A single implant with tissue training in the aesthetic zone

This paper presents a case study for replacing a single maxillary central incisor with a single implant, in conjunction with grafting lost hard and soft tissue. Using staged protocols, the maturity and stability of the implant was ensured prior to finalizing the case. In this respect, it was originally planned that a minimum healing period of nine months would be observed, but in fact the patient did not return for one year. Taking time to stage phases of the case and observe any changes provides an opportunity to evaluate each phase before the next step is carried forward. By staging the challenges faced in this case, the author was able to progress to each subsequent step with added assurance. By the time the final restorations were fitted, the graft and tissues were stable. The time involved not only placed biology on the clinician's side, but also helped the patient to spread the cost.

CHFR methylation as an epigenetic marker for recurrence of colon cancer

4043

Background: Currently, no definitive epigenetic markers exist to predict recurrence and overall survival (OS) of colorectal cancer patients after surgical resection. Promoter hypermethylation of the ID4 (inhibitor of DNA binding), RECK (reversion-inducing cysteine rich protein with Kazal motifs), and CHFR (checkpoint with forkhead-associated and RING finger domains) genes have been associated with reduced mRNA and protein expression in colorectal cancer. The purpose of this study was to determine the association of methylation of these genes and also MINT1 (methylated in tumor loci) with recurrence-free survival (RFS) and OS in colon cancer patients. Methods: DNA methylation was quantitatively evaluated using pyrosequencing in tissue samples from 64 patients with AJCC stage II and III colon cancer without HNPCC seen at M.D. Anderson during 1999–2007. Survival outcomes were determined by retrospective chart review and evaluated by Kaplan-Meier plot and log-rank test for univariate analysis and Cox's proportional hazard model for multivariate analysis. Mean methylation rate of multiple CpG sites in the promoter region was used. For this analysis, we defined <15%, 15%-30%, and >30% as methylation-negative, -low, and -high, respectively. Results: There were 19 stage II (30%) and 45 stage III (70%) patients. The median age was 62.1 years (range: 31–86). Adjuvant chemotherapy was completed in 49 patients (77%). After a median follow-up of 54.9 months, 12 (19%) patients developed recurrence and 7 (11%) have died. Methylation of MINT1, ID4, and RECK did not correlate with RFS and OS. The CHFR methylation-high (42%) group had low RFS (P=.04) and OS (P=.03) when compared with the CHFR methylation- negative (38%) and -low (20%) group. CHFR methylation-high was associated with N2 disease (P=.04) and right-sided tumors (P=.002). Multivariate analysis indicated T4 disease [P=.004, HR=8.42 (95% CI: 1.98–35.8)] and CHFR methylation-high [P=.04, HR = 3.79 (95% CI: 1.04–13.8)], were poor prognostic factors for recurrence. Conclusions: The presence of high CHFR promoter methylation correlates with advanced lymph node metastasis and shortened RFS and OS. Methylation of the CHFR promoter is a potential epigenetic marker for colon cancer recurrence and overall survival.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Meta-analysis to assess risk factors for recurrent Clostridium difficile infection

SUMMARY

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is the most common cause of hospital-acquired diarrhoea. It is estimated that 15-20% of patients experience recurrence of CDI. A limited number of studies have looked at the risk factors for recurrent CDI. We conducted a meta-analysis of observational studies and randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to assess risk factors for recurrent CDI. Studies were identified using the PubMed database and search terms 'Clostridium difficile associated diarrhoea' or 'pseudomembranous colitis'. Both observational studies and RCTs were included. In all, 1215 studies were identified of which 48 met the inclusion criteria. Twelve studies involving 1382 patients with CDI met the complete eligibility requirements. Odds ratios and information on study quality were abstracted by two investigators independently. To be included in the analysis, each risk factor was required to be evaluated by at least three separate studies. Continued use of non-C. difficile antibiotics after diagnosis of CDI (OR: 4.23; 95% CI: 2.10-8.55; P<0.001), concomitant receipt of antacid medications (OR: 2.15; 95% CI: 1.13-4.08; P=0.019), and older age (OR: 1.62; 95% CI: 1.11-2.36; P=0.0012) were significantly associated with increased risk of recurrent CDI. Significant prognostic risk factors were identified as risk factors for CDI recurrence. Additional or novel interventions may be required for these patients to prevent CDI recurrence.

Transplant glomerulopathy

Transplant glomerulopathy (TG) is a histologic entity described more than four decades ago. In the last few years, our understanding of TG has improved significantly. Current evidence supports the postulate that TG is a unique pathologic and pathogenic entity distinct from other forms of chronic allograft injury. Detailed electron microscopic studies have shown basement membrane abnormalities in glomerular and peritubular capillaries, indicating that this is a disease of the entire renal capillary network. Staining biopsies for the complement fragment, C4d, showed positivity in subgroups of TG, suggesting the participation of antidonor antibodies. Consistent with this postulate, the incidence of TG is increased in patients with antidonor HLA antibodies prior to the transplant. The use of surveillance biopsies has demonstrated that TG can develop during the first few months after transplantation, although it may remain clinically quiescent for several years. However, TG is progressive, leading to reduced graft survival. Recent studies demonstrated a close association between TG and anti-HLA class II antibodies. Current therapies for TG are likely of limited value. However, it is also likely that an improved understanding of TG pathogenesis will result in the development of effective therapies for this form of progressive kidney allograft damage.

Transplant glomerulopathy: subclinical incidence and association with alloantibody

Transplant glomerulopathy (TG) usually has been described as part of a constellation of late chronic histologic abnormalities associated with proteinuria and declining function. The current study used both protocol and clinically-indicated biopsies to investigate clinical and subclinical TG, their prognosis and possible association with alloantibody. We retrospectively studied 582 renal transplants with a negative pre-transplant T-cell complement dependent cytotoxicity crossmatch. TG was diagnosed in 55 patients, 27 (49%) based on protocol biopsy in well-functioning grafts. The cumulative incidence of TG increased over time to 20% at 5 years. The prognosis of subclinical TG was equally as poor as TG diagnosed with graft dysfunction, with progressive worsening of histopathologic changes and function. Although TG was associated with both acute and chronic histologic abnormalities, 14.5% of TG biopsies showed no interstitial fibrosis or tubular atrophy, while 58% (7/12) of biopsies with severe TG showed only minimal abnormalities. TG was associated with acute rejection, pretransplant hepatitis C antibody positivity and anti-HLA antibodies (especially anti-Class II), with the risk increasing if the antibodies were donor specific. We suggest that subclinical TG is an under-recognized cause of antibody-mediated, chronic renal allograft injury which may be mechanistically distinct from other causes of nephropathy.

Phase II non-randomized trial using pegfilgrastim for hematopoietic recovery after autologous peripheral stem cell transplantation

7101

Background: Filgrastim (FIL), granulocyte-colony stimulating factor(G-CSF) reduces time to neutrophil engraftment, hospital stay and antibiotic therapy but requires uncomfortable and inconvenient daily subcutaneous (SC) injections.Pegfilgrastim (PFIL), while more expensive, requires a single SC injection.Before changing our practice and for internal validation, we initiated phase II nonrandomized trial using PFIL instead of FIL for hematopoietic recovery after autologous peripheral stem cell transplantation(autoPBSCT).An interim analysis of this study was presented (Poster No: - 417) at 2006 BMT Tandem Meetings.Here we present a complete analysis of our study. Method: A Phase II nonrandomized trial compares a single injection PFIL 6mg SC on Day +1 to historical controls using FIL 5mcg/kg SC daily starting Day+7 and continued until ANC=500/mm3 for three consecutive days.Twenty-two patients prospectively(05/2005–06/2006) accrued (MM=2; NHL=13; HD=7, MM=Multiple Myeloma, NHL= Nonhodgkin's lymphoma, HD= Hodgkin's lymphoma).Sixty-six consecutive patients retrospectively (MM=21; NHL=25; HD=20) were analyzed as historical controls(04/1999–04/2005).This study has been completed and closed. The primary endpoint of this study was to determine the days needed to engraft neutrophils & platelet following PFIL administration after autoPBSCT. Wilcoxon Rank Sums test performed for all comparisons except gender comparison was done by chi-square test. Results: Use of a single convenient injection of PFIL resulted in earlier neutrophilic recovery, less packed red blood cell(PRBC) transfusion & shorter hospital stay. No PFIL patients required additional G-CSF. One patient had prolonged fever probably PFIL- related. Conclusion: Our phase II study indicates the equivalency of PFIL and FIL related to hematopoietic recovery after autoPBSCT.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

[Table: see text]

Mesangial immune complex glomerulonephritis due to complement factor D deficiency

Complement factor D is a serine protease essential for the activation of the alternative pathway and is expressed in the kidney, adipocytes, and macrophages. Factor D is found at relatively high levels in glomeruli suggesting that this component of the complement cascade could influence renal pathophysiology. In this study, we utilize mice with a targeted deletion of the activating complement factor D gene and compare these results to mice with targeted deletion of the inhibitory complement factor H gene. Eight-month-old mice with a deleted factor D gene spontaneously develop albuminuria and have reduced creatinine clearance due to mesangial immune complex glomerulonephritis. These mesangial deposits contain C3 and IgM. In contrast to the mesangial location of the immune deposits in the factor D-deficient mice, age-matched factor H-deficient mice develop immune deposits along the glomerular capillary wall. Our observations suggest that complement factor D or alternative pathway activation is needed to prevent spontaneous accumulation of C3 and IgM deposits within the mesangium. Our studies show that the complement factor D gene knockout mice are a novel model of spontaneous mesangial immune complex glomerulonephritis.

Herbal modulation of drug bioavailability: enhancement of rifampicin levels in plasma by herbal products and a flavonoid glycoside derived fromCuminum cyminum

The bioavailability of rifampicin (RIF) in a fixed dose combination (FDC) used for the treatment of tuberculosis remains an area of clinical concern and several pharmaceutical alternatives are being explored to overcome this problem. The present study presents a pharmacological approach in which the bioavailability of a drug may be modulated by utilizing the herb-drug synergism. The pharmacokinetic interaction of some herbal products and a pure molecule isolated from Cuminum cyminum with RIF is shown in this paper. An aqueous extract derived from cumin seeds produced a significant enhancement of RIF levels in rat plasma. This activity was found to be due to a flavonoid glycoside, 3',5-dihydroxyflavone 7-O-beta-D-galacturonide 4'-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (CC-I). CC-I enhanced the Cmax by 35% and AUC by 53% of RIF. The altered bioavailability profile of RIF could be attributed to a permeation enhancing effect of this glycoside.

Eradication of H. influenzae in AECB: A pooled analysis of moxifloxacin phase III trials compared with macrolide agents

Haemophilus influenzae is the most common bacterial pathogen associated with acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (AECB). This study determined the rate of bacterial eradication of H. influenzae during AECB treated with either macrolides or moxifloxacin. Adult AECB patients with H. influenzae were included in a pooled analysis of four double-blind, multicentre, randomised trials. Patients received either moxifloxacin (400 mg qd for 5-10 days) or macrolides (azithromycin 500 mg/250 mg qd for 5 days or clarithromycin 500 mg bid for 5-10 days). Bacterial eradication and clinical success were recorded at the test-of-cure visit (7-37 days post-therapy). Of 2555 patients in the intent-to-treat population, 910 were microbiologically valid and 292 (32%) had H. influenzae cultured at baseline. Bacterial eradication of H. influenzae was significantly higher with moxifloxacin vs. macrolide-treated patients (93.0% [133/143] vs. 73.2% [109/149], respectively, P = 0.001). Moxifloxacin also demonstrated higher eradication rates compared with azithromycin (96.8% vs. 84.6%, P = 0.019) and clarithromycin (90.1% vs. 64.2%, P = 0.001) analysed separately. Clinical success was 89.5% (128/143) for moxifloxacin vs. 85.2% (127/149) for the macrolide group (P = 0.278); similar results were found when moxifloxacin was compared individually with each macrolide. For patients with AECB due to H. influenzae, moxifloxacin provided superior bacterial eradication rates than macrolide therapy.

Renal vascular sclerosis is associated with inherited thrombophilias

Vascular sclerosis is often seen in renal biopsies. It is usually associated with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, smoking, etc. However, whether inherited thrombophilic states such as factor V gene mutation, prothrombin gene mutation, and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene mutation are associated with the vascular sclerosis is not known. Renal biopsies that showed vascular disease were grouped into five groups: (1) diabetic patients, (2) hypertensive patients, (3) diabetic and hypertensive patients, (4) smokers, and (5) vascular sclerosis of unknown etiology (idiopathic renal disease). Renal biopsies with no vascular sclerosis were used as controls. Frozen tissue was analyzed for factor V Leiden mutation, prothrombin G20210A mutation, and MTHFR C677T. Factor V Leiden mutation and prothrombin G20210A mutation was not seen in patients with diabetes, hypertension, or smoking, whereas MTHFR C677T polymorphism in these groups was not significant, compared to the controls. In the idiopathic renal disease group, three of the 17 patients (17.6%) had prothrombin G20210A mutation, two of the 17 patients (11.8%) had the factor V Leiden mutation, and five of the 17 (29.4%) were homozygous for the MTHFR C677T polymorphism. When the data were evaluated as a whole, 10 mutations were found in 17 patients (P<0.0005 compared to controls) or eight of the 17 patients (47%) were observed to have at least one of the three forms of inherited thrombophilia (P<0.001 compared to controls). These findings indicate that renal vascular lesions, in the absence of diabetes, hypertension, or smoking appears to be associated with inherited thrombophilias.

Multiple administrations of oligodeoxynucleotides containing CpG motifs influence Ig isotype production

Oligodeoxynucleotides containing CpG motifs (CpG-ODN) activate cells of the innate immune system. Recent studies have shown that sole CpG-ODN administration induces resistance against infection and tumors. Effects of CpG-ODN administration are rapidly induced, and regarding infections only short-term protection was seen. One conceivable strategy to prolong protective effects is multiple administrations of CpG-ODN. However, inappropriate immune activation via CpG motifs has been implicated in septic shock and autoimmunity. To investigate effects of multiple CpG-ODN administrations, we analyzed Th1- and Th-2-associated Ig antibody levels, during and after multiple treatment with CpG-ODN. Our results show that multiple administrations of CpG-ODN lead to an increase in total IgG2c levels in CpG-ODN-treated mice in comparison to controls with distinct time and frequency correlation, in the absence of additional stimuli. This indicates a humoral Th1 bias based on stimulation of Th1-Ig isotype-producing B cells. These effects could account for observed anti-infection and anti-tumor properties of multiple CpG-ODN administrations; on the other hand, they might cause autoimmune disease.

Variations in the complement regulatory genes factor H (CFH) and factor H related 5 (CFHR5) are associated with membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis type II (dense deposit disease)

INTRODUCTION

Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis type II or dense deposit disease (MPGN II/DDD) causes chronic renal dysfunction that progresses to end stage renal disease in about half of patients within 10 years of diagnosis. Deficiency of and mutations in the complement factor H (CFH) gene are associated with the development of MPGN II/DDD, suggesting that dysregulation of the alternative pathway of the complement cascade is important in disease pathophysiology.

SUBJECTS

Patients with MPGN II/DDD were studied to determine whether specific allele variants of CFH and CFHR5 segregate preferentially with the MPGN II/DDD disease phenotype. The control group was compromised of 131 people in whom age related macular degeneration had been excluded.

RESULTS

Allele frequencies of four single nucleotide polymorphisms in CFH and three in CFHR5 were significantly different between MPGN II/DDD patients and controls.

CONCLUSION

We have identified specific allele variants of CFH and CFHR5 associated with the MPGN II/DDD disease phenotype. While our data can be interpreted to further implicate complement in the pathogenesis of MPGN II/DDD, these associations could also be unrelated to disease pathophysiology. Functional studies are required to resolve this question.

Screening of patients with acute febrile illness for leptospirosis using clinical criteria and serology

BACKGROUND

Leptospirosis is one of the common zoonoses but, in most instances, the infection goes unnoticed. Rapid diagnostic modalities are needed to diagnose the disease in the early stages. We assessed the usefulness of clinical criteria and compared these with enzyme-linked immunosorbentassay (ELISA) for the early detection of leptospirosis.

METHODS

One hundred patients with a febrile illness for > 7 days were screened by Faine criteria and their sera were subjected to both IgM and IgG ELISA using a commercially available kit (Institut Virion Serion GmbH, Warburg, Germany).

RESULTS

Twenty-six patients satisfied the clinical criteria for leptospirosis and 8 of them tested positive for IgM antibodies while 1 patient who was clinically negative tested positive by serology. Thus, Faine criteria had a sensitivity of 88.9%, specificity of 80.2%, positive predictive value of 30.8% and a negative predictive value of 98.6%. Paired serum samples were obtained from 70 patients but the IgG levels of only 2 showed a 4-fold rise.

CONCLUSION

Faine criteria has moderate sensitivity and specificity but a high negative predictive value in comparison with IgM ELISA. The high negative predictive value may help to screen patients with acute febrile illness for leptospirosis during the early phase of the disease.