scholarly journals Low Temperature and Low UV Indexes Correlated with Peaks of Influenza Virus Activity in Northern Europe during 2010–2018

Viruses ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 207 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aleksandr Ianevski ◽  
Eva Zusinaite ◽  
Nastassia Shtaida ◽  
Hannimari Kallio-Kokko ◽  
Miia Valkonen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Virus ◽  
Low Temperature ◽  
Atmospheric Pressure ◽  
Meteorological Factors ◽  
Northern Europe ◽  
Uv Index ◽  
Influenza Outbreaks ◽  
The Impact

With the increasing pace of global warming, it is important to understand the role of meteorological factors in influenza virus (IV) epidemics. In this study, we investigated the impact of temperature, UV index, humidity, wind speed, atmospheric pressure, and precipitation on IV activity in Norway, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania during 2010–2018. Both correlation and machine learning analyses revealed that low temperature and UV indexes were the most predictive meteorological factors for IV epidemics in Northern Europe. Our in vitro experiments confirmed that low temperature and UV radiation preserved IV infectivity. Associations between these meteorological factors and IV activity could improve surveillance and promote development of accurate predictive models for future influenza outbreaks in the region.

scholarly journals Low Temperature and Low UV Index Correlate with Peaks of Influenza Virus Activity in Northern Europe during 2010-2018

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aleksandr Ianevski ◽  
Eva Zusinaite ◽  
Nastassia Shtaida ◽  
Hannumari Kallio-Kokko ◽  
Miia Valkonen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Virus ◽  
Low Temperature ◽  
Meteorological Factors ◽  
Northern Europe ◽  
Uv Index ◽  
Northern European ◽  
Influenza Outbreaks ◽  
The Impact

With the increasing pace of global warming, it is important to understand the role of meteorological factors in influenza virus (IV) epidemics. In this study, we investigated the impact of temperature, UV index, humidity, wind speed, atmospheric pressure, and precipitation on IV activity in Norway, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania during 2010-2018. Both correlation and machine learning analyses revealed that low temperature and low UV indexes were the most predictive meteorological factors for IV epidemics in the Northern European countries. Our in vitro experiments confirmed that low temperature and UV radiation preserved IV infectivity. Associations between these meteorological factors and IV activity could improve surveillance and promote development of accurate predictive models for future influenza outbreaks in Northern Europe.

scholarly journals Low Temperature and Low UV Indexes Correlated with Peaks of Influenza Virus Activity in Northern Europe during 2010-2018

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aleksandr Ianevski ◽  
Eva Zusinaite ◽  
Nastassia Shtaida ◽  
Hannumari Kallio-Kokko ◽  
Miia Valkonen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Virus ◽  
Low Temperature ◽  
Meteorological Factors ◽  
Northern Europe ◽  
Uv Index ◽  
Northern European ◽  
Influenza Outbreaks ◽  
The Impact

With the increasing pace of global warming, it is important to understand the role of meteorological factors in influenza virus (IV) epidemics. In this study, we investigated the impact of temperature, UV index, humidity, wind speed, atmospheric pressure, and precipitation on IV activity in Norway, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania during 2010-2018. Both correlation and machine learning analyses revealed that low temperature and low UV indexes were the most predictive meteorological factors for IV epidemics in the Northern European countries. Our in vitro experiments confirmed that low temperature and UV radiation preserved IV infectivity. Associations between these meteorological factors and IV activity could improve surveillance and promote development of accurate predictive models for future influenza outbreaks in Northern Europe.

scholarly journals NLRP7 Promotes Choriocarcinoma Growth and Progression through the Establishment of an Immunosuppressive Microenvironment

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 2999
Author(s):  
Deborah Reynaud ◽  
Roland Abi Nahed ◽  
Nicolas Lemaitre ◽  
Pierre-Adrien Bolze ◽  
Wael Traboulsi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
Tumor Cells ◽  
Major Gene ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Orthotopic Model ◽  
Independent Manner ◽  
Maternal Immune Response ◽  
The Impact

The inflammatory gene NLRP7 is the major gene responsible for recurrent complete hydatidiform moles (CHM), an abnormal pregnancy that can develop into gestational choriocarcinoma (CC). However, the role of NLRP7 in the development and immune tolerance of CC has not been investigated. Three approaches were employed to define the role of NLRP7 in CC development: (i) a clinical study that analyzed human placenta and sera collected from women with normal pregnancies, CHM or CC; (ii) an in vitro study that investigated the impact of NLRP7 knockdown on tumor growth and organization; and (iii) an in vivo study that used two CC mouse models, including an orthotopic model. NLRP7 and circulating inflammatory cytokines were upregulated in tumor cells and in CHM and CC. In tumor cells, NLRP7 functions in an inflammasome-independent manner and promoted their proliferation and 3D organization. Gravid mice placentas injected with CC cells invalidated for NLRP7, exhibited higher maternal immune response, developed smaller tumors, and displayed less metastases. Our data characterized the critical role of NLRP7 in CC and provided evidence of its contribution to the development of an immunosuppressive maternal microenvironment that not only downregulates the maternal immune response but also fosters the growth and progression of CC.

scholarly journals Phenotypic Susceptibility to Bevirimat in Isolates from HIV-1-Infected Patients without Prior Exposure to Bevirimat

2010 ◽  
Vol 54 (6) ◽  
pp. 2345-2353 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicolas A. Margot ◽  
Craig S. Gibbs ◽  
Michael D. Miller
Keyword(s):  
Recombinant Viruses ◽  
Gag Polyprotein ◽  
New Class ◽  
Major Mutation ◽  
Hiv Drugs ◽  
The Impact ◽  
First Time ◽  
Hiv 1

ABSTRACT Bevirimat (BVM) is the first of a new class of anti-HIV drugs with a novel mode of action known as maturation inhibitors. BVM inhibits the last cleavage of the Gag polyprotein by HIV-1 protease, leading to the accumulation of the p25 capsid-small peptide 1 (SP1) intermediate and resulting in noninfectious HIV-1 virions. Early clinical studies of BVM showed that over 50% of the patients treated with BVM did not respond to treatment. We investigated the impact of prior antiretroviral (ARV) treatment and/or natural genetic diversity on BVM susceptibility by conducting in vitro phenotypic analyses of viruses made from patient samples. We generated 31 recombinant viruses containing the entire gag and protease genes from 31 plasma samples from HIV-1-infected patients with (n = 21) or without (n = 10) prior ARV experience. We found that 58% of the patient isolates tested had a >10-fold reduced susceptibility to BVM, regardless of the patient's ARV experience or the level of isolate resistance to protease inhibitors. Analysis of mutants with site-directed mutations confirmed the role of the V370A SP1 polymorphism (SP1-V7A) in resistance to BVM. Furthermore, we demonstrated for the first time that a capsid polymorphism, V362I (CA protein-V230I), is also a major mutation conferring resistance to BVM. In contrast, none of the previously defined resistance-conferring mutations in Gag selected in vitro (H358Y, L363M, L363F, A364V, A366V, or A366T) were found to occur among the viruses that we analyzed. Our results should be helpful in the design of diagnostics for prediction of the potential benefit of BVM treatment in HIV-1-infected patients.

Abstract 3691: Deletion of Suppressor Of Cytokine Signaling-1 in a Murine Model of Atherosclerosis Results in a Lethal Systemic Inflammation

Circulation ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 118 (suppl_18) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Grothusen ◽  
Harald Schuett ◽  
Stefan Lumpe ◽  
Andre Bleich ◽  
Silke Glage ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Foam Cell ◽  
Low Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Cell Formation ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Foam Cell Formation ◽  
Cytokine Signaling ◽  
Suppressor Of Cytokine Signaling ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the cardiovascular system which may result in myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death. While the role of pro-inflammatory signaling pathways in atherogenesis has been well characterized, the impact of their negative regulators, e.g. suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS)-1 remains to be elucidated. Deficiency of SOCS-1 leads to death 3 weeks post-partum due to an overwhelming inflammation caused by an uncontrolled signalling of interferon-gamma (IFNγ). This phenotype can be rescued by generating recombination activating gene (rag)-2, SOCS-1 double knock out (KO) mice lacking mature lymphocytes, the major source of IFNγ. Since the role of SOCS-1 during atherogenesis is unknown, we investigated the impact of a systemic SOCS-1 deficiency in the low-density lipoprotein receptor (ldlr) KO model of atherosclerosis. Material and Methods: socs-1 −/− /rag-2 −/− deficient mice were crossed with ldlr-KO animals. Mice were kept under sterile conditions on a normal chow diet. For in-vitro analyses, murine socs-1 −/− macrophages were stimulated with native low density lipoprotein (nLDL) or oxidized (ox)LDL. SOCS-1 expression was determined by quantitative PCR and western blot. Foam cell formation was determined by Oil red O staining. Results: socs-1 −/− /rag-2 −/− /ldlr −/− mice were born according to mendelian law. Tripel-KO mice showed a reduced weight and size, were more sensitive to bacterial infections and died within 120 days (N=17). Histological analyses revealed a systemic, necrotic, inflammation in Tripel-KO mice. All other genotypes developed no phenotype. In-vitro observations revealed that SOCS-1 mRNA and protein is upregulated in response to stimulation with oxLDL but not with nLDL. Foam cell formation of socs-1 −/− macrophages was increased compared to controls. Conclusion: SOCS-1 seemingly controls critical steps of atherogenesis by modulating foam cell formation in response to stimulation with oxLDL. SOCS-1 deficiency in the ldlr-KO mouse leads to a lethal inflammation. These observations suggest a critical role for SOCS-1 in the regulation of early inflammatory responses in atherogenesis.

scholarly journals The Role of Micronutrients in Support of the Immune Response against Viral Infections

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 3198 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco Pecora ◽  
Federica Persico ◽  
Alberto Argentiero ◽  
Cosimo Neglia ◽  
Susanna Esposito
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Immune Response ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Omega 3 Fatty Acids ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Optimal Function ◽  
The Impact

Viral infections are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and the importance of public health practices including handwashing and vaccinations in reducing their spread is well established. Furthermore, it is well known that proper nutrition can help support optimal immune function, reducing the impact of infections. Several vitamins and trace elements play an important role in supporting the cells of the immune system, thus increasing the resistance to infections. Other nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, help sustain optimal function of the immune system. The main aim of this manuscript is to discuss of the potential role of micronutrients supplementation in supporting immunity, particularly against respiratory virus infections. Literature analysis showed that in vitro and observational studies, and clinical trials, highlight the important role of vitamins A, C, and D, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc in modulating the immune response. Supplementation with vitamins, omega 3 fatty acids and zinc appears to be a safe and low-cost way to support optimal function of the immune system, with the potential to reduce the risk and consequences of infection, including viral respiratory infections. Supplementation should be in addition to a healthy diet and fall within recommended upper safety limits set by scientific expert bodies. Therefore, implementing an optimal nutrition, with micronutrients and omega-3 fatty acids supplementation, might be a cost-effective, underestimated strategy to help reduce the burden of infectious diseases worldwide, including coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

scholarly journals In VitroSusceptibility of Canine Influenza A (H3N8) Virus to Nitazoxanide and Tizoxanide

2010 ◽  
Vol 2010 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura V. Ashton ◽  
Robert L. Callan ◽  
Sangeeta Rao ◽  
Gabriele A. Landolt
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Virus ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
The United States ◽  
Canine Influenza Virus ◽  
Valuable Adjunct ◽  
Canine Influenza ◽  
The Impact ◽  
H3n8 Virus

Infection of dogs with canine influenza virus (CIV) is considered widespread throughout the United States following the first isolation of CIV in 2004. While vaccination against influenza A infection is a common and important practice for disease control, antiviral therapy can serve as a valuable adjunct in controlling the impact of the disease. In this study, we examined the antiviral activity of nitazoxanide (NTZ) and tizoxanide (TIZ) against three CIV isolatesin vitro. NTZ and TIZ inhibited virus replication of all CIVs with 50% and 90% inhibitory concentrations ranging from 0.17 to 0.21 μMand from 0.60 to 0.76 μM, respectively. These results suggest that NTZ and TIZ are effective against CIV and may be useful for treatment of canine influenza in dogs but further investigation of thein vivoefficacy against CIV as well as the drug's potential for toxicity in dogs is needed.

P–182 The mechanism of mouse embryo hatching and the impact of laser drilling the zona pellucida: an RNA sequencing study

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Y Liu ◽  
C Jones ◽  
K Coward
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Group ◽  
Mouse Embryo ◽  
Mouse Embryos ◽  
Z Score ◽  
Rna Seq ◽  
Metabolism Pathway ◽  
Hatching Process ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Study question What is the mechanism of embryo hatching? Will laser-assisted zona pellucida (ZP) drilling alter the embryonic transcriptome? Summary answer Hatching is an ATP-dependent process. Hatching is also associated with Rho-mediated signaling. Laser-assisted ZP drilling might cause alternation in embryo metabolism. What is known already Embryo hatching is a vital process for early embryo development and implantation. Animal data suggests that hatching is the result of multiple factors, such as mechanical pressure, protease activation, and the regulation of maternal secretions. However, little is known about the regulatory signaling mechanisms and the molecules involved. In addition, despite the extensive use of laser-assisted ZP drilling in the clinic, the safety profile of this technique at molecular level is very sparse. The impact of this technique on the embryonic transcriptome has not been studied systematically. Study design, size, duration Eighty mouse embryos were randomly divided into a laser ZP drilling group (n = 40) and an untreated group (n = 40). After treatment, embryos were cultured in vitro for two days. Then, hatching blastocyst (n = 8) and pre-hatching blastocyst (n = 8) from the untreated group, and the hatching blastocyst from the treatment group (n = 8) were processed for RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). Participants/materials, setting, methods Cryopreserved 8-cell stage mouse embryos (B6C3F1 × B6D2F1) were thawed, and a laser was used to drill the embryo ZP in the treatment group. Next, the treated and untreated embryos were individually cultured in vitro to the E4.5 blastocyst stage. The resulting blastocysts were lysed individually and used for subsequent cDNA library preparation and RNA-seq. Following data quality control and alignment, the RNA-seq data were processed for differentially expressed gene analysis and downstream functional analysis. Main results and the role of chance According to the RNA-seq data, 275 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (230 up-regulated and 45 down-regulated, adjusted P < 0.05) were identified when comparing hatching and pre-hatching blastocysts in the control groups. Analysis suggested that the trophectoderm is the primary cell type involved in hatching, and revealed the potential molecules causing increased blastocyst hydrostatic pressure (Aqp3 and Cldn4). Functional enrichment analysis suggested that ATP metabolism and protein synthesis were activated in hatching blastocysts. DEGs were found to be significantly enriched in several gene ontology terms, particularly in terms of the organization of the cytoskeleton and actin polymerisation (P < 0.0001). Furthermore, according to QIAGEN ingenuity pathway analysis results, Rho signaling was implicated in blastocyst hatching (Actb, Arpc2, Cfl1, Myl6, Pfn1, Rnd3, Septin9, z-score=2.65, P < 0.0001). Moreover, the potential role of hormones (estrogen (z-score=2.24) and prolactin (z-score=2.4)) and growth factors (AGT (z-score=2.41) and FGF2 (z-score=2.213)) were implicated in the hatching process as indicated by the upstream regulator analysis. By comparing the transcriptome between laser-treated and untreated hatching blastocysts, 47 DEGs were identified (adjusted P < 0.05) following laser-assisted ZP drilling. These genes were enriched in metabolism-related pathways (P < 0.05), including the lipid metabolism pathway (Mvd, Mvk, Aacs, Gsk3a, Pik3c2a, Aldh9a1) and the xenobiotic metabolism pathway (Aldh18a1, Aldh9a1, Keap1, and Pik3c2a). Limitations, reasons for caution Findings in mouse embryos may not be fully representative of human embryos. Furthermore, the mechanism of hatching revealed here might only reflect the hatching process of embryos in vitro. Further studies are now necessary to confirm these findings in different conditions and species to determine their clinical significance. Wider implications of the findings: Our study profiled the mouse embryo transcriptome during in vitro hatching, identified potential key genes and mechanisms for future study. In addition, for the first time, we revealed the impact of laser-assisted ZP drilling on the transcriptome, this may help us to assess and improve the existing technique. Trial registration number Not applicable

The effect of polyhydroxyalkanoates in Pseudomonas chlororaphis PA23 biofilm formation, stress endurance, and interaction with the protozoan predator Acanthamoeba castellanii

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Akrm Ghergab ◽  
Nisha Mohanan ◽  
Grace Saliga ◽  
Ann Karen C. Brassinga ◽  
David Levin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Acanthamoeba Castellanii ◽  
Pseudomonas Chlororaphis ◽  
Enhanced Sensitivity ◽  
Hostile Environments ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Environmental Fitness ◽  
Root Attachment

Pseudomonas chlororaphis PA23 is a biocontrol agent capable of protecting canola against the fungal pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. In addition to producing antifungal compounds, this bacterium synthesizes and accumulates polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polymers as carbon and energy storage compounds. Because the role of PHA in PA23 physiology is currently unknown, we investigated the impact of this polymer on stress resistance, adherence to surfaces, and interaction with the protozoan predator Acanthamoeba castellanii. Three PHA biosynthesis mutants were created, PA23phaC1, PA23phaC1ZC2, and PA23phaC1ZC2D, which accumulated reduced PHA. Our phenotypic assays revealed that PA23phaC1ZC2D produced less phenazine (PHZ) compared with the wild type (WT) and the phaC1 and phaC1ZC2 mutants. All three mutants exhibited enhanced sensitivity to UV irradiation, starvation, heat stress, cold stress, and hydrogen peroxide. Moreover, motility, exopolysaccharide production, biofilm formation, and root attachment were increased in strains with reduced PHA levels. Interaction studies with the amoeba A. castellanii revealed that the WT and the phaC1 and phaC1ZC2 mutants were consumed less than the phaC1ZC2D mutant, likely due to decreased PHZ production by the latter. Collectively these findings indicate that PHA accumulation enhances PA23 resistance to a number of stresses in vitro, which could improve the environmental fitness of this bacterium in hostile environments.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document