ABSTRACT
Background: The Antimicrobial Resistance Laboratory Network (AR Lab Network) was developed by the CDC to detect emerging antimicrobial-resistant (AR) threats and prevent outbreaks. However, low submission rates of AR isolates limit the potential of the AR Lab Network to address antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate barriers to submission of AR isolates in acute care hospitals (ACHs) and critical access hospitals (CAHs) within Texas Public Health Region 8 (PHR8) counties. Methods: A survey was designed and emailed to laboratory professionals to identify barriers to AR isolate submission. Responses were analyzed using 2-sided Fisher's exact tests to identify associations between responses and respondent characteristics. Results: Of the 33 hospitals within PHR8 invited to participate in the survey, responses were received from 21, a response rate of 63.6%. Lack of awareness of the AR Lab Network was the most frequently cited barrier to submission (65.4% of respondents). Other reported barriers to submission included lack of laboratory staff time (57.7%), lack of training with the submission process (34.6%), lack of personnel certified to ship infectious substances (23.1%), and lack of laboratory/shipping supplies (23.1%). Discussion: Regardless of the respondent's role, time in that role, or type of hospital in which they worked, the most common barrier to isolate submission was lack of awareness of the AR Lab Network. In the future, we will address the identified barriers by implementing educational outreach programs about AMR and the AR Lab Network for hospitals and other healthcare facilities within PHR8.
ABSTRACT
Breast granular cell tumors, which are benign and rare tumors of the breast, pose a diagnostic challenge due to their rarity and nuanced clinical presentations. This article explores a unique case of a 41-year-old female with a biopsy-confirmed granular cell tumor, shedding light on the intricacies involved in diagnosis. Rooted in a neuroectodermal origin, particularly Schwann cells, these tumors demand a multidimensional diagnostic approach for accurate identification. Despite their predominantly benign nature, malignant variants exist, necessitating a thorough histomorphology examination, supported by immunohistochemistry, for precise classification. This article contributes to our understanding of breast pathology and emphasizes the pivotal role of histopathology in unraveling complexities associated with granular cell tumors, reaffirming the importance of a comprehensive diagnostic approach.
ABSTRACT
Pancreatic cancer remains the third leading cause of death amongst men and women in the United States. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the most common type of pancreatic cancer maintains its reputation of being the most aggressive with a poor prognosis. One of the contributing factors to the high mortality of PDAC is the absence of biomarkers for early detection of disease and the complexity of tumor biology and genomics. In this review, we explored the current understanding of epigenetics and diagnostic biomarkers in PDAC and summarized recent advances in molecular biology. We discussed current guidelines on diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment, especially in high-risk individuals. We also reviewed studies that have touched on identifying biomarkers and the role they play in making early diagnosis although there are currently no screening tools for PDAC. We explored the recent understanding of epigenetic alterations of PDAC and the future implications for early detection and prognosis. In conclusion, the new and emerging advances in the detection and treatment of PDAC can lead to an improvement in the current outcome of PDAC.