Implications of vaccination and waning immunity

For infectious diseases where immunization can offer lifelong protection, a variety of simple models can be used to explain the utility of vaccination as a control method. However, for many diseases, immunity wanes over time and is subsequently enhanced (boosted) by asymptomatic encounters with the infection. The study of this type of epidemiological process requires a model formulation that can capture both the within-host dynamics of the pathogen and immune system as well as the associated population-level transmission dynamics. Here, we parametrize such a model for measles and show how vaccination can have a range of unexpected consequences as it reduces the natural boosting of immunity as well as reducing the number of naive susceptibles. In particular, we show that moderate waning times (40–80 years) and high levels of vaccination (greater than 70%) can induce large-scale oscillations with substantial numbers of symptomatic cases being generated at the peak. In addition, we predict that, after a long disease-free period, the introduction of infection will lead to far larger epidemics than that predicted by standard models. These results have clear implications for the long-term success of any vaccination campaign and highlight the need for a sound understanding of the immunological mechanisms of immunity and vaccination.     

Lack of association between glucocorticoid use and presence of the metabolic syndrome in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a cross-sectional study

Lupus nephritis is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in systemic lupus erythematosus, but little is known about the pathogenic processes that underlie the progressive decay in renal function. A common finding in lupus nephritis is thickening of glomerular basement membranes associated with immune complex deposition. It has been speculated that alterations in the synthesis or degradation of membrane components might contribute to such changes, and thereby to initiation and progression of nephritis through facilitation of immune complex deposition. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are enzymes that are intimately involved in the turnover of major glomerular basement membrane constituents, including collagen IV and laminins. Alterations in the expression and activity of MMPs have been described in a number of renal diseases, suggesting their relevance to the pathogenesis of various glomerulopathies. The same is true for their natural inhibitors, the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase family. Recent data from our group have identified an increase in proteolytic activity within the glomerulus coinciding with the development of proteinuria in the mouse model of systemic lupus erythematosus. (NXB × NZW)F₁ Here we review current understanding of MMP/tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase function within the kidney, and discuss their possible involvement in the development and progression of lupus nephritis.     

Amino acids and peptides. XLII. Synthesis of an octapeptide sequence (A20-A27) of rubredoxin.

A protected octapeptide corresponding to a section found in the first half of the protein chain of rubredoxin has been prepared by standard peptide methods. Alternative approaches of this fragment are discussed in some detail. This work completes the series of subunits necessary to synthesize the molecule.     

赤红壤早稻田甲烷排放通量及其影响因素

用封闭箱法对广东省赤红壤早稻田CH4排放通量进行了观测。结果表明,CH4排放有明显的季节变化规律,3个排放高峰分别出现在水稻分蘖末期、孕穗抽穗期和乳熟期,平均通量为5.7mg.m-2.h-1。在测定期内,CH4排放与5和10cm土壤温度呈显著正相关,与土壤Eh呈显著负相关,与土壤pH值、水层深浅相关不明显。     

In situ fluorescent nick translation procedure for plant chromosomes

Pectinase and cellulase, which are used to macerate plant material, always show traces of DNase activities that result in DNA nicking. Moreover, the DNA polymerase I usually applied in the in situ nick translation techniques shows both 5' to 3' and 3' to 5' exonuclease activities. As a result, significant nonspecific labeling appears in control preparations that are not digested by a restriction endonuclease. Our procedure includes blocking nonspecific nick labeling before incubation with restriction enzymes (HpaII and HaeIII). This is achieved by incorporation of ddGTP into DNA by the Taq polymerase which lacks 3' to 5' exonuclease activity. This method gives satisfactory results because it eliminates nonspecific nick translation signals that are present after applying the methods described for animal material.     

A Dutch guideline for the treatment of scoliosis in neuromuscular disorders

Background

Children with neuromuscular disorders with a progressive muscle weakness such as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Spinal Muscular Atrophy frequently develop a progressive scoliosis. A severe scoliosis compromises respiratory function and makes sitting more difficult. Spinal surgery is considered the primary treatment option for correcting severe scoliosis in neuromuscular disorders. Surgery in this population requires a multidisciplinary approach, careful planning, dedicated surgical procedures, and specialized after care.

Methods

The guideline is based on scientific evidence and expert opinions. A multidisciplinary working group representing experts from all relevant specialties performed the research. A literature search was conducted to collect scientific evidence in answer to specific questions posed by the working group. Literature was classified according to the level of evidence.

Results

For most aspects of the treatment scientific evidence is scarce and only low level cohort studies were found. Nevertheless, a high degree of consensus was reached about the management of patients with scoliosis in neuromuscular disorders. This was translated into a set of recommendations, which are now officially accepted as a general guideline in the Netherlands.

Conclusion

In order to optimize the treatment for scoliosis in neuromuscular disorders a Dutch guideline has been composed. This evidence-based, multidisciplinary guideline addresses conservative treatment, the preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative care of scoliosis in neuromuscular disorders.     

Antibodies to mutated citrullinated vimentin and disease activity score in early arthritis: a cohort study

Introduction  

The aim of our study was to investigate the association between arthritic disease activity and antibodies to mutated citrullinated vimentin (anti-MCV), because such a relation has been suggested.