Baby Food Pouches, Baby-Led Weaning, and Iron Status in New Zealand Infants: An Observational Study.

Iron deficiency in infants can impact development, and there are concerns that the use of baby food pouches and baby-led weaning may impair iron status. First Foods New Zealand (FFNZ) was an observational study of 625 New Zealand infants aged 6.9 to 10.1 months. Feeding methods were defined based on parental reports of infant feeding at "around 6 months of age": "frequent" baby food pouch use (five+ times per week) and "full baby-led weaning" (the infant primarily self-feeds). Iron status was assessed using a venepuncture blood sample. The estimated prevalence of suboptimal iron status was 23%, but neither feeding method significantly predicted body iron concentrations nor the odds of iron sufficiency after controlling for potential confounding factors including infant formula intake. Adjusted ORs for iron sufficiency were 1.50 (95% CI: 0.67-3.39) for frequent pouch users compared to non-pouch users and 0.91 (95% CI: 0.45-1.87) for baby-led weaning compared to traditional spoon-feeding. Contrary to concerns, there was no evidence that baby food pouch use or baby-led weaning, as currently practiced in New Zealand, were associated with poorer iron status in this age group. However, notable levels of suboptimal iron status, regardless of the feeding method, emphasise the ongoing need for paying attention to infant iron nutrition.

High-density mapping of Koch's triangle during sinus rhythm and typical atrioventricular nodal re-entrant tachycardia, integrated with direct recording of atrio-ventricular node structure potential.

BACKGROUND: The mechanism of typical slow-fast atrioventricular nodal re-entrant tachycardia (AVNRT) and its anatomical and electrophysiological circuit inside the right atrium (RA) and Koch's Triangle (KT) are not well known. OBJECTIVE: To identify the potentials of the compact AV node and inferior extensions and to perform accurate mapping of the RA and KT in sinus rhythm (SR) and during AVNRT, to define the tachycardia circuit. METHODS: Consecutive patients with typical AVNRT were enrolled in 12 Italian centers and underwent mapping and ablation by means of a basket catheter with small electrode spacing for ultrahigh-density mapping and a modified signal-filtering toolset to record the potentials of the AV nodal structures. RESULTS: Forty-five consecutive cases of successful ablation of typical slow-fast AVNRT were included. The mean SR cycle length (CL) was 784.1 ± 6 ms and the mean tachycardia CL was 361.2 ± 54 ms. The AV node potential had a significantly shorter duration and higher amplitude in sinus rhythm than during tachycardia (60 ± 40 ms vs. 160 ± 40 ms, p < .001 and 0.3 ± 0.2 mV vs. 0.09 ± 0.12 mV, p < .001, respectively). The nodal potential duration extension was 169.4 ± 31 ms, resulting in a time-window coverage of 47.6 ± 9%. The recording of AV nodal structure potentials enabled us to obtain 100% coverage of the tachycardia CL during slow-fast AVNRT. CONCLUSION: Detailed recording of the potentials of nodal structures is possible by means of multipolar catheters for ultrahigh-density mapping, allowing 100% of the AVNRT CL to be covered. These results also have clinical implications for the ablation of right-septal and para-septal arrhythmias.

Adherence to Infant Feeding Guidelines in the First Foods New Zealand Study.

Infant feeding guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations to support optimal infant health, growth, and development, and exploring adherence to guidelines is a useful way of assessing diet quality. The aim of this study was to determine adherence to the recently updated Ministry of Health "Healthy Eating Guidelines for New Zealand Babies and Toddlers (0-2 years old)". Data were obtained from First Foods New Zealand, a multicentre observational study of 625 infants aged 7.0-10.0 months. Caregivers completed two 24-h diet recalls and a demographic and feeding questionnaire. Nearly all caregivers (97.9%) initiated breastfeeding, 37.8% exclusively breastfed to around six months of age, and 66.2% were currently breastfeeding (mean age 8.4 months). Most caregivers met recommendations for solid food introduction, including appropriate age (75.4%), iron-rich foods (88.3%), puréed textures (80.3%), and spoon-feeding (74.1%). Infants consumed vegetables (63.2%) and fruit (53.9%) more frequently than grain foods (49.5%), milk and milk products (38.6%), and meat and protein-rich foods (31.8%). Most caregivers avoided inappropriate beverages (93.9%) and adding salt (76.5%) and sugar (90.6%). Our findings indicated that while most infants met the recommendations for the introduction of appropriate solid foods, the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding could be improved, indicating that New Zealand families may need more support.

Integration of a Smartphone HF-Dedicated App in the Remote Monitoring of Heart Failure Patients with Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices: Patient Access, Acceptance, and Adherence to Use.

(200 w) Introduction. Remote monitoring (RM) of cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) diagnostics helps to identify patients potentially at risk of worsening heart failure (HF). Additionally, knowledge of patient HF-related symptoms is crucial for decision making. Patient smartphone applications may represent an ideal option to remotely collect this information. PURPOSE: To assess real-world HF patient access, acceptance, and adherence to use of an HF-dedicated smartphone application (HF app). METHODS: In this study, 10 Italian hospitals administered a survey on smartphone/app use to HF patients with CIED. The subgroup who accepted it downloaded the HF app. Mean 1-year adherence of the HF app use was evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 495 patients (67 ± 13 years, 79% males, 26% NYHA III-IV) completed the survey, of which 84% had access to smartphones and 85% were willing to use the HF app. In total, 311/495 (63%) downloaded the HF app. Patients who downloaded the HF app were younger and had higher school qualification. Patients who were ≥60 years old had higher mean 1-year adherence (54.1%) than their younger counterparts (42.7%; p < 0.001). Hospitals with RM-dedicated staff had higher mean 1-year patient adherence (64.0% vs. 33.5%; p < 0.001). Adherence to HF app decreased from 63.3% (weeks_1-13) to 42.2% (weeks_40-52, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: High access and acceptance of smartphones/apps by HF patients with CIED allow HF app use for RM of patient signs/symptoms. Younger patients with higher school qualifications are more likely to accept HF app; however, older patients have higher long-term adherence.

Chagas prevention and control in an endemic area from the Argentinian Gran Chaco Region: Data from 14 years of uninterrupted intervention.

BACKGROUND: Chagas Disease (ChD) is a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) affecting 6 to 7 million people worldwide, mostly from Latin America. In Argentina, a national control program has been implemented since 1962, yet there are still an estimated 1.6 million infected individuals. Control programs were based almost exclusively on entomological surveillance and chemical control of households and were not continuous given a lack of coordination and resources. Argentina´s ChD program was originally vertical and centralized; later, it was partially and, in general, unsuccessfully transferred to the provinces. Herein, we describe the implementation of a control program for ChD with an ecohealth approach in rural settlements around the city of Añatuya, Santiago del Estero. METHODS: The program included yearly household visits for entomological surveillance and control, health promotion workshops, and structural house improvements. Improved structures included internal and external walls and roofs, as well as the construction of water wells and latrines, and the organization and improvement of peri-domestic structures. Activities were carried out by specifically trained personnel except for house improvements, which were performed by the community, under technical guidance and provision of materials. Data was collected using standardized questionnaires for household characterization, entomological infestation status and chemical control activities. RESULTS: This program was continuously implemented since 2005 with high community participation and adherence, incorporating 13 settlements and 502 households. During the surveillance phase, 4,193 domiciliary inspections were performed, and both the intra- and peri-domestic infestation rate were reduced from 17.9% to 0.2% (P < 0.01) and from 20.4% to 3%, respectively. Additionally, 399 households were structurally improved. CONCLUSION: The program is still ongoing and, after 14 years of implementation, has built social networks and collaboration between implementers and beneficiaries with a reduction of T. infestans infestation in the intra- and peri-domicile. This reduction, especially inside the household, has enabled access to diagnosis and treatment of the population, with minimal risk of re-infection.

The First Italian Telemedicine Program for Non-Critical COVID-19 Patients: Experience from Lodi (Italy).

Italy was the first Western country to face a massive SARS-CoV-2 outbreak. The limited information initially available on the natural course of the disease required caution in the discharge of patients accessing health facilities. This resulted in overcrowded health facilities and emergency services. In this context, improvements of other forms of hospital care assistance were needed. This study shows the results of the first Italian remote monitoring program for COVID-19 patients. The program was implemented by the Azienda Socio Sanitaria (ASST) Lodi (Italy) by using the innovative Zcare software®. Data generated during patient recruitment, monitoring, and discharge were extracted from the Zcare software and statistically analysed. Data refer to a sample of 1196 patients enrolled in the remote monitoring program in 2020. Patients reported symptoms mainly during the first week. The most frequently reported symptoms were general fatigue, cough, and loss of taste and smell (dysosmia). More than 80% of patients reported a saturation level below 96% at least once, and more than 70% had a temperature above 37 °C. Active monitoring of reported symptoms provided valuable insights into the disease's natural history during its less severe acute phase. Only 109 individuals visited the emergency department at least once in the first 100 days of monitoring. Of these, 101 had COVID-19 infection, 69 of whom were hospitalized following a first clinical assessment at the emergency department. The ASST Lodi's telemedicine strategy for COVID patients appears to be a viable alternative to hospitalization. This strategy enables the provision of proper care while making resources available for more critically ill patients, and enhances the availability of resources available for more critically ill patients.

Physical Activity in Patients With Heart Failure During and After COVID-19 Lockdown: Single-Center Observational Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic forced several European governments to impose severe lockdown measures. The reduction of physical activity during the lockdown could have been deleterious. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this observational, retrospective study was to investigate the effect of the lockdown strategy on the physical activity burden and subsequent reassessment in a group of patients with heart failure who were followed by means of remote monitoring. METHODS: We analyzed remote monitoring transmissions during the 3-month period immediately preceding the lockdown, 69 days of lockdown, and 3-month period after the first lockdown in a cohort of patients with heart failure from a general hospital in Lombardy, Italy. We compared variation of daily physical activity measured by cardiac implantable electrical devices with clinical variables collected in a hospital database. RESULTS: We enrolled 41 patients with heart failure that sent 176 transmissions. Physical activity decreased during the lockdown period (mean 3.4, SD 1.9 vs mean 2.9, SD 1.8 hours/day; P<.001) but no significant difference was found when comparing the period preceding and following the lockdown (-0.0007 hours/day; P=.99). We found a significant correlation between physical activity reduction during and after the lockdown (R2=0.45, P<.001). The only significant predictor of exercise variation in the postlockdown period was the lockdown to prelockdown physical activity ratio. CONCLUSIONS: An excessive reduction of exercise in patients with heart failure decreased the tolerance to exercise, especially in patients with more comorbidities. Remote monitoring demonstrated exercise reduction, suggesting its potential utility to encourage patients to maintain their usual physical activity levels.

Impact of the Pattern of Atrial Fibrillation on Stroke Risk and Mortality.

Thromboembolism is the most serious complication of AF, and oral anticoagulation is the mainstay therapy. Current guidelines place all AF types together in terms of anticoagulation with the major determinants being associated comorbidities translated into risk marker. Among patients in large clinical trials, those with non-paroxysmal AF appear to be at higher risk of stroke than those with paroxysmal AF. Higher complexity of the AF pattern is also associated with higher risk of mortality. Moreover, continuous monitoring of AF through cardiac implantable devices provided us with the concept of 'AF burden'. Usually, the larger the AF burden, the higher the risk of stroke; however, the relationship is not well characterised with respect to the threshold value above which the risk increases. The picture is more complex than it appears: AF and underlying disorders must act synergically respecting the magnitude of its own characteristics, which are the amount of time a patient stays in AF and the severity of associated comorbidities.

Nutritional Implications of Baby-Led Weaning and Baby Food Pouches as Novel Methods of Infant Feeding: Protocol for an Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: The complementary feeding period is a time of unparalleled dietary change for every human, during which the diet changes from one that is 100% milk to one that resembles the usual diet of the wider family in less than a year. Despite this major dietary shift, we know relatively little about food and nutrient intake in infants worldwide and virtually nothing about the impact of baby food "pouches" and "baby-led weaning" (BLW), which are infant feeding approaches that are becoming increasingly popular. Pouches are squeezable containers with a plastic spout that have great appeal for parents, as evidenced by their extraordinary market share worldwide. BLW is an alternative approach to introducing solids that promotes infant self-feeding of whole foods rather than being fed purées, and is popular and widely advocated on social media. The nutritional and health impacts of these novel methods of infant feeding have not yet been determined. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the First Foods New Zealand study is to determine the iron status, growth, food and nutrient intakes, breast milk intake, eating and feeding behaviors, dental health, oral motor skills, and choking risk of New Zealand infants in general and those who are using pouches or BLW compared with those who are not. METHODS: Dietary intake (two 24-hour recalls supplemented with food photographs), iron status (hemoglobin, plasma ferritin, and soluble transferrin receptor), weight status (BMI), food pouch use and extent of BLW (questionnaire), breast milk intake (deuterium oxide "dose-to-mother" technique), eating and feeding behaviors (questionnaires and video recording of an evening meal), dental health (photographs of upper and lower teeth for counting of caries and developmental defects of enamel), oral motor skills (questionnaires), and choking risk (questionnaire) will be assessed in 625 infants aged 7.0 to 9.9 months. Propensity score matching will be used to address bias caused by differences in demographics between groups so that the results more closely represent a potential causal effect. RESULTS: This observational study has full ethical approval from the Health and Disability Ethics Committees New Zealand (19/STH/151) and was funded in May 2019 by the Health Research Council (HRC) of New Zealand (grant 19/172). Data collection commenced in July 2020, and the first results are expected to be submitted for publication in 2022. CONCLUSIONS: This large study will provide much needed data on the implications for nutritional intake and health with the use of baby food pouches and BLW in infancy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12620000459921; http://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=379436. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/29048.

Second European Society of Cardiology Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Survey: the Italian cohort.

AIM: Adherence to guidelines was not homogeneous in Europe, according to the survey on cardiac resynchronization therapy conducted in 2008-2009. The aim of our study was to compare the results in the Italian and European cohorts of the Second European Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Survey. METHODS: Patients' characteristics, procedural data and follow-up were collected. Italian records were compared with European countries. RESULTS: Italian hospitals enrolled 526 patients. The italian cohort was older (71.6 ±â€Š9.5 vs. 68.4 ±â€Š10.8; P < 0.00001), had less severe NYHA class (>II 47.2 vs. 59.6%; P < 0.00001), higher ejection fraction (30.3 ±â€Š7.4 vs. 28.4 ±â€Š8.2%; P < 0.00001), and less atrial fibrillation prevalence (34.4 vs. 41.2%; P = 0.00197) than the European cohort. Italian patients were more frequently hospitalized for heart failure in the previous year (51.9 vs. 46.2%; P = 0.01118) and had lower mean QRS duration (151 ±â€Š26 vs. 157 ±â€Š27 ms; P < 0.0001). CRT-D were more often implanted in Italian patients (79.3 vs. 69.3%; P < 0.00001). The complication rate was similar (4.6% vs. 5.6%; ns). The rate of use of ACEi/ARBs in Italy was lower than in Europe (77.2 vs. 86.9%; P < 0.00001). Patients were followed up in the implantation centre (92.1 vs. 86%; P = 0.00014), but rarely with remote monitoring (25.9 vs. 30%; P = 0.04792). CONCLUSION: The survey demonstrates important similarities as well as substantial differences regarding most of the aspects evaluated. Efforts to implement adherence to guidelines will be endorsed in Italy.

PET-adapted therapy after three cycles of ABVD for all stages of Hodgkin lymphoma: results of the GATLA LH-05 trial.

The role of Ann Arbor staging in determining treatment intensity after achieving a negative positron emission tomography (PET) has not been established in classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL). Patients with stage I-IV cHL, received three cycles of ABVD (doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, dacarbazine) and an interim PET scan (PET3). PET3-negative patients received no further therapy. PET3-positive patients received three additional cycles of ABVD plus involved-field radiation therapy or salvage chemotherapy, if refractory to ABVD, and were re-evaluated by PET scan (PET6). Study endpoints were 3-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates. Two hundred and thirty-nine patients with early-stage and 138 with advanced-stage were evaluable. Overall, 260 patients (70%) were PET3-negative and had higher 3-year PFS (90% vs. 65%; P < 0·0001) and OS (98% vs. 92%; P = 0·007) rates than PET3-positive patients. All PET3-negative patients, regardless of disease stage at diagnosis, achieved similarly good PFS (90-91%; P = 0·76) and OS (97-99%). The only independent prognostic factor for PFS was PET3-negativity (Hazard ratio 3·8; 95% confidence interval 2·4-6·3; P < 0·0001). This study suggests that cHL patients who achieve a negative PET3 following ABVD have an excellent outcome, regardless of stage at diagnosis. An appropriately powered, phase III trial will be necessary to confirm these findings.

Lean Mass and Body Fat Percentage Are Contradictory Predictors of Bone Mineral Density in Pre-Menopausal Pacific Island Women.

Anecdotally, it is suggested that Pacific Island women have good bone mineral density (BMD) compared to other ethnicities; however, little evidence for this or for associated factors exists. This study aimed to explore associations between predictors of bone mineral density (BMD, g/cm²), in pre-menopausal Pacific Island women. Healthy pre-menopausal Pacific Island women (age 16-45 years) were recruited as part of the larger EXPLORE Study. Total body BMD and body composition were assessed using Dual X-ray Absorptiometry and air-displacement plethysmography (n = 83). A food frequency questionnaire (n = 56) and current bone-specific physical activity questionnaire (n = 59) were completed. Variables expected to be associated with BMD were applied to a hierarchical multiple regression analysis. Due to missing data, physical activity and dietary intake factors were considered only in simple correlations. Mean BMD was 1.1 ± 0.08 g/cm². Bone-free, fat-free lean mass (LMO, 52.4 ± 6.9 kg) and age were positively associated with BMD, and percent body fat (38.4 ± 7.6) was inversely associated with BMD, explaining 37.7% of total variance. Lean mass was the strongest predictor of BMD, while many established contributors to bone health (calcium, physical activity, protein, and vitamin C) were not associated with BMD in this population, partly due to difficulty retrieving dietary data. This highlights the importance of physical activity and protein intake during any weight loss interventions to in order to minimise the loss of muscle mass, whilst maximizing loss of adipose tissue.

Maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnant women with acute promyelocytic leukemia.

The management of pregnant women with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is a challenge with limited evidence-based information available. We are reporting a series of 14 consecutive pregnant women with APL who were registered in the PETHEMA Data Centre between 1996 and 2012. APL was diagnosed during early pregnancy in five women, late pregnancy in seven, and two additional patients after delivery in an extremely poor clinical condition (pulmonary and cerebral hemorrhage). Eleven of the 12 patients eligible for induction therapy with all-trans retinoic acid and idarubicin achieved complete remission (CR 92 %) and are still in the first CR. All early pregnancies ended in abortion (four induced and one spontaneous), with four of them achieving CR. Eight of nine women in late pregnancy delivered a healthy infant (six cesarean section and two vaginal delivery). All eight babies developed normally. Our results confirm a high cure rate for pregnant women with APL who received all-trans retinoic acid and idarubicin for induction therapy, and an excellent outcome for babies when the disease is diagnosed during late pregnancy.

Valoración de índices plaquetarios en las trombocitopenias / Valuation of platelet índices in thrombocytopenia / Avaliagáo de índices plaquetários nas trombocitopenias

El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la utilidad clínica de los índices plaquetarios en la caracterización etiológica de las trombocitopenias. Se trata de un estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo y transversal. En pacientes controles se establecieron valores de referencia para número de plaquetas e índices plaquetarios, y éstos se evaluaron en pacientes donde coexistía trombocitopenia con algún desorden oncohematológico (linfoma no Hodgkin, linfoma Hodgkin, leucemia aguda, leucemia crónica, síndrome mielodisplásico, púrpura trombocitopénica inmune). La evaluación de laboratorio fue realizada al momento del diagnóstico, aún libre de tratamiento. En los casos de Púrpura Inmune (disminución de Volumen Plaquetario - Plaquetocrito, y aumento de Amplitud Plaquetaria); Leucemia Mieloide Crónica (aumento de la Amplitud Plaquetaria) y Linfoma no Hodgkin o Síndrome Mielodisplásico (disminución del Plaquetocrito), los índices plaquetarios podrían ser usados como herramienta diagnóstica orientadora. En cambio, no podrían contribuir al momento de diferenciar entre leucemias agudas, dado que no presentan diferencias significativas. Frente a un diagnóstico presuntivo de síndrome mielodiasplásico o leucemia mieloide aguda, el valor de Volumen Plaquetario Medio (VPM) podría contribuir como herramienta orientadora al diagnóstico, ya que sería más bajo en la leucemia aguda. El análisis de los resultados sugiere que en la práctica clínica los índices plaquetarios podrían contribuir de un modo significativo a la confirmación del diagnóstico.(AU)

The aim of this study was to determine the clinical utility of platelet indices in the etiological characterization of thrombocytopenia. It was a descriptive, retrospective and cross-sectional study. In control patients, reference values (platelet count and platelet indices) were established and they were used to assess platelet indices in patients where thrombocytopenia coexisted with some oncohematologic disorders (non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, Hodgkin Lymphoma, acute leukemia, chronic leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, immune thrombocytopenic purpura). Laboratory evaluation was performed at still treatment-free diagnosis. In the cases of Immune Purpura, (decreased platelet volume- plateletcrit, and increased platelet distribution width) Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (increased platelet distribution width) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma or myelodysplastic syndrome (decreased plateletcrit), platelet indices could be used as a "guiding diagnostic tool". However, they could not contribute to the differenciation between acute leukemias since they do not present any significant differences. In view of a presumptive diagnosis of mielodysplastic syndrome or acute myeloid leukemia, mean platelet value (MPV) could contribute to the diagnosis, since it would be lower in acute leukemia. The analysis of the results suggests that in clinical practice, platelet indices may contribute significantly to the confirmation of the diagnosis.(AU)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a utilidade clínica dos índices plaquetários na caracterizagáo etiológica das trombocitopenias. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, retrospectivo e transversal. Em pacientes controle foram estabelecidos valores de referencia para número de plaquetas e índices plaquetários, e eles foram avaliados em pacientes onde coexistia trombocitopenia com alguma desordem onco-hematológica (linfoma náo Hodgkin, linfoma Hodgkin, leucemia aguda, leucemia crónica, síndrome mielodisplásica, púrpura trombocitopenia imune). A avaliagáo de laboratório foi realizada no momento do diagnóstico, ainda livre de tratamento. Nos casos de Púrpura Imune (diminuigáo de Volume Plaquetario - Plaquetócrito, e aumento de Amplitude Plaquetária); Leucemia Mieloide Crónica (aumento da Amplitude Plaquetária) e Linfoma náo Hodgkin ou Síndrome Mielodisplásica (diminuigáo do Plaquetócrito), os índices plaquetários poderiam ser usados como ferramenta diagnóstica orientadora. Entretanto, náo poderiam contribuir no momento de diferenciar entre leucemias agudas, visto que náo apresentam diferengas significativas. Diante de um diagnóstico presuntivo de síndrome mielodiasplásica ou leucemia mieloide aguda, o valor de Volume Plaquetário Médio (VPM) poderia contribuir como ferramenta orientadora para o diagnóstico, devido a que seria mais baixo na leucemia aguda. A análise dos resultados sugere que na prática clínica os índices plaquetários poderiam contribuir de um modo significativo para a confirmagáo do diagnóstico.(AU)

Valoración de índices plaquetarios en las trombocitopenias / Valuation of platelet índices in thrombocytopenia / Avaliagáo de índices plaquetários nas trombocitopenias

El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la utilidad clínica de los índices plaquetarios en la caracterización etiológica de las trombocitopenias. Se trata de un estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo y transversal. En pacientes controles se establecieron valores de referencia para número de plaquetas e índices plaquetarios, y éstos se evaluaron en pacientes donde coexistía trombocitopenia con algún desorden oncohematológico (linfoma no Hodgkin, linfoma Hodgkin, leucemia aguda, leucemia crónica, síndrome mielodisplásico, púrpura trombocitopénica inmune). La evaluación de laboratorio fue realizada al momento del diagnóstico, aún libre de tratamiento. En los casos de Púrpura Inmune (disminución de Volumen Plaquetario - Plaquetocrito, y aumento de Amplitud Plaquetaria); Leucemia Mieloide Crónica (aumento de la Amplitud Plaquetaria) y Linfoma no Hodgkin o Síndrome Mielodisplásico (disminución del Plaquetocrito), los índices plaquetarios podrían ser usados como herramienta diagnóstica orientadora. En cambio, no podrían contribuir al momento de diferenciar entre leucemias agudas, dado que no presentan diferencias significativas. Frente a un diagnóstico presuntivo de síndrome mielodiasplásico o leucemia mieloide aguda, el valor de Volumen Plaquetario Medio (VPM) podría contribuir como herramienta orientadora al diagnóstico, ya que sería más bajo en la leucemia aguda. El análisis de los resultados sugiere que en la práctica clínica los índices plaquetarios podrían contribuir de un modo significativo a la confirmación del diagnóstico.(AU)

The aim of this study was to determine the clinical utility of platelet indices in the etiological characterization of thrombocytopenia. It was a descriptive, retrospective and cross-sectional study. In control patients, reference values (platelet count and platelet indices) were established and they were used to assess platelet indices in patients where thrombocytopenia coexisted with some oncohematologic disorders (non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, Hodgkin Lymphoma, acute leukemia, chronic leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, immune thrombocytopenic purpura). Laboratory evaluation was performed at still treatment-free diagnosis. In the cases of Immune Purpura, (decreased platelet volume- plateletcrit, and increased platelet distribution width) Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (increased platelet distribution width) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma or myelodysplastic syndrome (decreased plateletcrit), platelet indices could be used as a "guiding diagnostic tool". However, they could not contribute to the differenciation between acute leukemias since they do not present any significant differences. In view of a presumptive diagnosis of mielodysplastic syndrome or acute myeloid leukemia, mean platelet value (MPV) could contribute to the diagnosis, since it would be lower in acute leukemia. The analysis of the results suggests that in clinical practice, platelet indices may contribute significantly to the confirmation of the diagnosis.(AU)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a utilidade clínica dos índices plaquetários na caracterizagáo etiológica das trombocitopenias. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, retrospectivo e transversal. Em pacientes controle foram estabelecidos valores de referencia para número de plaquetas e índices plaquetários, e eles foram avaliados em pacientes onde coexistia trombocitopenia com alguma desordem onco-hematológica (linfoma náo Hodgkin, linfoma Hodgkin, leucemia aguda, leucemia crónica, síndrome mielodisplásica, púrpura trombocitopenia imune). A avaliagáo de laboratório foi realizada no momento do diagnóstico, ainda livre de tratamento. Nos casos de Púrpura Imune (diminuigáo de Volume Plaquetario - Plaquetócrito, e aumento de Amplitude Plaquetária); Leucemia Mieloide Crónica (aumento da Amplitude Plaquetária) e Linfoma náo Hodgkin ou Síndrome Mielodisplásica (diminuigáo do Plaquetócrito), os índices plaquetários poderiam ser usados como ferramenta diagnóstica orientadora. Entretanto, náo poderiam contribuir no momento de diferenciar entre leucemias agudas, visto que náo apresentam diferengas significativas. Diante de um diagnóstico presuntivo de síndrome mielodiasplásica ou leucemia mieloide aguda, o valor de Volume Plaquetário Médio (VPM) poderia contribuir como ferramenta orientadora para o diagnóstico, devido a que seria mais baixo na leucemia aguda. A análise dos resultados sugere que na prática clínica os índices plaquetários poderiam contribuir de um modo significativo para a confirmagáo do diagnóstico.(AU)

Valoración de índices plaquetarios en las trombocitopenias / Valuation of platelet índices in thrombocytopenia / Avaliagáo de índices plaquetários nas trombocitopenias

El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la utilidad clínica de los índices plaquetarios en la caracterización etiológica de las trombocitopenias. Se trata de un estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo y transversal. En pacientes controles se establecieron valores de referencia para número de plaquetas e índices plaquetarios, y éstos se evaluaron en pacientes donde coexistía trombocitopenia con algún desorden oncohematológico (linfoma no Hodgkin, linfoma Hodgkin, leucemia aguda, leucemia crónica, síndrome mielodisplásico, púrpura trombocitopénica inmune). La evaluación de laboratorio fue realizada al momento del diagnóstico, aún libre de tratamiento. En los casos de Púrpura Inmune (disminución de Volumen Plaquetario - Plaquetocrito, y aumento de Amplitud Plaquetaria); Leucemia Mieloide Crónica (aumento de la Amplitud Plaquetaria) y Linfoma no Hodgkin o Síndrome Mielodisplásico (disminución del Plaquetocrito), los índices plaquetarios podrían ser usados como herramienta diagnóstica orientadora. En cambio, no podrían contribuir al momento de diferenciar entre leucemias agudas, dado que no presentan diferencias significativas. Frente a un diagnóstico presuntivo de síndrome mielodiasplásico o leucemia mieloide aguda, el valor de Volumen Plaquetario Medio (VPM) podría contribuir como herramienta orientadora al diagnóstico, ya que sería más bajo en la leucemia aguda. El análisis de los resultados sugiere que en la práctica clínica los índices plaquetarios podrían contribuir de un modo significativo a la confirmación del diagnóstico.

The aim of this study was to determine the clinical utility of platelet indices in the etiological characterization of thrombocytopenia. It was a descriptive, retrospective and cross-sectional study. In control patients, reference values (platelet count and platelet indices) were established and they were used to assess platelet indices in patients where thrombocytopenia coexisted with some oncohematologic disorders (non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, Hodgkin Lymphoma, acute leukemia, chronic leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, immune thrombocytopenic purpura). Laboratory evaluation was performed at still treatment-free diagnosis. In the cases of Immune Purpura, (decreased platelet volume- plateletcrit, and increased platelet distribution width) Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (increased platelet distribution width) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma or myelodysplastic syndrome (decreased plateletcrit), platelet indices could be used as a "guiding diagnostic tool". However, they could not contribute to the differenciation between acute leukemias since they do not present any significant differences. In view of a presumptive diagnosis of mielodysplastic syndrome or acute myeloid leukemia, mean platelet value (MPV) could contribute to the diagnosis, since it would be lower in acute leukemia. The analysis of the results suggests that in clinical practice, platelet indices may contribute significantly to the confirmation of the diagnosis.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a utilidade clínica dos índices plaquetários na caracterizagáo etiológica das trombocitopenias. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, retrospectivo e transversal. Em pacientes controle foram estabelecidos valores de referencia para número de plaquetas e índices plaquetários, e eles foram avaliados em pacientes onde coexistia trombocitopenia com alguma desordem onco-hematológica (linfoma náo Hodgkin, linfoma Hodgkin, leucemia aguda, leucemia crónica, síndrome mielodisplásica, púrpura trombocitopenia imune). A avaliagáo de laboratório foi realizada no momento do diagnóstico, ainda livre de tratamento. Nos casos de Púrpura Imune (diminuigáo de Volume Plaquetario - Plaquetócrito, e aumento de Amplitude Plaquetária); Leucemia Mieloide Crónica (aumento da Amplitude Plaquetária) e Linfoma náo Hodgkin ou Síndrome Mielodisplásica (diminuigáo do Plaquetócrito), os índices plaquetários poderiam ser usados como ferramenta diagnóstica orientadora. Entretanto, náo poderiam contribuir no momento de diferenciar entre leucemias agudas, visto que náo apresentam diferengas significativas. Diante de um diagnóstico presuntivo de síndrome mielodiasplásica ou leucemia mieloide aguda, o valor de Volume Plaquetário Médio (VPM) poderia contribuir como ferramenta orientadora para o diagnóstico, devido a que seria mais baixo na leucemia aguda. A análise dos resultados sugere que na prática clínica os índices plaquetários poderiam contribuir de um modo significativo para a confirmagáo do diagnóstico.

CD14CD16 monocyte subset levels in heart failure patients.

Our aim was to define the distribution of monocyte subsets in a cohort of congestive heart failure (CHF) patients, to verify whether increased severity of CHF is linked to the expansion of specific monocyte subsets, and finally to investigate the relationship between monocyte subset relative frequencies, laboratory parameters of inflammation, and monocyte ACE expression. Thirty consecutive CHF patients and 26 healthy control subjects were evaluated for peripheral blood monocyte expression of CD14, CD16 and CD143 (ACE) by flow-cytometry, and for endothelial-derived soluble CD146 levels by ELISA. CD14++ CD16+ frequency was significantly higher in CHF patients than in Controls (%, median value and IQ) (12.3, 8.7-14.8 vs 5.9, 4.7-6.9, p< 0.05, CHF vs Controls), and it increased depending on how high NYHA class was, on worsening LV ejection fraction and on circulating pro-BNP values. Furthermore, it was associated with increasing creatinine and with decreasing GFR and albumin levels. Monocyte CD143 expression was significantly elevated in CHF patients as compared to Controls, and positively associated with CD14++ CD16+ levels. Frequencies of CD14+ CD16+ monocytes were significantly lower in CHF patients as compared to Controls, and negatively correlated with levels of soluble CD146 (r=-0.529; p 0.048). In conclusion, monocytic CD14++ CD16+ frequency and CD143 levels are increased and reflect disease status and progressive cardiac deterioration in CHF patients. The CD14+ CD16+ subset is depleted in CHF and is linked to endothelial damage in this group of patients. Although the question of whether differences in monocyte CD14CD16 expansion are causal or whether they represent a marker of HF progression which is potentially relevant for risk prediction remains unanswered, we believe that our data represent an important tool for exploring the role of selective inflammatory pathways in CHF progression.

National survey outcomes on commercial probiotic food supplements in Italy.

To assess whether the probiotic food supplements, produced and distributed on the Italian market during 2005-2006, complied with the Italian Guidelines on Prebiotics and Probiotics, 72 samples from 29 processing plants were analyzed. The survey included 41 samples from processing plants and 31 samples of the same brand from retailers collected at timed intervals (3, 8 and 13 months). A polyphasic approach based on a suitable analytical collection method (genotypic identification of total bacteria - differential presumptive enumeration - genotypic identification of viable bacteria) was adopted to identify and quantify the microorganisms labelled and recovered from the probiotic supplements examined. Most supplements analyzed (87%) did not conform to the Italian guidelines and the differences were both quantitative and qualitative (number determination, purity, types and viability of microorganisms). Even though most labelled supplements (25 samples) indicated the presence of Bifidobacterium bifidum, this organism was only detected sporadically and always as dead cells. Unexpected results were obtained during our survey due to the absence of viability of Bacillus coagulans spores in some labelled supplements. Besides this, some of these supplements also contained other spore-forming species, identified as B. cereus that are toxin producing. We have also documented a widespread use of misclassified microbial species or species with fictitious names. The main factors involved in the absence of compliance were examined and the poor quality control applied by manufacturers was emphasized.