Kinetics of IL-7 and IL-15 Levels after Allogeneic Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation following Nonmyeloablative Conditioning

in PLoS ONE (2013), 8(2), 55876

Background: We analysed kinetics of IL-7 and IL-15 levels in 70 patients given peripheral blood stem cells after nonmyeloablative conditioning. Methods: EDTA-anticoagulated plasma and serum samples were ... [more ▼]

Background: We analysed kinetics of IL-7 and IL-15 levels in 70 patients given peripheral blood stem cells after nonmyeloablative conditioning. Methods: EDTA-anticoagulated plasma and serum samples were obtained before conditioning and about once per week after transplantation until day 100. Samples were aliquoted and stored at 280uC within 3 hours after collection until measurement of cytokines. IL-7 and IL-15 levels were measured by ELISAs. Results: Median IL-7 plasma levels remained below 6 pg/L throughout the first 100 days, although IL-7 plasma levels were significantly higher on days 7 (5.1 pg/mL, P = 0.002), 14 (5.2 pg/mL, P,0.001), and 28 (5.1 pg/mL, P = 0.03) (but not thereafter) than before transplantation (median value of 3.8 pg/mL). Median IL-15 serum levels were significantly higher on days 7 (12.5 pg/mL, P,0.001), 14 (10.5 pg/mL, P,0.001), and 28 (6.2 pg/mL, P,0.001) than before transplantation (median value of 2.4 pg/mL). Importantly, IL-7 and IL-15 levels on days 7 or 14 after transplantation did not predict grade II–IV acute GVHD. Conclusions: These data suggest that IL-7 and IL-15 levels remain relatively low after nonmyeloablative transplantation, and that IL-7 and IL-15 levels early after nonmyeloablative transplantation do not predict for acute GVHD. [less ▲]

A methodological approach to assessing alveolar ridge preservation procedures in humans: hard tissue profile.

in Journal of Clinical Periodontology (2012), 9

AIMS: Multiple surgical protocols using biomaterials have been proposed to limit the typical post-extraction bone resorption. However, because of the heterogeneity of the studies, particularly the ... [more ▼]

AIMS: Multiple surgical protocols using biomaterials have been proposed to limit the typical post-extraction bone resorption. However, because of the heterogeneity of the studies, particularly the differences in assessment methods, it is difficult to determine the superiority of one technique over another. The objective of this study was to describe a new radiographic method to draw a map of alveolar bone remodelling after alveolar ridge preservation procedures to compare different surgical techniques more accurately. The newly developed measuring method was applied to a case series describing a specific preservation technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen extraction sites (in 14 patients) located in the upper anterior maxilla were treated with bovine hydroxyapatite (0.25- to 1-mm particles) and a saddled connective tissue graft. A radiographic three-dimensional assessment of the hard tissues was performed at baseline and 3 months after the procedure. Standardized horizontal measurements were taken at three corono-apical levels (-2, -5 and -9 mm) and at three mesio-distal levels (mesial, centre and distal) in the buccal and palatal aspects. Vertical measurements were also recorded in nine regions superior to the alveolar crest. The measurements were performed by two independent observers and intra- and inter-observer effects were evaluated. RESULTS: No inter- and intra-observer effects were found when analysing the measurements from these two observers. The horizontal dimension of the crest decreased by 1.6 mm (20%) in the cervical regions (-2 mm level), decreased moderately, by 1 mm (12%), at the -5 mm level and decreased very little, 0.5 mm (6%), at the apical (-8 mm) level. The losses were always significantly higher in the buccal than in the palatal aspect. Buccally, the maximal bone remodelling at the cervical level remained below 1 mm. Vertical bone resorption was homogeneous and<1 mm in the nine measured regions. DISCUSSION: The radiographic measuring methodology proved to be reproducible. It can be applied in other clinical settings. It successfully assessed the alveolar ridge preservation technique (BHA+saddle connective tissue graft). [less ▲]

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of Waldeyer's ring has distinc clinicopathologic features: a GELA study.

in Annals of Oncology (2012)

Background Diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCLs) arising in specific extranodal sites have peculiar clinicopathologic features. Patients and methods We analyzed a cohort of 187 primary Waldeyer's ring ... [more ▼]

Background Diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCLs) arising in specific extranodal sites have peculiar clinicopathologic features. Patients and methods We analyzed a cohort of 187 primary Waldeyer's ring (WR) DLBCLs retrieved from GELA protocols using anthracyclin-based polychemotherapy. Results Most patients (92%) had stage I–II disease. A germinal center B-cell-like (GCB) immunophenotype was observed in 61%, and BCL2 expression in 55%, of WR DLBCLs. BCL2, BCL6, IRF4 and MYC breakpoints were observed in, respectively, 3 of 42 (7%), 9 of 36 (25%), 2 of 26 (8%) and 4 of 40 (10%) contributive cases. A variable follicular pattern was evidenced in 30 of 68 (44%) large biopsy specimens. The 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) and the overall survival (OS) of 153 WR DLBCL patients with survival information were 69.5% and 77.8%, respectively. The GCB immunophenotype correlated with a better OS (P = 0.0015), while BCL2 expression predicted a worse OS (P = 0.037), an effect overcome by the GCB/non-GCB classification. Compared with matched nodal DLBCLs, WR DLBCLs with no age-adjusted international prognostic index factor disclosed a better 5-year PFS rate (77.5% versus 70.7%; P = 0.03). Conclusions WR DLBCLs display distinct clinicopathologic features compared with conventional DLBCLs, with usual localized-stage disease, common follicular features and a high frequency of GCB immunophenotype contrasting with a low rate of BCL2 rearrangements. In addition, they seem to be associated with a better outcome than their nodal counterpart. [less ▲]

Study of HCV and HIV infections in Mali: Comparative Epidemiology and Risk Factors

Poster (2012)

An in vitro evaluation of leakage of two Etch and Rinse and two Self-Etch adhesives after thermocycling

in International Journal of Dentistry [=IJD] (2012)

Our experiment evaluated the microleakage in resin composite restorations bonded to dental tissues with different adhesive systems. 40 class V cavities were prepared on the facial and lingual surfaces of ... [more ▼]

Our experiment evaluated the microleakage in resin composite restorations bonded to dental tissues with different adhesive systems. 40 class V cavities were prepared on the facial and lingual surfaces of each tooth with coronal margins in enamel and apical margins in cementum (root dentin). The teeth were restored with Z100 resin composite bonded with different adhesive systems: Scotchbond! Multipurpose (SBMP) a 3-step Etch and Rinse adhesive, Adper! Scotchbond! 1 XT (SB1) a 2-step Etch and Rinse adhesive, AdheSE® One (ADSE-1) a 1-step Self-Etch adhesive and AdheSE® (ADSE) a 2-step Self-Etch adhesive. Teeth were thermocycled and immersed in 50 % silver nitrate solution. When both interfaces were considered, SBMP has exhibited significantly less microleakage than other adhesive systems (respectively for SB1, ADSE-1 and ADSE, p = 0.0007, p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001). When enamel and dentin interfaces were evaluated separately: 1) for the Self-Etch adhesives, microleakage was found greater at enamel than at dentin interfaces (for ADSE, p = 0.024 and for ADSE-1, p < 0.0001); 2) for the Etch and Rinse adhesive systems, there was no significant difference between enamel and dentin interfaces; 3) SBMP was found significantly better than other adhesives both at enamel and dentin interfaces. In our experiment Etch and Rinse adhesives remain better than Self-Etch adhesives at enamel interface. In addition, there was no statistical difference between 1-step (ADSE-1) and 2-step (ADSE) Self-Etch adhesives. [less ▲]

NEONATAL INVASIVE GROUP B STREPTOCOCCAL (GBS) INFECTIONS IN EUROPE

Poster (2011, September)

Objectives: To describe clinical characteristics and capsular type of GBS isolates responsible of invasive infections in infants from Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech-Republic, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Spain and ... [more ▼]

Objectives: To describe clinical characteristics and capsular type of GBS isolates responsible of invasive infections in infants from Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech-Republic, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Spain and United Kingdom, representing one of the main objectives of the DEVANI (DEsign of a Vaccine Against Neonatal Infections) project. Methods: Surveillance of invasive GBS infections in infants was performed from mid-2008 through December 2010. For each case, a standardized case report form was filled. Samples from cases were processed using local procedures. GBS isolates were characterised in national central labs using standardised type-specific (Ia, Ib-IX) latex agglutination and molecular typing methods. Results: Data on 188 infants with invasive infection were analysed: 144 (60.6%) early onset diseases (EOD) and 74 (39.4%) late onset diseases (LOD). In EOD, mean/median ages at onset were 14/0 hours and the male:female ratio was 1.25. The predominant manifestation at onset was respiratory distress (42% cases); 83% cases were associated with sepsis/bacteremia, 15% with pneumonia and 6% with meningitis. Late-prenatal screening cultures were obtained from 51% of cases’ mothers and only half of these were positive for GBS. Non-elective C-section, intrapartum fever and rupture of membrane (>18h) were more frequent in EO-cases’ mothers versus healthy babies’ GBS-positive mothers. The major serotypes were III (43%), V (21%) and Ia (18%). In LOD, mean/median ages at onset were 42/34 days and the male:female ratio was 0.9. The predominant characteristic at onset was fever (62% cases); 70% cases were associated with sepsis and 30% with meningitis. Very rare manifestations were osteomyelitis and cellulitis. Serotype III was highly predominant (80.6%) followed mainly by Ia (12.5%). Death rates were 4.7/1.5% in EOD/LOD. Conclusions: Clinical presentations were associated with age at onset of infection. Serotype III predominated in neonatal infections. Prenatal screening was not universal neither sensitive. Study funded through the European Commission Seventh Framework. [less ▲]

Etude comparative de 5 techniques de préparation plaquettaire (Platelet-Rich Plasma)

in Pathologie Biologie (2011), 59

Aim of the study: Injections of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) constitute a new therapeutic for treating chronic tendinopathies. The injection being carried out in the tendon, the volume of PRP should thus be ... [more ▼]

Aim of the study: Injections of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) constitute a new therapeutic for treating chronic tendinopathies. The injection being carried out in the tendon, the volume of PRP should thus be minimal (to decrease the intra-tendinous pressure and to minimize pain). This PRP should also have a raised platelet count. The quantity of released growth factors could be related to the system of preparation employed. We thus carried out a comparative study of 5 techniques of preparation of PRP described in the literature. Patients and methods: Samples of venous blood were taken among 5 patients in order to compare 5 techniques of preparation of PRP: University Hospital of Liège technique, Curasan® PRP Kit, Plateltex®, GPS® and RegenLab®. Results: The various techniques make it possible to obtain more important platelet concentration than in blood, with variable volumes (0,3 mL to 6 mL). The number of platelets/microlitre appears higher with Plateltex® and obtains smallest volume of PRP. The other techniques also give small volumes excepted for the GPS® II. The number of collected platelets with this technique appears thus higher. The best collect efficiency is obtained with RegenLab®. Conclusion: The technique Plateltex® makes it possible to collect the highest concentration of platelets in the smallest volume available. [less ▲]

Oral salt supplementation and long-distance exercise

in British Journal of Sports Medicine (2011), 45

Elevations of tumor necrosis factor-receptor-1 at day 7 and acute graft-versus-host disease after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation with nonmyeloablative conditioning

in Bone Marrow Transplantation (2010), 45

Comparison of thrombotic microangiopathy after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation with high-dose or nonmyeloablative conditioning

in Bone Marrow Transplantation (2010), 45