NFAM1 Promotes Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Production in Mouse and Human Monocytes.

NFAT activating protein with ITAM motif 1 (NFAM1) is an ITAM bearing-transmembrane receptor that has been reported to play a role in B cell signaling and development. We performed expression analysis of NFAM1 using publicly available gene expression data sets and found that NFAM1 expression is significantly induced in intestinal biopsies from Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) patients. At the cellular level, we further observed high expression of NFAM1 in monocytes and neutrophils, and low expression in B and T cells.

BTK inhibition ameliorates kidney disease in spontaneous lupus nephritis.

Lupus nephritis is a common disease manifestation of SLE, in which immune complex deposition and macrophage activation are important contributors to disease pathogenesis. Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) plays an important role in both B cell and FcgammaR mediated myeloid cell activation. In the current study, we examined the efficacy of BI-BTK-1, a recently described irreversible BTK inhibitor, in the classical NZB × NZW F1 (NZB/W) and MRL/lpr spontaneous mouse models of SLE.

Community factors associated with stunting, overweight and food insecurity: a community-based mixed-method study in four Andean indigenous communities in Ecuador.

Objectives: We aimed to implement participatory research to answer a question posed by four Kichwa indigenous communities in Andean Ecuador about what actionable factors are associated with childhood stunting, overweight and food insecurity among their people.

Design: We used mixed methods including household questionnaires, discussion groups with respondents of the questionnaires and anthropometric measurement of children (6 months to 12 years) from surveyed households.

Setting: The study involved four Andean indigenous communities transitioning from traditional to Western lifestyles.

Quality of life of immigrant and non-immigrant infertile patients in a publicly funded in vitro fertilisation program: a cross-sectional study.

Objective: To investigate whether there are differences in fertility quality of life (FertiQoL) and socio-demographic characteristics between immigrants and non-immigrant patients attending a government-funded fertility program.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: McGill University Reproductive Center in Montreal, Canada, at a time when governmental funding for in vitro fertilisation (IVF) was provided to all residents.