Fetal adnexa-derived stem cells application in Horse model of tendon disease

The equine superficial digital flexor tendon is a frequently injured structure that is functionally and clinically equivalent to the human Achilles tendon. Both act as critical energy-storage systems during high-speed locomotion and can accumulate exercise- and age-related microdamage that predisposes to rupture during normal activity. The biology of tendon and its matrix, and the pathological changes occurring in the context of early injury in both horses and people are reviewed. In addition, this review focuses on the current use of stem cells (MSCs), recovered from either bone marrow or adipose tissue to treat strain-induced tendon injury in the horse with particular interest to non-embryonic extra-fetal-derived stem cells that open new perspectives for developmental biology and for regenerative medicine

The role of the intensive care unit in real-time surveillance of emerging pandemics: the Italian GiViTI experience

The prompt availability of reliable epidemiological information on emerging pandemics is crucial for public health policy-makers. Early in 2013, a possible new H1N1 epidemic notified by an intensive care unit (ICU) to GiViTI, the Italian ICU network, prompted the re-activation of the real-time monitoring system developed during the 2009-2010 pandemic. Based on data from 216 ICUs, we were able to detect and monitor an outbreak of severe H1N1 infection, and to compare the situation with previous years. The timely and correct assessment of the severity of an epidemic can be obtained by investigating ICU admissions, especially when historical comparisons can be made