T follicular helper cells promote a beneficial gut ecosystem for host metabolic homeostasis by sensing microbiota-derived extracellular ATP

The ATP-gated ionotropic P2X7 receptor regulates T follicular helper (Tfh) cell abundance in the Peyer’s patches (PPs) of the small intestine; deletion of P2rx7, encoding for P2X7, in Tfh cells results in enhanced IgA secretion and binding to commensal bacteria. Here, we show that Tfh cell activity is important for generating a diverse bacterial community in the gut and that sensing of microbiota-derived extracellular ATP via P2X7 promotes the generation of a proficient gut ecosystem for metabolic homeostasis. The results of this study indicate that Tfh cells play a role in host-microbiota mutualism beyond protecting the intestinal mucosa by induction of affinity-matured IgA and suggest that extracellular ATP constitutes an inter-kingdom signaling molecule important for selecting a beneficial microbial community for the host via P2X7-mediated regulation of B cell help

The Bifidobacterium dentium Bd1 Genome Sequence Reflects Its Genetic Adaptation to the Human Oral Cavity

Bifidobacteria, one of the relatively dominant components of the human intestinal microbiota, are considered one of the key groups of beneficial intestinal bacteria (probiotic bacteria). However, in addition to health-promoting taxa, the genus Bifidobacterium also includes Bifidobacterium dentium, an opportunistic cariogenic pathogen. The genetic basis for the ability of B. dentium to survive in the oral cavity and contribute to caries development is not understood. The genome of B. dentium Bd1, a strain isolated from dental caries, was sequenced to completion to uncover a single circular 2,636,368 base pair chromosome with 2,143 predicted open reading frames. Annotation of the genome sequence revealed multiple ways in which B. dentium has adapted to the oral environment through specialized nutrient acquisition, defences against antimicrobials, and gene products that increase fitness and competitiveness within the oral niche. B. dentium Bd1 was shown to metabolize a wide variety of carbohydrates, consistent with genome-based predictions, while colonization and persistence factors implicated in tissue adhesion, acid tolerance, and the metabolism of human saliva-derived compounds were also identified. Global transcriptome analysis demonstrated that many of the genes encoding these predicted traits are highly expressed under relevant physiological conditions. This is the first report to identify, through various genomic approaches, specific genetic adaptations of a Bifidobacterium taxon, Bifidobacterium dentium Bd1, to a lifestyle as a cariogenic microorganism in the oral cavity. In silico analysis and comparative genomic hybridization experiments clearly reveal a high level of genome conservation among various B. dentium strains. The data indicate that the genome of this opportunistic cariogen has evolved through a very limited number of horizontal gene acquisition events, highlighting the narrow boundaries that separate commensals from opportunistic pathogens

New Sites, New Challenges? Ethical and Methodological Questions in the Context of Research on Migration Exclusion

The challenges of research ethics and methodologies have been reflected on extensively, but – aside from the context of feminist methodologies – less so in relation to research on particular migration sites such as in transit, detention centres, at the borders or within migration administration. First attempts in this direction have been made (Düvell et al. 2010, Fresia et al. 2005, Riedner 2014, van Liempt/Bilger2009), however, more reflection and theorization is needed, considering the contested nature of these temporal and volatile sites. In this workshop, we thus aim at examining methodological as well as ethical questions that arise during field work: We attempt to reflect the power relations involved in the research process, the ethics of research design, the dissemination of research results, the question of gaining access to and – whenever necessary – staying in contact with our research subjects. How can we negotiate informed consent with subjects whose life is currently marked by transit and insecurity concerning their own future, and who are in an uncertain situation in which substantial information (legal, social, cultural etc.) is likely to be missing? How do we deal with the dilemma of possibly contributing to knowledge production that might facilitate removals and deportations in the future, considering that the reception of the results is not in the hands of the researchers? How do we deal with the anticipated as well as unexpected impacts of our research on social and political practice? Regarding fieldwork in state institutions, how do we negotiate the multiple loyalties we often find ourselves faced with as social researchers, both with the excluded migrants and with the authorities implementing the exclusions – two groupings considered to be opposite to each other (Lavanchy 2013)? Which different roles do researchers need to take on? The aim of our workshop is first and foremost to exchange experiences on fieldwork with others doing qualitative research on related topics and to consider its possible implications – including affective dimensions – for all participants involved in the research process: the migrants, the security staff of detention centres, its social workers, border police and bureaucrats and, last but not least, the researchers themselves. Furthermore, we generally wish to reflect upon the question of how best to conduct research in this contested field, applying an interdisciplinary perspective

BIOSEGURIDAD E HIGIENE EN LA FORMACIÓN DEL ODONTÓLOGO

La Bioseguridad ocupa un lugar central en la formación de grado ya que la Odontología es considerada una profesión de alto riesgo. Los docentes deben ser protagonistas gestionando y participando en la formación de los estudiantes en ésta área del conocimiento. El objetivo de este trabajo fue conocer los contenidos de Bioseguridad que y como se enseña Bioseguridad, en la carrera de Odontología de la Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina. Para ello se analizaron los programas de todas las asignaturas (n=62) de la carrera y se realizaron entrevistas a profesores de 55 cátedras para conocer qué contenidos de los explicitados se abordan con los alumnos y de qué manera se realiza. Al analizar los programas de las asignaturas (básicas, preclínicas y clínicas) se observó que los contenidos de Bioseguridad están insertos en el 63% de los programas. De la entrevista a los profesores surge que el 60% de las cátedras entrevistadas expresó que les corresponde la enseñanza de Bioseguridad; el 48% de las cátedras expreso que la enseñanza de estos contenidos es sistematizada a lo largo del curso y a que pesar de no figurar en los programas los abordan en las clases teóricas (13%), en los trabajos prácticos (31%) y/o en otras actividades (4%). La Bioseguridad no es un contenido transversal en el plan de estudios, lo que indicaría una falla en la articulación vertical y horizontal entre las cátedras que manifiestan enseñar Bioseguridad.Palabras claves: Bioseguridad, competencia, formación de grado, odontólogos, entrevistas, análisis de programas.ABSTRACTBiosecurity occupies a main place in degree formation since The Dental Medicine is considered to be a profession of high risk. The teachers must be protagonists managing and informing the student `s training in this one area of the knowledge. The aim of this work was to know Biosecurity 's contents teaches and how they are teaches, in the career of dentist of the Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina. We analyzed the programs of all the subjects (n=62) of the career and we realized interviews to teachers of 55 chairs to know what contents presented in programs are approached by the pupils and in what way it was realized. On having analyzed the programs of the subjects (basic, preclínics and clinics chairs) it was observed that Biosecurity 's contents are inserted in 63 % of programs. From the interview to the teachers 60 % of the interviewed chairs expressed that Biosecurity's education corresponds to them; 48 % of them expressed that the education of these contents is systematized along the course and in despite of not appearing in the programs they approach them in the theoretical classes (13 %), in the practical works (31 %) and / or in other activities (4 %). Biosecurity is not a transverse content in the study plan, which would indicate failings in the vertical and horizontal joint among chairs that demonstrate to teach Biosecurity.Key words: Bioseguridad, competition, formation of degree, dentist, interviews, analysis of program

Full Fabrication and Packaging of an Implantable Multi-Panel Device for Monitoring of Metabolites in Small Animals

\u2014In this work, we show the realization of a fully-implantable device for monitoring free-moving small animals. The device integrates a microfabricated sensing platform, a coil for power and data transmission and two custom designed integrated circuits. The device is intended to be implanted in mice, free to move in a cage, to monitor the concentration of metabolites. We show the system level design of each block of the device, and we present the fabrication of the passive sensing platform and its employment for the electrochemical detection of endogenous and exogenous metabolites. Moreover, we describe the assembly of the device to test the biocompatibility of the materials used for the microfabrication. To ensure biocompatibility, an epoxy enhanced polyurethane membrane was used to cover the device. We proved through an in-vitro characterization that the membrane was capable to retain enzyme activity up to 35 days. After 30 days of implant in mice, in-vivo experiments proved that the membrane promotes the integration of the sensor with the surrounding tissue, as demonstrated by the low inflammation level at the implant site

Fabrication and packaging of a fully implantable biosensor

In this work, we showed the realization of a fully- implantable device that integrates a microfabricated sensing platform, a coil for power and data transmission and integrated circuits. We described a device intended to test the biocompati- bility of the materials used for the microfabrication. Therefore, electronics measurements for data communication and remote powering will be reported in another article [1]. To ensure biocompatibility an epoxy enhanced polyurethane membrane was used to cover the device. We proved through an in-vitro characterization that the membrane was capable to retain enzyme activity up to 35 days. After 30 days of implant in mice, in-vivo experiments proved that the membrane promotes the integration of the sensor with the surrounding tissue, as demonstrated by the low inflammation level at the implant sit