On the horizon:Hedgehog signaling to heal broken bones

Uncovering the molecular pathways that drive skeletal repair has been an ongoing challenge. Initial efforts have relied on in vitro assays to identify the key signaling pathways that drive cartilage and bone differentiation. While these assays can provide some clues, assessing specific pathways in animal models is critical. Furthermore, definitive proof that a pathway is required for skeletal repair is best provided using genetic tests. Stimulating the Hh(Hedgehog) pathway can promote cartilage ...     

Examining the nootropic effects of a special extract of Bacopa monniera on human cognitive functioning: 90 day double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial

While Ayurvedic medicine has touted the cognitive enhancing effects of Bacopa monniera for centuries, there is a need for double-blind placebo-controlled investigations. One hundred and seven healthy participants were recruited for this double-blind placebo-controlled independent group design investigation. Sixty-two participants completed the study with 80% treatment compliance. Neuropsychological testing using the Cognitive Drug Research cognitive assessment system was conducted at baseline and after 90 days of treatment with a special extract of Bacopa monniera (2 x 150 mg KeenMind) or placebo. The Bacopa monniera product significantly improved performance on the 'Working Memory' factor, more specifically spatial working memory accuracy. The number of false-positives recorded in the Rapid visual information processing task was also reduced for the Bacopa monniera group following the treatment period. The current study provides support for the two other published studies reporting cognitive enhancing effects in healthy humans after a 90 day administration of the Bacopa monniera extract. Further studies are required to ascertain the effective dosage range, the time required to attain therapeutic levels and the effects over a longer term of administration.     

Prenatal and postnatal management of omphalocele

Omphalocele is one of the most common abdominal wall defects seen in the prenatal period. Once this diagnosis is confirmed, it is important to check the fetal karyotype and thoroughly assess the fetus for other malformations. Prenatal management involves serial assessment of fetal growth and prenatal testing to ensure fetal well-being. Closure of the abdominal wall and replacement of organs into the abdominal cavity can be done directly if the omphalocele is small or in a staged manner if the omphalocele is large. Successful outcomes for these neonates can be optimized with a multidisciplinary team approach to prenatal and postnatal management.     

Current management of ectopic pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy continues to be one of the most common gynecologic emergencies and is the leading cause of pregnancy-related first-trimester death in the United States. The rate of ectopic pregnancy continues to rise because of increases in the incidences of its risk factors. However, improved modalities of early diagnosis and treatment have reduced both mortality and morbidity of this condition. In this article, the authors present an evidence-based review of the risk factors and presentation of ectopic pregnancy, including the utility of various diagnostic techniques, and compare the appropriateness and effectiveness of different therapeutic approaches.     

Barriers to working with sexual assault survivors: a qualitative study of rape crisis center workers

To better understand barriers service providers may face when advocating for survivors, a study using grounded theory and qualitative, semistructured interviews was conducted of rape victim advocates (N= 25) working in rape crisis centers in a large metropolitan area. Broader societal attitudes framed and were reflected in institutional responses to victims and in barriers faced by advocates working with survivors. Organizational barriers noted by advocates related to resources, environmental factors, professionalization, and racism. Staff burnout was a major barrier affecting advocates' ability to help survivors. Finally, the most salient direct service barrier was secondary victimization by criminal justice and medical or mental health systems.     

Kisspeptin in reproduction

Although the functions of kisspeptin originally were believed to be restricted to metastasis suppression, a novel role for this protein was discovered in 2003. Loss-of-function mutations in its receptor, GPR54, were found to cause absence of puberty and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in humans. Mice with targeted deletions of GPR54 also have a hypogonadotropic phenotype, confirming the important role of this ligand-receptor family in the control of puberty and reproductive function. Since these discoveries, the peptide products of the KISS1 gene have been shown to be powerful stimulators of the gonadotropic axis. This review examines the role of kisspeptins and GPR54 in reproductive function.     

Transplanted human cones incorporate into the retina and function in a murine cone degeneration model

Once human photoreceptors die, they do not regenerate, thus, photoreceptor transplantation has emerged as a potential treatment approach for blinding diseases. Improvements in transplant organization, donor cell maturation, and synaptic connectivity to the host will be critical in advancing this technology for use in clinical practice. Unlike the unstructured grafts of prior cell-suspension transplantations into end-stage degeneration models, we describe the extensive incorporation of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) retinal organoid–derived human photoreceptors into mice with cone dysfunction. This incorporative phenotype was validated in both cone-only as well as pan-photoreceptor transplantations. Rather than forming a glial barrier, Müller cells extended throughout the graft, even forming a series of adherens junctions between mouse and human cells, reminiscent of an outer limiting membrane. Donor-host interaction appeared to promote polarization as well as the development of morphological features critical for light detection, namely the formation of inner and well-stacked outer segments oriented toward the retinal pigment epithelium. Putative synapse formation and graft function were evident at both structural and electrophysiological levels. Overall, these results show that human photoreceptors interacted readily with a partially degenerated retina. Moreover, incorporation into the host retina appeared to be beneficial to graft maturation, polarization, and function.