MedWorm: Bird Flu

Researchers find infrared thermal detection systems useful for patient screening

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 04:00:00 +0100

(Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America) Researchers at the University of Nebraska Medical Center found an Infrared Thermal Detection System (ITDS) to be a fast and effective fever screening tool in clinical settings during the H1N1 influenza pandemic. The ITDS detected fever in patients through split-second, non-contact skin temperature measurements. Fever is a primary symptom of seasonal influenza, H1N1, avian influenza, SARS and other infectious diseases. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

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Population-based surveillance for 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus in Guatemala, 2009

Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Please cite this paper as: Reyes et al. (2010) Population-based surveillance for 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus in Guatemala, 2009. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses DOI: 10.1111/j.1750-2659.2010.00138.xBackground In April 2009, 2009 pandemic influenza A H1N1 (2009 H1N1) was first identified in Mexico but did not cause widespread transmission in neighboring Guatemala until several weeks later.Methodology and principle findings Using a population-based surveillance system for hospitalized pneumonia and influenza-like illness ongoing before the 2009 H1N1 pandemic began, we tracked the onset of 2009 H1N1 infection in Guatemala. We identified 239 individuals infected with influenza A (2009 H1N1) between May and December 2009, of whom 76 were hospitalized with pneumonia and 11 die...

March 19 - WHO Updates International H1N1 Flu Situation

PandemicFlu.gov RSS Feed for News Releases — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 21:20:00 +0100

As of 14 March 2010, worldwide more than 213 countries and overseas territories or communities have reported laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009, including at least 16813 deaths. (Source: PandemicFlu.gov RSS Feed for News Releases)

The Toll of Pandemic Influenza

Medscape Infectious Diseases Headlines — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:39:48 +0100

The first phase 6 global pandemic of the century filled intensive care units around the world. Medscape Critical Care (Source: Medscape Infectious Diseases Headlines)

Retraction. Retraction notice to "The NSI gene of H5N1 influenza viruses circumvents the host anti-viral cytokine responses" [Virus Res. 103 (2004) 107-113].

Virus Research — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:34:16 +0100

Retraction. Retraction notice to "The NSI gene of H5N1 influenza viruses circumvents the host anti-viral cytokine responses" [Virus Res. 103 (2004) 107-113]. Virus Res. 2010 Apr;149(1):133 Authors: PMID: 20238474 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Virus Research)

Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 - update 92

WHO Swine Flu — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

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Non-invasive ventilation in acute respiratory failure related to 2009 pandemic Influenza A/H1N1 virus infection

Critical Care — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is considered first-line intervention for different causes of acute respiratory failure (ARF). (Source: Critical Care)

Pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus infections in children with sickle cell disease

Blood — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:02:04 +0100

(Source: Blood)

Neuropeptidomic analysis of the embryonic Japanese quail diencephalon

BMC Developmental Biology - Latest articles — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This study is the first larger study on endogenous peptides in the developing brain and implies a previously unknown role for a number of neuropeptides in middle to late avian embryogenesis. It demonstrates the power of label-free liquid chromatography mass spectrometry to analyze the expression of multiple endogenous peptides and the potential to detect new putative peptide candidates in a developmental model. (Source: BMC Developmental Biology - Latest articles)

Bird Flu Outbreak in Romania, Near Ukraine

Medscape Infectious Diseases Headlines — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:09:54 +0100

Romania has identified an outbreak of bird flu at a poultry farm close to Ukraine and enforced a 20 kilometer-wide surveillance zone around it, the European Union's executive said on Tuesday. Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Infectious Diseases Headlines)

Influenza and respiratory disease surveillance: the US military's global laboratory-based network

Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This article describes the system, details its contributions and the critical gaps that it is filling, and discusses future plans. (Source: Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses)

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Nucleolar localization of influenza A NS1: striking differences between mammalian and avian cells

Virology Journal — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In mammalian cells, nucleolar localization of influenza A NS1 requires the presence of a C-terminal nucleolar localization signal. This nucleolar localization signal is present only in certain strains of influenza A viruses. Therefore, only certain NS1 accumulate in the nucleolus of mammalian cells. In contrast, we show that all NS1 tested in this study accumulated in the nucleolus of avian cells even in the absence of the above described C-terminal nucleolar localization signal. Thus, nucleolar localization of NS1 in avian cells appears to rely on a different nucleolar localization signal that is more conserved among influenza virus strains. (Source: Virology Journal)

Avian influenza – situation in Viet Nam - update 9

WHO Disease Outbreaks — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

The Ministry of Health has reported a new confirmed case of human infection with the H5N1 avian influenza virus. This case was confirmed at the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology (NIHE). (Source: WHO Disease Outbreaks)

Cumulative Number of Confirmed Human Cases of Avian Influenza A/(H5N1) Reported to WHO

WHO Avian Influenza — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

16 March 2010 (Source: WHO Avian Influenza)

What Makes Vocalisation Frequency an Unreliable Signal of Body Size in Birds? A Study on Black Swans

Ethology — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In many animal species, the frequency (pitch) of vocalisations correlates negatively with body size and may thus signal competitive ability. However, this relationship is absent in other species. Understanding why this difference exists across species may help to explain some of the diversity of vocal communication systems. We assessed whether vocalisation frequency signals body size in black swans (Cygnus atratus), and how this is affected by (i) variation in frequency within individuals and (ii) size variation across individuals. Frequency was correlated with body size and mass, with slopes close to the allometry expected if the birds were maximising sound radiation, but the explained variation in frequency was low. Within-individual variation in vocalisation frequency was greater in mal...

Self-reported anticipated compliance with physician advice to stay home during pandemic (H1N1) 2009: Results from the 2009 Queensland Social Survey

BMC Public Health - Latest articles — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This study was undertaken during the height of the Australian pandemic (H1N1) 2009 outbreak to measure self-reported willingness to comply with physician recommendations to stay home for seven days, and to compare responses for the current strain of pandemic influenza, avian influenza, seasonal influenza, and the common cold. Methods: Data were collected as part of the Queensland Social Survey (QSS) 2009, which consisted of a standardized introduction, 37 demographic questions, and research questions incorporated through a cost-sharing arrangement. Four questions related to respondents' anticipated compliance with a physician's advice to stay home if they had a common cold, seasonal influenza, pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza or avian influenza were incorporated into QSS 2009, with responses...

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Pandemic H1N1 2009 (swine flu) and pregnancy

Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:07:39 +0100

Abstract: H1N1 pandemic influenza is a novel strain of the influenza A virus. It is widely known as swine flu. Most people affected by the virus, including pregnant women, suffer a mild viral illness, and make a full recovery. The median duration of illness is around seven days. This influenza typically affects the younger age group i.e. from the ages of 5–65 years but the age groups of below 5 years and above 65 are particularly prone to severe complications. Pregnant women, because of their altered immunity and physiological adaptations, are at higher risk of developing pulmonary complications, especially in the third trimester. Antiviral drugs are effective against the virus and are not contraindicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Vaccines have now been developed and are offered to...

Effects of NS1 variants of H5N1 influenza virus on interferon induction, TNFalpha response and p53 activity.

Cellular and Molecular Immunology — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We examined the effects of these mutations on interferon (IFN) induction, tumor-necrosis factor (TNF)alpha response, p53 activity and apoptosis. We found that the D92E mutation eliminated NS1's repressive effect on IFN induction, while the 5-aa deletion resulted in enhanced resistance to TNFalpha responses. We also observed that all three variants exhibited a similar suppressive effect on p53 transcriptional activity, although none of them significantly influenced apoptosis of host cells. Our findings shed new light on the role of NS1 in the pathogenicity of H5N1 virus.Cellular & Molecular Immunology advance online publication, 15 March 2010; doi:10.1038/cmi.2010.6. PMID: 20228833 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Cellular and Molecular Immunology)

Platycodin D Improves the Immunogenicity of Newcastle Disease Virus-Based Recombinant Avian Influenza Vaccine in Mice.

Chemistry and Biodiversity — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Xie Y, Sun HX, Li D The development of an effective influenza vaccine is urgently important for controlling outbreaks of the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) and reducing the impact of pandemics. The use of an adjuvant in such a vaccine can significantly contribute to improve the immunogenicity. To explore a novel and safe adjuvant for improving the potency of influenza vaccines, platycodin D (1), a saponin from the root of Platycodon grandiflorum, was evaluated for the adjuvant potentials on the specific cellular and humoral immune responses to Newcastle disease virus-based recombinant avian influenza vaccine (rL-H5) in mice. Compound 1 significantly promoted the concanavalin A (Con A)-, the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-, and the antigen-induced splenocyte prolifer...

Natural infection of vertebrate hosts by different lineages of Buggy Creek virus (family Togaviridae, genus Alphavirus)

Archives of Virology — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 12:31:39 +0100

We report the first data on the BCRV lineages isolated from vertebrate hosts under natural conditions. Lineage A was overrepresented among isolates from nestling house sparrows, relative to the proportions of the two lineages found in unfed bug vectors at the same site at the start of the summer transmission season. Haplotype diversity of each lineage was higher in bugs than in sparrows, indicating reduced genetic diversity of virus amplified in the vertebrate host. BCRV appears to have diverged into two lineages based on different modes of transmission. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Brief ReportDOI 10.1007/s00705-010-0638-8Authors Charles R. Brown, University of Tulsa Department of Biological Sciences Tulsa OK 74104 USAAmy T. Moore, University of Tulsa Department of Biol...

Development and evaluation of a one-step real-time RT-PCR assay for universal detection of influenza A viruses from avian and mammal species

Archives of Virology — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 12:24:36 +0100

The objective of our study was to develop and evaluate a TaqMan real-time RT-PCR (RRT-PCR) assay for universal detection of influenza A (IA) viruses. The primers and LNA-modified octanucleotide probe were selected to correspond to extremely conserved regions of the membrane protein (MP) segment identified by a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis including 10,405 IA viruses MP sequences, i.e., all of the sequences of the Influenza Virus Sequence database collected as of August 20, 2009. The RRT-PCR has a detection limit of approximately five copies of target RNA/reaction and excellent reaction parameters tested in four IA viruses reference laboratories. The inclusivity of the assay was estimated at both the bioinformatic and the experimental level. Our results predicted that this RR...

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Marek’s disease viruses lacking either R-LORF10 or LORF4 have altered virulence in chickens

Virus Genes — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 11:27:05 +0100

Abstract The Marek’s disease virus (MDV, Gallid herpesvirus 2) genome encodes ~110 open reading frames (ORFs). Many of these ORFs are annotated based purely on homology to other herpesvirus genes, thus, direct experiments are needed to verify the gene products, especially the hypothetical or MDV-specific ORFs, and characterize their biological function, particularly with respect to pathogenicity in chickens. Previously, a comprehensive two-hybrid assay screen revealed nine specific chicken-MDV protein–protein interactions. In order to characterize the role of hypothetical MDV proteins R-LORF10 and LORF4, which were shown to interact with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II β chain and Ii (invariant or γ) chain, respectively, recombinant MDVs derived from v...

University life and pandemic influenza: Attitudes and intended behaviour of staff and students towards pandemic (H1N1) 2009

BMC Public Health - Latest articles — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Background: In a pandemic young adults are more likely to be infected, increasing the potential for Universities to be explosive disease outbreak centres. Outbreak management is essential to reduce the impact in both the institution and the surrounding community. Through the use of an online survey, we aimed to measure the perceptions and responses of staff and students towards pandemic (H1N1) 2009 at a major university in Sydney, Australia. Methods: The survey was available online from 29 June to 30 September 2009. The sample included academic staff, general staff and students of the University. Results: A total of 2882 surveys were completed. Nearly all respondents (99.6%, 2870/2882) were aware of the Australian pandemic situation and 64.2% (1851/2882) reported either "no anxiety" or "di...

Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 - update 91

WHO Swine Flu — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

As of 7 March 2010, worldwide more than 213 countries and overseas territories or communities have reported laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009, including at least 16713 deaths. (Source: WHO Swine Flu)

Avian influenza - situation in Egypt - update 32

WHO Disease Outbreaks — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

The Ministry of Health of Egypt has announced two new cases of human H5N1 avian influenza infection. (Source: WHO Disease Outbreaks)

Cumulative Number of Confirmed Human Cases of Avian Influenza A/(H5N1) Reported to WHO

WHO Avian Influenza — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

12 March 2010 (Source: WHO Avian Influenza)

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Gallin; an antimicrobial peptide member of a new avian defensin family, the ovodefensins, has been subject to recent gene duplication

BMC Immunology — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The relatively recent evolution of multiple copies of a member of a new defensin related group of peptides that we have termed ovodefensins, may be an adaptation to increase expression or the first steps in divergent evolution of the gene in chickens. The peptides potent antimicrobial activity against E. Coli increases our understanding of the antimicrobial strategies of the avian innate immune system particularly those of the egg white and the evolution of the defensin family. The potential of this peptide and others in the family can now be investigated in a number of novel antimicrobial roles. (Source: BMC Immunology)

ESBL- and CMY-2-producing Escherichia coli potentially pathogenic for humans isolated from animal farms. First time detection of clonal groups O25b:H4-ST131-B2 CTX-M-9 and O25a-ST648-D CTX-M-32 in poultry farms.

Applied and Environmental Microbiology — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Cortés P, Blanc V, Mora A, Dahbi G, Blanco JE, Blanco M, López C, Andreu A, Navarro F, Alonso MP, Bou G, Blanco J, Llagostera M To ascertain whether in animal farms reside extended-spectrum beta-lactamase- (ESBLs) and plasmidic class C beta-lactamases producing-Escherichia coli isolates potentially pathogenic for humans, phylogenetic analyses, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) typing, serotyping, and virulence genotyping were performed of 86 isolates from poultry (57 isolates) and pig (29 isolates) farms. E. coli isolates from poultry farms encoded enzymes of the CTX-M-9 group as well as CMY-2, whereas those from pig farms mainly carried genes encoding CTX-M-1 enzymes. Poultry and pig isolates differed significantly in their phylogenetic group assignments, with...

Antigenic and genetic characteristics of influenza A(H5N1) and influenza A(H9N2) viruses and candidate vaccine viruses developed for potential use in human vaccines - February 2010.

Weekly Epidemiological Record — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: PMID: 20229648 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] (Source: Weekly Epidemiological Record)

Deaths Related to 2009 Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) Among American Indian/Alaska Natives, 12 States, 2009

Medscape Emergency Medicine Headlines — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:40:35 +0100

Pandemic influenza A (H1N1) has hit American Indian/Alaska Natives particularly hard, with death rates four times higher than in other groups. Morbidity & Mortality Weekly Report (Source: Medscape Emergency Medicine Headlines)

Canadian survey on pandemic flu preparations

BMC Public Health - Latest articles — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Results suggest trust in public health officials to make difficult decisions,providing emphasis on reciprocity and respect for individual rights. (Source: BMC Public Health - Latest articles)

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Skeletal nutrient vascular adaptation induced by external oscillatory intramedullary fluid pressure intervention

Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: These data indicate a potential mechanism in the interrelationship between vasculature adaptation and applied ImP alteration. Acute ImP could possibly initiate the remodeling in the bone nutrient vasculature, which may ultimately alter blood supply to bone. (Source: Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research)

Propagation of vaccine strain of duck enteritis virus in a cell line of duck origin as an alternative production system to propagation in embryonated egg.

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Mondal B, Rasool TJ, Ram H, Mallanna S Duck virus enteritis (DVE) also known as duck plague, is a viral infection of ducks caused by duck enteritis virus (DEV). The control of the disease is mainly done by vaccination with a chicken embryo-adapted live virus that is known to be poorly immunogenic and affords partial protection. Further, the risk of harboring other infectious agents in the embryo particularly the deadly and zoonotic avian influenza virus is also high. In this paper, we report propagation of a chicken embryo-adapted vaccine strain of duck enteritis virus in duck embryo fibroblast (DEF) cell line. Thirty serial passages were done in DEF cell that made the vaccine virus further attenuated which was tested in ducks. The growth behaviors of the virus in DEF cells we...

Intercontinental reassortment and genomic variation of low pathogenic avian influenza viruses isolated from northern pintails (Anas acuta) in Alaska: Examining the evidence through space and time.

Virology — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Ramey AM, Pearce JM, Flint PL, Ip HS, Derksen DV, Franson JC, Petrula MJ, Scotton BD, Sowl KM, Wege ML, Trust KA Migration and population genetic data for northern pintails (Anas acuta) and phylogenetic analysis of low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) viruses from this host in Alaska suggest that northern pintails are involved in ongoing intercontinental transmission of avian influenza. Here, we further refine this conclusion through phylogenetic analyses which demonstrate that detection of foreign lineage gene segments is spatially dependent and consistent through time. Our results show detection of foreign lineage gene segments to be most likely at sample locations on the Alaska Peninsula and least likely along the Southern Alaska Coast. Asian lineages detected at four gene...

Surveillance and characterization of low pathogenic H5 avian influenza viruses isolated from wild migratory birds in Korea.

Virus Research — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Baek YH, Pascua PN, Song MS, Park KJ, Kwon HI, Lee JH, Kim SY, Moon HJ, Kim CJ, Choi YK Migratory waterfowls are the natural reservoir of influenza A viruses. However, interspecies transmission had occasionally caused outbreaks in various hosts including humans. To characterize the genetic origins of H5 avian influenza viruses isolated from migratory birds in South Korea, phylogenetic analysis were conducted. A total of 53 H5 viruses were isolated between October 2005 and November 2008. Full genetic characterization indicated that most of these viruses belong to the Eurasian-like avian lineage. However, some segments of the AB/Korea/W235/07 and the AB/Korea/W236/07 isolates were clustered with North American lineage viruses rather than those of the Eurasian lineage, suggesting...

Knowledge and anticipated attitudes of the community about bird flu outbreak in Turkey, 2007–2008: a survey-based descriptive study

International Journal of Public Health — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:32:22 +0100

Conclusions Preparedness against bird flu endemic in remote regions could be hindered by factors, such as low levels of education and economic dependence on small-scale backyard farming. The baseline data collected in this survey will be useful in monitoring changes over time in the population’s perceptions of threat, and its attitude towards compliance with specific public health recommendations. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00038-010-0131-xAuthors Tamer Edirne, University of Yuzuncu Yil Department of Family Medicine YYU Arastirma Hastanesi, Merkez 65100 Van TurkeyDilek Kusaslan Avci, University of Yuzuncu Yil Department of Family Medicine YYU Arastirma Hastanesi, Merkez 65100 Van TurkeyBurçak Dagkara, University of Yuzuncu ...

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Antigenic variation between Newcastle disease viruses of goose and chicken origin

Archives of Virology — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:03:44 +0100

Abstract Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is believed to infect only domestic avian species, with waterfowl such as geese either not being infected, even by virulent strains, or developing only inapparent infection. Since the late 1990s, a new infectious disease producing high morbidity and mortality among geese broke out in many provinces of China. This disease was caused by a serotype I avian paramyxovirus known as (APMV-1)—NDV. To investigate how NDV spreads between chickens and geese, the serological similarities of NDV strains (goose-origin NDV/NA-1 and chicken-origin NDV/F48E9, F48E8) were assessed by cross-neutralization assays both in vivo and in vitro. The results indicated that antigenic variation had occurred between NDV/NA-1 strains and NDV/F48E9, F48E8 strains....

Influenza H1N1 infection in a patient with psoriatic arthritis in treatment with Adalimumab: a case report

Clinical Rheumatology — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:01:37 +0100

We presented a case of a patient using adalimumab that have developed H1N1 without complications. This is the first case of H1N1 in a patient using adalimumab reported in Brazil. We discuss the possibility that anti-TNF may not predisposes to a serious form of the disease or fatal complications. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Case ReportDOI 10.1007/s10067-010-1415-5Authors Varlei A. Serrato, Federal University of Paraná Ambulatory Pain Curitiba Paraná BrazilValderílio Feijó Azevedo, Rua Lamenha Lins 1110 ap 11ª, Rebouças Curitiba Paraná Brazil CEP 80250-020Viviane Sabatoski, Federal University of Paraná Internal Medicine Curitiba Paraná BrazilBeatriz P. Gonçalves, Federal University of Paraná Internal Medicine Curitiba Paraná BrazilDenise M. Machado, Federal Univ...

Breeding experience affects condition: blood metabolite levels over the course of incubation in a seabird

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:23:45 +0100

Abstract In vertebrates little is known about causes and correlates of differences in individual body condition. This is, however, essential if we are to gain an understanding of environmental influences on wild populations. To track changes in individual physiological state we analysed blood metabolite concentrations in breeding common terns Sterna hirundo. We selected birds to contrast sex, breeding experience, sampling year and nutritional state and collected repeated samples from individuals during incubation. Unlike cholesterol, triglyceride and uric acid levels strongly correlated with nutritional state. While cholesterol levels in males remained stable throughout incubation, comparatively lower levels were measured in females directly after egg-laying. In 2006, only ...

Chapter 7. Critical care triage

Intensive Care Medicine — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:47:15 +0100

Conclusions Judicious planning and adoption of protocols for critical care triage are necessary to optimize outcomes during a pandemic. Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00134-010-1765-0Authors Michael D. Christian, University of Toronto Division of Infectious Diseases and Critical Care, Department of National Defence, Canadian Forces and Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital Toronto CanadaGavin M. Joynt, The Chinese University of Hong Kong Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Prince of Wales Hospital Sha Tin, Hong Kong People’s Republic of ChinaJohn L. Hick, Hennepin County Medical Center Department of Emergency Medicine Minneapolis MN USAJohn Colvin, Ninewells Hospital Department of Anaesthesiology Dundee Scotland, UKMarion Danis, Clinical Cent...

Assessing the congruence between perceived connectivity and network centrality measures specific to pandemic influenza preparedness in Alberta

BMC Public Health - Latest articles — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The results suggest in terms of pandemic preparedness that perceived connectivity may serve as a partial proxy measure of formal out-degree network connectivity. (Source: BMC Public Health - Latest articles)

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ECDC: Expect H1N1 to return, but not act same; H5N1 not mentioned in flu forecast

MD Consult: News: Top Stories — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Read the full story on MD Consult: ECDC: Expect H1N1 to return, but not act same; H5N1 not mentioned in flu forecast (Source: MD Consult: News: Top Stories)

Sex determination: An avian sexual revolution

Nature — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Lindsey A. Barske & Blanche Capel Hormones are not all-powerful in determining whether birds develop with male or female features. Chickens that are genetic sexual mosaics reveal that individual cells also have a say in the matter. (Source: Nature)

Dissipation and removal of oseltamivir (Tamiflu) in different aquatic environments.

Chemosphere — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Accinelli C, Saccà ML, Fick J, Mencarelli M, Lindberg R, Olsen B The antiviral drug oseltamivir (Tamiflu) has received recent attention due to the potential use as a first-line defense against H5N1 and H1N1 influenza viruses. Research has shown that oseltamivir is not removed during conventional wastewater treatments, thus having the potential to enter surface water bodies. A series of laboratory experiments investigated the fate and the removal of oseltamivir in two surface water ecosystems of Japan and in a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in Northern Italy. Persistence of oseltamivir in surface water ranged from non-detectable degradation to a half-life of 53d. After 40d, <3% of radiolabeled oseltamivir evolved as (14)CO(2). The presence of sediments (5%...

Reassortment between avian H5N1 and human H3N2 influenza viruses creates hybrid viruses with substantial virulence [Microbiology]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:27:19 +0100

The spread of avian H5N1 influenza viruses around the globe has become a worldwide public health concern. To evaluate the... (Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences)

NOVAVAX Completes Enrollment Of Pivotal H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Clinical Trial In Mexico

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Novavax, Inc. (Nasdaq: NVAX) announced that the enrollment of over 3,500 subjects in Mexico has been completed in Stage B of its pivotal 2009 H1N1 virus-like-particle (VLP) pandemic influenza vaccine study. With the 1,000 subjects already enrolled in Stage A of the trial, the enrollment in this pivotal trial is now complete with over 4,500 subjects. In this Stage B of Novavax's pivotal study of H1N1 influenza vaccine candidate, a cohort of 3,500 healthy volunteers aged 18 to 64 years old were enrolled... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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NOVAVAX Completes Enrollment Of Pivotal H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Clinical Trial In Mexico

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Novavax, Inc. (Nasdaq: NVAX) announced that the enrollment of over 3,500 subjects in Mexico has been completed in Stage B of its pivotal 2009 H1N1 virus-like-particle (VLP) pandemic influenza vaccine study. With the 1,000 subjects already enrolled in Stage A of the trial, the enrollment in this pivotal trial is now complete with over 4,500 subjects... (Source: Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today)

Stable Isotopes Link Diet to Avian Yolk Carotenoid Allocation: A Comparative Study of Five Auk Species (Charadriiformes: Alcidae)

Physiological and Biochemical Zoology — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:12:32 +0100

Physiological and Biochemical Zoology, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page 000, Latest Articles. Abstract The allocation of important but environmentally limited nutrients, such as carotenoids, often represents a trade‐off between homeostasis and reproduction. However, key questions remain about how diet and species traits influence carotenoid allocation. We studied yolk carotenoid profiles and yolk color in relation to trophic level (based on δ15N values) in five species of seabirds belonging to the family Alcidae: common murre (Uria aalge), pigeon guillemot (Cepphus columba), Cassin’s auklet (Ptychoramphus aleuticus), rhinoceros auklet (Cerorhinca monocerata), and tufted puffin (Fratercula cirrhata). In three species, which ranged from low (tufted puffin) to high (pigeon guillemot) trophi...

Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Viruses Can Directly Infect and Replicate in Human Gut Tissues

The Journal of Infectious Diseases Latest Issue — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 21:44:51 +0100

In this study, we demonstrated that the human gut expresses abundant avian H5N1 receptors, is readily infected ex vivo by the H5N1 virus, and produces infectious viral particles in organ culture. An autopsy colonic sample from an H5N1‐infected patient showed evidence of viral antigen expression in the gut epithelium. Our results provide the first evidence, to our knowledge, that H5N1 can directly target human gut tissues. (Source: The Journal of Infectious Diseases Latest Issue)

Nigeria: Bird Flu - FCTA Deploys Vet Doctors to Entry Points

AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 09:26:07 +0100

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Senator Adamu Aliero, has deployed trained veterinary doctors to man all entry points to the nation's capital, in a bid to forestall the outbreak of the deadly Avian influenzal flu, otherwise known as bird flu. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)

Molecular Detection of Avian Influenza Virus but not West Nile Virus in Wild Birds in Northern Turkey

Zoonoses and Public Health — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, a total of 402 samples (173 cloacal swab samples, 169 tracheal swab samples and 60 organ pools including the lung, spleen, liver, trachea and brain) obtained from 27 different wild avian species from Kizilirmak delta and the adjacent wetlands in northern Turkey were surveyed for the presence of RNA from Avian influenza virus (AIV) and West Nile virus (WNV) by Taqman-based real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction assay. No WNV genomic RNA was detected in any sample. In contrast, AIV RNA was found in two of 402 samples (0.49%). (Source: Zoonoses and Public Health)

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Avian Influenza A Virus Monitoring in Wild Birds in Bavaria: Occurrence and Heterogeneity of H5 and N1 Encoding Genes

Zoonoses and Public Health — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, multiple import events for H5N1 viruses were confirmed during 2006 and 2007. In addition, our findings argue against an existing HPAI H5N1 reservoir in aquatic birds in Bavaria. By contrast, phylogenetic analyses of the H5 or N1 sequences of low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) viruses revealed a marked diversity and multiple genetic lineages. This diversity of LPAI H5 and N1 subtype components indicates the existence of LPAI HA and NA gene pools which differ from the Bavarian HPAI H5N1. Moreover, the hemagglutinin amino acid differences between LPAI H5 viruses of a western European genotypic lineage observed in wild birds suggest a continuous evolution of LPAI viruses in Bavaria. (Source: Zoonoses and Public Health)

Serological Surveillance of Influenza A Virus Infection in Swine Populations in Fujian Province, China: No Evidence of Naturally Occurring H5N1 Infection in Pigs

Zoonoses and Public Health — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Several highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza viruses were isolated from swine populations in Fujian Province, China, since 2001. Because it is thought that H5N1 infection in pigs might result in virus adaptation to humans, we surveyed swine populations in Fujian Province in 2004 and 2007 for serological evidence of the infection. Twenty-five pig farms covering all nine administrative districts of Fujian Province were sampled and a total of 1407 serum specimens were collected. The haemagglutination inhibition (HI) tests revealed no evidence of H5 infection and only a few cases of H9 infection. The negative results for H5 infection were further verified by micro-neutralization tests. By contrast, H1 influenza virus infections were prevalent in swine in both surveys according to the results...

Differential cytokine expression in Chlamydophila psittaci genotype A-, B- or D-infected chicken macrophages after exposure to Escherichia coli O2:K1 LPS.

Developmental and Comparative Immunology — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Beeckman DS, Rothwell L, Kaiser P, Vanrompay DC Chlamydophila (Cp.) psittaci and avian pathogenic Escherichia (E.) coli infections contribute to the respiratory disease complex observed in turkeys. Secondary infection with E. coli exacerbates Cp. psittaci pathogenicity and augments E. coli excretion. The innate immune response initiated by both pathogens in their avian host is unknown. We therefore determined the cytokine responses following Cp. psittaci infection and E. coli superinfection of avian monocytes/macrophages by examining gene transcripts of IL-1beta, IL-6, CXCLi2 (IL-8), CXCLi1 (K60), IL-10, IL-12alpha/beta, IL-18, TGF-beta4 and CCLi2 at 4h post inoculation with different Cp. psittaci strains or 4h post treatment with avian E. coli LPS of Cp. psittaci pre-infected...

Fusion of HSP70 gene of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to hemagglutinin (H5) gene of avian influenza virus in DNA vaccine enhances its potency.

Acta Virologica — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 03:29:31 +0100

Authors: Rasoli M, Omar AR, Aini I, Jalilian B, Syed Hassan SH, Mohamed M A series of plasmids containing the HSP70 gene of Mycobacterium tuberculosis fused to the hemagglutinin (H5) gene of H5N1 avian influenza virus (AIV) (H5-HSP70 (heat shock protein 70) vaccine) or individual H5 gene (H5 vaccine) or HSP70 gene (HSP70 vaccine) were constructed based on the plasmid pcDNA3.1. Expression of H5 gene in Vero cells in vitro and in chickens in vivo was confirmed following their transfection and immunization with H5 or H5-HSP70 vaccines. Controls consisted of HSP70 vaccine, empty plasmid pcDNA3.1 and co-administered H5 and HSP70 vaccines. H5-HSP70 vaccine produced in chicken higher hemagglutination inhibition (HI) antibody titer than H5 vaccine. However, the increase was not statistically s...

Comprehensive Analysis of N-Linked Oligosaccharides from Eggs of the Family Phasianidae.

Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Sumiyoshi W, Nakakita SI, Hasehira K, Miyanishi N, Kubo Y, Kita T, Hirabayashi J We have reported a strategic procedure for the preparation of human-type N-linked oligosaccharides targeting hen egg white and yolk. To determine whether the technique is applicable to other avian species, we performed comparative analysis of N-linked oligosaccharides derived from eggs of other pheasant species. Our investigation of the principal oligosaccharides resulted in several major findings: (i) Glycan profiles as well as total yields were different between species and tissues (egg white and yolk). (ii) A common feature of egg white glycans is agalactosylated, hybrid-type, and complex-type oligosaccharides containing bisecting GlcNAc as major components. (iii) Egg yolk of pheasant species c...

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Zoonoses report : United Kingdom 2008

Sat, 06 Mar 2010 03:30:00 +0100

Published by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) in 2010, this 92-page Annual Report on Zoonoses in the United Kingdom presents a summary of the trends and sources of zoonotic infection in humans, animals, food and feedstuffs in the UK in 2008, and also includes data from early 2009. The contents include a preface, executive summary, introduction, sections on major foodborne and waterborne zoonoses, notifiable zoonotic diseases of animals, other zoonoses, and appendices. Organisms and diseases covered include Campylobacter, Salmonella, E. coli, Cryptospridium, bovine tuberculosis, brucellosis, anthrax, rabies, transmissible spongiform encephalopathies including BSE and CJD, avian influenza, West Nile virus, leptospirosis, listeriosis, Lyme borreliosis, Q fever, an...

WHO Updates International H1N1 Flu Situation

PandemicFlu.gov RSS Feed for News Releases — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 02:10:00 +0100

As of 28 February 2010, worldwide more than 213 countries and overseas territories or communities have reported laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009, including at least 16455 deaths. (Source: PandemicFlu.gov RSS Feed for News Releases)

Detection by microneutralization of antibodies against avian influenza virus in an endemic avian influenza region

Clinical Microbiology and Infection — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Clin Microbiol Infect Detection by microneutralization of low-titre antibodies (anti-H5 micro-NT titre [le]1 : 80) against avian influenza virus (H5N1) is usually taken to be a false-positive result. In this prospective study of 242 intensive-care unit patients admitted for severe community-acquired pneumonia, the prevalence of low-titre anti-H5 micro-NT was 2.4%. Prior exposure to poultry was the sole independent risk factor for these low-titre antibodies (adjusted OR 42.41; 95% CI 22.45[ndash]64.51; p (Source: Clinical Microbiology and Infection)

Correlation between polymerase activity and pathogenicity in two duck H5N1 influenza viruses suggests that the polymerase contributes to pathogenicity.

Virology — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Leung BW, Chen H, Brownlee GG The influenza RNA polymerase is known to be important in pathogenicity and adaptation of avian influenza viruses to mammalian hosts. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible are only partly understood. Here we investigated the role of the polymerase in two different, closely related, H5N1 influenza viruses - a high pathogenic, A/duck/Fujian/01/2002 (FJ) strain and a low pathogenic, A/duck/Guangxi/53/2002 (GX) strain. The polymerase activity of the FJ strain was significantly greater than the GX strain. Experiments with hybrid polymerase constructs - both in vitro and in ribonucleoprotein cell-based assays, suggested that the PA and to a lesser extent the PB2 subunits of the polymerase, were responsible for increased polymerase activity of the...

Transposable Elements in Reptilian and Avian (Sauropsida) Genomes

Cytogenetic and Genome Research — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Cytogenet Genome Res (DOI:10.1159/000294999) (Source: Cytogenetic and Genome Research)

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Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 - update 90

WHO Swine Flu — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

OIE : animal disease information summaries

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:01 +0100

This collection of animal disease information sheets (including zoonoses) have been prepared for the general public by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). These “questions and answers” sheets provide an overview on some major OIE listed diseases, and diseases covered include avian influenza, anthrax, African swine fever, brucellosis, bluetongue, BSE, bovine tuberculosis, classical swine fever, contagious bovine pleuropneumonia, diseases of bees, equine influenza, foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), and several others. Published in 2009. (Source: Latest Internet resources added to Intute: Health and LifenSciences veterinary gateway)

[Correspondence] Seasonal vaccine effectiveness against pandemic A/H1N1

LANCET — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Santiago Echevarria-Zuno and colleagues (Dec 19, p 2072) report significant protection by the 2008–09 trivalent influenza vaccine against pandemic influenza A H1N1 in patients in Mexico. (Source: LANCET)

[Correspondence] Seasonal vaccine effectiveness against pandemic A/H1N1 – Authors' reply

LANCET — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Naveed Janjua and colleagues express concern about possible selection bias or confounding of the association between trivalent inactivated vaccine and pandemic influenza by age, fever, chronic disorders, regional variability, and delay between illness onset and specimen collection. Following their suggestion, we did a more detailed analysis with additional data from the first and second wave of pandemic influenza in Mexico up to Nov 30, 2009, to increase statistical power. (Source: LANCET)

Severe novel H1N1 influenza A infection in the immediate postoperative period of a liver transplant patient

Liver Transplantation — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In 2009, the World Health Organization recognized the novel H1N1 influenza A virus as a pandemic infection. Since April 2009, thousands of cases of novel H1N1 influenza A infection have been reported worldwide, and they have resulted in thousands of deaths. South American countries were affected by this infection during their winter season, and Chile presented one of the highest incidence rates. We have recently managed a liver transplant patient who presented with a severe novel H1N1 influenza A infection in the early postoperative period and required prolonged mechanical ventilation. The early suspicion of this infection during the current pandemic influenza in Chile made possible a timely treatment with oseltamivir. We decided to report this case because no other cases of liver transpla...

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Ecologically distinct dinosaurian sister group shows early diversification of Ornithodira

Nature — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:46:06 +0100

Authors: Sterling J. Nesbitt, Christian A. Sidor, Randall B. Irmis, Kenneth D. Angielczyk, Roger M. H. Smith & Linda A. Tsuji The early evolutionary history of Ornithodira (avian-line archosaurs) has hitherto been documented by incomplete (Lagerpeton) or unusually specialized forms (pterosaurs and Silesaurus). Recently, a variety of Silesaurus-like taxa have been reported from the Triassic period of both Gondwana and Laurasia, but their relationships to each other and to dinosaurs remain a subject of debate. Here we report on a new avian-line archosaur from the early Middle Triassic (Anisian) of Tanzania. Phylogenetic analysis places Asilisaurus kongwe gen. et sp. nov. as an avian-line archosaur and a member of the Silesauridae, which is here considered the sister taxon to Dinosauria. ...

Avian influenza – situation in Viet Nam - update 8

WHO Disease Outbreaks — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0100

The Ministry of Health has reported three new confirmed cases of human infection with the H5N1 avian influenza virus, including one fatality. Two cases have been confirmed at the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology (NIHE) and one case has been confirmed at the Pasteur Institute, Ho Chi Minh City. (Source: WHO Disease Outbreaks)

Avian influenza - situation in Egypt - update 31

WHO Disease Outbreaks — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

The Ministry of Health of Egypt has announced five new cases of human H5N1 avian influenza infection. (Source: WHO Disease Outbreaks)

Cumulative Number of Confirmed Human Cases of Avian Influenza A/(H5N1) Reported to WHO

WHO Avian Influenza — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

4 March 2010 (Source: WHO Avian Influenza)

Observed association between the HA1 mutation D222G in the 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) virus and severe clinical outcome, Norway 2009-2010

Eurosurveillance latest news — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Infection with the recently emerged pandemic influenza A(H1N1) virus causes mild disease in the vast majority of cases, but sporadically also very severe disease. A specific mutation in the viral haemagglutinin (D222G) was found with considerable frequency in fatal and severe cases in Norway, but was virtually absent among clinically mild cases. This difference was statistically significant and our data are consistent with a possible causal relationship between this mutation and the clinical outcome. (Source: Eurosurveillance latest news)

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Classification of papillomaviruses (PVs) based on 189 PV types and proposal of taxonomic amendments.

Virology — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We present an expansion of the classification of the family Papillomaviridae, which now contains 29 genera formed by 189 papillomavirus (PV) types isolated from humans (120 types), non-human mammals, birds and reptiles (64, 3 and 2 types, respectively). To accommodate the number of PV genera exceeding the Greek alphabet, the prefix "dyo" is used, continuing after the Omega-PVs with Dyodelta-PVs. The current set of human PVs is contained within five genera, whereas mammalian, avian and reptile PVs are contained within 20, 3 and 1 genera, respectively. We propose standardizations to the names of a number of animal PVs. As prerequisite for a coherent nomenclature of animal PVs, we propose founding a reference center for animal PVs. We discuss that based on emerging species concepts derived fr...

Gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) and its control of central and peripheral reproductive function.

Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Tsutsui K, Bentley GE, Bedecarrats G, Osugi T, Ubuka T, Kriegsfeld LJ Identification of novel neurohormones that regulate the reproductive axis is essential for the progress of neuroendocrinology. The decapeptide gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is the primary factor responsible for the hypothalamic control of gonadotropin secretion. Gonadal sex steroids and inhibin modulate gonadotropin secretion via feedback from the gonads, but a neuropeptide that directly inhibits gonadotropin secretion was unknown in vertebrates until 2000 when a hypothalamic dodecapeptide serving this function was discovered in quail. Because of its action, it was named gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH). GnIH acts on the pituitary and on GnRH neurons in the hypothalamus via a novel G protein-co...

Characterization of the Colchicine Binding Site on Avian Tubulin Isotype βVI

Biochemistry — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 19:24:18 +0100

Biochemistry, Volume 0, Issue 0, Articles ASAP (As Soon As Publishable). (Source: Biochemistry)

Prevention of pandemic influenza after mass gatherings - learning from Hajj

JRSM — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:40:09 +0100

(Source: JRSM)

Inovio Biomedical H5N1 Avian Influenza DNA Vaccine Receives Korean Approval To Begin Clinical Trials

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Inovio Biomedical Corporation (NYSE Amex: INO), a leader in DNA vaccine design, development and delivery, announced that its affiliate VGX International Inc. (Korean Stock Exchange: 011000) has received approval in Korea to begin a Phase I clinical trial in healthy volunteers for Inovio's SynCon™ preventive DNA vaccine (VGX-3400) targeting H5N1 avian influenza. Inovio is co-developing VGX-3400 with Korea-based VGX International. The 30-patient three-dose Phase I study will be conducted in multiple clinical research sites in Korea. A parallel study in the U.S... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Inovio Biomedical H5N1 Avian Influenza DNA Vaccine Receives Korean Approval To Begin Clinical Trials

Bird Flu / Avian Flu News From Medical News Today — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Vietnam reports two new human cases of bird flu

Monsters and Critics Health News — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 08:04:35 +0100

(Source: Monsters and Critics Health News)

Genetic Characterization and Epidemiology of Helicobacters in Non-domestic Animals

Helicobacter — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The genus Helicobacter should accordingly be viewed as a collection of hundreds of organisms that have colonized most tetrapod taxa and have the potential to expand into new hosts as contact among animals and between animals and people increases. (Source: Helicobacter)

The Effect of Male Incubation Feeding, Food and Temperature on the Incubation Behaviour of New Zealand Robins

Ethology — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We examined how male incubation feeding, ambient temperature and food availability (invertebrate biomass) affected the different components of females' incubation behaviour and whether incubation behaviour explained variation in nest survival. Our results suggest that male incubation feeding rates of 2.8 per hour affect the female's incubation rhythm by reducing both on- and off-bout duration, resulting in no effect on female nest attentiveness, thus no support for the female-nutritional hypothesis. The incubation behaviours that we measured did not explain nest survival, despite high nest predation rates. Increased ambient temperature caused an increase in off-bout duration, whereas increased food availability increased on-bout duration. While males play a vital role in influencing incuba...

Highly pathogenic avian influenza A virus H5N1 NS1 protein induces caspase-dependent apoptosis in human alveolar basal epithelial cells

Virology Journal — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Influenza A virus NS1 protein serves as a strong inducer of apoptosis in infected human respiratory epithelial cells and plays a critical role in disease pathogenesis. (Source: Virology Journal)

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Correction: Fine antigenic variation within H5N1 influenza virus hemagglutinin's antigenic sites defined by yeast cell surface display.

European Journal of Immunology — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Li J, Wang Y, Liang Y, Ni B, Wan Y, Liao Z, Chan KH, Yuen KY, Fu X, Shang X, Wang S, Yi D, Guo B, Di B, Wang M, Che X, Wu Y PMID: 20201023 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: European Journal of Immunology)

Complete genome sequences of avian paramyxovirus serotype 6 prototype strain Hong Kong and a recent novel strain from Italy: evidence for the existence of subgroups within the serotype.

Virus Research — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Xiao S, Subbiah M, Kumar S, De Nardi R, Terregino C, Collins PL, Samal SK Complete genome sequences were determined for two strains of avian paramyxovirus serotype 6 (APMV-6): the prototype Hong Kong (HK) strain and a more recent isolate from Italy (IT4524-2). The genome length of strain HK is 16236 nucleotide (nt), which is the same as for the other two APMV-6 strains (FE and TW) that have been reported to date, whereas that of strain IT4524-2 is 16230 nt. The length difference in strain IT4524-2 is due to a 6-nt deletion in the downstream untranslated region of the F gene. All of these viruses follow the "rule of six". Each genome consists of seven genes in the order of 3'N-P-M-F-SH-HN-L5', which differs from other APMV serotypes in containing an additional gene encoding the...

Field detection of avian influenza virus in wild birds: evaluation of a portable RRT-PCR system and freeze dried reagents.

Journal of Virological Methods — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This study included both field- and experimental-based sampling. Field samples were collected from migratory shorebirds captured in northern California, while experimental samples were prepared by spiking fecal material with an H6N2 AIV isolate. Results indicated that the portable rRT-PCR unit had equivalent specificity to virus isolation with no false positives, but sensitivity was compromised at low viral titers. Use of portable rRT-PCR with lyophilized reagents may expedite surveillance results, paving the way to a better understanding of wild bird involvement in HPAIV H5N1 transmission. PMID: 20206650 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of Virological Methods)

Incorporating Bioterrorism Content in the Nursing Curriculum: A Creative Approach.

The Journal of Nursing Education — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Carter MR, Gaskins SW The community health faculty has developed a creative and comprehensive approach with community agencies to present bioterrorism content that could be useful to community health faculty in other schools of nursing. Since September 11, 2001, the United States has recognized that the threat of bioterrorism is real. Nurses are recognized by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing as key players in disaster response efforts. However, bioterrorism knowledge among nurses and nursing students has been reported to be low, and textbooks do not include comprehensive information about bioterrorism preparedness. Our college of nursing has collaborated with the U.S. Public Health Department to design a creative educational experience for community health stude...

Inovio OK’d for avian influenza vaccine trial

bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 19:19:05 +0100

Inovio Biomedical Corp. said Tuesday its affiliate, VGX International Inc., received approval in South Korea to begin a phase-I clinical trial in healthy volunteers for its experimental DNA vaccine designed to prevent the H5N1 avian influenza. (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines)

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Influenza A (H1N1) Pandemic in Iran: Report of First Confirmed Cases from June to November 2009.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 12:04:24 +0100

CONCLUSION: It is of utmost importance to strengthen the surveillance system for this disease and appropriately transfer the resultant knowledge to the medical professionals, stakeholders and the general population, accordingly. PMID: 20187661 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Iranian Medicine)

Cross-protection against influenza virus infection by intranasal administration of M2-based vaccine with chitosan as an adjuvant

Archives of Virology — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 10:02:24 +0100

In this study, we deleted the transmembrane domain of the M2 of the avian influenza virus (AIV) A/Chicken/Jiangsu/7/2002 (H9N2) strain to create an M2 without a transmembrane domain, named sM2, which was efficiently expressed in Escherichia coli. The sM2 protein was administered intranasally to mice in combination with chitosan adjuvant three times at an interval of 3 weeks. Three weeks after the last immunization, the mice were challenged with a lethal dose (5 × LD50) of A/Chicken/Jiangsu/7/2002 (H9N2) virus, PR8 (H1N1) virus and A/Chicken/Henan/12/2004 (H5N1) virus. The protective immunity of the vaccine was evaluated by determining the survival rates, residual lung virus titers, body weight, and the serum antibody titers of the mice. Nasal administration of 15 ...

The Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis of Bursa of Fabricius Induced by Low Selenium in Chickens.

Biological Trace Element Research — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Peng X, Cui Y, Cui W, Deng J, Cui H, Yang F The purpose of this 42-day study was to investigate the effects of low selenium (Se) on immune function by determining cell cycle and apoptosis of bursa of Fabricius. One hundred twenty 1-day-old avian broilers were randomly assigned to two groups of 60 each and were fed on a low Se diet (0.0342 mg/kg Se) or a control diet (0.2 mg/kg Se), respectively. The relative weight of bursa was significantly decreased in low Se group from 28 days of age in time-dependent manner when compared with that of control group. Cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry showed that low Se caused an increase in G(0)G(1) phase cells that corresponded to a decrease in S phase cells in bursa of Fabricius. Ultrastructurally, mitochondria injury and increased apo...

New Inhaled Drug Protects Mice From Flu in Single Dose

Medscape Today Headlines — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 16:58:22 +0100

A single dose of an experimental influenza drug saves more mice from H5N1 avian influenza than the preferred drug Tamiflu, researchers reported on Thursday, and can also protect against infection. Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Vaccines: New vaccine platform?

Nature Reviews Drug Discovery — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 14:48:42 +0100

Nature Reviews Drug Discovery 9, 191 (2010). doi:10.1038/nrd3117 Author: Alexandra Flemming Ongoing threats from infectious diseases such as pandemic influenza, as well as the promise of emerging immunotherapies, are driving the demand for new vaccine platforms. Although traditional protein subunit-based vaccines are safe, they are often poorly immunogenic and expensive to manufacture. Now, Chen and colleagues (Source: Nature Reviews Drug Discovery)

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Novel antiviral compound effective against bird flu

MedWire News - Respiratory — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

A novel antiviral compound is effective against H5N1 avian influenza, including highly pathogenic and oseltamivir-resistant strains of the virus, a study in mice shows. (Source: MedWire News - Respiratory)

Uncertainties on the frontier: rescue therapy in pandemic influenza.

American Journal of Critical Care — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Munro CL PMID: 20194604 [PubMed - in process] (Source: American Journal of Critical Care)

A novel azolo-1,2,4-triazine-derived inhibitor of influenza a and b virus replication: antiviral properties, metabolism, and pharmacokinetics.

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

A NOVEL AZOLO-1,2,4-TRIAZINE-DERIVED INHIBITOR OF INFLUENZA A AND B VIRUS REPLICATION: ANTIVIRAL PROPERTIES, METABOLISM, AND PHARMACOKINETICS. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2010 Mar 1; Authors: Karpenko I, Deev S, Kiselev O, Charushin V, Rusinov V, Ulomsky E, Deeva E, Yanvarev D, Ivanov A, Smirnova O, Kochetkov S, Chupakhin O, Kukhanova M Influenza viruses of types A and B cause periodic pandemics in the human population. The antiviral drugs approved to combat influenza virus infections are currently limited. We have investigated a novel effective inhibitor of human influenza A and B virus triazavirine (2-methylthio-6-nitro-1,2,4-triazolo[5,1-C]-1,2,4-triazine-7(4H)-one, TZV). TZV suppressed replication of influenza virus in cell culture, chicken chorioallantoic membranes, prote...

Use of avian bornavirus isolates to induce proventricular dilatation disease in conures.

Emerging Infectious Diseases — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Gray P, Hoppes S, Suchodolski P, Mirhosseini N, Payne S, Villanueva I, Shivaprasad HL, Honkavuori KS, Briese T, Reddy SM, Tizard I Avian bornavirus (ABV) is a newly discovered member of the family Bornaviridae that has been associated with the development of a lethal neurologic syndrome in birds, termed proventricular dilatation disease (PDD). We successfully isolated and characterized ABV from the brains of 8 birds with confirmed PDD. One isolate was passed 6 times in duck embryo fibroblasts, and the infected cells were then injected intramuscularly into 2 healthy Patagonian conures (Cyanoliseus patagonis). Clinical PDD developed in both birds by 66 days postinfection. PDD was confirmed by necropsy and histopathologic examination. Reverse transcription-PCR showed that the ino...

Prevention of pandemic influenza after mass gatherings - learning from Hajj.

J R Soc Med AND (has... — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Haworth E, Rashid H, Booy R PMID: 20200174 [PubMed - in process] (Source: J R Soc Med AND (has...)

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Controversies in Vaccine Mandates

Current Problems in Pediatric and Adolescent Health Care — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Policies that mandate immunization have always been controversial. The controversies take different forms in different contexts.For routine childhood immunizations, many parents have fears about both short- and long-term side effects. Parental worries change as the rate of vaccination in the community changes. When most children are vaccinated, parents worry more about side effects than they do about disease. Because of these worries, immunization rates go down. As immunization rates go down, disease rates go up, and parents worry less about side effects of vaccination and more about the complications of the diseases. Immunization rates then go up.For teenagers, controversies arise about the criteria that should guide policies that mandate, rather than merely recommend and encourage, certa...

Third Wave of H1N1, Viral Reassortment Top Concerns

Family Practice News — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

KEYSTONE, COLO. — Where has all the seasonal influenza gone? That's one of the questions preoccupying flu watchers during this unprecedented 2009-2010 influenza season. Other key questions they're pondering include: Will we see a third wave of the influenza A(H1N1) pandemic? And what's going to happen if—or more likely, when—the extremely deadly avian influenza A(H5N1) virus reassorts with H1N1? (Source: Family Practice News)

Novel compound found effective against avian influenza virus

ScienceDaily Headlines — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 15:54:00 +0100

A novel compound is highly effective against the pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus, including some drug-resistant strains, according to new research. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Severity of Pneumonia Due to New H1N1 Influenza Virus in Ferrets Is Intermediate between That Due to Seasonal H1N1 Virus and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 Virus

The Journal of Infectious Diseases Latest Issue — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 08:09:04 +0100

Conclusions. The new H1N1 virus may be intrinsically more pathogenic for humans than is seasonal H1N1 virus. (Source: The Journal of Infectious Diseases Latest Issue)

[Hemicolectomy for ischemic colitis : A case report of a (H1N1) virus-associated death.]

Der Chirurg — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We report here the first H1N1-associated death in Germany, a 36-year-old woman with morbid obesity. The patient underwent a laparotomy with colon resection due to colon ischemia, a rare visceral complication in such cases. In this article an attempt has been made to reflect the state of requirements in terms of safety, occupational health, hygiene and working conditions with respect to activities involving logistics in the diagnostics, treatment (also surgical) and handling of such patients. Given the rapidly evolving nature the outbreak of human infection with the novel influenza A (H1N1) virus, influenza vaccination is recommended as the only way to prevent the infection of health care workers and patients with underlying medical conditions. PMID: 20186377 [PubMed - as supplied by pu...

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Selective and potent furin inhibitors protect cells from anthrax without significant toxicity.

The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Remacle AG, Gawlik K, Golubkov VS, Cadwell GW, Liddington RC, Cieplak P, Millis SZ, Desjardins R, Routhier S, Yuan XW, Neugebauer WA, Day R, Strongin AY Furin and related proprotein convertases cleave the multibasic motifs R-X-R/K/X-R in the precursor proteins and, as a result, transform the latent proproteins into biologically active proteins and peptides. Furin is present both in the intracellular secretory pathway and at the cell surface. Intracellular furin processes its multiple normal cellular targets in the Golgi and secretory vesicle compartments while cell-surface furin appears to be essential only for the processing of certain pathogenic proteins and, importantly, anthrax. To design potent, safe and selective inhibitors of furin, we evaluated the potency and selectiv...

Household Transmission of 2009 Influenza A (H1N1) Virus after a School‐Based Outbreak in New York City, April–May 2009

The Journal of Infectious Diseases Latest Issue — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 17:51:05 +0100

The Journal of Infectious Diseases, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page 000, Latest Articles. In April 2009, an outbreak due to infection with the 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus (pH1N1) was investigated in a New York City high school. We surveyed household contacts of ill students to characterize the extent of transmission within households, identify contact groups at highest risk for illness, and assess the potential for preventing household transmission. Influenza‐like illness (ILI) was reported by 79 of 702 household contacts (11.3% attack rate). Multivariate analysis showed that older age was protective: for each increasing year of age, the risk of ILI was reduced 5%. Additional protective factors included antiviral prophylaxis and having had a household discussion about influenza....

Differentially expressed genes in a flock of Chinese local-breed chickens infected with a subgroup J avian leukosis virus using suppression subtractive hybridization

Genetics and Molecular Biology — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 16:04:27 +0100

Avian leukosis virus subgroup J (ALV-J) is a new type of virus that mainly induces myeloid leukosis (ML) in chickens. To further elucidate the pathogenesis of ALV-J infection and tumor development, expression profiles from the bone marrow tissue of 15 infected and 18 non-infected birds from a local-breed poultry-farm under naturally infected conditions, were analyzed by suppression-subtractive hybridization. The birds were diagnosed as ML+ (or ML-) by specific ALV-J detection methods, involving serological tests for antigens and antibodies, and RT-PCR to detect viral RNA. A total of 59 partial gene sequences were revealed by differential screening of 496 forward and 384 reverse subtracted cDNA clones. Of these, 22 identified genes, including 8 up-regulated and 14 down-regulated, were relat...

Single-dose H5N1 vaccine safe and effective in adults and elderly

ScienceDaily Headlines — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 16:00:00 +0100

Researchers from Hungary and the UK have developed a single-dose H5N1 influenza vaccine that induces a protective level of immunity against infection in healthy adult and elderly volunteers. The vaccine is the first single-dose regimen to be tested in elderly subjects and it fulfills all European Union and U.S. licensing criteria offering a promising influenza A virus vaccine candidate. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Rhabdomyolysis and Acute Kidney Injury Associated With 2009 Pandemic Influenza A(H1N1)

American Journal of Kidney Diseases — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:56:18 +0100

We report a patient with pandemic H1N1 infection who developed mild rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury (AKI). (Source: American Journal of Kidney Diseases)

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Test drug hope for avian influenza

Pharmacy Europe — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 14:08:42 +0100

An experimental influenza drug proved to be more effective in treating avian influenza when tested on mice than the preferred drug, Tamiflu (Source: Pharmacy Europe)

Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 - update 89

WHO Swine Flu — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 09:00:00 +0100

As of 21 February 2010, worldwide more than 213 countries and overseas territories or communities have reported laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009, including at least 16226 deaths. (Source: WHO Swine Flu)

Feb 25 - WHO Updates International H1N1 Flu Situation

PandemicFlu.gov RSS Feed for News Releases — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 02:00:00 +0100

New inhaled drug protects from flu in single dose

Reuters: Health — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 01:05:22 +0100

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A single dose of an experimental influenza drug saves more mice from H5N1 avian influenza than the preferred drug Tamiflu, researchers reported on Thursday, and can also protect against infection. (Source: Reuters: Health)

Pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 with neurological manifestations, a case series

Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions This is only the second report of pandemic influenza presenting with neurological manifestations. Clinicians caring for patients when pandemic influenza is prevalent in their communities should maintain a high level of awareness of the potential atypical presentations with which this disease can appear. (Source: Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses)

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Species-independent bioassay for sensitive quantification of antiviral type I interferons

BioMed Central — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: RFVF-Ren replicates in cells of several species and is highly sensitive to pre-treatment with IFN. These properties allowed the development of a rapid, sensitive, and species-independent antiviral assay with a convenient luciferase-based readout. (Source: BioMed Central)

Pandemic influenza A(H1N1): Lessons learned thus far

MD Consult: News: Top Stories — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Read the full story on MD Consult: Pandemic influenza A(H1N1): Lessons learned thus far (Source: MD Consult: News: Top Stories)

AF03-adjuvanted and non-adjuvanted pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 vaccines induce strong antibody responses in seasonal influenza vaccine-primed and unprimed mice.

Vaccine — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Caillet C, Piras F, Bernard MC, de Montfort A, Boudet F, Vogel FR, Hoffenbach A, Moste C, Kusters I Pandemic influenza vaccines have been manufactured using the A/California/07/2009 (H1N1) strain as recommended by the World Health Organization. We evaluated in mice the immunogenicity of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 vaccine and the impact of prior vaccination against seasonal trivalent influenza vaccines (TIV) on antibody responses against pandemic (H1N1) 2009. In naïve mice, a single dose of unadjuvanted H1N1 vaccine (3mug of HA) was shown to elicit hemagglutination inhibition (HI) antibody titers >40, a titer associated with protection in humans against seasonal influenza. A second vaccine dose of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 vaccine strongly increased these titers, which were consis...

How Has Human Sprawl Affected Bird Migration--And the Spread of Avian Diseases?

Scientific American - Official RSS Feed — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 18:00:00 +0100

Dear EarthTalk : How does growing human population, and its resultant landscape changes, affect the flight paths of migratory birds that might carry diseases? --Ronnie Washines, Toppenish, Wash. [More] (Source: Scientific American - Official RSS Feed)

Novel compound found effective against avian influenza virus

EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Wisconsin-Madison) A novel compound is highly effective against the pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus, including some drug-resistant strains, according to new research led by a University of Wisconsin-Madison virologist. (Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases)

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Novel compound found effective against H5N1 avian influenza virus

EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 05:00:00 +0100

(Public Library of Science) A new study shows that a novel antiviral compound is effective against the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus, including oseltamivir (Tamiflu)-resistant strains, according to scientists from Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the University of Wisconsin, Madison. The research, published February 26 in the open-access journal PLoS Pathogens, suggests that the prodrug CS-8958 is a promising alternative antiviral for prevention and treatment of H5N1 influenza. (Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases)

The month of July: an early experience with pandemic influenza A (H1N1) in adults with cystic fibrosis

BMC Pulmonary Medicine - Latest articles — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This observational study demonstrates that most adults with CF with H1N1 infection had mild clinical courses and recovered rapidly. (Source: BMC Pulmonary Medicine - Latest articles)

Pandemic influenza and utilitarianism

Bioethics — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

(Source: Bioethics)

Functional conservation between rodents and chicken of regulatory sequences driving skeletal muscle gene expression in transgenic chickens

BMC Developmental Biology - Latest articles — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: From these results we conclude that skeletal expression from this regulatory module is conserved in a genomic context between rodents and chickens. This transgenic module will be useful in future investigations of muscle development in avian species. (Source: BMC Developmental Biology - Latest articles)

Pandemic influenza in Canadian children: A summary of hospitalized pediatric cases.

Vaccine — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Bettinger JA, Sauvé LJ, Scheifele DW, Moore D, Vaudry W, Tran D, Halperin SA, Pelletier L A total of 324 pandemic H1N1 cases were reported to the Immunization Monitoring Program, Active from May 1, 2009 to August 31, 2009. As of August 31, 2009, case details were available for 73% (n=235) of these cases. The median age was 4.8 years and 69% of children were older than 2 years of age. In total, 95 (40%) of children were previously healthy. The proportion with an underlying health condition increased with age. Close to 50% of children received antiviral medication. Two children died from the infection. The pediatric risk groups affected and course of disease caused by pandemic H1N1 appear similar to seasonal influenza. PMID: 20189488 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] ...

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Effects of Early Oseltamivir Therapy on Viral Shedding in 2009 Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Infection

Clinical Infectious Diseases Latest Issue — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 20:55:07 +0100

Conclusions. Prolonged viral shedding was noted in young immunocompetent adults with mild pandemic influenza (H1N1) 2009 despite receipt of oseltamivir. When prescribed during the first 3 days of illness, oseltamivir shortened the duration of viral shedding. (Source: Clinical Infectious Diseases Latest Issue)

Understandings of influenza and influenza vaccination among high-risk urban dwelling Thai adults: a qualitative study

Journal of Public Health — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 16:32:39 +0100

Conclusion These findings underscore the need to consider and understand factors underlying people's vaccination decisions to create an effective influenza vaccination programme. (Source: Journal of Public Health)

Publication of Vical's H5N1 Results Paves the Way for H1N1 Clinical Trial

Drugs.com - Clinical Trials — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:53:54 +0100

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 24, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vical Incorporated (Nasdaq:VICL) announced today the publication in the online edition of Vaccine1 detailed data from two Phase 1 trials of the company's Vaxfectin®-adjuvanted DNA vaccines for H5N1... (Source: Drugs.com - Clinical Trials)

Virus hybridization could create pandemic bird flu

ScienceDaily Headlines — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:00:00 +0100

Publication of Vical's H5N1 Results Paves the Way for H1N1 Clinical Trial

Medical News (via PRIMEZONE) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 11:30:00 +0100

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 24, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vical Incorporated (Nasdaq:VICL) announced today the publication in the online edition of Vaccine1 detailed data from two Phase 1 trials of the company's Vaxfectin(r)-adjuvanted DNA vaccines for H5N1 (avian-origin) influenza, demonstrating the potential of DNA vaccines for rapid deployment in future pandemics. (Source: Medical News (via PRIMEZONE))

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Pandemic Hybrid Of Bird And Human Seasonal Flu Possible Say Scientists

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:00:00 +0100

An international team of scientists has created a highly pathogenic laboratory hybrid of the H5N1 bird flu and human seasonal flu viruses by swapping just one gene, and propose that a similar genetic interaction could happen in nature between the current pandemic H1N1 swine flu and H5N1 avian flu strains, highlighting the importance of continued surveillance... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Pandemic Hybrid Of Bird And Human Seasonal Flu Possible Say Scientists

Bird Flu / Avian Flu News From Medical News Today — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:00:00 +0100

Tips from the Journals of the American Society for Microbiology

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 05:00:00 +0100

(American Society for Microbiology) The following are tips from the Journals of the American Society for Microbiology: "Campylobacter Bacteria in Cattle Manure May Survive Composting"; "Single-Dose HIV DNA Vaccine Induces Long-Lasting Immune Response in Monkeys"; and "Single-Dose H5N1 Vaccine Safe and Effective in Adults and Elderly." (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Selection for resistance to oseltamivir in seasonal and pandemic H1N1 influenza and widespread co-circulation of the lineages

International Journal of Health Geographics — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: As oseltamivir is a keystone of preparedness and treatment for pandemic H1N1, the potential for resistance to oseltamivir is an ongoing concern. Reassortment and, more likely, point mutation have the potential to create a strain of pandemic H1N1 against which we have a reduced number of treatment options. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics)

The blood parasite Haemoproteus reduces survival in a wild bird: a medication experiment.

Biology Letters — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Puente JM, Merino S, Tomás G, Moreno J, Morales J, Lobato E, García-Fraile S, Belda EJ While avian chronic haemoparasite infections induce reproductive costs, infection has not previously been shown to affect survival. Here, we experimentally reduced, through medication, the intensity of infection by Haemoproteus parasites in wild-breeding female blue tits Cyanistes caeruleus. However, this treatment did not reduce the intensity of infection in males or the intensity of infection by Leucocytozoon. Medicated females, but not males, showed increased local survival until the next breeding season compared with control birds. To our knowledge, this is the first empirical evidence showing long-term direct survival costs of chronic Haemoproteus infections in wild birds. ...

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Functional characterization of chicken glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors.

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

FUNCTIONAL CHARACTERIZATION OF CHICKEN GLUCOCORTICOID AND MINERALOCORTICOID RECEPTORS. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2010 Feb 24; Authors: Proszkowiec-Weglarz M, Porter TE Glucocorticoid (GR) and mineralocorticoid (MR) receptors are ligand-activated transcription factors that belong to the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily. Little is known about the function of GR and MR in avian species. Recently, the chicken homologue of the GR (cGR) gene was cloned and its tissue-specific expression characterized, whereas the full length sequence of the chicken MR (cMR) gene was still unknown. Therefore, the aims of this project were to clone the full length cMR and to functionally characterize both chicken receptors. Cos-7 cells were transiently transfected with cGR or cMR expr...

Protection of pregnant mice, fetuses and neonates from lethality of H5N1 influenza viruses by maternal vaccination.

Vaccine — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Hwang SD, Shin JS, Ku KB, Kim HS, Cho SW, Seo SH The highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza viruses are one of candidates for the next pandemic. Information on protective immunity for pregnant animals by vaccination against the H5N1 influenza virus is limited. Here, we show that the immunization of pregnant mice with inactivated H5N1 influenza vaccine protects them, their fetuses, and their infant mice from H5N1 influenza viruses. Pregnant mice immunized with two doses of H5N1 influenza vaccine were protected from homologous infections of H5N1 influenza viruses with no viruses detected in fetuses, and that they were protected upto 30% from heterologous infections of H5N1 influenza viruses with viruses detected in fetuses. The infant mice born to mothers immunized with H5N1 influenza...

Pandemic influenza

Nature Network London - Upcoming Events — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 20:02:29 +0100

Organised by Professor John Skehel FRS and Professor Neil Ferguson This meeting will discuss the frontiers of influenza research. Speakers include: Professor Neil Ferguson, Imperial College London; Dr Kathleen Coelingh, MedImmune Vaccines; Dr Stephen Cusack, EMBL Grenoble Outstation; Professor Antonio Lanzavecchia, Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Switzerland; Sir Andrew McMichael, University of Oxford; Professor Peter Palese, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York; Dr Rupert Russell, University of St Andrews; Professor Robert Webster, St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis; Dr Steve Gamblin, National Institute for Medical Research; Dr Gavin Smith, University of Hong Kong. Venue: Royal Society Start date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0000 End date: Tue, 16 Ma...

Virus experiment reminds that flu surprises await

Reuters: Health — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 19:45:28 +0100

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Researchers who mixed together bird flu and ordinary flu viruses created three extremely virulent new strains, a reminder that influenza viruses can swap genes to create dangerous offspring. (Source: Reuters: Health)

Virus Experiment Reminds That Flu Surprises Await

MedlinePlus Health News — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 19:17:53 +0100

Researchers who mixed together bird flu and ordinary flu viruses created three extremely virulent new strains, a reminder that influenza viruses can swap genes to create dangerous offspring. Source: Reuters Health Related MedlinePlus Topics: Bird Flu, H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

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Virus Hybridization Could Create Pandemic Bird Flu

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:00:00 +0100

Genetic interactions between avian H5N1 influenza and human seasonal influenza viruses have the potential to create hybrid strains combining the virulence of bird flu with the pandemic ability of H1N1, according to a new study. In laboratory experiments in mice, a single gene segment from a human seasonal flu virus, H3N2, was able to convert the avian H5N1 virus into a highly pathogenic form. The findings are reported the week of Feb. 22 in the online early edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Virus Hybridization Could Create Pandemic Bird Flu

Genetics News From Medical News Today — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:00:00 +0100

Adamas Pharmaceuticals Announces In Vitro Data Demonstrating TCAD Therapy Is More Potent Than Double Combinations Or Monotherapy Against Resistant Flu

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Adamas Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a privately held company, reported on the publication of results from a preclinical study that demonstrated the synergistic effects of triple combination antiviral drug (TCAD) therapy against multiple strains of seasonal, pandemic, and avian influenza A (H1N1, H3N2 and H5N1) virus, including three strains of amantadine resistant pandemic H1N1 and two strains of oseltamivir resistant seasonal H1N1... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Adamas Pharmaceuticals Announces In Vitro Data Demonstrating TCAD Therapy Is More Potent Than Double Combinations Or Monotherapy Against Resistant Flu

Bird Flu / Avian Flu News From Medical News Today — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Adamas Pharmaceuticals, Inc... (Source: Bird Flu / Avian Flu News From Medical News Today)

Maintained Expression of the Planar Cell Polarity Molecule Vangl2 and Reformation of Hair Cell Orientation in the Regenerating Inner Ear

JARO - Journal of the Association for Research in Otolaryngology — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 07:44:12 +0100

Abstract The avian inner ear possesses a remarkable ability to regenerate sensory hair cells after ototoxic injury. Regenerated hair cells possess phenotypes and innervation that are similar to those found in the undamaged ear, but little is known about the signaling pathways that guide hair cell differentiation during the regenerative process. The aim of the present study was to examine the factors that specify the orientation of hair cell stereocilia bundles during regeneration. Using organ cultures of the chick utricle, we show that hair cells are properly oriented after having regenerated entirely in vitro and that orientation is not affected by surgical removal of the striolar reversal zone. These results suggest that the orientation of regenerating stereocilia is not ...

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Evolution of avian clutch size along latitudinal gradients: do seasonality, nest predation or breeding season length matter?

Journal of Evolutionary Biology — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Birds display a latitudinal gradient in clutch size with smaller clutches in the tropics and larger in the temperate region. Three factors have been proposed to affect this pattern: seasonality of resources (SR), nest predation and length of the breeding season (LBS). Here, we test the importance of these factors by modelling clutch size evolution within bird populations under different environmental settings. We use an individual-based ecogenetic simulation model that combines principles from population ecology and life history theory. Results suggest that increasing SR from the tropics to the poles by itself or in combination with a decreasing predation rate and LBS can generate the latitudinal gradient in clutch size. Annual fecundity increases and annual adult survival rate decreases f...

Scientists: H5N1 Avian Flu Could Mutate into Supervirus

TIME.com: Top Science and Health Stories — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 21:23:13 +0100

The 2009 H1N1 pandemic may be dwindling, but a new pandemic could arise at any time, perhaps even from an existing virus that many of us have forgotten about: the deadly H5N1 bird flu (Source: TIME.com: Top Science and Health Stories)

After H1N1, Researchers Warn of a Potential New Superbug

TIME.com: Top Science and Health Stories — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:43:02 +0100

Virus hybridization could create pandemic bird flu

EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Wisconsin-Madison) Genetic interactions between avian H5N1 influenza and human seasonal influenza viruses have the potential to create hybrid strains combining the virulence of bird flu with the pandemic ability of H1N1, according to a new study. (Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases)

Computational analysis and determination of a highly conserved surface exposed segment in H5N1 avian flu and H1N1 swine flu neuraminidase

BMC Structural Biology - Latest articles — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The identified terminal segment, strongly conserved in both RNA and protein sequences, is especially significant as it is surface exposed and structural chemistry reveals the probable role of this stretch in tetrameric stabilization. It could also participate in other biological processes associated with conserved surface residues. A RNA double hairpin secondary structure found in this segment in a majority of the H5N1 strains also supports this observation. In this paper we propose this conserved region as a probable site for designing inhibitors for broad-spectrum pandemic control of flu viruses with similar NA structure. (Source: BMC Structural Biology - Latest articles)

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Associations between attributes of live poultry trade and HPAI H5N1 outbreaks: a descriptive and network analysis study in northern Vietnam

BMC Veterinary Research - Latest articles — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our study provides evidence which can be used for informing policies aimed at encouraging more biosecure practices of LPTs operating at authorised LBMs. The results suggest that LPTs play a role in HPAI H5N1 transmission and may contribute to perpetuating HPAI H5N1 virus circulation amongst certain groups of communes. The impact of current disease prevention and control interventions could be enhanced by disseminating information about outbreak risk and the implementation of a formal data recording scheme at LBMs for all incoming and outgoing LPTs. (Source: BMC Veterinary Research - Latest articles)

A real-time RT-PCR for detection of clade 1 and 2 H5N1 Influenza A virus using Locked Nucleic Acid (LNA) TaqMan probes

Virology Journal — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Background: The emergence and co-circulation of two different clades (clade 1 and 2) of H5N1 influenza viruses in Vietnam necessitates the availability of a diagnostic assay that can detect both variants. Results: We developed a single real-time RT-PCR assay for detection of both clades of H5N1 viruses, directly from clinical specimens, using locked nucleic acid TaqMan probes. Primers and probe used in this assay were designed based on a highly conserved region in the HA gene of H5N1 viruses. The analytical sensitivity of the assay was (Source: Virology Journal)

Knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) relating to avian influenza in urban and rural areas of China

BMC Infectious Diseases — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our study shows a high degree of awareness of human AI in both urban and rural populations, and could provide scientific support to assist the Chinese government in developing strategies and health-education campaigns to prevent AI infection among the general population. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

Swine Influenza (H1N1) Pneumonia: Clinical Considerations

Infectious Diseases Clinics of North America — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 14:35:43 +0100

This article examines the swine influenza (H1N1) strain of recent origin, and compares the microbiology, epidemiology, clinical presentation, differential, clinical, and laboratory diagnosis, therapy, complications, and prognosis with previous recorded outbreaks of avian and human seasonal influenza pneumonias. (Source: Infectious Diseases Clinics of North America)