This study investigates the causes of the observed linkage between depression and later onset of cancer. The prevailing view is that cancer in depressed patients results from a weakened immune system. However, molecular biologists have recognized that dysregulation of the ras proto-oncogene results in impaired serotonin and dopamine synthesis manifesting as major depression. A qualitative review of the literature showed that (1) studies using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory showed a greater correlation between depression and later cancer onset than those employing other measures and (2) the more related the cancer type was to the Ras oncogene family, the greater the correlation between depression and later cancer onset. These results support the hypothesis that the ras proto-oncogene plays a role in the etiology of depression and could be the common denominator in long-observed depression/cancer linkages. Previous depression/cancer linkage studies are confounded in that they failed to analyze cancer type and accurately diagnose depression.

This case note discusses People v. Buza, the US State and federal Constitutional issues that it raises, and the potential societal impact from an ethical standpoint. Specifically, this case involving DNA collection of California arrestees raises issues as to the Fourth Amendment which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. The note also examines Buza's progeny which, aside from the DNA collection itself, raises privacy concerns as to the uploading of actual DNA profiles to a common database. Ethical concerns raised include future societal constructions of social class and genetic engineering. The note concludes that the judiciary is lax in its interpretation of cases involving DNA as technological advancements continue to hurdle forward. Privacy, DNA Profile, Fourth Amendment, DNA Identification, Genetic Engineering

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyse how novel homicide defences predicated on contemporary neuroscience align with legal insanity. Design/methodology/approach Doctrinal analysis, systematic investigation of relevant statutes and cases, was used to elucidate how the law of insanity is evolving. Cases represent the first recorded instance of a particular neuroscientific defence. US appellate cases were categorised according to the mechanism of action of neurotransmitter relied upon in court. A case study approach was also used to provide a contextualised understanding of the case outcome in depth. Findings Findings broadly depict how the employment of expert testimony runs parallel with our contemporary understanding of key neurotransmitters and their function in human behaviour. Generally, medico-legal evidence concerning neuromodulating agents and violent behaviour was inconclusive. However, the outcome of defence strategy may depend on the underlying neurotransmitter involved. Practical implications This study shows that as more discoveries are made about the neurobiological underpinnings of human behaviour; this new knowledge will continue to seep into the US court system as innovative defence strategies with varying success. Medical and legal practitioners may gauge the success of a defence depending on the neuromodulating agent. Originality/value Many scholars have focused on the role of neuroimaging as neuroscientific evidence and how it is used is shaping US criminal jurisprudence. To the best of the author’s knowledge, no study has incorporated the true origin of neuroscientific evidence as being underpinned by the understanding of neurotransmitters.

Purpose Congenital factor VII (FVII) deficiency is a rare bleeding disorder of variable phenotype with predominantly mucocutaneous bleeding. The aim of this study was to identify the burden of FVII deficiency on patients and caregivers through a better understanding of the management and psychosocial impact of this disease. Materials and Methods A rare disease specialty recruiter from Comprehensive Health Education Services recruited participants for this online survey, which was conducted from January 31 to March 12, 2019. A moderator-assisted questionnaire was used to collect data on demographics, diagnosis, treatment, and psychosocial impact. Results Of the 45 respondents (25 patients and 20 caregivers), the majority were female (56%). Respondents reported a wide variety of initial bleeding symptoms, including bruising (58%), epistaxis (56%), and menorrhagia (36% of females). Because symptoms varied between individuals and were not always severe, diagnosis was often delayed. Mean time to obtain a diagnosis was 6.5 years and mean age at first diagnosis was 12.9 years. One-quarter (24%) of the respondents reported more than 100 bleeds of any severity over the previous year. When treating bleeds, 44% of patients reported using antifibrinolytics, and 42% reported using recombinant activated factor VII. Almost 31% of respondents reported missing schooldays as children, and 16% reported losing or resigning from a job in adulthood as a direct result of their disease. Notably, 29% of caregivers and 10% of their partners had also experienced issues with employment. Forty percent of respondents reported not participating in contact sports during childhood, and 22% continued to avoid contact sports in adulthood. Conclusion Overall, FVII deficiency has a substantial psychosocial impact, but most patients are satisfied with their disease management and are optimistic about their future. Patients desire additional educational, social, and financial support.

Through examination of conflict of laws as to U.S. federal courts and tribal law, this study highlights the impact of culture upon legal meaning. Disparities stem from long-standing norms which underpin legal concepts. These terms which give rise to legal philosophy and the judicial process defy clear English interpretation. Examples include the Latin term mens rea which serves as the foundation for Anglo-American punishment theory, and the Navajo term hózhó from which all conceptualizations of social order emanate. An exploration of these examples in the context of a recent case underscores the close link between law and culture.