In vivo imaging analysis of the interaction between unusually large von Willebrand factor multimers and platelets on the surface of vascular wall.

To elucidate how unusually large von Willebrand factor (UL-VWF) multimers facilitate thrombus formation, their behavior was analyzed together with that of platelets in living mice deficient in the gene encoding the protease that cleaves UL-VWF, a disintegrin-like and metalloprotease with thrombospondin type 1 motif 13 (ADAMTS13-/-). By crossing ADAMTS13-/- mice with green fluorescent protein-expressing transgenic mice (GFP mice), GFP-ADAMTS13-/- mice were obtained. The dynamics of GFP-expressing platelets were monitored employing intravital confocal fluorescent microscopy.

The Polish Cancer Anemia Survey (POLCAS): a retrospective multicenter study of 999 cases.

The purpose of the retrospective study in cancer patients in Poland was to analyze the frequency of anemia and methods of its treatment. An attempt was also made to evaluate the hemoglobin (Hb) levels in relation to patient's performance status (PS) prior to and after anticancer treatment. A total of 999 patients (pts) were enrolled, who were followed for up to six chemotherapy cycles or six evaluation points within a 6-month period.