Outbreak of 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) in a Finnish garrison - a serological survey

In September 2009, an outbreak of 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) took place in a Finnish garrison. In November 2009, we performed a serological survey among 984 recruits undergoing their military service at the garrison and related the results to self-reported upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) with or without fever. Of 346 volunteers who donated a blood sample, 169 (49%) had pandemic influenza A(H1N1) virus-specific antibodies. Of those, 84 (50%) reported no recent history of URTI, suggesting that a major part of those infected with pandemic influenza A(H1N1) virus may be asymptomatic.

Outbreak of 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) in a Finnish garrison--a serological survey

In September 2009, an outbreak of 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) took place in a Finnish garrison. In November 2009, we performed a serological survey among 984 recruits undergoing their military service at the garrison and related the results to self-reported upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) with or without fever. Of 346 volunteers who donated a blood sample, 169 (49%) had pandemic influenza A(H1N1) virus-specific antibodies. Of those, 84 (50%) reported no recent history of URTI, suggesting that a major part of those infected with pandemic influenza A(H1N1) virus may be asymptomatic.

High frequency of cross-reacting antibodies against 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) virus among the elderly in Finland

Since May 2009, the pandemic influenza A(H1N1) virus has been spreading throughout the world. Epidemiological data indicate that the elderly are underrepresented among the ill individuals. Approximately 1,000 serum specimens collected in Finland in 2004 and 2005 from individuals born between 1909 and 2005, were analysed by haemagglutination-inhibition test for the presence of antibodies against the 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) and recently circulating seasonal influenza A viruses. Ninety-six per cent of individuals born between 1909 and 1919 had antibodies against the 2009 pandemic influenza virus, while in age groups born between 1920 and 1944, the prevalence varied from 77% to 14%. Most individuals born after 1944 lacked antibodies to the pandemic virus. In sequence comparisons the haemagglutinin (HA) gene of the 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) virus was closely related to that of the Spanish influenza and 1976 swine influenza viruses. Based on the three-dimensional structure of the HA molecule, the antigenic epitopes of the pandemic virus HA are more closely related to those of the Spanish influenza HA than to those of recent seasonal influenza A(H1N1) viruses. Among the elderly, cross-reactive antibodies against the 2009 pandemic influenza virus, which likely originate from infections caused by the Spanish influenza virus and its immediate descendants, may provide protective immunity against the present pandemic virus.

High frequency of cross-reacting antibodies against 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) virus among the elderly in Finland

Since May 2009, the pandemic influenza A(H1N1) virus has been spreading throughout the world. Epidemiological data indicate that the elderly are underrepresented among the ill individuals. Approximately 1,000 serum specimens collected in Finland in 2004 and 2005 from individuals born between 1909 and 2005, were analysed by haemagglutination-inhibition test for the presence of antibodies against the 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) and recently circulating seasonal influenza A viruses. Ninety-six per cent of individuals born between 1909 and 1919 had antibodies against the 2009 pandemic influenza virus, while in age groups born between 1920 and 1944, the prevalence varied from 77% to 14%. Most individuals born after 1944 lacked antibodies to the pandemic virus. In sequence comparisons the haemagglutinin (HA) gene of the 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) virus was closely related to that of the Spanish influenza and 1976 swine influenza viruses. Based on the three-dimensional structure of the HA molecule, the antigenic epitopes of the pandemic virus HA are more closely related to those of the Spanish influenza HA than to those of recent seasonal influenza A(H1N1) viruses. Among the elderly, cross-reactive antibodies against the 2009 pandemic influenza virus, which likely originate from infections caused by the Spanish influenza virus and its immediate descendants, may provide protective immunity against the present pandemic virus.

Conversion of a CHO cell culture process from perfusion to fed-batch technology without altering product quality

During the development of a new drug product, it is a common strategy to develop a first-generation process with the aim to rapidly produce material for pre-clinical and early stage clinical trials. At a later stage of the development, a second-generation process is then introduced with the aim to supply late-stage clinical trials as well as market needs. This work was aimed at comparing the performance of two different CHO cell culture processes (perfusion and fed-batch) used for the production of a therapeutically active recombinant glycoprotein at industrial pilot-scale. The first-generation process was based on the Fibra-Cel packed-bed perfusion technology. It appeared during the development of the candidate drug that high therapeutic doses were required (>100mg per dose), and that future market demand would exceed 100 kg per year. This exceeded by far the production capacity of the first-generation process, and triggered a change of technology from a packed-bed perfusion process with limited scale-up capabilities to a fed-batch process with scale-up potential to typical bioreactor sizes of 15m(3) or more. The productivity per bioreactor unit volume (in product m(-3)year(-1)) of the fed-batch process was about 70% of the level reached with the first-generation perfusion process. However, since the packed-bed perfusion system was limited in scale (0.6m(3) maximum) compared to the volumes reached in suspension cultures (15m(3)), the fed-batch was selected as second-generation process. In fact, the overall process performance (in product year(-1)) was about 18-fold higher for the fed-batch compared to the perfusion mode. Data from perfusion and fed-batch harvests samples indicated that comparable product quality (relative abundance of monomers dimers and aggregates; N-glycan sialylation level; isoforms distribution) was obtained in both processes. To further confirm this observation, purification to homogeneity of the harvest material from both processes, followed by a complementary set of studies (e.g. full physico-chemical characterization, assessment of in vitro and in vivo bioactivity, comparative pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics studies in relevant species, etc.) would be required. Finally, this illustrates the need to fix the production process early during the development of a new drug product in order to minimize process conversion efforts and to shorten product development time lines.

Study of B0-->rho+/- pi-/+ time-dependent CP violation at Belle

We present a time-dependent analysis of CP violation in B0-->rho(+/-)pi(-/+) decays based on a 140 fb(-1) data sample collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at KEKB. We obtain the charge asymmetry A(rhopi)(CP)=-0.16+/-0.10(stat)+/-0.02(syst). An unbinned maximum-likelihood fit to the Deltat distributions yields C(rhopi)=0.25+/-0.17(stat)+0.02-0.06(syst), DeltaC(rhopi)=0.38+/-0.18(stat)+0.02-0.04(syst), S(rhopi)=-0.28+/-0.23(stat)+0.10-0.08(syst), and DeltaS(rhopi)=-0.30+/-0.24(stat)+/-0.09(syst). The direct CP violation parameters for B-->rho(+)pi(-) and B-->rho(-)pi(+) decays are A(+-)(rhopi)=-0.02+/-0.16(stat)+0.05-0.02(syst) and A(-+)(rhopi)=-0.53+/-0.29(stat)+0.09-0.04(syst).

Advances in the diagnosis of respiratory virus infections

Background: Advances have been made in selecting sensitive cell lines for isolation, in early detection of respiratory virus growth in cells by rapid culture assays, in production of monoclonal antibodies to improve many tests such as immunofluorescence detection of virus antigens in nasopharyngeal aspirates, in highly sensitive antigen detections by time-resolved fluoroimmunoassays (TR-FIAs) and biotin-enzyme immunoassays (BIOTH-E), and, finally, in the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection of respiratory virus DNA or RNA in clinical specimens. All of these advances have contributed to new or improved possibilities for the diagnosis of respiratory virus infections.

Objectives and study design: This review summarizes our experiences during the last 15 years in the development of diagnostic tests for respiratory virus infections, and in use of these tests in daily diagnostic work and in epidemiological studies.

Results: Immunofluorescence tests based on monoclonal antibodies, all-monoclonal TR-FIAs, and biotin-enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) have about the same sensitivities and specificities. They compare well with the sensitivity of virus culture. PCR followed by liquid-phase hybridization is a sensitive method for detecting adenovirus DNA and enterovirus and rhinovirus RNA in clinical specimens. IgG EIA on paired acute and convalescent phase sera is the most sensitive serological test for respiratory virus infections and is a valuable reference method when evaluating the sensitivity of new diagnostic tests. The IgG avidity test can distinguish primary infections from re-infections at least in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections. IgM antibody assays, on the other hand, had low sensitivities in our studies.

Conclusions: The choice of diagnostic methods for respiratory virus infections depends on the type and location of the laboratory, the number of specimens tested, and the previous experience of the laboratory. Virus culture, whenever possible, should be the basic diagnostic method; the results, including identification of the virus, should be available no more than 24 h later than the results of rapid diagnostic tests. In small laboratories, especially in hospitals where specimen transportation is well organized, immunofluorescence may be the best choice for antigen detection with the provision that an experienced microscopist and a good UV microscope are available. If the laboratory receives a large number of specimens and has previous experience with EIAs, then biotin-EIAs or TR-FIAs may be the most practical techniques. Their advantages include the stability of the antigens in clinical samples since intact, exfoliated epithelial cells are not required, treatment of specimens is practical, testing of large numbers of specimens is possible, and reading the printed test result is less subjective than reading fluorescence microscopy. The larger role of PCR in the diagnosis of respiratory virus infections depends on future developments such as practical methods to extract DNA or RNA and to purify the extracts from nonspecific inhibitors, plus further improvements to minimize cross-contamination. Group-specific detection of enteroviruses and rhinoviruses is an example of the potential for PCR technology. In experienced laboratories. EIA IgG antibody tests should be available. Recombinant antigens may be a useful part of such assays.

Measurement of the branching fraction and CP asymmetry in B+ --> rho+pi0

We report a measurement of the branching fraction for the decay B+ --> rho(+) pi(0) based on a 140 fb(-1) data sample collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric e(+)e(-) collider. We measure the branching fraction B(B(+) --> rho(+)pi(0)) = (13.2 +/- 2.3(stat)(+1.4)(-1.9)(syst)) x 10(-6), and the CP-violating asymmetry A(CP)(B-/+ -->rho(-/+)pi(0))=0.06 +/- 0.17(stat)(+0.04)(-0.05)(syst).

Study of time-dependent CP violation in B0-->J/psipi0 decays

We report a measurement of CP asymmetry parameters in the decay B0(B (0))-->J/psipi(0), which is governed by the b-->cc d transition. The analysis is based on a 140 fb(-1) data sample accumulated at the Upsilon(4S) resonance by the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e(+)e(-) collider. One neutral B meson in the J/psipi(0) final state is fully reconstructed for events used in this analysis. The accompanying B meson flavor is identified by its decay products. From the distribution of proper-time intervals between the two B decays, we obtain the following CP-violating parameters: S(J/psipi(0))=-0.72+/-0.42(stat)+/-0.09(syst) and A(J/psipi(0))=-0.01+/-0.29(stat)+/-0.03(syst).

Observation of B+-->LambdaLambdaK+

We report the first observation of the charmless hyperonic B decay, B+-->LambdaLambdaK+, using a 140 fb(-1) data sample recorded at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB (e+)(e-) collider. The measured branching fraction is B(B+-->LambdaLambdaK+) = (2.91(+0.90)(-0.70) +/- 0.38) x 10(-6). We also perform a search for the related decay mode B+-->LambdaLambdapi+, but do not find a significant signal. We set a 90% confidence-level upper limit of B(B+-->LambdaLambdapi+) < 2.8 x 10(-6).

Evidence for direct CP violation in B0-->K+pi- decays

We report evidence for direct CP violation in the decay B0-->K+pi(-) with 253 fb(-1) of data collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB e(+)e(-) collider. Using 275x10(6) BB pairs we observe a B-->K+/-pi(-/+) signal with 2140+/-53 events. The measured CP violating asymmetry is A(CP)(K+pi(-))=-0.101+/-0.025(stat)+/-0.005(syst), corresponding to a significance of 3.9sigma including systematics. We also search for CP violation in the decays B+-->K+pi(0) and B+-->pi(+)pi(0). The measured CP violating asymmetries are A(CP)(K+pi(0))=0.04+/-0.05(stat)+/-0.02(syst) and A(CP)(pi(+)pi(0))=-0.02+/-0.10(stat)+/-0.01(syst), corresponding to the intervals -0.05<A(CP)(K+pi(0))<0.13 and -0.18<A(CP)(pi(+)pi(0))<0.14 at 90% confidence level.

Correlation between blood group phenotype and virulence properties of Escherichia coli in patients with chronic urinary tract infection

A predisposition to urinary tract infection (UTI) is associated with the expression of P1 as well as the presence of ABO blood group antigen on the boundary layer and with the secretor state. Infectious microorganisms interfere with specific molecules on epithelial cells, these are antigens of the P and ABO blood group system. The blood group phenotype was examined in 53 women (age 42 +/- 12 years) with chronic non-obstructive UTI. The diagnosis was established on the basis of clinical history as well as clinical laboratory and radiological findings. The ABO phenotype and the P1 antigen were analysed by anti-A and anti-B as well as anti-P1 serum. The Lewis phenotyping was performed by incubating erythrocytes with anti-Le(a) and anti-Le(b) serum. In all patients, the blood group status were investigated. The proportion of persons with B-phenotype was 23% (the incidence of this feature in the German population is 14.5%). P1 antigen was found in 76% patients. In comparison with P1 antigen-negative individuals, P1 antigen-positive persons have a longer disease history and suffer more frequently from symptomatic events as well as destructive renal changes. The Le (a)-antigen was detected in 82% and the Le (b)-phenotype was observed in 18% of patients. The blood group phenotypes (ABO, Lewis and P1 antigens) represent an interesting natural aspect of local defence system against the invasive efforts of uropathogens. Antigen structures on uroepithelial cells for example, the glycolipids of the P antigen, serve as receptors for adhesion of microorganisms.

Inclusive measurement of the photon energy spectrum in b --> sgamma decays

We report a fully inclusive measurement of the flavor changing neutral current decay b --> sgamma in the energy range 1.8 GeV < or = E*gamma < or = 2.8 GeV, covering 95% of the total spectrum. Using 140 fb(-1), we obtain B(b --> sgamma) = (3.55+/-0.32(+0.30+0.11)(-0.31-0.07)) x 10(-4), where the errors are statistical, systematic, and from theory corrections. We also measure the first and second moments of the photon energy spectrum above 1.8 GeV and obtain (Egamma) = 2.292+/-0.026+/-0.034 GeV and (E2gamma) - (Egamma)2 = 0.0305+/-0.0074+/-0.0063 GeV2, where the errors are statistical and systematic.

Measurement of the CP asymmetry in B-->Xs gamma

Direct CP violation in the b-->sgamma process is a sensitive probe of physics beyond the standard model. We report a measurement of the CP asymmetry in B-->X(s)gamma, where the hadronic recoil system X(s) is reconstructed using a pseudoreconstruction technique. In this approach there is negligible contamination from b-->dgamma decays, which are expected to have a much larger CP asymmetry. We find A(CP)=0.002+/-0.050(stat)+/-0.030(syst) for B-->X(s)gamma events having recoil mass smaller than 2.1 GeV/c(2). The analysis is based on a data sample of 140 fb(-1) recorded at the upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB e(+)e(-) storage ring.

Study of CP violating effects in time dependent B0(B0)-->D(*)-/+pi+/- decays

We report measurements of time dependent decay rates for B0(B(0))-->D((*)-/+)pi(+/-) decays and extraction of CP violation parameters containing phi(3). Using fully reconstructed D((*))pi events from a 140 fb(-1) data sample collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance, we obtain the CP violation parameters for D(*)pi and Dpi decays, 2R(D((*))pi)sin((2phi(1)+phi(3)+/-delta(D((*))pi)), where R(D((*))pi) is the ratio of the magnitudes of the doubly Cabibbo-suppressed and Cabibbo-favored amplitudes, and delta(D((*))pi) is the strong phase difference between them. Under the assumption of delta(D((*))pi) being close to either 0 degrees or 180 degrees, we obtain |2R(D(*)pi)sin((2phi(1)+phi(3))|=0.060+/-0.040(stat)+/-0.019(syst) and |2R(Dpi)sin((2phi(1)+phi(3))|=0.061+/-0.037(stat)+/-0.018(syst).

Observation of large CP violation and evidence for direct CP violation in B0-->pi(+)pi(-) decays

We report the first observation of CP violation in B0-->pi(+)pi(-) decays based on 152x10(6) gamma (4S)-->BB decays collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e(+)e(-) collider. We reconstruct a B0-->pi(+)pi(-) CP eigenstate and identify the flavor of the accompanying B meson from its decay products. From the distribution of the time intervals between the two B meson decay points, we obtain A(pipi)=+0.58+/-0.15(stat)+/-0.07(syst) and S(pipi)=-1.00+/-0.21(stat)+/-0.07(syst). We rule out the CP-conserving case, A(pipi)=S(pipi)=0, at a level of 5.2 standard deviations. We also find evidence for direct CP violation with a significance at or greater than 3.2 standard deviations for any S(pipi) value.

[Interpretation of increased D-dimer values]

BACKGROUND

The determination of D-dimer concentration is an essential part in the diagnostic procedure of thromboembolic diseases, e.g. deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism. D-dimers are the products of fibrin hydrolysis with elevated levels in fibrinolytic processes.

QUESTION

In the clinical practice problems exist in the interpretation of increased D-dimer concentrations, especially without thromboembolic disease. Before starting further expensive imaging diagnostics other reasons (i.e. pregnancy, neoplasma, systemic inflammatory disease, advanced arteriosclerosis) should be considered in differential diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

The determination of the concentration of D-dimers is involved in the diagnostic strategy in thromboembolic diseases. However, this parameter is not suited for routine screening. Its high predictive-negative value is proved for the exclusion of thrombosis or pulmonary embolism in case of negative test result. Since a range of diseases and physiological conditions lead to increased D-dimer values, a positive D-dimer result does not verify the diagnosis of thromboembolism.

Crystal structure of nonafluoro-{N-[(E)-2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)diazenyl]-phenyl}-1-butanesulfonamide, C16H10F9N3O3S

C16H10F9N3O3S, monoclinic, P121/c1 (No. 14), a = 5.6549(3) Å, b = 12.2550(9) Å, c = 27.170(6) Å, β = 90.446(8)°, V = 1882.8 Å3, Z = 4, Rgt(F) = 0.088, wRref(F2) = 0.261, T = 213 K.