Wiener klinische Wochenschrift
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Wien. Klin. Wochenschr. · Apr 2014
ReviewWherefrom and whereabouts of an alien: the American liver fluke Fascioloides magna in Austria: an overview.
The giant liver fluke Fascioloides magna, an invasive species originating from North America, was recorded in Austria in the wild for the first time in 2000. Since then, various data concerning the epidemiology in snail intermediate hosts and cervid final hosts have been reported. Galba truncatula acts as snail intermediate host, and red deer, roe deer and fallow deer act as final hosts. ⋯ Because eradication after medical treatment was unsuccessful, and due to the risk of further spread of the parasite into unaffected regions, enhanced control strategies need to be developed. We recommend assessment of introduction pathways and dispersal, continuous monitoring of host abundance and distribution and the prevalence of flukes in intermediate and final hosts, as well as coordinated and concerted actions with neighbouring countries. This strategy could help to reduce potential negative impacts of this and other invasive parasites on host populations in Europe.
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Wien. Klin. Wochenschr. · Apr 2013
Review Case ReportsIntravesical bacillus Calmette-Guérin instillation therapy for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer following solid organ transplantation.
Solid organ recipients have a substantial risk of developing bladder cancer, with high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) being the most frequent diagnosis. Theoretically, adjuvant bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) therapy is contraindicated, but limited data indicate its feasibility. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of BCG following solid organ transplantation. ⋯ BCG therapy is a safe option for patients with high-risk NMIBC following solid organ transplantation. However, there is a substantial risk of recurrence and progression. Urologists and patients considering BCG therapy should be aware of this and may consider early cystectomy. There is no evidence to support the need for prophylactic antibiotics.
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Wien. Klin. Wochenschr. · Apr 2013
Review Case ReportsIntravesical bacillus Calmette-Guérin instillation therapy for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer following solid organ transplantation.
Solid organ recipients have a substantial risk of developing bladder cancer, with high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) being the most frequent diagnosis. Theoretically, adjuvant bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) therapy is contraindicated, but limited data indicate its feasibility. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of BCG following solid organ transplantation. ⋯ BCG therapy is a safe option for patients with high-risk NMIBC following solid organ transplantation. However, there is a substantial risk of recurrence and progression. Urologists and patients considering BCG therapy should be aware of this and may consider early cystectomy. There is no evidence to support the need for prophylactic antibiotics.
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Wien. Klin. Wochenschr. · Dec 2012
ReviewEuropean Competence Network on Mastocytosis (ECNM): 10-year jubilee, update, and future perspectives.
The European Competence Network on Mastocytosis (ECNM) was initiated in 2002 as a multidisciplinary and multinational cooperative approach to increase awareness and to improve diagnosis and therapy of mastocytosis. The network is composed of local centers, physicians, and scientists who have dedicated their work to patients with mastocytosis. A strategic goal of the ECNM is to provide the best available information about the disease to patients and physicians. ⋯ The ECNM also launched a mastocytosis registry that has been activated in 2012. Using the central database of this registry, cooperative multicenter studies, which should include sufficient numbers of patients and robust evaluations, will be conducted. These studies will increase our knowledge about optimal management and therapy of patients with mastocytosis in the future.
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Wien. Klin. Wochenschr. · Dec 2011
ReviewApplication of the comet assay method in clinical studies.
The comet assay or single-cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) assay is now widely accepted as a standard method for assessing DNA damage in individual cells. It finds use in a broad variety of applications including human biomonitoring, genotoxicology, ecological monitoring and as a tool for investigation of DNA damage and repair in different cell types in response to a range of DNA-damaging agents. The comet assay should be eminently suitable for use in clinical practice since it is a relatively simple and inexpensive technique which requires only a few cells, and results can be obtained within a matter of hours. ⋯ Another use of this method is in lifestyle study, such as investigation of the effect on DNA of common human activities (e.g. smoking, or working with a potentially genotoxic agent). The final use of comet assay in this paper is dietary study. In this type of study we observe the effects of consumption of specific foods or supplements which may be protective for DNA against damage.