Enhancement of cue-induced reinstatement of cocaine-seeking in rats by yohimbine: sex differences and the role of the estrous cycle

Rationale  

Previous studies have shown that female rats exhibit enhanced cocaine-seeking across several phases of the addiction cycle when compared to males. Drug-seeking in females is also estrous cycle dependent and inversely associated with plasma progesterone. Although sex and estrous cycle-dependent differences have been reported in the reinstatement of cocaine-seeking triggered by cocaine injections or drug-paired cues, it is not yet known what role the estrous cycle may have on stress-induced reinstatement, either alone or in combination with drug-paired cues.     

Physical activity associated with increased resting-state functional connectivity in multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system, resulting in physical, cognitive and affective disturbances, with notable declines in the ability to learn and retain new information. In this study, we examined if higher levels of physical activity in MS individuals were associated with an increased resting-state connectivity of the hippocampus and cortex, resulting in better performance on a task of episodic memory. Forty-five individuals with a clinically definite diagnosis of MS were recruited for the study. Consistent with previous reports, hippocampus was functionally connected to the posteromedial cortex, parahippocampal gyrus, superior frontal gyrus, and the medial frontal cortex. Higher levels of physical activity in MS patients were associated with an increased coherence between the hippocampus and the posteromedial cortex (PMC). The increased connectivity between these two regions, in turn, was predictive of better relational memory, such that MS patients who showed an increased coherence between the left (not right) hippocampus and the PMC also showed better relational memory. Results of the study are interpreted in light of the challenge of disentangling effects of physical activity from effects of disease severity and its neuropathological correlates.     

Initial experience with bendamustine in patients with recurrent primary central nervous system lymphoma: a case report

Novel therapeutic options for patients with recurrent primary central nervous system lymphoma (RPCNSL) are needed. Bendamustine, a bifunctional purine analog/alkylating agent, is approved for use in patients with progressive systemic indolent non-Hodgkin’s B-cell lymphomas. Limited data suggests that bendamustine may partition into the brain in the setting of a disrupted blood–brain barrier. This report describes the first known experience of patients with RPCNSL treated with bendamustine. Therapy was well-tolerated and best response was noted as stable disease after eight cycles of bendamustine followed by a subsequent local systemic recurrence found at five months follow-up. CNS involvement in this patient remained stable 20 + months post-bendamustine treatment. Based on our observations, further neuropharmacokinetic and efficacy studies with bendamustine may be warranted in this patient population.     

Sunburn risk factors for beachgoing children

Sunburn prevention in children and the early establishment of sun protective behavior is predicted to result in a decreased future incidence of skin cancer. A survey of beachgoing families was conducted to evaluate the parental/guardian role in the use of sun protection for their minor children. Ethnicity and Fitzpatrick Skin Type of children and their parents were the best predictors for sunburn. White, non-Hispanic children were 7.8 times more likely to have a history of sunburn than children whose parents identified them as Hispanic when controlled for the same Fitzpatrick Skin Types.     

Markers of bone turnover are associated with growth and development in young subjects with sickle cell anemia

Children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) have low bone mass though bone turnover has not been well described. In this study, growth and pubertal development were assessed twice, 1 year apart, in 80 young subjects with type-SS SCA, while whole body bone mineral content (BMC) and density where measured in a subset (n = 46). Markers of bone turnover were measured at the second visit. Bone formation (alkaline phosphatase) was elevated, whereas bone resorption (deoxypyridinoline) was decreased compared to published data in healthy children. Markers of bone turnover correlated with growth velocity and pubertal development but not with changes in bone mass.     

Management of pregnancy in Crigler Najjar syndrome type 2

Crigler Najjar syndrome is associated with indirect hyperbilirubinemia due to a deficiency of enzyme Uridine Di Phospho Glucoronosyl Transferase (UDPGT). Presented here is a case of a female in the first trimester of pregnancy, who was diagnosed to have type 2 Crigler Najjar syndrome. We also discuss the management of this rare disease especially in pregnancy. Unconjugated bilirubin can cross the placental barrier causing neurological damage in the newborn. Patient was carefully monitored during pregnancy and treatment with phenobarbitone in low doses was adjusted such that the serum bilirubin levels were below 10 mg/dL. Crigler Najjar syndrome being rare needs to be diagnosed early in pregnancy to avoid adverse fetal outcomes. Phenobarbitone being an inducer of enzyme UDPGT is used as the first line of treatment and is not teratogenic in the low doses used. Treatment protocol followed was on the basis of previous reported cases and successful perinatal outcome was achieved.     

Perceptions of and barriers to cancer screening by the sexual and gender minority community: a glimpse into the health care disparity

Cancer Causes & Control - A disparity exists in cancer screening rates for the Sexual and Gender Minority (SGM) community. We sought to understand the perceptions and baseline knowledge of...