ID helix-loop-helix proteins as determinants of cell survival in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells in vitro.

Background: Members of the inhibitor of DNA-binding (ID) family of helix-loop-helix proteins have been causally implicated in the pathogenesis of several types of B-cell lineage malignancy, either on the basis of mutation or by altered expression. B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia encompasses a heterogeneous group of disorders and is the commonest leukaemia type in the Western world. In this study, we have investigated the pathobiological functions of the ID2 and ID3 proteins in this disease with an emphasis on their role in regulating leukemic cell death/survival.

Home blood transfusion: a necessary service development.

An alternative to the transfusion of blood and platelets in hospital was assessed with the aim of reducing the demand on acute services and the need for hospital admission. Patients and general practitioners [GPs] were surveyed before a home blood transfusion service was set up. The majority of GPs and patients did not support the scheme initially.