Fyn is a Src-family tyrosine kinase that affects long term potentiation (LTP), synapse formation, and learning and memory. Fyn is also implicated in dendritic spine formation both in vitro and in vivo. However, whether Fyn’s regulation of dendritic spine formation is brain-region specific and age-dependent is unknown. In the present study, we systematically examined whether Fyn altered dendritic spine density and morphology in the cortex and hippocampus and if these effects were age-dependent. We found that Fyn knockout mice trended toward a decrease in dendritic spine density in cortical layers II/III, but not in the hippocampus, at 1 month of age. Additionally, Fyn knockout mice had significantly decreased dendritic spine density in both the cortex and hippocampus at 3 months and 1 year, and Fyn’s effect on dendritic spine density was age-dependent in the hippocampus. Moreover, Fyn knockout mice had wider spines at the three time points (1 month, 3 months, 1 year) in the cortex. These findings suggest that Fyn regulates dendritic spine number and morphology over time and provide further support for Fyn’s role in maintaining proper synaptic function in vivo.

Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence of special diet adoption in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and parental perceptions of efficacy. Design: An online survey was distributed over a year to nearly 20,000 individuals. Results: Responses from 261 parents of patients with JIA were received. One of three (n = 79) had tried special diets, including gluten-free (66%), anti-inflammatory (41%), and lactose-free (25%). Overall, >50% of 79 parents reported that patients had improved pain or joint swelling. Conclusions: Special diets have been trialed by a third of the patients, with over half reporting symptom improvement. A prospective, controlled trial is warranted to test the efficacy of a dietary approach to JIA.

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Law. He is also a former Editor-in-Chief of the Indiana Law Review and The Butler Collegian and a former law clerk for Judge John Daniel Tinder on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. *** Stephanie Gutwein is a partner in the business litigation group at Faegre Drinker Biddle