The role of immunophenotyping in differential diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Introduction. Accurate diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) acquires immunophenotyping by flow cytometry in order to facilitate differential diagnosis between CLL and other mature B-cell neoplasms (MBCN). Objective. The aim of this study was to define immunological profile of CLL cells. Methods. Immunophenotyping by flow cytometry was performed on peripheral blood specimens at diagnosis in the group of 211 patients with de novo MBCN. Results. Absolute count of B-cells was significantly increased in all MBCN patients comparing to healthy control group (p<0.05). B-cell monoclonality was detected in 96% of all MBCN patients, by using surface immunoglobulin (sIg) light chain restriction. B-cell antigens, CD19, CD20, CD22, were expressed with very high frequency in CLL and other MBCN. In comparison with other MBCN, in CLL group, the frequency of expression was higher for CD5 and CD23 (p<0.0001), though lower for FMC7 antigen (p<0.0001). CLL patients were characterized by lower expression patterns of CD20, CD22, CD79b, and sIg (p<0.0001) as well as higher expression pattern of CD5 antigen (p<0.05). Correlation between the final diagnosis of MBCN and values of CLL scoring system showed that the majority of CLL patients (97%) had higher values (5 or 4) whereas the majority of other MBCN patients (96%) had lower score values (0-3). Conclusion. Our results have shown that characteristic immunophenotype which differentiates CLL from other MBCN is defined by following marker combination - CD19+ CD20+low CD22+low CD5+high CD23+ FMC7- CD79b+low sIg+low. CLL score values of 5 or 4 points are highly suggestive for diagnosis of CLL

Coexistence of trisomy 12 and del(13)(q14.3) in two patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia

We describe two patients with diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in whom interphase fluo­rescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis revealed trisomy 12 and del(13)(q14.3) occurring in the same clone. These abnormalities are rarely seen together and the prognostic relevance of their coexistence is still unclear. According to some data, a probable adverse prognosis for this group of patients is suggested. Our patients have been in a stable phase of the disease for more than one year since the given abnormalities were documented in their karyotypes. Further study is necessary to determine the prognostic significance of coexistence of these abnormalities in CLL patients

ANALIZA UPORABNE VRIJEDNOSTI ZASTARJELOG SKLOPOVLJA KORIŠTENJEM SOFTVERA OTVORENOG KODA

At the beginning of the 21st century, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) became an essential element of all spheres of life. The great opportunities these technologies provide are insufficiently used in many developing countries and one of the reasons for this is the lack of equipment. The aim of this paper is to present new areas for researches in the field of information systems, as well as showcase the opportunities and impacts of Open Source Software. The paper compares Microsoft Windows and GNU/Linux Ubuntu operating systems, the applicability and superiority of which have long been debated in the world of information technologies. The paper determines the possibilities for the prolonged use of old hardware by using open source software. In order to prove the applicability of these systems on old hardware, we have conducted tests that indicate the possibility of using both systems on the same hardware architectures.Početkom 21. stoljeća informacijske i komunikacijske tehnologije (IKT) postale su ključni element u svim sferama života. Široki raspon mogućnosti koje ove tehnologije pružaju nedovoljno se koriste u mnogim zemljama u razvoju, a jedan je od razloga za to nedostatak opreme. Cilj je ovoga rada predstaviti nova područja za istraživanje u području informacijskih sustava, kao i prikazati mogućnosti i utjecaje softvera otvorenog koda. Rad uspoređuje operativne sustave Microsoft WIndows i GNU/Linux Ubuntu, o čijoj se primjenjivosti i superiornosti dugo raspravlja u svijetu informacijskih tehnologija. Rad određuje mogućnosti za produljeno korištenje zastarjelog sklopovlja uporabom softvera otvorenog koda. Kako bi se dokazala primjenjivost ovih sustava na zastarjelom sklopovlju, provedeni su testovi koji upućuju na mogućnost korištenja oba sustava na istim arhitekturama sklopovlja

Exploratory Search of New Magnetic Phases via Transition Metal Substitutions in PtTe2

Two-dimensional (2D) magnetic materials is a very new field that has emerged in the last few years. 2D magnetism was previously not believed to be possible, but its discovery has opened up the field to find novel 2D magnets with interesting applications. Some of these applications include memory storage, sensors, and other sorts of devices. At this point, there are issues with many materials. The application of these materials is limited by a very low Curie temperature T¬C or their propensity for oxidation, especially when exfoliated into very thin flakes. Here, we have explored the substitution of many transition metals into the PtTe2 lattice, as this material is known to be a robust air-stable van der Waals material even in the monolayer form. Characterization of these materials was performed via X-Ray Diffraction. We have found that Ni, V, and Mn do not readily substitute with Pt in PtTe2. On the other hand, up to 0.45 equivalents of chromium can substitute with Pt to form homogenous alloys of CrxPt1-xTe2 (0.05<x<0.45). Analysis of magnetic susceptibility in these powders shows a ferromagnetic ordering temperature that increases with increasing Cr substitution, and Cr0.45Pt0.55Te2 has a TC of 220K. We have been able to exfoliate the bulk materials into single-layer and few-layer flakes onto SiO2/Si substrates which have been confirmed through atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging. All of our synthesized CrxPt1-xTe2 materials have shown to be very air-stable, even upon exfoliation to few layers. Our results suggest that CrxPt1-xTe2 is a very promising layered magnetic material and may have potential in a variety of applications.NSF-MRSECNo embargoAcademic Major: Biochemistr

The implementation of chiaroscuro in photography and cinematography

This thesis explores the translation of chiaroscuro lighting and composition in historical paintings to the photographic medium. This translation was achieved by following similar compositional and contrast ratios found in chiaroscuro paintings, resulting in heightened contour and three-dimensionality, thereby creating a dramatic impact on the viewer. The thesis analyzed ways in which chiaroscuro has been adapted to photography and cinematography. The primary factors of light design and composition were identified and applied to studio subjects to effectively recreate the chiaroscuro effect in a series of photographs. The additional element of a sense of weightlessness was subsequently achieved through the use of an underwater environment

Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging in Psychiatric Disorders: A Systematic Literature Review and a Technical Note

While major psychiatric disorders lack signature diagnostic neuropathologies akin to dementias, classic postmortem studies have established microstructural involvement, i.e., cellular changes in neurons and glia, as a key pathophysiological finding. Advanced magnetic resonance imaging techniques allow mapping of cellular tissue architecture and microstructural abnormalities in vivo, which holds promise for advancing our understanding of the pathophysiology underlying psychiatric disorders. Here, we performed a systematic review of case-control studies using neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) to assess brain microstructure in psychiatric disorders and a selective review of technical considerations in NODDI. Of the 584 potentially relevant articles, 18 studies met the criteria to be included in this systematic review. We found a general theme of abnormal gray and white matter microstructure across the diagnostic spectrum. We also noted significant variability in patterns of neurite density and fiber orientation within and across diagnostic groups, as well as associations between brain microstructure and phenotypical variables. NODDI has been successfully used to detect subtle microstructure abnormalities in patients with psychiatric disorders. Given that NODDI indices may provide a more direct link to pathophysiological processes, this method may not only contribute to advancing our mechanistic understanding of disease processes, it may also be well positioned for next-generation biomarker development studies

Functional Outcome Assessment of Lower Limb Amputees and Prosthetic Users with a 2-Minute Walk Test

The aim of this study was to assess the functional outcome of a population of lower limb amputees supplied with prosthesis. The research was conducted from June to September of 2010 at the Center for Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, of the Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka, Croatia. The study included 50 adult subjects of both genders with a unilateral transtibial or transfemoral lower limb amputations. The 2-minute walk test (2MWT) was used to assess the functional outcome of these individuals. Data were statistically analyzed. Subjects were divided into groups according to age. The best results were obtained by subjects between the age of 45 and 59 years. The difference between groups was statistically significant (p<0.001). Taking into account the cause of amputation, there was a statistically significant difference in the results of the 2 MWT between subjects in whom the cause of amputation was circulatory and those where the cause of the amputation was not due to circulatory problems. The best results were obtained in subjects in whom the cause of amputation was not circulatory (p=0.009). Considering the level of amputation there was a statistically significant difference in the results of the 2MWT between subjects with transtibial and those with transfemoral amputations. Better results were obtained in transtibial amputees (p=0.039). Considering the first prosthetic supply, better results were obtained in subjects using prosthetic devices over 9 years (p=0.031). Our research confirmed that age, gender, level and cause of amputation, including the time from the first prosthetic supply have an effect on the 2MWT results

REMARKS ON DIGITAL FINAL EXAMS FOR MANAGEMENT STUDENTS

For a long time question about best students final exam modality is present in teaching. Judging by literature and experience there is no best answer to this question. Oral exam has many advantages, written test has its advantages as well. In recent years digital exams are present. Although this type of exam is more similar to written test, depending on software used for exam, there are many interesting features that can be incorporated in it. This study provides a brief overview of this subject, as well as several practical remarks.Publishe

Immunophenotypic characterization of acute myeloid leukemia in adults and its role in the diagnosis,monitoring, and prognosis of the disease

U tezi su ispitivani savremeni aspekti primene imunofenotipizacije multiparametarskom protočnom citofluorimetrijom (IMPC) u dijagnostici i praćenju AML. Ispitivanjem je obuhvaćeno 320 odraslih bolesnika sa de novo AML, od kojih je 294 uključeno u retrospektivno ispitivanje (dijagnoza, klasifikacija i prognoza), dok je ostalih 26 bolesnika bilo uključeno u prospektivno ispitivanje (praćenje minimalne rezidualne bolesti - MRB). Bolesnici su klasifikovani kao AML-neklasifikovana (48%), AML sa rekurentnim genetskim poremećajima (37,4%) i AML sa znacima mijelodisplazije (14,6%). IPCM omogućava postavljanje dg AML analizom ks kod 98% bolesnika. Ispitivanjem 44 različita hLDM utvrđeno je da je njihova ekspresija na blastima deregulisana, o čemu govore aberacije u njihovoj ekspresiji kod svakog bolesnika. Heterogen ćelijski sastav populacije leukemijskih ćelija (leukemijski blasti i prekursori) utvrđen je kod 55% bolesnika sa AML. Imunološka i citomorfološka klasfikacija AML su saglasne kod 73% bolesnika, odnosno imunološka i SZO klasifikacija kod 68% bolesnika. Ispitivanje MRB sprovedeno je primenom jedne (42%) ili dve (58%) kombinacije IFSL po bolesniku. Primenom IMPC, pokazana je visoka učestalost MRB kod naših bolesnika sa AML posle lečenja indukcionom (69%) odnosno konsolidacionom terapijom (50%). Nivo MRB u ks bolesnika ≥0,1% NĆ posle indukcione terapije, svrstava bolesnike u grupu visokog rizika za razvoj relapsa bolesti. Ispitivanje prognostičkog značaja hLDM kod bolesnika sa AML, pokazalo je značajnu vezu između rane monocitne diferencijacije leukemijskih ćelija, ekspresije CD22 molekula i pojave rane smrti i (p<0,05), odnosno niže incidence kompletne remisije (p<0,05)...In the thesis are examined modern aspects of application immunophenotyping and multiparameter flow cytometry (IMPC) in the diagnosis and monitoring of AML. The study included 320 adult patients with de novo AML, of which 294 included in the retrospective study (diagnosis, classification and prognosis), while the other 26 patients were included in a prospective study (minimal residual disease - MRD). Patients were classified as AML-unclassified (48%), AML with recurrent genetic abnormalities (37.4%) and AML with signs of myelodysplasia (14.6%). IPCM allows setting dg AML by analysis of bone marrow (bm) in 98% of patients. By examining of 44 different HLDM, it was found that its expression is deregulated on the blasts, whereas at least one type of immunophenotypic aberrations was found per patient. Heterogeneous cellular composition of the population of leukemic cells (leukemic blasts and precursors) was found in 55% of patients with AML. Immunological and cytomorphological classification of AML agree with 73% of patients, respectively immunological and WHO classification in 68% of patients. MRD trial was conducted by one (42%) or two (58%) combination of IFSL per patient. By applying the IMPC, a high incidence of MRD was detected in our patients with AML, after induction (69%) and/or consolidation therapy (50%). The level of MRD in bm of patients ≥0,1% NC after induction therapy, classified patients in the high risk group for the development of relapse. The prognostic significance of HLDM in patients with AML, showed a significant association between early monocytic differentiation of leukemia cells, the expression of CD22 molecule and the appearance of early death (p<0.05), and lower incidence of complete remission (p<0.05)..

Comparison of human computer interaction on Windows and Linux operations systems

We have done a comparative analysis between the Microsoft Windows and Linux graphical environment. We are witnesses of a long discussions about their applicability and superiority in the IT world. One of the main obstacles to the wider use of Linux is just a habit of using existing tools and interfaces which users have contact with. In the paper we have presented the Microsoft Windows and Linux graphical interfaces, in scope of their similarities and differences