Search

Behavioral flexibility and impulse control are necessary for successful execution of adaptive behavior. They are impaired in patients with damage to the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and in some clinically important conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder. Although the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) has been investigated as a critical structure for behavioral flexibility and impulse control, the contribution of the underlying pyramidal neuron cell types in the mPFC remained to be understood. Here we show that interneuron-mediated local inactivation of pyramidal neurons in the mPFC of male and female mice induces both premature responses and choice bias, and establish that these impulsive and compulsive responses are modulated independently. Cell-type-specific photoinhibition of pyramidal deep layer corticostriatal or corticothalamic neurons reduces behavioral flexibility without inducing premature responses. Together, our data confirm the role of corticostriatal neurons in behavioral flexibility and demonstrate that flexible behaviors are also modulated by direct projections from deep layer corticothalamic neurons in the mPFC to midline thalamic nuclei. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methane from landfills contributes to global warming and can pose an explosion hazard. To minimize these effects emissions must be monitored. This study proposed application of portable gas detector (PGD) in point and scanning measurements to estimate spatial distribution of methane emissions in landfills. The aims of this study were to discover the advantages and disadvantages of point and scanning methods in measuring methane concentrations, discover spatial distribution of methane emissions, cognize the correlation between ambient methane concentration and methane flux, and estimate methane flux and emissions in landfills. This study was carried out in Tamangapa landfill, Makassar city- Indonesia. Measurement areas were divided into basic and expanded area. In the point method, PGD was held one meter above the landfill surface, whereas scanning method used a PGD with a data logger mounted on a wire drawn between two poles. Point method was efficient in time, only needed one person and eight minutes in measuring 400 m² areas, whereas scanning method could capture a lot of hot spots location and needed 20 min. The results from basic area showed that ambient methane concentration and flux had a significant (p < 0.01) positive correlation with R² = 0.7109 and y = 0.1544 x. This correlation equation was used to describe spatial distribution of methane emissions in the expanded area by using Kriging method. The average of estimated flux from scanning method was 71.2 g m-2 d-1 higher than 38.3 g m-2 d-1 from point method. Further, scanning method could capture the lower and higher value, which could be useful to evaluate and estimate the possible effects of the uncontrolled emissions in landfill. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cystic lymphangiomas of the mesocolon are very rare in adults. They are usually asymptomatic, but can present with an acute abdomen. We report an adult patient with cystic lymphangioma of the mesocolon that manifested with peritonitis. A 33-year-old man presented with fever and severe pain with muscle guarding in the left abdomen. Laboratory data indicated high-grade inflammation. Enhanced computed tomography (CT) showed multiple low-density masses with peripherally enhancing rims, strongly suspicious for cysts, in the left abdomen. Based on a diagnosis of peritonitis, emergency surgery was performed and revealed many cysts in the descending mesocolon. Histopathological examination findings indicated a cystic lymphangioma. The post-operative course was uneventful, and 1-year follow-up CT showed no recurrence. This case demonstrates that cystic lymphangiomas of the mesocolon in adults can present with acute peritonitis, although this is extremely rare. Complete resection is required for accurate diagnosis and for preventing recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Congenital generalized lipodystrophy type 4 (CGL4) is a rare disease caused by mutations in the gene polymerase I and transcript release factor (PTRF), the main symptoms of which are systemic reductions in adipose tissue and muscular dystrophy. The strategy of treating CGL4 is to improve the insulin resistance and hypertriglyceridemia that result from systemic reductions in adipose tissue. Metreleptin, a synthetic analog of human leptin, is effective against generalized lipodystrophies; however, there are no reports of the use of metreleptin in the treatment of CGL4. Herein, we discuss the treatment of a six-year-old boy diagnosed with CGL4 due to a homozygous mutation in PTRF with metreleptin. His serum triglyceride level and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) value decreased after two months of metreleptin treatment. However, the efficacy of metreleptin gradually decreased, and the treatment was suspended because anaphylaxis occurred after the dosage administered was increased. Subsequently, his serum triglyceride level and HOMA-IR value significantly increased. Anti-metreleptin-neutralizing antibodies were detected in his serum, which suggested th a t these antibodies reduced the efficacy of metreleptin and caused increased hypersensitivity. Thus, metreleptin appeared to be efficacious in the treatment of CGL4 in the short term, although an adverse immune response resulted in treatment suspension. Further studies are needed to evaluate metreleptin treatments for CGL4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preparation of poly(1,4 ‐ phenylene ‐ 5 ‐ hydroxyisophthalamide) hollow spheres and their formation mechanism is reported by Hirofumi Nakayama, Yuji Fujitsu, Tetsuya Uchida, Shinichi Yamazaki, and Kunio Kimura on page 1966 (DOI: 10.1002/pola.27683). Hollow spheres were obtained by the reaction ‐ induced phase separation during polymerization of 5 ‐ hydroxyisophthalic acid and 1,4 ‐ phenylene diamines in aromatic solvent. The formation mechanism of the hollow spheres was considered based on the criteria of polymer structure, cross ‐ linking reaction, and the elimination of small molecules. Water, rigid polymer structure, and the phenolic hydroxyl group in 5 ‐ hydroxy ‐ 1,3 ‐ phenylene moiety were of great importance when forming the hollow structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]