Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Applications in Dermatology.

As a noninvasive imaging modality able to show the dynamic changes in neurologic activity, functional magnetic resonance imaging has revolutionized the ability to both map and further understand the functional regions of the brain. Current applications range from neurosurgical planning to an enormous variety of investigational applications across many diverse specialties. The main purpose of this article is to provide a foundational understanding of how functional magnetic resonance imaging is being used in research by outlining the underlying basic science, specific methods, and direct investigational and clinical applications.

Tetrahydrocannabinol and Skin Cancer: Analysis of YouTube Videos.

Background: Cannabis oil is being used topically by patients with skin cancer as a homeopathic remedy, and has been promoted and popularized on social media, including YouTube. Although topical cannabinoids, especially tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), may have antitumor effects, results from a sparse number of clinical trials and peer-reviewed studies detailing safety and efficacy are still under investigation.

Objective: We sought to assess the accuracy, quality, and reliability of THC oil and skin cancer information available on YouTube.

Implementation of a patient-assisted teledermatology model in the Veteran Health Administration.

Owing to the inherently visual nature of the field of dermatology, advances in imaging and communication technology have resulted in wide-spread application of teledermatology since its introduction in the mid-1990s. In the last 20 years, studies have repetitively shown that teledermatology provides effective and efficient quality care for patients. It also increases access to underserved patients and reduces traveling costs, wait times, and unnecessary referrals.

Amelioration of visual deficits and visual system pathology after mild TBI via the cannabinoid Type-2 receptor inverse agonism of raloxifene.

Visual deficits after traumatic brain injury (TBI) are common, but interventions that limit the post-trauma impairments have not been identified. We have found that treatment with the cannabinoid type-2 receptor (CB2) inverse agonist SMM-189 for 2 weeks after closed-head blast TBI greatly attenuates the visual deficits and retinal pathology this otherwise produces in mice, by modulating the deleterious role of microglia in the injury process after trauma. SMM-189, however, has not yet been approved for human use.