Ablation of CCL17-positive hippocampal neurons induces inflammation-dependent epilepsy.

Objective: Neuronal cell death and neuroinflammation are characteristic features of epilepsy, but it remains unclear whether neuronal cell death as such is causative for the development of epileptic seizures. To test this hypothesis, we established a novel mouse line permitting inducible ablation of pyramidal neurons by inserting simian diphtheria toxin (DT) receptor (DTR) cDNA into the Ccl17 locus. The chemokine CCL17 is expressed in pyramidal CA1 neurons in adult mice controlling microglial quiescence.

Influence of plant growth-promoting bacteria on leaf carbon and nitrogen metabolism of two drought-stressed neotropical tree species: a metabolomic approach.

Deforestation of Atlantic Forest has caused prolonged drought events in the last decades. The need for reforestation is growing, and the development of native seedlings that are more tolerant to drought stress is necessary. A biotechnological tool that improves plant tolerance is the use of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) as inoculants.

Co-formulation of the rF1V plague vaccine with depot-formulated cytokines enhances immunogenicity and efficacy to elicit protective responses against aerosol challenge in mice.

This study evaluated a depot-formulated cytokine-based adjuvant to improve the efficacy of the recombinant F1V (rF1V) plague vaccine and examined the protective response following aerosol challenge in a murine model. The results of this study showed that co-formulation of the Alhydrogel-adsorbed rF1V plague fusion vaccine with the depot-formulated cytokines recombinant human interleukin 2 (rhuIL-2) and/or recombinant murine granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (rmGM-CSF) significantly enhances immunogenicity and significant protection at lower antigen doses against a lethal aerosol challenge. These results provide additional support for the co-application of the depot-formulated IL-2 and/or GM-CSF cytokines to enhance vaccine efficacy.

Yellow fever - An old foe with new developments.

Introduction: Yellow fever is caused by an RNA flavivirus. Immunisation in conjunction with vector control is at the forefront of yellow fever control and elimination.

Objective: This narrative review describes the impact and importance of yellow fever vaccinations for northern Australian health practitioners.