Activity-dependent FosB gene expression negatively regulates mast cell functions.

Mast cells are innate immune cells that play a crucial role in numerous physiological processes across tissues by releasing pre-stored and newly synthesized mediators in response to stimuli, an activity largely driven by changes in gene expression. Given their widespread influence, dysfunction in mast cells can contribute to a variety of pathologies including allergies, long COVID, and autoimmune and neuroinflammatory disorders. Despite this, the specific transcriptional mechanisms that control mast cell mediator release remain poorly understood, significantly hindering the development of effective therapeutic strategies.

Predictors of Early Failure After Fecal Microbiota Transplantation for the Therapy of Clostridium Difficile Infection: A Multicenter Study.

Objectives: Fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) is a highly efficacious treatment for recurrent or refractory Clostridium difficile infection (CDI); however, 10-20% of patients fail to achieve cure after a single FMT. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors associated with FMT failure and to develop and validate a prediction model for FMT failure.

Methods: Patient characteristics, CDI history, FMT characteristics, and outcomes data for patients treated between 2011 and 2015 at three academic tertiary referral centers were prospectively collected.