Search

In recent years, highly pathogenic avian influenza H5 subtype (HPAI H5) viruses have been prevalent around the world in both avian and mammalian species, causing serious economic losses to farmers. HPAI H5 infections of zoonotic origin also pose a threat to human health. Upon evaluating the global distribution of HPAI H5 viruses from 2019 to 2022, we found that the dominant strain of HPAI H5 rapidly changed from H5N8 to H5N1. A comparison of HA sequences from human- and avian-derived HPAI H5 viruses indicated high homology within the same subtype of viruses. Moreover, amino acid residues 137A, 192I, and 193R in the receptor-binding domain of HA1 were the key mutation sites for human infection in the current HPAI H5 subtype viruses. The recent rapid transmission of H5N1 HPAI in minks may result in the further evolution of the virus in mammals, thereby causing cross-species transmission to humans in the near future. This potential cross-species transmission calls for the development of an H5-specific influenza vaccine, as well as a universal influenza vaccine able to provide protection against a broad range of influenza strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of mobile health holds promises of achieving greater accessibility in the evolving health care sector. The active engagement of private actors drives its growth, while the challenges that exist between health care privatization and equitable access are a concern. This article selects the private internet hospital in China as a case study. It indicates that a market-oriented regulatory mechanism of private mobile health will contribute little to improving health equity from the perspectives of egalitarians and libertarians. By integrating the capability approach and the right to health, it is claimed that mobile health is a means of accessing health care for everyone, where substantive accessibility should be emphasized. With this view, this article provides policy recommendations that reinforce private sector engagement for mobile health, recognizing liberty, equity, and collective responsibility in the Chinese context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines, within China's complex healthcare sector, the extent to which China's legal frameworks can adapt to a data-driven context that requires the reconciliation of public and private interests for the use of health data. Current data-processing mechanisms operate through individual consent, and administrative authorisation in mobile health settings are insufficient and ineffective to meet societal needs while simultaneously protecting individuals' interests. In light of this shift of regulation from individual control to collective governance, this article argues that the principle of the right to health may complement this collective governance model. The right to health principle emphasises solidarity, justice, confidentiality, and collective responsibility, which may balance power asymmetries in the use of health data among different stakeholders. The article proposes a solution that incorporates the state's obligation with private actors' responsibilities, while stressing the importance of data sharing and the fair use of health data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronavirus fusion with and entry into the host cell depends on viral spike, which acts as a crucial component of viral infection. However, the lack of receptor-activated spike intermediate conformation has hindered a comprehensive understanding of spike-induced membrane fusion. Here, we captured an angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)-induced early fusion intermediate conformation (E-FIC) of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike in which heptad repeat 1 (HR1) in S2 has ejected while S1 remains attached. This E-FIC can transition to the late FIC after S2′ cleavage. Leveraging this discovery, we designed an E-FIC-targeted dual-functional antiviral protein, AL5E. AL5E effectively inactivated ACE2-using coronaviruses and inhibited their infection, outperforming a mono-functional antiviral in protecting animals against these coronaviruses. This study has identified the E-FIC and used it as a target for the development of a dual-functional antiviral for the prevention and treatment of ACE2-using coronavirus infection. [Display omitted] • High-resolution structure of SARS-CoV-2 spike's early fusion intermediate (E-FIC) • The E-FIC reveals ACE2-induced S2 structural changes, offering antiviral targets • Developing E-FIC-targeting protein AL5E as a potent HCoV inactivator and inhibitor • AL5E outperforms mono-functional antivirals in protecting against ACE2-using virus An early fusion intermediate conformation of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein induced by ACE2 binding is uncovered. AL5E is an engineered protein that targets this structure, exhibits potent inactivation of ACE2-using coronaviruses, and inhibits their infection, thus revealing a new class of anti-coronavirus targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Goat milk oligosaccharides are complex carbohydrates with a variety of biological functions. Free oligosaccharides from goat milk show more similarity to human milk than cow milk. At present, changes in goat milk glycoconjugates at different parities remain poorly studied. Herein, we qualitatively and quantitatively compared the goat milk glycoprotein N / O -glycome at different parities using a stable isotope labeling followed by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and online hydrophilic interaction chromatography. N -Glycans were mainly fucosylated and nonfucosylated nonsialylated, and both fucosylation and sialylation gradually increased with parity, amounting (at the third parity) to 1.25 times and 3.3 times those of the first parity, respectively. O -Glycans were mostly nonfucosylated and nonsialylated, and sialylation increased with increasing parity, and Neu5Ac-sialylated was up to 9 times higher in the third parity than in the first parity, whereas Neu5Gc-sialylated was 5.5 times higher. This study provides a reference for exploring an alternative milk source closest to human milk and for the development of humanized formula milk.

Human milk oligosaccharides are complex carbohydrates with multibiofunctional health benefits to newborns. Human milk free oligosaccharides (HMOs) are well characterized. However, changes in the N / O -glycome during lactation are poorly reported. Herein, we qualitatively and quantitatively investigated N / O -glycome profiles and their alteration in human milk at different lactation stages. N -Glycans were mainly fucosylated and nonsialylated, nonfucosylated throughout lactation. O -Glycans mainly consisted of sialylated and nonsialylated, nonfucosylated in colostrum and transitional milk, and fucosylated and nonfucosylated, nonsialylated in mature milk. Fucosylated and sialylated N -glycans gradually decreased and increased, respectively, as lactation progressed; O -glycans showed the reverse. Interestingly, changes in HMO abundance decreased during lactation, complementing HMG N / O -glycome changes. In conclusion, temporal HMG glycosylation changes provide the groundwork for developing infant formula that is closer to breast milk at different lactation stages.