Field Assessment of the Level of Protection Conferred by a Newly Prepared Combined Inactivated Vaccine against E. coli and P. multocida in Rabbit in Egypt

Pasteurellosis is the most prevalent, extremely contagious bacterial disease among domestic rabbits and is considered the leading cause of deaths in rabbits, resulting in enormous economic losses to the rabbit industry. Screening for bacterial agents causing mortalities in rabbits revealed the presence of Enterobacteriacae species in approximately 42% of studied cases, with E. coli the most commonly isolated organism. The present study was designed to evaluate the immune response of rabbits vaccinated with a locally prepared, combined inactivated vaccine of Pasteurella multocida and E. coli, adjuvanated with Montanide ISA70. A total of 370 rabbits, aged 2 - 3 weeks, were divided into four groups: (G1) vaccinated with a polyvalent P. multocida vaccine, (G2) vaccinated with a polyvalent E. coli vaccine, (G3) vaccinated with a combined inactivated Montanide ISA70 vaccine of P. multocida and E. coli, and (G4) kept as a non-vaccinated control group. All rabbits received two doses of 0.5 ml of the prepared vaccines, administered one month apart, and were then challenged with virulent strains of P. multocida and E. coli three weeks after the second vaccination. The prepared vaccines were evaluated by determining humoral immunity using indirect haemagglutination (IHA) test and ELISA. The potency of the vaccines was assessed through challenge and determination of LD50. Experimental findings on the prepared polyvalent combined inactivated P. multocida and E. coli vaccine indicated that it is a potent vaccine, producing the highest antibody titers and a 90% protection rate against challenges with virulent strains of P. multocida type A, D2, and E. coli types O157, O151 and O125. Thus, this vaccine is promising in addressing both P. multocida and E. coli problems in rabbits, farms, providing significant protection, and we recommend its commercial production to help rabbit producers control these two major bacterial infections.

Overcoming neutrophil-induced immunosuppression in postoperative cancer therapy: Combined sialic acid-modified liposomes with scaffold-based vaccines

Immunotherapy is a promising approach for preventing postoperative tumor recurrence and metastasis. However, inflammatory neutrophils, recruited to the postoperative tumor site, have been shown to exacerbate tumor regeneration and limit the efficacy of cancer vaccines. Consequently, addressing postoperative immunosuppression caused by neutrophils is crucial for improving treatment outcomes. This study presents a combined chemoimmunotherapeutic strategy that employs a biocompatible macroporous scaffold-based cancer vaccine (S-CV) and a sialic acid (SA)-modified, doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded liposomal platform (DOX@SAL). The S-CV contains whole tumor lysates as antigens and imiquimod (R837, Toll-like receptor 7 activator)-loaded PLGA nanoparticles as immune adjuvants for cancer, which enhance dendritic cell activation and cytotoxic T cell proliferation upon localized implantation. When administered intravenously, DOX@SAL specifically targets and delivers drugs to activated neutrophils in vivo, mitigating neutrophil infiltration and suppressing postoperative inflammatory responses. In vivo and vitro experiments have demonstrated that S-CV plus DOX@SAL, a combined chemo-immunotherapeutic strategy, has a remarkable potential to inhibit postoperative local tumor recurrence and distant tumor progression, with minimal systemic toxicity, providing a new concept for postoperative treatment of tumors.

HBsAg, HBcAg, and combined HBsAg/HBcAg-based therapeutic vaccines in treating chronic hepatitis B virus infection

BACKGROUND: As the host immunity is diminished in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), different approaches have been used to up-regulate their immune responses to produce therapeutic effects. But, cytokines, growth factors and polyclonal immune modulators could not exhibit sufficient therapeutic effects in these patients. Immune therapy with HBV-related antigens (vaccine therapy) has been used in CHB patients. But there is a paucity of information about the design of HBV antigen-based immune therapy in these patients. DATA SOURCE: Preclinical and clinical studies on immune therapy with HBsAg-based vaccine, HBcAg and combination of HBsAg/HBcAg-based vaccines have been discussed. RESULTS: HBsAg-based prophylactic vaccine was used as an immune therapeutic agent in CHB patients; however, monotherapy with HBsAg-based immune therapy could not lead to sustained control of HBV replication and/or liver damages. HBsAg-based vaccine was used as a combination therapy with cytokines, growth factors, and antiviral drugs. HBsAg-based vaccine was also used for cell-based therapy. However, satisfactory therapeutic effects of HBsAg-based vaccine could not be documented in CHB patients. In the mean time, evidences have supported that HBcAg-specific immunity is endowed with antiviral and liver protecting capacities in CHB patients. Recent data concentrate on the clinical use of combined HBsAg- and HBcAg-based vaccines in CHB patients.CONCLUSION: Antigen-based immune therapy with HBV- related antigens may be an alternative method for the treatment of CHB patients but proper designs of antigens, types of adjuvants, dose of vaccinations, and routes of administration need further analyses for the development of an effective regimen of immune therapy against HBV.

Primary Research of Immunological Mechanism of Combined Hepatitis A-Measles-Varicella Vaccine

To explore the primary humoral and cellular immunological mechanism of the combined hepatitis A-measles-varicella vaccine, the mice were inoculated with hepatitis A-measles-varicella vaccine by intraperitoneally and two weeks later, blood was collected to observe the mice＇s immunological status. Antibody level was measured to appraise the humoral immunity. At the same time, T lymphocyte surface marker, NK cell activity, LAK cell activity, delayed type hypersensitivity of skin, Mφ phagocytic function, mRNA level of cytokine IL-2 and IFN-γ plus lymphocyte transformation test were used to analyze the cellular immunity. The humoral immunity results show that the combined hepatitis A-measles-varicella vaccine produce the same antibody level as their corresponding univalent vaccine, and maintained fine immunogenicity and security. The result of cellular immunity shows that the combined vaccine could activate physical immunocyte, increase the regulative ability of cytokine, enhance the physical immune function and immune defense ability. The present research proved the security and better humoral and cellular immunity of combined hepatitis A-measles-varicella vaccine from the immunological point of view, which laid good foundation for further study and development.

Health Effects of Diseases Protected by Combined Vaccines Used in Albania

In order to increase the convenience of application and minimize logistical problems in the recent years, the use of combined vaccines has become a growing trend. The use of combined vaccines offers benefits such as, a reduction in the number of patient visits, less complications which are associated with multiple intramuscular drilling and other risks. In 1997 the Department of Epidemiology （DE） of Institute of Public Health initiated and carried out conspicuous quantitative and qualitative modifications of up-to-them statutory notification system thus compiling the new Major Disease-Based Epidemiological Surveillance System. Mandatory reporting system on Measles/Rubella Case-Based Surveillance represents in itself an addendum of the statutory reporting system of infectious diseases. These diseases are enlisted in the Group B of the 14/Sh Form. Diphtheria is enlisted in the Group A containing the infectious diseases of the highest public health importance. They are subject of a mandatory urgent notification from the basic level. The aim of this study is to examine and check up the effectiveness of combined vaccines in our country, through the evaluation of the data from national epidemiologic surveillance verifying the distributions in time and space of these diseases in relation to the history of vaccination policies in Albania.

Clinical Trial of Measles and Rubella Combined Vaccine Produced by POLYVAC in Vietnam

A clinical trial of measles and rubella combined vaccine (MR: MRVAC) produced by POLYVAC was conducted in Vietnam in 2016. A total of 756 subjects were enrolled, and 504 were allocated to MRVAC and 252 to control MR vaccine groups. Paired sera were obtained in 733, and the number of subjects was 403 aged 1 - 2 years, 164 aged 2 - 18 years, and 166 aged 18 - 45 years. Antibodies against measles and rubella viruses were evaluated by EIA. Most subjects had been immunized with a single dose of Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) measles vaccine at 9 months of age. Only 41 of 403 subjects aged 1 - 2 years were negative for measles antibody before vaccination, and all became seroconverted. A serological response of more than a 2-fold increase against measles was noted in 214 (47%, 95% CI;42.4% - 51.6%) of 458 initially seropositive individuals immunized with MRVAC and 65 (28%, 95% CI;22.3% - 33.8%) of 234 in the control group, and geometric mean titer (GMT) after vaccination was 25.49-5.60 in MRVAC and 25.03-5.24 in control group. Seroconversion against rubella virus after immunization with MRVAC was noted in 267 (98.5%, 95% CI;97.1% - 100%) of 271 initially seronegative subjects, similar to that after immunization with control group. GMT after immunization with MRVAC was 24.88-5.11 significantly lower than that after immunization with control vaccine (25.59-5.80). Most subject ≥ 2 years of age had rubella antibody because of MR vaccination campaign and no significant serological response was observed in initially seronegatives. MRVAC was highly immunogenic and safe vaccine and the domestic production of MR vaccine would contribute to realizing the goal of eliminating measles and rubella.

Epidemic management in a measles outbreak in 2023,the return of vaccine-preventable diseases:A single center,retrospective observational study

Objective:To investigate the importance of immunization in preventing measles infection and to determine the most useful laboratory tests for confirmation of measles.Methods:This study included pediatric cases evaluated with a presumed diagnosis of measles between December 2022 and June 2023,at Marmara University Pendik Training and Research Hospital.The effects of vaccination status and underlying disease on the clinical course,treatments,and complications were evaluated.Results:In total,117 patients were enrolled in the study with a median age of 80 months(IQR:32.5-125.0).Twelve patients with contact history were asymptomatic and had an underlying disorder,and intravenous immunoglobulin was given to them for post-exposure prophylaxis.Fifty-one patients had confirmed measles diagnosis.Ribavirin treatment was given to three patients(a newborn,a girl with rhabdomyosarcoma,and a healthy boy)with respiratory distress.Seventy-eight percent of confirmed measles cases were unvaccinated,and all hospitalized cases were unvaccinated or under-vaccinated.Four full-vaccinated children had confirmed measles infection.Measles PCR from nasopharyngeal swabs was negative in all of them,and their diagnosis was established with anti-measles IgM positivity.Conclusions:The measles vaccine is the most effective way to protect from measles and measles-related complications.Although measles can also occur in fully vaccinated patients,the disease is milder than in unvaccinated patients.Using ELISA and RT-PCR tests together may be beneficial in patients with high clinical suspicion for early diagnosis.

Dynamic simulation analysis of molten salt reactor-coupled air-steam combined cycle power generation system

A nonlinear dynamic simulation model based on coordinated control of speed and flow rate for the molten salt reactor and combined cycle systems is proposed here to ensure the coordination and stability between the molten salt reactor and power system.This model considers the impact of thermal properties of fluid variation on accuracy and has been validated with Simulink.This study reveals the capability of the control system to compensate for anomalous situations and maintain shaft stability in the event of perturbations occurring in high-temperature molten salt tank outlet parameters.Meanwhile,the control system’s impact on the system’s dynamic characteristics under molten salt disturbance is also analyzed.The results reveal that after the disturbance occurs,the controlled system benefits from the action of the control,and the overshoot and disturbance amplitude are positively correlated,while the system power and frequency eventually return to the initial values.This simulation model provides a basis for utilizing molten salt reactors for power generation and maintaining grid stability.

Construction and Evaluation of a Combined Cyclophosphamide/Nanoparticle Anticancer Vaccine

Tumor immunotherapy is a rapidly emerging form of cancer treatment. In the current study, a nanoparticle-based vaccine was constructed and the efficacy was assessed through analysis of immune cell populations, tumor growth rates, and metastasis. The vaccine was fabricated through encapsulation of plasmid DNA encoding the tumor-associated antigen Mage-b, and the TLR9 agonist CpG oligodeoxynucleotides by a biodegradable polymer, poly(L,D-lactic-coglycolic acid) (PLGA). The size and shape of the nanoparticles suggested that they were an appropriate size for uptake by professional antigen presenting cells;dendritic cells. Furthermore, effects of the immunopotentiating drug cyclo-phosphamide was included to decrease systemic populations of regulatory T cells (Treg);immune system sentinels that down-regulate immune responses. The vaccine was assessed using the 4T1 murine mammary carcinoma model which is a model for stage IV breast cancer. The combined cyclophosphamide/nanoparticle vaccine was shown to significantly reduce 4T1 tumor growth rates and lung metastasis in female BALB/c mice.

Grain Yield,Biomass Accumulation,and Leaf Photosynthetic Characteristics of Rice under Combined Salinity-Drought Stress

Simultaneous stresses of salinity and drought often coincide during rice-growing seasons in saline lands,primarily due to insufficient water resources and inadequate irrigation facilities.Consequently,combined salinity-drought stress poses a major threat to rice production.In this study,two salinity levels(NS,non-salinity;HS,high salinity)along with three drought treatments(CC,control condition;DJ,drought stress imposed at jointing;DH,drought stress imposed at heading)were performed to investigate their combined influences on leaf photosynthetic characteristics,biomass accumulation,and rice yield formation.Salinity,drought,and their combination led to a shortened growth period from heading to maturity,resulting in a reduced overall growth duration.Grain yield was reduced under both salinity and drought stress,with a more substantial reduction under the combined salinity-drought stress.The combined stress imposed at heading caused greater yield losses in rice compared with the stress imposed at jointing.Additionally,the combined salinity-drought stress induced greater decreases in shoot biomass accumulation from heading to maturity,as well as in shoot biomass and nonstructural carbohydrate(NSC)content in the stem at heading and maturity.However,it increased the harvest index and NSC remobilization reserve.Salinity and drought reduced the leaf area index and SPAD value of flag leaves and weakened the leaf photosynthetic characteristics as indicated by lower photosynthetic rates,transpiration rates,and stomatal conductance.These reductions were more pronounced under the combined stress.Salinity,drought,and especially their combination,decreased the activities of ascorbate peroxidase,catalase,and superoxide dismutase,while increasing the contents of malondialdehyde,hydrogen peroxide,and superoxide radical.Our results indicated a more significant yield loss in rice when subjected to combined salinity-drought stress.The individual and combined stresses of salinity and drought diminished antioxidant enzyme activities,inhibited leaf photosynthetic functions,accelerated leaf senescence,and subsequently lowered assimilate accumulation and grain yield.

Clinical application of COVID-19 vaccine in liver transplant recipients

Background:Solid organ transplant(SOT)activities,such as liver transplant,have been greatly influenced by the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19),a disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2).Immunosuppressed individuals of liver transplant recipients(LTRs)tend to have a high risk of COVID-19 infection and related complications.Therefore,COVID-19 vaccination has been recommended to be administered as early as possible in LTRs.Data sources:The keywords“liver transplant”,“SARS-CoV-2”,and“vaccine”were used to retrieve articles published in PubMed.Results:The antibody response following the 1st and 2nd doses of vaccination was disappointingly low,and the immune responses among LTRs remarkably improved after the 3rd or 4th dose of vaccination.Although the 3rd or 4th dose of COVID-19 vaccine increased the antibody titer,a proportion of patients remained unresponsive.Furthermore,recent studies showed that SARS-CoV-2 vaccine could trigger adverse events in LTRs,including allograft rejection and liver injury.Conclusions:This review provides the recently reported data on the antibody response of LTRs following various doses of vaccine,risk factors for poor serological response and adverse events after vaccination.

Mycobacterium smegmatis enhances shikonin-induced immunogenic cell death—an efficient in situ tumor vaccine strategy

Tumor vaccines are a promising avenue in cancer immunotherapy.Despite the progress in targeting specific immune epitopes,tumor cells lacking these epitopes can evade the treatment.Here,we aimed to construct an efficient in situ tumor vaccine called Vac-SM,utilizing shikonin(SKN)to induce immunogenic cell death(ICD)and Mycobacterium smegmatis as an immune adjuvant to enhance in situ tumor vaccine efficacy.SKN showed a dose-dependent and time-dependent cytotoxic effect on the tumor cell line and induced ICD in tumor cells as evidenced by the CCK-8 assay and the detection of the expression of relevant indicators,respectively.Compared with the control group,the in situ Vac-SM injection in mouse subcutaneous metastatic tumors significantly inhibited tumor growth and distant tumor metastasis,while also improving survival rates.Mycobacterium smegmatis effectively induced maturation and activation of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells(DCs),and in vivo tumor-draining lymph nodes showed an increased maturation of DCs and a higher proportion of effector memory T-cell subsets with the Vac-SM treatment,based on flow cytometry analysis results.Collectively,the Vac-SM vaccine effectively induces ICD,improves antigen presentation by DCs,activates a specific systemic antitumor T-cell immune response,exhibits a favorable safety profile,and holds the promise for clinical translation for local tumor immunotherapy.

Pressure stimulated current in progressive failure process of combined coal-rock under uniaxial compression:Response and mechanism

Effective monitoring of the structural health of combined coal-rock under complex geological conditions by pressure stimulated currents(PSCs)has great potential for the understanding of dynamic disasters in underground engineering.To reveal the effect of this way,the uniaxial compression experiments with PSC monitoring were conducted on three types of coal-rock combination samples with different strength combinations.The mechanism explanation of PSCs are investigated by resistivity test,atomic force microscopy(AFM)and computed tomography(CT)methods,and a PSC flow model based on progressive failure process is proposed.The influence of strength combinations on PSCs in the progressive failure process are emphasized.The results show the PSC responses between rock part,coal part and the two components are different,which are affected by multi-scale fracture characteristics and electrical properties.As the rock strength decreases,the progressive failure process changes obviously with the influence range of interface constraint effect decreasing,resulting in the different responses of PSC strength and direction in different parts to fracture behaviors.The PSC flow model is initially validated by the relationship between the accumulated charges of different parts.The results are expected to provide a new reference and method for mining design and roadway quality assessment.

Research on immune effect of two gene vaccines containing brZPC′and brLDHC_4′when in combined inoculation

ZPC and LDHC_4 play a key role in the process of recognition between sperm and egg or sperm movement,respectively.In this study,partial cDNA sequences of ZPC and LDH-C_4 of Microtus branditi(brZPC and brLDHC_4,respectively) were cloned by RT-PCR,and directly inserted into pCR3.1 vector to construct two gene vaccines(pCR3.1-brZPC' and pCR3.1-brLDHC'_4).pCR3.1-brZPC' and pCR3.1-brLDHC,' could express corresponding proteins in transiently transfected CHO cells.The adult female BALB/c mice were inoculated with the recombinant vaccine alone on in combination.The immunized mouse can produce specific antibody that recognizes the corresponding recombinant protein expressed by BL21 in vitro.Moreover,antibodies produced by combinedly immunized mouse were specific and direct,with no inhibitory effect between two vaccines observed when in combined inoculation.The test of cytokines indicated that the expression of IFNγin pCR3.1-brZPC'- and combinedly inoculated mouse increased obviously and the expression of IL2 in pCR3.l-brLDHC'_4- and combinedly inoculated mouse increased obviously,while the expression of IL4 in pCR3.1-brZPC,pCR3.l-brLDHC'_4 and combinedly inoculated group increased obviously.It was suggested that the combined inoculation with pCR3.1-brZPC' and pCR3.l-brLDHC'_4 could induce both humoral immune response and CTL response.In some sense,the combined inoculation may achieve a better contraceptive effect.The results also showed that,when used alone or in combination,these two recombinant vaccines did not do much harm to the follicular development of immunized mouse.So the combined inoculation with these two recombinant vaccines could be a better way to immunocontraception.This study may provide a theoretical basis for the following tests on antifertility in vivo.

Advances in Zika virus vaccines and therapeutics:A systematic review

Zika virus(ZIKV)is the causative agent of a viral infection that causes neurological complications in newborns and adults worldwide.Its wide transmission route and alarming spread rates are of great concern to the scientific community.Numerous trials have been conducted to develop treatment options for ZIKV infection.This review highlights the latest developments in the fields of vaccinology and pharmaceuticals developments for ZIKV infection.A systematic and comprehensive approach was used to gather relevant and up-to-date data so that inferences could be made about the gaps in therapeutic development.The results indicate that several therapeutic interventions are being tested against ZIKV infection,such as DNA vaccines,subunit vaccines,live-attenuated vaccines,virus-vector-based vaccines,inactivated vaccines,virus-like particles,and mRNA-based vaccines.In addition,approved anti-ZIKV drugs that can reduce the global burden are discussed.Although many vaccine candidates for ZIKV are at different stages of development,none of them have received Food and Drug Authority approval for use up to now.The issue of side effects associated with these drugs in vulnerable newborns and pregnant women is a major obstacle in the therapeutic pathway.

Influence of static cartoons combined with dynamic virtual environments on preoperative anxiety of preschool-aged children undergoing surgery

BACKGROUND Preschoolers become anxious when they are about to undergo anesthesia and surgery,warranting the development of more appropriate and effective interventions.AIM To explore the effect of static cartoons combined with dynamic virtual environments on preoperative anxiety and anesthesia induction compliance in preschool-aged children undergoing surgery.METHODS One hundred and sixteen preschool-aged children were selected and assigned to the drug(n=37),intervention(n=40),and control(n=39)groups.All the children received routine preoperative checkups and nursing before being transferred to the preoperative preparation room on the day of the operation.The drug group received 0.5 mg/kg midazolam and the intervention group treatment consisting of static cartoons combined with dynamic virtual environments.The control group received no intervention.The modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale was used to evaluate the children’s anxiety level on the day before surgery(T0),before leaving the preoperative preparation room(T1),when entering the operating room(T2),and at anesthesia induction(T3).Compliance during anesthesia induction(T3)was evaluated using the Induction Compliance Checklist(ICC).Changes in mean arterial pressure(MAP),heart rate(HR),and respiratory rate(RR)were also recorded at each time point.RESULTS The anxiety scores of the three groups increased variously at T1 and T2.At T3,both the drug and intervention groups had similar anxiety scores,both of which were lower than those in the control group.At T1 and T2,MAP,HR,and RR of the three groups increased.The drug and control groups had significantly higher MAP and RR than the intervention group at T2.At T3,the MAP,HR,and RR of the drug group decreased and were significantly lower than those in the control group but were comparable to those in the intervention group.Both the drug and intervention groups had similar ICC scores and duration of anesthesia induction(T3),both of which were higher than those of the control group.CONCLUSION Combining static cartoons with dynamic virtual environments as effective as medication,specifically midazolam,in reducing preoperative anxiety and fear in preschool-aged children.This approach also improve their compliance during anesthesia induction and helped maintain their stable vital signs.

Adverse Side Effects of COVID-19 Vaccines in Older Adults: A Comprehensive Review of Current Research

The purpose of this research review was to examine current scientific literature on COVID-19 vaccine-induced side effects in older adults. We reviewed studies focusing on side effects categorized into cardiologic, immunologic, neurologic, and ocular groups. Cardiologic side effects included myocarditis, pericarditis, and myocardial infarction. Immunologic conditions examined were anaphylaxis and vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia. Neurologic side effects included Guillain-Barré syndrome and Bell’s Palsy. Ocular side effects covered ocular swelling, submacular hemorrhage, and corneal graft rejection after keratoplasty and Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty. Additionally, less common side effects in older adults were reviewed but found to be statistically rare. Overall, COVID-19 vaccine-induced side effects in elderly populations were rare. We concluded that the vaccine’s efficacy in preventing excess deaths due to COVID-19 is significant, and the risk of these rare side effects does not justify foregoing vaccination in at-risk individuals. Patients at higher risk for these side effects should be informed, and additional considerations should be made by their treating physician. This review aims to increase awareness of rare vaccine-induced side effects to encourage further studies, enhancing understanding of their etiology and prevalence in at-risk older adult populations.

COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance and Hesitancy among Pregnant Women: A Knowledge, Attitude, and Perceived Risks Survey in Lusaka, Zambia

Introduction: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease of the respiratory tract caused by SARS-CoV-2. Since its emergence, there have been increased rates of transmission and spread, morbidity and mortality which led to the development of COVID-19 vaccines to address the pandemic. This study assessed acceptance, knowledge, attitude, and perceived risks regarding COVID-19 vaccines among pregnant women attending antenatal care at two First-Level Hospitals in Lusaka, Zambia. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that was conducted among 241 pregnant women using a questionnaire from August 2023 to October 2023 in two First-Level Hospitals in Lusaka district, Zambia. The collected data were analyzed using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0. Statistical analysis was performed using a Chi-square test. The statistical significance was set at a 95% confidence level. Results: Of the 241 participants, 107 (42.7%) were aged between 24 and 34 years. Overall, 64.3% accepted the COVID-19 vaccines, of which 122 (50.6%) were already vaccinated. Further, 203 (84.6%) of the pregnant women had good knowledge, and 199 (82.6%) had positive attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccines. However, 58.5% thought COVID-19 vaccines were not safe and could cause infertility. Alongside this, 70.1% thought that COVID-19 vaccines were harmful during pregnancy. Having good knowledge of COVID-19 vaccines was associated with age (p = 0.049), education status (p = 0.001), and employment status (p = 0.001). Having a positive attitude towards COVID-19 vaccines was associated with education status (p = 0.001) and employment status (p = 0.001). Conclusion: This study found that most pregnant women had good knowledge, and positive attitudes, and the majority accepted the COVID-19 vaccine. Encouragingly, most of the pregnant women who accepted the COVID-19 vaccines were already vaccinated. Most pregnant women thought that COVID-19 vaccines had side effects, were not safe, and could be harmful during pregnancy. Consequently, this could have contributed to the hesitancy to receive a vaccine among some participants. The findings of this study demonstrate the need to provide pregnant women with continuous educational programs on the benefits of vaccinations for themselves and their children.

Recent advances on vaccines against malaria: A review

This review aims to summarize the currently viable vaccine strategies including the approved vaccines and the those in trials for next-generation malaria vaccines.Data on malaria vaccine development was collected through a comprehensive review.The literature search was performed using databases including Google Scholar,PubMed,NIH,and Web of Science.Various novel approaches of vaccination are being developed,including those based on radiation-attenuated strategies,monoclonal antibodies,targeted immunogenic peptides,RNA and DNA vaccines,nanoparticle-based vaccines,protein-based vaccination protocols,and whole organism-based vaccination strategies.Trials on RTS,S have entered phase Ⅲtesting,and those based on blood-stage vaccines and vaccines to interrupt malarial transmission have advanced to higher stages of trials.Mathematical modeling,combined drug and vaccine strategies,mass drug administration,polyvalent vaccine formulations,and targeted vaccination campaigns is playing an important role in malarial prevention.Furthermore,assessing coverage,accessibility,acceptability,deployment,compilation,and adherence to specific vaccination strategies in endemic regions is essential for vaccination drives against malaria.

Rotavirus, Norovirus and Astrovirus in Children Aged 0 - 5 Years: Evolution of Prevalence over 10 Years (2013-2023) Following the Introduction of Rotavirus Vaccines in Burkina Faso

Rotaviruses, noroviruses, and astroviruses are responsible for gastroenteritis in children under 5 years old. The objective of our study was to estimate the evolution of prevalence of rotavirus, norovirus and astrovirus infections in children aged 0 to 5 years with gastroenteritis, after the introduction of rotavirus vaccines in Burkina Faso. This cross-sectional study was conducted between January and December 2023, collecting 100 stool samples from children with gastroenteritis at Saint Camille Hospital in Ouagadougou and the Charles De Gaulle University Paediatric Hospital. Noroviruses and astroviruses were detected using multiplex real-time PCR with a Sacace biotechnology detection kit. Data analysis was performed with Stata statistical software, version 16.0. The prevalence of norovirus infections was 14% and astrovirus infections were 9%. Rotavirus infections were found at prevalence of 15%. The age group most affected by norovirus and astrovirus infections was 0 - 12 months, with respective prevalence rates of 73.34% and 55.56%. The most frequently observed clinical signs in children infected with astrovirus were fever (77.78%), diarrhea (55.56%), and vomiting (44.44%). The introduction of rotavirus vaccines has reduced rotavirus-related infections. However, this has not significantly impacted the prevalence of norovirus and astrovirus infections in Burkina Faso.