Immunological roads diverged: mapping tuberculosis outcomes in mice.

The journey from phenotypic observation to causal genetic mechanism is a long and challenging road. For pathogens like Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), which causes tuberculosis (TB), host-pathogen coevolution has spanned millennia, costing millions of human lives. Mammalian models can systematically recapitulate host genetic variation, producing a spectrum of disease outcomes.

Genome-wide screen identifies host loci that modulate Mycobacterium tuberculosis fitness in immunodivergent mice.

Genetic differences among mammalian hosts and among strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) are well-established determinants of tuberculosis (TB) patient outcomes. The advent of recombinant inbred mouse panels and next-generation transposon mutagenesis and sequencing approaches has enabled dissection of complex host-pathogen interactions. To identify host and pathogen genetic determinants of Mtb pathogenesis, we infected members of the highly diverse BXD family of strains with a comprehensive library of Mtb transposon mutants (TnSeq).

Genome-wide screen identifies host loci that modulate fitness in immunodivergent mice.

Genetic differences among mammalian hosts and ( ) strains determine diverse tuberculosis (TB) patient outcomes. The advent of recombinant inbred mouse panels and next-generation transposon mutagenesis and sequencing approaches has enabled dissection of complex host- pathogen interactions. To identify host and pathogen genetic determinants of pathogenesis, we infected members of the BXD family of mouse strains with a comprehensive library of transposon mutants (TnSeq).

Differential Requirement for IRGM Proteins during Tuberculosis Infection in Mice.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis () is a bacterium that exclusively resides in human hosts and remains a dominant cause of morbidity and mortality among infectious diseases worldwide. Host protection against infection is dependent on the function of immunity-related GTPase clade M (IRGM) proteins. Polymorphisms in human associate with altered susceptibility to mycobacterial disease, and human IRGM promotes the delivery of into degradative autolysosomes.

IL-1-conferred gene expression pattern in ERα BCa and AR PCa cells is intrinsic to ERα BCa and AR PCa cells and promotes cell survival.

Background: Breast (BCa) and prostate (PCa) cancers are hormone receptor (HR)-driven cancers. Thus, BCa and PCa patients are given therapies that reduce hormone levels or directly block HR activity; but most patients eventually develop treatment resistance. We have previously reported that interleukin-1 (IL-1) inflammatory cytokine downregulates ERα and AR mRNA in HR-positive (HR) BCa and PCa cell lines, yet the cells can remain viable.

A Loss-of-Function Mutation in the Integrin Alpha L () Gene Contributes to Susceptibility to Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium Infection in Collaborative Cross Strain CC042.

is an intracellular bacterium found in the gastrointestinal tract of mammalian, avian, and reptilian hosts. Mouse models have been extensively used to model distinct aspects of human infections and have led to the identification of several host susceptibility genes. We have investigated the susceptibility of Collaborative Cross strains to intravenous infection with serovar Typhimurium as a model of human systemic invasive infection.

A balanced approach to falls prevention: Application in the real world.

Background: Falls place a heavy burden on the health system, impacting on an individual's quality of life, often resulting in a fear of falling, reduction in independence and at times admission to residential care. This study aimed to determine health professionals' confidence in discussing falls prevention strategies, topics discussed and the barriers and enablers to falls prevention discussions with clients aged 60 years and over.

Method: A cross-sectional self-complete online survey was undertaken with a sample of health professionals (n = 191) who had engaged in the services of the Stay On Your Feet programs delivered by the Injury Matters in Western Australia (WA).

Identification of an IL-1-induced gene expression pattern in AR PCa cells that mimics the molecular phenotype of AR PCa cells.

Background: In immunosurveillance, bone-derived immune cells infiltrate the tumor and secrete inflammatory cytokines to destroy cancer cells. However, cancer cells have evolved mechanisms to usurp inflammatory cytokines to promote tumor progression. In particular, the inflammatory cytokine, interleukin-1 (IL-1), is elevated in prostate cancer (PCa) patient tissue and serum, and promotes PCa bone metastasis.

Trends in antibiotic susceptibility of enteric fever isolates in East London.

Background: The study sought evidence for changes in the proportions of antibiotic resistant strains among isolates of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (S. typhi) and Salmonella enterica serovar Paratyphi (S. paratyphi) between 2005 and 2012.

East London experience with enteric fever 2007-2012.

Purpose: The clinical presentation and epidemiology for patients with enteric fever at two hospitals in East London during 2007-2012 is described with the aim to identify preventive opportunities and to reduce the cost of treatment.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of case notes from patients admitted with enteric fever during 2007 to 2012 with a microbiologically confirmed diagnosis was undertaken. Details on clinical presentation, travel history, demographic data, laboratory parameters, treatment, patient outcome and vaccination status were collected.