Abstract: A scan of F. tularensis genome for homology to a regulatory protein that controls virulence identified gene FTL0552. A knock out mutation in FTL0552 was created using reverse transcriptase PCR and the construct inserted into F. tularensis. This mutant was defective for survival in macrophages and found avirulent in in vivo testing, where the mutant exhibited reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine production, reduced evidence of histopathology in affected tissues, reduced systemic infection, and rapid clearance of the bacterium. In vivo challenge studies with the FTL0552 mutant using the virulent F. tularensis subsp. tularensis SchuS4 strain show an immune response is induced, and protection afforded, after preexposure to the FTL0552 mutant. Microarray studies revealed 148 genes regulated by FTL0552, including genes located within the FPI that are essential for intracellular survival.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is an apparatus, or system, and methodology for power efficient, flexible, data efficient wireless transmission, receipt and interpretation of signals from a patient, such signals reflecting one or more measured physiological and patient specific parameters such as an 10 electrocardiogram, electroencephalogram, electromylogram and/or patient ID. The system includes a mobile transmitter for attachment to a patient, which is a battery powered sensor/transmitter device for transmission of enhanced data transmission rate signals in multiple frequencies within a given frequency band; a receiver for receiving the signals; and a display analysis and/or recording device for interpretation of the 15 received signals. The system operates using a spread spectrum transmission technique which reduces interference with the detection of the transmitted signals.