Systemic lupus erythematosus

Chronic illness increases each year in the United States with about 117 million people living with a chronic condition (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2018). There are more than 100 autoimmune conditions (AARDA, 2019). This particular study focuses on a very specific population, which is women with systemic lupus erythematosus; in which women compose 50.9% of the population (United States Census Bureau, 2010). The specific variables being evaluated are marital satisfaction with a special focus on partner intimacy (sexual relations) and the relationship that exists between these variables in women who have the condition. The study aims at forming a marriage between the medical field and the counseling field to have better understanding and ultimately provide a more comprehensive treatment from the findings of this research. Prior studies suggest that marital satisfaction and partner intimacy are affected when a person has a chronic condition, albeit very little research has been done in the last decade that focuses on this particular population with these specific variables.
Seventy six (N=76) women with systemic lupus erythematosus participated in this study. There were 76 females. The diverse participants had an age mean of 44.16 and a standard deviation of 10.59. There were African American (n=7), Asian (n=3), Caucasian (n=55), American/Alaskan Native (n=1), Native Hawaiian (n=1), Pacific Islander (n=3), NA’s (n=6). Education levels were high school (n=17), bachelor’s (n=33), master’s (n=15), doctorate (n=4), other (n=6) and NA’s (n=1). There were employed (n=64) and not employed (n=12). From the Midwest (n=8), Northeast (n=11), Northwest (n=6), Southeast (n=37), Southwest (n=14), NA’s (n=4). The participants were diagnosed varying years from 1992 until 2021, with NA’s (n=7). Flare up mean was 2.7, with a standard deviation of 2.3. The household income mean was $87,784.10 with a standard deviation of 49063.08. The relationship between marital satisfaction, partner intimacy and resiliency in women with lupus was measured by using bivariate regression analysis. The implications of the findings, study limitations and recommendations for future research are discussed.

Two novel methodologies were developed for purification and functional (DNA hydrolytic) assessment of anti-DNA antibodies of IgG isotype from patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Earlier protocols for purification and analysis of antibody hydrolytic abilities were lengthy, laborious, and potentially disruptive to antibody function. Purification protocols failed to capture all four IgG subclasses and produced multiple bands outside the range of IgG on electrophoretic separation. Hydrolysis assays were discontinuous increasing the likelihood of introducing error and making them better suited to analysis of endpoint kinetics rather than reaction kinetics.
A two-step, affinity-based purification protocol was developed which utilized magnetic Dynabeads to capture serum components with binding affinity for a thymine 20mer followed by capture of the antibody components of this initial anti-T 20mer serum fraction using Protein G. A fluorescence-based method for real-time, continuous analysis of anti-DNA antibody hydrolytic activity utilizing hydrolysis probes was developed and used to characterize abzyme reaction kinetic parameters. Anti-DNA antibodies demonstrated significantly different Vmax and Km values in the hydrolysis assay (p <0.001) when compared with a DNAse I control.

The purpose of this study was 1) to examine the significance of a patient’s active
or passive role in terms of his/her health management; 2) to determine if a relationship
exists between one’s active and passive scores and his/her self-directed learning
readiness, and 3) to identify if his/her view of one’s self as a patient (when diagnosed
with a chronic disease) impacted his/her own personal health management.
Utilizing the quantitative analysis of The Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale
and the Vanderbilt Pain Management Inventory, 81 individuals’ descriptive statistics
were analyzed. Self-directed learning was found to positively influence an individual’s
ability to be an active patient. The moderated demographic characteristics of age,
ethnicity, education level, and gender did not have a direct relationship between selfdirected
learning readiness and active/passive coping groups. Further, it was established that the majority of the participants within the study,
83.75%, considered themselves an active patient managing their lupus diagnosis.
However, 16.25% of the participants did not believe that they were actively managing
their illness.
Self-directed learning characteristics were examined through the responses to an
open-ended question. The two most prevalent themes pertained to active coping and
control. Characteristics of self-directed learning readiness appeared predominant amongst
the responses, particularly goal-orientation and accepting responsibility for learning.
Minimal themes regarding planning and enjoying learning were provided within the data.
These characteristics were identified throughout the study in hopes of further
research and program implementations that will help to develop leadership abilities and
activity levels of self-health management in chronically ill patients. This will enable
lupus patients to have a more positive outcome, it will help them successfully manage
their own health, and it will improve their overall quality of life.

This study developed a method for positive selection of anti-single stranded (ss)DNA B cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) using a twenty nucleotide oligomer of deoxythymidine (oligo(dT) 20mer), coupled to microscopie magnetic beads. Oligo(dT) 20mer specificity for plasma anti-ssDNA antibody (Ab) was established through indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and flow cytometry. A novel method for semi-quantitative detection of ssDNA specific, B cells from PBMC purified peripheral blood that utilized flow cytometric analysis of oligo(dT) 20mer Texas Red labeled cells was developed. Qualitative purification of ssDNA specific, B cells using oligo(dT) coupled magnetic beads was determined through light microscopy and flow cytometric analysis of positive sclected cell populations. Cross-reaetivity of oligo(dT) 20mer with receptors distinct from membrane Ab, resulted in the use of oligo(dC) 20mer as a useful blocking agent. Results show anti-ssDNA Ab titer does not correlate with numbers of peripheral blood ssDNA specific, B cells.

This study evaluated two methods for the isolation and purification of anti-DNA antibodies. A two-step affinity purification with streptavidin (SA) biotinylated oligodeoxythymidine (dT) M-280 and protein G Dynabeadsª was compared to a two step method using Melon(TM) Gel and cellulose DNA. Although Melon gel allowed for faster antibody purification and a higher recovery rate it gave a product of less purity than the magnetic bead method. Further characterization of the antibodies was done by PhastGel(TM) non-reducing SDS-PAGE and isoelectric focusing in order to analyze purity and confirm the polyclonal nature of anti-DNA antibodies. Agilent 2100, with a higher resolution then SDS-PAGE, revealed possible subclasses of different MW not detected by SDS-PAGE. ELISA showed that all four IgG antibody subclasses were present, while Western blot confirmed the presence of human IgGs. Ultraviolet spectroscopy, Agilent, and fluorescence based assays were used to demonstrate DNA hydrolytic activity of purified anti-DNA antibody.

Wigging Out, a memoir, chronicles my first chemotherapy treatment which began in 2008 for the autoimmune disease Lupus. The primary focus is on how identity is affected by disability. Each symptom of my disease and side effect from my medications prompted a reevaluation of my identity as I felt a change both in myself and in the way others perceived me. In order to maintain a sense of control, I tried several techniques to pass and cover my disabled status, including the use of prosthetic hair pieces. Ultimately, the use of prosthetics made accepting my situation more difficult as it encouraged holding onto a former identity rather than creating a new one. It was not until I stopped using prosthetics as a form of denial and instead adopted them as part of a new identity that I was finally able to achieve the confidence necessary to fight for my life.