Cannabinoid Modulation of Functional Connectivity within Regions Processing Attentional Salience

There is now considerable evidence to support the hypothesis that psychotic symptoms are the result of abnormal salience attribution, and that the attribution of salience is largely mediated through the prefrontal cortex, the striatum, and the hippocampus. Although these areas show differential activation under the influence of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9-THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), the two major derivatives of cannabis sativa, little is known about the effects of these cannabinoids on the functional connectivity between these regions. We investigated this in healthy occasional cannabis users by employing event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) following oral administration of delta-9-THC, CBD, or a placebo capsule. Employing a seed cluster-based functional connectivity analysis that involved using the average time series from each seed cluster for a whole-brain correlational analysis, we investigated the effect of drug condition on functional connectivity between the seed clusters and the rest of the brain during an oddball salience processing task. Relative to the placebo condition, delta-9-THC and CBD had opposite effects on the functional connectivity between the dorsal striatum, the prefrontal cortex, and the hippocampus. Delta-9-THC reduced fronto-striatal connectivity, which was related to its effect on task performance, whereas this connection was enhanced by CBD. Conversely, mediotemporal-prefrontal connectivity was enhanced by delta-9-THC and reduced by CBD. Our results suggest that the functional integration of brain regions involved in salience processing is differentially modulated by single doses of delta-9-THC and CBD and that this relates to the processing of salient stimuli.     

Thermal Stability and Sublimation Pressures of Some Ruthenocene Compounds

We set out to study the use of a series of ruthenocenes as possible and promising sources for ruthenium and/or ruthenium oxide film formation.The thermal stability of a series of ruthenocenes, including (η⁵-C₅H₄R)(η⁵-C₅H₄R´)Ru (1), R = R´ = H (3), R = H, R´ = CH₂NMe₂ (5), R = H, R´= C(O)Me (6), R = R´ = C(O)Me (7), R = H, R´ = C(O)(CH₂)₃CO₂H (8), R = H, R´ = C(O)(CH₂)₂CO₂H (9), R = H, R´ = C(O)(CH₂)₃CO₂Me (10), R = H, R´= C(O)(CH₂)₂CO₂Me (11), R = R´ = SiMe₃), (η⁵-C₄H₃O-2,4-Me₂)₂Ru (2), and (η⁵-C₅H₅-2,4-Me₂)₂Ru (4) was studied by thermogravimetry. From these studies, it could be concluded that 1–4, 6 and 9–11 are the most thermally stable molecules. The sublimation pressure of these sandwich compounds was measured using a Knudsen cell. Among these, the compound 11 shows the highest vapor pressure.     

Antenatal hydronephrosis and fetal urine sampling

The aim of this study is to evaluate the significance of renal pelvis aspiration (RPA) in the management of antenatal hydronephrosis (AHN). This study enrolled 15 AHN cases (one twin pregnancy) that necessitated RPA for AHN. Chromosomal abnormalities, gene disorders, and additional life-threatening congenital abnormalities were eliminated prior to intrauterine interventions. Urine analysis were performed for the evaluation of renal function. Normal renal function was observed in six neonates/infants (40%) (group 1), whereas impaired renal function and various type of urinary system anomalies were observed in 9 neonates/infants (60%) (group 2) during the short-term and longitudinal follow-up periods. There were statistically significant differences in the oligohydroamniosis rate, mean fetal urine sodium value, mean fetal urine β2-microglobulin, mean gestational week at birth, and mean birthweight values between the groups (P = 0.007, P < 0.001, P = 0.035, P < 0.001, and P = 0.001, respectively). Renal pelvis aspiration and urine analysis were substantial for the management of AHN in necessary cases. β2-microglobulin and sodium are clinically useful markers to detect the presence of severe renal damage due to obstructive uropathy and thus, important adjuvants in the proper selection of fetuses for further antenatal interventions.     

Penile and scrotal involvement in Buerger’s disease

Buerger’s disease (thromboangiitis obliterans) is a recurrent inflammatory, nonatherosclerotic vasoocclusive disease, which typically affects small and medium-sized arteries, veins and nerves of the upper and lower extremities. Although the exact underlying causes of Buerger’s disease are still unknown, the disease is strongly associated with tobacco smoking. Affected patients are mostly young male smokers who develop ulcers and gangrene of the toes and fingers as a result of vascular ischaemia. We report a 47-year-old man with scrotal and penile necrosis. Partial penectomy, scrotal debridement and urethra-cutaneous anastomosis were performed.     

The effect of performing hysteroscopy prior to the first in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle on live birth rate

Abstract

In this retrospective cohort study, a total of 707 couples underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) at Hacettepe University Hospital between 01 January 2010 and 01 November 2014 with their chronologically first cycle were evaluated. Patients who have diagnostic hysteroscopy prior to first IVF cycle served as a study group (n?=?42) and patients without diagnostic hysteroscopy served as control group (n?=?282). In study group in all patients, diagnostic hysteroscopy was performed at the follicular phase of previous menstrual cycle, namely immediately before ovarian stimulation (OS) cycle. Demographic features, clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes were compared between the groups. The logistic regression analysis was performed in order to assess independent predictors of live birth rates (LBRs). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups for demographic features and OS cycle characteristics. Implantation rate (22.2% vs. 21.5%, p=.840), clinical pregnancy rate (33.3% vs. 28.7%, p=.541), and LBRs (23.8% vs. 18.5%, p=.420) were comparable. In logistic regression analysis, performing hysteroscopy prior to first IVF cycles per se without correcting anatomic abnormalities was not an independent predictor of LBRs (OR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.310–1.68, p=.45). In conclusion, performing diagnostic hysteroscopy prior to first IVF treatment cycle without correcting any anatomic abnormalities did not improve LBRs.     

An Unusual Case of Self-Injected Bovine Fat in Liquid Form to the Face for Cosmetic Reasons

A 45-year-old woman injected bovine fat in liquid form in to her periorbital area and nasolabial folds near the lip margin and glabellar area to look younger. She was influenced by a TV program about fat augmentation of the aging face and collagen injection to the wrinkles. Major depression had been diagnosed for this woman 5 years previously, after which she used antidepressants and hypnotics irregularly. The prolonged edema of her face subsided within 3 months, along with the erythema, itching, and firmness at the injection sites. No liposuction of the injected material was planned because it had changed to solid form as soon as it was injected. Additionally, it was thought that surgical excision of the fat would not be effective and could harm the facial nerve branches because magnetic resonance imaging showed diffuse enlargement of subcutaneous tissue. Therefore, a conservative approach, such as medical treatment with close follow-up evaluation was preferred. The reported case is presented not only to add an interesting self-injection case to the literature, but also to show that patients with psychological problems may harm themselves by using inappropriate methods for cosmetic reasons under the effect of inaccurate information obtained from TV programs, press, family, and friends.