Search Our Scientific Publications & Authors

Eur J Med Chem 2018 Dec 7;163:560-568. Epub 2018 Dec 7.

State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China. Electronic address:

It is urgently necessary to develop more effective anti-influenza agents due to the continuous emergence of drug-resistant strains of influenza virus. Our earlier studies have identified that certain pentacyclic triterpene derivatives are effective inhibitors of influenza virus infection. In the present study, a series of C-28 modified pentacyclic triterpene derivatives via conjugation with a series of polyphenols were synthesized, and their antiviral activities against influenza A/WSN/33 (H1N1) virus in MDCK (Madin-Darby canine kidney) cells were evaluated. Read More

Zoonoses Public Health 2018 Dec 14. Epub 2018 Dec 14.

Wildlife and Habitat Branch, BC Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada.

Striped skunks (skunks) are susceptible to respiratory infection by influenza A viruses (IAV). As they are common synanthropes, maintenance of IAV in skunks could provide a source of infection for humans. We previously studied the nasal turbinates, lungs and faeces of 50 free-ranging skunks for the presence of IAV and identified two individuals with influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 infection during the 2009/2010 and 2013/2014 flu seasons. Read More

Zoonoses Public Health 2018 Dec 14. Epub 2018 Dec 14.

Center of Excellences for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases in Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.

Influenza A virus causes respiratory disease in both humans and animals. In this study, a survey of influenza A antibodies in domestic dogs and cats was conducted in 47 animal shelters in 19 provinces of Thailand from September 2011 to September 2014. One thousand and eleven serum samples were collected from 932 dogs and 79 cats. Read More

Adv Healthc Mater 2018 Dec 14:e1800953. Epub 2018 Dec 14.

Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Yonsei University, Yonsei-ro 50, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.

Powerful adjuvants to augment vaccine efficacy with a less immunogenic vaccine system are in great demand. In this study, a novel squalene-based cationic poly(amino acid) adjuvant (CASq) that elicits both cellular (Th1) and humoral (Th2) immune responses is developed. CASq is demonstrated to promote cellular uptake of viral antigen and stimulate macrophages, leading to active production of interleukin-12. Read More

Rev Med Virol 2018 Dec 12:e2024. Epub 2018 Dec 12.

Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan.

Respiratory infections, especially those of the lower respiratory tract, remain a foremost cause of mortality and morbidity of children greater than 5 years in developing countries including Pakistan. Ignoring these acute-level infections may lead to complications. Particularly in Pakistan, respiratory infections account for 20% to 30% of all deaths of children. Read More

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018 Dec 12. Epub 2018 Dec 12.

Center for Sleep Sciences and Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304;

Type 1 narcolepsy (T1N) is caused by hypocretin/orexin (HCRT) neuronal loss. Association with the HLA DQB1*06:02/DQA1*01:02 (98% vs. 25%) heterodimer (DQ0602), T cell receptors (TCR) and other immune loci suggest autoimmunity but autoantigens are unknown. Read More

J Nephrol 2018 Dec 6. Epub 2018 Dec 6.

University of Insubria, Varese, Italy.

A significant interaction between kidneys and lungs has been shown in physiological and pathological conditions. The two organs can both be targets of the same systemic disease (eg., some vasculitides). Read More

Rev Paul Pediatr 2018 Oct-Dec;36(4):445-450

Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil.

Objective: To assess the prevalence and severity of wheezing in the first year of life of infants, using the standardized protocol of the Estudio Internacional de Sibilancias en Lactantes- phase 3, and compare the values obtained with those found in phase 1, conducted at the same center.

Methods: Between 2009 and 2010, parents and guardians of infants answered the written questionnaire of the Estudio Internacional de Sibilancias en Lactantes - phase 3, and its results were compared to those of phase 1, performed between 2005 and 2006. We divided the infants into wheezing and non-wheezing. Read More

Virusdisease 2018 Dec 26;29(4):553-559. Epub 2018 Sep 26.

2National Institute of Virology, Pune, Mahrashtra India.

Scant data exist about the epidemiology of influenza B in India. We set out to address the epidemiology of influenza B in a temperate region of northern India from 2010 to 2016. Outpatient and inpatient surveillance was conducted in patients presenting with acute respiratory infection in a northern Indian hospital from September 2010 till April 2016. Read More

Virusdisease 2018 Dec 20;29(4):548-552. Epub 2018 Oct 20.

1Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok, Thailand.

Innate immune cells are key player in immune response to influenza virus infection. Influenza infected monocytes exacerbate the disease pathology. However, monocytes differ in susceptibilities to influenza virus infection. Read More

Virusdisease 2018 Dec 1;29(4):461-467. Epub 2018 Sep 1.

Department of Biological Science and Engineering, Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology, Bhopal, India.

Recently three FDA approved existing drugs, namely-Oseltamivir, Peramivir and Zanamivir, used against Neuraminidase (NA) for the inhibitory effect on the process of viral progeny release to inhibit infection. All NA subtypes has been divided into two groups (Group 1 and Group 2) based on phylogenetic study. Oseltamivir and Zanamivir drugs are designed for Group 2 NA but are also used against 2009 H1N1 NA that lies in Group 1. Read More

Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2018 Dec 9. Epub 2018 Dec 9.

Division of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, 0213, Oslo, Norway.

Background: A population-based pregnancy cohort was established in Norway to study potential effects of exposure to the 2009 influenza pandemic or pandemic vaccination during pregnancy.

Objectives: We studied maternal A(H1N1)pdm09-specific hemagglutination inhibition (HI)-titer levels and waning in women with influenza-like illness (ILI) in pregnancy compared to vaccinated women. Moreover, we studied the association between HI-titers and self-reported severity and duration of ILI. Read More

Obstet Gynecol 2018 Dec 4. Epub 2018 Dec 4.

University of Florida College of Medicine & College of Public Health and Health Professions, Departments of Pediatrics and Epidemiology, Gainesville, Florida; and Emory University, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Atlanta, Georgia.

The 2009 H1N1 pandemic demonstrated the severe effects of influenza illness on pregnant women. This experience stimulated efforts to improve influenza vaccination coverage among pregnant women and resulted in a substantial increase in coverage from less than 30% before 2009 to more than 50% a few years later. As memories fade of the pandemic year, influenza vaccination coverage has stagnated at around 50%, despite considerable information becoming available on strategies to improve vaccination coverage during pregnancy. Read More

Curr Opin Pediatr 2018 Dec 10. Epub 2018 Dec 10.

Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

Purpose Of Review: Influenza causes a range of illnesses in children, from uncomplicated self-limited illness to severe disease and death. This review provides an update on the severity and burden of influenza in US children over recent seasons.

Recent Findings: The 2017-2018 influenza season was widespread and severe across all ages, including children. Read More

EBioMedicine 2018 Dec 5. Epub 2018 Dec 5.

Disease Biology Laboratory, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, National Capital Region Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, India. Electronic address:

Background: Activated platelets release cytokines/proteins including CXCL4 (PF4), CCL5 and fibrinopeptides, which regulate infection of several pathogenic viruses such as HIV, H1N1 and HCV in human. Since platelet activation is the hallmark of Dengue virus (DV) infection, we investigated the role of platelets in DV replication and also in a closely related Japanese Encephalitis virus (JEV).

Methods And Findings: Microscopy and PCR analysis revealed a 4-fold increase in DV replication in primary monocytes or monocytic THP-1 cells in vitro upon incubation with either DV-activated platelets or supernatant from DV-activated platelets. Read More

Am J Trop Med Hyg 2018 Dec 3. Epub 2018 Dec 3.

Center for Vaccine Development, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.

Influenza transmission is increased among household contacts. Vaccination decreases transmission; however it is unclear how vaccinating a single individual alters disease risk among household contacts, particularly in regions with low vaccination coverage. Pregnant women were randomized to influenza or control vaccination. Read More

BMC Infect Dis 2018 Dec 7;18(1):637. Epub 2018 Dec 7.

School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Medicine, the University of New South Wales, Samuels Building, Room 209, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.

Background: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of pneumonia and secondary bacterial infections during the pandemic of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted to identify relevant literature in which clinical outcomes of pandemic influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 infection were described. Published studies (between 01/01/2009 and 05/07/2012) describing cases of fatal or hospitalised A(H1N1)pdm09 and including data on bacterial testing or co-infection. Read More

PLoS One 2018 6;13(12):e0207918. Epub 2018 Dec 6.

Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

Background: Influenza and pneumonia are leading causes of morbidity and mortality among the elderly. Although vaccination is a main strategy to prevent these infectious diseases, concerns remain with respect to vaccine effectiveness.

Methods: During three influenza seasons (2014-2015, 2015-2016 and 2016-2017), we evaluated the effectiveness of the influenza and pneumococcal vaccines against pneumonia and acute exacerbation of cardiopulmonary diseases among the elderly aged ≥65 years with influenza-like illness (ILI). Read More

Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2018 Dec 6. Epub 2018 Dec 6.

Fluoro and Agrochemicals Division (Organic Chemistry Division-II), CSIR - Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad, India.

Influenza remains a highly pathogenic and hardly controlled human infection. The ability of selecting drug-resistant variants necessitates the search and development of novel anti-influenza drugs. Herein, we describe the synthesis and evaluation of a series of novel 2-substituted 7,8-dihydro-6H-imidazo[2,1-b][1,3]benzothiazol-5-ones 3a-k for their virus-inhibiting activity against influenza A virus. Read More

Clin Infect Dis 2018 Dec 3. Epub 2018 Dec 3.

Canadian Center for Vaccinology, IWK Health Centre and Nova Scotia Health Authority, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, CA.

Background: Recent studies have demonstrated the possibility of negative associations between prior influenza vaccines and subsequent influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE), depending on season and strain. We investigated this association over 4 consecutive influenza seasons (2011/2012-2014/2015) in Canada.

Methods: Using a matched test-negative design, laboratory-confirmed influenza cases and matched test-negative controls admitted to hospitals were enrolled. Read More

PLoS One 2018 3;13(12):e0208028. Epub 2018 Dec 3.

International Institutional Cooperation, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale (INSERM), Paris, France.

Background And Aim: The majority of seasonal influenza vaccines are trivalent, containing two A virus strains (H1N1 and H3N2) and one B virus strain. The co-circulation of two distinct lineages of B viruses can lead to mismatch between the influenza B virus strain recommended for the trivalent seasonal vaccine and the circulating B virus. This has led some manufacturers to produce quadrivalent influenza vaccines containing one strain from each B lineage in addition to H1N1 and H3N2 strains. Read More

PLoS Pathog 2018 Dec 3;14(12):e1007417. Epub 2018 Dec 3.

Department of Basic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi State, Mississippi, United States of America.

Genetic reassortment between influenza A viruses (IAVs) facilitate emergence of pandemic strains, and swine are proposed as a "mixing vessel" for generating reassortants of avian and mammalian IAVs that could be of risk to mammals, including humans. However, how a transmissible reassortant emerges in swine are not well understood. Genomic analyses of 571 isolates recovered from nasal wash samples and respiratory tract tissues of a group of co-housed pigs (influenza-seronegative, avian H1N1 IAV-infected, and swine H3N2 IAV-infected pigs) identified 30 distinct genotypes of reassortants. Read More

IEEE Trans Ultrason Ferroelectr Freq Control 2018 Nov 30. Epub 2018 Nov 30.

This work presents fabrication of thermal-piezoresistive nanoelectromechanical (NEM) silicon disk resonators and their characterization as highly sensitive mass sensors. Forest of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) has been grown on top surface of the fabricated devices increasing the resonator effective surface area, which in turn increases the adsorption capacity and therefore frequency shift of the sensor in molecular or particulate detection applications. To investigate the effect of the enhanced surface area on frequency shift, devices with and without MWCNTs were exposed to an aqueous solution of manganese sulfate for different deposition times and the resonance frequency shift was recorded accordingly. Read More

Scand J Immunol 2018 Dec 1:e12738. Epub 2018 Dec 1.

Institute of Beijing Brain Sciences, Beijing, 100850, China.

T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain protein 3 (Tim-3) is an immune checkpoint inhibitor in T cells and innate immune cells. The deregulated upregulation of Tim-3 is related to immune exhaustion in tumor and viral infection. To overcome Tim-3-mediated immune tolerance, we developed a novel monoclonal antibody against human Tim-3 (L3G) and investigated its roles in inhibiting Tim-3 signaling and overcoming immune tolerance in T cells and monocytes/macrophages. Read More

J Educ Health Promot 2018 29;7:129. Epub 2018 Oct 29.

Department of Community Medicine, Seth G. S. Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.

Introduction: Immunization against vaccine-preventable diseases in adults is the need of the hour. The student nurses by virtue of training are the frontline health workers dealing with patient care. They are exposed to maximum risk of contracting the diseases. Read More

Sci Rep 2018 Nov 30;8(1):17476. Epub 2018 Nov 30.

Emerging Infectious Diseases Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.

As a leading global city with a high population density, Singapore is at risk for the introduction of novel biological threats. This risk has been recently reinforced by human epidemics in Singapore of SARS coronavirus, 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza A virus, and enterovirus 71. Other major threats to Singapore include MERS-coronavirus and various avian and swine influenza viruses. Read More

J Nutr 2018 Dec;148(12):1968-1975

Global Health Center, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH.

Background: In the growing embryo, the vitamin A requirement is tightly regulated. Maternal vitamin A deficiency during pregnancy may alter maternal immune function to accommodate the fetus.

Objective: Our primary objective was to determine the effect of oral vitamin A supplementation (VAS) during pregnancy and until 6 mo postpartum on pandemic H1N1-vaccine responses in mothers and their infants at 6 mo of age. Read More

Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2018 Dec 4. Epub 2018 Dec 4.

Leidos Biomedical Research Inc. in support of National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland.

Background: The relationship between obesity and risk of complications described during the 2009 influenza pandemic is poorly defined for seasonal influenza and other viral causes of influenza-like illness (ILI).

Methods: An observational cohort of hospitalized and outpatient participants with ILI was conducted in six hospitals in Mexico. Nasopharyngeal swabs were tested for influenza and other common respiratory pathogens. Read More

Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2018 1;2018:2606583. Epub 2018 Nov 1.

Department of Food and Nutrition, Duksung Women's University, Seoul 01369, Republic of Korea.

Antiviral activities of (MA) juice and seed were examined using time-of-addition plaque assays against influenza viruses, A/Brisbane/59/2007 (H1N1) (BR59), pandemic A/Korea/01/2009(H1N1) (KR01), A/Brisbane/10/2007(H3N2) (BR10), and B/Florida/4/2006 (FL04). MA juice (MAJ) showed much higher antiviral activity than MA seed (MAS). In the pre- and cotreatment of virus, MAJ showed antiviral effects against BR59, KR01, and FL04 in a dose-dependent manner. Read More

Euro Surveill 2018 Nov;23(48)

ORS PACA, Observatoire Régional de la Santé Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Marseille, France.

Background and aimsSeasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) uptake (SIVU) rates in France are below target. We (i) describe trends in French SIVU over 10 consecutive seasons among different target groups and (ii) examine the effects of the 2009 influenza A(H1N1) pandemic and the publication of new SIV recommendations in 2011 and 2013.MethodsOur study was based on records of vaccines delivered in community pharmacies for a permanent, representative sample of 805,000 beneficiaries of the French National Health Insurance Fund. Read More

NPJ Vaccines 2018 29;3:55. Epub 2018 Nov 29.

1VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium.

Split inactivated influenza vaccines remain one of the primary preventative strategies against severe influenza disease in the population. However, current vaccines are only effective against a limited number of matched strains. The need for broadly protective vaccines is acute due to the high mutational rate of influenza viruses and multiple strain variants in circulation at any one time. Read More

Int J Microbiol 2018 28;2018:8945142. Epub 2018 Oct 28.

Central Department of Microbiology, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Nepal.

Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) are one of the major public health problems in developing countries like Nepal. Besides the influenza, several other pathogens are responsible for acute respiratory infection in children. Etiology of infections is poorly characterized at the course of clinical management, and hence empirical antimicrobial agents are used. Read More

3 Biotech 2018 Dec 20;8(12):492. Epub 2018 Nov 20.

1Department of Biotechnology, Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, 147004 Patiala, India.

In the current study, two highly conserved (> 90%) H1N1 hemagglutinin peptides STDTVDTVLEKNVTVTHSVNL (H1) and KVNSVIEKMNTQFTAVGKEF (H2) containing multiple T-cell epitopes have been assessed for their immunogenic potential in vitro, subjecting peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy volunteers to repetitive stimulation of chemically synthesised H1 and H2 peptides, and measuring their interferon (IFN)-γ level (ELISA) and proliferation (MTT assay). Further, these peptides were analysed for their binding affinity with 18 different human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I and II by means of molecular docking. All seven samples tested for H1- and H2-induced IFN-γ secretion were found to have enhanced IFN-γ production. Read More

Mucosal Immunol 2018 Nov 29. Epub 2018 Nov 29.

Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.

Post influenza bacterial pneumonia is associated with significant mortality and morbidity. Dendritic cells (DCs) play a crucial role in host defense against bacterial pneumonia, but their contribution to post influenza-susceptibility to secondary bacterial pneumonia is incompletely understood. WT and CCR2 mice were infected with 100 plaque forming units (pfu) H1N1 intranasally alone or were challenged on day 5 with 7 × 10 colony forming units (cfu) methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus intratracheally. Read More

EMBO Mol Med 2018 Nov 28. Epub 2018 Nov 28.

State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong

Glycine decarboxylase (GLDC) was prioritized as a candidate susceptibility gene to severe influenza in humans. The higher expression of GLDC derived from genetic variations may confer a higher risk to H7N9 and severe H1N1 infection. We sought to characterize GLDC as functional susceptibility gene that GLDC may intrinsically regulate antiviral response, thereby impacting viral replication and disease outcome. Read More

Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2018 Nov 28. Epub 2018 Nov 28.

Pediatrics and Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, 2015 Uppergate Drive, 30322, Atlanta, Georgia, United States.

Ninety-five adults enrolled in the Etiology of Pneumonia in the Community study with negative admission influenza polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests received influenza vaccination during hospitalization. Acute and convalescent influenza serology were performed. After vaccination, seropositive (≥1:40) hemagglutination antibody titers (HAI) were achieved in 55% to influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, 58% to influenza A(H3N2), 77% to influenza B (Victoria), and 74% to influenza B (Yamagata) viruses. Read More

Mol Med Rep 2018 Nov 26. Epub 2018 Nov 26.

Institute of Chinese Integrative Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 511436, P.R. China.

Eucommia ulmoides Oliver (Du-Zhong) is an ancient Chinese herbal remedy used for the treatment of various diseases. To date, the effects of its constituent lignans on influenza viruses remain to be elucidated. In the present study, a lignan glycoside was isolated and purified from Eucommia ulmoides Oliver. Read More

Emerg Microbes Infect 2018 Nov 28;7(1):194. Epub 2018 Nov 28.

Poultry Diagnostic and Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, 953 College Station Rd, Athens, GA, 30602, USA.

Wild aquatic birds are the major reservoir of influenza A virus. Cloacal swabs and feces samples (n = 6595) were collected from 62 bird species in Argentina from 2006 to 2016 and screened for influenza A virus. Full genome sequencing of 15 influenza isolates from 6 waterfowl species revealed subtypes combinations that were previously described in South America (H1N1, H4N2, H4N6 (n = 3), H5N3, H6N2 (n = 4), and H10N7 (n = 2)), and new ones not previously identified in the region (H4N8, H7N7 and H7N9). Read More

Global Health 2018 11 27;14(1):117. Epub 2018 Nov 27.

Accident and Emergency Medicine Academic Unit, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Trauma & Emergency Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong.

Background: The global travel and tourism industry has been rapidly expanding in the past decades. The traditional focus on border screening, and by airline and cruise industries may be inadequate due to the incubation period of an infectious disease. This case study highlights the potential role of the hotel industry in epidemic preparedness and response. Read More

Biochemistry (Mosc) 2018 Nov;83(11):1411-1421

Lomonosov Moscow State University, Belozersky Research Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Moscow, 119991, Russia.

Influenza A virus nuclear export protein (NEP) plays an important role in the viral life cycle. Recombinant NEP proteins containing (His)-tag at either N- or C-terminus were obtained by heterologous expression in Escherichia coli cells and their high propensity for aggregation was demonstrated. Dynamic light scattering technique was used to study the kinetics and properties of NEP aggregation in solutions under different conditions (pH, ionic strength, presence of low-molecular-weight additives and organic solvents). Read More

Clin Infect Dis 2018 Nov 27. Epub 2018 Nov 27.

Center for Vaccine Development, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.

Introduction: We evaluated Russian-backbone, live-attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) for immunogenicity and viral shedding in a phase 2, randomized, placebo-controlled trial among Bangladeshi children.

Materials And Methods: Healthy children received a single, intranasal dose of LAIV containing the 2011-2012 WHO recommended formulation or placebo (clinicaltrials.gov # NCT01625689). Read More

ERJ Open Res 2018 Oct 23;4(4). Epub 2018 Nov 23.

Unit of Airway Inflammation, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.

Viral infections predispose to the development of childhood asthma, a disease associated with increased lung mast cells (MCs). This study investigated whether viral lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) can already evoke a MC response during childhood. Lung tissue from young children who died following LRTIs were processed for immunohistochemical identification of MCs. Read More

J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 2018 Nov 23. Epub 2018 Nov 23.

Acute Care Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich. Electronic address:

Background: An association between increased venous thromboembolism (VTE) events and influenza A H1N1 (H1N1) was noted in the first 10 patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). An empirical systemic anticoagulation protocol (heparin intravenous infusion) was initiated when autopsy of patients with severe hypoxemia confirmed multiple primary pulmonary thrombi and emboli. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between H1N1 and VTE events and to assess the efficacy of empirical systemic heparin anticoagulation in preventing VTE and death in H1N1 severe ARDS patients. Read More

Acta Virol 2018 ;62(4):401-408

Hypothiocyanite (OSCN-) is a natural component of human saliva and is produced by the lactoperoxidase (LPO)/thiocyanate/hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) system. OSCN- has been previously shown to exhibit antiviral activity against influenza viruses (IFV) A/H1N1/2009 and A/H1N2/2009 in vitro as well as antimicrobial and antifungal activities. We elucidated the antiviral activity of OSCN- against both IFV types A and B and the mode of its antiviral action. Read More

Wellcome Open Res 2018 23;3:49. Epub 2018 Jul 23.

Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.

Antibodies against pathogens provide information on exposure to infectious agents and are meaningful measures of past and present infection. Antibodies were measured in the plasma of children that are the offspring in a population-based birth cohort, the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). Plasma was collected during clinics at age 5, 7, 11 and 15 years. Read More

Antivir Chem Chemother 2018 Jan-Dec;26:2040206618811416

3 Farmak Public Joint Stock Company, Kiev, Ukraine.

Aims: New therapeutics for the control of influenza virus infections are needed to alleviate the burden caused by seasonal epidemics and occasional pandemics, and to overcome the potential risk of drug-resistance emergence. Enisamium iodide (Amizon®, Farmak) is currently approved for clinical use for the treatment of influenza in 11 countries which includes Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. However, experimental evidence of the antiviral activity of enisamium has not been reported. Read More

J Feline Med Surg 2018 Nov 22:1098612X18813248. Epub 2018 Nov 22.

1 Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, Australia.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to conduct a comprehensive assessment of feline infectious upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) and disease (URTD) in Australian cats.

Methods: Laboratory data demonstrating URTI from feline URTD multiplex PCR panel (feline Herpesvirus 1 [FHV-1], feline calicivirus [FCV], Bordetella bronchiseptica, Chlamydophila felis, Mycoplasma felis and H1N1 influenza) submissions in Australia (2013-2015) were obtained. For comparison, reports of feline URTD during the same time period were sourced from a voluntary companion animal disease surveillance system. Read More

Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2018 6;8:386. Epub 2018 Nov 6.

Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.

The inflammatory response and apoptosis have been proved to have a crucial role in the pathogenesis of the influenza A virus (IAV). Previous studies indicated that while IAV commonly causes pancreatitis and pancreatic damage in naturally and experimentally infected animals, the molecular mechanisms of the pathogenesis of IAV infection are less reported. In the present study, we showed for the first time that both avian-like (α-2,3-linked) and human-like (α-2,6-linked) sialic acid (SA) receptors were expressed by the mouse pancreatic cancer cell line PAN02 and the human pancreatic cancer cell line PANC-1. Read More

Front Microbiol 2018 6;9:2643. Epub 2018 Nov 6.

Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.

Influenza A viruses (IAV) comprise some of the most common infectious pathogens in humans, and they cause significant mortality and morbidity in immunocompromised people as well as children and the elderly. After screening an FDA-approved drug library containing 1280 compounds by cytopathic effect (CPE) reduction assay using the Cell Counting Kit-8, we found two antihistamines, carbinoxamine maleate (CAM) and S-(+)-chlorpheniramine maleate (SCM) with potent antiviral activity against A/Shanghai/4664T/2013(H7N9) infection with IC (half-maximal inhibitory concentration) of 3.56 and 11. Read More

Paediatr Child Health 2018 Sep 5;23(6):e95-e101. Epub 2018 Mar 5.

Division of Respiratory Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario.

Aim: Narcolepsy, encompassing excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), cataplexy, sleep paralysis and hypnogogic hallucinations, was previously considered rare in childhood. Recently, cases of childhood narcolepsy have increased significantly and the reasons for this may include the increasing awareness of narcolepsy as well as the H1N1 vaccination. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics of childhood narcolepsy, specifically focusing on cataplexy subtypes that may facilitate early recognition of narcolepsy. Read More