Social network and related factors in older people with sensory impairment in the community: Using principal component analysis.

AIM: Older people with sensory impairment are more likely to have smaller and weaker social network due to their reduced ability, which lowers their quality of life. However, there is little research on the social network in older people with sensory impairment, especially the related factors. The aim of the study was to explore the related factors of social network and to provide evidence for the improvement of social network to promote successful aging in older people with sensory impairment. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 374 participants for hearing and vision assessment and questionnaire survey in a community, Beijing. Data were collected and analyzed by principal component analysis (PCA) and multiple logistic regression using IBM SPSS 25.0 software. RESULTS: PCA showed that there were six risk factors whose eigenvalues >1 were extracted, with a total variance of 56.555%. Multiple logistic regression analysis of principal component indicated that five factors including physical health factor, social interaction factor, psychological status factor, lifestyle factor, and family condition factor, were statistically significant (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The social network of older people with sensory impairment is relatively poor. Physical health factor, social interaction factor, psychological status factor, lifestyle factor, and family condition factor may be related factors. Medical staff should pay attention to physical, psychological and social characteristics of older people, especially with sensory impairment, to carry out necessary measures to improve social network and avoid social isolation.

Oil and Organic Liquids Incorporation into Fresh Geopolymer Pastes Using Suitable Quaternary Ammonium Surfactants.

The direct incorporation of low viscosity organic liquids (OL) such as dodecane and tributylphosphate (TBP) into fresh geopolymers (GP) is difficult and generally leads to variable amounts of un-incorporated OL remaining outside the hardened geopolymer. Experimentally, it is observed that a regular torque increase during OL incorporation corresponds to a suitable dispersion of the OL in the form of fine micrometric droplets. This can be obtained for TBP and dodecane by adding a small quantity of quaternary ammoniums salts (QAs) such as cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). Shorter alkyl chains QAs, such as hexamethyltrimethylammonium (HMTA) can also be used but with a reduced efficiency. The positive impact of CTAB is then confirmed by the Washburn capillary rise method, showing that the interactions between TBP and CTAB-modified metakaolin are weaker compared to untreated powder. Finally, it is observed that the incorporation of TBP into geopolymer slurries is much easier than the incorporation of dodecane. The low interfacial tension measured between TBP and the activating solution (around 8 mN·m -1 ), contrasting with dodecane (29 mN·m -1 ), explains that the dispersion of TBP droplets in fresh metakaolin suspensions is more efficient.

Interventions to improve social network in older people with sensory impairment: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Sensory impairment significantly reduces speech discrimination and perception ability, presenting a challenge to effective communication. It can lead to social withdrawal and a reduced social network which can lead to cognitive impairment, seriously affecting the quality of life of older people. However, it is unclear which intervention components are effective to improving social network in older people with sensory impairment. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review was to summarize interventions designed to improve social network in older people with sensory impairment. METHODS: We searched seven databases from inception to December 1, 2023. Eligible studies included randomized clinical trials (RCT) and quasi-experimental studies of interventions for older people with sensory impairment aimed at improving social networks. Two reviewers searched databases, extracted data, and assessed the quality of the included studies independently. RESULTS: Nine studies including five RCTs and four quasi-experimental studies were selected, enrolling 721 older people with sensory impairment. Methodological quality of the studies was modest. Eight studies demonstrated a positive impact of the interventions used in older people with sensory impairment. The detailed effective intervention components may include communication strategies, resources for older people and their significant others, exercise or tech-back of communication, sensory device fitting, and use and maintenance of sensory devices. CONCLUSION: There are few interventions available for improving social network in older people with sensory impairment. Most interventions mainly focus on communication education and care, and sensory device fitting and education. To improve the social network in older people with sensory impairment, it is necessary to develop more effective, multidisciplinary collaborative effective interventions and conduct more high-quality original studies.

Cross-reaction mediated by distinct key amino acid combinations in the complementary-determining region (CDR) of a monoclonal antibody.

In immunology, cross-reaction between antigens and antibodies are commonly observed. Prior research has shown that various monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) can recognize a broad spectrum of epitopes related to influenza viruses. However, existing theories on cross-reactions fall short in explaining the phenomena observed. This study explored the interaction characteristics of H1-74 mAb with three peptides: two natural peptides, LVLWGIHHP and LPFQNI, derived from the hemagglutinin (HA) antigen of the H1N1 influenza virus, and one synthetic peptide, WPFQNY. Our findings indicate that the complementarity-determining region (CDR) of H1-74 mAb comprised five antigen-binding sites, containing eight key amino acid residues from the light chain variable region and 16 from the heavy chain variable region. These critical residues formed distinct hydrophobic or hydrophilic clusters and functional groups within the binding sites, facilitating interaction with antigen epitopes through hydrogen bonding, salt bridge formation, and π-π stacking. The study revealed that the formation of the antibody molecule led to the creation of binding groups and small units in the CDR, allowing the antibody to attach to a variety of antigen epitopes through diverse combinations of these small units and functional groups. This unique ability of the antibody to bind with antigen epitopes provides a new molecular basis for explaining the phenomenon of antibody cross-reaction.

Social participation in older people with hearing impairment in Chinese community: A latent profile analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Hearing impairment may lead to increased communication difficulties for older people, making their social participation less optimistic. However, there is little research on the social participation of older people with hearing impairment, especially based on the characteristics of their social participation. This study aimed to identify different social participation profiles in older people with hearing impairment and to explore sociodemographic characteristics, disease-related characteristics and psychosocial factors with different social participation profiles. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 300 older people with hearing impairment using the sociodemographic questionnaire, the Impact on Participation and Autonomy Questionnaire, the Lubben Social Network Scale-6, Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey and Geriatric Depression Scale-15 from May to August 2023 in a community of Beijing, China. Latent profile analysis was used to analyse the latent profiles of social participation in elderly with hearing impairment. Multiple logistic regression was used to explore the predictors of different profiles. RESULTS: The social participation of older people with hearing impairment in the community can be classified into three potential profiles: Profile 1 - high social participation group (76.05 %), Profile 2 - moderate social participation group (17.34 %), Profile 3 - low social participation group (6.61 %). Age, types of chronic diseases, self-reported health, severity of hearing impairment, social network, social support and depression were predictors of different profiles. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses should pay attention to the characteristics, depression, social network and support of older people with different hearing impairment to improve social participation in different profiles. IMPLICATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: This was the first study exploring latent profiles of social participation in older people with hearing impairment. Insights from this study are useful for gerontological nursing to distinguish different profiles and further identify the characteristics of different profiles in older people with hearing impairment by characterizing the level of social participation in the community and better implement interventions according to profiles.

Performance Regulation of Single-Atom Catalyst by Modulating the Microenvironment of Metal Sites.

Metal-based catalysts, encompassing both homogeneous and heterogeneous types, play a vital role in the modern chemical industry. Heterogeneous metal-based catalysts usually possess more varied catalytically active centers than homogeneous catalysts, making it challenging to regulate their catalytic performance. In contrast, homogeneous catalysts have defined active-site structures, and their performance can be easily adjusted by modifying the ligand. These characteristics lead to remarkable conceptual and technical differences between homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts. As a recently emerging class of catalytic material, single-atom catalysts (SACs) have become one of the most active new frontiers in the catalysis field and show great potential to bridge homogeneous and heterogeneous catalytic processes. This review documents a brief introduction to SACs and their role in a range of reactions involving single-atom catalysis. To fully understand process-structure-property relationships of single-atom catalysis in chemical reactions, active sites or coordination structure and performance regulation strategies (e.g., tuning chemical and physical environment of single atoms) of SACs are comprehensively summarized. Furthermore, we discuss the application limitations, development trends and future challenges of single-atom catalysis and present a perspective on further constructing a highly efficient (e.g., activity, selectivity and stability), single-atom catalytic system for a broader scope of reactions.

Role of spleen density in predicting postoperative complications in patients with acute mesenteric ischemia.

BACKGROUND: Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is a life-threatening surgical emergency with a poor prognosis. This study assessed the association of diffuse reduction of spleen density (DROSD) with postoperative complications and identified risk factors for adverse outcomes in AMI patients after surgery. METHODS: Patients who were diagnosed with AMI and underwent surgical operations between April 2006 and July 2021 were enrolled. Spleen density was assessed using preoperative non-enhanced computed tomography. The lowest quartile of spleen density in all patients was regarded as the cutoff value for DROSD. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the risk factors related to postoperative outcomes after surgery. RESULTS: According to the diagnostic cutoff, patients with a spleen density ≤49.07 HU were defined as DROSD. In a cohort of 97 patients, 34.0% developed complications within 30 days of surgery. The multivariate analysis illustrated that DROSD was an independent risk factor for prognostic outcomes in AMI patients after surgery. CONCLUSION: Patients with low spleen density were prone to postoperative complications. As an imaging method, preoperative assessment of spleen density is a novel predictor that can be used clinically to identify high-risk AMI patients with poor prognosis.

Cleanup of oils and organic solvents from contaminated water by biomass-based aerogel with adjustable compression elasticity.

Leakage of oils and organic solvents poses a significant threat to aquatic environments. Here, low-temperature carbonized aerogels with highly porous and anisotropic structures obtained only from biomass-derived materials were proposed to absorb polymorphic oils from contaminated water. Specifically, carbonized aerogels prepared at temperatures of 300 °C and 350 °C exhibited ultra-high absorption capacities (40‒125 g g-1) and oil-water separation efficiencies (> 99%) even in harsh environments, which were attributed to their exceptional properties, including high porosity, abundant macropores, excellent thermal stability, and hydrophobicity. Through citric acid crosslinking and low-temperature carbonization, the aerogels exhibited superior compression elasticity and could be cyclically utilized through simple extrusion while realizing the recovery of oils. Moreover, the outstanding photothermal conversion properties obtained through carbonization contributed to the high temperature and fluidity of the oils surrounding the aerogels, which is crucial for improving the absorption performance of high-viscosity oils. Such absorbent materials are used to separate crude oil from oil-water mixtures, which can achieve maximum absorption of 56 g g-1 and increase the absorption rate (from several days to 10 min) in a low-temperature (4 °C) seawater environment.

Female preferences for male golden snub-nosed monkeys vary with male age and social context.

Age is a key factor affecting sexual selection, as many physical and social traits are age-related. Although studies of primate mate choice often consider particular age-related traits, few consider the collective effects of male age. We tested the hypothesis that female golden snub-nosed monkeys Rhinopithecus roxellana prefer prime aged males (10-15 years) over younger and older males. We examined a habituated, provisioned troop during a 3-year study in the Qinling Mountains, China. Prime age males were more likely to be resident males of 1-male units (OMUs) than males of other ages. Since females are free to transfer between OMUs, the number of females per OMU can be indicative of female preferences. We examined the number of females per OMU, and found that it increased with resident male age up to 7-8 years, and declined after 12 years, such that prime age resident males had more females than other resident males. Females also initiated extra-unit copulations with high-ranking prime age males at significantly higher rates than with other males. Nevertheless, females tended to transfer from OMUs with high-ranking, older resident males to those with low-ranking, younger resident males. Thus, females appear to use different strategies when choosing social mates and extra-unit mates (i.e., different social contexts). We speculate that females may perceive early signs of aging in males and trade off the benefits and costs of high rank versus male senescence. This study lays the groundwork for future studies that examine possible direct and indirect benefits of such strategies.

Effect of the P/Al Molar Ratio and Heating Rate on the Composi-Tion of Alumino-Phosphate Binders.

New insights into the chemistry of alumino-phosphate solutions are provided in this contribution. In a first part, a solution with a P/Al molar ratio of 3.2 was prepared for the first time. The binders obtained at 500 and 700 °C were compared to those obtained with the 3 and 3.5 P/Al molar ratio solutions in order to determine the impact of moderate P2O5 excess on the final phosphate ceramic nature. In a second part, the widely used P/Al = 3 solution was heat-treated at 500 °C using different heating rates (0.2, 1, and 10 °C/min) to determine how this parameter modifies the final phosphate ceramic composition. Our data show that moderate P2O5 excess is sufficient to obtain binders with a high amount of stable cubic aluminium metaphosphate compound at 700 °C but not at 500 °C, where significant P2O5 excess is mandatory. We also show that slow heating favors the formation of cubic aluminium metaphosphate compound at 500 °C.

Land application of sewage sludge biochar: Assessments of soil-plant-human health risks from potentially toxic metals.

Effects of sewage sludge-derived biochar and its precursor on the accumulation of metals (Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn) in soil and their uptake by plants in a 1-year field experiment involving corn-radish rotation were comparatively studied. The human health risks were assessed, and the safe application period of biochar were estimated. The application of biochar, compares to sewage sludge, significantly enhanced the radish yield (p < 0.05; not corn yield) and significantly reduced the accumulation of metals in both plants (p < 0.05), especially the annual application at ≤15 t ha-1. The hazard quotient analyses of the metals showed there were no health risks to humans (Hazard Index < 1) in consuming the edible parts of the both plants. The application of sewage sludge at ≥15 t ha-1 resulted in Cd in radish exceeded the threshold for foodstuffs set by China (0.1 mg kg-1). The total contents of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn in soil increased gradually as the application of sewage sludge or its biochar increased from 7.5 t ha-1 to 30 t ha-1. More metals were found to be introduced to soil by the land application of biochar than by its precursor at the same doses, because the metals were concentrated in biochar during the preparation process. The contamination risk assessment of soil based on the geo-accumulation index, the contamination factor and the pollution load index suggested the application of biochar on farmland should <15 t ha-1. Therefore, taking into account the yield of and metal concentrations in the radish and corn plants and the contamination risks in soil, it is recommended that the continuous safe application period at an application of 7.5 t ha-1 year-1 of biochar should not exceed 15 years, and that of its precursor sewage sludge should not exceed 17 years.

Monoclonal antibody against H1N1 influenza virus hemagglutinin cross reacts with hnRNPA1 and hnRNPA2/B1.

Following influenza A vaccination, certain individuals exhibit adverse reactions in the nervous system, which causes a problem with the safety of the influenza A vaccine. However, to the best of our knowledge, the underlying mechanism of this is unknown. The present study revealed that a monoclonal antibody (H1­84mAb) against the H1N1 influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) protein cross­reacted with an antigen from brain tissue. Total brain tissue protein was immunoprecipitated with this cross­reactive antibody, and mass spectrometry revealed that the bound antigens were heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) A1 and hnRNPA2/B1. Subsequently, the two proteins were expressed in bacteria and it was demonstrated that H1­84mAb bound to hnRNPA1 and hnRNPA2/B1. These two proteins were expressed in three segments and the cross­reactivity of H1­84mAb with the glycine (Gly)­rich domains of hnRNPA1 (195aa­320aa) and hnRNPA2/B1 (202aa­349aa) was determined using ELISA blocking experiments. It was concluded that the Gly­rich domains of these two proteins are heterophilic antigens that cross­react with influenza virus HA. The association between the heterophilic antigen Gly­rich domains and the safety of influenza A vaccines remains to be investigated.

MHC-Based Mate Choice in Wild Golden Snub-Nosed Monkeys.

The genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) are an important component of the vertebrate immune system and play a significant role in mate choice in many species. However, it remains unclear whether female mate choice in non-human primates is based on specific functional genes and/or genome-wide genes. The golden snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana) lives in a multilevel society, which consists of several polygynous one-male-several-female units. Although adult females tend to mainly socialize with one adult male, females often initiate extra-pair copulations with other males resulting in a high proportion of offspring being fathered by extra-pair males. We investigated the effects of adaptive MHC genes and neutral microsatellites on female mate choice in a wild R. roxellana population. We sequenced 54 parent-offspring triads using two MHC class II loci (Rhro-DQA1 and Rhro-DQB1) and 20 microsatellites from 3 years of data. We found that the paternities of offspring were non-randomly associated with male MHC compositions not microsatellite genotypes. Our study showed that the fathers of all infants had significantly less variance for several estimates of genetic similarity to the mothers compared with random males at both MHC loci. Additionally, the MHC diversity of these fathers was significantly higher than random males. We also found support for choice based on specific alleles; compared with random males, Rhro-DQA1∗ 05 and Rhro-DQB1∗ 08 were more common in both the OMU (one-male unit) males and the genetic fathers of offspring. This study provides new evidence for female mate choice for MHC-intermediate dissimilarity (rather than maximal MHC dissimilarity) and highlights the importance of incorporating multiple MHC loci and social structure into studies of MHC-based mate choice in non-human primates.

Fast Acoustic Wave Sparsely Activated Localization Microscopy (fast-AWSALM): Ultrasound Super-Resolution using Plane-Wave Activation of Nanodroplets.

Localization-based ultrasound super-resolution imaging using microbubble contrast agents and phase-change nano-droplets has been developed to visualize microvascular structures beyond the diffraction limit. However, the long data acquisition time makes the clinical translation more challenging. In this study, fast acoustic wave sparsely activated localization microscopy (fast-AWSALM) was developed to achieve super-resolved frames with sub-second temporal resolution, by using low-boiling-point octafluoropropane nanodroplets and high frame rate plane waves for activation, destruction, as well as imaging. Fast-AWSALM was demonstrated on an in vitro microvascular phantom to super-resolve structures that could not be resolved by conventional B-mode imaging. The effects of the temperature and mechanical index on fast-AWSALM was investigated. Experimental results show that sub-wavelength micro-structures as small as 190 lm were resolvable in 200 ms with plane-wave transmission at a center frequency of 3.5 MHz and a pulse repetition frequency of 5000 Hz. This is about a 3.5 fold reduction in point spread function full-width-half-maximum compared to that measured in conventional B-mode, and two orders of magnitude faster than the recently reported AWSALM under a non-flow/very slow flow situations and other localization based methods. Just as in AWSALM, fast-AWSALM does not require flow, as is required by current microbubble based ultrasound super resolution techniques. In conclusion, this study shows the promise of fast-AWSALM, a super-resolution ultrasound technique using nanodroplets, which can generate super-resolution images in milli-seconds and does not require flow.

H1N1 influenza virus epitopes classified by monoclonal antibodies.

Epitopes serve an important role in influenza infection. It may be useful to screen universal influenza virus vaccines, analyzing the epitopes of multiple subtypes of the hemagglutinin (HA) protein. A total of 40 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) previously obtained from flu virus HA antigens (development and characterization of 40 mAbs generated using H1N1 influenza virus split vaccines were previously published) were used to detect and classify mAbs into distinct flu virus sub-categories using the ELISA method. Following this, the common continuous amino acid sequences were identified by multiple sequence alignment analysis with the GenBank database and DNAMAN software, for use in predicting the epitopes of the HA protein. Synthesized peptides of these common sequences were prepared, and used to verify and determine the predicted linear epitopes through localization and distribution analyses. With these methods, nine HA linear epitopes distributed among different strains of influenza virus were identified, which included three from influenza A, four from 2009 H1N1 and seasonal influenza, and two from H1. The present study showed that considering a combination of the antigen-antibody reaction specificity, variation in the influenza virus HA protein and linear epitopes may present a useful approach for designing effective multi-epitope vaccines. Furthermore, the study aimed to clarify the cause and pathogenic mechanism of influenza virus HA-induced flu, and presents a novel idea for identifying the epitopes of other pathogenic microorganisms.

Primary kidney malignant epithelioid angiomyolipoma: Two cases report and review of literature.

RATIONALE: Epithelioid angiomyolipoma (EAML) is a subtype of angiomyolipoma with malignant potential. A diagnosis of malignant EAML of the kidney is based on extrarenal metastasis, and predicting early transformation is difficult. To propose criteria for indicators of malignant transformation, herein we report 2 cases and review 17 cases reported in the literature (2000-2017). PATIENT CONCERNS: Tumor of the kidney was determined in 2 patients, and tissues after nephrectomy were pathologically, histologically, and immunochemically examined. DIAGNOSIS: Malignant EAML. INTERVENTION: The 2 present patients were treated with nephrectomy only. OUTCOMES: Case 1 involved a 48-year-old woman with a 7.5-cm solid mass in the right kidney who underwent nephrectomy. CT detected a mass in the liver after 13 months, which was speculated to be metastasis from the kidney lesion. Case 2 involved a 62-year-old man with a 7-cm cystic solid mass in the left kidney who accepted nephrectomy and at 10 months post-surgery lived with no disease. Both cases presented a large tumor, atypical epithelioid cells, mitotic figures, and necrosis; tested positive for melanocytic markers (HMB45, MelanA). LESSONS: The literature review of malignant EAML led to the identification of 8 malignant features: size ≥5 cm; metastasis; infiltration; necrosis; ≥50% atypical epithelioid cells; cytologic atypia; atypical mitosis; and vessel invasion. The co-existence of at least 5 of these is proposed to indicate malignant EAML. Features of our 2 new cases of primary malignant EAML of the kidney matched these criteria. Our proposal of criteria for predicting malignant feature, based on 2 new cases and 17 cases in the literature, should aid understanding and avoid misdiagnosis. Nephrectomy is currently the common treatment strategy for malignant EAML, but more effective treatment strategies are needed to provide a better prognosis for patients.

Primary paraganglioma-like dermal melanocytic tumor with local recurrence: a case report.

Primary paraganglioma-like dermal melanocytic tumor (PDMT) is a rare dermal melanocytic tumor first recognized in 2004. The cases in previous reports suggested a benign course with a favorable prognosis. Herein, we describe a case of PDMT in the right neck from a 33-year-old man. The tumor cells with mild atypia and low level mitosis consisted of epithelioid cells or spindle cells and were divided into organoid or nest-like structures by fibrous strands and blood vessels, resembling a paraganglioma growth pattern. No necrosis was seen. These cells were positive for HMB45, Melan A, and S-100 with < 5% cells positive for Ki67. Although the morphology conformed to benign features, it recurred after 2 years. In conclusion, while more data are needed to confirm the biologic behavior of this tumor, at least a low malignant potential cannot be excluded.

Antibodies against H1N1 influenza virus cross-react with α-cells of pancreatic islets.

Epidemiological studies have documented that the incidence of human type 1 diabetes was significantly increased after H1N1 epidemic. However, a direct link between human type 1 diabetes and virus infection remains elusive. We generated 84 clones of murine monoclonal antibodies against the H1N1, and carried out immunohistochemistry in normal human tissue microarray. The results showed that two clones specifically cross-reacted with human α-cells of pancreatic islets. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and deoxyribonucleic acid sequencing showed that the amino acid sequences of light and heavy chains of these clones were different. Importantly, the expression profiles of two monoclonal antibodies were individual different. For the first time, we provide direct evidence that monoclonal antibodies against H1N1 can cross-react with human pancreas α-cells, another source of ß-cells, suggesting α-cells might be a novel target to be investigated in diabetes research.

Identification and characterization of epitopes from influenza A virus hemagglutinin that induce broadly cross-reactive antibodies.

Influenza is the most common infectious disease and is caused by influenza A virus (IAV) infection. Hemagglutinin (HA) is an important viral protein of influenza A and is a major component of current IAV vaccines. The side effects associated with IAV vaccination are well studied; however, the HA­induced immunopathological changes have remained largely elusive. The primary objective of the present study was to determine the tissue cross­reactive epitopes of HA proteins. Monoclonal antibodies (McAbs) were generated according to traditional methods using purified HA proteins from influenza vaccine lysates. The specificity of these McAbs was analyzed using western blot analysis and ELISA. Human tissue microarrays were employed for immunohistochemical staining to screen these McAbs. Rat brain tissues were subjected to immunohistochemical staining and electron microscopy to demonstrate the subcellular localization of antibodies targeting specific antigens. A total of 67 hybridoma cell lines positive for McAb against HA antigen were obtained. Three cross­reactive McAbs (H1­13, H1­15 and A1­10) were discovered through tissue screening. Based on the 3 cross­reactive McAbs and the amino acid sequence of HA, the presence of two broadly cross­reactive HA epitopes, 194­WGIHH­198 and 365­WYGYHH­370, was assumed. McAbs against these synthetic epitope peptides were obtained. They reacted with porphyrin ring­containing molecules, including hemoglobin (Hb) and protoporphyrin, and with numerous types of normal tissue. In conclusion, the present study identified two broadly cross­reactive epitopes on HA (194­WGIHH­198 and 365­WYGYHH­370). Antibodies against these epitopes react with Hb and numerous types of important normal tissues/organs. These newly identified cross­reactive epitopes from IAV HA may provide crucial information for influenza research.