Flu Archives

Researchers cracking the code of bird flu time bomb

Australian scientists say they have found a safer way to study the bird flu virus, giving researchers a greater chance to solve the H5N1 strain. – Researchers at Griffith University Institute for Glycomics, Queensland led by Professor Mark von Itzstein have developed a technique to ‘crack-the-code’ of the deadly H5N1 avian influenza virus. It will enable influenza virus specialists and drug researchers to interrogate one of the virus’ key surface proteins without risk of infection.

Using deodorant – a low risk of causing cancer

A new report, which combats urban myths, has found that mobile phones, coffee and deodorants are not likely to cause cancer. – New research has allayed some panic about suspected cancer-causing agents, such as deodorants, coffee and artificial sweeteners. A risk assessment tool has been developed through the Cancer Control Program at South Eastern Sydney & Illawarra Health (SESIH) by UNSW researcher, Professor Bernard Stewart.

Bird flu samples negative from Uttar Pradesh, India

35.17 lakh birds culled; 298 rapid response teams in field; and samples from uttar pradesh test negative. – As per the latest report received from the High Security Animal Disease Laboratory, Bhopal, samples of poultry birds collected from Bareilly and Shahjahanpur of Uttar Pradesh, have tested negative. The samples were from the part of the consignment transported from West Bengal.

Chronic drinking can lead to pneumonia after surgery

Consistent alcohol consumption can impair immunity functions following surgery. Study authors recommend that patients considering surgery control their drinking habits, and also be very honest with their doctors about their drinking habits, prior to surgery. – People who drink often have immune-function problems following surgery. For example, patients who consume alcohol long-term have a two- to five-fold greater chance of post-operation infection complications. A new rodent study has found that chronic consumption ? in this case, the equivalent of prolonged moderate drinking ? can result in a more severe form of pneumonia following surgery.

Stress in pregnancy may lead to schizophrenia in offspring

This population-based study suggests that severe stress to a mother during the first trimester may alter the risk of schizophrenia in offspring. This finding is consistent with ecological evidence from whole populations exposed to severe stressors and suggests that environment may influence neurodevelopment at the feto-placental-maternal interface. – Most societies believe that a mother’s psychological state can influence her unborn baby. Children of women who undergo an extremely stressful event-such as the death of a close relative-during the first trimester of pregnancy appear more likely to develop schizophrenia, according to a report in the February issue of Archives of General Psychiatry, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

New bird flu outbreak at Karachi poultry farm, Pakistan

Pakistani authorities culled thousands of birds to control an outbreak of avian flu at poultry farms in the city of Karachi. – A new outbreak of the avian flu in Pakistan reported by the Pakistani authorities, and authorities took steps to cull a large number of birds at a poultry farm in the Karachi city, where 5,500 chickens died of the deadly disease earlier this week.

3 m birds culled in West Bengal, India

Nearly 3 million birds culled in most of the 13 Bird flu affected districts of West Bengal, India.
– Nearly 3 million birds culled in most of the 13 Bird flu affected districts of West Bengal, India. Animal Resources Development Minister Anisur Rahaman told PTI in Berhampore that 27 lakh birds had been culled and the remaining one lakh would be destroyed by today.

European influenza viruses resistant to tamiflu, oseltamivir

Preliminary results from a survey of antiviral drug susceptibility among seasonal influenza viruses circulating in Europe has revealed that some of the A (H1N1) viruses in circulation this winter are resistant to the antiviral drug, oseltamivir (also know by the brand name Tamiflu). – Preliminary surveillance into antiviral drug susceptibility against seasonal flu viruses currently circulating in Europe has revealed that some of the A (H1N1) viruses (13%) have shown resistance to the antiviral drug, oseltamivir (Tamiflu). These viruses however, remain sensitive to the antivirals, zanamivir and amantadine.

Prenatal starvation may lead to addiction later in life

Babies conceived during a period of famine are at risk of developing addictions later in life, according to new research published in the international journal Addiction. – Babies conceived during a period of famine are at risk of developing addictions later in life, and a range of chronic disorders including physical conditions such as coronary heart disease, and psychiatric ones such as schizophrenia and clinical depression.

Bird flu in new areas in West Bengal, India

Bird flu in new areas in West Bengal, India. Samples collected from the Howrah district, Birbhum district and Nadia district have tested positive for Avian Influenza virus. – Bird flu samples collected from the Panchla block of Howrah district, Suri-I, Mayureswar-I and Nanoor blocks of Birbhum district and Kalyani municipality of Nadia district have tested positive for Avian Influenza virus.

Deep brain stimulation may improve memory

Hypothalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery may evoke detailed autobiographical memories. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery, which is used to treat Parkinson?s disease and other movement disorders, is now being studied for its potential to treat a variety of conditions. – A new study found that hypothalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery performed in the treatment of a patient with morbid obesity unexpectedly evoked detailed autobiographical memories.

Secondhand smoke affect cystic fibrosis lung disease

Any exposure to secondhand smoke adversely affects both cross-sectional and longitudinal measures of lung function in individuals with cystic fibrosis CF. Variations in the gene that causes CF (CFTR) and a CF-modifier gene (TGF?1) amplify the negative effects of secondhand smoke exposure. – Exposure to secondhand smoke is associated with adverse effects on lung function among persons with cystic fibrosis, with this effect being worse for persons with certain gene variations, according to a study in the January 30 issue of Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).