Micro- and Macroalgae in Meat Products.

Technology in the meat industry is advancing to create healthier and more sustainable food. Incorporating micro- and macroalgae into meat products presents an exciting possibility for the meat sector to develop functional food, given that they serve as excellent natural sources of nutrients and bioactive compounds. This review aims to systematically outline the impact of incorporating whole algae and their extracts into various meat products, examining their effects on quality, physicochemical and functional properties, sensory characteristics, and potential for enhancing shelf life. Adding algae to meat products generally increased pH values, with variations influenced by concentration, type, initial pH, and storage time. The protein content was mainly unaffected, except for Nori and Chlorella. Algae contributed to lower moisture and higher ash content due to dietary fiber. While including algae improved water-holding capacity and decreased cooking loss, it often led to increased hardness and chewiness. Algae and their extracts influenced color attributes, with variations based on the algae type. Sensory properties were distinctively affected, generally reducing overall acceptability, although Sea tangle at concentrations of 1-3% showed acceptable scores. Chlorella and Sea tangle positively impacted microbiology during refrigerated storage, while algae and their extracts demonstrated strong antioxidant activity.

Quality and Oral Processing Characteristics of Traditional Serbian Cevap Influenced by Game Meat.

This study analyzes the influence of two different types of game meat (deer and wild boar) in relation to quality characteristics and oral processing attributes of skinless sausage. The goal of this study was to compare grilled game-meat-based "cevap" with conventional pork-meat-based samples. Research comprised of color analysis, evaluation of textural components, testing degree of difference, temporal dominance of sensations, calculation of main oral processing attributes, and examination of particle size distribution. The results show that oral processing attributes are similar in between samples and concur with results of the pork-based sample. This confirms the working hypothesis that it is possible to make game-meat-based "cevap" fully comparable with conventional pork meat products. In parallel, color and flavor characteristics are influenced by the type of game meat in the sample. Most of the dominant sensory attributes that occurred during mastication were game meat flavor and juiciness.

Seroprevalence, Direct Detection and Risk Factors for Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Pigs in Serbia, and Influence of Biosecurity Measures.

Consumption of Toxoplasma gondii contaminated pork is a major risk factor for human infection. We thus conducted a cross-sectional survey on the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in a representative sample of slaughter pigs from throughout Serbia and examined the influence of farm biosecurity-related risk factors on infection. In addition, direct detection of the parasite (by mouse bioassay) or its DNA was performed in the hearts of a subset of seropositive sows. The overall seroprevalence in the sample of 825 pigs as determined by the modified agglutination test (MAT) was 16.5%. Older age and inadequate rodent control were independent infection risk factors for pigs. In a subset of 581 pigs with complete biosecurity-related data, in addition to older age, smallholders' finishing type farms (as opposed to farrow-to-finish), multispecies farming, and origin from Western and Central and South-Eastern Serbia (vs. the Northern region), all increased the risk of infection, while the absence of disinfection boot-dips in front of each barn and Belgrade district origin (vs. the Northern region) were associated with a 62% and 75% lower risk of infection, respectively. Evidence of viable parasites was obtained in 13 (41.9%) of the 31 bioassayed sow hearts, of which by isolation of brain cysts in seven, by detection of T. gondii DNA in an additional four, and by serology in another two. Recovery of brain cysts mostly (5/7) from sows with a MAT titre of ≥1:100 indicates the risk for consumers. These results highlight the public health risk from pork consumption and point to mandatory use of professional rodent control services, abstaining from multispecies farming, keeping disinfection boot-dips clean and freshly refilled, as well as strict implementation of zoo-hygienic measures on smallholders' farms as specific farm biosecurity measures needed for its reduction.

Quality Multiverse of Beef and Pork Meat in a Single Score.

The rationale behind this review is the potential of developing a single score tool for meat quality evaluation based on visual and sensorial assessments of fresh meat. Based on the known sensory wheel concept, the first step was to create quality wheels capturing most common intrinsic and extrinsic quality cues of pork and beef outlined in the latest scientific papers. This resulted in identifying meat color, sensory characteristics and fat content as the most important intrinsic quality cues of fresh beef and pork. Furthermore, the highest number of studies showed the importance of price, certification logos and brand for beef quality evaluation. According to recent articles, price, breed, animal welfare and a veterinary certificate are the most important extrinsic attributes for pork consumers. The second step was to develop a single-score tool named the "Meat quality index". It has been developed in line with published approaches of different total quality index concepts used in the food sector, providing insights into its application in the meat sector. As a result, this review proposes a unique approach in using quality index application, through the consumer's preferences aspect of fresh meat.

Prediction of optimal cytogenetic responses at 6 and 12 months in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase treated with imatinib.

PURPOSE: Imatinib mesylate transformed the treatment and paradigms of chronic myeloid leukemia. European LeukemiaNet (ELN) group has defined specific treatment milestones with an optimal outcome to be achieved in patients. METHODS: In a retrospective cohort study, we evaluated the impact of clinical and biological variables on achieving an optimal response at 6 and 12 months according to ELN recommendations. We included 106 patients with chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) with appropriate bone marrow aspirate and biopsy for immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The number of white blood cells (WBC), the percentage of peripheral blast, the values of Sokal and ELTS scores and the percentage of Ki-67+ cells in the bone marrow predicted a complete cytogenetic response (CCyR) at 6 months, but only WBC and EUTOS score predicts CCyR at 12 months. We found that Sokal score below 0.775 was very sensitive to achieve of CCyR at 6 months (m) and that all patients with a value <0.550 achieved CCyR-6m. Patients with a low percentage of blast in the peripheral blood (≤1.5%) or in the bone marrow (≤5%) together with lower WBC (≤100×109/L) were likely to have significantly higher CCyR rates at 6 and 12 months respectively. Also, patients with a higher number of Ki67+ cells in the leukemic areas of the bone marrow had a significantly better outcome. Unfortunately, our investigation did not reveal that bone marrow fibrosis (MF grade), microvascular density, percentage of CD34+, CD61+ or PTCH1+ cells could have any effect on achievement of CCyR at 6 or 12 months. CONCLUSION: Our investigation has shown that only a few biological characteristics in patients with CML can predict the optimal treatment outcome after imatinib.

Tracking the Origin of Austrian Human Brucellosis Cases Using Whole Genome Sequencing.

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Brucella spp. and a major concern for livestock. Most human cases are caused by B. melitensis and clinical presentation is usually a mild febrile illness. However, treatment failure is frequent and more severe complications can occur. In Austria, every human brucellosis is investigated to determine whether it was imported from endemic areas or is the sign of an undetected autochthonous transmission. For this study, 21 B. melitensis strains isolated in Austria between 2005 and 2019 were collected, 17 strains from 15 different patients and four strains from cattle. Whole genome sequencing combined with core-genome MLST analysis was used to characterize these strains. A cluster of seven isolates from 2018 (three human and four cattle isolates) was identified, with fewer than two allelic differences. They corresponded to the only Austrian B. melitensis outbreak that happened over the past 15 years. The other 12 Austrian brucellosis cases were single cases, and geographical origins were available for 8/12. Genomic data was used to locate probable geographical origins and compared with the results of the epidemiological investigations. Austrian strains were compared with 67 published B. melitensis sequences available on NCBI. The result of genomic analysis matched for 7/8 cases with documented conclusion of the epidemiological investigation. Genome analysis also pointed to the geographical origin for three of the four cases with missing epidemiological data. Strains from six cases were grouped together (<40 allelic differences) with 4/6 cases imported from the Balkans. Additional B. melitensis isolates from Serbian animals were analyzed and grouped with this branch, suggesting frequent importation from Balkan countries to Austria. Overall, this study highlights the specificities of human brucellosis in Austria. It also underlines the value of whole genome sequencing as a tool to investigate brucellosis cases, allowing to identify and investigate outbreaks but also to support epidemiological investigation of imported cases. However, the reliability of such methods depends on the number of strains for comparison, which can be challenging in low incidence countries. Increasing the availability of published sequences with documented geographical origins would help establishing genomic-based methods for investigating brucellosis cases.

Can we associate environmental footprints with production and consumption using Monte Carlo simulation? Case study with pork meat.

BACKGROUND: Growing population demands more animal protein products. Pork remains one of the traditional and relatively sustainable types of meats for human consumption. In this paper, life-cycle assessment was performed using data from 12 pig farms. In parallel, a survey on the consumption of pork meat products was conducted analyzing responses from 806 pork meat consumers. The study aims to provide a quantitative calculation of six environmental footprints associated with the consumption of pork meat products in Serbia by analyzing data from pig farms and a pork meat consumption survey. RESULTS: Results revealed that pork meat production is responsible for the emission of 3.50 kg CO2e kg-1 live weight, 16.1 MJe kg-1 , 0.151 mg R11e kg-1 , 31.257 g SO2e kg-1 , 55.030 g PO4e kg-1 and 3.641 kg 1.4 dBe kg-1 . Further calculations reveal that weekly emissions of various environmental potentials associated with an average consumer of pork meat products in Serbia are estimated at values of 4.032 kg CO2e week-1 , 18.504 MJe week-1 , 0.17435 mg R11e week-1 , 35.972 g SO2e week-1 and 63.466 g PO4e week-1 . CONCLUSIONS: Results show that, on the one hand, pork products are responsible for environmental production impacts that mainly occur on farms while, on the other hand, consumption is characterized with high meat inclusion rates. As a leverage strategy it is recommended for producers to concentrate on lowering the production impacts rather than trying to reach consumers for sustainability conciseness. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

What Is the Color of Milk and Dairy Products and How Is It Measured?

Exactly six-hundred (600) scientific articles that report milk and milk products' color results in scientific journals in the last couple of decades were reviewed. Thereof, the greatest part of the articles derived from Europe (36.3%) and Asia (29.5%). The greatest share of researchers used Minolta colorimeters (58.8%), while 26.3% of them used Hunter devices. Most reports were on cheese (31.0%) followed by fermented products (21.2%). Moreover, the highest number of papers reported color data of milk and milk products made from cow's milk (44.81%). As expected, goat's cheese was the brightest (L* = 87.1), while cow's cheese was the yellowest (b* = 17.4). Most importantly, it appeared that color research results reported were often impossible to replicate or to interpret properly because of incomplete description of the methodology. In some of the manuscripts reviewed, illuminant source (61.0%), aperture size (93.8%), observer angle, and number of readings (over 70% of all cases) were not reported. It is therefore critical to set rules regarding the description of the methodology for (milk) color research articles in order to ensure replicability and/or comparison of studies.

The Effect of Cantharellus Cibarius Addition on Quality Characteristics of Frankfurter during Refrigerated Storage.

The antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of Cantharellus cibarius decoction and the effect of mushroom addition on the physicochemical and microbiological properties of frankfurters during refrigerated storage were studied. Mushroom addition significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the formation of total aerobic mesophilic bacteria during storage. Regarding the texture, there was no negative effect in frankfurters with the mushroom added, compared to the control group of sausages. Generally, C. cibarius can be used as a natural ingredient in order to prevent the growth of microorganisms in cooked pork sausages, causing an extension in shelf life during chilled storage.

Main environmental impacts associated with production and consumption of milk and yogurt in Serbia - Monte Carlo approach.

Dairy consumption studies or life cycle assessment of dairy products have been in research focus for several years providing useful information. However, limited number of studies confronted the two types of data in order to analyze environmental impacts associated with consumers. The objective of this research was to calculate these impacts, namely global warming potential (GWP), ozone depletion potential (ODP), cumulative energy demand (CED), acidification potential (AP) and eutrophication potential (EP) related to the consumption of milk and yogurt in Serbia. In the present paper, life cycle assessment study was performed using data from nine dairy farms and ten dairy plants. The system boundary applied is 'cradle-to-retail' comprising data from cow farms, raw milk transportation, processing and transportation of dairy products. In parallel, a survey on the consumption of milk and yogurt was conducted analyzing responses from 957 dairy product consumers. It was found that milk production is responsible for the emission of 1.511 kg CO2e/kg of milk, 7.720 MJe/kg, 0.1363 mg R11e/kg, 12.164 g SO2e/kg and 17.825 g PO4e/kg while the results for yogurt are slightly higher 1.672 kg CO2e/kg, 7.804 7.720 MJe/kg, 0.1369 mg R11e/kg, 12.238 g SO2e/kg and 17.609 g PO4e/kg. Further calculations also revealed that weekly emission of GWP, CED, ODP, AP and EP associated with an average consumer of milk and/or yogurt in Serbia was estimated at values of 2.254 kg CO2e/week, 10.926 MJe/week, 0.19261 mg R11e/week, 17.191 g SO2e/week and 24.363 g PO4e/week. These results may be of interest to all actors in the dairy chain giving them a wider perspective of sustainable consumption of dairy products.

Quantities, environmental footprints and beliefs associated with household food waste in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The objectives of this research were to identify the quantities and global warming, acidification and eutrophication potentials associated with household food waste in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In parallel, this study investigated perceptions related to food waste and using the quality function deployment for environment model, correlated reasons for discarding food waste and beliefs associated with food waste. Based on this study, it is estimated that around 2.8 kg of food waste is disposed of by the average household every week. Global warming, acidification and eutrophication potentials associated with household food waste are, on average, 3.49 kg CO2e/week, 2.42 g SO2e/week and 8.70 g PO4e/week, respectively. Also, Bosnian households discard over 80 different pieces of food packaging waste weekly, where plastic packaging is the most dominant packing type. The highest ranked reason for discarding food is linked to plate leftovers. In general, Bosnian citizens feel guilty when they waste food.

Antioxidative Activity of Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) and Oregano (Origanum vulgare) Essential Oils and Their Effect on Oxidative Stability of Minced Pork Packaged Under Vacuum and Modified Atmosphere.

The antioxidant stability of minced pork treated with thyme and oregano essential oils (EOs) was determined. Minced pork containing different concentrations (0%, 0.3%, 0.6%, or 0.9%) of thyme (TEO) or oregano essential oil (OEO) and packaged under vacuum or modified atmosphere (MAP) (30%O2 /50%CO2 /20%N2 ) was evaluated within 15 days of refrigeration (3 ± 1 °C) storage. EOs were examined for scavenging capacity toward 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, nitric oxide radicals, and hydroxyl, and inhibition of lipid peroxidation and ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (butylated hydroxytoluene was used as positive controls). The order of antioxidative effectiveness was as follows: butylated hydroxytoluene > OEO > TEO, with significant differences between agents (P < 0.05). Lipid oxidation in meat was determined by monitoring malondialdehyde (MDA) formation and lipolysis was assessed by measuring the acidity index immediately and after 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 days of storage. EOs significantly (P < 0.05) increased the stability of minced pork with respect to lipid oxidation compared with the control, and the antioxidative effect was dose-dependent. Moreover, vacuum packaging resulted in mince with significantly lower oxidation and lipolysis levels than modified atmosphere packaged mince (P < 0.05). The results demonstrate that both EOs examined effectively reduced lipid oxidation in raw pork mince after 2 weeks' storage. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The natural food preservatives market is growing rapidly, as is high demand for organic foods. These results are likely to be of interest to the scientists, researchers, and persons who work in the meat industry. Results and discussion can contribute to a better understanding of antioxidative properties of essential oils in food model. Furthermore, no study has reported the effect of these MAP on pork oxidative stability.

Efficient Luminescence Enhancement of Mg2TiO4:Mn4+ Red Phosphor by Incorporating Plasmonic Ag@SiO2 Nanoparticles.

One of prospective ways for boosting efficiency of luminescent materials is their combination with noble metal nanoparticles. Collective, so-called plasmon, oscillations of surface electrons in a nanoparticle can resonantly interact with incident or fluorescent light and cause an increase in the light absorption cross section or radiative rate for an adjacent emitter. Plasmonic inorganic phosphors require gentle host crystallization at which added noble nanoparticles will not suffer from aggregation or oxidation. The prospective plasmonic Mg2TiO4:Mn4+ phosphor containing core@shell Ag@SiO2 nanoparticles is prepared here by spare low-temperature annealing of a sol-gel host precursor. It is revealed that Mn4+ luminescence nonmonotonously depends on the size and concentration of 40 and 70 nm silver nanoparticles. It is demonstrated that luminescence of the Mg2TiO4:Mn4+ phosphor can be up to a 1.5 times increase when Mn4+ excitation is supported by localized surface plasmon resonance in Ag@SiO2 nanoparticles.

Molecular characterization of Listeria monocytogenes isolates from a small-scale meat processor in Montenegro, 2011-2014.

The presence of Listeria monocytogenes was evaluated in a small-scale meat processing facility in Montenegro during 2011-2014. L. monocytogenes isolates from traditional meat products and environmental swabs were subjected to a) molecular characterization b) serotyping by both multiplex PCR and next generation sequencing (NGS) c) potential antimicrobial resistance (AMR) was assessed by extraction of specific genes from NGS data and d) screening for the presence of some disinfectant resistance markers. Overall, traditional meat products were contaminated, most likely from incoming raw materials, with 4 major specific STs of L. monocytogenes (ST515, ST8, ST21, ST121) representing 4 clonal complexes (CC1, CC8, CC21, CC121) identified during the four-year period. These strains belonged to serogroup IIa which predominated, followed by IVb (ST515, CC1). The strains from environmental swabs belonged, exclusively, to ST21 and were isolated from cutting board and floor swabs in 2011. Furthermore, we found Tn6188, a novel transposon conferring tolerance to BC, to be specific to sequence type ST121. In addition, antimicrobial resistance genes mprF and fosX were present in clonal complexes CC21 and CC121, while complexes CC8 and CC1 exclusively harbored the mprF antimicrobial resistance gene.

The predictive value of morphological findings in early diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia with recurrent cytogenetic abnormalities.

This study explores cytomorphologic features and their predictive role for early identification of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with morphological distinctive recurrent cytogenetic abnormalities (RCA): t(15;17), t(8;21) and inv(16)/t(16;16). We retrospectively evaluated 396 de novo AML cases, diagnosed and treated at single institution, between 2013-2017. Specific cytomorphologic features suggesting distinctive AML-RCA were revealed at diagnosis in 62 (15.65%) patients, including AML with t(15;17) in 41 (66.13%), t(8;21) in 13 (20.97%) and inv(16)/t(16;16) in 8 (12.90%). Final diagnoses of AML-RCA according to WHO integrated diagnostic criteria were established in 66 (16.66%) cases, including AML with t(15;17) 40 (60.60%), t(8;21) 17 (25.76%), and inv(16)/t(16;16) 9 (13.64%). Discordance between cytomorphological and other integrated criteria was detected as missed/wrong-call in 0/1 for t(15;17), 6/2 for t(8;21) and 2/1 for inv(16)/t(16;16). The cytomorphological accuracy was 97.56% (40/41) for t(15;17), 57.89% (11/19) for t(8;21) and 70% (7/10) for inv (16)/t(16;16). Positive/negative predictive values of cytomorphological evaluation were: 97.56%/100% for t(15;17); 84.62%/88.68% for t(8;21); 87.50%/96.65% for inv(16)/t(16;16). Sensitivity/specificity were: 100%/96.15% for t(15;17); 64.10%/95.92% for t(8;21); 77.78%/98.25% for inv(16)/t(16;16). We confirmed that morphology is still a highly relevant evaluation method in diagnosing several common AML-RCAs before completing cytogenetic and molecular studies, enabling early detection, particularly of AML with t(15;17).

Inhibition of Salmonella by thyme essential oil and its effect on microbiological and sensory properties of minced pork meat packaged under vacuum and modified atmosphere.

The antibacterial activity of thyme essential oil (TEO) was evaluated against four serovars of Salmonella (S. Enteritidis, S. Typhimurium, S. Montevideo and S. Infantis), experimentally inoculated (106CFU/g) in minced pork, which was treated with different concentrations of the TEO (0.3%, 0.6% and 0.9%) packaged under vacuum or MAP (30%O2/50%CO2/20% N2) and stored at 3±1°C for 15days. GC-MS analysis of the TEO was performed in order to determine composition, and the predominant constituent was thymol (50.48%), followed by p-cymene and linalool. The minimum inhibitory concentration was determined for each Salmonella serovar studied. Among the tested active compounds, thymol and carvacrol exhibited the greatest inhibitory effect followed by TEO, with minimum inhibitory concentrations of 320 to 640µg/ml. S. Enteritidis was the most sensitive serovar. During the storage period, Salmonella counts in pork were reduced by 1.69-4.05logCFU/g. The influence of TEO on Enterobacteriaceae, lactic acid bacteria and total viable count was determined in control mince with no added Salmonella. The most pronounced antibacterial effect was achieved by the combination MAP and 0.9% TEO. Although the antibacterial activities of all studied concentrations of TEO in pork were evident and significant (P<0.05), sensory analysis showed that 0.3% TEO was the most acceptable to trained panellists.

Tracking of Listeria monocytogenes in meat establishment using Whole Genome Sequencing as a food safety management tool: A proof of concept.

Repeated Listeria outbreaks particularly associated with Ready-To-Eat (RTE) delicatessen meat products have been reported annually at global level. The most frequent scenario that led to foodborne outbreaks was the post-thermal treatment cross-contamination of deli meat products during slicing and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). The precondition for such cross contamination is the previous introduction of Listeria into meat processing facilities and subsequent colonization of the production environment, associated with formation of biofilms resilient to common sanitation procedures regularly applied in meat establishments. The use of Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) can facilitate the understanding of contamination and colonization routes of pathogens within the food production environment and enable efficient pathogen tracking among different departments. This study aimed to: a) provide a proof of concept on practical use of WGS in a meat establishment to define the entry routes and spread pattern of L. monocytogenes, and b) to consider the regular use of WGS in meat processing establishments as a strong support of food safety management system. The results revealed that Listeria spp. was present in slaughter line, chilling chambers, deboning, slicing, MAP, as well as in corridors and dispatch (53 positive samples, out of 240). Eight L. monocytogenes isolates (out of 53) were identified from the slaughterhouse, chilling chambers, deboning, MAP and dispatch. L. monocytogenes isolates were of three different serotypes (1/2a, 1/2c, 4b) and correspondingly of three MLST sequence types. Overall, two pairs of L. monocytogenes isolates were genetically identical, i.e. two serotype 4b isolates (ST1), isolated from water drain at dispatch unit and two isolates obtained from slaughterhouse (floorwall junction at the carcass wash point) and MAP (water drain). These findings indicated that L. monocytogenes isolates identified in meat processing units (MAP, chilling chamber and dispatch) originated from the slaughter line. Further, all eight L. monocytogenes isolates were confirmed to be biofilm producers on glass and stainless steel surfaces. The identification of the main entry routes of L. monocytogenes into meat establishments and tracking the routes for spread of the pathogen are of essential importance to define appropriate risk mitigation strategies for L. monocytogenes in meat production environment. The routine use of WGS for bacterial characterization, as a strong support of food safety management system in meat establishments, will require the cost-effective approach. It may encompass in-house sequencing when sequencing equipment is used for multiple applications (e.g. WGS of pathogens, starter cultures and spoilage organisms).

Influence of Environmental Conditions on Norovirus Presence in Mussels Harvested in Montenegro.

This study comprises the first systematic survey of the occurrence of Norovirus in Mediterranean mussels from harvesting areas in Montenegro coast of Adriatic Sea. Mussels may accumulate contaminants of public health concern, including pathogenic bacteria and viruses. Microbiological monitoring of harvesting areas is based on count of Escherichia coli in bivalve molluscs in the European Union. It is assumed that E. coli does not reflect contamination with enteric viruses. A structured field study was undertaken at six locations in Bay of Kotor, Montenegro, in order to investigate plausible influence of environmental factors on the variability of E. coli and norovirus (NoV). From July 2015 to July 2016, a total of 72 samples of mussels were collected in coastal harvesting areas of the Montenegro. The samples were screened for NoV of genogroups GI and GII using reverse transcription-qPCR (RT-qPCR). There were 43% NoV positive samples with higher presence of genogroup GII (74.2%). With regard to influence of environmental conditions on Norovirus presence, we have proved seasonal pattern of virus occurrence i.e., the largest number of positive samples was noticed during winter, while other physico-chemical factors were not of great significance. It was found that count of E. coli did not correlate with Norovirus prevalence. From the aspect of food safety, an upgrade of monitoring plans could lead to obtaining safer products.

Transformation of primary myelofibrosis with 20q- in Philadelphia-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia: case report and review of literature.

A 56-year-old male with chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis and cytogenetic finding of 20q- after a period of 10 months developed acute Philadelphia-positive lymphoblastic leukemia. Immunophenotyping of peripheral blood by flow cytometry showed HLA-DR, CD34, CD19, CD22, CD10, CD33, and CD11b positivity. Cytogenetic analysis revealed the presence of 20q- and Philadelphia chromosome t(9;22)(q34:q11) at the time of disease transformation to ALL. The JAK2V617F mutation was not found. This is a very rare case of simultaneous presence of two cytogenetics abnormalities and evolution of primary idiopathic myelofibrosis to Philadelphia-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Therapy-related acute leukemia in two patients with multiple sclerosis treated with Mitoxantrone.

Two cases of therapy-related acute leukemia (TRAL) after the use of Mitoxantrone for the treatment of secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) are reported. They were extracted from the group of 42 consecutive patients with TRAL diagnosed and treated in single centre between 2000-2010. They were the only two with MS and the only two treated with Mitoxantrone. The first patient was a 43-year-old male with a previous history of MS of 15-year-duration, who developed acute promyelocytic leukemia 9 months following Mitoxantrone therapy (cumulative dose 120 mg). The second patient was a 55-year-old female suffering from MS for 16 years, who developed acute mixed-phenotype leukemia, T/myeloid type, with 46,XX,del(7)(p13)[12]/47,XX,idem,+3/[6]/46,XX[2], 15 months after completion of Mitoxantrone therapy (cumulative dose 100mg). Acute mixed-phenotype leukemia, T/myeloid type is for the first time described in the context of prior Mitoxantrone therapy. Although the incidence of TRAL in relation to Mitoxantrone pretreatment is rare, we should be vigilant for the prompt identification of this adverse event.