The First Pilot Epigenetic Type Improvement of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in a Polymorphic Dopamine D2 (-DRD2/ANKK (Taq1A)), OPRM1 (A/G), DRD3 (C/T), and MAOA (4R) Compromised Preadolescence Male with Putative PANDAS/CANS: Positive Clinical Outcome with Precision-Guided DNA Testing and Pro-Dopamine Regulation (KB220) and Antibacterial Therapies.

Pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with or without streptococcal and other bacterial infections (PANDAS/CANS) are emerging as a featured pediatric disorder. Although there is some controversy regarding treatment approaches, especially related to the behavioral sequelae, we have hypothesized in other published work that it is characterized by the rapid onset of Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RDS) in children. We propose utilizing a multi-systems biological approach involving the coupling of genetic addiction risk testing and pro-dopamine regulation (KB220/POLYGEN) to help induce "dopamine homeostasis" in patients with PANDAS, especially those with known DNA-induced hypodopaminergia.

Identification of stress-induced epigenetic methylation onto dopamine D2 gene and neurological and behavioral consequences.

The D2 dopamine receptor () gene has garnered substantial attention as one of the most extensively studied genes across various neuropsychiatric disorders. Since its initial association with severe alcoholism in 1990, particularly through the identification of the allele, numerous international investigations have been conducted to elucidate its role in different conditions. As of February 22, 2024, there are 5485 articles focusing on the gene listed in PUBMED.

Addressing cortex dysregulation in youth through brain health check coaching and prophylactic brain development.

The Carter Center has estimated that the addiction crisis in the United States (US), if continues to worsen at the same rate, may cost the country approximately 16 trillion dollars by 2030. In recent years, the well-being of youth has been compromised by not only the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic but also the alarming global opioid crisis, particularly in the US. Each year, deadly opioid drugs claim hundreds of thousands of lives, contributing to an ever-rising death toll.

Are We Getting High Cause the Thrill is Gone?

In the USA alone, opioid use disorder (OUD) affects approximately 27 million people. While the number of prescriptions may be declining due to increased CDC guidance and prescriber education, fatalities due to fentanyl-laced street heroin are still rising. Our laboratory has extended the overall concept of both substance and non-substance addictive behaviors, calling it "Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RDS).

Neurogenetics and Epigenetics of Loneliness.

Loneliness, an established risk factor for both, mental and physical morbidity, is a mounting public health concern. However, the neurobiological mechanisms underlying loneliness-related morbidity are not yet well defined. Here we examined the role of genes and associated DNA risk polymorphic variants that are implicated in loneliness via genetic and epigenetic mechanisms and may thus point to specific therapeutic targets.

Preliminary Observations of Personalized Repetitive Magnetic Stimulation (PrTMS) Guided by EEG Spectra for Concussion.

There are no FDA-approved treatments for the chronic sequelae of concussion. Repetitive magnetic transcranial stimulation (rTMS) has been explored as a therapy but outcomes have been inconsistent. To address this we developed a personalized rTMS (PrTMS) protocol involving continual rTMS stimulus frequency adjustment and progressive activation of multiple cortical sites, guided by spectral electroencephalogram (EEG)-based analyses and psychological questionnaires.

Evidence for the Gene as a Determinant of Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RDS).

Since 1990, published addiction psychiatry articles have exceeded 11,495. Several from Blum et al. showed the clinical relevance of the Genetic Addiction Risk Severity (GARS) test in identifying risk for reward deficiency behaviors in cohorts from polysubstance and pain clinics, post-surgical bariatrics, and DWI offenders facing prison time.

Beyond Mor: Can Induction of Dopamine Homeostasis Along with Electrotherapy Attenuate the Opioid Crisis?

One important area for consideration especially in terms of combating the ongoing never ending opioid crisis, relates to novel newer assessments for all addictive behaviors both substance and non-substance behaviors (RDS). It is very important to identify early in one's life the possibility of, because of known DNA antecedents, the presence of pre-addiction. The development of the Genetic Addiction Risk Severity (GARS) test, Blum's group believes that this type of testing should be the "standard of care" following additional studies.

Futuristic Thinking about Engineering "Geneospirituality" to Help Prevent Relapse of Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RDS) Behaviors.

It is with a saddened heart that we are dedicating this article to the loving memory of our dear departed friend and associate B. William Downs. Bill was well known in the nutritional space worldwide for his major contributions to the health and welfare of millions around the globe.

Improved Biocompatible, Flexible Mesh Composites for Implant Applications via Hydroxyapatite Coating with Potential for 3-Dimensional Extracellular Matrix Network and Bone Regeneration.

Hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated metals are biocompatible composites, which have potential for various applications for bone replacement and regeneration in the human body. In this study, we proposed the design of biocompatible, flexible composite implants by using a metal mesh as substrate and HA coating as bone regenerative stimulant derived from a simple sol-gel method. Experiments were performed to understand the effect of coating method (dip-coating and drop casting), substrate material (titanium and stainless steel) and substrate mesh characteristics (mesh size, weave pattern) on implant's performance.

Gα facilitates shortening in human airway smooth muscle by modulating phosphoinositide 3-kinase-mediated activation in a RhoA-dependent manner.

Background And Purpose: PI3K-dependent activation of Rho kinase (ROCK) is necessary for agonist-induced human airway smooth muscle cell (HASMC) contraction, and inhibition of PI3K promotes bronchodilation of human small airways. The mechanisms driving agonist-mediated PI3K/ROCK axis activation, however, remain unclear. Given that G family proteins activate ROCK pathways in other cell types, their role in M muscarinic acetylcholine receptor-stimulated PI3K/ROCK activation and contraction was examined.

Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase in Asthma: Novel Roles and Therapeutic Approaches.

Asthma manifests as airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation, including coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Immune cells and airway structural cells orchestrate asthma pathophysiology, leading to mucus secretion, airway narrowing, and obstruction. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase, a lipid kinase, plays a crucial role in many of the cellular and molecular mechanisms driving asthma pathophysiology and represents an attractive therapeutic target.

Modeling distance-dependent individual head-related transfer functions in the horizontal plane using frontal projection headphones.

The veracity of virtual audio is degraded by the use of non-individualized head-related transfer functions (HRTFs) due to the introduction of front-back, elevation confusions, and timbral coloration. Hence, an accurate reproduction of spatial sound demands the use of individualized HRTFs. Measuring distance-dependent individualized HRTFs can be extremely tedious, since it requires precise measurements at several distances in the proximal region (<1 m) for each individual.

Aripiprazole use in a pregnant schizoaffective woman.

Background: There are few or no clinical data on the safety of aripiprazole during pregnancy and lactation.

Case Report: A 27-year-old schizoaffective woman conceived while receiving aripiprazole 15 mg/day. The drug was withdrawn during the eighth week of gestation.

Visceral manifestations of von Hippel-Lindau disease: value of ultrasound and CT imaging.

Visceral manifestations of von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHLD) are generally asymptomatic and their early detection is of considerable help in the management. This communication documents the usefulness of imaging studies in detecting visceral manifestations in two cases of VHLD.

Postpartum depression recurrence versus discontinuation syndrome: observations from a randomized controlled trial.

Objective: To differentiate characteristics of a discontinuation syndrome from a recurrence of major depressive disorder in the context of a randomized trial.

Method: We performed a randomized clinical trial to compare the efficacy of sertraline versus placebo for the prevention of recurrent postpartum DSM-IV major depressive disorder. Women whose depression did not recur in the initial 17-week active treatment trial were followed through the taper phase (weeks 18-20).