Recent advances in renal transplantation: antibody-mediated rejection takes center stage.
Authors: Pouliquen E, Koenig A, Chen CC, Sicard A, Rabeyrin M, Morelon E, Dubois V, Thaunat O
Abstract
Overlooked for decades, antibodies have taken center stage in renal transplantation and are now widely recognized as the first cause of allograft failure. Diagnosis of antibody-mediated rejection has considerably improved with identification of antibody-mediated lesions in graft biopsies and advances made in the detection of circulating donor-specific antibodies. Unfortunately, this progress has not yet translated into better outcomes for patients. Indeed, in the absence of a drug able to suppress antibod...
Source: F1000 Medicine Reports - June 23, 2015 Category: Biomedical Science Tags: F1000Prime Rep Source Type: research
Advances in the understanding and management of heart transplantation.
Authors: Singh D, Taylor DO
Abstract
Cardiac transplantation represents one of the great triumphs in modern medicine and remains the cornerstone in the treatment of advanced heart failure. In this review, we contextualize pivotal developments in our understanding and management of cardiac transplant immunology, histopathology, rejection surveillance, drug development and surgery. We also discuss current limitations in their application and the impact of the left ventricular assist devices in bridging this gap.
PMID: 26097725 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: F1000 Medicine Reports)
Source: F1000 Medicine Reports - June 23, 2015 Category: Biomedical Science Tags: F1000Prime Rep Source Type: research
Advances in the management of basal cell carcinoma.
Authors: Lewin JM, Carucci JA
Abstract
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), a malignant neoplasm derived from non-keratinizing cells that originate in the basal layer of the epidermis, is the most common cancer in humans. Several factors such as anatomic location, histologic features, primary or recurrent tumors, and patient characteristics influence the choice of treatment modality for BCC. Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) facilitates optimal margin control and conservation of normal tissue for the management of BCC; however, other treatment modalities may also be implemented in the correct clinical scenario. Other...
Source: F1000 Medicine Reports - June 23, 2015 Category: Biomedical Science Tags: F1000Prime Rep Source Type: research
Non-celiac gluten hypersensitivity: What is all the fuss about?
Authors: Husby S, Murray J
Abstract
Non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) has been introduced recently as a potentially common disease on the basis of studies of patients with claimed reactivity to gluten but without the characteristics of celiac disease (CD). CD is characterized by antibody reactivity toward the autoantigen transglutaminase 2, characteristic histological abnormalities of the small intestine, and an almost obligatory genetic haplotype (HLA-DQ2 or DQ8). The diagnosis of NCGS is based largely on the clinical suspicion of hyper-reactivity to gluten and the absence of the characteristics of CD....
Source: F1000 Medicine Reports - June 23, 2015 Category: Biomedical Science Tags: F1000Prime Rep Source Type: research
Recent advances in understanding and managing leiomyosarcomas.
Authors: Duffaud F, Ray-Coquard I, Salas S, Pautier P
Abstract
Leiomyosarcomas are malignant mesenchymal tumours that derive from the smooth muscle lineage. They are studied and frequently treated as if they are the same as other soft tissue sarcomas. Recent developments suggest that a different approach may be more appropriate. Their underlying genetic mechanisms remain unclear, and complex. Unbalanced karyotypic defects are the only shared features observed across different leiomyosarcoma subtypes. Unlike other soft tissue sarcomas, leiomyosarcomas are particularly sensitive to the combination of gemcita...
Source: F1000 Medicine Reports - June 23, 2015 Category: Biomedical Science Tags: F1000Prime Rep Source Type: research
The search for novel analgesics: targets and mechanisms.
Authors: Yaksh TL, Woller SA, Ramachandran R, Sorkin LS
Abstract
The management of the pain state is of great therapeutic relevance to virtually every medical specialty. Failure to manage its expression has deleterious consequence to the well-being of the organism. An understanding of the complex biology of the mechanisms underlying the processing of nociceptive information provides an important pathway towards development of novel and robust therapeutics. Importantly, preclinical models have been of considerable use in determining the linkage between mechanism and the associated behaviorally defined pain ...
Source: F1000 Medicine Reports - June 23, 2015 Category: Biomedical Science Tags: F1000Prime Rep Source Type: research
Recent advances in the management of peritoneal dialysis patients.
Authors: Saxena AB
Abstract
Peritoneal dialysis is a form of kidney dialysis that is used to remove accumulated metabolic waste products and water in patients with end stage kidney disease. Long-term exposure to high concentrations of glucose and its by-products, both found in peritoneal dialysis fluid, has been implicated in contributing to peritoneal damage over time, in turn limiting long-term use of the technique. Newer peritoneal dialysis solutions have been developed in the hope of reducing the unfavorable effects of peritoneal dialysis solutions. In vitro and in vivo studies have suggested that newe...
Source: F1000 Medicine Reports - June 23, 2015 Category: Biomedical Science Tags: F1000Prime Rep Source Type: research
Endogenous opioids: opposing stress with a cost.
Authors: Valentino RJ, Van Bockstaele E
Abstract
The stress response is characterized by the coordinated engagement of central and peripheral neural systems in response to life-threatening challenges. It has been conserved through evolution and is essential for survival. However, the frequent or continual elicitation of the stress response by repeated or chronic stress, respectively, results in the dysfunction of stress response circuits, ultimately leading to stress-related pathology. In an effort to best respond to stressors, yet at the same time maintain homeostasis and avoid dysfunction, stress respons...
Source: F1000 Medicine Reports - June 23, 2015 Category: Biomedical Science Tags: F1000Prime Rep Source Type: research
Recent advances in understanding and managing rhabdomyosarcoma.
Authors: Hiniker SM, Donaldson SS
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma is the most common childhood soft tissue sarcoma and the fourth most common pediatric solid tumor. For most patients, treatment consists of a multimodality approach, including chemotherapy, surgery, and/or radiotherapy. To guide treatment, patients with rhabdomyosarcoma are risk stratified based on a number of factors. These factors include clinical group, which depends largely on the extent of resection and nodal involvement, and stage, which takes into account tumor size, invasion, nodal involvement, and disease site. Histology of the tumor and ...
Source: F1000 Medicine Reports - June 23, 2015 Category: Biomedical Science Tags: F1000Prime Rep Source Type: research
Management of tachycardia.
Authors: Gopinathannair R, Olshansky B
Abstract
Tachycardia, conventionally, but arbitrarily, defined as an atrial and/or ventricular rate of >100 beats per minute, is encountered commonly and can be physiological or pathological in origin. Various adverse consequences from tachycardia have been recognized, and an important one is the association between persistent tachycardia and cardiomyopathy. In this article, we provide an up-to-date review on the etiology of tachycardia, management strategies, and the prognosis of patients presenting with tachycardia and cardiomyopathy.
PMID: 26097733 [PubM...
Source: F1000 Medicine Reports - June 23, 2015 Category: Biomedical Science Tags: F1000Prime Rep Source Type: research
Recent treatment advances and novel therapeutic approaches in epilepsy.
Authors: Serrano E, Kanner AM
Abstract
The purpose of this article is to review recent advances in the treatment of epilepsy. It includes five antiepileptic drugs that have been recently added to the pharmacologic armamentarium and surgical techniques that have been developed in the last few years. Finally, we review ongoing research that may have a potential role in future treatments of epilepsy.
PMID: 26097734 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: F1000 Medicine Reports)
Source: F1000 Medicine Reports - June 23, 2015 Category: Biomedical Science Tags: F1000Prime Rep Source Type: research
Advances in understanding Giardia: determinants and mechanisms of chronic sequelae.
Authors: Bartelt LA, Sartor RB
Abstract
Giardia lamblia is a flagellated protozoan that is the most common cause of intestinal parasitic infection in children living in resource-limited settings. The pathogenicity of Giardia has been debated since the parasite was first identified, and clinical outcomes vary across studies. Among recent perplexing findings are diametrically opposed associations between Giardia and acute versus persistent diarrhea and a poorly understood potential for long-term sequelae, including impaired child growth and cognitive development. The mechanisms driving these protean clinical...
Source: F1000 Medicine Reports - June 23, 2015 Category: Biomedical Science Tags: F1000Prime Rep Source Type: research
Insomnia and sleep apnea in midlife women: prevalence and consequences to health and functioning.
Authors: Hall MH, Kline CE, Nowakowski S
Abstract
Sleep disturbance is common during the menopausal transition, with numerous downstream consequences to health and functioning, including reduced quality of life, impaired mental health, and increased physical health morbidity. Insomnia affects approximately 50% of midlife women and is characterized by nocturnal symptoms of difficulties initiating or maintaining sleep (or both) and daytime symptoms that impair occupational, social, or other components of functioning. In addition, approximately 20% of midlife women develop sleep-disordered breathing during th...
Source: F1000 Medicine Reports - June 23, 2015 Category: Biomedical Science Tags: F1000Prime Rep Source Type: research
Recent advances in understanding and managing cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator dysfunction.
Authors: Griesenbach U, Alton EW
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis is the most common autosomal recessive genetic disease in Caucasians and has been extensively studied for many decades. The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene was identified in 1989. It encodes a complex protein which has numerous cellular functions. Our understanding of cystic fibrosis pathophysiology and genetics is constantly expanding and being refined, leading to improved management of the disease and increased life expectancy in affected individuals.
PMID: 26097737 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: F1000 Medicine Reports)
Source: F1000 Medicine Reports - June 23, 2015 Category: Biomedical Science Tags: F1000Prime Rep Source Type: research
Advancing our knowledge of the complexity and management of intimate partner violence and co-occurring mental health and substance abuse problems in women.
Authors: Mason R, Du Mont J
Abstract
Globally, intimate partner violence (IPV) is a pervasive and insidious human rights problem with significant adverse physical health outcomes for women. Intimate partner violence has also been closely associated with poor mental health and substance use problems. However, little is known about the relationship among these co-occurring problems and how to best intervene or manage them. Here, we present findings from recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses (where available) to highlight developments in understanding and managing the complex co-occurring problems of in...
Source: F1000 Medicine Reports - June 23, 2015 Category: Biomedical Science Tags: F1000Prime Rep Source Type: research
