Idiotypic analysis of monoclonal antibodies to poly(Glu60Ala30Tyr10).

Fifteen hybridoma anti-poly(Glu60Ala30Tyr10) (anti-GAT) antibodies were analyzed for the presence of a common set of idiotypic specificities associated with murine anti-GAT antibodies, termed CGAT idiotype, which are present on the anti-GAT antibodies of all mouse strains. Thirteen of these monoclonal anti-GAT antibodies expressed a major fraction of CGAT idiotypic specificities. However, the remaining fraction of CGAT idiotypic specificities were not detected in individual or pooled hybridoma anti-GAT antibodies. Anti-idiotypic antisera made against each of the 15 hybridoma anti-GAT antibodies preferentially bound homologous ligand and showed minimal binding activity to specifically purified serum anti-GAT antibodies. Furthermore, the diversity of the hybridoma anti-GAT antibodies was demonstrated by the presence of individual idiotypic specificities on each of the hybridoma anti-GAT antibodies. However, relatedness among some of the hybridoma antibodies was also apparent since idiotypic analysis revealed that some hybridoma anti-GAT antibodies shared cross-reactive idiotypic specificities not associated with CGAT idiotype. The genetic mechanisms which could account for the generation of such antibody diversity are discussed.     

Diabetes and COVID-19 in Congolese patients

BackgroundThe global pandemic Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) due to the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is reported to be potentially severe in patients with morbid conditions. One common reported comorbidities is diabetes. We aimed in this study to precise the clinical characteristics and outcomes in a series of congolese diabetic patients affected by COVID-19 infection.Patients and methodsWe retrospectely studied from 256 COVID-19 patients, a cohort of 30 persons with previously known diabetes. The glycaemia controls have been obtained by plasma glucose assay. All patients have been tested positive to SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR method.ResultsThe COVID-19 diabetic patients represented 11,7% of all COVID-19 patients with confidence interval of 95% [7,77–15,65]. Older individuals and male sex were predominent. Dyspnea and sauration of oxygen < 90 were significatives and added risk factors were noted in 63.3% of patients, particulary hyperglycaemia with hypertension or obesity. The mortality rate at the percentage of 36.7% was more prevalent in patients with added comorbidities (30%) versus without comorbidities (6.7%).ConclusionCongolese COVID-19 diabetic patients of male sex and older age exhibiting arterial hypertension and obesity are the most exposed to severe COVID-19 and increasead mortality rate.     

Methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis. a five-year prospective multicenter study

Objective. To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of oral methotrexate (MTX) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in a long-term prospective trial. Methods. One hundred twenty-three patients with RA who completed a 9-month multicenter randomized trial comparing MTX and auranofin enrolled in this 5-year prospective study of MTX. Results. Significant (P = 0.0001) improvement compared with baseline was noted in all clinical disease variables, functional status, and the Westergren erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). “Marked improvement” occurred in 87 (71%) and 85 (69%) of the patients, respectively, in the joint pain/tenderness index and the joint swelling index at the last evaluable visit. Forty-four patients (36%) withdrew during the study. Eight (7%) withdrew due to lack of efficacy, and 8 (7%) due to adverse experiences, including 1 patient with cirrhosis. At 5 years, 64% of patients were still taking MTX and completed the study. Conclusion. This large prospective study of long-term MTX treatment demonstrates sustained clinical response and improvement in the Westergren ESR and functional assessment scores, with an acceptable toxicity profile.     

Familial articular chondrocalcinosis in quebec

The existence of articular chondrocalcinosis was documented in 9 members of 3 generations of a Quebec family. No associated or secondary forms of the disease were found. The clinical manifestations appeared early in life, and extensive radiologic involvement was apparent. We determined that genetic transmission was dominant, either autosomal or sex-linked, and not related to the HLA system.