Epidemic Virus Research Articles

The 60 + Tazelenme University in action: “Projects That Serve Your Hearts" during corona virus epidemics

Thanks to improved living conditions and medical intervention opportunities number of older people is rapidly increasing recently. With the critical structural changes, old age became severed from the profession, feminization, singularization, and impoverished. It is, therefore, crucial to keep this group active and happy to maintain individual and social well-being. 60+ Tazelenme University, the first third-age university of Turkey supports literate older people with third-age education and social support networks. COVID-19 pandemic caused many difficulties threatening the freedom and well-being of older people. 60+ Tazelenme University aims to produce life-saving projects with the understanding of "stay at home but do not stay passive". The purpose of this article is to introduce these projects. Projects such as Fresh Khizir, Fresh English, Fresh Food, Fresh Phone Chain, Fresh Knitting, Fresh Corona Diary, Fresh-Cocoons, Fresh Buddies, ensure that the older people who are at home under COVID-19 restrictions remain active. These projects inspire new concepts to support normalization in the post-pandemic period. Keywords: University of the third age, older adult education, distance education, covid-19, gerontology Resumo Graças a melhores condições de vida e oportunidades de intervenção médica, o número de idosos está aumentando rapidamente recentemente. Com as mudanças estruturais críticas, a velhice foi desvinculada da profissão, feminização, singularização e empobrecimento. É, portanto, crucial manter este grupo ativo e feliz para manter o bem-estar individual e social. 60+ Universidade Tazelenme, a primeira universidade de terceira idade da Turquia apoia idosos alfabetizados com educação de terceira idade e redes de apoio social. A pandemia de COVID-19 causou muitas dificuldades ameaçando a liberdade e o bem-estar dos idosos. 60+ Universidade Tazelenme visa produzir projetos que salvam vidas com o entendimento de "fique em casa, mas não fique passivo". O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar esses projetos. Projetos como Fresh Khizir, Fresh English, Fresh Food, Fresh Phone Chain, Fresh Knitting, Fresh Corona Diary, Fresh-Cocoons, Fresh Buddies, garantem que os idosos que estão em casa sob as restrições do COVID-19 permaneçam ativos. Esses projetos inspiram novos conceitos para apoiar a normalização no período pós-pandemia. Palavras-chave: Universidade da terceira idade, educação de idosos, educação a distância, covid- 19, gerontologia.

Single-Cell Transcriptome Analysis of H5N1-HA-Stimulated Alpaca PBMCs

Avian influenza A virus H5N1 is a highly pathogenic and persistently a major threat to global health. Vaccines and antibodies targeting hemagglutinin (HA) protein are the primary management strategies for the epidemic virus. Although camelids possess unique immunological features, the immune response induced by specific antigens has not yet been thoroughly investigated. Herein, we immunized an alpaca with the HA antigen of the H5N1 virus and performed single-cell transcriptome profiling for analysis of longitudinal peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMCs) behavior using single-cell sequencing technology (scRNA-seq). We revealed multiple cellular immunities during the immunization. The monocytes continued to expand after immunization, while the plasma cells reached their peak three days after the second antigen stimulation. Both monocytes and B cells were stimulated by the HA antigen and produced cell-type-specific cytokines to participated in the immune response. To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the HA-specific immunological dynamics of alpaca PBMCs at the single-cell level, which is beneficial for understanding the anti-viral immune system and facilitating the development of more potent vaccines and antibodies in camelid animals.

HARDINESS AND COPING STRATEGIES OF MEDICAL WORKERS IN COUNTERING EMOTIONAL BURNOUT (DURING THE FOURTH WAVE OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN RUSSIA)

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the problem of psychological well-being of medical workers is becoming particularly relevant. The appeal of physicians to intrapersonal hardiness resources, the use of optimal coping strategies for long-term work in a pandemic increases the likelihood of a more favorable passage of a stressful period and a decrease in emotional burnout.
 Goal. To identify the specifics of emotional burnout of medical workers during the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the context of the characteristics of the state of hardiness and the use of coping strategies. Adaptation to the Russian language of the methodology “Burnout scale in COVID-19 (COVID-19-BS)” (M. Yıldırım, F. Solmaz).
 Materials and methods of research. The study was conducted in November-December 2021. The study sample included 128 medical workers: 37.5% doctors, 47% middle and junior medical personnel, 15.5% medical students who volunteered to work in medical institutions during the pandemic; 23% men, 77% women; aged 21 to 63 years (M=35 years). The study was conducted in the city of Ivanovo (47%), the city of Moscow and the Moscow region (57%). The following techniques were used: “The test of hardiness” (S. Muddy, in the Russian-language adaptation of E.N. Osin, E.I. Rasskazova), “Questionnaire of coping methods” (OSS) (R. Lazarus, S. Folkman, in the Russian-language adaptation of T.L. Kryukova, E.V. Kuftyak, M.S. Zamyshlyaeva), “Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemics - 9 items (SAVE-9) for Healthcare workers” (S. Chang with et al.; in the Russian-language adaptation by S.E. Mosolova et al.), “Burnout scale in COVID-19 (COVID-19-BS)” (M. Yildirim, F. Solmaz). The empirical data obtained were interpreted and processed using qualitative and quantitative methods of analysis, including: descriptive statistics, Spearman correlation analysis, linear regression analysis (step selection method), Mann-Whitney U-test.
 Results. The study showed that every third medical employee at work during the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Russia, in the context of the COVID-19 epidemic, experiences stress and anxiety, shows signs of emotional burnout. Two-thirds of medical workers as a whole have demonstrated a sufficient level of hardiness development. Hardiness parameters are negatively associated with anxiety and emotional burnout of physicians during the COVID-19 pandemic. The greatest durability of this effect is provided by such parameters of resilience as “engagement” and “risk taking”. Which indicates that hardiness may be a protective factor for medical professionals. The most implemented coping strategies among physicians are problem solving planning, social support search, self-control, positive reassessment. The choice of non-constructive copings (confrontation, distancing, escape-avoidance) promotes the development of emotional burnout. The study confirmed the reliability and validity of the COVID-19-BS questionnaire for measuring emotional burnout associated with COVID-19.
 Conclusion. The data obtained on the peculiarities of the psychological state of medical workers during the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic indicate the need to continue work related to their psychological support and support for their personal and professional development, prevention of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Post-recovery Stigma in Early and Late COVID-19 Epidemic

People who recover from the novel coronavirus diseases 2019 (COVID-19) complain of psychological symptoms such as stress, anxiety, and depression by psycho-stress due to social stigma in the early stage of the epidemic. To assess the psychological stigma of early and late epidemic periods, stigma scale was compared between the first epidemic period (February-May 2020, n = 20) and the fifth epidemic period (February-May 2022, n = 21) post-recovery COVID-19 patients in outpatient clinic. The average total stigma score was significantly higher (79.6 ± 18.16) in post-recovery COVID-19 patients of the early (first) epidemic period compared to late (5th) epidemic period patients (37.5 ±10.99). Four subscales were significantly higher in early epidemic period compared to late epidemic period (enacted stigma 27.5 ± 7.25 vs. 13.0±4.18, disclosure concerns 19.5 ± 9.38 vs. 9.4 ± 2.99, negative self-image 16.2 ± 8.10 vs. 8.1±2.47, concern with public attitudes 16.6 ± 6.95 vs. 7.0 ± 2.01). In those who recovered from the early COVID-19 epidemic period, patients experienced significantly higher social stigma stress compared to the late epidemic period. In the early period of novel virus epidemics, the risk of personal stigmatization and stress should be prevented in public policy. Socio-psychological assessment and treatment should be considered for the patient in addition to physical symptoms.

Manipulation of Whitefly Behavior by Plant Viruses.

Whiteflies of the Bemisia tabaci complex transmit hundreds of plant viruses belonging to the genera Begomovirus and Crinivirus, among others. Tripartite interactions of whitefly-virus-plant frequently occur during virus infection and transmission. Specifically, virus transmission-related behavior of whitefly, such as preference and feeding, may be altered by viruses and thus exert significant impacts on the outcome of virus spread and epidemics. Here, we provide an overview on the current understanding of the manipulation of whitefly behavior by plant viruses. Plant viruses can significantly modulate whitefly preference and feeding behavior, either directly or in a plant-mediated manner. In general, non-viruliferous whiteflies tend to prefer virus-infected plants, and viruliferous whiteflies are more likely to prefer uninfected plants. In most cases, virus infection of plants and/or whitefly seems to exhibit positive or no effects on whitefly feeding on plants. The significance and evolution of these patterns are then discussed. Finally, we suggest several future directions of research, such as the exploration of temporal dynamics and the dissection of underlying mechanisms of virus-induced changes in whitefly behavior.

High genetic diversity suggests a long evolutionary history of plum pox virus‐M in Turkey

AbstractThe genetic diversity and evolutionary history of the epidemic plum pox virus strain M (PPV‐M) have been poorly studied. We sequenced the genomes of 69 PPV‐M isolates selected from different Turkish regions. These new nearly full‐length genomic sequences were analysed together with 21 previously reported Turkish sequences of the PPV‐MIs clade and with 50 sequences of other PPV‐M isolates collected worldwide, including four sequences of Albanian isolates. Major genomic features were maintained in all new PPV‐M genomic sequences, with the highest divergence detected in the PIPO, P1 and CP proteins. Turkish PPV‐M isolates displayed a high genetic diversity and grouped into two sister clades, one formed by PPV‐MIs isolates only and a second clade consisting of the previously described PPV‐Ma and PPV‐Mb subclades. The combined diversity for PPV‐M isolates (Europe, Japan and Turkey) reached to 0.022 ± 0.001, which is slightly higher than the diversity of the globally distributed PPV‐D strain (0.017 ± 0.001). Likewise, the genetic diversity of PPV‐M (0.020 ± 0.001) in Turkey was found to be comparable to that observed for PPV‐M isolates from other countries (0.021 ± 0.001) and even marginally higher if considering partial genomic sequences that allow the inclusion of a much larger number of isolates and countries. Overall, the original distribution of PPV‐MIs, which seems to be almost specific to Turkey, and the high genetic diversity of PPV‐MIs and other Turkish PPV‐M isolates suggest a long evolutionary history of M isolates in Turkey and position this country as a centre of diversity of PPV‐M.

Recent Patents and FDA-Approved Drugs Based on Antiviral Peptides and Other Peptide-Related Antivirals.

In spite of existing cases of severe viral infections with a high mortality rate, there are not enough antiviral drugs and vaccines available for the prevention and treatment of such diseases. In addition, the increasing reports of the emergence of viral epidemics highlight, the need for novel molecules with antiviral potential. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) with antiviral activity or antiviral peptides (AVPs) have turned into a research hotspot and already show tremendous potential to become pharmaceutically available antiviral medicines. AMPs, a diverse group of bioactive peptides act as a part of our first line of defense against pathogen inactivation. Although most of the currently reported AMPs are either antibacterial or antifungal peptides, the number of antiviral peptides is gradually increasing. Some of the AMPs that are shown as effective antivirals have been deployed against viruses such as influenza A virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), HIV, HSV, West Nile Virus (WNV), and other viruses. This review offers an overview of AVPs that have been approved within the past few years and will set out a few of the most essential patents and their usage within the context mentioned above during 2000-2020. Moreover, the present study will explain some of the progress in antiviral drugs based on peptides and peptide-related antivirals.

IOT enabled hybrid model with learning ability for E-health care systems

One of the most cutting-edge technologies over the years is the Internet of Things (IoT), which is a major force behind the paradigm shift away from conventional medical practises. The goal of IoT-based eHealth is to provide healthcare services that are more effective and individualised through continuous data exchange between linked devices and enhanced data analytics. The IoT and decision-making systems are the main areas of focus of this programme, which seeks to deliver intelligent and proactive healthcare. By considering the huge array of physiological characteristics and applying potent analytical tools like cluster analysis, it is possible to obtain more insight into health-data. In this study, e-health technologies and remote patient monitoring were developed to assist patients in avoiding hospital visits, especially during viral epidemics. This project will use IoT and artificial intelligence (AI) technology to address these problems. The study's objective is to select the most appropriate and effective number of hidden layers and activation function types for the deep net (NN). Describe the patient data sent using IoT protocols next. NN analyses the information from the patient's medical sensors to choose the optimal option. The diagnosis is then communicated to the physician. The proposed technology enables patients to autonomously recognise and forecast the sickness while also supporting clinicians in remote disease discovery and analysis without requiring patients to attend the hospital.

HIV-TB Cross-referral and Collaborative Strategy: 8 Years of Our Experience from An Urban Health Centre in North India

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and tuberculosis (TB) epidemics continue to fuel each other and with dual infections with these two deadly diseases on the rise, it becomes imperative to devise effective HIV-TB collaborative strategies. The present study was designed to evaluate the existing HIV-TB cross-referral mechanism at an urban health centre; to determine HIV sero-prevalence among pulmonary TB patients referred from chest clinic to the integrated counselling and testing centre (ICTC); and to evaluate the TB suspects referred from ICTC to the chest clinic for a possible TB aetiology. The present study was a retrospective analysis of HIV-TB cross-referrals whereby a line list of all the patients referred under this strategy from January 2006 to December 2013 was retrieved and analysed. A total of 3726 TB cases were referred to the ICTC and 641 TB suspects were identified by ICTC counsellors and referred to the chest clinic during this period. HIV sero-prevalence among TB patients was 2.8% (106 of 3726) and TB prevalence among HIV sero-positive and sero-negative TB suspects was 9.3% (10/108) and 4.3% (9/211), respectively (p=0.07). HIV prevalence was found to be significantly higher among male (n=2024) than among female (n=1702) TB patients (4.4% versus 0.9%; p<0.0001). Only 319 of 641 (49.8%) ICTC patients referred to the chest clinic reached there. Our study highlights the strong need to scale up the integration and partnership between HIV and TB programmes for better and integrated diagnosis and care of HIV-TB co-infected patients.

Environmental Factors and Their Threshold Affecting the Survival of Five Aquatic Animal Viruses in Different Animal Cells.

Aquatic animal viruses infect and transmit in aquatic environments, causing serious harm to the aquaculture industry and a variety of wild aquatic animals. How are they affected by environmental factors and do they represent potential threat to mammalian heath or not? Here, the effects of environmental factors (ultraviolet radiation (UV), temperature, pH, and drying) and their threshold on five epidemic aquatic animal viruses infecting amphibians and bony fish, including Rana grylio virus (RGV), Andrias davidianus ranavirus (ADRV), Grass carp reovirus (GCRV), Paralichthys olivaceus rhabdovirus (PORV), and Scophthalmus maximus rhabdovirus (SMRV), were measured and compared in a fish cell line. The examination of virus titers after different treatment in fish cells showed that the two iridoviruses, RGV and ADRV, had a higher tolerance to all of the environmental factors, such as they only had a decay rate of 22-36% when incubated at 37 °C for 7 days. However, the rhabdovirus SMRV was sensitive to all of the factors, with a decay rate of more than 80% in most of the treatments; even a complete inactivation (100%) can be observed after drying treatment. To address the potential threat to mammals, infectivity and limitation factors of the five viruses in Baby hamster kidney fibroblast cells (BHK-21) were tested, which showed that three of the five viruses can replicate at a low temperature, but a high temperature strongly inhibited their infection and none of them could replicate at 37 °C. This study clarified the sensitivity or tolerance of several different types of aquatic animal viruses to the main environmental factors in the aquatic environment and proved that the viruses cannot replicate in mammalian cells at normal physiological temperature.

Antiviral Properties of Pennisetum purpureum Extract against Coronaviruses and Enteroviruses.

Many severe epidemics are caused by enteroviruses (EVs) and coronaviruses (CoVs), including feline coronavirus (FCoV) in cats, epidemic diarrhea disease virus (PEDV) in pigs, infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) in chickens, and EV71 in human. Vaccines and antiviral drugs are used to prevent and treat the infection of EVs and CoVs, but the effectiveness is affected due to rapidly changing RNA viruses. Many plant extracts have been proven to have antiviral properties despite the continuous mutations of viruses. Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) has high phenolic content and has been used as healthy food materials, livestock feed, biofuels, and more. This study tested the antiviral properties of P. purpureum extract against FCoV, PEDV, IBV, and EV71 by in vitro cytotoxicity assay, TCID50 virus infection assay, and chicken embryo infection assay. The findings showed that P. purpureum extract has the potential of being disinfectant to limit the spread of CoVs and EVs because the extract can inhibit the infection of EV71, FCoV, and PEDV in cells, and significantly reduce the severity of symptoms caused by IBV in chicken embryos.

Development of quantitative criteria for assessing epidemic potential of the natural-focal viral infections

Notonly directly detected new infection, but also determining prerequisites for associated epidemiological complications becomes relevant with growing importance of new and recurring infections. As a result, a need to assess a degree of their epidemiological threat, or epidemic potential, i.e. determining the significance of related properties that determine a potential to cause an epidemic process and complications of the epidemiological situation is emphasized. Purpose. Develop methodology for quantitative assessment of the epidemic potential universal for natural-foci viral infections.&#x0D; Materials and methods. А multifaceted assessment of the virological and epidemiological characteristics of causative agents for natural-focal viral infections was carried out to develop criteria for determining the epidemic potential. The developed methodology for determining the epidemic potential is based on connection between the epidemic potential and the concept of epidemiological hazard, which forms an epidemic risk, and consists of the hazards for source of infection, the mechanism of transmission and host susceptibility.&#x0D; Results and discussion. The platformfor quantitative assessment of the epidemic potential of natural-foci viral infections was developed. Within each link of the epidemic process, factors were identified, ranked in accordance with their significance for enabling epidemiological risk and score assigned. The epidemic virus potential is determined by the sum of points in three categories, the ratio of points between them allowing to evaluate a lead factor of epidemiological risk. To assess an epidemic virus potential in accordance with the developed criteria, it is necessary to summarize and analyze the known data on the three considered groups of factors involved in formation of epidemiological threat. To test the assessment methodology, the epidemic potential of a number of diversepathogens of natural-foci viral was determined. The values obtained on the epidemic potential for such infections is based on the degree of relevant epidemiological hazard. Thus, the evaluation system allows to quantify anepidemic potential of the pathogen, compare parameters of various pathogens with assessment of the lead epidemiological risk factor. The platform can serve as an additional tool in assessment of epidemiological threat in case of epidemiological emergencies. Meanwhile, assessment of epidemic potential fornew infections is closely associated with the need to investigate their basics. The epidemic potential is a dynamic parameter that can change with the advent of new data on ecological and genetic foundations of pathogen existence as well as mechanisms for related variability.

Multiplexed rapid antigen tests developed using multicolored nanoparticles and cross-reactive antibody pairs: Implications for pandemic preparedness

Global public health infrastructure is unprepared for emerging pathogen epidemics, in part because diagnostic tests are not developed in advance. The recent Zika, Ebola, and SARS-CoV-2 virus epidemics are cases in point. We demonstrate here that multicolored gold nanoparticles, when coupled to cross-reactive monoclonal antibody pairs generated from a single immunization regimen, can be used to create multiple diagnostics that specifically detect and distinguish related viruses. The multiplex approach for specific detection centers on immunochromatography with pairs of antibody-conjugated red and blue gold nanoparticles, coupled with clustering algorithms to detect and distinguish related pathogens. Cross-reactive antibodies were used to develop rapid tests for i) Dengue virus serotypes 1–4, ii) Zika virus, iii) Ebola and Marburg viruses, and iv) SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 viruses. Multiplexed rapid antigen tests based on multicolored nanoparticles and cross-reactive antibodies and can be developed prospectively at low cost to improve preparedness for epidemic outbreaks.

An optimized cell-based assay to assess influenza virus replication by measuring neuraminidase activity and its applications for virological surveillance

Year-round virological characterization of circulating epidemic influenza viruses is conducted worldwide to detect the emergence of viruses that may escape pre-existing immunity or acquire resistance to antivirals. High throughput phenotypic assays are needed to complement the sequence-based analysis of circulating viruses and improve pandemic preparedness. The recent entry of a polymerase inhibitor, baloxavir, into the global market further highlighted this need. Here, we optimized a cell-based assay that considerably streamlines antiviral and antigenic testing by replacing lengthy immunostaining and imaging procedures used in current assay with measuring the enzymatic activity of nascent neuraminidase (NA) molecules expressed on the surface of virus-infected cells. For convenience, this new assay was named IRINA (Influenza Replication Inhibition Neuraminidase-based Assay).IRINA was successfully validated to assess inhibitory activity of baloxavir on virus replication by testing a large set (>150) of influenza A and B viruses, including drug resistant strains and viruses collected during 2017–2022. To test its versatility, IRINA was utilized to evaluate neutralization activity of a broadly reactive human anti-HA monoclonal antibody, FI6, and post-infection ferret antisera, as well as the inhibition of NA enzyme activity by NA inhibitors. Performance of IRINA was tested in parallel using respective conventional assays.IRINA offers an attractive alternative to current phenotypic assays, while maintaining reproducibility and high throughput capacity. Additionally, the improved turnaround time may prove to be advantageous when conducting time sensitive studies, such as investigating a new virus outbreak. This assay can meet the needs of surveillance laboratories by providing a streamlined and cost-effective approach for virus characterization.

Spatial Analysis: A Socioeconomic View on the Incidence of the New Coronavirus in Paraná-Brazil

This paper presents a spatial analysis of the incidence rate of COVID-19 cases in the state of Paraná, Brazil, from June to December 2020, and a study of the incidence rate of COVID-19 cases associated with socioeconomic variables, such as the Gini index, Theil-L index, and municipal human development index (MHDI). The data were provided from the Paraná State Health Department and Paraná Institute for Economic and Social Development. For the study of spatial autocorrelation, the univariate global Moran index (I), local univariate Moran (LISA), global Geary (c), and univariate local Geary (ci) were calculated. For the analysis of the spatial correlation, the global bivariate Moran index (Ixy), the local multivariate Geary indices (CiM), and the bivariate Lee index (Lxy) were calculated. There is significant positive spatial autocorrelation between the incidence rate of COVID-19 cases and correlations between the incidence rate of COVID-19 cases and the Gini index, Theil-L index, and MHDI in the regions under study. The highest risk areas were concentrated in the macro-regions: east and west. Understanding the spatial distribution of COVID-19, combined with economic and social factors, can contribute to greater efficiency in preventive actions and the control of new viral epidemics.

Influenza and other respiratory viruses in children: prevalence and clinical features.

With the COVID-19 pandemic still ongoing, the annual season of influenza and other respiratory virus epidemics has arrived. Specimens from patients suspected of respiratory viruses infection were collected. Viral detection was performed following RNA extraction and real-time RT-PCR. During the study period, we received and tested a total of 606 specimens. Rhinovirus virus was the viral type most prevalent, detected in 186 (45.47%) specimens. The age range of patients positive for influenza A, influenza A (H1N1), and influenza B was 18 days to 13 years. With female prevalence for this viral type, cough and asthma were the main clinical manifestations presented by this viral type. Our results indicate that rhinoviruses, adenoviruses, metapneumoviruses, and influenza are among the most important agents of ARI in pediatrics. The epidemic period of respiratory infections observed in Goiânia can be useful for planning and implementing some prevention strategies.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10096-022-04515-3.

An overview of Covid-19 with special reference to Janapadodhwamsa

Virus, bacteria and fungi are the most common causes for spreading illness in human and in animals. These are the microorganisms and they can cause epidemic and pandemic diseases. World is passing through many viral epidemics affecting respiratory system since last twenty years. It includes SARS-CoV 2002-2003, H1N1 Influenza 2009, MERS-CoV 2012 to the recent COVID-2019. COVID-19 is a viral pandemic infection this is air borne illness that is spreading through droplet infection. This virus especially affects the respiratory system by doing immunosuppression in person. In Ayurveda there are references of Janapadodhwamsa in Charaka samhita vimansthan. Janapadodhwamsa – is the term coined by Charak which means destruction of population living in same place at the same time because of 4 main reasons i.e. Dushit vayu (Air), Dushit jala (water), Dushit desh (land), Dushit kaal (time) Janapadodhwamsha causes death of individuals in the affected area inflicting huge destruction.

Prospective Alternate Hosts of an Emerging Polerovirus in Cotton Landscapes in the Southeastern United States.

The identification of alternate hosts that can act as virus inoculum sources and vector reservoirs in the landscape is critical to understanding virus epidemics. Cotton leafroll dwarf virus (CLRDV) is a serious pathogen in cotton production and is transmitted by the cotton/melon aphid, Aphis gossypii, in a persistent, circulative, and non-propagative manner. CLRDV was first reported in the United States in Alabama in 2017, and thereafter in several cotton-producing states. CLRDV has since established itself in the southeastern United States. The role of alternate hosts in CLRDV establishment is not clear. Fourteen common plant species in the landscape, including crops, weeds, and ornamentals (cotton, hollyhock, marshmallow, country mallow, abutilon, arrowleaf sida, okra, hibiscus, squash, chickpea, evening primrose, henbit, Palmer amaranth, and prickly sida) were tested as potential alternate hosts of CLRDV along with an experimental host (Nicotiana benthamiana) via aphid-mediated transmission assays. CLRDV was detected following inoculation in hibiscus, okra, N. benthamiana, Palmer amaranth, and prickly sida by RT-PCR, but not in the others. CLRDV accumulation determined by RT-qPCR was the highest in N. benthamiana compared with cotton and other hosts. However, aphids feeding on CLRDV-infected prickly sida, hibiscus, and okra alone were able to acquire CLRDV and back-transmit it to non-infected cotton seedlings. Additionally, some of the alternate CLRDV hosts supported aphid development on par with cotton. However, in a few instances, aphid fitness was reduced when compared with cotton. Overall, this study demonstrated that plant hosts in the agricultural landscape can serve as CLRDV inoculum sources and as aphid reservoirs and could possibly play a role in the reoccurring epidemics of CLRDV in the southeastern United States.

Increased genetic variation of A(H3N2) virus from influenza surveillance at the end of the 2016/2017 season for Shanghai port, China

Influenza A(H3N2) virus exhibited complex seasonal patterns to evade pre-existing antibodies, resulting in changes in the antigenicity of the viron surface protein hemagglutinin (HA). To monitor the currently imported influenza viruses as well as to assess the capacity of health emergencies at the Shanghai port, we collected respiratory specimens of passengers from different countries and regions including some of Europe with influenza-like illness at the Shanghai port during 2016/2017, examined amino acid substitutions, and calculated the perfect-match vaccine efficacy using the p epitope model. Phylogenetic analysis of the HA genes revealed that influenza A(H3N2) viruses belonging to eight subclades were detected, and three amino acid substitutions in the subclade 3C.2a.4 were also added. Besides, two epidemic influenza virus strains were found in the 2016/2017 winter and 2016 summer. The results of lower predicted vaccine effectiveness in summer suggest that the imported A(H3N2) strains were not a good match for the A/Hong Kong/4801/2014 vaccine strain since the summer of 2017. Therefore, the Shanghai Port might stop the risk of the international spread of influenza for the first time, and curb the entry of A(H3N2) from overseas at the earliest stage of a probable influenza pandemic.

Scale of intensity and extent of the virus epidemic

The goal of this article is to investigate the possibility of establishing a Scale of intensity and extent of the virus epidemic, that would serve as a media presentation of the impact the epidemic in a particular area. In the public sphere, the scaling of natural events such as external temperature, earthquake, sea strength...etc. is already known and generally accepted. All these scales give us precise information about the phenomenon through the number/value shown on it. The methods used in this work are constructing an original formula for calculating the scale / level based on publicly available information, and monitoring the results over ten months through an established website[1]. The result of this research is the successful establishment of a Scale with size from 0 to 8. Its function is to simply and clearly represent the intensity and extent of the Covid 19 virus for a country or region. The research from 20.03. 2021. to 31.01.2022. is confirmed that the current state measures introduced by different countries, coincide with the results of the scale. This is a relative scale in the field of information science and is intended is to determine the intensity and extent of the impact of certain areas from viral epidemics. The Scale (this - or some other scale) will reduce the consequences of the „infodemia“ of news and reports, from which the public can hardly understand the real state of the epidemic. Covid 19 became an event with purport. This event is now presented so, that our mind can comprehend this external phenomenon. This Scale can also be used for epidemics / pandemics of other viruses. [1] www.viruscale.info