Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus Clade 2.3.4.4b Infections in Seals, Russia, 2023.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus was detected in dead seals on Tyuleniy Island in eastern Russia, in the Sea of Okhotsk. Viruses isolated from dead northern fur seals belong to clade 2.3.4.4b and are closely related to viruses detected predominantly in the Russian Far East and Japan in 2022-2023.

Light-Mediated Contact Printing of Phosphorus Species onto Silicon Using Carbene-Based Molecular Layers.

The ability to deposit pattern-specific molecular layers onto silicon with either regional p-/n-doping properties or that act as chemoselective resists for area-selective deposition is highly sought after in the bottom-up manufacturing of microelectronics. In this study, we demonstrate a simple protocol for the covalent attachment and patterning of a phosphorus-based dopant precursor onto silicon(100) functionalized with reactive carbene species. This method relies on selective surface reactions, which provide terminal functionalities that can be photochemically modified via ultraviolet-assisted contact printing between the carbene-functionalized substrate and an elastomeric stamp inked with the inorganic dopant precursor. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis combined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging was used to characterize the molecule attachment and patterning ability of this technique. XPS spectra are indicative of the covalent bonding between phosphorus-containing molecules and the functionalized surface after both bulk solution-phase reaction and photochemical printing. SEM analysis of the corresponding printed features demonstrates the effective transfer of the phosphorus species in a patterned orientation matching that of the stamp pattern. This simple approach to patterning dopant precursors has the potential to inform the continued refinement of thin-film electronic, photonic, and quantum device manufacturing.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus-Induced Mass Death of Wild Birds, Caspian Sea, Russia, 2022.

In May 2022, we observed a substantial die-off of wild migratory waterbirds on Maliy Zhemchuzhniy Island in the Caspian Sea, Russia. The deaths were caused by highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4.b virus. Continued surveillance of influenza viruses in wild bird populations is needed to predict virus spread over long distances.

Manufacturing-induced contamination in common multilayerdielectric gratings.

Contamination of pulse compression gratings during the manufacturing process is known to give rise to reduced laser damage performance and represents an issue that has not yet been adequately resolved. The present work demonstrates that the currently used etching methods introduce carbon contamination inside the etched region extending to a 50- to 80-nm layer below the surface. This study was executed using custom samples prepared in both, a laboratory setting and by established commercial vendors, showing results that are very similar. The laser-induced-damage performance of the etched and unetched regions in the grating-like samples suggest that contaminants introduced by etching process are contributing to the reduction of the laser-induced damage threshold.

Silver nanoparticle-modified melt-blown polypropylene: Antibacterial and antifungal properties and antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2.

Melt-blown polymer fiber materials are frequently used in the face mask manufacturing. In the present work, a melt-blown polypropylene tape was modified by silver nanoparticles using chemical metallization. The silver coatings on the fiber surface consisted of crystallites 4-14 nm in size. For the first time, these materials were comprehensively tested for antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral activity. The silver-modified materials showed antibacterial and antifungal activities, especially at high concentrations of silver, and were found to be efficient against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The silver-modified fiber tape can be used in the face mask manufacturing and as an antimicrobial and antiviral component in filters of liquid and gaseous media.

Modulation of Interfacial Adhesion Using Semicrystalline Shape-Memory Polymers.

Semicrystalline shape-memory elastomers are molded into deformable geometrical features to control adhesive interactions between elastomers and a glass substrate. By mechanically and thermally controlling the deformation and phase-behavior of molded features, we can control the interfacial contact area and the interfacial adhesive force. Results indicate that elastic energy is stored in the semicrystalline state of deformed features and can be released to break attractive interfacial forces, automatically separating the glass substrate from the elastomer. Our findings suggest that the shape-memory elastomers can be applied in various contact printing applications to control adhesive forces and delamination mechanics during ink pickup and transfer.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N8) Virus Clade 2.3.4.4b, Western Siberia, Russia, 2020.

Two variants of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N8) virus were detected in dead poultry in Western Siberia, Russia, during August and September 2020. One variant was represented by viruses of clade 2.3.4.4b and the other by a novel reassortant between clade 2.3.4.4b and Eurasian low pathogenicity avian influenza viruses circulating in wild birds.

Label-Free Immunoassay Using Droplet-Based Brewster's Angle Straddle Interferometry.

We report the detection of antigen capture by immobilized antibodies using a simple, label-free version of monochromatic reflective interferometry. The technique is implemented on silicon with its native oxide and relies on choosing an incident angle between the Brewster angles for the air/oxide and oxide/silicon interfaces. We demonstrate sensitivity to anti-human and anti-rabbit immunoglobulin (anti-IgG) concentrations less than 100 nM using only 10 nL droplets of the analyte. We have introduced a protocol using a model sugar to reduce nonspecific binding and have been able to detect anti-IgG even in the presence of 100-fold larger concentrations of bovine serum albumin. The limit of detection is not yet associated with the optical method but is imposed by nonspecific binding. Evaluated in terms of pg/mm2, our sensors are comparable in sensitivity to surface plasmon resonance (SPR) but are advantaged with respect to SPR in the tolerance of the optical components and alignment, the low material usage, and the ability to exploit multiplex detection without modification. The simplicity and convenience of the method are promising for eventual application to portable diagnostic applications.

Novel Reassortant Clade 2.3.4.4 Avian Influenza A(H5N8) Virus in Wild Aquatic Birds, Russia, 2016.

The emergence of novel avian influenza viruses in migratory birds is of concern because of the potential for virus dissemination during fall migration. We report the identification of novel highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses of subtype H5N8, clade 2.3.4.4, and their reassortment with other avian influenza viruses in waterfowl and shorebirds of Siberia.

Comprehensive study of hexarhenium cluster complex Na4[{Re6Te8}(CN)6] - In terms of a new promising luminescent and X-ray contrast agent.

Octahedral rhenium cluster complexes may have considerable potential as therapeutic and diagnostic drugs due to their luminescent and X-ray contrast properties, as well as their ability to generate singlet oxygen upon photoirradiation. However, their potential biological effects and toxicity in vitro and in vivo are rather far from being understood. Thus, the aim of our research was to study cytotoxicity, intracellular localization and cellular uptake/elimination kinetics in vitro, biodistribution and acute intravenous toxicity in vivo of a complex Na4[{Re6Te8}(CN)6] as the promising compound for biomedical application. The results have demonstrated that the complex penetrates through cell membranes with the maximum accumulation in cells in 24h of incubation and have low toxic effects in vitro and in vivo. The median lethal dose (LD50) of intravenously administrated Na4[{Re6Te8}(CN)6] is equal to 1082±83mg/kg. These findings will be useful for future development of cluster-based agents for different biomedical applications.

Vapor-Phase Carbenylation of Hard and Soft Material Interfaces.

This study describes the formation of functional organic monolayers on hard and soft interfaces via a vapor-phase carbene insertion into Si-H and C-H bonds. We demonstrate that functional diazirine molecules can be used to form monomolecular coatings on silicon, silicon nitride, and urethane-acrylate polymers under mild vacuum conditions and exposure to UV light. We investigate the molecular coverage and the long-term stability of the resulting monolayers in air, isopropanol, and water. Our results suggest that vapor-phase carbenylation can be used as a complementary technology to the traditional self-assembly, permitting functionalization of various passivated substrates with stable and functional molecular coatings under mild and scalable conditions.

Characterization of avian paramyxovirus type 6 isolated from a Eurasian teal in the intersection of migratory flyways in Russia.

The complete genome sequence was determined for avian paramyxovirus (APMV-6) serotype 6 strain teal/Chany/455/2009, isolated from a teal (Anas crecca) in Siberia. Siberia is crossed by four major migration flyways and represents the major breeding area for many wild bird species in the Palearctic. Strain teal/Chany/455/2009 is genetically closely related to Kazakh and Chinese strains and belongs to the genetic group of duck/Hong Kong/18/199/77-like APMV-6 viruses. We show that the virus has low pathogenic potential according to genetic markers and animal model experiments.

Prevalence and Impact of Malnutrition Risk on Outcomes in Critically Ill Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury and Stroke: A Retrospective Cohort Study Using Electronic Health Records.

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition is a critical concern in ICU settings. It is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, yet its prevalence and impact on clinical outcomes in patients with stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI) remain underexplored. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence and impact of malnutrition risk on clinical outcomes in ICU patients with TBI, ischemic stroke, and hemorrhagic stroke, and to identify key risk factors associated with malnutrition risk. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study utilized electronic health records encompassing ICU admissions from 2017 to 2023. Patients with either stroke or TBI were included, with malnutrition risk assessed using the prognostic nutritional index. Data were extracted and analyzed to determine patient characteristics, clinical and laboratory parameters, and outcomes. RESULTS: This study included 1352 patients (267 TBI, 825 ischemic stroke, and 260 hemorrhagic stroke patients, >30% with pneumonia at admission). Severe malnutrition risk at admission was observed in over 60% of patients. Stroke patients, particularly those with hemorrhagic stroke, exhibited a higher risk of malnutrition compared to TBI patients. Malnutrition risk was associated with significantly higher hospital mortality and increased need for mechanical ventilation. Predictive factors for malnutrition risk included advanced age, higher SOFA scores, lower FOUR and GCS scores, and the presence of pneumonia at admission. CONCLUSIONS: Risk of malnutrition is highly prevalent among ICU patients with TBI, ischemic, and hemorrhagic stroke, significantly impacting mortality and other clinical outcomes. Identifying and managing malnutrition early in the ICU setting is crucial for improving patient outcomes. Further prospective, multicenter studies are needed to validate these findings and develop effective interventions.

Pinnipeds and avian influenza: a global timeline and review of research on the impact of highly pathogenic avian influenza on pinniped populations with particular reference to the endangered Caspian seal (Pusa caspica).

This study reviews chronologically the international scientific and health management literature and resources relating to impacts of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses on pinnipeds in order to reinforce strategies for the conservation of the endangered Caspian seal (Pusa caspica), currently under threat from the HPAI H5N1 subtype transmitted from infected avifauna which share its haul-out habitats. Many cases of mass pinniped deaths globally have occurred from HPAI spill-overs, and are attributed to infected sympatric aquatic avifauna. As the seasonal migrations of Caspian seals provide occasions for contact with viruses from infected migratory aquatic birds in many locations around the Caspian Sea, this poses a great challenge to seal conservation. These are thus critical locations for the surveillance of highly pathogenic influenza A viruses, whose future reassortments may present a pandemic threat to humans.

Are circadian rhythms in disarray in patients with chronic critical illness?

Aim: The aim of our study is to assess circadian rhythms in patients with chronic critical illness due to severe brain injury in intensive care unit by establishing the relation between melatonin and cortisol secretion, considering astronomical time and the sleep-wake cycle in chronic critical illness. Materials and methods: The study included 54 adult patients with chronic critical illness who resided in the intensive care unit for at least 30 days. The level of consciousness was determined using the CRS-R scale. We did the continuous electroencephalographic (EEG) monitoring with polygraphic leads for 24 h. Also, we determined the serum levels of cortisol and melatonin using the tandem mass spectrometry method with ultra-performance liquid chromatography. Results: 90.74 % of patients had one acrophase in melatonin secretion curve, which suggests the preservation of the rhythmic secretion of melatonin. These acrophases of the melatonin rhythm occurred during the night time in 91.8 % of patients. Most of the patients (69.3 %) slept during the period from 2:00 to 4:00 a.m. The evening levels of cortisol and melatonin had an inverse relation (rs=0.61, p<0.05), i.e., a decrease in the level of cortisol secretion accompanies an increase in melatonin. Conclusions: We concluded from our study that the rhythmic secretion of melatonin and cortisol is preserved in patients with chronic critical illness that resulted from severe brain injury. No statistically significant discrepancy between melatonin and cortisol secretion, day-and-night time and the sleep-wake cycle are found. We may focus our future work on finding more reliable methods to stabilize the preservation of circadian rhythms to protect vital organ functions.

Stable Isotope Analysis Reveals Common Teal (Anas crecca) Molting Sites in Western Siberia: Implications for Avian Influenza Virus Spread.

The wetlands of southwestern Siberia (SWS) are a crossroads of bird migration routes, bringing avian influenza (AIV) strains that were previously isolated in different regions of the continent to Siberia. It is known that Anseriformes that breed in SWS migrate for the winter to central Hindustan or further west, while their migration routes to southeast Asia (SEA) remain unconfirmed. Here, we mapped the molting sites of the migrating Common Teals (Anas crecca) via analyzing stable hydrogen isotope content in feathers of hunters' prey and supplemented the analysis with the genetic structure of viruses isolated from teals in the same region. Post-breeding molt of autumn teals most likely occurred within the study region, whereas probable pre-breeding molting grounds of spring teals were in the south of Hindustan. This link was supported by viral phylogenetic analysis, which showed a close relationship between SWS isolates and viruses from south and southeast Asia. Most viral segments have the highest genetic similarity and the closest phylogenetic relationships with viruses from teal wintering areas in southeast Asian countries, including India and Korea. We assume that the winter molt of SWS breeding teals on the Hindustan coast suggests contacts with the local avifauna, including species migrating along the coast to SEA. Perhaps this is one of the vectors of AIV transmission within Eurasia.

Avian Influenza Virus and Avian Paramyxoviruses in Wild Waterfowl of the Western Coast of the Caspian Sea (2017-2020).

The flyways of many different wild waterfowl pass through the Caspian Sea region. The western coast of the middle Caspian Sea is an area with many wetlands, where wintering grounds with large concentrations of birds are located. It is known that wild waterfowl are a natural reservoir of the influenza A virus. In the mid-2000s, in the north of this region, the mass deaths of swans, gulls, and pelicans from high pathogenicity avian influenza virus (HPAIV) were noted. At present, there is still little known about the presence of avian influenza virus (AIVs) and different avian paramyxoviruses (APMVs) in the region's waterfowl bird populations. Here, we report the results of monitoring these viruses in the wild waterfowl of the western coast of the middle Caspian Sea from 2017 to 2020. Samples from 1438 individuals of 26 bird species of 7 orders were collected, from which 21 strains of AIV were isolated, amounting to a 1.46% isolation rate of the total number of samples analyzed (none of these birds exhibited external signs of disease). The following subtypes were determined and whole-genome nucleotide sequences of the isolated strains were obtained: H1N1 (n = 2), H3N8 (n = 8), H4N6 (n = 2), H7N3 (n = 2), H8N4 (n = 1), H10N5 (n = 1), and H12N5 (n = 1). No high pathogenicity influenza virus H5 subtype was detected. Phylogenetic analysis of AIV genomes did not reveal any specific pattern for viruses in the Caspian Sea region, showing that all segments belong to the Eurasian clades of classic avian-like influenza viruses. We also did not find the amino acid substitutions in the polymerase complex (PA, PB1, and PB2) that are critical for the increase in virulence or adaptation to mammals. In total, 23 hemagglutinating viruses not related to influenza A virus were also isolated, of which 15 belonged to avian paramyxoviruses. We were able to sequence 12 avian paramyxoviruses of three species, as follows: Newcastle disease virus (n = 4); Avian paramyxovirus 4 (n = 5); and Avian paramyxovirus 6 (n = 3). In the Russian Federation, the Newcastle disease virus of the VII.1.1 sub-genotype was first isolated from a wild bird (common pheasant) in the Caspian Sea region. The five avian paramyxovirus 4 isolates obtained belonged to the common clade in Genotype I, whereas phylogenetic analysis of three isolates of Avian paramyxovirus 6 showed that two isolates, isolated in 2017, belonged to Genotype I and that an isolate identified in 2020 belonged to Genotype II. The continued regular monitoring of AIVs and APMVs, the obtaining of data on the biological properties of isolated strains, and the accumulation of information on virus host species will allow for the adequate planning of epidemiological measures, suggest the most likely routes of spread of the virus, and assist in the prediction of the introduction of the viruses in the western coastal region of the middle Caspian Sea.

Genetic Diversity of the Human Adenovirus C Isolated from Hospitalized Children in Russia (2019-2022).

The human adenovirus (HAdV) is a common pathogen in children that can cause acute respiratory virus infection (ARVI). However, the molecular epidemiological and clinical information relating to HAdV among hospitalized children with ARVI is rarely reported in Russia. A 4-year longitudinal (2019-2022) study among hospitalized children (0-17 years old) with ARVI in Novosibirsk, Russia, was conducted to evaluate the epidemiological and molecular characteristics of HAdV. Statistically significant differences in the detection rates of epidemiological and virological data of all positive viral detections of HAdV were analyzed using a two-tailed Chi-square test. The incidence of HAdV and other respiratory viruses such as human influenza A and B viruses, respiratory syncytial virus, coronavirus, parainfluenza virus, metapneumovirus, rhinovirus, bocavirus, and SARS-CoV-2 was investigated among 3190 hospitalized children using real-time polymerase chain reaction. At least one of these respiratory viruses was detected in 74.4% of hospitalized cases, among which HAdV accounted for 4%. A total of 1.3% co-infections with HAdV were also registered. We obtained full-genome sequences of 12 HAdVs, which were isolated in cell cultures. Genetic analysis revealed the circulation of adenovirus of genotypes C1, C2, C5, C89, and 108 among hospitalized children in the period from 2019-2022.

Serial Llama Immunization with Various SARS-CoV-2 RBD Variants Induces Broad Spectrum Virus-Neutralizing Nanobodies.

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 mutant variants has posed a significant challenge to both the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 with anti-coronaviral neutralizing antibodies. The latest viral variants demonstrate pronounced resistance to the vast majority of human monoclonal antibodies raised against the ancestral Wuhan variant. Less is known about the susceptibility of the evolved virus to camelid nanobodies developed at the start of the pandemic. In this study, we compared nanobody repertoires raised in the same llama after immunization with Wuhan's RBD variant and after subsequent serial immunization with a variety of RBD variants, including that of SARS-CoV-1. We show that initial immunization induced highly potent nanobodies, which efficiently protected Syrian hamsters from infection with the ancestral Wuhan virus. These nanobodies, however, mostly lacked the activity against SARS-CoV-2 omicron-pseudotyped viruses. In contrast, serial immunization with different RBD variants resulted in the generation of nanobodies demonstrating a higher degree of somatic mutagenesis and a broad range of neutralization. Four nanobodies recognizing distinct epitopes were shown to potently neutralize a spectrum of omicron variants, including those of the XBB sublineage. Our data show that nanobodies broadly neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 variants may be readily induced by a serial variant RBD immunization.

A potent, broadly neutralizing human monoclonal antibody that efficiently protects hACE2-transgenic mice from infection with the Wuhan, BA.5, and XBB.1.5 SARS-CoV-2 variants.

The COVID-19 pandemic has uncovered the high genetic variability of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and its ability to evade the immune responses that were induced by earlier viral variants. Only a few monoclonal antibodies that have been reported to date are capable of neutralizing a broad spectrum of SARS-CoV-2 variants. Here, we report the isolation of a new broadly neutralizing human monoclonal antibody, iC1. The antibody was identified through sorting the SARS-CoV-1 RBD-stained individual B cells that were isolated from the blood of a vaccinated donor following a breakthrough infection. In vitro, iC1 potently neutralizes pseudoviruses expressing a wide range of SARS-CoV-2 Spike variants, including those of the XBB sublineage. In an hACE2-transgenic mouse model, iC1 provided effective protection against the Wuhan strain of the virus as well as the BA.5 and XBB.1.5 variants. Therefore, iC1 can be considered as a potential component of the broadly neutralizing antibody cocktails resisting the SARS-CoV-2 mutation escape.