Kratom: A growing substance of abuse in the United States.

Background: Use of kratom is increasing in the United States due to its perceived safety as a botanical product. This review provides salient information about kratom for the practicing clinician.

Methods: We conducted a literature search of MedLine, UpToDate, and Google using the terms "kratom" and "Mitragyna speciosa" for articles published within the last 10 years.

The efficacy and safety of chlorpyrifos (Dursban) for control of Myobia musculi infestation in mice.

Mite infestation in laboratory mice is a common, but troublesome problem in animal facilities. Recommended treatment regimens are frequently ineffective because of the short period of exposure to the control agent. In an effort to develop a time-release approach, we have investigated the use of Dursban granules applied in animal bedding.

Modulation of DNA synthesis in aortic smooth muscle cells by dinitrotoluenes.

Studies were conducted to determine if in vivo exposure to dinitrotoluenes (DNT), which is associated with circulatory disorders of atherosclerotic etiology in humans, is associated with alterations of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC) consistent with the atherogenic process. Sprague-Dawley rats (150-180 g) were injected IP for 5 days/week for 8 weeks with 2,4- or 2,6-DNT (0.5, 5, or 10 mg/kg) or medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil.

Cerebrovascular malformation causing sudden death. Analysis of three cases and review of the literature.

Three unusual cases of sudden death resulting from cerebrovascular malformation (CVM) are presented. CVMs are highly variable in location and morphology, and may be difficult to detect. Two of the patients discussed here had CVMs that involved the circle of Willis directly, and produced rapidly fatal subarachnoid hemorrhage at the base of the brain; both of these subjects were in their late 30s.