Mesenchymal stem cell therapy alleviates the neuroinflammation associated with acquired brain injury

Ischemic stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI) comprise two particularly prevalent and costly examples of acquired brain injury (ABI). Following stroke or TBI, primary cell death and secondary cell death closely model disease progression and worsen outcomes. Mounting evidence indicates that long‐term neuroinflammation extensively exacerbates the secondary deterioration of brain structure and function. Due to their immunomodulatory and regenerative properties, mesenchymal stem cell transplants have emerged as a promising approach to treating this facet of stroke and TBI pathology. In this review, we summarize the classification of cell death in ABI and discuss the prominent role of inflammation. We then consider the efficacy of bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (BM‐MSC) transplantation as a therapy for these injuries. Finally, we examine recent laboratory and clinical studies utilizing transplanted BM‐MSCs as antiinflammatory and neurorestorative treatments for stroke and TBI. Clinical trials of BM‐MSC transplants for stroke and TBI support their promising protective and regenerative properties. Future research is needed to allow for better comparison among trials and to elaborate on the emerging area of cell‐based combination treatments.     

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for T‐prolymphocytic leukemia: a report from the French society for stem cell transplantation (SFGM‐TC)

T‐prolymphocytic leukemia (T‐PLL), a rare aggressive mature T‐cell disorder, remains frequently resistant to conventional chemotherapy. Studies have suggested that allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) might possibly serve to consolidate the response to initial chemotherapy. The current report summarizes the outcome of 27 T‐PLL cases identified in the registry in French Society for stem cell transplantation (SFGM‐TC). Prior to HSCT, 14 patients were in complete remission (CR), 10 in partial response, three refractory, or in progression. Following HSCT, 21 patients achieved CR as best response. With a median follow‐up for surviving patients of 33 (range, 6–103) months, 10 patients are still alive in continuous CR. Overall survival and progression‐free survival estimates at 3 yr were 36% (95% CI: 17–54%) and 26% (95% CI: 14–45%), respectively. The relapse incidence after HSCT was 47% occurring at a median of 11.7 (range, 2–24) months. Overall cumulative incidence of transplant‐related mortality was 31% at 3 yr. These results suggest that HSCT may allow long‐term survival in patients with T‐PLL following induction treatment; however, it is associated with a significant rate of toxicity.     

Multidisciplinary approach in the treatment of a patient with cleft lip and palate: a case report

Treatment of the patient with cleft lip and palate represents a real problem from both functional and esthetic points of view. Today a functional result is not enough. An esthetic result is both necessary and possible to improve the quality of life. The direct placement of an implant in the grafted alveolar cleft is not the ideal choice.
Using a rational, multidisciplinary approach, it is possible to obtain esthetic results in these patients. In our case study, a 17-year-old patient previously treated for a unilateral cleft lip and palate and agenesis of the right lateral incisor was given an osseointegrated implant. Computer-assisted dental design (Procera® CAD/CAM software, Nobel Biocare AB, Gothenburg, Sweden) was used for the prosthetic rehabilitation, and the end of growth was determined prior to placing the implant.
No sign of failure or mobility after loading has been detected at the time of this writing, 8 months after the procedure's completion, and the esthetic result is considered satisfactory by the patient and practitioners.     

EFFECTS OF NORMAL AGING ON LOWER EXTREMITY LOADING AND COORDINATION DURING RUNNING IN MALES AND FEMALES

Background

Runners sustain high injury rates. As greater numbers of individuals continue to run past the age of 60, normal physiological changes that occur with aging may further contribute to injuries. Male and female runners demonstrate different mechanics and injury rates. However, whether these mechanics further diverge as runners age and whether or not this potential divergence in mechanics may or may not be associated with a potential for increased injury risk is unknown.

Hypothesis/Purpose

The purpose of this study was to compare measures of loading and lower extremity coupling during running with respect to age and sex. It was hypothesized that males and females would demonstrate increasingly diverging mechanics with increased age.

Methods

Forty‐one subjects were placed in four groups: younger males (n=13), younger females (n=6), older males (n=16), and older females (n=6). Ten running trials were collected and analyzed for each subject. Kinematic data were collected and reconstructed using a nine‐camera motion analysis system and commercial software. Vertical loading rate (VLR), initial (GRF₁) and peak vertical ground reaction force (GRF₂) and lower leg joint coupling were calculated for each subject. Analysis was performed using a 2‐factor ANOVA (sex X age) to determine differences between groups during the stance phase of running.

Results

Compared to younger subjects, older subjects demonstrated higher GRF₁ per body weight (Y: 1.70 (0.19), O: 1.96 (0.23), p < 0.01), higher VLR in body weight/second (Y: 44.17 (6.73), O: 52.76 (8.39), p < 0.01) and lower GRF₂ per body weight (Y: 2.47 (0.18), O: 2.35 (0.18), p=0.04). However, no differences existed between males and females or further diverged in the older subjects. There were no differences between or within groups in joint coupling. Finally, no significant differences were seen between sexes and no interactions were found between any variables in the current study.

Conclusions

Older runners experience greater GRF₁ and VLR and lower GRF₂. These are factors previously associated with tibial loading and stress fractures. Males and females do not differ on these factors suggesting older female runners may be at no greater risk than younger runners or male runners for lower extremity bony injury based on normal mechanics.

Level of Evidence

3