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1.
Eval Health Prof ; 46(4): 344-352, 2023 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37029918

ABSTRACT

The Tracking and Evaluation Core of Rhode Island Advance-CTR conducted an online needs assessment survey at the program's inception in 2016 and again in 2021. Now dealing with well-established support systems provided by the grant, we were particularly interested in how the perceived needs of the research community in Rhode Island might have changed over five years. Specifically, what barriers have been reduced or eliminated and which have persisted or increased? How do those barriers vary by demographic status and what implications do those differences have for the CTR? An online survey was completed by 199 researchers, who reported the extent to which they perceived the lack of access to a range of research supports as a barrier to conducting research at their institution. Overall, researchers indicated statistically significant changes from 2016 to 2021 such that a lack of pilot project funding and proposal development support had decreased as barriers, while space for research, and advice on commercial development, had increased. Statistically significant differences in the salience of particular barriers by some demographic variables were also noted and the results of this study suggest Centers for Clinical and Translational Research can have salutary effects on the research paradigm within their partnering institutions in a relatively short time.


Subject(s)
Research Personnel , Translational Research, Biomedical , Humans , Pilot Projects , Rhode Island , Surveys and Questionnaires
2.
Eval Program Plann ; 94: 102145, 2022 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35973392

ABSTRACT

In evaluation research, "programs" are often conceptualized as clearly bounded, narrow in scope, focused on specific outcomes, using a well-defined linear causal model, and hence, suitable for standard evaluation methods. The evaluation work reported here was carried out in a more challenging context, where large, complex, interwoven systems were targets for change as a means to influence a diffuse array of outcomes. Our evaluation of an NIH-funded program to improve statewide infrastructure for clinical and translational health research ("Advance-CTR") used qualitative data provided by investigators who used the program's services, were funded awardees, or were members of an internal advisory committee (leadership representatives from partnering institutions). We examined perceived barriers to systemic changes to enhance research, as well as how systems have changed due to the Rhode Island Advance-CTR program's efforts, to what degree, and with what effects. Using the causal logic of our program to connect these more distal systemic outcomes to the services and components of Advance-CTR, we discuss the effects this program has had on researchers and their environments, contributing to the development of sustainable programs of research that ultimately improve the health and well-being of our state's residents.


Subject(s)
Research Personnel , Translational Research, Biomedical , Advisory Committees , Humans , Leadership , Program Evaluation
3.
Front Immunol ; 10: 77, 2019.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30891027

ABSTRACT

Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) plays an integral role in lymphocyte function. Mutations in PIK3CD and PIK3R1, encoding the PI3K p110δ and p85α subunits, respectively, cause increased PI3K activity and result in immunodeficiency with immune dysregulation. We describe here the first cases of disseminated and congenital toxoplasmosis in a mother and child who share a pathogenic mutation in PIK3R1 and review the mechanisms underlying susceptibility to severe Toxoplasma gondii infection in activated PI3Kδ syndrome (APDS) and in other forms of primary immunodeficiency.


Subject(s)
Class I Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/genetics , Class Ia Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase/genetics , Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes/immunology , Mutation/genetics , Toxoplasma/physiology , Toxoplasmosis, Congenital/immunology , Adult , Antibodies, Protozoan/blood , Child , Female , Humans , Immunity, Maternally-Acquired , Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes/diagnosis , Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes/genetics , Infant , Lymphadenopathy , Mothers , Phenotype , Toxoplasmosis, Congenital/diagnosis , Toxoplasmosis, Congenital/genetics
4.
J Infect Dis ; 201(7): 1024-30, 2010 Apr 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20170376

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Varicella-zoster virus (VZV)-specific cell-mediated immunity is important for protection against VZV disease. We studied the relationship between VZV cell-mediated immunity and age after varicella or VZV vaccination in healthy and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals. METHODS: VZV responder cell frequency (RCF) determinations from 752 healthy and 200 HIV-infected subjects were used to identify group-specific regression curves on age. RESULTS: In healthy individuals with past varicella, VZV RCF peaked at 34 years of age. Similarly, VZV-RCF after varicella vaccine increased with age in subjects aged <1 to 43 years. In subjects aged 61-90 years, VZV RCF after zoster vaccine decreased with age. HIV-infected children had lower VZV RCF estimates than HIV-infected adults. In both groups, VZV RCF results were low and constant over age. Varicella vaccination of HIV-infected children with CD4 levels 20% generated VZV RCF values higher than wild-type infection and comparable to vaccine-induced responses of healthy children. CONCLUSIONS: In immunocompetent individuals with prior varicella, VZV RCF peaked in early adulthood. Administration of varicella vaccine to HIV-infected or uninfected individuals aged >5 years generated VZV RCF values similar to those of immunocompetent individuals with immunity induced by wild-type infection. A zoster vaccine increased the VZV RCF of elderly adults aged <75 years to values higher than peak values induced by wild-type infection.


Subject(s)
Chickenpox Vaccine/immunology , Chickenpox/immunology , Herpesvirus 3, Human/immunology , Adolescent , Adult , Age Factors , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology , Child , Child, Preschool , HIV Infections/immunology , Humans , Immunity, Cellular/immunology , Infant , Logistic Models , Longitudinal Studies , Middle Aged
6.
J Infect Dis ; 200(7): 1068-77, 2009 Oct 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19712037

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the association between varicella-zoster virus (VZV)-specific humoral and cell-mediated immunity (CMI) to herpes zoster (HZ) and protection against HZ morbidity and to compare immune responses to HZ and zoster vaccine. METHODS: In 981 elderly persons who developed HZ during a zoster vaccine efficacy trial (321 vaccinees and 660 placebo recipients) and 1362 without HZ (682 vaccinees and 680 placebo recipients), CMI was measured by VZV responder cell frequency and interferon-gamma enzyme-linked immunospot, and antibodies were measured by VZV enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay against affinity-purified VZV glycoproteins (gpELISA). RESULTS: Robust VZV CMI at HZ onset correlated with reduced HZ morbidity, whereas VZV gpELISA titers did not. Three weeks after HZ onset, gpELISA titers were highest in those with more severe HZ and were slightly increased in placebo recipients (compared with zoster vaccine recipients) and in older individuals. VZV CMI responses to HZ were similar in zoster vaccine and placebo recipients and were not affected by demographic characteristics or antiviral therapy, except for responder cell frequency at HZ onset, which decreased with age. When responses to zoster vaccine and HZ could be compared, VZV CMI values were similar, but antibody titers were lower. CONCLUSIONS: Higher VZV CMI at HZ onset was associated with reduced HZ severity and less postherpetic neuralgia. Higher antibody titers were associated with increased HZ severity and occurrence of postherpetic neuralgia. HZ and zoster vaccine generated comparable VZV CMI.


Subject(s)
Herpes Zoster/prevention & control , Herpesvirus 3, Human/immunology , Viral Vaccines/immunology , Aged , Antibodies, Viral/blood , Double-Blind Method , Female , Herpes Zoster/immunology , Humans , Immunity, Cellular , Male , Middle Aged , Neuralgia, Postherpetic/prevention & control , Time Factors
7.
Acad Med ; 84(4): 409-10, 2009 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19318765

ABSTRACT

This commentary relates to three articles in this issue of Academic Medicine, which address the vision of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for clinical and translational research. Those articles encompass the first successful Clinical and Translational Science Award applicants' stated aims for their programs, the success of a Harvard training program, and the case for exposing medical students to research experiences. The positive recommendations each makes are timely and give the author an opportunity to draw attention to related NIH education and outreach programs. Meeting the NIH's mission "to extend healthy life and reduce the burdens of illness and disability" will need a coordinated approach to ensure that health care workers are aware of the importance of research-and that clinical researchers see a secure, research-related career structure in academic health centers.


Subject(s)
Biomedical Research , Career Choice , Awards and Prizes , Curriculum , Financing, Government , Health Services Research , Humans , National Institutes of Health (U.S.) , Research Support as Topic , United States
10.
J Infect Dis ; 188(9): 1336-44, 2003 Nov 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-14593591

ABSTRACT

The safety and immunogenecity of a booster dose of live attenuated varicella-zoster virus (VZV) vaccine was evaluated in 196 healthy subjects, >or=60 years old, who had already received a VZV vaccine >5 years before. This repeat booster dose was well tolerated. Cell-mediated immunity (CMI) to VZV was measured by an interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot-forming cell (ELISPOT) assay and a limiting dilution responder cell frequency (RCF) assay. Prevaccination responses decreased as a function of increasing age but were detectable in all subjects by use of the IFN-gamma ELISPOT assay. In most subjects, VZV-specific CMI was increased at 6 weeks postvaccination. The magnitude of the vaccine-induced IFN-gamma ELISPOT response was inversely related to prevaccination values. Although there was a significant correlation between the IFN-gamma ELISPOT and RCF assays, the ELISPOT assay had greater sensitivity and a wider dynamic range. A live attenuated VZV vaccine is safe and immunogenic in an elderly population, and the vaccine-induced immunity may be monitored by the IFN-gamma ELISPOT assay.


Subject(s)
Herpesvirus 3, Human/immunology , Viral Vaccines/immunology , Age Factors , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Antigens, Viral/immunology , Cell Division/immunology , Female , Herpes Zoster/immunology , Herpes Zoster/prevention & control , Humans , Immunity, Cellular/immunology , Immunization, Secondary , Immunoenzyme Techniques , Interferon-gamma/immunology , Interferon-gamma/metabolism , Male , Middle Aged , Sex Factors , Th1 Cells/immunology , Vaccines, Attenuated/immunology
11.
J Neurovirol ; 9(3): 404-7, 2003 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-12775423

ABSTRACT

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is dermatomal distribution pain that persists for months to years after the resolution of herpes zoster rash. The cause of PHN is unknown. Herein, we report clinical, molecular virological, and immunological findings over an 11-year period in an immunocompetent elderly woman with PHN. Initially, blood mononuclear cells (MNCs) contained varicella-zoster virus (VZV) DNA on two consecutive occasions. Random testing after treatment with famciclovir to relieve pain did not detect VZV DNA. However, the patient was reluctant to continue famciclovir indefinitely and voluntarily stopped drug treatment five times. Pain always recurred within 1 week, and blood MNCs contained many, but not all, regions of the VZV genome on all five occasions. Immunological analysis revealed increased cell-mediated immunity to VZV. Chronic VZV ganglionitis-induced PHN best explains the recurrence of VZV DNA in MNCs whenever famciclovir was discontinued; the detection of only some regions of the viral genome in MNCs, compared to the detection of all regions of the VZV genome in latently infected ganglia; the increased cell-mediated immunity to VZV; and a gratifying clinical response to famciclovir. The presence of fragments of VZV DNA in MNCs likely represents partial degradation of viral DNA in MNCs that trafficked through ganglia during productive infection.


Subject(s)
2-Aminopurine/analogs & derivatives , Facial Neuralgia/etiology , Herpes Zoster Oticus/complications , Herpesvirus 3, Human/pathogenicity , 2-Aminopurine/therapeutic use , Acyclovir/therapeutic use , Amitriptyline/therapeutic use , Analgesics, Non-Narcotic/therapeutic use , Antibodies, Viral/blood , Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use , Chronic Disease , DNA, Viral/blood , DNA, Viral/isolation & purification , Dysgeusia/etiology , Exanthema/etiology , Facial Neuralgia/drug therapy , Facial Neuralgia/virology , Facial Paralysis/etiology , Famciclovir , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Herpes Zoster Oticus/drug therapy , Herpesvirus 3, Human/immunology , Herpesvirus 3, Human/isolation & purification , Humans , Hyperacusis/etiology , Immunoglobulin G/blood , Immunoglobulin G/immunology , Leukocytes, Mononuclear/virology , Middle Aged , Scalp
12.
J Infect Dis ; 187(8): 1257-63, 2003 Apr 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-12696005

ABSTRACT

Bonnet monkeys develop an enhanced disease after immunization with the formalin-inactivated (FI) respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine that is characterized by increased viral replication in perivascular sites of the lung. These sites contain many mononuclear cells, which are known to be permissive for RSV replication. To test the hypothesis that FI-RSV vaccine stimulates the production of enhancing antibodies that serve to increase the replication of RSV in macrophages, in vitro studies were done. Antibody-dependent enhancement was observed in animals immunized with FI-RSV but not in control animals with primary and tertiary infections or those immunized with FI-Vero cell culture. In the presence of serum samples from animals immunized with FI-RSV, an increased number of U937 cells was infected. The enhancement index correlated positively with the pathologic scores of the FI-RSV-vaccinated monkeys.


Subject(s)
Antibodies, Viral/immunology , Disease Models, Animal , Macaca radiata/immunology , Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections/immunology , Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections/physiopathology , Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccines/immunology , Respiratory Syncytial Viruses/immunology , Animals , Humans , U937 Cells , Vaccines, Inactivated/immunology , Virus Replication
13.
J Med Virol ; 70 Suppl 1: S38-41, 2003.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-12627485

ABSTRACT

An interferon-gamma ELISPOT assay has been developed for assessment of cellular immune responses to Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) in large, multi-center clinical vaccine trials. We show that the assay performed best when testing peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) that had been isolated and then frozen on the same day as blood was drawn, and that freezing PBMCs from blood that was stored overnight before processing resulted in dramatically reduced responses. This assay was used to monitor cell-mediated immunity (CMI) in response to a booster immunization with an investigational live, attenuated VZV vaccine in an elderly population that had been vaccinated 8-10 years previously. The booster vaccine elicited a 1.6- to 1.7-fold rise in the VZV-specific cellular immune response as measured by the ELISPOT assay. The increase from pre to post booster vaccination response was more pronounced (approximately 2.2-fold rise) in a subset of subjects who had received two prior immunizations with a live, attenuated vaccine.


Subject(s)
Chickenpox Vaccine/administration & dosage , Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay/methods , Herpesvirus 3, Human/immunology , Immunity, Cellular , Interferon-gamma/analysis , Aged , Humans , Immunization, Secondary , In Vitro Techniques , Interferon-gamma/biosynthesis , T-Lymphocytes/immunology
14.
J Eukaryot Microbiol ; 50 Suppl: 560-2, 2003.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-14736162

ABSTRACT

Transgenic and knockout mice usefully model the mechanisms that result in the clearance of Cryptosporidium parvum from the gut. CD4+ cells, cells expressing MHC class II, and CD154/CD40 interactions are essential. Unexpectedly, AND RAG-/- and DO11.10 RAG-/- mice with single specificities of T cells successfully clear Cryptosporidium infection. Clearance is accompanied by activation of CD4+ cells in the MLN. The ability of T cells bearing receptors for apparently irrelevant and non-cross reactive antigens to activate and to clear infection is surprising. The requirement for class II MHC expression for Cryptosporidium clearance raises the alternative possibilities that (a) class II MHC is required to present a peptide that is loaded as a consequence of infection or (b) that the cytokine environment engendered by a Cryptosporidium infection allows affinity for self MHC to activate naive T cells. In order to test the hypothesis that peptide loading is necessary, we used A betaE alpha-/-Ii-/- mice that express a hybrid IA-IE MHC molecule. They also carry a transgene that makes an E alpha peptide while disruption of their invariant chain blocks the loading of a foreign peptide on to their MHC class II molecules. After oral gavage, the course of infection was followed by ELISA. CD4+ cells in the MLN of these mice were activated to express CD69 and the infection was cleared. We conclude that the loading of a Cryptosporidium or other infection-dependent peptide onto the MHC class II molecules of APCs is not necessary for clearance of Cryptosporidium. Instead the TcR affinity for self-MHC must suffice for T cell activation in the cytokine environment resulting from infection.


Subject(s)
Cryptosporidium parvum/immunology , Major Histocompatibility Complex , T-Lymphocytes/immunology , Animals , CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology , Flow Cytometry , Histocompatibility Antigens Class II/genetics , Histocompatibility Antigens Class II/immunology , Mice , Mice, Knockout , Mice, Transgenic
15.
Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am ; 31(2): 477-95, 2002 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-12092462

ABSTRACT

In this article, the authors covered a number of issues that affect how researchers approach prevention of diabetes. The focus has been the use of cytokines and immunosuppressive therapies. The historical understanding of cytokine and immunosuppressive approaches, new developments in using these agents in humans, and the issues involved in designing diabetes prevention trials were reviewed. Although progress at times appears slow, the current research activities predict new developments in the next few years that may improve the understanding of the progression of diabetes and possible ways to intervene.


Subject(s)
Cytokines/therapeutic use , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/therapy , Immunosuppressive Agents/therapeutic use , Animals , Autoimmune Diseases/prevention & control , Autoimmune Diseases/therapy , Clinical Trials as Topic , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/immunology , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/prevention & control , Humans , Mice , Mice, Inbred NOD
16.
Ann N Y Acad Sci ; 979: 5-9; discussion 35-8, 2002 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-12543711

ABSTRACT

Lymphatic research has infrastructure needs ranging from the nursing support provided by General Clinical Research Centers to training grants for future clinician investigators. Both have high priority in the activities currently funded by the Division of Clinical Research at NCRR. Further into the future, the therapeutic development networks and embryonic stem cells resources that are currently being developed should seem equally to have been essential resources.


Subject(s)
Lymphatic Diseases/therapy , Lymphatic System/physiology , National Institutes of Health (U.S.)/organization & administration , Research/trends , Lymphatic Diseases/diagnosis , United States
17.
J Gen Virol ; 82(Pt 11): 2663-2674, 2001 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-11602778

ABSTRACT

The pathology of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease in bonnet monkeys parallels findings with human RSV disease. RSV-infected animals pre-immunized with a formalin-inactivated (FI) RSV vaccine develop inflammation in peribronchiolar, perivascular, interstitial and intra-alveolar sites with lung inflammation scores significantly higher than animals with a primary RSV infection and those pre-immunized with an FI-Vero cell control vaccine (P=0.05). Animals previously infected and re-exposed to RSV had significantly lower alveolar, interstitial and total lung inflammation scores than in primary infection (P=0.05). Immunization with two intra-muscular doses of 0.5 ml of the FI-RSV vaccine administered 21 days apart resulted in little serum-neutralizing and ELISA antibody, low levels of secretory IgA and a low lymphocyte proliferative response that was significantly lower than the response observed in animals that were previously infected with live RSV. Higher RSV virus titres were detected in the lungs and lung lavage fluid of monkeys immunized with the FI-RSV vaccine than in those with a primary infection (P=0.001). RSV was detected by in situ hybridization in pulmonary inflammatory infiltrates, where the single most abundant infiltrating cellular species was macrophages, so it may be these cells that support the enhanced virus replication that contributes to the enhanced pulmonary pathology of FI-RSV immunization.


Subject(s)
Lung/pathology , Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections/pathology , Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections/virology , Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccines/immunology , Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human/physiology , Animals , Disease Models, Animal , Formaldehyde/pharmacology , Humans , Inflammation , Lung/immunology , Lung/virology , Macaca radiata , Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections/prevention & control , Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human/drug effects , Vaccination , Vaccines, Inactivated/immunology , Virus Replication
18.
London; Prentice Hall International; 13 ed; 1997. 1217 p. ilus, tab.
Monography in English | Sec. Munic. Saúde SP, HSPM-Acervo | ID: sms-5406
19.
Connecticut; Prentice Hall International; 12 ed; 1995. 1295 p. ilus, tab.
Monography in English | Sec. Munic. Saúde SP, HSPM-Acervo | ID: sms-5405
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