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Svicher V, Salpini R, D’Anna S, Piermatteo L, Iannetta M, Malagnino V, Sarmati L. New insights into hepatitis B virus lymphotropism: Implications for HBV-related lymphomagenesis. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1143258. [PMID: 37007163 PMCID: PMC10050604 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1143258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
HBV is one of the most widespread hepatitis viruses worldwide, and a correlation between chronic infection and liver cancer has been clearly reported. The carcinogenic capacity of HBV has been reported for other solid tumors, but the largest number of studies focus on its possible lymphomagenic role. To update the correlation between HBV infection and the occurrence of lymphatic or hematologic malignancies, the most recent evidence from epidemiological and in vitro studies has been reported. In the context of hematological malignancies, the strongest epidemiological correlations are with the emergence of lymphomas, in particular non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) (HR 2.10 [95% CI 1.34-3.31], p=0.001) and, more specifically, all NHL B subtypes (HR 2.14 [95% CI 1.61-2.07], p<0.001). Questionable and unconfirmed associations are reported between HBV and NHL T subtypes (HR 1.11 [95% CI 0.88-1.40], p=0.40) and leukemia. The presence of HBV DNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells has been reported by numerous studies, and its integration in the exonic regions of some genes is considered a possible source of carcinogenesis. Some in vitro studies have shown the ability of HBV to infect, albeit not productively, both lymphomonocytes and bone marrow stem cells, whose differentiation is halted by the virus. As demonstrated in animal models, HBV infection of blood cells and the persistence of HBV DNA in peripheral lymphomonocytes and bone marrow stem cells suggests that these cellular compartments may act as HBV reservoirs, allowing replication to resume later in the immunocompromised patients (such as liver transplant recipients) or in subjects discontinuing effective antiviral therapy. The pathogenetic mechanisms at the basis of HBV carcinogenic potential are not known, and more in-depth studies are needed, considering that a clear correlation between chronic HBV infection and hematological malignancies could benefit both antiviral drugs and vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Svicher
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Romina Salpini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano D’Anna
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Piermatteo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Iannetta
- Clinical Infectious Diseases, Department of System Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Malagnino
- Clinical Infectious Diseases, Department of System Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Loredana Sarmati
- Clinical Infectious Diseases, Department of System Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Loredana Sarmati,
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Alkhatib M, Carioti L, D’Anna S, Ceccherini-Silberstein F, Svicher V, Salpini R. SARS-CoV-2 Mutations and Variants May Muddle the Sensitivity of COVID-19 Diagnostic Assays. Microorganisms 2022; 10:1559. [PMID: 36013977 PMCID: PMC9414863 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10081559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The performance of diagnostic polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays can be impacted by SARS-CoV-2 variability as this is dependent on the full complementarity between PCR primers/probes and viral target templates. Here, we investigate the genetic variability of SARS-CoV-2 regions recognized by primers/probes utilized by PCR diagnostic assays based on nucleotide mismatching analysis. We evaluated the genetic variation in the binding regions of 73 primers/probes targeting the Nucleocapsid (N, N = 36), Spike (S, N = 22), and RNA-dependent RNA-polymerase/Helicase (RdRp/Hel, N = 15) of the publicly available PCR-based assays. Over 4.9 million high-quality SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences were retrieved from GISAID and were divided into group-A (all except Omicron, >4.2 million) and group-B (only Omicron, >558 thousand). In group-A sequences, a large range of variability in primers/probes binding regions in most PCR assays was observed. Particularly, 87.7% (64/73) of primers/probes displayed ≥1 mismatch with their viral targets, while 8.2% (6/73) contained ≥2 mismatches and 2.7% (2/73) contained ≥3 mismatches. In group-B sequences, 32.9% (24/73) of primers/probes were characterized by ≥1 mismatch, 13.7% (10/73) by ≥2 mismatches, and 5.5% (4/73) by ≥3 mismatches. The high rate of single and multiple mismatches- found in the target regions of molecular assays used worldwide for SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis reinforces the need to optimize and constantly update these assays according to SARS-CoV-2 genetic evolution and the future emergence of novel variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Alkhatib
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; mohammad-- (M.A.); (L.C.); (S.D.); (F.C.-S.); (V.S.)
| | - Luca Carioti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; mohammad-- (M.A.); (L.C.); (S.D.); (F.C.-S.); (V.S.)
| | - Stefano D’Anna
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; mohammad-- (M.A.); (L.C.); (S.D.); (F.C.-S.); (V.S.)
| | - Francesca Ceccherini-Silberstein
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; mohammad-- (M.A.); (L.C.); (S.D.); (F.C.-S.); (V.S.)
| | - Valentina Svicher
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; mohammad-- (M.A.); (L.C.); (S.D.); (F.C.-S.); (V.S.)
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Romina Salpini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; mohammad-- (M.A.); (L.C.); (S.D.); (F.C.-S.); (V.S.)
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Alkhatib M, Salpini R, Carioti L, Ambrosio FA, D’Anna S, Duca L, Costa G, Bellocchi MC, Piermatteo L, Artese A, Santoro MM, Alcaro S, Svicher V, Ceccherini-Silberstein F. Update on SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant of Concern and Its Peculiar Mutational Profile. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0273221. [PMID: 35352942 PMCID: PMC9045195 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02732-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The process of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) genetic diversification is still ongoing and has very recently led to the emergence of a new variant of concern (VOC), defined as Omicron or B.1.1.529. Omicron VOC is the most divergent variant identified so far and has generated immediate concern for its potential capability to increase SARS-CoV-2 transmissibility and, more worryingly, to escape therapeutic and vaccine-induced antibodies. Nevertheless, a clear definition of the Omicron VOC mutational spectrum is still missing. Herein, we provide a comprehensive definition and functional characterization (in terms of infectivity and/or antigenicity) of mutations characterizing the Omicron VOC. In particular, 887,475 SARS-CoV-2 Omicron VOC whole-genome sequences were retrieved from the GISAID database and used to precisely define its specific patterns of mutations across the different viral proteins. In addition, the functional characterization of Omicron VOC spike mutations was finely discussed according to published manuscripts. Lastly, residues characterizing the Omicron VOC and the previous four VOCs (Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta) were mapped on the three-dimensional structure of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein to assess their localization in the different spike domains. Overall, our study will assist with deciphering the Omicron VOC mutational profile and will shed more light on its clinical implications. This is critical considering that Omicron VOC is currently the predominant variant worldwide. IMPORTANCE The Omicron variant of concern (VOC) has a peculiar spectrum of mutations characterized by the acquisition of mutations or deletions rarely detected in previously identified variants, particularly in the spike glycoprotein. Such mutations, mostly residing in the receptor-binding domain, could play a pivotal role in enhancing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infectivity (by increasing binding affinity for ACE2), jeopardizing spike recognition by therapeutic and vaccine-induced antibodies and causing diagnostic assay failure. To our knowledge, this is one of the first exhaustive descriptions of newly emerged mutations underlying the Omicron VOC and its biological and clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Alkhatib
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Romina Salpini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Carioti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Alessandra Ambrosio
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi “Magna Graecia” di Catanzaro, Campus S. Venuta, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Stefano D’Anna
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Leonardo Duca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Giosuè Costa
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi “Magna Graecia” di Catanzaro, Campus S. Venuta, Catanzaro, Italy
- Net4Science Academic Spin-Off, Università Magna Græcia di Catanzaro, Campus S. Venuta, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Lorenzo Piermatteo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Artese
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi “Magna Graecia” di Catanzaro, Campus S. Venuta, Catanzaro, Italy
- Net4Science Academic Spin-Off, Università Magna Græcia di Catanzaro, Campus S. Venuta, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Alcaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi “Magna Graecia” di Catanzaro, Campus S. Venuta, Catanzaro, Italy
- Net4Science Academic Spin-Off, Università Magna Græcia di Catanzaro, Campus S. Venuta, Catanzaro, Italy
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Salpini R, D’Anna S, Benedetti L, Piermatteo L, Gill U, Svicher V, Kennedy PTF. Hepatitis B virus DNA integration as a novel biomarker of hepatitis B virus-mediated pathogenetic properties and a barrier to the current strategies for hepatitis B virus cure. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:972687. [PMID: 36118192 PMCID: PMC9478028 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.972687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic infection with Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is a major cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. HBV-DNA integration into the human genome is recognized as a frequent event occurring during the early phases of HBV infection and characterizing the entire course of HBV natural history. The development of refined molecular biology technologies sheds new light on the functional implications of HBV-DNA integration into the human genome, including its role in the progression of HBV-related pathogenesis and in triggering the establishment of pro-oncogenic mechanisms, promoting the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. The present review provides an updated and comprehensive overview of the current body of knowledge on HBV-DNA integration, focusing on the molecular mechanisms underlying HBV-DNA integration and its occurrence throughout the different phases characterizing the natural history of HBV infection. Furthermore, here we discuss the main clinical implications of HBV integration as a biomarker of HBV-related pathogenesis, particularly in reference to hepatocarcinogenesis, and how integration may act as a barrier to the achievement of HBV cure with current and novel antiviral therapies. Overall, a more refined insight into the mechanisms and functionality of HBV integration is paramount, since it can potentially inform the design of ad hoc diagnostic tools with the ability to reveal HBV integration events perturbating relevant intracellular pathways and for identifying novel therapeutic strategies targeting alterations directly related to HBV integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romina Salpini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy
| | - Stefano D’Anna
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy
| | - Livia Benedetti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Piermatteo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy
| | - Upkar Gill
- Barts Liver Centre, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Valentina Svicher
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy
- *Correspondence: Valentina Svicher,
| | - Patrick T. F. Kennedy
- Barts Liver Centre, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
- Patrick T. F. Kennedy,
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Piermatteo L, Alkhatib M, D’Anna S, Malagnino V, Bertoli A, Andreassi E, Basile E, Iuvara A, De Cristofaro M, Cappiello G, Cerva C, Minichini C, Pisaturo M, Starace M, Coppola N, Fontana C, Grelli S, Ceccherini-Silberstein F, Andreoni M, Gill US, Kennedy PTF, Sarmati L, Salpini R, Svicher V. HBeAg Levels Vary across the Different Stages of HBV Infection According to the Extent of Immunological Pressure and Are Associated with Therapeutic Outcome in the Setting of Immunosuppression-Driven HBV Reactivation. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9101352. [PMID: 34680469 PMCID: PMC8533134 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9101352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
HBeAg is a marker of HBV-activity, and HBeAg-loss predicts a favorable clinical outcome. Here, we characterize HBeAg-levels across different phases of HBV infection, their correlation with virological/biochemical markers and the virological response to anti-HBV therapy. Quantitative HBeAg (qHBeAg, DiaSorin) is assessed in 101 HBeAg+ patients: 20 with acute-infection, 20 with chronic infection, 32 with chronic hepatitis and 29 with immunosuppression-driven HBV-reactivation (HBV-R). A total of 15/29 patients with HBV-R are monitored for >12 months after starting TDF/ETV. qHBeAg is higher in immunosuppression-driven HBV-R (median[IQR]:930[206-1945]PEIU/mL) and declines in chronic hepatitis (481[28-1393]PEIU/mL, p = 0.03), suggesting HBeAg production, modulated by the extent of immunological pressure. This is reinforced by the negative correlation between qHBeAg and ALT in acute infection (Rho = -0.66, p = 0.006) and chronic hepatitis (Rho = -0.35; p = 0.05). Interestingly, qHBeAg strongly and positively correlates with qHBsAg across the study groups, suggesting cccDNA as a major source of both proteins in the setting of HBeAg positivity (with limited contribution of integrated HBV-DNA to HBsAg production). Focusing on 15 patients with HBV-R starting TDF/ETV, virological suppression and HBeAg-loss are achieved in 60% and 53.3%. Notably, the combination of qHBeAg > 2000 PEIU/mL + qHBsAg > 52,000 IU/mL at HBV-R is the only factor predicting no HBeAg loss (HBeAg loss: 0% with vs. 72.7% without qHBeAg > 2000 PEIU/mL + qHBsAg > 52,000 IU/mL, p = 0.03). In conclusion, qHBeAg varies over the natural course of HBV infection, according to the extent of immunological pressure. In the setting of HBV-R, qHBeAg could be useful in predicting the treatment response under immunosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Piermatteo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (L.P.); mohammad-- (M.A.); (S.D.); (A.B.); (E.A.); (S.G.); (F.C.-S.); (V.S.)
| | - Mohammad Alkhatib
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (L.P.); mohammad-- (M.A.); (S.D.); (A.B.); (E.A.); (S.G.); (F.C.-S.); (V.S.)
| | - Stefano D’Anna
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (L.P.); mohammad-- (M.A.); (S.D.); (A.B.); (E.A.); (S.G.); (F.C.-S.); (V.S.)
| | - Vincenzo Malagnino
- Infectious Disease Unit, University Hospital of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (V.M.); (C.C.); (M.A.); (L.S.)
| | - Ada Bertoli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (L.P.); mohammad-- (M.A.); (S.D.); (A.B.); (E.A.); (S.G.); (F.C.-S.); (V.S.)
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, University Hospital of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (A.I.); (C.F.)
| | - Eleonora Andreassi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (L.P.); mohammad-- (M.A.); (S.D.); (A.B.); (E.A.); (S.G.); (F.C.-S.); (V.S.)
| | - Elisa Basile
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, University Hospital of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (A.I.); (C.F.)
| | - Alessandra Iuvara
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, University Hospital of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (A.I.); (C.F.)
| | - Maria De Cristofaro
- Microbiology Unit, “Sandro Pertini” Hospital, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.D.C.); (G.C.)
| | - Giuseppina Cappiello
- Microbiology Unit, “Sandro Pertini” Hospital, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.D.C.); (G.C.)
| | - Carlotta Cerva
- Infectious Disease Unit, University Hospital of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (V.M.); (C.C.); (M.A.); (L.S.)
| | - Carmine Minichini
- Department of Medical, Surgical, Neurological, Metabolic and Aging Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy; (C.M.); (M.P.); (M.S.); (N.C.)
| | - Mariantonietta Pisaturo
- Department of Medical, Surgical, Neurological, Metabolic and Aging Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy; (C.M.); (M.P.); (M.S.); (N.C.)
| | - Mario Starace
- Department of Medical, Surgical, Neurological, Metabolic and Aging Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy; (C.M.); (M.P.); (M.S.); (N.C.)
| | - Nicola Coppola
- Department of Medical, Surgical, Neurological, Metabolic and Aging Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy; (C.M.); (M.P.); (M.S.); (N.C.)
| | - Carla Fontana
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, University Hospital of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (A.I.); (C.F.)
| | - Sandro Grelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (L.P.); mohammad-- (M.A.); (S.D.); (A.B.); (E.A.); (S.G.); (F.C.-S.); (V.S.)
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, University Hospital of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (A.I.); (C.F.)
| | - Francesca Ceccherini-Silberstein
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (L.P.); mohammad-- (M.A.); (S.D.); (A.B.); (E.A.); (S.G.); (F.C.-S.); (V.S.)
| | - Massimo Andreoni
- Infectious Disease Unit, University Hospital of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (V.M.); (C.C.); (M.A.); (L.S.)
| | - Upkar S. Gill
- Barts Liver Centre, Immunobiology, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, UK; (U.S.G.); (P.T.F.K.)
| | - Patrick T. F. Kennedy
- Barts Liver Centre, Immunobiology, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, UK; (U.S.G.); (P.T.F.K.)
| | - Loredana Sarmati
- Infectious Disease Unit, University Hospital of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (V.M.); (C.C.); (M.A.); (L.S.)
| | - Romina Salpini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (L.P.); mohammad-- (M.A.); (S.D.); (A.B.); (E.A.); (S.G.); (F.C.-S.); (V.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Valentina Svicher
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (L.P.); mohammad-- (M.A.); (S.D.); (A.B.); (E.A.); (S.G.); (F.C.-S.); (V.S.)
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Palmieri A, Valentinis L, Bazzano S, Baldi A, Orlando F, Tenaglia S, D’Anna S. Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy following chemotherapy for lung cancer. Neurol Sci 2011; 32:683-5. [DOI: 10.1007/s10072-011-0494-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2010] [Accepted: 02/03/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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