RESUMEN
Group A streptococcus (GAS) is a global pathogen associated with significant morbidity and mortality for which there is currently no licensed vaccine. Vaccine development has been slow, mostly due to safety concerns regarding streptococcal antigens associated with autoimmunity and related complications. For a GAS vaccine to be safe, it must be ensured that the antigens used in the vaccine do not elicit an antibody response that can cross-react with host tissues. In this study, we evaluated the safety of our GAS vaccine candidate called VaxiStrep in New Zealand White rabbits. VaxiStrep is a recombinant fusion protein comprised of streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin A (SpeA) and exotoxin B (SpeB), also known as erythrogenic toxins, adsorbed to an aluminum adjuvant. The vaccine elicited a robust immune response against the two toxins in the rabbits without any adverse events or toxicity. No signs of autoimmune pathology were detected in the rabbits' brains, hearts, and kidneys via immunohistochemistry, and serum antibodies did not cross-react with cardiac or neuronal tissue proteins associated with rheumatic heart disease or Sydenham chorea (SC). This study further confirms that VaxiStrep does not elicit autoantibodies and is safe to be tested in a first-in-human trial.
RESUMEN
Delirium is an acute deterioration in attention, conscious state, perception, and cognition of a person. While nurses possess the theoretical understanding of the condition, they lack insight into its early recognition and management. This systematic review aims to understand what factors influence nurses as they care for patients with delirium, and to identify best practices to improve overall clinical care. The Qualitative Evidence Synthesis (QES), as a strategy process to identify gaps in research, formulate new models or strategies for care, underpinned the review. In addition to specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, a methodological assessment, data were analysed using QES, as informed by the Joanna Briggs Institute Review process. Ten studies were identified and synthesised to generate four key themes. The themes included (1) nurse's knowledge deficit; (2) increased workload and stress; (3) safety concerns among nurse when caring for patients with delirium; and (4) strategies used when caring for patients with delirium. Overall, the review has highlighted the need for increased delirium education and coping strategies among nurses to effectively care for patients with delirium. This may be augmented through regular education sessions to provide nurses with the confidence and competence to care for the acutely confused person.
RESUMEN
Beeswax is the natural secretion from the wax gland of the genus Apis mellifera and Apis cerana whereas honey is a by-product of flower nectar and the upper aero-digestive tract of the honey bee. The introduction of beeswax and honey to clinical use dates back to the fourteenth century but subsequently it was restricted to the cosmetic and food industry. With the emerging trend of using natural resources as cure for many diseases, beeswax and honey have regained its popularity in medical field. The presented manuscript describes the production, composition, and attempts to highlight the uses of beeswax, honey, and advances especially in oral and maxillofacial surgery.