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Asia-Pacific Journal of Ophthalmology...Giant cell arteritis and Takayasu arteritis are large-vessel vasculitides that share multiple common features but also have significant differences in epidemiology,... (Review)
Review
Giant cell arteritis and Takayasu arteritis are large-vessel vasculitides that share multiple common features but also have significant differences in epidemiology, demographics, clinical presentation, evaluation, and treatment. Giant cell arteritis is more common in elderly patients of Caucasian descent versus Takayasu arteritis, which is more prevalent in younger patients of Asian descent. Although traditionally age has been the main criterion for differentiating the 2 etiologies, modifications in the diagnostic criteria have recognized the overlap between the 2 conditions. In this monograph, we review the diagnostic criteria for both conditions and describe the epidemiology, pathogenesis, histology, evaluation, and management for large-vessel vasculitis in ophthalmology. Additionally, we describe ocular imaging techniques that may be utilized by ophthalmologists to identify manifestations of large-vessel vasculiti- des in patients. Lastly, we compare and contrast the key clinical, laboratory, and pathologic features that might help ophthalmologists to differentiate the 2 entities.
Topics: Aged; Giant Cell Arteritis; Humans; Ophthalmology; Takayasu Arteritis
PubMed: 35533336
DOI: 10.1097/APO.0000000000000514 -
BioMed Research International 2021Wallflower () is employed as a popular herbal drug in traditional Persian medicine. Topical formulations including cerates, lotions, sitz baths, and poultices for...
Wallflower () is employed as a popular herbal drug in traditional Persian medicine. Topical formulations including cerates, lotions, sitz baths, and poultices for inflammatory disorders such as arthritis, anal fissure, endometriosis, and mastitis are known. However, there is no monograph in current pharmacopoeia for the wallflower drug. The present study is aimed to screen anti-inflammatory activity of wallflower and perform quality control and characterization tests for different organs of the herb. In this regard, albumin denaturation activity, macroscopic and microscopic, phytochemical, HPTLC, and FT-IR characteristics were investigated. Wallflower showed strong anti-inflammatory activity compared to diclofenac sodium. The root (1.25, 2.5, and 5 mg/mL) and flower (10 mg/mL) extract exhibited higher anti-inflammatory activities than that of other plant organs at the same concentrations. Moreover, total ash was found higher in aerial parts (21.52 ± 0.06%) than flower (11.01 ± 0.03%), root (5.03 ± 0.03%), and seed (6.95 ± 0.06%), while water-soluble ash was higher in seed (34.89 ± 0.26%) than flower (5.00 ± 0.03%), aerial parts (7.16 ± 0.06%), and root (5.04 ± 0.01%). Acid-insoluble ash and sulphated ash were higher in root (9.50 ± 0.04%) and aerial part (28.37 ± 0.57%), respectively. In addition, loss on drying was ranged from 2.20 ± 0.20% in flowers to 6.00 ± 0.10% in aerial parts. On the other hand, HPTLC analysis verified cardenolide compounds in all organs of the herb, and quercetin was detected in the flavonoid fingerprint of acid hydrolysed flowers. According to FT-IR results, the observed spectral region at ~3500 cm attributed to -OH stretching vibration. Also, C-H (~2900-2950 cm), isothiocyanate (~2340 cm), -C=O (~1740 cm), conjugated C=C of the aromatic ring (~1650 cm), and structure of the aromatic group (~1200-1000 cm) were monitored. This work is the first study to the best of our knowledge, suggesting wallflower as a potential drug candidate with the basis for a monograph in addition to initial anti-inflammatory data.
Topics: Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Erysimum; Flavonoids; Flowers; Phytochemicals; Plant Extracts; Quality Control; Quercetin; Seeds; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared
PubMed: 34212031
DOI: 10.1155/2021/5526644 -
Medical Science Educator Feb 2022Many traditional practices in medical genetics education need review to counteract messages of essentialism, or the belief in an underlying natural structure...
Many traditional practices in medical genetics education need review to counteract messages of essentialism, or the belief in an underlying natural structure differentiating social categories. While genomics research increasingly disproves a genetic foundation for race, research from educational scholars demonstrates that current medical genetics instruction may actually reinforce racial bias in learners. In this monograph, we outline seven recommendations for medical educators to actively counteract essentialism, racial, and otherwise, in the genetics classroom. In particular, we emphasize the importance of engaging learners in nuanced discussions around stereotyping and its negative consequences for both accurate diagnoses and promoting health equity.
PubMed: 35154900
DOI: 10.1007/s40670-021-01458-w -
Seizure Feb 2020Epilepsy affects more than 50 million people worldwide and its management can be complicated by comorbidities such as impaired renal function. To optimize epilepsy... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Epilepsy affects more than 50 million people worldwide and its management can be complicated by comorbidities such as impaired renal function. To optimize epilepsy control in patients with kidney disease, clinicians need to be aware of how antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are affected by impaired renal function and how the kidneys are affected by epilepsy management strategies. Herein we present a narrative review with systematic literature search to discuss the use of AEDs in patients with renal impairment, including those undergoing dialysis, as well as the nephrotoxic effects of some AEDs. We finally conclude the article by providing practical tips about our approach to using AEDs in the setting of renal disease.
METHODS
A literature search targeting epilepsy management in patients with kidney disease was performed in MEDLINE database (1946 to 7 Jan 2019).
RESULTS
A total of 1193 articles were found. After duplicate removal, title and abstract screening followed by full text screening, a total of 110 references were included in this review. Additional information was included from drug product monographs.
CONCLUSION
The disposition of AEDs can be altered in patients with impaired renal function, leading to a higher risk of AED toxicity or therapy failure. Renal dosage adjustment and close monitoring is recommended. Although AED-induced nephrotoxicity is rare, it is unpredictable and clinicians need to vigilant about this possibility. In addition, AEDs renal adverse reactions and renal drug interactions should be considered when selecting an AED.
PubMed: 32087549
DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2020.02.006 -
Neurology India 2023
Topics: Humans; Meningioma; Meningeal Neoplasms
PubMed: 37929505
DOI: 10.4103/0028-3886.388046 -
Neurology India 2023
Topics: Humans; Meningioma; Meningeal Neoplasms
PubMed: 37322802
DOI: 10.4103/0028-3886.378686 -
CytoJournal 2022
PubMed: 35928533
DOI: 10.25259/CMAS_03_00_2022 -
CytoJournal 2022While most tumors metastatic to the serous membranes are of epithelial origin, cytologists should be aware that non-epithelial neoplasms can also cause malignant... (Review)
Review
While most tumors metastatic to the serous membranes are of epithelial origin, cytologists should be aware that non-epithelial neoplasms can also cause malignant effusions including sarcomas, melanomas, germ cell tumors, and, more rarely, brain tumors. The differential diagnosis of a malignant effusion is accordingly broad, especially for the small round blue cell tumors that includes not only mesenchymal tumors, but also non-mesenchymal tumors, such as neuroblastoma and Wilms tumor. Diagnosing non-epithelial malignancies in effusion specimens based entirely upon their cytomorphologic features is difficult because these neoplasms often exhibit considerable morphological overlap and their cytomorphology can differ from the original tumor. As malignant cells have a tendency to round up in body fluids these non-epithelial neoplasms can therefore mimic reactive mesothelial cells and metastatic adenocarcinoma. The use of ancillary studies including immunostaining, FISH, and molecular studies is thus often critical to reach a definitive diagnosis. This review article will be incorporated finally as one of the chapters in CMAS (CytoJournal Monograph/Atlas Series) #2. It is modified slightly from the chapter by the initial authors in the first edition of Diagnostic Cytopathology of Serous Fluids.
PubMed: 35510115
DOI: 10.25259/CMAS_02_10_2021 -
CytoJournal 2022Morphological and architectural pattern evaluations play a major role in the rpretation of hematopoietic neoplasms. However, confirmation of diagnosis, classification,... (Review)
Review
Morphological and architectural pattern evaluations play a major role in the rpretation of hematopoietic neoplasms. However, confirmation of diagnosis, classification, prognosis, and risk stratification are highly dependent on the utilization of multiple ancillary studies. The importance of these ancillary studies increases in evaluating serous fluid samples, as these samples lack architecture and patterns. Likewise, the morphology can be disturbed by sample preparation. The most common ancillary studies utilized are flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry for immunophenotyping, Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization (FISH), cytogenetics for structural and gene rearrangements, and molecular studies for mutational analysis. Among them, flow cytometry analysis is the handiest test to perform with high diagnostic yield on serous fluid specimens. In this article we will discuss the use, caveat, and role of the most common ancillary studies on serous fluid specimen evaluation. This review article will be incorporated finally as one of the chapters in CMAS (CytoJournal Monograph/Atlas Series) #2. It is modified slightly from the chapter by the initial authors (Choladda Vejabhuti, MD and Chung-Che (Jeff) Chang, MD, PhD) in the first edition of Diagnostic Cytopathology of Serous Fluids.
PubMed: 35510118
DOI: 10.25259/CMAS_02_13_2021 -
Environmental Health Perspectives Oct 2023The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Monographs program assembles expert working groups who publish a critical review and evaluation of data on agents... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Monographs program assembles expert working groups who publish a critical review and evaluation of data on agents of interest. These comprehensive reviews provide a unique opportunity to identify research needs to address classification uncertainties. A multidisciplinary expert review and workshop held in 2009 identified research gaps and needs for 20 priority occupational chemicals, metals, dusts, and physical agents, with the goal of stimulating advances in epidemiological studies of cancer and carcinogen mechanisms. Overarching issues were also described.
OBJECTIVES
In this commentary we review the current status of the evidence for the 20 priority agents identified in 2009. We examine whether identified Research Recommendations for each agent were addressed and their potential impact on resolving classification uncertainties.
METHODS
We reviewed the IARC classifications of each of the 20 priority agents and identified major new epidemiological and human mechanistic studies published since the last evaluation. Information sources were either the published Monograph for agents that have been reevaluated or, for agents not yet reevaluated, Advisory Group reports and literature searches. Findings are described in view of recent methodological developments in Monographs evidence evaluation processes.
DISCUSSION
The majority of the 20 priority agents were reevaluated by IARC since 2009. The overall carcinogen classifications of 9 agents advanced, and new cancer sites with either "sufficient" or "limited" evidence of carcinogenicity were also identified for 9 agents. Examination of published findings revealed whether evidence gaps and Research Recommendations have been addressed and highlighted remaining uncertainties. During the past decade, new research addressed a range of the 2009 recommendations and supported updated classifications for priority agents. This supports future efforts to systematically apply findings of Monograph reviews to identify research gaps and priorities relevant to evaluation criteria established in the updated IARC Monograph Preamble. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP12547.
Topics: Humans; Biology; Carcinogens; Dust; Evidence Gaps; Neoplasms
PubMed: 37902675
DOI: 10.1289/EHP12547