Modeling strategy to identify patients with primary immunodeficiency utilizing risk management and outcome measurement.

This study seeks to generate analytic insights into risk management and probability of an identifiable primary immunodeficiency defect. The Jeffrey Modell Centers Network database, Jeffrey Modell Foundation's 10 Warning Signs, the 4 Stages of Testing Algorithm, physician-reported clinical outcomes, programs of physician education and public awareness, the SPIRIT® Analyzer, and newborn screening, taken together, generates P values of less than 0.05%.

Linezolid effects on bacterial toxin production and host immune response: review of the evidence.

Background: Linezolid is active against a broad range of gram-positive pathogens and has the potential to also affect production of bacterial toxins and host immune function.

Objective: To assess the evidence for direct effects of linezolid on bacterial toxin synthesis and modulation of host immune responses.

Methods: Literature searches were performed of the PubMed and OVID databases.

The CD40 agonist antibody CP-870,893 enhances dendritic cell and B-cell activity and promotes anti-tumor efficacy in SCID-hu mice.

CD40 is a member of the TNF family of receptors that has been shown to play a crucial role in enhancing dendritic cell activity and fostering anti-tumor immune responses. In this study, we demonstrate the in vitro properties and in vivo efficacious activity of the CD40 agonist antibody, CP-870,893. CP-870,893 is a fully human, IgG2 antibody that selectively interacts with CD40 at a site distinct from its ligand-binding region with a KD of 0.

CCR1 antagonists: what have we learned from clinical trials.

The identification of chemokines and their receptors as potent mediators of leukocyte infiltration raised interest in the potential role of these proteins on disease pathogenesis. This is exemplified by the chemokine receptor, CCR1, which has been shown to be up-regulated in a number of human diseases, the implications of which have been suggested by animal models where inhibition of CCR1 or its ligands have shown beneficial effects. These data support the possibility that a CCR1 antagonist will provide therapeutic benefit to patients with inflammatory diseases.

Growth inhibition of dinoflagellate algae in shake flasks: not due to shear this time!

Large scale algae cultures present interesting challenges in that they exhibit characteristics of typical bacterial and animal cell cultures. One current commercial food additive, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), is produced using the dinoflagellate algae, Crypthecodinium cohnii. Like animal cell culture, the perceived sensitivity of algae culture to hydrodynamic forces has potentially limited the agitation and aeration applied to these systems.