Fertility preservation in reproductive-aged female patients with colorectal cancer: a scoping review.

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence in adults younger than 50 years is steadily increasing in the USA, and treatment for CRC can impact future fertility. However, fertility decision-making in female patients with CRC can be complex, with fertility preservation (FP) counseling occurring inconsistently.

Purpose: The goal of this scoping review was to assess the literature regarding the frequency and quality of fertility preservation (FP) discussions taking place among oncology clinicians and their reproductive-age female patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) in order to identify existing gaps in care and inform future research, interventions, or potential changes in practice.

Understanding Retention in the HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Cascade Among Cisgender Women.

HIV remains a significant public health concern in the United States, with 34,800 new cases diagnosed in 2019; of those, 18% were among women. Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with daily tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine is effective and safe, reducing HIV transmission by up to 92% in women. Though studies demonstrate low rates of PrEP adherence among cisgender women prescribed oral PrEP, little is known about the factors that shape PrEP continuation among them.

Cannabis Addiction and the Brain: a Review.

(©Zehra A, Liuck, Manza P, Wiers CE, Volkow ND Wergh J, 2018. Reprinted with permission from ).

Molecular Imaging of Opioid and Dopamine Systems: Insights Into the Pharmacogenetics of Opioid Use Disorders.

Opioid use in the United States has steadily risen since the 1990s, along with staggering increases in addiction and overdose fatalities. With this surge in prescription and illicit opioid abuse, it is paramount to understand the genetic risk factors and neuropsychological effects of opioid use disorder (OUD). Polymorphisms disrupting the opioid and dopamine systems have been associated with increased risk for developing substance use disorders.

Association Between Reduced Brain Glucose Metabolism and Cortical Thickness in Alcoholics: Evidence of Neurotoxicity.

Background: Excessive alcohol consumption is associated with reduced cortical thickness (CT) and lower cerebral metabolic rate of glucose (CMRGlu), but the correlation between these 2 measures has not been investigated.

Methods: We tested the association between CT and cerebral CMRGlu in 19 participants with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and 20 healthy controls. Participants underwent 2-Deoxy-2-[18F]fluoroglucose positron emission tomography to map CMRGlu and magnetic resonance imaging to assess CT.

Brain Imaging of Taste Perception in Obesity: a Review.

Purpose Of Review: We summarize neuroimaging findings related to processing of taste (fat, salt, umami, bitter, and sour) in the brain and how they influence hedonic responses and eating behaviors and their role in obesity.

Recent Findings: Neuroimaging studies in obese individuals have revealed alterations in reward/motivation, executive control/self-regulation, and limbic/affective circuits that are implicated in food and drug addiction. Psychophysical studies show that sensory properties of food ingredients may be associated with anthropometric and neurocognitive outcomes in obesity.

Cannabis Addiction and the Brain: a Review.

Cannabis is the most commonly used substance of abuse in the United States after alcohol and tobacco. With a recent increase in the rates of cannabis use disorder (CUD) and a decrease in the perceived risk of cannabis use, it is imperative to assess the addictive potential of cannabis. Here we evaluate cannabis use through the neurobiological model of addiction proposed by Koob and Volkow.

The Use of Dexmedetomidine in Pediatric Palliative Care: A Preliminary Study.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of dexmedetomidine infusions in patients with advanced malignancies, advanced heart disease, or after stem cell transplantation (SCT), who during end-of-life care had pain and/or agitation unresponsive to conventional therapies.

Background: Pediatric patients with intractable advanced malignancies, end-stage congenital heart diseases, or after SCT can suffer a great deal during end of life. Pain, drowsiness, fatigue, irritability, and worrying are experienced frequently, considered distressing, and are strongly associated with reductions in health-related quality-of-life scores.