Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons migrate from the vomeronasal organ (VNO) in the nasal compartment to the basal forebrain in mice, beginning on embryonic day 11 (E11). These neurons use vomeronasal axons as guides to migrate through the nasal mesenchyme. Most GnRH neurons then migrate along the caudal branch of the vomeronasal nerve to reach the hypothalamus. We show here that stromal cell-derived factor-1 [SDF-1, also known as chemokine C-X-C motif ligand 12 (CXCL12)] is expressed in the embryonic nasal mesenchyme from as early as E10 in an increasing rostral to caudal gradient that is most intense at the border of the nasal mesenchyme and the telencephalon. Chemokine C-X-C motif receptor 4 (CXCR4), the receptor for SDF-1, is expressed by neurons in the olfactory epithelium and VNO. Cells derived from these sensory epithelia, including migrating GnRH neurons and ensheathing glial precursors of the migrating mass (MM), also express CXCR4, suggesting that they may use SDF-1 as a chemokine. In support of this, most GnRH neurons of CXCR4 Ϫ/Ϫ mice fail to exit the VNO at E13, and comparatively few GnRH neurons reach the forebrain. There is also a significant decrease in the total number of GnRH neurons in CXCR4 Ϫ/Ϫ mice and an increase in cell death within the VNO relative to controls. The MM is smaller in CXCR4 Ϫ/Ϫ mice, suggesting that some MM cells also require SDF-1/CXCR4 function for migration and survival.

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PurposeIn this study, we evaluated the risk behaviors that are drivers of the HIV epidemic among adolescent girls and young women in Zambia using a focus group research technique.Subjects and methodsEighteen adolescent couples (n=18 females and 18 males) aged 16–24 participated in six focus groups discussions (3 per gender) convened at three health facilities in Lusaka, Zambia. Focus group moderators utilized a set of open-ended questions to guide the 60-minute sessions. The focus group audio recordings were transcribed, coded, and analyzed using qualitative content analysis in Nvivo 11.ResultsThree themes and four subthemes were identified relating to adolescent and young adult couples’ knowledge, views, and male partner attitudes toward intravaginal practices (IVPs). The first theme, knowledge and rationale for IVPs, consisted of the subthemes relating to why adolescents and young adult couples engage in IVPs and assessed their knowledge of health risks associated with IVPs. The second theme, attitudes toward IVPs, consisted of the subtheme willingness to stop or support partner to discontinue IVP and practices toward IVP and strategies for changing. The third theme, strategies for changing IVPs, consisted of the subtheme raise awareness.ConclusionIVPs used for cleaning purposes were perceived as essential to enhancing hygiene, health, and sexual satisfaction for both girls and boys. However, couples expressed concern about the health effects of IVPs used for tightening and a desire for learning more about this practice as well as stopping it.

This case report describes a novel mutation of the SPTB gene as a potential pathogenic cause of spherocytosis. A three-week-old male presented with clinical and laboratory signs consistent with hemolytic spherocytosis (HS), including jaundice, hyperbilirubinemia, anemia, reticulocytosis, negative Coombs test, no ABO or Rh incompatibility, and a peripheral blood smear notable for numerous spherocytes. His lab work demonstrated persistent anemia despite daily folate prompting next-generation sequencing (NGS) which revealed a novel mutation in the SPTB gene resulting in a non-functioning protein product. Correlation of the genetic finding with clinical presentation may help guide management for this and future patients.

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