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Cyclophosphamide (Cy) plus granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) is currently a standard regimen for hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) mobilization in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). However, cytarabine (AraC) in intermediate doses plus G-CSF seems to have a higher mobilization efficacy. The aim of this study was to retrospectively compare mobilization using AraC and Cy. Thirty consecutive MM patients were mobilized by Cy + G-CSF, and the subsequent 40 patients by AraC + G-CSF. Both groups were comparable. The target yield of 10 × 106CD34+ cells/kg (for tandem and 2 additional transplantations) was achieved in 98% (AraC) and 57% (Cy) of patients (p< 0.0001) by 1.2 and 2.1 apheresis (means), and by single apheresis in 83 and 17% of patients, respectively. AraC mobilization resulted in higher peak concentration of CD34+ cells in blood (median 238.0 vs. 87.9/µL, p< 0.0001) and higher CD34+ yield (median 28.6 × 106vs. 10.4 × 106/kg, p< 0.0001) compared to Cy mobilization. Toxicities were comparable except for thrombocytopenia gr. 4, observed in 50% of patients after AraC (Cy 7%). In view of these results, we conclude that mobilization with AraC plus G-CSF is very effective with acceptable toxicity and could be considered in MM patients with planned or expected higher numbers of transplantations.

The article discusses the highlights of the 2nd International Symposium on Plum Pox Virus on September 3, 2013 in Olomouc, Czech Republic by Palacky University under the auspices of the International Society for Horticultural Science and Czech Phytopathological Society. It takes note of continuity from the first Middle European Meeting on Plum Pox Virus in coordinating efforts of scientists, students and breeders to quarantine stone fruit tree pathogens and study the Sharka disease.

Introduction: Medical care has recently been moving from wards to outpatient clinics due to a growing number of patients, convenient therapeutic approaches and rising emphasis on quality of life. There is an increased need for intensive monitoring of haemato-oncological patients undergoing long-lasting treatment especially when serious infectious complications are expected. Telemedicine is a great tool to keep an eye on patients spending most of their treatment at home, where reaction time plays an important role in reducing the impact of severe adverse events.

Hajek: Celgene: Honoraria, Other: Consultant or advisory relationship, Research Funding; AbbVie: Other: Consultant or advisory relationship; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Honoraria, Other: Consultant or advisory relationship, Research Funding; Novartis: Other: Consultant or advisory relationship, Research Funding; PharmaMar: Honoraria, Other: Consultant or advisory relationship; Takeda: Honoraria, Other: Consultant or advisory relationship, Research Funding; Janssen: Honoraria, Other: Consultant or advisory relationship, Research Funding; Amgen: Honoraria, Other: Consultant or advisory relationship, Research Funding.

Background: Several populations of adult stem cells have been identified in bone marrow: hematopoietic stem cells, which are able to regenerate hematopoiesis in all of its lineages, mesenchymal stem cells, which can give rise to connective tissues (bone, cartilage and fat), and endothelial progenitor cells, which can initiate angiogenesis. Adult stem cells are found within the mononuclear cells compartment of bone marrow. Recent reports describe the effect of mononuclear bone marrow cells in reparation of ischemic tissue damage. Methods: The authors designed the experimental protocol of cellular therapy for patients after acute myocardial infarction. Inclusion criteria were: first myocardial infarction treated with primary angioplasty and stent implantation, confirmed non-viability of myocardium by USG, PET and SPECT, elevated CK-MB, and age below 70 years. Patients with intervention on other coronary artery, in unstable condition at day 4 through 6, and with serious non-cardiac disease were excluded. Patients undergoing coronary angioplasty, who signed informed consent, were randomized into three arms: A - high dose of 1•108 mononuclear cells, B - low dose of 1•107 cells, C - no cells. The autologous bone marrow was collected within day 7 after infarction. The mononuclear cells were separated, cultured for 24 hours in serum-free medium, and implanted through catheter via coronary artery into the damaged heart muscle in 7 subsequent injections. Mononuclear cells were analyzed with multicolor flow cytometry and culture assays of CFU-GM and CFU-Meg. The cardiac perfusion, metabolism and function were evaluated with SPECT, PET and echocardiography at 3 months after cell implantation. Results: 31 patients enrolled into the study underwent the protocol (9 in group A, 11 in groups B and C, respectively), and their cardiac functions were evaluated afterwards. There were no serious adverse effects of cell therapy procedure observed in each group. The analysis at 3 months interval showed an improvement in metabolism in the cellular therapy arms detected by PET. Left ventricle ejection fraction improved from 38 to 44%, although this improvement in global heart function was not statistically significant. However, regional heart function at the infarction site (peak systolic velocity of the infarcted wall) improved from 4.1 to 5.0 cm/s in the arm A (p<0.01), while no improvement was observed in arms B and C. A very significant improvement in metabolism and regional function of infarcted area of left ventricle was observed in three patients, all within the treatment arm A. Conclusion: Mononuclear bone marrow cells as a potential source of adult stem cells can be enriched, cultured ex vivo, and safely used in the cellular therapy protocols for ischemic heart disease. The functional benefit of dose of 1•108 mononuclear cells can be detected in a group of patients after acute myocardial infarction.

Background: Several populations of adult stem cells have been identified in bone marrow: hematopoietic stem cells, which are able to regenerate hematopoiesis in all of its lineages, mesenchymal stem cells, which can give rise to connective tissues (bone, cartilage and fat), and endothelial progenitor cells, which can initiate angiogenesis. Adult stem cells are found within the mononuclear cells compartment of bone marrow. Recent reports describe the effect of mononuclear bone marrow cells in reparation of ischemic tissue damage.