Missed cerebrovascular events during prolonged sedation for COVID-19 pneumonia.

Cerebrovascular complications among critically ill patients with COVID-19 have yet to be fully characterized. In this retrospective case series from a single academic tertiary care referral center in New York City, we present 12 patients with ischemic or hemorrhagic strokes that were found on imaging after a period of prolonged sedation in the setting of COVID-19 pneumonia. This series demonstrates a pattern of cerebrovascular events clinically masked by deep sedation required for management of COVID-19 related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Angiotensin type 2 receptor signaling in satellite cells potentiates skeletal muscle regeneration.

Patients with advanced congestive heart failure (CHF) or chronic kidney disease (CKD) often have increased angiotensin II (Ang II) levels and cachexia. Ang II infusion in rodents causes sustained skeletal muscle wasting and decreases muscle regenerative potential through Ang II type 1 receptor (AT1R)-mediated signaling, likely contributing to the development of cachexia in CHF and CKD. However, the potential role of Ang II type 2 receptor (AT2R) signaling in skeletal muscle physiology is unknown.

Ocular herpes simplex virus type 1: is the cornea a reservoir for viral latency or a fast pit stop?

Purpose: To present a review supporting and refuting evidence from mouse, rabbit, nonhuman primate, and human studies of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) concerning corneal latency.

Methods: More than 50 research articles on HSV-1 published in peer-reviewed journals were examined.

Results: Infectious HSV-1 has been found in mouse denervated tissues and in tissues with negative cultures from the corresponding ganglion.

A novel peptide derived from human apolipoprotein E is an inhibitor of tumor growth and ocular angiogenesis.

Angiogenesis is a hallmark of tumor development and metastasis and now a validated target for cancer treatment. We previously reported that a novel dimer peptide (apoEdp) derived from the receptor binding region of human apolipoprotein E (apoE) inhibits virus-induced angiogenesis. However, its role in tumor anti-angiogenesis is unknown.

Effect of high versus low oral doses of valacyclovir on herpes simplex virus-1 DNA shedding into tears of latently infected rabbits.

Purpose: To assess the effect of high doses of valacyclovir (VCV) on HSV-1 DNA shedding into tears of latently infected rabbits.

Methods: Three oral doses of VCV were tested. Corneas were inoculated with HSV-1, and latent infection was allowed to establish.

Drug delivery to the posterior segment of the eye for pharmacologic therapy.

Treatment of diseases of the posterior segment of the eye, such as age-related macular degeneration, cytomegalovirus retinitis, diabetic retinopathy, posterior uveitis and retinitis pigmentosa, requires novel drug delivery systems that can overcome the many barriers for efficacious delivery of therapeutic drug concentrations. This challenge has prompted the development of biodegradable and nonbiodegradable sustained-release systems for injection or transplantation into the vitreous as well as drug-loaded nanoparticles, microspheres and liposomes. These drug delivery systems utilize topical, systemic, subconjunctival, intravitreal, transscleral and iontophoretic routes of administration.