Integrating Distance Strategies to Meet the 2020 Summer Research Internship Competencies and Objectives.

Knowledge of research skills such as information literacy, critical thinking, ability to ask questions, and evidence-based decisions are necessary for all medical students. They will use these skills for clinical decisions, translate research findings to clinical practice, and educate their patients. Research also plays an essential role in the selection process for many residency programs, and it has only become more critical over time.

Impact of delayed treatment on exacerbations of multiple sclerosis among Puerto Rican patients.

Background: There are limited data on multiple sclerosis (MS) patients in underserved groups, including Puerto Rico. In this study, we analyzed the characteristic of MS symptoms and number of relapses in Puerto Rican patients. We then compare these characteristics with MS patients from the US.

Short communication: Human blood dendritic cells are infected separately from monocytes in HIV type 1 patients.

Monocytes serve as a systemic reservoir of myeloid precursors for the renewal of tissue macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs). Both monocytes and dendritic cells can be infected with HIV-1. Circulating DCs are believed to be derived from a common precursor of monocytes, or, in the case of inflammatory challenge, from monocytes directly.

HIV-1 infection of monocytes is directly related to the success of HAART.

Macrophages are recognized cellular compartments involved in HIV infection; however, the extent to which precursor monocytes are infected in vivo and its significance remains poorly understood. Our aim was to analyze the contribution of monocytes to HIV infection in vivo. PCR assays did not detect HIV-1 proviral DNA in monocytes of HAART-suppressed patients.

Influence of CD4+ T cell counts on viral evolution in HIV-infected individuals undergoing suppressive HAART.

We analyzed the viral C2-V4 envelope diversity, glycosylation patterns, and dS/dN ratios of plasma HIV-1 in an attempt to better understand the complex interaction between viral quasispecies and the host-selective pressures pre- and post-HAART. Phylogenetic analysis of the envelope gene of five patients revealed monophyletic clustering in patients with higher CD4+ T cell counts and sequence intermingling in those with lower CD4+ T cells in relation to the stage of HAART. Our analyses also showed clear shifts in N-linked glycosylation patterns in patients with higher CD4+ T cells, suggesting possible distinct immunological pressures pre- and post-HAART.