Biography:

Rosa Visone has her expertise in studies related to microRNAs as diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic tools in cancer. She developed this interest during her Postdoctoral position in Dr. Croce’s Laboratory. She identified microRNAs that can mark chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) progression facilitating decision making for management of CLL patients. Her research also highlighted the cryptic promoter of miR-15a and miR-16-1, which seems to have a role in B-CLL cells from patients with more severe course of the leukemia.

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: Clinical progression of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is characterized by immune cell dysfunction due, at least in part, to T cell defects, such as decreased expression of CD40L and reduced signaling via the TCR CD3. This compromise the ability of T cells to respond and to eliminate leukemic cell from CLL patients. Changes in microRNAs expression also characterize clinical progression of CLL with a strong decrease of miR-181b/a and miR-130a associated with the more aggressive phase of the disease. The miR-181b targets anti apoptotic proteins, such as BCL-2 and MCL1.

Aim: The purpose of this study is to find how these microRNAs are deregulated in CLL and if they are involved in the immune escape that characterize this disease.

Methodology & Findings: We co-cultured pure CLL-B cells with either activated (CD2, CD3 and CD28 antibodies, used to mimic antigen-presenting cells) or non-activated CD4+ T cells from healthy donors or from PBMC of CLL patients. We observed a significant increase of miR-181b and miR-130a expression in CLL B-cells after co-culture with activated CD4+ T cells. By the use of specific antibodies, we established that this effect is a T/B contact-dependent signaling mediated through CD40L-CD40 interaction. We determine that increased expression of the 3 miRs occurs at the transcriptional level. In this context, miR-181b enhanced the maturation and activity of cytotoxic T cells and consequently, the apoptotic response of CLL cells. This phenomenon was due, at least in part, to miR-181b-induced depletion of interleukin 10, which is a strong inhibitor of the immune response in CLL. In vivo experiments in NOD.Cg-Prkdcscid Il2rgtm1Wjl/SzJ mice confirmed that miR-181b induces the death of CLL cells in vivo only when functional T cells are restored.

Conclusion & Significance: In conclusion, we demonstrate that the down-regulation of miR-181b in CLL cells is involved in the immune dysfunction that characterizes this disease. Restoration of physiological miR-181b activity in B CLL cells may be a challenging novel approach to the treatment of CLL patients.

Biography:

B Yusuf Jamoh has completed his MBBS programme from Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria and had MSc Cancer Biology, with commendation, from Kingston University, London. He is a Fellow of National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria and was appointed as Honorary Consultant Physician, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria, Nigeria. He is the Head of Clinical Haematology Unit, ABUTH. He has published 12 papers in reputed journals and he is currently acting Postgraduate Coordinator, Department of Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.

Abstract:

Background: Haemolytic transfusion reactions are generally the result of transfusion of ABO incompatible blood. However, weak antibodies notably of the Rh, Kell, Kidd, Duffy, MNS and Lewis blood groups that do not seem to be clinically significant in vitro have also been reported to cause antibody formation, severe transfusion reactions and haemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN).

Aim: To determine the prevalences of Lewis, Kidd, Duffy, Kell and M antigens among blood donors in Kano.

Method: Consecutive blood sample of consenting blood donors at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital blood donor bay were tested with potent commercially prepared anti Lea, anti Leb, anti Jka, anti Jkb, anti Fya, anti Fyb, anti k and anti M antisera.

Result: One hundred and six samples were screened each with the eight anti sera. The prevalence of the different antigens are as follows: Lea: 26.4%, Leb: 15.1%, M: 20.8%, k (cellano): 21.7%. The Duffy (anti Fya, anti Fyb) and Kidd (anti Jka anti Jkb) antigens were not detected among the donors.

Conclusion: The finding of this study highlights high prevalence of the Lewis, M and Kell antigens among our donor population, which can serve as an additional data towards provision of safe blood transfusion. Incorporation of extended blood group phenotyping prior to transfusions will go a long way in reducing the rate of antibody formation, transfusion reaction and HDN especially among transfusion dependent patients in our environment.

Biography:

Rana Ghazi Zaini has completed her PhD from Sheffield Hallam University. She is an Assistant Professor in Hematology, Head of Clinical Laboratories Department at College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University. She has published more than 20 papers in several journals and has been serving as an Editorial Board Member in two journals; Journal of Heart Diseases: Current Research and Journal of Transmitted Diseases & Immunity.

Abstract:

Leukaemia is the most common childhood cancer, and whilst recent advances in therapy have improved survival, current treatments are still limited by their side effects. Thus, new therapies are urgently needed; this study investigated the effects of falcarinol, a polyacetylene isolated from carrots (Daucus carota) in combination with chemotherapy agents, anti-cancer agents and other apoptosis inducers. Inhibition of cellular proliferation and induction of apoptosis were investigated in three human lymphoid leukaemia cell lines. Cellular proliferation was determined via ATP quantification using the Cell Titer Glo® assay. Induction of apoptosis was investigated using caspase 3 activity assay and confirmed by nuclear morphology using Hoechst 33342. The study demonstrated that CCRF-CEM cells failed to induce synergistic response with any of the investigated chemotherapies, but importantly no inhibition was observed either. Jurkat cells showed a significant synergistic induction of apoptosis following joint treatment with falcarinol and a death receptor 5 agonist (DR5), whereas CCRF-CEM cells showed only an additive response. Conversely within MOLT-3 cells falcarinol partially inhibited the induction of apoptosis by DR5 agonist although this failed to reach significance. However MOLT-3 cells demonstrated synergistic induction of apoptosis when falcarinol was combined with either bortezomib (proteosome inhibitor), or sulforaphane (histone deacetylase inhibitor). Identification of interactions between natural bioactive compounds with anti-cancer drugs may provide new pathways to target cancerous cells. Furthermore, since some combinations enhance apoptosis but some inhibit apoptosis it may be important to consider these interactions for dietary advice during therapy.

Biography:

Sonam Mishra completed her Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery with distinction from the University of Otago, New Zealand in 2011. She is currently a Hematology Advanced Trainee working at Wellington Regional Hospital, New Zealand.

Abstract:

Aim: We set out to evaluate the effectiveness of a new model of self-management of haemochromatosis whereby patients with stable ferritin control were discharged from the New Zealand Blood Service (NZBS) therapeutic venesection clinic and educated to manage their own venesection by regular blood donation and annual serum ferritin check by their general practitioner.

Methods: Data regarding the frequency of blood donation and serum ferritin level were collected from the NZBS and Concerto records of haemochromatosis patients in the Wellington region who had been discharged back to the care of their general practitioner between January 2014 and June 2015.

Results: Of the 107 patients, 93% continued to donate blood after discharge. A serum ferritin level was checked in 78% of patients by their general practitioner. The mean number of blood donations per year decreased after discharge, with a corresponding rise in the average ferritin level (difference 28 mcg/L; range 13-43 mcg/L; p<0.005).

Conclusions: The new model of self-management was effective for the majority of patients who were discharged from the therapeutic venesection clinic. Longer follow up is required to assess the overall pattern of ferritin control in patients who selfmanage their haemochromatosis by regular blood donation.

Biography:

Rana Ghazi Zaini has completed her PhD from Sheffield Hallam University. She is an Assistant Professor in Hematology, Head of Clinical Laboratories Department at College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University. She has published more than 20 papers in several journals and has been serving as an Editorial Board Member in two journals; Journal of Heart Diseases: Current Research and Journal of Transmitted Diseases & Immunity.

Abstract:

Iron deficiency anaemia is the most severe consequence of iron depletion, is still considered as the most severe and important nutritional deficiency worldwide. According to the World Health Organization and World Bank, iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) have been ranked as the third leading cause of disability adjusted life years (DALYs) lost for women of reproductive age. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and frequency rates of iron deficiency anaemia among un-married Saudi female of reproductive age, who attending to before marriage clinic examination, in Taif city. The majority of female participant’s samples 94% were characterized with low haemoglobin and red blood cells with low serum iron, serum ferritin and high iron binding capacity. However, the results of total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) were variable among participants sample. All participants were free of any chronic diseases and aged between 18-40 years. In this study measuring serum iron and serum ferritin were the main diagnostic tests used for IDA. Thus, the results of this study illustrated that iron deficiency anemia is highly prevalent (94%) among females in the study area.

Biography:

Shahtaj Khan is an Assistant Professor of Hematology and Head of the Department of Pathology at Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, Pakistan. She is also working as Consultant Hematologist at Rehman Medical Institute. Her research interests reflect in her wide range of publications in various national and international journals.

Abstract:

Objective: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the frequency of childhood leukemias in the children from different districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Afghanistan presenting to Hayatabad Medical Complex Hospital, Peshawar.

Material & Method: This descriptive cross sectional study was conducted in Pathology Department Hayatabad Medical Complex Hospital, Peshawar. Duration of the present study was, from January 2014 to December 2016. A total number of 605 children were enrolled up to 18 years of age, who suspected to have leukemia went through bone marrow examination by different department clinicians. 3 ml blood was collected in EDTA tube (purple top) and complete blood count was performed by hematology analyzer (Ruby cell dyne, Abbott, USA). By aseptic techniques bone marrow aspiration and bone marrow trephine biopsy samples were collected from all patients. Slides were papered from bone marrow aspirates, fixed with methanol and stained with Giemsa, myeloperoxidase and periodic acid Schiff stain. Trephine biopsy slides were stained with hematoxylene & eosin and reticulin stain. Immunohistochemistry was done after initially seeing of bone marrow aspirate slides. All data was documented and statistical analysis was performed by SPSS-20 software.

Results: Among 605 children, 173 (61.6%) were males and 108 (38.4) were females and their age range from 3 months to 18 years with median age of 9.8 years. In total children 281 (46.5%) were diagnosed different type of leukemias. Out of 281 cases, 208 (74.03%) were diagnosed to have acute lymphoblastic leukemia and rest of the children were 61 (21.70%) acute myeloid leukemia, 7 (2.49%) chronic myeloid leukemia, 3 (1.07%) had juvenile chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (JCMML).

Conclusion: In the present study acute lymphoblastic leukemia were more prevalent leukemia in the children of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Afghanistan. Juvenile chronic myelomonocytic leukemia was found less commonest leukemia in the present study.

Biography:

Violeta Grajçevci-Uka is Chief of Hematology Unit in Pediatric Clinic at University Clinical Centre of Kosovo, Kosovo. She has publications in more than 5 books and she has attended approximately 60 national and international conferences.

Abstract:

Introduction: The body needs iron to make hemoglobin. If there isn't enough iron available, hemoglobin production is limited, which in turns affects the production of red blood cells (RBCs). A decreased amount of hemoglobin and RBCs in the bloodstream is known as anemia. Because RBCs are needed to carry oxygen throughout the body, anemia results in less oxygen reaching the cells and tissues, affecting their function.

Aim of the study: To present the patients with sideropenic anaemia associated with other diseases.

Material & Methods: In our study we have included 200 children of different group ages with sideropenic anaemia hospitalized in Hemato-Oncology Department of Pediatric Clinic. The diagnose is made based on history, physical examination and laboratory data.

Results: Anemia associated with any other disease was present in 117 cases (58.5%) while as the main disease was present in 83 cases (41.5%). Sideropenic anaemia as a main disease has showed significant difference (Chitesti=5.78). In the total number of our patients with sideropenic anaemia the most frequent associated diseases were gastrointestinal diseases with 30 cases (25.6%), followed by respiratory diseases in 27 cases (23.1%), haematological disease with 21 cases (17.9%), with urogenital disease 13 cases (11.1%), cardiovascular diseases with five cases (4.3%) and malnutrition with four cases (3.4%).

Conclusion: The most common diseases that have followed sideropenic anaemia were respiratory infections, gastrointestinal and hematological diseases. Repeated infections have an impact on the appearance of sideropenic anaemia in children.

Biography:

Rufadie Maxhuni is working as a pediatrician in Pediatric Clinic in Prishtina, Hematology and Oncology. She is specialist in Hematology Oncology department of Pediatric Clinic in Prishtina with 12 years experience. She has published papers in reputed journals and attended may of the national and international educational programs.

Abstract:

Introduction: Wilms’ tumor (nephroblastoma) is the second most common malignant retroperitoneal tumor. It is the most common primary renal tumor of childhood.

Purpose: It was preterm newborn baby, 36 gestational week, male, presents in delivery room with birth weight: 3100 g, A/S: 5/6. Signs of respiratory distress, Skin: cyanotic, hematoma in the right forearm, Abdomen: distended, in the left epigastric region palpable mass. Other systems within referral range.

Materials & Methods: Prenatal history shows polihydroamnion; Amniocentesis: Kariogramin Investigations include: Biochemical examinations showed within normal range of Chatecholamines-negativ; X ray chest and abdomen- Echo of abdomen: right kidney normal but with adrenal hypertrophy Left kidney polycystic, with a heterogenic mass approximately 50 mm. CT of abdomen with contrast: left kidney presents with a solid mass with axial dimensions 65 mmx70 mm, suspected for expansive process right kidney presents with hypodense oval mass maybe with adrenal origine, 30 mm(pseudocyst) "The possible condition outcomes can be either Organised Hoematoma or Bilateral Nephroblastoma (these are radiologist discriptions)". MRI of abdomen: Expansive process in the left kidney and no evident lesions in the right adrenal gland.

Results: Surgery was done in Albania. Child underwent total left nephrectomy Biopsy of kidney: Wilms tumor stage II. At the age of 1.5 months presents in our ward Body weight: 4300g, Body Length: 56cm, S: 0.25m2. Weight percentile: 50. Length percentile: 75 Blood pressure: We treatment, Chemotherapy (ACT- D, VCR), with 50% of doses according to protocol, until age of six months then to give 2/3 of doses per m2. First 16 weeks of chemotherapy with 50% of dose From 17th week with 2/3 of doses. The whole treatment went with no side effects or complications. Follow up with biochemistry, FBC, MRI of abdomen within normal range.

Conclusion: Based on the diagnosis and in our experience this case was the youngest one until now that was treated in our ward. It was a real challenge for the patient and for the stuff. According to follow up, child is in a stable health condition within normal range for age. The child is in the regularly controls in our ward.

Biography:

John Ekow Aidoo works as a Medical Laboratory Scientist, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in West Africa, Ghana, since 2001. He is the Technical Supervisor at the Department of Haematology of the hospital’s Central Laboratory. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences from the School of Allied Health Science, University Of Ghana.

Abstract:

Haematological tests are very essential for the day to day management of all patients with haematological disorders. Ghana is a middle-income country which is under resourced when it comes to facilities and techniques in medical laboratory diagnosis. As a developing country, the laboratory scientists try their best to make use of the little resources available to help improve the health status of Ghanaians. The objective is to highlight on the various haematological tests, methods and techniques that are being performed in Ghana compared with that of the developed countries. This will throw more light on the gap between the two groups and to determine how this gap can be bridged. As laboratory diagnosis for haematological conditions has gotten to molecular levels in the advanced countries which make it faster, accurate and accreditable, Ghana is still diagnosing haematological conditions including malignancies at cellular level; hence patients care may be compromised. It is rather unfortunate when patients die because one or more other tests could not be performed to diagnose or to determine the stage of their conditions because laboratories lack the major equipments and techniques. While there is a possibility of transporting patient’s sample to such advanced countries, it comes with huge cost to the poor patients. In 2009, Parkins et al., undertook a research using the two biggest and leading Hospitals in Ghana, Korle- Bu Teaching Hospital and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital to evaluate the feasibility of a UK based real time, lymphoproliferative disorder diagnostic service which included morphology, flowcytometry, immunohistochemistry, immunophenotyping, cytogenetics and molecular genetics to improve the management of patients in Ghana. Patients enrolled in this study had their required samples sent to Haematology Malignancy Diagnostic Service (HMDS), Leeds, United Kingdom (UK). Initial diagnosis was done on samples locally before couriered to UK. Results comparison and analysis showed that HMDS would have changed management of 31% of the patients. While this is quiet significant, another issue would be how many can afford these services if samples would have to be couriered across to more advanced countries. Though Ghana has chalked some successes in diagnosing most of the haemoglobinopathies, a lot still needs to be done since most of the facilities perform the horizontal alkaline electrophoresis using cellulose acetate paper on routine basis. This method makes it difficult to detect certain haemoglobin types accurately and their quantitation impossible. There is also the difficulty of detecting the thalassemias. Due to lack of modern diagnostic methods in less resourced medical laboratories in Ghana, most definitive diagnosis cannot be achieved, hence, the need for proper restructuring of our laboratories and human resource development.

Biography:

Flora Selimi is working in Hematology Unit in Pediatric Clinic at University Clinical Centre of Kosovo, Kosovo. She has attended national and international conferences and also is an author for many scientific publications.

Abstract:

Introduction: Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disease involving clonal proliferation langerhans cell, abnormal cell deriving from bone marrow and capable of migrating from lymph nodes. Clinical manifestations range from isolated lesions to multiple diseases. LCH in bone is called different granuloma eosinophilic of bone which described in 1940 and referred to as being from cell histiocytosis. Children may have solitary lesion or multiple lesions.

Purpose: Presentation of the case with LCH, which was presented to the hematology-oncology unit at pediatric clinic and has received chemotherapy treatment.

Materials & Methods: A male child, six years old, who initially presented pain and fever, tumefact in mastoid bone and iliac bone, CT scan of head, chest and abdomen, initially demonstrated bone destruction in this region. The tumor mass appeared a few months ago that when it appeared pain, and has been increasing in size since then. At Hospital Hygeia in Tirana, the patient was operated, and the tumor was removed. Detailed histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses has shown that the removal part of him was Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis. The diagnosis of the patient was made based on anamnesis, clinical examination, laboratory test, radiological analyses (CT head, chest and abdomen, RMI head and pelvic), scintigraphy of bone, HP analysis, immunohistochemistry. After the diagnosis, the treatment protocol of chemotherapy for LCH (Prednisonol, vinblastin, MTX, 6MP) for 12 months was indicated. The child was admitted in our ward to start chemotherapy, and treatment was continued by doctors. Disease monitoring, chemotherapy, laboratory chest, radiological images (CT Head, Chest, abdomen, pelvic), scintigraphy of bone were made by our ward, Institute of University Clinical Center of Kosovo (UCCK).

Conclusion: Resection of the tumor mass, the application of the protocol for LCH multifocal, supportive care, continuous monitoring of the chemotherapy toxicity has resulted in absence of minimal residual disease, which is confirmed by the follow up of his clinical status, laboratory tests, radiology tests (RM Head , PET CT scan) has resulted the absence of secondary deposits.