Malignancy of neoplasms is partly dependent on angiogenesis. Angiotensin II mediates angiogenesis and transcription of growth-related factors through stimulation of the AT1 receptor (AT1R). Losartan, a drug used mostly for treatment of hypertension, binds strongly to this receptor. We found the presence of AT1 receptor on C6 glioma cells and studied the effect of Losartan on the growth and angiogenesis of C6 rat glioma; Losartan in dose of 80 mg/kg induced 79% reduction of tumoural volume with a significant decrease of vascular density, mitotic index and cell proliferation. Our results demonstrate the conspicuous presence of AT1R in malignant glial cells and a favourable therapeutic response in experimental glioma by selective blockage of the AT1 receptor. © 2001 Cancer Research Campaign http://www.bjcancer.com

Background: Limited information exists on mucocutaneous disease and its relation to course of COVID-19.Objective: To estimate prevalence of mucocutaneous findings, characterize morphologic patterns, and describe relationship to course in hospitalized adults with COVID-19.

Objective To bring attention to the epidemiology, prevention, management, and consequences of surgical fires in otolaryngology by reviewing the literature. Data Sources PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus. Review Methods Comprehensive search terms were developed, and searches were performed from data source inception through August 2016. A total of 4506 articles were identified; 2351 duplicates were removed; and 2155 titles and abstracts were independently reviewed. Reference review was also performed. Eligible manuscripts described surgical fires involving patients undergoing otolaryngologic procedures. Results Seventy-two articles describing 87 otolaryngologic surgical fire cases were identified. These occurred during oral cavity or oropharyngeal procedures (11%), endoscopic laryngotracheal procedures (25%), tracheostomies (36%), "other" general anesthesia procedures (3%), and monitored anesthesia care or local procedures (24%). Oxidizing agents consisted of oxygen alone (n = 63 of 81, 78%), oxygen and nitric oxide (n = 17 of 81, 21%), and room air (n = 1 of 81, 1%). The fractional inspired oxygen delivered was >30% in 97% of surgical fires in non-nitrous oxide general anesthesia cases (n = 35 of 36). Laser-safe tubes were used in only 12% of endoscopic laryngotracheal cases with endotracheal tube descriptions (n = 2 of 17). Eighty-six percent of patients experienced acute complications (n = 76 of 87), including 1 intraoperative death, and 22% of patients (n = 17 of 77) experienced long-term complications. Conclusion Surgical fires in otolaryngology persist despite aggressive multi-institutional efforts to curb their incidence. Guideline recommendations to minimize the concentration of delivered oxygen and use laser-safe tubes when indicated were not observed in many cases. Improved institutional fire safety practices are needed nationally and internationally.

Objective. To determine the safety of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors in patients with statin-associated anti-3-hydroxy-3-methlyglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (anti-HMGCR)-positive immunemediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM).Methods. Muscle strength was assessed in anti-HMGCR-positive patients at each visit before and after initiation of PCSK9 inhibitors. The trends in creatine kinase (CK) levels and serum anti-HMGCR antibody titers were monitored over time.Results. Among 122 anti-HMGCR-positive patients, we identified 8 patients who were receiving PCSK9 inhibitors for hyperlipidemia. Patients were followed up for an average of 1.5 years (range 3-37 months), and none exhibited reduction in muscle strength. The mean ± SD CK level prior to the initiation of PCSK9 inhibitors was 956 ± 1,137 IU/ liter, which was reduced to 419 ± 393 IU/liter at their last visit. Anti-HMGCR antibody titers followed a similar trend. Notably, in 2 patients, the initiation of the lipid-lowering medication was followed by unanticipated spontaneous clinical improvement and reduction in immunosuppression.Conclusion. PCSK9 inhibitors are safe for long-term use as a cholesterol-lowering agent in patients with statinassociated IMNM.