Contents
25 April 2018
Vol 10, Issue 438
Vol 10, Issue 438
Focus
- Human fetal immune cells fight back
Immune dysregulation begins in utero, influenced by inflammation, maternal micro-chimerism, and the activation of fetal immune responses (Frascoli et al., this issue).
Research Articles
- Alloreactive fetal T cells promote uterine contractility in preterm labor via IFN-γ and TNF-α
Human fetal T cell activation against maternal antigens could promote uterine contractions in preterm labor.
- A digital microfluidic system for serological immunoassays in remote settings
Portable digital microfluidic serological immunoassays for measles and rubella were developed and evaluated in a remote setting.
- PPARγ agonist pioglitazone reverses pulmonary hypertension and prevents right heart failure via fatty acid oxidation
Oral pioglitazone reverses pulmonary hypertensive vascular disease and prevents right heart failure via epigenetic, transcriptional, and metabolic mechanisms.
- Targeting protein biotinylation enhances tuberculosis chemotherapy
Inhibitors of biotin protein ligase and protein biotinylation in Mycobacterium tuberculosis act synergistically with the drug rifampicin, potentially shortening tuberculosis treatment.
Perspective
- Fundamental science behind today’s important medicines
Today’s most transformative medicines exist because of fundamental discoveries that were made without regard to practical outcome and with their relevance to therapeutics only appearing decades later.
Editors' Choice
- A firsthand view of how secondhand smoke disrupts airway immunity
Chronic tobacco smoke exposure exacerbates Haemophilus influenzae infection by disrupting innate and adaptive immune responses in mice.
- Nano livers: A sobering discovery
Hepatocyte-mimicking nanocapsules carrying key liver enzymes reduce blood alcohol concentration in intoxicated mice.
- Needles no more
A needle-free graphene-based biosensor monitors blood glucose levels in real time.
About The Cover
ONLINE COVER Let's Get Digital. Digital microfluidic devices use electrostatic forces to control the movement of droplets of fluids. This image of a digital microfluidic cartridge is part of an assay developed by Ng et al. to test blood samples for measles- and rubella-reactive IgG. The authors designed inkjet-printed cartridges and used a laptop power supply to run a control box, performing serological surveys using small volumes of blood obtained on-site in a refugee camp in Kenya. By adapting digital microfluidics technology for use in remote locations, the authors have generated a new tool that can be used to advance global health and combat vaccine-preventable outbreaks. [CREDIT: LISA NGO/UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO]