scholarly journals The holy grail in genetic toxicology: Follow-up approaches for positive results in the Ames assay

2013 ◽  
Vol 54 (8) ◽  
pp. 617-620 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marilyn J. Aardema
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Toxicology ◽  
Holy Grail ◽  
Ames Assay ◽  
Positive Results

scholarly journals Macrolide-Resistant and Macrolide-Sensitive Mycoplasma pneumoniae Pneumonia in Children Treated Using Early Corticosteroids

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 1309
Author(s):  
Hye Young Han ◽  
Ki Cheol Park ◽  
Eun-Ae Yang ◽  
Kyung-Yil Lee
Keyword(s):  
Mycoplasma Pneumoniae ◽  
Serological Test ◽  
Corticosteroid Treatment ◽  
23S Rrna ◽  
Laboratory Parameters ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Domain V ◽  
Positive Results ◽  
Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Pneumonia

We have found that early corticosteroid therapy was effective for reducing morbidity during five Korea-wide epidemics. We evaluated the clinical and laboratory parameters of 56 children who received early corticosteroid treatment for pneumonia that was caused by macrolide-resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae) or macrolide-sensitive M. pneumoniae between July 2019 and February 2020. All subjects had dual positive results from a PCR assay and serological test, and received corticosteroids within 24–36 h after admission. Point mutation of residues 2063, 2064, and 2067 was identified in domain V of 23S rRNA. The mean age was 6.8 years and the male:female ratio was 1.2:1 (31:25 patients). Most of the subjects had macrolide-resistant M. pneumoniae (73%), and all mutated strains had the A2063G transition. No significant differences in clinical and laboratory parameters were observed between macrolide-resistant and macrolide-sensitive M. pneumoniae groups that were treated with early dose-adjusted corticosteroids. Higher-dose steroid treatment may be needed for patients who have fever that persists for >48 h or increased biomarkers such as lactate dehydrogenase concentration at follow-up despite a usual dose of steroid therapy.

scholarly journals O21 The incidence of COVID-19 among children with rheumatic diseases receiving biological agents

Rheumatology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 60 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadezhda Tsurikova ◽  
Elena Ligostaeva ◽  
Vadim Avdeenko ◽  
Nataliya Kobzeva ◽  
Irina Tsiganok ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatic Diseases ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Biological Agents ◽  
Tnf Receptor ◽  
The Past ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Mediterranean Fever ◽  
Positive Results ◽  
Single Center Observational Study

Abstract Background/Aims  During the COVID-19 pandemic, analysis of the incidence of COVID-19 among patients suffering from rheumatic diseases and receiving therapy with biological agents remains relevant. Methods  This single-center observational study included 118 children suffering from various rheumatic diseases and receiving therapy with anti-rheumatic drugs and biological agents. In this research, we analyzed the incidence of CIVID-19 and the frequency of documented contact with SARS-CoV-2 in the period from 01.03.2020 to 11.10.2020 (32 weeks). The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results  Among 118 children, there were 28 (24%) boys and 90 (76%) girls, average age 10.3±4.2. 104 (88.2%) patients had different types of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), 2 (1.6%) children had systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 2 (1.6%) patients had juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM), 1 (1%) child had ANCA-associated vasculitis, 6 (5%) patients had familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), 2 (1.6%) children had deficiency of adenosine deaminase 2 (DADA2), 1 (1%) child had TNF receptor-associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS). In this group of patients 94 (79%) patients were treated with methotrexate, 1 (1%) - azathioprine, 3 (2%) patients received hydroxychloroquine, 6(5%) - mycophenolate mofetil, 4 (3%) - sulfasalazine, 14(11%) children received prednisone, 6(5%) - cyclosporine A. All children included in this study received biological agents for more than 1 year, the distribution of biological agents among patients was as follows: 41(34%) - etanercept, 33(28%) - adalimumab, 24 (20%) - tocilizumab, 7 (6%) - canakinumab, 3 (2%) - abatacept, 4 (3%) - golimumab, 6 (5%) - rituximab. Out of 118 children, 4 (3%) patients had flu-like symptoms and positive results of PCR tests for COVID-19 (1 patient was treated with etanercept, 1 - adalimumab, 1 - tocilizumab, 1 - rituximab), none of the patients had signs of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. 10 (8%) patients had documented contact with COVID-19: among this patients 2 children had flu-like symptoms, positive results of PCR tests and absence of COVID-19 pneumonia (one of this patient was treated with adalimumab, another one - with rituximab), one more patient was treated with tocilizumab and had positive PCR test without any symptoms of COVID-19; other 7 children had negative PCR tests and didn’t have any signs of COVID-19. Conclusion  Among our patients with various rheumatic diseases treated with biological agents there were no registered severe cases of COVID-19. Over the past period (32 weeks of follow-up) 3% of children with COVID-19 were identified and 8% patients had documented contact with COVID-19, but we suppose it is too early to make conclusions about the degree and severity of COVID-19 among children suffering from rheumatic diseases and receiving various biological agents. Further follow-up is needed to better understand the risk and impact of COVID-19 among children with rheumatic diseases and receiving therapy with biological agents. Disclosure  N. Tsurikova: None. E. Ligostaeva: None. V. Avdeenko: None. N. Kobzeva: None. I. Tsiganok: None. K. Skorobogatova: None. A. Motkina: None.

scholarly journals The Positive Predictive Value of Diagnostic Ultrasound for Occult Herniae

2006 ◽  
Vol 88 (2) ◽  
pp. 165-167 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Bradley ◽  
J Morgan ◽  
B Pentlow ◽  
A Roe
Keyword(s):  
Positive Predictive Value ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Diagnostic Tests ◽  
Diagnostic Ultrasound ◽  
Pain Clinic ◽  
Diagnostic Problem ◽  
Clinical Criteria ◽  
Negative Results ◽  
Positive Results

INTRODUCTION The aim of this study is to ascertain the accuracy of diagnostic ultrasound in the assessment of the occult abdominal and groin herniae. The authors have previously demonstrated its efficacy in diagnosing the type of clinical groin herniae but occult herniae provide a further diagnostic problem. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 113 consecutive patients were referred prospectively for ultrasound examinations with clinically suspected occult herniae. All positive scans were offered surgery whilst the negative results were offered further imaging or other diagnostic tests depending on the clinical criteria. The end point for negative scans was based on 18-month follow-up or resolution of symptoms. RESULTS Overall, 59 scans showed positive results for herniae and 56 of these had surgery. In the other three patients, two refused an operation, and one had no hernia detected at operation. In the remaining 57 scans, ultrasound offered alternative soft tissue diagnoses in 23 patients and surgical/endoscopic diagnoses accounted for a further 8 patients. CONCLUSIONS Ultrasound offered a diagnosis for the symptomology in 82 patients (70.6%) of which 59 were herniae. The positive predictive value for hernia is 98.3%. Twenty-six patients with no diagnosis or confirmation of herniae on follow-up showed symptom resolution in 22 cases, and four patients were treated by the pain clinic.

Chromogranin a Measurement in Metastatic Well-Differentiated Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Carcinoma: Screening for False Positives and a Prospective Follow-Up Study

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 94-101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Delphine Vezzosi ◽  
Thomas Walter ◽  
Agnès Laplanche ◽  
Jean Luc Raoul ◽  
Clarisse Dromain ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
False Positive ◽  
Chromogranin A ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Surrogate Marker ◽  
False Positive Result ◽  
Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors ◽  
Follow Up Study ◽  
Well Differentiated ◽  
Positive Results

Background Multiple causes of false-positive chromogranin A (CgA) measurement have been reported that may affect its impact as a surrogate marker of RECIST progression in well-differentiated gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (WDGEPNET). Aims 1) To evaluate the frequency of false-positive CgA results. 2) To prospectively compare CgA variations with RECIST morphological changes in patients without known causes of false-positive CgA measurements. Methods First, the conditions responsible for potentially false-positive CgA measurements were screened in 184 consecutive patients with metastatic WDGEPNET. Secondly, a variation in CgA at a 6-month interval was compared to RECIST results at 6 months in 46 patients. Results Among 184 patients, elevated CgA was found in 130 cases (71%) including 99 patients with at least one cause of a false-positive result. Impaired kidney function as well as medication with proton pump inhibitors were found to be the 2 major causes of false-positive results. The sensitivity and specificity of CgA measurements compared with morphological tumor changes according to the RECIST criteria were 71% and 50%, respectively, at 6 months. Conclusion Routine screening for the causes of false-positive CgA measurements is mandatory in WDGEPNET patients. Our study does not validate the use of CgA as a surrogate marker of tumor progression.

scholarly journals Number of Biopsies in Diagnosing Pulmonary Nodules

2010 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. CCRPM.S4816 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Wehrschuetz ◽  
E. Wehrschuetz ◽  
H.R. Portugaller
Keyword(s):  
Benign Lesion ◽  
Pulmonary Nodules ◽  
Ct Guided ◽  
Biopsy Needle ◽  
Pulmonary Lesions ◽  
Introducer Needle ◽  
Lost To Follow Up ◽  
Work Up ◽  
Positive Results

Purpose To determine the number of specimens to be obtained from pulmonary lesions to get the highest possible accuracy in histological work-up. Materials and methods A retrospective evaluation (January 1999 to April 2004) covered 260 patients with thoracic lesions who underwent computer tomography (CT)-guided core-cut biopsy in coaxial technique. All biopsies were performed utilizing a 19 gauge introducer needle and a 20 gauge core-cut biopsy needle. In all, 669 usable biopsies were taken (from 1-5 biopsies in each setting). The specimens were marked sequentially and each biopsy was worked up histologicaly. The biopsy results were correlated to histology after surgery, clinical follow-up or autopsy. The number of biopsies was determined that is necessary to achieve the highest possible accuracy in diagnosing pulmonary lesions. Results In 591 of 669 biopsies (88.3%), there were correct positive results. The overall accuracy was 87.4%. In 193 of 260 (74.2%) patients, a suspected malignancy was confirmed. In 50 of 260 (19.2%) patients, a benign lesion was correctly diagnosed. Seventeen (6.5%) patients were lost to follow-up. The first, second and third biopsies had cumulative accuracies of 63.6%, 89.2% and 91.5%, respectively ( P < 0.02). More biopsies did not show any higher impact on accuracy. Conclusion For the highest possible accuracy in diagnosing pulmonary lesions by CT-guided core-cut biopsy, at least three usable specimens are recommended to be taken.

scholarly journals SARS-CoV-2 re-positivity within the first 3 months of COVID-19 recovery; probable re-infection

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
sara sadr ◽  
Melika Arab Bafrani ◽  
Alireza Abdollahi ◽  
SeyedAhmad SeyedAlinaghi ◽  
Esmaeil Mohammadnejad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Herd Immunity ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Complete Protection ◽  
Genetic Sequencing ◽  
Serum Igg ◽  
Follow Up Studies ◽  
Positive Results

Objectives Possibility of reinfection with SARS-CoV-2 changes our view on herd immunity and vaccination, and can impact worldwide quarantine policies. We performed RT-PCR follow-up studies on recovered patients to assess possible development of reinfections and re-positivity. Method During a 6-month period, 202 PCR-confirmed recovering COVID-19 patients entered this study. Follow-up RT-PCR tests and symptoms assessment were performed one month after the initial Positive results. patients who tested negative were tested again one and three months later. The Serum IgG and IgM levels were measured in the last follow-up session. Results In the first two follow-up sessions, 82 patients continued their participation, of which four patients tasted positive. In the second follow-up 44 patients participated, three of whom tested positive. None of the patients who tested positive in the first and second follow-up session were symptomatic. In the last session, 32 patients were tested and four patients were positive, three of them were mildly symptomatic and all of them were positive for IgG. Conclusion A positive RT-PCR in a recovering patient may represent reinfection. While we did not have the resources to prove reinfection by genetic sequencing of the infective viruses, we believe presence of mild symptoms in the three patients who tested positive over 100 days after becoming asymptomatic, can be diagnosed as reinfection. The IgG may have abated the symptoms of the reinfection, without providing complete protection.

Commentary: Biochemical Markers for Diagnosis and Follow-up of Aortic Diseases: An Endless Search for the Holy Grail

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 836-842 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Sangiorgi ◽  
Giuseppe Biondi-Zoccai ◽  
Alessandra Pizzuto ◽  
Eugenio Martelli
Keyword(s):  
Biochemical Markers ◽  
Aortic Diseases ◽  
Holy Grail

Action observation therapy in pediatric patients with neuromotor deficits of the upper limbs secondary to central nervous system tumors

2019 ◽  
Vol 105 (6) ◽  
pp. NP75-NP78
Author(s):  
Marco Chisari ◽  
Raffaella Sensi ◽  
Carlo Alfredo Clerici ◽  
Fulvia Angela Gariboldi ◽  
Filippo Spreafico ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Mirror Neurons ◽  
Action Observation ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Central Nervous System Tumor ◽  
Assessment Tests ◽  
System Tumor ◽  
Positive Results

This study reports a case series of patients with upper limb neuromotor deficits following pediatric central nervous system tumor and treated with rehabilitative therapy according to action observation therapy (AOT). AOT is based on the “mirror neurons” system and had positive results in various non-oncologic neurologic pathologies. This study is the first experience in the oncology field, and included 6 patients, 4 of whom were fully evaluated at 6-month follow-up. In all patients, therapy showed improvement in all assessment tests. These promising results lead to further studies to confirm their effectiveness.

The Role of Serum Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) in the Management of Patients with Colorectal Carcinoma: The Experience of the Istituto Tumori of Milan

1992 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 167-170 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Seregni ◽  
E. Bombardieri ◽  
A. Bogni ◽  
F. Crippa ◽  
E. de Jager ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Carcinoma ◽  
Clinical Management ◽  
Curative Resection ◽  
Recurrent Disease ◽  
Clinical Stage ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Serum Carcinoembryonic Antigen ◽  
Positive Results

CEA determination has attained an important role in the clinical management of patients with tumors of the colorectal tract. In this paper the experience of the Istituto Tumori of Milan is reviewed and the results are discussed. Three hundred and thirty-six patients were followed after curative resection of colorectal carcinoma. The follow-up period was 15 years, from January 1975 to December 1990 (global follow-up 1358 years). In the course of follow-up 136 patients developed recurrent disease. The number of CEA determinations for each patient ranged from 1 to 37 (mean 8, total 3330). CEA levels of presurgical patients were related to the clinical stage. Among patients who developed recurrences 61% showed an increase in CEA serum levels. In 200 patients with a negative follow-up we observed only 15 cases of false-positive results.

False-Positive Results in Metagenomic Virus Discovery: A Strong Case for Follow-Up Diagnosis

2014 ◽  
Vol 61 (4) ◽  
pp. 293-299 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Rosseel ◽  
B. Pardon ◽  
K. De Clercq ◽  
O. Ozhelvaci ◽  
S. Van Borm
Keyword(s):  
False Positive ◽  
Virus Discovery ◽  
Strong Case ◽  
Positive Results
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