Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to B Storms.
Hematopoietic stem cells are rare cells found in the bone marrow, peripheral blood, placenta, and elsewhere that sustain the hematopoietic system. The current review will focus on the evolving views of the biology of these cells. Because hematopoietic stem cells have been studied and transplanted for several decades, lessons learned from studying these cells may provide useful paradigms for the study of mesenchymal stem cells.
BACKGROUND: Traditional assessment of asthma severity has been based on symptoms reported by patients, findings on physical examination, and pulmonary function measures. Newer measurements evaluate the quality of life of asthma patients. We attempted to assess the effect of allergy specialty care on the quality of life of asthmatic patients. METHODS: A validated asthma quality of life questionnaire was administered prospectively to patients with asthma on their first visit to our clinic; a second questionnaire was given a few months later. All patients had been under the care of a primary physician prior to coming to our office. RESULTS: The paired questionnaires were analyzed and showed improvement in the asthma quality of life. The total scores improved from 28.1 to 21.6 (P = 1.5 X 10(-5), the breathlessness score from 8.7 to 5.9 (P = 7.3 X 10(-8), the mood scores from 6.4 to 4.6 (P = 1.1 X 10(-5). The social concerns from 4.5 to 3.9 (P = .08) and the concern for health from 8.4 to 7.1 (P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: This is further evidence that allergy specialty care improves asthma quality of life over primary care treatment.