Public Domain.
Source: WikiArt, https://www.wikiart.org/
Link: https://www.wikiart.org/en/nicolas-poussin/landscape-with-polyphemus-1649
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Sunday, March 15, 2026
Landscape with Polyphemus, Nicolas Poussin (1649)
I am an Italian blogger, active since 2005 with main focus on emerging infectious diseases such as avian influenza, SARS, antibiotics resistance, and many other global Health issues. Other fields of interest are: climate change, global warming, geological and biological sciences. My activity consists mainly in collection and analysis of news, public services updates, confronting sources and making decision about what are the 'signals' of an impending crisis (an outbreak, for example). When a signal is detected, I follow traces during the entire course of an event. I started in 2005 my blog ''A TIME'S MEMORY'', now with more than 40,000 posts and 3 millions of web interactions. Subsequently I added an Italian Language blog, then discontinued because of very low traffic and interest. I contributed for seven years to a public forum (FluTrackers.com) in the midst of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa in 2014, I left the site to continue alone my data tracking job.
Saturday, March 14, 2026
Optimizing #global #genomic #surveillance for early #detection of emerging #SARS-CoV-2 #variants
Abstract
The global spread of viruses highlights the need for timely and effective genomic surveillance to detect new variants and inform rapid public health responses. However, high costs and uneven sequencing capacity hinder equitable global implementation. Surveillance focused on international travelers at major travel hubs has been proposed as a way to complement robust local surveillance, but its potential benefits have not been fully quantified. Here, we develop and calibrate a multiple-strain metapopulation model of global SARS-CoV-2 transmission using extensive epidemiological, phylogenetic, and high-resolution air travel data. Retrospective analyses of the Omicron BA.1/BA.2 emergence and forward simulations for hypothetical novel variants show that targeted enhancement of traveler surveillance at key hubs can shorten variant detection delays, with reduced total surveillance efforts. Practical “non-disruptive” strategies, such as prioritizing a small number of highly connected hubs, consistently outperformed baseline approaches and remained effective across a range of variant transmissibility and vaccine effectiveness scenarios. These results provide a quantitative framework for strengthening global genomic surveillance through targeted, complementary strategies that preserve local capacity while improving preparedness for future pandemics.
Source: Nature Communications, https://www.nature.com/ncomms/
Link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-70664-0
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I am an Italian blogger, active since 2005 with main focus on emerging infectious diseases such as avian influenza, SARS, antibiotics resistance, and many other global Health issues. Other fields of interest are: climate change, global warming, geological and biological sciences. My activity consists mainly in collection and analysis of news, public services updates, confronting sources and making decision about what are the 'signals' of an impending crisis (an outbreak, for example). When a signal is detected, I follow traces during the entire course of an event. I started in 2005 my blog ''A TIME'S MEMORY'', now with more than 40,000 posts and 3 millions of web interactions. Subsequently I added an Italian Language blog, then discontinued because of very low traffic and interest. I contributed for seven years to a public forum (FluTrackers.com) in the midst of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa in 2014, I left the site to continue alone my data tracking job.
#Nipah virus molecular #detection from whole #blood and respiratory #swabs in a rapid field-ready protocol
Highlights
• A Nipah virus real-time RT-PCR was developed for this study and display dynamic amplification, with sensitive (limit of detection 3.7-4.2 copies/µL) and specific detection.
• The assay was adapted for use on a portable, battery-powered real-time thermocycler.
• When paired with instrument-free RNA extraction, Nipah virus RNA was rapidly detected from contrived whole blood and nasopharyngeal swabs without electricity.
• The combined of Extract & Store and the Palm PCR S1e device offers a viable solution for field-based molecular detection of Nipah virus.
Abstract
Background
Nipah virus (NiV) is a highly pathogenic, zoonotic paramyxovirus with significant public health implications due to high associated mortality and potential for human-to-human transmission. Current diagnostic testing options for NiV are limited and require extensive laboratory infrastructure.
Objective
Develop a field-deployable testing workflow for timely NiV detection.
Study design
A NiV real-time RT-PCR (rRT-PCR) was designed for a highly conserved region of the nucleocapsid gene and tested with RNA from Bangladesh and Malaysia NiV strains. The NiV rRT-PCR was evaluated on Rotor-Gene Q and Palm PCR S1e thermocyclers following instrument free RNA extraction (Extract & Store).
Results
Initial analytical evaluation, on a Rotor-Gene Q, demonstrated dynamic amplification and a limit of detection (LoD) of 3.7-4.2 copies/µL without amplification of related paramyxoviruses. The assay was adapted for the portable, battery-powered, self-contained Palm PCR S1e thermocycler, and exhibited linear detection with a LoD of 30.7 copies/µL. RNA extraction from contrived whole blood and pharyngeal swabs using the Extract & Store workflow yielded comparable results to automated extraction on a KingFisher Apex instrument. The entire assay, including extracted and stabilized RNA controls from BSL-1 strains, was successfully transferred to Aga Khan University with ambient temperature shipping and yielded similar performance.
Conclusions
The combination of Extract & Store and the Palm PCR S1e device offers a viable solution for field-based molecular detection of NiV. While limitations were noted for reaction setup on the Palm PCR, this presents a flexible and accessible workflow for rapid, portable detection of high-consequence pathogens in resource-constrained settings.
Source:
Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S138665322600020X?dgcid=rss_sd_all
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I am an Italian blogger, active since 2005 with main focus on emerging infectious diseases such as avian influenza, SARS, antibiotics resistance, and many other global Health issues. Other fields of interest are: climate change, global warming, geological and biological sciences. My activity consists mainly in collection and analysis of news, public services updates, confronting sources and making decision about what are the 'signals' of an impending crisis (an outbreak, for example). When a signal is detected, I follow traces during the entire course of an event. I started in 2005 my blog ''A TIME'S MEMORY'', now with more than 40,000 posts and 3 millions of web interactions. Subsequently I added an Italian Language blog, then discontinued because of very low traffic and interest. I contributed for seven years to a public forum (FluTrackers.com) in the midst of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa in 2014, I left the site to continue alone my data tracking job.
#Immunity to #hemagglutinin and #neuraminidase results in additive reductions in #airborne #transmission of #influenza #H1N1 virus in #ferrets
Abstract
Currently, there is limited knowledge on the impact of immunity to hemagglutinin (HA) and/or neuraminidase (NA) on the transmission of influenza viruses. Therefore, using intramuscular vaccination, intranasal vaccination, or infection with reassortant viruses, we induced immunity to each antigen alone or both antigens combined in ferrets. We then assessed transmission of the 2009 pandemic H1N1 virus from these ferrets to naïve respiratory contacts. For all strategies used to induce immunity, combined immunity to HA and NA resulted in the largest reductions in transmission. Moreover, immunity to HA and NA conferred additive rather than synergistic reductions in transmission. No escape variants emerged in our transmission studies, and logistical regression showed that the probability of transmission was less than 50% when viral titers in donors were reduced to 101.5 and 102 median tissue culture infectious dose per ml on days 1 and 3 postinfection, respectively. These studies define the relationship between immunity to HA and NA on transmission and identify a threshold titer indicative of decreased transmission in ferrets.
Source:
Link: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.aea8719
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I am an Italian blogger, active since 2005 with main focus on emerging infectious diseases such as avian influenza, SARS, antibiotics resistance, and many other global Health issues. Other fields of interest are: climate change, global warming, geological and biological sciences. My activity consists mainly in collection and analysis of news, public services updates, confronting sources and making decision about what are the 'signals' of an impending crisis (an outbreak, for example). When a signal is detected, I follow traces during the entire course of an event. I started in 2005 my blog ''A TIME'S MEMORY'', now with more than 40,000 posts and 3 millions of web interactions. Subsequently I added an Italian Language blog, then discontinued because of very low traffic and interest. I contributed for seven years to a public forum (FluTrackers.com) in the midst of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa in 2014, I left the site to continue alone my data tracking job.
History of Mass Transportation: The California Western Railroad #45 Steam Locomotive
By Baldwinlocomotiveworks - R.A. Sallinen III - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=18159992
Source:
Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baldwin_Locomotive_Works
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I am an Italian blogger, active since 2005 with main focus on emerging infectious diseases such as avian influenza, SARS, antibiotics resistance, and many other global Health issues. Other fields of interest are: climate change, global warming, geological and biological sciences. My activity consists mainly in collection and analysis of news, public services updates, confronting sources and making decision about what are the 'signals' of an impending crisis (an outbreak, for example). When a signal is detected, I follow traces during the entire course of an event. I started in 2005 my blog ''A TIME'S MEMORY'', now with more than 40,000 posts and 3 millions of web interactions. Subsequently I added an Italian Language blog, then discontinued because of very low traffic and interest. I contributed for seven years to a public forum (FluTrackers.com) in the midst of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa in 2014, I left the site to continue alone my data tracking job.
#Coronavirus Disease Research #References (by AMEDEO, March 14 '26)
- ZHANG J, Deng S, Zhang M, Wu X, et al
Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus infection activates SREBP2 and induces RORgamma expression to enhance cholesterol biosynthesis and virus replication.
Antiviral Res. 2026 Mar 6:106391. doi: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2026.106391.
PubMed Abstract available - KHADER K, Haroldsen C, Stevens V, Visnovsky L, et al
Estimating changes in facility MRSA infection rates due to changes in MRSA precaution policy.
Clin Infect Dis. 2026 Mar 13:ciag176. doi: 10.1093.
PubMed Abstract available - LUGTU EJ, Iv DYP, Cabunoc MH, Bautista JL, et al
Prevalence of Post-COVID Symptoms Across Variants of Concern and Follow-up Periods: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Int J Infect Dis. 2026 Mar 10:108522. doi: 10.1016/j.ijid.2026.108522.
PubMed Abstract available - TANG X, Memedi M, Sun S, Hiyoshi A, et al
Machine learning-based 4-domain framework for evaluating COVID-19 policy responses: a counterfactual analysis of 27 European OECD countries.
Int J Infect Dis. 2026 Mar 10:108528. doi: 10.1016/j.ijid.2026.108528.
PubMed Abstract available - YONGHAO G, Yuting T, Huixin L, Minghua S, et al
Characteristics of Respiratory Co-infections in Influenza-like Illness during the Post-COVID-19 Era.
Int J Infect Dis. 2026 Mar 5:108507. doi: 10.1016/j.ijid.2026.108507.
PubMed Abstract available - YANG M, Zhou M
Re-evaluation of Treatment Strategies and Drug Development for Mycoplasma Pneumoniae.
Int J Infect Dis. 2026 Feb 28:108510. doi: 10.1016/j.ijid.2026.108510.
PubMed Abstract available - KATUMBA H, Migisha R, Komakech A, Wenani D, et al
Delayed patient isolation and associated factors during the mpox outbreak in Uganda, July-December 2024.
Int J Infect Dis. 2026;164:108346.
PubMed Abstract available - ZHANG H, Kang Z, Zhang Y, Yang Y, et al
Evolutionary dynamics and global spread of macrolide-resistant Bordetella pertussis during the post-pandemic pertussis resurgence.
J Infect. 2026 Mar 7:106718. doi: 10.1016/j.jinf.2026.106718.
PubMed Abstract available - YOVEL G, Packard JE, Wang JC, Maya S, et al
Neonatal CNS Human Parechovirus Infections in Western Pennsylvania in the 2024 Season.
J Med Virol. 2026;98:e70870.
PubMed Abstract available - CAO J, Yang G, Cui T, Qin J, et al
Complement Hyperactivation Is Mediated by Alternative and Lectin Pathways During Early Phase of Severe Vaccination-Omicron BA.5 Infection.
J Med Virol. 2026;98:e70863.
PubMed Abstract available - MALONEY P, Reeves EL, Wielgosz K, Price AM, et al
Interim Estimates of 2025-26 Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness - United States, September 2025-February 2026.
MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2026;75:116-123.
PubMed Abstract available
Antiviral Res
I am an Italian blogger, active since 2005 with main focus on emerging infectious diseases such as avian influenza, SARS, antibiotics resistance, and many other global Health issues. Other fields of interest are: climate change, global warming, geological and biological sciences. My activity consists mainly in collection and analysis of news, public services updates, confronting sources and making decision about what are the 'signals' of an impending crisis (an outbreak, for example). When a signal is detected, I follow traces during the entire course of an event. I started in 2005 my blog ''A TIME'S MEMORY'', now with more than 40,000 posts and 3 millions of web interactions. Subsequently I added an Italian Language blog, then discontinued because of very low traffic and interest. I contributed for seven years to a public forum (FluTrackers.com) in the midst of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa in 2014, I left the site to continue alone my data tracking job.
#Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses Research #References (by AMEDEO, March 14 '26)
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Addressing Viral Medical Rumors and False or Misleading Information.
Ann Intern Med. 2023 Jul 18. doi: 10.7326/M23-1218.
PubMed Abstract available - ZHENG X, You X, Liu Y, Wu B, et al
Spatiotemporal dynamics and multiple driving factors of antimicrobial resistance in China during the COVID-19 pandemic (2019-2023): a provincial panel data analysis.
Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2026 Feb 9:e0160025. doi: 10.1128/aac.01600.
PubMed Abstract available - ZHANG T, Wang ZL, Li XY, Luo RH, et al
Onvansertib and vilazodone inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication via suppression of METTL3 RNA-m(6)A enzymatic activity.
Antiviral Res. 2026 Feb 19:106376. doi: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2026.106376.
PubMed Abstract available - YURGELONIS I, Rai DK, Li Z, Washington B, et al
Analysis of Ibuzatrelvir's Activity Against SARS-CoV-2 Circulating Variants and In Vitro Resistance Mutations.
Antiviral Res. 2026 Jan 30:106352. doi: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2026.106352.
PubMed Abstract available - TOSELLI F, Jacobs S, Scheers E, Jacobs T, et al
Optimal preclinical models for human dose projection of SARS-CoV-2 small molecule direct-acting antivirals.
Antiviral Res. 2026 Feb 9:106363. doi: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2026.106363.
PubMed Abstract available - DEO S, Desai K, Patare A, Wadapurkar R, et al
Evaluation of self-amplifying mRNA platform for protein expression and genetic stability: Implication for mRNA therapies.
Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2023;680:108-118.
PubMed Abstract available - YU S, Lin Y, Li Y, Chen S, et al
Systemic immune profiling of Omicron-infected subjects inoculated with different doses of inactivated virus vaccine.
Cell. 2023;186:4615-4631.
PubMed Abstract available - FUNG IC, Liang H, Pierce KJ, Kraay ANM, et al
Excess mortality in Mainland China after the end of the Zero COVID policy: A systematic review.
Epidemiol Infect. 2026;154:e29.
PubMed Abstract available - AKBARIAN S, Sheikhi M, Khedri P, Baharifar N, et al
The correlation between humoral immune responses and severity of clinical symptoms in COVID-19 patients.
Epidemiol Infect. 2023;151:e158.
PubMed Abstract available - SLURINK IAL, de Boer AR, Bonten MJM, Sturkenboom MCJM, et al
COVID-19 vaccination and short-term mortality risk: a nationwide self-controlled case series study in The Netherlands.
Eur J Epidemiol. 2026;41:173-184.
PubMed Abstract available - BEVILACQUA L, Fox-Smith L, Lewins A, Jetha P, et al
Impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of children and young people: an umbrella review.
J Epidemiol Community Health. 2023;77:704-709.
PubMed Abstract available - NAZKI S, Tennakoon C, Reddy VRAP, Chen Y, et al
Evaluating how infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) infection influences influenza H3N8 challenge in chickens.
J Gen Virol. 2026;107:002235.
PubMed Abstract available - DISLERS A, Nilova O, Jansons J, Skrastina D, et al
Immunogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine prototype based on virus-like particles of hepatitis B core antigen from genotype G and interleukin 12 expressing Semliki Forest virus as a genetic adjuvant.
J Gen Virol. 2026;107:002240.
PubMed Abstract available - ZHOU T, Zhang B, Zhang D, Jhaveri R, et al
Pre-COVID-19 Body Mass Index and Postacute Cardiovascular, Gastrointestinal, and Neuropsychiatric Outcomes Among Children and Young Adults With SARS-CoV-2 Infection: An EHR-based Cohort Study from the RECOVER Initiative.
J Infect. 2026 Feb 11:106702. doi: 10.1016/j.jinf.2026.106702.
PubMed Abstract available - WANG Z, Dunican C, Dayananda P, Ingar S, et al
Comparative cross-species transcriptomics during RSV infection identifies targets to treat RSV disease.
J Infect. 2026;92:106696.
PubMed Abstract available - FIELD CJ, Septer KM, Patel DR, Weaver VC, et al
Defining the transmissible dose 50% for two pandemic influenza viruses in ferrets.
J Virol. 2026 Mar 11:e0163525. doi: 10.1128/jvi.01635.
PubMed Abstract available - HAN P, Meng Y, Zhang D, Xu Z, et al
Structural basis of white-tailed deer, Odocoileus virginianus, ACE2 recognizing all the SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern with high affinity.
J Virol. 2023 Sep 7:e0050523. doi: 10.1128/jvi.00505.
PubMed Abstract available - WANG L, Nangle SJ, Waller-Pulido A, McMahan K, et al
Vaccine-Elicited Antibody Responses to Influenza A(H3N2) Subclade K.
JAMA. 2026 Mar 9:e262173. doi: 10.1001/jama.2026.2173.
PubMed - JABAGI MJ, Bertrand M, Gabet A, Kolla E, et al
Nirsevimab vs RSVpreF Vaccine for Respiratory Syncytial Virus-Related Hospitalization in Newborns.
JAMA. 2025 Dec 22:e2524082. doi: 10.1001/jama.2025.24082.
PubMed Abstract available - NYBERG ST, Frank P, Ahmadi-Abhari S, Pentti J, et al
Adult obesity and risk of severe infections: a multicohort study with global burden estimates.
Lancet. 2026 Feb 9:S0140-6736(25)02474-2. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(25)02474.
PubMed Abstract available - MALONEY P, Reeves EL, Wielgosz K, Price AM, et al
Interim Estimates of 2025-26 Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness - United States, September 2025-February 2026.
MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2026;75:116-123.
PubMed Abstract available - ZHU S, Quint J, Leon TM, Li NJ, et al
Interim Estimates of 2025-26 Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness - California, October 2025-January 2026.
MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2026;75:124-128.
PubMed Abstract available
Current and Emerging Approaches to Evaluating Influenza Vaccine Performance.
N Engl J Med. 2026;394:1144.
PubMed- YAN AP, Archer NM, Arnold D, Hansbury E, et al
Increasing COVID-19 Vaccination Rates for Children With Sickle Cell Disease.
Pediatrics. 2023;152:e2022061011.
PubMed Abstract available - LOPES R, Lan Y, Chitwood MH, Klaassen F, et al
Quantifying the spatiotemporal dynamics of the first two epidemic waves of SARS-CoV-2 infections in the United States.
PLoS Comput Biol. 2026;22:e1013983.
PubMed Abstract available - KAMPITSI CE, Louro J, Mogensen H, Erdmann F, et al
Childhood cancer in Sweden during the COVID-19 pandemic: Temporal patterns in incidence and survival in a nationwide register-based cohort study.
PLoS Med. 2026;23:e1004934.
PubMed Abstract available - ALI MA, Sheikh H, Reza MS, Paul TR, et al
Exploring potential phytocompounds from black cumin as drug molecules against SARS-CoV-2 infections through bioinformatics analysis.
PLoS One. 2026;21:e0337970.
PubMed Abstract available - CASTILLO-NAVARRETE JL, Bustos C, Guzman-Castillo A, Munoz-Reveco L, et al
Development and validation of the BASE-66 inventory for comprehensive academic stress measurement.
PLoS One. 2026;21:e0343308.
PubMed Abstract available - SOGBESAN A, Bakare AA, Herzig van Wees S, Salako J, et al
Exploring COVID-19 pandemic perceptions and vaccine uptake among community members and primary healthcare workers in Nigeria: A mixed methods study.
PLoS One. 2026;21:e0310437.
PubMed Abstract available - MESQUITA LO, Dos Santos DF, de Carvalho KMB
Effect of COVID-19 on mortality due to diabetes mellitus in Brazil: A time series analysis from 2010 to 2023.
PLoS One. 2026;21:e0344419.
PubMed Abstract available - NELSON CE, Kauffman KD, Sakai S, Newbolt T, et al
Glucocorticoids suppress early lung inflammation and impair control of SARS-CoV-2 in non-human primates.
PLoS One. 2026;21:e0342849.
PubMed Abstract available - DHOUIB W, Kacem M, Belghayeb O, Beji MO, et al
Serological profile of naive patients affected by the first sars-cov-2 variant: A prospective study.
PLoS One. 2026;21:e0344308.
PubMed Abstract available - DUAH ASUMADU OK, Abiiro GA, Ndago JA, Kanligi DA, et al
Prevalence and associated factors of health facility delivery during COVID-19 in the Tamale Metropolis of Ghana: Analytical cross-sectional study.
PLoS One. 2026;21:e0344205.
PubMed Abstract available - HU YZ, Qin ZL, Tang W, Hu ZL, et al
Influence of COVID-19 on postoperative prognosis and pain management.
PLoS One. 2026;21:e0344211.
PubMed Abstract available - ANTUNES L, Nunes B, Nunez O, Martinez-Baz I, et al
Modelling approaches for estimating vaccine effectiveness of consecutive SARS-CoV-2 variant sublineages in the absence of study-specific genetic sequencing data, VEBIS hospital network, Europe, 2023/24.
PLoS One. 2026;21:e0343988.
PubMed Abstract available - MYERS SP, Tsung C, Chen JC, Gokun Y, et al
Factors correlated with financial hardship among cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
PLoS One. 2026;21:e0342984.
PubMed Abstract available - BAEK S, Cho H, Lee S, Yoo M, et al
Integrated disease model considering mutation-induced infection waves with COVID-19 cases.
PLoS One. 2026;21:e0341667.
PubMed Abstract available - SULIMANY HGH, Almoataz E, Ali A, Faisal F, et al
Moderating role of CEO expertise on the relationship between capital structure and financial reporting timeliness of Saudi-listed companies.
PLoS One. 2026;21:e0338840.
PubMed Abstract available - MAGALHAES JCN, Chiavegatto Filho ADP
Predictive divergence in machine learning models for clinical mortality risk: A multicohort study of covid-19 patients.
PLoS One. 2026;21:e0344354.
PubMed Abstract available - BHANDARI B, Thapa P, Timilsina A, Karn RR, et al
"It becomes more difficult when people don't empathize with us": COVID-19-related stigmatization experienced by survivors in Nepal.
PLoS One. 2026;21:e0344123.
PubMed Abstract available - ATAC O, Aydin V, Peterson LE, Waters TM, et al
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on oral anticoagulation adherence in patients with atrial fibrillation managed in primary care: Results from the PRIME Registry.
PLoS One. 2026;21:e0344020.
PubMed Abstract available - BARTMANN C, Schmidt V, Morz M, Schwab M, et al
Detection of spike protein in term placentas of COVID-19 vaccinated and/or SARS-CoV-2 infected women.
PLoS One. 2026;21:e0344185.
PubMed Abstract available - CORONADO ZK, Duke M, Rodriguez M, Avelar Portillo LJ, et al
Latino/a experiences of homelessness in California: Qualitative findings from the California Statewide Study of People Experiencing Homelessness (CASPEH).
PLoS One. 2026;21:e0344036.
PubMed Abstract available - HAMROUNI M, Gupta A, Middleton S, Prosper S, et al
The Nottingham recovery from COVID-19 research platform (NoRCoRP): Functional, clinical and patient-reported outcomes in adults referred to a post-COVID respiratory service.
PLoS One. 2026;21:e0344210.
PubMed Abstract available - WU C, Paradis NJ
Near Neutral Selectionist Theories (NNST) for SARS-CoV-2 suggested by the substitution-mutation ratio (c/micro) analysis.
PLoS One. 2026;21:e0343410.
PubMed Abstract available - DIMNJAKOVIC J, Buble T, Poljicanin T, Brborovic H, et al
Identifying high-risk combinations of metformin during COVID-19.
PLoS One. 2026;21:e0343979.
PubMed Abstract available - KIM TY, Min GJ, Cho SG, Kim S, et al
Comprehensive analysis of mortality risk factors in low-grade B-cell lymphoma.
PLoS One. 2026;21:e0328666.
PubMed Abstract available - RICHARD L, Carter B, Liu M, Nisenbaum R, et al
Acute healthcare utilization associated with positive SARS-CoV-2 testing or serology among people experiencing homelessness: A prospective cohort study.
PLoS One. 2026;21:e0343639.
PubMed Abstract available - KASULE J, Tonzel JL, Burns N, Hamby T, et al
COVID-19 knowledge, attitudes, and practices among people vulnerable to HIV in Uganda: A cross-sectional cohort analysis.
PLoS One. 2026;21:e0343507.
PubMed Abstract available - ALOMARI HM, Bani Hani H, Alkhateeb T, Qutaishat D, et al
Adoption and implementation of teleaudiology as a telehealth model in Jordan and Arab countries: A cross-sectional survey.
PLoS One. 2026;21:e0343923.
PubMed Abstract available - FROLKE SC, Amirkhan KG, van der Bom-Baylon N, van Gils M, et al
Class switching toward IgG4 six months after primary mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccination in kidney patients.
PLoS One. 2026;21:e0336320.
PubMed Abstract available - CASSIM N, Coetzee LM, da Silva MP, Stevens WS, et al
Using laboratory data to assess the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) on reflex cryptococcal antigenaemia (CrAg) testing in South Africa.
PLoS One. 2023;18:e0292062.
PubMed Abstract available - STONEHAM CA, Singh R, De Leon A, Tafelmeyer P, et al
A cluster of acidic residues in the cytoplasmic domain of SARS-CoV-2 Spike is required for virion-incorporation and infectivity.
PLoS One. 2026;21:e0340644.
PubMed Abstract available - MAZHAR L, Krebs N, Allen SI, Hobkirk AL, et al
Enhancing recruitment and retention strategies in human tobacco research.
PLoS One. 2026;21:e0340668.
PubMed Abstract available - LAU HC, Sekawi Z, Ching SM, Abu Bakar N, et al
Effectiveness of the influenza and Tdap vaccination educational module (InTroDuce-Programme) on knowledge and intention for antenatal vaccination: A cluster randomised controlled trial protocol among pregnant women in Malaysian primary care clinics.
PLoS One. 2026;21:e0344651.
PubMed Abstract available - PAN Y, Fan L, Goetz S
Economic shocks, food insufficiency and mental health: Evidence from the COVID-19 pandemic.
PLoS One. 2026;21:e0344745.
PubMed Abstract available - JONES M, Reilly M, Simanek A, Stewart A, et al
A randomized assessment of the impact of 'Those Nerdy Girls' newsletters on adult vaccination outcomes.
PLoS One. 2026;21:e0344258.
PubMed Abstract available - ESPINOZA B, Venkatramanan S, Scott Warren A, Lewis BL, et al
Integrated framework to study genomic surveillance of selective sweeps in multivariants dynamics.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2026;123:e2521031123.
PubMed Abstract available - FARAONE JN, Li P, Hong J, Zang J, et al
Spike destabilization attenuates Mink Cluster 5 SARS-CoV-2.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2026;123:e2528367123.
PubMed Abstract available - MESLE MMI, Jorgensen P, Barakat A, Herring BL, et al
Influenza vaccine recommendations and coverage (2018-2023): a foundation for pandemic preparedness and response.
Vaccine. 2026;78:128391.
PubMed Abstract available - MALLAH N, Pardo-Seco J, Rodriguez-Tenreiro-Sanchez C, Gine-Vazquez I, et al
Methods and operational framework of GALFLU: Individually randomized pragmatic controlled trial of high- versus standard-dose influenza vaccination in older adults.
Vaccine. 2026;79:128435.
PubMed Abstract available - NUSSBAUM J, Cao X, Railkar RA, Sachs JR, et al
Evaluation of a stabilized RSV pre-fusion F mRNA vaccine: Preclinical studies and Phase 1 clinical testing in healthy adults.
Vaccine. 2023;41:6488-6501.
PubMed Abstract available - MATHUR I, Church R, Ruisch A, Noyes K, et al
Insights to COVID-19 vaccine delivery: Results from a survey of 27 countries.
Vaccine. 2023;41:6406-6410.
PubMed Abstract available - YESKENDIR A, Gusmanov A, Zhussupov B
Parental attitudes, beliefs and behaviors toward childhood and COVID-19 vaccines: A countrywide survey conducted in Kazakhstan examining vaccine refusal and hesitancy.
Vaccine. 2023;41:6548-6557.
PubMed Abstract available - DA PENHA GOMES GOUVEA M, Lira Machado KLL, de Oliveira YGP, Moulaz IR, et al
Timeline kinetics of protective immunity to SARS-CoV-2 upon primary vaccination and humoral response to variants after booster dose.
Vaccine. 2023;41:6514-6528.
PubMed Abstract available - JACOBS ET, Cordova-Marks FM, Farland LV, Ernst KC, et al
Understanding low COVID-19 booster uptake among US adults.
Vaccine. 2023;41:6221-6226.
PubMed Abstract available - YASUGI M, Nakagama Y, Kaku N, Nitahara Y, et al
Characteristics of epitope dominance pattern and cross-variant neutralisation in 16 SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine sera.
Vaccine. 2023;41:6248-6254.
PubMed Abstract available - VAUX S, Gautier A, Nassany O, Bonmarin I, et al
Vaccination acceptability in the French general population and related determinants, 2000-2021.
Vaccine. 2023;41:6281-6290.
PubMed Abstract available - MEERAUS W, Stuurman AL, Durukal I, Conde-Sousa E, et al
COVID-19 vaccine booster doses provide increased protection against COVID-19 hospitalization compared with previously vaccinated individuals: Interim findings from the REFORCO-Brazil real-world effectiveness study during Delta and Omicron.
Vaccine. 2023;41:6366-6378.
PubMed Abstract available - JI WY, Liu DL, Yu R, Miao L, et al
Vaccination coverage survey of children aged 1-3 years in Beijing, China, 2005-2021.
Vaccine. 2023;41:6444-6452.
PubMed Abstract available - LASSAUNIERE R, Polacek C, Linnea Tingstedt J, Fomsgaard A, et al
Preclinical evaluation of a SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.351-based candidate DNA vaccine.
Vaccine. 2023;41:6505-6513.
PubMed Abstract available - JALALIZADEH M, Leme PAF, Buosi K, Dionato FAV, et al
Healthcare Workers (HCWs) and non-HCWs reaction to Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) in the BATTLE trial.
Vaccine. 2023;41:6599-6606.
PubMed Abstract available - ORTEGA GRANDA O, Alvarez K, Mate-Perez MJ, Canard B, et al
Macro1 domain residue F156: A hallmark of SARS-CoV-2 de-MARylation specificity.
Virology. 2023;587:109845.
PubMed Abstract available - HAKIM MS, Widyaningsih SA, Ikram A, Goeijenbier M, et al
Fundamental concepts of convergent (parallel) evolution in human-pathogenic viruses and their implications for global health.
Virology. 2026;618:110854.
PubMed Abstract available - KIM IH, No JS, Kim JA, Park AK, et al
Genomic epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 variants in South Korea between January 2020 and February 2023.
Virology. 2023;587:109869.
PubMed Abstract available - KNANY HR, Elsabbagh SA, Shehata MA, Eldehna WM, et al
In silico screening of SARS-CoV2 helicase using African natural products: Docking and molecular dynamics approaches.
Virology. 2023;587:109863.
PubMed Abstract available - SHIAU AL, Lee KH, Cho HY, Chuang TH, et al
Molnupiravir, a ribonucleoside antiviral prodrug against SARS-CoV-2, alters the voltage-gated sodium current and causes adverse events.
Virology. 2023;587:109865.
PubMed Abstract available - PONDE RAA
Physicochemical effects of emerging exchanges on the spike protein's RBM of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants BA.1-BA.5 and its influence on the biological properties and attributes developed by these subvariants.
Virology. 2023;587:109850.
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Suramin inhibits SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid phosphoprotein genome packaging function.
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PubMed Abstract available
Ann Intern Med
I am an Italian blogger, active since 2005 with main focus on emerging infectious diseases such as avian influenza, SARS, antibiotics resistance, and many other global Health issues. Other fields of interest are: climate change, global warming, geological and biological sciences. My activity consists mainly in collection and analysis of news, public services updates, confronting sources and making decision about what are the 'signals' of an impending crisis (an outbreak, for example). When a signal is detected, I follow traces during the entire course of an event. I started in 2005 my blog ''A TIME'S MEMORY'', now with more than 40,000 posts and 3 millions of web interactions. Subsequently I added an Italian Language blog, then discontinued because of very low traffic and interest. I contributed for seven years to a public forum (FluTrackers.com) in the midst of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa in 2014, I left the site to continue alone my data tracking job.
Friday, March 13, 2026
Increased contact #transmission of contemporary #Human #H5N1 compared to #Bovine and Mountain #Lion H5N1 in a hamster #model
Abstract
The ongoing outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) subtype H5N1 in the U.S. poses a significant public health threat. To date, 70 human cases have been confirmed in the United States, including two severe cases and one fatality. While suitable animal models are crucial for predicting the potential pandemic risk of newly emerging pathogens in humans, studies investigating contemporary HPAIV H5N1 transmission dynamics remain limited. Here, we investigate the pathogenicity and transmission efficiency of recent clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 viruses isolated from a bovine, mountain lion, and a human case using Syrian hamsters. Intranasal inoculation results in productive virus replication in the respiratory tract and shedding for all three isolates. Transmission studies demonstrate limited efficiency via direct contact and airborne routes for all isolates. Although overall transmission is inefficient, the human H5N1 isolate demonstrates relatively greater contact transmissibility than the bovine and mountain lion isolates. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that the Syrian hamster model complements existing animal models for influenza A virus research and expands the resources available for investigating the pathogenicity, transmissibility, and efficacy of countermeasures against HPAIV H5N1.
Source:
Link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-68900-8
____
I am an Italian blogger, active since 2005 with main focus on emerging infectious diseases such as avian influenza, SARS, antibiotics resistance, and many other global Health issues. Other fields of interest are: climate change, global warming, geological and biological sciences. My activity consists mainly in collection and analysis of news, public services updates, confronting sources and making decision about what are the 'signals' of an impending crisis (an outbreak, for example). When a signal is detected, I follow traces during the entire course of an event. I started in 2005 my blog ''A TIME'S MEMORY'', now with more than 40,000 posts and 3 millions of web interactions. Subsequently I added an Italian Language blog, then discontinued because of very low traffic and interest. I contributed for seven years to a public forum (FluTrackers.com) in the midst of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa in 2014, I left the site to continue alone my data tracking job.
#International #food safety event: #Infant #formula and products containing arachidonic acid oil contaminated with #cereulide #toxin - Multi-country (#WHO, March 13 '26)
Situation at a glance
Multi-country recalls of infant formula and other products have been initiated after cereulide toxin, was detected in batches of multiple internationally distributed brands.
Investigations have identified arachidonic acid (ARA) oil, used as an ingredient in the implicated products, as the source of contamination.
However, the full root cause analysis and complete traceability of all affected batches remains under investigation.
Contaminated formulae, nutritional products, and oil mixes have been distributed to 99 countries and territories across six WHO Regions, with the first product recalls initiated on 10 December 2025.
Between 1 January and 25 February 2026, 144 suspected and confirmed cases were reported across ten countries in three WHO Regions, with investigations ongoing.
Based on the available information, WHO assesses the overall public health risk as moderate due to the vulnerability of the affected population (infants), the ongoing uncertainty regarding the full extent of distribution and exposure, and remaining gaps in case detection and root cause information.
Description of the situation
Since 10 December 2025, and as of 25 February 2026, 99 countries and territories have been identified as having received batches of infant formula products subject to recall due to contamination with cereulide toxin.
During this period, 144 suspected and confirmed cases were reported across 10 countries. The epidemiological investigations and product‑traceback activities remain ongoing in many countries.
The case definitions in use by the International Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN) are currently:
-- Suspect case:
- A person presenting symptoms of cereulide intoxication with a history of consumption of the recalled product, without laboratory confirmation in a clinical sample.
-- Confirmed case:
- A person presenting symptoms of cereulide intoxication with a history of consumption of recalled product, with laboratory confirmation in a clinical sample.
Health authorities are actively searching for cases and conducting laboratory testing of human specimens and infant formula products.
However, case definitions used may differ from those established by INFOSAN, such as those established by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, creating challenges with comparability of reported case numbers.
Since this is not a routinely tested contaminant or condition, diagnostic challenges and limited surveillance capacity are hindering Member States’ ability to identify confirmed cases. One country has laboratory confirmed cases linked to the contaminated products (Belgium).
The limited case numbers appearing in multiple, geographically separated areas is consistent with sporadic exposures to contaminated products that were widely distributed.
Precautionary recalls have been issued across all countries and territories where products were distributed.
These measures aim to prevent further exposures, although the speed and completeness of product recall and withdrawal vary by location according to various factors including inspection and enforcement capacities.
Epidemiology
Cereulide is a heat-stable toxin produced by certain strains of Bacillus cereus, a Gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium ubiquitous in soil, dust, and food production environments.
The primary hazard in this event is suspected to have occurred during the production of ARA oils used in infant formula, although a root cause analysis has not yet been provided to WHO.
Cereulide is not contagious; illness occurs only when a person ingests the toxin, such as through consumption of contaminated products.
The toxin withstands cooking temperatures (stable up to 121°C) and common pasteurization, persisting in finished products.
Symptoms manifest rapidly, typically within 0.5–6 hours post-ingestion, and usually present as acute gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain) with risk of rapid dehydration and electrolyte imbalance which can be particularly severe in infants due to their physiological vulnerability and limited reserves.
The toxin has a very low symptomatic dose threshold and remains fully active despite gastric conditions, contributing to its clinical potency.
For babies who rely entirely on formula, repeated feedings can increase the amount of toxin consumed, and using contaminated formula for rehydration can worsen illness.
The absence of specific antidotes or targeted therapies places greater emphasis on supportive clinical care, effective risk communication to caregivers and health workers, and robust coordination between food safety and public health authorities.
Where there is limited access to health care and where there may be delays in care seeking, rapid dehydration and electrolyte imbalance in infants may be fatal.
As of 25 February 2026, the following countries have notified suspected cases:
1) Austria (9),
2) Brazil (5),
3) China, Hong Kong SAR, (1),
4) Czechia (4),
5) France (11),
6) Italy (1),
7) Singapore (3),
8) Spain (41), and
9) the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (61).
In other countries, including Denmark (32) and the Netherlands (221) the number of suspected cases is based on self-reporting and is therefore not comparable with the INFOSAN case definition.
To date, Belgium is the only country with laboratory‑confirmed cases, reporting eight confirmed intoxications linked to the implicated products.
Public health response
WHO Response:
Since 7 January 2026, when distribution of the products was confirmed to extend beyond the European Union, WHO, through the INFOSAN Secretariat, has been contacting INFOSAN Emergency Contact Points in the countries and territories identified as affected to notify them of recalled products exported to their markets and to support information exchange and coordinated response.
Communication within the European Union has been managed through the European Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF), with close coordination between INFOSAN and RASFF.
Response measures in affected countries and territories:
Recalls and communication campaigns have been carried out in many countries and territories where contaminated products were distributed, preventing further exposures despite variable implementation of recall and withdrawal measures.
Active case-finding and laboratory confirmation efforts are ongoing in affected countries and territories, with most countries and territories reporting no linked illnesses to date.
WHO risk assessment
WHO assesses the overall public health risk associated with this event to be Moderate.
This assessment is based on the information currently available and reflects the wide international distribution of contaminated products, ongoing uncertainties regarding the full extent of contaminated product distribution, case detection, and root cause of contamination, and the vulnerability of infants and young children to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance from with vomiting illness associated with cereulide toxin ingestion.
Several considerations contribute to this assessment:
-- Cereulide is a thermostable emetic toxin that can cause acute vomiting and rapid dehydration particularly in very young infants which can have severe consequences if untreated; mild or self-limiting cases are likely to go unreported, especially in settings with limited healthcare access or diagnostic capacities.
-- The extent of the contaminated ARA oil distribution remains uncertain, as complete traceability from the original implicated manufacturer has not been provided to WHO.
-- Secondary distribution through commercial supply chains has further complicated efforts to identify all affected products. Additional investigation is required to determine the source and extent of the cereulide contamination.
-- The international spread of contaminated products has already disrupted trade and supply chains across at least 99 countries and territories, with the possibility of further recalls if additional affected batches or product categories are identified. These recalls, while essential for public health protection, have created a risk of localized shortage of infant formula, particularly in settings where reliance on specific products is high, despite manufacturers’ efforts to increase production of unaffected products. A residual risk of exposure persists while investigations and traceability efforts continue, as competent authorities manage evolving distribution information and update risk communication measures.
-- Mild clinical presentations can resemble common childhood illnesses, laboratory capacity for cereulide testing in contaminated products or human samples varies widely, and variations in case definitions across countries complicate consistent reporting and may delay detection.
-- Although limited numbers of suspected and confirmed cases have been reported to date, without continued investment in surveillance for toxin‑related events, strengthened laboratory networks, training of health‑care providers, and clear communication on recalls and safe alternatives, delays in detection and response could lead to preventable morbidity in infants.
WHO advice
Based on the information available, WHO recommends Member States to maintain epidemiological surveillance, enhance readiness of laboratory capacity for cereulide testing of suspected contaminated products and in clinical samples of suspected cases, and facilitate effective implementation of recalls and withdrawals, as needed.
WHO advises Member States to:
-- Identify, trace, and withdraw all affected products from the market.
-- Verify the effectiveness of recalls at retail and distribution levels and ensure that affected products are not available for sale, including online sales.
-- Conduct sampling and laboratory testing of suspect products and human specimens.
-- Strengthen requirements for traceability across the supply chain and food recalls.
-- Enhance inspection and oversight of facilities producing or handling ingredients used in infant nutrition.
-- Share relevant information through established international information-sharing mechanisms, including INFOSAN.
-- Issue targeted alerts to consumers, caregivers, health workers, and retailers, while providing clear guidance on identifying and disposing of affected products.
-- Promote breastfeeding and address barriers to accessing safe alternative nutrition.
-- Encourage early presentation to health facilities for infants with sudden vomiting.
-- Reinforce guidance on dehydration management and red-flag symptoms, while supporting availability of tools for safe clinical management of affected infants.
WHO recommends that no restrictions be applied for travel to, or trade with, the countries named in this report, based on the information available on the event reported here.
Further information
-- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Multi-country foodborne event caused by cereulide in infant formula products. 19 February 2026. Available from: https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications-data/multi-country-foodborne-event-caused-cereulide-infant-formula-products
-- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). EFSA provides rapid risk assessment on cereulide in infant formula. EFSA; 1 February 2026. https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/news/efsa-provides-rapid-risk-assessment-cereulide-infant-formula
-- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). Communicable disease threats report, 31 January–6 February 2026 (Week 6). ECDC; 12 February 2026. https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/Communicable-disease-threats-report-week-6-2026.pdf
-- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Precautionary global recall of infant nutrition products following detection of Bacillus cereus. EFSA; 27 January 2026. https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/news/precautionary-global-recall-infant-nutrition-products-following-detection-bacillus-cereus
-- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). Precautionary global recall of infant nutrition products following detection of Bacillus cereus. ECDC; 27 January 2026. https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/news-events/precautionary-global-recall-infant-nutrition-products-following-detection-bacillus
-- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. European outbreak case definition: cereulide contamination of infant formula products (EpiPulse event 2025-FWD-00107). Stockholm: ECDC; 2026. https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/Case%20definition%20cereulide%20event.pdf
-- World Health Organization. Strengthening surveillance of and response to foodborne diseases. WHO; 11 December 2025. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240118188
-- Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES). Update: Information on cereulide in infant formula. AGES; 1 February 2026. https://www.ages.at/en/news/detail/update-information-zu-cereulid-in-saeuglingsnahrung
---
Citable reference: World Health Organization (13 March 2026). Disease Outbreak News; Recall of internationally distributed infant formula and products containing ARA oil due to contamination with cereulide toxin. Available at: https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON596
Source:
Link: https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON596
____
I am an Italian blogger, active since 2005 with main focus on emerging infectious diseases such as avian influenza, SARS, antibiotics resistance, and many other global Health issues. Other fields of interest are: climate change, global warming, geological and biological sciences. My activity consists mainly in collection and analysis of news, public services updates, confronting sources and making decision about what are the 'signals' of an impending crisis (an outbreak, for example). When a signal is detected, I follow traces during the entire course of an event. I started in 2005 my blog ''A TIME'S MEMORY'', now with more than 40,000 posts and 3 millions of web interactions. Subsequently I added an Italian Language blog, then discontinued because of very low traffic and interest. I contributed for seven years to a public forum (FluTrackers.com) in the midst of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa in 2014, I left the site to continue alone my data tracking job.
#USA, #Wastewater Data for Avian #Influenza #H5 (#CDC, March 13 '26)
Time Period: March 01, 2026 - March 07, 2026
-- H5 Detection: 8 site(s) (1.6%)
-- No Detection: 491 site(s) (98.4%)
-- No samples in last week: 77 site(s)
(...)
Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
____
I am an Italian blogger, active since 2005 with main focus on emerging infectious diseases such as avian influenza, SARS, antibiotics resistance, and many other global Health issues. Other fields of interest are: climate change, global warming, geological and biological sciences. My activity consists mainly in collection and analysis of news, public services updates, confronting sources and making decision about what are the 'signals' of an impending crisis (an outbreak, for example). When a signal is detected, I follow traces during the entire course of an event. I started in 2005 my blog ''A TIME'S MEMORY'', now with more than 40,000 posts and 3 millions of web interactions. Subsequently I added an Italian Language blog, then discontinued because of very low traffic and interest. I contributed for seven years to a public forum (FluTrackers.com) in the midst of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa in 2014, I left the site to continue alone my data tracking job.
#Peru - #Influenza A #H5 viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Immediate notification
In the framework of passive surveillance activities, a report was received regarding backyard poultry (not considered as poultry) with clinical symptoms consistent with avian influenza. An outbreak of high pathogenicity avian influenza has been confirmed in the Cajabamba district of the Cajamarca department. The birds showed clinical signs such as weakening, hoarseness, eye discharge, and diarrhoea. The Official Authority activated quarantine, control, and surveillance measures in the outbreak and around the outbreak with the aim of identifying possible cases and preventing the spread of the outbreak.
A notification was received regarding sick birds in a backyard (turkeys, ducks, roosters, hens, geese, and chickens) showing signs of depression, diarrhoea, and hoarseness.
Source: WOAH, https://wahis.woah.org/#/home
Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7358
____
I am an Italian blogger, active since 2005 with main focus on emerging infectious diseases such as avian influenza, SARS, antibiotics resistance, and many other global Health issues. Other fields of interest are: climate change, global warming, geological and biological sciences. My activity consists mainly in collection and analysis of news, public services updates, confronting sources and making decision about what are the 'signals' of an impending crisis (an outbreak, for example). When a signal is detected, I follow traces during the entire course of an event. I started in 2005 my blog ''A TIME'S MEMORY'', now with more than 40,000 posts and 3 millions of web interactions. Subsequently I added an Italian Language blog, then discontinued because of very low traffic and interest. I contributed for seven years to a public forum (FluTrackers.com) in the midst of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa in 2014, I left the site to continue alone my data tracking job.
#UK - High pathogenicity avian #influenza #H5N1 viruses (Inf. with) (#poultry) - Immediate notification
{Northern Ireland}
Pheasant breeder flock, with a small mixed backyard flock with chicken, geese. Positive test for HPAI H5N1, clinical signs presented prior to testing.
Source:
Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7368
____
I am an Italian blogger, active since 2005 with main focus on emerging infectious diseases such as avian influenza, SARS, antibiotics resistance, and many other global Health issues. Other fields of interest are: climate change, global warming, geological and biological sciences. My activity consists mainly in collection and analysis of news, public services updates, confronting sources and making decision about what are the 'signals' of an impending crisis (an outbreak, for example). When a signal is detected, I follow traces during the entire course of an event. I started in 2005 my blog ''A TIME'S MEMORY'', now with more than 40,000 posts and 3 millions of web interactions. Subsequently I added an Italian Language blog, then discontinued because of very low traffic and interest. I contributed for seven years to a public forum (FluTrackers.com) in the midst of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa in 2014, I left the site to continue alone my data tracking job.
Systematic Identification of the Functional lncRNAs During #H7N9 Avian #Influenza Virus #Infection in Mice
Abstract
Accumulating studies have identified the pivotal role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in participating in host–virus interactions during virus infections. However, the regulatory roles of lncRNAs in influenza A virus (IAV) infection are still not fully elucidated. In this study, using high-throughput sequencing, we comprehensively compared the expression profiles of lncRNAs and mRNAs in mouse lungs infected either with the nonpathogenic parental (SDL124) H7N9 virus or its moderately pathogenic mouse-adapted (S8) variant. A total of 7636 significantly differentially expressed (SDE) lncRNAs were obtained in the S8-infected group compared to the mock group. As for the SDL124 group, 1042 SDE lncRNAs were identified. Subsequently, the mRNAs co-expressed with SDE lncRNAs were subjected to functional annotation and pathway enrichment analysis. The results indicated that the target mRNAs regulated by the S8 virus were mainly enriched in various immunological processes and exhibited a strong correlation with inflammatory-related signaling pathways. Moreover, 12 lncRNAs and 10 mRNAs co-expressed with SDE lncRNAs were selected and successfully verified by RT-qPCR. Among these lncRNAs, NONMMUG032982.2 and NONMMUG032328.2 exhibited strong antiviral activity against IAV. Additionally, these two lncRNAs were chosen for further in-depth bioinformatics analysis, including transcription factor prediction, coding capacity assessment, genomic location, construction of secondary structure, and prediction of potential interacting proteins. Taken together, these findings provide a cluster of lncRNAs probably associated with the virulence of IAV in mice and shed light on the anti-IAV effects of two functional lncRNAs, establishing a molecular foundation for further exploring the regulatory mechanisms of lncRNAs in IAV infection.
Source: Viruses, https://www.mdpi.com/journal/viruses
Link: https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/18/3/353
____
I am an Italian blogger, active since 2005 with main focus on emerging infectious diseases such as avian influenza, SARS, antibiotics resistance, and many other global Health issues. Other fields of interest are: climate change, global warming, geological and biological sciences. My activity consists mainly in collection and analysis of news, public services updates, confronting sources and making decision about what are the 'signals' of an impending crisis (an outbreak, for example). When a signal is detected, I follow traces during the entire course of an event. I started in 2005 my blog ''A TIME'S MEMORY'', now with more than 40,000 posts and 3 millions of web interactions. Subsequently I added an Italian Language blog, then discontinued because of very low traffic and interest. I contributed for seven years to a public forum (FluTrackers.com) in the midst of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa in 2014, I left the site to continue alone my data tracking job.
#Glycoprotein-specific transcriptional response contributes to differential #vaccine #protection against lethal #Ebola virus #infection
Abstract
Since the West African Ebola virus (EBOV) epidemic in 2014-2016, recurrent outbreaks of the EBOV-Makona variant have been driven by recrudescence and human-to-human transmission emphasizing the need for effective vaccination strategies. A live-attenuated recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV)-based vaccine expressing the EBOV-Kikwit variant glycoprotein (VSV-Kik) received FDA approval in December 2019 and provides complete, rapid protection against EBOV-Makona as early as 7 days post-vaccination (DPV). During the 2018-2020 Ebola outbreak, the VSV-Kik vaccine, known as ERVEBO, was administered to lower-risk individuals at a 5-fold dose reduction of the standard 2 × 107 PFU to provide broader population protection. Identification of a protective lower dose providing rapid protection would ease supply burdens during future outbreaks and enhance vaccine coverage. We previously generated a VSV-based vaccine expressing the glycoprotein of the Makona variant (VSV-Mak) which provided complete protection against homologous challenge 28 DPV at as low as 1 × 101 PFU. However, the transcriptional responses engendered by VSV-Mak and VSV-Kik vaccines in the context of early EBOV-Makona challenge have not yet been evaluated. In the current study, we compared transcriptional responses following a low dose (1 × 104 PFU) of lab-grade VSV-Mak or GMP-grade VSV-Kik and subsequent EBOV-Makona challenge 10 DPV. VSV-Kik provided complete protection against heterologous challenge and elicited rapid antiviral transcriptional changes followed by the activation of adaptive immunity. On the other hand, VSV-Mak only provided partial protection and induced minimal transcriptional response. These results highlight a glycoprotein-specific transcriptional response after vaccination despite the high EBOV variant homology.
Source: Vaccine, https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/vaccine/vol/79/suppl/C
Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0264410X26002185?via%3Dihub
_____
I am an Italian blogger, active since 2005 with main focus on emerging infectious diseases such as avian influenza, SARS, antibiotics resistance, and many other global Health issues. Other fields of interest are: climate change, global warming, geological and biological sciences. My activity consists mainly in collection and analysis of news, public services updates, confronting sources and making decision about what are the 'signals' of an impending crisis (an outbreak, for example). When a signal is detected, I follow traces during the entire course of an event. I started in 2005 my blog ''A TIME'S MEMORY'', now with more than 40,000 posts and 3 millions of web interactions. Subsequently I added an Italian Language blog, then discontinued because of very low traffic and interest. I contributed for seven years to a public forum (FluTrackers.com) in the midst of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa in 2014, I left the site to continue alone my data tracking job.
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