Human C-Reactive Protein, Pentraxin-Related, CRP ELISA Kit

Introduction:Breast cancer is common among women and reduces their quality of life. The current study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction group counseling in alleviating psychological responses such as anxiety, depression, stress, and regulating laboratory tests including cortisol and C-reactive protein (CRP) in women with breast cancer.Methods:This randomized clinical trial was conducted based on convenience sampling. Participants were divided into 2 groups (control and intervention groups) with block randomization. The intervention group received mindfulness-based stress reduction group counseling during 8 weeks. The participants completed the Beck anxiety inventory, Beck-II depression inventory, and perceived stress scale before and after the intervention and their blood samples were taken to check their cortisol and CRP.Results:After the intervention, the MBSR group had significantly lower anxiety compared with the control group (P < .001). No significant difference was found between the 2 groups in the reduction of perceived stress and depression (P < .05). In addition, no significant difference was found between the 2 groups in CRP and cortisol levels after the intervention (P > .05).Conclusion:The present study showed the effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in improving anxiety rather than the stress, depression, and inflammatory laboratory factors such as cortisol and CRP in women with breast cancer. Therefore, the psychological symptoms of these patients can be improved at different stages of treatment by providing this type of training.

Objective: Unusual clinical course Background: Clozapine plays a unique role in the management of treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS). Clozapine re-challenge following an episode of myocarditis is controversial, with a very limited literature, although it may be crucial in the recovery of certain patients. To date and to the best of our knowledge, only 10 of 22 studied cases reported successful clozapine retrial after myocarditis. Case Report: We present the case of a 22-year-old Hispanic man with treatment-resistant schizophrenia and poly-substance use disorder (methamphetamine, cannabis, and alcohol) initiated on aggressive clozapine titration after lack of response to several other therapies. Approximately 16 days after clozapine trial, the patient developed cardiac function impairment, presenting with chest pain, notable elevation in several biomarkers (troponin: 0.72 ng/ml, ESR >100 mm/h, CRP: 20.8 mg/dl, and BNP: 999 ng/ml), and a depressed ejection fraction at 25%. Further assessments also showed positive hepatitis A serology. Following discontinuation of clozapine and providing supportive care, the patient's physical symptoms resolved. He had a relapse of psychotic symptoms, which were refractory to treatment with other antipsychotic agents. Subsequently, the patient underwent a second clozapine trial under close monitoring, with resolution of his psychosis. Repeated echocardiography demonstrated improved EF to 50%, transaminitis was resolved, repeat blood test results were normalized, and the patient was discharged while he was stabilized and asymptomatic. Conclusions: This case adds to the previous case reports and suggests that clinicians may consider clozapine re-challenge following an episode of myocarditis based on clinical judgment, on a case-by-case basis, and under close monitoring. We highlight the need for development of clinical guidelines for clozapine re-challenge.