Upon activation, many cells shed components of their plasma membranes as microparticles. Depending on the methods of preparation and analyses, microparticle counts may vary significantly between laboratories, making data analyses and clinical correlations challenging. To assess how variations in sample preparation affect microparticle measurements, blood samples from 13 healthy, adult volunteers were labeled with Annexin V, cell-specific antibodies, and antibodies against tissue factor (TF). Data were acquired and analysed using an EPICS XL-MCL flow cytometer. Annexin V(+) monocyte-, platelet-, endothelial-, or erythrocyte-derived microparticles accounted for 10.4%, 38.5%, 43.8%, and 7.3% of the total number of microparticles (13.7 +/- 3.0 x 10(3)/ml of whole blood), respectively. A similar distribution of cell types was seen for TF(+) microparticles (6.3 +/- 2.6 x 10(3)/ml of whole blood). No statistical difference was noted in microparticle distribution using either 19- or 21-gauge needles. Elevated levels of platelet- and erythrocyte-derived microparticles were detected in heparin and PPACK-anticoagulated samples as compared to samples anticoagulated with ACD or sodium citrate (P < 0.05, student's t-test). Additional centrifugation was critical for removing platelet contamination, which significantly affected microparticle counts. Finally, Annexin V(+) and TF(+) microparticles were significantly reduced upon sample storage at low temperatures. Microparticle levels are significantly affected by variations in sample preparation and storage. These results illustrate the need to standardize assay protocols in order to obtain consistent measurements. Our studies further optimize sample preparation for microparticle detection.

No abstract

The American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology (ASPHO) recognized recent changes in medical practice and the potential impact on pediatric hematology-oncology (PHO) workforce. ASPHO surveyed society members and PHO Division Directors between 2010 and 2016 and studied PHO workforce data collected by the American Board of Pediatrics and the American Medical Association to characterize the current state of the PHO workforce. The analysis of this information has led to a comprehensive description of PHO physicians, professional activities, and workplace. It is important to continue to collect data to identify changes in composition and needs of the PHO workforce.

No abstract

The American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology (ASPHO) solicited information from division directors and fellowship training program directors to capture pediatric hematology/oncology (PHO) specific workforce data of 6 years (2010-2015), in response to an increase in graduating fellows during that time. Observations included a stable number of physicians and advanced practice providers (APPs) in clinical PHO, an increased proportion of APPs hired compared to physicians, and an increase in training-level first career positions. Rapid changes in the models of PHO care have significant implications to current and future trainees and require continued analysis to understand the evolving discipline of PHO.

No abstract

1. Solé D, Wandalsen GF, Camelo-Nunes IC, et al. Prevalência de sintomas de asma, rinite e eczema atópico entre crianças e adolescentes brasileiros identificados pelo International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) -Fase 3. J Pediatr. 2006;82:341-346. 2. Thijs JL, Strickland I, Bruijnzeel-Koomen C, et al. Moving toward endotypes in atopic dermatitis: Identification of patient clusters based on serum biomarkers analysis. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2017;140:730-737. 3. Laske N, Niggemann B. Does the severity of atopic dermatitis correlate with serum IgE levels? Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2004;15:86-88. 4. Hanifin JM, Rajka G. Diagnostic features of atopic dermatitis. Acta Derm Venerol. 1980;92:44-47. 5. European Task Force on Atopic Dermatitis. Severity scoring of atopic dermatitis: the SCORAD Index (consensus report of the European Task Force on Atopic Dermatitis). Dermatology. 1993;186:23-31.

No abstract