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Dopamine (DA) neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) respond to motivationally relevant cues, and circuit-specific signaling drives different aspects of motivated behavior. Orexin (ox; also known as hypocretin) and dynorphin (dyn) are coexpressed lateral hypothalamic (LH) neuropeptides that project to the VTA. These peptides have opposing effects on the firing activity of VTADA neurons via orexin 1 (Ox1R) or kappa opioid (KOR) receptors. Given that Ox1R activation increases VTADA firing, and KOR decreases firing, it is unclear how the coreleased peptides contribute to the net activity of DA neurons. We tested if optical stimulation of LHox/dyn neuromodulates VTADA neuronal activity via peptide release and if the effects of optically driven LHox/dyn release segregate based on VTADA projection targets including the basolateral amygdala (BLA) or the lateral or medial shell of the nucleus accumbens (lAcbSh, mAchSh). Using a combination of circuit tracing, optogenetics, and patch-clamp electrophysiology in male and female orexincre mice, we showed a diverse response of LHox/dyn optical stimulation on VTADA neuronal firing, which is not mediated by fast transmitter release and is blocked by antagonists to KOR and Ox1R signaling. Additionally, where optical stimulation of LHox/dyn inputs in the VTA inhibited firing of the majority of BLA-projecting VTADA neurons, optical stimulation of LHox/dyn inputs in the VTA bidirectionally affects firing of either lAcbSh- or mAchSh-projecting VTADA neurons. These findings indicate that LHox/dyn corelease may influence the output of the VTA by balancing ensembles of neurons within each population which contribute to different aspects of reward seeking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) creates complex reproductive conditions among women. Problem-solving therapy is one of the sexual health approaches. Objective: This study was designed to investigate the effect of online problem-solving counseling on the sexual anxiety and intimacy of women with RPL. Materials and Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted at Abortion Research Center in Yazd, Iran between March and August 2023. A total of 70 women with RPL were assigned into 2 groups, that is, intervention and control using random allocation software (n = 35/each). The intervention group received 8 sessions of sexual counseling on problem solving. The control group received an educational pamphlet. The primary outcome was sexual anxiety, and the secondary outcome was sexual intimacy. The data were collected using questionnaires based on sexual anxiety and intimacy. The questionnaires were completed before, after, and 1 month after the study. Results: A total of 70 participants were included in the final analysis. The mean score of sexual anxiety in the 8th and 12th wk was significantly less in the online group than in control group (p < 0.001). The mean score of sexual intimacy in the 8th and 12th wk was significantly higher in the online group than in control group (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Problem-solving-based sexual health counseling programs may improve sexual anxiety and intimacy in women with RPL. It is recommended to use a sexual health counseling method in RPL centers when considering the effectiveness of this type of training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Canada, unhealthy dietary patterns comprise diets with poor nutrient density and are associated with chronic conditions. Plant-based diets have gained popularity due to their ability to provide a nutritionally adequate healthy diet. This study aims to compare sociodemographic, socioeconomic, and health characteristics, and diet quality between Canadian adults following plant-based and omnivore diets as well as assess the extent to which key nutrient intakes are of public health concern among Canadians following plant-based diets. The study used nationally representative nutritional data from the 2015 Canadian Community Health Survey and descriptive statistics were computed. The analysis determined that Canadians following strict plant-based diets (1% of total population) were significantly more likely to be an immigrant to Canada, less likely to meet national physical activity guidelines, and less likely to be overweight, compared to Canadians following omnivore diets. Compared to omnivore diets, plant-based diets were nutritionally superior according to the Nutrient-Rich Food index. Continued knowledge translation on what comprises healthy plant-based diets, public guidance on the intersection between diet and health, and the completion of prospective cohort studies are needed. To conclude, the research suggests well-planned plant-based diets, in comparison to omnivore diets, offer a nutrient-dense diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study assessed the efficacy of different combinations of oxalic acid, 35% hydrogen peroxide, and 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) for bleaching of tooth discolorations caused by hemoglobin. Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study, 40 sound extracted human premolars were disinfected and decoronated. Their primary color parameters were measured (T1). The teeth were then centrifuged with human blood for 3 days, rinsed, polished, and their color parameters were measured again (T2). They were randomly divided into 4 groups (N=10) and treated as follows: Group A: in-office bleaching with Pola-Office Plus followed by 30 seconds of light-curing, group B: 0.24 M oxalic acid for 5 minutes followed by in-office bleaching, group C: 5.25% NaOCl for 5 minutes followed by in-office bleaching, and group D: 0.24 M oxalic acid (5 minutes) followed by 5.25% NaOCl (5 minutes) and subsequent application of in-office bleaching gel. The color parameters of the teeth were measured again (T3). Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and paired sample t-test (alpha=0.05). Results: T2-T3 ΔE in groups B and D was significantly higher than that in group A (P<0.05); the difference between groups B and D was not significant. The mean ΔE and ΔL in group C were not significantly different from those in group A (P>0.05). ΔL significantly and equally increased in groups B and D after bleaching. Conclusion: Application of oxalic acid followed by in-office bleaching gel is more effective than the bleaching gel alone for correction of tooth discolorations caused by hemoglobin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]