Cadmium and lead in fresh vegetables and vegetable products sold on the local market in the Republic of Serbia, 2018-2021.

Cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) concentrations were determined in samples of 31 species of vegetables (n = 719) and in vegetable products (n = 17), collected during the period January 2018 to September 2021. These originated from 33 countries, including Serbia. The samples were analysed by inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Overall, Cd and Pb were found above the limit of detection in 123 (16.7%, n = 736) and 90 (12.2%; n = 736) samples, respectively. According to the former legislation, valid until the end of August 2021, the maximum levels (MLs) of Cd and Pb were exceeded in 1 and 2 samples of vegetables, respectively. Regarding the EU and Serbian legislation which is valid since September 2021 the MLs of Cd and Pb for vegetables were exceeded in 7 samples: Cd in 5 and Pb in 2 samples. In addition, 3 vegetable product samples exceeded the MLs for both cadmium and lead according to both former and current regulations.

Cadmium, lead, mercury and arsenic in fresh vegetables and vegetable products intended for human consumption in the Republic of Serbia, 2015-2017.

The concentrations of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg) and arsenic (As) were determined in 455 samples of 27 species of vegetables and 28 different processed vegetables collected during the period from January 2015 to December 2017. Vegetables (n = 387) and vegetable products (n = 68) originated from 31 countries, including Serbia. The samples were analysed by inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The concentrations of Cd, Pb, Hg and As in the vegetables and vegetable products were compared to the maximum levels set by the European Union and the Serbian legislation. The concentration of mercury was less than the limit of detection in each analysed sample. One or multiple measurable toxic metals (Cd, Pb and/or As) were found in 250 samples (54.9%; n = 455). According to the Regulations which were valid until the end of August 2021, the maximum levels of Cd, Pb and As were exceeded in 19 samples (4.2% of the samples of vegetable and vegetable products; n = 455), i.e. in 13 samples of vegetables: Cd in three, Pb in nine and As in one sample and in 6 samples of vegetables products: Cd in three, Pb in one and As in two samples. Regarding the new EU and Serbian legislation which is valid since September 2021 the maximum levels of Cd and Pb for vegetables and vegetable products were exceeded in 118 samples (25.9% of the samples of vegetable and vegetable products; n = 455), i.e. in 95 samples of vegetables: Cd in 67 and Pb in 28 samples and in 23 samples of vegetable products: Cd in 20 and Pb in 3 samples.

Exploiting High-Energy Emissions of YAlO3:Dy3+ for Sensitivity Improvement of Ratiometric Luminescence Thermometry.

The sensitivity of luminescence thermometry is enhanced at high temperatures when using a three-level luminescence intensity ratio approach with Dy3+- activated yttrium aluminum perovskite. This material was synthesized via the Pechini method, and the structure was verified using X-ray diffraction analysis. The average crystallite size was calculated to be around 46 nm. The morphology was examined using scanning electron microscopy, which showed agglomerates composed of densely packed, elongated spherical particles, the majority of which were 80-100 nm in size. The temperature-dependent photoluminescence emission spectra (ex = 353 nm, 300-850 K) included Dy3+ emissions in blue (458 nm), blue (483 nm), and violet (430 nm, T 600 K). Luminescence intensity ratio, the most utilized temperature readout method in luminescent thermometry, was used as the testing method: a) using the intensity ratio of Dy3+ ions and 4I15/2→6H15/2/4F9/2→6H15/2 transitions; and b) employing the third, higher energy 4G11/2 thermalized level, i.e., using the intensity ratio of 4G11/2→6H15/2/4F9/2→6H15/2 transitions, thereby showing the relative sensitivities of 0.41% K-1 and 0.86% K-1 at 600 K, respectively. This more than doubles the increase in sensitivity and therefore demonstrates the method's usability at high temperatures, although the major limitation of the method is the chemical stability of the host material and the temperature at which the temperature quenching commences. Lastly, it must be noted that at 850 K, the emission intensities from the energetically higher levels were still increasing in YAP: Dy3+.

Mn5+-activated Ca6Ba(PO4)4O near-infrared phosphor and its application in luminescence thermometry.

The near-infrared luminescence of Ca6Ba(PO4)4O:Mn5+ is demonstrated and explained. When excited into the broad and strong absorption band that spans the 500-1000 nm spectral range, this phosphor provides an ultranarrow (FWHM = 5 nm) emission centered at 1140 nm that originates from a spin-forbidden 1E → 3A2 transition with a 37.5% internal quantum efficiency and an excited-state lifetime of about 350 µs. We derived the crystal field and Racah parameters and calculated the appropriate Tanabe-Sugano diagram for this phosphor. We found that 1E emission quenches due to the thermally-assisted cross-over with the 3T2 state and that the relatively high Debye temperature of 783 K of Ca6Ba(PO4)4O facilitates efficient emission. Since Ca6Ba(PO4)4O also provides efficient yellow emission of the Eu2+ dopant, we calculated and explained its electronic band structure, the partial and total density of states, effective Mulliken charges of all ions, elastic constants, Debye temperature, and vibrational spectra. Finally, we demonstrated the application of phosphor in a luminescence intensity ratio thermometry and obtained a relative sensitivity of 1.92%K-1 and a temperature resolution of 0.2 K in the range of physiological temperatures.

Cadmium, lead, mercury, and arsenic in fresh fruits and fruit products intended for human consumption in the Republic of Serbia, 2015-2017.

The European Commission has established legislation for toxic metals in certain foodstuffs in order to protect public health already in 1993. After several amendments, new maximum levels for cadmium and lead in certain foods were set as per 30 and 31 August 2021 for lead and cadmium, respectively. The new Serbian Regulation on "maximum levels of certain contaminants in food" is fully harmonised with this European legislation. The concentrations of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and arsenic (As) were determined in 832 samples of 39 species of fruits and processed fruits, collected during the period January 2015 to December 2017. Fruits and fruit products originated from 45 countries, including Serbia. Samples were analysed by inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Concentrations of cadmium, lead, mercury, and arsenic in fruits and fruit products were compared to these maximum levels (MLs). Overall, measurable Cd, Pb, Hg, and As were found in 377 samples (45.3%). According to the former regulations, the maximum levels of Cd and Pb for analysed fruits and fruit products were exceeded in only 10 samples (1.20%; n = 832): Cd in 6 and Pb in 4 samples, but according to the latest regulations, the maximum levels of Cd and Pb for fruits were exceeded in 196 of the samples (23.9%; n = 820): Cd in 191 and Pb in 5 samples. The increase of ML exceedances shows that attention needs to be paid for compliance of food to the recent MLs for these metals.

Reformulation of Traditional Fermented Tea Sausage Utilizing Novel (Digital) Methods of Analysis.

The main objective of this paper was to investigate the effect of fat reduction on different quality traits of tea sausage. This study also aimed to deploy the following digital methods of analysis: three-dimensional (3D) laser imaging, computer vision system and oral processing. Three batches of tea sausage with different amounts of pork back fat were manufactured: control (25%), medium fat (17.5%) and low fat (10%). Samples for the analyses were taken on the production day and after 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days of ripening. The fat level significantly influenced shrinkage, texture, pH, aw, moisture and ash contents, peroxide value, acid number, number of chewing strokes, consumption time, eating rate and fat intake rate. Oxidative stability, colour and microbiological parameters were not affected by fat reduction. The results of the sensory analysis showed that the fat level can be reduced to 17.5% without negatively affecting the quality and sensory properties of the product. The ripening time of the fat-reduced tea sausage should be reduced to 28 days. A strong correlation between shrinkage and weight loss suggests the possibility of using 3D laser imaging in predicting weight loss and moisture content of dry sausages.

Characterisation of changes in physicochemical, textural and microbiological properties of Njeguska sausage during ripening.

The purpose of this paper was to investigate effect of ripening time on physicochemical, textural and microbiological properties of Njeguska (dry fermented sausage) during ripening and to conduct sensory and free fatty acid characterization of final product. Ripening time significantly (p < 0.05) affected all physicochemical parameters. Moisture content dropped below national regulation limit (35%) after 12 days, which indicates that production process could be shortened for 4 days. Total weight loss was 36.34%. Due to its final pH (5.54), Njeguska can be classified as low-acid sausage which microbial safety mostly relies on its low water activity (< 0.80). Final TBARS value was 0.27 mg MDA/kg. Levels of tyramine (36.9 mg/kg) and putrescine (16.7 mg/kg) were the highest among all biogenic amines while levels of remaining amines were under 5 mg/kg. Hardness, gumminess and chewiness significantly (p < 0.05) increased during processing to reach final values of 65.59 N, 33.60 N and 19.12 N, respectively. Ripening time had significant effect on color (L*, a* and b*) of surface, meat and fat parts which were all measured separately. Total viable count, lactic acid bacteria and Micrococcaceae counts increased from 5.11 log cfu/g, 3.90 log cfu/g and 2.41 log cfu/g to 7.96 log cfu/g, 7.04 log cfu/g and 4.86 log cfu/g, respectively. Results of sensory characterization showed high scores for smoky flavor, consistency, fattiness, fat/meat cohesiveness and saltiness while lactic acid odor and overall acidity were rated low.

Determination of toxic elements in meat products from Serbia packaged in tinplate cans.

This work aimed to examine the influence of the storage period on the content of toxic elements (As, Cd, Hg, and Pb) in five types of canned meat products regularly used in the Serbian Armed Forces. Cans of beef goulash (BG), pork ragout (PR), spam (SP), liver pate (LP), and meatballs in tomato sauce (MB), produced according to military standards and stored under regular conditions, were analyzed. Meat products were packed in tin cans made according to special requirements in terms of tin and varnish application and stored for up to 6 years. The content of toxic elements varied depending on the analyzed product. The highest average content of arsenic was in BG (10.00 µg/kg), cadmium in LP (35.91 µg/kg), and mercury and lead in PR (15.04 and 8.00 µg/kg, respectively). The average concentrations of As, Cd, Hg, and Pb in all types of canned meat products were significantly lower than the maximum permitted levels in food currently in force by local and EU legislation. The storage period did not significantly affect the level of toxic elements, although higher concentrations were found in samples stored for more than 2 years. Examination of raw materials, spices, and additives showed that the highest Cd and Pb concentrations, which can affect the total level of these elements in meat products, were found in red ground pepper (Cd above 150 µg/kg) and dish supplement (Pb of 250 µg/kg). The assessment of the weekly intake of toxic elements through canned meat showed that it is significantly lower than the values that affect adversely to human health, as determined by the FAO/WHO and EFSA. However, as there is a constant possibility of contamination of raw materials and food additives, primarily due to environmental pollution, it is recommended to monitor the content of heavy metals in food permanently and assess their risk to human health.

Honey Bees and Their Products as Indicators of Environmental Element Deposition.

The aim of this study was to evaluate element (sodium, magnesium, potassium, calcium, chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, arsenic, cadmium, and lead) deposition in honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) (worker bees, drone bees, and bee broods) and their products (wax and multifloral honey) in the central and north parts of Serbia using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The study was carried out during the spring and summer seasons when the honeybees were active (2019). Fifty-four colonies of honey bees from different apiaries (located in Rudnik, Lazarevac, and Lezimir) were used in this study. Significant differences in element concentrations were found among locations (P < 0.05). The highest deposition of elements (sodium, calcium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, zinc, arsenic, and cadmium) was found in worker bees. The most commonly detected elements in wax were chromium and lead. Mg had a significant (P < 0.01) correlation with K, Fe, Cu, and As. This study shows that honey bees (worker bees, drone bees, and bee broods) could be more useful as bioindicators of environmental element deposition (toxic and non-toxic) than multifloral honey. Also, this study shows that Serbian multifloral honey meets safety criteria concerning the concentrations of toxic elements.

New Formulation towards Healthier Meat Products: Juniperus communis L. Essential Oil as Alternative for Sodium Nitrite in Dry Fermented Sausages.

The effect of Juniperus communis L. essential oil (JEO) addition at concentrations of 0.01, 0.05 and 0.10 µL/g on pH, instrumental parameters of color, lipid oxidation (2-Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS)), microbial growth, texture and sensory attributes of dry fermented sausages produced with different levels of fat (15 and 25%) and sodium nitrite (0, 75 and 150 mg/kg) was assessed. Reduced level of sodium nitrite (75 mg/kg) in combination with all three concentrations of JEO (0.01-0.10 µL/g) resulted in satisfying physico-chemical (color and texture) properties and improved oxidative stability (TBARS < 0.3 mg MDA/kg) of dry fermented sausages produced with 25% of fat. However, sausages produced with 0.10 µL/g of JEO had untypical flavor. No foodborne pathogens (Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp. and sulfite-reducing clostridia) were detected in any sample throughout the storage period (225 days). The results of this study revealed significant antioxidative activity of JEO and consequently its high potential as effective partial replacement for sodium nitrite in dry fermented sausages.

Surface Plasmon Enhancement of Eu3+ Emission Intensity in LaPO4/Ag Nanoparticles.

A promising way to improve the performance of luminescent materials is to combine them with noble metal nanoparticles. Herein, a set of silver/europium-doped lanthanum orthophosphate (Ag/La0.95Eu0.05PO4) nanostructures with different concentrations of silver nanoparticles were prepared and investigated. The presented overlap between the strongest europium (Eu3+) excitation line and the broad silver nanoparticle surface plasmon resonance makes the combination prospective for coupling. X-ray powder diffraction confirmed the monoclinic monazite structure. The transmission electron microscopy revealed particles with a rod-like shape and ~4 aspect ratio. Photoluminescence spectra show characteristic Eu3+ ion red emission. One of the requirements for an enhanced luminescence effect is the precise control of the distance between the noble metal nanoparticles and the emitter ion. The distance is indirectly varied throughout the change of Ag nanoparticle concentration in the La0.95Eu0.05PO4 host. The emission intensity increases with the increase in Ag nanoparticles up to 0.6 mol %, after which the luminescence decreases due to the nanoparticles' close packing and aggregation leading to the displacement of La0.95Eu0.05PO4 from the vicinity of the metal particles and reabsorption of the emitted light. The emission intensity of La0.95Eu0.05PO4 increases more than three times when the Eu3+ excitation is supported by the localized surface plasmon resonance in the Ag/La0.95Eu0.05PO4 nanostructures.

Comparison of Three Ratiometric Temperature Readings from the Er3+ Upconversion Emission.

The emission of Er3+ provides three combinations of emission bands suitable for ratiometric luminescence thermometry. Two combinations utilize ratios of visible emissions (2H11/2→4I15/2 at 523 nm/ 4S3/2→4I15/2 at 542 nm and 4F7/2→4I15/2 at 485 nm/ 4S3/2→4I15/2 at 545 nm), while emissions from the third combination are located in near-infrared, e.g., in the first biological window (2H11/2→4I13/2 at 793 nm/ 4S3/2→4I13/2 at 840 nm). Herein, we aimed to compare thermometric performances of these three different ratiometric readouts on account of their relative sensitivities, resolutions, and repeatability of measurements. For this aim, we prepared Yb3+,Er3+:YF3 nanopowders by oxide fluorination. The structure of the materials was confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis and particle morphology was evaluated from FE-SEM measurements. Upconversion emission spectra were measured over the 293-473 K range upon excitation by 980 nm radiation. The obtained relative sensitivities on temperature for 523/542, 485/542, and 793/840 emission intensity ratios were 1.06 ± 0.02, 2.03 ± 0.23, and 0.98 ± 0.10%K-1 with temperature resolutions of 0.3, 0.7, and 1.8 K, respectively. The study showed that the higher relative temperature sensitivity does not necessarily lead to the more precise temperature measurement and better resolution, since it may be compromised by a larger uncertainty in measurement of low-intensity emission bands.

Making Nd3+ a Sensitive Luminescent Thermometer for Physiological Temperatures-An Account of Pitfalls in Boltzmann Thermometry.

Ratiometric luminescence thermometry employing luminescence within the biological transparency windows provides high potential for biothermal imaging. Nd3+ is a promising candidate for that purpose due to its intense radiative transitions within biological windows (BWs) I and II and the simultaneous efficient excitability within BW I. This makes Nd3+ almost unique among all lanthanides. Typically, emission from the two 4F3/2 crystal field levels is used for thermometry but the small ~100 cm-1 energy separation limits the sensitivity. A higher sensitivity for physiological temperatures is possible using the luminescence intensity ratio (LIR) of the emissive transitions from the 4F5/2 and 4F3/2 excited spin-orbit levels. Herein, we demonstrate and discuss various pitfalls that can occur in Boltzmann thermometry if this particular LIR is used for physiological temperature sensing. Both microcrystalline, dilute (0.1%) Nd3+-doped LaPO4 and LaPO4: x% Nd3+ (x = 2, 5, 10, 25, 100) nanocrystals serve as an illustrative example. Besides structural and optical characterization of those luminescent thermometers, the impact and consequences of the Nd3+ concentration on their luminescence and performance as Boltzmann-based thermometers are analyzed. For low Nd3+ concentrations, Boltzmann equilibrium starts just around 300 K. At higher Nd3+ concentrations, cross-relaxation processes enhance the decay rates of the 4F3/2 and 4F5/2 levels making the decay faster than the equilibration rates between the levels. It is shown that the onset of the useful temperature sensing range shifts to higher temperatures, even above ~ 450 K for Nd concentrations over 5%. A microscopic explanation for pitfalls in Boltzmann thermometry with Nd3+ is finally given and guidelines for the usability of this lanthanide ion in the field of physiological temperature sensing are elaborated. Insight in competition between thermal coupling through non-radiative transitions and population decay through cross-relaxation of the 4F5/2 and 4F3/2 spin-orbit levels of Nd3+ makes it possible to tailor the thermometric performance of Nd3+ to enable physiological temperature sensing.

The Toxic Element Concentration in Fish Tissues from Sanicani Lake, an Urban Environment, in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Concentrations of toxic elements (lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic) were measured in water, sediment, and four commercial fish species (Cyprinus carpio, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, Silurus glanis, and Esox lucius) and their tissues (muscle, liver, and kidney) from Sanicani Lake, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The concentration of toxic elements was measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. Toxic element concentrations were significantly affected by the fish species and tissues sampled. The lead was the most heavily deposited element in lake sediments and waters. The highest concentrations of Pb and Cd were in the kidney in all four fish species. Concentrations of Hg and As were higher in the muscle than in the kidney and liver in all four fish species. The toxic element concentrations in all examined tissues were significantly higher in Silurus glanis and Esox lucius than in the other fish species examined. Concentrations of all tested elements were present in the fish muscle at different levels, but these levels were under the maximum levels allowed by the European Union and FAO/WHO. Accordingly, fish meat from this lake is acceptable for human consumption.

Occurrence and dietary exposure of organochlorine pesticides in common carp obtained from integrated production systems.

The aim of this study was to determine the level of the organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in meat, liver and skin of common carp. Fish were collected in spring and in autumn from fishpond that receives purified water from slaughterhouse. OCPs, including α-HCH, ß-HCH, δ-HCH, lindane, heptachlor, aldrin, heptachlor epoxide, trans-chlordane, cis-chlordane, endosulfan I, DDE, dieldrin, endrin, DDD, endosulfan II, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), endosulfan sulphate, methoxychlor, and endrin ketone, were determined by using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method. OCPs were present at low concentrations and only aldrin was detected in all examined tissues. The estimated daily intake for OCPs via common carp from integrated system of production was at the lower level compared with the acceptable daily intake recommended by different organisations, showing no significant risk on consumers.

MgTiO3:Mn4+ a multi-reading temperature nanoprobe.

MgTiO3 nanoparticles doped with Mn4+, with homogeneous size ranging about 63.1 ± 9.8 nm, were synthesized by a molten salt assisted sol gel method. These nanoparticles have been investigated as optical thermal sensors. The luminescence of tetravalent manganese ion in octahedral environment within the perovskite host presents drastic variations with temperature. Three different thermometry approaches have been proposed and characterized. Two luminescence intensity ratios are studied. Firstly between the two R-lines of Mn4+ emission at low temperature (-250 °C and -90 °C) with a maximal sensitivity of 0.9% °C-1, but also secondly between 2E → 4A2 (R-line) and the 4T2 → 4A2 transitions. This allows studying the temperature variation within a larger temperature range (-200 °C to 50 °C) with a sensitivity between 0.6% °C-1 and 1.2% °C-1 over this range. The last proposed method is the study of the lifetime variation versus temperature. The effective lifetime value corresponds to a combination of transitions from two excited energy levels of the tetravalent manganese (2E and 4T2) in thermal equilibrium toward the fundamental 4A2 state. Since the more energetic transition (4T2 → 4A2) is spin-allowed, contrary to the 2E → 4A2 one, the lifetime drastically decreases with the increase in temperature leading to an impressive high sensitivity value of 4.1% °C-1 at 4 °C and an exceptional temperature resolution of 0.025 °C. According to their optical features, MgTiO3:Mn4+ nanoparticles are indeed suitable candidates for the luminescence temperature probes at the nanoscale over several temperature ranges.

Prognostic factors for therapy-related acute myeloid leukaemia (t-AML)--a single centre experience.

Prognostic parameters for treatment outcome in 42 consecutive patients with t-AML diagnosed and treated in a single centre between 2000-2010 (mean age: 56.07 years, range: 23-84; 30 females) were evaluated retrospectively/prospectively. Antecedent malignancy occurred in 37 patients (88.15%): 28 solid cancers (breast, n=14), nine haematological. History of previous chemotherapy (CT), radiotherapy (RT) alone and combined CT/RT was present in 42.9%, 6.19% and 30.1% patients, respectively. Primary disease was active in 11 patients (six relapsed or metastatic cancers; five autoimmune diseases). Myelodysplastic syndrome preceded t-AML in 29% of patients. Median latency period from prior CT/RT was 54.62 months (range: 6-243). Median WBC count was 27.23 × 109/L, platelet count 62.29 × 109/L, haemoglobin level 87.83 g/L, peripheral blood and bone marrow blast percentage 30.7% and 66.7% respectively, serum LDH 1216 U/L. Aberrant expression of B or T lymphoid markers was registered in seven out of 39 and six out of 39 patients, respectively. Aberrant karyotype was detected in 24 out of 33 (72.7%) of eligible patients: favourable: 15.2%, intermediate: 42.4% and unfavourable: 42.4%. Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status greater or equal to 2 and Haematopoietic Cell Transplantation Specific Comorbidity Index (HCT-CI) greater or equal to 3 exhibited 83.3% and 76.2% patients, respectively. Intensive induction CT for t-AML was administered in 24 patients. The median follow-up and the median overall survival (OS) for the whole cohort were 2 months and 5.94 months (range: 0.5-34), respectively. In 10 patients (23.8%) achieving complete remission (CR), median disease free survival (DFS) was 11.8 months (range: 4-32). Only CD19 expression, pretreatment karyotype, ECOG PS, HCT-CI and activity of primary disease had impact on OS (P<0.05).

t(5;6;12) associated with resistance to imatinib mesylate in chronic myeloid leukemia.

A patient with t(9;22)-positive chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) developed a resistance to therapy with imatinib mesylate (Glivec) which coincided with the appearance of t(5;6;12) in the same cells with t(9;22) [46,XX,t(5;6;12)(q14?;q21?;q23?),t(9;22)(q34;q11)]. She remains in a continuous chronic phase of CML. This is the first reported instance of karyotype evolution temporally associated, and possibly involved, with the induction of resistance to imatinib mesylate but without any signs of evolution of leukemia toward a more anaplastic and aggressive form.

Thirty patients with primary plasma cell leukemia: a single center experience.

The primary plasma cell leukemia (PCL) is a rare aggressive plasma cell dyscrasia. We investigated its clinical and laboratory aspects in a large series of patients. Among 934 consecutive patients with multiple myeloma (MM), registered between 1978 and 2004 in a single institution, 30 patients [M/F: 22/8; median age (yr): 60, range: 36-79] with PCL (3.1%) were diagnosed. Retrospective analysis of the clinical, immunophenotypic, and cytogenetic aspects was performed. All patients had anemia, thrombocytopenia, circulating plasma cells (median count 4 x 10(9)/l), and in 18/30 patients hypercalcemia was found. Extramedullar involvement was present in 18/30 (60%) patients. The plasma cells were CD138+ and CD38+ (9/9), CD20+ (1/9), and CD10+ (1/9) with cytoplasmic positivity for light chains (9/9). The cytogenetic studies, evaluable in 21/30 patients, showed normal karyotype (6/21), complex hypodiploidy (6/15), pseudodiploidy (5/15), and hyperdiploidy (4/15). Treatment modalities had no impact on survival (median 4.5 months). Seven patients achieved remission. The performance status (ECOG >or= 2), platelet count or= 460 U/l were independent prognostic parameters of survival. The immunologic and cytogenetic presentation of patients with PCL bears little significance on prognosis, which is heavily compromised by advanced age at diagnosis and the poor performance status.