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History of Mass Transportation: The FS D445 Diesel-Electric Locomotive

  By Gabriele Fontana - https://www.flickr.com/photos/gabry1970/5175636373/ , CC BY-SA 2.0,  https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=109273634 Source: Wikipedia,  https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Locomotiva_FS_D.445 ____

#Coronavirus Disease Research #References (by AMEDEO, May 24 '25)

  AJR Am J Roentgenol SCHMITT JE, Smerconish S Beyond the AJR: Demystifying COVID-19-Related Brain Fog With Perfusion MRI. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2025 May 21. doi: 10.2214/AJR.25.32998. PubMed          Br J Anaesth WELLER JM, Long J, Moore M, Henderson K, et al Effects of a national team training intervention for operating theatre teams on patient and staff outcomes: a stepped-wedge cluster-randomised trial and mixed-methods study. Br J Anaesth. 2025 May 16:S0007-0912(25)00230-2. doi: 10.1016/j.bja.2025. PubMed           Abstract available Clin Infect Dis NADIG N, Bhimraj A, Cawcutt K, Chiotos K, et al 2025 Clinical Practice Guideline Update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America on the Treatment and Management of COVID-19: Vilobelimab. Clin Infect Dis. 2025 May 22:ciaf235. doi: 10.1093. PubMed           Abstract available Int J Infect Dis HUANG Q, Kang L, Wei X, ...

#Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses Research #References (by AMEDEO, May 24 '25)

  Am J Med LIPPI G, Sanchis-Gomar F, Lavie CJ The recent (2018-2022) US monthly mortality for acute myocardial infarction still peaks in December and January. Am J Med. 2025 Jan 18:S0002-9343(25)00035-X. doi: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2025. PubMed           Abstract available STAHLBERG M, Fischer K, Tahhan M, Zhao A, et al Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome: Prevalence of Peripheral Microvascular Endothelial Dysfunction and Associations With NT-ProBNP Dynamics. Am J Med. 2025;138:1019-1028. PubMed           Abstract available ZHOU T, Sawano M, Arun AS, Caraballo C, et al Internal Tremors and Vibrations in Long COVID: A Cross-Sectional Study. Am J Med. 2025;138:1010-1018. PubMed           Abstract available SANAL-HAYES NEM, Mclaughlin M, Hayes LD, Berry ECJ, et al Examining Well-Being and Cognitive Function in People With Long COVID and ME/CFS, and Age-Matched Healthy Controls: A...

The State of the #World’s #Animal #Health 2025 (#WOAH, May 24 '25)

{Summary} World Organisation for Animal Health (2025) . – The State of the World’s Animal Health 2025 . Paris, 124pp. https://doi.org/10.20506/woah.3586. Licence: CC BY-SA 3.0 IGO. Foreword Animal health is inextricably linked to human  health , the stability of ecosystems and the strength of economies. In a world facing increasingly complex global challenges – emerging infectious diseases, climate change, antimicrobial resistance and food insecurity – ensuring the health of animals is crucial. This first iteration of The State of the World’s Animal Health report is a landmark publication released by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) for its 92nd General Session of the World Assembly, which reflects our commitment to evidence-based decision-making and data-driven action. Drawing  on WOAH’s comprehensive information systems and the collective expertise of its Members and expert network, this report offers a clear, objective and timely analysis of the global animal...

A G219A #hemagglutinin #substitution increases #pathogenicity and viral #replication of Eurasian avian-like #H1N1 swine #influenza viruses

Abstract The Eurasian avian-like swine (EA) H1N1 virus has been widely prevalent in the Chinese swine population and has caused infections in human . However, knowledge regarding its pathogenic mechanisms remains limited. In this study, we analyzed the pathogenic determinants of two G4 genotype EA H1N1 viruses (A/Swine/Guangdong/SS12/2017 and A/Swine/Jiangxi/1110/2017) with differing pathogenicity by constructing a series of reassortant and mutant viruses . The HA-G219A mutation was found to be determinant of pathogenicity in mice. Subsequent analyses revealed that this mutation enhances viral replication in human cells , improves thermal stability , reduces HA activation pH, and alters receptor-binding properties . Furthermore, HA-G219A mutation may be an adaptive mutation that facilitates influenza virus adaptation to swine , with its prevalence increasing in the swine population. This mutation may support cross-species transmission of EA H1N1 swine influenza viruses or genetic excha...

Highly Pathogenic Avian #Influenza A(#H5N1) Caused Mass Death among Black-legged #Kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla) in #Norway, 2023

Abstract In 2023, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) heavily affected gulls in Europe. In July, a mass mortality event was reported in the Black-legged Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla) breeding colony at Ekkerøy in Northern Norway . The cause was confirmed to be infection with the HPAI H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b virus , genotype EA-2022- BB. We describe the outbreak in Kittiwakes, including pathological and virological investigations , and discuss the management and zoonotic potential . With more than 15,000 dead birds reported , we estimate that the outbreak caused a reduction in the Kittiwake population at Ekkerøy of at least 50%. Diseased birds exhibited neurological signs . Necropsy of ten birds revealed a peracute fatal systemic disease , with severe lesions in the brain and pancreas co-localizing with the presence of viral RNA and antigen. Vascular expression of α2,3-linked sialic acids and viral RNA/antigen may reflect hematogenous virus spread . Further studies should investigate th...

#Epidemiology and Genetic Characterization of Distinct #Ebola #Sudan #Outbreaks in #Uganda

Abstract Background .  Sudan virus (SUDV) has caused multiple outbreaks in Uganda over the past two decades, leading to significant morbidity and mortality . The recent outbreaks in 2022 and 2025 highlight the ongoing threat posed by SUDV and the challenges in its containment. This study aims to characterize the epidemiological patterns and phylogenomic evolution of SUDV outbreaks in Uganda, identifying key factors influencing transmission and disease severity.  Methods .  We conducted a retrospective observational study analyzing epidemiological and genomic data from SUDV outbreaks in Uganda between 2000 and 2025. Epidemiological data were collected from official sources, including the Ugandan Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization, supplemented with reports from public health organizations. Genomic sequences of SUDV were analyzed to investigate viral evolution and identify genetic variations associated with pathogenicity and transmissibility.  Results...

#USA, Monitoring for Avian #Influenza A(#H5) Virus In #Wastewater (CDC, May 23 '25)

{Excerpt} Time Period: May 11, 2025 - May 17, 2025 -- H5 Detection :  18 sites ( 4.5% ) -- No Detection :  381 sites ( 95.5% ) -- No samples in last week :  59 sites (...) Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,  https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/h5-monitoring/index.html ____

#Evolution, spread and #impact of highly pathogenic #H5 avian #influenza A viruses

Abstract Since their first detection in 1996, highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses with H5 haemagglutinin of the A/Goose/Guangdong/1/1996 (Gs/Gd) lineage have caused outbreaks in domestic and wild animals associated with mass morbidity and mortality , and economic losses as well as sporadic human infections . These viruses have spread to hosts across the European, Asian, African, and North and South American continents, and most recently Antarctica , representing a major threat to wildlife, domestic animals and humans . Owing to continuous circulation in poultry, Gs/Gd lineage viruses have diversified into numerous distinct genetic and antigenic (sub)clades , and genetic diversity has further increased by extensive reassortment with low pathogenic avian influenza viruses of wild birds. In this Review, we discuss the historical emergence of Gs/Gd lineage viruses and their evolution and geographical spread . An overview of the major determinants of host range and cross-species trans...

Comparative #pathogenicity of three A(#H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b HPAI viruses in blue-winged #teal and #transmission to domestic #poultry

ABSTRACT Long-distance migratory ducks play a critical role in the maintenance and dissemination of A(H5N1) viruses . Comparative pathogenicity studies were conducted on blue-winged teal (BWTE; Anas discors) using three distinct genotypes of A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b viruses (A1, B1.3, and B4.1) isolated from wild ducks in Canada . Twenty-four hours post-intranasal infection of BWTE, contact turkeys and chickens were introduced into each of the groups to evaluate viral transmission. The levels of viral shedding in BWTE increased from 3 to 7 days post-infection (dpi) and continued at lower levels until 14 dpi. The A1 genotype virus (MALL/NS/22) was found to be the least pathogenic to BWTE compared to the reassortant genotypes, B4.1 (RBME/BC/22) and B1.3 (BWTE/MB/22). The B1.3 genotype was the most virulent to BWTE and caused 66.7% mortality compared to 12.5% mortality caused by the B4.1 genotype. The extent of transmission from infected BWTE to contact turkeys and chickens showed variation...

Emergence of #Oropouche Virus in Espírito Santo State, #Brazil, 2024

Abstract Oropouche virus (OROV), historically endemic to the Amazon, had spread to nearly all Brazil states by 2024 ; Espírito Santo emerged as a transmission hotspot in the Atlantic Forest biome . We characterized the epidemiologic factors driving OROV spread in nonendemic southeast Brazil, analyzing environmental and agricultural conditions contributing to viral transmission. We tested samples from 29,080 suspected arbovirus-infected patients quantitative reverse transcription PCR for OROV and dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and Mayaro viruses . During March‒June 2024, the state had 339 confirmed OROV cases, demonstrating successful local transmission . Spatial analysis revealed that most cases clustered in municipalities with tropical climates and intensive cacao, robusta coffee, coconut, and pepper cultivation . Phylogenetic analysis identified the Espírito Santo OROV strains as part of the 2022–2024 Amazon lineage. The rapid spread of OROV outside the Amazon highlights its adaptive pot...

Effect of #JYNNEOS #vaccination on #mpox clinical #progression: a case–control study

Summary Background The JYNNEOS modified vaccinia virus Ankara vaccine is effective in preventing clade IIb mpox disease . However, vaccine effects on mpox severity are poorly understood. We aimed to assess associations between reported clinical characteristics and vaccination status among individuals with laboratory-confirmed mpox. Methods We conducted a case–control study using data collected from public health surveillance interviews of people with mpox in California . Eligible participants for primary analyses were men who were cisgender and participated in telephone interviews with complete responses recorded about anatomical sites where they had lesions. We estimated JYNNEOS vaccine effectiveness against progression to disease involving disseminated lesions via the adjusted odds ratio of vaccination, comparing participants who reported lesions disseminated across multiple anatomical regions (cases) with participants who reported lesions contained to a single anatomical region (con...

Highly Pathogenic Avian #Influenza A(#H5N1) in Wild #Birds and a #Human, British Columbia, #Canada, 2024

Abstract We characterized highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b genotype D1.1 in wild birds and a human in British Columbia, Canada, during 2024. D1.1, the predominant genotype circulating in fall 2024, is a reassortment between Eurasian A3 lineage viruses , introduced to North America in 2022, and North American lineage viruses. Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,  https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/31/6/24-1862_article ____

#Brazil, Ministry of #Health rules out case of {#H5N1} #birdflu virus infection in a #worker from Rio Grande do Sul

The Ministry of Health reports that a suspected case of Avian Influenza has been ruled out in a worker at a farm in the municipality of Montenegro (RS), where an outbreak of the disease was identified in birds .  On the afternoon of Tuesday (20/05), Fiocruz, the reference laboratory for this type of analysis , confirmed that the test for the disease was negative. At this time, there are no other suspected or under investigation cases in Brazil. The Ministry of Health, together with the State Health Department of Rio Grande do Sul , is monitoring all people who may have been exposed to the virus through direct contact with infected birds to monitor their health status, start treatment immediately at the first symptoms and preventative surveillance of possible contacts .  There are no records of transmission of the disease from one person to another worldwide. The risk of human infection is low and does not occur through the consumption of meat or eggs, but rather through direct...

#Pathogenicity and #transmissibility of bovine-derived HPAI #H5N1 B3.13 virus in #pigs

Abstract Since the first emergence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 viruses in dairy cattle , the virus has continued to spread, reaching at least 17 states and at least 950 dairy herds in the United States. Subsequently, spillovers of the virus from dairy cattle to humans have been reported. Pigs are an important reservoir in influenza ecology because they serve as a mixing vessel in which novel reassortant viruses with pandemic potential can be generated. Here, we show that oro-respiratory infection of pigs resulted in productive replication of a bovine-derived HPAI H5N1 B3.13 virus . Infectious virus was mainly identified in the lower respiratory tract of principal infected pigs, and sero-conversion was observed in most of the principal pigs at later time points, suggesting limited replication of the bovine-derived HPAI H5N1 B3.13 virus in pigs. In one animal, we detected the emergence of a mutation in hemagglutinin (HA) previously associated with increased affinity ...

#Bulgaria - High pathogenicity avian #influenza #H5N1 viruses (#poultry) (Inf. with) - Immediate notification

  On the 19th of May, an official veterinary doctor was called to the farm due to suspected influenza, as there was an increase in mortality within the animals. On the same day, samples were taken and sent to the Bulgarian National Laboratory for Avian Influenza, where, on the 20th of May, it was confirmed that the farm was affected by a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus. Source: WOAH,  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6490 ____

A protective and broadly binding #antibody class engages the #influenza virus #hemagglutinin head at its stem interface

ABSTRACT Influenza infection and vaccination impart strain-specific immunity that protects against neither seasonal antigenic variants nor the next pandemic . However, antibodies directed to conserved sites can confer broad protection. Here, we identify and characterize a class of human antibodies that engage a previously undescribed, conserved epitope on the influenza hemagglutinin (HA) protein. Prototype antibody S8V1-157 binds at the normally occluded interface between the HA head and stem. Antibodies to this HA head–stem interface epitope are non-neutralizing in vitro but protect against lethal influenza infection in mice. These antibodies bind to most influenza A subtypes and seasonal human variants, and are present at low frequencies in the memory B cell populations of multiple human donors. Vaccines designed to elicit these antibodies might contribute to “universal” influenza immunity. IMPORTANCE Antibodies to the influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) protein confer the strongest p...

Characterization of emerging #H3N3 avian #influenza viruses in #poultry in #China

Abstract Avian influenza viruses continue to challenge poultry and human health ; therefore, careful surveillance and evaluation of emerging viruses are important for animal disease control and human influenza pandemic preparedness . In this study, we detected a series of H3N3 subtype avian influenza viruses in chickens , pigeons, and ducks during our routine surveillance and diagnosis between September 2022 and May 2023. We performed extensive analyses to fully understand the origins of these viruses and their risk to animals and humans. We found that the viruses were complex reassortants ; the viruses from chickens and pigeons carry genes mainly derived from H3N8 viruses and H10N3 viruses , whereas the two duck viruses were reassortants of duck and wild bird viruses. The chicken and pigeon , but not duck, viruses replicated in multiple organs of chickens and were shed for up to 13 days, but none caused disease or death. Six of the viruses tested all bound to both avian- and human-typ...

Investigating Factors Driving Shifts in Subtype #Dominance within #H5Nx Clade 2.3.4.4b High-Pathogenicity Avian #Influenza viruses

Abstract H5Nx clade 2.3.4.4b high-pathogenicity avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) have decimated wild bird and poultry populations globally since the autumn of 2020. In the United Kingdom (UK) and in continental Europe , the H5N8 subtype predominated during the first epizootic wave of 2020/21 , with few detections of H5N1. However, during the second (2021/22) and third (2022/23) epizootic waves, H5N1 was the dominant subtype. The rapid shift in dominance from H5N8 to H5N1 was likely driven by a combination of virological, immunological, and/or host-related factors. In this study, we compared viral fitness and immunological responses in ducks , a key reservoir species, using dominant genotypes of H5N1 (genotype AB) and H5N8 (genotype A) from the second wave. While viral shedding dynamics were similar for both viruses, H5N8 was more pathogenic . Antigenic analysis of post-infection duck sera revealed that the haemagglutinin (HA) protein was antigenically similar across clade 2.3.4.4b H5 H...

Long-Term Clinical #Outcomes of #Adults Hospitalized for #COVID19 #Pneumonia

Abstract We conducted a multicenter, observational, 12-month follow-up study to identify the extended health burden of severe COVID-19 pneumonia by characterizing long-term sequelae of acute infection in participants previously enrolled in clinical trials for severe COVID-19 pneumonia requiring hospitalization. Overall, 134 (77.5%) of 173 participants completed the study. At 12 months, 51 (29.5%) participants reported cough , 60 (34.7%) reported dyspnea , 56 (32.4%) had residual lung texture abnormalities on high-resolution computed tomography scans, 26 (15.0%) had impaired forced vital capacity , 52 (30.1%) had cognitive impairment , and 77 (44.5%) reported fatigue . Disease severity during acute infection and age were associated with persistent lung abnormalities ; history of hypertension was associated with higher prevalence of fatigue and more frequent dyspnea and cough; and age and obesity were associated with long-term cognitive impairment . Our findings underscore the long-term ...