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This page shows you the latest news and research items in this category.

Singapore's First Home-Grown Influenza Vaccine In Phase 1 Clinical Trial
The vaccine based on Cytos' Virus-Like Particle technology may open the door to accelerated production of influenza vaccines in Singapore Singapore's Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and Switzerland's Cytos Biotechnology AG today announced that the first healthy volunteer has been dosed in a Phase 1 clinical trial with their H1N1 influenza vaccine candidate based on Cytos' proprietary bacteriophage Qbeta virus-like particle (VLP) technology... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Source: Health News from Medical News Today - May 21, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Flu / Cold / SARS Source Type: news

Immunogenicity of pandemic influenza A H1N1/2009 adjuvanted vaccine in pediatric solid organ transplant recipients
Abstract The aim of this study was to assess the immunogenicity of a vaccine against this virus in a prospective cohort of transplanted pediatric patients without previous influenza infection who received one dose of MF59®‐adjuvanted pandemic H1N1/2009 vaccine. Seventeen patients who were being regularly followed up at the Outpatient Clinic of the Children's Transplant Unit (liver and kidney transplantation) in Hospital Universitari Vall d′Hebron (Barcelona) were included. Seroconversion was demonstrated in 15 of 17 (88.2%) vaccinated children. There were no rejection episodes or major adverse events. The MF59®‐adj...
Source: Pediatric Transplantation - May 20, 2013 Category: Transplant Surgery Authors: J. Gavaldà, E. Cabral, P. Perez‐Romero, O. Len, T. Aydillo, M. Campins, J. Quintero, M. Peghin, J. Nieto, R. Charco, A. Pahissa, E. Cordero, Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Synthetic Influenza Virus May Cut Vaccine Delivery TimeSynthetic Influenza Virus May Cut Vaccine Delivery Time
Response time to influenza pandemics may be lessened by Internet use and synthetic vaccine technology. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)
Source: Medscape Today Headlines - May 16, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Infectious Diseases News Source Type: news

[News & Analysis] Influenza: Synthetic Vaccine Strain May Speed Up Pandemic Response
Researchers publish technique that could shave up to 4 weeks off vaccine production time, which during a pandemic could save tens of thousands of lives.Author: Kai Kupferschmidt (Source: Science: Current Issue)
Source: Science: Current Issue - May 16, 2013 Category: Science Authors: Kai Kupferschmidt Source Type: research

A*STAR and Cytos bring Singapore's first influenza vaccine to clinical testing
(Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore) Singapore's Agency for Science, Technology and Research and Switzerland's Cytos Biotechnology AG today announced that the first healthy volunteer has been dosed in a Phase 1 clinical trial with their H1N1 influenza vaccine candidate based on Cytos' proprietary bacteriophage Qbeta virus-like particle technology. In this first Phase 1 clinical trial, the safety and immunogenicity of this novel vaccine candidate and its potential to protect against H1N1 influenza infection will be evaluated. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)
Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science - May 16, 2013 Category: Global & Universal Source Type: news

Conserved epitopes dominate cross‐CD8+ T‐cell responses against influenza A H1N1 virus among Asian populations
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved (Source: European Journal of Immunology)
Source: European Journal of Immunology - May 16, 2013 Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Jun Liu, Bin Wu, Shihong Zhang, Shuguang Tan, Yeping Sun, Zhujun Chen, Yuanfang Qin, Mingwei Sun, Guoli Shi, Ying Wu, Meiyi Sun, Na Liu, Kaida Ning, Ying Ma, Bin Gao, Jinghua Yan, Fengcai Zhu, Hua Wang, George F. Gao Tags: Regular Article Source Type: research

Does vaccine dose predict response to the monovalent pandemic H1N1 influenza a vaccine in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia? A single‐centre study
ConclusionsThese data suggest that the immunogenicity of the pH1N1 vaccine among children with ALL is improved by repeated and adult doses of the vaccine. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013;9999:XX–XX. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: Pediatric Blood and Cancer)
Source: Pediatric Blood and Cancer - May 16, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: T. Ronan Leahy, Owen P. Smith, Christopher L. Bacon, Lorna Storey, Paul Lynam, Patrick J. Gavin, Karina M. Butler, Aengus S. O'Marcaigh Tags: Research Article Source Type: research

Abstract 161: Presence of Vaccination Antibodies and Cardiovascular Mortality: Insights From NHANES III and Continuous NHANES [Poster Session II]
Conclusion: Our observational study in a large database suggests that presence of non-influenza vaccination antibodies is not associated with decreased cardiovascular mortality in a nationally representative cohort. (Source: Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes)
Source: Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes - May 15, 2013 Category: Cardiology Authors: Shah, N., Patel, N. J., Grover, P., Chothani, A., Mehta, K., Deshmukh, A., Rathod, A., Singh, V., Savani, G., Gupta, S. J., Badheka, A. O., De Marchena, E., Cohen, M. G. Tags: Poster Session II Source Type: research

Study Identifies Influenza Viruses Circulating In Pigs And Birds That Could Pose A Risk To Humans
In the summer of 1968, a new strain of influenza appeared in Hong Kong. This strain, known as H3N2, spread around the globe and eventually killed an estimated 1 million people. A new study from MIT reveals that there are many strains of H3N2 circulating in birds and pigs that are genetically similar to the 1968 strain and have the potential to generate a pandemic if they leap to humans. The researchers, led by Ram Sasisekharan, the Alfred H. Caspary Professor of Biological Engineering at MIT, also found that current flu vaccines might not offer protection against these strains... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Source: Health News from Medical News Today - May 14, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Flu / Cold / SARS Source Type: news

Mortality due to respiratory diseases in the elderly after influenza vaccination campaigns in the Federal District, Brazil, 1996-2009
CONCLUSIONS: Influenza vaccination appears to have a positive impact on the prevention of mortality due to respiratory diseases, particularly in the population aged 70 or over. (Source: Jornal Brasileiro de Pneumologia)
Source: Jornal Brasileiro de Pneumologia - May 11, 2013 Category: Respiratory Medicine Source Type: research

Prevention and Control of Influenza with Vaccines: Interim Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), 2013
(Source: CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report)
Source: CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report - May 9, 2013 Category: American Health Source Type: news

MMWR: Prevention and Control of Influenza with Vaccines: Interim Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), 2013
(Source: CDC Flu updates)
Source: CDC Flu updates - May 9, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: news

Influenza Vaccination in Children With Cystic FibrosisInfluenza Vaccination in Children With Cystic Fibrosis
What is the impact of influenza on CF patients, and how effective is vaccination for this population? Expert Review of Vaccines (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)
Source: Medscape Today Headlines - May 9, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Infectious Diseases Journal Article Source Type: news

Description of the Western Sydney, and Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health Districts’ Influenza Prevention Program
Conclusions and ImplicationsA hospital based influenza vaccination program can be an effective way to improve influenza vaccination rates among specific population groups at high risk of severe disease with influenza, particularly pregnant women and those younger than 65 years with a chronic medical condition. (Source: Internal Medicine Journal)
Source: Internal Medicine Journal - May 9, 2013 Category: Internal Medicine Authors: Margaret Brown, Vicky Sheppeard, Salwa Gabriel, Jane Thomas Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Delivering Influenza Vaccine to High-Risk Adults: Subspecialty Physician Practices
Influenza is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality in the United States. Despite long-standing national recommendations, only 47% of adults with a high-risk condition received the influenza vaccine in 2009-2010. Subspecialty practices provide a significant portion of ambulatory care visits for high-risk adults and understanding their role in the immunization infrastructure may increase immunization rates, decrease public health burden, and reduce influenza-associated disease. A cross-sectional survey of cardiology, pulmonology, and obstetrics/gynecology practices was conducted to assess influenza vaccination ...
Source: American Journal of Medical Quality - May 8, 2013 Category: Health Management Authors: Jessop, A. B., Dumas, H., Moser, C. A. Tags: Articles Source Type: research

Scripps Research announces research & license agreement with Janssen Pharmaceuticals
(Scripps Research Institute) The Scripps Research Institute today announced a five-year agreement with Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Janssen) to collaborate on focused research projects in the infectious disease area, with the initial project targeting the influenza virus. Under the agreement Janssen will receive certain license rights to the results of the research. Janssen Pharmaceuticals will collaborate in the research on influenza through its Crucell Vaccine Institute. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)
Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health - May 7, 2013 Category: Global & Universal Source Type: news

Influenza Vaccine Safe for Children With IBDInfluenza Vaccine Safe for Children With IBD
Influenza immunization is safe for children with inflammatory bowel disease, and its use should be encouraged, according to a new study. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)
Source: Medscape Today Headlines - May 6, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Pediatrics News Source Type: news

Economic View: An Economic Cure for Pandemics
An outbreak of avian flu in Asia raises questions about national preparedness for pandemics. A reward system for medical innovators would be a step in the right direction, an economist says. (Source: NYT Health)
Source: NYT Health - May 4, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Authors: By TYLER COWEN Tags: Epidemics Inventions and Patents Drugs (Pharmaceuticals) United States Economy Avian Influenza United States Politics and Government Research China Vaccination and Immunization Source Type: news

Analytical technologies for influenza virus-like particle candidate vaccines: challenges and emerging approaches
Influenza virus-like particle vaccines are one of the most promising ways to respond to the threat of future influenza pandemics. VLPs are composed of viral antigens but lack nucleic acids making them non-infectious which limit the risk of recombination with wild-type strains. By taking advantage of the advancements in cell culture technologies, the process from strain identification to manufacturing has the potential to be completed rapidly and easily at large scales. After closely reviewing the current research done on influenza VLPs, it is evident that the development of quantification methods has been consistently over...
Source: Virology Journal - May 4, 2013 Category: Virology Authors: Christine ThompsonEmma PetiotAlexandre LennaertzOlivier HenryAmine Kamen Source Type: research

T cell memory to evolutionarily conserved and shared hemagglutinin epitopes of H1N1 viruses: a pilot scale study
Conclusions: The current study provides a compelling evidence of HA epitope specific CD4+ T cellular memory towards A (H1N1)pdm09 strain. These well-characterized epitopes could recruit alternative immunological pathways to overcome the challenge of annual seasonal flu vaccine escape. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)
Source: BMC Infectious Diseases - May 4, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Venkata DuvvuriBhargavi DuvvuriVeronica JamnikJonathan GubbayJianhong WuGillian Wu Source Type: research

Rapid research response to the 2009 A(H1N1)pdm09 influenza pandemic (Revised)
The objective of the study was to collect samples from patients with suspected or confirmed A(H1N1)pdm09 infections that could be made available to the scientific community. Respiratory secretions, sera and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected sequentially (when possible) from patients presenting with suspected or previously confirmed A(H1N1)pdm09 infections. Clinical manifestations and illness outcomes were assessed. Respiratory secretions were tested for the presence of A(H1N1)pdm09 virus by means of isolation in tissue culture and real time RT-PCR. Sera were tested for the presence and level of HAI ...
Source: BMC Research Notes - May 3, 2013 Category: Research Authors: Wendy KeitelPedro PiedraRobert AtmarGail DemmlerHana El SahlyJill BarrettRebecca HalpinRosanna LagosSusan Fisher-HochFlor Munoz Source Type: research

First H7N9 avian influenza vaccine developed
Scientists at vaccine manufacturer Greffex say they have created the first comprehensive vaccine for H7N9 avian influenza, one month after the virus was characterised. (Source: Pharmaceutical Technology)
Source: Pharmaceutical Technology - May 1, 2013 Category: Pharmaceuticals Source Type: news

Scientists concerned at H7N9 bird flu outbreak that has killed 24 people
• Virus killing a fifth of those infected in China• World Health Organisation considers it a serious threatScientists are seriously concerned about a new bird flu virus that is causing severe disease in China, killing a fifth of all those it infects.So far, the virus, known as H7N9, is being transmitted only to humans from chickens, but there are worries that it could mutate into a form that could be passed from one person to another. Five mutations are known to be necessary for that to happen – H7N9 already has two of them. If that occurred, it could spread worldwide with lethal effect.According to the World Health ...
Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - May 1, 2013 Category: Science Authors: Sarah Boseley Tags: Bird flu Asia Pacific World news Infectious diseases Health guardian.co.uk Medical research Microbiology China Editorial Science Source Type: news

Pandemic Influenza, but Not Vaccine, Increases Risk of Fetal Death
(Source: AAP Grand Rounds)
Source: AAP Grand Rounds - May 1, 2013 Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tolan, R. W. Tags: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research

Haemophilus influenzae Type b in an Immunocompetent, Fully Vaccinated ALL Survivor
A 7-year-old boy with a history of recurrent acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), in remission, presented to primary care clinic after 2 days of progressive right hip pain with weight-bearing activities. He was otherwise asymptomatic at the time of presentation. Blood cultures revealed Gram-negative diplococci, which prompted an MRI that was significant for a hip joint effusion and femoral head bone marrow edema. The patient had no sick contacts and no significant past medical history other than ALL. The patient had been given all recommended childhood vaccinations. Arthrocentesis and needle biopsy of the femoral neck were ...
Source: PEDIATRICS - May 1, 2013 Category: Pediatrics Authors: Nevin, J., Kanter Washko, J., Arnold, J. Tags: Case Report Source Type: research

The TLR4 antagonist Eritoran protects mice from lethal influenza infection
Nature advance online publication 01 May 2013. doi:10.1038/nature12118 Authors: Kari Ann Shirey, Wendy Lai, Alison J. Scott, Michael Lipsky, Pragnesh Mistry, Lioubov M. Pletneva, Christopher L. Karp, Jaclyn McAlees, Theresa L. Gioannini, Jerrold Weiss, Wilbur H. Chen, Robert K. Ernst, Daniel P. Rossignol, Fabian Gusovsky, Jorge C. G. Blanco & Stefanie N. Vogel There is a pressing need to develop alternatives to annual influenza vaccines and antiviral agents licensed for mitigating influenza infection. Previous studies reported that acute lung injury caused by chemical or microbial insults is secondary to the generatio...
Source: Nature AOP - May 1, 2013 Category: Research Authors: Kari Ann ShireyWendy LaiAlison J. ScottMichael LipskyPragnesh MistryLioubov M. PletnevaChristopher L. KarpJaclyn McAleesTheresa L. GioanniniJerrold WeissWilbur H. ChenRobert K. ErnstDaniel P. RossignolFabian GusovskyJorge C. G. BlancoStefanie N. Vogel Tags: Letter Source Type: research

Nigeria: Polio Eradication - What Progress So Far?
[Daily Trust]Jos -The 3rd African Vaccination Week (AVW), organized by the African Region of World Health Organization (WHO) April 22 to 28, 2013, came under the theme, 'Save Lives. Prevent disabilities. Vaccinate', and accomplished heightened continent-wide awareness of the place of routine immunization against vaccine-preventable diseases. All 46 member-states of WHO in the African region participated in efforts to strengthen immunization programmes around the continent against diphtheria, haemophilus influenzae serotype (Source: AllAfrica News: Polio)
Source: AllAfrica News: Polio - April 30, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: news

A simulation study to compare three self‐controlled case series approaches: correction for violation of assumption and evaluation of bias
ConclusionsViolation of the event‐independent exposure assumption leads to an overestimation of relative incidence which could be corrected by alternative SCCS approaches. In multiple exposure situations, the pseudo‐likelihood approach is optimal; the post‐exposure cases only approach is limited in handling a second exposure and may introduce additional bias, thus should be used with caution. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source: Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety)
Source: Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety - April 29, 2013 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Wei Hua, Guoying Sun, Caitlin N. Dodd, Silvana A. Romio, Heather J. Whitaker, Hector S. Izurieta, Steven Black, Miriam C. J. M. Sturkenboom, Robert L. Davis, Genevieve Deceuninck, N. J. Andrews Tags: Original Report Source Type: research

What Are the Basic Oxygen Delivery Methods?
Discussion Oxygen is the most common element on earth. It makes up 21% of air, 89% of seawater and 46% of the earth’s crust. It is a highly reactive element (including being highly flammable) that must be combined to be stable (O2 molecular form) and non-reactive at ambient temperature and pressure. A continuous supply of oxygen is necessary for human life and lack of oxygen leads to hypoxic brain damage and other end organ damage such as the liver, kidneys and heart. Thus in hypoxic situations, emergency oxygen use is necessary. Situations where O2 is necessary in high concentrations includes major trauma, shock, ...
Source: PediatricEducation.org - April 28, 2013 Category: Pediatrics Authors: Donna M. D'Alessandro, M.D. Tags: Uncategorized Source Type: news

Influenza vaccinations for health care workers remains hot topic
(Source: AORN Journal)
Source: AORN Journal - April 27, 2013 Category: Nursing Tags: AORN Connections Source Type: research

[Newsdesk] Implications of narcolepsy link with swine-influenza vaccine
Initial links between Pandemrix and narcolepsy seemed limited to Nordic countries, Kelly Morris takes a look at growing evidence for a further reaching effect. (Source: The Lancet Infectious Diseases)
Source: The Lancet Infectious Diseases - April 27, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Kelly Morris Tags: Newsdesk Source Type: research

[Newsdesk] Infectious disease surveillance update
By April 9, 24 cases of laboratory-confirmed influenza A H7N9 had been reported in China, and seven of the patients had died. Of the surviving individuals, 14 had severe disease and three had mild disease. Close contacts of the laboratory-confirmed cases are being monitored. There is no evidence of ongoing person-to-person transmission ofthis avian virus and WHO has not recommended any trade or travel restrictions. Although no vaccine exists, results of preliminary tests suggest influenza A H7N9 is susceptible to the neuraminidase inhibitors oseltamivir and zanamivir. (Source: The Lancet Infectious Diseases)
Source: The Lancet Infectious Diseases - April 27, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Farhat Yaqub Tags: Newsdesk Source Type: research

[Comment] Influenza vaccine and Guillain-Barré syndrome: making informed decisions
Fears about development of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) after influenza vaccination have hampered individual and population-level vaccine coverage rates. Uncertainties began with the 1976 H1N1 swine influenza vaccine programme, which saw an estimated relative risk of GBS of 7–8 after vaccination, although the attributable risk was probably lower. Regardless, the Institute of Medicine stated in 2004 that evidence favours a causal relation between the 1976 H1N1 influenza vaccine and GBS but in 2011 concluded the evidence was inadequate for seasonal vaccines. (Source: LANCET)
Source: LANCET - April 27, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Gregory A Poland, Caroline M Poland, Charles L Howe Tags: Comment Source Type: research

[Articles] Association between Guillain-Barré syndrome and influenza A (H1N1) 2009 monovalent inactivated vaccines in the USA: a meta-analysis
The modest risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome attributed to vaccination is consistent with previous estimates of the disorder after seasonal influenza vaccination. A risk of this small magnitude would be difficult to capture during routine seasonal influenza vaccine programmes, which have extensive, but comparatively less, safety monitoring. In view of the morbidity and mortality caused by 2009 H1N1 influenza and the effectiveness of the vaccine, clinicians, policy makers, and those eligible for vaccination should be assured that the benefits of inactivated pandemic vaccines greatly outweigh the risks. (Source: LANCET)
Source: LANCET - April 27, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Daniel A Salmon, Michael Proschan, Richard Forshee, Paul Gargiullo, William Bleser, Dale R Burwen, Francesca Cunningham, Patrick Garman, Sharon K Greene, Grace M Lee, Claudia Vellozzi, W Katherine Yih, Bruce Gellin, Nicole Lurie, the H1N1 GBS Meta-Analysi Tags: Articles Source Type: research

Increased Demand For Vaccines Will Continue To Benefit CMOs
The demand for influenza vaccine brings time-to-market and cost of production to the forefront, and is among the top three reasons to outsource work to a CMO. (Source: Pharmaceutical Online News)
Source: Pharmaceutical Online News - April 26, 2013 Category: Pharmaceuticals Source Type: news

Social determinants of health and seasonal influenza vaccination in adults >=65 years: a systematic review of qualitative and quantitative data
Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that the ability of adults >=65 years to receive seasonal influenza vaccine is influenced by structural, intermediate, and healthcare-related social determinants which have an impact at the health system, provider, and individual levels. (Source: BMC Public Health - Latest articles)
Source: BMC Public Health - Latest articles - April 25, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Jason NagataIsabel Hernández-RamosAnand Sivasankara KurupDaniel AlbrechtClaudia Vivas-TorrealbaCarlos Franco-Paredes Source Type: research

Assessing parents' knowledge and attitudes towards seasonal influenza vaccination of children before and after a seasonal influenza vaccination effectiveness study in low-income urban and rural Kenya, 2010--2011
Conclusion: If influenza vaccine were to be introduced more broadly in Kenya, effective health messaging will be needed on vaccine side effects and frequency and potential severity of influenza infection. (Source: BMC Public Health - Latest articles)
Source: BMC Public Health - Latest articles - April 25, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Prisca OriaGeoffrey ArungaEmmaculate LeboJoshua WongGideon EmukulePhilip MuthokaNancy OtienoDavid MutongaRobert BreimanMark Katz Source Type: research

Towards a universal influenza vaccine: Volunteer virus challenge studies in quarantine to speed the development and subsequent licensing
Abstract There are now more than ten experimental vaccine formulations which induce T and B cell immunity towards the internally situated virus proteins matrix (M1 and M2e) and nucleoprotein (NP), and towards stem and stalk regions of the HA which have a shared antigenic structure amongst many of the 17 influenza A virus sub types. Such “universal vaccines” could be used, at least in theory, as a prophylactic stockpile vaccine for newly emerged epidemic and novel pandemic influenza A viruses or as a supplement to conventional HA/NA vaccines. My own laboratory has approached the problem from the clinical viewpoint by id...
Source: British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology - April 25, 2013 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: J.S. Oxford Tags: Review Source Type: research

New Bird Flu Strain Spreads Outside of China
A man in Taiwan has contracted the H7N9 virus, and officials in the region are taking precautions to prevent spread to their countries. (Source: NYT Health)
Source: NYT Health - April 24, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Authors: By BREE FENG and DENISE GRADY Tags: Taiwan Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Avian Influenza China Vaccination and Immunization World Health Organization Source Type: news

WMA Launches Influenza Immunization Campaign For Physicians
A new immunization campaign against influenza among physicians and other health workers has been launched by the World Medical Association. The announcement comes as the World Health Organization begins its Immunization Week under the slogan, "Protect your world - get vaccinated". With the support of the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations, the WMA campaign intends to raise physicians' awareness globally of the importance of influenza vaccination among healthcare professionals to protect their patients and families... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Source: Health News from Medical News Today - April 23, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Flu / Cold / SARS Source Type: news

Results of a national study on the awareness of and attitudes toward acute otitis media (AOM) among clinicians and the estimated direct healthcare costs in Turkey (TR-AOM Study)
Abstract: Aims: Acute otitis media (AOM) is one of the most frequent diagnoses and reasons for prescribing antibiotics in children. The aims of this prospective study were the following: (1) to assess the continuing education of physicians and the sources of information about AOM; (2) to assess the current knowledge of and attitudes toward AOM as well as the compliance with AOM guidelines; (3) to evaluate opinions about vaccines against AOM; and (4) to estimate the potential costs of AOM on the healthcare system in Turkey.Methods: This is a web-based cross-sectional survey of a national convenience sample of 600 physicians...
Source: International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology - April 22, 2013 Category: ENT & OMF Authors: Ener Cagri Dinleyici, Fatih Yuksel, Zeynel Abidin Yargic, Murat Unalacak, Ilhami Unluoglu Tags: Research papers Source Type: research

Results Of A Comparative Study Of The Molecular Immune Responses To Influenza And Pneumococcal Vaccines
In a manuscript published in Immunity, scientists at the Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason (BRI) and the Baylor Institute for Immunology Research (BIIR) report the results of a comparative study of the molecular immune responses to influenza and pneumococcal vaccines. In addition, cutting-edge web technology was used to improve dissemination of data in order to accelerate the pace of scientific discovery... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Source: Health News from Medical News Today - April 22, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Immune System / Vaccines Source Type: news

Phase I Clinical Trial For An H5N1 Bird Flu Vaccine Shows Positive Results
IDRI (Infectious Disease Research Institute), a Seattle-based non-profit research organization that is a leading developer of adjuvants used in vaccines combating infectious disease, and Medicago Inc. (TSX: MDG; OTCQX: MDCGF), a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing highly effective and competitive vaccines based on proprietary manufacturing technologies and Virus-Like Particles (VLPs), today reported positive interim results from a Phase I clinical trial for an H5N1 Avian Influenza VLP vaccine candidate ("H5N1 vaccine")... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Source: Health News from Medical News Today - April 22, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Bird Flu / Avian Flu Source Type: news

Double dose vs. standard dose influenza vaccination in patients with heart failure: a pilot study
Conclusions Higher influenza vaccine doses may elicit increased antibody-mediated responses in patients with heart failure; further studies should assess whether clinical outcomes are improved with this strategy. (Source: European Journal of Heart Failure)
Source: European Journal of Heart Failure - April 22, 2013 Category: Cardiology Authors: Van Ermen, A., Hermanson, M. P., Moran, J. M., Sweitzer, N. K., Johnson, M. R., Vardeny, O. Tags: PHARMACOLOGY Source Type: research

Effects of age on H1N1-specific serum IgG1 and IgG3 levels evaluated during the 2011-2012 influenza vaccine season
Conclusions: In the 2011-2012 season, the pandemic (p)2009 H1N1 strain was present in the vaccine forthe third consecutive year and therefore each individual was seroprotected at t0. The peak ofthe response was at t7, suggesting a memory response characterized by a robust induction ofIgG3, which was associated with TNF-alpha and IL-6 production. Both IgG1 and IgG3 responseswere decreased by age. AID was confirmed to be a predictive biomarker of optimal vaccineresponses. (Source: Immunity and Aging)
Source: Immunity and Aging - April 22, 2013 Category: Geriatrics Authors: Daniela FrascaAlain DiazMaria RomeroNicholas MendezAna Marie LandinBonnie Blomberg Source Type: research

Effects of age on H1N1-specific serum IgG1 and IgG3 levels evaluated during the 2011¿2012 influenza vaccine season
Conclusions: In the 2011–2012 season, the pandemic (p)2009 H1N1 strain was present in the vaccine for the third consecutive year and therefore each individual was seroprotected at t0. The peak of the response was at t7, suggesting a memory response characterized by a robust induction of IgG3, which was associated with TNF-α and IL-6 production. Both IgG1 and IgG3 responses were decreased by age. AID was confirmed to be a predictive biomarker of optimal vaccine responses. (Source: Immunity and Aging)
Source: Immunity and Aging - April 22, 2013 Category: Geriatrics Authors: Daniela FrascaAlain DiazMaria RomeroNicholas MendezAna Marie LandinBonnie Blomberg Source Type: research

Details Of New Synthetic Vaccine For Emerging H7N9 Threat Revealed At BIO International Convention In Chicago, April 22-25
Replikins Ltd will reveal details on the availability of two completely synthetic vaccine candidates, both with long-term prevention goals and acute short-term blocking capacity. One of these vaccines targets H7N9 alone, the other for H7N9 plus the other common influenza strains. The company is exploring partnerships with established healthcare and pharmaceutical companies to aggressively commercialize the technology... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Source: Health News from Medical News Today - April 20, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Flu / Cold / SARS Source Type: news

NEW: Interim Recommendations: Prevention and Control of Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), 2013
(Source: CDC Flu updates)
Source: CDC Flu updates - April 19, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: news

2012 Brazilian Society of Rheumatology Consensus on vaccination of patients with rheumatoid arthritis
CONCLUSIONS: The following 12 recommendations were established: 1) Before starting disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, the vaccine card should be reviewed and updated; 2) Vaccines against seasonal influenza and against H1N1 are indicated annually for patients with RA; 3) The pneumococcal vaccine should be indicated for all patients with RA; 4) The vaccine against varicella should be indicated for patients with RA and a negative or dubious history for that disease; 5) The HPV vaccine should be considered for adolescent and young females with RA; 6) The meningococcal vaccine is indicated for patients with RA only in the ...
Source: Revista Brasileira de Reumatologia - April 18, 2013 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research

IDRI and Medicago report positive results for Phase I clinical trial for an H5N1 vaccine
(Infectious Disease Research Institute) IDRI and Medicago Inc. today reported positive interim results from a Phase I clinical trial for an H5N1 Avian Influenza VLP vaccine candidate. The results were announced at the World Vaccine Congress in Washington, D.C. The H5N1 vaccine was found to be safe and well-tolerated and induced a solid immune response exceeding the three Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use immunogenicity criteria for licensure of influenza vaccines. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)
Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health - April 17, 2013 Category: Global & Universal Source Type: news