Studies of methylated CpG ODN from subsp. in a murine model: Implications for treatment of human allergic disease.

Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is currently the most effective immunologic form of treatment for patients with atopic allergic diseases commonly used by allergist/immunologists to reduce allergic symptoms by gradually desensitizing the immune system to specific allergens. Currently, the primary mechanism of AIT emphasizes the crucial role of immune regulation, which involves a shift from a T-helper type 2 (Th2) cell response, which promotes allergy, to a T-regulatory (Treg) cell population, which inhibits the allergic inflammatory response through the production of immunosuppressive cytokines interleukin 10 and transforming growth factor β, which play pivotal roles in suppressing the allergic reaction. In a series of previous in vitro and in vivo experiments, we have demonstrated the capacity of synthetic methylated cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) moieties as well as methylated genomic DNA ODN motifs from Bifidobacterium longum subspecies infantis to activate Treg cell differentiation in contrast to the unmethylated ODN moiety, which promotes proinflammatory responses driven by Th17-mediated responses.

Implantable cardioverter defibrillator deactivation and end-of-life: British Heart Rhythm Society practical consensus guideline.

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are implanted in increasing numbers of patients with the aim of treating ventricular arrhythmias in high-risk patients and reducing their risk of dying. Individuals are also living longer with these devices. As a result, a greater number of patients with an ICD will deteriorate either with worsening cardiac failure, another non-cardiac condition or general frailty and will have a limited prognosis.

Do we still need a canary in the coal mine for laboratory animal facilities? A systematic review of environmental health monitoring versus soiled bedding sentinels.

Introduction: Despite increasing evidence that Environmental Health Monitoring (EHM) is an effective method to perform rodent colony health surveillance, promotes the 3Rs as a Replacement, is comparable or reduces cost, and demonstrates labor benefits, many research institutions continue to use live Soiled Bedding Sentinels (SBS). Some veterinarians and others responsible for rodent colony health monitoring remain cautious of the evidence supporting this new technology. Therefore, our objective was to perform a formal systematic review to identify, summarize, and evaluate the research on the efficacy of EHM as compared to SBS.

Australasian hidradenitis suppurativa management guidelines.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa is a burdensome inflammatory skin disease with significant quality of life impact. These management guidelines were developed to direct appropriate clinical management in the Australasian context. A systematic review was used for the basis of the consensus guidelines.