Search

Photogrammetric data are systematically used in several segments. Products such as Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) provide detailed surface information, however the geometric reliability of these products is questionable compared to data collected by topographic survey by GNSS RTK. The present research assesses the quality of DTMs obtained using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) with different parameters, overlap percentages, and flight directions, comparing the results to those of the topography method Global Navigation Satellite System – Real-Time Kinematic (GNSS RTK). Were done twelve flight plans with different overlaps (90x90, 80x80, 80x60, 70x50, 70x30, and 60x40%) and directions (transverse and longitudinal to the planting line). The parameters of height (Above Ground Land- AGL) and speed were fixed at 90 m and 3 m/s respectively and a Ground Sample Distance (GSD) of 0,1 m is obtained for all flights. Overall, the flight with 70x50% overlap in the transverse direction generated the best results, with a total processing time of 12 minutes and 17 seconds (about 1.5 hours faster than 90x90%), an Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) 0.589 m, and meets the minimum overlap required by 60X30% aerophotogrammetry; furthermore, the results did not differ statistically from the high overlaps of 90x90% and 80x80%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to explore the influence of flight altitude, density, and distribution of ground control points (GCPs) on the digital terrain model (DTM) in surveys conducted by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). A total of 144 photogrammetric projects consisting of 399 aerial photos were carried out in a 2 ha area. These photogrammetric projects involved six GCP distributions (edge, center, diagonal, parallel, stratified, and random), six GCP densities, and four flight altitudes (30, 60, 90, and 120 m). The response surface methodology was used to find interference factors and total root-mean-square error (RMSEt) as well. The 60 m flight altitude presented was the most efficient. Central GCP distribution was observed to have low precision. Using stratified and random edge distributions, 10 GCPs are recommended to achieve geometric precision below 0.07 m at any flight height. However, for studies requiring up to 0.07 m precision, the best distribution was parallel with 4 GCPs at any altitude. Diagonal positioning of the GCPs showed RMSEt values below 0.11 m with 4 GCPs at any altitude. A good distribution of GCPs was found to be important, but the density of GCPs per image was more relevant when obtaining a lower RMSEt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Suprascapular neuropathy is more frequent in volleyball as compared to other overhead sports. This study aims to report the actual prevalence of suprascapular neuropathy among elite volleyball players. The hypothesis is that becoming jump topspin serves the most common serving technique, suprascapular neuropathy reduced its frequency. Methods: A total of 82 professional players were enrolled in the study. The presence of symptoms and the type of serve preferably performed were investigated. The strength and trophicity of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles were evaluated. Patients with positive clinical findings underwent MRI of the shoulder. Results: The jump topspin serve was found to be the most popular type of serve both in males and females. At physical examination, 9% of the males and 12% of the females presented with infraspinatus muscle hypotrophy. Each case was accompanied by external rotation weakness. None of them complained of pain or reduced performance when they played. MRI confirmed infraspinatus muscle atrophy in all subjects. Conclusion: A lower prevalence of suprascapular neuropathy was found as compared with that previously reported in the 1980s and 1990s. A reduction in the popularity of the float serve seems to be a possible explanation. Thus, the jump topspin serve could be safe for suprascapular neuropathy and associated injuries in volleyball. The findings of this study should be considered by athletes and coaches for the prevention of activity-related injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated the impact of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) on epidemiology and outcome in acute leukemia (AL), analyzing all acute myeloid (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) consecutively admitted to our Institution during a 5-year period of observation. Only AML patients received anti-mold prophylaxis. Among 175 AL patients (136 AML/39 ALL), possible and proven/probable IPA were diagnosed in 28 (16%). Frequency of IPA was similar in AML (16.2%) and in ALL (15.4%). Two-year overall survival (OS) was significantly affected by IPA (no IPA: 69.8% vs IPA: 31.7% p =.002). OS was similar in patients with proven/probable (28.2%) and possible IPA (36.4%) (p =.003 and.065, respectively). When censoring patients at transplant, IPA still affected 2-year survival (49.6% vs 79.2%, p =.02), but only proven/probable IPA was associated with lower survival (34.7%, p =.0003). IPA negatively impacts on long-term survival of leukemia patients; antifungal prophylaxis should be adopted also during induction in ALL and in AML beyond induction therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) in elderly patients. It discusses the recommendations of the combination of chemotherapy with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), patient survival with the use of Kaplan-Maier method and log-rank test, and hematological complete remission (CR) rate.

Introduction: Cognitive remediation therapy (CRT) has been reported to positively affect neurocognitive processes among patients with schizophrenia; however, the degree to which changes in cognition is linked to improved clinical symptoms, remains poorly understood. The current study aimed to investigate whether cognitive gains were associated to improvements in negative symptoms’ severity in patients with schizophrenia living in two Italian psychiatric facilities. Methods: Patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia were consecutively assigned to CRT (n = 33) and compared with an historical control group (n = 28). Assessments were performed at baseline and post-treatment using a neuropsychological battery (Trail Making Test A and B, Self-Ordered Pointing Task, California Verbal Learning Test), along with clinical and functioning measures. Results: Visual attention (TMT-A score change) was found as the only significant predictor of improvement in negative symptoms subscale of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. Furthermore, a mediation path analysis confirmed that better performance in visual attention acts as mediator of the positive association between CRT intervention and lower post-treatment negative symptoms score. Conclusions: CRT can have a positive impact on a measure of visual attention in patients with schizophrenia and on negative symptoms reduction that is mediated by this significant intervention effect. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article discusses a study which examined the efficacy of lenalidomide in the treatment of patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). The study investigated a group of patients who received lenalidomide monotherapy and lenalidomide combination therapy. The researchers determined the patients' overall response rates (ORR), duration of response, progression-free survival (PFS), and abnormalities in laboratory data and adverse events (AEs).

Objective: Obesity is a multifactorial disorder with a possible microbiota derangement in its pathogenesis. Moreover, in obese patients the likelihood of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is greater than in controls, although few studies are currently available. This study investigates the prevalence of SIBO and the possible role of dietary macronutrients in obesity.Materials and methods: Sixty obese patients and normal lean controls were enrolled for SIBO detection. Diagnosis of SIBO was performed by a glucose breath test. A 24-hour recall questionnaire was administered to investigate macronutrient daily intake between the two obese patient subgroups (with/without SIBO).Results: The presence of SIBO in obese and controls was respectively 23.3% and 6.6% (p = 0.02, OR = 4.26, 95% Confidence interval = 1.31–13.84). Obese patients with SIBO ingested more carbohydrates (252.75 ± 30.53 vs 201 ± 70.76 g/day,p = 0.01), more refined sugars (104.15 ± 28.69 vs 73.32 ± 44.93 g/day,p = 0.02) and less total and insoluble fibers (9.6 ± 1.97 vs 14.65 ± 8.80 g/day,p = 0.04 and 4.7 ± 1.11 vs 8.82 ± 5.80 g/day,p = 0.01, respectively). There were no significant differences in lipid and protein intake between the two groups.Conclusions: SIBO is widespread in obese subjects. Carbohydrates might promote the development of SIBO in obesity and fibers provide a protective function. Our results suggest a close relationship between diet and SIBO in obesity, thus supporting a possible role for intestinal microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

“Real life” data are needed to complement published trials on the efficacy of lenalidomide in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and del(5q) and on the risk of inducing acute myeloid leukemia (AML) progression. Here, we present results of lenalidomide treatment in a consecutive, population-based series of 21 red blood cell (RBC) transfusion-dependent elderly patients with multiple comorbidities. Of 18 evaluable patients (median follow-up: 22 months), 17 achieved an erythroid hematologic response (HI-E) and 16 an RBC transfusion independence. Cytogenetic response (CyR) rate was 80%, median overall survival was 48 months (range 3–164), and 5-year leukemia-free survival was 84%. Three patients progressed to AML; one, with baselineTP53mutation, achieved HI-E, partial CyR, and did not progress to AML. Eighteen patients experienced hematological adverse events. Overall, lenalidomide was very effective and well tolerated even in unselected elderly patients with multiple comorbidities and did not appear to increase the risk of AML. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical trial results indicate that lenalidomide, an immunomodulatory drug, is a promising treatment in relapsed/refractory non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). This retrospective multicenter study was conducted in patients with relapsed/refractory NHL treated with lenalidomide monotherapy through a Named Patient Program in Italy. Principal endpoints were overall response rate (ORR), safety and overall survival (OS). The ORR in 64 evaluable patients was 42.2% and was similar among patients receiving 10, 15 or 25 mg/day lenalidomide. Response rates in patients with mantle cell, diffuse large B-cell and follicular lymphoma were 45.5%, 42.1% and 20%, respectively. Among patients who responded to most recent prior therapy, ORR was 50.0% versus 36.8% in patients with refractory NHL. Mean duration of response in patients receiving any lenalidomide dose was 10.5 months; 1-year progression-free survival and OS were 50.3% and 82.6%, respectively. These findings suggest that lenalidomide is effective and safe for heavily pretreated patients with NHL in the clinical setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We performed a multicenter study to validate the concept that a simple comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) can identify elderly, non-fit patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in whom curative treatment is not better then palliation, and to analyze potential benefits of treatment modulation after further subdividing the non-fit category by CGA criteria. One hundred and seventy-three patients aged > 69 treated with curative or palliative intent by clinical judgement only were grouped according to CGA into fit (46%), unfit (16%) and frail (38%) categories. Two-year overall survival (OS) was significantly better in fit than in non-fit patients (84% vs. 47%; p < 0.0001). Survival in unfit and frail patients was not significantly different. Curative treatment slightly improved 2-year OS in unfit (75% vs. 45%) but not in frail patients (44% vs. 39%). CGA was confirmed as very efficient in identifying elderly patients with DLBCL who can benefit from a curative approach. Further efforts are needed to better tailor therapies in non-fit patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents case study of a 38-year-old Jamaican woman who was diagnosed with adult T-cell leukaemia lymphoma (ATLL) Human T-Lymphotropic Virus (HTLV+) was treated with combination chemotherapy. It mentions information on NUP98 positive acute myeloid leukemia which originates from multiple chromosomal translocations involving homeobox and non-homeobox genes. It also presents information on extraction of RNA usingTrizol reagent.

In 2003 the Fondazione Italiana Linfomi (FIL) started a clinical research program for investigating initial treatment of frail elderly patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) identified by Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA). From 2003 to 2006, 334 elderly patients underwent CGA assessment, and 99 patients were classified as frail. Frail patients had a median age of 78 years, stage III-IV disease in 62% and age-adjusted International Prognostic Index (aaIPI) of 2-3 in 53%. Treatment consisted of several different regimens according to physician discretion. After a median follow-up of 36 months, 5-year overall survival (OS) was 28%. In multivariate analysis, aaIPI 2-3 ( p = 0.005) and the presence of respiratory comorbidity ( p = 0.044) were the only factors that showed independent correlation with OS. Frail patients had a poorer outcome compared with fit patients also if they were treated with rituximab-containing combination chemotherapy (hazard ratio 2.37, 95% confidence interval 1.48-3.78; p < 0.001). CGA is a valid tool to prospectively identify frail subjects among elderly patients with DLBCL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The frequent occurrence of drought and the increasing severity of its impacts make the traditional emergency approach inadequate and call for a risk-management approach, particularly in order to reduce water shortages in water supply systems. This paper attempts to provide a review of criteria, methods and tools for the management of drought risk in water systems, beginning with a discussion of legislative and institutional frameworks for coping with drought; objectives and contents of drought-planning instruments (at strategic, tactical and emergency levels) are then discussed. The review focuses on: 1. the drought indices to be used for an effective monitoring and early warning system; 2. the methods for assessing the risk of water shortage due to drought; and 3. the measures for reducing societal vulnerability to droughts and mitigating their impacts. Better coordination of drought-preparedness planning tasks, adaptive operation of water supply systems to prevent severe shortages, and more extensive use of early drought warning are suggested. Further research needs are identified. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Alemtuzumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that recognizes the CD52 antigen expressed on malignant and normal B lymphocytes. It has come to be used therapeutically in B-cell malignancies and, in addition, it shows interesting activity also in T-cell lymphomas. Published literature and abstract proceedings were scanned, and a systematic review of phase II studies administering alemtuzumab in patients with T-cell lymphomas was performed. Alemtuzumab is an effective alternative option for patients with peripheral T-cell lymphomas and cutaneous T-cell lymphomas. Alemtuzumab may belong to the current standard of care for nodal and cutaneous T-cell lymphomas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conducted a prospective study to compare epirubicin, Cyclophosphamide, vinblastine, prednisone and rituximab (R-miniCEOP) with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone and rituximab (R-CHOP) for the treatment of "fit" elderly patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Patients over the age of 65 with stage II - IV DLBCL were screened with a comprehensive geriatric assessment. Patients were randomized to receive six courses of R-miniCEOP ( n = 114) or R-CHOP ( n = 110). Overall, the rate of complete remission was 70% ( p = 0.466). After a median follow-up of 42 months, 5-year event-free survival (EFS) rates were 46% and 48% for R-miniCEOP and R-CHOP, respectively ( p = 0.538). Patients older than 72 years and with low-risk disease had a better outcome when treated with R-miniCEOP ( p = 0.011). Overall R-CHOP and R-miniCEOP are similarly effective for elderly "fit" patients with DLBCL. The less intense R-miniCEOP may be an acceptable option for the treatment of relatively older patients with low-risk disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We prospectively analysed the microbiological isolates of all febrile/infectious episodes occurring at our haematology unit during 2 consecutive 18-month periods. Microbiologically documented infections (MDI) and antibiotic resistance were correlated with type and status of haematological disease, neutropenia, levofloxacin prophylaxis, central venous catheter and clinical outcome. Three hundred and ten MDI were observed and 369 pathogens were isolated. Gram-negative bacteria represented 49.3% and Gram-positive bacteria 40.9% of all pathogens. Fungal infections represented only 8.9% of MDI. A significant decrease in Staphylococcus aureus ( p < 0.001) and an increase in enterococci, viridans streptococci and Pseudomonas spp. ( p = 0.004) were observed during the second period. Four multiresistant (Multi-R) Pseudomonas were isolated, all during the last 12 months. The death rate in MDI was 8.7%, bacteria accounting for 70.4% of them. Enterococci, streptococci and Pseudomonas spp. infections were involved in 44.4% of MDI with an unfavourable outcome. Multi-R pathogens were involved in 4 cases (3 vancomycin-resistant enterococci and 1 Multi-R Pseudomonas), their death rate being 25%. Multivariate analysis showed that an infection due to a mycotic or a Multi-R pathogen was associated with an unfavourable outcome. The recent emergence of enterococci, viridans streptococci and Pseudomonas spp., particularly if Multi-R, is a major concern in haematological patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. New techniques of improving diagnostic reliability of thyroid nodules are needed. Aim and methods. This prospective cohort study includes patients with one (201) or multiple (22) palpable nodule(s). Preoperative fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB), large-needle aspiration biopsy (LNAB), and galectin-3 detection on LNAB (GAL-3-LNAB) (total of 245 nodules) were compared when the FNAB finding was ‘inadequate’ or ‘indeterminate’. The sizes of the needles used for FNAB and LNAB were compared with the size of thyroid follicles. Forty nodules were surgically excised according to current recommendation. Results. GAL-3-LNAB was inadequate in 4% of nodules, compared with 34% using FNAB and 11% using LNAB (P < 0.0001). GAL-3-LNAB showed no indeterminate findings, compared with 15% using FNAB and 13% using LNAB (P < 0.0001). Among the 40 excised nodules, GAL-3-LNAB showed the highest accuracy values. The sensitivity (P = 0.011) and specificity (P < 0.000; P = 0.001) ranges were 40%–100% and 20%–40% for FNAB, 40%–100% and 50%–53.7% for LNAB, and 100% and 76.7%–80% for GAL-3-LNAB, respectively. The largest needles used for LNAB, 20 or 18 gauge, with an internal diameter of 0.6 or 0.91 mm, recorded the lowest rate of inadequate or indeterminate FNAB findings. Conclusions. GAL-3-LNAB reduced inadequate, abolished indeterminate findings, and provided specificity values higher than FNAB or LNAB in palpable thyroid nodules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Water Framework Directive 2000/60 (WFD), does not appear fully adequate to address drought risk. A Group on Drought and Water Scarcity has developed some proposals to improve the strategy for coping with drought and water scarcity issues. The main proposal consists in supplementing the River Basin Management indicated by the WFD with a specific Drought Management (sub)Plan aimed at minimizing the negative drought impacts on the economy, society and the environment. Also a list of indicators to identify prolonged droughts which permit a temporary suspension of the requirements of good ecological status in water bodies has been proposed. Some specific recommendations that the EU should issue to national governments, are discussed. Several criteria are suggested to achieve an effective drought management strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics and related comorbid conditions of psychiatric patients admitted to residential facilities (RFs) and their impact on the levels of functioning of such patients. Methods: We assessed 426 patients admitted to residential facilities, by using SCID-I, SCID-II, BPRS, GAF and DAS. Results: The most common diagnostic category was schizophrenia/psychotic disorders (41.8%), followed by affective disorders (35.4%), personality disorders (14.1%), and other disorders (8.7%). In addition 33.3% had a psychiatric comorbidity, and 62.6% had a medical comorbidity. Low levels of functioning were significantly correlated with both medical and psychiatric comorbid conditions. Conclusions: Comorbidity is common in patients requiring long-term residential care. Thus improved detection and treatment of these conditions in people with severe mental illnesses will have significant benefits for their psychosocial functioning and overall quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emergency room visits for respiratory complaints, considered an indicator of deterioration of respiratory health, have been positively correlated to traffic-related air pollution. This is an ecological study to evaluate the association between daily levels of urban air pollutants and emergency visits for respiratory complaints, in children and the elderly residing in Pisa, Italy. Daily records of emergency department visits for respiratory complaints were selected from computerized registries, and paper medical reports were identified. Pollutant daily means were computed from hourly values obtained from the public network. Poisson regression, allowing for overdispersion and autocorrelation, was used to evaluate the percent change in daily visits associated with variations of air pollution measures. Among children, an increase in emergency visits of 10% (95% CL: 2.3; 18.2) was associated with a 10-μg/m3 increase in PM10 concentrations of the previous day and an increase of 11.8% (95% CL:1.4; 23.3) was associated with an analogous increment of NO2 during the 2 previous days. Among elderly the same increment of PM10 level during the 2 previous days was correlated with a 8.5% (95% CL: 1.5; 16.1) increase in the risk of recurring emergency department visits for respiratory complaints; this risk increased to 26.5% (95% CL: 3.4; 54.8) if the daily level of CO over the 4 previous days increased by 1 mg/m3. Evidence of morbidity related to short- and long-term air pollution exposures provided in this small study and larger studies conducted in other countries suggests the need for actions to improve air quality in any urban context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence of unexplained peripheral blood cytopenia, particularly neutropenia, has been recently reported after rituximab. Its prevalence may be underestimated since it may occur late after treatment. This study analysed all cases of unexplained delayed-onset peripheral blood cytopenia of WHO grade II – IV occurring in an unselected series of patients treated with rituximab in order to evaluate its prevalence and clinical significance. Seventy-seven courses of rituximab (corresponding to 317 rituximab infusions) given to 72 consecutive patients affected by non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and treated at a single Center with rituximab, alone (nine cases), associated with chemotherapy (50) or with chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (18) were evaluated. Twenty-three cases of cytopenia (29.8%) were observed. Neutropenia developed in 21 cases (27.3%), thrombocytopenia in eight (10.4%), anemia in four (5.2%). Multiple cytopenias were observed in nine cases. Neutropenia developed after a median of 10 weeks, anemia of 5 weeks and thrombocytopenia of 4 weeks after the last rituximab dose. Severe infections occurred in four of 21 neutropenic patients (19%), compared to two of 56 controls (3.6%) ( p = 0.043). Cytopenia eventually resolved in nine of 18 evaluable cases after a median of 10 weeks (range 1 – 23). Age, sex, histology, bone marrow infiltration, hypogammaglobulinemia, previous chemotherapy, autologous stem cell transplant, rituximab schedule and timing, rituximab doses were analysed as predictors for cytopenia; by multivariate analysis only a previous treatment with chemotherapy and more than four rituximab doses were significantly associated with a higher risk of post-rituximab delayed cytopenia. Delayed-onset cytopenia, particularly neutropenia, is a clinically significant complication of rituximab treatment, which merits further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Idarubicin-based induction programs in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) account for 75?–?85% of complete remission rate. A small amount of patients exhibit primary refractoriness, and approximately 60% of those achieving a remission eventually relapse. The present study aimed to review the outcome of patients relapsing after or resistant to an idarubicin-based, induction-consolidation regimen (with/without additional high dose cytarabine). The ‘ABC’ phase II trial consisted of mitoxantrone (50?mg/m 2 over 5 days) associated with high-dose methotrexate (1.5?g/m 2 over 24?h, followed by folinic acid rescue), high-dose methyl-prednisolone (125?mg b.i.d.) and vincristine, plus granulocyte colony-stimulating factor. Eligible patients were treated with two courses (‘A’ and ‘B’, the latter with reduced drug dosages), followed by allogeneic or autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT, ‘C’). Thirty-six patients (3 primary resistant, 33 at first marrow relapse) were evaluated. With ‘A’, 21 achieved a complete remission (CR), 10 were refractory and 5 died early. Eighteen patients received ‘B’ (with one more CR, for an overall CR rate of 61%) and, eventually, 12 patients had ‘C’ procedures (7 autologous, 5 allogeneic HSCT). WHO grade ??3 treatment-related toxicity developed in 50% and 34% of ‘A’ and ‘B’ courses, respectively. The median duration of CR was 5.2 (range 0.5?–?19.7) months and median overall survival was 7.6 (range 0.5?–?20) months. In spite of 12 HSCTs, there was no long-term survivor. ‘ABC’ salvage proved feasible and comparable to reported rescue chemotherapic regimens, but the achievement of cure in refractory/relapsing ALL remains an outstanding clinical task. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-myeloablative stem cell transplantation (NMT) has been increasingly used in compromised patients who would otherwise have been unable to undergo allotransplant. There is little understanding of the kinetics of immune reconstitution and its influence on infective complications following NMT. The aim of present study was to evaluate lymphocyte subset reconstitution over the first 12 months post-transplant in 15 adult patients receiving NMT with comparison to that of 30 patients grafted with a conventional hemopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). NMT recipients were conditioned with fludarabine-based conditioning regimens. Peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) was the source of stem cells in 13 NMT recipients and in 24 conventional HSCT recipients. Absolute numbers of helper (CD4+) T cells, naive (CD4+ CD45RA+) and memory (CD4+ CD45RO+) T cells as well as suppressor (CD8+) T cells, CD19+ B cells and NK cells were comparable in the two groups at all time points after transplantation. A median value of 200 CD4+ T cells/μl was achieved at 2 months post-transplant by the NMT and HSCT recipients. The CD4:CD8 ratio remained severely depressed throughout the study period. Almost all CD4+ lymphocytes expressed CD45RO antigen in the both groups of patients B lymphocytes showed low counts throughout the entire study period in both groups. Bacteremia and CMV antigenemia occurred respectively in 13 and 36% of the patients in the NMT group and in 15 and 39% of the patients in the HSCT group. Our preliminary data indicate that patients receiving a NMT have a lymphocyte reconstitution similar to that observed in patients who received a conventional HSCT. The incidence of bacteremia and CMV infection were not significantly different between the groups. Nevertheless, due to the small sample size, these results should be considered suggestive rather than definitive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is well documented complication of cytotoxic or immunosuppressive therapy in asymptomatic HBV carriers. Its clinical manifestation include fulminant hepatitis which may result in fatal liver failure. With the more widespread use of chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, the problem of delivering potentially harmful treatment to HBV carders is becoming increasingly frequent. Until recently the management of HBV reactivation has been mainly supportive. With the introduction of lamivudine, a highly effective nucleoside analogue against HBV with an excellent toxicity profile has become available. However, in light of the possibility that its prolonged use may foster the emergence of mutant lamivudine-resistant HBV strain, caution is required before recommending its widespread use. The present review briefly addresses the epidemiological, pathogenetic and clinical aspects of HBV reactivation as well the predisposing factors to its development. The results obtained with lamivudine both as treatment and as prophylaxis of hepatic flares are analysed in detail in order to provide a rational basis for clinical decisions before treating HBV carriers with chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Beta 2 microglobulin (β2M) is filtered by the glomeruli and reabsorbed by the proximal tubular cells where it is metabolized. Its plasma concentration increases with decreasing renal function. Aim. To compare serum creatinine (Cr) and serum β2M as markers of GFR. Patients and Methods. In 160 adult patients, with various kidney diseases and different GFR, serum Cr (autoanalyzer), serum β2M (RIA) and GFR (bladder cumulative method using 99mTc-DTPA as glomerular tracer) were measured in the same day. Results. A linear relationship was observed between ln GFR and both ln serum Cr (lnCr = 3.112–0.716lnGFR; r = 0.92) and ln serum β2M (lnβ2M = 4.274–0.814 lnGFR; r = 0.90). With decreasing GFR the increase in serum β2M was higher than that of serum Cr (see regression coefficients that are significantly different). The normal upper limit of serum Cr corresponds to a GFR 48.1 mL/min while that of serum β2M to a GFR 65.0. With decreasing GFR the increase of serum β2M occurs before than that of serum Cr. Conclusions. With declining renal function, serum β2M increases more and before than serum Cr. Serum β2M is a good endogenous marker of GFR, better than serum Cr. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor in response to the article "Plasmablastic lymphoma among human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients: results of a single center's experience," that was published in a previous issue of the journal is presented.

A letter to the editor is presented that discusses a report published within the issue regarding patient tolerance to hydroxyurea monotherapy by Mariella D'Adda, Moira Micheletti, Monica Drera, Samantha Ferrari, and Giuseppe Rossi.