Evaluation of storage parameters of platelet-rich plasma in functional assay of epithelial gap repair.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), produced from autologous blood and containing growth factors, has shown promise in treating various conditions, including diabetic wounds. However, as expected, patient compliance is low in the context of repeated treatments as required for hard-to-heal wounds. This study investigates the efficacy of PRP stored under refrigeration for up to 2 weeks in promoting in-vitro human epithelial cell gap closure.

Massive intracranial bleeding requiring emergency splenectomy in a patient with CMV-associated thrombocytopenia.

We describe a previously healthy male patient, with severe immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) following CMV infection which was refractory to steroids and intravenous immunoglobulin, who developed massive intracranial bleeding. Despite an extremely low platelet count (2x10(9)/liter) which was refractory to platelet transfusions, successful emergency splenectomy was performed, with rapid resolution of the thrombocytopenia. Bleeding complications are extremely rare in viral-associated ITP.

Microsatellite instability and p53 mutations in pediatric secondary malignant neoplasms.

Background: The past decade has witnessed a growing frequency of therapy-related secondary tumors. The authors studied nine children with secondary malignancies. The primary tumors were bilateral retinoblastoma, neuroblastoma, brain tumor, Wilms' tumor, colon adenocarcinoma, and Hodgkin's disease.