Bispecific Antibody Detection Using Antigen-Conjugated Synthetic Nucleic Acid Strands.

We report here the development of two different sensing strategies based on the use of antigen-conjugated nucleic acid strands for the detection of a bispecific antibody against the tumor-related proteins Mucin1 and epidermal growth factor receptor. Both approaches work well in serum samples (nanomolar sensitivity), show high specificity against the two monospecific antibodies, and are rapid. The results presented here demonstrate the versatility of DNA-based platforms for the detection of bispecific antibodies and could represent a versatile alternative to other more reagent-intensive and time-consuming analytical approaches.

Levels of Pathogenic Th17 and Th22 Cells in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune condition characterized, among others, by tissue damage and activation/differentiation of proinflammatory lymphocytes. Accordingly, several studies have concluded that type 17 T helper (Th17) cells seem to have an important role in the pathogenesis of this condition. However, the strategy for the identification and analysis of proinflammatory Th17 cells in those studies has not been consistent and has usually been different from what was originally described.

Increased levels of pathogenic Th17 cells and diminished function of CD69+ Treg lymphocytes in patients with overweight.

A low-grade inflammatory phenomenon is a feature of overweight and metabolic syndrome. The involvement of a pro-inflammatory Th17 lymphocyte subset and the CD69+ T regulatory (Treg) cell subtype in patients with metabolic dysfunction associated with or without overweight has not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to perform a quantitative and functional analysis of pathogenic Th17 lymphocytes and CD69+ Treg cells in patients with metabolic dysfunction (insulin resistance and dyslipidemia).

Programming DNA-Based Systems through Effective Molarity Enforced by Biomolecular Confinement.

The fundamental concept of effective molarity is observed in a variety of biological processes, such as protein compartmentalization within organelles, membrane localization and signaling paths. To control molecular encountering and promote effective interactions, nature places biomolecules in specific sites inside the cell in order to generate a high, localized concentration different from the bulk concentration. Inspired by this mechanism, scientists have artificially recreated in the lab the same strategy to actuate and control artificial DNA-based functional systems.

Analysis of Sodium Chloride Intake and Treg/Th17 Lymphocytes in Healthy Individuals and Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis or Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

We assessed different immune parameters in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with low (LSI) and high (HSI) sodium intake. Thirty-eight patients with RA, thirty-seven with SLE, and twenty-eight healthy subjects were studied and classified as LSI or HSI. Levels and suppressive function of CD4CD25Foxp3 and CD4CD69Foxp3 Treg cells were determined by flow cytometry in blood samples.

Analysis of the regulatory function of natural killer cells from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Natural killer (NK) cells participate in the regulation of the immune response. However, the immunomodulatory function of NK cells in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is not well understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the regulatory function of NK cells in SLE patients and to identify the NK cells involved in the pathogenesis of this complex disease.

Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Show Increased Levels and Defective Function of CD69 T Regulatory Cells.

T regulatory (Treg) cells have a key role in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. A CD4CD69 T cell subset has been described that behaves as Treg lymphocytes, exerting an important immune suppressive effect. In this study, we analyzed the levels and function of CD4CD69 Treg cells in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Development and evaluation of the OHCITIES instrument: assessing alcohol urban environments in the Heart Healthy Hoods project.

Objectives: To describe the development and test-retest reliability of OHCITIES, an instrument characterising alcohol urban environment in terms of availability, promotion and signs of consumption.

Design: This study involved: (1) developing the conceptual framework for alcohol urban environment by means of literature reviewing and previous alcohol environment research experience; (2) pilot testing and redesigning the instrument; (3) instrument digitalisation; (4) instrument evaluation using test-retest reliability.

Setting: Data for testing the reliability of the instrument were collected in seven census sections in Madrid in 2016 by two observers.

The Role of NRAMP1/SLC11A1 Gene Variant D543N (1730G/A) in the Genetic Susceptibility to Develop Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Mexican Mestizo population.

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease whose cause has not been fully elucidated. However, genetic factors seem to have an important role in its pathogenesis.

Objective: We analyzed the possible association between rheumatoid arthritis and variants of the SLC11A1 gene, which encodes for NRAMP1, a protein involved in the activation of phagocytes and synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines.

Quantitative and functional analysis of CD69 T regulatory lymphocytes in patients with periodontal disease.

Background: Periodontal disease is chronic inflammatory process that affects the attachment structures of the teeth and constitutes a significant cause of tooth loss in adults. Although different bacteria play an important role in the triggering of this condition, the progression and severity of the disease are strongly affected by the host immune response, which is under the control of different immune regulatory mechanisms, including T regulatory (Treg) cells. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency and function of CD69 Treg lymphocytes in patients with chronic periodontal disease.

Analysis of the Expression and Function of Immunoglobulin-Like Transcript 4 (ILT4, LILRB2) in Dendritic Cells from Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Dendritic cells (DC) play an important role in the development and maintenance of immune tolerance. Although the inhibitory receptor ILT4/LILRB2 has been related with the tolerogenic phenotype of DC, the possible role of this receptor in the breakdown of DC tolerogenic function in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has not been elucidated. In this study, we analyzed the expression and function of the inhibitory receptor ILT4 in DC from SLE patients.

The Transition of Medical Students Through Residency: Effects on Physical Activity and Other Lifestyle-Related Behaviors.

Background: Little is known about lifestyle choices and preventive healthcare-seeking behaviors during the transition from medical school graduation to residency training, a period characterized by increased rates of stress and lack of free time due to demanding working conditions. All of these issues are likely to affect physical activity (PA) level. This study explored the evolution of PA and other lifestyle behaviors during this transition.

Analysis of expression and function of the co-stimulatory receptor SLAMF1 in immune cells from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

The signaling lymphocytic activation molecule SLAMF1 (CD150) is a co-stimulatory molecule that is expressed by most immune cells, including T regulatory (Treg) lymphocytes. Since different abnormalities have been reported regarding the number and function of Foxp3+ Treg cells in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), we decided to analyze the expression and function of CD150 in these regulatory lymphocytes in this condition. We isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 20 patients with SLE, and 20 healthy controls.

Proportions of several types of plasma and urine microparticles are increased in patients with rheumatoid arthritis with active disease.

We analysed the proportions of different microparticles (MPs) in plasma from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and assessed their relationship with disease activity/therapy and their in-vitro effect on proinflammatory cytokine release. Blood and urine samples were obtained from 55 patients with RA (24 untreated and 31 under conventional therapy) and 20 healthy subjects. Fourteen patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were also studied.

Induction of Th17 lymphocytes and Treg cells by monocyte-derived dendritic cells in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.

Dendritic cells (DCs) have a key role in the regulation of immune response. We herein explored, in patients with inflammatory diseases, the role of monocyte derived DC's (mo-DCs) on the generation of Th17 and T regulatory (Treg) lymphocytes. Peripheral blood was obtained from thirty-five patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), twelve with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and twenty healthy subjects.

Expression and function of dectin-1 is defective in monocytes from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis.

The aim of this work was to study the expression and function of the innate immune receptor dectin-1 in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We studied twenty-six patients with SLE not receiving immunosuppressive therapy, twenty-six patients with RA, and fifteen controls. We found that monocytes from SLE patients showed a diminished expression of dectin-1 compared to healthy controls, and an inverse correlation between percent of dectin-1(+) cells and the disease activity score was detected.

Decreased blood levels of B lymphocytes and NK cells in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) infected with papillomavirus (HPV).

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) show an enhanced risk to develop human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, and aggressive forms of this condition are seen in these patients. The aim of this study was to assess the possible relationship among HPV infection, immunosuppressive therapy and levels of leukocyte subsets in patients with SLE. The following individuals were included in the study: (1) SLE patients under immunosuppressive therapy and with lesions caused by HPV (n = 16); (2) SLE patients under immunosuppressive therapy and no evidence of HPV infection (n = 20); (3) untreated SLE patients with no evidence of HPV infection (n = 7), and; (4) healthy female subjects without evidence of HPV infection (n = 10).

Attention to musculoskeletal diseases. Different visions of the same problem.

Objective: To identify the main problems affecting general practitioners (GPs) and specialists in the care of the main musculoskeletal problems in Catalonia.

Method: Cross-sectional, self-administered survey in a representative sample of GPs and all specialists in four areas (orthopedic surgery, rheumatology, physical medicine and rehabilitation and pain units). Variables evaluated in the survey were related to socio-demographic data, attention to musculoskeletal diseases, self-declared expertise, referral process, coordination mechanisms and major constraints to provide high quality care.

Human papillomavirus immunization is associated with increased expression of different innate immune regulatory receptors.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is able to inhibit the secretion of gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and the expression of some immune innate cell receptors. Immunoglobulin-like transcript 2 (ILT2) is a regulatory receptor that seems to participate in the pathogenesis of viral infections. We have studied the expression and function of ILT2 and the expression of other NK cell receptors in 23 healthy women before and after immunization with the quadrivalent HPV (type 6/11/16/18) vaccine (Gardasil).

[Role of paediatrics in primary care and coordination with specialist care].

Objectives: Primary care (PC) paediatricians are trained mainly in the hospital setting, with little contact with PC. This study aimed to find out what perceptions and experiences they have on the attributes of PC (first contact, comprehensiveness and continuity of care) that are assumed and performed by PC paediatricians.

Material And Methods: A qualitative study was performed based on focus groups and semi-structured individual interviews with paediatricians with pre-defined sociodemographic and speciality training characteristics.

CTLA-4-Ig therapy diminishes the frequency but enhances the function of Treg cells in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease. Natural T regulatory (nTreg) cells, which constitutively express the CTLA-4 molecule, have an important role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune conditions. Although it has been reported that biological agents are able to modulate the levels or function of Treg lymphocytes, the possible effect of Abatacept (CTLA-4-Ig) therapy on these cells has not been studied in autoimmune conditions.

Expression and functional role of HLA-G in immune cells from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G is a class I non-classical HLA molecule with an important regulatory role on the immune response. The possible role of this molecule in the pathogenesis of SLE has not been explored. In this work, we evaluated the expression and function of HLA-G in SLE patients.

Effect of fluoride exposure on different immune parameters in humans.

Context: T regulatory (Treg) cells play an important role in the modulation of the immune response, and are implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. Many people is exposed to fluoride (F), mainly through drinking water.

Objective: The aim of this work was to assess the possible effect of F exposure on different immune parameters, mainly Treg cells.