Long-term outcome of peripheral T-cell lymphomas: Ten-year follow-up of the International Prospective T-cell Project.

Peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs) are a heterogeneous group of haematological cancers with generally poor clinical outcomes. However, a subset of patients experience durable disease control, and little is known regarding long-term outcomes. The International T-cell Lymphoma Project (ITCLP) is the largest prospectively collected cohort of patients with PTCLs, providing insight into clinical outcomes at academic medical centres globally. We performed a long-term outcome analysis on patients from the ITCLP with available 10-year follow-up data (n = 735). The overall response rate to first-line therapy was 68%, while 5- and 10-year overall survival estimates were 49% and 40% respectively. Most deaths occurred prior to 5 years, and for patients alive at 5 years, the chance of surviving to 10 years was 84%. However, lymphoma remained the leading cause of death in the 5- to 10-year period (67%). Low-risk International Prognostic Index and Prognostic Index for T-cell lymphoma scores both identified patients with improved survival, while in multivariate analysis, age >60 years and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 2-4 were associated with inferior outcomes. The favourable survival seen in patients achieving durable initial disease control emphasizes the unmet need for optimal front-line therapeutic approaches in PTCLs.

Measurements of radiation exposure of dentistry students during their radiological training using thermoluminescent dosimetry.

Exposure among dentistry students has not been assessed or regulated in Mexico. This work assessed the average exposure of 35 dentistry students during their training with the aid of LiF:Mg,Cu,P+PTFE thermoluminescent dosimeters. For the students in the roles of dentist and observers, maximum accumulated equivalent dose obtained was 2.59±0.11 and 4.64±0.39 mSv, respectively. Students in the role as patients received a maximum accumulated effective dose of 28.41±0.31 mSv. If compared to occupational dose limits, this latter value is 56% of the recommended value of 50 mSv in any year. It was found that in all cases, values of equivalent dose to the women breasts were equal to the background dose. Results are discussed and compared to previous published work. Suggested recommendations were given to authorities in order to minimize exposure of the students in the role as patients.

Early-stage diffuse large B cell lymphoma of the head and neck: clinico-biological characterization and 18 year follow-up of 488 patients (IELSG 23 study).

It is known that extranodal head and neck diffuse large B cell lymphomas (eHN-DLBCL) can affect various anatomical structures what is not well-known, however, is whether they differ in terms of clinical presentation and outcome. Clinical data of the multi-institutional series, the largest of its kind as yet, has been analysed with the aim of answering these open questions and providing long-term follow-up information. Data from 488 patients affected by stage I/II eHN-DLBCL was collected: 300 of the Waldeyer's Ring (WR), 38 of the parotid and salivary glands (PSG), 48 of the thyroid gland (TG), 53 of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses (NPS), 24 of the palate and oral cavity (POC) and 25 with more than one involved site. Different eHN-DLBCL arising have distinct characteristics at presentation. The intermediate high risk-modified IPI was 67 % in TG, 44 % in WR, 38 % in PSG and POC and 20 % in MS. The worst 5-year survival rate had TG-DLBCL (61 %) due to the 61 % of patients with a mIPI >1. The addition of radiotherapy (cRT) to remitters did not translate into a survival advantage (5-year disease-free survival of 67 % in the cRT group vs. 70 % in the other). Three of four central nervous system recurrences occurred in NPS-DLBCL. Survival of HN-DLBCL was inferior to nodal DLBCL. This study showed that eHN-DLBCL remitters have an inferior survival when compared to nodal DLBCL, and that the addition of cRT does not provide a survival advantage. Since the standard of care nowadays is chemo-immunotherapy, survival of these patients might have been improved.

Uranium removal from water using cellulose triacetate membranes added with activated carbon.

Ultrafiltration removal of uranium from water, with composite activated carbon cellulose triacetate membranes (AC-CTA), was investigated. The filtrate was provided by uraninite dissolution with pH=6-8. Removal efficiencies were calculated measuring solutions' radioactivities. Membranes were mainly characterized by microscopy analysis, revealing iron after permeation. Uranyl removal was 35±7%. Chemical speciation indicates the presence of (UO(2))(2)CO(3)(OH)(3)(-), UO(2)CO(3), UO(2)(CO(3))(2)(2-) and Fe(2)O(3)(s) as main compounds in the dissolution, suggesting co-adsorption of uranium and iron by the AC during filtration, as the leading rejection path.

Upper bounds on superpartner masses from upper bounds on the Higgs boson mass.

The LHC is putting bounds on the Higgs boson mass. In this Letter we use those bounds to constrain the minimal supersymmetric standard model (MSSM) parameter space using the fact that, in supersymmetry, the Higgs mass is a function of the masses of sparticles, and therefore an upper bound on the Higgs mass translates into an upper bound for the masses for superpartners. We show that, although current bounds do not constrain the MSSM parameter space from above, once the Higgs mass bound improves big regions of this parameter space will be excluded, putting upper bounds on supersymmetry (SUSY) masses. On the other hand, for the case of split-SUSY we show that, for moderate or large tanß, the present bounds on the Higgs mass imply that the common mass for scalars cannot be greater than 10(11) GeV. We show how these bounds will evolve as LHC continues to improve the limits on the Higgs mass.

Evolution of chemical species during electrodeposition of uranium for alpha spectrometry by the Hallstadius method.

The morphology and composition of uranium alpha sources with co-deposited platinum have been investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis (EDX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) studies. Combined SEM and EDX measurements reveal the effect of porous platinum on the morphology of the sources which in turn affects their alpha-spectral resolution. The XPS analysis suggests that the presence of platinum initially increases the concentration of hydroxyl species in the deposits, which then act as centres for subsequent preferential uranium precipitation. XPS and XAFS analysis also provide for first time an indication of oxidation states of uranium present in the sources prepared by the Hallstadius method. These results are in line with Hansen's theory of electrodeposition of actinides.

Nasal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma and its association with type "i"/XhoI loss strain Epstein-Barr virus in Chile.

BACKGROUND: Nasal T/natural killer (NK)-cell lymphoma is an aggressive type of non-Hodking's lymphoma associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and striking geographical variations worldwide. AIM: To characterise nasal NK/T-cell lymphoma associated with genotypes of EBV in Chile, a Latin American country, where multiple strains of EBV, including two new recombinant strains, in healthy individuals were recently found. METHODS: Cases with diagnosis of primary nasal lymphoma were selected for histological and immunohistochemical analysis (CD3, CD3e, CD4, CD8, CD79a, CD56, CD57 and TIA-1) and in-situ hybridisation, serology and genotyping analysis for EBV. RESULTS: Out of 22 cases, 9 (41%) cases fulfilled the World Health Organization criteria for nasal NK/T-cell lymphoma; of these 7 (78%) cases were positive for EBV. Genotyping analysis revealed 6 cases of type 1 EBV and wildtype F at the BamHI-F region, 4 cases type "i" EBV at the BamHI-W1/I1 region; XhoI wild type was found in 2 and XhoI loss in 4 cases, respectively. Cosegregation analysis of the BamHI-W1/I1 region and XhoI restriction site showed the new recombinant strain type "i"/XhoI loss in 3 cases and type "i"/XhoI wild-type strain in 1 case. Most patients were treated with combined anthracycline-containing regimens. Half of the cases attained complete remission. CONCLUSION: Although nasal NK/T-cell lymphomas from Chile share similar clinicopathological features, high association with EBV and unfavourable prognosis with those described elsewhere, genotype analysis shows that the new recombinant type "i"/XhoI loss strain might contribute to explain the intermediate incidence of nasal NK/T-cell lymphomas in Latin America.

Natural radioactivity in groundwater and estimates of committed effective dose due to water ingestion in the state of Chihuahua (Mexico).

The activity concentration of 222Rn, 226Ra and total uranium in groundwater samples collected from wells distributed throughout the state of Chihuahua has been measured. The values obtained of total uranium activity concentration in groundwater throughout the state run from <0.03 up to 1.34 Bq l-1. Generally, radium activity concentration was <0.16 Bq l-1, with some exceptions; in spring water of San Diego de Alcalá, in contrast, the value reached approximately 5.3 Bq l-1. Radon activity concentration obtained throughout the state was from 1.0 to 39.8 Bq l-1. A linear correlation between uranium and radon dissolved in groundwater of individual wells was observed near Chihuahua City. Committed effective dose estimates for reference individuals were performed, with results as high as 134 microSv for infants in Aldama city. In Aldama and Chihuahua cities the average and many individual wells showed activity concentration values of uranium exceeding the Mexican norm of drinking water quality.

Relating pulmonary oxygen uptake to muscle oxygen consumption at exercise onset: in vivo and in silico studies.

Assessment of the rate of muscle oxygen consumption, UO(2m), in vivo during exercise involving a large muscle mass is critical for investigating mechanisms regulating energy metabolism at exercise onset. While UO(2m) is technically difficult to obtain under these circumstances, pulmonary oxygen uptake, VO(2p), can be readily measured and used as a proxy to UO(2m). However, the quantitative relationship between VO(2p) and UO(2m) during the nonsteady phase of exercise in humans, needs to be established. A computational model of oxygen transport and utilization--based on dynamic mass balances in blood and tissue cells--was applied to quantify the dynamic relationship between model-simulated UO(2m) and measured VO(2p) during moderate (M), heavy (H), and very heavy (V) intensity exercise. In seven human subjects, VO(2p) and muscle oxygen saturation, StO(2m), were measured with indirect calorimetry and near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), respectively. The dynamic responses of VO(2p) and StO(2m) at each intensity were in agreement with previously published data. The response time of muscle oxygen consumption, tauUO(2m) estimated by direct comparison between model results and measurements of StO(2m) was significantly faster (P < 0.001) than that of pulmonary oxygen uptake, tauVO(2p) (M: 13 +/- 4 vs. 65 +/- 7 s; H: 13 +/- 4 vs. 100 +/- 24 s; V: 15 +/- 5 vs. 82 +/- 31 s). Thus, by taking into account the dynamics of oxygen stores in blood and tissue and determining muscle oxygen consumption from muscle oxygenation measurements, this study demonstrates a significant temporal dissociation between UO(2m) and VO(2p) at exercise onset.

Radon concentrations in ground and drinking water in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico.

This paper reports (222)Rn concentrations in ground and drinking water of nine cities of Chihuahua State, Mexico. Fifty percent of the 114 sampled wells exhibited (222)Rn concentrations exceeding 11Bq/L, the maximum contaminant level (MCL) recommended by the USEPA. Furthermore, around 48% (123 samples) of the tap-water samples taken from 255 dwellings showed radon concentrations over the MCL. There is an apparent correlation between total dissolved solids and radon concentration in ground-water. The high levels of (222)Rn found may be entirely attributed to the nature of aquifer rocks.

Step and ramp induction of myocardial ischemia: comparison of in vivo and in silico results.

This study tested the robustness of our computational model of myocardial metabolism by comparing responses to two different inputs with experimental data obtained in pigs under similar conditions. Accordingly, an abrupt and a gradual reduction in coronary flow of similar magnitude were implemented and used as model input. After flow reductions reached 60% from control values, ischemia was kept constant for 60 min in both groups. Our hypotheses were that: (1) these two flow-reduction profiles would result in different transients (concentrations and flux rates) while having similar steady-state values and (2) our model-simulated responses would predict the experimental results in an anesthetized swine model of myocardial ischemia. The two different ischemia-induction patterns resulted in the same decrease in steady-state MVO2 and in similar steady-state values for metabolite concentrations and flux rates at 60 min of ischemia. While both the simulated and experimental results showed decreased glycogen concentration, accumulation of lactate, and net lactate release with ischemia, the onset of glycogen depletion and the switch to lactate efflux were more rapid in the experiments than in the simulations. This study demonstrates the utility of computer models for predicting experimental outcomes in studies of metabolic regulation under physiological and pathological conditions.

Uranium-238 and thorium-232 series concentrations in soil, radon-222 indoor and drinking water concentrations and dose assessment in the city of Aldama, Chihuahua, Mexico.

High-resolution gamma spectrometry was used to determine the concentration of 40K, 238U and 232Th series in soil samples taken from areas surrounding the city of Aldama, in Chihuahua. Results of indoor air short-time sampling, with diffusion barrier charcoal detectors, revealed relatively high indoor radon levels, ranging from 29 to 422 Bq/m3; the radon concentrations detected exceeded 148 Bq/m3 in 76% of the homes tested. Additionally, liquid scintillation counting showed concentrations of radon in drinking water ranging from 4.3 to 42 kBq/m3. The high activity of 238U in soil found in some places may be a result of the uranium milling process performed 20 years ago in the area. High radon concentrations indoor and in water may be explained by assuming the presence of uranium-bearing rocks underneath of the city, similar to a felsic dike located near Aldama. The estimated annual effective dose of gamma radiation from the soil and radon inhalation was 3.83 mSv.

Calibration of diffusion barrier charcoal detectors using a semi-empirical expression.

Several calibration settings of diffusion barrier charcoal canister (DBCC) detectors for measuring radon concentration in air were studied. A set of functions and graphs were developed for relations between radon concentration in air and adsorbed activity in DBCC, when calibrated in small chambers. Both the integration time for 10% of DBCC of a batch, and the radon adsorption coefficient for the activated charcoal used in these detectors, were determined. Thus, a semi-empirical expression for detector calibration was applied.

Neutropenia febril de alto riesgo en leucemia aguda. Experiencia en un hospital público. Programa Nacional de Drogas Antineoplásicas del Adulto (PANDA), Hospital del Salvador, 1991-2001 / High risk febrile neutropenia in acute leukemia. The experience of a public hospital. National Program of Antineoplastic Drugs in Adult, Hospital del Salvador, 1991-2001

BACKGROUND: Febrile neutropenia is one of the most important problems to face during the treatment of acute leukemia. AIM: To assess the results of a standardized protocol for the treatment of febrile neutropenia and compare it with a period in which treatment was not standardized. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred and eight episodes of febrile neutropenia in 69 patients, treated with a standardized antimicrobial protocol between 1996 and 2001, were analyzed. The protocol consisted in the use of a combination of antimicrobial whose spectrum was broadened progressively according to the isolated microorganisms and the involved foci. These were compared with 83 episodes in 54 patients, treated without standardized protocols between 1990 and 1995. RESULTS: Both groups of patients were comparable. Their ages ranged from 15 to 65 years old. The male/female ratio was 1.3 and the lymphoblastic/myeloid leukemia ratio was 1.4. Sixty one percent of episodes occurred during induction chemotherapy and mean duration of neutropenia was 17 days. A clinically significant focus was identified in 72 per cent of episodes and a microorganism was isolated blood culture in 35 per cent of them. There was a predominance of gram negative organisms. The mortality decreased from 18 to 9 per cent in the period 1996-2000 (p = 0.094). CONCLUSIONS: The use of a standardized antimicrobial protocol reduced the mortality in febrile neutropenia, even when colony stimulating factors and filtered air rooms are unavailable.

Radioactivity in bottled waters sold in Mexico.

Measurements of gross alpha and beta activities were made on 21 domestic and international brands of bottled (purified and mineral) water sold in the Mexican market to assess its radiological quality. Alpha and beta activities were determined using a liquid-scintillation detector with pulse-shape analysis feature. All the purified water had values of beta activity lower than the limit for potable drinking water (1.0 Bq/l), while three brands surpassed the limit of alpha activity (0.1 Bq/l). The limit for alpha radioactivity content was exceed by three mineral waters; the results show a correlation between radioactivity content and mineral salts, which are related with the origin and treatment of the waters.

[Clinical significance and frequency of the 11q23/MLL genetic molecular alteration in Chilean infants with acute leukemia]. / Significado clínico y frecuencia de la alteración genético/molecular 11q23/MLL en lactantes con leucemia aguda en Chile.

BACKGROUND: Acute leukemia (AL) in infants generally shows distinctive biologic features and has a poor prognosis. AIM: To study the frequency of the cytogenetic alteration of 11q23 chromosome or the recombination of MLL gene in infants less than 18 months old, with acute leukemia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We analyzed 37 cases of AL in infants less than 18 months of age diagnosed in Chile from 1989 to 1999. The clinical features and cytogenetic/molecular defects of 11q23MLL gene rearrangement and their influence in prognosis were determined. RESULTS: There were 18 cases of acute Lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) characterized by female sex (67%) high presenting leukocyte count (median 99 x 109/L), blast cells with a CD10 negative phenotype (50%) and 11q23/MLL rearrangement (39%). Molecular abnormalities of 11q23 were significantly associated with adverse prognosis, with an event free survival (EFS) of only 14 +/- 12%. Interestingly, infants with germ line 11q23 had a very good outcome with an EFS of 73 +/- 11% (p < 0.025). There were 19 cases of acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML) characterized by male sex (63%) high leukocyte count (median 93 x 109/L), FAB-MS morphology (53%) and 11q23/MLL rearrangement (53%). EFS was very poor, 20 +/- 9% and 33 +/- 4% for rearranged and germinal group respectively (p = NS), due to a high mortality rate during the first month of diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that Chilean ALL infants with 11q23 abnormalities have a very poor prognosis. However those with germinal state can enjoy a prolonged disease free survival with the current treatment protocols.

Transplacental chemical exposure and risk of infant leukemia with MLL gene fusion.

Infant acute leukemia (IAL) frequently involves breakage and recombination of the MLL gene with one of several potential partner genes. These gene fusions arise in utero and are similar to those found in leukemias secondary to chemotherapy with inhibitors of topoisomerase II (topo-II). This has led to the hypothesis that in utero exposures to chemicals may cause IAL via an effect on topo-II. We report a pilot case-control study of IAL across different countries and ethnic groups. Cases (n = 136) were population-based in most centers. Controls (n = 266) were selected from inpatients and outpatients at hospitals serving the same populations. MLL rearrangement status was derived by Southern blot analysis, and maternal exposure data were obtained by interviews using a structured questionnaire. Apart from the use of cigarettes and alcohol, very few mothers reported exposure to known topo-II inhibitors. Significant case-control differences were apparent for ingestion of several groups of drugs, including herbal medicines and drugs classified as "DNA-damaging," and for exposure to pesticides with the last two being largely attributable, respectively, to one nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, dipyrone, and mosquitocidals (including Baygon). Elevated odds ratios were observed for MLL+ve (but not MLL-ve) leukemias (2.31 for DNA-damaging drugs, P = 0.03; 5.84 for dipyrone, P = 0.001; and 9.68 for mosquitocidals, P = 0.003). Although it is unclear at present whether these particular exposures operate via an effect on topo-II, the data suggest that specific chemical exposures of the fetus during pregnancy may cause MLL gene fusions. Given the widespread use of dipyrone, Baygon, and other carbamate-based insecticides in certain settings, confirmation of these apparent associations is urgently required.

Characterization of ophiolites from northern Havana-Matanzas petroleum fields using instrumental neutron activation analysis.

Concentrations of 16 elements from 14 serpentinitic samples from Basilio and Cantel petroleum fields were obtained by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA): Cr, Co, Ni, La, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Ce Yb, Lu, Rb, Cs, Hf and Th. Relative INAA was performed using certified reference materials and laboratory standards. Average elemental concentrations showed that the ophiolites have a basic character, suggesting the use of a well-logging method designed for volcano-sedimentary petroleum fields.

Instrumental neutron activation analysis of rocks from Cayajabos petroleum ore.

The relative INAA method under statistical control was used to measure the concentrations of Sb, La, Eu, Co, Rb, Tb, Cs, Hf, Th, Cr, Lu, Yb, Ce, Sm, Gd, Nd. Rare earth element (REE) Chondrite-normalized patterns are presented. The La(cond)/Lu(cond) normalized concentration ratios obtained confirm the carbonaceous character of the rocks.

[Acute myeloid leukemia in the adult. Results of the National Antineoplastic Drug Protocol at the Hospital del Salvador, 1990-1998]. / Leucemia mieloide aguda del adulto. Resultados del Protocolo Nacional de Drogas Antineoplásica. Hospital del Salvador 1990-1998.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of acute myeloid leukemia is 3 cases per 100,000 inhabitants/year and its five years event free survival is 15 to 20%. Since the incorporation of trans retinoic acid, event free survival of M3 acute myeloid leukemia is 80%. AIM: To report the results of acute myeloid leukemia treatment at the Hospital del Salvador, between 1990 and 1998. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The medical records of 117 patients (66 female, mean age 48.2 years), treated between 1990 and 1998 using PANDA protocol, were retrospectively reviewed. Immunophenotyping was done in 69 patients and cytogenetic studies were done in 65. RESULTS: Sixteen percent of patients had M3 acute myeloid leukemia. The most frequent phenotype was the association of DR, CD34 plus a panmyeloid marker. DR and CD34 were negative in seven of nine patients with M3 acute myeloid leukemia. Cariotype was abnormal in 78% of patients. Complete remission was achieved in 65% of cases with a 13% of failures. Early mortality was 21.3% and decreased to 6.1% in the last three years. Infections and coagulation disorders were the main causes of death. Mean survival was 10.5 months. Five years event free survival was 11%. In M3 acute myeloid leukemia, the figure is 50%. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment results are less effective than protocols that consider more aggressive chemotherapeutic protocols or bone marrow transplantation. The reduction in early mortality is due to a better management of febrile neutropenia.