Bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and amygdala responses to unpredictable threat in children.

Substantial evidence from studies in humans suggests the amygdala is pivotal for anxiety. Findings from animal models and translational studies suggests the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) is also critical for anxiety and the anticipation of unpredictable threat in adults. However, it remains unknown whether the BNST is involved in unpredictable threat anticipation in children.

BNST and amygdala connectivity are altered during threat anticipation in schizophrenia.

In schizophrenia, impairments in affect are prominent and anxiety disorders are prevalent. Neuroimaging studies of fear and anxiety in schizophrenia have focused on the amygdala and show alterations in connectivity. Emerging evidence suggests that the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) also plays a critical role in anxiety, especially during anticipation of an unpredictable threat; however, previous studies have not examined the BNST in schizophrenia.

Experimental polyacrylamide-induced acute injury in rat lung.

We recently reported the first case of accidental aspiration of polyacrylamide occurring in a 26-year-old man. The patient developed severe airway obstruction and parenchymal lung damage and died. Autopsy revealed numerous polyacrylamide particles in his lungs, as well as extensive bronchiolar and alveolar damage.

Aspiration injury due to polyacrylamide.

Acute lung injury secondary to aspiration of polyacrylamide, a synthetic polymer used widely in industry, has not been previously described in man or animal. We report the case of a 26-year-old man who aspirated polyacrylamide gel while cleaning it out of a tank truck. Subsequently, severe airway obstruction and lung parenchymal damage developed, and the patient died.

Comparison of blood and brain toluene concentrations and circulating triglyceride levels resulting from acute and repeated exposures in rats.

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed by inhalation to 2500 ppm toluene three hours per day, five days per week for three weeks. Blood and brain toluene concentration and circulating triglyceride levels were measured after one day, one week, two weeks and three weeks exposure. A consistent reduction in mean body weight gain was found in the toluene-exposed rats compared to controls as early as three days following initiation of exposure.