IFLA Library Reference Model (LRM) : Un modello concettuale per le informazioni bibliografiche

IFLA Library Reference Model (LRM) is a high-level conceptual reference model developed within an entity-relationship modelling framework. It is the consolidation of the separately developed IFLA conceptual models: FRBR, FRAD, FRSAD. IFLA LRM was developed to resolve inconsistencies between the three separate models. Every user task, entity, attribute and relationship from the original three models was examined, definitions had to be revised, but also some remodelling was required in order to develop a meaningful consolidation. The result is a single, streamlined, and logically consistent model that covers all aspects of bibliographic data and that at the same time brings the modelling up-to-date with current conceptual modelling practices. IFLA LRM was designed to be used in linked data environments and to support and promote the use of bibliographic data in linked data environments

RENEB intercomparisons applying the conventional Dicentric Chromosome Assay (DCA)

Purpose: Two quality controlled inter-laboratory exercises were organized within the EU project ‘Realizing the European Network of Biodosimetry (RENEB)’ to further optimize the dicentric chromosome assay (DCA) and to identify needs for training and harmonization activities within the RENEB network. Materials and methods: The general study design included blood shipment, sample processing, analysis of chromosome aberrations and radiation dose assessment. After manual scoring of dicentric chromosomes in different cell numbers dose estimations and corresponding 95% confidence intervals were submitted by the participants. Results: The shipment of blood samples to the partners in the European Community (EU) were performed successfully. Outside the EU unacceptable delays occurred. The results of the dose estimation demonstrate a very successful classification of the blood samples in medically relevant groups. In comparison to the 1st exercise the 2nd intercomparison showed an improvement in the accuracy of dose estimations especially for the high dose point. Conclusions: In case of a large-scale radiological incident, the pooling of ressources by networks can enhance the rapid classification of individuals in medically relevant treatment groups based on the DCA. The performance of the RENEB network as a whole has clearly benefited from harmonization processes and specific training activities for the network partners

Integration of new biological and physical retrospective dosimetry methods into EU emergency response plans : joint RENEB and EURADOS inter-laboratory comparisons

Purpose: RENEB, 'Realising the European Network of Biodosimetry and Physical Retrospective Dosimetry,' is a network for research and emergency response mutual assistance in biodosimetry within the EU. Within this extremely active network, a number of new dosimetry methods have recently been proposed or developed. There is a requirement to test and/or validate these candidate techniques and inter-comparison exercises are a well-established method for such validation. Materials and methods: The authors present details of inter-comparisons of four such new methods: dicentric chromosome analysis including telomere and centromere staining; the gene expression assay carried out in whole blood; Raman spectroscopy on blood lymphocytes, and detection of radiation induced thermoluminescent signals in glass screens taken from mobile phones. Results: In general the results show good agreement between the laboratories and methods within the expected levels of uncertainty, and thus demonstrate that there is a lot of potential for each of the candidate techniques. Conclusions: Further work is required before the new methods can be included within the suite of reliable dosimetry methods for use by RENEB partners and others in routine and emergency response scenarios

selective depletion of αβ t cells and b cells for human leukocyte antigen haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation a three year follow up of procedure efficiency

Abstract HLA-haploidentical family donors represent a valuable option for children requiring allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Because graft-versus-host diseases (GVHD) is a major complication of HLA-haploidentical HSCT because of alloreactive T cells in the graft, different methods have been used for ex vivo T cell depletion. Removal of donor αβ T cells, the subset responsible for GVHD, and of B cells, responsible for post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disorders, have been recently developed for HLA-haploidentical HSCT. This manipulation preserves, in addition to CD34 +  progenitors, natural killer, γδ T, and monocytes/dendritic cells, contributing to anti-leukemia activity and protection against infections. We analyzed depletion efficiency and cell yield in 200 procedures performed in the last 3 years at our center. Donors underwent CD34 + hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) peripheral blood mobilization with granulocyte colony–stimulating factor (G-CSF). Poor CD34 +  cell mobilizers (48 of 189, 25%) received plerixafor in addition to G-CSF. Aphereses containing a median of 52.5 × 10 9 nucleated cells and 494 × 10 6 CD34 +  HSC were manipulated using the CliniMACS device. In comparison to the initial product, αβ T cell depletion produced a median 4.1-log reduction (range, 3.1 to 5.5) and B cell depletion led to a median 3.4-log reduction (range, 2.0 to 4.7). Graft products contained a median of 18.5 × 10 6 CD34 +  HSC/kg recipient body weight, with median values of residual αβ T cells and B cells of 29 × 10 3 /kg and 33 × 10 3 /kg, respectively. Depletion efficiency monitored at 6-month intervals demonstrated steady performance, while improved recovery of CD34 +  cells was observed after the first year ( P  = .0005). These data indicate that αβ T cell and B cell depletion of HSC grafts from HLA-haploidentical donors was efficient and reproducible

TCRαβ/CD19 cell-depleted HLA-haploidentical transplantation to treat pediatric acute leukemia: updated final analysis

: TCRαβ/CD19-cell depletion is a promising graft manipulation technique frequently used in the context of HLA-haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). We previously reported the results of a phase I-II clinical trial (NCT01810120) to assess the safety and the efficacy of this type of ex-vivo T cell-depletion in 80 children with acute leukemia, showing promising survival outcomes. We now report an updated analysis on a cohort of 213 children with a longer follow-up (median value of 47.6 months for surviving patients). With a 5-year cumulative incidence of non-relapse mortality of 5.2% (95% confidence interval, CI, 2.8-8.8) and a cumulative incidence of relapse of 22.7% (95% CI, 16.9-29.2), projected 10-year overall and disease-free survival (DFS) were 75.4% (95% CI 68.6-80.9) and 71.6% (95% CI 64.4-77.6), respectively. Cumulative incidence of both grade II-IV acute and chronic GvHD were low (14.7% and 8.1%, respectively). In a multivariable analysis for DFS including also type of disease, use of total body irradiation in the conditioning regimen [hazard ratio (HR) 0.5 (95% CI, 0.26-0.98, p=0.04)], disease status at HSCT [CR>3 versus CR1/2; HR 2.23 (95% CI, 1.20-4.16, p=0.01] and high levels of pre-HSCT minimal residual disease [HR 2.09 (95% CI, 1.01-4.33, p=0.04)] were independently associated with outcome. In summary, besides confirming the good outcome results already reported (which are almost superimposable to those of transplant from HLA-matched donors), this clinical update allows the identification of patients at higher risk of treatment failure for whom personalized approaches, aimed at reducing the risk of relapse, are warranted

Capabilities of the RENEB network for research and large scale radiological and nuclear emergency situations

Purpose: To identify and assess, among the participants in the RENEB (Realizing the European Network of Biodosimetry) project, the emergency preparedness, response capabilities and resources that can be deployed in the event of a radiological or nuclear accident/incident affecting a large number of individuals. These capabilities include available biodosimetry techniques, infrastructure, human resources (existing trained staff), financial and organizational resources (including the role of national contact points and their articulation with other stakeholders in emergency response) as well as robust quality control/assurance systems. Materials and methods: A survey was prepared and sent to the RENEB partners in order to acquire information about the existing, operational techniques and infrastructure in the laboratories of the different RENEB countries and to assess the capacity of response in the event of radiological or nuclear accident involving mass casualties. The survey focused on several main areas: laboratory’s general information, country and staff involved in biological and physical dosimetry; retrospective assays used, the number of assays available per laboratory and other information related to biodosimetry and emergency preparedness. Following technical intercomparisons amongst RENEB members, an update of the survey was performed one year later concerning the staff and the available assays. Conclusions: The analysis of RENEB questionnaires allowed a detailed assessment of existing capacity of the RENEB network to respond to nuclear and radiological emergencies. This highlighted the key importance of international cooperation in order to guarantee an effective and timely response in the event of radiological or nuclear accidents involving a considerable number of casualties. The deployment of the scientific and technical capabilities existing within the RENEB network members seems mandatory, to help other countries with less or no capacity for biological or physical dosimetry, or countries overwhelmed in case of a radiological or nuclear accident involving a large number of individuals

RENEB intercomparisons applying the conventional Dicentric Chromosome Assay (DCA)

10.1080/09553002.2016.1233370International Journal of Radiation Biology93120-2