Magnetic Resonance Studies of Hybrid Nanocomposites Containing Nanocrystalline TiO2 and Graphene-Related Materials

Nanocomposites based on nanocrystalline titania modified with graphene-related materials (reduced and oxidized form of graphene) showed the existence of magnetic agglomerates. All parameters of magnetic resonance spectra strongly depended on the materials’ modification processes. The reduction of graphene oxide significantly increased the number of magnetic moments, which caused crucial changes in the reorientation and relaxation processes. At room temperature, a wide resonance line dominated for all nanocomposites studied and in some cases, a narrow resonance line derived from the conduction electrons. Some nanocomposites (samples of titania modified with graphene oxide, prepared with the addition of water or butan-1-ol) showed a single domain magnetic (ferromagnetic) arrangement, and others (samples of titania modified with reduced graphene oxide) exhibited magnetic anisotropy. In addition, the spectra of EPR from free radicals were observed for all samples at the temperature of 4 K. The magnetic resonance imaging methods enable the capturing of even a small number of localized magnetic moments, which significantly affects the physicochemical properties of the materials.     

Evolution of microglial and astroglial response during experimental intracerebral haemorrhage in the rat

Intracerebral haemorrhage is a strong stimulus for both microglial and astroglial activations. There are some important pathophysiological features during haemorrhage that do not occur in ischaemic or traumatic brain injuries, and may influence the dynamics and intensity of glial activation. Studies on the evolution of glial reaction may have practical importance to the introduction of new therapeutic methods for influencing the inflammatory reaction during haemorrhage. Microglial and astroglial responses to experimental intracerebral haematoma were studied in 50 adult rats for 5 minutes after injection of 100 microl autologous arterial blood into the striatum. The survival period varied from 1 to 21 days. Microglial-macrophage lineage cells were immunocytochemically stained with antibodies OX42, OX6 and ED1. The astrocytic population was studied by means of anti-GFAP staining. Changes in cellular morphology and intensity of staining were time-dependent reactions in both microglial and astroglial cells. Strong activation of microglial-macrophage lineage cells revealed with OX6-and OX42-immunoreactivity started during the first postoperative day. The complete pattern of activation for ED1-immunoreactivity was observed from the third postoperative day. At this stage, numerous phagocytic macrophages started to appear in the perihaematoma region. Morphological changes were most intensive during the second postoperative week. The astroglial (anti-GFAP) reaction was observed after the third postoperative day and proceeded less dynamically. The glial reaction gradually stopped but not completely during the period of observation. The early occurrence of glial activation, pattern of morphological changes and characteristic sequence of antigens expression indicate a very intense type of glial reaction. Evolution of glial response to haemorrhage reveals characteristic features. In our opinion, the initial phase of glial activation, comprising 72 hours after the occurrence of haemorrhage, is potentially the most promising period for influencing the extent of glial reaction with therapeutic agents.     

Antihypertensive therapy in the obese hypertensive patient

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Obesity is becoming recognized as one of the most important risk factors for the development of hypertension. The purpose of the review is to examine the latest evidence linking hypertension to obesity, summarize the benefits of weight reduction and present results of recent clinical trials evaluating antihypertensive treatment in obese patients. RECENT FINDINGS: Adipose tissue has been directly implicated in the pathogenesis of hypertension. Obesity has been associated with unequivocal changes in cardiovascular structure and function. In contrast to earlier studies, several recent trials included overweight and obese patients. Evidence of potential benefits of angiotensin blockade in the management of obesity hypertension is growing. Hypertension management in obese individuals is complicated by poorer response to treatment, and the increased need for multiple medications. It is important to consider obstructive sleep apnea in obese patients with resistant hypertension. SUMMARY: Several new lines of evidence suggest that drugs blocking the renin-angiotensin system might be considered as first-line therapy of obesity-related hypertension. Recent progress in understanding the mechanisms of obesity and associated disease processes might lead to development of novel therapeutic strategies. Further research in this area holds great promise for prevention of obesity-related cardiovascular disease.     

Position paper on the management of patients with obstructive sleep apnea and hypertension: joint recommendations by the European Society of Hypertension, by the European Respiratory Society and by the members of European COST (COoperation in Scientific and Technological research) ACTION B26 on obstructive sleep apnea

This article is aimed at addressing the current state of the art in epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic procedures and treatment options for appropriate management of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in cardiovascular (particularly hypertensive) patients, as well as for the management of cardiovascular diseases (particularly arterial hypertension) in OSA patients. The present document is the result of the work done by a panel of experts participating in the European Union COST (COoperation in Scientific and Technological research) ACTION B26 on OSA, with the endorsement of the European Respiratory Society (ERS) and the European Society of Hypertension (ESH). These recommendations are particularly aimed at reminding cardiovascular experts to consider the occurrence of sleep-related breathing disorders in patients with high blood pressure. They are at the same time aimed at reminding respiration experts to consider the occurrence of hypertension in patients with respiratory problems at night.