Immunoglobulin G (IgG) class, but Not IgA or IgM, antibodies to peptides of the Porphyromonas gingivalis chaperone HtpG predict health in subjects with periodontitis by a fluorescence enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Chaperones are molecules found in all cells and are critical in stabilization of synthesized proteins, in repair/removal of defective proteins, and as immunodominant antigens in innate and adaptive immunity. Subjects with gingivitis colonized by the oral pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis previously demonstrated levels of anti-human chaperone Hsp90 that were highest in individuals with the best oral health. We hypothesized that similar antibodies to pathogen chaperones might be protective in periodontitis.

Serum antibodies to Porphyromonas gingivalis chaperone HtpG predict health in periodontitis susceptible patients.

Background: Chaperones are ubiquitous conserved proteins critical in stabilization of new proteins, repair/removal of defective proteins and immunodominant antigens in innate and adaptive immunity. Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory infection associated with infection by Porphyromonas gingivalis that culminates in the destruction of the supporting structures of the teeth. We previously reported studies of serum antibodies reactive with the human chaperone Hsp90 in gingivitis, a reversible form of gingival disease confined to the oral soft tissues.

Impact of the fetal fibronectin assay on admissions for preterm labor.

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine whether use of the fetal fibronectin assay would decrease the number of admissions to labor and delivery for diagnosis and treatment of preterm labor.

Study Design: A prospective cohort design was used to compare preterm labor admissions during a 12-month period of fetal fibronectin assay use (study) against a baseline period before fetal fibronectin assay was implemented as standard protocol. Patients coming to the physician's office or hospital with signs and symptoms of preterm labor had a sample obtained for fetal fibronectin assay per labeling criteria.

Mechanisms of hemolysis and anemia associated with acute antepartum pyelonephritis.

Anemia develops in about a fourth of women whose pregnancy is complicated by pyelonephritis, although its exact mechanism has not been defined clearly. In this study of 18 women with antepartum pyelonephritis, although only a third had anemia (hematocrit less than 30 vol/dl), there was evidence for hemolysis in all 18. Specifically there was a mean decrease in hematocrit of 5 vol/dl from admission to discharge.