Laboratory Diagnosis of Infections in Cancer Patients: Challenges and Opportunities

Infections remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in cancer patients. The differential diagnosis for these patients is often wide, and the timely selection of the right clinical tests can have a significant impact on their survival. However, laboratory findings with current methodologies are often negative, challenging clinicians and laboratorians to continue the search for the responsible pathogen. Novel methodologies are providing increased sensitivity and rapid turnaround time to results but also challenging our interpretation of what is a clinically significant pathogen in cancer patients. This minireview provides an overview of the most common infections in cancer patients and discusses some of the challenges and opportunities for the clinical microbiologist supporting the care of cancer patients.

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Ridogrel Inhibits Systemic and Renal Formation of Thromboxane A2 and Antagonizes Platelet Thromboxane A2/Prostaglandin Endoperoxide Receptors upon Chronic Administration to Man

Thrombosis and Haemostasis ◽

10.1055/s-0038-1656351 ◽

1992 ◽

Vol 68 (02) ◽

pp. 214-220 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

C Weber ◽

J R Beetens ◽

F Tegtmeier ◽

P Van Rooy ◽

E Vercammen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Uric Acid ◽

Potent Inhibitor ◽

Ex Vivo ◽

Thromboxane A2 ◽

Chronic Administration ◽

Response Curves ◽

Clinically Significant ◽

Synthase Inhibitor ◽

The Right ◽

Steady State Plasma Level

SummaryThe effects of ridogrel, a dual thromboxane A2 (TXA2) synthase inhibitor and TXA2/prostaglandin (PG) endoperoxide receptor antagonist, on systemic and renal production of prostaglandins and on platelet TXA2/PG endoperoxide receptors was evaluated upon chronic administration (300 mg b. i. d. orally, for 8 and 29 days) to man. Such a medication with ridogrel inhibits the systemic as well as the renal production of TXA2 as measured by the urinary excretion of 2,3-dinor-TXB2 and TXB2 respectively without inducing significant changes in systemic or renal PGI2 production. Simultaneously with the latter effects, the production of TXB2 by spontaneously coagulated whole blood ex vivo is inhibited (>99%) while that of PGE2 and PGF2α is largely increased. Administration of ridogrel causes a three- to five-fold shift to the right of concentration-response curves for U46619 in eliciting platelet aggregation; no tachyphylaxis is observed after 29 days of treatment in this respect. Apart from a reduction of serum uric acid levels with a concomitant increase in urinary uric acid excretion during the first days of treatment, no clinically significant changes in hematological, biochemical, hemodynamic and coagulation parameters occur during the 8 days or 29 days study. The study demonstrates that ridogrel is a potent inhibitor of the systemic as well as renal TXA2 synthase and an antagonist of platelet TXA2/PG endoperoxide receptor in man, covering full activity during 24 h at steady-state plasma level conditions without tachyphylaxis during 29 days of medication. The compound is well tolerated, at least during 1 month of administration.

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Prevalence and Characteristics of Liver Cancer Patients in Immanuel Hospital Bandung within January 2013 until December 2014 Period

Journal Of Medicine & Health ◽

10.28932/jmh.v1i4.531 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 1 (4) ◽

Author(s):

Achmad R. Permadi ◽

Hana Ratnawati ◽

Teresa L. Wargasetia

Keyword(s):

Liver Cancer ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Medical Records ◽

Clinical Symptoms ◽

Data Retrieval ◽

Common Cancer ◽

Key Words Liver Cancer ◽

Liver Cancer Patient ◽

Right Lobe ◽

The Right

Liver cancer is the fifth most common cancer in Indonesia. This research is to find out the prevalence and characteristics of liver cancer patients in Immanuel Hospital Bandung within the January 2013 until December 2014 period based on age, gender, clinical symptoms and predilections. This study was a descriptive verificative research with data retrieval of patients medical records that have been diagnosed with liver cancer that were hospitalized in Immanuel Hospital Bandung within January 2013 until December 2014 period. The study showed that the liver cancer patient prevalence in Immanuel Hospital Bandung within the period of January 2013 until December 2014 was 46 people. Characteristics of liver cancer patients in Immanuel Hospital Bandung within January 2013 until December 2014 period showed that the most liver cancer patients were male, compare with female with ratio 4:1, the most common age group of 56-65 years old, the most common clinical symptoms were abdominal pain with or without reffered pain to the right scapular bone and the most common predilection was right lobe of the liver. Key words: liver cancer, patients' characteristics, prevalence

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PROBLEM ASPECTS OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURAL NORMS OF PROTECTION OF THE VICTIMS FROM CRIME

Vestnik Samarskogo iuridicheskogo instituta ◽

10.37523/sui.2020.37.1.011 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 72-76

Author(s):

Яна Валерьевна Самиулина

Keyword(s):

Preventive Measure ◽

Criminal Procedure ◽

Legal Rights ◽

Criminal Proceedings ◽

Effective Mechanism ◽

The Russian Federation ◽

The Individual ◽

The Right ◽

To Receive ◽

Selection Of

В настоящей статье предпринята попытка исследовать отдельные проблемные аспекты института потерпевшего в российском уголовном процессе. В этих целях подвергнуты анализу правовые нормы, регламентирующие его процессуальный статус. Раскрываются отдельные пробелы уголовно-процессуального законодательства в сфере защиты законных прав и интересов потерпевшего. Автор акцентирует внимание на том, что совершенствование уголовно-процессуального законодательства в части расширения правомочий потерпевшего по отстаиванию своих нарушенных преступлением прав следует продолжить. На основании проведенного исследования действующего законодательства в части регламентации прав потерпевшего от преступления предлагается расширить перечень получаемых им копий постановлений, указанных в п. 13 ч. 2 ст. 42 УПК РФ. Автор предлагает включить в перечень указанной законодательной нормы право получения потерпевшим копии постановления об избрании конкретного вида меры пресечения, избранного в отношении подозреваемого (обвиняемого). Для создания действенного механизма защиты интересов потерпевших от преступления юридических лиц предлагаем ч. 9 ст. 42 УПК РФ изложить в следующей редакции: «в случае признания потерпевшим юридического лица его процессуальное право в уголовном процессе осуществляет представляющий его профессиональный адвокат». This article attempts to investigate certain problematic aspects of the institution of the victim in the Russian criminal process. For this purpose, analyzed the individual norms governing his procedural status. Separate gaps of the criminal procedure legislation in the sphere of protection of the legal rights and interests of the victim are disclosed. The author emphasizes that the improvement of the criminal procedure legislation in terms of the extension of the victim’s authority to defend his rights violated by the crime should be continued. On the basis of the study of the current legislation regarding the regulation of the rights of the victim of a crime, it is proposed to expand the list of decisions received by him, referred to in paragraph 13, part 2 of article 42 Code of Criminal Procedure. The author proposes to include in the list of the indicated legislative norm the right to receive the victim a copy of the decision on the selection of a specific type of preventive measure, selected in relation to the suspect (accused). To create an effective mechanism for protecting the interests of legal entities victims of a crime, we offer part 9 of art. 42 of the Code of Criminal Procedure of the Russian Federation shall be reworded as follows: «if a legal entity is recognized as a victim, his procedural right in criminal proceedings is exercised by the professional lawyer representing him».

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Hepatic brucelloma: a rare complication of a common zoonotic disease

BMJ Case Reports ◽

10.1136/bcr-2020-237076 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 13 (12) ◽

pp. e237076

Author(s):

George Vatidis ◽

Eirini I Rigopoulou ◽

Konstantinos Tepetes ◽

George N Dalekos

Keyword(s):

Rare Complication ◽

Surgical Excision ◽

Coombs Test ◽

Inflammation Markers ◽

Laboratory Findings ◽

Ct Guided ◽

Rare Manifestation ◽

Bone Marrow Cultures ◽

History Of ◽

The Right

Hepatic brucelloma (HB), a rare manifestation of brucellosis, refers to liver involvement in the form of abscess. A 35-year-old woman stockbreeder was admitted due to 1-month history of evening fever, sweating and weight loss, while she was on 3-week course of rifampicin/doxycycline for suspected brucellosis. On admission, she had hepatosplenomegaly and a systolic murmur, while cholestasis, increased inflammation markers and a strong-positive Wright-Coombs test were the main laboratory findings. As blood and bone marrow cultures were unrevealing, further investigation with CT imaging showed a central liver calcification surrounded by heterogeneous hypodense area being compatible with HB. Material from CT-guided drainage tested negative for Brucella spp. After failure to improve on a 10-week triple regiment, surgical excision was decided and Brucella spp were identified by PCR. Our case highlights challenges in establishing HB diagnosis, which should be considered on the right epidemiological context and when serological and radiological evidence favour its diagnosis.

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The Impact of Alkaloid-Producing Epichloë Endophyte on Forage Ryegrass Breeding: A New Zealand Perspective

Toxins ◽

10.3390/toxins13020158 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (2) ◽

pp. 158

Author(s):

Colin Eady

Keyword(s):

Seed Production ◽

Health Issues ◽

Abiotic Stressors ◽

Livestock Health ◽

The Right ◽

The Impact ◽

The Relationship ◽

And Storage ◽

Selection Of ◽

Epichloë Endophyte

For 30 years, forage ryegrass breeding has known that the germplasm may contain a maternally inherited symbiotic Epichloë endophyte. These endophytes produce a suite of secondary alkaloid compounds, dependent upon strain. Many produce ergot and other alkaloids, which are associated with both insect deterrence and livestock health issues. The levels of alkaloids and other endophyte characteristics are influenced by strain, host germplasm, and environmental conditions. Some strains in the right host germplasm can confer an advantage over biotic and abiotic stressors, thus acting as a maternally inherited desirable ‘trait’. Through seed production, these mutualistic endophytes do not transmit into 100% of the crop seed and are less vigorous than the grass seed itself. This causes stability and longevity issues for seed production and storage should the ‘trait’ be desired in the germplasm. This makes understanding the precise nature of the relationship vitally important to the plant breeder. These Epichloë endophytes cannot be ‘bred’ in the conventional sense, as they are asexual. Instead, the breeder may modulate endophyte characteristics through selection of host germplasm, a sort of breeding by proxy. This article explores, from a forage seed company perspective, the issues that endophyte characteristics and breeding them by proxy have on ryegrass breeding, and outlines the methods used to assess the ‘trait’, and the application of these through the breeding, production, and deployment processes. Finally, this article investigates opportunities for enhancing the utilisation of alkaloid-producing endophytes within pastures, with a focus on balancing alkaloid levels to further enhance pest deterrence and improving livestock outcomes.

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Environmental governance: Broadening ontological spaces for a more livable world

Environment and Planning E Nature and Space ◽

10.1177/25148486211018565 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 251484862110185

Author(s):

Walker DePuy ◽

Jacob Weger ◽

Katie Foster ◽

Anya M Bonanno ◽

Suneel Kumar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Indigenous Peoples ◽

Environmental Governance ◽

Policy Instruments ◽

Self Determination ◽

Ontological Pluralism ◽

Cognitive Justice ◽

Challenges And Opportunities ◽

United Nations Declaration ◽

The Right ◽

Land Water

This paper contributes to global debates on environmental governance by drawing on recent ontological scholarship to ask: What would it mean to ontologically engage the concept of environmental governance? By examining the ontological underpinnings of three environmental governance domains (land, water, biodiversity), we find that dominant contemporary environmental governance concepts and policy instruments are grounded in a modernist ontology which actively shapes the world, making certain aspects and relationships visible while invisibilizing others. We then survey ethnographic and other literature to highlight how such categories and their relations have been conceived otherwise and the implications of breaking out of a modernist ontology for environmental governance. Lastly, we argue that answering our opening question requires confronting the coloniality woven into the environmental governance project and consider how to instead embrace ontological pluralism in practice. In particular, we examine what taking seriously the right to self-determination enshrined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) could mean for acknowledging Indigenous ontologies as systems of governance in their own right; what challenges and opportunities exist for recognizing and translating ontologies across socio-legal regimes; and how embracing the dynamism and hybridity of ontologies might complicate or advance struggles for material and cognitive justice.

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Current and Future Pathotyping Platforms for Plasmodiophora brassicae in Canada

Plants ◽

10.3390/plants10071446 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (7) ◽

pp. 1446

Author(s):

Heather H. Tso ◽

Leonardo Galindo-González ◽

Stephen E. Strelkov

Keyword(s):

Crop Production ◽

Plasmodiophora Brassicae ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Turnaround Time ◽

Molecular Techniques ◽

Differential Set ◽

Management Plans ◽

Increased Sensitivity ◽

Phenotypic Methods ◽

Important Disease

Clubroot, caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae, is one of the most detrimental threats to crucifers worldwide and has emerged as an important disease of canola (Brassica napus) in Canada. At present, pathotypes are distinguished phenotypically by their virulence patterns on host differential sets, including the systems of Williams, Somé et al., the European Clubroot Differential set, and most recently the Canadian Clubroot Differential set and the Sinitic Clubroot Differential set. Although these are frequently used because of their simplicity of application, they are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and can lack sensitivity. Early, preventative pathotype detection is imperative to maximize productivity and promote sustainable crop production. The decreased turnaround time and increased sensitivity and specificity of genotypic pathotyping will be valuable for the development of integrated clubroot management plans, and interest in molecular techniques to complement phenotypic methods is increasing. This review provides a synopsis of current and future molecular pathotyping platforms for P. brassicae and aims to provide information on techniques that may be most suitable for the development of rapid, reliable, and cost-effective pathotyping assays.

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What Every Neuropathologist Needs to Know: Practical Aspects and Pitfalls in Molecular Diagnosis of Brain Tumors

Journal of Neuropathology & Experimental Neurology ◽

10.1093/jnen/nlab033 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

J Stephen Nix ◽

Cristiane M Ida

Keyword(s):

Brain Tumors ◽

Molecular Diagnosis ◽

Genetic Alterations ◽

Genetic Alteration ◽

Molecular Testing ◽

Test Results ◽

Molecular Test ◽

Molecular Tests ◽

Clinically Significant ◽

Selection Of

Abstract Molecular testing has become part of the routine diagnostic workup of brain tumors after the implementation of integrated histomolecular diagnoses in the 2016 WHO classification update. It is important for every neuropathologist to be aware of practical preanalytical, analytical, and postanalytical factors that impact the performance and interpretation of molecular tests. Prior to testing, optimizing tumor purity and tumor amount increases the ability of the molecular test to detect the genetic alteration of interest. Recognizing basic molecular testing platform analytical characteristics allows selection of the optimal platform for each clinicopathological scenario. Finally, postanalytical considerations to properly interpret molecular test results include understanding the clinical significance of the detected genetic alteration, recognizing that detected clinically significant genetic alterations are occasionally germline constitutional rather than somatic tumor-specific, and being cognizant that recommended and commonly used genetic nomenclature may differ. Potential pitfalls in brain tumor molecular diagnosis are also discussed.

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