Search

Background and Objectives: Lower respiratory tract infections are particularly frequent in hematological patients; their early diagnosis and the timely start of targeted therapy are essential. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) can provide a microbiological sample from the lower airways in a minimally invasive way. This study aimed to determine the diagnostic yield of BAL in hematological patients for microbiological purposes and its influence on modifying the therapeutic strategy. Material and Methods: This multicenter, retrospective, observational study included data from 193 consecutive patients from two centers from January 2020 to October 2022. The patients underwent a bronchoscopy with BAL in cases of pulmonary infiltrates suspicious of pulmonary infection. The demographic data, presenting symptoms, level of immunosuppression, chest CT changes, BAL sampling results, and antimicrobiological drug administration were analyzed. Results: Of the 193 procedures, 143 (74.1%) were performed on hospitalized patients, while 50 were performed on outpatients. In 53.9% of the cases, the BAL isolated at least one germ; in particular, if the procedure was carried out within 72 h of presenting symptoms, the probability of isolating the germ increased significantly (74.3%, p = 0.04). Among the isolated germs, 59.4% were viruses, 28.6% were bacteria, and 12% were fungi. The patients with higher immunosuppression and the febrile ones underwent BAL earlier than the patients with mild immunosuppression (p = 0.01) and those with other presenting symptoms (p = 0.0001). BAL positivity led to a change in empirical antimicrobial therapy in 79 out of 104 cases (77% vs. 36.3%; p < 0.001); these data were also confirmed among the hospitalized patients (81% vs. 44%; p < 0.001). The isolation of a pathogen through BAL and the degree of patient immunosuppression negatively influenced patient survival (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). Conclusions: BAL is confirmed as a valid approach for evaluating pulmonary infiltrates in hematological patients, given the excellent clinical impact and high diagnostic yield, mainly if performed early after symptom presentation. However, ongoing antimicrobial treatments at the time of BAL may have potentially affected the diagnostic yield of the procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) is an extensive class of heterogeneous diseases with dismal outcomes. Brentuximab vedotin (BV) is an antibody–drug conjugate (ADC) comprising a CD30-directed antibody. This review aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of BV for treating PTCL. We searched the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases for studies evaluating the efficacy of BV alone or in combination with other drugs for treating PTCL. The primary outcome measures included objective response rate (ORR), complete remission (CR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). The secondary outcomes included 5-year OS, 5-year PFS, and adverse events. 22 studies involving 1137 patients were included. These studies reported the use patterns of BV, ORR, CR, PFS, OS, and adverse events. The pooled ORR and CR rates were 68% (95% CI: 59%–75%) and 43% (95% CI: 34%–53%). For survival outcomes, the longest median PFS was 8.3 months, and the longest median OS was 26.3 months. The most common adverse event was peripheral neuropathy and neutropenia. The analysis suggested that BV alone or in combination with other drugs improved the response and survival rates in PTCL patients and was associated with tolerable adverse effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Daratumumab, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone (DRd) and bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone (VRd) are the only preferred treatment regimens for patients with transplant‐ineligible (TIE) newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM). As there are no randomized head‐to‐head studies of DRd versus VRd, this analysis aimed to compare real‐world time‐to‐next‐treatment (TTNT) or death in this population. Methods: Patients with NDMM who received front‐line (FL) DRd or VRd were identified from the Acentrus database (January 1, 2018 to May 31, 2023). Those with a record of a stem cell transplant or aged < 65 years were excluded to limit analysis to the TIE population. Inverse probability of treatment weighting was used to balance baseline patient characteristics. A doubly robust Cox proportional hazards model was used to compare TTNT or death between cohorts. Results: A total of 149 and 494 patients who initiated DRd and VRd, respectively, were identified. After weighting (weighted NDRd = 302, weighted NVRd = 341), cohorts had similar baseline characteristics. Of these, 98 (32.4%) DRd and 175 (51.2%) VRd patients either received a subsequent line of therapy or died, with a median TTNT or death of 37.8 months in the DRd cohort and 18.7 months in the VRd cohort (hazard ratio: 0.58, 95% confidence interval: 0.35, 0.81; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Treatment of TIE NDMM patients with DRd led to a significantly longer TTNT or death compared to VRd, evidenced by a 42% risk reduction, supporting the effectiveness of DRd over VRd as FL treatment in this patient population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Purpura fulminans (PF) is a rare but severe thrombotic disorder affecting small cutaneous blood vessels. It may present as bruising and discoloration but can rapidly progress necrosis and life-threatening complications if not promptly diagnosed and treated. This paper presents a rare case of neonatal PF associated with protein C and S deficiency, highlighting the importance of prompt recognition and diagnosis. Case presentation: A 10-day-old male infant presented with extensive purpura fulminans, microcephaly, and craniofacial abnormalities. Laboratory investigations revealed severe deficiencies in protein C, protein S, and antithrombin III. Treatment involved a multidisciplinary approach including antibiotic therapy, blood transfusions, and anticoagulation. Discussion: Neonatal PF poses significant challenges due to its high mortality rate and potential neurological complications. Prompt diagnosis and management are crucial, although outcomes can vary. Long-term care and genetic counseling are essential for families affected by this rare disorder. Conclusion: This case underscores the importance of early recognition and intervention in neonatal PF, especially in resource-limited settings. Improved strategies for diagnosis, management, and patient education are necessary to enhance outcomes and support affected families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is one of the most common hematological cancers in the United States. The mortality rate of NHL in the United States is the sixth highest among all cancers. Our cross-sectional study aims to examine the trends and disparity in NHL mortality. We analyzed death certificate data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (CDC WONDER) United States to determine the NHL mortality trends among the U.S. population aged ø15 years. NHL (ICD-10 C82-85) was listed as the underlying cause of death. Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) per 100,000 individuals and joinpoint trend analysis were performed to determine the average annual percent change (AAPC) in AAMR trends. From 1999 to 2020, NHL accounted for 457,143 deaths in the United States, of which 54% are men and 46% are women. The NHL AAMR decreased significantly from 10.59 to 6.21 per 100,000 individuals with an AAPC of 22.55. Men had a higher AAMR than women (10.10 vs 6.29 per 100,000 individuals). Whites recorded the highest AAMR (8.43 per 100,000 individuals), followed by Hispanics (6.32 per 100,000 individuals), Blacks (5.71 per 100,000 individuals), American Indians (5.31 per 100,000 individuals), and Asians (5.10 per 100,000 individuals). Those who lived in the Midwest and the rural areas had the highest AAMR at 8.60 and 8.35 per 100,000 individuals respectively. Despite the declining NHL mortality rate, this study calls for targeted intervention to improve outcomes for susceptible individuals affected by NHL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: High-risk febrile neutropenia (FN) is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in onco-hematology. The initiation of empirical antibiotic therapy is an emergency that can change the prognosis of some patients. Given the emergence of increasingly resistant Gram-positive bacteremia, glycopeptides, as an empirical treatment, have an important place in the management of high-risk FN. The aim of this study is to evaluate the appropriateness of glycopeptide prescription in high-risk FN patients. Methods: This study was conducted in the Hematology Department of Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital of Monastir, Tunisia. Patients with high-risk FN were enrolled during the period between January 1 and December 31, 2020. Results: Of the 29 patients included in this study, 88 FN episodes were noted of which 39 episodes treated with glycopeptides were evaluated. Twenty-four febrile episodes were empirically treated with glycopeptides (27.3%) of which 17 prescriptions (70.8%) were appropriate according to the European Conference on Infection in Leukemia and the Infectious Diseases Society of America recommendations. A therapeutic escalation using glycopeptides was noted in 17% of cases and appropriately opted in 6 FN episodes (40%). Conclusion: Prescriptions of glycopeptides were appropriate according to the international recommendations in 71% of the empirical prescriptions and in 40% of the therapeutic escalation using glycopeptides. In high-risk FN episodes, glycopeptides prescriptions should be rationalized and limited to the indications detailed in the international guidelines to control the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myelofibrosis (MF), a complex hematological malignancy, presents a diverse array of symptoms, including anemia, constitutional symptoms, bone marrow insufficiency, and splenomegaly. The latter, often necessitating blood transfusions, poses an essential obstacle to MF management. While conventional approaches predominantly involve the use of JAK inhibitors, the potential for exacerbating anemia introduces complexity to the treatment. Nonetheless, Momelotinib stands out as a promising pharmaceutical compound with the potential to revolutionize the field. Momelotinib is an ACVR1 antagonist and a dual inhibitor of the JAK1 and JAK2 enzymes. By targeting MF's hematological and fibrotic aspects, Momelotinib influences iron metabolism by regulating hepcidin. This results in reduced hepcidin expression and increased iron availability, ultimately leading to improved anemia and reduced dependency on blood transfusion. This study aims to provide a concise overview of the pathogenesis of MF and elucidate the mechanism of action of Momelotinib. Subsequently, our review offers a practical summary encompassing the effects of Momelotinib in monotherapy, combined comparative drug therapy, and its associated side effects. Additionally, we explore the application of Momelotinib in other cancer types and investigate predictors for treatment success. Furthermore, we examine the utilization of Momelotinib in patients with liver and kidney failure. Highlights: MF is a complex hematological malignancy that has the potential to transform into acute myeloid leukemia in 20 % of cases Anemia occurs in approximately one-third of MF patients Momelotinib is a novel ACVR1 antagonist and a dual inhibitor of the JAK1 and JAK2 enzymes just FDA approved on September 15 A comprehensive applied review of this novel agent is lacking [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corynebacterium is generally considered a contaminant in clinical practice. However, it may cause bacteremia in patients with hematologic disorders, and factors that contribute to its mortality are unclear. A case series and systematic literature review identified 96 cases of Corynebacterium bacteremia inhematologic disorderpatients. The median age was 50.5 years (range: 2–93 years), with 79 (82%) patients 18 years or older, and 64 (67%) patients male. Most cases involved hematologic malignancies, and neutropenia was observed in approximately 75% cases. The most common sites of infection/symptoms were skin and soft tissue, respiratory, and catheter-related bloodstream infection. The infection-related mortality was 23%, and univariate analysis showed that age, respiratory infection/symptoms, and source control were significantly associated with infection-related mortality. Multivariate analysis indicates that infection-related mortality was significantly reduced by source control (OR: 0.24, 95% CI: 0.06–0.97, p = 0.046). Therefore, when Corynebacterium infections are suspected, early source control should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Periodontitis is a common oral condition that can have a significant impact on the overall health of the body. In recent years, attention has been paid to potential relationships between periodontitis and various hematological disorders. This publication aims to present information available in the literature on this relationship, focusing on examples of red blood cell disorders (such as aplastic anemia and sickle cell anemia) and white blood cell disorders (such as cyclic neutropenia, maladaptive trained immunity, clonal hematopoiesis, leukemia, and multiple myeloma). Understanding these associations can help physicians and dentists better diagnose, monitor, and treat patients associated with both groups of conditions, highlighting the need for interdisciplinary care for patients with oral disorders and hematologic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article "Bridging the Gap: Delphi Consensus Statements for SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination in Immunocompromised Patients" discusses the challenges faced by immunocompromised patients in accessing COVID-19 vaccines and the lack of inclusion of this population in clinical trials. The Delphi panel studies aim to provide expert consensus statements on vaccination for specific immunocompromising conditions, such as rheumatologic, hematologic, renal, and solid organ transplant patients. The studies highlight the need for tailored vaccination strategies, including booster doses, based on disease-specific factors and varying seroconversion rates. The article emphasizes the importance of including immunocompromised patients in vaccine trials and utilizing the Delphi process to address unique issues in this population. [Extracted from the article]

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and characteristics of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) carriage among patients who were admitted to hematology units to identify risk factors for CPE carriage. Methods: This retrospective case-control study was carried out at a tertiary hospital, with a specific focus on adult patients (18 years of age or older) who were admitted to the hematology department. The cases comprised 73 patients with CPE, while the controls comprised 292 individuals matched randomly in a 1:4 ratio according to gender and age. A retrospective review of electronic medical records was conducted to collect data using a CPE acquisition risk factor questionnaire. Patient characteristics, drugs used, and the duration of use were compared between two groups using univariate analysis, and the risk factors associated with CPE were analyzed using multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: The research findings indicated a prevalence of CPE of 5.4%. The predominant strain identified was Klebsiella pneumoniae, and the primary genotype identified was New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase (NDM). A history of surgery and use of penicillin-based antibiotics were identified as risk factors for CPE carriage. Conclusion: The results emphasize the importance of establishing specific criteria when proactively screening high-risk patients for CPE. Furthermore, these findings provide evidence for forecasting risk factors associated with CPE and devising efficacious preventive measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy presents a promising treatment for hematologic malignancies, displaying high efficacy but not being exempt from toxicity. In this observational study, we assessed adverse events (AEs) reported to the Food and Drug Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) including any of the six approved CAR T-cell therapies. A total of 5249 reports mentioning a CAR T-cell as a suspect product were retrieved from the FAERS database, containing a total of 24333 AEs, of which 3236 (13.3%) were cytopenias. The highest number of AEs mentioned by the report was observed for tisagenlecleucel (mean = 6.7), with the lowest for ciltacabtagene (mean = 1.3). Among all reports, hematopoietic leukopenia was the most frequently reported AEs (n = 1386, 5.7%), with hematopoietic erytropenia the least reported (n = 291, 1.2%). Tisagenlecleucel showed a high reporting odds ratio for hematopoietic erythropenia (27.28, 95%CI 14.04–53.00), leukopenia (4.04, 95%CI 3.52–4.64), and thrombocytopenia (4.01, 95%CI 3.19–5.03). Cytopenias represent one of the most frequently reported AEs in FAERS, a CAR T-cell therapy is indicated, with haematopoetic leukopenia being the most common. When comparing different CAR-T cell therapies, the cytopenias' reporting odds ratio was particularly high for tisagenlecleucel, especially in relation to hematopoietic erythropenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Clinical Hepatology / Linchuang Gandanbing Zazhi is the property of Journal of Clinical Hepatology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: Patients with hematological malignancies are at an increased risk of severe infection with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, developing an adequate immune response after vaccination is difficult, especially in patients with lymphoid neoplasms. Since the long-term effects of the BNT162b2 vaccine are unclear, the humoral immune response 5 months after the two vaccinations in patients with hematological disorders was analyzed. Materials and Methods: Samples were collected from 96 patients vaccinated twice with BNT162b2 and treated with at least one line of an antitumor or immunosuppressive drug in our hospital from November 2021 to February 2022. Serum anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (anti-SARS-CoV-2) spike (S) antibody titers were analyzed. Patients were age- and sex-matched using propensity matching and compared with a healthy control group. Patients with serum anti-SARS-CoV-2 S antibodies were defined as ‘responder’ if >50 U/mL. The patients had B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL), multiple myeloma, chronic myeloid leukemia, etc. Results: Patients had significantly low antibody levels (median, 55.3 U/mL vs. 809.8 U/mL; p<0.001) and a significantly low response rate (p<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that patients with B-NHL, aged >72 years, were associated with a low response to vaccination. There were no significant differences between patients with chronic myeloid leukemia and healthy controls. Conclusion: Our study shows that patients with hematological disorders are at risk of developing severe COVID-19 infections because of low responsiveness to vaccination. Moreover, the rate of antibody positivity differed between the disease groups. Further studies are warranted to determine an appropriate preventive method for these patients, especially those with B-NHL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In this study, we aimed to determine whether plasma calcium level and C-reactive protein albumin ratio (CAR) as well as other demographic and hematological markers are related in predicting severe bleeding after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Methods: A total of 227 adult patients who underwent CABG at our hospital between December 2021 and June 2022 were prospectively studied. Total amount of chest tube drainage was evaluated within the first 24 hours postoperatively or until the patient was re-explored for bleeding. The patients were divided into two groups — Group 1, patients with low amount of bleeding (n=174), and Group 2, patients with severe bleeding (n=53). Univariate and multivariate regression analyzes were performed to determine independent parameters related to severe bleeding within the first 24 hours after surgery. Results: When the groups were compared in terms of demographic, clinical, and preoperative blood parameters; cardiopulmonary bypass time and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were found to be significantly higher in Group 2 compared to the low bleeding group. In addition, lymphocytes, hemoglobin, calcium, albumin, and CAR were found to be significantly lower in Group 2. In multivariate analysis, calcium, albumin, CRP, and CAR were found to be independent predictors of significant association with excessive bleeding. A cut-off value of 8.7 (94.3% sensitivity and 94.8% specificity) for calcium and 0.155 (75.4% sensitivity and 80.4% specificity) for CAR predicted excessive bleeding. Conclusion: Plasma calcium level, CRP, albumin, and CAR can be used to predict severe bleeding after CABG [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Asymptomatic neutropenia is a common hematology referral, though standardized reference ranges and published clinical outcomes are lacking. Methods: In our retrospective analysis, we evaluated demographics, laboratory, and clinical outcomes of adult patients referred to an academic hematology practice for evaluation of neutropenia from 2010 to 2018. Primary and secondary outcomes included incidence of hematologic disorders and rates of Duffy‐null positivity by race, respectively. In a separate analysis, we reviewed absolute neutrophil count (ANC) reference ranges from publicly available Association of American Medical Colleges Medical School Member laboratory directories to assess institutional variations. Results: In total, 163 patients were included, with disproportionate number of Black patients referred compared to local demographics. Twenty‐three percent of patients (n = 38) were found to have a clinically relevant hematologic outcome (mean ANC of 0.59 × 109/L), and only six were identified with ANC ≥1.0 × 109/L. Incidence of hematologic outcomes was lowest among Black patients (p =.05), and nearly all Blacks who underwent Duffy‐null phenotype testing were positive (93%), compared to 50% of Whites (p =.04). In separate review of laboratory directories, we confirmed wide variation in ANC lower limit of normal (0.91–2.40 × 109/L). Conclusion: Hematologic disorders were rare in patients with mild neutropenia and among Blacks, highlighting the need to standardize hematological ranges representative of non‐White communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With this study, we aim to summarize and assess the activity and performance of the Cytogenetic sector of the Laboratory of Medical Genetics—Varna, regarding the conventional cytogenetic analysis of bone marrow samples from patients with (onco)hematological diagnoses. Another purpose is to evaluate the tendencies noticed over a period of eleven years to draw conclusions and share our experience. We have performed the analysis with the G-banding technique on 2653 samples from patients of age 0–93 yr by the current European recommendations and the International System for Human Cytogenomic Nomenclature. The greater part of these samples (90.9%) was with an indication of a hematological malignancy, most commonly Acute myeloid leukemia, Myelodysplastic syndrome, Acute lymphoid leukemia, Chronic myeloid leukemia, and Multiple myeloma. Analysis was successful in 2215 (83.5%)—from those normal karyotypes were found in 1492 (67.4%) and pathology in 723 (32.6%). Regarding the latter, the most common were complex karyotypes (30.6%), Philadelphian chromosome (21.3%), trisomy 8 (5.9%), and deletion in the long arm of chromosome 5 (4.3%). Cytogenetic analysis is a method with great impact on the evaluation of many hematological malignancies and for this reason, it remains an essential part of routine assessment of these diseases. The disadvantages of it mainly in the field of oncohematological diseases, recognized by the scientific society and confirmed in our own experience, suggest a need for an additional genetic method to overcome these limitations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modification of hematopoietic stem cells, in both molecular and cellular terms, has been a long-pursued goal in experimental and clinical hematology. In a recent article published in Science, Breda et al describe a novel method for the genetic modification of hematopoietic stem cells. This new experimental approach, based on the use of lipid nanoparticles, represents an important step forward in the development of genetic and cellular therapies for hematologic diseases. A general overview of the article by Breda et al and some analysis, comments, and perspectives are presented in this editorial commentary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is a multi-dimensional construct used to assess the impact of health status on quality of life, and it is known to be affected by lifestyle behaviors. This study focused on multiple lifestyle behaviors among patients with hematologic diseases, including physical activity, dietary intake, sleep quality, occupational exposure, alcohol consumption and smoking. The main objective was to investigate the association of both individual and clustering of health behaviors with HRQoL among the population with hematologic diseases based on a comprehensive lifestyle survey. Methods: A total of 539 patients with hematologic diseases aged over 18 years were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Latent class analysis was used to identify homogeneous, mutually exclusive lifestyle classes, and multinomial logistic regression was then performed to explore the association of lifestyle classes membership with HRQoL. Meanwhile, multiple linear regression and quantile regression were used to identify the relationship between individual lifestyle behaviors and HRQoL. Results: A three-class model was selected based on conceptual interpretation and model fit. We found no association between multiple lifestyle behaviors and HRQoL in the 3-class model, either in the whole patients or in subgroups stratified by hematological malignancies. Further research on each lifestyle found that physical activity, dietary intake, occupational exposure, alcohol consumption or smoking were independent of HRQoL. Sleep quality was positively associated with HRQoL. Conclusion: Our findings suggested that clustering of lifestyle behaviors may not be an indicator to reflect the health quality of patients with hematologic diseases. Sleep represents a viable intervention target that can confer health benefits on the hematologic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) approach adapted from the prokaryotic adaptive immunity system against pathogen attack is so valuable and promising tool for treatment of human malignant and non-malignant hematological disease and disorders through gene editing in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Moreover, the CRISPR/Cas9 approach is not only useful for therapeutic purposes; it is considerably preferred for the generation of in vitro and in vivo animal disease models. CRISPR/Cas9 approach has been developed for highly efficient on-target cleavage, and low off-target effect via delivery systems and manipulation of CRISPR components including single guide RNA (sgRNA) and Cas enzymes. In this review, we discussed the CRISPR/Cas9 system applications on hematopoietic stem cells in basic research and clinical area with basic research and clinical perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista de Ciencias Médicas de Pinar del Río is the property of Editorial Ciencias Medicas and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Protein replacement therapy is an umbrella term used for medical treatments that aim to substitute or replenish specific protein deficiencies that result either from the protein being absent or non-functional due to mutations in affected patients. Traditionally, such an approach requires a well characterized but arduous and expensive protein production procedure that employs in vitro expression and translation of the pharmaceutical protein in host cells, followed by extensive purification steps. In the wake of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, mRNA-based pharmaceuticals were recruited to achieve rapid in vivo production of antigens, proving that the in vivo translation of exogenously administered mRNA is nowadays a viable therapeutic option. In addition, the urgency of the situation and worldwide demand for mRNA-based medicine has led to an evolution in relevant technologies, such as in vitro transcription and nanolipid carriers. In this review, we present preclinical and clinical applications of mRNA as a tool for protein replacement therapy, alongside with information pertaining to the manufacture of modified mRNA through in vitro transcription, carriers employed for its intracellular delivery and critical quality attributes pertaining to the finished product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista de Ciencias Médicas de Pinar del Río is the property of Editorial Ciencias Medicas and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study aimed to map systemic alterations predisposing to oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) onset. This review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses. Five databases were used to access (1) reports of OSCC co‐occurring in patients with systemic conditions, (2) prevalence of OSCC among these patients, and (3) clinicopathological profiles. Data from more than 1 million patients worldwide showed that Fanconi's anemia, xeroderma pigmentosum, dyskeratosis congenital, chronic fatigue syndrome, and patients post bone marrow transplantation (BMT) present increased risk for OSCC development. The overall prevalence of OSCC in syndromic patients and post‐BMT were 0.65% (95% CI = 0.13–3.11, p < 0.01) and 5.83% (95% CI = 0.00–30.90, p < 0.01), respectively. The certainty of the evidence was moderate. This study demonstrated that some systemic conditions predispose to OSCC. These results present an impact on the screening of OSCC in systemically compromised patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical and laboratory profile of newly diagnosed cases of Multiple myeloma (MM) in a tertiary care hospital in western India. Records of all the patients who were diagnosed as MM was taken out from the archives from September 2013 to February 2021 and analyzed for various parameters. Of the 100 patients studied, 3% were below the age of 40 years with most of the cases in the 6th and 7th decade. The mean age of the study was 61.98 years. The most common symptoms were low backache (LBA), bone pains and easy fatigability. Anemia was present at the outset in 67% of cases, hypercalcemia in 12% of cases, renal impairment in 22% of cases, raised lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in 18% of cases and raised β2-microglobulin levels in 48% of cases. 37% of cases showed reversal of albumin:globulin (A:G) ratio. Bone marrow (BM) plasma cells (PC) ranged from 12 to 90% on myelogram. There was a detectable 'monoclonal' (M) spike in 77% of cases on serum protein electrophoresis whereas immunofixation revealed a monoclonal protein in 92% of cases. Osteolytic lesions were found in 64% of cases. Cytogenetic analysis showed cases to be harbouring del 13q, t(11;14), del 17p, immunoglobulin heavy chain (IGH) rearrangement and t(4;14). Most patients received a combination of the standard regimes of Bortezomib-Lenalidomide-Dexamethasone and the response was assessed at the end of each cycle. Plasma Cell Neoplasms (PCN) present with varied symptomatology and hence an extremely high index of suspicion is required for early diagnosis and prompt management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of China Tropical Medicine is the property of China Tropical Medicine Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Leukocytes are essential for the function of the immune system and cell–cell interaction in the human body, but hematological diseases as well as chemotherapeutic treatments due to cancer lead to occasionally or even permanent leukocyte deficiency. Normally, more than 50% of leukocytes are neutrophilic granulocytes, and leukopenia is, therefore, mostly characterized by a decrease in neutrophilic granulocytes. The consequence of neutropenia is increased susceptibility to infection, but also healing disorders are suggestable due to the disturbed cell–cell interaction. While there is no surgical treatment for leucocyte disorders, patients suffering from neutropenia are sometimes in need of surgery for other reasons. Less is known about the morbidity and mortality of this patients, which is why this narrative review critically summarizes the results of recent research in this particular field. The results of this review suggest that neutropenic patients in need of emergency surgery have a higher mortality risk compared to non-neutropenic patients. In contrast, in elective surgery, there was not a clear tendency for a higher mortality risk of neutropenic patients. The role of neutrophilic granulocytes in inflammation and immunity in surgical patients is emphasized by the results, but most of the evaluated studies showed methodological flaws due to small sample sizes or risk of bias. Further research has to evaluate the risk for postoperative complications, particularly of infectious complications such as surgical site infections, in neutropenic patients undergoing elective surgery, and should address the role of neutrophilic function in postoperative morbidity and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Patients with hematologic disease are at high risk of morbidity and mortality from COVID‐19 due to disease‐inherent and therapy‐related immunodeficiency. Whether infection with the SARS‐CoV2 omicron variant leads to attenuated disease severity in these patients is currently unknown. Methods: We assessed clinical and laboratory parameters in 61 patients with underlying hematologic conditions with a SARS‐CoV2 omicron variant infection confirmed by nucleic acid amplification testing. Results: Fifty patients reported symptoms of COVID‐19, most commonly fatigue (37 patients, 60.66%) and cough (32 patients, 52.46%). 39.34% of patients reported fever. Dyspnea was reported by 10 patients and 7 patients (11.48%) required oxygen therapy. Anosmia and ageusia were relatively rare, occurring in less than 10% of patients. Severity of SARS‐CoV2 infection could be assessed in 60 patients. Five cases of critical illness leading to ICU admission occurred during the observation period. Overall mortality was 9.84% in this patient cohort, with heterogeneous causes of death. The majority of omicron‐infected hematologic patients experienced mild symptoms or remained asymptomatic. Discussion: In this study, symptoms of COVID‐19 tended to be milder than described for previous SARS‐CoV2 variants. However, the extent to which attenuated severity of omicron‐variant SARS‐CoV2 infection is caused by altered viral pathogenicity or pre‐existing host immunity cannot be inferred from our data and should be investigated in larger prospective studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Canine immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) ranges from a mild to severe bleeding disorder, and platelet counts do not reliably predict clinical disease course. The detection of platelet autoantibodies may further define the disease phenotype, but variability in assay configurations and a lack of well‐characterized controls limit the diagnostic utility of anti‐platelet antibody assays. Objectives: We aimed to develop control reagents to facilitate the characterization of canine platelet surface‐associated immunoglobulin (PSAIg) in flow cytometric assays. Methods: Silica microspheres were coated with canine IgG and IgM to assess the reactivity of goat and rabbit origin anti‐canine immunoglobulin reagents. They were also used as positive controls in the PSAIg assay. Preliminary assay evaluation and determination of sample stability used PRP isolated from seven healthy dogs and 26 dogs newly diagnosed with thrombocytopenia. Results: Blood sample stability was established for up to a 48‐hour storage time. The conjugated positive control microspheres demonstrated stable fluorescent labeling over a 2‐year observation period. Rabbit and goat origin anti‐dog IgM fluorescent antibody labels reacted nonspecifically with canine IgG. Rabbit origin anti‐dog IgG antibody demonstrated greater class specificity for canine IgG than a goat origin antibody. Thrombocytopenic dogs had a broad range of membrane‐bound immunoglobulin. Median PSAIgG for dogs with primary or secondary ITP (18.4%, 34.1%, respectively) were significantly higher than controls (3.8%, P <.05). Conclusions: The described assay reagents and procedures provide positive controls and allow consistent thresholding to define a positive test result, suitable for any flow cytometer. A rabbit anti‐dog IgG fluorescent label demonstrated specificity for canine IgG and was useful for the detection of PSAIgG in thrombocytopenic dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The liver plays an important role in homeostasis. Chronic liver diseases (CLDs), including cirrhosis, hepatic failure, jaundice, and portal hypertension, may affect hemopoiesis. The abnormalities in red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), and platelet functions in patients with CLD are well-documented. It is thus important to detect and manage these abnormalities to reduce the overall morbidity and mortality of patients with CLD. Aims: The study was conducted to assess the hematological abnormalities and hemostatic derangements and the nature of hematological abnormalities to reduce morbidity. Broadly, the hematological abnormalities are viewed under abnormalities in RBCs, WBCs, platelets, and the coagulation profile. Methods: This was a prospective study conducted for 2 years at the Department of General Medicine, Al Ameen Medical College, Bijapur, Karnataka. A total of 150 patients with CLD were included and analyzed for hematological dysfunction. Results: Severe anemia (<6g/dL) was noted in 9.33% of the cases; 22% of the cases had 6.1 to 8 g/dL Hb (hemoglobin) levels; 38% cases showed Hb of 8.1 to 10 g/dL; and >10 g/dL HB was noted in 45% cases. The majority showed normocytic normochromic anemia on peripheral smear examination, i.e., 56%. Macrocytic anemia was noted in 25.3% of cases. Microcytic hypochromic anemia was found in 38% of the cases. Only 4.67% showed dimorphic anemia. Besides, 66.6% of cases had a WBC count of 4000-11000/cumm, 26.6% had 2000-4000/cumm, 6.67% had < 2000/cumm, and 59% cases had >1 .0 lakh/cumm. In 66.67% of cases, 1 lakh - 50000 (mild thrombocytopenia) was noted in 25.3% of cases. Moreover, 6.6% had moderate thrombocytopenia, and 1.3% < 20000/cumm (severe thrombocytopenia). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that all the patients presented with signs of CLD must be thoroughly evaluated for their complete blood profile to detect hematological abnormalities and should be monitored for any complications. Early initiation of treatment can decrease the overall mortality in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of Review: Patients with hematological malignancies are recognized for their high susceptibility and increased risk of developing infections associated with immunosuppression that can be caused by the infection itself or by the treatments that condition a decrease in the humoral and T lymphocyte response, so this review attempts to gather the main bacterial, viral, parasitic, and fungal agents that affect them and give recommendations for their approach and diagnosis. Recent Findings: In recent years, with the discovery and use of new therapies including immunological and targeted treatments, it has been possible to improve the survival and response of patients with hematological malignancies; however, antimicrobial resistance has also increased; we have faced new and unknown microorganisms, such as the SARS-CoV-2 that caused the COVID-19 pandemic in the past year, and therefore, new risks and more severe infections are presented. Summary: We present a review of the different circumstances where hematological malignancies increased the risk of infections and which microorganisms affect these patients, their characteristics, and the suggested prophylaxis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with hematologic diseases are at high risk of bloodstream infections (BSIs). This study aimed to analyze clinical features and distributions of microorganisms in patients with hematologic diseases presenting at a tertiary care university-affiliated hospital in Korea. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all BSI episodes recorded in patient medical records at two hematologic wards of the Catholic Hematology Hospital from January to December 2020. Our aim was to analyze demographic and clinical characteristics relevant to BSIs. We also described the antimicrobial resistance patterns of the major pathogens identified in this study, and evaluated risk factors for extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production in Enterobacteriaceae isolates and for vancomycin resistance in enterococcal isolates. Results: A total of 380 BSI episodes were identified in 334 patients over the course of 1 year (monomicrobial BSI episodes, 86.1%; polymicrobial BSI episodes, 13.9%). Gram-negative bacteria accounted for 242 isolates (54.8%). The most frequently isolated Gram-negative bacteria isolates were Escherichia coli (107 [24.2%]) followed by Klebsiella spp. (72 [16.3%]), Pseudomonas spp. (21 [4.8%]), and Enterobacter spp. (12 [2.7%]). The most commonly identified Gram-positive bacteria were Enterococcus spp. (72 [16.3%]) followed by viridans streptococci (54 [12.2%]), coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) (24 [5.4%]), and Corynebacterium spp. (22 [5.0%]). ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae accounted for 25.1% of the total distribution. Among 54 Enterococcus faecium isolates, 100.0% were resistant to ampicillin and 55.6% showed resistance to vancomycin, while 100.0% (n = 12) of Enterococcus faecalis isolates were susceptible to ampicillin and vancomycin, respectively. Use of ciprofloxacin prophylaxis (odds ratio: 5.20; 95% confidence interval: 1.11 - 24.34; P = 0.04) was an independent risk factor for ESBL production in Enterobacteriaceae BSIs. Conclusion: Compared with the results of a previous study conducted at the same institution, our findings demonstrated that Gram-negative bacteria remained dominant pathogens in BSIs occurring in patients with hematologic diseases. Our findings also demonstrated a comparatively decreased prevalence of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae in the evaluated BSIs. However, the prevalence of enterococcal BSIs had not decreased, and the proportion of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus isolates from E. faecium BSIs had increased. In addition, we found that ciprofloxacin prophylaxis was statistically significantly associated with ESBL production in Enterobacteriaceae BSIs. We conclude that, in order to avoid critical complications and to reduce the burden of antimicrobial-resistant organisms in patients with hematologic diseases, it is necessary to conduct periodic examinations evaluating changes in BSI epidemiology within a single medical center. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: hematologic diseases; tremor; myoclonus; thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura; movement disorders EN hematologic diseases tremor myoclonus thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura movement disorders 375 379 5 04/05/22 20220401 NES 220401 Neurological involvement in hematologic diseases is well known,1,2,10 although movement disorders have rarely been reported.10 Hereby, we describe a case of tremor/myoclonus syndrome associated to Thrombocytopenic Thrombotic Purpura. Our patient presented a tremor syndrome of adulthood, with insidious onset and progressive worsening, with no family history or drug sensitivity. Therefore, we diagnosed our patient with Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic syndrome with encephalopathy and tremor-myoclonus syndrome associated to it. [Extracted from the article]

Although most patients with hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms, its infection is generally underdiagnosed and overlooked. In immunocompromised patients, HEV infection can lead to acute liver failure and death. However, the clinical evidence of HEV infection in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients is scarce; thus, we conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the prevalence of HEV infection in this population. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library databases from inception through October 2020 to identify studies that reported the prevalence of HEV infection among HSCT recipients. HEV infections were confirmed by HEV-IgG/IgM or HEV-RNA assay. A total of 1977 patients from nine studies with a follow-up time up to 40 months were included in the final analysis. The pooled prevalence of positive HEV-RNA was 3.0% (95% CI 2.3% to 4.0%). The pooled prevalence of positive HEV-IgG was 10.3% (95% CI 4.5% to 21.8%). The pooled prevalence of de novo HEV infection was 2.9% (95% CI 1.8% to 4.5%). Age and male gender were not associated with HEV-RNA or HEV-IgG positivity in the meta-regression analysis. In conclusion, the prevalence of HEV-IgG in HSCT recipients was about 10%, while the prevalence of HEV-RNA was only 3%. However, further studies that focus on the clinical outcomes in this population are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To analyze the clinical-epidemiological characteristics and mortality in patients with sickle-cell anemia (SCA). Patients and Methods: A cohort study with retrospective data, conducted in two reference hospitals for SCA treatment from January 1980 to December 2018, recorded in two reference services. With a 5% significance level, the Chi-Square and Student's t-tests were employed in the inferential statistical analysis. Results: A total of 128 patients with SCA were studied. Diagnosis up to the fifth day of life was made in 10 patients. There were 19 deaths, of which 12 (63.2%) were female, and the average age at death was 27.05 (± 14.78) years. The leading causes of death were septic shock and cardiogenic shock. The use of invasive medical devices was considered a risk factor for death (RR=2.63; 95% CI=1.16– 5.96; p=0.018), and monitoring time up to 20 years presented a 31% reduction in the risk of dying (RR=0.31; 95% CI=0.12– 0.82; p=0.011) when compared to the monitoring of more than 20 years. Conclusion: These findings are to be considered in the treatment of patients with SCA, mainly regarding early diagnosis and access to the treatment immediately afterward, since they are fundamental in improving survival and reducing severe complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Medicina Fluminensis is the property of Croatian Medical Association, Rijeka Branch & Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: The association between thrombophilic alterations, migraine, and vascular events has been broadly investigated but not been completely clarified. Methods: In this cross-sectional, case-control study, we included consecutive outpatients diagnosed with migraine referring to a tertiary headache center. Migraine patients were matched to headache-free control subjects. All participants were evaluated for free protein S anticoagulant, functional protein C anticoagulant, homocysteine, and antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs). History of ischemic stroke (IS) or transient ischemic attack (TIA), coronary heart disease, and peripheral venous thrombosis was also ascertained. Results: We included 329 migraine patients and 329 control subjects (mean age 41 years, 77% women in both groups). Among migraine patients, 239 (72.6%) had migraine without aura and 90 (27.4%) had migraine with aura. Migraine patients had more frequently arterial hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, history of IS or TIA and, peripheral venous thrombosis compared to control subjects, whereas we found no differences in diabetes mellitus, BMI, and coronary heart disease between the two groups. At least one thrombophilic alteration was detected in 107 (32.5%) migraine patients and in 74 (22.5%) control subjects (OR = 1.66, 95% CI 1.17–2.35, p = 0.004). We identified an association of migraine with aPL positivity (OR = 2.6, 95% CI 1.5–4.7, p = 0.001) and with free protein S deficiency (OR = 4.7, 95% CI 1.6–14.0, p = 0.002), whereas we found no differences in protein C deficiency, APCR, and hyperhomocysteinemia between the two groups. Furthermore, aPL positivity and free protein S deficiency were more common in migraine patients with and without aura than in control subjects. We found that in migraine patients, aPL positivity was associated with both IS or TIA (OR = 5.6, 95% CI 1.5–20.4, p = 0.009) and with coronary heart disease (OR = 27.6, 95% CI 1.4–531.1, p = 0.028), whereas free protein S deficiency was associated with IS or TIA only (OR = 14.3, 95% CI 2.8–74.4, p = 0.002). Conclusions: Our research documented a significative higher prevalence of aPL positivity and protein S deficiency in migraineurs than in controls. Data also showed an association between these alterations and some vascular thrombotic events in migraine patients. We can argue that thrombophilic disorders associated with migraine may contribute to the occurrence of vascular events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fatal hemorrhagic pneumonia is one of the most severe manifestations of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (SM) infections. Here, we aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of SM bacteremia and to identify the risk factors of hemorrhagic pneumonia caused by SM in patients with hematologic diseases.Methods: The clinical records of 55 patients diagnosed with hematologic diseases and SM bacteremia were retrospectively reviewed. We compared patients' clinical characteristics and outcomes between the hemorrhagic pneumonia group and non-hemorrhagic pneumonia group.Results: Twenty-seven (49.1%) patients developed hemorrhagic pneumonia. The overall mortality rate of SM bacteremia was 67.3%. Hemorrhagic pneumonia (adjusted HR 2.316, 95% CI 1.140-4.705; P = 0.020) was an independent risk factor of 30-day mortality in hematological patients with SM bacteremia. Compared with the non-hemorrhagic pneumonia group, patients in the hemorrhagic pneumonia group were older and showed clinical manifestations as higher proportions of isolated SM in sputum culture, neutropenia and elevated procalcitonin (PCT). Multivariate analysis showed that neutropenia, high levels of PCT, prior tigecycline therapy within 1 month were independent risk factors associated with hemorrhagic pneumonia.Conclusions: Neutropenia, high level of PCT and prior tigecycline therapy within 1 month were significant independent predictors of hemorrhagic pneumonia in hematologic patients with SM bacteremia. Due to no effective antibiotics to prevent hemorrhagic pneumonia, prophylaxis of SM infection and its progression to hemorrhagic pneumonia is particularly important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oncology settings increasingly use patient experience data to evaluate clinical performance. Given that older patients with hematologic malignancies are a high-risk population, this study examined factors associated with patient-reported health care experiences during the first year of their cancer diagnosis. Methods: Cross-sectional study using the 2000–2015 SEER-CAHPS® data to examine patient experiences of Medicare enrollees with a primary diagnosis of leukemia or lymphoma. The primary outcomes were three CAHPS assessments: overall care, personal doctor, and health plan overall. We estimated case-mix adjusted and fully adjusted associations between factors (i.e., clinical and sociodemographic) and the CAHPS outcomes using bivariate statistical tests and multiple linear regression. Results: The final sample included 1,151 patients, with 431 diagnosed with leukemia and 720 diagnosed with lymphoma (median time from diagnosis to survey 6 months). Patients who completed the survey further apart from the diagnosis date reported significantly higher adjusted ratings of care overall (β.39, p =.008) than those closer to diagnosis. American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, and Pacific Islander patients had lower adjusted ratings of care overall (β −.73, p =.003) than Non-Hispanic white patients. Multimorbidity was significantly associated with higher adjusted personal doctor ratings (β.26, p =.003). Conclusions: Unfavorable patient experiences among older adults diagnosed with hematologic malignancies warrant targeted efforts to measure and improve care quality. Future measurement of experiences of cancer care soon after diagnosis, coupled with careful sampling of high-priority populations, will inform oncology leaders and clinicians on strategies to improve care for high-risk, high-cost populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Best Practice Onkologie is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The family of two-pore domain potassium (K2P) channels is critically involved in central cellular functions such as ion homeostasis, cell development, and excitability. K2P channels are widely expressed in different human cell types and organs. It is therefore not surprising that aberrant expression and function of K2P channels are related to a spectrum of human diseases, including cancer, autoimmune, CNS, cardiovascular, and urinary tract disorders. Despite homologies in structure, expression, and stimulus, the functional diversity of K2P channels leads to heterogeneous influences on human diseases. The role of individual K2P channels in different disorders depends on expression patterns and modulation in cellular functions. However, an imbalance of potassium homeostasis and action potentials contributes to most disease pathologies. In this review, we provide an overview of current knowledge on the role of K2P channels in human diseases. We look at altered channel expression and function, the potential underlying molecular mechanisms, and prospective research directions in the field of K2P channels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Progress in Modern Biomedicine is the property of Publishing House of Progress in Modern Biomedicine and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A regular check up on a 59-year-old man showed a high carcinoembryonic antigen level in his blood. A computed tomography scan showed tumors in the right atrium. We performed tumor resection successfully. The resected specimen was found to be blood cysts that had developed from the right atrium to the inferior vena cava. Intracardiac blood cysts are generally observed in infants, spontaneously disappear during the first 6 months of life, and are located in the left side of heart and on atrioventricular valves. Therefore, this case is extremely rare. Also, it is worth considering the timing of this surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Der Onkologe is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Anthropologia Integra is the property of Masaryk University, Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Science and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Hematologic diseases are a heterogeneous group of malignancies that affect people worldwide such as leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myelomas. The aim of this study was to characterize the frequency of hematological diseases in the population of Arica, Chile (18°S, 70°W), between 2011 and 2014. A total of 108 cases of hematologic malignancies were registered at Dr. Juan Noé Crevani Regional Hospital in this period; 40 male and 52 female cases were included in this retrospective and descriptive analysis. The overall median age at diagnosis for hematological malignancies was 59 years (range, 17 to 96 years). The results indicated that the frequency of hematological diseases such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma and leukemia was not associated with sex, ethnicity and type of disease. However, in 2012 there was an increased number of cases of Hodgkin lymphoma compared with any other year in the study, whereas the number of multiple myeloma cases decreased between 2011 and 2014. No significant differences were observed among different types of disease, nor among the types of leukemia. However, when intervals of age were considered, it was revealed that patients >75 years had the highest incidence of hematological malignancies, mainly multiple myeloma, compared with other age groups. However, young adults were more commonly diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma than other disease types. A non-significant difference was observed in leukemia between 2011 and 2014 when sex was taken into consideration, in which the incidence rate was higher in females compared with males. Hodgkin lymphoma was most commonly at stage II and non-Hodgkin lymphoma was most commonly at stage IV. No significant differences were observed between the nodal and extranodal type, mixed cellularity and nodular sclerosis or in the morphology of non-Hodgkin lymphoma cell type. Overall, there was a decrease in the frequency of hematological malignancies between 2011 and 2014, but no significant differences were observed in males or females. This study provided for the first time the pattern and distribution of hematological diseases in Arica, Chile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction to articles in the issue is presented on topics including germline mutation that predispose affected individuals to hematologic malignancies, molecular genetics in the diagnosis and biology of lymphoid neoplasms, and the role of genetic testing in revealing the biology of myeloid neoplasms that are not acute leukemias.

Copyright of Acta Médica del Centro is the property of Hospital Provincial Universitario Clinico Quirurgico Arnaldo Milian Castro and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Rituximab (RTX) has been classified as a drug associated with a high risk for hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation in HbsAg-negative/anti-HBc-positive patients. However, data on frequency of HBV reactivation are limited especially for RTX monotherapy. Several new recommendations for screening, monitoring and prophylactic antiviral treatment have been published recently. Here, we report the real-life experience in the management and reactivation rate of HbsAg-negative/anti-HBc-positive patients treated with RTX with or without chemotherapy from a large cohort and discuss our results in the light of updated recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monoclonal B-cells lymphocytosis (MBL) is a benign condition that may precede chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), not rarely present in peripheral blood of healthy elderly people, among which there is also a male prevalence. Though CLL has been associated with various types of solid tumors, including prostate cancer (PC), no data exist about the relationship between PC and MBL. We studied the frequency of CLL-like MBL clones in a group of 48 patients affected by PC and followed them during and after whole-pelvis radiotherapy (WPRT) treatment. We found four MBL clones (8.3%), two of which (4.2%) had a B-cell clonal count >1000 cells/µL ('clinical MBL'). A single case (1.8%) of 'low-count' MBL occurred in a control group of 54 healthy males. Notably, normal B-lymphocytes were consistently affected by WPRT, while MBL clones were less radiosensitive. Our results suggest a possible association between 'clinical' MBL and PC and show a different impact of the radiation on monoclonal respect to normal B-cells, which could also imply a greater risk of clonal transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]