scholarly journals Diagnosing Microcystin Intoxication of Canines: Clinicopathological Indications, Pathological Characteristics, and Analytical Detection in Postmortem and Antemortem Samples

Toxins ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 456 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda J. Foss ◽  
Mark T. Aubel ◽  
Brandi Gallagher ◽  
Nancy Mettee ◽  
Amanda Miller ◽  
...  

In the summer of 2018, six dogs exposed to a harmful algal bloom (HAB) of Microcystis in Martin County Florida (USA) developed clinicopathological signs of microcystin (MC) intoxication (i.e., acute vomiting, diarrhea, severe thrombocytopenia, elevated alanine aminotransferase, hemorrhage). Successful supportive veterinary care was provided and led to survival of all but one patient. Confirmation of MC intoxication was made through interpretation of clinicopathological abnormalities, pathological examination of tissues, microscopy (vomitus), and analytical MC testing of antemortem/postmortem samples (vomitus, blood, urine, bile, liver, kidney, hair). Gross and microscopic examination of the deceased patient confirmed massive hepatic necrosis, mild multifocal renal tubular necrosis, and hemorrhage within multiple organ systems. Microscopy of a vomitus sample confirmed the presence of Microcystis. Three analytical MC testing approaches were used, including the MMPB (2-methyl-3-methoxy-4-phenylbutyric acid) technique, targeted congener analysis (e.g., liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry of MC-LR), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Total Adda MCs (as MMPB) were confirmed in the liver, bile, kidney, urine, and blood of the deceased dog. Urinalysis (MMPB) of one surviving dog showed a high level of MCs (32,000 ng mL−1) 1-day post exposure, with MCs detectable >2 months post exposure. Furthermore, hair from a surviving dog was positive for MMPB, illustrating another testable route of MC elimination in canines. The described cases represent the first use of urine as an antemortem, non-invasive specimen to diagnose microcystin toxicosis. Antemortem diagnostic testing to confirm MC intoxication cases, whether acute or chronic, is crucial for providing optimal supportive care and mitigating MC exposure.

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariya Gusman ◽  
Sabah Servaes ◽  
Tamara Feygin ◽  
Karl Degenhardt ◽  
Monica Epelman

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant disorder in which benign hamartomas develop in multiple organ systems. Increasingly, stigmata of the disease, such as cardiac rhabdomyomas, are detected on routine prenatal ultrasound. Such a finding should prompt additional imaging studies in order to confirm diagnosis and to identify potential complications, which vary greatly from patient to patient. Early diagnosis allows for accurate parental counseling, coordination of high-level perinatal care, and subspecialty followup. We present a case of TSC in utero wherein access to and use of multiple imaging modalities confirmed diagnosis and allowed the patient to receive optimal care prior to birth.


2011 ◽  
Vol 135 (10) ◽  
pp. 1269-1277 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine B. Geiersbach ◽  
Wade S Samowitz

Context.—About 15% of colorectal cancers are characterized by genomic microsatellite instability, and of these, about 1 in 5 (2%–4% overall) are due to Lynch syndrome, a dominantly inherited condition predisposing the patient to cancers of multiple organ systems, including the gastrointestinal tract. Identification of individuals with Lynch syndrome allows for increased surveillance of the affected individual and of potentially affected family members. Objective.—To review the literature on microsatellite instability in colorectal cancer and current laboratory diagnostic testing strategies for the detection of Lynch syndrome. Data Sources.—This review is based on peer-reviewed literature, published guidelines from professional organizations (Evaluation of Genomic Applications in Practice and Prevention Working Group, National Comprehensive Cancer Network), and information from clinical laboratories performing microsatellite instability testing. Conclusions.—Universal screening for Lynch syndrome in all individuals affected with colorectal cancer has been recommended by the Evaluation of Genomic Applications in Practice and Prevention Working Group. Preliminary screening tests can identify individuals unlikely to be affected by Lynch syndrome, thereby reducing the need for full gene analysis. Immunohistochemistry and polymerase chain reaction–based tests for microsatellite instability have similar clinical sensitivity and specificity, and each method has advantages and limitations. BRAF and MLH1 methylation testing are useful reflex tests for those with a defect in MLH1 identified by immunohistochemistry. Emerging technologies, such as high-throughput sequencing, may substantially affect diagnostic algorithms in the future.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (22) ◽  
pp. 5457
Author(s):  
Anna G. W. Rosenberg ◽  
Minke R. A. Pater ◽  
Karlijn Pellikaan ◽  
Kirsten Davidse ◽  
Anja A. Kattentidt-Mouravieva ◽  
...  

Patients with complex rare genetic syndromes (CRGS) have combined medical problems affecting multiple organ systems. Pediatric multidisciplinary (MD) care has improved life expectancy, however, transfer to internal medicine is hindered by the lack of adequate MD care for adults. We have launched an MD outpatient clinic providing syndrome-specific care for adults with CRGS, which, to our knowledge, is the first one worldwide in the field of internal medicine. Between 2015 and 2020, we have treated 720 adults with over 60 syndromes. Eighty-nine percent of the syndromes were associated with endocrine problems. We describe case series of missed diagnoses and patients who had undergone extensive diagnostic testing for symptoms that could actually be explained by their syndrome. Based on our experiences and review of the literature, we provide an algorithm for the clinical approach of health problems in CRGS adults. We conclude that missed diagnoses and needless invasive tests seem common in CRGS adults. Due to the increased life expectancy, an increasing number of patients with CRGS will transfer to adult endocrinology. Internist-endocrinologists (in training) should be aware of their special needs and medical pitfalls of CRGS will help prevent the burden of unnecessary diagnostics and under- and overtreatment.


Author(s):  
T. L. Benning ◽  
P. Ingram ◽  
J. D. Shelburne

Two benzofuran derivatives, chlorpromazine and amiodarone, are known to produce inclusion bodies in human tissues. Prolonged high dose chlorpromazine therapy causes hyperpigmentation of the skin with electron-dense inclusion bodies present in dermal histiocytes and endothelial cells ultrastructurally. The nature of the deposits is not known although a drug-melanin complex has been hypothesized. Amiodarone may also cause cutaneous hyperpigmentation and lamellar lysosomal inclusion bodies have been demonstrated within the cells of multiple organ systems. These lamellar bodies are believed to be the product of an amiodarone-induced phospholipid storage disorder. We performed transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive x-ray microanalysis (EDXA) on tissue samples from patients treated with these drugs, attempting to detect the sulfur atom of chlorpromazine and the iodine atom of amiodarone within their respective inclusion bodies.A skin biopsy from a patient with hyperpigmentation due to prolonged chlorpromazine therapy was fixed in 4% glutaraldehyde and processed without osmium tetroxide or en bloc uranyl acetate for Epon embedding.


2010 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Richard T. Katz

Abstract This article addresses some criticisms of the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment (AMA Guides) by comparing previously published outcome data from a group of complete spinal cord injury (SCI) persons with impairment ratings for a corresponding level of injury calculated using the AMA Guides, Sixth Edition. Results of the comparison show that impairment ratings using the sixth edition scale poorly with the level of impairments of activities of daily living (ADL) in SCI patients as assessed by the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) motor scale and the extended FIM motor scale. Because of the combinations of multiple impairments, the AMA Guides potentially overrates the impairment of paraplegics compared with that of quadriplegics. The use and applicability of the Combined Values formula should be further investigated, and complete loss of function of two upper extremities seems consistent with levels of quadriplegia using the SCI model. Some aspects of the AMA Guides contain inconsistencies. The concept of diminishing impairment values is not easily translated between specific losses of function per organ system and “overall” loss of ADLs involving multiple organ systems, and the notion of “catastrophic thresholds” involving multiple organ systems may support the understanding that variations in rating may exist in higher rating cases such as those that involve an SCI.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 5-19
Author(s):  
Nikhil Nair ◽  
Ronith Chakraborty ◽  
Zubin Mahajan ◽  
Aditya Sharma ◽  
Sidarth Sethi ◽  
...  

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a genetic condition caused by a mutation in either the TSC1 or TSC2 gene. Disruption of either of these genes leads to impaired production of hamartin or tuberin proteins, leading to the manifestation of skin lesions, tumors and seizures. TSC can manifests in multiple organ systems with the cutaneous and renal systems being the most commonly affected. These manifestations can secondarily lead to the development of hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and neurocognitive declines. The renal pathologies most commonly seen in TSC are angiomyolipoma, renal cysts and less commonly, oncocytomas. In this review, we highlight the current understanding on the renal manifestations of TSC along with current diagnosis and treatment guidelines.


2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hong-Xing Liao ◽  
Zhi-Hui Zhang ◽  
Hui-Lin Chen ◽  
Ying-Mei Huang ◽  
Zhan-Liang Liu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Hyaluronan (HA) metabolism by chondrocytes is important for cartilage development and homeostasis. However, information about the function of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in HA metabolism is limited. We therefore profiled the role of the novel HA-related circRNA circHYBID in the progression of osteoarthritis (OA). Methods CircHYBID function in HA metabolism in chondrocytes was investigated using gain-of-function experiments, and circHYBID mechanism was confirmed via bioinformatics analysis and luciferase assays. The expression of circHYBID–hsa-miR-29b-3p–transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 axis was examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting. CircHYBID, TGF-β1, and HA levels in cartilage samples were evaluated using qRT-PCR and pathological examination. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to assess HA accumulation in chondrocyte supernatant. Results CircHYBID expression was significantly downregulated in damaged cartilage samples compared with that in the corresponding intact cartilage samples. CircHYBID expression was positively correlated with alcian blue score. Interleukin-1β stimulation in chondrocytes downregulated circHYBID expression and decreased HA accumulation. Gain-of-function experiments revealed that circHYBID overexpression in chondrocytes increased HA accumulation by regulating HA synthase 2 and HYBID expression. Further mechanism analysis showed that circHYBID upregulated TGF-β1 expression by sponging hsa-miR-29b-3p. Conclusions Our results describe a novel HA-related circRNA that could promote HA synthesis and accumulation. The circHYBID–hsa-miR-29b-3p–TGF-β1 axis may play a powerful regulatory role in HA metabolism and OA progression. Thus, these findings will provide new perspectives for studies on OA pathogenesis, and circHYBID may serve as a potential target for OA therapy.


Author(s):  
Christian Muschitz ◽  
Anita Trummert ◽  
Theresa Berent ◽  
Norbert Laimer ◽  
Lukas Knoblich ◽  
...  

SummarySevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the etiological agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), produces protean manifestations and causes indiscriminate havoc in multiple organ systems. This rapid and vast production of proinflammatory cytokines contributes to a condition termed cytokine storm. A 35-year-old, otherwise healthy, employed, male patient was tested positive for COVID-19. He was admitted to the hospital on disease day 10 due to retarded verbal reactions and progressive delirium. On account of these conditions and the need for noninvasive/invasive ventilation, a combination treatment with baricitinib and remdesivir in conjunction with standard of care was initiated. The cytokine storm was rapidly blocked, leading to a vast pulmonary recovery with retarded recovery of the central nervous system. We conclude that the rapid blockade of the COVID-19-induced cytokine storm should be considered of avail as a principle of careful decision-making for effective recovery.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 232470962110265
Author(s):  
Jonathan Vincent M. Reyes ◽  
Dawn Maldonado ◽  
Aaron S. Stern ◽  
Maritza Brown

IgG4 (immunoglobulin G4)-related systemic disease is an autoimmune process affecting multiple organ systems. This inflammatory process can present as but not limited to pancreatitis, cholangitis, or unspecified kidney disease. In this case, our patient developed IgG4-related kidney disease while already on a prolonged steroid course for IgG4-related pancreatitis. The patient ultimately had renal recovery after starting a higher dose of prednisone, but also developed steroid-related complications. This case further highlights the relationship between IgG4 diseases now termed IgG4-related systemic disease. This case brings to light the need for further investigative research into ideal steroid dosing, as well as steroid-sparing agents for IgG4-related systemic disease.


2021 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Houda Ajmi ◽  
Wissem Besghaier ◽  
Wafa Kallala ◽  
Abdelhalim Trabelsi ◽  
Saoussan Abroug

Abstract Background Children affected by Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) showed various manifestations. Some of them were severe cases presenting with multi-system inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) causing multiple organ dysfunction. Case presentation We report the case of a 12-year-old girl with recent COVID-19 infection who presented with persistent fever, abdominal pain and other symptoms that meet the definition of MIS-C. She had lymphopenia and a high level of inflammatory markers. She was admitted to pediatric intensive care unit since she rapidly developed refractory catecholamine-resistant shock with multiple organ failure. Echocardiography showed a small pericardial effusion with a normal ejection fraction (Ejection Fraction = 60%) and no valvular or coronary lesions. The child showed no signs of improvement even after receiving intravenous immunoglobulin, fresh frozen plasma, high doses of Vasopressors and corticosteroid. His outcome was fatal. Conclusion Pediatric patients affected by the new COVID-19 related syndrome may show severe life-threatening conditions similar to Kawasaki disease shock syndrome. Hypotension in these patients results from heart failure and the decreased cardiac output. We report a new severe clinical feature of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children in whom hypotension was the result of refractory vasoplegia.


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