To investigate the impact of visit-to-visit systolic blood pressure variability (BPV), diastolic BPV, mean arterial pressure variability, and pulse pressure variability on cognitive decline and incident dementia in noninstitutionalized patients aged ≥65 years. A total of 3319 subjects from the S.AGES (Sujets AGÉS—Aged Subjects) cohort underwent clinical examinations every 6 months during 3 years. Variability was evaluated using standard deviation (SD), coefficient of variation, average real variability, successive variation, variation independent of mean, and residual SD. Cognition was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination and dementia with the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Linear mixed models and Cox proportional hazards models were used. Higher systolic BPV was associated with poorer cognition independently of baseline SBP: adjusted 1-SD increase of coefficient of variation: β (SE)=−0.12 (0.06), P =0.04. Similar results were observed for diastolic BPV and mean arterial pressure variability: β (SE)=−0.20 (0.06), P <0.001 for both. Higher pulse pressure variability was no longer associated with cognitive function after adjustment for age, except with residual SD ( P =0.02). Among the 3319 subjects, 93 (2.8%) developed dementia. Higher systolic BPV was associated with greater dementia risk (adjusted 1-SD increase of coefficient of variation: hazard ratios=1.23 [95% CI, 1.01–1.50], P =0.04). Similar results were found for diastolic BPV and mean arterial pressure variability ( P <0.01). Pulse pressure variability was not associated with dementia risk. Beyond hypertension, higher BPV is a major clinical predictor of cognitive impairment and dementia. Further studies are needed to assess whether controlling BP instability could be a promising interventional target in preserving cognition among older adults.

Neurosurgery is only considered for severe spasticity following the failure of noninvasive management (adequate medical and physical therapy). The patients are carefully selected, based on rigorous multidisciplinary clinical assessment. In this we evaluate the contribution of the spasticity to the disability and any residual voluntary motor function. The goals for each patient are: (a) improvement of function and autonomy; (b) control of pain; and (c) prevention of orthopaedic disorders. To achieve these objectives, the surgical procedure must be selective and reduce the excessive hypertonia without suppressing useful muscle tone and limb functions. The surgical procedures are: (1) Classical neuro-ablative techniques (peripheral neurotomies, dorsal rhizotomies) and their modern modifications using microsurgery and intra-operative neural stimulation (dorsal root entry zone: DREZotomy). These techniques are destructive and irreversible, with the reduced muscle tone reflecting the nerve topography. It is mainly indicated when patients have localized spasticity without useful mobility. (2) Conservative techniques based on a neurophysiological control mechanism. These procedures are totally reversible. The methods involve chronic neurostimulation of the spinal cord or the cerebellum. There are only a few patients for whom this is indicated. Conversely, chronic intrathecal administration of baclofen, using an implantable pump, is well established in the treatment of diffuse spasticity of spinal origin. From reports in the literature, we critically review the respective indications in terms of function, clinical progression and the topographic extent of the spasticity.

Three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds hold great potential for stem cell-based therapies. Indeed, recent results have shown that biomimetic scaffolds may enhance cell survival and promote an increase in the concentration of therapeutic cells at the injury site. The aim of this work was to engineer an original polymeric scaffold based on the respective beneficial effects of alginate and chitosan. Formulations were made from various alginate/chitosan ratios to form opposite-charge polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs). After freeze-drying, the resultant matrices presented a highly interconnected porous microstructure and mechanical properties suitable for cell culture. In vitro evaluation demonstrated their compatibility with mesenchymal stell cell (MSC) proliferation and their ability to maintain paracrine activity. Finally, the in vivo performance of seeded 3D PEC scaffolds with a polymeric ratio of 40/60 was evaluated after an acute myocardial infarction provoked in a rat model. Evaluation of cardiac function showed a significant increase in the ejection fraction, improved neovascularization, attenuated fibrosis as well as less left ventricular dilatation as compared to an animal control group. These results provide evidence that 3D PEC scaffolds prepared from alginate and chitosan offer an efficient environment for 3D culturing of MSCs and represent an innovative solution for tissue engineering.