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Teh A, Pritchard E, Donahoe SL, Malik R, Krockenberger M. A case of disseminated cryptococcosis with abdominal involvement due to Cryptococcus neoformans species complex in a Ragdoll cat and false-negative cryptococcal antigen lateral flow tests due to the postzone phenomenon. Aust Vet J 2024; 102:306-312. [PMID: 38567673 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Although cryptococcosis is the most common systemic fungal disease of cats, abdominal involvement is rarely reported. The pathogenesis of cryptococcosis usually involves sinonasal colonisation, followed by tissue invasion and sinonasal infection, with possible subsequent spread to the lungs and/or direct extension into the central nervous system (CNS), for example, via the cribriform plate. Further haematogenous spread can occur to any tissue, including skin and the CNS. This report describes a case of disseminated cryptococcosis due to Cryptococcus neoformans species complex in a 13-year-old cat, the fourth documented Australian feline case with abdominal involvement. The cat presented with a chronic history of upper respiratory disease that progressed to severe lethargy and anorexia. An autopsy revealed striking peritonitis with multifocal abdominal involvement affecting the liver, spleen, adrenal glands, kidneys, pancreas and mesentery. Cryptococcal organisms were also observed in organs within the thoracic cavity, sinonasal tissues and the CNS. Testing of abdominal fluid and serum for cryptococcal antigen using a commercially available lateral flow assay using neat fluid specimen initially tested false-negative. However, after dilution of the sample to 1:64, a positive result was obtained, confirming a postzone phenomenon. Taken together, the collective findings were indicative of widely disseminated cryptococcosis due to Cryptococcus neoformans with atypical involvement of the abdominal cavity.
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Mohan D, Nambirajan A, Malik R, Sharma A, Suri V, Kaur K, Doddamani R, Garg A, Gupta S, Mallick S, Sharma MC. MYCN immunohistochemistry as surrogate marker for MYCN-amplified spinal ependymomas. Hum Cell 2024; 37:704-713. [PMID: 38411836 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-024-01037-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
MYCN (master regulator of cell cycle entry and proliferative metabolism) gene amplification defines a molecular subgroup of spinal cord ependymomas that show high-grade morphology and aggressive behavior. Demonstration of MYCN amplification by DNA methylation or fluorescence-in situ hybridization (FISH) is required for diagnosis. We aimed to (i) assess prevalence and clinicopathological features of MYCN-amplified spinal ependymomas and (ii) evaluate utility of immunohistochemistry (IHC) for MYCN protein as a surrogate for molecular testing. A combined retrospective-prospective study spanning 8 years was designed during which all spinal cord ependymomas with adequate tissue were subjected to MYCN FISH and MYCN IHC. Among 77 spinal cord ependymomas included, MYCN amplification was identified in 4 samples from 3 patients (3/74, 4%) including two (1st and 2nd recurrences) from the same patient. All patients were adults (median age at diagnosis of 32 years) including two females and one male. The index tumors were located in thoracic (n = 2) and lumbar (n = 1) spinal cord. One of the female patients had neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2). All four tumors showed anaplastic histology. Diffuse expression of MYCN protein was seen in all four MYCN-amplified samples but in none of the non-amplified cases, thus showing 100% concordance with FISH results. On follow-up, the NF2 patient developed widespread spinal dissemination while another developed recurrence proximal to the site of previous excision. To conclude, MYCN-amplified spinal ependymomas are rare tumors, accounting for ~ 4% of spinal cord ependymomas. Within the limitation of small sample size, MYCN IHC showed excellent concordance with MYCN gene amplification.
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Stogiannos N, O'Regan T, Scurr E, Litosseliti L, Pogose M, Harvey H, Kumar A, Malik R, Barnes A, McEntee MF, Malamateniou C. AI implementation in the UK landscape: Knowledge of AI governance, perceived challenges and opportunities, and ways forward for radiographers. Radiography (Lond) 2024; 30:612-621. [PMID: 38325103 DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2024.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite the rapid increase of AI-enabled applications deployed in clinical practice, many challenges exist around AI implementation, including the clarity of governance frameworks, usability of validation of AI models, and customisation of training for radiographers. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of diagnostic and therapeutic radiographers, with existing theoretical and/or practical knowledge of AI, on issues of relevance to the field, such as AI implementation, including knowledge of AI governance and procurement, perceptions about enablers and challenges and future priorities for AI adoption. METHODS An online survey was designed and distributed to UK-based qualified radiographers who work in medical imaging and/or radiotherapy and have some previous theoretical and/or practical knowledge of working with AI. Participants were recruited through the researchers' professional networks on social media with support from the AI advisory group of the Society and College of Radiographers. Survey questions related to AI training/education, knowledge of AI governance frameworks, data privacy procedures, AI implementation considerations, and priorities for AI adoption. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyse the data, and chi-square tests were used to explore significant relationships between variables. RESULTS In total, 88 valid responses were received. Most radiographers (56.6 %) had not received any AI-related training. Also, although approximately 63 % of them used an evaluation framework to assess AI models' performance before implementation, many (36.9 %) were still unsure about suitable evaluation methods. Radiographers requested clearer guidance on AI governance, ample time to implement AI in their practice safely, adequate funding, effective leadership, and targeted support from AI champions. AI training, robust governance frameworks, and patient and public involvement were seen as priorities for the successful implementation of AI by radiographers. CONCLUSION AI implementation is progressing within radiography, but without customised training, clearer governance, key stakeholder engagement and suitable new roles created, it will be hard to harness its benefits and minimise related risks. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE The results of this study highlight some of the priorities and challenges for radiographers in relation to AI adoption, namely the need for developing robust AI governance frameworks and providing optimal AI training.
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Barrett K, Oxenford C, Canfield P, Armstrong S, Malik R. Vale Dave McGavin. Aust Vet J 2024; 102:48. [PMID: 38302107 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
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Reddrop C, Yarsley E, Kelly-Bosma M, Malik R. A severe case of disseminated cryptococcosis in a young French bulldog living in South-East Queensland caused by Cryptococcus gattii VGII. Aust Vet J 2023; 101:377-382. [PMID: 37537848 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptococcus is one of the most common systemic mycosis worldwide, infecting young adults of the large to giant breed dogs. Infection is commonly acquired from the environment via the sinonasal cavity as the main portal of entry. It either remains there, or spreads to the central nervous system (CNS) and the eye (optic nerve and retina) by penetration of the cribriform plate, or haematogenously to other viscera. Lung involvement is uncommon in cats and dogs in contrast to human and equine patients. Whilst there is a wide genetic diversity amongst Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii isolates along the West Coast and Northern parts of Australia, the molecular diversity of C. gatti is considered very low on the East Coast of Australia, with a huge preponderance of VGI cases. We report on a young small breed brachycephalic dog that presented with extreme gastrointestinal and respiratory signs, but no CNS involvement. It is the first reported case of C. gattii VGII genotype in a companion animal from Queensland. CASE REPORT A 9-month old female entire French Bulldog presented initially for diarrhoea. Clinical progression was accompanied by the development of respiratory signs, so the patient was referred to a 24 h care facility. Following hospitalisation, the patient became hypoxemic requiring mechanical ventilation. A bronchoalveolar lavage performed antemortem confirmed abundant Cryptococcal spp. Further culturing and genotyping identified the species as Cryptococcus gattii VGII. Post-mortem findings indicated gross gastrointestinal and mesenteric involvement, with possible dissemination to the local mesenteric lymph node and lungs. CONCLUSION This case describes a rare example of a Cryptococcus spp suspected of disseminating from the gastrointestinal tract to the lungs, without involvement of the CNS. The observation of this finding in a small brachycephalic breed is unusual, and the finding of genotype VGII on the East Coast of Queensland is extremely unusual as there is no prior travel history of the dog or owners. The presence of a miliary lung pattern with primary gastrointestinal disease in a small breed dog warrants adding cryptococcosis to the differential diagnosis.
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Wun MK, Malik R. Response to Goodwin et al. Aust Vet J 2023; 101:413-416. [PMID: 37587847 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
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Orchard L, Van M, Abbas J, Malik R, Stevenson J, Tolley N. Mixed-reality technology for clinical communication: objective assessment of the HoloLens 2 as a clinical communication device in a simulated on-call scenario. J Laryngol Otol 2023; 137:1165-1169. [PMID: 36992658 DOI: 10.1017/s0022215123000531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Specialty on-call clinicians cover large areas and complex workloads. This study aimed to assess clinical communication using the mixed-reality HoloLens 2 device within a simulated on-call scenario. METHOD This study was structured as a randomised, within-participant, controlled study. Thirty ENT trainees used either the HoloLens 2 or a traditional telephone to communicate a clinical case to a consultant. The quality of the clinical communication was scored objectively and subjectively. RESULTS Clinical communication using the HoloLens 2 scored statistically higher than telephone (n = 30) (11.9 of 15 vs 10.2 of 15; p = 0.001). Subjectively, consultants judged more communication episodes to be inadequate when using the telephone (7 of 30) versus the HoloLens 2 (0 of 30) (p = 0.01). Qualitative feedback indicates that the HoloLens 2 was easy to use and would add value during an on-call scenario with remote consultant supervision. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated the benefit that mixed-reality devices, such as the HoloLens 2 can bring to clinical communication through increasing the accuracy of communication and confidence of the users.
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Vishwakarma J, Gupta K, Mishra J, Garg A, Malik R, Kashyap A, Shukla M, Singh D, Bandyopadhyay S. Hypothyroidism induces motor deficit via altered cerebellar HB-EGF/EGFR and autophagy. J Endocrinol 2023; 257:e220338. [PMID: 36655849 DOI: 10.1530/joe-22-0338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Thyroid hormones (TH) are vital for brain functions, while TH deficiency, i.e. hypothyroidism, induces neurological impairment in children and adults. Cerebellar neuronal apoptosis and motor deficits are crucial events in hypothyroidism; however, the underlying mechanism is less-known. Using a methimazole-treated hypothyroidism rat model, we investigated cerebellar autophagy, growth factor, and apoptotic mechanisms that participate in motor functions. We first identified that methimazole up-regulated cerebellar autophagy, marked by enhanced LC3B-II, Beclin-1, ATG7, ATG5-12, p-AMPKα/AMPKα, and p62 degradation as well as reduced p-AKT/AKT, p-mTOR/mTOR, and p-ULK1/ULK1 in developing and young adult rats. We probed upstream effectors of this abnormal autophagy and detected a methimazole-induced reduction in cerebellar phospho-epidermal growth factor receptor (p-EGFR)/EGFR and heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF). Here, while a thyroxine-induced TH replenishment alleviated autophagy process and restored HB-EGF/EGFR, HB-EGF treatment regulated AKT-mTOR and autophagy signaling in the cerebellum. Moreover, neurons of the rat cerebellum demonstrated this reduced HB-EGF-dependent increased autophagy in hypothyroidism. We further checked whether the above events were related to cerebellar neuronal apoptosis and motor functions. We detected that comparable to thyroxine, treatment with HB-EGF or autophagy inhibitor, 3-MA, reduced methimazole-induced decrease in Nissl staining and increase in c-Caspase-3 and TUNEL-+ve apoptotic count of cerebellar neurons. Additionally, 3-MA, HB-EGF, and thyroxine attenuated the methimazole-induced diminution in riding time on rota-rod and grip strength for the motor performance of rats. Overall, our study enlightens HB-EGF/EGFR-dependent autophagy mechanism as a key to cerebellar neuronal loss and functional impairments in developmental hypothyroidism, which may be inhibited by HB-EGF and 3-MA treatments, like thyroxine.
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Wun MK, Leister E, King T, Korman R, Malik R. Acute kidney injury in 18 cats after subcutaneous meloxicam and an update on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug usage in feline patients in Australia. Aust Vet J 2023; 101:90-98. [PMID: 36470590 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a well-known but poorly documented adverse effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in cats. We aimed to describe instances of NSAID-associated AKI in cats and survey Australian veterinarians on NSAID use in acute settings. METHODS Medical records of cats that developed an AKI subsequent to the administration of meloxicam were obtained by searching the databases of seven practices in Queensland, as well as by contemporaneously contacting select veterinary colleagues of the authors in both general and specialist small animal practice. An online questionnaire was created for the survey, and the URL distributed to Australian practitioners. RESULTS A total of 18 cases were retrieved, all of which received injectable meloxicam. The indication(s) for its use and the dosage prescribed were within the manufacturer's recommendations for Australian veterinarians. The majority of cases (13/18 cats) received the label dose of 0.3 mg/kg subcutaneously (SC) on the day of the procedure. In 12/18 cats, the injection was given in association with general anaesthesia or sedation. Fourteen cats survived to hospital discharge. Of 187 survey respondees, 89% routinely administered NSAIDs for surgery-related analgesia, with 98% prescribing meloxicam and 84% of these giving it SC. Ninety percent of respondees routinely administered NSAIDs for non-surgical-related analgesia, with 99% prescribing meloxicam and 35% of those giving it SC. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE We strongly recommend that practitioners avoid prescribing meloxicam SC in cats. This recommendation is emphatic in situations where concurrent dehydration and/or hypotension are possible.
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Kneipp CC, Rose AM, Robson J, Malik R, Deutscher AT, Wiethoelter AK, Mor SM. Brucella suis in three dogs: presentation, diagnosis and clinical management. Aust Vet J 2023; 101:133-141. [PMID: 36655500 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Brucella suis is an emerging, zoonotic disease predominantly affecting dogs and humans that engage in feral pig hunting in Australia and other countries. Although B. suis infection in dogs shares some clinical similarities to the host-adapted species (B. canis), B. suis remains an incompletely understood pathogen in dogs with limited published data on its pathogenesis and clinical features. This case series describes the presentations, diagnosis, and clinical management of B. suis infection in three dogs: (1) a bitch with dystocia, abortion and mastitis; (2) an entire male dog with septic arthritis and presumptive osteomyelitis; and (3) a castrated male dog with lymphadenitis. Unique features of these cases are reported including the first documented detection of B. suis from milk and isolation from lymph nodes of canine patients, as well as the follow-up of pups born to a B. suis-infected bitch. Consistent with previous reports, all three dogs showed a favourable clinical response to combination antibiotic therapy with rifampicin and doxycycline. Individually tailored drug regimens were required based on the clinical presentation and other factors, including owner expectations and compliance with therapy as well as a zoonotic risk assessment (generally considered low, except around time of whelping). The authors include their recommendations for the clinical management of dogs that are at-risk or seropositive for B. suis with or without clinical signs or laboratory-confirmed infection.
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van de Venter R, Skelton E, Matthew J, Tarroni G, Hirani SP, Woznitza N, Kumar A, Malik R, Malamateniou C. A postgraduate introductory module in artificial intelligence for radiographers: experiences of students and educators. J Med Imaging Radiat Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmir.2022.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
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Chowdhary R, Khan RB, Masarkar N, Malik R, Goel SK. An association of VDR gene polymorphism in hypovitaminosis D mediated secondary hyperparathyroidism in adolescent girls; a tertiary hospital study in central India. Steroids 2022; 185:109054. [PMID: 35644378 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2022.109054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Vitamin D is required to maintain normal serum calcium and phosphate levels that help normal bone mineralization, nerve conduction, muscle contraction, immune function, cell proliferation, and differentiation. Interventions including vitamin D supplementation may not improve vitamin D deficiency, as various complex genomic actions could contribute to vitamin D deficiency in the Indian population. Thus, we assessed hypovitaminosis D's relationship with vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphism and evaluated parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels in seemingly healthy adolescent school-going girls. We included 100 school-going girls (aged 12-17 years) studying in four schools of different socio-economic strata of Bhopal, India. The selected participants were divided into four groups based on the school in which they were studying. Blood samples were tested for serum calcium, phosphorus, PTH, ALP, vitamin D 25(OH) D, and albumin levels.VDR polymorphism was detected through the PCR-RFLP. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test, ANOVA, and linear regression. The difference in the age, calcium, ALP, and vitamin D values between the four groups were significant (P < 0.05), whereas high PTH levels (80%) were found. A higher prevalence of homozygous polymorphic allele demonstrates a molecular signature for severe secondary hyperparathyroidism. Hypovitaminosis D ranged from 84.9% to 100%, and a high prevalence of VDR polymorphism was observed. Attention must be paid to the health of this age group of school-going girls as hypovitaminosis D and associated VDR gene polymorphism could be the reason for secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT), showing changes in bone mineral density in these adolescent girls to ensure their future health.
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Hara J, Rajeev-Kumar G, Arya R, Rudra S, Awan A, Malik R, McCall A, Ichikawa T, Golden D. Prospective Pilot Study to Measure Baseline Radiation Knowledge Prior to Radiotherapy After Standard Education at Consultation. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2022.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Belcher R, Sim D, Meykler M, Owens-Walton J, Hassan N, Rubin R, Malik R. “O” No: A Reddit Analysis of Orgasmic Dysfunction. J Sex Med 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2022.05.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Malik R, Sharma A, Kumar A, Singh M, Suri V, Sharma MC. EPEN-20. PDL1 expression and tumor-infiltrating immune cell subpopulations: The role of immune-checkpoint molecules in the prognosis of patients with supratentorial ependymoma and its correlation to survival. Neuro Oncol 2022. [PMCID: PMC9164749 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noac079.157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade of the programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1)/programmed death-1 (PD-1) axis has shifted the way advanced cancers are treated. The 'ST-RELA fusion positive' and 'PF-A' molecular subgroups of ependymomas (EPN) have a dismal prognosis. AIMS: This study is undertaken to look for immunological microenvironment in ependymomas. Based on L1CAM protein expression and/or the presence of RELA/YAP1 fusion transcripts by RT-PCR, all supratentorial (ST) Grade-II/III EPNs were classified as ST-RELA, ST-YAP, and ST-not otherwise specified (NOS). Based on H3K27me3 protein expression and chromosome 1q gain, all posterior fossa (PF) EPNs were classified as PF-A or PF-B. PD-L1 (SP263, Ventana) and CD8 immunohistochemistry was performed. The enrichment of RelA protein at the PDL1 promoter site was investigated using chromatin immunoprecipitation-qPCR (ChIP-qPCR) in three ST-RELA samples. A total of 83 intracranial EPNs were included in our preliminary data, and we discovered that PD-L1 expression correlates with increasing cytotoxic T-lymphocyte infiltrates in intracranial ependymomas using PD-L1 and CD8 IHC. The majority of PD-L1-positive intracranial EPNs are members of the ST-RELA subset, which also has the highest CTL density. Our findings suggest that ST-RELA EPNs could be used in immunotherapy to target immune checkpoint modulators. To further this research, we are looking into the presence of tumour infiltrating cells such as CD3, CD8, CD163, FOXP3, and others, which can aid in characterising the tumour microenvironment in cell types expressing PD-L1.This study will also be used to predict the prognostic significance of PD-L1/PD1 and other tumour cell infiltrating biomarkers in ependymomas and correlate it with survival outcomes.
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McMaster C, Yang V, Malik R, Norman E, Fraser C, Sutu B, Sammel A, Liew D. AB0602 Temporal artery biopsy positivity rates vary more between similar hospitals than by length, with particular variation between geographic regions. Ann Rheum Dis 2022. [DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2022-eular.4218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BackgroundClinical practice surrounding giant cell arteritis (GCA) diagnosis, including the use of temporal artery biopsy (TAB) where appropriate, needs to be consistently accurate to minimise both GCA-related end-organ damage and unnecessary glucocorticosteroid toxicity in all patients. Despite this imperative, the delivery of such clinical care, which can be measured by diagnostic investigation performance characteristics such as TAB positivity rates, varies substantially between different hospitals as it is traditionally reliant on unstructured clinical intuition. While clinical care practices plausibly might be more consistent between neighbouring hospitals given they frequently exchange medical staff and use common teaching sources, these factors are less likely to be applicable when comparing hospitals in different geographical regions within a country, even though educational standards, online information resources, and access to clinical care should be consistent. It therefore stands to reason that variation of diagnostic practice might be greater between geographically distant hospitals.ObjectivesTo compare clinical practice surrounding GCA diagnosis, using TAB positivity rates, between similar hospitals in the same city and a geographically distant city in a different region, to understand the contribution of geographic separation to variance in practice.MethodsTAB histopathological reports were reviewed at three tertiary referral hospital centres: two with neighbouring catchments in the same city, and one in a different city in a neighbouring geographical region in the same country. All three had similar resourcing and catchment demographics during the study period, and none used formal clinical risk stratification scores for GCA pre-test probability. Characteristics including age, sex, biopsy laterality, biopsy length, and hospital were captured, in addition to key histopathological features. Multivariable logistic regression with site-varying intercept was performed, using cubic splines for biopsy length to account for the non-linearity observed.ResultsTAB reports from 708 patients were captured between the three hospitals in two geographical regions. All three sites had a median age of 74 years, had 67-69% of patients being female, and reported median biopsy length between 1.7-2.0cm (Table 1). Despite these similarities, they reported positivity rates varying widely (16% and 24% in Region 1, 29% in Region 2). Apart from age, hospital site was the strongest contributing factor to TAB positivity, with length having little effect outside the very extreme high end and 90% of patients had a biopsy length <4.8cm (Figure 1). For these patients, hospital site differentiated TAB positivity across all biopsy lengths, with Region 2 reporting the highest TAB positivity odds ratio of 2.39 (95%CI: 1.37-4.19).Table 1.CharacteristicSite1Region1 N = 218Site2Region1 N = 361Site1Region2 N = 129Bilateral laterality (%)66 (30%)105 (29%)1 (0.8%)Biopsy length (cm, median (IQR))2.0 (1.4, 3.0)1.7 (1.2, 3.5)1.7 (1.4, 2.2)Female sex (%)149 (68%)249 (69%)86 (67%)Age (y, median (IQR))74 (65, 81)74 (65, 80)74 (68, 81)TAB positivity (%)34 (16%)88 (24%)38 (29%)Figure 1.Marginal probabilities of positive TAB obtained from the multivariable logistic regression model (A) across biopsy lengths, with 80% of observed lengths falling between the two vertical red lines (10% and 90% deciles); (B) across hospital sites; (C) across patient age.ConclusionHospital site contributes more greatly to variation in GCA diagnosis clinical practice than demographics or other clinical features do, with particular variation between geographic regions. As part of clinical care standards, using a replicable pre-test GCA probability score1 to select patients is likely to be as important to diagnosis as the diagnostic tool characteristics themselves.References[1]Laskou F, et al. A probability score to aid the diagnosis of suspected giant cell arteritis. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2019 Jan 1;37(Suppl 117):104-8.Disclosure of InterestsNone declared
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Orr B, Westman ME, Norris JM, Repousis S, Ma G, Malik R. Detection of Brucella spp. during a serosurvey of pig-hunting and regional pet dogs in eastern Australia. Aust Vet J 2022; 100:360-366. [PMID: 35607254 PMCID: PMC9543532 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease with worldwide distribution. Brucella suis serotype 1 is thought to be maintained in the Australian feral pig population, with disease prevalence higher in Queensland (Qld) than New South Wales (NSW). Pig hunting is a popular recreational activity in rural Qld and NSW, with feral pigs in these states thought to carry B. suis. Brucellosis associated with B. suis has been diagnosed in dogs engaged in pig hunting in some of these areas. A total of 431 dogs from northern Qld and north‐west NSW were recruited. Two distinct cohorts of clinically healthy dogs were tested – (1) 96 dogs from central, north and far north Queensland actively engaged in pig‐hunting and (2) 335 dogs from rural and remote north‐west NSW that were primarily companion (non‐pig hunting) animals. Serum samples were tested for antibodies to Brucella spp. using the Rose Bengal test (RBT) test followed by complement fixation testing (CFT) for RBT‐positive samples. A subset of samples was retested using RBT and CFT. Seven dogs were considered seropositive for B. suis from Qld and remote NSW, including 4/96 (4.2%; 95% CI 3.5% to 4.3%) from the pig‐hunting cohort and 3/335 (0.9%) from the regional pet dog cohort. The use of RBT and CFT in dogs to detect anti‐Brucella antibodies requires validation. Veterinarians treating pig‐hunting dogs and physicians treating pig hunters in central, north and far north Qld need to be aware of the zoonotic risk posed by B. suis to these groups.
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Westman ME, Coggins SJ, van Dorsselaer M, Norris JM, Squires RA, Thompson M, Malik R. Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection in domestic pet cats in Australia and New Zealand: Guidelines for diagnosis, prevention and management. Aust Vet J 2022; 100:345-359. [PMID: 35578381 PMCID: PMC9546031 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Despite the passage of over 30 years since its discovery, the importance of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) on the health and longevity of infected domestic cats is hotly debated amongst feline experts. Notwithstanding the absence of good quality information, Australian and New Zealand (NZ) veterinarians should aim to minimise the exposure of cats to FIV. The most reliable way to achieve this goal is to recommend that all pet cats are kept exclusively indoors, or with secure outdoor access (e.g., cat enclosures, secure gardens), with FIV testing of any in‐contact cats. All animal holding facilities should aim to individually house adult cats to limit the spread of FIV infection in groups of animals that are stressed and do not have established social hierarchies. Point‐of‐care (PoC) FIV antibody tests are available in Australia and NZ that can distinguish FIV‐infected and uninfected FIV‐vaccinated cats (Witness™ and Anigen Rapid™). Although testing of whole blood, serum or plasma remains the gold standard for FIV diagnosis, PoC testing using saliva may offer a welfare‐friendly alternative in the future. PCR testing to detect FIV infection is not recommended as a screening procedure since a negative PCR result does not rule out FIV infection and is only recommended in specific scenarios. Australia and NZ are two of three countries where a dual subtype FIV vaccine (Fel‐O‐Vax® FIV) is available and offers a further avenue for disease prevention. Since FIV vaccination only has a reported field effectiveness of 56% in Australia, and possibly lower in NZ, FIV‐vaccinated cats should undergo annual FIV testing prior to annual FIV re‐vaccination using a suitable PoC kit to check infection has not occurred in the preceding year. With FIV‐infected cats, clinicians should strive to be even more thorough than usual at detecting early signs of disease. The most effective way to enhance the quality of life and life expectancy of FIV‐infected cats is to optimise basic husbandry and to treat any concurrent conditions early in the disease course. Currently, no available drugs are registered for the treatment of FIV infection. Critically, the euthanasia of healthy FIV‐infected cats, and sick FIV‐infected cats without appropriate clinical investigations, should not occur.
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Perumal N, Jain R, Chaurasia D, Sharma U, Malik R. Investigation of SARS-CoV-2 RNAemia in the convalescent plasma of COVID-19 patients. Int J Infect Dis 2022. [PMCID: PMC8884820 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.12.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
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Orr B, Malik R, Westman ME, Norris JM. Seroprevalence of Coxiella burnetii in pig-hunting dogs from north Queensland, Australia. Aust Vet J 2022; 100:230-235. [PMID: 35156193 PMCID: PMC9306716 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The causative agent of Q fever, Coxiella burnetii, is endemic to Queensland and is one of the most important notifiable zoonotic diseases in Australia. The reservoir species for C. burnetii are classically ruminants, including sheep, cattle and goats. There is increasing evidence of C. burnetii exposure in dogs across eastern and central Australia. The present study aimed to determine if pig-hunting dogs above the Tropic of Capricorn in Queensland had similar rates of C. burnetii exposure to previous serosurveys of companion dogs in rural north-west New South Wales. A total of 104 pig-hunting dogs had serum IgG antibody titres to phase I and phase 2 C. burnetii determined using an indirect immunofluorescence assay test. Almost one in five dogs (18.3%; 19/104; 95% confidence interval 9.6%-35.5%) were seropositive to C. burnetii, with neutered dogs more likely to test positive compared to entire dogs (P = 0.0497). Seropositivity of the sampled pig-hunting dogs was one of the highest recorded in Australia. Thirty-nine owners of the pig-hunting dogs completed a survey, revealing 12.8% (5/39) had been vaccinated against Q fever and 90% (35/39) were aware that both feral pigs and dogs could potentially be sources of C. burnetii. Our findings indicate that pig hunters should be aware of the risk of exposure to Q fever during hunts and the sentinel role their dogs may play in C. burnetii exposure.
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Malik R, Pandya VK, Malik S, Awasthi P, Sharma A. Holoprosencephaly:A feature of Patau syndrome. Indian J Radiol Imaging 2021. [DOI: 10.4103/0971-3026.29057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
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Malik R, Pandya VK, Awasthi P. Secondary aneurysmal bone cyst developing in fibrous dysplasia. Indian J Radiol Imaging 2021. [DOI: 10.4103/0971-3026.29039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Birckhead A, Combs M, Croser E, Montgomery A, Peters A, Stark D, Malik R. Presumptive neural microsporidiosis in a young adult German Shepherd dog from rural Australia. Aust Vet J 2021; 99:351-355. [PMID: 33904161 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
CASE REPORT A 1-year-old, neutered male German Shepherd was presented with a 5-month history of episodic lethargy, intermittent fever, weight loss and a hunched posture. The dog was diagnosed with presumptive microsporidian meningoencephalitis based on cytological findings on cerebrospinal fluid analysis and a positive PCR test. The dog initially responded favourably to a 4-week course of trimethoprim-sulfadiazine, pyrimethamine and fenbendazole, and remained well for 12 weeks following cessation of treatment. Disease then recurred, and despite an initial positive response to treatment, he deteriorated and was euthanased 11 weeks later, 7.5 months after definitive diagnosis and 13 months after clinical signs were first reported. CONCLUSION To the authors knowledge, this is the first case of canine microsporidiosis in Australia.
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Gutiontov S, Turchan W, Rouhani S, Chervin CS, Segal J, Bestvina C, Donington J, Hoffman P, Chmura S, Connell P, Juloori A, Malik R, Ferguson M, Patel J, Vokes E, Weichselbaum R, Pitroda S. P14.27 Pathogenic Genomic Alterations of CDKN2A Predict Immunotherapy Resistance in NSCLC. J Thorac Oncol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2021.01.533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Gill D, Karhunen V, Malik R, Dichgans M, Sofat N. Cardiometabolic traits mediating the effect of education on osteoarthritis risk: a Mendelian randomization study. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2021; 29:365-371. [PMID: 33422704 PMCID: PMC7955282 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2020.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate which cardiometabolic factors underlie clustering of osteoarthritis (OA) with cardiovascular disease, and the extent to which these mediate an effect of education. DESIGN Genome-wide association study (GWAS) of OA was performed in UK Biobank (60,800 cases and 328,251 controls) to obtain genetic association estimates for OA risk. Genetic instruments and association estimates for body mass index (BMI), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), systolic blood pressure (SBP), smoking and education were obtained from existing GWAS summary data (sample sizes 188,577-866,834 individuals). Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were performed to investigate the effects of exposure traits on OA risk. MR mediation analyses were undertaken to investigate whether the cardiometabolic traits mediate any effect of education on OA risk. RESULTS MR analyses identified protective effects of higher genetically predicted education (main MR analysis odds ratio (OR) per standard deviation increase 0.59, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.54-0.64) and LDL-C levels (OR 0.94, 95%CI 0.91-0.98) on OA risk, and unfavourable effects of higher genetically predicted BMI (OR 1.82, 95%CI 1.73-1.92) and smoking (OR 2.23, 95%CI 1.85-2.68). There was no strong evidence of an effect of genetically predicted SBP on OA risk (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.90-1.06). The proportion of the effect of genetically predicted education mediated through genetically predicted BMI and smoking was 35% (95%CI 13-57%). CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight education, obesity and smoking as common mechanisms underlying OA and cardiovascular disease. These risk factors represent clinical and public health targets for reducing multi-morbidity related to the burden these common conditions.
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