Pilot Study to Gain First Indications for the Impact of a 3-Month's Oral Intake of a Sucrosomial Iron Supplement on Hemoglobin in Iron-Deficient Blood Donors.

Introduction: Regular whole blood donors often suffer from iron deficiency (ID) or iron deficiency anemia due to the loss of 200-300 mg of iron with each donation. Hemoglobin (Hb) as donor eligibility criterion reflects iron stores only poorly. ID in blood donors is typically prevented or treated with orally administered ferrous salts, which frequently cause gastrointestinal side effects. A high daily oral iron dose is counterproductive due to hepcidin upregulation. Oral sucrosomial iron (sucriron) is encapsulated ferric pyrophosphate that may be an option for blood donors due to its supposed high bioavailability and good tolerability. Methods: This monocentric single-cohort pilot study included fifty whole blood donors (divided into premenopausal women, postmenopausal women, and men) who did not meet Hb donation criteria. Participants aged 18-65 years with ferritin <30 ng/mL and venous Hb <12.5 g/dL in women and Hb <13.5 g/dL in men received oral sucriron (30 mg iron) for 90-120 days. Primary endpoints were the increase of Hb and ferritin. Results: Forty-seven participants completed the study. With the limitation that no control group was included, there was a substantial overall median increase of 0.94 g/dL Hb and 4.97 ng/mL ferritin (standardized on 90 days of iron intake). These value improvements were likewise observed in each of the subgroups. sucriron was very well tolerated, with almost no gastrointestinal side effects identified. Conclusion: A clear increase of Hb and ferritin was observed after the intake of sucriron, so it may be a reasonable and useful alternative to traditional oral iron therapy. The ease of administration, pleasant taste, dietary supplement status, and, most importantly, good tolerability highlight the value of sucriron supplementation.

The application of an allogeneic bone screw for osteosynthesis in hand and foot surgery: a case series.

INTRODUCTION: The allogeneic bone screw transplant is a new osteosynthesis device making the use of foreign fixation material obsolete for various kinds of indications. Moreover, it is integrated into the recipient bone by natural bone remodeling without harming the surrounding tissue. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of the transplant for osteotomy and arthrodesis in hand and foot surgery and to evaluate the clinical importance of the device. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single-surgeon case series of 32 patients who had undergone hand or foot surgery with the application of an allogeneic bone screw with an average follow-up time of 1 year is reported. Clinical data were reviewed to evaluate the pain levels and satisfaction of the patients and the frequency and type of complications occurring during the healing process. Routine radiography and computed tomography were reviewed to determine the fusion rate, the ingrowth behavior of the transplant and the possible occurrence of transplant failure. RESULTS: High patient satisfaction was paired with low postoperative pain levels and a low complication rate. 97% of the patients were free of pain at the timepoint of the second follow-up examination, the mean time of recovery of full mobility was 50.1 ± 26.1 days after surgery. Wound healing disturbance occurred only in two cases. Bony consolidation of the osteotomy or arthrodesis gap as well as osseointegration of the transplant was seen in all cases. No transplant failure or transplant loosening occurred. CONCLUSIONS: The application of the allogeneic bone screw resulted in a 100% fusion rate while the patient burden was low. The transplant is safe and suited for various kinds of osteosynthesis in hand and foot surgery.

Impact of platelets on major thrombosis in patients with a normal white blood cell count in essential thrombocythemia.

OBJECTIVES: Cell counts have a significant impact on the complex mechanism of thrombosis in patients with essential thrombocythemia (ET). We recently demonstrated a considerable impact of white blood cell (WBC) counts on thrombotic risk in patients with optimized platelet counts by analysing a large anagrelide registry. In contrast, the current analysis of the registry aimed to estimate the influence of platelet counts on thrombotic risk in patients with optimized WBC counts. METHODS: Cox regression analysis and Kaplan-Meier plot were applied on all patients in the registry with optimized WBC counts. RESULTS: By using the calculated cut-off of 593 G/L for platelets, Cox regression analysis revealed a clear influence of elevated platelet counts on the occurrence of a major thrombotic event (P < .001). A Kaplan-Meier plot revealed a markedly shorter time to a major thrombotic event for patients with platelet counts above the cut-off (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The data show clear impact of platelet lowering on the thrombotic risk in ET patients with normal WBC counts. Therefore, selective platelet lowering with anagrelide appears sufficient for thrombotic risk reduction in WHO-diagnosed ET patients lacking leukocytosis.

Obsidian ASG® Autologous Platelet-Rich Fibrin Matrix and Colorectal Anastomotic Healing: A Preliminary Study.

INTRODUCTION: Anastomotic leakage (AL) following colorectal resection is a devastating complication affecting morbidity, mortality, and quality of life of patients in the long term. Different tissue sealants and biologic glues were tested showing conflicting results regarding their influence on anastomotic healing and leak prevention. Application of autologous platelet-rich fibrin (Vivostat A/S, Alleroed, Denmark), which acts as a source of angiogenic growth factors and cytokines, showed promising results in an in-vivo porcine model. Herein, we present the first human study of stapled colorectal anastomoses supplemented with an autologous-derived platelet-rich fibrin matrix (Obsidian ASG®, Rivolution GmbH, Rosenheim, Germany and Vivostat A/S, Alleroed, Denmark). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of prospectively accumulated data was performed in two colorectal centers (Linz, Vienna) on patients undergoing left-sided colorectal or coloanal stapled anastomosis between October 2018 and December 2019. The Obsidian ASG® Matrix was applied to the rectal stump, and after closure with the circular stapling device, at the circumference of anastomosis in every single case. Anastomoses were supplemented with intra- and extra-anastomotic application (IAA-intra-anastomotic application developed by Rivolution GmbH, Rosenheim, Germany) of Obsidian ASG® Matrix. The primary endpoints were incidence of perioperative complications and anastomotic leak rate. RESULTS: Two-hundred-sixty-one (138 female) patients underwent left-sided colonic (n=177) or rectal resection (n=84). In 253 (96.9%) cases, a laparoscopic or robotic-assisted approach was used. There were no complications attributable to the intraoperative application of the Obsidian ASG® Matrix. All intraoperative leak tests were negative. Overall, anastomotic leak rate accounted for 2.3% (6/261). AL following colonic and rectal resection was seen in 2.3% (4/177) and 2.4% (2/84), respectively. Complication and leak rate was similar in the two participating centers. Postoperative fever and elevated CRP levels were significantly correlated to AL. There was no significant risk factor for AL on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Application of an autologous-derived platelet-rich fibrin matrix (Obsidian ASG®) at anastomotic site following colorectal resection is safe and associated with a low rate of anastomotic leakage.

External Prosthetic Reinforcement of the Pulmonary Autograft.

BACKGROUND: Neo-aortic root dilatation accounts for the majority of reoperations needed after the Ross procedure with implantation of the pulmonary autograft as complete root replacement. This study evaluates early results of external prosthetic reinforcement of the autograft. METHODS: From July 2015 to October 2017, 16 adolescent and adult patients received a Ross procedure at our department by this technique. A congenital-dysplastic valve was present in 13 patients, including 9 patients with a bicuspid aortic valve. Clinical and echocardiographic follow-up is complete with a mean duration of 19.7 ± 5.8 months. RESULTS: The mean age at operation was 27.1 ± 16.1 years. Mean aortic cross-clamping time was 102 ± 39 minutes. No bleeding complication occurred. The median stay on the intensive care unit was 2 days. In-hospital mortality was 0%. All patients were discharged with no or trivial aortic regurgitation. In one patient both the autograft and homograft were replaced because of endocarditis 3 months after the primary operation, leading to 93.8% freedom from reoperation at 2 years. There were no late deaths during the study period. The latest echocardiography confirmed absence of aortic regurgitation grade >I in all patients. Neo-aortic root diameters remained stable during follow-up. CONCLUSION: The presented modification of the Ross procedure does not prolong ischemia time, and can be performed with a low operative morbidity and mortality and an excellent early valve function.

Impact of white blood cells on thrombotic risk in patients with optimized platelet count in essential thrombocythemia.

OBJECTIVES: Risk of thrombosis is significantly enhanced by both elevated platelet (PLT) and white blood cell (WBC) counts according to a retrospective analysis of a large anagrelide registry in thrombocythemic MPN patients. We were interested in the impact of elevated WBC counts on thrombosis risk in patients where PLT counts were reduced below the calculated cutoff of 574.5 G/L by treatment with anagrelide. METHODS: Cox regression analysis and Kaplan-Meier plot were applied on all patients in the registry with optimized PLT counts. RESULTS: Using the calculated cutoff of 9.66 G/L for WBC, Cox regression analysis revealed a clear influence of elevated WBC counts on the occurrence of a major thrombotic event (P = .012). A Kaplan-Meier plot revealed a markedly shorter time to a major thrombotic event for patients with WBC counts above the cutoff (P = .001). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that additional correction of elevated WBC counts is mandatory in patients with optimally managed PLT counts to reduce thrombotic risk. This study is the first investigation in a prospectively observed large patient cohort which was treated homogenously allowing for evaluation of single parameters for an effect on thrombophilia.

Early active rehabilitation after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: a prospective randomized pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare two different rehabilitation strategies, primary passive motion versus early isometric loading of the rotator cuff. DESIGN: Prospective randomized controlled observer-blinded pilot study. SETTING: Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. SUBJECTS: Thirty patients after rotator cuff surgery. INTERVENTION: All participants were randomly assigned to one of the two outpatient treatment groups: primary passive motion versus early isometric loading of the rotator cuff. Both groups were treated for 12 weeks and performed additionally a home exercise program. MAIN MEASURES: The primary outcome measure for functional assessment was the Constant Murley score. The secondary outcome measures were the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score (DASH), active range of motion, pain level and strength. Patients were assessed before, 6, 12 and 24 weeks after surgery. RESULTS: Repeatedly measured metric variables were compared by the Quade rank analysis of covariance and revealed substantially better Constant Murley scores in the early activated group at all 3 assessments (6 weeks: 41 [31;45] versus 30 [23;37]; 12 weeks: 68 [56;77] versus 59 [53;62]; 24 weeks: 79 [76;81] versus 66 [62;74]; data as median [25%;75%]). Postoperative changes of Constant score were in favour of the active group with the biggest difference at week 12 (28 [38;12] versus 9 [27;-4]). Maximal pain levels showed clear more reduction 6 and 24 weeks after surgery in the early activated group. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study with early isometric loading of the rotator cuff shows better function and less maximal pain. Further research is warranted to confirm our results.

Optimizing odor identification testing as quick and accurate diagnostic tool for Parkinson's disease.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate odor identification testing as a quick, cheap, and reliable tool to identify PD. METHODS: Odor identification with the 16-item Sniffin' Sticks test (SS-16) was assessed in a total of 646 PD patients and 606 controls from three European centers (A, B, and C), as well as 75 patients with atypical parkinsonism or essential tremor and in a prospective cohort of 24 patients with idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (center A). Reduced odor sets most discriminative for PD were determined in a discovery cohort derived from a random split of PD patients and controls from center A using L1-regularized logistic regression. Diagnostic accuracy was assessed in the rest of the patients/controls as validation cohorts. RESULTS: Olfactory performance was lower in PD patients compared with controls and non-PD patients in all cohorts (each P < 0.001). Both the full SS-16 and a subscore of the top eight discriminating odors (SS-8) were associated with an excellent discrimination of PD from controls (areas under the curve ≥0.90; sensitivities ≥83.3%; specificities ≥82.0%) and from non-PD patients (areas under the curve ≥0.91; sensitivities ≥84.1%; specificities ≥84.0%) in all cohorts. This remained unchanged when patients with >3 years of disease duration were excluded from analysis. All 8 incident PD cases among patients with idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder were predicted with the SS-16 and the SS-8 (sensitivity, 100%; positive predictive value, 61.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Odor identification testing provides excellent diagnostic accuracy in the distinction of PD patients from controls and diagnostic mimics. A reduced set of eight odors could be used as a quick tool in the workup of patients presenting with parkinsonism and for PD risk indication. © 2016 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Influence of platelet and white blood cell counts on major thrombosis - analysis from a patient registry in essential thrombocythemia.

OBJECTIVES: Although guidelines recommend normalization of platelet counts as an appropriate endpoint for treatment in high-risk essential thrombocythemia (ET), retrospective studies could not prove a correlation of diagnostic platelet counts with an increased thrombotic rate. There is, however, an increasing evidence that leukocytosis is an important risk factor for arterial thrombosis in myeloproliferative neoplasms. METHODS: This study considers the Austrian cohort of a European registry regarding the platelet-lowering therapeutic anagrelide. Influence of platelet and white blood cell (WBC) counts on thrombotic risk was assessed. RESULTS: Using the calculated cutoffs of 574.5 G/L for platelets and 8.48 G/L for WBC counts, respectively, the Cox regression analysis revealed a clear influence of elevated platelets (P = 0.008) and WBC counts (P = 0.011) on the occurrence of major thrombotic events. The time to a major thrombotic event was shortest (P < 0.001) and the frequency related to 100 patient-years was highest (P = <0.001) when both platelet and WBC counts ranged above the calculated cutoffs. CONCLUSION: Our data add evidence to the impact of platelet and WBC counts on thrombosis in ET. We suspect a particular interaction between platelets and WBC which might be based on a biological interplay depending on particular cell counts.

Efficacy Management of Urolithiasis: Flexible Ureteroscopy versus Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of flexible ureterscopy (fURS) and extracorporal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) in the treatment of urolithiasis, complemented by a subgroup analysis of lower pole calyx. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients treated by fURS or SWL was performed by independent variables such as gender, age, nephrolith size, double-J stent (DJ stent) and stone localisation. RESULTS: Out of 326 patients, 165 were treated by SWL and 161 by fURS. Complete stone removal was achieved by fURS in 83.2% and by SWL in 43.0% (p < 0.001). Asymptomatic behaviour (88-89%) and complication rate (10-11%) were nearly the same in both methods. A higher retreatment rate for SWL was necessary; otherwise, an auxillary DJ stent was performed more often preoperative before fURS. The subgroup analysis of lower pole calyx confirmed these evaluations. CONCLUSIONS: Complete stone-free removal was almost 8 times higher after fURS compared to SWL. The efficacy of fURS in treatment of urolithiasis is substantially higher than the efficacy of SWL.

Antioxidant supplementation attenuates oxidative stress in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Ischemia-reperfusion has been reported to be associated with augmented oxidative stress in the course of surgery, which might be causally involved in the onset of atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common arrhythmia after cardiac surgery. We hypothesized that supplementation of antioxidants and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) might lower the incidence of AF following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. In the present study, by monitoring oxidative stress in the course of CABG surgery, we analyzed the efficacy of vitamins (ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol) and/or n-3 PUFAs (eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid). Subjects (n = 75) were divided into 4 subgroups: control, vitamins, n-3 PUFAs, and a combination of vitamins and n-3 PUFAs. Fluorescent techniques were used to measure the antioxidative capacity, i.e. ability to inhibit oxidation. Total peroxides, endogenous peroxidase activity, and antibodies against oxidized LDL (oLAb) were used as serum oxidative stress biomarkers. Post-operative increase in oxidative stress was associated with the consumption of antioxidants and a simultaneous onset of AF. This was confirmed through an increased peroxide level and a decreased oLAb titer in control and n-3 PUFAs groups, indicating the binding of antibodies to oxidative modified epitopes. In both subgroups that were supplemented with vitamins, total peroxides decreased, and the maintenance of a constant IgG antibody titer was facilitated. However, treatment with vitamins or n-3 PUFAs was inefficient with respect to AF onset and its duration. We conclude that the administration of vitamins attenuates post-operative oxidative stress in the course of CABG surgery.

Perioperative and Long-Term Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Synchronous Carotid Endarterectomy and Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Single-Center Experience.

INTRODUCTION: Patients requiring coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and carotid endarterectomy (CEA) can be managed with staged (CEA before CABG), reverse staged (CABG before CEA) or synchronous treatment. This single-center retrospective study evaluated the outcomes in patients undergoing planned synchronous CEA and CABG. METHODS: Between 2000 and 2020 a total of 185 patients with symptomatic triple-vessel or left main coronary artery disease associated with 70-99% asymptomatic or 50-99% symptomatic uni- or bilateral internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis underwent synchronous CEA and CABG at our institution. Study endpoints were defined as mortality, stroke and myocardial infarction at 30 days. Additionally, the composite endpoint of these events was investigated. RESULTS: At 30 days, mortality, stroke and myocardial infarction rates were 5.9%, 8.1% (permanent [unresolved deficit at discharge] 5.4%) and 3.8%, respectively, and the composite endpoint was reached in 13.0% of patients. Patients suffering from a stroke more frequently had a contralateral 70-99% ICA stenosis (60.0% vs. 17.3%; p < 0.001), peripheral artery disease (73.3% vs. 38.9%; p = 0.013) and prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass time (mean 119 ± 62 min vs. 84 ± 29 min; p = 0.012). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed the duration of cardiopulmonary bypass (odds ratio [OR] 1.024; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.002-1.046; p = 0.034), a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus (OR 5.097; 95% CI 1.161-22.367; p = 0.031) and peripheral artery disease (OR 5.814; 95% CI 1.231-27.457; p = 0.026) as independent risk factors for reaching the composite endpoint. CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing synchronous CEA and CABG face an elevated risk of perioperative cardiovascular events, particularly an increased stroke risk in patients with symptomatic and bilateral ICA stenosis. Graphical Abstract available for this article.

Enzian classification: does it correlate with clinical symptoms and the rASRM score?

OBJECTIVE: To assess the extent to which the Enzian classification correlates with the revised American Society for Reproductive Medicine (rASRM) score and clinical symptoms in women with deeply infiltrating endometriosis. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: Endometriosis competence center specializing in minimally invasive surgery. PATIENTS: Between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2011, a total of 194 women underwent surgery due to deeply infiltrating endometriosis. After histological confirmation, they were classified using the rASRM and Enzian systems. Clinical symptoms were recorded preoperatively. INTERVENTIONS: Operative laparoscopy to treat endometriosis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES AND RESULTS: A clear correlation was seen between grades of severity in the rASRM score and the Enzian classification (p < 0.001). In addition, the rASRM severity grade and clinical symptoms correlated with the locations in the Enzian classification in relation to deeply infiltrating endometriosis. Pain and dysmenorrhea correlated strongly (p = 0.002, p < 0.001) with the severity grade in the Enzian classification. CONCLUSIONS: Deeply infiltrating endometriosis is well characterized using the Enzian classification as a supplement to the rASRM score. There is also a clear correlation between the rASRM and Enzian classifications, because of the way in which the disease crosses morphological boundaries. The locations in the Enzian classification correlate partially with clinical symptoms, and the classification's severity grades correlate substantially with pain and dysmenorrhea. In view of these clinical results, use of the Enzian classification can be recommended as a supplement to the rASRM score for detailed description of endometriosis.

Tailored Intraoperative MRI Strategies in High-Grade Glioma Surgery: A Machine Learning-Based Radiomics Model Highlights Selective Benefits.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In high-grade glioma (HGG) surgery, intraoperative MRI (iMRI) has traditionally been the gold standard for maximizing tumor resection and improving patient outcomes. However, recent Level 1 evidence juxtaposes the efficacy of iMRI and 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA), questioning the continued justification of iMRI because of its associated costs and extended surgical duration. Nonetheless, drawing from our clinical observations, we postulated that a subset of intricate HGGs may continue to benefit from the adjunctive application of iMRI. METHODS: In a prospective study of 73 patients with HGG, 5-ALA was the primary technique for tumor delineation, complemented by iMRI to detect residual contrast-enhanced regions. Suboptimal 5-ALA efficacy was defined when (1) iMRI detected contrast-enhanced remnants despite 5-ALA's indication of a gross total resection or (2) surgeons observed residual fluorescence, contrary to iMRI findings. Radiomic features from preoperative MRIs were extracted using a U2-Net deep learning algorithm. Binary logistic regression was then used to predict compromised 5-ALA performance. RESULTS: Resections guided solely by 5-ALA achieved an average removal of 93.14% of contrast-enhancing tumors. This efficacy increased to 97% with iMRI integration, albeit not statistically significant. Notably, for tumors with suboptimal 5-ALA performance, iMRI's inclusion significantly improved resection outcomes (P-value: .00013). The developed deep learning-based model accurately pinpointed these scenarios, and when enriched with radiomic parameters, showcased high predictive accuracy, as indicated by a Nagelkerke R2 of 0.565 and a receiver operating characteristic of 0.901. CONCLUSION: Our machine learning-driven radiomics approach predicts scenarios where 5-ALA alone may be suboptimal in HGG surgery compared with its combined use with iMRI. Although 5-ALA typically yields favorable results, our analyses reveal that HGGs characterized by significant volume, complex morphology, and left-sided location compromise the effectiveness of resections relying exclusively on 5-ALA. For these intricate cases, we advocate for the continued relevance of iMRI.

N,N-Dimethylglycine in patients with progressive multiple sclerosis: result of a pilot double-blind, placebo, controlled randomized clinical trial.

Oral administration of N,N-Dimethylglycine (DMG), a tertiary amino acid, presumably enhances oxygen utilization by tissue and complex with free radicals. Beneficial effects are improved endurance performance and reduction fatigue in humans and animals. This pilot study reports the results over a one-year double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of DMG in 30 randomized patients with progressive multiple sclerosis. No treatment effects were found between the placebo group and the DMG group for disability, fatigue, cognitive, or gait parameters.

The effect of iodide iontophoresis on the antioxidative capacity of the tear fluid.

BACKGROUND: Environmental oxidative stress changing the properties of the tear fluid can lead to keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye syndrome). The aim of this study was to determine whether iodide iontophoresis influences the antioxidative capacity (ACW = water soluble antioxidative capacity) of the tear fluid, and to compare iodide iontophoresis with other balneotherapeutic measures. METHODS: This prospective study evaluated 92 patients in four groups. Twenty-four patients were treated with iodide iontophoresis, 24 with other balneotherapeutic methods. Twenty-five patients received iodide iontophoresis combined with other balneotherapeutic methods and 21 persons received no treatment (control). Unstimulated tear fluid, serum and urine were collected. ACW was determined photochemically in tear fluid and serum; iodine was measured in urine photometrically. RESULTS: Iodide iontophoresis increases the ACW of the tear fluid but not the ACW of the serum. Other iodine therapies increase the ACW in serum but not in tear fluid. Iodine excretion in urine was increased in all treated groups compared to the control. CONCLUSION: The increase of ACW in tear fluid after iodide iontophoresis can support the defense mechanism of the eye against oxidative influence effects, which may alleviate the symptoms of keratoconjunctivitis sicca.

Serum leptin is correlated to high turnover in osteoporosis.

OBJECTIVE: Clinical data have suggested that obesity protects against osteoporosis. Leptin, mainly secreted by white adipose tissue, might be involved by mediating an effect on bone metabolism. This study was conducted to investigate a possible relationship of leptin and bone turn-over in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. METHODS: We measured bone mineral density (BMD), serum leptin levels and markers of bone metabolism, including osteocalcin and cross-laps in 44 patients with osteoporosis. The main group consisted of 32 postmenopausal women. RESULTS: Mean serum leptin was 13.1 microg/L and showed no statistically significant difference to the levels measured in a collective of normal persons adjusted for age and BMI. When related to serum cross-laps as markers of bone resorption, a positive correlation (p<0.05) was observed, whereas no correlation with osteocalcin could be seen. CONCLUSIONS: A dual control of bone formation by leptin is assumed: This involves local mechanisms acting on osteoblasts and a central inhibitory effect on bone metabolism via a hypothalamic relay. Our data indicate that the net effect of circulating leptin may cause bone loss and is significantly related to high-turnover serum bone markers, at least in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.

Open Heart Surgery in Jehovah's Witnesses: A Propensity Score Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Jehovah's Witnesses (JW) refuse allogeneic blood transfusions and therefore pose a unique challenge in case of major surgery. This retrospective study reviewed an experience with JW patients who were undergoing open heart surgery. METHODS: By using patient blood management strategies, 35 adult JW patients underwent cardiac surgery at Kepler University Hospital in Linz, Austria between 2008 and 2017. Outcomes were compared with patients who accepted blood transfusions (non-JW patients) by using propensity score matching. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in clinical and operative data between the groups. Twelve JW patients (34.3%) were pretreated with erythropoietin and iron, with a preoperative increase in mean hemoglobin of 2.0 g/dL. On admission, hemoglobin was 14.1 ± 1.1 g/dL in JW patients, compared with 13.2 ± 2.0 g/dL in non-JW patients (P = .022). The hematocrit in JW patients was higher throughout the hospital stay, even though 51.4% of non-JW patients received allogeneic red blood cell transfusions. The perioperative red blood cell loss was significantly lower in JW patients than in non-JW patients (619 ± 420 mL vs 929 ± 520 mL; P = .010). Major complication rates were not different between the groups. The hemoglobin at discharge was 11.5 ± 1.5 g/dL in JW patients compared with 10.3 ± 1.3 g/dL in non-JW patients (P < .001). In-hospital mortality was 2.9% in each group, and long-term survival was comparable. CONCLUSIONS: By implementing patient blood management, open heart surgery in JW patients can be performed with low morbidity and mortality. Preoperative optimization of hemoglobin and minimization of perioperative blood loss are cornerstones in the prevention of blood loss, anemia, and transfusions.

[Bioavailability of natural versus synthetic B vitamins and their effects on metabolic processes]. / Bioverfügbarkeit eines natürlichen versus eines synthetischen Vitamin-B- Komplexes und deren Auswirkungen auf metabolische Prozesse.

BACKGROUND: Owing to the widespread use of vitamin supplements to prevent and compensate for deficiencies, the equivalence of natural versus synthetic vitamins with respect to their bioavailability and metabolic influence is discussed controversially. METHOD: Thirty healthy female (n=22) and male participants (n=8) were investigated in a randomized, double-blind, cross-over study over a supplementation period of 6 weeks for each condition. The participants received a daily dose of a complex of the 8 natural B vitamins (group N), determined by the natural composition of quinoa seedlings, resp. synthetic B vitamins (group S), both corresponding to about 2.5 times the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of the national nutrition board. The primary criterion under investigation was changes in the blood levels of the individual B vitamins. Secondary criteria were the influence of both B complexes on homocysteine, antioxidant status, polyphenols, peroxide loading and peroxidase activity. RESULTS: Compared to baseline values, serum levels of all B vitamins measured increased: Vitamins B1 (N +23%; S +27%), B2 (N +14%; S +13%), B6 (N +101%; S +101%), B9 (N +86%; S +153%) and B12 (N +16%) were elevated at the end of the first supplementation period (p < 0.05), while serum levels of vitamins B1, B9 and B12 remained elevated compared to baseline even after the 2-week washout phase. During the second supplementation period, the vitamin concentrations in group N, with the exception of vitamin B1, could be increased once again (p < 0.05). In contrast, in group S only for vitamins B2 and B12 substantial increases (p < 0.05) were found. The influence of B vitamins on metabolic parameters such as homocysteine and polyphenols, which were markedly reduced, was also clearly measurable; however, total antioxidant capacity and peroxidase activity increased. The peroxide concentration remained almost unchanged in both groups. CONCLUSION: This clinical pilot study showed comparable bioavailability for both natural and synthetic B vitamins, with a 2.5-fold concentration of the RDA. Both vitamin B preparations showed a clear influence on metabolic parameters, whereas that of the natural B vitamins tended to have a slightly stronger effect than the synthetic analogues.