Identification of immunogenic outer membrane vesicle vaccine antigen components using a meningococcal protein microarray.

Outer membrane vesicle (OMV)-based vaccines have been employed worldwide in response to epidemic meningococcal disease outbreaks caused by Neisseria meningitidis. The complex composition of OMVs raises challenges in the identification of antigens which contribute to a protective immune response. Here, we measured total IgG antibody binding profiles to a dedicated antigen microarray using human sera from an open-label Phase II trial (NCT00962624) of 4CMenB (Bexsero), a licensed vaccine containing an OMV component.

Preliminary Evidence of Higher Production of LPS-induced Proinflammatory Cytokines in Retired versus Employed Dementia Caregivers.

Objective: Nearly half of all informal (unpaid) family caregivers for patients with Alzheimer's Disease or related dementias (ADRD) are employed. We test competing hypotheses on the role of employment for ADRD spousal caregivers, as some evidence suggests that stress from work and caregiving will have an additive effect. Other evidence suggests that psychological resources generated at work may buffer stress at home.

Tackling immunosuppression by Neisseria gonorrhoeae to facilitate vaccine design.

Gonorrhoea, caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, is a common sexually transmitted infection. Increasing multi-drug resistance and the impact of asymptomatic infections on sexual and reproductive health underline the need for an effective gonococcal vaccine. Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) from Neisseria meningitidis induce modest cross-protection against gonococcal infection.

An investigation of scattered light integrating collector technology for rapid blood culture sensitivity testing.

Sepsis rates are increasing, with Gram-negative organisms representing a large proportion of bloodstream infections. Rapid antibiotic administration, alongside diagnostic investigations, is required for the effective management of these patients. Current diagnostics take ~48 h for a final report; therefore, rapid diagnostics are required.