Virginia Commonwealth University

About: Virginia Commonwealth University is a education organization based out in Richmond, Virginia, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Poison control. The organization has 23822 authors who have published 49587 publications receiving 1787046 citations. The organization is also known as: VCU.

Behavioral, biochemical, and molecular modeling evaluations of cannabinoid analogs.

Abstract: Numerous cannabinoids have been synthesized that are extremely potent in all of the behavioral assays conducted in our laboratory. An important feature in increasing potency has been the substitution of a dimethylheptyl (DMH) side chain for the pentyl side chain. Our previous studies have shown that (−)-11-OH-Δ8-THC-dimethylheptyl was 80–1150 times more potent than Δ9-THC. Stereospecificity was demonstrated by its (+)- enantiomer which was more than 1400–7500 times less potent. A related series of DMH cannabinoid analogs has recently been synthesized and preliminary evaluations reported here. (−)-11-OH-Δ9-THC-DMH was found to be equipotent with (−)-11-OH-Δ8-THC-DMH. The aldehyde (−)-11-oxo-Δ9-THC-DMH was 15–50 times more potent than Δ9-THC. Surprisingly, (−)-11-carboxy-Δ9-THC-DMH was also active, being slightly more potent than Δ9-THC. In the bicyclic cannabinoid series, the length and bulk of the side chain were found to be equally important. Aminoalkylindoles, which are structurally dissimilar from classical cannabinoids, have been found to exhibit a pharmacological profile similar to Δ9-THC. Though not extremely potent in vivo, they appear to represent an entirely new approach to studying the actions of the cannabinoids. The structural diversity and wide-ranging potencies of the analogs described herein provide the opportunity to develop a pharmacophore for the cannabinoids using molecular modeling techniques.

Acquiring 4D thoracic CT scans using a multislice helical method

Abstract: Respiratory motion degrades anatomic position reproducibility during imaging, necessitates larger margins during radiotherapy planning and causes errors during radiation delivery. Computed tomography (CT) scans acquired synchronously with the respiratory signal can be used to reconstruct 4D CT scans, which can be employed for 4D treatment planning to explicitly account for respiratory motion. The aim of this research was to develop, test and clinically implement a method to acquire 4D thoracic CT scans using a multislice helical method. A commercial position-monitoring system used for respiratory-gated radiotherapy was interfaced with a third generation multislice scanner. 4D cardiac reconstruction methods were modified to allow 4D thoracic CT acquisition. The technique was tested on a phantom under different conditions: stationary, periodic motion and non-periodic motion. 4D CT was also implemented for a lung cancer patient with audio-visual breathing coaching. For all cases, 4D CT images were successfully acquired from eight discrete breathing phases, however, some limitations of the system in terms of respiration reproducibility and breathing period relative to scanner settings were evident. Lung mass for the 4D CT patient scan was reproducible to within 2.1% over the eight phases, though the lung volume changed by 20% between end inspiration and end expiration (870 cm3). 4D CT can be used for 4D radiotherapy, respiration-gated radiotherapy, 'slow' CT acquisition and tumour motion studies.

Final conclusions and recommendations of the National Lipid Association Statin Safety Assessment Task Force.

Abstract: This article summarizes the final conclusions of the National Lipid Association (NLA) Statin Safety Task Force, based on a review and independent research of New Drug Application (NDA) information, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS) data, cohort and clinical trial results, and analysis of administrative claims database information and the assessment of its 4 Expert Panels, which focused on issues of statin safety with regard to liver, muscle, renal, and neurologic systems. Practical guidance in the form of recommendations to health professionals who manage the coronary artery disease risk of patients with statin therapy is provided.

Transition From School to Adulthood for Youth With Autism Spectrum Disorders: Review and Recommendations

Abstract: The transition from school services to adulthood can be particularly difficult for many adolescents with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Although some individuals with ASD are able to successfully transition, most are faced with significant obstacles in multiple areas as they attempt to negotiate their way into college, work, community participation, and independent living. This article contains a review of research related to the transition from school to adulthood for youth with ASD in the areas of education, employment, community living, and community integration. These key areas of the transition process are crucial for success in adulthood. A summary of principal conclusions drawn from the current literature and suggestions for future research are provided.