MedWorm: Pandemics

Pregnancy Linked to Critical H1N1 Illness (CME/CE)

MedPage Today OB/GYN — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 14:43:10 +0100

Pregnant or postpartum women were seven times more likely than other women of childbearing age to be admitted to intensive care if they had the H1N1 pandemic flu, Australian and New Zealand researchers said. (Source: MedPage Today OB/GYN)

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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)

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...

Swine flu danger appears to be ebbing

Los Angeles Times - Science — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 23:50:00 +0100

The CDC says a third wave of the H1N1 pandemic is less likely in the U.S. Attention now turns to the Southern Hemisphere, where flu season is just beginning. The likelihood of a third wave of pandemic H1N1 influenza appears to be declining as all indicators of swine flu activity remain low throughout the bulk of the country, according to data released Friday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Source: Los Angeles Times - Science)

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)

March 19 - CDC: Everyday Preventive Actions That Can Help Fight Germs, Like Flu

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

CDC recommends a three-step approach to fighting influenza (flu). (Source: PandemicFlu.gov RSS Feed for News Releases)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Swine flu spread by jet-setting private school children, expert claims

The Telegraph : Swine Flu A H1N1 — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 20:14:42 +0100

Swine flu in Britain was partially spread by rich public school children returning from exotic holidays, a leading expert on flu pandemics has claimed. (Source: The Telegraph : Swine Flu A H1N1)

March 19 - Weekly FluView Map and Surveillance Report for Week Ending March 13, 2010

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

This document provides FluView Map and Surveillance Report for Week Ending March 13, 2010 (Source: PandemicFlu.gov RSS Feed for News Releases)

The experiences of health care workers employed in an Australian intensive care unit during the H1N1 Influenza pandemic of 2009: A phenomenological study

International Journal of Nursing Studies — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:54:44 +0100

Conclusions: Planning for a pandemic situation is invariably difficult due to the unpredictable nature of the event itself. Recommendations for future pandemic planning which can be drawn from this study include the appointment of a dedicated infection control representative to provide information and support regarding infection control matters; the maintenance of effective communication channels is crucial; and the increased staffing requirements across nursing, medical, allied health and ancillary staff to cope with the higher patient numbers and acuity must be anticipated and planned for. (Source: International Journal of Nursing Studies)

The Usefulness of Pathogen Inactivation During an Outbreak of the New Strain of Influenza (H1N1)

Transfusion Medicine Reviews — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:31:47 +0100

The degree of attention surrounding the pandemic of a new strain of influenza virus (H1N1) has posed major crisis management problems to health care workers worldwide. In the Kansai region of Japan, the number of blood donors has fallen by approximately 40%. This drop in blood donations has been due to an increase in the number of people unwilling to leave their homes as a result of being exposed to and the possible spread of this new strain of influenza. The World Health Organization predicted that the number of blood donors would decrease by 25% in the event of a widespread H1N1 virus outbreak, but the decrease in blood donation in Japan far exceeded this figure. This fact has fulfilled the previously predicted concern that blood transfusions could be significantly impaired in the event ...

H1N1 influenza A presenting as bacterial tracheitis

Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:22:37 +0100

Abstract: Six cases of bacterial tracheitis (BT) occurring early in the 2009 flu season have been isolated in conjunction with the H1N1 strain of influenza A (H1N1). No previous H1N1 cases have presented as BT in the literature to date. We would like to discuss viral coinfection in BT patients and how this new strain may affect the rate and type of presentation encountered. The life-threatening potential of BT and the pandemic proportion of H1N1 highlight a possibly dangerous combination that should be recognized by the otolaryngology community. In hospitalized patients with presumed BT, consideration should be given to routine H1N1 testing and the addition of antiviral medication when indicated as this entity is further investigated. (Source: Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery)

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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)

Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 - update 92

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

Study finds H1N1 flu in pregnancy is critical risk

Reuters: Health — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:04:23 +0100

LONDON (Reuters) - Pregnant women in Australia and New Zealand who had pandemic H1N1 flu were 13 times more likely to become critically ill and be admitted to hospital, researchers said on Friday. (Source: Reuters: Health)

[Perspectives] Book: Responding to HIV/AIDS: beyond science and statistics

LANCET — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

I have cared for young children with HIV infection in South Africa since 1995. Looking back, it strikes me how positive clinical developments in HIV/AIDS care have transformed the demeanour and optimism of parents and the general mood in our outpatient waiting room. In the 1990s, it was a quiet, sad space, punctuated by the persistent cough of patients with bronchiectasis, and filled with desperately ill, emaciated, and dying children and adults. Today the waiting room is a happier, more lively place, frequented by alert and healthy babies, children, and parents, who enjoy each other's company, munch away on snacks, and contribute to a much improved—albeit at times excessive—noise level. This change reflects the steps we have taken since the 1990s in responding to the HIV/AIDS pandemic...

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)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Pandemic H1N1 (2009) swine flu vaccines can now be used for travellers to the Southern Hemisphere

NeLM - News — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Source: Department of Health Area: News The Director of Immunisation has written to GPs to inform them that the H1N1 (2009) swine flu vaccine can be provided for protection of travellers to Southern Hemisphere countries during their influenza season. The swine flu vaccine can be given to reduce the risk of people travelling to these countries catching swine flu whilst abroad and bringing the virus back. This is in accordance with advice from the Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), as outlined in a previous letter from the Department of Health (18/02/10 - see below). The Southern Hemisphere influenza season is expected to start shortly - further information on this is available from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (website: ww...

Pandemic H1N1 vaccine uptake figures for England by SHA and PCT

NeLM - News — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Source: Department of Health Area: News The Department of Health has published preliminary data on swine flu vaccinations given up to 28 February 2010 at the SHA and PCT/Trust levels, to both patients and front line healthcare workers. Please see the link below for details. (Source: NeLM - News)

Co-benefits and 'no regrets' benefits of influenza pandemic planning

Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

(Source: Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses)

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

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

(Source: Blood)

Multilocus Variable Number Tandem Repeats Analysis (MLVA) of Vibrio cholerae O1 El Tor Strains Harbouring Classical Toxin B.

Journal of Medical Microbiology — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Choi SY, Lee JH, Jeon YS, Lee HR, Kim EJ, Anssaruzzaman M, Bhuiyan N, Endtz H, Niyogi S, Sarkar B, Nair G, Nguyen B, Hien N, Czerkinsky C, Clemens J, Chun J, Kim DW Atypical Vibrio cholerae O1 strains, hybrid strains (strains that cannot be classified either as El Tor or classical biotype) and altered strains (El Tor biotype strains that produce classical cholera toxin), are currently prevalent in Asia and Africa. A total of 74 hybrid and altered strains that harbor classical cholera toxin were investigated by Multilocus Variable-Number Tandem Repeat Analysis (MLVA). The results showed that the hybrid/altered strains could be categorized into three groups and they were distant from the El Tor strain responsible for the seventh cholera pandemic. Hybrid/altered strains with a ta...

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Fixing PB2 E627K In Pandemic H1N1

Recombinomics — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:36:50 +0100

The commentary discusses the fixing of PB2 E627K in pandemic H1N1. (03/17/10 02:24) (Source: Recombinomics)

Patients with Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 in Intensive Care Units, Israel, E. Kopel et al.

Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:00:00 +0100

(Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal)

Risk for Transmission of Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Virus by Blood Transfusion, C. Matsumoto et al.

Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:00:00 +0100

(Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal)

Household Transmission Of H1N1 Influenza During Initial Outbreak Limited By Preventive Behaviors

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:00:00 +0100

Simple, common sense behaviors, including having a discussion at home about how to prevent influenza, can help limit the spread of H1N1 in a household, according to a study of the initial outbreak in New York City in 2009. Published in the April 1 issue of The Journal of Infectious Diseases, the study is available online. People with influenza symptoms are often told to stay home from work or school, which is why scientists need to understand how household transmission works and how to control it, not only in responding to H1N1 but also in preparing for future pandemics... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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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Non-invasive ventilation for critically ill patients with Pandemic H1N1 2009 Influenza A Virus infection.

Critical Care — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

N/A (Source: Critical Care)

Physician's Focus: H1N1 and Seasonal Flu, Too

Modern Medicine — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

2010 started off with the percent of doctors' visits caused by flu-like symptoms under the 3-year average national baseline. H1N1 flu activity had leveled off below expected numbers, but the CDC cautioned that the pandemic was not over and the virus continued to circulate, causing illness, hospitalizations, and deaths. Seasonal flu strains were not being seen in substantial numbers. (Source: Modern Medicine)

[Diabetes mellitus - Pandemic of the 21st Century.]

Praxis — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Henzen C The prevalence of type 2 diabetes correlates with the prevalence of obesity. Even a BMI in the upper normal range increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, and mortality is doubled at a BMI of 27 and 12 times increased at a BMI over 40. Genotype scoring predicts only a minority of type 2 diabetes, therefore changing habits and modifying risk factors would have a great effect in preventing type 2 diabetes in patients with impaired glucose tolerance. Actually, changing lifestyle habits proved to be more successful than pharmacological intervention. The aim of medical treatment in type 2 diabetes is quality of life and HbA1c below 7%. PMID: 20235024 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Praxis)

Pandemic flu vaccine talks start

CBC | Health — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 22:55:32 +0100

The federal government has told the vaccine industry it wants to explore options for Canada's next pandemic flu vaccine contract, including having a back-up supplier. (Source: CBC | Health)

Talks underway for next pandemic flu vaccine contract

CTV Health — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 22:04:53 +0100

The federal government has told the vaccine industry it wants to explore options for Canada's next pandemic flu vaccine contract. (Source: CTV Health)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

March 16 - CDC: Morbid Obesity as a Risk Factor for Hospitalization and Death due to 2009 H1N1

PandemicFlu.gov RSS Feed for News Releases — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 22:00:00 +0100

This document provides updated information on obesity and morbid obesity as risk factors for serious 2009 H1N1-related complications based on findings from recent studies. (Source: PandemicFlu.gov RSS Feed for News Releases)

Questioning the Salicylates and Influenza Pandemic Mortality Hypothesis in 1918–1919

Clinical Infectious Diseases Latest Issue — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 16:35:24 +0100

Clinical Infectious Diseases, Volume 50, Issue 8, Page 1203, 15 April 2010. (Source: Clinical Infectious Diseases Latest Issue)

Healthcare Epidemiology: Planning for the Inevitable: Preparing for Epidemic and Pandemic Respiratory Illness in the Shadow of H1N1 Influenza

Clinical Infectious Diseases Latest Issue — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 16:35:22 +0100

Clinical Infectious Diseases, Volume 50, Issue 8, Page 1145-1154, 15 April 2010. The recent outbreak of novel H1N1 influenza has underscored the importance of hospital preparedness in responding to epidemic and pandemic respiratory illness. Comprehensive planning for the emergence of novel respiratory pathogens should be based on an all‐hazards approach, with the input of key stakeholders. A staged, scalable model allows for a flexible response, and the addition of a medical control chief and a situational assessment chief to the incident command system provides the clinical and epidemiologic expertise essential for effective implementation. Strategies for coordinated and efficient communication both within and outside the institution should be clearly outlined. Furthermore, the ou...

H1N1 E627K In India Raises Pandemic Concerns

Recombinomics — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:30:03 +0100

The commentary discusses pandemic implications of PB2 E627K in three patients in India. (03/16/10 14:44) (Source: Recombinomics)

Swine To Swine Transmission of Pandemic H1N1 In MN IL IA

Recombinomics — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:30:03 +0100

The commentary discusses the spread of pandemic H1N1 between swine herds in the United States. (03/15/10 17:40) (Source: Recombinomics)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Nigeria: 'Stop Stigmatising People Living With HIV/Aids'

AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 10:43:09 +0100

Senate President David Mark has warned against stigmatization and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). He also commended the Institute of Human Virology (IHVN) for its commitment in fighting the pandemic in the country. (Source: AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs)

Obesity Impairs Body's "Memory" Of How To Fight Flu

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Obesity may limit the body's ability to develop immunity to influenza viruses, particularly secondary infections, by inhibiting the immune system's ability to "remember" how it fought off previous similar bouts of illness, according to new research from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The results, published in the March 15, 2010, issue of The Journal of Immunology, support recent suggestions by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that obesity is as much a risk factor for H1N1 pandemic strains of flu as age (very young and very old) and compromised immunity... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

'Coughs and sneezes' crippling NHS

OnMedica Latest News — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Campaign group says patients with trivial ailments must be educated to care for themselvesRelated items from OnMedicaMassive rise in demand for NHS DirectGPs to spearhead swine flu mass vaccinationRoutine cervical screening saves lives in older womenSteep rise in Down's syndrome pregnanciesNational Flu Pandemic Service launched (Source: OnMedica Latest News)

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...

Bovine lactoferrin inhibits Influenza A virus induced programmed cell death in vitro.

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

Authors: Pietrantoni A, Dofrelli E, Tinari A, Ammendolia MG, Puzelli S, Fabiani C, Donatelli I, Superti F Influenza is one of the main plagues worldwide. The statistical likelihood of a new pandemic outbreak, together with the alarming emergence of influenza virus strains that are resistant to available antiviral medications, highlights the need for new antiviral drugs. Lactoferrin, a 80 kDa bi-globular iron-binding glycoprotein, is a pleiotropic factor with potent antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activities. Although the antiviral effect of lactoferrin is one of its major biological functions, the mechanism of action is still under debate. In this research, we have analyzed the effect of bovine lactoferrin (bLf) on Influenza A virus infection in vitro. Our results showed that (i) In...

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Statement of Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., Director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, on National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, March 20, 2010

National Institutes of Health (NIH) News Releases — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 19:51:00 +0100

On National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of NIH, joins American Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians in remembering those who have succumbed to HIV/AIDS. We at NIAID reaffirm our commitment on this occasion to the goal of controlling and ultimately ending this devastating pandemic. (Source: National Institutes of Health (NIH) News Releases)

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...

Potential Pandemic H1N1 Mismatches Raise Concern

Recombinomics — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:42:08 +0100

The commentary discusses potential mismatch with the 2009 pandemic vaccine. (03/15/10 11:45) (Source: Recombinomics)

Tanzania: Private Sector Urged to Take Driver's Seat in Fighting HIV /Aids

AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:55:57 +0100

The private sector in the country should contribute financial resources to fight sexually transmitted diseases particularly the HIV/AIDS pandemic. (Source: AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs)

After swine flu frenzy, biotechs come back to earth

bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 04:00:00 +0100

For much of 2009, the swine flu was the biotech industry’s cash cow. The virus’s sudden contagion last spring spread rapidly and lucratively to the local life sciences community, where a handful of companies scrambled to assemble enough money and staffers to launch studies, conduct research and shape products to respond to the first documented flu pandemic in 40 years. (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Household H1N1 Transmission Usually Starts With Children

Modern Medicine — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Early in the 2009 outbreak of pandemic H1N1 influenza, household transmission primarily occurred from children to other household members, according to a study in the April issue of Emerging Infectious Diseases. (Source: Modern Medicine)

Adaptive Interactions between HLA and HIV-1: Highly Divergent Selection Imposed by HLA Class I Molecules with Common Supertype Motifs.

Journal of Immunology — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: John M, Heckerman D, James I, Park LP, Carlson JM, Chopra A, Gaudieri S, Nolan D, Haas DW, Riddler SA, Haubrich R, Mallal S Currently, 1.1 million individuals in the United States are living with HIV-1 infection. Although this is a relatively small proportion of the global pandemic, the remarkable mix of ancestries in the United States, drawn together over the past two centuries of continuous population migrations, provides an important and unique perspective on adaptive interactions between HIV-1 and human genetic diversity. HIV-1 is a rapidly adaptable organism and mutates within or near immune epitopes that are determined by the HLA class I genotype of the infected host. We characterized HLA-associated polymorphisms across the full HIV-1 proteome in a large, ethnically dive...

A pandemic response to a disease of predominantly seasonal intensity.

Med J Aust — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Collignon PJ PMID: 20230359 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Med J Aust)

Comparison of adult patients hospitalised with pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza and seasonal influenza during the "PROTECT" phase of the pandemic response.

Med J Aust — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Davies AR, Webb SA, Seppelt IM, Bellomo R PMID: 20230358 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Med J Aust)

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...

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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...

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...

Planning for the Inevitable: Preparing for Epidemic and Pandemic Respiratory Illness in the Shadow of H1N1 Influenza

Clinical Infectious Diseases Latest Issue — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 08:04:35 +0100

Clinical Infectious Diseases, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page 000, Latest Articles. The recent outbreak of novel H1N1 influenza has underscored the importance of hospital preparedness in responding to epidemic and pandemic respiratory illness. Comprehensive planning for the emergence of novel respiratory pathogens should be based on an all‐hazards approach, with the input of key stakeholders. A staged, scalable model allows for a flexible response, and the addition of a medical control chief and a situational assessment chief to the incident command system provides the clinical and epidemiologic expertise essential for effective implementation. Strategies for coordinated and efficient communication both within and outside the institution should be clearly outlined. Furthermore, the outbrea...

Children With Chronic Respiratory Illness Are Vulnerable To Critical H1N1

Health News from Medical News Today — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

As critical care professionals develop a better understanding of the progression of H1N1, they are becoming better prepared to treat children with severe cases, according to a new study that will be published in the March issue of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine (PCCM). Additionally, with careful management, the pediatric critical care system is expected to be able to meet the increased demands of a flu pandemic, according to a resource modeling study published in the same issue of PCCM... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

March 12 - WHO Updates International H1N1 Flu Situation

PandemicFlu.gov RSS Feed for News Releases — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 22:00:00 +0100

(Source: PandemicFlu.gov RSS Feed for News Releases)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

March 12 - Weekly FluView Map and Surveillance Report for Week Ending March 6, 2010

PandemicFlu.gov RSS Feed for News Releases — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 22:00:00 +0100

(Source: PandemicFlu.gov RSS Feed for News Releases)

Children with chronic respiratory illness are vulnerable to critical H1N1

ScienceDaily Headlines — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 22:00:00 +0100

As critical care professionals develop a better understanding of the progression of H1N1, they are becoming better prepared to treat children with severe cases. Additionally, with careful management, the pediatric critical care system is expected to be able to meet the increased demands of a flu pandemic. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Vibrio parahaemolyticus-associated gastroenteritis in Italy: persistent occurrence of O3:K6 pandemic clone and emergence of O1:KUT serotype

Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:32:53 +0100

We report 2 cases of O3:K6 and O1:KUT Vibrio parahaemolyticus gastroenteritis associated with consumption of local mussels in Italy in 2008. Serotypic, antibiogram, toxigenic, and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis patterns of these strains were compared to those of other isolates collected from local clinical and seafood samples in 2007 to 2008. We underline the recurrent presence of O3:K6 pandemic clone and the emergence of trh-positive O1:KUT serotype in Italy. (Source: Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease)

Emergence of human pandemic O25:H4-ST131 CTX-M-15 extended-spectrum-{beta}-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli among companion animals

Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:27:27 +0100

Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that the group of clonally related human B2-O25:H4-ST131 CTX-M-15-type ESBL-producing E. coli strains is present in companion animals from various European countries. This highlights the possibility of inter-species transmission of these multiresistant strains from human to animal and vice versa. (Source: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy)

Time to Plan for Palliative Care Pandemic: An Expert Interview With Phillip E. Rodgers, MD, FAAHPM

Medscape Medical News Headlines — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:09:14 +0100

A pandemic would create a massive need for palliative care services, mandating significant planning for resource allocation. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines)

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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)

Epidemic of Vitamin D deficiency sweeping the world

NaturalNews.com — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

(NaturalNews) There is an epidemic of vitamin D deficiency sweeping across our modern world, and it's an epidemic of such depth and seriousness that it makes the H1N1 swine flu epidemic look like a case of the sniffles by comparison. Vitamin D deficiency is not only alarmingly widespread, it's also a root cause of many other serious diseases such as cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis and heart disease.A new study published in the March, 2010 issue of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that a jaw-dropping 59 percent of the population is vitamin D deficient. In addition, nearly 25 percent of the study subjects were found to have extremely low levels of vitamin D.Lead author of the study, Dr. Richard Kremer at the McGill University Health Center, said "Abnormal levels of v...

Proteomic analysis of PBMCs: characterization of potential HIV-associated proteins

Proteome Science — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Together, this work provided useful information to facilitate further investigation of the underlying mechanism of HIV and host cell protein interactions, and discovered novel potential biomarkers such as fragment of vinculin, filamin-A and talin-1 for anti-HIV research. (Source: Proteome Science)

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)

Hypercytokinemia with 2009 pandemic H1N1 (pH1N1) influenza successfully treated with polymyxin B-immobilized fiber column hemoperfusion

Intensive Care Medicine — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:09:05 +0100

Hypercytokinemia with 2009 pandemic H1N1 (pH1N1) influenza successfully treated with polymyxin B-immobilized fiber column hemoperfusion Content Type Journal ArticleCategory CorrespondenceDOI 10.1007/s00134-010-1830-8Authors Shinhiro Takeda, Nippon Medical School Division of Intensive Care Unit and Coronary Care Unit 1-1-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku Tokyo 113-8603 JapanRyo Munakata, Nippon Medical School Division of Intensive Care Unit and Coronary Care Unit 1-1-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku Tokyo 113-8603 JapanShinji Abe, Nippon Medical School Internal Medicine, Department of Pulmonary Medicine/Infection and Oncology Tokyo JapanSeiji Mii, Nippon Medical School Division of Intensive Care Unit and Coronary Care Unit 1-1-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku Tokyo 113-8603 JapanManabu Suzuki, Nippon Medical School Divisio...

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Household Transmission of Pandemic (H1N1) 2009, San Antonio, Texas, USA, April–May 2009, O.W. Morgan et al.

Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:00:00 +0100

(Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal)

Targeting early infection to prevent HIV-1 mucosal transmission

Nature — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:40:50 +0100

Authors: Ashley T. Haase Measures to prevent sexual mucosal transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 are urgently needed to curb the growth of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) pandemic and ultimately bring it to an end. Studies in animal models and acute HIV-1 infection reviewed here reveal potential viral vulnerabilities at the mucosal portal of entry in the earliest stages of infection that might be most effectively targeted by vaccines and microbicides, thereby preventing acquisition and averting systemic infection, CD4 T-cell depletion and pathologies that otherwise rapidly ensue. (Source: Nature)

World Kidney Day Podcast

Kidney Cancer Association — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:14:00 +0100

The focus on diabetic kidney disease for World Kidney Day 2010 brings awareness of the magnitude of the problem and ramifications for global health for people with diabetes and kidney disease. It is therefore time to act and act urgently. It is time for strategies that prevent diabetes and its sequelae. It is time for programs for health care workers to diagnose and treat people with diabetic kidney disease. It is time for governments to pass legislation to enable the diabetes pandemic to be controlled. After all, diabetic kidney disease, like the epidemics of infectious diseases that have long dominated public health agendas, is potentially preventable. Indeed, March 11, 2010 is time to act on diabetic kidney disease and to commit to sustaining that action long after World Kidney Day. Li...

2009 H1N1 Influenza and its Impact on People with Chronic Medical Conditions: Questions and Answers

PandemicFlu.gov RSS Feed for News Releases — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:00:00 +0100

The January 12, 2010 National Influenza Vaccination Week Webinar featured Dr. Nicole Lurie with the US Department of Health and Human Services; Dr. Anthony Fiore with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Dr. Otis Webb Brawley with American Cancer Society; Christine Tobin with American Diabetes Association; and Mary Partridge with the American Lung Association. (Source: PandemicFlu.gov RSS Feed for News Releases)

Flu Print Materials Available in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hmong, Korean, Russian and Vietnamese

PandemicFlu.gov RSS Feed for News Releases — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:00:00 +0100

This year's flu materials include messaging to address both Seasonal and 2009 H1N1 flu (sometimes called "swine flu") recommendations. (Source: PandemicFlu.gov RSS Feed for News Releases)

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Low Reactor G158E In 2010 H1N1 Swine Pandemic H1N1

Recombinomics — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:45:11 +0100

The commentary discusses the detection of low reactor marker G158E in recent pandemic H1N1 in swine. (03/11/10 12:50) (Source: Recombinomics)

Pharmacy Swine Flu Trial Moves Into Phase II - Pharmaceutical Society Of Australia

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

The first phase of a swine flu vaccination program trial conducted in Tasmania by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia and the Department of Health and Human Services has proved popular with the community. Phase II of the pandemic vaccination program will now be rolled out to allow pharmacy-based clinics to support other elements of the swine flu vaccination program. During Phase I last month, more than 2500 patients were vaccinated at five pharmacies by nurse immunisers in just one week... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Pharmacy Swine Flu Trial Moves Into Phase II - Pharmaceutical Society Of Australia

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

The first phase of a swine flu vaccination program trial conducted in Tasmania by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia and the Department of Health and Human Services has proved popular with the community. Phase II of the pandemic vaccination program will now be rolled out to allow pharmacy-based clinics to support other elements of the swine flu vaccination program... (Source: Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today)

Children with chronic respiratory illness are vulnerable to critical H1N1

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0100

(Society of Critical Care Medicine) As critical care professionals develop a better understanding of the progression of H1N1, they are becoming better prepared to treat children with severe cases. Additionally, with careful management, the pediatric critical care system is expected to be able to meet the increased demands of a flu pandemic. These studies are published in the March issue of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

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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Long-term outcome of surgically managed necrotizing enterocolitis in a developing country

Pediatric Surgery International — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:57:10 +0100

Conclusion Necrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants impacts morbidity and mortality considerably. A number do well in a developing country, but septic complications may be ongoing and recurrent. The high risk of neurodevelopmental and other problems continue beyond the neonatal period and patients should be “flagged” on for careful follow-up. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00383-010-2583-8Authors M. Arnold, University of Stellenbosch Department of Paediatric Surgery, Faculty of Medicine P.O. Box 19063 Tygerberg Cape Town 7505 South AfricaS. W. Moore, University of Stellenbosch Department of Paediatric Surgery, Faculty of Medicine P.O. Box 19063 Tygerberg Cape Town 7505 South AfricaD. Sidler, University of Stellenbosch Dep...

Benign acute myositis associated with H1N1 influenza A virus infection

European Journal of Pediatrics — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:50:07 +0100

We report the clinical and laboratory features of four children with benign acute myositis observed during the current outbreak of the novel H1N1 influenza A virus. Our findings were similar to those of previous reports for benign acute myositis associated with seasonal influenza. No patients needed oseltamivir, and all of them showed quick recovery without recurrences. In the current H1N1 influenza virus pandemic, the diagnosis of benign acute myositis must be suspected in those children with flu symptoms and difficulty to walk, taking this into account might help avoiding unnecessary studies. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Short ReportDOI 10.1007/s00431-010-1178-7Authors Esther Rubín, University of Cantabria Department of Pediatrics. “Marqués de Valdecilla” Hospita...

Chapter 8. Medical procedures

Intensive Care Medicine — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:47:22 +0100

Conclusions Judicious planning and adoption of protocols for safe performance of medical procedures are necessary to optimize outcomes during a pandemic. Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00134-010-1766-zAuthors Janice L. Zimmerman, The Methodist Hospital Critical Care Division, Department of Medicine Houston TX USACharles L. Sprung, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine Jerusalem Israel Journal Intensive Care MedicineOnline ISSN 1432-1238Print ISSN 0342-4642 Journal Volume Volume 36 Journal Issue Volume 36, Supplement 1 / April, 2010 (Source: Intensive Care Medicine)

Chapter 4. Manpower

Intensive Care Medicine — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:47:18 +0100

Conclusions Judicious planning and adoption of protocols for providing adequate manpower are necessary to optimize outcomes during a pandemic. Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00134-010-1767-yAuthors Christian Sandrock, UC Davis School of Medicine Intensive Care Unit, Division of Infectious Diseases, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Sacramento CA 95820 USA Journal Intensive Care MedicineOnline ISSN 1432-1238Print ISSN 0342-4642 Journal Volume Volume 36 Journal Issue Volume 36, Supplement 1 / April, 2010 (Source: Intensive Care Medicine)

Chapter 6. Protection of patients and staff during a pandemic

Intensive Care Medicine — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:47:17 +0100

Conclusions Judicious planning and adoption of protocols for protection of patients and staff are necessary to optimise outcomes during a pandemic. Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00134-010-1764-1Authors Bruce L. Taylor, Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust, Queen Alexandra Hospital Cosham Portsmouth Hants PO63LY UKHugh E. Montgomery, University College of London, Whittington Hospital Department of Intensive Care Medicine London UKAndrew Rhodes, St George’s Healthcare NHS Trust Department of Critical Care London SW17 0QT UKCharles L. Sprung, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine Jerusalem Israel Journal Intensive Care MedicineOnline ISSN 1432-1238Print ISSN 0342-4642 Journal Volume Volume 36 ...

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Chapter 1. Introduction

Intensive Care Medicine — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:47:17 +0100

Conclusions The draft SOPs serve as benchmarks for emergency preparedness and response of ICUs to emergencies or outbreak of pandemics. Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00134-010-1760-5Authors Charles L. Sprung, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine Jerusalem IsraelRobert Cohen, Hebrew University Israeli Ministry of Health, Faculty of Medicine Tel Aviv, Jerusalem IsraelBruria Adini, Israeli Ministry of Health, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Tel Aviv, Beersheba Israel Journal Intensive Care MedicineOnline ISSN 1432-1238Print ISSN 0342-4642 Journal Volume Volume 36 Journal Issue Volume 36, Supplement 1 / April, 2010 (Source: Intensive Care Medicine)

Chapter 5. Essential equipment, pharmaceuticals and supplies

Intensive Care Medicine — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:47:17 +0100

Conclusions Judicious planning and adoption of protocols for providing adequate equipment, pharmaceuticals and supplies are necessary to optimize outcomes during a pandemic. Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00134-010-1763-2Authors Charles L. Sprung, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine Jerusalem IsraelJozef Kesecioglu, University Medical Center Utrecht Department of Intensive Care Medicine Utrecht The Netherlands Journal Intensive Care MedicineOnline ISSN 1432-1238Print ISSN 0342-4642 Journal Volume Volume 36 Journal Issue Volume 36, Supplement 1 / April, 2010 (Source: Intensive Care Medicine)

Chapter 3. Coordination and collaboration with interface units

Intensive Care Medicine — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:47:16 +0100

Conclusions Judicious planning and adoption of protocols for coordination and collaboration with interface units are necessary to optimize outcomes during a pandemic. Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00134-010-1762-3Authors Gavin M. Joynt, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care Sha Tin Hong Kong People’s Republic of ChinaShi Loo, Tan Tock Seng Hospital Department of Anaesthesiology Singapore SingaporeBruce L. Taylor, Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust Department of Critical Care Portsmouth UKGila Margalit, Sheba Medical Center Department of Emergency Services Tel Hashomer IsraelMichael D. Christian, Mount Sinai Hospital and University Health Network, University of Toronto Department of Medicine,...

Chapter 9. Educational process

Intensive Care Medicine — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:47:16 +0100

Conclusions Judicious planning and adoption of protocols for staff education are necessary to optimize outcomes during a pandemic. Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00134-010-1768-xAuthors Guy A. Richards, University of the Witwatersrand Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Hospital Johannesburg South AfricaCharles L. Sprung, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine Jerusalem Israel Journal Intensive Care MedicineOnline ISSN 1432-1238Print ISSN 0342-4642 Journal Volume Volume 36 Journal Issue Volume 36, Supplement 1 / April, 2010 (Source: Intensive Care Medicine)

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...

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Chapter 2. Surge capacity and infrastructure considerations for mass critical care

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

Conclusions Judicious planning and adoption of protocols for surge capacity and infrastructure considerations are necessary to optimize outcomes during a pandemic. Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00134-010-1761-4Authors John L. Hick, Hennepin County Medical Center Department of Emergency Medicine Minneapolis MN USAMichael D. Christian, Infectious Diseases and Critical Care, Mount Sinai Hospital & University Health Network, University of Toronto Department of Medicine Toronto CanadaCharles L. Sprung, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine Jerusalem Israel Journal Intensive Care MedicineOnline ISSN 1432-1238Print ISSN 0342-4642 Journal Volume Volume 36 Journal Issue Volume 36, Supplement...

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)

Emergence of viral diseases: mathematical modeling as a tool for infection control, policy and decision making.

Critical Reviews in Microbiology — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Louz D, Bergmans HE, Loos BP, Hoeben RC Mathematical modeling can be used for the development and implementation of infection control policy to combat outbreaks and epidemics of communicable viral diseases. Here an outline is provided of basic concepts and approaches used in mathematical modeling and parameterization of disease transmission. The use of mathematical models is illustrated, using the 2001 UK foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) epidemic, the 2003 global severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) epidemic, and human influenza pandemics, as examples. This provides insights in the strengths, limitations, and weaknesses of the various models, and demonstrates their potential for supporting policy and decision making. PMID: 20218764 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Sour...

Continual seasonal influenza vaccinations for the 2009 H1N1 pandemic.

Clinical and Vaccine Immunology — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Qin CF, Jiang T, Han JF, Li XF, Qin ED, Leng QB Since April, 2009, a new influenza A/H1N1 virus has emerged and spread over the world.... PMID: 20219879 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical and Vaccine Immunology)

H1N1 Seen Lying Low, Then Rising Again in Europe

Medscape Medical News Headlines — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:34:14 +0100

Europe is unlikely to see another wave of pandemic H1N1 flu soon but local epidemics are likely as winter returns to the Northern hemisphere, health officials said on Monday. Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines)

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A Multiscale Model for Virus Capsid Dynamics

International Journal of Biomedical Imaging — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:48:34 +0100

Viruses are infectious agents that can cause epidemics and pandemics. The understanding of virus formation, evolution, stability, and interaction with host cells is of great importance to the scientific community and public health. Typically, a virus complex in association with its aquatic environment poses a fabulous challenge to theoretical description and prediction. In this work, we propose a differential geometry-based multiscale paradigm to model complex biomolecule systems. In our approach, the differential geometry theory of surfaces and geometric measure theory are employed as a natural means to couple the macroscopic continuum domain of the fluid mechanical description of the aquatic environment from the microscopic discrete domain of the atomistic description of the biomolecule....

Radiographic and CT findings in pandemic swine-origin influenza A (H1N1).

European Journal of Internal Medicine — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:37:15 +0100

Authors: Theodorou DJ, Theodorou SJ, Tsoumani A, Gossios K, Akritidis N PMID: 20206868 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: European Journal of Internal Medicine)

Vaccination, squalene and anti-squalene antibodies: Facts or fiction?

European Journal of Internal Medicine — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:37:01 +0100

Authors: Lippi G, Targher G, Franchini M Squalene, a hydrocarbon obtained for commercial purposes primarily from shark liver oil and other botanic sources, is increasingly used as an immunologic adjuvant in several vaccines, including seasonal and the novel influenza A (H1N1) 2009 pandemic flu vaccines. Nearly a decade ago, squalene was supposed to be the experimental anthrax vaccine ingredient that caused the onset of Persian Gulf War syndrome in many veterans, since antibodies to squalene were detected in the blood of most patients affected by this syndrome. This evidence has raised a widespread concern about the safety of squalene containing adjuvants (especially MF59) of influenza vaccines. Nevertheless, further clinical evidence clearly suggested that squalene is poorly immunogeni...

Influenza and the Immune System 2010

Videocast - All Events — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:25:00 +0100

The H1N1 Pandemic has generated intense interest in the interaction of influenza viruses and the human immune system. This one day meeting will cover such topics as pathogenesis and disease, host factors required for virus replication, immune responses and evasion, and vaccines. Confirmed speakers include Nobel Prize recipient Peter Doherty, Brian Murphy (NIAID), Megan Shaw (Mount Sinai)and Philip Dormitzer (Novartis). A full agenda will be sent shortly. Please reserve the date. http://web.ncifcrf.gov/events/CHI/default.aspAir date: 4/9/2010 8:00:00 AM (Source: Videocast - All Events)

H1N1 Virus Appears to Have Ended in Anti-Climax

RWJF News Digest - Public Health — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:40:09 +0100

The nearly year-old H1N1 influenza pandemic that disproportionately affected children and mobilized millions to line up for vaccination seems to have finally abated, and officials estimate that it has killed fewer people than die even in a typical flu season. (Source: RWJF News Digest - Public Health)

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South Africa: More Funds Needed for HIV/Aids, Activists Say

AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 11:51:51 +0100

AIDS activists in Cape Town yesterday called on global leaders to step up funding for HIV treatment, saying failure to do so would cost lives and devastate economies in countries hard hit by the pandemic. (Source: AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs)

Nigeria: HIV/Aids Counselling - GSM Hotline to the Rescue

AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 09:31:20 +0100

NATIONAL Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has said the use of free telephone counselling service has become a big boost to the response of people to the Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immuno-deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) pandemic in the country. (Source: AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs)

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)

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)

Prior infection with classical swine H1N1 influenza viruses is associated with protective immunity to the 2009 pandemic H1N1 virus

Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions These findings indicate that in experimental animals recently induced immunity to 1918-derived H1N1 seasonal influenza viruses, and to a 1976 swine influenza virus, afford a degree of protection against the 2009 pandemic virus. Implications of these findings are discussed in the context of accumulating data suggesting partial protection of older persons during the 2009 pandemic. (Source: Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses)

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Hog in the Limelight: Swine Flu's Got New Genes On

ScienceNOW — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 22:03:55 +0100

The novel H1N1 virus behind the swine flu pandemic has in many ways proved less... [Read more] (Source: ScienceNOW)

H1N1 seen lying low, then rising again in Europe

Reuters: Health — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:10:58 +0100

LONDON (Reuters) - Europe is unlikely to see another wave of pandemic H1N1 flu soon but local epidemics are likely as winter returns to the Northern hemisphere, health officials said on Monday. (Source: Reuters: Health)

CDC Reliance On Negative D225G/N Data Raises H1N1 Concerns

Recombinomics — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 14:58:03 +0100

The commentary discusses the CDC reliance on negative data for statements and policy on the H1N1 pandemic. (03/07/10 19:30) (Source: Recombinomics)

The lessons to be learned from the pandemic

Pulse Today Clinical Updates — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:23:00 +0100

The biggest problem we on the front line have had is that swine flu has only ever been a mild illness. (Source: Pulse Today Clinical Updates)

Nigeria: HIV/Aids - Worries Over Rising Infection Rate

AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 10:13:12 +0100

PROLOGUE Since HIV/AIDS broke out in Nigeria over two decades ago, the pandemic appear not be in a hurry to nosedive. Every year, the number of people contracting the disease in the country swells just as the number of HIV/AIDS related deaths have continued to increase. (Source: AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs)

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Trends in development of the influenza vaccine with broader cross-protection.

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

Authors: Stropkovska A, Janulikova J, Vareckova E Influenza Aviruses cause in humans acute respiratory infections, which spread yearly in the form of epidemics or pandemics. Ahigh variability and broad host specificity of influenza Aviruses are the main reasons of repeated influenza infections. Therefore, no effective prevention against influenza is available today. The main problem of insufficient protection efficacy is that virus-neutralizing antibodies induced by current vaccines are closely strain-specific and the vaccines need to be updated each year. Therefore, various novel approaches to vaccine preparation have been developed with the aim to widen the spectrum of their efficacy. These approaches comprise using new adjuvants as components of the inactivated vaccines, new techniq...

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)

Schizophrenia and 1957 Pandemic of Influenza: Meta-analysis

Schizophrenia Bulletin — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 19:18:35 +0100

Maternal influenza during pregnancy is a controversial risk factor for schizophrenia in the child. We conducted a meta-analysis to examine whether birth during the 9-month period after the pandemic of 1957 was a risk factor for schizophrenia. Studies that compared the risk of schizophrenia among subjects born after the pandemic with that among those born in corresponding time periods in surrounding years were divided into those conducted in the United States, Europe, or Australia (type A studies, n = 8) and those from Japan, where the epidemic came in 2 waves (type B studies, n = 3). Other studies examined the risk among subjects born to mothers who were pregnant during the pandemic and reported having had influenza (type C studies, n = 2). Relative risks (RRs) were extracted or calculated...

Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 - update 90

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

CDC Estimates of 2009 H1N1 Influenza Cases, Hospitalizations and Deaths in the United States, April 2009 to January 16, 2010

PandemicFlu.gov RSS Feed for News Releases — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 02:00:00 +0100

Estimating the number of individual flu cases in the United States is very challenging because many people with flu don't seek medical care and only a small number of those that do seek care are tested. (Source: PandemicFlu.gov RSS Feed for News Releases)

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Weekly FluView Map and Surveillance Report for Week Ending Feb 27, 2010

PandemicFlu.gov RSS Feed for News Releases — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 02:00:00 +0100

During week 8 (February 21-27, 2010), influenza activity remained at approximately the same levels as last week in the U.S. (Source: PandemicFlu.gov RSS Feed for News Releases)

CDC and American College Health Association Spring Break Vaccination Letter

PandemicFlu.gov RSS Feed for News Releases — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 02:00:00 +0100

Although flu activity has declined in recent weeks, 2009 H1N1 Influenza viruses continue to spread in the United States and abroad, causing illness, hospitalizations and even deaths. (Source: PandemicFlu.gov RSS Feed for News Releases)

NIAID Study: Vaccinating Children against Flu Helps Protect Wider Community

PandemicFlu.gov RSS Feed for News Releases — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 02:00:00 +0100

Trial Results in Rural Canadians Show Effect of Herd Immunity (Source: PandemicFlu.gov RSS Feed for News Releases)

[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)

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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...

DH press release: Vaccination available for protection against swine flu now and in the future

NeLM - News — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Source: Department of Health (DH) Area: News This update from the Department of Health (DH) provides information on the current situation with pandemic H1N1 influenza (swine flu) and reiterates the importance of vaccination. Statistics on the numbers of swine flu cases and vaccine uptake are also provided. (Source: NeLM - News)

Department of Defense Position on Patient Movement During Influenza A (H1N1) Pandemic: Implications for Actions Now

Military Medicine — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:02:39 +0100

(Source: Military Medicine)

Awareness, Acceptance and Action: Developing Mindful Collaborations in International HIV/AIDS Research and Service

British Journal of Social Work — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:39:42 +0100

Responses to the global pandemic of HIV/AIDS are enhanced when all parties have opportunities to express their needs and goals, assess their capacities for contributing to desired change and recruit support where resources, skills or expertise are required. The sense of urgency, strongly held beliefs and deeply seated anxieties that often accompany HIV-related illness challenge potential collaborators to be both mindful and strategic as they work together for success. Key concerns associated with international social work collaboration are examined with attention to mindfulness principles of awareness, acceptance and action. Emphasis is placed on developing awareness of complex motivations and on making accurate personal, social and environmental assessments. Collaborators are encouraged t...

Swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) in Indian children.

Annals of Tropical Paediatrics — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:32:03 +0100

CONCLUSION: S-OIV infection in Indian children had features similar to those of seasonal influenza. Lymphopenia is an important feature of S-OIV. PMID: 20196934 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Annals of Tropical Paediatrics)

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Three Studies Demonstrate the Safety and Efficacy of Pandemic H1N1 Flu Vaccine

Medscape Today Headlines — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 12:04:26 +0100

Results from H1N1 flu vaccine studies conducted in the US, China, and Hungary provide reassuring safety and efficacy information. Journal Watch (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Nigeria: Attacking Pandemics Through Work-Place Policy

AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 09:23:07 +0100

The three pandemics of HIV/AIDs, Tuberculosis and Malaria affect all segments of the society, especially women and youth who are the current workforce. As a result, some experts recently agreed that any organisation that is not prepared to tackle these health challenges will most likely experience some adverse effects on organisational productivity. ROLAND OGBONNAYA writes (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)

FDA Issues Final Guidance To Boost Development Of Cell-Based Viral Vaccines

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 04:00:00 +0100

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued final guidance to help manufacturers who are developing safe and effective cell-based viral vaccines to address emerging and pandemic threats. Titled "Guidance for Industry: Characterization and Qualification of Cell Substrates and Other Biological Materials Used in the Production of Viral Vaccines for Infectious Disease Indications," the document will aid manufacturers who wish to use new cell substrates for vaccine production, such as for influenza vaccines. Currently, all licensed influenza vaccines are produced in chicken eggs... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

FDA Issues Final Guidance To Boost Development Of Cell-Based Viral Vaccines

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 04:00:00 +0100

Nanoparticle detection of respiratory infection

Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Nanomedicine and Nanobiotechnology — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Respiratory viruses are a constant concern for all demographics. Examples include established viruses such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), the leading cause of respiratory infection in infants and young children, and emerging viruses such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), which reached near pandemic levels in 2003, or H1N1 (swine) influenza. Despite this prevalence, traditional methods of virus detection are typically labor intensive and require several days to successfully confirm infection. Recently, however, nanoparticle-based detection strategies have been employed in an effort to develop detection assays that are both sensitive and expedient. Each of these platforms capitalizes on the unique properties of nanoparticles for the detection of respiratory viruses. In this...

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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)

Estimating the impact of the 2009 influenza A(H1N1) pandemic on mortality in the elderly in Navarre, Spain

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

(Source: Eurosurveillance latest news)

Authors' reply: Estimating the impact of the 2009 influenza A(H1N1) pandemic on mortality in the elderly in Navarre, Spain

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

(Source: Eurosurveillance latest news)

Pandemic 2009 Influenza A(H1N1) in Argentina: A Study of 337 Patients on Mechanical Ventilation.

American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Patients with 2009 influenza A(H1N1) requiring mechanical ventilation were mostly middle-aged adults, often with comorbidities, and frequently developed severe ARDS and multiorgan failure requiring advanced organ support. Case-fatality rate was accordingly high. PMID: 20203241 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine)

Performance of direct fluorescent antibody staining, point-of-care rapid antigen test and virus isolation for the detection of novel 2009 influenza A (H1N1) virus in comparison to RT-PCR in respiratory specimens.

Journal of Medical Microbiology — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Ganzenmueller T, Kluba J, Hilfrich B, Puppe W, Verhagen W, Heim A, Schulz T, Henke-Gendo C Although infections with the novel pandemic 2009 influenza A (H1N1) virus (A(H1N1)2009) appeared relatively mild during the first summer of circulation 'off-season'), there has been significant morbidity, hospitalization, and several fatal cases. Thus, rapid detection of A(H1N1)2009 is crucial for efficient treatment and infection control measures. In contrast to seasonal influenza, where point-of-care (POC) rapid antigen tests and direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) staining ensure rapid detection, diagnosis of A(H1N1)2009 is hitherto based on RT-PCR. We retrospectively analyzed the performance of the Quidel QuickVue POC test, DFA staining and virus isolation for A(H1N1)2009 detection in ...

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EU Radiology: H1N1 vaccination increases FDG uptake in the lymph nodes

Health Imaging News — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 19:29:25 +0100

PET/CT with 18F-FDG needs to be accurately interpreted since higher FDG uptake is seen in axillary lymph nodes after vaccination against pandemic swine-origin influenza A (H1N1), according to a study published online Feb. 26 in European Radiology. (Source: Health Imaging News)

EU Radiology: H1N1 vaccination increases FDG uptake in the lymph nodes

Health Imaging News — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 19:29:25 +0100

Prevention of pandemic influenza after mass gatherings - learning from Hajj

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

(Source: JRSM)

Sloppy Surveillance Raises H1N1 Pandemic Concerns

Recombinomics — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 14:39:14 +0100

The commentary discusses sloppy H1N1 surveillance in Europe. (03/02/10 19:31) (Source: Recombinomics)

Vaccine Failure In Severe H1N1 Cases

Recombinomics — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 14:39:14 +0100

The commentary discusses the impact of vaccine resistant severe pandemic H1N1. (03/02/10 15:45) (Source: Recombinomics)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

FDA Issues Final Guidance to Boost Development of Cell-based Viral Vaccines

PandemicFlu.gov RSS Feed for News Releases — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 14:00:00 +0100

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today issued final guidance to help manufacturers who are developing safe and effective cell-based viral vaccines to address emerging and pandemic threats. (Source: PandemicFlu.gov RSS Feed for News Releases)

Pandemic H1N1 may become drug resistant

Health News - UPI.com — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 04:29:28 +0100

COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 2 (UPI) -- If the behavior of the seasonal form of the H1N1 virus is any indication most strains of H1N1will become resistant to Tamiflu, U.S. researchers suggest. (Source: Health News - UPI.com)

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...

Pandemic flu, like seasonal H1N1, shows signs of resisting Tamiflu

ScienceDaily Headlines — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:00:00 +0100

If the behavior of the seasonal form of the H1N1 influenza virus is any indication, scientists say that chances are good that most strains of the pandemic H1N1 flu virus will become resistant to Tamiflu, the main drug stockpiled for use against it. Researchers have traced the evolutionary history of the seasonal H1N1 influenza virus, which first infected humans during the 1918 pandemic. It is one of three seasonal influenza A viruses that commonly infect humans. The others are H1N2 and H3N2. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

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)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Pandemic Flu, Like Seasonal H1N1, Shows Signs Of Resisting Tamiflu

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

If the behavior of the seasonal form of the H1N1 influenza virus is any indication, scientists say that chances are good that most strains of the pandemic H1N1 flu virus will become resistant to Tamiflu, the main drug stockpiled for use against it. Researchers at Ohio State University have traced the evolutionary history of the seasonal H1N1 influenza virus, which first infected humans during the 1918 pandemic. It is one of three seasonal influenza A viruses that commonly infect humans. The others are H1N2 and H3N2... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Pandemic Flu, Like Seasonal H1N1, Shows Signs Of Resisting Tamiflu

Public Health News From Medical News Today — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Hard surfaces can harbor virus for 48 hrs.

Health News - UPI.com — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 06:20:07 +0100

NORTH CANTON, Ohio, March 2 (UPI) -- Hard surfaces emerged as a key source of bacterial and viral infections during the H1N1 pandemic, a U.S. physician says. (Source: Health News - UPI.com)

Maintenance ribavirin monotherapy: The case for post-transplantation recurrent hepatitis C

Digestive and Liver Disease — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Hepatitis C is a world pandemic with more than 175 million people affected world wide. As a leading cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma it is a major health problem. (Source: Digestive and Liver Disease)

Influenza Vaccines: From Surveillance Through Production to Protection

Mayo Clinic Proceedings — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 18:02:04 +0100

Influenza is an important contributor to population and individual morbidity and mortality. The current influenza pandemic with novel H1N1 has highlighted the need for health care professionals to better understand the processes involved in creating influenza vaccines, both for pandemic as well as for seasonal influenza. This review presents an overview of influenza-related topics to help meet this need and includes a discussion of the burden of disease, virology, epidemiology, viral surveillance, and vaccine strain selection. We then present an overview of influenza vaccine—related topics, including vaccine production, vaccine efficacy and effectiveness, influenza vaccine misperceptions, and populations that are recommended to receive vaccination. English-language articles in PubMed...

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Sensitivity of Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Testing for Swine-Origin 2009 A (H1N1) Influenza Virus in Children

PEDIATRICS — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 16:02:29 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: The sensitivity of RIDT for detection of S-OIV is higher than recently reported in mixed adult-pediatric populations but remains suboptimal. (Source: PEDIATRICS)

Could Mini Labs and Plant-Based Vaccines Stop the Next Pandemic?

Scientific American Topic - Medical Technology — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 15:00:00 +0100

The H1N1 virus's rapid spread worldwide last year exposed the weaknesses in the global system for swiftly developing, manufacturing and distributing vaccines for newly identified strains of influenza. In Texas, researchers are attacking the first two of these problems through Project GreenVax , which will use a plant-based approach to vaccine development and a modular manufacturing environment that can scale quickly as vaccine demand grows. [More] (Source: Scientific American Topic - Medical Technology)

Could Mini Labs and Plant-Based Vaccines Stop the Next Pandemic?

Scientific American - Official RSS Feed — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 15:00:00 +0100

Could Mini Labs and Plant-Based Vaccines Stop the Next Pandemic?

Scientific American Topic - Biotechnology — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 15:00:00 +0100