Nanoparticle Vaccine Triggers Interferon-Gamma Production and Confers Protective Immunity against Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus
The swine industry annually suffers significant economic losses caused by porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). Because the available commercial vaccines have limited protective efficacy against epidemic PRRSV, there is an urgent need for innovative solutions. Nanoparticle vaccines induce robust immune responses and have become a promising direction in vaccine development. In this study, we designed and produced a self-assembling nanoparticle vaccine derived from thermophilic archaeal ferritin to combat epidemic PRRSV. First, multiple T cell epitopes targeting viral structural proteins were identified by IFN-γ screening after PRRSV infection. Three different self-assembled nanoparticles with epitopes targeting viral GP3, GP4, and GP5 proteins were constructed and mixed to generate a FeCocktail vaccine. Experiments showed that the FeCocktail vaccine effectively activated CD4 and CD8 T cells and effector memory T cells in mice. Piglets immunized with the FeCocktail vaccine generated specific antibodies and exhibited increased levels of PRRSV-specific IFN-γ produced by functional CD4 and CD8 cells. The FeCocktail also provided protective efficacy against PRRSV challenge, including mitigation of clinical symptoms, reduction of viral loads in serum and lungs, and the alleviation of lung tissue damage. In conclusion, this study offers a promising candidate vaccine for combating epidemic PRRSV, and affirms the utility of nanoparticle protein as a platform for next-generation PRRSV vaccine development.
Participation experiences of indirect victims of child sexual homicide in parole proceedings
Few studies have examined victim participation in parole processes, particularly in countries that have specific procedures for hearing victims' statements in post-conviction proceedings. This study, through in-depth interviews, explores the experiences of seven indirect victims of child sexual homicide, identifying their needs and expectations in a justice system lacking formal mechanisms for their involvement. Results emphasize the necessity for official information for families and the consequent frustration from the absence of formal participation. Parole application becomes a new challenge to the ongoing grieving process, leading to distress responses that may require specialized care. Recommendations about formal mechanisms for victim notification, participation and support during the parole process are noted to acknowledge their experience and emotional impact.
Child and adolescent victims of sexual homicide in Chile between 1998 and 2021: A review of 27 cases and their autopsy reports
Rape followed by murder against children and adolescents is one of the most serious existing crimes. The autopsies of victims of violent crimes can provide fundamental findings for the investigative process and the pursuit of justice. This research conducts a descriptive analysis of the most important findings from the autopsies of 27 cases of children and adolescents who died in Chile between 1998 and 2021 as a result of rape followed by homicide (n = 27), as well as from the judiciary rulings of these cases to gather information related to the perpetrators. It was found that the victims of this crime are mostly girls with an average age of 10, while the perpetrators are primarily single men aged 29 on average, most of whom have not finished high school. A significant relationship was found between the location of the crime and the cause of death and signs of sexual contact, the marital status of the perpetrator and the cause of death, the age of the perpetrator and signs of sexual contact, and the relationship between victim and perpetrator and signs of sexual contact.