Unit 5: Assessment Research
Name
University
- EN304-7: English Composition II
Professor
February 10th, 2023
INTRODUCTION PARAGRAPH
In a modern world that is fast evolving, expanded research is just like a gear needed to advance scientific knowledge and provide the progressive technology required to keep up with new illnesses, and innovative procedures. And scientific research will not stop advancing until all the undiscovered aspects of our planet are unraveled. One of these aspects needed to be unraveled is stem cells, because they have considerable promise for success in medical therapies in that they give us hope for novel therapies for conditions like diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord damage, and myocardial infarction. Stem cells found throughout the human body are young cells that do not undergo functional differentiation, so they still have limitless possibilities and the capacity to develop into any type of specialized cell, such as tissue cells, lung cells, heart cells, brain cells, muscle cells. Additionally, stem cells are of different kinds, determined by how and where they came from. Even if there are risks, such as severe side effects and moral dilemmas associated with using stem cells; they are outweighed by the multiple benefits in its medicinal applications. The multifaceted effects of transplanted stem cells, including the production of numerous growth factors, have been demonstrated through basic research on stem cell treatment. Gene-modified stem cells can now be produced thanks to recent developments in genetic engineering, which will increase the effectiveness of treatments (Yamaguchi et al., 2022). This paper emphasized that, the emerging opportunities in the field of stem cell research have the potential to provide new effective treatments and potential cures for a variety of serious medical conditions, especially degenerative illnesses, irrespective of the associated risks and, provided the ongoing challenges are adequately managed.
LITERATURE REVIEW
An unusual hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for donor acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a case report
This primary source reports on a case of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for treating acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in a donor. According to the article, the patient donated bone marrow to her brother eight years ago. However, the patient developed ALL, and the case is termed unusual because, despite the patient having leukemic genes (mutation of BRAF and SF31), the recipient of the bone marrow did not contract the disease genes (Zhou et al., 2020). The patient was then started on Vindesine, Daunorubicin, and Prednisone (VDP regimen) and showed complete remission after two weeks. The disease relapsed after the patient had been in remission for three months. The patient was given a VDP regimen with additional CD19 CAR-T therapy and later underwent an HLA-identical unrelated hematopoietic stem cell transplant and has now been in remission for seven months (Zhou et al., 2020). In conclusion, the authors state that the case report was the first one in which the receiver did not also develop ALL when the donor had it; it is also the first case report involving a novel form of autoHSCT.
The publication date of the article is 2020, which is considered recent. However, it’s always good to check for more recent literature to see if there have been any advancements or updates in the field. The article’s topic is relevant to the fields of hematology and oncology, as it discusses a case of HSCT in ALL genetics. Additionally, it shows the possibility of genetic variations among siblings, making it more interesting for research. The article’s authors have authority on the subject as they are involved directly in the case and in the fields of hematology and oncology. The article is published in the peer-reviewed journal “BMC Cancer.” This suggests that the article has undergone a rigorous peer-review process and that the information presented is likely to be of high quality. The information presented in the article is accurate and is supported by references to relevant literature. However, as with any case report, it is important to remember that it only represents one individual’s experience and may not represent all patients. The purpose of the article is to report on a case of HSCT in an ALL donor (Zhou et al., 2020). The authors do not appear to have any bias or hidden agenda.
Acute graft versus host disease post allogeneic stem cell transplantation-a case report
This primary source is about Acute Graft versus Host Disease (aGvHD), a common and severe complication of allogeneic stem cell transplantation. In this case report, the authors explain the pathophysiology and clinical manifestations of GvHD, as well as the treatment and management of the severe condition in transplant survivors. Following interactions with both the host’s active immune system and the donor’s antigen-presenting cells, donor T lymphocytes are critical in inducing GvHD (APC). GvHD is subsequently caused by the modulation of T cell/APC interactions by a complex network of chemokines, cytokines, immune cell subsets, and cellular receptors (Princy et al., 2020). The authors concluded by stating that in the management of aGvHD, there is a need for proper risk reduction during the design of HSCT. Additionally, patient-tailored prophylaxis, fast assessment and observation, and early detection aid in suitable care and projected treatment outcomes of aGvHD (Prncy et al., 2020).
The article is dated 2020, which makes it current. The article is relevant to oncology and stem cell transplantation as it discusses a common and severe complication of allogeneic stem cell transplantation and its care and management (Princy et al., 2020). The authors are scholars from the Department of Nursing at Christian Medical College in India, which enhances their authority on the topic. Additionally, the article was published online in 2021, meaning it is peer-reviewed and relevant for academic purposes. The information presented in the article appears to be accurate because the authors cite their sources for literature. The article’s purpose was to provide information to enhance clinical outcomes and promote holistic nursing care for patients receiving allogeneic stem cell transplantation by educating them on the pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and management of this acute issue (Princy et al., 2020).
A case of non-progressive congenital myopathy: Efficacy and clinical outcomes of the Wharton’s jelly derived mesenchymal stem cell transplantation
This primary source aimed to investigate the efficacy and clinical outcomes of Wharton’s jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cell (WJ-MSC) (10 doses) transplantation in a patient with a non-progressive congenital myopathy. In this case, a 17-year-old female with the disease received intravenous administration of allogenic WJ-MSC 10 times as 1×10⁶ /kg in the intramuscular and intra-arterial (Azeri et al., 2022). Recordings were done before and after the treatment process based on the muscle strength scale, the upper extremity scale, the functional independence measure, the Vignos lower extremity scale, and the evaluation of Serum creatine kinase (CK) levels. The results of the case showed significant improvements in Vignos lower extremity and upper extremity scales, a decrease in CK levels, and an increase in muscle strength (Azeri et al., 2022). The authors concluded that even though WJ-MSC transplantation cannot cure genetic illnesses, it may help to improve their clinical outcomes.
This is a current article, received in 2021 and published online in 2022. The study is relevant to stem cell research as it addresses the effectiveness of stem cell therapy in managing congenital myopathy. The authors are affiliated with the Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Histology and Embryology, Center for Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Research and Practice, and Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research and Manufacturing at Istinye University or Liv Hospital, in Istanbul, Turkey. The article is peer-reviewed and well-related to stem cell research. The purpose of the study is to provide evidence of the efficacy and clinical outcomes of WJ-MSC transplantation in the treatment of congenital myopathy (Azeri et al., 2022). The article is written in a scholarly and professional manner and provides scientific evidence to support the findings.
Dawn of the stem cell revolution? Researchers test more therapies with novel techniques for a range of diseases.
This primary news article published in Discover magazine discusses the recent advancements in the field of stem cell research and the potential implications for medical treatments. The author notes that there have been significant breakthroughs in using stem cells to treat various conditions, including heart disease, spinal cord injury, and diabetes (Miller, 2021). With so much potential, the author still notes that there is insufficient evidence for practical therapy. However, based on the few examples provided, the author sees that a revolution in the use of stem cells is near. The article also highlights the use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which are created by reprogramming adult cells, as a promising alternative to embryonic stem cells (Miller, 2021). The author concludes that the stem cell revolution may finally be here and that it holds immense potential for improving human health.
The article was published in 2021 and is relatively recent and up-to-date. The article is relevant to the topic of stem cell research and its potential implications for medical treatments. The article provides useful information for researchers and academicians even though it seems to be targeting a general public audience. The article’s author is a freelance writer with a background in science journalism, but it is unclear if they are experts in the field of stem cell research. The information presented in the article appears to be accurate. However, it is based primarily on anecdotal evidence, and it would be beneficial to have more scientific data to support the author’s claims. The purpose of the article is to inform the general public about recent advancements in stem cell research and its potential impact on human health, especially in treating chronic diseases (Miller, 2021). The author does not appear to have a particular bias or agenda.
Stem cells pose a risk, offer promise: Cell-based therapies may eventually be used to modify ED, and other diseases, but not yet
According to this Secondary source, stem cells pose both a risk and a promise for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) and other diseases. Stem cells pose a risk because the manufacturing and usage of some products with stem cells are not FDA-approved and can be harmful to patients (Hilton, 2019). However, the article recognizes the potential benefits of stem cells in treating ED, including increased blood flow and tissue regeneration, which could lead to improved erectile function. Nevertheless, the article also mentions that the use of stem cells in medical treatments is still in its early stages and is associated with several risks, such as the potential for tumor formation and uncontrolled cell growth (Hilton, 2019). Besides that, some clinics use stem cells in conditions that are urologic, but there are no FDA-approved stem cell products for urologic conditions or many other diseases. According to the author, research is promising, but it is not a good enough reason to start using stem cells on patients when they are not approved to treat ED (Hilton, 2019).
The source is current research within the last five years. The article is relevant to the research on stem cells as it highlights the use of stem cells and provides reports on evidence that off-label stem cell use can cause more harm than good (Hilton, 2019). The authority of the author is not well established. The article provided that the author works for Urology Times as a correspondent. However, the article is published in authentic media (Urology Times), which has opinions from expert urologists. The information in the article appears to be accurate, but further research and verification are necessary. The purpose of the article is to provide an overview of the potential benefits and risks of stem cell therapy for ED and other diseases based on experts’ opinions (Hilton, 2019).
New Guidelines for Embryo and Stem Cell Research
This primary resource, published on the Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology website on October 22, 2021, provides the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) updates on the guidelines for stem cell research and clinical translation, which involve some critical changes to the 2016 guidelines, and the need for such changes in light of advances in research using models of human development. According to a subcategory of the guidelines, rapidly developing research should be reported to the specialist oversight body for monitoring because it may need further assessment. Furthermore, the updated guideline distinguishes between restricted research, which is generally seen as unethical, and research that might one day be acceptable, provided the remaining concerns about safety and social acceptability are addressed. The article concludes that though scientists and editors have widely accepted the updated guidelines, they still need to be regularly monitored and oversight revisited to ensure they address arising ethical concerns (Mummery & Anthony, 2021).
By the standard of CRAAP credibility tests, the detailed professional credentials of the authors show that they are practicing professionals and have affiliations with prominent medical organizations, like Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands, and International Society for Stem Cell Research, Skokie, IL, USA. Thereby, it is establishing the article’s authority. The contents are also current and relevant to both the scientists and the general public in society, as they are updated based on recently developed models of early human development and the present concerns among scientists and in society. The links to additional and supplementary information assure us that the article’s purpose is no other than to inform and educate the public and signifies that the article is intended for accuracy. In essence, the currency, relevancy, authority, accuracy, and purpose of the article are on point. Therefore, the credibility and reliability of this source are established.
Industry updates from the field of stem cell research and regenerative medicine in December 2019
The primary source is titled “Industry updates from the field of stem cell research and regenerative medicine in December 2019.” It was published on the Future Medicine website on February 6, 2020. The article informs about the latest developments in stem cell research and regenerative medicine. It initially views the business aspect of stem cell research, which includes a license agreement between Novoheart and Harvard, an exclusive Discovery and Safety Services partnership agreement between Charles River and BitBio, and the launching of new products and services in the world of stem cell research. It then proceeds to address and analyze the clinical trial aspect in the field by updating the results from different findings made (Ilic &Liovic, 2020). The updates include the results from the “pivotal study of lisocabtagenemaraleucel,” the result of a “Phase I clinical study evaluating PNK-007,” and the result of finding cures for blood cancers and severe blood diseases, among others (Ilic &Liovic, 2020).
By the standard of CRAAP credibility tests, even though the purpose of the article is evident in that it is to inform the public about the latest developments in the field and business of stem cell research, one can not ascertain the authority of the authors because the details of their credentials are missing. Besides, the article’s currency cannot be evident because it does not tell when it was last updated. Readers were merely urged to follow them on social media platforms for updates. There is an accompanying claim in the article that the author is not affiliated with any financial organization or entity and is not in financial conflict with the subject matter, which suggests that the article is not biased and may be considered accurate; however, that cannot be ascertained in any other way. Therefore, the article is far from credible enough.
Stem Cell Therapy for Acute/Subacute Ischemic Stroke with a Focus on Intraarterial Stem Cell Transplantation: From Basic Research to Clinical Trials
This primary resource has its focus on the biology of ischemic stroke and the mechanism of action of stem cell therapy in ischemic stroke, which includes the bystander effect and cell replacement, with an emphasis on acute and subacute phase stem cell IA transplantation. The article claims that early clinical trials for cell transplantation therapy for ischemic stroke have emerged from the laboratory and that IA transplantation in the acute and subacute stages of ischemic stroke is safe. However, it emphasizes that unless issues like the right selection of transplanted cells and the cell dose are resolved, the efficacy of IA transplantation will still be inadequate (Yamaguchi et al., 2022). Due to some confounding factors, such as ideal timing, cell dose, cell type, stroke type, stroke severity, and patient age, leading to a disparity in treatment efficacy between preclinical and clinical research, the article emphasized that the optimization of IA stem cell transplantation as well as further basic research tests are required to fill up these gaps and demonstrate the ideal circumstances for IA stem cell transplantation (Yamaguchi et al., 2022). It concludes that additional research in the clinical environment is required to increase therapeutic effectiveness and prevent serious side effects, particularly when a novel technique is transitioned from a preclinical to a clinical study setting.
The article, which has over ten authors, can be said to be authoritative because each of the authors is a practicing professional in the field of biomedical sciences and neurosurgery; besides, each of them has authored over ten articles or books. Also, the currency of the article is proven by the fact that, even though it was submitted on November 29, 2022, it was not published until December 27, 2022, after undergoing a thorough review.
The article aims to adequately inform and guide towards further advancement of acute/subacute phase IA stem cell transplantation therapy for ischemic stroke by highlighting the mechanisms of action of transplanted stem cells and current developments in preclinical and clinical investigations Yamaguchi et al., 2022). Furthermore, the fact that related information links to external sources were also provided shows that the article is supplying relevant and accurate information to its recipients and underlines its relevance to medical professionals as well as the public, who should be aware of what IA stem cell transplantation therapy for ischemic stroke involves. Therefore, by the CRAAP test’s standard for proving the site’s credibility and its authors’ credentials, the article is credible and reliable to a large extent.
Advances in stem cell research and therapeutic development
The secondary source article is “Advances in stem cell research and therapeutic development.” The article emphasizes the up-to-date translational use of stem cell types and their derivatives, such as hematopoietic, epithelial, muscular, and tissue-specific stem cells, as well as dopaminergic neurons produced from stem cells. It gives an in-depth analysis and comparison of the past and present applications of each type of stem cell in treating diverse illnesses while projecting into future usage. It concluded that there had been significant achievements in providing defined and reproducible therapies that can cure or alleviate diseases such as Parkinson’s and retinal diseases. This is a result of in-depth knowledge of the biological functions of specific stem cells and their derivatives, as well as adequate and feasible clinical protocols (De Luca et al., 2019).
Using CRAAP tests to determine the credibility and reliability of the article, the article was published on July 17th, 2019, by Springer Nature, a neutral body concerning jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations, which implies that the article is less biased and, therefore, reliable. The fact that the authors are a group of six professionals in their relevant fields, such as the department of life sciences, faculty of biology, medicine, and health, among others, signifies the authority of the content. That the article is cited in many other articles underlines its content’s relevance and accuracy. More so, the relevance of the topic (stem cells) goes beyond the present as it projects and promises greater potential and achievements in the future. Finally, the purpose of the article is on point as it aims to analyze whether the “success or failure of stem-cell-based therapies will contribute to a deeper understanding of the biology of specific stem cells, as exemplified by trials with haematopoietic and epidermal stem cells” (De Luca et al., 2019).
Stem cells: past, present, and future
This secondary source is titled “Stem cells: past, present, and future,” authored by Wojciech Zakrzewski, Maciej Dobrzyński, Maria Szymonowicz, and Zbigniew Rybak, and published in the national library of medicine website (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) on the 26th of February 2019. The article reviews the identification of various stem cells and the possible therapeutic applications of these cells. While the article describes stem cell therapy as a “cutting edge therapy” (Zakrzewski et al., 2019, pp 9), which would mark a turning point in contemporary medicine by offering hope for diseases that have no known cure, it also highlights the obstacles, such as ethical concern among others, that stem cell treatment must overcome to gain global acceptance (Zakrzewski et al., 2019). It reveals that despite numerous challenges yet to be solved, stem cells are having a significant impact on transplantology and regenerative medicine; for instance, the use of a patient’s cells is made possible through induced pluripotency. The article concludes that humans are now better able to extend human life than ever, thanks to stem cell therapy and all its restorative effects.
The authors of this article, Wojciech Zakrzewski, Maciej Dobrzyński, Maria Szymonowicz, Zbigniew Rybak, have authored or co-authored over hundreds of articles and books, this underlines the authority of this article. Besides, their affiliations with prominent research organizations, such as the Department of Experimental Surgery and Biomaterials Research at Wroclaw Medical University, among others, along with the fact that the article is being cited in multiple articles, also highlight not only its authority but also its relevance in the field of medicine. Links to more resources outside the website provided for further studies by interested readers further highlighted the article’s credibility. They emphasized that the article’s purpose is to educate, not to make sales or have any political bias. The currency of the article cannot be established because the content has not been shown to have been updated since it was published. However, the topic is highly relevant today since the potential in stem cells has not been used to a greater degree. Therefore, by the CRAAP test’s standard in proving the site’s credibility and its authors’ credentials, the article is, to some extent, credible and reliable.
References
Azeri, R., Sun, E., &Karaoz, E. (2022). A case of non-progressive congenital myopathy: Efficacy and clinical outcomes of the Wharton’s jelly derived mesenchymal stem cell transplantation. Acta Medica Iranica, 60(4), 249. https://doi.org/10.18502/acta.v60i4.9270
De Luca, M., Aiuti, A., Cossu, G., Parmar, M., Pellegrini, G., & Robey, P. G. (2019). Advances in stem cell research and therapeutic development. Nature Cell Biology, 21(7), 801–811. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41556-019-0344-z
Hilton L. (October, 2019). Stem cells pose risk, offer promise: Cell-based therapies may eventually be used to modify ED, other diseases, but not yet. https://www.urologytimes.com/view/stem-cells-pose-risk-offer-promise-ed-other-diseases
Ilic, D., &Liovic, M. (2020). Industry updates from the field of stem cell research and regenerative medicine in December 2019. Regenerative Medicine, 15(4), 1499–1507. https://doi.org/10.2217/rme-2020-0009
Miller, K. (2021). Dawn of the stem cell revolution? Researchers test more therapies with novel techniques for a range of diseases. Discover Magazine.
Mummery, C., & Anthony, E. (2021). New guidelines for embryo and stem cell research. Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, 22(12), 773–774. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41580-021-00429-8
Princy, B. A., Lucas, A., &Jayakumari, J. (2020). Acute graft versus host disease post allogeneic stem cell transplantation-a case report. Asian Journal of Nursing Education and Research, 10(4), 521-528. https://doi.org/10.5958/2349-2996.2020.00113.5
Yamaguchi, S., Yoshida, M., Horie, N., Satoh, K., Fukuda, Y., Ishizaka, S., Ogawa, K., Morofuji, Y., Hiu, T., Izumo, T., Kawakami, S., Nishida, N., & Matsuo, T. (2022). Stem Cell Therapy for Acute/Subacute Ischemic Stroke with a Focus on Intraarterial Stem Cell Transplantation: From Basic Research to Clinical Trials. Bioengineering, 10(1), 33. https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering10010033
Zakrzewski, W., Dobrzyński, M., Szymonowicz, M., & Rybak, Z. (2019). Stem cells: past, present, and Future. Stem Cell Research & Therapy, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13287-019-1165-5
Zhou, D., Xie, T., Chen, S., Ling, Y., Xu, Y., Chen, B., … & Yang, Y. (2020). An unusual hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for donor acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a case report. BMC cancer, 20(1), 1-5. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12885-020-6681-2
