Journal of internal medicine
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Cancer treatment options have evolved to include immunotherapy and targeted therapy, in addition to traditional chemoradiation. Chemoradiation places the patient at a higher risk of infection through a myelosuppressive effect. High clinical suspicion and early use of antimicrobials play a major role in decreasing any associated morbidity and mortality. ⋯ In this review, we highlight the perils associated with antimicrobial use during cancer therapy and the importance of a more judicious approach. We discuss the nature of the pathologic changes in the gut microbiota resulting from antimicrobial use. We explore the effect these changes have on responses and outcomes to different cancer treatment modalities including chemotherapy and immunotherapy, as well as potential adverse clinical consequences in the setting of stem cell transplant.
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Multicenter Study Observational Study
Association of mitochondrial DNA copy number with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes in 14,176 individuals.
Mitochondria play an important role in cellular metabolism, and their dysfunction is postulated to be involved in metabolic disturbances. Mitochondrial DNA is present in multiple copies per cell. The quantification of mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNA-CN) might be used to assess mitochondrial dysfunction. ⋯ Our data show an inverse association of mtDNA-CN with higher risk of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. A major part of the total effect of mtDNA-CN on type 2 diabetes is mediated by obesity parameters.
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Characterization of the complex interplay between cytokines, chemokines and microorganisms has led to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of both psoriasis and AD and resulted in new therapeutics targeting distinct immune responses. Psoriasis and AD share many characteristics: they are highly prevalent, chronic, cause primarily skin inflammation, but are associated with comorbidities, and come with a devastating quality of life due to itch and stigmatization. However, the pathogenesis of psoriasis and AD is opposing - psoriasis is dominated by a Th17 immune response that causes neutrophil migration, induction of innate immunity and exaggerated epithelial metabolism. ⋯ This review compares genetics, microbiome and T-cell infiltrate and resulting epithelial response in psoriasis and AD. Whilst the antagonistic course of psoriasis and AD is confirmed by response to specific biologics targeting the key cytokines of inflammation in psoriasis and AD, respectively, clinically overlapping phenotypes are challenging in our daily clinical practice. We conclude this review by summarizing what is known about these mixed phenotypes and how the identification of clinically relevant endotypes and molecular-driven decision-making is the next step in the field of dermato-immunology.
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Multicenter Study Observational Study
Outcomes of COVID-19 Positive Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients; a multisource Electronic Healthcare Records Study from England.
Patients with underlying cardiovascular disease and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection are at increased risk of morbidity and mortality. ⋯ COVID-19 infection was present in 4% of patients hospitalized with an ACS in England and is associated with lower rates of guideline-recommended treatment and significant mortality hazard.
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Infections are one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). SLE patients have a higher risk of tuberculosis (TB) infection due to impaired immune defence. ⋯ Systemic lupus erythematosus patients treated vigorously with GC/ISA should be alerted of increased risk of TB infection, especially miliary and intracranial TB. Positive T-SPOT.TB and lymphocytopenia served as discriminatory variables between SLE/TB + and SLE/TB- patients. Lymphocytopenia was associated with poorer outcomes in SLE/TB + patients.