Revisiting the resilience of Late Archaic hunter-gatherers along the Georgia coast

Publication date: September 2016
Source:Journal of Anthropological Archaeology, Volume 43
Author(s): John A. Turck, Victor D. Thompson
This paper addresses fisher-hunter-gatherer settlement and subsistence variability of the Georgia Coast during the Archaic-Woodland transition, framed within ideas derived from Resilience Theory, and focusing on systemic shifts, or "collapse." A critical examination of these shifts is needed to understand how communities experience change differentially, which in turn can lead to differential community resilience. Analysis of site file and radiocarbon date databases, as well as Bayesian modeling on a subset of dates, was performed at multiple scales and within distinct micro-environmental habitats. Results indicate that as sea levels dropped, there was continuity in Late Archaic occupation within deltaic areas of the coast, with intensive shellfishing occurring earlier (∼5000cal. BP) and lasting longer (∼3500cal. BP). In certain habitats, occupation may have continued into the following Early Woodland period. In non-deltaic areas, shellfishing occurs between 4500 and 3800cal. BP, followed by subsistence changes and population movement. However, some of the post-3800cal. BP occupations were fairly substantial. This differential experience of change between deltaic and non-deltaic areas was not accompanied by collapse: both areas had resilient communities. We conclude that inter-village relationships developed during the early Late Archaic period continued into the terminal portion, leading to resilience in the face of change.



from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1TUUU6S
via IFTTT

Holocene cold storage practices on the eastern Snake River Plain: A risk-mitigation strategy for lean times

Publication date: September 2016
Source:Journal of Anthropological Archaeology, Volume 43
Author(s): David A. Byers, L. Suzann Henrikson, Ryan P. Breslawski
Previous archaeological research in southern Idaho has suggested that climate change over the past 8000years was not dramatic enough to alter long-term subsistence practices in the region. However, recent isotopic analyses of bison remains from cold storage caves on the Snake River Plain contest this hypothesis. These results, when examined against an archaeoclimate model, suggest that cold storage episodes coincided with drier, warmer phases that likely reduced forage and water, and thus limited the availability of bison on the open steppe. Within this context we build a risk model to illustrate how environment might have motivated cold storage behaviors. Caching bison in cold lava tubes would have mitigated both intra-annual and inter-annual food shortages under these conditions. Our analysis also suggests that skeletal fat, more than meat, may have influenced the selection, transport and storage of bison carcass parts. Deciphering when and how cold storage caves were utilized can ultimately provide a more comprehensive understanding of foraging behaviors in a broad range of hunting-gathering economies.



from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1TPFD1Q
via IFTTT

Apricot Kernel Oil Ameliorates Cyclophosphamide-Associated Immunosuppression in Rats

Abstract

The effects of dietary apricot kernel oil (AKO), which contains high levels of oleic and linoleic acids and lower levels of α-tocopherol, were evaluated in a rat model of cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression. Rats had intraperitoneal injection with cyclophosphamide to induce immunosuppression and were then infused with AKO or normal saline (NS) for 4 weeks. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to detect antimicrobial factors in lymphocytes and anti-inflammatory factors in hepatocytes. Hematoxylin & eosin staining was conducted prior to histopathological analysis of the spleen, liver, and thymus. Significant differences were observed between the immune functions of the healthy control group, the normal saline group, and the AKO group. Compared to the normal saline-treated group, lymphocytes isolated from rats administered AKO showed significant improvement in immunoglobulin (Ig)A, IgM, IgG, interleukin (IL)-2, IL-12, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels (p < 0.01). Liver tissue levels of malondialdehyde and activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase indicated reduced oxidative stress in rats treated with AKO (p < 0.01). Dietary AKO positively affected rat growth and inhibited cyclophosphamide-associated organ degeneration. These results suggested that AKO may enhance the immune system in vivo. These effects may reflect the activities of intermediate oleic and linoleic acid metabolites, which play a vital role in the immune system, and the α-tocopherol in AKO may further enhance this phenomenon. Thus, the use of AKO as a nutritional supplement can be proposed to ameliorate chemotherapy-associated immunosuppression.

from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/22Fwdvy
via IFTTT

A Rapid Strategy for the Isolation of New Faustoviruses from Environmental Samples Using Vermamoeba vermiformis

We describe here the latest advances in viral isolation for the characterization of new genotypes of Faustovirus, a new asfarvirus-related lineage of giant viruses. This protocol can be applied to the high throughput isolation of viruses, especially giant viruses infecting amoeba.

from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1U5qNYG
via IFTTT

RNA Purification from Intracellularly Grown Listeria monocytogenes in Macrophage Cells

Here we describe a method for bacterial RNA isolation from Listeria monocytogenes bacteria growing inside murine macrophages. This technique can be used with other intracellular pathogens and mammalian host cells.

from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1U5qi0F
via IFTTT

Venous anomaly analogous to vertical embryonic positioning of the straight sinus associated with atretic cephalocele at the suboccipital region

Abstract

Background

The coexistence of venous anomalies, such as vertical embryonic positioning of the straight sinus (VEP of SS), has been reported in patients with atretic cephalocele (AC). VEP of SS has been exclusively encountered when the AC is found above the torcular.

Clinical presentation

We report a patient with suboccipital AC associated with venous anomalies analogous to VEP of SS, consisted of the Galenic venous system which did not drain into the straight sinus in the tentorium, but into the falcine sinus instead. Differences with VEP of SS in our case had no anatomical relationship between the falcine sinus and the suboccipital AC and no large cerebrospinal fluid space around the falcine sinus. A detailed neuroradiological examination was helpful for detecting these minute anomalies.

from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1sWJa7C
via IFTTT

Syndrome of transient headache with neurologic deficits and cerebrospinal fluid lymphocytosis: SPECT usefulness in the diagnosis

from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1Y8jBwI
via IFTTT

Delayed diagnosis of cervical spinal cord transection without radiographic abnormality in a 3-year-old child after a motor vehicle accident

from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1sWJ6Vz
via IFTTT

Real-World Effectiveness and Safety of a Live-Attenuated Herpes Zoster Vaccine: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Abstract

Herpes zoster (HZ) is a common, painful and debilitating disease caused by the reactivation of latent varicella-zoster virus in ganglia. This clinical event occurs more frequently in the elderly and those who are immunocompromised. The most common complication of HZ is post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) which is responsible for the highest HZ-related burden of illness and is challenging to treat. Due to the important clinical and economic impact of HZ and PHN, and the suboptimal treatments that are currently available, HZ vaccination is an important approach to reduce the burden of illness. Currently, one-dose, live-attenuated vaccine is licensed in the United States and Europe to prevent HZ and it is included in some national immunization programs. The clinical efficacy, safety and tolerability of the vaccine has been demonstrated in two large phase III clinical trials, involving more than 38,000 and 22,000 individuals aged ≥60 and 50–59 years, respectively. This comprehensive review summarizes the extensive "real-world" effectiveness and safety data from both immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals. These data confirm those from the clinical trials, supporting the use of HZ vaccine in clinical practice and provide evidence that the current recommendations for immunocompromised individuals should be revised.

Funding

Funding for the editorial assistance, article processing charges, and open access fee for this publication was provided by Sanofi Pasteur MSD.

from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1ssQgAU
via IFTTT

Multiple efficacy studies of an adenovirus-vectored foot-and-mouth disease virus serotype A24 subunit vaccine in cattle using homologous challenge

Publication date: 8 June 2016
Source:Vaccine, Volume 34, Issue 27
Author(s): Christopher Schutta, José Barrera, Melia Pisano, Laszlo Zsak, Marvin J. Grubman, Gregory A. Mayr, Mauro P. Moraes, Barbara J. Kamicker, David A. Brake, Damodar Ettyreddy, Douglas E. Brough, Bryan T. Butman, John G. Neilan
The safety and efficacy of an experimental, replication-deficient, human adenovirus-vectored foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) serotype A24 Cruzeiro capsid-based subunit vaccine (AdtA24) was examined in eight independent cattle studies. AdtA24 non-adjuvanted vaccine was administered intramuscularly to a total of 150 steers in doses ranging from approximately 1.0×10⁸ to 2.1×10¹¹ particle units per animal. No detectable local or systemic reactions were observed after vaccination. At 7 days post-vaccination (dpv), vaccinated and control animals were challenged with FMDV serotype A24 Cruzeiro via the intradermal lingual route. Vaccine efficacy was measured by FMDV A24 serum neutralizing titers and by protection from clinical disease and viremia after challenge. The results of eight studies demonstrated a strong correlation between AdtA24 vaccine dose and protection from clinical disease (R²=0.97) and viremia (R²=0.98). There was also a strong correlation between FMDV A24 neutralization titers on day of challenge and protection from clinical disease (R²=0.99). Vaccination with AdtA24 enabled differentiation of infected from vaccinated animals (DIVA) as demonstrated by the absence of antibodies to the FMDV nonstructural proteins in vaccinates prior to challenge. Lack of AdtA24 vaccine shedding after vaccination was indicated by the absence of neutralizing antibody titers to both the adenovector and FMDV A24 Cruzeiro in control animals after co-mingling with vaccinated cattle for three to four weeks. In summary, a non-adjuvanted AdtA24 experimental vaccine was shown to be safe, immunogenic, consistently protected cattle at 7 dpv against direct, homologous FMDV challenge, and enabled differentiation of infected from vaccinated cattle prior to challenge.



from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1U1hwzC
via IFTTT

Control of Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus tick infestations in rabbits vaccinated with the Q38 Subolesin/Akirin chimera

Publication date: 8 June 2016
Source:Vaccine, Volume 34, Issue 27
Author(s): Marinela Contreras, José de la Fuente
Diseases transmitted by ticks greatly impact human and animal health and their control is important for the eradication of tick-borne diseases. Vaccination is an environmentally friendly alternative for tick control. Recent results have suggested that Subolesin/Akirin (SUB/AKR) are good candidate antigens for the control of arthropod vector infestations. Here, we describe the effect of vaccination with the Q38 chimera containing SUB/AKR conserved protective epitopes on Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus tick larval mortality, feeding and molting. We demonstrated that Q38 vaccination had an efficacy of 99.9% and 46.4% on the control of I. ricinus and D. reticulatus larvae by considering the cumulative effect on reducing tick survival and molting. The effect of the Q38 vaccine on larval feeding and molting is essential to reduce tick infestations and supports that Q38 might be a candidate universal antigen for the control of multiple tick species that can infest the same host.



from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1ssQ5pg
via IFTTT

Editorial Board/Aims and Scope

Publication date: 8 June 2016
Source:Vaccine, Volume 34, Issue 27





from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1U1ibkF
via IFTTT

A population profile of measles susceptibility in Tianjin, China

Publication date: 8 June 2016
Source:Vaccine, Volume 34, Issue 27
Author(s): Matthew L. Boulton, Xiexiu Wang, Ying Zhang, JoLynn P. Montgomery, Abram L. Wagner, Bradley F. Carlson, Yaxing Ding, Xiaoyan Li, Brenda Gillespie, Xu Su
BackgroundMeasles is a highly infectious illness requiring herd immunity of 95% to interrupt transmission. Measles is targeted for elimination in China, which has not reached elimination goals despite high vaccination coverage. We developed a population profile of measles immunity among residents aged 0–49 years in Tianjin, China.MethodsParticipants were either from community population registers or community immunization records. Measles IgG antibody status was assessed using dried blood spots. We examined the association between measles IgG antibody status and independent variables including urbanicity, sex, vaccination, measles history, and age.Results2818 people were enrolled. The proportion measles IgG negative increased from 50.7% for infants aged 1 month to 98.3% for those aged 7 months. After 8 months, the age of vaccination eligibility, the proportion of infants and children measles IgG negative decreased. Overall, 7.8% of participants 9 months of age or older lacked measles immunity including over 10% of those 20–39 years. Age and vaccination status were significantly associated with measles IgG status in the multivariable model. The odds of positive IgG status were 0.337 times as high for unvaccinated compared to vaccinated (95% CI: 0.217, 0.524).ConclusionsThe proportion of persons in Tianjin, China immune to measles was lower than herd immunity threshold with less than 90% of people aged 20–39 years demonstrating protection. Immunization programs in Tianjin have been successful in vaccinating younger age groups although high immunization coverage in infants and children alone would not provide protective herd immunity, given the large proportion of non-immune adults.



from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1ssPK62
via IFTTT

Emergence of antigenic variants within serotype A FMDV in the Middle East with antigenically critical amino acid substitutions

Publication date: 8 June 2016
Source:Vaccine, Volume 34, Issue 27
Author(s): Mana Mahapatra, Bob Statham, Yanmin Li, Jef Hammond, David Paton, Satya Parida
A new immunologically distinct strain (A-Iran-05) of foot-and-mouth disease virus serotype A emerged in the Middle East in 2003 that replaced the previously circulating strains (A-Iran-96 and A-Iran-99) in the region. This resulted in introduction of a new vaccine of this strain (A/TUR/2006) in 2006. Though this vaccine strain has been predominantly used to control FMD in the region, recent viruses isolated in 2012 and 2013 have shown antigenic drift and a poor match with it. In this study, we report the antigenic matching results and capsid sequence data of currently circulating viruses belonging to the SIS-10 and SIS-12 sub-lineages of A-Iran-05 (isolated in 2012 and 2013), highlighting the inadequacy of the currently used serotype A vaccines. Implications of these results in the context of FMD control in the Middle East are discussed.



from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1U1hvM4
via IFTTT

Effect of high and low levels of maternally derived antibodies on porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) infection dynamics and production parameters in PCV2 vaccinated pigs under field conditions

Publication date: 8 June 2016
Source:Vaccine, Volume 34, Issue 27
Author(s): Hua Feng, Joaquim Segalés, Lorenzo Fraile, Sergio López-Soria, Marina Sibila
The present study aimed to compare the efficacy of a porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) commercial vaccine in terms of average daily weight gain (ADWG) as well as infection dynamics in pigs with different maternally derived antibody (MDA) levels. A total of 337 animals from a PCV2 subclinically infected farm were distributed into two groups based on weight and PCV2 antibody levels (high [H] or low [L]) at 2 weeks of age. One week later, these animals were subdivided in four groups according to the treatment received. Vaccinated pigs (H-V and L-V) received 1mL of a commercial vaccine and NV (H-NV and L-NV) received 1mL of PBS. All piglets were subsequently bled at 7, 12, 18, 22 and 25 weeks of age and weighted at 12 and 25 weeks of age. V animals showed significantly lower PCV2 infection rates and viral load as well as higher ELISA S/P ratios and ADWG than NV ones. Compared with H-V piglets, L-V pigs showed numerically lower PCV2 infection rates, lower area under the curve of viral load, an earlier seroconversion and a numerically, but not significantly, higher ADWG. In this study, MDA did not seem to interfere with the effect of PCV2 vaccination on ADWG. However, only when a small subpopulation of pigs with the highest ELISA S/P ratios at vaccination was considered, an apparent interference of vaccine efficacy on ADWG was noticed. Therefore, the impact of the putative interference under field conditions is probably negligible for most farms.



from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1ssPqEf
via IFTTT

Impact of enterovirus and other enteric pathogens on oral polio and rotavirus vaccine performance in Bangladeshi infants

Publication date: 8 June 2016
Source:Vaccine, Volume 34, Issue 27
Author(s): Mami Taniuchi, James A. Platts-Mills, Sharmin Begum, Md Jashim Uddin, Shihab U. Sobuz, Jie Liu, Beth D. Kirkpatrick, E. Ross Colgate, Marya P. Carmolli, Dorothy M. Dickson, Uma Nayak, Rashidul Haque, William A. Petri, Eric R. Houpt
BackgroundOral polio vaccine (OPV) and rotavirus vaccine (RV) exhibit poorer performance in low-income settings compared to high-income settings. Prior studies have suggested an inhibitory effect of concurrent non-polio enterovirus (NPEV) infection, but the impact of other enteric infections has not been comprehensively evaluated.MethodsIn urban Bangladesh, we tested stools for a broad range of enteric viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi by quantitative PCR from infants at weeks 6 and 10 of life, coincident with the first OPV and RV administration respectively, and examined the association between enteropathogen quantity and subsequent OPV serum neutralizing titers, serum rotavirus IgA, and rotavirus diarrhea.ResultsCampylobacter and enterovirus (EV) quantity at the time of administration of the first dose of OPV was associated with lower OPV1-2 serum neutralizing titers, while enterovirus quantity was also associated with diminished rotavirus IgA (−0.08 change in log titer per tenfold increase in quantity; P=0.037), failure to seroconvert (OR 0.78, 95% CI: 0.64–0.96; P=0.022), and breakthrough rotavirus diarrhea (OR 1.34, 95% CI: 1.05–1.71; P=0.020) after adjusting for potential confounders. These associations were not observed for Sabin strain poliovirus quantity.ConclusionIn this broad survey of enteropathogens and oral vaccine performance we find a particular association between EV carriage, particularly NPEV, and OPV immunogenicity and RV protection. Strategies to reduce EV infections may improve oral vaccine responses.ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01375647.



from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1U1hYxK
via IFTTT

Vaccination against H5 avian influenza virus induces long-term humoral immune responses in flamingoes (Phoenicopterus spp.)

Publication date: 8 June 2016
Source:Vaccine, Volume 34, Issue 27
Author(s): Hugo Fernández-Bellon, Júlia Vergara-Alert, Vanessa Almagro, Raquel Rivas, Azucena Sánchez, María Carmen Martínez, Natàlia Majó, Núria Busquets, Antonio Ramis
Avian influenza (AI) can represent a threat to endangered wild birds, as demonstrated with the H5N1 highly pathogenic AI (HPAI) outbreaks. Vaccination against AI using inactivated H5-vaccines has been shown to induce humoral immune response in zoo bird species. In this study, the long-term efficacy of H5-vaccination was evaluated in flamingoes from Barcelona Zoo. Specific H5-antibody titres were maintained at high levels (geometric mean titres ≥32) for over 7 years after vaccination, both against the H5N9 and H5N3 vaccine strains, as well as H5N3 and H5N1 reference strains. In addition the breadth of the immune response was also studied by testing antibody production against H1-, H3-, H4-, H7-, and H10-subtypes. It was observed that most flamingoes presented specific antibodies against H1 virus subtypes, but titres to the other HA-subtypes were rarely detected. We show that AI-vaccines can induce immunity lasting seven years in flamingoes, which suggests that vaccination can provide long term protection from HPAI outbreaks in zoo birds.



from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1ssPnIz
via IFTTT

Immune effects of the vaccine of live attenuated Aeromonas hydrophila screened by rifampicin on common carp (Cyprinus carpio L)

Publication date: 8 June 2016
Source:Vaccine, Volume 34, Issue 27
Author(s): Xinyu Jiang, Chao Zhang, Yanjing Zhao, Xianghui Kong, Chao Pei, Li Li, Guoxing Nie, Xuejun Li
Aeromonas hydrophila, as a strong Gram-negative bacterium, can infect a wide range of freshwater fish, including common carp Cyprinus carpio, and cause the huge economic loss. To create the effective vaccine is the best way to control the outbreak of the disease caused by A. hydrophila. In this study, a live attenuated A. hydrophila strain, XX1LA, was screened from the pathogenic A. hydrophila strain XX1 cultured on medium containing the antibiotic rifampicin, which was used as a live attenuated vaccine candidate. The immune protection of XX1LA against the pathogen A. hydrophila in common carp was evaluated by the relative percent survival (RPS), the specific IgM antibody titers, serum lysozyme activity and the expression profiles of multiple immune-related genes at the different time points following immunization. The results showed that the variable up-regulations of the immune-related genes, such as the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β, the chemokine IL-10 and IgM, were observed in spleen and liver of common carp injected in the vaccines with the formalin-killed A. hydrophila (FKA) and the live attenuated XX1LA. Specific antibody to A. hydrophila was found to gradually increase during 28 days post-vaccination (dpv), and the RPS (83.7%) in fish vaccinated with XX1LA, was significant higher than that (37.2%) in fish vaccinated with FKA (P<0.05) on Day 28 after challenged by pathogen. It was demonstrated that the remarkable immune protection presented in the group vaccinated with XX1LA. During the late stage of 4-week immunization phase, compared with FKA and the control, specific IgM antibody titers significantly increased (P<0.05) in the XX1LA group. The activity of the lysozyme in serum indicated no significant change among three groups. In summary, the live attenuated bacterial vaccine XX1LA, screened in this study, indicates the better protect effect on common carp against A. hydrophila, which can be applied in aquaculture of common carp to prevent from the disease outbreak in the future.



from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1U1ioEv
via IFTTT

Heparan sulfates targeting increases MHC class I- and MHC class II-restricted antigen presentation and CD8+ T-cell response

Publication date: 8 June 2016
Source:Vaccine, Volume 34, Issue 27
Author(s): Delphine Knittel, Adeline Gadzinski, Stéphane Hua, Jordan Denizeau, Alexandra Savatier, Philippe de la Rochère, Jean-Claude Boulain, Sebastian Amigorena, Eliane Piaggio, Christine Sedlik, Michel Léonetti
Heparan sulfates (HS) are carbohydrate moieties of HS proteoglycans (HSPGs). They often represent alternative attachment points for proteins or microorganisms targeting receptors. HSPGs, which are ubiquitously expressed, thereby participate in numerous biological processes. We previously showed that MHC class II-restricted antigen presentation is increased when antigens are coupled to HS ligands, suggesting that HSPGs might contribute to adaptive immune responses. Here, we examined if HSPG targeting influences other aspects of immune responses. We found that coupling of an HS ligand to the antigen increases antigen presentation to CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T-cells after antigen targeting to membrane immunoglobulins or to MHC-II molecules. Moreover, this increased stimulating capacity correlates with an enhanced CD8⁺ immune response in mice. Last, animals control more effectively the growth of Ova-expressing tumour cells when they are immunized with an Ova construct targeting HSPGs and MHC-II molecules. Our results indicate that ubiquitous molecules can influence both MHC class I- and MHC class II-restricted antigen presentation and behave as co-receptors during T-cell stimulation. Moreover, they suggest that tumour-antigens endowed with the ability to target both HSPGs and MHC-II molecules could be of value to increase CD8⁺ immune response and control tumour-growth, opening new perspectives for the design of highly immunogenic protein-based vaccines.



from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1U1i3BF
via IFTTT

CRACC-targeting Fc-fusion protein induces activation of NK cells and DCs and improves T cell immune responses to antigenic targets

Publication date: 8 June 2016
Source:Vaccine, Volume 34, Issue 27
Author(s): Yasser A. Aldhamen, David P.W. Rastall, Weimin Chen, Sergey S. Seregin, Cristiane Pereira-Hicks, Sarah Godbehere, Norbert E. Kaminski, Andrea Amalfitano
The CD2-like receptor activating cytotoxic cell (CRACC) receptor is a member of the SLAM family of receptors that are found on several types of immune cells. We previously demonstrated that increasing the abundance of the adaptor protein EAT-2 during vaccination enhanced innate and adaptive immune responses to vaccine antigens. Engagement of the CRACC receptor in the presence of the EAT-2 adaptor generally results in immune cell activation, while activating CRACC signaling in cells that lack EAT-2 adaptor inhibits their effector and regulatory functions. As EAT-2 is the only SAP adaptor that interacts with the CRACC receptor, we hypothesized that technologies that specifically modulate CRACC signaling during vaccination may also improve antigen specific adaptive immune responses. To test this hypothesis, we constructed a CRACC-targeting Fc fusion protein and included it in vaccination attempts. Indeed, mice co-vaccinated with the CRACC-Fc fusion protein and an adenovirus vaccine expressing the HIV-Gag protein had improved Gag-specific T cell responses, as compared to control mice. These responses are characterized by increased numbers of Gag-specific tetramer+ CD8+ T cells and increases in production of IFNγ, TNFα, and IL2, by Gag-specific CD8+ T cells. Moreover, our results revealed that use of the CRACC-Fc fusion protein enhances vaccine-elicited innate immune responses, as characterized by increased dendritic cells (DCs) maturation and IFNγ production from NK cells. This study highlights the importance of CRACC signaling during the induction of an immune response generally, and during vaccinations specifically, and also lends insight into the mechanisms underlying our prior results noting EAT-2-dependent improvements in vaccine efficacy.



from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1ssPMee
via IFTTT

Low level lead exposure and pregnancy outcomes in an observational birth cohort study: dose–response relationships

National and international guidelines on safe levels for blood Pb in pregnancy focus on a threshold above which exposure is of concern. However, it has recently been suggested that the decrease in birth weight...

from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1sVX89O
via IFTTT

The source of SYBR green master mix determines outcome of nucleic acid amplification reactions

Quantitative (q) PCR by amplification of nucleic acid with a fluorescent dye is widely used. Selection of adequate PCR reagents and devices is relevant to achieve reliable and consistent data. Our main objecti...

from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1VDvOc6
via IFTTT