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1.
Mol Genet Genomic Med ; 12(7): e2480, 2024 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38958145

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Pompe Disease (PD) is a metabolic myopathy caused by variants in the GAA gene, resulting in deficient enzymatic activity. We aimed to characterize the clinical features and related genetic variants in a series of Mexican patients. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of clinical records of patients diagnosed with LOPD, IOPD or pseudodeficiency. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients were included in the study, comprising these three forms. Overall, age of symptom onset was 0.1 to 43 years old. The most frequent variant identified was c.-32-13T>G, which was detected in 14 alleles. Among the 23 different variants identified in the GAA gene, 14 were classified as pathogenic, 5 were likely pathogenic, and 1 was a variant of uncertain significance. Two variants were inherited in cis arrangement and 2 were pseudodeficiency-related benign alleles. We identified two novel variants (c.1615 G>A and c.1076-20_1076-4delAAGTCGGCGTTGGCCTG). CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this series represent the largest phenotypic and genotypic characterization of patients with PD in Mexico. Patients within our series exhibited a combination of LOPD and IOPD associated variants, which may be related to genetic diversity within Mexican population. Further population-wide studies are required to better characterize the incidence of this disease in Mexican population.


Subject(s)
Age of Onset , Glycogen Storage Disease Type II , Mutation , alpha-Glucosidases , Humans , Glycogen Storage Disease Type II/genetics , Glycogen Storage Disease Type II/pathology , Male , Female , Child, Preschool , Child , Adult , alpha-Glucosidases/genetics , Infant , Mexico/epidemiology , Adolescent , Phenotype , Retrospective Studies , Genetic Association Studies , Alleles , Young Adult
2.
Int J Mol Sci ; 25(13)2024 Jul 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39000599

ABSTRACT

Seminal plasma contains a heterogeneous population of extracellular vesicles (sEVs) that remains poorly characterized. This study aimed to characterize the lipidomic profile of two subsets of differently sized sEVs, small (S-) and large (L-), isolated from porcine seminal plasma by size-exclusion chromatography and characterized by an orthogonal approach. High-performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry was used for lipidomic analysis. A total of 157 lipid species from 14 lipid classes of 4 major categories (sphingolipids, glycerophospholipids, glycerolipids, and sterols) were identified. Qualitative differences were limited to two cholesteryl ester species present only in S-sEVs. L-sEVs had higher levels of all quantified lipid classes due to their larger membrane surface area. The distribution pattern was different, especially for sphingomyelins (more in S-sEVs) and ceramides (more in L-sEVs). In conclusion, this study reveals differences in the lipidomic profile of two subsets of porcine sEVs, suggesting that they differ in biogenesis and functionality.


Subject(s)
Extracellular Vesicles , Lipidomics , Lipids , Semen , Animals , Extracellular Vesicles/metabolism , Swine , Semen/metabolism , Semen/chemistry , Male , Lipids/analysis , Lipids/chemistry , Lipidomics/methods , Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid , Mass Spectrometry , Chromatography, Gel
3.
Sci Rep ; 14(1): 16175, 2024 Jul 13.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39003421

ABSTRACT

Seminal plasma (SP) is rich in extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are still poorly studied, especially in livestock species. To better understand their functional role in both spermatozoa and endometrial epithelial cells, proper characterization of EVs is an essential step. The objective was to phenotypically characterize porcine seminal EVs (sEVs) using cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM), which allows visualization of EVs in their native state. Porcine ejaculates are released in fractions, each containing SP from different source. This allows characterization sEVs released from various male reproductive tissues. Two experiments were performed, the first with SP from the entire ejaculate (n:6) and the second with SP from three ejaculate fractions (n:15): the first 10 mL of the sperm-rich ejaculate fraction (SRF-P1) with SP mainly from the epididymis, the remainder of the SRF (SRF-P2) with SP mainly from the prostate, and the post-SRF with SP mainly from the seminal vesicles. The sEVs were isolated by size exclusion chromatography and 1840 cryo-EM sEV images were acquired using a Jeol-JEM-2200FS/CR-EM. The size, electron density, complexity, and peripheral corona layer were measured in each sEV using the ImageJ software. The first experiment showed that sEVs were structurally and morphologically heterogeneous, although most (83.1%) were small (less than 200 nm), rounded, and poorly electrodense, and some have a peripheral coronal layer. There were also larger sEVs (16.9%) that were irregularly shaped, more electrodense, and few with a peripheral coronal layer. The second experiment showed that small sEVs were more common in SRF-P1 and SRF-P2, indicating that they originated mainly from the epididymis and prostate. Large sEVs were more abundant in post-SRF, indicating that they originated mainly from seminal vesicles. Porcine sEVs are structurally and morphologically heterogeneous. This would be explained by the diversity of reproductive organs of origin.


Subject(s)
Cryoelectron Microscopy , Extracellular Vesicles , Semen , Animals , Extracellular Vesicles/ultrastructure , Extracellular Vesicles/metabolism , Male , Cryoelectron Microscopy/methods , Swine , Spermatozoa/ultrastructure , Seminal Vesicles/ultrastructure
4.
Biotechnol J ; 19(6): e2400260, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38900054

ABSTRACT

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is an important protein used for bovine ovarian hyperstimulation in multiple ovulation and embryo transfer technology (MOET). Several attempts to produce bovine FSH (bFSH) in recombinant systems have been reported, nonetheless, up to date, the most commonly used products are partially purified preparations derived from porcine or ovine (pFSH or oFSH) pituitaries. Here we describe the development of a biotechnology process to produce a novel, hyperglycosylated, long-acting recombinant bFSH (LA-rbFSH) by fusing copies of a highly O-glycosylated peptide. LA-rbFSH and a nonmodified version (rbFSH) were produced in suspension CHO cell cultures and purified by IMAC with high purity levels (>99%). LA-rbFSH presented a higher glycosylation degree and sialic acid content than rbFSH. It also demonstrated a notable improvement in pharmacokinetic properties after administration to rats, including a higher concentration in plasma and a significant (seven-fold) reduction in apparent clearance (CLapp). In addition, the in vivo specific bioactivity of LA-rbFSH in rats was 2.4-fold higher compared to rbFSH. These results postulate this new molecule as an attractive substitute for commercially available porcine pituitary-derived products.


Subject(s)
Cricetulus , Follicle Stimulating Hormone , Recombinant Proteins , Animals , Follicle Stimulating Hormone/metabolism , CHO Cells , Glycosylation , Cattle , Rats , Female , Biotechnology/methods
5.
J Clin Med ; 13(8)2024 Apr 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38673470

ABSTRACT

(1) Background: Dislocations of the trapeziometacarpal joint (TMC) are uncommon in children and adolescents. Only a few isolated cases are reported in the literature. Therapeutic guidance is minimal and inconclusive. (2) Methods: The authors present four patients treated for this unusual lesion. We evaluated the evolution according to treatment, age, patient activity, and quickDASH. Despite the clear limitation of the small number of patients, it is relevant to try to better understand this lesion and its evolution. A systematic review of the literature was also conducted. (3) Results: This is the largest published series of TMC dislocations in children and adolescents. Patients included a 12-year-old girl treated conservatively with a poor quickDASH; a 9-year-old girl treated surgically with the Eaton-Littler technique for a new dislocation with a partially modified quickDASH; a 13-year-old boy with two necessary closed reductions for a new dislocation and a very good final quickDASH; and a 12-year-old boy treated with closed reduction and percutaneous fixation with excellent final results with quickDASH. (4) Conclusions: In the absence of scientific evidence, conservative treatment and ligament reconstruction did not provide good functionality. In contrast, closed reduction with percutaneous fixation provided excellent results. Therefore, the authors would recommend closed reduction and percutaneous needle fixation as an elective method to treat TMC dislocations in pediatric and adolescent patients.

7.
Nat Commun ; 15(1): 997, 2024 Feb 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38307851

ABSTRACT

In the context of continuous emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs), one strategy to prevent the severe outcomes of COVID-19 is developing safe and effective broad-spectrum vaccines. Here, we present preclinical studies of a RBD vaccine derived from the Gamma SARS-CoV-2 variant adjuvanted with Alum. The Gamma-adapted RBD vaccine is more immunogenic than the Ancestral RBD vaccine in terms of inducing broader neutralizing antibodies. The Gamma RBD presents more immunogenic B-cell restricted epitopes and induces a higher proportion of specific-B cells and plasmablasts than the Ancestral RBD version. The Gamma-adapted vaccine induces antigen specific T cell immune responses and confers protection against Ancestral and Omicron BA.5 SARS-CoV-2 challenge in mice. Moreover, the Gamma RBD vaccine induces higher and broader neutralizing antibody activity than homologous booster vaccination in mice previously primed with different SARS-CoV-2 vaccine platforms. Our study indicates that the adjuvanted Gamma RBD vaccine is highly immunogenic and a broad-spectrum vaccine candidate.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , SARS-CoV-2 , Animals , Mice , Humans , Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies , COVID-19 Vaccines , COVID-19/prevention & control , Vaccines, Subunit , Adjuvants, Immunologic , Epitopes, B-Lymphocyte , Antibodies, Viral , Antibodies, Neutralizing , Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/genetics
8.
Cell Commun Signal ; 22(1): 63, 2024 01 23.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38263049

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Porcine seminal plasma (SP) is endowed with a heterogeneous population of extracellular vesicles (sEVs). This study evaluated the immunophenotypic profile by high-sensitivity flow cytometry of eight sEV subpopulations isolated according to their size (small [S-sEVs] and large [L-sEVs]) from four different SP sources, namely three ejaculate fractions (the first 10 mL of the sperm rich fraction [SRF-P1], the remaining SRF [SRF-P2], and the post-SRF [PSRF]) and entire ejaculate (EE). METHODS: Seminal EVs were isolated using a size exclusion chromatography-based protocol from six SP pools (five ejaculates/pool) of each SP source and characterized using complementary approaches including total protein (BCA™assay), particle size distribution (dynamic light scattering), morphology (transmission electron microscopy), and purity (albumin by Western blot). Expression of CD9, CD63, CD81, CD44 and HSP90ß was analyzed in all sEV subpopulations by high-sensitivity flow cytometry according to MIFlowCyt-EV guidelines, including an accurate calibration, controls, and discrimination by CFSE-labelling. RESULTS: Each sEV subpopulation exhibited a specific immunophenotypic profile. The percentage of sEVs positive for CD9, CD63, CD81 and HSP90ß differed between S- and L-sEVs (P < 0.0001). Specifically, the percentage of sEVs positive for CD9 and CD63 was higher and that for CD81 was lower in S- than L-sEVs in the four SP sources. However, the percentage of HSP90ß-positive sEVs was lower in S-sEVs than L-sEVs in the SRF-P1 and EE samples. The percentage of sEVs positive for CD9, CD63, and CD44 also differed among the four SP sources (P < 0.0001), being highest in PSRF samples. Notably, virtually all sEV subpopulations expressed CD44 (range: 88.04-98.50%). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the utility of high-sensitivity flow cytometry for sEV immunophenotyping, allowing the identification of distinct sEV subpopulations that may have different cellular origin, cargo, functions, and target cells.


Subject(s)
Extracellular Vesicles , Semen , Male , Swine , Animals , Flow Cytometry , Immunophenotyping , Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
9.
Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol ; 59(4): 681-694, 2024 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37195293

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The prevalence of parental burnout, a condition that has severe consequences for both parents and children, varies dramatically across countries and is highest in Western countries characterized by high individualism. METHOD: In this study, we examined the mediators of the relationship between individualism measured at the country level and parental burnout measured at the individual level in 36 countries (16,059 parents). RESULTS: The results revealed three mediating mechanisms, that is, self-discrepancies between socially prescribed and actual parental selves, high agency and self-directed socialization goals, and low parental task sharing, by which individualism leads to an increased risk of burnout among parents. CONCLUSION: The results confirm that the three mediators under consideration are all involved, and that mediation was higher for self-discrepancies between socially prescribed and actual parental selves, then parental task sharing, and lastly self-directed socialization goals. The results provide some important indications of how to prevent parental burnout at the societal level in Western countries.


Subject(s)
Burnout, Professional , Parents , Child , Humans , Burnout, Psychological , Socialization , Burnout, Professional/epidemiology
10.
Trends Biotechnol ; 42(4): 449-463, 2024 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37865540

ABSTRACT

Synthetic transcription factors (synTFs) that control beneficial transgene expression are an important method to increase the safety and efficacy of cell and gene therapy. Reliance on synTF components from non-human sources has slowed progress in the field because of concerns about immunogenicity and inducer drug properties. Recent advances in human-derived DNA-binding domains (DBDs) and transcriptional activation domains (TADs) paired with novel control modules responsive to clinically approved small molecules have poised the synTF field to overcome these hurdles. Advances include controllers inducible by autonomous signaling inputs and more complex, multi-input synTF circuits. Demonstrations of advanced control strategies with human-derived transcription factor components in clinically relevant vectors and in vivo models will facilitate progression into the clinic.


Subject(s)
Gene Expression Regulation , Transcription Factors , Transcription Factors/genetics , Transcription Factors/metabolism , Genetic Therapy , Transgenes , Synthetic Biology
11.
Res Vet Sci ; 166: 105093, 2024 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37980815

ABSTRACT

Wild lagomorphs can act as reservoirs of several pathogens of public and animal health concern. However, the number of studies assessing the presence of Anaplasma spp. in these species is scarce. The aim of the present study was to molecularly identify Anaplasma spp. in wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and Iberian hares (Lepus granatensis) from Southern Spain and assess their epidemiological role in the maintenance of the bacterium. During 2017-2021, spleen samples of 394 wild rabbits and 145 Iberian hares were collected. Anaplasma DNA was detected using different PCR assays (16S rRNA and groEL) and phylogenetic analyses were carried out by Bayesian approach. The possible influence of lagomorph species, age and sex on the prevalence of Anaplasma spp. was evaluated by a multiple logistic regression model. The 9.4% of the rabbits were positive to Anaplasma bovis, but all the hares were negative. No significant differences were found in Anaplasma spp. prevalence regarding to age or sex. This is the first report of A. bovis in lagomorphs from Europe. The phylogenetic analysis of A. bovis confirms the existence of different clusters suggesting the existence of several lineages. In addition, a high divergence of nucleotide identity was observed within the lineage 4, which could result in the under-detection of some strains when using A. bovis-specific PCR, hindering its detection and characterization. Since this analysis is based on a limited number of nucleotide bases and sequences, more studies are needed for further characterize A. bovis, as well as its relationship with other Anaplasma spp.


Subject(s)
Hares , Lagomorpha , Animals , Rabbits , Spain/epidemiology , Lagomorpha/genetics , Phylogeny , RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics , Bayes Theorem , Anaplasma/genetics , Nucleotides
12.
Ecol Lett ; 27(1): e14351, 2024 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38111128

ABSTRACT

Dominance of neotropical tree communities by a few species is widely documented, but dominant trees show a variety of distributional patterns still poorly understood. Here, we used 503 forest inventory plots (93,719 individuals ≥2.5 cm diameter, 2609 species) to explore the relationships between local abundance, regional frequency and spatial aggregation of dominant species in four main habitat types in western Amazonia. Although the abundance-occupancy relationship is positive for the full dataset, we found that among dominant Amazonian tree species, there is a strong negative relationship between local abundance and regional frequency and/or spatial aggregation across habitat types. Our findings suggest an ecological trade-off whereby dominant species can be locally abundant (local dominants) or regionally widespread (widespread dominants), but rarely both (oligarchs). Given the importance of dominant species as drivers of diversity and ecosystem functioning, unravelling different dominance patterns is a research priority to direct conservation efforts in Amazonian forests.


Subject(s)
Ecosystem , Forests , Humans , Trees , Brazil , Biodiversity
13.
Riv Psichiatr ; 58(6): 284-292, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38032032

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neuropsychological disorder that affects the development of children and adolescents. The causes are not fully known although the origin of the disorder appears to depend on a combination of environmental, social, biochemical, and genetic factors. There is substantial evidence the Covid-19 pandemic caused an increase in mental disorders and therefore in spending related to the treatment of diseases. METHOD: We conducted a retrospective cohort study in two international centers of very different origins and cultures, one in Europe (Italy) and one in Central America (Costa Rica), to assess the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on ADHD medication prescriptions and its costs. The analysis resulting from mining the databases in each individual nation allowed for the actual amounts of defined daily dose (DDD) prescribed and dispensed between the years 2019 and 2022 of methylphenidate and atomoxetine. RESULTS: The data show that the Italian ADHD medications DDDs and expenditure are aligned with the results in Costa Rica. It was found that from the year 2019 to the year 2022, both methylphenidate and atomoxetine prescriptions grew steadily, confirming a much higher incidence of the condition than in pre-pandemic periods. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that the global pandemic had an influence on the increase in the number of ADHD medication prescriptions. Individuals with ADHD are a population of individuals who may be particularly vulnerable to the distress caused by the pandemic, restrictions, and severe physical removal measures that have occurred in recent years.


Subject(s)
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity , COVID-19 , Central Nervous System Stimulants , Methylphenidate , Child , Adolescent , Humans , United States , Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity/drug therapy , Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity/epidemiology , Atomoxetine Hydrochloride/therapeutic use , Pandemics , Central Nervous System Stimulants/therapeutic use , Retrospective Studies , COVID-19/epidemiology , Methylphenidate/therapeutic use , Prescriptions
14.
Front Immunol ; 14: 1186188, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37790926

ABSTRACT

The development of vaccine adjuvants is of interest for the management of chronic diseases, cancer, and future pandemics. Therefore, the role of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in the effects of vaccine adjuvants has been investigated. TLR4 ligand-based adjuvants are the most frequently used adjuvants for human vaccines. Among TLR family members, TLR4 has unique dual signaling capabilities due to the recruitment of two adapter proteins, myeloid differentiation marker 88 (MyD88) and interferon-ß adapter inducer containing the toll-interleukin-1 receptor (TIR) domain (TRIF). MyD88-mediated signaling triggers a proinflammatory innate immune response, while TRIF-mediated signaling leads to an adaptive immune response. Most studies have used lipopolysaccharide-based ligands as TLR4 ligand-based adjuvants; however, although protein-based ligands have been proven advantageous as adjuvants, their mechanisms of action, including their ability to undergo structural modifications to achieve optimal immunogenicity, have been explored less thoroughly. In this work, we characterized the effects of two protein-based adjuvants (PBAs) on TLR4 signaling via the recruitment of MyD88 and TRIF. As models of TLR4-PBAs, we used hemocyanin from Fissurella latimarginata (FLH) and a recombinant surface immunogenic protein (rSIP) from Streptococcus agalactiae. We determined that rSIP and FLH are partial TLR4 agonists, and depending on the protein agonist used, TLR4 has a unique bias toward the TRIF or MyD88 pathway. Furthermore, when characterizing gene products with MyD88 and TRIF pathway-dependent expression, differences in TLR4-associated signaling were observed. rSIP and FLH require MyD88 and TRIF to activate nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κB) and interferon regulatory factor (IRF). However, rSIP and FLH have a specific pattern of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and interferon gamma-induced protein 10 (IP-10) secretion associated with MyD88 and TRIF recruitment. Functionally, rSIP and FLH promote antigen cross-presentation in a manner dependent on TLR4, MyD88 and TRIF signaling. However, FLH activates a specific TRIF-dependent signaling pathway associated with cytokine expression and a pathway dependent on MyD88 and TRIF recruitment for antigen cross-presentation. Finally, this work supports the use of these TLR4-PBAs as clinically useful vaccine adjuvants that selectively activate TRIF- and MyD88-dependent signaling to drive safe innate immune responses and vigorous Th1 adaptive immune responses.


Subject(s)
Myeloid Differentiation Factor 88 , Toll-Like Receptor 4 , Humans , Toll-Like Receptor 4/metabolism , Myeloid Differentiation Factor 88/metabolism , Hemocyanins/metabolism , Streptococcus agalactiae , Ligands , Membrane Proteins/metabolism , Adjuvants, Vaccine , Signal Transduction , Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/metabolism , Adjuvants, Immunologic/pharmacology , Adaptor Proteins, Vesicular Transport/metabolism
15.
Materials (Basel) ; 16(19)2023 Oct 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37834672

ABSTRACT

In this theoretical investigation, we delve into the significant effects of donor impurity position within core/shell quantum dot structures: type I (CdTe/ZnS) and type II (CdTe/CdS). The donor impurity's precise location within both the core and the shell regions is explored to unveil its profound influence on the electronic properties of these nanostructures. Our study investigates the diamagnetic susceptibility and binding energy of the donor impurity while considering the presence of an external magnetic field. Moreover, the lattice mismatch-induced strain between the core and shell materials is carefully examined as it profoundly influences the electronic structure of the quantum dot system. Through detailed calculations, we analyze the strain effects on the conduction and valence bands, as well as the electron and hole energy spectrum within the core/shell quantum dots. The results highlight the significance of donor impurity position as a key factor in shaping the behaviors of impurity binding energy and diamagnetic susceptibility. Furthermore, our findings shed light on the potential for tuning the electronic properties of core/shell quantum dots through precise impurity positioning and strain engineering.

16.
Nanomaterials (Basel) ; 13(18)2023 Sep 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37764563

ABSTRACT

Using first-principle calculations, we investigate the impact of strain on the electronic structures and effective masses of Janus WSTe and MoSTe monolayers. The calculations were performed using the QUANTUM-ESPRESSO package, employing the PBE and HSE06 functionals. Our results demonstrate that strain fundamentally changes the electronic structures of the Janus WSTe and MoSTe monolayers. We observe that deformation causes a shift in the maxima and minima of the valence and conduction bands, respectively. We find that the effective electrons and hole masses of MoSTe and WSTe can be changed by deformation. In addition, the strain's effect on carrier mobility is also investigated in this work via the deformation potential theory.

17.
Front Public Health ; 11: 1229045, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37693706

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Severe acute respiratory syndrome virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused over million deaths worldwide, with more than 61,000 deaths in Chile. The Chilean government has implemented a vaccination program against SARS-CoV-2, with over 17.7 million people receiving a complete vaccination scheme. The final target is 18 million individuals. The most common vaccines used in Chile are CoronaVac (Sinovac) and BNT162b2 (Pfizer-Biotech). Given the global need for vaccine boosters to combat the impact of emerging virus variants, studying the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 is crucial. In this study, we characterize the humoral immune response in inoculated volunteers from Chile who received vaccination schemes consisting of two doses of CoronaVac [CoronaVac (2x)], two doses of CoronaVac plus one dose of BNT162b2 [CoronaVac (2x) + BNT162b2 (1x)], and three doses of BNT162b2 [BNT162b2 (3x)]. Methods: We recruited 469 participants from Clínica Dávila in Santiago and the Health Center Víctor Manuel Fernández in the city of Concepción, Chile. Additionally, we included participants who had recovered from COVID-19 but were not vaccinated (RCN). We analyzed antibodies, including anti-N, anti-S1-RBD, and neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. Results: We found that antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 nucleoprotein were significantly higher in the CoronaVac (2x) and RCN groups compared to the CoronaVac (2x) + BNT162b2 (1x) or BNT162b2 (3x) groups. However, the CoronaVac (2x) + BNT162b2 (1x) and BNT162b2 (3x) groups exhibited a higher concentration of S1-RBD antibodies than the CoronaVac (2x) group and RCN group. There were no significant differences in S1-RBD antibody titers between the CoronaVac (2x) + BNT162b2 (1x) and BNT162b2 (3x) groups. Finally, the group immunized with BNT162b2 (3x) had higher levels of neutralizing antibodies compared to the RCN group, as well as the CoronaVac (2x) and CoronaVac (2x) + BNT162b2 (1x) groups. Discussion: These findings suggest that vaccination induces the secretion of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, and a booster dose of BNT162b2 is necessary to generate a protective immune response. In the current state of the pandemic, these data support the Ministry of Health of the Government of Chile's decision to promote heterologous vaccination as they indicate that a significant portion of the Chilean population has neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Vaccines , Humans , Immunity, Humoral , SARS-CoV-2 , BNT162 Vaccine , Chile , COVID-19/prevention & control , Vaccination , Antibodies, Neutralizing
19.
Environ Res ; 237(Pt 2): 116965, 2023 Nov 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37652221

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the specific and combined effects of personal concentrations of some per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), other persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and chemical elements -measured in individuals' blood several years before the pandemic- on the development of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 disease in the general population. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study in 240 individuals from the general population of Barcelona. PFAS, other POPs, and chemical elements were measured in plasma, serum, and whole blood samples, respectively, collected in 2016-2017. PFAS were analyzed by liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. SARS-CoV-2 infection was detected by rRT-PCR in nasopharyngeal swabs and/or antibody serology in blood samples collected in 2020-2021. RESULTS: No individual PFAS nor their mixtures were significantly associated with SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity or COVID-19 disease. Previously identified mixtures of POPs and elements (Porta et al., 2023) remained significantly associated with seropositivity and COVID-19 when adjusted for PFAS (all OR > 4 or p < 0.05). Nine chemicals comprised mixtures associated with COVID-19: thallium, ruthenium, lead, benzo[b]fluoranthene, DDD, other DDT-related compounds, manganese, tantalum, and aluminium. And nine chemicals comprised the mixtures more consistently associated with SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity: thallium, ruthenium, lead, benzo[b]fluoranthene, DDD, gold, and (protectively) selenium, indium, and iron. CONCLUSIONS: The PFAS studied were not associated with SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity or COVID-19. The results confirm the associations between personal blood concentrations of some POPs and chemical elements and the risk of COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 infection in what remains the only prospective and population-based cohort study on the topic. Mixtures of POPs and chemical elements may contribute to explain the heterogeneity in the risks of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 in the general population.

20.
Hum Pathol ; 139: 91-105, 2023 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37517596

ABSTRACT

Stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (sTILs) are a robust prognostic and predictive biomarker in triple-negative breast carcinoma. However, the sTIL compartment comprises different cell populations. The aim of the study is to characterize the distribution of T cells (CD3+ and CD8+), B cells, and plasma cells and explore their association with outcome in the surgical specimen of 62 patients. Furthermore, programmed death ligand 1 expression and the presence of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) are explored. Patients with higher sTILs achieve better progression-free survival (PFS) (P = .0013), and tumors have more plasma cells in the infiltrate. Specifically, higher counts of T cells (both CD3+ and CD8+) have better PFS (P = .002 and P = .0086, respectively) as it is observed in tumors with higher infiltration of CD8+ T cells in the tumor core (P = .035). Higher infiltration by B cells and plasma cells shows a positive tendency toward increased PFS (P = .06 and P = .058). Programmed death ligand 1 (SP142) is positive in 56% of tumors. Tumors with at least 1 TLS (42%) show higher CD8+ T cell infiltration in the tumor core and the sTIL value doubles compared to tumors devoid of TLSs [sTIL mean: 36 ± 11% and 18 ± 5% (CI [Confidence Interval]: 95%), respectively]. Our study demonstrates that the characterization of the immune cell infiltration is as relevant as its distribution. Moreover, the importance of considering different immune cell types for classification is emphasized. Therefore, a new classification of triple-negative breast carcinoma immune infiltration with CD8+ T cell and plasma cell densities in the tumor core and infiltrative margin is proposed.


Subject(s)
Plasma Cells , Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms , Humans , Plasma Cells/pathology , Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms/pathology , CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes , Prognosis , Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating , B7-H1 Antigen/metabolism , Tumor Microenvironment
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