Diel rhythmicity of field responses to synthetic pheromonal or floral lures in the western corn rootworm Diabrotica v. virgifera

Western corn rootworm (WCR) ( Diabrotica v. virgifera Le Conte) (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) adults were attracted only during daytime hours and showed a bimodal diel activity pattern when responding to the synthetic floral bait in the field. On the other hand, to the synthetic pheromone bait, good responses were recorded apart from daytime hours also well into the night. The present results suggest that in WCR the pheromonal communication channel and the channel connected with feeding (= floral lure) are separated

Sebocytes contribute to skin inflammation by promoting the differentiation of Th17 cells

BACKGROUND: The main function of sebocytes is considered to be the lipid production for moisturizing the skin. However, it became recently apparent that sebocytes release chemokines and cytokines and respond to pro-inflammatory stimuli as well as presence of bacteria. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the functional communication between human sebocytes and T cells. METHODS: Immunofluorescence stainings for CD4 and IL-17 were performed on acne sections and healthy skin. Migration assays and T cell stimulation cultures were performed with supernatants derived from unstimulated or pre-stimulated SZ95 sebocytes. DCs were generated in presence of SZ95 supernatant and subsequently used in mixed leukocyte reactions. RESULTS: We could show that CD4+IL-17+ T cells accumulate around the pilosebaceous unit and are in close contact with sebocytes in acne lesions. By using SZ95 sebocyte supernatant, we demonstrate a chemotactic effect of sebocytes on neutrophils, monocytes and T cells in a CXCL-8 dependent manner. Furthermore, sebocyte supernatant induces the differentiation of CD4+ CD45RA+ naive T cells into Th17 cells via the secretion of IL-6, TGF-beta and, most importantly, IL-1beta. No direct effects of sebocytes on the function of CD4+ CD45RO+ memory T cells were detected. Moreover, sebocytes functionally interact with Propionibacterium acnes in the maturation of dendritic cells leading to antigen presenting cells that preferentially prime Th17 cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides evidence that human sebocytes actively participate in inflammatory processes in the skin by recruiting and communicating with immune cells. This interaction leads to the generation of Th17 cells that might contribute not only to the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris, but to several inflammatory skin diseases. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved

Sebum lipids influence macrophage polarization and activation

BACKGROUND: As lipids are known to regulate macrophage functions it is reasonable to suppose that a sebocyte - macrophage axis mediated by sebum lipids may exist. OBJECTIVE: To investigate if sebocytes could contribute to the differentiation, polarization and function of macrophages with their secreted lipids. METHODS: Oil-red-O lipid staining and Raman spectroscopy were used to assess the dermal lipid content and penetration. Immunohistochemistry was used to analyse the macrophage subsets. Human peripheral blood monocytes were differentiated in the presence of either supernatant from human SZ95 sebocytes or major sebum lipid components and activated with Propionibacterium acnes. Macrophage surface markers and their capacity to uptake FITC-Propionibacterium acnes were detected by FACS measurements. Cytokine protein levels were evaluated by ELISA and Western blot analysis. RESULTS: Sebaceous gland rich skin had an increased dermal lipid content compared to sebaceous gland poor skin to which all the tested sebum component lipids could contribute by penetrating through the dermo-epidermal barrier. Of the lipids, oleic and linoleic acids promoted monocyte differentiation into alternatively activated macrophages. Moreover, linoleic acid also had an anti-inflammatory effect in Propionibacterium acnes activated macrophages, inhibiting the secretion of IL-1B, IL-6 and TNF-Alpha. Squalene, palmitic, stearic and oleic acids augmented the secretion of IL-1B even in the absence of Propionibacterium acnes, while oleic acid had a selective effect of inducing IL-1B, but down-regulating IL-6 and TNF-A secretion. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest a role for sebaceous glands in modulating innate immune responses via their secreted lipids that are of possible pathologic and therapeutic relevance. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved

Periodicities of paleoclimate variations in the first high-resolution non-orbitally tuned grain size record of the past 1 Ma from SW Hungary and regional, global correlations

This paper presents the results of grain-size analyses of an independently-dated loess/paleosol record dating back ca. 1 Ma from SW Hungary. The record follows an upward coarsening trend with a clear prevalence of coarse silts and fine sands. Variations are mainly controlled by fluctuations in sand input highlighting iterative changes in dust aerodynamics over the past 1 Ma in the source region found 50–100 km NW of our site. Based on our results regional factors influenced the intensity and nature of dust accumulation. Contrasting trends with the Chinese Loess Plateau in certain periods reflect a greater importance of the Atlantic region driving the evolution of nearby continental ice sheets. Proximity and expansion of these had significant impact on local wind field. Low topography of the surrounding mountain belts allowed for the intrusion of stronger cold winds, higher abrasion in the source region and transportation of coarser particles to the site from 700 to 450 ka. Another marked upward increase in grain-size from 400 ka can be linked to increasing continentality which along with tectonic activity resulted in a drop in the groundwater table in the source region and intensified erosion of formerly relatively stable surfaces bringing more coarse material to our site

New chronology of the best developed loess/paleosol sequence of Hungary capturing the past 1.1 ma:Implications for correlation and proposed pan-Eurasian stratigraphic schemes

In this paper, we are presenting a revised chronology of the best developed, longest (100 m) LPS in Hungary dating back 1.1 Ma: borehole Udvari-2A. It is based on a non-tuned age-depth model, built on the position of the Matuyama-Brunhes Boundary, Jaramillo and Olduvai Subchrons. Furthermore, on the assignment of formerly recorded uninterpreted geomagnetic reversals in both chrons. Other chronometric tools (AMS 14C dating, biostratigraphy, tephrostratigraphy) yielding absolute ages and/or ensuring validation of these were also used. Records of a Middle Pleistocene gastropod index fossil Neostyriaca corynodes (400 -140 ka) facilitated verification of ages between MIS 10 and MIS 6. Multiple age control points at 15, 25, 27, 45, 120, 191, 362, 430, 670, 780, 900, 990, 1070 ka were established for the last ca. 1.1 Ma. The resulting chronology is the best resolved independent one so far among Danubian Basin LPSs. In light of our data, the S3-S4 units were fused as S3 in all Serbian, and some Romanian sites and re-correlated with MIS 9. The results also point to a misassignment of the S5 units at these sites to MIS 13–15 leading to erroneous conclusions regarding paleoclimatic conditions and cyclicity. In our new stratigraphic scheme, these S5 paleosols were taken to represent the S4 paleosol and recorrelated with MIS 11. Finally, an ideal stratigraphic column dating back 1.1 Ma for SW Hungary was constructed and correlated with the Chinese loess/paleosol sequence of Xifeng and the benthic oxygen isotope record down to MIS 31

New chronology and extended palaeoenvironmental data to the 1975 loess profile of Madaras brickyard, South Hungary

The 10m thick Madaras loess–palaeosol profile is one of the Hungarian outcrops that yielded Upper Palaeolithic artefacts in 1966. To clarify the nature of the deposits and establish a reliable litho‐and chronostratigraphy, a profile was opened and sampled at 25cm intervals on the northern side of the brickyard in 1975. Analyses focused on grain size, carbonate content and the mollusc fauna. The chronology was based on the mollusc composition and a single date from the archaeological layer at the depth of ca 7m below the surface. The 1975 profile was destroyed by mining but the reposited samples allowed an extended analysis of this important Marine Isotope Stage 2 record to which archaeological features were directly assigned. A new absolute chronology was built based on 11 14C dates. Environmental magnetic, geochemical and palaeoecological investigations allowed a refined view of site evolution with reliable chronology for the Last Glacial Maximum. Our results corroborated those of previous investigations done on other coeval loess–palaeosol sequences of the Southern Carpathian Basin. This also allowed for a temporal correlation to another local record with the published high‐resolution chronology of the same brickyard and enabled modelling of local‐scale heterogeneity of the environment in the long run

Leptin promotes a proinflammatory lipid profile and induces inflammatory pathways in human SZ95 sebocytes

Our findings suggest that leptin signalling may be involved in the proinflammatory regulation of sebaceous lipid metabolism and the induction of inflammatory enzymes and cytokines

Orthorexia nervosa: can healthy eating food trends impact food companies marketing strategies?

The purpose of this article is to explore foods companies’ knowledge of food trends and assess how orthorexia nervosa may affect food companies’ marketing decisions. Data was gathered through a multiple case-study approach, and four semi-structured interviews to CEOs/CMOs of food companies from four distinct non-competing sectors of the food industry. The results show that although marketing managers are conscious of the existence of consumer behavior changes regarding food habits, they are not particularly concerned neither interested in micro-segments as they are not profitable. Despite the deficiencies on CMOs’ knowledge of particular food trends they declare to be attentive to the changes in consumer behavior and prepared to respond to competitors moves. This research adds to the existing knowledge on the food industry since it is the first study to explore the impact of food trends on food companies’ management marketing decisions from the company point of view.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio