The OnControl bone marrow biopsy technique is superior to the standard manual technique for hematologists-in-training: a prospective, randomized comparison

The purpose of this study was to compare a novel bone marrow device with the standard marrow needle in a prospective, randomized study in a teaching hospital employing hematologists-in-training. The new device, the OnControl Bone Marrow (OBM) Biopsy System, utilizes a battery-powered drill to insert the needle. Fifty-four bone marrows (27 standard and 27 OBM) were performed by 11 fellows under the observation and supervision of 3 attending hematologists and 1 research technologist. The primary endpoint of the study, the mean length of the marrow biopsy specimens, a surrogate for marrow quality, was determined by a pathologist in a blinded manner. The mean length of the marrow biopsy specimens was significantly longer (56%) for the OBM group (15.3 mm) than for the standard bone marrow (SBM) group (9.8 mm), P<0.003. An objectively determined secondary endpoint; mean procedure time, skin-to-skin; also favored the OBM group (175 s) versus the SBM group (292 s), P<0.007. Several subjective secondary endpoints also favored the OBM group. Only minor adverse events were encountered in the OBM and SBM study groups. It was concluded that bone marrow procedures (BMPs) performed by hematologists-in-training were significantly faster and superior in quality when performed with the OBM compared to the SBM. These data suggest that the OBM may be considered a new standard of care for adult hematology patients. OBM also appears to be a superior method for training hematology fellows

Phytoserotonin: A review

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; SER) is one of the well-studied indoleamine neurotransmitters in vertebrates. Recently SER has also been reported in wide range of plant species. The precise function of SER at the physiological level, particularly growth regulation, flowering, xylem sap exudation, ion permeability and plant morphogenesis in plant system has not been clear. Though SER is found in different parts of plant species including leaves, stems, roots, fruits and seeds, the quantity of SER within plant tissues varies widely. SER has been recently shown as a plant hormone in view of its auxin-like activity. This brief review provides an overview of SER biosynthesis, localization, its role in plant morphogenesis and possible physiological functions in plants. This would certainly help to elucidate further the multiple roles of SER in plant morphogenesis. In the future it may form the basis for studies on involvement of SER in cellular signaling mechanisms in plants. Apart from these gaps in understanding the role of SER in ontogeny of plant physiology and ecological, adaptations have been emphasized. Thus, overall perspectives in this area of research and its possible implications have been presented