MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'influenza pandemic'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:14:49 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4622345&cid=t_286678_113_f&fid=39278&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogsite.mdbuyline.com%2F%3Fp%3D217 A highly sensitive laboratory test that uses gold nanoparticles caught my interest.  The need for accuracy has allowed DNA laboratory tests for genetics and infectious diseases to become the standard of care.  But, when it comes to infectious diseases, speed and ease of use can make a test much more valuable. Each year, over 12 million patients will seek emergency room treatment for flu symptoms.  These patients may spend hours in the ER and 200,000 will eventually be hospitalized.  One concern of respiratory viruses is pandemic influenza control.  Historical data shows that rapid tests used to detect outbreaks in institutions play an important role in controlling pandemic influenza. Researchers have developed the Verigene System, which uses DNA probes that coat the molecules of inter... MD Buyline blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4622345 Tue, 22 Mar 2011 17:08:48 +0100 4622345 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4450519&cid=t_286678_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F9T71D5oU0mg%2F After reviewing data generated by researchers from Finland, the World Health Organization agrees that a curious link between the GlaxoSmithKline pandemic flu vaccine and narcolepsy should be investigated. And so the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control is now conducting epidemiological studies of narcolepsy and pandemic influenza vaccines…plural. The move comes after Finland’s National Narcolepsy Task Force last week reported an increased risk of narcolepsy among 4 to 19-year-olds who were vaccinated with Glaxo’s Pandemrix. A similar increase in cases have also been reported in Sweden and Iceland. However, the Finnish researchers conceded the findings were inconclusive and more research was needed (look here). The report generated controversy not only because of... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4450519 Tue, 08 Feb 2011 16:20:21 +0100 4450519 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4337541&cid=t_286678_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftraffic.libsyn.com%2Ftwiv%2Fderek_smith.mp4 Derek Smith, Professor of Infectious Disease Informatics, University of Cambridge, U.K., has developed a method for visualizing antigenic evolution by creating two-dimensional maps in a process called antigenic cartography. These maps are made with data that provide information on the antigenic properties of the pathogen. In the case of influenza virus, the data come from measuring the ability of an antiviral antibody to inhibit hemagglutination – binding of virions to red blood cells. Such maps show how amino acid changes can affect antibody binding to virus particles, which cannot be done by comparing nucleotide sequences of different virus isolates. By charting influenza virus strains in this way, it should be possible to better understand genetic and antigenic evolution. I discussed ... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4337541 Fri, 07 Jan 2011 16:05:04 +0100 4337541 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4277636&cid=t_286678_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.rawvoice.com%2Fpmn_twiv%2Ftraffic.libsyn.com%2Ftwiv%2FTWiV112.mp3 Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Alan Dove, and Rich Condit On episode #112 of the podcast This Week in Virology, Vincent, Alan, and Rich review the making of a virulent poxvirus by insertion of the gene encoding IL-4, and severe 2009 H1N1 influenza due to pathogenic immune complexes. Download TWiV #112 (71 MB .mp3, 98 minutes). To download, right-click or control-click on the link, then select save as. Subscribe to TWiV (free) in iTunes , at the Zune Marketplace, by the RSS feed, or by email, or listen on your mobile device with Stitcher Radio. Links for this episode: Expression of IL-4 makes a killer poxvirus Additional studies on poxvirus-IL-4 recombinants Creation of killer poxvirus could have been predicted Interleukin regulation of Th responses Severe pandemic H1N1 disease due to immune... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4277636 Sun, 19 Dec 2010 18:45:01 +0100 4277636 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4245011&cid=t_286678_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FsoDQyobQdZg%2F Influenza researcher Peter Palese visited yesterday and spoke about “Pandemic influenza: Past and Future”. A key part of his talk was a review of his efforts to produce a universal influenza vaccine which protects against all strains. He used the following graph to make the point that when influenza pandemic strains emerge, there is insufficient time to deliver a vaccine using current technology. Image source: CIDRAP The graph depicts the percentage of visits for influenza-like illness (ILI – the red line) and distribution of the swine-origin influenza vaccine (blue line) from September 2009 to May 2010 in the US. At the peak of ILI at the end of October 2009, fewer than 20 million doses of vaccine had been shipped. By the time 120 million doses had been distributed, infe... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4245011 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 17:15:05 +0100 4245011 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4096785&cid=t_286678_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FvAP_q8lu_8s%2F After my lecture on influenza pathogenesis and evolution at the Northeast Laboratory Conference 2010 in Portland, Maine, I was asked if it is necessary to receive the influenza vaccine every year. This question was precipitated by my statement that the 2010-11 trivalent influenza vaccine contains the same swine-origin H1N1 strain as last year’s monovalent vaccine. That virus has not undergone sufficient antigenic drift to necessitate the formulation of a new vaccine. There are two main considerations* when deciding whether to be immunized yearly against influenza: the nature of the vaccine and age of the recipient. Last year’s seasonal influenza vaccine for the northern hemisphere contained the following strains: A/Brisbane/59/2007 (H1N1) A/Brisbane/10/2007 (H3N2) B/Brisbane/60/2008 ... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4096785 Fri, 22 Oct 2010 21:59:55 +0100 4096785 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3983290&cid=t_286678_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmwvideo.s3.amazonaws.com%2FICAAC-TWiV%2FTWiV99.wmv Host: Vincent Racaniello Vincent tours the 50th Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (ICAAC) in Boston, speaking with exhibitors and visitors, including Professors Derek Smith, Michael Schmidt, Frederick Hayden, and Myra McClure. Many thanks to Chris Condayan and Ray Ortega of the American Society for Microbiology for recording and editing this episode. Download TWiV #99 (45 MB .mp3, 62 minutes) Subscribe to TWiV (free) in iTunes , at the Zune Marketplace, by the RSS feed, or by email, or listen on your mobile device with Stitcher Radio. Links for this episode: 50th ICAAC ICAAC daily press conference videos (including Prof. Myra McClure) Antigenic cartography Antimicrobial properties of copper Video of this episode – download .mp4 (1.99 GB) or .wmv (935 MB... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3983290 Mon, 20 Sep 2010 02:58:30 +0100 3983290 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3607233&cid=t_286678_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2Fl-d4XP8wBrM%2F A serious shortcoming of current influenza virus vaccines is the need to reformulate them every year or two as the virus undergoes antigenic drift. Many virologists have been captivated by the idea of a more universal vaccine that would endure longer, perhaps a decade or more. The identification of a conserved domain in the stalk region of the viral HA protein that gives rise to antibodies that block infection by 10 HA subtypes was a step in this direction. The next phase in the development of a new vaccine, the production of an antigen that confers broader protection, has been achieved using an HA molecule lacking the globular head. The vast majority of antibodies that block influenza virus infection are directed against the globular head of the HA, the protein essential for attachment t... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3607233 Thu, 27 May 2010 20:12:25 +0100 3607233 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3585554&cid=t_286678_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F05%2F20%2Fpandemic-h1n1-stand-down-of-the-antiviral-distribution-arrangements%2F Title: Pandemic H1N1: stand down of the antiviral distribution arrangements Skinny: Letter providing an update on the stand down of the arrangements for the distribution of antiviral medicines as part of the response to the swine flu pandemic. Publisher: DH Size of Publication: 2p. Published: 25/03/2010 Filed under: Grey Literature, Influenza, Pandemic Tagged: Antvirals, Dear Colleague Letters, Grey Literature, H1N1, Influenza, Pandemic (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3585554 Thu, 20 May 2010 18:43:42 +0100 3585554 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3577330&cid=t_286678_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F05%2F19%2Fpandemic-h1n1-vaccine-uptake-figures-for-england-by-sha-and-pct%2F Title: Pandemic H1N1 Vaccine Uptake Figures for England by SHA and PCT – patient data uptake only Pandemic H1N1 (2009/10) Influenza Vaccination Programme Vaccine Uptake in England by SHA for Front Line Healthcare Workers Skinny: Data on vaccinations given up to 28 February 2010 at the SHA and PCT/Trust levels as follows: For each SHA and PCT, the % uptake of one dose of the swine flu vaccine, Pandemrix by people in clinical risk groups (including pregnant women) and children aged six months to under five years (Tables 1 & 2).  % uptake is the (number vaccinated / number eligible to receive vaccine and registered) x 100% For each SHA and Trust (Tables 3 and 4): the number of HCWs the number of HCWs that have received one dose of the swine flu vaccine, Pandemrix the % uptake... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3577330 Wed, 19 May 2010 13:36:48 +0100 3577330 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3389160&cid=t_286678_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.rawvoice.com%2Fpmn_twiv%2Fwww.twiv.tv%2FTWiV074.mp3 Hosts: Vincent Racaniello and Adolfo Garcia-Sastre Vincent speaks with Adolfo Garcia-Sastre talk about the origin, pathogenesis, and prevention of the 2009 pandemic influenza H1N1 virus. This episode is sponsored by Data Robotics Inc. Use the promotion code VINCENT to receive $50 off a Drobo or $100 off a Drobo S. Win a free Drobo S! Contest rules here. Download TWiV #74 (34 MB .mp3, 47 minutes) Subscribe to TWiV (free) in iTunes , at the Zune Marketplace, by the RSS feed, or by email. Links for this episode: Influenza virus receptor specificity and disease PB1-F2 expression by 2009 H1N1 strain does not increase virulence Protection against 2009 H1N1 infection by immunization with older strains Passage in eggs changes influenza receptor specificity Association between D222G mutation and v... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3389160 Mon, 22 Mar 2010 01:14:21 +0100 3389160 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3382426&cid=t_286678_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FVZEtRry8oHQ%2F Last year a mutation in the HA gene of the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus was identified in isolates from patients with severe disease. At the time I concluded that the emergence of this change was not a concern. Recently the Norwegian Institute of Public Health reported that the mutation, which causes a change from the amino acid aspartic acid to glycine at position 225 of the viral HA protein (D225G), has been identified in 11 of 61 cases (18%) of severe or fatal influenza, but not in any of 205 mild cases. Have these observations changed my view of the importance of this mutation? The cell receptor for influenza A virus strains is sialic acid. Human influenza A strains bind preferentially to sialic acids linked to galactose by an alpha(2,6) bond, while avian and equine strains prefer alpha... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3382426 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 03:14:01 +0100 3382426 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3266701&cid=t_286678_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FNzr5kGw2Wnw%2F Influenza A viruses typically cause severe respiratory disease mainly in the very young or the elderly. The 2009 swine-origin H1N1 virus is unusual because it preferentially infects individuals under 35 years of age. We’ve previously noted that being older is a good defense against 2009 H1N1 influenza virus, in part because older people have antibodies that block infection. Experiments done in mice show that immunization with 1918-like or classical H1N1 swine influenza viruses protects against infection with 2009 H1N1 virus. When mice are inoculated intranasally with a high dose of the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus, the virus replicates in the lungs and leads to significant weight loss and lethality. After a sublethal virus dose the mice develop protective antibodies that protect agains... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3266701 Thu, 11 Feb 2010 20:17:26 +0100 3266701 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3175595&cid=t_286678_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.radiosandysprings.com%2Fpodcasts%2FInfectiousDiseaseJan04.2010.mp3 I was recently interviewed on Radio Sandy Springs by Sharon Sanders of FluTrackers. We talked about pandemic influenza H1N1 virus. Listen to the show below. Download Infectious Disease Hour January 4 2010 (20 MB .mp3, 57 minutes) Radio Sandy Springs 1620 AM is a low-powered Atlanta-based talk radio station that simulcasts on the Internet.  They broadcast a weekly ‘Infectious Disease Update’ with interviews with clinicians, scientists, researchers, and even historians. You can find an archive of recent Infectious Disease Hour shows here. (Source: virology blog) virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3175595 Thu, 14 Jan 2010 22:00:33 +0100 3175595 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3167061&cid=t_286678_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F01%2F13%2Fpandemic-influenza-summary-infection-control-guidance-for-ambulance-services-during-an-influenza-pandemic%2F Title: Summary infection control guidance for ambulance services during an influenza pandemic Skinny: Concise summary guidance for infection control for the ambulance services and it is intended for use during the pandemic. The guidance in this document is equally applicable to lay responders, who should adopt the same infection control and hygiene measures.  This guidance document includes sections on patient management, infection control precautions, use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and environmental infection control, as well as occupational health. Publisher: DH Size of Publication: 25p. Published: 08/01/2010 Posted in Ambulance Services, Grey Literature, Infection Control, Influenza, Pandemic Tagged: Ambulance Services, Grey, H1N1, Infection Control, Influenza, Pandemic (So... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3167061 Wed, 13 Jan 2010 10:44:21 +0100 3167061 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3153329&cid=t_286678_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F01%2F08%2Fswine-flu-information-sheet-for-asylum-seekers-refugees-and-other-foreign-nationals-in-the-uk%2F Title: Swine flu information sheet for asylum seekers, refugees and other foreign nationals in the UK A summary of current information on swine flu in a variety of languages that can now be accessed for or by people who cannot speak or read English and who may not have access to a regular flow of news, i.e., an asylum seeker or refugee, a temporary worker in the UK or even a member of an established migrant group. Information sheet in Arabic Information sheet in French information sheet in Chinese (Simplified) information sheet in Chinese (Traditional) information sheet in Gujarati information sheet in Hindi information sheet in Krio information sheet in Kurdish Kurmanji information sheet in Kurdish Sorani information sheet in Latvian information sheet in Lingala information sh... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3153329 Fri, 08 Jan 2010 04:24:12 +0100 3153329 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3104978&cid=t_286678_86_f&fid=38272&url=http%3A%2F%2Flaikaspoetnik.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F12%2F18%2Foverproduction-of-th1-and-th17-cytokines-may-be-the-clue-to-why-some-h1n1-patients-get-very-ill%2F The present H1N1 influenza virus (nvH1N1, nv=new variant) behaves very differently from other influenza strains. The majority of nvH1N1 infections are mild and self-limiting in nature, but a small percentage of the patients require hospitalization and sometimes emergency care. Unlike the seasonal flu virus, the people who seem to suffer serious complications from this [...] (Source: Laika's MedLibLog) Laika's MedLibLog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3104978 Fri, 18 Dec 2009 22:15:30 +0100 3104978 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3096797&cid=t_286678_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F12%2F17%2Fthe-operating-framework-for-201011-for-the-nhs-in-england%2F Title: The operating framework for 2010/11 for the NHS in England Skinny: Letter introducing the NHS operating framework 2010/11 to Chief Executives in the NHS. Publisher: DH Size of Publication: 3p. Published: 16/12/2009 Posted in Acute Services, Decision Making, Financial Management, Governance, Grey Literature, Management, NHS, Primary Care, Quality Tagged: Access, Deprivation, Equity, Grey Literature, H1N1, Hospitals, Inequalities, Infection Control, Influenza, NHS, Pandemic, Patient Experience, Poverty, Primary Care, Priorities, Quality, Staff Satisfaction, Stakeholder Engagement, Waiting Times (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3096797 Thu, 17 Dec 2009 08:00:21 +0100 3096797 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3092646&cid=t_286678_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F12%2F16%2Fa-h1n1-swine-flu-influenza-phase-two-of-the-vaccination-programme-children-over-6-months-and-under-5-years-dosage-schedule-update%2F Title: A (H1N1) swine flu influenza: phase two of the vaccination programme; children over 6 months and under 5 years: dosage schedule update Skinny: Dear Colleague letter detailing amendment to the licence for swine flu vaccination  to allow a one dose schedule in children between 6 months and under 5 years of age.  Publisher: DH Size of Publication: 2p. Published: 16/12/2009 Posted in Children, Grey Literature, Immunisation, Infants, Influenza, Pandemic Tagged: Children, Grey Literature, H1N1, Immunisation, Influenza, Pandemic (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3092646 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 14:41:34 +0100 3092646 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3089207&cid=t_286678_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F12%2F15%2Finformation-for-parents-of-children-over-six-months-and-under-five-years-old%2F Title: Information for parents of children over six months and under five years old Skinny: Leaflet developed to provide parents and carers with information about swine flu vaccination for children over six months and under five years of age. Publisher: DH Size of Publication: 27p. Published: 14/12/2009 Posted in Children, Grey Literature, Health Promotion, Immunisation, Infants, Influenza, Pandemic Tagged: Children, Grey Literature, H1N1, Health Education, Immunisation, Infants, Influenza, Pandemic, Parenting (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3089207 Tue, 15 Dec 2009 16:00:45 +0100 3089207 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3089209&cid=t_286678_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F12%2F15%2Fpandemic-h1n1-2009-influenza-clinical-management-guidelines-for-pregnancy%2F Title: Pandemic H1N1 2009 influenza: clinical management guidelines for pregnancy Skinny: Updates  provisional guidance for the clinical management of pregnant women with symptoms of influenza–like illness, severe influenza and complications, provided in 2007 by the British Infection Society, British Thoracic Society and Health Protection Agency in collaboration with the Department of Health. Publisher: DH Size of Publication: 27p. Published: 14/12/2009 Posted in Clinical Governance, Clinical Guidelines, Grey Literature, Influenza, Pandemic Tagged: Clinical Guidelines, Grey Literature, H1N1, Influenza, Pandemic (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3089209 Tue, 15 Dec 2009 15:00:52 +0100 3089209 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3089210&cid=t_286678_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F12%2F15%2Fpandemic-h1n1-2009-influenza-clinical-management-guidelines-for-adults-and-children-2%2F Title: Pandemic H1N1 2009 influenza: Clinical management guidelines for adults and children Skinny: Updates provisional guidance for the clinical management of adults and children with symptoms of influenza–like illness, severe influenza and complications, provided in 2007 by the British Infection Society, British Thoracic Society and Health Protection Agency in collaboration with the Department of Health. Publisher: DH Size of Publication: 25p. Published: 14/12/2009 Posted in Clinical Governance, Clinical Guidelines, Grey Literature, Influenza, Pandemic Tagged: Clinical Guidelines, Grey Literature, H1N1, Influenza, Pandemic (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3089210 Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:30:59 +0100 3089210 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3084717&cid=t_286678_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F12%2F14%2Fdosage-of-oseltamivir-in-children-under-6-months-of-age-in-the-swine-flu-pandemic%2F Title: Dosage of oseltamivir in children under 6 months of age in the swine flu pandemic Skinny: Provides information about changes to the dose of oseltamivir in children under 6 months of age during an influenza pandemic outbreak and the steps that need to be taken to ensure a safe transition to the new dosage. Publisher: DH Size of Publication: 5p. Published: 19/11/2009 Posted in Grey Literature, Infants, Influenza, Pandemic, Prescribing Tagged: Drug Therapy, Grey Literature, H1N1, Infants, Influenza, Pandemic (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3084717 Mon, 14 Dec 2009 14:30:04 +0100 3084717 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3084720&cid=t_286678_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F12%2F14%2Fauthorisation-of-antiviral-medicines-guidance-on-the-use-of-fp10ss-forms-and-antiviral-authorisation-vouchers-during-the-h1n1-swine-flu-pandemic-in-england-2%2F Title: Authorisation of antiviral medicines – Guidance on the use of FP10SS forms and Antiviral Authorisation Vouchers during the H1N1 (swine flu) pandemic in England Skinny: Updated guidance to inform the NHS about the new Antiviral Authorisation Vouchers for children under 1 year of age issued in November 2009. This follows the European Commission decision to accept the advice of the European Medicines Evaluation Agency to change the recommended dose of Tamiflu for children under 6 months of age during an influenza pandemic outbreak. These Antiviral Authorisation Vouchers include the new dosage regimen for oseltamivir  and will ensure that children under one year of age get the recommended dose for their age and weight. Publisher: DH Size of Publication:28p. Published: 20/11/2009 ... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3084720 Mon, 14 Dec 2009 12:30:54 +0100 3084720 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3084723&cid=t_286678_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F12%2F14%2Fa-h1n1-swine-influenza-phase-two-of-the-vaccination-programme-ian-dalton-letter%2F Title: A (H1N1) swine influenza: Phase Two of the vaccination programme – Ian Dalton Letter Skinny: Letter on extending the swine flu vaccination programme beyond the initial priority groups. Publisher: DH Size of Publication:7p. Published: 19/11/2009 Posted in Immunisation, Influenza, Pandemic Tagged: Grey Literature, H1N1, Immunisation, Influenza, Pandemic (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3084723 Mon, 14 Dec 2009 12:00:19 +0100 3084723 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3084728&cid=t_286678_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F12%2F14%2Fthe-swine-flu-vaccination-programme-prisoners-in-the-clinical-risk-groups-2009-2010%2F Title: The swine flu vaccination programme: prisoners in the clinical risk groups – 2009-2010 Skinny: Letter providing information for prison health care teams, to assist them in delivering the swine flu (influenza A (H1N1v) 2009) vaccine to those prisoners in the clinical priority groups. Publisher: DH Size of Publication:8p. Published: 20/11/2009 Posted in Grey Literature, Influenza, Pandemic Tagged: Grey Literature, H1N1, Immunisation, Influenza, Pandemic, Prison, Prison Health Services (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3084728 Mon, 14 Dec 2009 11:00:59 +0100 3084728 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3066736&cid=t_286678_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2Fmi1H3VMeQDU%2F If you have been reading this blog you know I believe that those who write about viruses must always make sure that they get the science right. I’m always on the lookout for violations. Are there any problems with the plush toys produced by Giant Microbes? I came across the influenza plush toy in my desk this weekend. The color – green – and the two eyes are gratuitous additions that have nothing to do with reality. Of course, virus particles are too small to have color, but a colorless – or eyeless – toy line would have little appeal to children. What about that elongated shape? Influenza virions are pleomorphic; they are generally spherical, but filamentous particles are often observed in fresh clinical isolates. So the shape is acceptable. But the soft velv... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3066736 Mon, 07 Dec 2009 22:19:43 +0100 3066736 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3059364&cid=t_286678_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FnChi-DNuUM4%2F When will the 2009 swine-origin influenza virus become a seasonal strain? While prediction is very hard, especially of the future (at least according to Yogi Berra), examining past pandemics can be informative. The 1968 pandemic began with the emergence of a novel H3N2 influenza virus in Hong Kong in July 1968. First isolates (stars) were obtained globally throughout the summer. The previous seasonal H2N2 strain was last isolated in August 1968 in Australia and was subsequently not seen again. There were sporadic H3N2 outbreaks for several months (hatched lines). Epidemic spread (solid lines) ensued in the northern hemisphere throughout the winter, and then ceased in the spring of 1969. In the southern hemisphere the first epidemic occurred from January through October. There were second ... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3059364 Fri, 04 Dec 2009 22:17:32 +0100 3059364 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3039732&cid=t_286678_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F11%2F30%2Fswine-flu-and-rough-sleepers-for-organisations-working-with-rough-sleepers-in-england%2F Title: Information for organisations working with rough sleepers in England Skinny: Information prepared for those who are working with or providing services for rough sleepers during the swine flu pandemic.  It provides advice on how to support rough sleepers and signposts to guidance and other useful sources. Publisher: DH Size of Publication: 5p Published: 25/11/2009 Posted in Grey Literature, Homelessness, NHS, Voluntary Sector Tagged: Grey Literature, H1N1, Homelessness, Influenza, NHS, Pandemic, Voluntary Sector (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3039732 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:29:06 +0100 3039732 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3022728&cid=t_286678_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FR2_2kJHRwx0%2F The Norwegian Institute of Public Health recently identified a mutation in 2009 H1N1 influenza virus isolated from two patients who died and one with severe disease. It has been suggested that this mutation, which causes a change from the amino acid aspartic acid to glycine at position 225 of the viral HA protein (D225G), could make the virus more likely to infect deeper in the airways and cause more severe disease. What is the basis for this concern and does it have merit? Attachment of all influenza A virus strains to cells requires sialic acids. There are a number of chemically different forms of sialic acids, and influenza virus strains vary in their affinity for them. Human influenza A strains bind preferentially to sialic acids linked to galactose by an alpha(2,6) bond, while avian a... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3022728 Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:57:49 +0100 3022728 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3016915&cid=t_286678_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.rawvoice.com%2Fpmn_twiv%2Fwww.twiv.tv%2FTWiV059.mp3 Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Alan Dove, Rich Condit, Gustavo Palacios, and Mady Hornig A TWiV panel of five considers the finding of Streptococcus pneumoniae in fatal H1N1 cases in Argentina, hysteria in the Ukraine over pandemic influenza, and human vaccinia infection after contact with a raccoon rabies vaccine bait. Download TWiV #59 (58 MB .mp3, 80 minutes) Subscribe to TWiV in iTunes, by the RSS feed, or by email Links for this episode: Argentine flu death mystery H1N1 influenza outbreak in Ukraine (article one and two, and WHO statement) Human vaccinia infection after contact with rabies vaccine bait Agrippal S1 inactivated H1N1 vaccine (pdf – thanks Ariel and Ayelet) Nick’s letter on are viruses and life Take the poll: are viruses alive? Weekly Science Picks Rich Longitu... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3016915 Sun, 22 Nov 2009 14:45:28 +0100 3016915 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3016916&cid=t_286678_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FKbH818sflWc%2F As week 46 of 2009 comes to a close, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that influenza has peaked in the US. That conclusion is based on the agency’s influenza surveillance program, summarized in this figure: Does this mean that pandemic influenza is over? Absolutely not. This is just the second wave, sparked when school began in the fall. Recall the the first wave of H1N1 infections that took place during the spring and summer: It’s interesting to note that seasonal H1N1 and H3N2 strains are nearly gone. Of the 10,803 specimens tested by the CDC during week 45, 3,106 were confirmed as novel H1N1, one was seasonal H1N1, and no H3N2 strain was detected. There will be more influenza to come in the winter. A catalyst might be increased travel as we come upon... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3016916 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:01:14 +0100 3016916 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3016918&cid=t_286678_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FUuO7_bq9S78%2F A number of readers have asked when we would have information about the safety of the influenza 2009 H1N1 vaccine. The World Health Organization has just released briefing note #16 “Safety of pandemic vaccines” in which they summarize vaccination information from 16 countries in which 80 million doses of vaccine have been administered. Side effects commonly reported include swelling, redness, or pain at the injection site, which usually resolve soon after vaccination. Fever, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, and a variety of allergic reactions, occurring shortly after vaccine administration, have also been reported less frequently. There have been fewer than ten cases of Guillain-Barre syndrome reported in H1N1 vaccine recipients. These numbers are consistent with normal backgro... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3016918 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:22:20 +0100 3016918 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3016921&cid=t_286678_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FuT27EUkmad4%2F The emergence of oseltamivir (Tamiflu)-resistant 2009 H1N1 influenza virus in a Canadian family illustrates the basic concept that viral loads depend on the dose of antiviral drug. Neuraminidase inhibitors like Tamiflu and Relenza are used to treat severe illness caused by the 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus. The antiviral drugs may also be used to prevent infection in high-risk persons, a use called postexposure prophylaxis. For Tamiflu, that means taking 75 mg a day, compared with the same dose twice a day for treating a confirmed infection. Unfortunately, using sub-optimal levels of an antiviral drug is a recipe for disaster. In this case, a boy with asthma developed confirmed H1N1 influenza and was given Tamiflu twice a day. Tamiflu was also prescribed once a day for all members... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3016921 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:00:37 +0100 3016921 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3016922&cid=t_286678_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FbhhPsUBNuM4%2F GlaxoSmithKline’s inactivated 2009 influenza H1N1 vaccine has been approved by the US Food & Drug Administration and by Health Canada. This action completes the list of pandemic H1N1 vaccines which I previously summarized for the US and Canada. Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 monovalent vaccine is produced by ID Biomedical Corporation of Quebec, a wholly-owned subsidiary of GlaxoSmithKline. The US package insert can be found here (pdf) and the Canadian package insert here. Dosing recommendations for Canada are listed here. Health Canada has also posted a FAQ on the H1N1 vaccine. The ID Biomedical vaccine is available only in multi-dose vials which contain thimerosal. Each 0.5 ml dose contains 15 micrograms of viral antigen. Other components of the vaccine listed at Health Canada include ... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3016922 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:24:08 +0100 3016922 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3016923&cid=t_286678_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2F5Tc0pJIJEx4%2F We’ve made no secret of our enthusiasm for the vaccine against the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. To help you find locations near you for obtaining both the seasonal and 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine, Google has developed a feature for the US called the flu shot finder at www.google.com/flushot. Google notes on their blog that this project is just beginning and information has not yet been received about flu shot clinics for many locations. Many locations that are shown are also out of stock. Google has been working with HHS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local health agencies to gather information on flu vaccine locations across the country for both the nasal-spray vaccine and the inactivated vaccine shot. Data for locations of flu vaccine are currentl... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3016923 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:24:37 +0100 3016923 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3016925&cid=t_286678_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2F6lLEi6_Ck78%2F This study was carried out – where else? – in Switzerland, where 7 million individuals exchange 20 – 100 million banknotes each day. Thomas Y, Vogel G, Wunderli W, Suter P, Witschi M, Koch D, Tapparel C, & Kaiser L (2008). Survival of influenza virus on banknotes. Applied and environmental microbiology, 74 (10), 3002-7 PMID: 18359825 (Source: virology blog) virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3016925 Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:13:28 +0100 3016925 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2971843&cid=t_286678_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.rawvoice.com%2Fpmn_twiv%2Fwww.twiv.tv%2FTWiV057.mp3 Host: Vincent Racaniello On episode #57 of the podcast “This Week in Virology”, Vincent visited Scotch Plains – Fanwood High School and talked about viruses with high school biology students. Download TWiV #57 (68 MB .mp3, 94 minutes) Subscribe to TWiV in iTunes, by the RSS feed, or by email Links for this episode: Vincent’s presentation (pdf – coming Monday) Thank you letters Oncolytic reovirus Does rhinovirus interfere with influenza? Send your virology questions and comments (email or mp3 file) to twiv@twiv.tv or leave voicemail at Skype: twivpodcast. You can also send articles that you would like us to discuss to delicious and tagging them with to:twivpodcast. (Source: virology blog) virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2971843 Sun, 08 Nov 2009 13:54:28 +0100 2971843 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3016926&cid=t_286678_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FqQsjBjTd9LQ%2F The suggestion that yearly immunization against influenza might make children more susceptible to serious disease during a pandemic has generated some controversy. Does this idea have merit? If you have read “Being older is a good defense against 2009 H1N1 influenza”, you are familiar with the concept of ‘heterosubtypic immunity’. After natural infection with influenza virus, the host produces T and B cells directed against internal proteins of the virions. These viral proteins are more conserved among different strains than the surface glycoproteins HA and NA. Upon infection with a different subtype – which occurs during a pandemic – heterosubtypic immunity could limit virus replication and reduce disease and death. Evidence for heterosubtypic immunity to influenza vir... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3016926 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:00:22 +0100 3016926 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3016928&cid=t_286678_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FexJNtCCiQew%2F Why is the incidence of infection with 2009 H1N1 influenza highest among 5-24 year olds, and lowest in those over 65 years of age? Were the oldsters previously infected with a related influenza virus, or is there another explanation? The sera of individuals born in the early part of the 20th century have antibodies that block infection with the 2009 H1N1 virus.  We also know that antibodies that prevent infection with recently circulating seasonal H1N1 viruses do not react with pandemic H1N1 strains. These findings may partly explain the lower incidence of influenza this year in individuals greater than 65 years of age (illustrated). But other factors might also be responsible for safeguarding the older population. Infection of guinea pigs with a 2007 seasonal H1N1 virus confers some prot... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3016928 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:30:57 +0100 3016928 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2939232&cid=t_286678_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F10%2F29%2Fh1n1-swine-flu-vaccination-programme-information-materials-and-vaccine-schedule-information%2F Title: Information materials and vaccine schedule information Skinny: Dear Colleague letter about the information materials for the H1N1 swine flu vaccination programme that are now published on the Department of Health website. Publisher: DH Size of Publication: 2p Published: 28/10/2009 Posted in Influenza, Pandemic Tagged: Grey Literature, H1N1, Immunisation, Influenza, Pandemic (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2939232 Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:47:09 +0100 2939232 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2939241&cid=t_286678_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F10%2F28%2Fclinical-professionals-brief-on-swine-flu-vaccination%2F Title: Clinical professionals brief on swine flu vaccination Skinny: Information for clinicians about swine flu vaccination from Professor Sir Bruce Keogh, NHS Medical Director. Publisher: DH Size of Publication: 17p Published: 28/10/2009 Posted in Influenza, Pandemic Tagged: Grey Literature, H1N1, Immunisation, Pandemic (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2939241 Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:12:11 +0100 2939241 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2939242&cid=t_286678_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F10%2F28%2Fhealth-and-social-care-workers-and-pandemic-influenza-information-for-staff-who-are-pregnant-or-in-other-at-risk-groups%2F Title: Health and social care workers and pandemic influenza: information for staff who are pregnant or in other at-risk groups Skinny: Guidance giving advice on protecting healthcare employees who are pregnant or in one of the other at risk groups identified for  (H1N1) 2009 flu (swine flu). Publisher: DH Size of Publication: 12p Published: 28/10/2009 Posted in Influenza, Pandemic Tagged: Grey Literature, H1N1, Infection Control, Influenza, Pandemic, Pregnancy (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2939242 Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:07:04 +0100 2939242 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3016930&cid=t_286678_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FzJw2Mq96CBs%2F Earlier this year an influenza virus animation spread on YouTube just after the emergence of swine-origin influenza H1N1. I invited readers to criticise the animation which contained several errors. A much better depiction of influenza virus animation has been created by XVIVO. It’s not only more beautifully rendered, but is scientifically much more accurate. A slightly different version of the same video can be found at npr.org, but I prefer the video at XVIVO. The main problem is that NPR has added voice-over by Robert Krulwich.  I find his narration annoying – he seems to be speaking down to the viewer, and he simplifies viral replication to the extent that what really occurs is obscured. For example, after the influenza virion is taken into the cell by endocytosis, Krulwic... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3016930 Mon, 26 Oct 2009 21:06:24 +0100 3016930 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2927245&cid=t_286678_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F10%2F25%2Fh1n1-swine-influenza-additional-planning-guidance-and-winter-management-and-reporting-for-200910%2F Title: A (H1N1) Swine Influenza Additional planning guidance and winter management and reporting for 2009-10 Skinny: Letter to NHS Chief Executives explaining the latest guidance to support pandemic planners based on the latest science and understanding of the swine flu virus, and to ensure that all organisations continue to plan for managing swine flu alongside the added pressures of winter. Publisher: DH Size of Publication: 9p Published: 22/10/2009 Posted in Grey Literature, Influenza, Pandemic Tagged: Grey Literature, H1N1, Influenza, Pandemic, Winter Preassures (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2927245 Sun, 25 Oct 2009 17:00:33 +0100 2927245 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2924763&cid=t_286678_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F10%2F25%2Fswine-flu-vaccination-what-you-need-to-know%2F Title: Swine flu vaccination: what you need to know Skinny: Information for the public about swine flu vaccination. Publisher: DH Size of Publication: 12p Published: 22/10/2009 Posted in Health Beliefs, Health Promotion, Influenza, Pandemic Tagged: Grey Literature, H1N1, Immunisation, Influenza, Pandemic, Patient Information (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2924763 Sun, 25 Oct 2009 15:02:37 +0100 2924763 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2904582&cid=t_286678_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.rawvoice.com%2Fpmn_twiv%2Fwww.virology.ws%2Fsciencepodcasters-flu.mp3 Because of concerns about the safety and efficacy of the new vaccine against 2009 H1N1 influenza (”swine flu”) Marc Pelletier, PhD from Futures in Biotech and I teamed up to record a public service announcement to encourage vaccination. This announcement addresses safety and side effects, which are expected to be similar to those from any influenza vaccine. Ginger Campbell MD, an emergency room physician, and host of Brain Science Podcast and Sciencepodcasters.org, was kind enough to add her recommendations to the announcement. I encourage you to listen the the announcement and share it with others. You are welcome to place it on websites, blogs, and podcasts. A copy of the mp3 file can be downloaded here. (Source: virology blog) virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2904582 Sun, 18 Oct 2009 01:08:59 +0100 2904582 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3016938&cid=t_286678_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FNyB9oyXmaoI%2F All the evidence I’ve seen so far points to a poor uptake of the influenza 2009 H1N1 vaccine in the United States. This is not good news – inadequate immunization means more infections and more deaths. A few weeks ago I asked a class of about 50 students in a course on Emerging Infections whether they would receive the 2009 influenza H1N1 vaccine. None of them raised their hands. Yesterday, I taught seven high school biology classes about viruses; I asked each group (about 30 students) if they were going to get immunized. About 5 out of over 200 students said they would. My informal poll may not be indicative of the mood of the entire nation, but there is no doubt that the vaccine is in trouble. You would have to be living in a cave to realize that fear about the 2009 H1N1 vacc... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3016938 Wed, 14 Oct 2009 18:53:08 +0100 3016938 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2823920&cid=t_286678_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F09%2F23%2Fmanaging-influenza-like-illnes-ili-in-nursing-and-residential-homes-during-the-current-influenza-pandemic-who-phase-6%2F Title: Managing influenza-like illnes (ILI) in nursing and residential homes during the current influenza pandemic (WHO Phase 6) The Skinny: Guidance which aims to provide advice on the generic management of cases or outbreaks of flu-like illness in nursing and residential homes, and provides specific guidance appropriate to pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza. Publisher: DH Size of Publication: 29p Published: 17/09/2009 Posted in Grey Literature, Influenza, Pandemic, Residential Care Tagged: Grey Literature, Guidance, H1N1, Influenza, Pandemic, Residential Care (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2823920 Wed, 23 Sep 2009 09:01:30 +0100 2823920 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2800303&cid=t_286678_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F09%2F16%2Fjurnal-of-the-american-medical-association-2009-vol-302-no-11%2F Journal of the American Medical Association 2009 v. 302(11) Contents Fade Fave: What Mexico Taught the World About Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Community Mitigation Strategies Fade Skinny:The article discusses measures used in Mexico to contain the H1N1 virus. Reverting to measures that originated in the late 14th century, when bubonic plague stalked much of Europe and Asia prompting ports and nation-states to order mass quarantines, Mexico instituted a broad-based and exacting menu of community mitigation strategies, or nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), including school closure, public gathering bans, isolation, quarantine, and social distancing. An NHS Athens Password is required to access this article online. Posted in Current Awareness, Journals Tagged: Influenza, Pandemi... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2800303 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:43:03 +0100 2800303 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2792869&cid=t_286678_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.rawvoice.com%2Fpmn_twiv%2Fwww.twiv.tv%2FTWiV049.mp3 Hosts: Vincent Racaniello and Dick Despommier On episode 49 of the podcast ‘This Week in Virology”, Vincent and Dick continue Virology 101 with a discussion of the seven different types of viral genomes, and how to use the pathway to mRNA to understand viral replication. Download TWiV #49 (45 MB .mp3, 62 minutes) Subscribe to TWiV in iTunes, by the RSS feed, or by email Links for this episode: Dick talks about hookworm on Radio Lab Dick’s video page at BigThink The seven types of viral genome Animation of HIV replication (thanks axiomatically atypical!) Changes in transcript abundance relating to colony collapse disorder in honey bee (thanks Judi!) Weekly Science Picks Dick Discovery Channel: Planet Green Vincent Influenza videos at BigThink: one, two, three, four, ... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2792869 Sun, 13 Sep 2009 18:45:35 +0100 2792869 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3016949&cid=t_286678_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FICSSGrP9Qg0%2F In a recent study of influenza virus reassortment in ferrets, the authors used polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to search for viruses with RNA segments from the 2009 pandemic H1N1 strain and seasonal H1N1 and H3N2 strains. I thought you might like to see how I did a similar experiment in 1979 – a very different era for laboratory techniques. For my Ph.D. thesis project, I wanted to isolate reassortants of two influenza B virus strains, B/Lee and B/Maryland. The goal was to obtain viruses with a genome consisting of one RNA segment from one parent, and 7 RNA segments from the other parent. These viruses would then be used to identify the protein product of each viral RNA. To isolate these reassortants, I co-infected cells in culture with both viruses, allowed them to replicate, and the... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3016949 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 12:00:50 +0100 3016949 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3016950&cid=t_286678_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FMeR-H0aFsuQ%2F An Australian group has reported results of a clinical trial to determine the safety and immunogenicity of a 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza virus vaccine. Twenty-one days after the first of two scheduled doses, the vaccine proved to be immunogenic in adults. This is good news, as many had believed that two doses of the vaccine would be needed to achieve adequate protective immune responses. A total of 240 individuals were enrolled in the trial and given 15 or 30 microgram doses of an inactivated, H1N1 vaccine propagated in eggs by CSL Biotherapies, Parkville, Australia. Anti-influenza antibody titers were measured at enrollment and 21 days after each vaccination, by hemaggultination-inhibition (HI) and microneutralization assays. A single 15-µg or 30-µg dose of the H1N1 vaccine produced a ... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3016950 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 02:14:04 +0100 3016950 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3016951&cid=t_286678_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FAEXeHXYmF5Y%2F When more than one influenza A virus subtype is circulating in humans, as has been the case since 1977, there are several possible outcomes. The viruses might co-circulate, one virus might out-compete another, or co-infection of cells with two viruses can lead to the production of genetically distinct viruses by the process of reassortment of viral RNAs. Experiments have been done in ferrets to determine how the 2009 pandemic H1N1 strain interacts with seasonal H3N2 and H1N1 viruses. Ferrets were intranasally co-infected with an H1N1 pandemic strain [Ca/04] and either a seasonal H1N1 virus [BR/59] or a seasonal H3N2 virus [BR/10].  One uninfected ferret was placed in the same cage (to allow contact transmission) and a second in another cage separated by a wire mesh (to allow aerosol trans... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3016951 Thu, 10 Sep 2009 12:00:05 +0100 3016951 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2765647&cid=t_286678_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FLXJa_UWB1Fs%2F The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has released its recommendations on the use of influenza A (H1N1) 2009 monovalent vaccine. Here is my summary of the salient points. The report begins with information on who is contracting pandemic 2009 H1N1 influenza. The median age of persons with laboratory-confirmed infections in the United States is 12 years. The highest incidence of infection is among persons aged 5-24 years, and the lowest is in persons over 65 years of age. Similar findings have been reported in other countries. Comparison of the age distribution of hospitalized persons with laboratory-confirmed novel influenza A (H1N1) also shows a striking difference compared with seasonal influenza, as shown in the figure. As we have discussed previously, the reduced susc... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2765647 Fri, 04 Sep 2009 11:30:57 +0100 2765647 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2737435&cid=t_286678_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FlGqfipZRMAM%2F Two different influenza vaccines will be available in the fall of 2009. One will be a trivalent preparation comprising seasonal influenza H3N2 and H1N1 strains, plus an influenza B virus strain. A monovalent vaccine will also be available against the 2009 pandemic H1N1 strain. Many readers of virology blog have asked why these four virus strains will not be combined into a single, tetravalent formulation. I posed this question to Dr. Ruben Donis, chief of the molecular virology and vaccines branch at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Here is his answer. Some of the reasons that make tetravalent influenza vaccine less attractive at this time: Regulatory considerations: there have been no clinical trials with tetravalent influenza vaccines, and there is little time to do... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2737435 Wed, 26 Aug 2009 14:27:55 +0100 2737435 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2729845&cid=t_286678_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FtXo-fQ7S6gQ%2F President Obama’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) has released a report assessing H1N1 preparations. According to the White House Office of the Press Secretary: A Presidential advisory group of the nation’s leading scientists and engineers today released a new report assessing the Obama Administration’s preparations for this fall’s expected resurgence of 2009-H1N1 flu and outlining key steps officials can take in the coming weeks and months to minimize the disease’s impact on the nation. The Federal Government’s preparations for 2009-H1N1 flu have been well-organized and are scientifically grounded, according to the report by the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), which assembled a subcommittee of experts on influenza ... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2729845 Mon, 24 Aug 2009 17:41:27 +0100 2729845 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2726967&cid=t_286678_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2Fp7SovphIZeY%2F A new type of vaccine against influenza, made with virus-like particles, has been shown to protect ferrets from infection with the 2009 H1N1 swine-origin strain. What is a virus-like particle, and how is it produced? If you have been taking influenza 101, you know that new virus particles are produced in infected cells by budding. During this process, the membrane bulges from the cell and is eventually pinched off to form a free particle. These virus particles contain the viral RNA segments, and an assortment of viral proteins including PA, PB1, PB2, NP, M1, M2, HA, and NA. But not all of those viral proteins are needed to produce an influenza virus particle. When only the viral HA, NA, and M1 proteins are synthesized in cells, particles are released from cells that look very much like in... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2726967 Wed, 19 Aug 2009 14:03:47 +0100 2726967 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2712046&cid=t_286678_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F08%2F18%2Fpriority-groups-for-vaccination-against-swine-flu%2F Title: Priority groups for vaccination against swine flu The Skinny: Priority groups for vaccination against swine flu: individuals aged six months and up to 65 years in the current seasonal flu vaccine clinical at-risk groups all pregnant women, subject to licensing considerations on trimesters household contacts of immunocompromised individuals people aged 65 and over in the current seasonal flu vaccine clinical at-risk groups Related Letters and FAQ: Letter from Sir Liam Donaldson (Annex A and B) Letter from David Nicholson Letter from Roy Taylor Letter from Ian Dalton Professional facing Q and A – Swine flu vaccinations announcement Publisher: DH Published: 13/08/2009 Posted in Grey Literature, Influenza, Pandemic Tagged: Grey Literature, H1N1, Immunisation, Influenza, Pande... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2712046 Tue, 18 Aug 2009 14:14:17 +0100 2712046 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2681965&cid=t_286678_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F_zQLpRIMlI8%2F When we hear of illness outbreaks, we often also hear of school closings. This is done with the hope of containing contagious illnesses and minimizing the spread and impact. However, with a new school year dawning in the United States, this may not be the case with regards to the H1N1 virus, the so-called swine flu. There are a lot of issues to take into account when schools are closed en masse. Parents must scramble for child care, stay home and lose income, or leave their children unattended if they’re desperate enough. This can have a domino effect for the families, employees, and ultimately the community. After watching how the influenza is making its way across the other side of the world, the experts at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) - with the information they have now ... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2681965 Sat, 08 Aug 2009 12:00:37 +0100 2681965 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2741082&cid=t_286678_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FLvYl3XSE39M%2F The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) would like to know what the public feels about the impending H1N1 influenza vaccination program this fall. The agency plans to conduct ten meetings in different parts of the United States to learn if the public would like a massive vaccination campaign, or a reduced effort. The meetings will take place throughout August in Colorado, Nebraska, Alabama, California, Indiana, Texas, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Washington, and New York. You must make an online reservation to attend one of these meetings. Do you think this is a good idea? Does the CDC care what the public thinks about what the size of the vaccine campaign should be, or is this a tactic to calm down a confused and concerned public? I’m interested in learning what the re... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2741082 Mon, 03 Aug 2009 20:38:02 +0100 2741082 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2741083&cid=t_286678_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.rawvoice.com%2Fpmn_twiv%2Fwww.twiv.tv%2FTWiV043.mp3 Hosts: Vincent Racaniello and Dick Despommier In episode 43 of the podcast “This Week in Virology”, Vincent and Dick explain virus classification, and revisit the 1976 swine flu immunization campaign and Guillain-Barré syndrome. Download TWiV #43 (32 MB .mp3, 46 minutes) Subscribe to TWiV in iTunes, by the RSS feed, or by email Links for this episode: International Committee on the Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) CBS 60 Minutes on 1976 swine flu vaccine (thanks Gus and Swiss compass!) Vaccines and Guillain-Barré NINDS Guillain-Barré Information Reflections on the 1976 swine flu vaccination program Swine influenza outbreak at Fort Dix, 1976 Weekly Science Picks Dick Five Kingdoms: An Illustrated Guide to the Phyla of Life on Earth by Lynn Margulis and Karlene V. Schwartz Vin... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2741083 Mon, 03 Aug 2009 02:52:49 +0100 2741083 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2741086&cid=t_286678_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.rawvoice.com%2Fpmn_twiv%2Fwww.twiv.tv%2FTWiV042.mp3 Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Dick Despommier, Alan Dove, and Delthia Ricks In episode #42 of the podcast “This Week in Virology”, Vincent, Dick, Alan, and Delthia Ricks discuss a new influenza virus-like particle vaccine, dog flu, ultrasensitive pen-sized virus detector, imported rabies in the US, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, and next season’s flu vaccines. Download TWiV #42 (40 MB .mp3, 58 minutes) Subscribe to TWiV in iTunes, by the RSS feed, or by email Links for this episode: Trivalent virus-like particle vaccine Canine flu virus vaccine Ultrasensitive virus detector Rabies imported into the US Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever in Kazakhstan FDA approves seasonal flu vaccine for fall Yields of 2009 H1N1 vaccine are low FDA may fast-track approval of 2009 H... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2741086 Sat, 25 Jul 2009 13:00:23 +0100 2741086 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2741088&cid=t_286678_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FXhG1BwK-CIs%2F With the looming prospect of mass immunization against influenza, it’s important to understand how vaccines work. To do this we must have a good understanding of adaptive immune defenses. Today we’ll begin a discussion of the humoral arm of the adaptive immune response – antibodies. Antibodies are large proteins produced by vertebrates that play important roles in identifying and eliminating foreign objects. The basic structural unit is composed of two heavy chains and two light chains, as shown in this diagram. Antibodies bind other molecules known as antigens. Binding occurs in a small region near the ends of the heavy and light chain called the hypervariable region (labeled only on one arm in the figure). As the name implies, this region is extremely variable, which ... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2741088 Wed, 22 Jul 2009 20:16:04 +0100 2741088 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2616670&cid=t_286678_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F07%2F20%2Feconomic-outlook-for-business%2F Title: Economic Outlook for Business The Skinny: Quarterly summaryof the Ernst & and Young ITEM Club which estimates that the economic effects of a serious H1N1 swine flu epidemic could cut UK GDP by a further 3% this year. Publisher: Ernst and Young Published: July 2009 Size of document: 4p Posted in Demand, Economics, Financial Management, Grey Literature, Health Economics, Influenza, Pandemic, Supply Tagged: Demand, Economics, Grey Literature, H1N1, Influenza, Pandemic, Supply (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2616670 Mon, 20 Jul 2009 10:10:59 +0100 2616670 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2616671&cid=t_286678_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F07%2F20%2Fcould-swine-flu-tip-the-world-into-deflation%2F Title: Could swine flu tip the world into deflation? The Skinny: Paper from the Oxford Economics thinktank that looks at the economic impact of a global flu pandemic on the global and UK economy.  Although, so far, the social and economic impacts have been very small, if infection rates were to rise much further, significant costs could be expected. Publisher: Oxford Economics Published: July 2009 Size of Document: 5p Posted in Demand, Economics, Financial Management, Grey Literature, Health Economics, Influenza, Pandemic, Supply Tagged: Demand, Economics, Grey Literature, H1N1, Influenza, Pandemic, Supply (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2616671 Mon, 20 Jul 2009 10:07:32 +0100 2616671 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2741090&cid=t_286678_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.rawvoice.com%2Fpmn_twiv%2Fwww.twiv.tv%2FTWiV041.mp3 Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Dick Despommier, Alan Dove, and Rich Condit On episode #41 of the podcast “This Week in Virology”, Vincent, Dick, Alan and Rich Condit chat about infectious salmon anemia virus, virus-resistant grapevines, virulence of pandemic H1N1 influenza virus, origin of 1918 influenza virus, holy water ban to halt influenza, frequency of human WU and KI polyomavirus infection, rabies in China, and host species of sin nombre virus. Download TWiV #41 (51 MB .mp3, 73 minutes) Subscribe to TWiV in iTunes, by the RSS feed, or by email Links for this episode: Wal-Mart stops buying Chile salmon on virus outbreak Virus-resistant grapevines Virulence of H1N1 pandemic influenza virus in animal models Did 1918 influenza virus originate in birds or not? Holy water ban ... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2741090 Sun, 19 Jul 2009 13:41:38 +0100 2741090 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2613879&cid=t_286678_105_f&fid=35048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedicineAndMan%2F%7E3%2FhBqdVLgOht0%2F Swine flu continues its rampage - and it is not flu season yet! “Although the media buzz has died down a bit, swine flu continues to affect thousands of people each week. As of July 2, the H1N1 virus has killed 170 people in the U.S. The CDC reports 33,000 confirmed cases of the virus have affected 53 U.S. states and territories. “ More on Swine Flu addthis_url = 'http%3A%2F%2Fmedicineandman.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F07%2F17%2Fswine-flu-continues-it-rampage%2F'; addthis_title = 'Swine+Flu+continues+it+rampage'; addthis_pub = ''; (Source: Medicine and Man) Medicine and Man blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2613879 Sat, 18 Jul 2009 00:47:16 +0100 2613879 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2576518&cid=t_286678_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F07%2F06%2Fswine-flu-pandemic-from-containment-to-treatment-guidance-for-the-nhs%2F Title: NHS guidance on move to treatment The Skinny: Series of documents outlining the rationale and evidence for the movement from containment to treatment to manage a flu pandemic. Additional Documents: Swine flu: from containment to treatment Swine flu: from containment to treatment – scientific issues Publisher: DH Size of Document: 16p (12p, 18p) Posted in Influenza, Pandemic Tagged: Grey Literature, H1N1, Influenza, NHS, Pandemic (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2576518 Mon, 06 Jul 2009 14:51:45 +0100 2576518 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2741098&cid=t_286678_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.rawvoice.com%2Fpmn_twiv%2Fwww.twiv.tv%2FTWiV039.mp3 Hosts: Vincent Racaniello and Dick Despommier On episode #39 of the podcast “This Week in Virology”, Vincent and Dick discuss virus structure and answer listener questions. Download TWiV #39 (37 MB .mp3, 53 minutes) Subscribe to TWiV in iTunes, by the RSS feed, or by email Links for this episode: Boston Globe article on Genzyme FDA warning letter to Genzyme (thanks Peter!) Public Health Reports July – December 1918 (thanks Lenn!) Amateur scientists working with professionals (thanks Ennio!) Influenza H1N1 and computer analogies (thanks swiss compass!) Bone marrow transplant to cure AIDS not reported (thanks Andrew!) Paul Offitt interview on vaccines and autism Mark Crislip on vaccines and autism Weekly Science Picks Dick Visual Explanations by Edward R. Tufte... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2741098 Mon, 06 Jul 2009 03:45:54 +0100 2741098 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2570332&cid=t_286678_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F07%2F03%2Fnew-h1n1v-influenza-current-situation-and-next-steps%2F Title: New H1N1v Influenza: Current Situation and Next Steps The Skinny: Letter from the Chief Medical Officer that gives doctors, a synopsis of the epidemiology of the new H1N1v (Swine ‘flu) virus so far some pointers as to what might happen next the rationale for the public health and clinical response so far information and guidance on steps that now need to be taken an outline of further planning and policy decision Publisher: DH Size of Document: 8p Published: 02/07/2009 Posted in Influenza, Pandemic Tagged: Grey Literature, H1N1, Influenza, Pandemic (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2570332 Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:54:59 +0100 2570332 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2570338&cid=t_286678_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F07%2F03%2Fchanged-approach-to-managing-the-swine-flu-pandemic%2F Title: Changed approach to managing the swine flu pandemic The Skinny: Updates all NHS staff on the changed approach to managing the swine flu pandemic. Publisher: DH Size of Document: 3p Published: 02/07/2009 Posted in Influenza, Pandemic Tagged: Grey Literature, H1N1, Influenza, NHS, Pandemic (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2570338 Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:52:35 +0100 2570338 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2741105&cid=t_286678_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FxyfRjZvIoC4%2F The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has published their weekly analysis of influenza activity for the week of 7-13 June 2009. They conclude that …influenza activity decreased in the United States, however, there were still higher levels of influenza-like illness than is normal for this time of year. During week 23, 38.7% of specimens (2,765 out of 7,149) tested positive for influenza virus. Of these, 82% (2,263) were identified as the pandemic H1N1 strain. The H3N2 strain, and last season’s H1N1 strain, accounted for only 21 and 22 of the positive specimens, respectively. These results are shown in the following graph: The numbers raise at least two questions. First, the seasonal H3N2 and H1N1 strains are clearly disappearing. Is this because it is the end of the in... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2741105 Wed, 24 Jun 2009 18:40:25 +0100 2741105 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2741109&cid=t_286678_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2F3ksT5YsXk1A%2F The influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) is the viral protein that attaches to cell receptors. The HA also plays an important role in the release of the viral RNA into the cell, by causing fusion of viral and cellular membranes. HA must be cleaved by cellular proteases to be active as a fusion protein. The HA on the influenza virion is a trimer: it is made up of three copies of the HA polypeptide. The cleavage site for cell proteases on the HA protein is located near the viral membrane. In the diagram, the globular head of the HA protein, which attaches to cell receptors, is at the top, and the viral membrane is at the bottom. For clarity, only one HA cleavage site is labeled. The uncleaved form of the protein is called HA0; after cleavage by a cellular enzyme, two proteins are produced, ... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2741109 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 01:35:10 +0100 2741109 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2741113&cid=t_286678_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FIFzWxDBOLQU%2F Readers of virology blog have no doubt seen news reports that a Brazilian influenza isolate called A/Sao Paulo/1454/2009 (H1N1) is novel strain with mutations that enable it to infect new hosts. Here is one example of such a report, from The Australian: Brazilian scientists have identified a new strain of the H1N1 virus after examining samples from a patient in Sao Paulo, a research institute says. The variant has been called A/Sao Paulo/1454/H1N1 by the Adolfo Lutz Bacteriological Institute, which compared it with samples of the A(H1N1) swine flu from California. The genetic sequence of the new sub-type of the H1N1 virus was isolated by a virology team led by one of its researchers, Terezinha Maria de Paiva. The mutation was comprised of alterations in the Hemagglutinin protein which a... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2741113 Wed, 17 Jun 2009 18:30:16 +0100 2741113 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2741114&cid=t_286678_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FPvONaT67lF0%2F A network of ~150 laboratories in the United States participate in virological surveillance for influenza. The results of these analyses are publicly available, and provide extremely interesting characterization of the pandemic spread of the new H1N1 strain. During week 22, 6,664 samples were submitted for testing, of which 2,681 were positive for influenza virus. Of these, 2,071 (89%) were identified as the new H1N1 strain. The previous seasonal influenza A (H1), A (H3), and B viruses continue to co-circulate. These observations are summarized on this graph: I have noted previously the unusual upsurge in influenza activity during weeks 17 and 18, which coincided with the emergence of the new H1N1 virus. The number of virus-positive specimens dropped during week 19, but has since risen. M... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2741114 Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:54:14 +0100 2741114 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2741115&cid=t_286678_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FI40CaL3fkHI%2F WHO reports that as of 15 June 2009, 76 countries have officially reported 35, 928 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection, including 163 deaths. These numbers can be used to calculate a case fatality ratio (CFR) of 0.45%. Is this number an accurate indication of the lethality of influenza? Determining how many people die from influenza is a tricky business. The main problem is that not every influenza virus infection is confirmed by laboratory testing. For example, early in the Mexico H1N1 outbreak, the apparent CFR was much higher because the total number of infections had not been established. Even with the intense surveillance being conducted at the onset of this pandemic, many infections are still not diagnosed. Virologic surveillance is likely become even more incomplete as health syste... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2741115 Tue, 16 Jun 2009 21:30:24 +0100 2741115 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2510792&cid=t_286678_105_f&fid=35048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedicineAndMan%2F%7E3%2FQ4DypJowUUo%2F Guest Post: The word pandemic has been thrown around in recent years because of the prevalence of many major illnesses that have occurred throughout the third world nations as well as even many Western nations. However, the recent Swine Flu outbreak has caused much deliberation as to the proper terminology of the word itself. There have been generations of widespread epidemics in the past that have included influenza, cholera, and a multitude of other diseases. However, the World Health Organization has come up with a six-tiered level in which to determine when to implement specific disease control efforts around the world, which has successfully led to many countries quarantining illnesses which could be easily spread abroad. However, the true definition of a pandemic is not delivered by ... Medicine and Man blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2510792 Mon, 15 Jun 2009 17:52:19 +0100 2510792 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2408446&cid=t_286678_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F05%2F15%2Fh1n1-flu-resource-centre%2F The Lancet’s H1N1 Resource Centre is the result of a collaborative effort by the editors of over 40 Elsevier-published journals and 11 learned societies who have agreed to make freely available on this site any relevant content. Clinical: H1N1 Clinical Medical References & Guidelines @ MDConsult.com Leading medical reference books, journals, clinics, peer-reviewed practice guidelines, and news H1N1 Clinical Nursing References & Guidelines @ MosbysNursingConsult.com Scientific: Search Journal & Book Literature @ ScienceDirect.com Posted in General Practice, Guidance, Influenza, Pandemic, Primary Care, Public Health Tagged: E-Books, E-Journals, Influenza, Pandemic, Primary Care, Public Health, Swine Flu (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2408446 Fri, 15 May 2009 06:16:08 +0100 2408446 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2404968&cid=t_286678_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F05%2F12%2Fpandemic-influenza-supplementary-information-for-third-sector-organisations%2F gives background information and highlights key areas for consideration to support third sector organisations to plan, prepare and respond to pandemic influenza. By planning well, third sector organisations could play a key role in contributing to the success of the general response to, and recovery from, a pandemic. Posted in Grey Literature, Influenza, Pandemic, Quality, Voluntary Sector Tagged: Grey Literature, Influenza, Pandemic, Strategic Planning, Third Sector, Voluntary Organisations (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2404968 Tue, 12 May 2009 14:23:28 +0100 2404968 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2386865&cid=t_286678_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsandnsurf.medbrains.net%2F2009%2F05%2Fwhat-do-you-mean-pandemic%2F Despite the cessation of ‘pig kissing frolicks‘ it looks as though the WHO will eventually declare that 2009 H1N1 influenza A (’swine flu’) has reached pandemic proportions (phase 6). What does this mean? A phase 6 influenza pandemic means that the virus is now spreading between people across countries in a sustained fashion and will have a [...] (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2386865 Mon, 04 May 2009 13:14:34 +0100 2386865 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2382285&cid=t_286678_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fbreastfeeding123%2Fguidance-on-swine-flu-and-breastfeeding%2F Both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the United States Breastfeeding Committee (USBC) have issued strong guidance on the importance of breastfeeding for protection against the H1N1 swine flu. The CDC states, “Infants who are not breastfeeding are particularly vulnerable to infection and hospitalization for severe respiratory illness.” Photo courtesy of Furya Thus, the CDC urges new mothers to initiate breastfeeding early and to feed frequently. Mothers already breastfeeding should continue to do so, even if they become ill. Formula feeding should be avoided or minimized and breastfeeding maximized. In the Health News Digest, USBC Chair Joan Younger Meek, MD, MS, RD, FAAP, FABM, IBCLC, recommends breastfeedng in emergency situations such as a swine flu o... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2382285 Sat, 02 May 2009 05:55:40 +0100 2382285 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2380764&cid=t_286678_87_f&fid=34935&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedicine.com.my%2Fwp%2F%3Fp%3D6863 Reproducing the WHO FAQ (pdf) here: What is swine influenza? Swine influenza, or “swine flu”, is a highly contagious acute respiratory disease of pigs, caused by one of several swine influenza A viruses. Morbidity tends to be high and mortality low (1-4%). The virus is spread among pigs by aerosols, direct and indirect contact, and asymptomatic carrier pigs. Outbreaks in pigs occur year round, with an increased incidence in the fall and winter in temperate zones. Many countries routinely vaccinate swine populations against swine influenza. Swine influenza viruses are most commonly of the H1N1 subtype, but other subtypes are also circulating in pigs (e.g., H1N2, H3N1, H3N2). Pigs can also be infected with avian influenza viruses and human seasonal influenza viruses as well as swine inf... Malaysian Medical Resources blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2380764 Tue, 28 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2380764 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2305906&cid=t_286678_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F03%2F28%2Fpandemic-flu-guidance-for-businesses-risk-assessment-in-the-occupational-setting%2F explains how businesses can help reduce the spread of flu in the event of a pandemic. It provides information to allow businesses to assess the types of measures that may be used in their particular occupational setting. Posted in Grey Literature, Influenza, Pandemic, Public Health, Strategic Planning Tagged: Business Continuity, Grey Literature, Guidance, Influenza, Pandemic, Strategic Planning (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2305906 Sat, 28 Mar 2009 13:05:07 +0100 2305906 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2510885&cid=t_286678_107_f&fid=38269&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrdonnadouglas.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F01%2F25%2Ffive-ways-to-fight-the-flu%2F View the Swine Flu video here.   Winter in North America brings with it yearly uninvited guests- flu bugs- multiple strains of illness causing viruses just waiting for new bodies to infect.   The most common recommendation has been to protect yourself with a flu vaccine.  But with virtually all the US flu suddenly resistant to the leading antiviral Tamiflu, health officials are worried about where this could lead.  Here are some key guidelines you MUST know if you want to survive this year’s flu season.   How can you distinguish a cold from the flu? First understand that colds are minor infections of the nose and throat which usually develop slowly as a scratchy, sore throat, followed by sneezing and a runny nose.  The flu, however, affects the entire body and symptoms appear sudd... Dr. Donna, MedicineWoman blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2510885 Sun, 25 Jan 2009 23:00:31 +0100 2510885 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1968932&cid=t_286678_105_f&fid=35048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FMedicineAndMan%2F%7E3%2F456655795%2F What if HIV mutates and can now be transmitted by sneezing and coughing - just like common cold?? What would this graph look like?   addthis_url = 'http%3A%2F%2Fmedicineandman.com%2Fblog%2F2008%2F11%2F17%2Ffood-for-thought%2F'; addthis_title = 'Food+for+Thought'; addthis_pub = ''; (Source: Medicine and Man) Medicine and Man blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1968932 Tue, 18 Nov 2008 03:37:20 +0100 1968932 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1894813&cid=t_286678_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F10%2F22%2Fpandemic-fluuk-international-preparedness-strategy%2F demonstrates a cross-government approach to improving international preparedness for pandemic in the next three to five years. It identifies the UK Government’s aims, objectives and actions for playing its part to improve global pandemic preparedness. Posted in Grey Literature, Influenza, Pandemic, Risk Evaluation, Strategic Planning   Tagged: Grey Literature, Influenza, Pandemic, Strategic Planning    (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1894813 Wed, 22 Oct 2008 11:14:12 +0100 1894813 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1768794&cid=t_286678_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F09%2F05%2Flatest-pandemic-guidance%2F Pandemic influenza Surge capacity and prioritisation in health services (draft for comment) is designed to give guidance on managing the surge capacity needed to respond to an increased volume of patients during an influenza pandemic. Pandemic influenza Guidance for Dental Practices provides a brief overview of pandemic flu, how it is transmitted and the recommendations for containing its transmission with reference to a dental setting. Pandemic influenza Guidance on the delivery of and contract arrangements for primary care dentistry provides specific advice to the NHS on the delivery and contract arrangements for primary care dentistry in the event of a Pandemic. (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1768794 Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:06:42 +0100 1768794 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1188510&cid=t_286678_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F01%2F30%2Fpandemic-influenza-guidance%2F Everyone will be involved in the fight against pandemic influenza (flu) in terms of managing the impact it will have on society and preventing further spread of the infection. These booklets explain how the following groups can, in the course of their daily work, protect themselves, their colleagues and their families, and prevent the spread of flu. Pandemic flu guidance for funeral directors: What you need to know and how to protect yourself and others Pandemic flu guidance for cleaning staff and refuse collectors in non-health care settings: What you need to know and how to protect yourself and others Pandemic flu guidance for the Fire and Rescue Service: What you need to know and how to protect yourself and others Pandemic flu guidance for the Police Service: What you need to kno... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1188510 Wed, 30 Jan 2008 17:57:55 +0100 1188510 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1051155&cid=t_286678_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2007%2F11%2F26%2Fmore-on-pandemic%2F Pandemic influenza: guidance for infection control in hospitals and primary care settings replaces the infection control guidance published in October 2005. The changes and amendments in this edition are detailed on page 4 and include updated advice on aerosol- generating procedures. This advice takes into consideration and addresses the categorisation of such procedures in the recently published interim guidance from the World Health Organization on ‘Infection prevention and control of epidemic- and pandemic-prone acute respiratory diseases in health care’. (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1051155 Mon, 26 Nov 2007 15:46:19 +0100 1051155 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=923805&cid=t_286678_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F164686512%2F While George Abercrombie is flying around the country, trying to convince local governments and large companies to stock up on Roche’s Tamiflu, Swedish researchers are warning the med may be less effective against an influenza pandemic than previously thought. That’s because the med’s active ingredient, oseltamivir carboxylate, is excreted in the urine and feces. Scientists at Sweden’s Umea University found the drug isn’t removed or degraded in normal sewage treatment. This means Tamiflu’s presence in waterways may allow flu-carrying birds to ingest it and incubate resistant viruses, Bloomberg News reports. “That this substance is so difficult to break down means that it goes right through sewage treatment and out into surrounding waters,” ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=923805 Wed, 03 Oct 2007 13:03:06 +0100 923805