UNASSIGNED: The purpose of the paper was to monitor the disease incidence in farm and wild animals in some areas of Kazakhstan, which are most susceptible to leptospirosis, and the typification of isolated pathogens, carried out under the scientific and technical program \"Studying the epizootological characteristics of the country territory on particularly dangerous diseases and developing veterinary and sanitary measures to improve their effectiveness\" in 2021-2023.
UNASSIGNED: The material included the reports of veterinary laboratories on leptospirosis in recent years, as well as laboratory tests on samples carried out at the \"SANA\" research and development enterprise. During this period, 6,701 serum samples from farm animals and 86,651 serum samples from rodents were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
UNASSIGNED: The serological results showed antibody titers in the blood of 6.32% of cattle, 5.4% of sheep, 4.2% of horses, and 1.8% of pigs. The highest number of positive samples were found in Turkestan (12.3%), Almaty (11.7%), and Kyzylorda (11.4%) regions. Infection in rodents was lower and ranged from 0.34% to 0.07% during these years. The population of leptospira-causing diseases of animals on the territory of the country is represented by 8 serogroups. Studies in 2022 on the detection of pathogenic leptospires by polymerase chain reaction in 350 samples of blood serum from animals and 350 samples of biomaterial from rodents from different regions of Kazakhstan were negative.
UNASSIGNED: Studies conducted as part of this work will help reduce the incidence of disease among the population and animals in Kazakhstan.

Kidney transplantation is the preferred treatment for end-stage renal disease (ESRD); however, ABO incompatibility (ABOi) poses challenges due to increased graft rejection risk. Desensitization strategies, including immunoadsorption (IA), aim to overcome ABOi barriers. The objective of this case report was to present the initial findings and patient outcomes of ABOi kidney transplantation (KT) using two different brands of IA columns (Glycosorb® ABO and SECORIM®-ABO) in reducing isoagglutinin titers to the desired target level. We present a case report of a 51-year-old male with ESRD secondary to diabetic kidney disease who underwent desensitization for ABOi KT, involving rituximab administration followed by IA using Glycosorb® and Vitrosorb SECORIM®-ABO columns and plasmapheresis (PP). Glycosorb® ABO column decreased anti-B titers from an initial level of 1:128/1:128 to 1:64/1:64 (target range ≤1:8); however, the titers rebounded to 1:64 following the fourth session of PP. Subsequent use of Vitrosorb SECORIM®-ABO column achieved target titers of 1:4, enabling successful transplantation with satisfactory graft function. Monitoring included anti-B IgG/IgM titer levels post IA columns, IA column reuse, kidney function, and adverse events. The IA columns were well tolerated. Desensitization using IA columns effectively reduced anti-B titers, facilitating successful ABOi KT.

Surveillance and sustained control of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) require reliable serodiagnostic tools. rK39, the gold standard antigen for VL diagnosis, is limited by its documented poor sensitivity in certain endemic regions, such as East Africa, and by the longevity of its antibodies, making it difficult to distinguish active from cured infections. In a recent publication in mBio, Roberts et al. (A. J. Roberts, H.B. Ong, S. Clare, C. Brandt, et al., mBio 15:e00859-24, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1128/mbio.00859-24) identified new immunogenic Leishmania candidates in dogs and humans. In dogs, combined antigens LdBPK_290790.1 + LdBPK_362700.1 (D4 +D46) distinguished symptomatic from asymptomatic infections. For humans, LdBPK_323600.1 (D36) antigen produced short-lived antibodies and performed well in patient cohorts from Bangladesh and Ethiopia, but not Kenya. This study adds promising new candidates to our serodiagnostic toolbox but highlights the need for more antigen discovery studies that may have to be focused on regional performance.

UNASSIGNED: Reinfection of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has raised concerns about how reliable immunity from infection and vaccination is. With mass testing for the virus halted, understanding the current prevalence of COVID-19 is crucial. This study investigated 1,191 public health workers at the Xiamen Center for Disease Control, focusing on changes in antibody titers and their relationship with individual characteristics.
UNASSIGNED: The study began by describing the epidemiological characteristics of the study participants. Multilinear regression (MLR) models were employed to explore the associations between individual attributes and antibody titers. Additionally, group-based trajectory models (GBTMs) were utilized to identify trajectories in antibody titer changes. To predict and simulate future epidemic trends and examine the correlation of antibody decay with epidemics, a high-dimensional transmission dynamics model was constructed.
UNASSIGNED: Analysis of epidemiological characteristics revealed significant differences in vaccination status between infected and non-infected groups (χ2=376.706, P<0.05). However, the distribution of antibody titers among the infected and vaccinated populations was not significantly different. The MLR model identified age as a common factor affecting titers of immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin M (IgM), and neutralizing antibody (NAb), while other factors showed varying impacts. History of pulmonary disease and hospitalization influenced IgG titer, and factors such as gender, smoking, family history of pulmonary diseases, and hospitalization impacted NAb titers. Age was the sole determinant of IgM titers in this study. GBTM analysis indicated a \"gradual decline type\" trajectory for IgG (95.65%), while IgM and NAb titers remained stable over the study period. The high-dimensional transmission dynamics model predicted and simulated peak epidemic periods in Xiamen City, which correlated with IgG decay. Age-group-specific simulations revealed a higher incidence and infection rate among individuals aged 30-39 years during both the second and third peaks, followed by those aged 40-49, 50-59, 18-29, and 70-79 years.
UNASSIGNED: Our study shows that antibody titer could be influenced by age, previous pulmonary diseases as well as smoking. Furthermore, the decline in IgG titers is consistent with epidemic trends. These findings emphasize the need for further exploration of these factors and the development of optimized self-protection countermeasures against reinfection.

To investigate the association between 146S antigen contents in FMD inactivated vaccines and levels of antiviral immunity, this study vaccinated 30 kg pigs with three batches of FMD types O and A bivalent inactivated vaccines. Antibody titers and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) secretion levels were measured on days 7, 14, 21, and 28 after primary immunization and on days 14 and 28 following booster immunization to assess associations between 146S contents and both antibody titers and IFN-γ secretion levels. Furthermore, 30 kg pigs were vaccinated with 46 batches of FMD type O inactivated vaccines and challenged on day 28, after which PD50 values were determined to evaluate the association between 146S content and PD50. The findings suggested that antibody titers and IFN-γ secretion levels at specific time points after immunization were positively associated with 146S contents. Additionally, 146S content showed a positive correlation with PD50, with greater PD50 values recorded for 146S contents ranging from 4.72 to 16.55 µg/dose. This investigation established a significant association between the 146S content in FMD inactivated vaccines and induced immune response against FMDV, thereby emphasizing its critical role in vaccine quality control. The determination of 146S content could serve as a new method for potency testing, offering an alternative to animal challenge tests.

UNASSIGNED: This study aims to evaluate the immunomodulatory effects of coconut oil extract (COE) in broilers experimentally infected with velogenic Newcastle disease virus (vNDV).
UNASSIGNED: A total of 150 broiler birds (day-old) were equally divided into five study groups i.e., negative control, positive control, COE-1, COE-2, and COE-3. On day 10, broilers of groups COE-1, COE-2, and COE-3 were supplemented with 1, 2, and 3 ml of COE respectively per liter of drinking water for 15 days. On day 13, 0.1ml/bird (10-5.25 ELD50) of vNDV was inoculated in broilers of positive control, COE-1, COE-2, and COE-3 groups intramuscularly. During this study, growth performance, morbidity, and mortality rates of each study group were recorded. The antibody titer against NDV was determined on days 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35. The levels of IgY and IgM were also determined on the 7th, 14th, and 21st days post-SRBC inoculation. On day 33, avian tuberculin was injected between the 1st and 2nd toes of the left side (intradermally) to measure lymphoproliferative responses. On day 35, the phagocytic activity in the blood was assessed through a carbon clearance assay by injecting carbon black ink into the right-wing vein. The visceral organs having gross lesions were also collected for histopathology.
UNASSIGNED: The COE significantly improved the growth performance, and lowered the morbidity and mortality rates of broilers. There was a significant rise in antibody titers against NDV and levels of IgY and IgM antibodies against SRBC in COE-supplemented broilers. The lymphoproliferative response and phagocytic activity were also enhanced. Among COE-supplemented groups, the broilers of the COE-3 group showed a significant increase in growth performance and boosted immune defense.
UNASSIGNED: Coconut oil extract has the potential to boost the growth performance and immune status of broilers. It can be used effectively as a feed additive and alternative to antibiotics to prevent the spread of infectious poultry pathogens.

BACKGROUND: At present, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) caused by the PRRS virus (PRRSV) is one of the most severe epidemics impacting pig farming globally. Despite the fact that a number of studies have been conducted on potential solutions to this problem, none have proven effective. The focus of problem solving is the use of natural ingredients such as plant extracts. Popular throughout Asia, Caesalpinia sappan (CS) is a therapeutic plant that inhibits PRRSV in vitro. Therefore, this study was performed to determine the efficacy of CS extract dietary supplementation on the productive performance, antibody levels, immunological indicators, and lung pathology of PRRSV-challenged weaned pigs. A total of 32 weaned piglets (28 days old) were randomized into 4 groups and kept separately for 14 days. The treatments were organized in a 2 × 2 factorial design involving two factors: PRRSV challenge and supplementation with 1 mg/kg CS extract. The pigs in the PRRSV-challenged groups were intranasally inoculated with 2 mL of PRRSV (VR2332) containing 104 TCID50/mL, while those in the groups not challenged with PRRSV were inoculated with 2 mL of normal saline.
RESULTS: In the PRRSV-challenged group (CS + PRRSV), supplementation with CS extract led to an increase in white blood cells (WBCs) on Day 7 post infection (p < 0.05) and particularly in lymphocytes on Days 7 and 14. The antibody titer was significantly greater in the CS + PRRSV group than in the PRRSV-challenged group not administered CS (PRRSV group) on Day 14 postinfection (S/P = 1.19 vs. 0.78). In addition, CS extract administration decreased the prevalence of pulmonary lesions, which were more prevalent in the PRRSV-challenged pigs that did not receive the CS extract.
CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggest that supplementation with CS extract is beneficial for increasing WBC counts, especially lymphocytes, increasing the levels of antibodies and reducing the prevalence of lung lesions in PRRSV-infected pigs.

Sleep enhances the antibody response to vaccination, but the relationship between sleep and mRNA vaccination against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is not fully understood.
In this prospective observational study, we investigated the influence of sleep habits on immune acquisition induced by mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 in 48 healthy adults (BNT-162b2, n=34; mRNA-1273, n=14; female, n=30, 62.5%; male, n=18, 37.5%; median age, 39.5 years; interquartile range, 33.0-44.0 years) from June 2021 to January 2022. The study measured sleep duration using actigraphy and sleep diaries, which covered the periods of the initial and booster vaccinations.
Multivariable linear regression analysis showed that actigraphy-measured objective sleep duration 3 and 7 days after the booster vaccination was independently and significantly correlated with higher antibody titers (B=0.003; 95% confidence interval, 0.000-0.005; Beta=0.337; p=0.02), even after controlling for covariates, including age, sex, the type of vaccine, and reactogenicity to the vaccination. Associations between acquired antibody titer and average objective sleep duration before vaccination, and any period of subjective sleep duration measured by sleep diary were negligible.
Longer objective, but not subjective, sleep duration after booster vaccination enhances antibody response. Hence, encouraging citizens to sleep longer after mRNA vaccination, especially after a booster dose, may increase protection against SARS-CoV-2.
This study is registered at the University Hospital Medical Information Network Center (UMIN: https://www.umin.ac.jp) on July 30, 2021, #UMIN000045009.

UNASSIGNED: Plasmapheresis and IVIG use in cases of alloimmunization during pregnancy are effective strategies when severe early fetal anemia is anticipated. Despite no change in antibody titer levels before and after plasmapheresis, clinical response was observed in both fetuses, and both had an excellent obstetrical outcome.
UNASSIGNED: Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn is a potentially lethal complication of alloimmunization, and intrauterine fetal blood transfusion (IUBT) is the standard treatment and care plan for severe fetal anemia. However, IUBT is technically unattainable before 20 weeks of gestation. Plasmapheresis and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) are the two treatment modalities described in the literature that postpone the need for transfusion until after 20 weeks. Here, we present two cases of alloimmunization (one with anti-Kell and the other with anti-D). Both had poor outcomes in previous pregnancies because of the early development of severe fetal anemia and hydrops before 24 weeks of gestation. Both patients underwent three sessions of plasmapheresis before 18 weeks, followed by weekly IVIG infusion, which continued until 23-27 weeks of pregnancy. Antibody titers were measured before and after plasmapheresis. In addition, weekly MCA Doppler was performed to monitor the development of severe fetal anemia requiring blood transfusion, which was diagnosed when the peak systolic velocity (PSV) was 1.5 multiples of the median or more. The first patient underwent IUBT at 24 weeks and the second at 28 weeks, as indicated by the MCA Doppler. Both patients were delivered by cesarean section, the first at 34 weeks and the second at 36 weeks, for different obstetrical indications. Both pregnancies resulted in a live birth. We conclude that the use of plasmapheresis and IVIG in alloimmunization during pregnancy is an effective treatment strategy when severe early fetal anemia is anticipated before 20 weeks of gestation. Despite no change in antibody titer levels before and after plasmapheresis, a clinical response was observed in both fetuses, and both had excellent obstetrical outcomes.

TNX-1800 is a synthetically derived live recombinant chimeric horsepox virus (rcHPXV) vaccine candidate expressing Wuhan SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the immunogenicity and efficacy of TNX-1800 in two nonhuman primate species challenged with USA-WA1/2020 SARS-CoV-2. TNX-1800 vaccination was well tolerated with no serious adverse events or significant changes in clinical parameters. A single dose of TNX-1800 generated humoral responses in African Green Monkeys and Cynomolgus Macaques, as measured by the total binding of anti-SARS-CoV-2 S IgG and neutralizing antibody titers against the USA-WA1/2020 strain. In addition, a single dose of TNX-1800 induced an interferon-gamma (IFN-γ)-mediated T-cell response in Cynomolgus Macaques. Following challenge with SARS-CoV-2, African Green and Cynomolgus Macaques exhibited rapid clearance of virus in the upper and lower respiratory tract. Future studies will assess the efficacy of TNX-1800 against newly emerging variants and demonstrate its safety in humans.