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• This systematic review represents a significant contribution to the field as it is the first comprehensive review in Latin America that addresses the influence of masculinity stigma on the diagnosis and treatment of metastatic prostate cancer. • One of the unique strengths of this review is its ability to gather and synthesize dozens of studies that were previously published only in Portuguese or Spanish, effectively summarizing and connecting these findings with the international literature. • It highlights the impact of cultural beliefs, gender norms, and social expectations on the stigmatization of prostate cancer, particularly related to notions of masculinity such as strength and invulnerability. • The review addresses the influence of machismo culture and religious/spiritual beliefs, which further complicate the challenges faced by individuals with prostate cancer and hinder open communication about the disease. • By identifying these sociocultural factors, the review contributes to a better understanding of the experiences and obstacles encountered by prostate cancer patients in Latin America. This review examines the impact of masculinity stigma on the diagnosis and treatment of metastatic prostate cancer, particularly in Latin America. It aims to provide insights into the influence of masculinity stigma on patient outcomes and inform strategies to address this issue. A comprehensive search was conducted in electronic databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL and LILACS) using relevant keywords and controlled vocabulary related to metastatic prostate cancer, masculinity, stigma, diagnosis, and treatment up to April 2023. The search strategy was developed in consultation with a medical librarian to ensure its comprehensiveness. Thirty-three studies that investigate the role of masculinity stigma in the diagnosis and treatment of metastatic prostate cancer were included. Our findings highlight the unique sociocultural influences in Latin America that shape prostate cancer stigma. It emphasizes the impact of cultural beliefs, gender norms, and social expectations on stigma. Notions of masculinity, such as strength and invulnerability, contribute to the stigmatization of prostate cancer. Machismo culture and religious/spiritual beliefs further compound the challenges and hinder open communication about the disease. Cultural taboos, limited awareness, and misconceptions perpetuate the stigma. These sociocultural factors shape the experiences and challenges faced by individuals with and at risk of prostate cancer in Latin America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• 3D shaped cavities with spherical geometry are made through ultrafast laser machining. • High visibility plano-convex Fabry-Pérot interferometers are produced in ULE® glass. • Proposed geometry overcomes low visibility caused by beam divergence. • Visibilities of 0.98–1.00 are measured for 100-to-1000 µm long cavities. Low-finesse Fabry-Pérot interferometers (FPI) with a plano-convex geometry are fabricated in ULE® glass through ultrafast laser machining. With this geometry, it is possible to overcome beam divergence effects that contribute to the poor fringe visibility usually observed in 100-µm or longer planar-planar FPIs. By replacing the planar surface with a spherical one, the diverging beam propagating through the cavity is re-focused back at the entrance of the lead-in fiber upon reflection at this curved interface, thereby balancing out the intensities of both interfering beams and enhancing the visibility. The design of a 3D shaped cavity with a spherical sidewall is only made possible through fs-laser direct writing followed by chemical etching. In this technique, the 3D volume is reduced to writing of uniformly vertically spaced 2D layers with unique geometry, which are then selectively removed during chemical etching with HF acid. The radius of curvature that maximizes fringe visibility is computed using a numerical tool that is experimentally validated. By choosing the optimal radius of curvature, uniform visibilities in the range of 0.98–1.00 are measured for interferometers produced with cavity lengths spanning from 100 to 1000 µm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxaliplatin (OXA) is an antineoplastic agent used for the treatment of cisplatin-resistant tumours, presenting lower incidence of nephrotoxicity and myelotoxicity than other platinum-based drugs. However, OXA treatment is highly associated with painful peripheral neuropathy, a well-known and relevant side effect caused by mitochondrial dysfunction. The transfer of functional exogenous mitochondria (mitotherapy) is a promising therapeutic strategy for mitochondrial diseases. We investigated the effect of mitotherapy on oxaliplatin-induced painful peripheral neuropathy (OIPN) in male mice. OIPN was induced by i.p. injections of oxaliplatin (3 mg/kg) over 5 consecutive days. Mechanical (von Frey test) and cold (acetone drop test) allodynia were evaluated between 7 and 17 days after the first OXA treatment. Mitochondria was isolated from donor mouse livers and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation was assessed with high resolution respirometry. After confirming that the isolated mitochondria were functional, the organelles were administered at the dose of 0.5 mg/kg of mitochondrial protein on days 1, 3 and 5. Treatment with OXA caused both mechanical and cold allodynia in mice that were significant 7 days after the initial injection of OXA and persisted for up to 17 days. Mitotherapy significantly prevented the development of both sensory alterations, and attenuated body weight loss induced by OXA. Mitotherapy also prevented spinal cord ERK1/2 activation, microgliosis and the increase in TLR4 mRNA levels. Mitotherapy prevented OIPN by inhibiting neuroinflammation and the consequent cellular overactivity in the spinal cord, presenting a potential therapeutic strategy for pain management in oncologic patients undergoing OXA treatment. • Functional exogenous mitochondria are incorporated into the mouse spinal cord and DRG after systemic injection. • Animal well-being and organ function are not affected by exogenous mitochondria transfer (mitotherapy). • Mitotherapy prevented the development of mechanical and cold allodynia induced by oxaliplatin treatment in mice. • The effect of mitotherapy was attributed to its ability to inhibit neuroinflammation in the spinal cord. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are some concerns regarding alcohol use behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. The mixed findings of the first alcohol use studies during this pandemic may reflect the lack of differentiation between on-premise and home consumption. Most of the countries adopted severe restrictions on drinking place functioning. Alcohol retail store sales temporal data were used to examine alcohol sales changes in the United States (U.S.) throughout the COVID-19 pandemic as a proxy indicator of at-home drinking. Data were sourced from the Monthly Retail Trade Survey, which has provided U.S. representative estimates of sales at retail and food services stores since 1951. In the present study, we analyzed data from seasonally adjusted beer, wine, and liquor store (BWLS) sales from January 1992 to September 2020. Poisson cubic spline models were used to assess nonlinearity in such sales during the period. These models were adjusted to the consumer price index for alcoholic beverages. There was a significant increase in retail alcohol sales during the beginning of the pandemic, reaching a plateau in the third quarter of 2020. During the COVID-19 period (March 2020 to September 2020), there were 41.9 billion dollars in BWLS sales, representing an increase of 20% compared to the same period in 2019. On the other hand, food and drinking place retail sales decreased by 27% during the same period in the same survey. These results may indicate an increase in home drinking during the period, which could potentially lead to higher alcohol consumption and alcohol-related adverse health outcomes. More aggressive efforts should be made to warn the population about the risks associated with increased home alcohol consumption during the pandemic. Additionally, tracking individual alcohol consumption and releasing real-time data at different levels are needed to better assess the effects of increased alcohol consumption during the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymeric systems for the immobilization and delivery of proteins have been extensively used for therapeutic and catalytic applications. While most devices have been created via solution based methods, hot melt extrusion (HME) has emerged as an alternative due to the high encapsulation efficiencies and solvent-free nature of the process. HME requires high temperatures and mechanical stresses that can result in protein aggregation and denaturation, but additives and chemical modifications have been explored to mitigate these effects. This study explores the use of solid-state ball milling to decrease protein particle size before encapsulation within poly(lactic- co -glycolic acid) (PLGA) via HME. The impact of milling on particle dispersion, retained enzymatic activity, secondary structure stability, and release was explored for lysozyme, glucose oxidase, and the virus-like particle derived from Qβ to fully understand the impact of milling on protein systems with different sizes and complexities. The results of this study describe the utility of milling to further increase the stability of protein/polymer systems prepared via HME. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background There is a need to explore the dimensional and categorical phenotypes of criteria of opioid use disorder among frequent nonmedical users of prescription opioids (NMUPO) users. Methods We used pooled data of 2011–2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health to examine reliability and phenotypic variability in the diagnosis of OUD secondary to NMUPO in a nationally-representative sample of 18+ years-old frequent past-year NMUPO users (120+ days, n = 806). Through exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and latent class analysis (LCA), we examined 10 past-year OUD criteria. We examined associations between the latent classes and sociodemographic/psychiatric/NMUPO correlates. Results OUD criteria were unidimensional, and a three-class model was the overall best fitting solution for characterizing individuals into phenotypes along this unidimensional continuum: a “non-symptomatic class” (40.7%), “Tolerance-Time spent class” (29.0%) with high probability of endorsing Tolerance/Time Spent criteria, and a “High-moderate symptomatic class” (30.1%). The last class was significantly associated with being male, having insurance and obtaining prescription opioids (PO) nonmedically via “doctor shopping” as compared to the non-symptomatic class. “Tolerance-Time spent class” was significantly associated with being younger (18–25 years) and obtaining PO nonmedically from family/friends as compared to the non-symptomatic class. Conclusion This study revealed the different characteristics and routes of access to PO of different classes of frequent NMUPO users. It is possible that these groups may respond to different interventions, however such conclusions would require a clinical study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tick-borne diseases are emerging worldwide and have an important zoonotic relevance. Dogs play an important role in the epidemiology of several zoonotic tick-borne pathogens acting as sentinels and/or reservoirs. This study focused on the molecular identification of tick-borne pathogens in blood samples of 153 autochthonous asymptomatic dogs in Maio Island, Cape Verde archipelago. Eighty-four (54.9%) dogs were positive for one or more pathogens. Fifty-five (35.9%) dogs were infected with Hepatozoon canis , 53 (34.6%) with Anaplasma platys, five (3.3%) with Ehrlichia canis and Rickettsia monacensis , an emerging human pathogen, was also identified in a single dog (0.7%). The former three pathogens cause important canine tick-borne diseases that are transmitted or potentially transmitted by Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l., the only hard tick identified in Cape Verde. Furthermore, Wolbachia spp. was amplified from the blood of one dog. None of the dogs were positive for Anaplasma phagocytophilum , Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Midichloria mitochondrii , Bartonella spp., Babesia spp. or Theileria spp. Fifty-four (35.3%) animals showed single infections and 30 (19.6%) co-infections, with A. platys and H. canis co-infection being the most frequent (28 dogs, 18.3%). The frequency of E. canis infection was statistically different among age groups ( P = 0.017), being higher among dogs older than 4 years compared to younger dogs. Infection by A. platys was also statistically different among age groups ( P = 0.031), being higher in dogs younger than 2 years compared to older dogs. The statistical analyses showed no significant association of PCR positivity with gender or location. The frequency of tick-borne pathogens detected in dogs in Maio Island, including R. monacensis, highlights the need to improve diagnosis and control in order to prevent the risk of transmission of these pathogens among dogs and humans living in or travelling to this touristic island. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• 4 to 13 µm wide silica-cores suspended inside a microfluidic channel are fabricated • Thermal annealing is performed to reshape the core and reduce its surface roughness • Waveguiding properties are studied with LP 01 and LP 02 modes being excited • Mode profile is reconfigurable and determined by the external refractive index • Mode mismatch between coupling and suspended waveguides causes interference pattern This work addresses the fabrication of straight silica-core liquid-cladding suspended waveguides inside a microfluidic channel through fs-laser micromachining. These structures enable the reconfiguration of the waveguide's mode profile and enhance the evanescent interaction between light and analyte. Further, their geometry resembles a tapered optical fiber with the added advantage of being monolithically integrated within a microfluidic platform. The fabrication process includes an additional post-processing thermal treatment responsible for smoothening the waveguide surface and reshaping it into a circular cross-section. Suspended waveguides with a minimum core diameter of 3.8 µm were fabricated. Their insertion losses can be tuned and are mainly affected by mode mismatch between the coupling and suspended waveguides. The transmission spectrum was studied and it was numerically confirmed that it consists of interference between the guided LP 01 mode and uncoupled light and of modal interference between the LP 01 and LP 02 modes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Maintained abstinence during the first 24 h of a quit attempt is a critical predictor of long-term smoking cessation. Little is known about sex differences in the very early abstinence period, particularly in the context of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) with varying anti-smoking policies and female smoking prevalences. We examined female sex effects on one-day relapse in a cross-national sample from 12 LMICs.Methods: Data from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (2008-2012) included nationally representative samples from 12 LMICs restricted to smokers with ≥ 1 quit attempt in the past 12 months (n = 16,576). We ran adjusted logistic regression models for female sex effects on one-day relapse, adjusting for nine individual-level demographics (e.g., age, education, age at smoking initiation) and smoking cessation variables (e.g., exposure to health warnings, receipt of counseling). We then conducted a meta-analysis adjusted for national-level and policy measures through meta-regression (e.g., cigarette consumption per capita, percent of cigarette box covered with warning labels).Results: One-day relapse prevalence varied across countries (2.7-13.6%). The odds of one-day relapse were significantly higher for women than for men in six countries (adjusted for nine individual-level sociodemographic variables), and there were no significant sex differences in the remaining six countries. Result remained significant after meta-regressions for national-level tobacco consumption and policy measures. Sensitivity analyses showed that the odds of one-day relapse for women remained significant when excluding countries with both higher and lower relative rates of female smoking. Larger warning labels on cigarette packs were associated with reduced odds of one-day relapse among women.Conclusion: The first day of a quit attempt is more challenging for women than men in LMICs. Tailored interventions incorporating national policies, in addition to counseling and pharmacotherapy, could play an essential role in supporting women during the initial abstinence phase of smoking cessation in LMICs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Smoking is highly prevalent among individuals with substance use disorder (SUD). No specific treatment policy exists for nicotine dependence treatment (NDT) in patients with SUD in Portugal, such as in most countries.Methods: We used the Index of Treatment Quality (ITTQ) and Tobacco Treatment Commitment Scale (TTCS) to assess NDT quality and commitment before and after training professionals who work in the Portuguese SUD treatment network (n = 203). The study assessed learning and competence through pre- and postknowledge tests, competence self-report, and intention-to-change questionnaires. The study carried out descriptive and inferential statistics using STATA software. We based the current study on the Revised Standards for Quality Improvement Reporting Excellence (SQUIRE 2.0).Results: Compared to psychologists, physicians/social workers had worse NDT perceptions (i.e., NDT should not be included in drug treatment programs; NDT could hinder client recovery; it is unfair to take tobacco away from these patients). The counseling offer level was low overall. However, the study found higher levels of smoking assessment in all regions. Knowledge of motivational interviewing, stages of motivation, and addressing return to use improved. Self-competency skills also increased following training.Conclusion: Treatment providers should be encouraged to implement counseling within NDT. Physicians and social workers should be aware of the importance of NDT for individuals with SUD. Attitudes and commitment to NDT for this subpopulation were quite similar to those found in U.S.Studies: Our educational intervention increased learning knowledge and competence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The validation and the operating window of an in-line rheo-optical slit die coupled to a prototype single/twin-screw mini-extrusion system are reported. This experimental set-up is able to perform in-situ rheological measurements, together with Small Angle Light Scattering (SALS) and Polarized Optical Microscopy (POM), thus enabling the structural characterization of materials during extrusion. The optical validation focuses on particle sizing and is performed using standard size particles suspended in a Newtonian polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix. The outcome is a map of the range of particle sizes and concentrations that can be measured with the two complementary in-line optical techniques. The techniques are then applied to study the morphological development in PMMA/PS blends, in order to screen for their applicability to commercial systems. Thus, limitations of POM and SALS for the characterization of industrial materials are also indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: We aimed to identify different categorical phenotypes based upon the DSM-V criteria of alcohol use disorders (AUD) among alcohol users who had at least one drink per week in the past year (n =948). Methods: Data are from the São Paulo Megacity Mental Health Survey collected in 2005–2007, as part of the World Mental Health Survey Initiative. A latent class analysis of the 11 DSM-5-AUD criteria was performed using Mplus, taking into account complex survey design features. Weighted logistic regression models were used to examine demographic correlates of the DSM-5-AUD latent classes. Results: The best latent-class model was a three-class model. We found a “non-symptomatic class” (69.7%), a “use in larger amounts class” (23.2%), defined by high probability (>70%) of the “use in larger amounts” criterion only, and a “high-moderate symptomatic class” (7.1%), defined by high-moderate probability of all the 11 AUD criteria. Compared to those in the non-symptomatic class, individuals in the “high-moderate symptomatic class” were more likely to have been married, have lower educational attainment and to be unemployed or in non-regular/informal employment. Those on the “use in larger amounts class” were more likely to have been married or never married. Conclusion: The two symptomatic classes clearly represented the dimensionality of the new proposed AUD criteria, and could be more specifically targeted by different prevention or treatment strategies. DSM-5-AUD has the advantage of shedding light on risky drinkers included in the “use in larger amounts class”, allowing for preventive interventions, which will reach a large number of individuals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Periodate oxidized dextran has been widely studied in a broad range of biotechnological applications, regardless of this, usually little attention is paid to the oxidation extension consequences on the properties of the final modified dextran. Based on a bidimensional NMR analysis, we suggest that the two aldehydes groups, resulting from the periodate oxidation, are not fully reactive with N-nucleophiles, under certain pH conditions. The aldehyde group bonded to C3 appeared to be the only prone to react. The other aldehyde might be arrested in more stable hemiacetal structures. The hemiacetals are also responsible for oxidized dextran crosslinking, interfering in simple processing steps, such as dissolution and solubility, as well as increasing the viscosity of the solutions. The molecular weight variation on the oxidized samples can be followed by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis in consequence of the variation of glass transition temperature with the molecular weight, which was corroborated by the onset temperature of the thermal degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Initiator-free injectable hydrogels are very interesting for drug and/or cell delivery applications, since they can be administered in a minimally invasive way, and avoid the use of potentially harmful chemical initiators. In the current work, oxidized dextran crosslinked with adipic acid dihydrazide hydrogels were further characterized and tuned to produce formulations, with the aim of producing an injectable formulation for the possible treatment of posterior eye diseases. The gelation rate and the hydrogel dissolution profile were shown to be dependent on the balance between the degree of dextran oxidation, and the concentration of both components. For the in vitro studies, rabbit corneal endothelial cells were seeded on the hydrogels to assess cytotoxicity. Hydrogels prepared with low oxidized dextrans were able to promote cell adhesion and proliferation to confluence in just 24h, while more highly oxidized samples promoted cell adhesion and proliferation, but without achieving confluence. Cell viability studies were performed using MTS assays to verify the non-cytotoxicity of hydrogels and their degradation byproducts, rendering these formulations attractive for further in vivo studies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Injectable and degradable hydrogels are very interesting networks for drug delivery and cell transplantation applications since they can be administered in the human body in a minimally invasive way. In most cases, the crosslinking reaction occurs by photopolymerisation or free radical polymerisation; however, the use of chemical initiators may promote cell death. In the current work, injectable and degradable dextran-based hydrogels were prepared without the use of initiators. Dextran, a natural glucose-containing polysaccharide, was oxidized with sodium periodate (dexOx) and the derivatives characterized by NMR and FTIR spectroscopy''s as well as by colorimetric techniques. The oxidized derivatives were crosslinked with adipic acid dihydrazide (AAD), forming a gel within 2–4min. The obtained hydrogels were characterized by their mechanical properties, swelling and degradation behavior under physiologic conditions. In addition, the hydrogel interior morphology as well as porous structure was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP). MIP analysis showed that dexOx hydrogels crosslinked with 10% of AAD were macroporous with pore sizes ranging from 0.32 to 0.08μm. As expected, the average pore size increased during hydrogel degradation as confirmed by SEM and MIP studies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In 2013, the DSM‐5 obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders sub‐workgroup developed the Excoriation (skin‐picking disorder) Dimensional Scale (SPD‐D) as a dimensional assessment that enquires about excoriation disorder symptoms that have occurred over the past week. This study aimed to assess the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the SPD‐D in a population sample from Paraguay. Participants were recruited through an Internet-based survey. Subjects included were individuals ≥ 18 years old, who self-reported a diagnosis meeting the criteria for excoriation disorder. 531 individuals were rated for the validation analysis. SPD-D was back-translated and validated into Spanish. Exploratory and confirmatory factorial analysis were performed. Participants were also assessed with the Skin Picking Scale-Revised (SPS-R). Exploratory factorial analysis reported that only one factor had a raw eigenvalue greater than 1, and explained 57.4% of total variance. Thus, the scale is considered one-dimensional, as confirmed by confirmatory analysis. Fit indices suggest a good adjustment and Cronbach's alpha showed good internal consistency (α=0.816). Good convergence was found between the scores of the SPD-D and the SPS-R (r=0.822, p<0.0001). The Spanish version of SPD-D shows good psychometric properties and adequately reproduces the one-dimensional model of the original English version. • Excoriation disorder is described as a recurrent picking of skin, leading to skin lesions and significant distress. • This study assessed the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Excoriation Dimensional Scale (SPD-D). • The Spanish version of the SPD-D shows good psychometric properties. • The Spanish version of the SPD-D adequately reproduces the one-dimensional model of the original English version. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cannabis use has been increasing worldwide for recreational and medical purposes. Consumption by pregnant women is associated with disturbances in pregnancy outcome, such as low birth weight, prematurity and intrauterine growth retardation, though the underlying biochemical mechanisms are unknown. The endocannabinoid system is involved in several reproductive events and the disruption of its homeostasis by ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive cannabinoid, may lead to a negative gestational outcome. In human placenta, THC impairs the levels of the endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA). The other major endocannabinoid, 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) also plays an important role on proper placentation and pregnancy success. However, THC impact on 2-AG homeostasis has never been addressed. Hence, the effects of THC in 2-AG levels and metabolic enzymes expression were explored. Long-term treatment impairs the expression of the main 2-AG synthetic and degradative enzymes. Curiously, with the highest concentration, despite the maintenance of diacylglycerol lipase alpha (DAGLα) and the decrease in monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) expression, 2-AG levels remain constant. Given the endocannabinoid signalling local tight regulation, we hypothesize the involvement of other 2-AG degradative enzymes. Indeed, THC increases the expression of the hydrolyzing enzymes alpha beta hydrolase domain-6 (ABHD6) and -12 (ABHD12), that we firstly describe in human placental tissues. The results show that THC, depending on time of exposure, induces alterations in 2-AG metabolic enzymes expression in placental explants, highlighting the importance of 2-AG regulation and endocannabinoid signalling in placental development. Alterations in this homeostasis may explain the negative pregnancy outcome related to cannabis consumption. • The enzymes alpha beta hydrolase domain-6 (ABHD6) and -12 (ABHD12) are expressed in human term placenta. • The phytocannabinoid THC upregulates ABHD6 and ABHD12 in placental explants. • THC impairs the expression of 2-AG main metabolic enzymes DAGL and MAGL. • THC does not affect 2-AG placental levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Excoriation disorder is described as a recurrent picking of skin, leading to skin lesions and significant distress. • This is the first study to determine the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Skin Picking Scale Revised. • The Spanish version of the Skin Picking Scale Revised shows good psychometric properties. • The Spanish version of SPS-R adequately reproduces the two-dimensional model of the original scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) regulates several reproductive events such as decidualization, implantation and placentation. Placental development involves a balance between proliferation, differentiation and cell death of trophoblasts. We have reported that 2-AG induces apoptosis in trophoblast cells [1], on which endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-stress might play a role. Prolonged ER-stress may activate pancreatic ER kinase (PERK) protein and trigger apoptotic pathways. Therefore, in this work it was evaluated the role of PERK branch on 2-AG induced-apoptosis in BeWo cell line, a model of cytotrophoblasts. Through q-PCR it was observed that 2-AG increased mRNA levels of crucial ER-stress markers: CHOP and ATF4. Through Western-blot we found that 2-AG also increased CHOP protein levels and activation/phospohorylation of eIF2α. The involvement of cannabinoid receptors was also investigated. Herein we found that 2-AG induced apoptosis is mediated by activation of PERK branch of ER-stress response which may impair placental development, and lead to miscarriage, fetal growth-restriction and pregnancy-related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]