Comparison of Three Chimeric Zika Vaccine Prototypes Developed on the Genetic Background of the Clinically Proven Live-Attenuated Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine SA-14-2.

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a medically important mosquito-borne orthoflavivirus, but no vaccines are currently available to prevent ZIKV-associated disease. In this study, we compared three recombinant chimeric viruses developed as candidate vaccine prototypes (rJEV/ZIKV, rJEV/ZIKV, and rJEV/ZIKV), in which the two neutralizing antibody-inducing prM and E genes from each of three genetically distinct ZIKV strains were used to replace the corresponding genes of the clinically proven live-attenuated Japanese encephalitis virus vaccine SA-14-2 (rJEV). In WHO-certified Vero cells (a cell line suitable for vaccine production), rJEV/ZIKV exhibited the slowest viral growth, formed the smallest plaques, and displayed a unique protein expression profile with the highest ratio of prM to cleaved M when compared to the other two chimeric viruses, rJEV/ZIKV and rJEV/ZIKV, as well as their vector, rJEV.

Direct visualization of electric-field-stimulated ion conduction in a potassium channel.

Understanding protein function would be facilitated by direct, real-time observation of chemical kinetics in the atomic structure. The selectivity filter (SF) of the K channel provides an ideal model, catalyzing the dehydration and transport of K ions across the cell membrane through a narrow pore. We used a "pump-probe" method called electric-field-stimulated time-resolved X-ray crystallography (EFX) to initiate and observe K conduction in the NaK2K channel in both directions on the timescale of the transport process.

Life after Pelvic Exenteration for Rectal Cancer: The Patient and Carer Perspective on Long Term Consequences and Survivorship.

Objective: To explore the perspectives and experiences of patients and carers living with the long-term consequences of pelvic exenteration.

Summary Background Data: Pelvic exenteration is accepted as the standard of care for selected patients with locally advanced or recurrent rectal cancer. With contemporary 5-year survival reported at 40-60%, the number of long-term survivors is expected to increase.

Severe intensive care unit-acquired hypernatraemia: Prevalence, risk factors, trajectory, management, and outcome.

Background: Severe intensive care unit-acquired hypernatraemia (ICU-AH) is a serious complication of critical illness. However, there is no detailed information on how this condition develops.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to study the prevalence, risk factors, trajectory, management, and outcome of severe ICU-AH (≥155 mmol·L).