Role of non-human primate models in accelerating research and developing countermeasures against Zika virus infection.

Zika virus, a mosquito-transmitted orthoflavivirus, has become a pathogen of global health concern ever since the virus caused an epidemic in Brazil in 2015 associated with approximately 700 000 laboratory-confirmed cases of congenital microcephaly. The subsequent spread of the epidemic in 2016 resulted in a wide spectrum of congenital neurological, ophthalmological, and developmental abnormalities across the Americas, Africa, and Asia. In this context, non-human primate models have become essential tools for Zika virus research to understand the pathogenesis of congenital brain injury and perinatal complications and for developing and testing medical countermeasures such as vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics.

In vitro differentiation of macaque extravillous trophoblasts in a low oxygen environment.

Introduction: Early primate placental development occurs within a low oxygen (O) environment, whereas in vitro differentiation of trophoblasts is performed at supraphysiologic O levels. Macaque trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) are capable of differentiation to extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) in vitro, yet the morphological heterogeneity observed across cells lines necessitates evaluation of optimal culture conditions. Our objectives were to determine the impact of oxygen on the in vitro differentiation of macaque TSCs and to refine the molecular characterization of TSC-differentiated EVTs.

Long-term safety of dexamethasone sodium phosphate encapsulated in autologous erythrocytes in pediatric patients with ataxia telangiectasia.

Background: Dexamethasone sodium phosphate (DSP) encapsulated in autologous erythrocytes (EryDex) was developed as an alternative to standard glucocorticoids in an effort to eliminate chronic steroid toxicity while preserving efficacy. The primary objective of this report is to describe the safety of long-term use of EryDex in treatment of pediatric patients with ataxia telangiectasia.

Methods: This is a post-hoc analysis of patients treated with EryDex for a minimum of 24 months in two prospective clinical trials.

Characterization of Factors Associated With Death in Deceased Patients With Mitochondrial Disorders: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Survey.

Background And Objectives: Mitochondrial disorders are multiorgan disorders resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. We aimed to characterize death-associated factors in an international cohort of deceased individuals with mitochondrial disorders.

Methods: This cross-sectional multicenter observational study used data provided by 26 mitochondrial disease centers from 8 countries from January 2022 to March 2023.

Patient-Provider Prenatal Nutrition Conversations Using a Human Factors Approach.

Objective: To examine patient-provider nutrition conversations at initial prenatal visits.

Design: Convergent mixed methods observational study.

Setting: Two large metropolitan clinics in the midwestern United States.