Perioperative Clinical Course Variables Associated with Length of Hospital Stay after Primary Intracranial Meningioma Resection

The relationship between perioperative clinical course variables and postoperative length of hospital stay (LOS) in patients undergoing primary intracranial meningioma resection has not been fully elucidated. We therefore aimed to identify the perioperative clinical course variables that predict postoperative LOS in such patients. We retrospectively collected data concerning demographics, tumor characteristics, and perioperative clinical course variables in 76 patients who underwent primary intracranial meningioma resection between January 2010 and December 2019, and tested for associations with postoperative LOS. Univariate analyses showed that younger age, fewer days to postoperative initiation of standing/walking, preoperative independence in activities of daily living (ADL), and ADL independence one week after surgery were associated with shorter postoperative LOS. Multiple regression analyses with these factors identified that days to stand/walk initiation and ADL independence one week after surgery were associated with postoperative LOS. Based on these results, we conclude that rehabilitation programs that promote early mobilization and the early acquisition of independence may reduce postoperative LOS in patients who undergo primary intracranial meningioma resection

High Blood Pressure in Acute Ischemic Stroke And Clinical Outcome

This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of acute phase blood pressure in patients with acute ischemic stroke by determining whether or not it contributes to clinical outcome. We studied 515 consecutive patients admitted within the first 48 hours after the onset of ischemic strokes, employing systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements recorded within 36 hours after admission. High blood pressure was defined when the mean of at least 2 blood pressure measurements was ≥200 mmHg systolic and/or ≥110 mmHg diastolic at 6 to 24 hours after admission or ≥180 mmHg systolic and/or ≥105 mmHg diastolic at 24 to 36 hours after admission. The high blood pressure group was found to include 16% of the patients. Age, sex, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, atrial fibrillation, ischemic heart disease, stroke history, carotid artery stenosis, leukoaraiosis, NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) on admission and mortality were not significantly correlated with either the high blood pressure or non-high blood pressure group. High blood pressure on admission was significantly associated with a past history of hypertension, kidney disease, the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) on discharge and the length of stay. On logistic regression analysis, with no previous history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, atrial fibrillation, and kidney disease were independent risk factors associated with the presence of high blood pressure [odds ratio (OR), 1.85 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06-3.22), 1.89 (95% CI: 1.11-3.22), and 3.31 (95% CI: 1.36-8.04), respectively]. Multi-organ injury may be presented in acute stroke patients with high blood pressure. Patients with high blood pressure had a poor functional outcome after acute ischemic stroke

LIF-free embryonic stem cell culture in simulated microgravity.

BACKGROUND: Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is an indispensable factor for maintaining mouse embryonic stem (ES) cell pluripotency. A feeder layer and serum are also needed to maintain an undifferentiated state, however, such animal derived materials need to be eliminated for clinical applications. Therefore, a more reliable ES cell culture technique is required. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We cultured mouse ES cells in simulated microgravity using a 3D-clinostat. We used feeder-free and serum-free media without LIF. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Here we show that simulated microgravity allows novel LIF-free and animal derived material-free culture methods for mouse ES cells

H & E staining of a teratoma on Day 35 following injection.

<p>The teratoma was generated by subcutaneously injecting cells grown in simulated microgravity for seven days. The teratoma contains a mixture of mature and immature elements derived from the ectoderm, endoderm and mesoderm in a haphazard distribution. Ectodermal derivatives include hair follicles (a) and glial tissue (b). Endodermal elements are glandular tissue (c), with a partial acinar structure (d). Mesodermal components are cartilage (e) and adipose tissue (f).</p

Primers used for PCR and PCR conditions.

<p>Primers used for PCR and PCR conditions.</p