Inferring characteristics of bacterial swimming in biofilm matrix from time-lapse confocal laser scanning microscopy.

Biofilms are spatially organized communities of microorganisms embedded in a self-produced organic matrix, conferring to the population emerging properties such as an increased tolerance to the action of antimicrobials. It was shown that some bacilli were able to swim in the exogenous matrix of pathogenic biofilms and to counterbalance these properties. Swimming bacteria can deliver antimicrobial agents in situ, or potentiate the activity of antimicrobial by creating a transient vascularization network in the matrix.

Biodistribution and safety of a live attenuated tetravalent dengue vaccine in the cynomolgus monkey.

Background: The first licensed dengue vaccine is a recombinant, live, attenuated, tetravalent dengue virus vaccine (CYD-TDV; Sanofi Pasteur). This study assessed the biodistribution, shedding, and toxicity of CYD-TDV in a non-human primate model as part of the nonclinical safety assessment program for the vaccine.

Methods: Cynomolgus monkeys were given one subcutaneous injection of either one human dose (5log CCID/serotype) of CYD-TDV or saline control.

Crossing 138: two approaches to churn under the Affordable Care Act.

A predicted side effect of the Medicaid expansion and state-based Exchanges under the Affordable Care Act is churn. Churn is the shifting into and out of eligibility for insurance affordability programs due to income changes. Because the line between Medicaid and Exchange eligibility is fine -138% of the federal poverty level -millions of Americans are expected to gain and lose eligibility.

Trichloroethylene Does Not Accelerate Autoimmune Diabetes in NOD Mice.

Pre-existing or contributing risk factors, including genetic predisposition and environmental influences, are largely thought to play a crucial (though ill-elucidated) role in the development of autoimmunity. Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a widely used organic solvent, which has been suspected of increasing the prevalence of autoimmune diseases, e.g.

Developmental immunotoxicity investigations in the SD rat following pre- and post-natal exposure to cyclosporin.

Background: The development and function of the immune system was assessed in juvenile SD rats following pre- or post-natal exposure to cyclosporin. The main objective was to assess the feasibility of the methods available for the detection of adverse effects on the development of the immune system for use in the safety assessment of medicines.

Methods: In a pre-natal experiment, 15 pregnant rats were given 10 mg/kg/day of cyclosporin by gavage from day 6 of gestation until 4 days after parturition.