Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mariana Leguia, Alejandra Garcia-Glaessner, Breno Munoz-Saavedra, Diana Juarez, Patricia Barrera, Carlos Calvo-Mac, Javier Jara, Walter Silva, Karl Ploog, Lady Amaro, Paulo Colchao-Claux, Christine K. Johnson, Marcela M. Uhart, Martha I. Nelson, Jesus Lescano
Summary: Highly pathogenic avian influenza A/H5N1 viruses have invaded the Americas and pose a threat to wildlife, poultry, and humans. The HPAI/H5N1 viruses in Peru have genetic reassortment between Eurasian and American lineages, emphasizing the need for surveillance and control measures.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Letter
Immunology
Samnang Um, Jurre Y. Siegers, Borann Sar, Savuth Chin, Sarika Patel, Seng Bunnary, Makara Hak, Sothy Sor, Oum Sokhen, Seng Heng, Darapheak Chau, Tum Sothyra, Asheena Khalakdina, Joshua A. Mott, Sonja J. Olsen, Filip Claes, Ly Sovann, Erik A. Karlsson
Summary: In February 2021, a case of human avian influenza A(H9N2) virus infection was detected in Cambodia through routine surveillance. Investigations found no recent H9N2 virus infections among 43 close contacts. A chicken sample from the infected child's house tested positive for H9N2 virus and was genetically similar to the human virus.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Sugandha Raj, Jake Astill, Nadiyah Alqazlan, Nitish Boodhoo, Douglas C. Hodgins, Eva Nagy, Samira Mubareka, Khalil Karimi, Shayan Sharif
Summary: This study investigates the transmission of H9N2 avian influenza virus through direct contact between infected and recipient chickens. The results suggest that aerosol route of infection is more effective in establishing infection and leads to higher virus shedding and antibody response compared to direct inoculation.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
David M. Morens, Jeffery K. Taubenberger, Anthony S. Fauci
Summary: Despite being caused by different viruses, the influenza pandemic of 1918 and the COVID-19 pandemic of 2019-2021 share similarities in clinical, pathological, and epidemiological features, as well as in responses from civic, public health, and medical sectors. By comparing and contrasting the two pandemics, we have learned valuable lessons over the span of a century and are applying them to the challenges posed by COVID-19.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Review
Virology
Hai Xu, Shanyuan Zhu, Roshini Govinden, Hafizah Y. Chenia
Summary: "Progress in research on avian influenza vaccines" reviews the recent progress and delivery systems of avian influenza vaccines. It provides ideas for the design and development of new vaccines in the avian influenza research community.
Review
Microbiology
Alison Simancas-Racines, Santiago Cadena-Ullauri, Patricia Guevara-Ramirez, Ana Karina Zambrano, Daniel Simancas-Racines
Summary: Avian influenza is a contagious disease that causes high avian mortality, leading to economic losses and increased costs for disease control. It is caused by an RNA virus and only Influenzavirus A can infect birds. The pathogenicity of avian influenza is based on the lethality, signs, and molecular characteristics of the virus. Low pathogenic avian influenza has a low mortality rate, while highly pathogenic avian influenza can cross barriers and damage all tissues with a high mortality rate. The zoonotic potential of avian influenza has made it a global public health concern.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Rosanna W. Peeling, David L. Heymann, Yik-Ying Teo, Patricia J. Garcia
Summary: Diagnostics play a crucial role in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Molecular tests like PCR are recommended for confirming diagnosis in symptomatic individuals, while antigen rapid detection tests have the advantage of being easier to perform with faster results and lower cost. Antibody tests can inform public policy but should not be used as proof of immunity. All three types of tests continue to be important in transitioning from pandemic response to control.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Markus Hoffmann, Nadine Krueger, Sebastian Schulz, Anne Cossmann, Cheila Rocha, Amy Kempf, Inga Nehlmeier, Luise Graichen, Anna-Sophie Moldenhauer, Martin S. Winkler, Martin Lier, Alexandra Dopfer-Jablonka, Hans-Martin Jaeck, Georg M. N. Behrens, Stefan Poehlmann
Summary: The Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 is spreading rapidly and shows resistance to most therapeutic antibodies. It also evades neutralization by antibodies induced by infection or vaccination more efficiently than the Delta variant. This suggests that therapeutic antibodies may not be effective against the Omicron variant, and double vaccination with BNT162b2 may not provide adequate protection against severe disease caused by this variant.
Review
Virology
Joshua Yi Yeo, Samuel Ken-En Gan
Summary: The H5N8 avian influenza first emerged in South Korea in 2014 and quickly spread worldwide, resulting in the first human infection in Russia during the 2020-2021 outbreak. Despite being clinically asymptomatic and without human-to-human transmission, the World Health Organization emphasized the importance of continued risk assessment in order to prevent potential pandemics. Efforts to understand the mechanisms of species jumping and prevent disastrous outbreaks are becoming increasingly urgent as the virus has the potential to reassort and generate new strains.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Yanna Guo, Pingyun Ding, Yinjing Li, Yaping Zhang, Yiqing Zheng, Mengqi Yu, Yasuo Suzuki, Haitao Zhang, Jihui Ping
Summary: This study systematically investigated three strains of H10N3 avian influenza virus isolated from live poultry markets and found that these viruses were highly pathogenic to mice, replicated efficiently in mouse nasal turbinate and lungs as well as in A549 cells and chicken embryos, and possessed key molecular markers associated with mammalian adaptation.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Piyush Dey, Akanksha Ahuja, Jaishal Panwar, Poonam Choudhary, Shital Rani, Mandeep Kaur, Akanksha Sharma, Jatinder Kaur, Ashok Kumar Yadav, Vikas Sood, Adukamparai Suresh R. Babu, Sanjay K. Bhadada, Gurpal Singh, Ravi Pratap Barnwal
Summary: The avian influenza A virus (AIV) is a naturally prevalent virus in aquatic birds, which infects various avian species and can transmit to humans. Both the H5N1 and H7N9 viruses have the potential to cause acute influenza in humans and pose a possible pandemic threat. Understanding the disease pathogenesis and the host's immune response is crucial for the development of control and prevention strategies.
Article
Immunology
Jianzhong Shi, Xianying Zeng, Pengfei Cui, Cheng Yan, Hualan Chen
Summary: Avian influenza viruses, especially H5 and H7 subtypes, have caused significant human and animal health issues globally. These viruses have resulted in numerous infections and deaths, impacting wild birds and domestic poultry industry. China's cull plus vaccination strategy has been successful in controlling the outbreaks and minimizing the losses, making it a valuable approach for global poultry health.
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Pei Zhou, Bo Chen, Xinkai Hu, Xiangyu Xiao, Ruohan Liu, Shoujun Li
Summary: The study evaluated the transmissibility of the first- and last-isolated Chinese H3N2 CIV strains to birds, and the results demonstrated that avian species are unsusceptible to H3N2 CIV, indicating unidirectional evolution of the mammalian host tropism of H3N2 CIV.
VETERINARY MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hossam Waleed Almadhoon, Aboalmagd Hamdallah, Sarah Makram Elsayed, Abdulrahman Ibrahim Hagrass, Mohammed Tarek Hasan, Aya Mamdouh Fayoud, Mohammed Al-Kafarna, Mohammad Elbahnasawy, Fadel Alqatati, Khaled Mohamed Ragab, Mohamed Sayed Zaazouee, Elfatih A. Hasabo
Summary: Recent evidence suggests that influenza vaccination may reduce the clinical outcomes of COVID-19. The study found a significant reduction in the risk of mechanical ventilation for COVID-19 patients who received the influenza vaccine. However, there were no statistically significant differences in mortality rate, hospital admissions, and intensive care admissions between vaccinated and non-vaccinated groups. Further research is encouraged due to limitations in the data and the regular updates of the influenza vaccine.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Lucas J. Kerstetter, Stephen Buckley, Carly M. Bliss, Lynda Coughlan
Summary: The ongoing threat to global health posed by infectious diseases, which have the potential for spillover from animal reservoirs, has increased in frequency due to changes in human behavior. Influenza A viruses present a pandemic threat and are a major concern for human health, with challenges in vaccine development. Non-replicating adenoviral vectors offer advantages for vaccine development against highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses, with exemplary safety and immunogenicity profiles.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Dermatology
Hsien-Yi Chiu, Rosaline Chung-Yee Hui, Tsen-Fang Tsai, Yang-Ching Chen, Nien-Feng Chang Liao, Po-Hua Chen, Po-Ju Lai, Ting-Shun Wang, Yu-Huei Huang
Summary: This study investigates the predictors of relapse in psoriasis patients after discontinuation of ustekinumab treatment. The results show that being biologic-naive, maximum improvement in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index during ustekinumab treatment, time to achieve a 50% improvement in baseline Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score after initiation of ustekinumab, family history of psoriasis, chronic kidney disease, and immunosuppressant use while not taking ustekinumab are significant predictors of relapse time following discontinuation of ustekinumab.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Wang-Huei Sheng, Chung-Cheng Wang, Ching -Chi Chu, Yueh-Juh Lin, Sui-Yuan Chang, Shan-Chwen Chang
Summary: We reported the clinical and immunological effects of undiluted BNT162b2 vaccine inoculation in 25 recipients. The most common adverse reactions were injection site pain, fever, fatigue, chest tightness, and dizziness. Laboratory abnormalities included anemia and elevated liver transaminase level. These adverse reactions and abnormalities were mild and spontaneously recovered within a few weeks. The spike IgG titers significantly increased after a booster dose of BNT162b2.
JOURNAL OF THE FORMOSAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Chun-Fu Huang, Jann-Tay Wang, Yu -Chung Chuang, Wang-Huei Sheng, Yee -Chun Chen
Summary: This study evaluated the in vitro activity of eravacycline against common Enterobacterales and found that it exhibited high susceptibility rates against certain strains, making it a potential therapeutic option.
JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY IMMUNOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2023)
Article
Dermatology
Kuo-Hsi Lin, Yi-Chyi Lai, Yi-Pei Lin, Mao-Wang Ho, Yee-Chun Chen, Wen-Hsin Chung
Summary: This study aimed to establish the antifungal susceptibility profile of C. gattii s.l. in Taiwan and found that the susceptibility was associated with STs. Furthermore, geographic differences in the antifungal susceptibility of C. gattii s.l. isolated from different cities in Taiwan were observed.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Szu-Ting Huang, Jia-Ling Yang, Chi-Ying Lin, Sung-Hsi Hang, Jann-Tay Wang, Yu-Chung Chuang, Yee-Chun Chen, Shan-Chwen Chang
Summary: This study analyzed the risk factors affecting the treatment outcome of linezolid for vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus bloodstream infection. The study found that the linezolid minimum inhibitory concentration and concentration-time curve/MIC were not associated with mortality, while the linezolid dose per body weight, body height, and the interaction between them were independent risks for mortality. In conclusion, the clinical outcomes of linezolid treatment for vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus bloodstream infection are associated with the dose and body height.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Wen -Kai Chu, Un-In Wu, Tai-Fen Lee, Aristine Cheng, Kai -Hsiang Chen, Kuan-Yin Lin, Yee-Chun Chen
Summary: Amphotericin B and itraconazole are the primary agents for treating histoplasmosis. Newer azoles are alternatives for patients refractory to or intolerant of standard therapy.
JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY IMMUNOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Wang-Huei Sheng, Hao-Chun Chang, Sui-Yuan Chang, Ming-Ju Hsieh, Yu-Cheng Chen, Yu-Yun Wu, Sung-Ching Pan, Jann-Tay Wang, Yee -Chun Chen
Summary: We aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare workers (HCWs) during the omicron variant outbreak in Taiwan. The study found that recent contact with a SARS-CoV-2 infected household and underlying autoimmune diseases were significant risk factors for acquiring SARS-CoV-2 infection among HCWs. It is recommended to maintain appropriate infection control measures to reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection among HCWs.
JOURNAL OF THE FORMOSAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Tai-Chung Tseng, Yu-Chung Chuang, Jia-Ling Yang, Chi-Ying Lin, Sung-Hsi Huang, Jann-Tay Wang, Yee-Chun Chen, Shan-Chwen Chang
Summary: In this study, combination therapy with high-dose daptomycin and fosfomycin was found to improve the survival rate of patients with vancomycin-resistant enterococcus bloodstream infection compared to daptomycin monotherapy. The survival benefit was most pronounced for patients with fosfomycin MIC ≤64 mg/L and a low Pitt bacteremia score.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES AND THERAPY
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Hsien-Yu Fan, Yen-Tsung Huang, Yun-Yu Chen, Justin BoKai Hsu, Hung-Yuan Li, Ta-Chen Su, Hung-Ju Lin, Kuo-Liong Chien, Yang-Ching Chen
Summary: The timing of menarche is not directly associated with the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). This study examined the roles of metabolic factors in explaining the relationship between age at menarche and CAD risk. Through various analytical methods, it was found that systolic blood pressure plays a mediating role in the effect of earlier age at menarche on CAD risk.
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Chung-Yu Chen, Cheng-Hao Tien, Yue-Hwa Chen, Daniel Garrido, Aitak Farzi, Herbert Herzog, Hsien-Yu Fan, Yang-Ching Chen
Summary: This study examined the effect of sucralose on gut microbiota composition in humans and mice/rats. The results showed that sucralose intake increased the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria in humans, while it decreased the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes in mice/rats. Therefore, sucralose reduced obesity in humans but induced obesity in mice/rats.
FOOD REVIEWS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Hsien-Yu Fan, Kuo-Liong Chien, Yen-Tsung Huang, Justin BoKai Hsu, Yun-Yu Chen, En-Yu Lai, Jia-Ying Su, Tzu-Pin Lu, Hung-Yuan Li, Shih-Yuan Hsu, Yang-Ching Chen
Summary: This study identified 27 novel loci associated with both age at menarche and cardiometabolic traits, particularly obesity and hypertension. It also provided evidence of a higher risk of early-onset hypertension in girls with central precocious puberty.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shih-Yi Huang, Rong Sun, Yang-Ching Chen, Lin Kang, Chung-Teng Wang, Ching-Feng Chiu, Hung-Tsung Wu
Summary: The prevalence of obesity and adverse obesity-associated pregnancy outcomes has increased. Aspartame, commonly used as an artificial sweetener, may reduce calorie content in food and drinks, but its effects on pregnancy are largely unknown. In this study, pregnant mice treated with aspartame showed decreased fasting blood glucose level and increased systolic blood pressure. The treated animals had lower placenta and fetus weights, as well as reduced thickness of the placenta decidua layer. Aspartame also affected the expression of certain proteins involved in placental function. In trophoblast cells, aspartame induced cell cycle arrest, reduced proliferation rate and migration activity, and increased oxidative stress. These effects were reversed by antioxidants or sweet taste receptor inhibitors. A metabolite of aspartame, phenylalanine, had similar effects on trophoblasts. Overall, our data suggest that aspartame consumption during pregnancy may impact placental structure, growth, and function through oxidative stress mediated by sweet taste receptors.
JOURNAL OF NUTRITIONAL BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Clea Melenotte, Vishukumar Aimanianda, Monica Slavin, Jose Maria Aguado, Darius Armstrong-James, Yee-Chun Chen, Shahid Husain, Christian Van Delden, Faouzi Saliba, Agnes Lefort, Francoise Botterel, Olivier Lortholary
Summary: Invasive aspergillosis is a rare but serious infection in liver transplant recipients, with a high mortality rate. Risk factors before, during, and after transplantation have been identified, and accurate diagnosis requires collaboration between radiology and clinical biology. It is recommended to reduce the dose of tacrolimus and closely monitor blood levels when using certain drugs, and surgery should be considered on a case-by-case basis. Antifungal prophylaxis and environmental measures should be implemented to prevent outbreaks.
TRANSPLANT INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Yu-Hsin Chien, Chia-Yuan Lin, Shih-Yuan Hsu, Yue-Hwa Chen, Hung-Tsung Wu, Shiu-Wen Huang, Yang-Ching Chen
Summary: This study investigated the effects of consuming different types of nonnutritive sweeteners (NNSs) on adiposity changes during pubertal growth. The results showed that the consumption of aspartame, sucralose, glycyrrhizin, stevioside, and sorbitol was associated with decreased fat mass and increased fat-free mass. These effects were more prominent in girls and normal-weight children.
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Nam N. Nguyen, Linh T. D. Tran, Ngan D. K. Ho, Linh B. P. Huynh, Hung S. Nguyen, Yang-Ching Chen
Summary: This study suggests that the consumption of nitrites and nitrosamines may increase the risk of diabetes, while high nitrate intake is not associated with diabetes risk.