Comparison of two autologous hematopoietic stem cell mobilization strategies in patients with multiple myeloma: CE plus G-CSF versus G-CSF only: A single-center retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: Despite recent advances in the treatment of multiple myeloma, high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) remains an essential therapeutic keystone. As for the stem cell mobilization procedure, different regimens have been established, usually consisting of a cycle of chemotherapy followed by application of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), although febrile neutropenia is a common complication. Following national guidelines, our institution decided to primarily use G-CSF only mobilization during the COVID-19 pandemic to minimize the patients' risk of infection and to reduce the burden on the health system. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In this retrospective single-center analysis, the efficacy and safety of G-CSF only mobilization was evaluated and compared to a historic control cohort undergoing chemotherapy-based mobilization by cyclophosphamide and etoposide (CE) plus G-CSF. RESULTS: Although G-CSF only was associated with a higher need for plerixafor administration (p < .0001) and a higher number of apheresis sessions per patient (p = .0002), we were able to collect the target dose of hematopoietic stem cells in the majority of our patients. CE mobilization achieved higher hematopoietic stem cell yields (p = .0015) and shorter apheresis sessions (p < .0001) yet was accompanied by an increased risk of febrile neutropenia (p < .0001). There was no difference in engraftment after ASCT. DISCUSSION: G-CSF only mobilization is a useful option in selected patients with comorbidities and an increased risk of serious infections, especially in the wintertime or in future pandemics.

Tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove distance is significantly decreased by medial closing wedge distal femoral osteotomy.

PURPOSE: While medial closing wedge distal femoral osteotomy (MCWDFO) has been used to address patella instability combined with valgus malalignment, its impact on patellofemoral parameters remains uncharted. Hence, this study seeks to establish a three-dimensional (3D) planning of MCWDFO and measure its effect on the tibial tubercle - trochlear groove distance (TTTG) through simulation and calculation. METHODS: MCWDFO with a stepwise increment of one-degree varisation (1°-15°) was performed on 3D surface models of 14 lower extremities with valgus malalignment and 24 lower extremities with neutral alignment of the lower limb, resulting in a total of 608 simulations. Anatomic landmarks were employed to measure hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA), TTTG, and femoral torsion for each simulation. A mathematical formula was adopted to calculate TTTG changes following MCWDFO, and subsequently the mean simulated and calculated TTTG values were compared. Following a standardised protocol, MCWDFO was performed without rotational changes. RESULTS: MCWDFO exhibited an almost linear reduction in TTTG, at a rate of approximately -1.05 ± 0.13 mm per 1° of varisation, demonstrating a strong negative correlation (R = -0.83; p < 0.001). Limb alignment did not exert an influence on TTTG change; however, it correlated with tibial plateau width. The mean difference between the simulated and calculated TTTG values amounted to 0.03 ± 0.03 mm per 1° varisation (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The TTTG distance is linearly reduced by 1.05 mm for every 1° of varisation within the varus correction range of 0°-15° during MCWDFO. Patients with combined valgus and patellar instability may benefit from MCWDFO due to frequently pathological TTTG. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, descriptive laboratory study.

Undersizing of the tibial component in Oxford unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) increases the risk of periprosthetic fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Tibial periprosthetic fractures (TPF) after unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) are a rare condition that affects about 1% of cases. Known risk factors include age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and bone density, as well as surgical technique and prosthesis design. The purpose of the study was to determine if undersizing of the tibial component in relation to the femoral component increases the risk of tibial periprosthetic fractures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Over a 6-year-period 1542 patients with cemented (n = 363) and uncemented (n = 1179) medial UKA were retrospectively evaluated. Tibial periprosthetic fractures were identified and classified, and epidemiologic data were documented at follow-up. Undersizing was defined as a smaller tibial component compared to the femoral implant. The association of potential risk factors for TPF with the incidence of TPF was investigated with binominal logistic regression. RESULTS: Fourteen patients (0.9%) suffered from TPF at a median of 1 month after surgery. The mean follow-up period was 5.9 ± 1.7 years. Fractures were more common in cases with undersized tibial components [odds ratio (OR) 3.2, p < 0.05]. Furthermore, older age (OR 1.1, p < 0.05) and female sex (OR 6.5, p < 0.05) were identified as significant risk factors, while BMI (p = 0.8) and cemented implantation (p = 0.2) had no effect on fracture rate. Revision surgery included open reduction and internal fixation or conversion to total knee arthroplasty. CONCLUSIONS: Undersizing of implant sizes in UKA increases the risk for TPF especially in patients with small tibial implants. Therefore, mismatched implants should be avoided for UKA particularly when risk factors like obesity, older age, or female gender are present. Tibial periprosthetic fractures were successfully treated by open reduction and internal fixation or conversion to total knee arthroplasty.

Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-Cell Therapy in Hematologic Malignancies: Clinical Implications and Limitations.

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has become a powerful treatment option in B-cell and plasma cell malignancies, and many patients have benefited from its use. To date, six CAR T-cell products have been approved by the FDA and EMA, and many more are being developed and investigated in clinical trials. The whole field of adoptive cell transfer has experienced an unbelievable development process, and we are now at the edge of a new era of immune therapies that will have its impact beyond hematologic malignancies. Areas of interest are, e.g., solid oncology, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, and others. Although much has been achieved so far, there is still a huge effort needed to overcome significant challenges and difficulties. We are witnessing a rapid expansion of knowledge, induced by new biomedical technologies and CAR designs. The era of CAR T-cell therapy has just begun, and new products will widen the therapeutic landscape in the future. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the clinical applications of CAR T-cells, focusing on the approved products and emphasizing their benefits but also indicating limitations and challenges.

Techno-economic analysis of underground hydrogen storage in Europe.

Hydrogen storage is crucial to developing secure renewable energy systems to meet the European Union's 2050 carbon neutrality objectives. However, a knowledge gap exists concerning the site-specific performance and economic viability of utilizing underground gas storage (UGS) sites for hydrogen storage in Europe. We compile information on European UGS sites to assess potential hydrogen storage capacity and evaluate the associated current and future costs. The total hydrogen storage potential in Europe is 349 TWh of working gas energy (WGE), with site-specific capital costs ranging from $10 million to $1 billion. Porous media and salt caverns, boasting a minimum storage capacity of 0.5 TWh WGE, exhibit levelized costs of $1.5 and $0.8 per kilogram of hydrogen, respectively. It is estimated that future levelized costs associated with hydrogen storage can potentially decrease to as low as $0.4 per kilogram after three experience cycles. Leveraging these techno-economic considerations, we identify suitable storage sites.

Femoroacetabular Variations Are Predisposing Factors for Traumatic Posterior Hip Dislocation.

BACKGROUND: Although high-energy trauma mechanisms are generally considered to cause traumatic posterior hip dislocations, femoroacetabular variations are assumed to contribute to low-impact hip dislocations. Thus, the present study aimed to identify morphologic femoral and acetabular risk factors that may also contribute to posterior hip dislocations in high-energy trauma mechanisms. METHODS: The acetabular and femoral morphology of 83 hips with a traumatic posterior dislocation following a high-energy trauma mechanism were analyzed and matched to a control group of 83 patients who sustained high-energy trauma without a hip injury. The lateral center-edge angle, acetabular index, acetabular depth/width ratio, cranial and central acetabular version angles, and the anterior and posterior acetabular sector angles were measured on computed tomography to quantify femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) morphology, acetabular version, and coverage. The caput-collum-diaphyseal angle and the alpha angles in the coronal and axial planes were measured to detect cam-type FAI deformity. A receiver operating characteristic curve was utilized to determine threshold values for an increased risk of hip dislocation. RESULTS: Acetabular retroversion and posterior acetabular undercoverage were significantly increased in patients with hip dislocations compared with controls (p < 0.001). The central acetabular version angle and posterior acetabular sector angle that indicated an increased risk of hip dislocation were ≤9° and ≤90°, respectively. Cam-type FAI deformity and coxa valga were significantly increased in the dislocation group (p < 0.001). The anterolateral alpha angle that indicated an increased dislocation risk was ≥47°. CONCLUSIONS: Acetabular retroversion, posterior acetabular undercoverage, and cam-type FAI morphology may be risk factors contributing to traumatic posterior hip dislocation in high-energy trauma mechanisms. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

[Lifelong Mask Mandate].

INTRODUCTION: A 31-year-old farmer is being treated for suspected pneumonia. As the symptoms persist despite antibiotic treatment, the suspicion of hypersensitivity pneumonitis type Farmer´s lung arises after taking into account the patients occupational history. Information from various examination modalities and the clinical course confirm the suspected diagnosis. Thanks to the rapid diagnosis and the measures taken as a result, it was possible for the patient to remain in his profession.