April 8, 2016

Foldable-Capsular-Vitreous-Body filled with Silicone Oil as a New Treatment for Severe Retinal Detachment

Alyssa Richard '16

Severe retinal detachment is an issue that is still seeking solution in ophthalmology. There are various procedures that can be done to repair the retina but the results aren’t always ideal; loss of vision is almost always inevitable. In this novel procedure by Lin and his colleagues a foldable-capsular-vitreous-body (FCVB) was implanted and filled with silicone oil in three patients with severe retinal detachment. In all of the cases the retina was reattached, vision slightly improved, intra-ocular pressures were favorable and no damage was done to the eye. The silicone oil remained stable as well; there wasn’t any emulsification or leakage as is usually seen in current procedures. These results were seen after 3 years post treatment which suggests long term stability. They concluded the FCVB was safe and effective in all cases along with successfully encasing the silicone oil and maintaining its viability. This could lay the foundation for clinical trials and possibly a more permanent solution to retinal detachment.

Methamphetamine-Enhanced Sexual Motivation is Dependent on Dopamine and Progesterone Signaling in the Medial Amygdala

Julia Celley '16

Methamphetamine affects millions of people worldwide and while it’s general effects and risks are well understood there is a dearth of research on it’s impact on women. The study I am presenting on explores the underlying causes of increased sexual desire and pleasure reported by female meth users in a rat model. This study seeks to explore the connection between meth and progesterone implemented activity in the posterodorsal medial amygdala leading to increases in sexual behavior analogous to sexual risk taking in female meth users.