Dynamic endocannabinoid-mediated neuromodulation of retinal circadian circuitry.

Circadian rhythms are biological rhythms that originate from the "master circadian clock," called the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). SCN orchestrates the circadian rhythms using light as a chief zeitgeber, enabling humans to synchronize their daily physio-behavioral activities with the Earth's light-dark cycle. However, chronic/ irregular photic disturbances from the retina via the retinohypothalamic tract (RHT) can disrupt the amplitude and the expression of clock genes, such as the period circadian clock 2, causing circadian rhythm disruption (CRd) and associated neuropathologies. The present review discusses neuromodulation across the RHT originating from retinal photic inputs and modulation offered by endocannabinoids as a function of mitigation of the CRd and associated neuro-dysfunction. Literature indicates that cannabinoid agonists alleviate the SCN's ability to get entrained to light by modulating the activity of its chief neurotransmitter, i.e., γ-aminobutyric acid, thus preventing light-induced disruption of activity rhythms in laboratory animals. In the retina, endocannabinoid signaling modulates the overall gain of the retinal ganglion cells by regulating the membrane currents (Ca2+, K+, and Cl- channels) and glutamatergic neurotransmission of photoreceptors and bipolar cells. Additionally, endocannabinoids signalling also regulate the high-voltage-activated Ca2+ channels to mitigate the retinal ganglion cells and intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells-mediated glutamate release in the SCN, thus regulating the RHT-mediated light stimulation of SCN neurons to prevent excitotoxicity. As per the literature, cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 are becoming newer targets in drug discovery paradigms, and the involvement of endocannabinoids in light-induced CRd through the RHT may possibly mitigate severe neuropathologies.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of thigmotactic behaviour in the open field test in rodent models associated with persistent pain.

Thigmotaxis is an innate predator avoidance behaviour of rodents. To gain insight into how injury and disease models, and analgesic drug treatments affect thigmotaxis, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that assessed thigmotaxis in the open field test. Systematic searches were conducted of 3 databases in October 2020, March and August 2022. Study design characteristics and experimental data were extracted and analysed using a random-effects meta-analysis. We also assessed the correlation between thigmotaxis and stimulus-evoked limb withdrawal. This review included the meta-analysis of 165 studies We report thigmotaxis was increased in injury and disease models associated with persistent pain and this increase was attenuated by analgesic drug treatments in both rat and mouse experiments. Its usefulness, however, may be limited in certain injury and disease models because our analysis suggested that thigmotaxis may be associated with the locomotor function. We also conducted subgroup analyses and meta-regression, but our findings on sources of heterogeneity are inconclusive because analyses were limited by insufficient available data. It was difficult to assess internal validity because reporting of methodological quality measures was poor, therefore, the studies have an unclear risk of bias. The correlation between time in the centre (type of a thigmotactic metric) and types of stimulus-evoked limb withdrawal was inconsistent. Therefore, stimulus-evoked and ethologically relevant behavioural paradigms should be viewed as two separate entities as they are conceptually and methodologically different from each other.

Fluid Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) Versus Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) in the Treatment of Atrophic Acne Scars: A Comparative Study.

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), a second-generation platelet concentrate, was developed for the purpose of overcoming the limitations of Platelet-rich plasma (PRP). PRF can produce a higher cumulative release of growth factors than PRP. Also, this release is slow and prolonged, making it ideal for tissue regeneration and growth stimulation. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of fluid PRF either alone or combined with needling versus PRP in the treatment of atrophic acne scars. A comparative study including 30 patients with atrophic acne scars who were divided into two equal groups. Group I included 15 patients in which the left side of the face was treated with intradermal injection of PRP while the right side was treated with combined needling with PRP. Group II included15 patients in which the left side of the face was treated with intradermal injection of fluid PRF while the right side was treated with combined needling with fluid PRF. All patients received four sessions with 3 weeks interval. The acne scars significantly improved in both sides of face in both groups. According to quartile grading scale and patient satisfaction; the therapeutic response was significantly higher in PRF group than PRP either alone or combined with needling. The combination with needling increases efficacy of PRF and PRP. Fluid PRF is highly effective, safe and simple procedure that can be used instead of PRP in the treatment of acne scars.

#metoo? The association between sexual violence history and parturients' gynecological health and mental well-being.

PURPOSE: Sexual violence is a global health problem. We aimed to evaluate the association between self-reported history of sexual violence and parturients' health behaviors, focusing on routine gynecological care, and mental well-being. METHODS: This was a retrospective questionnaire-based study, including mothers of newborns delivered at the "Soroka" University Medical Center (SUMC). Participants were asked to complete three validated questionnaires, including: screening for sexual violence history (SES), post-traumatic stress disorder (PDS) and post-partum depression (EPDS). Additionally, a demographic, pregnancy and gynecological history data questionnaire was completed, and medical record summarized. Multiple analyses were performed, comparing background and outcome variables across the different SES severity levels. Multivariable regression models were constructed, while adjusting for confounding variables. RESULTS: The study included 210 women. Of them, 26.3% (n = 57) reported unwanted sexual encounter, 23% (n = 50) reported coercion, 1.8% (n = 4) assault and attempted rape, and 1.4% (n = 3) reported rape. A significant association was found between sexual violence history and neglected gynecological care, positive EPDS screening, and reporting experiencing sexual trauma. Several multivariable regression models were constructed, to assess independent associations between sexual violence history and gynecological health-care characteristics, as well as EPDS score. Sexual violence history was found to be independently and significantly associated with a negative relationship with the gynecologist, avoidance of gynecological care, sub-optimal routine gynecological follow-up, and seeking a gynecologist for acute symptoms (adjusted OR = 0.356; 95% CI 0.169-0.749, adjusted OR = 0.369; 95% CI 0.170-0.804, adjusted OR = 2.255; 95% CI 1.187-4.283, and adjusted OR = 2.113; 95% CI 1.085-4.111, respectively), as well as with the risk of post-partum depression (adjusted OR = 4.46; 95% CI 2.03-9.81). All models adjusted for maternal age and ethnicity. CONCLUSION: Sexual violence history is extremely common among post-partum women. It is independently associated with post-partum depression, neglected gynecological care, a negative relationship with the gynecologist, and with reporting of experiencing sexual trauma. Identifying populations at risk and taking active measures, may reduce distress and improve emotional well-being and family function.