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Vaccinia virus (VACV; genus Orthopoxvirus [OPV]) is used as a lyophilized live virus vaccine against smallpox, variola virus (1). VACV, cowpox virus, and monkey-pox virus are OPVs of concern because [...]

Background An orally aerosolized adenovirus type-5 vector-based coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine (Ad5-nCoV) has recently been authorized for boosting immunization in China. Our study aims to assess the environmental impact of the use of aerosolized Ad5-nCoV. Methods We collected air samples from rooms, swabs from the desks on which the vaccine nebulizer was set, mask samples from participants, and blood samples of nurses who administered the inoculation in the clinical trials. The viral load of adenovirus type-5 vector in the samples and the antibody levels against the wild-type severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) strain in serum were detected. Results Only one (4.00%) air sample collected before initiation of vaccination was positive and most air samples collected during and after vaccination were positive (97.96%, 100%, respectively). All nurses in trial A showed at least 4-fold increase of the neutralizing antibody against SARS-CoV-2 after initiation of the study. In trial B, the proportion of positive mask samples was 72.97% at 30 minutes after vaccination, 8.11% at day 1, and 0% at days 3, 5, and 7. Conclusions Vaccination with the orally aerosolized Ad5-nCoV could result in some spillage of the vaccine vector viral particles in the environment and cause human exposure. Clinical Trials Registration. NCT04840992 and NCT05303584. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To reveal detailed histopathological changes, virus distributions, immunologic properties and multi‐omic features caused by SARS‐CoV‐2 in the explanted lungs from the world's first successful lung transplantation of a COVID‐19 patient. Materials and methods: A total of 36 samples were collected from the lungs. Histopathological features and virus distribution were observed by optical microscope and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Immune cells were detected by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. Transcriptome and proteome approaches were used to investigate main biological processes involved in COVID‐19‐associated pulmonary fibrosis. Results: The histopathological changes of the lung tissues were characterized by extensive pulmonary interstitial fibrosis and haemorrhage. Viral particles were observed in the cytoplasm of macrophages. CD3+CD4− T cells, neutrophils, NK cells, γ/δ T cells and monocytes, but not B cells, were abundant in the lungs. Higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines iNOS, IL‐1β and IL‐6 were in the area of mild fibrosis. Multi‐omics analyses revealed a total of 126 out of 20,356 significant different transcription and 114 out of 8,493 protein expression in lung samples with mild and severe fibrosis, most of which were related to fibrosis and inflammation. Conclusions: Our results provide novel insight that the significant neutrophil/ CD3+CD4− T cell/ macrophage activation leads to cytokine storm and severe fibrosis in the lungs of COVID‐19 patient and may contribute to a better understanding of COVID‐19 pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human infections with vaccinia virus (VACV), mostly from laboratory accidents or contact with infected animals, have occurred since smallpox was eradicated in 1980. No recent cases have been reported in China. We report on an outbreak of VACV from occupational exposure to rabbit skins inoculated with VACV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the key driving force of liver disease progression, resulting in the development of hepatic dysfunction, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The primary aim of therapy is to suppress or eliminate HBV replication to reduce the activity of hepatitis, thus reducing the risk of, or slowing the progression of, liver disease. Nucleos(t)ide analogues (Nucs) may result in rapid suppression of HBV replication with normalization of serum transaminases and restore liver function, thus increasing survival in patients with hepatic decompensation. Long-term Nuc therapy may result in histological improvement or reversal of advanced fibrosis and reduction in disease progression, including the development of HCC. The long-term benefits of a finite course of interferon (IFN)-α therapy also include a sustained and cumulative response, as well as hepatitis B surface antigen seroclearance and reduction in the development of cirrhosis and/or HCC. Pegylated IFN and newer Nucs may achieve better long-term outcomes because of improved efficacy and a low risk of drug resistance. However, treatment outcomes are still far from satisfactory. Understanding the effects of anti-HBV treatment against HCC incidence and recurrence after hepatectomy or liver transplantation is required for further improvement of outcome.