Organization of feedback projections to mouse primary visual cortex

Top-down, context-dependent modulation of visual processing has been a topic of wide interest including in mouse primary visual cortex (V1). However, the organization of feedback projections to V1 is relatively unknown. Here, we investigated inputs to V1 by injecting retrograde tracers. We developed a software pipeline that maps labelled cell bodies to corresponding brain areas in the Allen Reference Atlas. We identified over 24 brain areas that provide inputs to V1 and quantified the relative strength of their projections. We also assessed the organisation of the projections, based on either the organisation of cell bodies in the source area (topography), or the distribution of projections across V1 (bias). Projections from most higher visual and some non-visual areas to V1 showed both topography and bias. Such organization of feedback projections to V1 suggests that parts of the visual field are differentially modulated, which may have ethological relevance for a navigating animal

Design and analysis of a high-gain and robust multi-DOF electro-thermally actuated MEMS gyroscope

© 2018 by the authors. This paper presents the design and analysis of a multi degree of freedom (DOF) electro-thermally actuated non-resonant MEMS gyroscope with a 3-DOF drive mode and 1-DOF sense mode system. The 3-DOF drive mode system consists of three masses coupled together using suspension beams. The 1-DOF system consists of a single mass whose motion is decoupled from the drive mode using a decoupling frame. The gyroscope is designed to be operated in the flat region between the first two resonant peaks in drive mode, thus minimizing the effect of environmental and fabrication process variations on device performance. The high gain in the flat operational region is achieved by tuning the suspension beams stiffness. A detailed analytical model, considering the dynamics of both the electro-thermal actuator and multi-mass system, is developed. A parametric optimization is carried out, considering the microfabrication process constraints of the Metal Multi-User MEMS Processes (MetalMUMPs), to achieve high gain. The stiffness of suspension beams is optimized such that the sense mode resonant frequency lies in the flat region between the first two resonant peaks in the drive mode. The results acquired through the developed analytical model are verified with the help of 3D finite element method (FEM)-based simulations. The first three resonant frequencies in the drive mode are designed to be 2.51 kHz, 3.68 kHz, and 5.77 kHz, respectively. The sense mode resonant frequency is designed to be 3.13 kHz. At an actuation voltage of 0.2 V, the dynamically amplified drive mode gain in the sense mass is obtained to be 18.6 μm. With this gain, a capacitive change of 28.11 f F and 862.13 f F is achieved corresponding to the sense mode amplitude of 0.15 μm and 4.5 μm at atmospheric air pressure and in a vacuum, respectively

A novel Ph-sensitive liposome to trigger delivery of afatinib to cancer cells: Impact on lung cancer therapy

A novel drug delivery system based on cationic (CL) and pH-sensitive liposomes (PSL) for tyrosine kinase inhibitor afatinib (AFT) were developed to enhance tumor-targetability against NSCLC cells and therapeutic effect. Optimal lipid to drug ratio was selected to prepare AFT-loaded PSL and CL with desirable physiochemical properties based on particle size, drug encapsulation efficiency (EE%), stability and release profiles. Moreover, antitumor activity was performed in vitro on human lung cancer cells (H-1975) using a WST-1 assay and Annexin-V apoptosis assay. The mean particle size of the liposomes was less than 100 nm, and EE% was more than 50% with lipid to drug ratio of 1:0.5. Stability data showed that PSL and CL were physically stable for 1 months at 4 and 25oC. In vitro drug release study demonstrated the sustained release of AFT at pH 7.5; while PSL exhibited fast drug release in pH 5.5. This effect revealed that PSL showed pH-sensitive release behaviors. In addition, the in vitro cytotoxicity study was employed for AFT-loaded PSL due to optimal characterizations. Thus, in vitro anticancer activity revealed that AFT loaded-PSL triggered apoptosis in H-1975 cells. In addition, the inhibitory effect towards H-1975 and HCC-827 was observed, indicating, which indicated high antitumor activity of AFT-loaded PSL. Then, PSL might potentially create practical clinical strategies for better targetability and delivery of AFT for treatment of lung cancer

Creating and controlling visual environments using BonVision.

Real-time rendering of closed-loop visual environments is important for next-generation understanding of brain function and behaviour, but is often prohibitively difficult for non-experts to implement and is limited to few laboratories worldwide. We developed BonVision as an easy-to-use open-source software for the display of virtual or augmented reality, as well as standard visual stimuli. BonVision has been tested on humans and mice, and is capable of supporting new experimental designs in other animal models of vision. As the architecture is based on the open-source Bonsai graphical programming language, BonVision benefits from native integration with experimental hardware. BonVision therefore enables easy implementation of closed-loop experiments, including real-time interaction with deep neural networks, and communication with behavioural and physiological measurement and manipulation devices

Unusual cause of a painful right testicle in a 16-year-old man: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Urgent surgical exploration of the scrotum of a child or teenager who presents with a painful and swollen testicle is paramount if testicular torsion is not to be missed. It is extremely rare for a non-scrotal pathology to present with acute scrotal signs. Here we present such a rare case and emphasize the importance of being aware of this potential clinical pitfall.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>A 16-year-old Caucasian man presented as a surgical emergency with a five to six hour history of a painful, red, and swollen right hemiscrotum. He also complained of vague lower abdominal pain, vomiting, and watery diarrhea. He had a temperature of 38.5°C and a tender, red, and swollen right hemiscrotum. The right testicle appeared elevated. He was mildly tender in his central and upper abdomen and less so in the lower abdomen. No convincing localizing abdominal signs were noted. He had an increased white cell count (15 × 10⁹/L) and C-reactive protein (CRP; 300 mg/L). Urgent right hemiscrotal exploration revealed about 5 ml of pus in the tunica vaginalis and a normal testicle. A right iliac fossa incision identified the cause: a perforated retrocecal appendix. Appendectomy was performed, and both the abdomen and scrotum washed copiously with saline before closure. The patient made an uneventful recovery.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Acute appendicitis presenting with scrotal signs due to a patent processus vaginalis is an extremely rare clinical entity. To date, fewer than five such cases have been reported in the medical literature. It is, therefore, extremely important to be aware of this unusual clinical scenario, as only a high index of suspicion will enable prompt, successful management of both the appendicitis and the scrotal abscess.</p

Sensation during Active Behaviors

A substantial portion of our sensory experience happens during active behaviors such as walking around or paying attention. How do sensory systems work during such behaviors? Neural processing in sensory systems can be shaped by behavior in multiple ways ranging from a modulation of responsiveness or sharpening of tuning to a dynamic change of response properties or functional connectivity. Here, we review recent findings on the modulation of sensory processing during active behaviors in different systems: insect vision, rodent thalamus, and rodent sensory cortices. We discuss the circuit-level mechanisms that might lead to these modulations and their potential role in sensory function. Finally, we highlight the open questions and future perspectives of this exciting new field

Comparative Biochemical Evaluation of Schizothorax niger and Cyprinus carpio from River Jhelum of Kashmir Valley

ABSTRACT The present study was conducted to evaluate the comparative biochemical profile of Schizothorax niger (endemic fish) and Cyprinus carpio (exotic fish) from the River Jhelum seasonally for a period of two years. .98 mg/dl). In both the fish hosts the higher biochemical values were recorded in the summer season and the lower values in the winter season during the study period. The seasonal differences in the biochemical parameters of the fish can be attributed to the water pollution of River Jhelum by various contaminants including metals and the comparative higher values in Schizothorax niger can be speculated to be due to the higher sensitivity of the host. From the present study it may be inferred that the change in biochemical parameters of the native fish would be one of the reasons for its decline from fresh water resources of the Kashmir Valley

CtBP1/BARS is an activator of phospholipase D1 necessary for agonist-induced macropinocytosis

Vesicular trafficking such as macropinocytosis is a dynamic process that requires coordinated interactions between specialized proteins and lipids. A recent report suggests the involvement of CtBP1/BARS in epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced macropinocytosis. Detailed mechanisms as to how lipid remodelling is regulated during macropinocytosis are still undefined. Here, we show that CtBP1/BARS is a physiological activator of PLD1 required in agonist-induced macropinocytosis. EGF-induced macropinocytosis was specifically blocked by 1-butanol but not by 2-butanol. In addition, stimulation of cells by serum or EGF resulted in the association of CtBP1/BARS with PLD1. Finally, CtBP1/BARS activated PLD1 in a synergistic manner with other PLD activators, including ADP-ribosylation factors as demonstrated by in vitro and intact cell systems. The present results shed light on the molecular basis of how the ‘fission protein' CtBP1/BARS controls vesicular trafficking events including macropinocytosis

Symptoms and quality of life in late stage Parkinson syndromes: a longitudinal community study of predictive factors

BACKGROUND Palliative care is increasingly offered earlier in the cancer trajectory but rarely in Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease(IPD), Progressive Supranuclear Palsy(PSP) or Multiple System Atrophy(MSA). There is little longitudinal data of people with late stage disease to understand levels of need. We aimed to determine how symptoms and quality of life of these patients change over time; and what demographic and clinical factors predicted changes. METHODS We recruited 82 patients into a longitudinal study, consenting patients with a diagnosis of IPD, MSA or PSP, stages 3-5 Hoehn and Yahr(H&Y). At baseline and then on up to 3 occasions over one year, we collected self-reported demographic, clinical, symptom, palliative and quality of life data, using Parkinson's specific and generic validated scales, including the Palliative care Outcome Scale (POS). We tested for predictors using multivariable analysis, adjusting for confounders. FINDINGS Over two thirds of patients had severe disability, over one third being wheelchair-bound/bedridden. Symptoms were highly prevalent in all conditions - mean (SD) of 10.6(4.0) symptoms. More than 50% of the MSA and PSP patients died over the year. Over the year, half of the patients showed either an upward (worsening, 24/60) or fluctuant (8/60) trajectory for POS and symptoms. The strongest predictors of higher levels of symptoms at the end of follow-up were initial scores on POS (AOR 1.30; 95%CI:1.05-1.60) and being male (AOR 5.18; 95% CI 1.17 to 22.92), both were more predictive than initial H&Y scores. INTERPRETATION The findings point to profound and complex mix of non-motor and motor symptoms in patients with late stage IPD, MSA and PSP. Symptoms are not resolved and half of the patients deteriorate. Palliative problems are predictive of future symptoms, suggesting that an early palliative assessment might help screen for those in need of earlier intervention

Natural coagulates for wastewater treatment; a review for application and mechanism

The increase of water demand and wastewater generation is among the global concerns in the world. The less effective management of water sources leads to serious consequences, the direct disposal of untreated wastewater is associated with the environmental pollution, elimination of aquatic life and the spread of deadly epidemics. The flocculation process is one of the most important stages in water and wastewater treatment plants, wherein this phase the plankton, colloidal particles, and pollutants are precipitated and removed. Two major types of coagulants are used in the flocculation process included the chemical and natural coagulants. Many studies have been performed to optimize the flocculation process while most of these studies have confirmed the hazardous effects of chemical coagulants utilization on the ecosystem. This chapter reviews a summary of the coagulation/flocculation processes using natural coagulants as well as reviews one of the most effective natural methods of water and wastewater treatment