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We report the preliminary results of a study exploring the possibility of collecting circulating progenitor cells (PBSC) with a protocol based on the administration of single doses (4 g/m2) of cyclophosphamide and G-CSF (5 or 10- μg/kg) in 9 patients with non Hodgkin's lymphoma. The peak level of CD34+ cells occurred after a median of 10 days (range 8-11), generally coinciding with the median peak level of CFU-GM, with a mean 31.27 fold increase above basal levels. 3 (range 2-5) leukaphereses were required to harvest a median number of 25. 1x104/kg (8-105) CFU-GM and of 9.4x106/kg (1.2-25) CD34+cells. No difference was recorded between 5 and 10 μg/kg of G-CSF in terms of PBSC yield. In transplanted patients, a strong correlation was found between CD34+ cells infused/kg and platelet recovery (r= -0.8, p=0.002). No toxicity was observed and apheretic procedures were regularly performed outpatiently. Our conclusion is that this protocol is particularly suitable for an outpatient treatment/collection program.

•A prototype of a flat cell of a ZEBRA battery has been developed and extensively tested at CNR ITAE.•FEM analysis has been carried out using the software COMSOL MULTIPHYSICS to guarantee low thermal losses and optimal warm up time.•Development of the chemistry of the cathode by the combination of the two main redox pairs Ni/NiCl2 and Fe/FeCl2 with Fe sulphides,•New cell validated considering charge/discharge cycles aimed at determining capacity, duration, efficiency, energy density.•The performances in terms of efficiency are: 76% energy efficiency; 84% faradic efficiency