Anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity - are we about to clear this hurdle?

Anthracyclines have contributed significantly to remarkable improvements in overall survival and are regarded as the most effective cytostatic drug for cancer treatment in various malignancies. However, anthracyclines are a significant cause of acute and chronic cardiotoxicity in cancer patients, and long-term cardiotoxicity can lead to death in about one-third of patients. Several molecular pathways have been implicated in the development of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity, although the underlying mechanisms of some molecular pathways are not fully elucidated.

A Review on Novel Channel Materials for Particle Image Velocimetry Measurements-Usability of Hydrogels in Cardiovascular Applications.

Particle image velocimetry (PIV) is an optical and contactless measurement method for analyzing fluid blood dynamics in cardiovascular research. The main challenge to visualization investigated in the current research was matching the channel material's index of refraction (IOR) to that of the fluid. Silicone is typically used as a channel material for these applications, so optical matching cannot be proven.

[Traditional Chinese medicine and cancer recurrence].

Being diagnosed with cancer and having to undergo gruelling treatment is an ordeal. A recurrence of the disease is equally traumatic and can have a profound impact on the patient's balance. In this context, traditional Chinese medicine can strengthen vitality and help to improve the patient's quality of life.

Phase-contrast MRI for detection of mild systemic hemodynamic response after segmental allergen challenge in asthmatic patients.

Rationale And Objectives: Detection of a systemic hemodynamic response in patients suffering from allergic asthma after segmental endobronchial allergen challenge using phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Materials And Methods: Nine asthma patients and four healthy volunteers were examined using MRI (1.5T) before (0 hour), 6 hours, and 24 hours after segmental allergen challenge.

[Autochthonous strongyloidosis in an 81-year-old woman].

Strongyloidosis is an parasitic disease, caused by an intestinal nematode endemic in tropic and subtropic regions. In Central Europe it occurs only sporadically. The infective larvae in the soil penetrate the human skin.

[Unidirectional axillary lymph node swelling in a 31-year-old woman].

Background: Swelling in the lymph nodes leads one to think at first in terms of diagnostic differentials such as local inflammation, tumor metastases, or lymphomas. Kikuchi-Fujimoto lymphadenitis is a rare cause of feverish lymphadenitis.

Case Report: A 31-year-old woman was admitted with painful axillary feverish swelling of the lymph nodes.

[Value of malarone in therapy of malaria tropica].

Background: A widespread resistance of falciparum malaria to common antimalaria drugs is observed during the last years. Long-distance travel to high-risk destinations of falciparum malaria will contribute to increased exposition of travelers to highly resistant parasites.

Pharmacology: Malarone (GlaxoSmithKline) is a fixed combination of atovaquone and proguanil licensed for prophylaxis and treatment of falciparum malaria.

[Fever after travel to the tropics].

Background: Fever in travellers returning from the tropics may be caused not only by tropical infection but also by travel associated non-specific infections and cosmopolitan infective diseases.

Diagnostic Procedure: A rational out-patient step by step procedure needs clinical data and a small account of laboratory investigations. A parasitological screening is mandatory.