No abstract

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a frequent therapeutic approach to restore hematopoiesis in patients with hematologic diseases. Patients receive a hematopoietic stem cell (HSC)-enriched donor cell infusion also containing immune cells, which may have a beneficial effect by eliminating residual neoplastic cells. However, the effect that donor innate immune cells may have on the donor HSCs has not been deeply explored. Here, we evaluate the influence of donor natural killer (NK) cells on HSC fate, concluded that NK cells negatively affect HSC frequency and function, and identified interferon-gamma (IFNg) as a potential mediator. Interestingly, improved HSC fitness was achieved by NK cell depletion from murine and human donor infusions or by blocking IFNg activity. Thus, our data suggest that suppression of inflammatory signals generated by donor innate immune cells can enhance engraftment and hematopoietic reconstitution during HSCT, which is particularly critical when limited HSC numbers are available and the risk of engraftment failure is high.

Long-term results of 69 hip operations for deformities due to avascular necrosis following the conservative treatment of the hip dysplasia were evaluated. The authors' technique of intertrochanteric valgus osteotomy allows for simultaneously handling of varus deformity and shortening of the femoral neck, fusion of the greater trochanter, and correction of increased femoral anteversion, if necessary. This type of surgery was used in children with Buchholz-Ogden type III deformity starting from 3 years of age until adolescence. Patients were followed for an average of 19.3 years. Eighty-seven percent had no marked limitation in range of motion and 57% were free of complaints. Trendelenburg gait was present in only six patients. Radiographs of all patients showed improvement of coxometric values. Acetabular dysplasia was handled in 29 patients with a subsequent shelf arthroplasty. Total hip arthroplasty for hip degeneration was not indicated for any of the patients to date.