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FDA drug information that never reaches the clinician
The FDA has recognised some problems with drug labels and in 2006 introduced a highlights section to emphasize drug warnings and indications. It has also issued guidance about reporting trial results in labels - but in at least 2 drugs studied, labels remained unimproved. This MonthThe European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases has taken place in Vienna on the 10th -13th April this week where Jesús Guinea Ortega received a Young Investigators Award for Research in Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. A report summarising the talks at the recent 4th Advances against Aspergillosis meeting in Rome, Italy, 4–6 February 2010 by Liz McNeil Grist PhD, Medical Writer, UK can be viewed here. Professional Networking. We have set up two new professional networking group using LinkedIn, a propriatory (free of charge) service that allows professionals to exchange contact details and more. We have set up a group for professionals working in the various fields involving Aspergillus and another dedicated to the Advances Against Aspergillosis meeting. Latest News and ArticlesA new addition to the genomics section - which will in future aid a better understanding of Aspergillus fumigatus biology - is the new mapping of the metabolic pathways of Af293. Our understanding of A. fumigatus has so far included genomic sequencing and comparative genome analysis. The use of Pathway Tools software has enabled the metabolic pathways to be mapped. The resulting web- based resource identifies 242 pathways all of which may be viewed at a variety of resolutions. This resource will in time help to identify pathways and related genomic sequences which will aid the understanding of A. fumigatus and possible targets for therapy. The software is complex so patience is needed when viewing the pathways. Articles: There have been a number of additions to the articles section.. We have picked out a few of the highlights here: Classification of invasive fungal disease in patients with acute Criteria for classification of invasive fungal diseases ( IFD) in AML currently rely on conventional EORTC criteria which are designed for clinical trials not for clinical practise. The application of modified criteria for the classification of IFD in AML patients leads to a considerable shift from "possible" IFD (according to conventional EORTC criteria) towards "probable" IFD. This study underscores the uncertainty in the diagnosis of IFD and the need for a clinically applicable classification. Tremor: a newly described adverse event with long-term itraconazole therapy Itraconazole is a widely prescribed triazole antifungal drug, often given for long periods.The authors report five cases of tremor related to itraconazole therapy occurring between 1-12 months of treatment which resolved gradually on drug withdrawal. Rapid quantification of itraconazole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus in air Solid-phase cytometry (SPC) was used to determine the total number and the number of itraconazole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus cells in 60 air samples. Of the 570 A. fumigatus cells that were recovered, 10 (1.8%) were resistant. SPC proved more specific and rapid than culture and allowed high-throughput susceptibility testing. ReviewsAdvances in molecular detection of Aspergillus: an update Various technologies that have emerged in recent years and can possibly be used for the molecular detection of Aspergillus in an efficient way are discussed. Detection of invasive Aspergillosis A review article by Christopher Thornton recently published in Advances in Applied Microbiology brings us up to date with the latest developments and range of diagnostic techniques. Invasive filamentous fungal infections associated with renal transplant tourism The practise of travelling abroad to acquire an organ has emerged as an issue for kidney transplants. A review of the literature as described in this article suggest that invasive fungal infections frequently arising in the primary graft site in commercial transplants - are a source of concern associated with high rates of graft loss and death. Of 17 patients analysed 63% had an aspergillus infection. The authors outline the complex issues surrounding commercial organ transplantation. Therapy for fungal diseases: opportunities and priorities A review article on the current staus of drug therapy for invasive fungal diseases along with priorities for the development of novel compounds. The limitations of current antifungal agents and criteria and research priorities for improving the patient outcome are discussed. Treatment (Registration required)The article for the treatment of aspergillus endocarditis has been updated. Register here. Medical Images (Registration required)
PatientsA new monthly patient meeting will begin in June 2010 based in Manchester, UK. This is intended for UK patients but we will trial access via computer for overseas patients. For more details email admin@aspergillus.org.uk A patient volunteer is making & selling handmade cards for birthdays in aid of the Fungal Research Trust. 6 cards for £6 and 75% of that goes to the FRT. Order here. There is a newly designed Patients website now entitled 'Aspergillosis Patient Support'. Much more comprehensive than before and easier to navigate but with the same successful support group and Q & A board Jobs5 new jobs currently being advertised: View Marketing and Commercial Consultant for Anti-Fungal Pharmaceutical Products. Methylgene. Closing date 27th April 2010 Two PhD positions on ARIADNE - a new Initial Training Network focussed on the field of fungal signalling and pathogenesis. University of Aberdeen. Closing date 18th May 2010 Two postdoctoral positions at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Centre are advertised to study fungal pathogenesis and immunology using Aspergillus fumigatus. Seattle, Washington. Closing date 17th June 2010 Advertise your vacancy free of charge on the Aspergillus Website here. Optional donation to the Fungal Research Trust to cover costs incurred in providing this newsletter.. Courses and WorkshopsWe keep a listing of courses and workshops including 'one off' events and courses that repeat regularly. Course subjects are wide ranging and include medical mycology, lab ID, young scientists symposia and much more. Those coming up next are:
If you know of a course that should be added to this list please add it by contacting us here. VeterinaryVeterinary images of a cat with nasal, sinus and orbital aspergillosis taken at post mortem can be viewed in the veterinary I section of the image library. Feline aspergillosis is rare in the United Kingdom but has been described in some other countries. Blog
Donate in Memory of Steph Smith
Her mum and her friend have decided to walk the West Highland Way (96 miles) in June 2010 in order to raise funds for the Fungal Research Trust in her memory. The appeal has raised around £1000 so far thanks to their fantastic efforts Read more of her story in her blog and how to donate here. Technical TipsOur discussion group (email and/or website) designed to promote discussion on technical issues for laboratory workers. Searching the websiteThere is now a third facility to search for information on Aspergillus. Covering all the information in the Aspergillus Website and including a series of websites we feel contain useful information NOT currently available on the Aspergillus Website, the Aspergillus World search engine contains large amounts of focussed information from all over the world. If you can suggest more (particularly keen to access information on industrial applications) then let us know at admin@aspergillus.org.uk. RSSDownload our updates and articles automatically every time we add to those pages- no need to wait for the next newsletter. 40 000 pages accesses per month. Use RSS. You can now receive notification of updates to the Aspergillus Website on your mobile phone via SMS texting free of charge. Go to http://twitter.com/AspergillusWeb and open a Twitter account. Follow AspergillusWeb. Join the Aspergillus & Aspergillosis group to get in touch and keep in touch with your professional colleagues working in this field. All free of charge. Thanks for reading!Visit our website again soon. The Aspergillus Team. |
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The NCG
Important information regarding the benefits and harms of FDA approved prescription drugs, does not make its way into the hands of the clinician - writes Lisa Schwartz in the 
Jesús a Microbiology Specialist and Researcher in clinical mycology at the Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Department of ‘Gregorio Marañón’ University Hospital (Madrid) received his award in recognition of his outstanding achievements on different aspects of clinical mycology, including the diagnosis of invasive fungal infections, antifungal susceptibility testing, epidemiology of invasive fungal infections, and molecular epidemiology of Aspergillus fumigatus.
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