Cytotoxic lesions of the corpus callosum (CLOCCs) associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection

Journal of Neurology -     

Iron-related parameters in Spanish mares during pregnancy

During pregnancy, metabolic adjustments occur in the mare to preserve iron stores in order to have adequate amounts for the growth and development of the equine fetus. The aim of this study was to analyze the evolution of hematocrit, iron, and ferritin in Spanish Purebred mares during pregnancy. A total of 31 Spanish broodmares aged 4–17 years old were studied during three similar periods of pregnancy (I, II, and III). Hematocrit (packed cell volume, PCV) was determined by microhematocrit and iron and ferritin concentrations were analyzed using spectrophotometry and turbidimetric methods, respectively. Pregnancy in the Spanish mare was characterized by a progressive increase in PCV and serum iron and ferritin concentrations. The physiological state of pregnancy significantly modifies iron status in these animals. In comparison with the first period, the increase in iron stores during the second and third periods indicates a positive iron balance, suggesting that the fetus can tolerate iron levels compatible with the mothers during the entire fetal development process.     

Pleural Empyema as a Late Complication of Liver Cystectomy for Hydatid Cyst

Cystectomy without capitonnage is a widely used surgical technique for liver hydatid disease. A residual cavity can be left during the procedure, which can turn into an abscess. We report the case of a patient who developed right pleural empyema as a late complication of this procedure. She was successfully managed with antibiotics and a right thoracotomy.     

Fragment length analysis screening for detection of CEBPA mutations in intermediate-risk karyotype acute myeloid leukemia

During last years, molecular markers have been increased as prognostic factors routinely screened in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Recently, an increasing interest has been reported in introducing to clinical practice screening for mutations in the CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein ?? (CEBPA) gene in AML, as it seems to be a good prognostic factor. However, there is no reliable established method for assessing CEBPA mutations during the diagnostic work-up of AMLs. We describe here a straightforward and reliable fragment analysis method based in PCR capillary electrophoresis (PCR-CE) for screening of CEBPA mutations; moreover, we present the results obtained in 151 intermediate-risk karyotype AML patients (aged 16?C80?years). The method gave a specificity of 100% and sensitivity of 93% with a lower detection limit of 1?C5% for CEBPA mutations. The series found 19 mutations and four polymorphisms in 12 patients, seven of whom (58%) presented two mutations. The overall frequency of CEBPA mutations in AML was 8% (n?=?12). CEBPA mutations showed no coincidence with FLT3-ITD or NPM1 mutations. CEBPA mutation predicted better disease-free survival in the group of patients without FLT3-ITD, NPM, or both genes mutated (HR 3.6, IC 95%; 1.0?C13.2, p?=?0.05) and better overall survival in patients younger than 65 of this group without molecular markers (HR 4.0, IC 95%; 1.0?C17.4, p?=?0.05). In conclusion, the fragment analysis method based in PCR-CE is a rapid, specific, and sensitive method for CEBPA mutation screening and our results confirm that CEBPA mutations can identify a subgroup of patients with favorable prognosis in AML with intermediate-risk karyotype.