Value network engagement and effects of memory-related processing during encoding and retrieval of value.

Decision makers rely on episodic memory to calculate choice values in everyday life, yet it is unclear how neural mechanisms of valuation differ when value-related information is encoded versus retrieved from episodic memory. The current fMRI study compared neural correlates of value while information was encoded versus retrieved from memory. Scanned tasks were followed by a behavioral episodic memory test for item-attribute associations. Our analyses sought to (i) identify neural correlates of value that were distinct and common across encoding and retrieval, and (ii) determine whether neural mechanisms of valuation and episodic memory interact. The study yielded three primary findings. First, value-related activation in the fronto-striatal reward circuit and posterior parietal cortex was comparable across valuation phases. Second, value-related activation in select fronto-parietal and salience regions was significantly greater at value retrieval than encoding. Third, there was no interaction between neural correlates of valuation and episodic memory. Taken with prior research, the present study indicates that fronto-parietal and salience regions play a key role in retrieval-dependent valuation and context-specific effects likely determine whether neural correlates of value interact with episodic memory.

Improving Resident Knowledge in Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology: An Evaluation of the North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology Short Curriculum.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Resident education in pediatric and adolescent gynecology (PAG) is challenging. It encompasses patients from neonates to young adults with different disorders involving multiple subspecialties. Residents have inadequate exposure to PAG topics and report lack of knowledge in this area. The objective of this study was to determine if the North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology (NASPAG) Short Curriculum improves self-reported knowledge in PAG among obstetrics and gynecology (ObGyn), family medicine, and pediatric residents. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, INTERVENTIONS, AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Participants were 47 US ObGyn, family medicine, and pediatric residency training programs across a 4-month study window, from September to December 2016. The NASPAG Short Curriculum was distributed to them with a request to complete a retrospective pre- and post-test survey. Primary outcome measure was improvement in self-perceived knowledge after exposure to the curriculum. RESULTS: Forty-eight programs responded to the study comprising a total of 1130 residents. One program was excluded because of logistical barriers to the distribution of study incentive. In total, 1080 residents were invited and 103 chose to participate (10% response rate); 68 residents completed all survey questions to be included in the final analysis. After completing the curriculum, self-reported knowledge improved in all 10 learning objectives, across all 3 specialties (47% [32/68] to 82% [56/68]; P < .01). Pre-test knowledge correlated with previous clinical exposure to PAG patients, but did not correlate with year of residency training, type of residency, or previous PAG lectures. CONCLUSION: Significant deficiencies exist regarding self-reported knowledge of core PAG topics among ObGyn, family medicine, and pediatric residents. Use of the NASPAG Short Curriculum improves self-reported knowledge in PAG trainees across all 3 specialties.

Resident Education Curriculum in Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology: The Short Curriculum 2.0.

The degree of exposure to pediatric and adolescent gynecology (PAG) varies across residency programs in obstetrics and gynecology and pediatrics. Nevertheless, these programs are responsible for training residents and providing opportunities within their programs to fulfill PAG learning objectives. To that end, the North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology has taken a leadership role in PAG resident education by creating and systematically updating the Short Curriculum. This curriculum outlines specific learning objectives that are central to PAG education and lists essential resources for learners' reference. This updated curriculum replaces the previous 2014 publication with added content, resources, and updated references. Additionally, attention to the needs of learners in pediatrics and adolescent medicine is given greater emphasis in this revised North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology Short Curriculum 2.0.

Role of Kv4.3 in Vibration-Induced Muscle Pain in the Rat.

UNLABELLED: We hypothesized that changes in the expression of voltage-gated potassium channel (Kv) 4.3 contribute to the mechanical hyperalgesia induced by vibration injury, in a rodent model for hand-arm vibration syndrome in humans. Here we show that the exposure of the gastrocnemius muscle to vibration injury induces muscle hyperalgesia that is accompanied by a significant downregulation of Kv4.3 in affected sensory nerve fibers in dorsal root ganglia. We additionally show that the intrathecal administration of antisense oligonucleotides for Kv4.3 messenger RNA itself induces muscle hyperalgesia in the rat. Our results suggest that attenuation in the expression of Kv4.3 may contribute to neuropathic pain in people affected by hand-arm vibration syndrome. PERSPECTIVE: Our findings establish Kv4.3 as a potential molecular target for the treatment of hand-arm vibration syndrome.