Design of bacterially expressed influenza stem immunogens displayed on Msdps2 protein nanoparticles

Influenza is a highly contagious virus, belonging to the family Orthomyxovirus that causes acute febrile respiratory illness which may even be fatal in some cases. Self-assembling protein nanoparticles have been used to display several copies of an immunogen, thus enhancing B cell and T cell immune responses through avidity effects. Using an iterative structure-guided approach, we successfully displayed twelve copies of a previously designed influenza stem domain immunogen pH1HA10 on the ferritin like protein, Msdps2. The nanoparticle fusion immunogen was well folded and bound to the influenza stem directed broadly neutralizing antibody CR6261 with very high affinity. An 8.5 angstrom Cryo-EM map of the nanoparticle fusion protein confirmed the successful design of the nanoparticle fusion immunogen. Preliminary mice immunization studies with the nanoparticle fusion construct revealed that the Msdps2-pH1HA10 fusion construct is immunogenic, this will be further evaluated in challenge studies.

Study on Genome Sequence of Novel Corona virus (Sars-Cov-2) Strains in Different Countries

In Present time Novel coronavirus (SAR-CoV-2) was the biggest outbreak on human kind. SARS recognized febrile respiratory illness. It was first discovered in southern China in November 2002, and spread all other countries.Now SARS-CoV-2 was also originated from Wuhan, china. It was transmitted from human to human. For developing a molecular diagnostic for 2019-nCoV a PCR detection assay was developed. Sanger, Illumina, and Oxford nanopore techniques are used for sequencing analysis for 2019-nCoV.Based on different types of data base it was concluded that the SARS-CoV-2 was less mutated than other seasonal flu. This study shows the complete genome sequence and characteristic of SAR-CoV-2. SAR-CoV-2 has 29,903 nucleotides in length which is quite similar to others coronavirus. A complete genome sequence of different-different countries was studied.

Clinical Validation of a Deep Learning Algorithm for Detection of Pneumonia on Chest Radiographs in Emergency Department Patients with Acute Febrile Respiratory Illness

Early identification of pneumonia is essential in patients with acute febrile respiratory illness (FRI). We evaluated the performance and added value of a commercial deep learning (DL) algorithm in detecting pneumonia on chest radiographs (CRs) of patients visiting the emergency department (ED) with acute FRI. This single-centre, retrospective study included 377 consecutive patients who visited the ED and the resulting 387 CRs in August 2018–January 2019. The performance of a DL algorithm in detection of pneumonia on CRs was evaluated based on area under the receiver operating characteristics (AUROC) curves, sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive values (NPVs), and positive predictive values (PPVs). Three ED physicians independently reviewed CRs with observer performance test to detect pneumonia, which was re-evaluated with the algorithm eight weeks later. AUROC, sensitivity, and specificity measurements were compared between “DL algorithm” vs. “physicians-only” and between “physicians-only” vs. “physicians aided with the algorithm”. Among 377 patients, 83 (22.0%) had pneumonia. AUROC, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of the algorithm for detection of pneumonia on CRs were 0.861, 58.3%, 94.4%, 74.2%, and 89.1%, respectively. For the detection of ‘visible pneumonia on CR’ (60 CRs from 59 patients), AUROC, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 0.940, 81.7%, 94.4%, 74.2%, and 96.3%, respectively. In the observer performance test, the algorithm performed better than the physicians for pneumonia (AUROC, 0.861 vs. 0.788, p = 0.017; specificity, 94.4% vs. 88.7%, p < 0.0001) and visible pneumonia (AUROC, 0.940 vs. 0.871, p = 0.007; sensitivity, 81.7% vs. 73.9%, p = 0.034; specificity, 94.4% vs. 88.7%, p < 0.0001). Detection of pneumonia (sensitivity, 82.2% vs. 53.2%, p = 0.008; specificity, 98.1% vs. 88.7%; p < 0.0001) and ‘visible pneumonia’ (sensitivity, 82.2% vs. 73.9%, p = 0.014; specificity, 98.1% vs. 88.7%, p < 0.0001) significantly improved when the algorithm was used by the physicians. Mean reading time for the physicians decreased from 165 to 101 min with the assistance of the algorithm. Thus, the DL algorithm showed a better diagnosis of pneumonia, particularly visible pneumonia on CR, and improved diagnosis by ED physicians in patients with acute FRI.

Evidence for Cross-Protection Against Subsequent Febrile Respiratory Illness Episodes From Prior Infections by Different Viruses Among Singapore Military Recruits 2009–2014

Background Few studies have evaluated the relative cross-protection conferred by infection with different groups of viruses through studies of sequential infections in humans. We investigated the presence of short-lived relative cross-protection conferred by specific prior viral infections against subsequent febrile respiratory illness (FRI). Methods Men enlisted in basic military training between December 2009 and December 2014 were recruited, with the first FRI as the study entry point. ResPlex II assays and real-time polymerase chain reaction assays were used to detect viral pathogens in nasal wash samples, and survival analyses were performed to determine whether infection with particular viruses conferred short-lived relative cross-protection against FRI. Results Prior infection with adenovirus (hazard ratio [HR], 0.24; 95% confidence interval [CI], .14–.44) or influenza virus (HR, 0.52; 95% CI, .38–.73) conferred relative protection against subsequent FRI episode. Results were statistically significant even after adjustment for the interval between enlistment and FRI (P < .001). Adenovirus-positive participants with FRI episodes tended to be protected against subsequent infection with adenovirus, coronavirus, enterovirus/rhinovirus, and influenza virus (P = .062–.093), while men with influenza virus–positive FRI episodes tended be protected against subsequent infection with adenovirus (P = .044) and influenza virus (P = .081). Conclusion Prior adenovirus or influenza virus infection conferred cross-protection against subsequent FRI episodes relative to prior infection due to other circulating viruses.