Midbrain and pons MRI shape analysis and its clinical and CSF correlates in degenerative parkinsonisms: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: To conduct brainstem MRI shape analysis across neurodegenerative parkinsonisms and control subjects (CS), along with its association with clinical and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) correlates. METHODOLOGY: We collected demographic and clinical variables, performed planimetric and shape MRI analyses, and determined CSF neurofilament-light chain (NfL) levels in 84 participants: 11 CS, 12 with Parkinson's disease (PD), 26 with multiple system atrophy (MSA), 21 with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), and 14 with corticobasal degeneration (CBD). RESULTS: MSA featured the most extensive and significant brainstem shape narrowing (that is, atrophy), mostly in the pons. CBD presented local atrophy in several small areas in the pons and midbrain compared to PD and CS. PSP presented local atrophy in small areas in the posterior and upper midbrain as well as the rostral pons compared to MSA. Our findings of planimetric MRI measurements and CSF NfL levels replicated those from previous literature. Brainstem shape atrophy correlated with worse motor state in all parkinsonisms and with higher NfL levels in MSA, PSP, and PD. CONCLUSION: Atypical parkinsonisms present different brainstem shape patterns which correlate with clinical severity and neuronal degeneration. In MSA, shape analysis could be further explored as a potential diagnostic biomarker. By contrast, shape analysis appears to have a rather limited discriminant value in PSP. KEY POINTS: • Atypical parkinsonisms present different brainstem shape patterns. • Shape patterns correlate with clinical severity and neuronal degeneration. • In MSA, shape analysis could be further explored as a potential diagnostic biomarker.

Ultrasound-guided genicular nerves block vs. local infiltration analgesia for total knee arthroplasty: a randomised controlled non-inferiority trial.

Genicular nerves block is a promising technique to treat acute postoperative pain in total knee arthroplasty. Similar to surgeon-administered local infiltration analgesia, it targets sensory branches from the knee capsule, but through a selective ultrasound-guided injection that reduces local anaesthetic dose (150 ml ropivacaine 0.2% with local infiltration analgesia vs. 20 ml with genicular nerves block). This randomised non-inferiority trial compared the analgesic efficacy of genicular nerves block vs. local infiltration analgesia in the first 24 h following total knee arthroplasty. Sixty patients were randomly allocated to receive either ultrasound-guided block of five genicular nerves or local infiltration analgesia. The primary outcome was rest pain numeric rating scale (0-10) at 24 h. Secondary outcomes included pain numeric rating scale (rest and movement) and cumulative opioid consumption during the first 24 h. We analysed 29 patients in the genicular nerves block group and 30 in the local infiltration analgesia group. We found that the median difference (95%CI) in postoperative rest pain at 24 h (non-inferiority criteria, Δ = 1) was -1.0 (-2.0 to 1.0, p < 0.001). Median difference in cumulative opioid consumption was 0.0 mg (-3.0-5.0, p < 0.001) meeting the non-inferiority criteria, Δ = 23 mg. We conclude that genicular nerves block of five nerves provides non-inferior analgesia in the first 24 h following surgery compared with local infiltration analgesia, but with a considerable reduction in the local anaesthetic dose.

Should all patients be optimized to the same preoperative hemoglobin level to avoid transfusion in primary knee arthroplasty?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Optimization of the preoperative hemoglobin (Hb) level is an effective way to reduce allogeneic transfusion in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) though the procedure is expensive, requires close monitoring and is often inconvenient for patients with reduced mobility. Our aim was to investigate the value of preoperative Hb levels to predict transfusion and thereby tailoring Hb optimization to patient characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All consecutive patients who undergone primary TKA in our center over 2 years, and received tranexamic acid intraoperatively, were reviewed. The adjusted association between preoperative Hb levels and transfusion was assessed by multivariate logistic regression, and the estimated probability of transfusion for individual patients was derived from the logistic model. RESULTS: Out of the 784 patients who meet the inclusion criteria, risk of transfusion was associated with poorer performance status, as measured by the America Association of Anestesiology (ASA) score III/IV (OR: 3·3, P < 0·001) and lower preoperative Hb level (OR 3·8 for each g/dl below 13 g/dl; P < 0·001). According to the Hb level, the estimated probability of transfusion was 0·03 (range: 0·03-0·64) for ASA I/II patients and 0·10 (range: 0·10-0·84) for ASA III/IV. CONCLUSION: Not all the patients undergoing TKA who receive tranexamic acid need the same preoperative Hb optimization target. Two easily available factors, such as the ASA score and the Hb level, can help individualize the Hb optimization target.

Combined CSF α-SYN RT-QuIC, CSF NFL and midbrain-pons planimetry in degenerative parkinsonisms: From bedside to bench, and back again.

INTRODUCTION: Differential diagnosis between Parkinson's disease (PD) and atypical parkinsonisms (APs: multiple system atrophy[MSA], progressive supranuclear palsy[PSP], corticobasal degeneration[CBD]) remains challenging. Lately, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) studies of neurofilament light-chain (NFL) and RT-QuIC of alpha-synuclein (α-SYN) have shown promise, but data on their combination with MRI measures is lacking. OBJECTIVE: (1) to assess the combined diagnostic ability of CSF RT-QuIC α-SYN, CSF NFL and midbrain/pons MRI planimetry in degenerative parkinsonisms; (2) to evaluate if biomarker-signatures relate to clinical diagnoses and whether or not unexpected findings can guide diagnostic revision. METHODS: We collected demographic and clinical data and set up α-SYN RT-QuIC at our lab in a cross-sectional cohort of 112 participants: 19 control subjects (CSs), 20PD, 37MSA, 23PSP, and 13CBD cases. We also determined CSF NFL by ELISA and, in 74 participants (10CSs, 9PD, 26MSA, 19PSP, 10CBD), automatized planimetric midbrain/pons areas from 3T-MRI. RESULTS: Sensitivity of α-SYN RT-QuIC for PD was 75% increasing to 81% after revisiting clinical diagnoses with aid of biomarkers. Sensitivity for MSA was 12% but decreased to 9% with diagnostic revision. Specificities were 100% against CSs, and 89% against tauopathies raising to 91% with diagnostic revision. CSF NFL was significantly higher in APs. The combination of biomarkers yielded high diagnostic accuracy (PD vs. non-PD AUC = 0.983; MSA vs. non-MSA AUC = 0.933; tauopathies vs. non-tauopathies AUC = 0.924). Biomarkers-signatures fitted in most cases with clinical classification. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of CSF NFL, CSF RT-QuIC α-SYN and midbrain/pons MRI measures showed high discriminant ability across all groups. Results opposite to expected can assist diagnostic reclassification.

Allogeneic blood transfusion does not increase the risk of wound infection in total knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Allogeneic blood transfusion has been reported to increase the risk of postoperative infection in arthroplasty though the results are inconclusive. Data from a previous clinical trial on antibiotic prophylaxis in knee arthroplasty were analysed to gain further insight into the relationship between wound infection and both blood transfusion and the storage time of transfused RBCs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 910 consecutive patients undergoing primary knee arthroplasty were prospectively followed for 12 months after surgery. The main outcome was wound infection, either superficial or deep-tissue. Possible predictors for wound infection included the patient's age and sex, preoperative physical status, time under leg ischaemia, postoperative fluid drainage, and the number and length of storage of transfused RBCs. RESULTS: Deep tissue infection was diagnosed in 28 (3%) patients, superficial infection in 25 (2.7%) and cellulitis in eight (0.8%) patients. Transfusion of at least one blood unit had been given to 22 (36%) of the 61 patients who later developed wound infection and 313 (36%) of those who did not (P > 0.05). Patients who developed wound infection had a significantly poorer physical status and longer time of leg ischaemia. There was no significant difference between both groups of patients in either the amount or the length of storage of transfused RBC units. CONCLUSION: This study failed to find any association between the incidence of wound infection after knee arthroplasty and allogeneic transfusion.

L4 erector spinal plane block after lumbar spine arthrodesi: A case-series. / Bloqueo del plano del erector espinal en L4 en cirugía de artrodesis lumbar: serie de casos.

INTRODUCTION: Thoracic erector spinae plane block is now performed in many different surgical procedures, including lumbar spinal fusion. We evaluated the analgesic effect of lumbar ESP performed at L4 after lumbar spinal fusion surgery. METHODS AND CASE SERIES: Eight patients scheduled for lumbar spinal fusion were included in the case series. Erector spinae plane block was performed at L4 preoperatively, administering 20ml of 0.2% ropivacaine on each side. We recorded patient-reported pain intensity during the first 48 postoperative hours using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and rescue analgesia requirements. Pain at rest was controlled in all patients (VAS 0 to 3), although pain on movement ranged from mild to severe (VAS 0 to 8). Rescue analgesia consumption ranged from 1 to 22mg morphine. CONCLUSIONS: Lumbar ESP appears to contribute to pain control during the first 48hours after lumbar spinal fusion.

Cost-effectiveness of post-operative cell salvage in total knee arthroplasty. Should we continue to recommend its use today? / Análisis de coste-eficacia del recuperador postoperatorio de sangre de drenajes en cirugía protésica primaria de rodilla. ¿Debemos seguir recomendando su empleo en la actualidad?

OBJECTIVES: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has a high transfusion rate. In our protocol, the use of postoperative cell salvage is indicated in patients with contraindications to tranexamic acid (TA). An analysis was performed on the effect of post-operative cell salvage (POCS) regarding transfusion rate and costs in patients undergoing TKA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective analysis was conducted on 518 patients, of whom 434 received TA, and 84 were contraindicated. The red cell mass, blood volume, and the percentage of lost blood volume were calculated. Incidents associated with the use of post-operative re-perfusion of drained blood and the rate of transfusion were recorded. An analysis was performed on the costs associated with allogeneic transfusion prevention methods. RESULTS: A POCS drain was not inserted in 10 out of the 84 patients not candidates for TA. In the 74 in which it was placed, 158±72ml of red cell mass was reinfused. The allogeneic transfusion rate was 36%, and was 52% in those with no drain inserted. Relative risk of transfusion using POCS was 0.69 (0.41 to 1.16) with an absolute risk reduction of 16% (-8 to 40%). The number needed to treat to avoid allogeneic transfusion was 7. The direct costs to avoid allogeneic transfusion were €1,610. No complications associated with blood re-infusion were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The use of POCS would be required in 7 patients after TKA to avoid one allogeneic transfusion with a cost over 10 times that of a transfusion of red cell concentrates.

spitz, a Drosophila homolog of transforming growth factor-alpha, is required in the founding photoreceptor cells of the compound eye facets.

Cell type specification and differentiation in the developing Drosophila compound eye begins in the morphogenetic furrow. In the furrow, cells are organized into evenly spaced preclusters and there is a synchronized arrest of the cells' mitotic cycle in G1. We report that recessive spitz loss-of-function mutations affect compound eye development. Spitz is homologous to the human transforming growth factor-alpha. In mosaic clones, spitz function is required in the first photoreceptor cells to differentiate for normal ommatidial development. spitz loss-of-function mutations are dominant suppressors of EgfrE gain-of-function mutations of the epidermal growth factor-receptor gene. These data suggest that the spitz product is a precluster promoting factor. spitz transcription increases abruptly in the morphogenetic furrow, the obverse of Egfr expression. We present a model for the expression of, and cellular requirement for, this growth factor homolog.

Optimizing preoperative haemoglobin in major orthopaedic surgery using intravenous iron with or without erythropoietin. An epidemiologic study.

AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of intravenous iron treatment, with or without associated erythropoietin (rHuEPO), measured as haemoglobin (Hb) increase. The relationships between the Hb increase and parameters used to evaluate anaemia were analysed. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Retrospective observational study carried out in two third-level hospitals between January 2005 and December 2009. The study included patients with iron deficiency anaemia scheduled for elective orthopaedic surgery and treated with intravenous iron sucrose alone or associated with rHuEPO. Treatment efficacy was analysed based on the Hb increase from baseline to just before surgery. RESULTS: A total of 412 patients who received a median of 800mg of iron sucrose were included; 125 of them (30.4%) additionally received 2.4 vials of rHuEPO. The Hb increase was 0.8 (1.1) g/dL in patients treated with intravenous iron and 1.5 (1.3) g/dL in those additionally given rHuEPO(P<.01). The percentage of hypochromic red blood cells (r=0.52) and soluble transferrin receptor (r=0.59) value were significantly correlated to the Hb increase in patients receiving iron. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with iron deficiency anaemia, the effectiveness of iron sucrose treatment to optimize Hb before surgery was moderate; adjuvant administration of erythropoietin improved the results. Determination of functional iron status parameters may improve the treatment effectiveness.

Extracellular regulators and pattern formation in the developing Drosophila retina.

The compound eye of Drosophila melanogaster is composed of about 800 similar facets (or ommatidia) each of which contains 20 cells (8 photoreceptor neurons and 12 accessory cells). The fly's vision depends on the precise geometry of these components, and the developmental systems that produce pattern and cell fate have become models for nervous system development in general. The development of this pattern is progressive and appears to involve several levels of induction and inhibition, mediated by diffusible signals. The analysis of genes identified by mutation has revealed that several diffusible factors act in the early patterning steps of the eye. Genes that encode these factors include hedgehog, decapentaplegic, wingless, spitz and scabrous.

The cell cycle machinery and asymmetric cell division of neural progenitors in the Drosophila embryonic central nervous system.

Asymmetric cell divisions can be mediated by the preferential segregation of intrinsic cell fate determinants into one of two sibling daughters. In dividing Drosophila neural progenitors the apical-basal orientation of the mitotic spindle, the basal cortical localization of the cell fate determinants Numb and/or Prospero as well as the coordination of these events are mediated by several proteins which include Bazooka (Baz), Inscuteable (Insc) and Partner of Inscuteable (Pins) which localize as an apical cortical complex starting at interphase. Here I will summarize data which suggest that the formation of this apical complex involves two distinct steps: (1) during the initiation of apical complex formation in interphase neuroblasts, there appears to be a hierarchical relation amongst these components where Baz recruits Insc and Baz/Insc in turn recruit Pins to the apical cortex/stalk; (2) while in delaminated mitotic neuroblasts the maintenance of the apical cortical localization of these proteins is dependent on the presence of all three components. Moreover, we show that the maintenance of this apical protein complex is essential for the correct execution of asymmetric division. Finally, the localization of the various asymmetrically localized proteins shows cell cycle dependence; however, the involvement of the cell cycle regulator in asymmetric cell divisions has not been previously shown. Here we present evidence from ongoing experiments which suggest a requirement for the key cell cycle regulator cdc2 in asymmetric cell divisions.

[Association of cytomegalovirus colitis and the 1st episode of ulcerative colitis in an immunocompetent patient]. / Associación de colitis por citomegalovirus y primer brote de colitis ulcerosa en un paciente immunocompetente.

Colitis by cytomegalovirus (CMV) is an inflammation of the large bowel which leads to mucous and submucous ulceration producing bloody diarrhea of uncertain evolution. This disease is well known in immunosuppressed (IS) patients but is very rare in immunocompetent (IC) patients, particularly in association with the initiation of the ulcerative colitis (UC). The case of an immunocompetent male who developed UC following colitis by primary CMV is presented. Although the immunologic mechanism of UC is undoubtable, this case suggests the possibility of CMV being a triggering factor of UC.

Folate intake and the risk of prostate cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

There is conflicting evidence regarding the role of folate on the risk of developing prostate cancer. We performed a systematic review and quantitative meta-analysis of folate blood levels and folate intake, and the risk of prostate cancer. Four electronic databases (Medline, PubMed, Embase and Current Contents Connect) were searched to 11 October 2013, with no language restrictions for observational studies that measured folate intake or blood levels and the risk of prostate cancer. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated using a random effects model. The dietary folate meta-analysis comprising 11 studies with 15 336 cases and a total sample size of 146 782 found no statistically significant association with prostate cancer, with an OR of 0.97 (95% CI 0.89-1.06). The total folate meta-analysis comprising of 5 studies with 7114 cases and a total sample size of 93 781 also found no statistically significant association with prostate cancer, with an OR of 0.99 (95% CI 0.82-1.19). The blood folate meta-analysis comprising of seven studies with 6122 cases and a total sample size of 10 232 found an increased risk of prostate cancer with high blood folate levels, with an OR of 1.43 (95% CI 1.06-1.93). There was significant heterogeneity (I(2)=79.5%, P<0.01). Removal of an outlier study removed the heterogeneity (I(2)=0.0%, P=0.54) and the association remained significant with an OR of 1.14 (95% CI 1.02-1.28). Dietary and total folate intake do not appear to be significantly associated with the risk of prostate cancer. High blood folate levels are associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer. These conclusions are limited by the predominance of included studies originating from developed countries with mostly Caucasian populations. Further research in populations with a high prevalence of non-Caucasian backgrounds is needed.

Meta-analysis: Barrett's oesophagus and the risk of colonic tumours.

BACKGROUND: Barrett's oesophagus (BO) is a premalignant condition associated with oesophageal adenocarcinoma. Although speculation exists, it is currently unclear if BO is associated with an increased risk of colonic tumours. AIM: To conduct a meta-analysis of studies reporting the prevalence of colonic tumours in patients with BO vs. controls and thus quantify the risk of colonic tumours associated with BO. METHODS: A search was conducted through Medline, PubMed, Embase, and Current Contents Connect to 7 October 2012. We calculated pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using a random-effects model for the risk of all colonic tumours associated with BO, as well as for the subgroups of colorectal cancer (CRC) and benign adenomatous tumours. RESULTS: In total, 11 studies, with 2580 BO cases, met our inclusion criteria. BO was associated with an increased risk of any colonic tumours (OR: 1.96; 95% CI: 1.56-2.46). BO was associated with an increased risk of benign adenomatous tumours (OR: 1.69; 95% CI: 1.20-2.39), as well as an increased risk of CRC (OR: 1.90; 95% CI: 1.35-2.67). No statistically significant heterogeneity was observed. Publication bias was not present. CONCLUSIONS: Barrett's oesophagus was associated with an increased risk of both benign adenomatous colonic tumours and colorectal cancer. Barrett's oesophagus had a stronger association with colorectal cancer than with benign colonic tumours. Further prospective cohort studies are needed to confirm the relationship.

Meta-analysis: oral bisphosphonates and the risk of oesophageal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Bisphoshonates, which are used in the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis, have recently been implicated in the development of oesophageal cancer; however, studies report conflicting data. AIM: To conduct a meta-analysis of studies reporting on the association between bisphosphonates and oesophageal cancer to quantify the relationship. METHODS: A search was conducted through Medline, PubMed, Embase and Current Contents Connect to 2 August 2012. We calculated pooled odds ratios and 95% CIs using a random effects model for the risk of oesophageal cancer associated with exposure to bisphosphonates, as well as for the different periods of exposure. RESULTS: Seven studies, with 19 700 oesophageal cancer cases, met our inclusion criteria. We found a positive relationship between exposure to bisphosphonates and oesophageal cancer, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.74 with a 95% CI of 1.19-2.55. Heterogeneity was observed (I(2 ) = 85%, P < 0.001). Publication bias was not present. An increased risk of oesophageal cancer was also found in the group exposed to bisphosphonates for a longer period of time, compared with the group who experienced a shorter period of exposure (OR 2.32; 95% CI 1.57-3.43 vs. OR 1.35; 95% CI 0.77-2.39). An increased risk was associated with exposure to Etidronate (OR 1.58; 95% CI 1.12-2.24), but not to Aledronate. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to bisphosphonates may be associated with an increased risk of oesophageal cancer. More studies are needed to confirm the relationship.

Meta-analysis: coeliac disease and the risk of all-cause mortality, any malignancy and lymphoid malignancy.

BACKGROUND: Coeliac disease has been associated with an increased risk of mortality and malignancy. However, the strength of this association is conflicting among different studies. AIM: To perform a systematic review and quantitative meta-analysis to determine the risk of all-cause mortality, any malignancy and lymphoid malignancy in coeliac disease patients. METHODS: Four electronic databases (Medline, PubMed, Embase and Current Contents Connect) were searched to 4 January 2012, with no language restrictions. From 8698 citations identified, a total of 17 studies met our inclusion criteria. RESULTS: The all-cause mortality meta-analysis showed an increased risk for all-cause mortality in coeliac patients [odds ratio (OR) 1.24; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.19-1.30]. A subgroup analysis showed that patients identified by positive serology alone were also at an increased risk of all-cause mortality (OR 1.16; 95% CI 1.02-1.31). The non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) meta-analysis showed an increased risk for NHL in coeliac patients (OR 2.61; 95% CI 2.04-3.33). A subgroup analysis showed that patients identified by positive serology alone were also at an increased risk of NHL (OR 2.55; 95% CI 1.02-6.36). The T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (TNHL) meta-analysis showed an increased risk of TNHL (OR 15.84; 95% CI 7.85-31.94). The any malignancy meta-analysis showed no increased risk (OR 1.07; 95% CI 0.89-1.29). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with coeliac disease are at an increased risk of mortality and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, particularly T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma; they do not have an increased risk of any malignancy overall. Serologically defined patients with coeliac disease have an elevated risk of mortality and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Bloqueo del plano del erector espinal en L4 en cirugía de artrodesis lumbar: serie de casos / L4 erector spinal plane block after lumbar spine arthrodesi: a case-series

INTRODUCCIÓN: El bloqueo en el plano del erector espinal (erector spinae plane [ESP]) a nivel torácico se ha desarrollado en los últimos años en multitud de procedimientos quirúrgicos, incluido los pacientes tratados mediante artrodesis lumbar. Nos propusimos evaluar el efecto analgésico del ESP realizado a nivel lumbar L4 en el postoperatorio inmediato en pacientes intervenidos por artrodesis lumbar. MÉTODOS Y CASOS CLÍNICOS: Descripción de una serie de 8 casos clínicos intervenidos por artrodesis lumbar a quienes se les realizó un bloqueo del ESP lumbar bilateral en L4 con 20 ml de ropivacaína al 0,2% por lado. Se describió la intensidad del dolor durante las primeras 48 h del postoperatorio mediante escala visual analógica y la analgesia de rescate empleada. El dolor postoperatorio en reposo fue controlado en todos los pacientes (entre 0 y 3), si bien el dolor en movimiento fue considerado entre leve y severo según los pacientes (entre 0 y 8). El consumo de rescate fue entre 1 y 22mg de morfina. CONCLUSIONES: El ESP lumbar parece contribuir al control del dolor postoperatorio inmediato durante las primeras 48 h en pacientes intervenidos por artrodesis lumbar

INTRODUCTION: Thoracic erector spinae plane block is now performed in many different surgical procedures, including lumbar spinal fusion. We evaluated the analgesic effect of lumbar ESP performed at L4 after lumbar spinal fusion surgery. METHODS AND CASE SERIES: Eight patients scheduled for lumbar spinal fusion were included in the case series. Erector spinae plane block was performed at L4 preoperatively, administering 20 ml of 0.2% ropivacaine on each side. We recorded patient-reported pain intensity during the first 48 postoperative hours using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and rescue analgesia requirements. Pain at rest was controlled in all patients (VAS 0 to 3), although pain on movement ranged from mild to severe (VAS 0 to 8). Rescue analgesia consumption ranged from 1 to 22mg morphine. CONCLUSIONS: Lumbar ESP appears to contribute to pain control during the first 48hours after lumbar spinal fusion

Neural differentiation of mesenchymal-like stem cells from cord blood is mediated by PKA.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are multipotent and give rise to distinctly differentiated cells from all three germ layers. While umbilical cord blood derived mesenchymal-like cells were previously shown to be capable of differentiating into the neural lineage both in vitro and in vivo, the underlying molecular mechanisms and signal transduction pathways remain to be elucidated. In this study, we show that mesenchymal-like cells from umbilical cord blood are capable of neural differentiation and this capability is mediated by the Protein kinase A (PKA) signal transduction pathway. While activation of PKA via experimental cAMP upregulation leads to outgrowth of neurite-like structures as well as expression of neural marker genes, blocking PKA activity completely abolishes all these features. Thus, our results demonstrate that PKA function is sufficient and required for neurite-like outgrowth and regulation of neural specific gene expression in mesenchymal-like stem cells from cord blood.

Optimización de la hemoglobina preoperatoria en cirugía ortopédica mayor utilizando hierro intravenoso con o sin eritropoyetina. Estudio epidemiológico / Optimizing preoperative haemoglobin in major orthopaedic surgery using intravenous iron with or without erythropoietin. An epidemiologic study

Objetivo: Evaluar la efectividad del tratamiento con hierro intravenoso, solo o asociado a eritropoyetina (rHuEPO), mediante el incremento de hemoglobina (Hb). Como objetivo secundario se analizó la relación del incremento de Hb con los parámetros utilizados para evaluar la anemia. Material y método: Estudio observacional retrospectivo realizado en 2 centros entre enero de 2005 y diciembre de 2009. Se incluyeron pacientes sometidos a cirugía ortopédica electiva con déficit de hierro y que fueron tratados con hierro sacarosa intravenosos solo o asociado a rHuEPO. Se analizó la efectividad del tratamiento mediante la diferencia entre la Hb basal y la Hb previa a la cirugía y se valoró la relación entre los parámetros hematimétricos y del metabolismo del hierro con la efectividad del tratamiento. Resultados: Se incluyeron 412 pacientes que recibieron una mediana de 800 mg de hierro sacarosa. A 125 pacientes (30,4%) se les asoció 2,4 viales de rHuEPO. El incremento de Hb fue de 0,8 (1,1) g/dL en los pacientes tratados con hierro intravenoso y de 1,5 (1,3) g/dL en los que se asoció rHuEPO (p < 0,01). El incremento de Hb en los pacientes tratados con hierro se correlacionó con el porcentaje de hematíes hipocromos (r = 0,52) y el valor del receptor soluble de la transferrina (r = 0,59). Conclusiones: La efectividad del tratamiento con hierro sacarosa en pacientes con déficit de hierro para la optimización de la Hb preoperatoria fue moderada, siendo mayor con la administración adyuvante de eritropoyetina. La determinación de los parámetros funcionales del estado del hierro nos podría guiar para mejorar la efectividad del tratamiento (AU)

Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of intravenous iron treatment, with or without associated erythropoietin (rHuEPO), measured as haemoglobin (Hb) increase. The relationships between the Hb increase and parameters used to evaluate anaemia were analysed. Material and method: Retrospective observational study carried out in two third-level hospitals between January 2005 and December 2009. The study included patients with iron deficiency anaemia scheduled for elective orthopaedic surgery and treated with intravenous iron sucrose alone or associated with rHuEPO. Treatment efficacy was analysed based on the Hb increase from baseline to just before surgery. Results: A total of 412 patients who received a median of 800 mg of iron sucrose were included; 125 of them (30.4%) additionally received 2.4 vials of rHuEPO. The Hb increase was 0.8 (1.1) g/dL in patients treated with intravenous iron and 1.5 (1.3) g/dL in those additionally given rHuEPO (P < .01). The percentage of hypochromic red blood cells (r = 0.52) and soluble transferrin receptor (r = 0.59) value were significantly correlated to the Hb increase in patients receiving iron. Conclusions: In patients with iron deficiency anaemia, the effectiveness of iron sucrose treatment to optimize Hb before surgery was moderate; adjuvant administration of erythropoietin improved the results. Determination of functional iron status parameters may improve the treatment effectiveness (AU)