Trisomy 3 in low-grade B-cell lymphomas of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue

Characteristic chromosomal aberrations have been associated with subtypes of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with distinct clinicopathologic features. Low-grade B-cell lymphomas of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) form such a group and might be expected to be characterized by a specific cytogenetic abnormality. Metaphase analyses of MALT lymphoma are rare due to problems with fresh tissue collection and poor in vitro proliferation. However, the small number of published series suggests that chromosome trisomies, particularly trisomy 3, might be characteristic of these tumors. The application of interphase cytogenetic techniques to routinely processed material allows the examination of a large series of archival cases and is particularly useful for the demonstration of chromosome trisomies. We have used this technique to analyze 70 cases of low-grade MALT lymphoma from various sites and found trisomy 3 in 60%. This finding compares with 16% in low- grade nodal B-cell lymphoma and 27% in primary splenic lymphoma of marginal zone type (splenic lymphoma with villous lymphocytes). These results provide further evidence that low-grade MALT lymphomas from all sites form a single pathologic entity distinct from nodal B-cell lymphomas. Although MALT lymphoma and primary splenic lymphoma may arise from marginal zone B cells, they are genetically distinct.     

Outcomes of Infants With Home Tube Feeding: Comparing Nasogastric vs Gastrostomy Tubes

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the tube‐related complications and feeding outcomes of infants discharged home from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) with nasogastric (NG) tube feeding or gastrostomy (G‐tube) feeding. Materials and Methods: We performed a chart review of 335 infants discharged from our NICU with home NG tube or G‐tube feeding between January 2009 and December 2013. The primary outcome was the incidence of feeding tube–related complications requiring emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalizations, or deaths. Secondary outcome was feeding status at 6 months postdischarge. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted. Results: There were 322 infants discharged with home enteral tube feeding (NG tube, n = 84; G‐tube, n = 238), with available outpatient data for the 6‐month postdischarge period. A total of 115 ED visits, 28 hospitalizations, and 2 deaths were due to a tube‐related complication. The incidence of tube‐related complications requiring an ED visit was significantly higher in the G‐tube group compared with the NG tube group (33.6% vs 9.5%, P < .001). Two patients died due to a G‐tube–related complication. By 6 months postdischarge, full oral feeding was achieved in 71.4% of infants in the NG tube group compared with 19.3% in the G‐tube group (P < .001). Type of feeding tube and percentage of oral feeding at discharge were significantly associated with continued tube feeding at 6 months postdischarge. Conclusion: Home NG tube feeding is associated with fewer ED visits for tube‐related complications compared with home G‐tube feeding. Some infants could benefit from a trial home NG tube feeding.     

P45 Microbiological culture analysis of the tongue microflora in subjects with and without halitosis

Objective  Determination of the microflora present on the tongue dorsum of subjects with and without halitosis using conventional microbiological culture methods.
Methods  Twenty-one halitosis and 20 control patients were recruited using a strict clinical protocol. Samples were collected from the posterior dorsum of the tongue using a sterile brush. Each sample was vortex mixed for 30 s and serial 10-fold dilutions to 10⁻⁷ were carried out. Samples were plated onto fastidious anaerobe agar (FAA) and FAA enriched with vancomycin. These were incubated under anaerobic conditions for 10 days at 37°C. Strict anaerobes were identified by metronidazole sensitivity and bacteria were identified to genus level by a combination of colony morphology, Gram staining and biochemical and enzymatic tests (rapid ID 32 A).
Results  The predominant species in test and control groups were Veillonella and Prevotella . Greater species diversity was found in the halitosis samples compared to controls. The halitosis samples contained a larger number of unidentifiable gram-negative rods, gram positive rods and gram negative coccobacilli.
Conclusions  There was no obvious association between halitosis and any specific bacterial genus. The increased species diversity found in halitosis samples suggests that halitosis may be the result of complex interactions between several bacterial species. The role of uncultivable bacteria may also be important in contributing to this process.     

DENTAL CARIES AND PERIODONTAL DISORDERS IN CHRONIC LIVER DISEASE

Bacterial infections are frequent complications in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD). A potential source of infection may be dental foci. This study was carried out to assess the association of CLD with dental caries and periodontal disease. Dental caries and periodontal examinations were performed prospectively in patients with CLD (group A) and controls without any liver disease (group B). Similar examination was also carried out in alcoholics without liver disease (group C) as well as in cases with portal hypertension but no liver disease (group D) i.e. patients with Non Cirrhotic Portal Fibrosis and Extrahepatic portal obstruction. A total of 231 subjects (Group A:83, group B: 75, group C:46 and group D:27) were studied. Group A included 32 cases with chronic hepatitis B&C, 26 with alcoholic cirrhosis, 14 with postnecrotic cirrhosis, and 11 with cryptogenic cirrhosis. Measures of oral hygiene (p < 0.01), dental care (p < 0.001), and periodontal parameters were worse and the number of teeth requiring treatment (p < 0.05) was higher in alcoholics with or without cirrhosis than in healthy subjects and nonalcoholic patients with cirrhosis. Alcoholics had a lower, total number of teeth than patients without alcohol abuse and healthy controls (p < 0.01). The dental caries and periodontal status of patients with nonalcoholic cirrhosis did not differ significantly from group B. The severity and duration of liver disease had no influence on dental caries and periodontal disease. The presence of chronic alcohol abuse rather than cirrhosis or portal hypertension is a major predisposing factor for dental caries and periodontal diseases. In alcoholics, these diseases appear to be caused primarily by bad oral hygiene and poor dental care.KEY WORDS: Alcohol abuse, Chronic liver disease, Dental caries, Periodontal disease     

Pediatric HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa: emerging issues and way forward

Background

Sub-Saharan Africa has the largest burden of pediatric HIV in the world. Global target has been set for eradication of pediatric HIV by 2015 but there are still so many complex issues facing HIV infected and affected children in the sub-continent.

Objective

To review the current and emerging challenges facing pediatric HIV care in sub-Saharan Africa; and proffer solutions that could help in tackling these challenges.

Method

A Medline literature search of recent publications was performed to identify articles on “pediatric HIV”, “HIV and children”, “HIV and infants”, “HIV and adolescents” in sub-Saharan Africa.

Result

There are a number of challenges and emerging complex issues facing children infected and affected by HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. These include late presentation, limited access to pediatric HIV services, delayed diagnosis, infant feeding choices, malnutrition, limited and complex drug regimen, disclosure, treatment failure and reproductive health concerns. A holistic cost effective preventive, diagnostic and treatment strategies are required in order to eliminate pediatric HIV in SSA.

Conclusion

HIV infected children and their families in sub-Saharan Africa face myriad of complex medical and psychosocial issues. A holistic health promotional approach is being advocated as the required step for eradication of pediatric HIV in Africa.