more accurately than Q-wave analysis. In attempting to improve these results further, studies should explain what inputs weighted DNN decisions, and identify those that reflect abnormalities detectable clinically or on imaging.

Figure 1

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): NIH NRSA F32

GW190521: A Binary Black Hole Merger with a Total Mass of 150 M_{⊙}

On May 21, 2019 at 03:02:29 UTC Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo observed a short duration gravitational-wave signal, GW190521, with a three-detector network signal-to-noise ratio of 14.7, and an estimated false-alarm rate of 1 in 4900 yr using a search sensitive to generic transients. If GW190521 is from a quasicircular binary inspiral, then the detected signal is consistent with the merger of two black holes with masses of 85_{-14}^{+21}  M_{⊙} and 66_{-18}^{+17}  M_{⊙} (90% credible intervals). We infer that the primary black hole mass lies within the gap produced by (pulsational) pair-instability supernova processes, with only a 0.32% probability of being below 65  M_{⊙}. We calculate the mass of the remnant to be 142_{-16}^{+28}  M_{⊙}, which can be considered an intermediate mass black hole (IMBH). The luminosity distance of the source is 5.3_{-2.6}^{+2.4}  Gpc, corresponding to a redshift of 0.82_{-0.34}^{+0.28}. The inferred rate of mergers similar to GW190521 is 0.13_{-0.11}^{+0.30}  Gpc^{-3} yr^{-1}.

Utility of Pre-Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Sinus CT Screening in Children and Adolescents

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The clinical benefit of pre-hematopoietic cell transplantation sinus CT screening remains uncertain, while the risks of CT radiation and anesthesia are increasingly evident. We sought to re-assess the impact of screening sinus CT on pretransplantation patient management and prediction of posttransplantation invasive fungal rhinosinusitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Pretransplantation noncontrast screening sinus CTs for 100 consecutive patients (mean age, 11.9 ± 5.5 years) were graded for mucosal thickening (Lund-Mackay score) and for signs of noninvasive or invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (sinus calcification, hyperattenuation, bone destruction, extrasinus inflammation, and nasal mucosal ulceration). Posttransplantation sinus CTs performed for sinus-related symptoms were similarly graded. Associations of Lund-Mackay scores, clinical assessments, changes in pretransplantation clinical management (additional antibiotic or fungal therapy, sinonasal surgery, delayed transplantation), and subsequent development of sinus-related symptoms or invasive fungal rhinosinusitis were tested (exact Wilcoxon rank sums, Fisher exact test, significance P < .05).

RESULTS

Mean pretransplantation screening Lund-Mackay scores (n = 100) were greater in patients with clinical symptoms (8.07 ± 6.00 versus 2.48 ± 3.51, P < .001) but were not associated with pretransplantation management changes and did not predict posttransplantation sinus symptoms (n = 21, P = .47) or invasive fungal rhinosinusitis symptoms (n = 2, P = .59).

CONCLUSIONS

Pre-hematopoietic cell transplantation sinus CT does not meaningfully contribute to pretransplantation patient management or prediction of posttransplantation sinus disease, including invasive fungal rhinosinusitis, in children. The risks associated with CT radiation and possible anesthesia are not warranted in this setting.

Meeting Report: WHO Workshop on modelling global mortality and aetiology estimates of enteric pathogens in children under five. Cape Town, 28-29th November 2018

Investment in vaccine product development should be guided by up-to-date and transparent global burden of disease estimates, which are also fundamental to policy recommendation and vaccine introduction decisions. For low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), vaccine prioritization is primarily driven by the number of deaths caused by different pathogens. Enteric diseases are known to be a major cause of death in LMICs. The two main modelling groups providing mortality estimates for enteric diseases are the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington, Seattle and the Maternal Child Epidemiology Estimation (MCEE) group, led by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Whilst previous global diarrhoea mortality estimates for under five-year-olds from these two groups were closely aligned, more recent estimates for 2016 have diverged, particularly with respect to numbers of deaths attributable to different enteric pathogens. This has impacted prioritization and investment decisions for vaccines in the development pipeline.

The mission of the Product Development for Vaccines Advisory Committee (PDVAC) at the World Health Organisation (WHO) is to accelerate product development of vaccines and technologies that are urgently needed and ensure they are appropriately targeted for use in LMICs. At their 2018 meeting, PDVAC recommended the formation of an independent working group of subject matter experts to explore the reasons for the difference between the IHME and MCEE estimates, and to assess the respective strengths and limitations of the estimation approaches adopted, including a review of the data on which the estimates are based.

Here, we report on the proceedings and recommendations from a consultation with the working group of experts, the IHME and MCEE modelling groups, and other key stakeholders. We briefly review the methodological approaches of both groups and provide a series of proposals for investigating the drivers for the differences in enteric disease burden estimates.

Search for Subsolar Mass Ultracompact Binaries in Advanced LIGO's Second Observing Run

We present a search for subsolar mass ultracompact objects in data obtained during Advanced LIGO's second observing run. In contrast to a previous search of Advanced LIGO data from the first observing run, this search includes the effects of component spin on the gravitational waveform. We identify no viable gravitational-wave candidates consistent with subsolar mass ultracompact binaries with at least one component between 0.2  M_{⊙}-1.0  M_{⊙}. We use the null result to constrain the binary merger rate of (0.2  M_{⊙}, 0.2  M_{⊙}) binaries to be less than 3.7×10^{5}  Gpc^{-3} yr^{-1} and the binary merger rate of (1.0  M_{⊙}, 1.0  M_{⊙}) binaries to be less than 5.2×10^{3}  Gpc^{-3} yr^{-1}. Subsolar mass ultracompact objects are not expected to form via known stellar evolution channels, though it has been suggested that primordial density fluctuations or particle dark matter with cooling mechanisms and/or nuclear interactions could form black holes with subsolar masses. Assuming a particular primordial black hole (PBH) formation model, we constrain a population of merging 0.2  M_{⊙} black holes to account for less than 16% of the dark matter density and a population of merging 1.0  M_{⊙} black holes to account for less than 2% of the dark matter density. We discuss how constraints on the merger rate and dark matter fraction may be extended to arbitrary black hole population models that predict subsolar mass binaries.

Tests of General Relativity with GW170817

The recent discovery by Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo of a gravitational wave signal from a binary neutron star inspiral has enabled tests of general relativity (GR) with this new type of source. This source, for the first time, permits tests of strong-field dynamics of compact binaries in the presence of matter. In this Letter, we place constraints on the dipole radiation and possible deviations from GR in the post-Newtonian coefficients that govern the inspiral regime. Bounds on modified dispersion of gravitational waves are obtained; in combination with information from the observed electromagnetic counterpart we can also constrain effects due to large extra dimensions. Finally, the polarization content of the gravitational wave signal is studied. The results of all tests performed here show good agreement with GR.

Constraining the p-Mode-g-Mode Tidal Instability with GW170817

We analyze the impact of a proposed tidal instability coupling p modes and g modes within neutron stars on GW170817. This nonresonant instability transfers energy from the orbit of the binary to internal modes of the stars, accelerating the gravitational-wave driven inspiral. We model the impact of this instability on the phasing of the gravitational wave signal using three parameters per star: an overall amplitude, a saturation frequency, and a spectral index. Incorporating these additional parameters, we compute the Bayes factor (lnB_{!pg}^{pg}) comparing our p-g model to a standard one. We find that the observed signal is consistent with waveform models that neglect p-g effects, with lnB_{!pg}^{pg}=0.03_{-0.58}^{+0.70} (maximum a posteriori and 90% credible region). By injecting simulated signals that do not include p-g effects and recovering them with the p-g model, we show that there is a ≃50% probability of obtaining similar lnB_{!pg}^{pg} even when p-g effects are absent. We find that the p-g amplitude for 1.4  M_{⊙} neutron stars is constrained to less than a few tenths of the theoretical maximum, with maxima a posteriori near one-tenth this maximum and p-g saturation frequency ∼70  Hz. This suggests that there are less than a few hundred excited modes, assuming they all saturate by wave breaking. For comparison, theoretical upper bounds suggest ≲10^{3} modes saturate by wave breaking. Thus, the measured constraints only rule out extreme values of the p-g parameters. They also imply that the instability dissipates ≲10^{51}  erg over the entire inspiral, i.e., less than a few percent of the energy radiated as gravitational waves.

Search for Subsolar-Mass Ultracompact Binaries in Advanced LIGO's First Observing Run

We present the first Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo search for ultracompact binary systems with component masses between 0.2  M_{⊙}-1.0  M_{⊙} using data taken between September 12, 2015 and January 19, 2016. We find no viable gravitational wave candidates. Our null result constrains the coalescence rate of monochromatic (delta function) distributions of nonspinning (0.2  M_{⊙}, 0.2  M_{⊙}) ultracompact binaries to be less than 1.0×10^{6}  Gpc^{-3}  yr^{-1} and the coalescence rate of a similar distribution of (1.0  M_{⊙}, 1.0  M_{⊙}) ultracompact binaries to be less than 1.9×10^{4}  Gpc^{-3}  yr^{-1} (at 90% confidence). Neither black holes nor neutron stars are expected to form below ∼1  M_{⊙} through conventional stellar evolution, though it has been proposed that similarly low mass black holes could be formed primordially through density fluctuations in the early Universe and contribute to the dark matter density. The interpretation of our constraints in the primordial black hole dark matter paradigm is highly model dependent; however, under a particular primordial black hole binary formation scenario we constrain monochromatic primordial black hole populations of 0.2  M_{⊙} to be less than 33% of the total dark matter density and monochromatic populations of 1.0  M_{⊙} to be less than 5% of the dark matter density. The latter strengthens the presently placed bounds from microlensing surveys of massive compact halo objects (MACHOs) provided by the MACHO and EROS Collaborations.

Long-term immunogenicity and immune persistence of live attenuated and inactivated hepatitis a vaccines: a report on additional observations from a phase IV study

Both live attenuated (HA-L) and inactivated (HA-I) hepatitis A vaccine were licensed for routine use in China. Although phase 1, 2 and 3 clinical studies of both vaccines have been completed, further systematic evaluation of their immunogenicity and immunological persistence under phase 4 clinical studies in a wide range of conditions and involving large populations is necessary. A phase IV clinical trial (NCT02601040) was performed in 9000 participants over 18 months of age. Geometric mean concentrations (GMCs) and seroconversion rates (SRs) were compared at five time points during 3 years for 1800 individuals among them. The SRs of HA-L and HA-I were 98.08% (95% CI 95.59%-99.38%) and 99.64% (95% CI 98.93%-100.00%) respectively 28 days after administration of the first dose, and remained at 97.07% (95% CI 94.31%-98.73%) or above and 96.73% (95% CI 94.07%-98.42%) or above respectively during the following 3 years. The GMCs for both the HA-L and HA-I groups showed that both vaccines elicited high anti-HAV titres, considerably more than the threshold of protection needed against HAV infection in humans, and these titres were sustained. Hence, both HA-I and HA-L vaccines could provide an excellent long-term protective effect, and supported the routine use of both vaccines.

Adenosine-loaded dissolving microneedle patches to improve skin wrinkles, dermal density, elasticity and hydration

OBJECTIVE

Although dissolving microneedle patches have been widely studied in the cosmetics field, no comparisons have been drawn with the topical applications available for routine use. In this study, two wrinkle-improving products, adenosine-loaded dissolving microneedle patches and an adenosine cream, were evaluated for efficacy, with respect to skin wrinkling, dermal density, elasticity, and hydration, and safety in a clinical test on the crow's feet area.

METHODS

Clinical efficacy and safety tests were performed for 10 weeks on 22 female subjects with wrinkles around their eyes. The adenosine-loaded dissolving microneedle patch was applied once every 3 days, in the evening, for 8 weeks to the designated crow's feet area. The adenosine cream was applied two times per day, in the morning and evening, for 8 weeks to the other crow's feet area. Skin wrinkling, dermal density, elasticity, and hydration were measured by using PRIMOS^® premium, Dermascan^® C, Cutometer^® MPA580, and Corneometer^® CM 825, respectively. In addition, subjective skin irritation was evaluated by self-observation, and objective skin irritation was assessed through expert interviews.

RESULTS

The adenosine-loaded dissolving microneedle patches had a similar or better efficacy than the adenosine cream. Both groups showed statistically significant efficacy for almost all parameters (P < 0.05). The dissolving microneedle patches had a long-lasting effect on the average wrinkle depth (P < 0.05), only showed efficacy in dermal density (P < 0.05), had an early improving effect on elasticity (P < 0.05), and demonstrated better hydration efficacy (P < 0.001). No adverse effects were observed in either group during the test period.

CONCLUSIONS

In the clinical efficacy test of four skin-improvement parameters, adenosine-loaded dissolving microneedle patches showed the same or better effect than the adenosine cream, although the weekly adenosine dose was 140 times lower. The dissolving microneedle patches caused no adverse reactions. These adenosine-loaded dissolving microneedle patches are expected to be safe, effective, and novel cosmetics for skin improvement.

GW170817: Measurements of Neutron Star Radii and Equation of State

On 17 August 2017, the LIGO and Virgo observatories made the first direct detection of gravitational waves from the coalescence of a neutron star binary system. The detection of this gravitational-wave signal, GW170817, offers a novel opportunity to directly probe the properties of matter at the extreme conditions found in the interior of these stars. The initial, minimal-assumption analysis of the LIGO and Virgo data placed constraints on the tidal effects of the coalescing bodies, which were then translated to constraints on neutron star radii. Here, we expand upon previous analyses by working under the hypothesis that both bodies were neutron stars that are described by the same equation of state and have spins within the range observed in Galactic binary neutron stars. Our analysis employs two methods: the use of equation-of-state-insensitive relations between various macroscopic properties of the neutron stars and the use of an efficient parametrization of the defining function p(ρ) of the equation of state itself. From the LIGO and Virgo data alone and the first method, we measure the two neutron star radii as R_{1}=10.8_{-1.7}^{+2.0}  km for the heavier star and R_{2}=10.7_{-1.5}^{+2.1}  km for the lighter star at the 90% credible level. If we additionally require that the equation of state supports neutron stars with masses larger than 1.97  M_{⊙} as required from electromagnetic observations and employ the equation-of-state parametrization, we further constrain R_{1}=11.9_{-1.4}^{+1.4}  km and R_{2}=11.9_{-1.4}^{+1.4}  km at the 90% credible level. Finally, we obtain constraints on p(ρ) at supranuclear densities, with pressure at twice nuclear saturation density measured at 3.5_{-1.7}^{+2.7}×10^{34}  dyn cm^{-2} at the 90% level.