MedWorm: H5N1

Avian influenza – situation in Viet Nam - update

WHO Disease Outbreaks — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:00:00 +0100

The Ministry of Health (MoH) has announced a confirmed case of human infection with avian influenza A (H5N1) virus. (Source: WHO Disease Outbreaks)

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CADTH rapid response report: Antivirals for pandemic and human avian influenzas

NeLM - News — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Source: Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) Area: News This rapid response report from the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) reviews the evidence on the clinical benefits and harms of antivirals for the treatment and prevention of pandemic influenza A (H1N1) and human avian influenza A (H5N1). It found that, 'There is limited evidence that oseltamivir is clinically effective for the treatment of pandemic influenza A (H1N1) and limited evidence that it is especially effective with treatment within 48 hours of symptom onset. There is insufficient evidence to make a definitive conclusion regarding the clinical effectiveness of antivirals for prophylaxis or treatment of pandemic influenza A(H1N1), and no evidence was identified re...

Censoring Research Results

Chemical and Engineering News — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 06:00:27 +0100

Science Policy: Federal advisory board urges heavy redaction of H5N1 avian flu papers (Source: Chemical and Engineering News)

Suspect H5N1 Cluster In Soc Trang Vietnam

Recombinomics — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 22:43:08 +0100

The commentary discusses a suspect H5N1 cluster in Soc Trang Vietnam (02/02/12 21:45) (Source: Recombinomics)

[This Week in Medicine] February 4–10, 2012

LANCET — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Leading influenza researchers have agreed to a voluntary 60-day pause on controversial research involving mutant H5N1 virus strains that are transmissible in mammals. In an announcement on Jan 20, the scientists said the hiatus will allow time for governments, organisations, and the scientific community to discuss potential safety concerns. (Source: LANCET)

Avian Flu Research Suspended

Sound Medicine — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 04:00:01 +0100

Recently, two teams studying the H5N1 influenza virus discovered how to produce a version of the highly pathogenic avian flu, which is easily transmissible in mammals. The researchers have agreed to suspend their research for 60 days to allow discussion of how the findings should be reported. IU bioethicist Eric Meslin, PhD, discusses the moratorium and how it may affect the research. Dr.... (Source: Sound Medicine)

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Schism over H5N1 Avian Flu Research Leaks Out

Scientific American - Official RSS Feed — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:44:00 +0100

Caption: Electron micrograph of H5N1 virus (gold) Image: CDC/Courtesy of Cynthia Goldsmith; Jacqueline Katz; Sherif R. Zaki NEW YORK Sparks flew Thursday night at a New York Academy of Sciences panel discussion about whether or not certain recent research into the H5N1 avian flu virus has created a major biosecurity threat and what, if anything, to do about it. [More] (Source: Scientific American - Official RSS Feed)

[News & Analysis] Avian Influenza: The Limits of Avian Flu Studies in Ferrets

Science: Current Issue — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:34:11 +0100

How concerned should people be that what happened in the controversial experiments that exposed ferrets to H5N1 avian influenza viruses engineered to be more transmissible will apply to humans?Author: Jon Cohen (Source: Science: Current Issue)

Scientists call for curbs on own research on deadly bird flu virus

Guardian Unlimited Science — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:06:00 +0100

Virus experts in the US say outbreak of genetically engineered bird flu could be worst influenza pandemic in historyA group of the leading virus experts in the US has called for new, permanent restrictions on research in the face of a new genetically engineered flu virus that could kill half the population of the world.Scientists are currently observing a 60-day moratorium on research into the bird flu virus, after two groups found a way to make it infectious through airborne transmission.An outbreak of this virus could be worse than the 1918 Spanish flu that killed tens of millions of people, warned Michael Osterholm – who has led research into previous dangerous outbreaks – at a public meeting on censorship in science in New York on Thursday night."Frankly, I don't want a virus out t...

2012 Guizhou H5N1 Recombination and RBD Changes

Recombinomics — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:50:16 +0100

The commentary discusses 2012 Guizhou H5N1 RBD changes and recombination (02/02/12 21:45) (Source: Recombinomics)

NSABB Comments On H5N1 Transmission Censorship

Recombinomics — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:50:16 +0100

The commentary discusses NSABB comments on H5N1 transmission censorship. (01/31/12 23:00) (Source: Recombinomics)

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U.S. Advisors Explain Call to Censor Bird Flu Research

RWJF News Digest - Public Health — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:44:30 +0100

The U.S. National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity’s (NSABB) main concern "is that publishing these experiments in detail would provide information that could help some person, organization or government to develop similar mammal-adapted influenza A/H5N1 viruses for harmful purposes," the advisers said in a statement Tuesday. (Source: RWJF News Digest - Public Health)

Censoring Research Results

Chemical and Engineering News — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:32:53 +0100

Science Policy: Federal advisory board urges heavy redaction to H5N1 avian flu papers (Source: Chemical and Engineering News)

Biosecurity Runs Up Against Scientific Endeavor: NSABB And H5N1 Redactions

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:00:00 +0100

In response to recent actions of the U.S. National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB), which recommended that two scientific journals withhold crucial details in upcoming reports about experiments with a novel strain of the bird flu virus, H5N1, the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) will publish a special series of commentaries by prominent scientists, including the acting chair of the NSABB, weighing in on whether the recommendations were necessary and what role biosecurity considerations should play in the dissemination of research findings... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Need for H5N1 Publication Restrictions ExplainedNeed for H5N1 Publication Restrictions Explained

Medscape Today Headlines — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:51:55 +0100

The National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity explains its reasons for asking researchers to publish limited information about their H5N1 research. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Unite to fight bird flu

New Scientist - Health — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:34:16 +0100

Now we know the true scale of the threat from H5N1 avian flu we should put the people who know how to stop it in charge, says Debora MacKenzie (Source: New Scientist - Health)

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Scientists created bird flu superbug that could set off next global pandemic

NaturalNews.com — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0100

During roughly the same time period that health experts worldwide have been warning that the infamous H5N1 avian flu virus could soon morph into a highly-transmissible, exceedingly-deadly "super strain" capable of killing millions, scientists from around the world have... (Source: NaturalNews.com)

NSABB and H5N1 redactions: Biosecurity runs up against scientific endeavor

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(American Society for Microbiology) In response to recent actions of the US National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity, which recommended that two scientific journals withhold crucial details in upcoming reports about experiments with a novel strain of the bird flu virus, H5N1, the American Society for Microbiology will publish a special series of commentaries by prominent scientists, including the acting chair of the NSABB, in its online, open-access journal, mBio. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Policy: Adaptations of avian flu virus are a cause for concern

Nature AOP — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Kenneth I. Berns, Arturo Casadevall, Murray L. Cohen, Susan A. Ehrlich, Lynn W. Enquist, J. Patrick Fitch, David R. Franz, Claire M. Fraser-Liggett, Christine M. Grant, Michael J. Imperiale, Joseph Kanabrocki, Paul S. Keim, Stanley M. Lemon, Stuart B. Levy, John R. Lumpkin, Jeffery F. Miller, Randall Murch, Mark E. Nance, Michael T. Osterholm, David A. Relman, James A. Roth & Anne K. Vidaver Members of the US National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity explain its recommendations on the communication of experimental work on H5N1 influenza. (Source: Nature AOP)

Q&A: Reasons for proposed redaction of flu paper

Nature AOP — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Nature advance online publication 31 January 2012. doi:10.1038/482156a Author: Paul S. Keim US National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity explains recommendation to publish H5N1 work in a form that withholds essential data. (Source: Nature AOP)

Policy: Adaptations of avian flu virus are a cause for concern

Nature — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

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Q&A: Reasons for proposed redaction of flu paper

Nature — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Nature 482, 7384 (2012). doi:10.1038/482156a Author: Paul S. Keim US National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity explains recommendation to publish H5N1 work in a form that withholds essential data. (Source: Nature)

NSABB and H5N1 Redactions: Biosecurity Runs Up Against Scientific Endeavor

American Society for Microbiology — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:13:00 +0100

WASHINGTON, DC -- January 31, 2012 -- In response to recent actions of the U.S. National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB), which recommended that two scientific journals withhold crucial details in upcoming reports about experiments with a novel strain of the bird flu virus, H5N1, the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) will publish a special series of commentaries by prominent scientists, including the acting chair of the NSABB, weighing in on whether the recommendations were necessary and what role biosecurity considerations should play in the dissemination of research findings. Read more... (Source: American Society for Microbiology)

H5N1 Causes Controversy Concerning Balance Between Scientific Discovery And Public Safety

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:00:00 +0100

After scientists have engineered a new strain of H5N1, commonly known as bird flu, which is readily transmitted between humans, the Annals of Internal Medicine , the principal journal of the American College of Physicians, has published two perspectives online in advance, in which concerns are raised as to whether or not this research should be continued, and how the data should be shared for the benefit of public health... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Dual use research: H5N1 influenza virus and beyond

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(New York Academy of Sciences) The US National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity recently recommended that journals Nature and Science remove certain methodological details from controversial studies on H5N1 to minimize the risk of these findings being misused by would-be bioterrorists. On Feb. 2, the New York Academy of Sciences brings together leading scientists, publishers, and legal experts to explore the issues surrounding the impending publication of these studies, including matters of censorship and public safety. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Evolution and adaptation of hemagglutinin gene of human H5N1 influenza virus

Virus Genes — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:53:08 +0100

Abstract The H5N1 HPAI virus has brought heavy loss to poultry industry. Although, there exists limited human-to-human transmission, it poses potential serious risks to public health. HA is responsible for receptor-binding and membrane-fusion and contains the host receptor-binding sites and major epitopes for neutralizing antibodies. To investigate molecular adaption of HPAI H5N1 viruses, we performed a phylogenetic analysis of HA sequences with 240 HPAI virus strains isolated from human. The topology of the tree reveals overall clustering of strains in four major clusters based on geographic location, and shows antigenic diversity of HA of human H5N1 isolates co-circulating in Asia, Africa, and Europe. The four clusters possess distinct features within the cleavage site a...

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[News of the Week] Around the World

Science: Current Issue — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:42:31 +0100

In science news around the world this week, outbreaks of H5N1 continue in poultry in south and southeast Asia—and the human death toll mounts; the University of Tokyo plans to shift the start of its school year from April to autumn; researchers are looking for signs of life in the Tissint meteorites; the Natural History Museum in London is under fire for its scientific cooperation with an Israeli company that conducts research in the occupied West Bank; Marco Antônio Raupp will become Brazil's new minister of science, technology, and innovation; and NASA's twin moon orbiters were officially christened Ebb and Flow. (Source: Science: Current Issue)

[News & Analysis] H5N1: Flu Controversy Spurs Research Moratorium

Science: Current Issue — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:42:31 +0100

Amid a growing global controversy over the potential dangers of experiments involving the H5N1 avian influenza virus, a group of leading influenza researchers last week agreed to a 60-day moratorium on some sensitive flu studies.Author: David Malakoff (Source: Science: Current Issue)

[News & Analysis] H5N1: Ron Fouchier: In the Eye of the Storm

Science: Current Issue — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:42:31 +0100

Science talked to Ron Fouchier of Erasmus MC in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, who carried out one of the two controversial H5N1 avian influenza studies that triggered the international debate.Author: Martin Enserink (Source: Science: Current Issue)

Newly Engineered Highly Transmissible H5N1 Strain Ignites Controversy About Balancing Scientific Discovery And Public Safety

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0100

Scientists have engineered a new strain of H5N1 (commonly known as bird flu) to be readily transmitted between humans. Two perspectives being published early online in Annals of Internal Medicine, the flagship journal of the American College of Physicians, raise concerns about if and how this research should be continued, and how the data should be shared for the benefit of public health. The currently circulating H5N1 virus has an extremely high case-fatality rate, killing about 60 percent of the over 500 confirmed human cases... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

H1N1pdm09 Recombination In Egypt H5N1 Raises Concerns

Recombinomics — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 23:07:32 +0100

The commentary discusses H1N1pdm09 sequences and recombination in Egypt H5N1 PB1 and PB2. (01/25/12 21:00) (Source: Recombinomics)

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Fatal Suspect H5N1 Case In Cenkareng Indonesia

Recombinomics — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 23:07:32 +0100

The commentary discusses the suspect H5N1 fatal case in Cengkareng, Indonesia. (01/25/12 14:15) (Source: Recombinomics)

Fatal Suspect H5N1 Case In Tangerang Indonesia

Recombinomics — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 23:07:32 +0100

The commentary discusses the suspect H5N1 fatal case in Tangerang, Indonesia. (01/25/12 12:45) (Source: Recombinomics)

Bird Flu Research Debate Leaves Docs Up in the Air

MedPage Today Primary Care — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 21:53:59 +0100

(MedPage Today) -- What should be done about controversial research on the H5N1 avian flu that some think should be suppressed and others think has important benefits that should be pursued? (Source: MedPage Today Primary Care)

Newly engineered highly transmissible H5N1 strain ignites controversy about balancing scientific discovery and public safety

EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(American College of Physicians) Below is information about two articles being published early online www.annals.org, the Annals of Internal Medicine website. The information is not intended to substitute for the full articles as sources of information. Full text will be posted at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 26. Annals of Internal Medicine attribution is required for all coverage. (Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases)

Wisconsin Scientist Says H5N1 Flu Strain He Created Is Less Dangerous

NYT Health — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:28:29 +0100

A Wisconsin researcher said his team’s version of the H5N1 bird flu virus is not as lethal as that developed by Dutch researchers. (Source: NYT Health)

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A Central Researcher in the H5N1 Flu Debate Breaks His Silence

ScienceNOW — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:05:32 +0100

In the heated debate about two labs that engineered a variant of the deadly... (Source: ScienceNOW)

Bird flu mutation studies must go on, says scientist

Reuters: Health — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:02:40 +0100

LONDON (Reuters) - A scientist researching a potentially highly lethal airborne version of the H5N1 bird flu virus said on Wednesday he must be allowed to pursue his studies if deadly pandemics are to be prevented. (Source: Reuters: Health)

Bird Flu Mutation Studies Must Go on, Says Scientist

MedlinePlus Health News — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:02:31 +0100

A scientist researching a potentially highly lethal airborne version of the H5N1 bird flu virus said on Wednesday he must be allowed to pursue his studies if deadly pandemics are to be prevented. Source: Reuters Health Related MedlinePlus Pages: Biodefense and Bioterrorism, Bird Flu (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

Decision Of Researchers To Temporarily Halt Research On H5N1 Applauded By Georgetown Professor

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0100

A Georgetown University Medical Center professor says the voluntary action taken by two research teams to temporarily halt work involving the highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 is "laudable." In the researchers' statement, published by Science and Nature, the authors stated that they "recognize that we and the rest of the scientific community need to clearly explain the benefits of this important research and the measures taken to minimize its possible risks." The statement comes in the wake of a debate following the U.S... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

H5N1: Flu transmission work is urgent

Nature AOP — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Nature advance online publication 25 January 2012. doi:10.1038/nature10884 Author: Yoshihiro Kawaoka Yoshihiro Kawaoka explains that research on transmissible avian flu viruses needs to continue if pandemics are to be prevented. (Source: Nature AOP)

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Avian influenza - situation in China - update

WHO Disease Outbreaks — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:58:00 +0100

The Ministry of Health of China has notified WHO of a human case of avian influenza A (H5N1) virus infection.‬‪ (Source: WHO Disease Outbreaks)

China Censors News On H5N1 Guizhou Case

Recombinomics — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:47:52 +0100

The commentary discusses China’s censorship of news on recent H5N1 case in Guizhou. (01/23/12 16:45) (Source: Recombinomics)

HA S227N and PB2 E627K In Fatal H5N1 Cambodia Case

Recombinomics — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:47:52 +0100

The commentary discusses recent H5N1 Cambodia fatal case with HA S227N and PB2 E627K. (01/23/12 11:00) (Source: Recombinomics)

Absence of Poultry in H5N1 Fatal Case in Guizhou China

Recombinomics — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:47:52 +0100

The commentary discusses the absence of poultry in the fatal H5N1 case in Guizhou, China. (01/22/12 14:00) (Source: Recombinomics)

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Researchers Temporarily Halt Research on H5N1 Avian Influenza

Disabled World — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 19:05:18 +0100

Georgetown professor applauds decision of researchers to temporarily halt research on H5N1

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Georgetown University Medical Center) A Georgetown University Medical Center professor says the voluntary action taken by two research teams to temporarily halt work involving the highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 is "laudable." (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Improving global influenza surveillance: trends of A(H5N1) virus in Africa and Asia

BMC Research Notes — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our study reveals that some countries suffering from human cases of avian influenza have limited participation (e.g. genetic surveillance or data share) with global surveillance networks. Also, we demonstrate that the implementation of genetic surveillance programs could increase and strengthen worldwide epidemic and pandemic preparedness. We hope that this work promotes new discussions between policy makers and health surveillance organizations to improve current methodologies and regulations. (Source: BMC Research Notes)

Bird Flu Scientists Agree to Pause H5N1 Research

NYT Health — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 06:42:05 +0100

A national biosecurity panel in the United States had asked researchers who produced a more contagious form of the bird flu virus to keep some data secret. (Source: NYT Health)

Scientists Developing Deadly Bird Flu Mutations Agree to Pause Research

Forbes.com Healthcare News — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 05:36:02 +0100

Amid growing controversy, scientists in two laboratories have agreed to temporarily suspend their work on mutations of the H5N1 influenza virus, or bird flu, according to a letter published in the journals Nature and Science. (Source: Forbes.com Healthcare News)

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Scientists call moratorium on study of deadly bird flu

Los Angeles Times - Science — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 02:08:00 +0100

Those who work with the H5N1 virus announce a 60-day voluntary halt to explain the benefits of research and the measures to minimize risks to the public.In an almost unheard-of move, scientists who study the deadly H5N1 bird flu announced a 60-day voluntary moratorium on studying the virus to allow time "to clearly explain the benefits of this important research and the measures taken to minimize its possible risks." (Source: Los Angeles Times - Science)

H5N1 Flu Investigators Agree to Stop Research for 60 DaysH5N1 Flu Investigators Agree to Stop Research for 60 Days

Medscape Today Headlines — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 23:18:19 +0100

In a response to concerns regarding intentional or unintentional viral release, H5N1 flu researchers have agreed to stop research for 60 days so plans can be developed. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

H5N1 Transmission Experiment Halt - Censorship Continues

Recombinomics — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 22:40:48 +0100

The commentary discusses the 60 halt in H5N1 transmission experiments. (01/20/12 19:00) (Source: Recombinomics)

Indonesia Confirms H5N1 Cluster In North Jakarta

Recombinomics — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 22:40:48 +0100

The commentary discusses the Indonesia Health Ministry confirmation of the H5N1 cluster in North Jakarta. (01/20/12 06:45) (Source: Recombinomics)

WHO Confirms H5N1 Cluster In Fayoum Egypt

Recombinomics — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 22:40:48 +0100

The commentary discusses the WHO confirmation of the H5N1 cluster in Fayoum, Egypt. (01/20/12 05:45) (Source: Recombinomics)

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The Pseudoscience and Pseudonature H5N1 Health Hazard

Recombinomics — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 22:40:48 +0100

The commentary discusses the ill conceived censoring of the Nature and Science papers describing efficient H5N1 transmission in a ferret model. (01/20/12 04:00) (Source: Recombinomics)

Published H5N1 One Change From Efficient Transmission

Recombinomics — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 22:40:48 +0100

The commentary discusses censoring of the Nature and Science papers describing efficient H5N1 transmission in a ferret model. (01/19/12 22:30) (Source: Recombinomics)

H5N1 Fatal Cluster In Tanjung Priok North Jakarta Indonesia

Recombinomics — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 22:40:48 +0100

The commentary discusses the migration of H5N1 clade 2.3.2.1 into South Asia. (01/19/12 16:30) (Source: Recombinomics)

H5N1 Clade 2.3.2.1 Migrates Into South Asia

Recombinomics — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 22:40:48 +0100

The commentary discusses the migration of H5N1 clade 2.3.2.1 into South Asia. (01/18/12 23:45) (Source: Recombinomics)

Egypt H5N1 PB2 H1N1pdm09 and Seasonal H1N1 Recombination

Recombinomics — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 22:40:48 +0100

The commentary discusses a H5N1 PB2 recombination with H1N1pdm11 and seasonal H1N1. (01/17/12 23:45) (Source: Recombinomics)

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Scientists Voluntarily Pause Controversial Research

AAAS — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 20:25:38 +0100

Science: Confronting the Implications of Research on H5N1 Avian Influenza Scientists working on the transmission of the H5N1 avian influenza strain voluntarily agreed to halt research for 60 days to allow time for international discussion of its benefits and risks. (Source: AAAS)

In Dramatic Move, Flu Researchers Announce Moratorium on Some H5N1 Flu Research, Call for Global Summit

ScienceNOW — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:42:09 +0100

Stung by a growing global controversy over the potential dangers of experiments involving the... (Source: ScienceNOW)

Bird flu researchers suspend study of deadlier mutations

Reuters: Health — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:25:08 +0100

(Reuters) - Researchers studying a potentially deadlier, airborne version of the H5N1 influenza virus, or bird flu, have voluntarily suspended their research for 60 days, according to a letter published in the journals Nature and Science on Friday. (Source: Reuters: Health)

Avian influenza – situation in Viet Nam

WHO Disease Outbreaks — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 09:00:00 +0100

The Ministry of Health (MoH) has announced a confirmed case of human infection with avian influenza A (H5N1) virus. (Source: WHO Disease Outbreaks)

Avian Flu Scientists Will ‘Pause’ Controversial Research for 60 Days

RWJF News Digest - Public Health — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The authors of a pair of studies on a deadly strain of H5N1 virus — also known as avian or bird influenza — have signed a letter saying they will “pause” such research for 60 days to allow an international scientific discussion about the controversy. (Source: RWJF News Digest - Public Health)

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H5N1 Virus Targets Pulmonary Endothelial Cells

American Society for Microbiology — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:00:00 +0100

The highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus, but not seasonal influenza viruses, can target the cells of human lung tissue, where they replicate fast and efficiently, and induce inflammation. Read more... (Source: American Society for Microbiology)

Avian influenza – situation in Indonesia - update

WHO Disease Outbreaks — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0100

The Ministry of Health of Indonesia has announced one new confirmed case of human infection with avian influenza A(H5N1) virus. (Source: WHO Disease Outbreaks)

Avian influenza - situation in Egypt - update

WHO Disease Outbreaks — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:58:00 +0100

The Ministry of Health and Population of Egypt has notified WHO of two cases of human infection with avian influenza A (H5N1) virus.‪ (Source: WHO Disease Outbreaks)

Vietnam, Cambodia report new bird flu deaths

CTV Health — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:29:51 +0100

Vietnam on Thursday confirmed its first human death from bird flu in nearly two years, a day after neighbouring Cambodia also logged its first fatality this year as new cases of the H5N1 virus are reported in Asia and the Middle East. (Source: CTV Health)

Balancing scientific freedom and national security

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Georgetown University Medical Center) The US government's request that the journals Science and Nature withhold scientific information related to the genetically modified H5N1 virus because of biosecurity concerns does not violate the First Amendment, say two Georgetown University professors. They caution, however, that a fair, transparent process undertaken by research organizations is preferable to governmental constraints on disseminating scientific information. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

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The Risk of Engineering a Highly Transmissible H5N1 Virus

Biosecurity and Bioterrorism: Biodefense Strategy, Practice, and Science — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 04:03:47 +0100

Biosecurity and Bioterrorism: Biodefense Strategy, Practice, and Science , Vol. 0, No. 0. (Source: Biosecurity and Bioterrorism: Biodefense Strategy, Practice, and Science)

Avian influenza – situation in Cambodia – update

WHO Disease Outbreaks — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 09:00:00 +0100

The Ministry of Health (MoH) of the Kingdom of Cambodia has announced that the case of human infection with avian influenza A (H5N1) virus reported in the Disease Outbreak News posting of 16 January 2012 died on 18 January 2012. (Source: WHO Disease Outbreaks)

Protective efficacy of an H1N1 cold-adapted live vaccine against the 2009 pandemic H1N1, seasonal H1N1, and H5N1 influenza viruses in mice.

Antiviral Research — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Shi J, Wen Z, Guo J, Zhang Y, Deng G, Shu Y, Wang D, Jiang Y, Kawaoka Y, Bu Z, Chen H Abstract Vaccination is a key strategy for preventing influenza virus infections. Here, we generated a reassortant virus (SC/AAca) containing the hemagglutinin and neuraminidase genes from a 2009 pandemic influenza virus A/Sichuan/1/2009 (H1N1) (SC/09) and six internal genes from the cold-adapted virus A/Ann Arbor/6/60 (H2N2) (AAca). The SC/AAca reassortant induced a sound humoral immune response and complete protection against homologous SC/09 virus challenge in mice after intranasal administration of an at least 10(6) 50% egg infectious dose (EID(50)) of SC/AAca. SC/AAca inoculation also induced significant CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses and provided solid protection against heterologou...

Suspect H5N1 Cluster in Fayoum Egypt

Recombinomics — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 23:38:38 +0100

The commentary discusses a suspect H5N1 cluster in Fayoum, Egypt. (01/17/12 17:30) (Source: Recombinomics)

Egypt H5N1 PB1 Recombination With H1N1pdm09

Recombinomics — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 23:38:38 +0100

The commentary discussesPB1 recombination between H5N1 in Egypt and H1N1pdm09 (01/17/12 11:30) (Source: Recombinomics)

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Flu strain raises concerns about H5N1 outbreak

American Medical News - HEALTH — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0100

Researchers developed a type of influenza that can be transmitted easily among mammals. Infectious diseases experts fear the virus could be released to the public. (Source: American Medical News - HEALTH)

Avian influenza – situation in Cambodia

WHO Disease Outbreaks — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 09:00:00 +0100

The Ministry of Health (MoH) of the Kingdom of Cambodia has announced a confirmed case of human infection with avian influenza A (H5N1) virus. (Source: WHO Disease Outbreaks)

Effectiveness of Three Decontamination Treatments against Influenza Virus Applied to Filtering Facepiece Respirators

Annals of Occupational Hygiene — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study examined the effectiveness of three energetic decontamination methods [ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI), microwave-generated steam, and moist heat] on two National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health-certified N95 FFRs (3M models 1860s and 1870) contaminated with H5N1. An aerosol settling chamber was used to apply virus-laden droplets to FFRs in a method designed to simulate respiratory deposition of droplets onto surfaces. When FFRs were examined post decontamination by viral culture, all three decontamination methods were effective, reducing virus load by >4 log median tissue culture infective dose. Analysis of treated FFRs using a quantitative molecular amplification assay (quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction) indicated that UVGI decontaminat...

Don't censor life-saving science

Nature — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 20:40:34 +0100

Nature 481, 7380 (2012). http://www.nature.com/doifinder/10.1038/481115a Author: Peter Palese Controlling who is allowed access to information about mutations in the H5N1 bird flu virus is unacceptable, says Peter Palese. (Source: Nature)

Egypt H5N1 Recombines With Seasonal H1N1 H3N2 pH1N1

Recombinomics — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 08:12:20 +0100

The commentary discusses PB1 and PB2 recombination in avian H5N1 with seasonal H1N1, H3N2, and H1N1pdm09.. (01/13/12 23:30) (Source: Recombinomics)

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Killer bird flu? What's behind the controversy over bird flu research

L.A. Times - Health — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Last year, two teams of scientists reported that the virus could be made to spread easily from ferret to ferret — an animal that has long been used as a stand-in for people in influenza research. An H5N1 virus that could pass easily from person to person would be new and dangerous. (Source: L.A. Times - Health)

Avian influenza – situation in Indonesia

WHO Disease Outbreaks — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0100

The Ministry of Health of Indonesia has announced one new confirmed case of human infection with avian influenza A(H5N1) virus. (Source: WHO Disease Outbreaks)

Bird Flu and the Future of Biosecurity

RWJF News Digest - Public Health — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In December, the US National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB) decided that two papers on avian flu (H5N1) could pose a biosecurity risk if published in their entirety). The NSABB advised against full publication of the papers. (Source: RWJF News Digest - Public Health)

Preliminary MicroRNA Analysis in Lung Tissue to Identify Potential Therapeutic Targets Against H5N1 Infection

Viral Immunology — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 20:18:05 +0100

Viral Immunology , Vol. 0, No. 0. (Source: Viral Immunology)

Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 controls type I IFN induction in chicken macrophage HD-11 cells: a polygenic trait that involves NS1 and the polymerase complex.

Virology Journal — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The present study demonstrates that the NS1 protein and the polymerase complex of the HPAIV Yama act in concert to antagonize chicken type I IFN secretion in HD-11 cells. PB2 alone can also exert a partial inhibitory effect on type I IFN induction. In conclusion, the control of type I IFN induction by H5N1 HPAIV represents a complex phenotype that involves a particular viral gene constellation rather than a single viral protein. Collectively, these findings contribute to understand the high virulence of HPAIV H5N1 viruses observed in the chicken host. (Source: Virology Journal)

Wisconsin H1N1v Links US H3N2v China H5N1 Swiss H1N1v

Recombinomics — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 22:27:26 +0100

The commentary discusses linkage between Wisconsin H1N1v with US H3N2v, China H5N1 and Swiss H1N1v. (01/06/12 21:30) (Source: Recombinomics)

[News & Analysis] Biosecurity: Will Flu Papers Lead to New Research Oversight?

Science: This Week — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 23:51:54 +0100

At the request of the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity, Science and Nature have agreed to strike key details from papers in press describing how researchers made the deadly H5N1 avian influenza virus more transmissible between mammals.Authors: Martin Enserink, David Malakoff (Source: Science: This Week)

Aerosol Susceptibility of Influenza Virus to UVC Light.

Applied and Environmental Microbiology — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: McDevitt JJ, Rudnick SN, Radonovich LJ Abstract Person-to-person transmission of influenza virus, especially in the event of a pandemic caused by a highly virulent strain of influenza, such as H5N1 avian influenza, is of great concern due to widespread mortality and morbidity. The consequences of seasonal influenza are also substantial. Because airborne transmission appears to play a role with influenza, public health interventions should focus on preventing or interrupting this process. Air disinfection via upper-room 254 nm germicidal ultraviolet (UVC) light in public buildings may be able to reduce influenza transmission via the airborne route. We characterized the susceptibility of influenza A (H1N1, PR-8) aerosols to UVC light using a benchtop chamber equipped with an...

Cloned cDNA of A/swine/Iowa/15/1930 internal genes as a candidate backbone for reverse genetics vaccine against influenza A viruses.

Vaccine — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In this report, the internal genes from rg1930 were used for construction of reverse genetics viruses carrying a cleavage site-modified hemagglutinin (HA) gene and neuraminidase (NA) gene from a highly pathogenic H5N1 virus. The resulting virus (rg1930H5N1) was low pathogenic in vivo. Inactivated rg1930H5N1 vaccine completely protected chickens from morbidity and mortality after challenge with highly pathogenic H5N1. Protective immunity was obtained when chickens were immunized with an inactivated vaccine consisting of at least 2(9) HA units of the rg1930H5N1 virus. In comparison to the PR8-based reverse genetics viruses carrying the same HA and NA genes from an H5N1 virus, rg1930 based viruses yielded higher viral titers in MDCK and Vero cells. In addition, the reverse genetics derived H3...

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Shenzhen H5N1 P198S Is In Clade 2.2 Escape Mutant

Recombinomics — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 22:38:21 +0100

The commentary discusses P198S in Shenzhen, China H5N1 case which is in a clade 2.2 escape mutant. (01/04/12 16:30) (Source: Recombinomics)

HA Changes In Fatal H5N1 Case In Shenzhen Raise Concerns

Recombinomics — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 22:38:21 +0100

The commentary discusses HA changes in the fatal H5N1 case in Shenzhen, China. (01/04/12 12:40) (Source: Recombinomics)

Q196K and S227R in Fatal H5N1 Case In Shenzhen China

Recombinomics — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 22:38:21 +0100

The commentary discusses receptor binding domain changes Q196K and S227R in the fatal H5N1 case in Shenzhen, China. (01/04/12 03:40) (Source: Recombinomics)

Clade 2.3.2.1 in Fatal H5N1 Case In Shenzhen China

Recombinomics — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 22:38:21 +0100

The commentary discusses the clade 2.3.2.1 fatal H5N1 case in Shenzhen, China and need for sequence releases. (01/01/12 21:20) (Source: Recombinomics)

Avian influenza - situation in Egypt - update 60

WHO Disease Outbreaks — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 11:58:00 +0100

The Ministry of Health and Population of Egypt has notified WHO of a case of human infection with avian influenza A (H5N1) virus.‪ (Source: WHO Disease Outbreaks)

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Avian influenza - situation in China - update 6

WHO Disease Outbreaks — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 11:58:00 +0100

The Ministry of Health of China has notified WHO of a human case of avian influenza A (H5N1) virus infection.‪ (Source: WHO Disease Outbreaks)

Avian influenza - situation in Egypt

WHO Disease Outbreaks — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 11:58:00 +0100

The Ministry of Health and Population of Egypt has notified WHO of a case of human infection with avian influenza A (H5N1) virus.‪ (Source: WHO Disease Outbreaks)

Avian influenza - situation in China

WHO Disease Outbreaks — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 11:58:00 +0100

The Ministry of Health of China has notified WHO of a human case of avian influenza A (H5N1) virus infection.‪ (Source: WHO Disease Outbreaks)

Surveillance in Eastern India (2007-2009) Revealed Reassortment Event Involving NS and PB1-F2 Gene Segments among Co-circulating Influenza A Subtypes

Virology Journal — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Overall the study highlights reassortment event involving gene segments other than HA and NA in the co-circulating A/H1N1 and A/H3N2 strains and their importance in complexity of influenza virus genetics. In contrast, NS and PB1-F2 genes of all A/H3N2 eastern India strains were highly conserved and homologous to the concurrent A/H3N2 vaccine strains suggesting that these gene segments of H3N2 viruses are evolutionarily more stable compared to H1N1 viruses. (Source: Virology Journal)

China Reports Suspected Human Bird Flu CaseChina Reports Suspected Human Bird Flu Case

Medscape Medical News Headlines — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 02:37:03 +0100

China has reported a suspected human case of the H5N1 virus, or bird flu, in a southern city bordering Hong Kong. Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines)

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Shenzhen Man Dies Of Bird Flu

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 01:00:00 +0100

The Hong Kong Centre for Health Protection (CHP) received notification from the Ministry of Health (MoH) on the 30th December concerning a suspected human case of influenza A (H5N1) in Shenzhen. The man has unfortunately died. The 39 year old male had been admitted to hospital on the 25th December because of severe pneumonia, the symptoms of which he'd been suffering from for several days prior to his admission. Officials are concerned because the man didn't appear to have travelled prior to his illness and it seems he had not had any contact with poultry either... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Call to censor flu studies draws fire

Nature — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Nature 481, 7379 (2012). http://www.nature.com/doifinder/10.1038/481009a Author: Heidi Ledford Critics say controversy over publication of mutant-H5N1 research highlights biosecurity weaknesses. (Source: Nature)

Hong Kong Bans Poultry After Chinese Man Dies Of Bird Flu

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 11:00:00 +0100

Authorities in Hong Kong have banned imports of poultry products from certain places in neighbouring Shenzhen, a major city in the south of Southern China's Guangdong Province, following the death there of a man confirmed as having the deadly form of bird flu known as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1. On 31 December, Hong Kong's Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced that an area of 13 km surrounding where the patient, a 39-year-old bus driver, lived is designated an "import control zone"... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Newly Established Monoclonal Antibodies for Immunological Detection of H5N1 Influenza Virus.

Japanese Journal of Infectious Diseases — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, these mAbs may be useful for rapid and specific diagnosis of H5N1 influenza. Therapeutically, they may have a role in antibody-based treatment of the disease. PMID: 22274153 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Japanese Journal of Infectious Diseases)

Critical H5N1 Case In Shenzhen China

Recombinomics — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 21:22:51 +0100

The commentary discusses the critical H5N1 case in Shenzhen, China and need for sequence releases. (12/30/11 21:45) (Source: Recombinomics)

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Chinese bus driver with bird flu dies

Health News: CBSNews.com — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 18:01:43 +0100

Tested positive for H5N1 virus in city near Hong Kong; Country's first reported human case in 18 months (Source: Health News: CBSNews.com)

Chinese bus driver infected with bird flu dies

CTV Health — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 13:37:48 +0100

A Chinese bus driver who tested positive for the H5N1 bird flu virus died Saturday in a city bordering Hong Kong, health officials said, in the country's first reported case of the disease in humans in 18 months. (Source: CTV Health)

Mutated Bird Flu Research Worries World Health Organization

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 18:00:00 +0100

Research on the H5N1 influenza (bird flu) virus' human transmissibility is seriously starting to worry WHO (World Health Organization) experts - in a written statement, the authors express concern about the potential risks linked to this research. The possible negative consequences of some experiments are serious and potentially dangerous. However, WHO adds that in cases where scientists work under the strictest of conditions, experiments should continue so that the fight against bird flu may progress. The H5N1 flu virus does not infect humans easily or often... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

China reports suspected human bird flu case

Reuters: Health — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 17:40:30 +0100

HONG KONG (Reuters) - China has reported a suspected human case of the H5N1 virus, or bird flu, in a southern city bordering Hong Kong, officials said on Friday. (Source: Reuters: Health)

WHO "deeply concerned" by mutated birdflu research

Reuters: Health — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 12:15:26 +0100

LONDON (Reuters) - The World Health Organization issued a stern warning on Friday to scientists who have engineered a highly pathogenic form of the deadly H5N1 bird flu virus, saying their work carries significant risks and must be tightly controlled. (Source: Reuters: Health)

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WHO concerned that new H5N1 influenza research could undermine the 2011 Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Framework

WHO news — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 10:00:00 +0100

30 December 2011 -- WHO takes note that studies undertaken by several institutions on whether changes in the H5N1 influenza virus can make it more transmissible between humans have raised concern about the possible risks and misuses associated with this research. WHO is also deeply concerned about the potential negative consequences. However, WHO also notes that studies conducted under appropriate conditions must continue to take place so that critical scientific knowledge needed to reduce the risks posed by the H5N1 virus continues to increase. (Source: WHO news)

China reports suspected human bird flu case

Modern Medicine — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

HONG KONG (Reuters) - China has reported a suspected human case of the H5N1 virus, or bird flu, in a southern city bordering Hong Kong, officials said on Friday. (Source: Modern Medicine)

Vaccines for Pandemic Influenza

Springer Biomedical Sciences titles — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 12:07:00 +0100

series:Current Topics in Microbiology and ImmunologyRecent years have seen unprecedented outbreaks of avian influenza A viruses. In particular, highly pathogenic H5N1 viruses have not only resulted in widespread outbreaks in domestic poultry, but have been transmitted to humans resulting in numerous fatalities. The rapid expansion in their geographic distribution and the possibility that these viruses could acquire the ability to spread from ... (Source: Springer Biomedical Sciences titles)

Studies of deadly H5N1 bird flu mutations test scientific ethics

Los Angeles Times - Science — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 06:21:00 +0100

Dutch scientists have created a version of the deadly H5N1 bird flu that's easily transmitted. In an unprecedented move, a U.S. board asks that some details of the research not be published.In a top-security lab in the Netherlands, scientists guard specimens of a super-killer influenza that slays half of those it infects and spreads easily from victim to victim. (Source: Los Angeles Times - Science)

Efficacy of a heterologous vaccine and adjuvant in ferrets challenged with influenza virus H5N1

Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 11:08:22 +0100

Conclusions Altogether, the data suggest that the heterologous vaccine in combination with the aluminum hydroxide adjuvant offers maximum protection against challenge with A/Vietnam/1203/04 when compared to the unvaccinated control animals or animals vaccinated without any adjuvant. (Source: Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses)

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U.S. Biosecurity Panel Calls for Asilomar-Style Moratorium on H5N1 Papers

ScienceNOW — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 18:10:01 +0100

The U.S. National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB), which has asked scientists and... (Source: ScienceNOW)

U.S. Biosecurity Panel May Call for Asilomar-Style Moratorium on H5N1 Papers

ScienceNOW — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 18:10:01 +0100

The U.S. National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB), which has asked scientists and... (Source: ScienceNOW)

Hong Kong officials find 2nd dead bird with H5N1

CTV Health — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 15:49:36 +0100

Hong Kong authorities say a second dead bird in a week has tested positive for a dangerous strain of bird flu, raising health concerns in the city. (Source: CTV Health)

BFluenza: A Proteomic Database on Bird Flu.

Bioinformation — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 02:42:02 +0100

Authors: Salahuddin P, Khan AU Abstract Influenza A virus subtype H5N1, also known as "bird flu" has been documented to cause an outbreak of respiratory diseases in humans. The unprecedented spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza type A is a threat to veterinary and human health. The BFluenza is a relational database which is solely devoted to proteomic information of H5N1 subtype. Bfluenza has novel features including computed physico-chemical properties data of H5N1 viral proteins, modeled structures of viral proteins, data of protein coordinates, experimental details, molecular description and bibliographic reference. The database also contains nucleotide and their decoded protein sequences data. The database can be searched in various modes by setting search options. The s...

Scientists Asked Not to Publish H5N1 Flu Research DetailsScientists Asked Not to Publish H5N1 Flu Research Details

Medscape Today Headlines — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 17:46:01 +0100

Citing terrorism concerns, a federal biosecurity advisory committee has asked Science and Nature to publish only limited information about the methodology and findings of a recent H5N1 influenza study. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

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Health Highlights: Dec. 22, 2011

Primary Care News - Doctors Lounge — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 17:37:00 +0100

Wal-Mart Pulls Infant Formula From Stores After Newborn's Death Faulty French-Made Breast Implants Not Sold in U.S. Motrin Coated Caplets Recalled Chicken Cull Ordered After Discovery of H5N1 Bird Flu Virus (Source: Primary Care News - Doctors Lounge)

A chemokine gene expression signature derived from meta-analysis predicts the pathogenicity of viral respiratory infections

BMC Systems Biology - Latest articles — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Highly pathogenic viruses elicit expression of many of the same key genes as lower pathogenic viruses but to a higher degree. This increased degree of expression may result in the uncontrolled co-localization of inflammatory cell types and lead to irreversible host damage. (Source: BMC Systems Biology - Latest articles)

Bird Flu Scare In Hong Kong

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 03:00:00 +0100

Bird Flu virus was identified in a poultry market in Hong Kong, resulting in government officials ordering the slaughter of 17,000 chickens. It has been three years since the last mass culling. York Chow, the Hong Kong secretary for food and health, said in a statement that the cull was a precautionary measure due to the highly pathogenic nature of the H5N1 avian influenza virus... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Security in H5N1 Bird Flu Study Was Paramount, Scientist Says

NYT — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 01:00:09 +0100

A Dutch researcher whose work prompted the U.S. to ask scientific journals to withhold details that bioterrorists could use expressed doubts that the information can be kept out of the wrong hands. (Source: NYT)

Hong Kong Culls Thousands of Birds After Virus Found in Chicken

NYT Health — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 23:28:56 +0100

The culling is part of a series of precautionary steps being taken after the chicken carcass was found to have a “highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus,” officials said. (Source: NYT Health)

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New Bird Flu Details Too Dangerous To Publish?

WDSU.com - Health — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 23:24:34 +0100

A genetically altered strain of the H5N1 avian flu virus is at the center of a controversial request to keep the details of its creation under wraps. (Source: WDSU.com - Health)

US government urges scientists to censor findings on new strain of bird flu

Guardian Unlimited Science — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 19:11:00 +0100

Scientists warn that redacting information from new research on H5N1 virus could hinder the discovery of a vaccineMoves by the US government to restrict the publication of papers describing potentially dangerous new strains of bird flu could do more harm than good by hampering progress towards a vaccine, scientists warn.The US biosecurity watchdog has asked two leading scientific journals, Science and Nature, to remove sensitive details from the papers amid fears the research might fall into the hands of bioterrorists. But scientists involved in the research discussed their experiments at public conferences earlier this year, leading some experts to doubt whether redacting the papers will have much effect."There is a cause for concern, but to restrict publication now is shutting the stable...

When it comes to bird flu, nature is the greatest bioterrorist

Guardian Unlimited Science — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 17:48:53 +0100

I hope that fear of terrorism will not lead to the suppression of valuable research about engineering the H5N1 virusA few months ago, Dutch virologist Ron Fouchier made what he hoped would be a low-key announcement at a conference on influenza in Malta. After a series of painstaking experiments, Fouchier announced he had achieved the holy grail of influenza research: engineering the H5N1 bird flu virus so that it could pass easily between mammals. The "airborne" virus had been created, Fouchier explained, not by using sophisticated, lab-based genetic technology but by the relatively low-tech method of passaging H5N1 repeatedly through ferrets.The significance of the discovery was not lost on the assembled delegates. If ferrets could be infected this way, then so could humans. Fouchier had ...

When it comes to bird flu, nature is the greatest bioterrorist | Mark Honigsbaum

Guardian Unlimited Science — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 17:48:53 +0100

Security in H5N1 Bird Flu Study Was Paramount, Scientist Says

NYT Health — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 17:31:10 +0100

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Gov't wants bird flu research kept under wraps, away from terrorists

Health News: CBSNews.com — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:52:05 +0100

Government officials fear terrorists can use blueprint for man-made H5N1 strain to create weapon (Source: Health News: CBSNews.com)

Hong Kong Culls Chickens at Market, Bans Trade, as H5N1 Found

MedlinePlus Health News — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 12:47:19 +0100

Workers began culling 17,000 chickens at a wholesale poultry market in Hong Kong on Wednesday after a dead chicken there tested positive for the deadly H5N1 avian virus, a government spokesman said. Source: Reuters Health Related MedlinePlus Pages: Bird Flu, International Health (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

Avian influenza - situation in Egypt - update 59

WHO Disease Outbreaks — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 11:58:00 +0100

The Ministry of Health and Population of Egypt has notified WHO of a case of human infection with avian influenza A (H5N1) virus.‪ (Source: WHO Disease Outbreaks)

US: Don't publish details of lab-bred bird flu

Health News: CBSNews.com — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 10:50:37 +0100

Gov't asks medical journals to keep some info secret about new strain of H5N1 which spreads easily in humans (Source: Health News: CBSNews.com)

Hong Kong culls chickens at market, bans trade, as H5N1 found

Reuters: Health — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 09:44:52 +0100

HONG KONG (Reuters) - Workers began culling 17,000 chickens at a wholesale poultry market in Hong Kong on Wednesday after a dead chicken there tested positive for the deadly H5N1 avian virus, a government spokesman said. (Source: Reuters: Health)

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Bird flu bioterror risk upped by censorship: experts

Modern Medicine — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

LONDON (Reuters) - Experts say an unprecedented request by the U.S. National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB) for two leading scientific journals to withhold details of research into H5N1 bird flu is unlikely to block anyone already intent on evil. (Source: Modern Medicine)

The bird is the word. But should we censor it?

Health Facts and Fears — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Two separate research groups have reportedly developed strains of "bird flu" (avian influenza type A [H5N1]) that may be transmissible between humans. (Source: Health Facts and Fears)

Apoptosis, cytokine and chemokine induction by non-structural 1 (NS1) proteins encoded by different influenza subtypes

Virology Journal — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: In conclusion, the NS1 protein encoded by H5N1 carries a remarkably different property as compared to other avian and human subtypes, and is one of the keys to its high pathogenicity. NCI-H292 cells system proves to be a good in-vitro model to delineate the property of NS1 proteins. (Source: Virology Journal)

Antibody breadth and protective efficacy is increased by vaccination with computationally optimized hemagglutinin but not with polyvalent hemagglutinin based h5n1 vlp vaccines.

Clinical and Vaccine Immunology — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

In this report, the immune responses elicited by the COBRA HA virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine were compared to responses elicited by a mixture of VLPs expressing representative HA molecules from clade 2.1, 2.2, and 2.3 primary H5N1 isolates (polyvalent). COBRA HA VLP elicited higher titer antibodies to a panel of H5N1 HA proteins. Both COBRA and polyvalent vaccines protected vaccinated mice and ferrets from experimental infection with highly lethal H5N1 influenza viruses, but COBRA vaccinated animals had decreased viral replication, less inflammation in the lungs of mice, and reduced virus recovery in ferret nasal washes. Both vaccines had similar cellular responses post-challenge indicating that higher titer serum antibody likely restricts the duration of viral replication. Furthermore,...

US asks scientific journals to censor bird flu studies

Guardian Unlimited Science — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 04:41:00 +0100

US requests scientific journals publish redacted versions of studies on a version of bird flu that could spread to humansThe US government has asked the scientific journals Nature and Science to censor data on a laboratory-made version of bird flu that could spread more easily to humans, fearing it could be used as a potential weapon. The US National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity asked the two journals to publish redacted versions of studies by two research groups that created forms of the H5N1 avian flu that could easily jump between ferrets - typically considered a sign the virus could spread quickly among humans. The journals are objecting to the request, saying it would restrict access to information that might advance the cause of public health. The request was a first for th...

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Hong Kong raises bird flu alert

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 01:52:00 +0100

Hong Kong is culling 17,000 chickens after three birds were confirmed to have died from the deadly H5N1 bird flu strain in the past week. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

US tells scientists to censor flu research

The Independent - Science — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:00:01 +0100

The United States Government has taken the unprecedented step of asking scientists to censor key parts of their work describing how they managed to mutate the H5N1 bird flu virus into a strain that could be highly infectious and deadly to humans. (Source: The Independent - Science)

US Govt Asks Scientists To Keep Lab-Bred Bird Flu Blueprint Secret

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 22:00:00 +0100

Imagine this, our worst nightmare becomes our reality: as anticipated, the deadly H5N1 bird flu virus that kills most people it infects has acquired the ability to transmit easily from bird to human and then from human to human and has reached pandemic proportions. But, the origin of the outbreak isn't a naturally evolved strain, but one created in a research lab, with all the best intentions... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

SCIENCE Mulls Request to Limit H5N1 Publication

AAAS — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 17:10:24 +0100

Science: Editor-in-Chief Bruce Alberts on Publication of H5N1 Avian Influenza Research Science is seriously considering a request by the U.S. National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity to publish only abridged research on a strain of H5N1 avian influenza virus. (Source: AAAS)

Press Statement on the NSABB Review of H5N1 Research

National Institutes of Health (NIH) News Releases — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 17:08:00 +0100

The U.S. government remains concerned about the threat of influenza, for the risks it poses seasonally, as well as its potential to cause a pandemic. (Source: National Institutes of Health (NIH) News Releases)

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Fears Grow over Lab-Bred Avian Flu Virus

Scientific American - Official RSS Feed — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 16:00:00 +0100

By Declan Butler of Nature magazine It is a nightmare scenario: a human pandemic caused by the accidental release of a man-made form of the lethal avian influenza virus H5N1.Yet the risk is all too real. [More] (Source: Scientific American - Official RSS Feed)

News From The Journals Of The American Society For Microbiology

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 08:00:00 +0100

First Molecular Evidence Links Live Poultry Markets to Human H5N1 Infection in China Sequences of H5N1 virus from live bird markets in China matched sequences from patients who had recently visited the live bird markets, according to a paper in the December 2011 Journal of Virology. Live poultry markets have long been suspected of providing the reservoir of H5N1 responsible for human cases, but this is the first molecular evidence linking H5N1 in humans to these markets, the authors say... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

The Risk of Engineering a Highly Transmissible H5N1 Virus

Biosecurity and Bioterrorism: Biodefense Strategy, Practice, and Science — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 04:03:59 +0100

Biosecurity and Bioterrorism: Biodefense Strategy, Practice, and Science , Vol. 0, No. 0. (Source: Biosecurity and Bioterrorism: Biodefense Strategy, Practice, and Science)

The interaction between the PARP10 protein and the NS1 protein of H5N1 AIV and its effect on virus replication

Virology Journal — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: In a word, our results showed that NS1 acts on host cells and PARP10 plays a regulating role in virus replication. (Source: Virology Journal)