Host avian species and environmental conditions influence the microbial ecology of brood parasitic brown-headed cowbird nestlings: What rules the roost?

The role of species interactions, as well as genetic and environmental factors, all likely contribute to the composition and structure of the gut microbiome; however, disentangling these independent factors under field conditions represents a challenge for a functional understanding of gut microbial ecology. Avian brood parasites provide unique opportunities to investigate these questions, as brood parasitism results in parasite and host nestlings being raised in the same nest, by the same parents. Here we utilized obligate brood parasite brown-headed cowbird nestlings (BHCO; Molothrus ater) raised by several different host passerine species to better understand, via 16S rRNA sequencing, the microbial ecology of brood parasitism.

Deficits in Accessibility across Field Research Stations for Scientists with Disabilities and/or Chronic Illness, and Proposed Solutions.

Equity and inclusivity in STEM research has become a larger topic of discussion in recent years; however, researchers and scientists with disabilities and/or chronic illnesses are often missing from these conversations. Further, while field research is a major research component for some STEM disciplines, it is unclear what accessibility barriers or accommodations exist across the field sciences. Field research can sometimes involve harsh environments, topography, and weather that present challenges to those with disabilities and/or chronic illnesses.

Toxoplasma gondii Is Required for Placenta-Specific Induction of the Regulatory Chemokine CCL22 in Human and Mouse.

Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular protozoan pathogen of humans that can cross the placenta and result in adverse pregnancy outcomes and long-term birth defects. The mechanisms used by T. gondii to cross the placenta are unknown, but complex interactions with the host immune response are likely to play a role in dictating infection outcomes during pregnancy.

Human Placental Syncytiotrophoblasts Restrict Attachment and Replication and Respond to Infection by Producing Immunomodulatory Chemokines.

is a major source of congenital disease worldwide, but the cellular and molecular factors associated with its vertical transmission are largely unknown. In humans, the placenta forms the key interface between the maternal and fetal compartments and forms the primary barrier that restricts the hematogenous spread of microorganisms. Here, we utilized primary human trophoblast (PHT) cells isolated from full-term placentas and human midgestation chorionic villous explants to determine the mechanisms by which human trophoblasts restrict and respond to infection.

[The development of allergy to antibiotics].

The paper includes a survey of issues concerning evolution of allergy to antibiotics. Particular attention is paid to penicillin allergy as this antibiotic has been the drug most frequently causing sensitization since 1960s until today, although the frequency of the allergy is continuously decreasing. In addition, the paper deals with the importance of replacing benzyl penicillin with semi-synthetic penicillins and the impact of these process on the nature of immune response (a decrease in the immediate allergy incidence, an increase in the delayed allergy incidence), cross reactions, the significance of the hidden allergen sources.

Contact sensitivity to hair dyes can be detected by the consumer open test.

To avoid allergic reactions to hair dyes, an open test ("skin sensitivity test" or "dab test") is recommended 48 hours before the hair colouring procedure. We have investigated in a multicenter study, under standardized conditions and medical supervision, the validity of this test as a practical method to detect allergy to paraphenylenediamine (PPD)-containing hair dyes in 30 PPD patch test-positive and 30 PPD patch test-negative subjects. A defined volume of a marketed hair colouring product containing 1.

Allergy to tetramethylthiuram disulphide, a component of pesticides and rubber.

Since 1970 patch tests have been carried out on 39,420 consecutive patients with contact dermatitis using two rubber accelerators: dimercaptobenzothiazole (2-MBT) and tetramethylthiuram disulphide (TMTD). The second substance is also a component of pesticides. Over the years, the incidence of sensitivity to these substances was similar.

[Changeability of respiratory tract and skin symptoms in patients with asthma-prurigo syndrome under the influence of emotional and environmental factors].

In a group of 228 patients suffering from asthma-prurigo syndrome the influence of emotional state, permanent residence and season time on dynamic of the clinical symptoms were studied. The evaluation of emotional state in 80 adult patients was carried-out by means of Eysenck Personality Inventory. The emotional state had less negative influence on the exacerbation of the symptoms upon children then in adults (especially on their skin symptoms).

[Some clinical symptoms and allergens on asthma-prurigo syndrome].

The group of 146 patients suffering from asthma-prurigo syndrome (85 adults and 64 children) have been inquired in many various clinical centers. It was established that in 79.6% of the patients the first symptoms of illness appeared already in infancy and only 28.