Angiopoietins as promising biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets in brain injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and sub-arachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) are major causes of long-term disability, mortality, and enormous economic costs to society. The full spectrum of neurological damage created by TBI or SAH is not usually manifested at the time of injury, but evolves gradually over the course of hours to days (or weeks) following these injuries. Angiopoietins, important regulators of vascular structure and function, are hallmark indicators of vascular injury and may therefore represent promising targets in the treatment of SAH and TBI. In animal models and human tissues, normal intracerebral and pial vessels show strong expression of Angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1), but only minimal expression or presentation of Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2). After several types of neurotrauma, the ratios of Ang-1 and Ang-2 expression in brain microvessel are disturbed and appear to contribute to the remarkable loss of blood–brain barrier (BBB) in these injuries. Angiopoietins levels, and perhaps more importantly, Angiopoietin ratios (1:2) may have novel and important diagnostic and prognostic uses in TBI and SAH brain injury. Ang-1/2 evaluation in plasma, serum and cerebrospinal fluid may provide new therapeutic modalities which can modify ‘secondary’ forms of brain injury after TBI and SAH.     

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in the setting of COPD: Proposed pathogenesis

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) has been associated with many conditions – particularly inflammatory, neoplastic and following organ failure. We submit that Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a significant predisposing factor for a number of these cases. Increased levels of circulating TNF-alpha, IL-1 and endothelin-1 (ET-1) are herein proposed as key mediators of this association. This theory builds on the central role of endothelial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of PRES.     

The Cumulative Effects of Medication Use,Drug Use,and Smoking on Erectile Dysfunction Among Men Who Have Sex with Men

IntroductionErectile dysfunction (ED) is highly prevalent among human immunodeficiency virus‐seropositive (HIV+) men who have sex with men (MSM). There is a need for additional research to determine the correlates of HIV+ and HIV‐seronegative (HIV?) MSM, especially regarding nonantiretroviral medication use.AimsThis study examined the prevalence of ED and the sociodemographic, medical conditions, medication use, and substance use correlates of ED among HIV+ and HIV? MSM.MethodsA modified version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) for MSM was self‐administered by participants enrolled in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study, an ongoing prospective study of the natural and treated histories of HIV infection among MSM in the United States. The study sample included 1,340 participants, including 612 HIV+ and 728 HIV? men. Poisson regression with robust error variance was used to estimate prevalence ratios of ED in multivariable models in combined (HIV+/?) and separate analyses.Main Outcome MeasureED was determined by the summed scores of a modified version of the IIEF validated among MSM.ResultsTwenty‐one percent of HIV+ MSM and 16% of HIV? MSM reported ED. Being >55 years of age, black race, cumulative pack years of smoking, cumulative antihypertensive use, and cumulative antidepressant use had significant positive associations with the prevalence of ED in the total sample. Among HIV+ men, duration of antihypertensive use and antidepressant use were significantly associated with increasing prevalence of ED. Among HIV? men, being >55 years of age, black race, and cigarette smoking duration were associated with increased prevalence of ED.ConclusionPredictors of ED may differ by HIV status. Although smoking cessation and effective medication management may be important as possible treatment strategies for ED among all MSM, there may be a burden on sexual functioning produced by non‐HIV medications for HIV+ men. Hart TA, Moskowitz D, Cox C, Li X, Ostrow DG, Stall RD, Gorbach PM, and Plankey M. The cumulative effects of medication use, drug use, and smoking on erectile dysfunction among men who have sex with men. J Sex Med 12;9:1106–1113.     

Transition metal-substituted cobalt ferrite nanoparticles for biomedical applications

Transition metals of copper, zinc, chromium and nickel were substituted into cobalt ferrite nanoparticles via a sol–gel route using citric acid as a chelating agent. The microstructure and elemental composition were characterized using scanning electron microscopy combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Phase analysis of transition metal-substituted cobalt ferrite nanoparticles was performed via X-ray diffraction. Surface wettability was measured using the water contact angle technique. The surface roughness of all nanoparticles was measured using profilometry. Moreover, thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry were performed to determine the temperature at which the decomposition and oxidation of the chelating agents took place. Results indicated that the substitution of transition metals influences strongly the microstructure, crystal structure and antibacterial property of the cobalt ferrite nanoparticles.