British medical bulletin
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The adult lung is a complex organ whose large surface area interfaces extensively with both the environment and circulatory system. Yet, in spite of the high potential for exposure to environmental or systemic harm, epithelial cell turnover in adult lung is comparatively slow. Moreover, loss of lung function with advancing age is becoming an increasingly costly healthcare problem. Cell-based therapies stimulating endogenous stem/progenitor cells or supplying exogenous ones have therefore become a prime translational goal. Alternatively when lung repair becomes impossible, replacement with tissue-engineered lung is an attractive emerging alternative using a decellularized matrix or bioengineered scaffold. ⋯ Lack of consensus on specific lineage markers for lung stem and progenitor cells in development and disease constrains transferability of research between laboratories and sources of cellular therapy. Furthermore, effectiveness of individual cellular therapies to correct gas exchange and provide other critical lung functions remains unproven. Finally, feasibility of autologous whole organ replacement has not been confirmed as a durable therapy. Growing points Cellular therapies for lung regeneration would be enhanced by better lineage tracing within the lung, the ability to direct differentiation of exogenous stem or progenitor cells, and the development of functional assays for cellular viability and regenerative properties. Whether endogenous or exogeneous cells will ultimately play a greater therapeutic role remains to be seen. Reducing the need for lung replacement via endogenous cell-mediated repair is a key goal. Thereafter, improving the potential of donor lungs in transplant recipients is a further area where cell-based therapies may be beneficial. Ultimately, lung replacement with autologous tissue-engineered lungs is another goal for cell-based therapy. Areas timely for developing research Defining 'lung stem or progenitor cell' populations in both animal models and human tissue may help. Additionally, standardizing assays for assessing the potential of endogenous or exogenous cells within the lung is important. Understanding cell-matrix interactions in real time and with biomechanical insight will be central for lung engineering. Cautionary note Communicating the real potential for cell-based lung therapy needs to remain realistic, given the keen expectations of patients with end-stage lung disease.
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British medical bulletin · Jan 2012
ReviewNeurological disorders and the potential role for stem cells as a therapy.
Introduction Neurological disorders are routinely characterized by loss of cells in response to an injury or a progressive insult. Stem cells could therefore be useful to treat these disorders. Sources of data Pubmed searches of recent literature. ⋯ Whereas the potential tumorigenic capability of stem cells is a concern, most studies do not support this notion. Further determination of the optimal cell type, and whether to perform allogeneic or autologous transplants warrant investigation before the full potential of stem cells can be realized. In addition, the use of stem cells to develop disease models should not be overlooked.
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British medical bulletin · Jan 2012
ReviewSport activity following joint arthroplasty: a systematic review.
Although the clinical and functional outcomes of patients undergoing knee arthroplasty have widely been investigated, there is little information on the postoperative sport activity status. ⋯ There is a need to perform appropriately powered randomized clinical trials using standard diagnostic assessment, and a common and validated scoring system comparing reported outcomes and the duration of follow-up >2 years.
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The current treatments for human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), Chagas disease and leishmaniasis (collectively referred to as the kinetoplastid diseases) are far from ideal but, for some, there has been significant recent progress. For HAT the only advances in treatment over the past two decades have been the introduction of an eflornithine/nifurtimox co-administration and a shorter regime of the old standard melarsoprol. ⋯ Improved diagnostic tools are needed to support treatment, for test of cure in clinical trials and for monitoring/surveillance of populations in control programmes.
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British medical bulletin · Jan 2012
ReviewPostnatal depression and its effects on child development: a review of evidence from low- and middle-income countries.
It is well established that postnatal depression (PND) is prevalent in high-income countries and is associated with negative personal, family and child developmental outcomes. ⋯ Nonetheless, there is a compelling case for the implementation of interventions to reduce the impact of PND on the quality of the mother-infant relationship and improve child outcomes.