Characterization of microplastics in skim-milk powders.

The diffusion of microplastics in the food supply chain is prompting public concern as their impact on human health is still largely unknown. The aim of this study was to qualitatively and quantitatively characterize microplastics in skim-milk powder samples (n = 16) from different European countries (n = 8) through Fourier-transform infrared microspectroscopy in attenuated total reflectance mode analysis. The present study highlights that the use of hot alkaline digestion has enabled the efficacious identification of microplastics in skim-milk powders used for cheesemaking across European countries. The adopted protocol allowed detection of 29 different types of polymeric matrices for a total of 536 plastic particles. The most abundant microplastics were polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, and polyethylene terephthalate. Microplastics were found in skim-milk powders in 3 different shapes (fiber, sphere, and irregular fragments) and 6 different colors (black, blue, brown, fuchsia, green, and gray). Results demonstrate the presence of microplastics in all skim-milk powder samples, suggesting a general contamination. Results of the present study will help to evaluate the impact of microplastics intake on human health.

Specifying requirements for collection and analysis of online user feedback.

According to data-driven Requirements Engineering (RE), explicit and implicit user feedback can be considered a relevant source of requirements, thus supporting requirements elicitation. However, limited attention has been paid so far to the role of online feedback in RE tasks, such as requirements validation, and on how to specify what online feedback to collect and analyse. We performed an action research study, together with a company that developed a platform for online training. This paper presents the design and execution of the study, and a discussion of its results. This study provides evidence about the need of practitioners to follow a simple but systematic approach for specifying requirements for data collection and analysis, at design time. Another outcome of this study is a method to tackle this task that leverages goal-oriented requirements modelling combined with Goal-Question-Metric. The applicability of the method has been explored on two industrial evaluations, while the perceived effectiveness, efficiency and acceptance have been assessed with practitioners through a dedicated survey.

Short-term, supra-physiological rhGH administration induces transient DNA damage in peripheral lymphocytes of healthy women.

PURPOSE: While a good safety for recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) therapy at replacement doses is recognized, a possible link between high concentration of the GH-IGF-I axis hormones and side negative effect has been reported. The aim of this pilot study was to assess whether a short-term exposure to supra-physiological doses of rhGH may affect DNA integrity in human lymphocytes (PBL). METHODS: Eighteen healthy Caucasian female (24.2 ± 3.5 years) were randomly included in a Control (n = 9) and rhGH administration group (n = 9, 3-week treatment). DNA damage (comet assay), chromosomal breaks, and mitotic index in phytohemagglutinin-stimulated PBL were evaluated before (PRE), immediately (POST), and 30 days (POST30) after the last rhGH administration (0.029 mg kg- 1 BW; 6 days/week), together with serum IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 concentrations. RESULTS: rhGH administration increased IGF-I, without evidence of persisting IGF-I and IGFBP-3 changes 30 days after withdrawal. Total DNA breakage (% DNA in tails) was not significantly different in subjects treated with rhGH in comparison with controls, although the rhGH-treated subjects showed an higher percentage of heavily damaged nuclei immediately after the treatment (POST30 vs. PRE: p = 0.003), with a lower mitogenic potential of lymphocytes, detectable up to the POST30 (PRE vs. POST: p = 0.02; PRE vs. POST30: p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study showed that 3 weeks of short-term supra-physiological rhGH administration in healthy women induce a transient DNA damage and mitogenic impairment in PBL. The analysis of DNA damage should be explored as useful tool in monitoring the mid to long-term effects of high rhGH treatment or abuse.

Preliminary characterization of microplastics in beef hamburgers.

The diffusion of microplastics in meat products is an emerging topic, as their impact on animal and human health is still largely unknown. The present study aimed to preliminarily determine the number and the quality of microplastics diffusion in beef hamburgers (n = 10) through Fourier-transformed infrared micro-spectroscopy in attenuated total reflectance mode analysis. Microplastics were detected in all analyzed samples. The abundance of microplastics ranged from 200.00 to 30,300.00 MP/kg. Microplastics observed in the analyzed samples were mainly characterized by irregular shapes (95.99%), grey color (70.16%), and dimensions comprised between 51 and 100 µm (57.46%). Eighteen different polymers were detected, with polycarbonate (30,300.00 MP/kg), polyethylene (1580.00 MP/kg) and polypropylene (750.00 MP/kg) being the most abundant classes. Results demonstrate an extensive diffusion of microplastics in the analyzed samples, which may be originated from various sources, including animal body, industrial processing, and packaging. Findings from this study will aid in pinpointing the source of microplastics contamination, enabling the creation of targeted guidelines to mitigate microplastics spread in processed meat food.

Effects of discontinuous Percoll gradient centrifugation on the quality of bovine spermatozoa evaluated with computer-assisted semen analysis and fluorescent probes association.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of bovine frozen-thawed sperm cells after Percoll gradient centrifugation. Frozen semen doses were obtained from six bulls of different breeds, including three taurine and three Zebu animals. Four ejaculates per bull were evaluated before and after discontinuous Percoll gradient centrifugation. Sperm motility was assessed by computer-assisted semen analysis and the integrity of the plasma and acrosomal membranes, as well as mitochondrial function, were evaluated using a combination of fluorescent probes propidium iodide, fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated Pisum sativum agglutinin and 5,5',6,6'-tetrachloro-1,1',3,3'-tetraethylbenzimidazolcarbocyanine iodide. The procedure of Percoll gradient centrifugation increased the percentage of total and progressive sperm motility, beat frequency, rectilinear motility, linearity and rapidly moving cells. In addition, the percentage of cells with intact plasma membrane and mitochondrial membrane potential was increased in post-centrifugation samples. However, the percentage of sperm cells with intact acrosomal membrane was markedly reduced. The method used selected the motile cells with intact plasma membrane and higher mitochondrial functionality in frozen-thawed bull semen, but processing, centrifugation and/or the Percoll medium caused damage to the acrosomal membrane.

Exercise inhibits allergic lung inflammation.

Aerobic conditioning (AC) performed either during or after sensitization reduces allergic inflammation in mice; however, the effects of AC performed before and during allergic sensitization on airway inflammation are unknown. Mice were divided into Control, AC, OVA, and AC + OVA groups. Mice were trained in a treadmill followed by either ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization or saline administration. Peribronchial inflammation, OVA-specific IgE and IgG1 titers, the expression of Th1 and Th2 cytokines, and airway remodeling were evaluated, as well as the expression of Eotaxin, RANTES, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, TGF-ß and VEGF. Aerobic conditioning performed before and during allergic sensitization displayed an inhibitory effect on the OVA-induced migration of eosinophils and lymphocytes to the airways, a reduction of IgE and IgG1 titers and an inhibition of the expression of Th2 cytokines. The AC + OVA group also demonstrated reduced expression of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, RANTES, TGF-ß and VEGF, as well as decreased airway remodeling (p<0.05). The effects of AC before and during the sensitization process inhibit allergic airway inflammation and reduce the production of Th2 cytokines and allergen-specific IgE and IgG1.

Aerobic training reverses airway inflammation and remodelling in an asthma murine model.

Aerobic training (AT) decreases dyspnoea and exercise-induced bronchospasm, and improves aerobic capacity and quality of life; however, the mechanisms for such benefits remain poorly understood. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the AT effects in a chronic model of allergic lung inflammation in mice after the establishment of airway inflammation and remodelling. Mice were divided into the control group, AT group, ovalbumin (OVA) group or OVA+AT group and exposed to saline or OVA. AT was started on day 28 for 60 min five times per week for 4 weeks. Respiratory mechanics, specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E and IgG(1), collagen and elastic fibres deposition, smooth muscle thickness, epithelial mucus, and peribronchial density of eosinophils, CD3+ and CD4+, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, interferon-gamma, IL-2, IL-1ra, IL-10, nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB and Foxp3 were evaluated. The OVA group showed an increase in IgE and IgG(1), eosinophils, CD3+, CD4+, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, NF-kappaB, collagen and elastic, mucus synthesis, smooth muscle thickness and lung tissue resistance and elastance. The OVA+AT group demonstrated an increase of IgE and IgG(1), and reduction of eosinophils, CD3+, CD4+, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, NF-kappaB, airway remodelling, mucus synthesis, smooth muscle thickness and tissue resistance and elastance compared with the OVA group (p<0.05). The OVA+AT group also showed an increase in IL-10 and IL-1ra (p<0.05), independently of Foxp3. AT reversed airway inflammation and remodelling and T-helper cell 2 response, and improved respiratory mechanics. These results seem to occur due to an increase in the expression of IL-10 and IL-1ra and a decrease of NF-kappaB.

PAS-1, an Ascaris suum protein, modulates allergic airway inflammation via CD8+γδTCR+ and CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ T cells.

We have previously demonstrated that PAS-1, a 200 kDa protein from Ascaris suum, has a potent immunomodulatory effect on humoral and cell-mediated responses induced by APAS-3 (an allergenic protein from A. suum) or unrelated antigens. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms by which PAS-1 is able to induce this effect on an allergic airway inflammation induced by OVA in mice. C57BL/6 mice were adoptively transferred on day 0 with seven different PAS-1-primed cell populations: PAS-1-primed CD19(+) or B220(+) or CD3(+) or CD4(+) or CD8(+) or CD4(+) CD25⁻ or CD4(+) CD25(+) lymphocytes. These mice were immunized twice with OVA and alum by intraperitoneal route (days 0 and 7) and challenged twice by intranasal route (days 14 and 21). Two days after the last challenge, the airway inflammation was evaluated by antibody levels, cellular migration, eosinophil peroxidase levels, cytokine and eotaxin production, and pulmonary mechanical parameters. Among the adoptively transferred primed lymphocytes, only CD4(+) CD25(+) , CD8(+) or the combination of both T cells impaired the production of total IgE and OVA-specific IgE and IgG1 antibodies, eosinophilic airway inflammation, Th2-type cytokines (IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13), eotaxin release and airway hyperreactivity. Moreover, airway recruited cells from CD4(+) CD25(+) and CD8(+) T-cell recipient secreted more IL-10/TGF-ß and IFN-γ, respectively. Moreover, we found that PAS-1 expands significantly the number of CD4(+) CD25(+) FoxP3(+) and CD8(+) γδTCR(+) cells. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate that the immunomodulatory effect of PAS-1 is mediated by these T-cell subsets.

Electrophysiologic characteristics and topographic distribution of focal atrial tachycardias in dogs.

BACKGROUND: Focal atrial tachycardia (FAT) is a common supraventricular tachycardia in dogs. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate electrophysiologic characteristics and topographic distribution of FAT. ANIMALS: Sixteen dogs with symptomatic FAT. METHODS: Retrospective case series. Electrophysiological studies were performed to test the inducibility of documented and no documented arrhythmias. Once induced for each dog, FAT was analyzed for electrogenic mechanism, endocardial electrogram, and location. RESULTS: Nineteen FATs could be studied in 16 dogs, 12 were automatic, 4 nonautomatic, and 3 incessant. Two dogs had >1 focus. Mean atrial cycle length (CL) was 238.2 +/- 69.2 (SD) milliseconds, mean ventricular CL of 292.7 +/- 72.5 (SD) milliseconds, with atrioventricular block in 6 cases. Mean presystolic atrial activity recorded at the ectopic focus was -39.9 +/- 17.7 (SD) milliseconds. Atrial potentials were fragmented in 11 dogs and were low amplitude in 6 dogs. Sixty-three percent of ectopic foci were distributed within the right atrium (5 crista terminalis, 3 triangle of Koch, 2 tricuspid valve annulus, 1 interatrial septum, and 1 right auricle) and 37% in the pulmonary veins (PVs) (4 right superior PV, 2 left superior PV, and 1 right inferior PV). Persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) and paroxysmal AF were triggered by FATs in 7 dogs (2 with multiple ectopic foci and 4 with at least one PV focus). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: According to our findings, dogs have a predominance of right-sided FAT. The majority of FATs are automatic and can trigger AF, particularly in the case of PV location.

PAS-1, a protein from Ascaris suum, modulates allergic inflammation via IL-10 and IFN-gamma, but not IL-12.

Helminths and their products have a profound immunomodulatory effect upon the inductive and effector phases of inflammatory responses, including allergy. We have demonstrated that PAS-1, a protein isolated from Ascaris suum worms, has an inhibitory effect on lung allergic inflammation due to its ability to down-regulate eosinophilic inflammation, Th2 cytokine release and IgE antibody production. Here, we investigated the role of IL-12, IFN-gamma and IL-10 in the PAS-1-induced inhibitory mechanism using a murine model of asthma. Wild type C57BL/6, IL-12(-/-), IFN-gamma(-/-) and IL-10(-/-) mice were immunized with PAS-1 and/or OVA and challenged with the same antigens intranasally. The suppressive effect of PAS-1 was demonstrated on the cellular influx into airways, with reduction of eosinophil number and eosinophil peroxidase activity in OVA+PAS-1-immunized wild type mice. This effect well correlated with a significant reduction in the levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and eotaxin in BAL fluid. Levels of IgE and IgG1 antibodies were also impaired in serum from these mice. The inhibitory activity of PAS-1 was also observed in IL-12(-/-) mice, but not in IFN-gamma(-/-) and IL-10(-/-) animals. These data show that IFN-gamma and IL-10, but not IL-12, play an important role in the PAS-1 modulatory effect.

Radiofrequency catheter ablation of accessory pathways in the dog: the Italian experience (2008-2016).

INTRODUCTION: Accessory pathways (APs) in dogs are mostly right-sided, display nondecremental conduction, and mediate atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardias (AVRTs). Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) is considered the first-line therapy in human patients to abolish electrical conduction along APs. ANIMALS: Seventy-six consecutive client-owned dogs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study to describe the precise anatomical distribution and the electrophysiologic characteristics of APs in a large population of dogs and to evaluate long-term success and complication rates of RFCA. RESULTS: Eighty-three APs were identified in 76 dogs (92.1% with single APs and 7.9% with multiple APs); 96.4% were right-sided, 3.6% left-sided. Conduction along the APs was unidirectional and retrograde in 68.7% of the cases and bidirectional in 31.3%. Accessory pathways presented retrograde decremental properties in 6.5% of the cases. They mediated orthodromic AVRT in 92.1% of the cases and permanent junctional reciprocating tachycardia in 6.5%. In one case, no AVRT could be induced. In 97.4% of dogs, RFCA was attempted with an acute success rate of 100%. In 7.7% of cases, recurrence of the tachycardia occurred within 18 months, followed by a second definitively successful ablation. A major complication requiring pacemaker implantation was identified in 2.6% of dogs. DISCUSSION: Accessory pathway distribution and electrophysiologic properties in these 76 dogs were similar to previous report. Long-term success and complication rates of RFCA in dogs appeared very similar to results of humans. CONCLUSION: Radiofrequency catheter ablation of APs can be performed with a high success rate and low incidence of complications.

Histomorphometric evaluation of bone grafts harvested by different methods.

AIM: Many studies proposing the use of autologous bone to correct bony defects of the oral district have been published, and numerous protocols have been proposed to simplify the harvesting of particulate bone. However, no qualitative evaluation of the harvested bone has been reported. The study provides a qualitative evaluation of autologous bone harvested by 9 methods: the harvested bone was analysed through microphotography and histomorphometric analysis, measuring the surface area of bone fragments and the percentages of vital and necrotic bone. METHODS: Nine harvesting methods were employed: round bur on low-speed hand-piece (40000 rpm), bur on high-speed hand-piece, spiral implant bur on low-speed hand-piece (1000 rpm), safe scraper, Rhodes' back-action chisel, rongeur pliers, gouge shaped bone chisel, mectron piezosurgery. Ten bone harvests were taken from the retromolar bone using the 9 methods, during extraction of embedded wisdom teeth (indication to extraction was for orthodontic reasons). The histocytological preparations were analysed with microphotography and histomorphometric analysis, evaluating particle size, percentage of vital bone and number of osteocytes per unit of surface area. RESULTS: Histomorphometric analysis showed that non-vital bone accounted for 100% of harvested bone, with a complete absence of osteocytes, in specimens harvested with burs and safe scraper. Percentage of non-vital bone was intermediate, with a low number of cells, in specimens harvested with back-action, gouge shaped bone chisel, spiral bur and piezosurgery. The best results were achieved with rongeur pliers and by en bloc harvesting. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that the best methods to harvest vital bone are: gouge shaped bone chisel, back-action, en bloc harvesting, rongeur pliers and piezosurgery, although the latter method leaves some empty gaps in the tissue. The bone harvested with round bur on low-speed hand-piece, bur on high-speed hand-piece, spiral implant bur, or safe scraper are not suitable for grafting as indicated by the absence of osteocytes and the predominance of non-vital bone.

Effect of salbutamol on pulmonary responsiveness in chronic pulmonary allergic inflammation in guinea pigs.

Beta-2-agonists have been widely used by asthmatic subjects to relieve their obstructive symptoms. However, there are reports that continuous use could lead to loss of bronchial protection and exacerbation of asthma symptoms. We evaluated the effect of two regimens of salbutamol administration (twice and five times a week) in a model of chronic airway inflammation in male Hartley guinea pigs (protocol starting weight: 286 +/- 30 g) induced by repeated exposures to aerosols of ovalbumin (OVA). After sensitization, guinea pigs were exposed to aerosols of 0.1 mg/ml salbutamol solution twice a week (OVA + S2x, N = 7) or five times a week (OVA + S5x, N = 8). We studied allergen-specific (OVA inhalation time) and -nonspecific (response to methacholine) respiratory system responsiveness. Seventy-two hours after the last OVA challenge, guinea pigs were anesthetized and tracheostomized, respiratory system resistance and elastance were measured and a dose-response curve to inhaled methacholine chloride was obtained. Specific IgG1 was also quantified by the passive cutaneous anaphylactic technique. OVA-sensitized guinea pigs (N = 8) showed reduction of the time of OVA exposure before the onset of respiratory distress, at the 5th, 6th and 7th exposures (P < 0.001). The OVA + S2x group (but not the OVA + S5x group) showed a significant increase in OVA inhalation time. There were no significant differences in pulmonary responsiveness to methacholine among the experimental groups. OVA + S2x (but not OVA + S5x) animals showed a decrease in the levels of IgG(1)-specific anaphylactic antibodies compared to the OVA group (P < 0.05). Our results suggest that, in this experimental model, frequent administration of beta(2)-agonists results in a loss of some of their protective effects against the allergen.

Two biologically different mouse IgG1 antibodies.

Isolated mouse antibodies were submitted to affinity chromatography with protein A. Three peaks were obtained: peak I that did not bind to protein A, peak II eluted with 0.5 M NaSCN and peak III eluted with 2.0 M NaSCN. Peak I and peak II contained IgG1 but no detectable IgG2 or IgG3, whereas peak III contained IgG2 and IgG3 but no detectable IgG1. Peak I, but not peak II, showed heat-resistant passive cutaneous anaphylactic (PCA) activity in rats which was absorbed by anti-IgG1 antiserum but not by anti-IgE. Both peak I and peak II showed heat-resistant PCA activity in mice, that was absorbed by anti-IgG1 serum. Peak III showed PCA activity in guinea pigs but not in mice or rats. These findings suggest that mouse IgG1 can be divided into 2 populations that differ in their affinity for protein A and in their PCA activity.

Hyaline-vascular type of Castleman's disease (angiofollicular lymph node hyperplasia) with monotypic plasma cells. An immunohistochemical study with monoclonal antibodies.

A case of angiofollicular lymph node hyperplasia (Castleman's disease) characterized by monotypic (IgG+, lambda+) plasmacytosis is described. Fresh tissue was available and a thorough immunohistochemical analysis of lymphoid and non-lymphoid cells was performed on cryostat sections. Although lymphoid follicles were numerous and exhibited some abnormal features they did not appear part of the monoclonal cell proliferation. Follicular lymphocytes were mixtures of Kappa+ and lambda+ cells. Vessels penetrating within these abnormal follicles expressed reduced levels of FVIII and Leu-M5 antigens and exhibited thicker layer of collagen type IV. The analysis of T-cell subsets showed a normal (3:1) T4/T8 ratio. This case extends to the mixed variant of hyaline-vascular Castleman's disease, the neoplastic potential previously associated to the plasma cell variant of the disease.

The use of antiepileptic drugs in learning disabled people with epilepsy: an audit of adult in-patients in a treatment and continuing care service.

The primary aim of the audit described was to examine antiepileptic drug use among adult in-patients with learning disability. A secondary aim was to examine investigation in those patients. For the purposes of this paper "Learning disability" is synonymous with ICD-10 "Mental Retardation", "Mental Handicap" or "Intellectual Impairment" and should not be confused with the North American use of the term which refers to discrete, specific problems in mental abilities such as reading. A total of 75 adult patients on both the Northgate and Prudhoe sites (managed by Northgate and Prudhoe NHS Trust) were identified as being treated with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) for postulated epilepsy. Only 12 (16%) patients were being treated with three AEDs or more, the remainder being on either one or two AEDs. All patients with a history of status epilepticus were prescribed rectal diazepam or, more rarely, intranasal midazolam. The number and type of investigations performed on patients varied widely and was sometimes limited by the patient's ability to co-operate with procedures. Overall, 28 patients were identified who might benefit from a reduction in the number of AEDs prescribed. In 15 of these patients antiepileptic drug regime was currently being reduced. The increased utilization of sleep/sedated electroencephalogram (EEG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI--for partial seizures), where practical, may also increase diagnostic accuracy in identifying epilepsy and its aetiology. Audit will be repeated in 12 months.

Further characterization of Ascaris suum component(s) with suppressive activity on the IgE antibody response.

In order to characterize the component(s) of Ascaris suum responsible for damping of the IgE antibody production we demonstrated that the extract incubated in sodium acetate buffer, pH 4.5, maintained its suppressive effect and the same protein banding pattern by SDS-PAGE. Elimination of the lipoprotein components of the extract also left its damping properties unchanged. SDS-PAGE of the lipoprotein-free extract revealed practically the same pattern as shown by the whole extract, except for the high molecular weight polypeptides. These results indicate that the suppressive component(s) of A. suum did not precipitate and retained their activity at low pH. In addition, they appear not to be lipoproteins.

Determination of PAH in atmospheric particulates in the area of the Italian base in Antarctica: report on monitoring activities during the last three scientific expeditions.

Concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in atmospheric particulates have been determined in the frame of the control activities for environmental protection during the VI (1990-1991), VII (1991-1992) and VIII (1992-1993) Italian expeditions in Antarctica. Samples were collected at the four cardinal points at about 200 m from the central area of the Italian scientific base. Data show low levels of the individual PAH (95% in the range 1-50 pg m(-3)) confirming the absence, up to now, of significant contamination from the base. These results could be used as a reference for the assessment of the air pollution due to combustion sources present in the base. Any possible variation in the base's activities in the future should be analysed and evaluated with respect to these findings.

A primitive lymphoma of the uterine cervix. Case report.

A case of primitive lymphoma of the uterine cervix is discussed. After two years of vaginal post-coital bleeding, the echography showed the presence of a supraisthmic mass. The patient underwent a total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. The histology was consistent with a B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), follicular centre derived. The patient was staged as IIE and treated with six cycles of chemotherapy (CHOP), achieving a complete remission. The paper stresses the value of histology in the diagnosis of lymphoma of the uterine cervix and the effectiveness of the treatment, and reviews the relevant literature.

[The use of betamethasone in polychemotherapy of lymphoproliferative diseases]. / Impiego del betametasone nella polichemioterapia delle malattie linfoproliferative.

In recent years very encouraging results have been obtained in the treatment of lymphoproliferative disorders with the use of combination chemotherapy regimens. We have treated with protocols including betamethasone 29 patients with Hodgkin's disease, 33 affected by non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, 29 with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, 7 with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and 9 patients affected by multiple myeloma. Results have been very satisfactory in patients with advanced stage Hodgkin's disease (67% complete remission), in high malignancy non Hodgkin's lymphomas (47% complete remission) and in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (100% of patients in complete remission). Our results suggest that the use of betamethasone as a part of combination chemotherapy regimens may be very useful in the treatment of lymphoproliferative disorders.