Neuronal types in the mouse amygdala and their transcriptional response to fear conditioning.

The amygdala is a brain region primarily associated with emotional response. The use of genetic markers and single-cell transcriptomics can provide insights into behavior-associated cell state changes. Here we present a detailed cell-type taxonomy of the adult mouse amygdala during fear learning and memory consolidation. We perform single-cell RNA sequencing on naïve and fear-conditioned mice, identify 130 neuronal cell types and validate their spatial distributions. A subset of all neuronal types is transcriptionally responsive to fear learning and memory retrieval. The activated engram cells upregulate activity-response genes and coordinate the expression of genes associated with neurite outgrowth, synaptic signaling, plasticity and development. We identify known and previously undescribed candidate genes responsive to fear learning. Our molecular atlas may be used to generate hypotheses to unveil the neuron types and neural circuits regulating the emotional component of learning and memory.

Modulation of social investigation by anterior hypothalamic nucleus rhythmic neural activity.

Social interactions involve both approach and avoidance toward specific individuals. Currently, the brain regions subserving these behaviors are not fully recognized. The anterior hypothalamic nucleus (AHN) is a poorly defined brain area, and recent studies have yielded contradicting conclusions regarding its behavioral role. Here we explored the role of AHN neuronal activity in regulating approach and avoidance actions during social interactions. Using electrophysiological recordings from behaving mice, we revealed that theta rhythmicity in the AHN is enhanced during affiliative interactions, but decreases during aversive ones. Moreover, the spiking activity of AHN neurons increased during the investigation of social stimuli, as compared to objects, and was modulated by theta rhythmicity. Finally, AHN optogenetic stimulation during social interactions augmented the approach toward stimuli associated with the stimulation. These results suggest the role for AHN neural activity in regulating approach behavior during social interactions, and for theta rhythmicity in mediating the valence of social stimuli.

Entrapped Epidural Catheter: An Anaesthetic Challenge.

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Assessment of Fracture Resistances of Endodontically Treated Teeth Filled with Different Root Canal Filling Systems.

BACKGROUND: The motive of endodontic therapy is cleaning, shaping, and subsequently obturation. This study assessed different root canal filling systems in terms of fracture resistances of endodontically treated teeth. METHODOLOGY: This study was conducted on eighty single-rooted permanent mandibular incisor teeth which were divided into five groups: Group I was negative control; Group II was positive control; Group III comprised of gutta-percha/AH Plus; Group IV comprised of Thermafil/AH Plus; and Group V Resilon/Epiphany SE. Universal testing machine measured fracture resistance. RESULTS: The mean fracture resistance in Group I was 458.6 ± 112.4 N, in Group II was 214.8 ± 104.6 N, in Group III was 428.6 ± 108.2 N, in Group IV was 388.2 ± 126.2 N, and in Group V was 334.8 ± 102.7 N. The difference found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05). Intergroup comparison showed a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) between Groups I-II, I-V, II-III, and II-IV. CONCLUSION: The authors found that lateral condensation performed with AH Plus sealer and gutta-percha and the Thermafil technique were the highest among all other methods.

Mental Health and Self-Care Practices Among Dental Hygienists.

Purpose: Occupational stress and burn-out among dental hygienists may produce a decrease in overall mental health and well-being. The purpose of this study was to determine prevalence of mental health concerns as well as perceived stressors and self-care strategies among dental hygienists in Oregon.Methods: Dental hygienists belonging to the Oregon Dental Hygienists' Association were invited to participate in an electronic survey. The validated and pilot tested-survey consisted of 28 items that addressed experiences with stress, mental health issues and coping mechanisms. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data.Results: Of the email invitations that were successfully delivered (n=251), 83 dental hygienists volunteered to participate (n=83), for a 33% response rate. Difficulty maintaining work-life balance (35%, n=28), dysfunctional work teams (34%, n=28), and not enough time in the work schedule (65%, n=54) were the most common stressors. Respondents who worked ≥20 hours per week were more likely to attribute their daily stress primarily or entirely to work (p=0.009). Self-care methods included exercise, quiet time, spending time with loved ones, and self-care activities. Only 21% of respondents (n=17) reported that they received information or training on stress management and or burn-out in as part of their dental hygiene education.Conclusion: Symptoms linked to depression and anxiety are common among dental hygienists in Oregon. Stress management education and training should be incorporated in dental hygiene educational programs to prepare graduates to effectively manage the stressors that may lead to burn-out. Additional research should be conducted on a national level to gain a more representative sample.

Molecular profiles in foregut oncology.

Oncology is and will continue to evolve resulting from a better understanding of the biology and intrinsic genetic profile of each cancer. Tumor biomarkers and targeted therapies are the new face of precision medicine, so it is essential for all physicians caring for cancer patients to understand and assist patients in understanding the role and importance of such markers and strategies to target them. This review was initiated in an attempt to identify, characterize, and discuss literature supporting clinically relevant molecular markers and interventions. The efficacy of targeting specific markers will be examined with data from clinical trials focusing on treatments for esophageal, gastric, liver, gallbladder, biliary tract, and pancreatic cancers.

Musashi-2 (MSI2) supports TGF-ß signaling and inhibits claudins to promote non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) metastasis.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has a 5-y survival rate of ∼16%, with most deaths associated with uncontrolled metastasis. We screened for stem cell identity-related genes preferentially expressed in a panel of cell lines with high versus low metastatic potential, derived from NSCLC tumors of Kras(LA1/+);P53(R172HΔG/+) (KP) mice. The Musashi-2 (MSI2) protein, a regulator of mRNA translation, was consistently elevated in metastasis-competent cell lines. MSI2 was overexpressed in 123 human NSCLC tumor specimens versus normal lung, whereas higher expression was associated with disease progression in an independent set of matched normal/primary tumor/lymph node specimens. Depletion of MSI2 in multiple independent metastatic murine and human NSCLC cell lines reduced invasion and metastatic potential, independent of an effect on proliferation. MSI2 depletion significantly induced expression of proteins associated with epithelial identity, including tight junction proteins [claudin 3 (CLDN3), claudin 5 (CLDN5), and claudin 7 (CLDN7)] and down-regulated direct translational targets associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition, including the TGF-ß receptor 1 (TGFßR1), the small mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 3 (SMAD3), and the zinc finger proteins SNAI1 (SNAIL) and SNAI2 (SLUG). Overexpression of TGFßRI reversed the loss of invasion associated with MSI2 depletion, whereas overexpression of CLDN7 inhibited MSI2-dependent invasion. Unexpectedly, MSI2 depletion reduced E-cadherin expression, reflecting a mixed epithelial-mesenchymal phenotype. Based on this work, we propose that MSI2 provides essential support for TGFßR1/SMAD3 signaling and contributes to invasive adenocarcinoma of the lung and may serve as a predictive biomarker of NSCLC aggressiveness.

Drug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis presenting as mass lesion.

A 33-year-old woman presented with a 1-month history of dry cough, fever, reduced appetite and weight loss. She had taken antitubercular therapy about a year prior with partial improvement in symptoms. At initial presentation, a plain chest X-ray followed by a contrast-enhanced chest CT scan was advised. The CT scan image was suggestive of a right upper lobe mass lesion. Since the patient had no sputum production, a diagnostic flexible bronchoscopy was performed. The bronchoalveolar lavage fluid analysis along with ultrasonography-guided lung biopsy was diagnostic of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.