The impact of donor age and sex on the nucleated cell count and CD34 count in healthy bone marrow donors

BM remains an important source of stem cells. The BM characteristics change with age but the estimation of CD34 calculation of one CD34+ cell per 100 nucleated cells is used for all donors including pediatric donors in the operating room before getting the actual CD34 count. In order to see whether this formula is applicable for pediatric donors, we designed a retrospective study to see the affect of the age and sex on the BM NCC, CD34 count, and CD34/NCC ratios. Ninety‐eight BM collections from 91 related donors were evaluated retrospectively (median age: nine yr [1.5–54 yr]; M/F: 41/50). A significant negative correlation was found between the donor age and NCC (r = −0.229, p < 0.05), CD34 count (r = −0.563, p < 0.01), and CD34/NCC (r = −0.664, p < 0.01). The negative correlation for CD34 count and CD34/NCC persisted in female and male donor groups. When donors younger than 16 yr of age were compared with the older donor group, the median NCC, median CD34 count, and CD34/NCC were significantly lower in the older group (p < 0.01). Age and sex have to be taken into consideration to avoid unnecessary high‐volume collections and increased operating room time in the younger donors.     

The effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on functional status and quality of life after knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled study

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the addition of NMES to the post-TKA rehabilitation protocol on the functional status and quality of life of the patients. [Subjects and Methods] Patients were randomized into an exercise (control) and electrical stimulation (NMES) group. A home exercise program was prescribed for the control group. For the neuromuscular stimulation group 30 minute electrical stimulation applied to the vastus medialis muscle 5 days a week for 4 to 6 weeks. VAS, the timed up and go test, WOMAC and SF-36 scores were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively at the first month and the third month of the follow-up period. [Results] Both the NMES group had 30 patients each, with 2 and 1 male patients respectively. The comparisons of WOMAC results at month 1 revealed that pain, stiffness, and total scores of the NMES group was significantly better than those of control group at the first and third months. Significantly better physical function and SF-36 subscales, except mental health, were found for the NMES group at the first month of follow-up. [Conclusion] The inclusion of the neuromuscular electrical stimulation program after knee arthroplasty was more effective at providing rapid improvements in knee pain, walking distance and quality of life.Key words: Quadriceps muscle, Knee joint, Arthroplasty     

Effects of intra-abdominal pressure on adrenal gland function and morphology in rats

Intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome (IAH/ACS) are life-threatening conditions and caused by several clinical status. Although there is insufficient data regarding its effects on adrenal glands. This study aimed to identify whether elevated intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) caused any alteration on the morphology and function of adrenal glands in a rat model. Twenty four Sprague-Dawley male rats were included in the study. Animals were allocated into 4 groups. IAP was elevated to 15 mmHg for one hour and four hours in group 2 and 4. Group 1 and 3 were sham groups. Blood samples were taken for the assessment of plasma adrenaline, noradrenaline, and corticosterone levels and adrenalectomies were performed to evaluate apoptosis. Blood adrenaline, noradrenaline and corticosterone levels were significantly higher in the study groups compared with the sham groups. However, there were no significant changes in apoptotic index scores in the study groups as compared to sham groups. These results support that increased IAH leads to discharge of catecholamine and corticosterone from the adrenal glands. Failure to demonstrate similar changes in apoptotic index score may be concluded as apoptosis is not a leading pathway for impairment of adrenal glands during IAH period.     

Facial Candidal Abscess in a Patient with Unknown Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Introduction

Facial candidal abscess is an infection with a fungal cause which was presented in this case such a rarity. We report a rare case of facial abscess due to Candida species in a patient with unknown diabetes.

Materials and Methods

The patient presented with a longstanding firm swelling which occurred 2 weeks ago and did not show any improvement of healing process in spite of surgical and medical treatments. MRI examinations were conclusive and compatible with abscess, so she underwent surgical intervention. Facial candidal abscess was the final diagnosis.

Conclusions

We concluded that, in persistent abscesses, invasive candidiasis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of bacterial infections as it generally affects individuals with diabetes or general defects in the immune system, or those who use widespread antibiotics and steroids.     

Acute physiological responses to physiotherapy applications pre and post autologous stem cell transplantation: an experimental study

Objective

We aimed to investigate the acute physiological responses (APR) to physiotherapy applications in patients undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT), the difference between pre- and post-ASCT according to APR.

Methods

Twenty-six patients who were hospitalized for ASCT attended regular physiotherapy program. APR was recorded in the beginning and at the end of each exercise session. The differences in APR were calculated for each session. The mean values of the differences in APR were computed in pre-conditioning, pre-, and post-ASCT. Daily complete blood counts were also recorded during ASCT.

Results

Hemoglobin and platelet counts were significantly lower pre- and post-ASCT. Neutrophil counts were significantly lower post-ASCT. The difference in systolic blood pressure (SBP) in the beginning and at the end of the exercise sessions was significantly higher post-ASCT in comparison to pre-ASCT.

Conclusion

There was no significant change in APR except the SBP which suggests that similar level of exercise intensity could be tolerated in pre- and post-ASCT periods as well as preconditioning.     

DCE‐MRI findings of invasive aspergillosis in patient with acute myeloid leukemia

Thoracic radiography and high resolution computerized tomography is used to diagnose pulmonary infections in immunosuppressed patients, although in some cases these do not provide enough information about the lesion. Dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging may be useful in these cases, especially for the characterization of cavitary lesions and assessment of their contrast diffusion.