From the oxygen to the organ protection: Erythropoietin as protagonist in internal medicine

Erythropoietin (EPO), already known as the stimulating hormone for erythropoiesis, has shown different and interesting pleiotropic actions. It does not only affect erythroid cells, but also myeloid cells, lymphocytes and megakaryocytes. This hormone can also enhance phagocytic function of the polymorphonuclear cells and reduce the activation of macrophages, thus modulating the inflammatory process.Moreover, hematopoietic and endothelial cells probably have the same cellular origin, and the discovery of erythropoietin receptors (EPO-R) also on mesangial and myocardial cells, smooth muscle fibrocells and neurons has prompted the study of the non-erythropoietic functions of this hormone.The in…

Cisternostomy for Traumatic Brain Injury: A New Era Begins

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of death and disability especially in the young generations. In the United States TBI affects about 1.7 million people annually [1] and this number is higher in the developing countries. It is well known that TBI is associated to a primary and secondary brain injury. The first is without solution and depends on the impact. In surviving patients, what plays a critical role is the subsequent secondary injury since, without effective treatments, complex cascades will promote additional brain damage.

Resist Coating of Cylindrical Samples for 3‐D Lithography

A quantitative investigation of a dipping technique for depositing a thin layer of resist on circularly symmetrical objects is presented. The results obtained are valuable for preparing three-dimensional (3-D) surfaces suited for spatial microlithographic processes in the 1 to 10 μm linewidth range. © 1995, MCB UP Limited

Chronic inflammation causing spinal cord compression in human immunodeficiency virus infection

BACKGROUND: The incidence of central nervous system involvement has increased in the setting of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Although rarely reported, spinal cord compression, in the setting of AIDS, has been associated with primary lymphoma or opportunistic infections. CASE REPORT: The authors describe the case of a young man who was admitted to our institution with rapid and progressive paraplegia. Imaging studies revealed an extramedullary lesion compressing the spinal cord spanning 3 thoracic levels. Surgical treatment was performed, and the compressing process completely excised. Histologic examination of the lesion showed a chronic inflammatory tissue with many necrotic…

Influenza del Cu II sull’autoorganizzazione gerarchica di AB(25-35) e dei suoi derivati [C-amidati o N-acetilati]