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Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a global public health concern, as it is known to cause multiple diseases while also being etiologically associated with a wide range of epithelial and lymphoid malignancies. Currently, there is no available prophylactic vaccine against EBV. gB is the EBV fusion protein that mediates viral membrane fusion and participates in host recognition, making it critical for EBV infection in both B cells and epithelial cells. Here, we present a gB nanoparticle, gB-I53-50 NP, that displays multiple copies of gB. Compared with the gB trimer, gB-I53-50 NP shows improved structural integrity and stability, as well as enhanced immunogenicity in mice and non-human primate (NHP) preclinical models. Immunization and passive transfer demonstrate a robust and durable protective antibody response that protects humanized mice against lethal EBV challenge. This vaccine candidate demonstrates significant potential in preventing EBV infection, providing a possible platform for developing prophylactic vaccines for EBV. [Display omitted] • An EBV gB nanoparticle, gB-I53-50 NP, shows enhanced stability and antigenicity • gB-I53-50 NP elicits robust, potent, and durable protective antibodies in mice and NHPs • Passive transfer from gB-I53-50-NP-immunized NHPs confers protection to humanized mice An effective EBV vaccine is urgently needed but remains elusive. Sun et al. present a gB nanoparticle vaccine with enhanced stability and immunogenicity that elicits robust and durable protective antibodies in preclinical models. Immunization of humanized mice prevents lethal EBV infection, thereby offering a potential strategy for EBV vaccine development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Fire protection in buildings is required to achieve the overall objectives of providing protection to occupants for safe egress, safeguard fire fighting personnel during their intervention activities and to prevent the spread of fire to other property. The form of fire protection in buildings is classified into active and passive types. For structures, conventional codes require passive protection to be provided. Active protection afforded by sprinklers is required in buildings with a higher fire hazard category, such as high rises and industrial occupancies, but they are not considered to replace passive protection. However, many codes allow some relaxation of the passive protection when sprinklers are installed. The ability of sprinklers to control the development of fire has been well demonstrated statistically and in many fire tests. However, unlike passive fire protection, active systems such as sprinklers are mechanisms requiring a certain degree of motion and response in order to work. Hence the reliability of active systems to perform when required is perceived to be lower than passive protection. Using a risk assessment approach, this paper explores the means by which sprinklers may be relied upon in providing protection to structures in order to achieve the desired objectives for fire safety in buildings. © 2013 Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and/or peer-review under responsibility of the Asia-Oceania Association for Fire Science and Technology. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The main objective of the work described in this paper was the development of passive and active protective clothing for the protection of the human skin against accidental laser irradiation and of active protective curtains. Here, the passive systems consist of functional multi-layer textiles, providing a high level of passive laser resistance. In addition, the active functional multi-layer textiles incorporate sensors that detect laser exposure and are, by means of a safety control, able to deactivate the laser beam automatically.Due to the lack of regulations for testing and qualifying textiles to be used as laser PPE, test methods were defined and validated. Additionally, corresponding testing set-ups were developed.Finally, the gap with respect to standardization was bridged by the definition of a test procedure and the requirements with respect to laser PPE.The developments were demonstrated by a set of tailored functional passive and active laser-protective clothing prototypes (gloves, jackets, aprons, trousers) and active curtains as well as by a prototype testing rig, providing the possibility to perform the specified low-power and high-power textile test procedure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) and its counterpart in humans (HRSV) are two closely related virus, which are the leading cause of severe respiratory syndrome in calves and young children, respectively. Passive immunization can be a practical alternative to conventional vaccination in order to prevent the disease. In this report the production of chicken egg yolk IgY and its ability to neutralize BRSV in vitro were assessed. Purified IgY against BRSV specifically recognized BRSV in a dot blot assay and was able to neutralize the virus in a viral neutralization assay. These results demonstrate the potential use of IgY as a prophylactic treatment against RSV infection. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article focuses on the development of the Safe Tractor Assessment and Rating System (STARS), a design-based tractor safety rating system that can be applied to new or used tractors to provide an objective assessment of their inherent safety features. Key principles underlying the system included the potential for design features to reduce the risk of an injury event occurring, and to reduce the risk of injury if such an event did occur. STARS distinguishes well between older tractor models known to have few inherent safety features and newer tractor models known to have higher levels of inherent safety. STARS can provide tractor manufacturers, dealers, and users with information critical for managing tractor-associated injury risk. In Australia, it is initially being implemented within the curriculum of the technical education and training sector. There has been no similar, systematic, independent mechanism to stimulate safety design modifications to tractors. The major tractor-associated injury categories provided a framework for the system. The rating system is divided into six domains: rollover, runover, user protection, information and controls, pedestrian protection, and options.

Reports on the implementation of published guidelines for retrofitting tractors with safe access platforms, which were developed to reduce the risk of serious injuries and deaths associated with mounting and dismounting. Scoring system developed for platform retrofitting; General guidelines for retrofitting of safe access platforms.