Air sampling and simultaneous detection of airborne influenza virus via gold nanorod-based plasmonic PCR.

Reliable and sensitive virus detection is essential to prevent airborne virus transmission. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is one of the most compelling and effective diagnostic techniques for detecting airborne pathogens. However, most PCR diagnostics rely on thermocycling, which involves a time-consuming Peltier block heating methodology. Plasmonic PCR is based on light-driven photothermal heating of plasmonic nanostructures to address the key drawbacks of traditional PCR. This study introduces a methodology for plasmonic PCR detection of air-sampled influenza virus (H1N1). An electrostatic air sampler was used to collect the aerosolized virus in a carrier liquid for 10 min. Simultaneously, the viruses collected in the liquid were transferred to a tube containing gold (Au) nanorods (aspect ratio = 3.6). H1N1 viruses were detected in 12 min, which is the total time required for reverse transcription, fast thermocycling via plasmonic heating through gold nanorods, and in situ fluorescence detection. This methodology showed a limit of detection of three RNA copies/µL liquid for H1N1 influenza virus, which is comparable to that of commercially available PCR devices. This methodology can be used for the rapid and precise identification of pathogens on-site, while significantly reducing the time required for monitoring airborne viruses.

Prevalence and Characteristics of Influenza Cases From 2017 to 2019 at a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital in Karnataka.

Introduction Influenza virus is a significant human pathogen causing severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) associated with significant mortality worldwide. The H1N1 Influenza virus that caused a pandemic in 2009 continued to cause periodic epidemics worldwide, with new variants posing significant public health problems. The present study was carried out to determine the prevalence and characteristics of influenza at a tertiary care teaching hospital. Methods From 2017 to 2019, respiratory samples from suspected cases of influenza belonging to category C received at the microbiology laboratory were transported to Manipal Centre for Virus Research, Manipal, in the cold chain for testing of influenza virus by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) as per CDC guidelines. The microbiological reports were collected and evaluated. The details of patients positive for influenza were analyzed for demographic and clinical characteristics. Results During the study period, 172 samples from SARI patients were tested, out of which 44 patients were positive for the influenza virus, accounting for a prevalence of 25.58%; 84% (n=37) of the cases were infected with H1N1 influenza virus, and the other 11.36% (n=5) and 4.54% (n=2) cases yielded H1N2 and H1N3 influenza virus, respectively. Among 44 patients, 56.81% (n=25) were females and 43.18% (n=19) were males. Most of the patients, 65.9% (n=29), were between 40 and 60 years old. The predominant presenting symptoms were fever in 81.81% (n=36) patients, breathlessness in 56.8% (n=25) patients, and cough in 54.54% (n=24) patients. Twelve (27.27%) patients had acute severe respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). A significant mortality rate of 22.72% (n=10) was noted in the study. Conclusion A significant prevalence of influenza was noted in the study at 25.58%. Along with the H1N1 Influenza virus, the new strains detected in our region were H1N2 and H1N3 influenza viruses. Regular surveillance is important in the early detection of cases, for timely management, to reduce mortality, and to take measures to prevent the spread of this important infectious disease.

Differential detection of H1N1 virus spiker proteins by two hexaphenylbutadiene isomers based on size-matching principle.

As one of the high pathogenic influenza viruses, H1N1 virus easily induces to serious diseases, even leading to death. To date, all detection methods for H1N1 virus had shortcomings, including high equipment cost, time consumption, and etc. Therefore, a novel detection method should be established to achieve more convenient, rapid, and low-cost detection. In this work, an isomer of HPBmN-I with aggregation-induced emission characteristic was firstly synthesized on the basis of our previous reported HPBpN-I. The results showed that HPBmN-I only selectively binds to N1 in the presence of H1, while HPBpN-I can exhibit total fluorescence response to H1 and N1 in H1/N1 mixture. The limited of detection (LOD) of HPBmN-I to N1 was estimated to be 20.82 ng/mL in normal saline (NS) according to the IUPAC-based approach. The simulation calculations based on molecular docking revealed that four HPBmN-I molecules combine well with the hydrophobic cavity of N1 and achieve the fluorescence enhancement due to size matching with each other. The combination of HPBpN-I and HPBmN-I as probes was successfully used to quantitatively detect H1 and N1 in real H1N1 virus. Compared to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method, the established method not only showed the same detection accuracy but also had the advantages of real-time, ease of preparation, and low-cost, demonstrating potential market prospects.

Enhanced enrichment of collected airborne coronavirus and influenza virus samples via a ConA-coated microfluidic chip for PCR detection.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak triggered global concern and emphasized the importance of virus monitoring. During a seasonal influenza A outbreak, relatively low concentrations of 103-104 viral genome copies are available per 1 m3 of air, which makes detection and monitoring very challenging because the limit of detection of most polymerase chain reaction (PCR) devices is approximately 103 viral genome copies/mL. In response to the urgent need for the rapid detection of airborne coronaviruses and influenza viruses, an electrostatic aerosol-to-hydrosol (ATH) sampler was combined with a concanavalin A (ConA)-coated high-throughput microfluidic chip. The samples were then used for PCR detection. The results revealed that the enrichment capacity of the ATH sampler was 30,000-fold for both HCoV-229E and H1N1 influenza virus, whereas the enrichment capacities provided by the ConA-coated microfluidic chip were 8-fold and 16-fold for HCoV-229E and H1N1 virus, respectively. Thus, the total enrichment capacities of our combined ATH sampler and ConA-coated microfluidic chip were 2.4 × 105-fold and 4.8 × 105-fold for HCoV-229E and H1N1 virus, respectively. This methodology significantly improves PCR detection by providing a higher concentration of viable samples.

Structural analysis of a soluble polysaccharide GSPA-0.3 from the root of Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer and its adjuvant activity with mechanism investigation.

A novel polysaccharide (GSPA-0.3) was isolated and purified from the root of cultivated Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer, and its structure, adjuvant activities, and mechanisms for inducing the maturation of mouse dendritic 2.4 cells (DC2.4) were extensively studied. Fraction GSPA-0.3, mainly composed by the galacturonic acid, galactose, arabinose, glucose, rhamnose, mannose, and xylose, had a molecular weight of 62,722 Da. The main chain of GSPA-0.3 was composed of →3)-α-L-Rhap-(1→, →4)-α-D-GalpA-(1→, and →3, 4)-α-D-GalpA-(1→. Branched chains comprised α-L-Araf-(1→3, 5)-α-L-Araf-(1→5)-α-L-Araf-(1→, α-D-Glcp-(1→6)-α-D-Glcp-(1→6)-α-D-Glcp-(1→, ß-D-Galp-(1→4)-ß-D-Galp-(1→4)-ß-D-Galp-(1→, and α-D-GalpA-(1→ units connected to the C3 position of →3, 4)-α-D-GalpA-(1→. In vivo, GSPA-0.3 was found to stimulate the production of IgG, IgG1, and IgG2a; increase the splenocyte proliferation index; and promote the expression of GATA-3, T-bet, IFN-γ, and IL-4 in H1N1 vaccine-immunized mice. Moreover, GSPA-0.3 significantly increased the levels of neutralizing antibodies in the mice, and its adjuvant activity was found to be superior to aluminum adjuvant (Alum adjuvant). Mechanistic investigations showed that GSPA-0.3 activated the TLR4-dependent pathway by upregulating the expressions of TLR4, MyD88, TRAF-6, and NF-κB proteins and gens. The results presented herein suggested that GSPA-0.3 could significantly promote the efficacy of the H1N1 vaccine by modulating Th1/Th2 response via the TLR4-MyD88-NF-κB signaling pathway.

Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for COVID-19 and influenza H1N1 associated acute respiratory distress syndrome: A comparative cohort study in China.

Background: Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) has been demonstrated to be effective in treating patients with virus-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, whether the management of ECMO is different in treating H1N1 influenza and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated ARDS patients remains unknown. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study. We included 12 VV-ECMO-supported COVID-19 patients admitted to The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, and Wuhan Union Hospital West Campus between January 23 and March 31, 2020. We retrospectively included VV-ECMO-supported patients with COVID-19 and H1N1 influenza-associated ARDS. Clinical characteristics, respiratory mechanics including plateau pressure, driving pressure, mechanical power, ventilatory ratio (VR) and lung compliance, and outcomes were compared. Results: Data from 25 patients with COVID-19 (n=12) and H1N1 (n=13) associated ARDS who had received ECMO support were analyzed. COVID-19 patients were older than H1N1 influenza patients (P=0.004). The partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2) and VR before ECMO initiation were significantly higher in COVID-19 patients than in H1N1 influenza patients (P <0.001 and P=0.004, respectively). COVID-19 patients showed increased plateau and driving pressure compared with H1N1 subjects (P=0.013 and P=0.018, respectively). Patients with COVID-19 remained longer on ECMO support than did H1N1 influenza patients (P=0.015). COVID-19 patients who required ECMO support also had fewer intensive care unit and ventilator-free days than H1N1. Conclusions: Compared with H1N1 influenza patients, COVID-19 patients were older and presented with increased PaCO2 and VR values before ECMO initiation. The differences between ARDS patients with COVID-19 and influenza on VV-ECMO detailed herein could be helpful for obtaining a better understanding of COVID-19 and for better clinical management.

Carambolaside W Inhibited H1N1 Influenza Virus-Induced Oxidative Stress through STAT-3/BCL-XL Signaling Pathway.

The H1N1 influenza virus is highly infectious and pathogenic, and in recent years, it has often presented seasonal mass outbreaks of infection. People infected with H1N1 will develop a high fever and other respiratory infection symptoms. If not treated in time, complications such as pneumonia may occur. In this study, we focused on developing drugs that can effectively fight against with H1N1 virus. A flavonoid glycoside was extracted from the carambola, then characterized by HR-ESI-MS with the molecular formula C47H58O2, and named carambolaside W. The flavonoid glycosides were found to have good anti-H1N1 influenza virus effects. In this study, we verified that carambolaside W has low toxicity and can effectively inhibit influenza virus replication in vitro. H1N1 virus infection induces intracellular oxidative stress damage to accelerate disease progression. The results showed that carambolaside W effectively inhibited the oxidative stress caused by H1N1 infection. The Western blot assay also revealed that carambolaside W alters the expression of apoptosis-related proteins in vitro and exerts a good anti-H1N1 influenza virus effect. In summary, carambolaside W is a low-toxicity natural flavonoid that can effectively treat the H1N1 influenza virus as a potential anti-H1N1 virus agent.

Influenza A (H1N1): Now is it a Thing of the Past?

How to cite this article: Gupta S, Tomar DS. Influenza A (H1N1): Now is it a Thing of the Past? Indian J Crit Care Med 2023;27(7):461-462.

Exclusion of pregnant people from emergency vaccine clinical trials: A systematic review of clinical trial protocols and reporting from 2009 to 2019.

BACKGROUND: Existing ethics guidance and regulatory requirements emphasize the need for pregnancy-specific safety and efficacy data during the development of vaccines in health emergencies. Our objective was to conduct a systematic review of vaccine clinical trials during active epidemic periods. METHODS: We searched for Phase II and Phase III vaccine clinical trials initiated during the H1N1 influenza, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), Zika, and Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreaks from 2009 to 2019. Data were extracted from clinical trial protocols identified in the following registries: ClinicalTrials.gov, Pan African Clinical Trial Registry (PACTR), and all primary registries indicated by the World Health Organization's International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP). Published studies from registered clinical trials were located through PubMed. Data was extracted on eligibility criteria and pregnancy outcomes. Data from this study is available in the Center for Open Science Data Repository: https://osf.io/nfk2p/?view_only=47deb3b206724af9b46c9c0c0083a267. RESULTS: We identified 96 vaccine clinical trial protocols and included 84 in analysis. 5 records were excluded in screening for irrelevant abstracts, 7 were excluded in full-text assessment (1 for a therapeutic drug trial, 3 for enrolling elderly adults only, 3 for enrolling children/adolescents only). There were no eligible trials for MERS-CoV or Zika virus vaccines. Overall, 8 protocols explicitly included pregnant people; of these, 3 were completed trials with published results. Incidental pregnancies and outcomes of pregnant participants were reported in 2 studies, 10 studies reported serious adverse events related to pregnancy without mentioning total incidental pregnancies. A total of 411 recorded pregnancy outcomes were reported, with 293 from the 3 pregnancy-eligible studies with results. 71 serious adverse events pertaining to pregnancy were reported from all clinical trials with results. CONCLUSION: Pregnant people are underrepresented in vaccine clinical trials conducted during outbreaks, resulting in underreporting of pregnancy-related outcomes and a lack of protection for pregnant people and neonates from infectious diseases.

Inhibitory Effects and Related Molecular Mechanisms of Huanglian-Ganjiang Combination Against H1N1 Influenza Virus.

Influenza is an infectious acute respiratory disease with complications and a high mortality rate; the effective medicines for influenza therapy are limited. "Huanglian" or Coptidis Rhizoma, Coptis chinensis Franch., Ranunculaceae, and "ganjiang" or Zingiberis Rhizoma, Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Zingiberaceae, combination is clinically used for treating respiratory diseases. HPLC was applied for the quantification of berberine hydrochloride (1.101 mg/ml) and 6-gingerol (38.41 µg/ml) in the H2O-soluble extract of the herbal formulation. In this study, the effect of "huanglian"- "ganjiang" extract on influenza virus H1N1-induced acute pulmonary inflammation was evaluated, in addition to the investigation of its anti-influenza mechanism in a mouse model. The analyzed herbal combination inhibited the expression of cytokine IL-6 and stimulated the expression of IL-2 in the serum of influenza virus-infected mice. Meanwhile, the herbal combination downregulated the gene and protein expression levels of TLR3, TLR7, MyD88, RIG-I, MAVS, TRAF3, and NF-κB p65, which are key targets of toll-like and RIG-I-like receptor signaling pathways in mice. In addition, the herbal combination could also promote the combination of intracellular autophagosomes and lysosomes in autophagosome-lysosome formation and improve impaired fusion of autophagosomes and lysosomes by influenza virus. This study suggested that the "huanglian"- "ganjiang" extract may be a candidate therapeutic strategy for the treatment of H1N1 influenza. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43450-023-00372-z.

Synthesis of N-heterocyclic amides based on (+)-camphoric acid and study of their antiviral activity and pharmacokinetics.

Efficient conditions for the synthesis of nitrogen-containing heterocyclic derivatives of (1R,3S)(+)-camphoric acid were selected. A series of heterocyclic compounds based on (+)-camphoric acid bearing pharmacophoric fragments was synthesized using the developed methodology. The compounds were tested for their antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 and H1N1 influenza viruses, and efficient inhibitors were identified that are of significant interest for further studies. The stability of the compounds and pharmaco-kinetics of the leader compound were studied when administered intragastrically and intramuscularly to mice at a dose of 200 mg kg-1 using the HPLC-MS/MS method.

Development of an mRNA vaccine against a panel of heterologous H1N1 seasonal influenza viruses using a consensus hemagglutinin sequence.

Seasonal influenza, causes hundreds of thousands of deaths annually, posing a severe threat to human health. Currently available influenza vaccines are targeted only at specific strains or conserved epitopes; however, these vaccines are not completely efficacious because influenza viruses can undergo mutation during circulation, leading to antigenic mismatch between recommended strains and circulating strains and elusion from the immune system. Therefore, developing an influenza vaccine that is quick, effective, and broadly protective has become crucial, and the integral part of hemagglutinin (HA) remains an ideal target for vaccine development. This study developed a lipid nanoparticle-encapsulated nucleoside-modified mRNA vaccine (mRNA-LNPs) encoding a consensus full-length HA sequence (H1c) and evaluated its protective efficacy and immunogenicity through in vitro and in vivo assays. Following two intramuscular immunizations (2, 10 µg, or 20 µg) at a 3-week interval in BALB/c mice, H1c-mRNA-LNP vaccine induced strong antibodies as shown in the hemagglutination-inhibition test and protective neutralizing antibodies against numerous heterologous H1N1 influenza viruses as shown in the microneutralization assay. Additionally, both Th1- and Th2-biased cellular immune responses were elicited, with the Th1-biased response being stronger. Two doses of the H1c-mRNA-LNP vaccine could neutralize a panel of heterologous H1N1 influenza viruses and could confer protection in mice. Taken together, these findings suggest that the H1c-mRNA-LNP vaccine encoding a consensus full-length HA is a feasible strategy for developing a cross-protective vaccine against a panel of heterologous H1N1 influenza viruses.

Guidelines on epidemics in Mexico. Historical perspective.

A perspective of epidemics and pandemics in Mexico is offered, focusing on three time periods, namely, end of the 18th century, the 20th century, and the 21st century, in order to analyze how they were approached by health and government authorities, as well as the challenges they have represented. Historical documentary sources were consulted and, in current cases, participation in them was analyzed. Epidemiological and social historical methodologies were combined. The presence of epidemics in Mexico is a constant on its evolution, which highlights the need for the epidemiological surveillance system to be updated, the importance of being prepared to face an epidemic and to develop a contingency plan.

Se ofrece una perspectiva de las epidemias y pandemias en México en tres periodos: fines del siglo XVIII y siglos XX y XXI, con el fin de analizar cómo las autoridades sanitarias y gubernamentales abordaron estos problemas, así como los desafíos que han representado. Se consultaron fuentes históricas documentales y, en los casos actuales, la participación en ellos. Se combinó metodología epidemiológica e histórica social. La presencia de las epidemias en México es una constante, lo cual evidencia la necesidad de actualizar el sistema de vigilancia epidemiológica, de estar preparados para enfrentar una epidemia y de elaborar un plan de contingencia.

Directrices en torno a las epidemias en México. Perspectiva histórica / Guidelines on epidemics in Mexico. Historical perspective

Resumen Se ofrece una perspectiva de las epidemias y pandemias en México en tres periodos: fines del siglo XVIII y siglos XX y XXI, con el fin de analizar cómo las autoridades sanitarias y gubernamentales abordaron estos problemas, así como los desafíos que han representado. Se consultaron fuentes históricas documentales y, en los casos actuales, la participación en ellos. Se combinó metodología epidemiológica e histórica social. La presencia de las epidemias en México es una constante, lo cual evidencia la necesidad de actualizar el sistema de vigilancia epidemiológica, de estar preparados para enfrentar una epidemia y de elaborar un plan de contingencia.

Abstract A perspective of epidemics and pandemics in Mexico is offered, focusing on three time periods, namely, end of the 18th century, the 20th century, and the 21st century, in order to analyze how they were approached by health and government authorities, as well as the challenges they have represented. Historical documentary sources were consulted and, in current cases, participation in them was analyzed. Epidemiological and social historical methodologies were combined. The presence of epidemics in Mexico is a constant on its evolution, which highlights the need for the epidemiological surveillance system to be updated, the importance of being prepared to face an epidemic and to develop a contingency plan.

The Role of Nutrition in COVID-19: Taking a Lesson from the 1918 H1N1 Pandemic.

In looking for solutions to the COVID-19 pandemic, important lessons come from the H1N1 influenza pandemic of 1918-1919. During the H1N1 influenza pandemic, the soldiers had better outcomes than the civilian populations, but the best outcomes were reported by a Seventh-day Adventist seminary, where a plant-based diet was provided. The diet has been described as including grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables. A few clinical trials have also assessed the role of nutrition in COVID-19. One study with almost six hundred thousand participants showed that those with a high consumption of fruits and vegetables had a reduced risk of COVID-19 of any severity by 9% and a reduced risk of severe COVID-19 by 41%. Another study in healthcare workers who were frequently exposed to COVID-19 in their clinical practice has demonstrated that those who reported being on a plant-based diet had a 73% lower risk of moderate-to-severe COVID-19. Based on the lessons from 1918 and the recent nutrition research in COVID-19, it seems plausible that a healthful plant-based diet may be a powerful tool to decrease the risk of severe COVID-19 and should be promoted as one of the public health safety measures.

Synergistic HA and NS mutations enhanced the virulence of a mouse-adapted H1N1 influenza A virus.

H1N1 reassortants between the swine Eurasian avian-like (EA) and H1N1 2009 pandemic (H1N1 pdm/09) viruses have been circulating stably in pig populations for more than ten years, and they may have contributed to increased human infections. Whether these H1N1 viruses acquire adaptive mutations to increase their pathogenicity towards a new host is unknown. To address this problem, mouse-adapted (MA) variants of swine-origin EA H1N1 influenza virus isolated from dogs (A/canine/Guangxi/LZ57/2015[LZ57-MA]) were generated by serial lung-to-lung passages in BALB/c mice. These exhibited greater virulence and replication capability than the wild-type virus (LZ57-WT). Of the six adaptive mutations, two were mapped to the ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex (PB2-E578D and PA-T97I), two to hemagglutinin (HA-N198D and HA-A227E) and two to the non-structural protein 1 (NS1) and nuclear export protein (NS1-A53D and NEP-R42K, respectively). Reverse genetic substitution of the viral genes and mutation experiments demonstrated that the mutations in PA-T97I could enhance the polymerase activity, but a significant downregulation of activity was seen with PB2-E578D, which was consistent with a decrease in virulence. However, HA and NS, which are genes that act synergistically, were found to be determinants of virulence in mice. The reassortant viruses bearing HA mutations (N198D and A227E) were acquired during adaptation enhanced early-stage viral replication in mammalian cells. The single-point mutations in the NS genes had limited effects on virulence. Furthermore, a combination of HA (N198D and A227E) with NS(A53D) in the rLZ57-WT backbone resulted in efficient replication and a significant increase in virulence. The results suggest that these substitutions could compensate for the polymerase function and contribute to enhanced virulence, which highlights a major role for mutations in the HA and NS genes.

Narcolepsy and H1N1 influenza immunology a decade later: What have we learned?

In the wake of the A/California/7/2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic vaccination campaigns in 2009-2010, an increased incidence of the chronic sleep-wake disorder narcolepsy was detected in children and adolescents in several European countries. Over the last decade, in-depth epidemiological and immunological studies have been conducted to investigate this association, which have advanced our understanding of the events underpinning the observed risk. Narcolepsy with cataplexy (defined as type-1 narcolepsy, NT1) is characterized by an irreversible and chronic deficiency of hypocretin peptides in the hypothalamus. The multifactorial etiology is thought to include genetic predisposition, head trauma, environmental triggers, and/or infections (including influenza virus infections), and an increased risk was observed following administration of the A/California/7/2009 H1N1 vaccine Pandemrix (GSK). An autoimmune origin of NT1 is broadly assumed. This is based on its strong association with a predisposing allele (the human leucocyte antigen DQB1*0602) carried by the large majority of NT1 patients, and on links with other immune-related genetic markers affecting the risk of NT1. Presently, hypotheses on the underlying potential immunological mechanisms center on molecular mimicry between hypocretin and peptides within the A/California/7/2009 H1N1 virus antigen. This molecular mimicry may instigate a cross-reactive autoimmune response targeting hypocretin-producing neurons. Local CD4+ T-cell responses recognizing peptides from hypocretin are thought to play a central role in the response. In this model, cross-reactive DQB1*0602-restricted T cells from the periphery would be activated to cross the blood-brain barrier by rare, and possibly pathogen-instigated, inflammatory processes in the brain. Current hypotheses suggest that activation and expansion of cross-reactive T-cells by H1N1/09 influenza infection could have been amplified following the administration of the adjuvanted vaccine, giving rise to a "two-hit" hypothesis. The collective in silico, in vitro, and preclinical in vivo data from recent and ongoing research have progressively refined the hypothetical model of sequential immunological events, and filled multiple knowledge gaps. Though no definitive conclusions can be drawn, the mechanistical model plausibly explains the increased risk of NT1 observed following the 2009-2010 H1N1 pandemic and subsequent vaccination campaign, as outlined in this review.

Refined polysaccharide from Dendrobium devonianum resists H1N1 influenza viral infection in mice by activating immunity through the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway.

Dendrobium polysaccharide exhibits multiple biological activities, such as immune regulation, antioxidation, and antitumor. However, its resistance to viral infection by stimulating immunity is rarely reported. In this study, we explored the effect and mechanism of DVP-1, a novel polysaccharide from Dendrobium devonianum, in the activation of immunity. After being activated by DVP-1, the ability of mice to prevent H1N1 influenza virus infection was investigated. Results of immune regulation showed that DVP-1 significantly improved the immune organ index, lymphocyte proliferation, and mRNA expression level of cytokines, such as IL-1ß, IL-4, IL-6, and TNF-α in the spleen. Immunohistochemical results showed that DVP-1 obviously promoted the mucosal immunity in the jejunum tissue. In addition, the expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, and TRAF6 and the phosphorylation levels of TAK1, Erk, JNK, and NF-κB in the spleen were upregulated by DVP-1. The virus infection results showed that the weight loss of mice slowed down, the survival rate increased, the organ index of the lung reduced, and the virus content in the lung decreased after DVP-1 activated immunity. By activating immunity with DVP-1, the production of inflammatory cells and inflammatory factors in BALF, and alveolar as well as peribronchiolar inflammation could be prevented. The results manifested that DVP-1 could resist H1N1 influenza virus infection by activating immunity through the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway.

A cross-sectional study on the use of big data for the past H1N1 influenza epidemic in obesity after COVID-19: Focused on the body slimming cream and leptin via DTC gene test.

BACKGROUND: Based on the big data of 2010, 2011, and 2012, when H1N1 influenza was prevalent around the world in the past, this study investigated the obesity rate, weight change, and dietary methods of Korean dieters based on the historical situation of the past H1N1 influenza epidemic in Republic of Korea. This is intended to be the data for utilizing the prognostic evaluation of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). OBJECTIVE: After COVID-19, research on obesity should be conducted systematically, and to prevent obesity, nutrition education, customized inner beauty & cosmetics, and the development of body slimming cream and leptin for proper diet should be done at the national level. This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between methods of weight control, generation, and gender, which have not yet been evaluated in the Korean adult population. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was comprised of 25 534 Korean who participated in the Fifth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHNES) conducted in 2010, 2011, and 2012. RESULTS: A 17 876 of the 19 375 respondents 20 years of age or older in the KNHNES answered about diet method. Two thousand and fifty-seven (15.63%) men and 4134 (25.77%) women thought of themselves as fat. However, 11 973 people (66.96%) did not change weight in the past year, 2536 people (14.19%) had increase in weight, and 3.164 (17.70%) reduced weight. A total of 7176 people (48.11%) indicated that they attempted to reduce weight through exercising, while 5553 people (37.23%) did so through reduced food intake. CONCLUSIONS: This study was based on big data at the time of the H1N1 influenza epidemic in Korean population. The results of the present study will be helpful in the development of the body slimming cream and leptin via direct to consumer (DTC) gene test (GT) due to the rapid increase in obesity due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Identification and analysis of B cell epitopes of hemagglutinin of H1N1 influenza virus.

The frequent variation of influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) antigen is the main cause of influenza pandemic. Therefore, the study of B cell epitopes of HA is of great significance in the prevention and control of influenza virus. In this study, the split vaccine of 2009 H1N1 influenza virus was used as immunogen, and the monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were prepared by conventional hybridoma fusion and screening techniques. The characteristics of mAbs were identified by ELISA method, Western-blot test and hemagglutination inhibition test (HI). Using the obtained mAbs as a tool, the B cell epitopes of HA were predicted by ELISA blocking test, sandwich ELISA method and computer simulation method. Finally, four mAbs against HA antigen of H1N1 influenza virus were obtained. The results of ELISA and computer prediction showed that there were at least two types of epitopes on HA of influenza virus. The results of this study complemented the existing methods for predicting HA epitopes, and also provided a new method for predicting other pathogenic microorganisms.