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Summary: Large-scale analysis of single-cell gene expression has revealed transcriptomically defined cell subclasses present throughout the primate neocortex with gene expression profiles that differ depending upon neocortical region. Here, we test whether the interareal differences in gene expression translate to regional specializations in the physiology and morphology of infragranular glutamatergic neurons by performing Patch-seq experiments in brain slices from the temporal cortex (TCx) and motor cortex (MCx) of the macaque. We confirm that transcriptomically defined extratelencephalically projecting neurons of layer 5 (L5 ET neurons) include retrogradely labeled corticospinal neurons in the MCx and find multiple physiological properties and ion channel genes that distinguish L5 ET from non-ET neurons in both areas. Additionally, while infragranular ET and non-ET neurons retain distinct neuronal properties across multiple regions, there are regional morpho-electric and gene expression specializations in the L5 ET subclass, providing mechanistic insights into the specialized functional architecture of the primate neocortex.

Locusts are grasshoppers that migrate en masse and devastate food security, yet little is known about the nutritional needs of marching bands in nature. While it has been hypothesized that protein limitation promotes locust marching behavior, migration is fueled by dietary carbohydrates. We studied South American Locust (Schistocerca cancellata) bands at eight sites across Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay. Bands ate most frequently from dishes containing carbohydrate artificial diets and minimally from balanced, protein, or control (vitamins and salts) dishes—indicating carbohydrate hunger. This hunger for carbohydrates is likely explained by the observation that local vegetation was generally protein-biased relative to locusts’ preferred protein to carbohydrate ratio. This study highlights the importance of studying the nutritional ecology of animals in their environment and suggests that carbohydrate limitation may be a common pattern for migrating insect herbivores.

Objective: Cardiac chamber dimensions are race and anthropometry dependent. We determined the age and gender specific 3-Dimensional echocardiographic (3DE) reference values for dimensions and function of left ventricle (LV) and left atrium (LA) in normal Indian adults. Methods: This single center prospective study enrolled 133 adult Indians free of heart disease and/or hypertensions, subjecting them to 3DE measurements of left atrial (LA) & left ventricular (LV) volumes, function and left ventricular mass (LVM). The higher limits of normal cut-offs were determined for these parameters and their dependency on age, gender and anthropometry were analyzed. Results: The body surface area (BSA) corrected higher limit cut-offs were: 59.37 ml/m2 for LV end diastolic volume (59.19 ml/m2 and 59.61 ml/m2 for men and women, respectively; P = NS); 23.48 ml/m2 for LV end systolic volume (23.27 ml/m2 and 23.11 ml/m2 for men and women, P = NS). Mean LVEF was 64.79% ± 7.26 (62.99% ± 6.51 and 67.05% ± 7.58 in men and women, P = NS). Men had higher LVM than women (119.79 g±23.95 vs. 103.26 g±23.76, P

Objectives: To investigate the role of three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) in evaluation of left ventricular mechanical dyssynchrony (LVMD) in heart failure (HF) patients with narrow QRS. Methods: 143 subjects (70 with HF and narrow QRS, 23 with HF and LBBB and 50 controls) were subjected to 3DE, evaluating global and regional dyssynchrony using systolic dyssynchrony index, maximum segmental dyssynchrony and opposite segment dyssynchrony. Spatial distribution of LVMD was studied in each patient using 3DE derived regional time volume curves. Extent of LVMD in HF patients with narrow QRS was compared to those with left bundle branch block (LBBB). Results: Frequency of LVMD was similar in HF patients with narrow QRS or LBBB (55.7% vs. 47.8%, p = NS). There was no difference in the severity of LVMD between these two groups (10.7 ± 6.7% vs. 12.1 ± 7.4%, p = NS). Both HF groups had significantly more dyssynchrony than controls. A scattered pattern of distribution of asynchronous segments was seen in narrow QRS patients; 33.96% of them had their earliest contracting segment, instead of delayed segment, located in areas conventionally targeted for LV pacing i.e. anterolateral, inferolateral or inferior segments. Conclusions: 3DE confirmed significant dyssynchrony in > 50% HF patients with narrow QRS as demonstrated by other imaging methods. 3D distribution patterns of asynchronous segments indicate possibility of left ventricular mechanics related reasons responsible for lack of CRT responsiveness, an observation that generates hypothesis on possible reasons of CRT non-responsiveness. Keywords: Left ventricular mechanical dyssynchrony, Systolic dyssynchrony index, Three-dimensional echocardiography

Essential oil and aromatherapy industry is increasingly gaining prominence in the global market. Previous studies have been carried out on the benefits of essential oils in healthcare and as part of the healing arts of many cultures, as a proven method of caring for our physical, spiritual and mental health. To enter an open market and promote the awareness of essential oils and aromatherapy, strategic planning capability is important to drive business growth. This paper utilizes a simulation-based strategic decision support system (SSDSS) to conduct a real-world case study with empirical data and examine the effectiveness of SSDSS applications in supporting market development and business growth with service innovations. Through iterative computer simulations and scenario analysis of healthcare promotion and business development for performance improvement, the effects of strategic business innovations could be systematically analyzed to identify different stages of adopters and effective approaches to achieve the established objectives with market value creation.

In many species, germline stem cells (GSCs) function to sustain gametogenesis throughout the life of organismal life span. As the source of gametes, the only cell type that can pass the genetic information to the next generation, GSCs play a fundamental role in maximizing the quantity of gametes that animals produce, while ensuring their highest quality. GSCs are maintained by the signals from their niches, and germ cells that exited the niche undergo differentiation to generate functional gametes. GSC population is sustained by a multitude of mechanisms such as asymmetric stem cell divisions and dedifferentiation of partially differentiated germ cells. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms that maintain GSC homeostasis to ensure life-long production of functional gametes., (© 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Plasma vitellogenin and related parameters in the killifish Fundulus heteroclitus were measured at selected sites in the Chesapeake Bay. In males, vitellogenin was above the detection limit 14% of the time, and detections did not differ between sites or seasons. Few differences in plasma vitellogenin levels were found between sites during fall in either male or female F. heteroclitus, the time of natural gonadal regression for this species. There was some variation in the ratio of male to female F. heteroclitus, but was not consistent at most sites. Significant negative correlations were found between reported sediment polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and GSI, and PAHs and plasma vitellogenin in females in both Spring 1999 and Spring 2000. Gonadal anomalies in F. heteroclitus included slight reductions in certain tissue types. Overall, reproductive endocrine disruption in the killifish F. heteroclitus at the sites sampled in the Chesapeake Bay appeared somewhat minimal.

The induction of cytochrome P-450-mediated alkoxyresorufin O-dealkylase activities by various xenobiotics was examined in liver from a variety of animal species in order to gain insights into the substrate specificities of the induced P-450s. We found that forms of cytochrome P-450 capable of mediating the O-dealkylation of the short-chain phenoxazone ethers methoxy-, ethoxy- and propoxyresorufin were highly induced by 3-methylcholanthrene-type inducers and by Aroclor-1254 in all species tested, although there were species differences in the relative turnover rates for the various substrates. For example, in hamster liver the turnover rates for the short-chain resorufin ethers decreased in the following order: methoxy greater than ethoxy much greater than propoxy, while in the rat liver almost the exact opposite order was observed: ethoxy = propoxy much greater than methoxy. In contrast, the degree of induction by phenobarbital-type inducers of isozymes catalyzing the O-dealkylation of pentoxy- or benzyloxyresorufin was highly species-dependent. Thus, F344/NCr rats, B6C3F1 mice and NZB rabbits showed the greatest (greater than 20-fold) induction of these activities, either by phenobarbital or Aroclor-1254, while Mongolian gerbils showed intermediate levels of induction and Syrian golden hamsters exhibited very low induction. In the Japanese quail, phenobarbital- or DDT-treatment resulted in minimal induction of pentoxy- or benzyloxyresorufin O-dealkylase activity, although significant induction of the latter activity occurred following treatment with 5,6-benzoflavone or with Aroclor-1254. Since substrate specificities of most enzymes can be rationalized based upon differences in the steric requirements at the enzyme active site, we employed molecular modeling techniques to calculate the molecular dimensions of the alkoxyresorufins. Surprisingly, the minimal energy conformations in vacuo of each of the resorufin ethers examined are essentially planar. However, alternative configurations, especially for the pentoxy- and benxyloxy-ethers, having greater three-dimensional bulk are also energetically possible.