MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways are activated in adolescent and adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Background: The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/ERK signaling cascade and the phosphoinosytol-3 phosphate/Akt (PI3K/Akt) pathways are involved in proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic cells. The frequency of PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathway activation in adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) still need to be elucidated.

Aims: To assess the activity and prognostic implications of MAPK/ERK and PI3K/Akt pathways in adult (ALL).

Effect of anticoagulant adjustment on prothrombin time test using two different PT reagents in patients with elevated hematocrit.

Unlabelled: The recommendations for adjustment of citrate volume in sample tubes with high hematocrit (Ht) are based on indirect studies of underfilled tubes or artificially constructed Ht values. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of citrate volume adjustment in sample tubes from patients with hematocrit >55% using two different prothrombin time (PT) tests.

Methods: Paired citrate-adjusted and unadjusted blood specimens were obtained from 181 patients from the pulmonary hypertension ambulatory with high Ht values and on warfarin therapy.