Theory of Spin Injection in Two-dimensional Metals with Proximity-Induced Spin-Orbit Coupling

Spin injection is a powerful experimental probe into a wealth of nonequilibrium spin-dependent phenomena displayed by materials with spin-orbit coupling (SOC). Here, we develop a theory of coupled spin-charge diffusive transport in two-dimensional spin-valve devices. The theory describes a realistic proximity-induced SOC with both spatially uniform and random components of the SOC due to adatoms and imperfections, and applies to the two dimensional electron gases found in two-dimensional materials and van der Walls heterostructures. The various charge-to-spin conversion mechanisms known to be present in diffusive metals, including the spin Hall effect and several mechanisms contributing current-induced spin polarization are accounted for. Our analysis shows that the dominant conversion mechanisms can be discerned by analyzing the nonlocal resistance of the spin-valve for different polarizations of the injected spins and as a function of the applied in-plane magnetic field

Patient-centered practice in elderly myeloma patients: an overview and consensus from the European Myeloma Network (EMN)

Multiple myeloma is a disease typical of the elderly, and, because of the increase in life expectancy of the general population, its incidence is expected to grow in the future. Elderly patients represent a particular challenge due to their marked hete rogeneity. Many new and highly effective drugs have been introduced in the last few years, and resu lts from clinical trials are promising. Besides the availability of novel agents, a careful evaluation of elderly patients showed to be a key factor for the success of therapy. A geriatric assessment is a valid strategy to better stratify patients. In particular, different scores are available today to appropriately assess elderly patients and define their fitness/frailty status. The choice of treatm ent – transplantation, triplets, doublets, or reduced- dose therapies including novel agents – should depend on the patient’s fitness status (fit, intermediate-fit or frail). Second-generation no vel agents have also been evaluated as salvage therapy in the elderly, and these new agents certai nly represent a further step forward in the treatment armamentarium for elderly patients with multiple myeloma

Considerations on antimicrobial prophylaxis in patients with lymphoproliferative diseases: A SEIFEM group position paper

The therapeutic armamentarium for the treatment of patients with lymphoproliferative diseases has grown considerably over the most recent years, including a large use of new immunotherapeutic agents. As a consequence, the epidemiology of infectious complications in this group of patients is poorly documented, and even more importantly, the potential benefit of antimicrobial prophylaxis remains a matter of debate when considering the harmful effect from the emergence of multidrug resistant pathogens. The present position paper is addressed to all hematologists treating patients affected by lymphoproliferative malignancies with the aim to provide clinicians with a useful tool for the prevention of bacterial, fungal and viral infections

The current practice of family-centred care in Italian neonatal intensive care units: A multi-centre descriptive study

© 2018 Elsevier Ltd Objectives: To explore family-centred care practices in Italian neonatal intensive care units and describe areas for improvement. Methods: A cross-sectional, multicentre, survey was conducted using the Italian language version of “Advancing family-centred new-born intensive care: a self-assessment inventory”. The instrument is divided into 10 sections rating the status of family-centred care (1 = not at all, 5 = very well) and ranking the perceived priority for change/improvement (1 = low, 3 = high). A representative group of staff and parent for each unit were invited to complete the survey. Data was collected between January and June 2015. Correlations among unit characteristics and sections within the survey were explored. Settings: All Italian neonatal intensive care units (n = 105) were invited. Results: Forty-six (43.8%) units returned the survey. The “Leadership” section scored highest in status of family-centred care (mean = 3.45; SD 0.78) and scored highest in priority for change (mean = 2.44; SD 0.49). Section “Families as Advisors and Leaders” scored lowest both in status (mean = 1.66; SD 0.67) and in priority for change (mean = 2.09; SD 0.59). The number of discharged infants was positively correlated with many sections in priority for change (r 0.402–0.421; p <.01). Conclusion: This study showed a variability in the organisation of family-centred care practices in Italian neonatal intensive care units and the need to involve parents as partners in the care team. Although family-centred care is considered important by Italian neonatology healthcare professionals, much remains to be done to improve family-centred care practices in neonatal intensive care units in Italy

Phase 1/2 study of weekly carfilzomib, cyclophosphamide, dexamethasone in newly diagnosed transplant-ineligible myeloma

This multicentre, open-label phase 1/2 trial determined safety and efficacy of weekly carfilzomib plus cyclophosphamide-dexamethasone (wKCyd) in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients aged ≥65 years or transplant ineligible. Patients received wKCyd for up to nine 28-day cycles, followed by maintenance with carfilzomib until progression/intolerance. The phase 1 portion used a 3+3 dose-escalation scheme to determine the maximum tolerated dose of weekly carfilzomib: 12 patients received wKCyd with carfilzomib doses of 45, 56 and 70 mg/m 2. The recommended phase 2 dose was established at 70 mg/m 2 and 54 patients (phase 1 and 2) received weekly carfilzomib 70 mg/m 2: 85% of them achieved ≥partial response (PR), 66% ≥very good PR, 30%≥near-complete response (CR) and 15% CR. Responses improved in 40 patients who started maintenance: 98% achieved ≥PR, including 29% CR and 10% stringent CR. After a median follow-up of 18 months, the 2-year progression-free survival and overall survival rates were 53.2% and 81%, respectively. The most frequent grade 3-5 toxicities were neutropenia (22%) and cardiopulmonary adverse events (9%). This is the first study of weekly carfilzomib plus an alkylating agent in elderly patients with NDMM. wKCyd was effective, with an acceptable risk/benefit ratio, and thus can be a valid option in this setting