scholarly journals X. A comparative study of the endocranial cast of Sinanthropus

1934 ◽  
Vol 223 (494-508) ◽  
pp. 469-487 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Royal Society ◽  
Preliminary Report ◽  
Premature Death ◽  
Modern Human ◽  
Aboriginal Australians ◽  
Medical College ◽  
Human Brains ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Human Family ◽  
Human Fossils

We have made this attempt to describe and interpret the endocranial cast of Sinanthropus in deference to the wishes of Professor Davidson Black.* When he submitted to the Royal Society his preliminary report (Black, 1933, a ), he explained to us that he did not regard it as a disadvantage that his paper was incomplete, because it opened the way for those who had opportunities for comparing the cast with those of other human fossils and actual brains of primitive men and apes, to undertake the necessary work of comparison and interpretation, and we willingly undertake this duty. Each of us has independently studied the actual fossil skull in the Union Medical College at Peiping and examined the beautiful cast made by Professor Davidson Black from the actual fossils, and we should like to express our gratitude to him for these opportunities and many other kindnesses which he showed us. In studying the endocranial cast obtained from the Piltdown skull one of us (G.E.S.), years ago, was impressed by the extraordinary resemblance presented by the form of the brain in this extinct member of the human family to that of the primitive brain of a modern human being, a Sudanese negress (Elliot Smith, 1927, figs. 40 and 41). The other (J.L.S.) was impressed by the remarkable likeness to the endocranial cast of Sinanthropus of the brain of the Bushwoman, described in 1865 by Professor John Marshall. The recognition of these facts adds particular importance to the consideration that both the authors of this communication have served an apprenticeship to the task by examining large series of primitive brains, aboriginal Australians (J.L.S.) and Sudanese negroes (G.E.S.), and have devoted some attention to the comparison of the brains of the anthropoid apes and primitive men. In attempting to interpret the significance of the endocranial cast of Sinanthropus special attention must obviously be paid to comparison with the casts of Pithecanthropus and Eoanthropus . The comparison with the brains of the larger apes is also important, throwing light as it does upon the characters one ought to expect to find in extremely primitive human brains. In attempting to convey some real conception of the nature of the form of the brain we have resorted to the use of series of contours, figs. 10-14, so that the reader at a glance can obtain a graphic expression of the distinctive peculiarities of form. * The misfortune of his premature death deprives us of the pleasure of presenting this memoir to him.

scholarly journals Different Shapes of The Human Pineal Gland – A Study On 60 Autopsy Cases

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 211-214
Author(s):  
Halima Afroz ◽  
Abu Sadat Mohammad Nurunnabi ◽  
Mushfika Rahman ◽  
Nurun Nahar ◽  
Shamim Ara
Keyword(s):  
Pineal Gland ◽  
Postmortem Examination ◽  
Medical College ◽  
Pine Cone ◽  
Group A ◽  
Different Shapes ◽  
Group B ◽  
Human Brains ◽  
Group D ◽  
The Brain

Context: The pineal gland has been described as an endocrine or neuroendocrine gland; however, its functions in humans are still to be defined. Different shapes of the human pineal gland have been identified. Due to its small size and different shapes recognition of this gland is much critical. Besides, due to its cellularity it may be mistaken for a neoplasm. Hence, a sound knowledge on different shapes of the pineal gland is essential for neurosurgeons, radiologists and pathologists for better diagnosis and management of pineal disorders.Methods: A descriptive study was done in the Department of Anatomy, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka, from July 2009 to June 2010, to see the morphological shape of the human pineal gland. The present study was performed on 60 human pineal glands collected from whole human brains of unclaimed dead bodies that were under postmortem examination in the Department of Forensic Medicine, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka. The pineal gland was collected from the brain by meticulous dissection. Then, the shape of the pineal gland was observed under the magnifying glass.Results: In the present study, pea-shaped pineal glands were found 60% in group A, 30% in group B, 5% in both group C and D, while pine cone shaped were found 25% in group A, 37.5% in group B, 25% in group C and 12.5% in group D. Besides, fusiform shaped glands were found 18.2% in group A, 63.6% in group B, 9.1% in both group C and D, where as piriform shaped found 66.7% in group B, and 16.7% in both group C and D. Moreover, cone-shaped glands were found 28.6% in group B, 57.1% in group C and 14.3% in group D.J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 23, No.2, October, 2014, Page 211-214

The Frontal Lobes

2020 ◽  
pp. 96-113
Author(s):  
Frederick L. Coolidge
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Behavioral Flexibility ◽  
Frontal Lobes ◽  
Modern Human ◽  
Word Choice ◽  
Language Functions ◽  
Effective Performance ◽  
Human Brains ◽  
The Brain

This chapter notes that the expansion of the brain, particularly the cortex, as well as increased behavioral flexibility, in mammals compared to that in reptiles, birds, and fishes. Mammalian brains have been typified by mosaic evolution and concerted evolution. The two most important influences on modern human brains have been the evolution of mammalian brains and primate brains, and the latter had the most profound influence on modern human brains. The prefrontal cortex is one of the major exaptations of the human brain, where the cognitive abilities known executive functions primarily reside. Those functions include decision-making, forming plans and goals, organizing, devising strategies to attain goals, inhibition, and the monitoring of effective performance. The frontal lobes of the earliest primates were under selective pressure to identify and eat fruits with their forelimbs. The brains of hominins may have exapted these same regions for object manipulation, tool-making, and eventually language functions such as word choice and word sequencing.

scholarly journals MicroRNA profiling of the pig periaqueductal grey (PAG) region reveals candidates potentially related to sex-dependent differences

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Klaudia Pawlina-Tyszko ◽  
Maria Oczkowicz ◽  
Artur Gurgul ◽  
Tomasz Szmatoła ◽  
Monika Bugno-Poniewierska
Keyword(s):  
Expression Profiles ◽  
Differential Expression Analysis ◽  
Mirna Profile ◽  
Human Model ◽  
Periaqueductal Grey ◽  
Neurological Research ◽  
Downstream Analysis ◽  
Neuron Growth ◽  
Human Brains ◽  
The Brain

Abstract Background MicroRNAs indirectly orchestrate myriads of essential biological processes. A wide diversity of miRNAs of the neurodevelopmental importance characterizes the brain tissue, which, however, exhibits region-specific miRNA profile differences. One of the most conservative regions of the brain is periaqueductal grey (PAG) playing vital roles in significant functions of this organ, also those observed to be sex-influenced. The domestic pig is an important livestock species but is also believed to be an excellent human model. This is of particular importance for neurological research because of the similarity of pig and human brains as well as difficult access to human samples. However, the pig PAG profile has not been characterized so far. Moreover, molecular bases of sex differences connected with brain functioning, including miRNA expression profiles, have not been fully deciphered yet. Methods Thus, in this study, we applied next-generation sequencing to characterize pig PAG expressed microRNAs. Furthermore, we performed differential expression analysis between females and males to identify changes of the miRNA profile and reveal candidates underlying sex-related differences. Results As a result, known brain-enriched, and new miRNAs which will expand the available profile, were identified. The downstream analysis revealed 38 miRNAs being differentially expressed (DE) between female and male samples. Subsequent pathway analysis showed that they enrich processes vital for neuron growth and functioning, such as long-term depression and axon guidance. Among the identified sex-influenced miRNAs were also those associated with the PAG physiology and diseases related to this region. Conclusions The obtained results broaden the knowledge on the porcine PAG miRNAome, along with its dynamism reflected in different isomiR signatures. Moreover, they indicate possible mechanisms associated with sex-influenced differences mediated via miRNAs in the PAG functioning. They also provide candidate miRNAs for further research concerning, i.e., sex-related bases of physiological and pathological processes occurring in the nervous system. Graphical abstract

scholarly journals Limbic Expression of mRNA Coding for Chemoreceptors in Human Brain—Lessons from Brain Atlases

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (13) ◽  
pp. 6858
Author(s):  
Fanny Gaudel ◽  
Gaëlle Guiraudie-Capraz ◽  
François Féron
Keyword(s):  
G Proteins ◽  
The Body ◽  
Trace Amines ◽  
Chemical Senses ◽  
Brain Areas ◽  
Genes Encoding ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Human Brains ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Brain Atlases

Animals strongly rely on chemical senses to uncover the outside world and adjust their behaviour. Chemical signals are perceived by facial sensitive chemosensors that can be clustered into three families, namely the gustatory (TASR), olfactory (OR, TAAR) and pheromonal (VNR, FPR) receptors. Over recent decades, chemoreceptors were identified in non-facial parts of the body, including the brain. In order to map chemoreceptors within the encephalon, we performed a study based on four brain atlases. The transcript expression of selected members of the three chemoreceptor families and their canonical partners was analysed in major areas of healthy and demented human brains. Genes encoding all studied chemoreceptors are transcribed in the central nervous system, particularly in the limbic system. RNA of their canonical transduction partners (G proteins, ion channels) are also observed in all studied brain areas, reinforcing the suggestion that cerebral chemoreceptors are functional. In addition, we noticed that: (i) bitterness-associated receptors display an enriched expression, (ii) the brain is equipped to sense trace amines and pheromonal cues and (iii) chemoreceptor RNA expression varies with age, but not dementia or brain trauma. Extensive studies are now required to further understand how the brain makes sense of endogenous chemicals.

Components Analysis of Metabolic Syndrome in Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 6-10
Author(s):  
Khan MMR ◽  
Sana NK ◽  
PM Basak ◽  
BC Sarker ◽  
M Akhtarul Islam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Acute Myocardial Infarction ◽  
High Blood Pressure ◽  
Abdominal Obesity ◽  
Premature Death ◽  
Medical College ◽  
The Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Low Hdl

Background: Metabolic syndrome confers the risk of developing acute myocardial infarction which is the most common form of coronary heart disease and the single most important cause of premature death worldwide. The frequency and association of different components of metabolic syndrome on AMI are not well understood and has not been well evaluated.Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the components of the metabolic syndrome and its association with AMI patients. This study will help in awareness building in reducing AMI by early detection of components of metabolic syndrome.Patients and methods: This was a prospective observational study consisted of 325 AMI patients who were aged >20 years. Patients with first time AMI arriving in CCU of Rajshahi medical college during the period of 2012-2014, were included. Data were collected through interview, clinical examination, and laboratory tests within 24 hrs of AMI. Five components of metabolic syndrome were defined according to criteria set by modified NCEP ATP III (according to ethnic variation).Results: In AMI patients (n=325), no metabolic components were in 24 (7.4%) patients, one in 53 (16.3%), 2 components in 91(28.0%), 3 components were in 61(18.8%), 4 in 67(20.6%) and all 5 components were in 29 (8.9%) patients. In this study, there was no component in 7.4% of AMI patients, at least 1 component was 92.6%, at least 2 components were 76.3%, at least 3 components were 48.3%, at least 4 components were 29.5% and at least 5 components were 8.9%. The Metabolic syndrome was 48.3% (n=157). Among metabolic syndrome (≥3 components) in AMI (n=157, 48.3%) 4 components (20.6%) were more, next was 3 components (18.8%) and than 5 components (8.9%). Overall frequencies of components in acute myocardial infarction (n=325) were in order of abdominal obesity (54.8%) > high blood pressure (54.5%) > high FPG (54.2%) > Triglyceride (46.2%) and low HDL-C (46.2%) in acute myocardial infarction. Highest percentage was observed in abdominal obesity (54.8%) followed by high blood pressure (54.5%) and FPG (54.2%).TAJ 2016; 29(2): 6-10

scholarly journals The role of cultural practices in the emergence of modern human intelligence

2008 ◽  
Vol 363 (1499) ◽  
pp. 2011-2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edwin Hutchins
Keyword(s):  
Embodied Cognition ◽  
Cognitive Processes ◽  
Human Activities ◽  
Cultural Practices ◽  
Modern Human ◽  
Human Intelligence ◽  
Symbolic Representations ◽  
High Level ◽  
Human Brains

Innate cognitive capacities are orchestrated by cultural practices to produce high-level cognitive processes. In human activities, examples of this phenomenon range from everyday inferences about space and time to the most sophisticated reasoning in scientific laboratories. A case is examined in which chimpanzees enter into cultural practices with humans (in experiments) in ways that appear to enable them to engage in symbol-mediated thought. Combining the cultural practices perspective with the theories of embodied cognition and enactment suggests that the chimpanzees' behaviour is actually mediated by non-symbolic representations. The possibility that non-human primates can engage in cultural practices that give them the appearance of symbol-mediated thought opens new avenues for thinking about the coevolution of human culture and human brains.

scholarly journals Solar eclipse of May 28, 1900. Preliminary report of the expedition to the south limit of totality to obtain photographs of the flash spectrum in high solar latitudes

1901 ◽  
Vol 67 (435-441) ◽  
pp. 370-385 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Solar Eclipse ◽  
Royal Society ◽  
Preliminary Report ◽  
The South ◽  
Astronomical Society ◽  
Royal Astronomical Society ◽  
The Government ◽  
Flash Spectrum ◽  
Government Grant

This expedition was one of those organised by the Joint Permanent Eclipse Committee of the Royal Society and the Royal Astronomical Society, funds being provided from a grant made by the Government Grant Committee. The following were the principal objects which I had in view in arranging the expedition:— To obtain a long series of photographs of the chromosphere and flash spectrum, including regions of the sun’s surface in mid-latitudes, and near one of the poles.

scholarly journals V. A letter on a canal in the medulla spinalis of some quadrupeds

1809 ◽  
Vol 99 ◽  
pp. 146-147
Keyword(s):  
Royal Society ◽  
Human Subject ◽  
Cauda Equina ◽  
The Other ◽  
Small Stream ◽  
Spinal Marrow ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Contrary Direction

Sir, According to your request, I send you an account of the facts I have ascertained, respecting a canal I discovered in the year 1803, in the medulla spinalis of the horse, bullock, sheep, hog, and dog; and should it appear to you deserving of being laid before the Royal Society, I shall feel myself particularly obliged, by having so great an honour conferred upon me. Upon tracing the sixth ventricle of the brain, which corresponds to the fourth in the human subject, to its apparent termination, the calamus scriptorius, I perceived the appearance of a canal, continuing by a direct course into the centre of the spinal marrow. To ascertain with accuracy whether such structure existed throughout its whole length, I made sections of the spinal marrow at different distances from the brain, and found that each divided portion exhibited an orifice with a diameter sufficient to admit a large sized pin; from which a small quantity of transparent colourless fluid issued, like that contained in the ventricles of the brain. The canal is lined by a membrane resembling the tunica arachnoidea, and is situated above the fissure of the medulla, being separated by a medullary layer: it is most easily distinguished where the large nerves are given off in the bend of the neck and sacrum, imperceptibly terminating in the cauda equina. Having satisfactorily ascertained its existence through the whole length of the spinal marrow, my next object was to discover whether it was a continued tube from one extremity to the other: this was most decidedly proved, by dividing the spinal marrow through the middle, and pouring mercury into the orifice where the canal was cut across, it passed in a small stream, with equal facility towards the brain (into which it entered), or in a contrary direction to where the spinal marrow terminates.

scholarly journals Royal society expedition to montserrat, B. W. I. preliminary report on seismic observations

1937 ◽  
Vol 158 (894) ◽  
pp. 479-494 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Royal Society ◽  
Preliminary Report ◽  
Leeward Islands ◽  
The Government

The following preliminary report deals briefly with the observations made during my residence in Montserrat from 24 March to 24 July, 1936, and with the main conclusions to be drawn from them. The Royal Society Expedition is greatly indebted to the representatives of His Majesty’s Government, to His Excellency Sir Gordon Lethem, Governor of the Leeward Islands, and to the Commissioner and Acting Commissioners of Montserrat for much kindness and assistance. We are also indebted for the most generous and liberal assistance rendered to the expedition by officials, representatives of organizations, and private individuals in ways too numerous to be described in detail. The members of the Expedition had the fullest support from the Government and the citizens of the island.

Article on Tay-Sachs Disease

2021 ◽  
pp. 475-478
Author(s):  
Bhawana. B. Bhende
Keyword(s):  
Autosomal Recessive ◽  
Genetic Disorder ◽  
Single Gene ◽  
Genetic Defect ◽  
Premature Death ◽  
Nerve Cells ◽  
Tay Sachs Disease ◽  
Hexosaminidase A ◽  
Physical Abilities ◽  
The Brain

Tay–Sachs disease is a genetic disorder that results in the destruction of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord..also known as GM2 gangliosidosis or Hexosaminidase A deficiency) is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder. In its most common variant known as infantile Tay-Sachs disease it presents with a relentless deterioration of mental and physical abilities which commences at 6 months of age and usually results in death by the age of four.It is caused by a genetic defect in a single gene with one defective copy of that gene inherited from each parent. The disease occurs when harmful quantities of gangliosides accumulate in the nerve cells of the brain, eventually leading to the premature death of those cells. There is currently no cure or treatment. Tay- Sachs disease is a rare disease. Other autosomal disorders such as cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anemia are far more common. TSD is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder, meaning that when both parents are carriers, there is a 25% risk of giving birth to an affected child.

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