SEPT9 occupies the terminal positions in septin octamers and mediates polymerization-dependent functions in abscission

Mammalian SEPT9 is positioned at the end of septin octamers and is necessary for octamer assembly into polymers necessary for abscission during cytokinesis

An analysis of the utilisation of chemoprophylaxis against Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in patients with malignancy receiving corticosteroid therapy at a cancer hospital

Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) is associated with high mortality in immunocompromised patients without human immunodeficiency virus infection. However, chemoprophylaxis is highly effective. In patients with solid tumours or haematologic malignancy, several risk factors for developing PCP have been identified, predominantly corticosteroid therapy. The aims of this study were to identify the potentially preventable cases of PCP in patients receiving corticosteroid therapy at a tertiary care cancer centre and to estimate the frequency of utilisation of chemoprophylaxis in these patients. Two retrospective reviews were performed. Over a 10-year period, 14 cases of PCP were identified: no cases were attributable to failed chemoprophylaxis, drug allergy or intolerance. During a 6-month period, 73 patients received high-dose corticosteroid therapy (⩾25 mg prednisolone or ⩾4 mg dexamethasone daily) for ⩾4 weeks. Of these, 22 (30%) had haematologic malignancy, and 51 (70%) had solid tumours. Fewer patients with solid tumours received prophylaxis compared to patients with haematologic malignancy (3.9 vs 63.6%, P<0.0001). Guidelines for PCP chemoprophylaxis in patients with haematologic malignancy or solid tumours who receive corticosteroid therapy are proposed. Successful primary prevention of PCP in this population will require a multifaceted approach targeting the suboptimal prescribing patterns for chemoprophylaxis

Analytical evaluation of the Radiometer AQT90 FLEX βhCG assay

Objectives: Many hospitals cannot afford an hCG assay on a central lab analyzer and turn to point of care testing (POCT) solutions. The Radiometer AQT90 FLEX is a small benchtop immunoareement between the AQT90 and comparator methods for samples with hCG ssay analyzer for use in the laboratory or at the patient bedside. This study evaluated the analytical performance of the AQT90's βhCG assay. Methods: Precision was assessed using whole blood patient samples and two levels of quality control. Linearity was assessed by dilution of a high hCG plasma sample. Carryover and hook effect were assessed using high and low hCG samples. Method comparisons were done against Abbott i-STAT Total βhCG, Beckman Coulter Total βhCG (5th IS), and Roche hCG+β. Sample concentrations ranged from20 IU/L, biases were apparent against all three comparator assays (i-STAT: +20%, Roche: +30%, Beckman: +5 to 15%). At ≤20 IU/L, the acceptability of agreement varied according to TAE specifications. Concordance between AQT90 and comparator assays using 5 IU/L as the medical decision level ranged from 69% to 81%. Conclusions: Overall, the AQT90 hCG assay performed well and would be suitable for smaller suburban or rural hospitals. Some limitations have been noted and should be kept in mind during clinical testing. Keywords: hCG, AQT90, method evaluatio