A neural progenitor mitotic wave is required for asynchronous axon outgrowth and morphology

SUMMARYSpatiotemporal mechanisms generating neural diversity are fundamental for understanding neural processes. Here, we investigated how neural connection diversity arises from neurons coming from identical progenitors. In the dorsal thorax of Drosophila, rows of mechanosensory organs originate from the division of sensory organ progenitor (SOPs). We show that in each row of the notum, a central SOP divides first, then neighboring SOPs divide, and so on. This centrifugal wave of mitoses depends on cell-cell inhibitory interactions mediated by SOP cytoplasmic protrusions and Scabrous, a secreted protein interacting with the Delta/Notch complex. When scabrous was downregulated, the mitotic wave was abolished, axonal growth was more synchronous, axonal terminals had a complex branching pattern and fly behavior was impaired. We propose that the temporal order of progenitor divisions influences the birth order of sensory neurons which is critical for correct axon wiring and appropriate grooming behavior, supporting the idea that developmental timing controls neural connectivity.

A Neural Network Evidence of the Nexus Among Air Pollution, Economic Growth, and COVID-19 Deaths in the Hubei Area

In this study, we used an image neural network model to assess the relationship between economic growth, pollution (PM2.5, PM10, and CO2), and deaths from COVID-19 in the Hubei area (China). Data analysis, neural network analysis, and deep learning experiments were carried out to assess the relationship among COVID-19 deaths, air pollution, and economic growth in China (Hubei province, the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic). We collected daily data at a city level from January 20 to July 31, 2020. We used main cities in the Hubei province, with data on confirmed COVID-19 deaths, air pollution (expressed in µg/m3 as PM2.5, PM10, and CO2), and per capita economic growth. Following the most recent contributions on the relationship among air pollution, GDP, and diffusion of COVID-19, we generated an algorithm capable of identifying a neural connection among these variables. The results confirmed a strong predictive relationship for the Hubei area between changes in the economic growth, fine particles, and deaths from COVID-19. These results would recommend adequate environmental reforms to policymakers to contain the spread and adverse effects of the virus. Therefore, there is a requirement to reconsider the system of transport and return to production by combining it with economic growth to protect the planet.

Brain Machine Interface

The main purpose of the article is to provide the solution which allows the muscles to work in a situation when neural connection is corrupted either due to illness or injury, which usually causes paralysis. The research is on the interpretation of the brain signals based on the analysis of neurotransmitters and the transformation of this analysis into the electric signals effecting on the muscle in the situation when neural circuit between a sensor/inter neuron and a motor neuron is broken. This method would allow paralyzed people to move their limbs and potentially to walk.

Low-dose infusions of leptin into the nucleus of the solitary tract increase sensitivity to third ventricle leptin

Previous studies suggest that weight loss occurs when leptin receptors in both the forebrain and hindbrain are activated. Experiments described here tested whether this integration is mediated through a neural connection or by leptin diffusion through the subarachanoid space. If the hypothalamus and hindbrain communicated through a neural pathway, then a very low dose of leptin infused directly into the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) would enhance the response to third ventricle (3V) leptin but would have no effect if infused into the fourth ventricle (4V). A 12-day infusion of 10 ng/24 h into the 4V or the NTS reduced body fat. Leptin at 5 ng/24 h into the 4V or NTS had no effect on food intake or body composition, but infusion of 5 ng of leptin/24 h into the NTS combined with a 3V injection of 0.1 μg of leptin inhibited food intake between 6 and 12 h after injection. Cumulative intake was inhibited for up to 36 h. 3V leptin had no effect on food intake of rats receiving the 4V leptin infusion. Similar results were found using infusions of 5 ng leptin/24 h and a 3V injection of 0.025 μg leptin. These data suggest that activation of leptin receptors in the NTS lowers the threshold for response to leptin in the forebrain through a neural network.

Comprehensive Summary of Anastomoses between the Median and Ulnar Nerves in the Forearm and Hand

Four main presentations of median-ulnar anastomosis exist. Those manifesting in the forearm include Martin–Gruber and Marinacci, while those found in the hand are referred to as Riche–Cannieu and Berrettini. Martin–Gruber anastomosis involves branching of the median nerve proximally to ulnar nerve distally. Marinacci anastomosis, the rarest of all the presentations, is often termed reverse Martin–Gruber, with the ulnar nerve stemming proximally to meet the median nerve distally in the forearm. Riche–Cannieu anastomosis occurs as an interconnection between the recurrent branch of the median nerve and the deep branch of the ulnar nerve in the hand. Berrettini anastomosis is the most frequently encountered of the anomalies and is described as a neural connection between common digital nerves of the ulnar and median nerves. Due to altered innervation patterns, musculoskeletal disorders of the forearm and hand may present with misleading symptoms. Additionally, existence of an anastomosis may require an alteration of surgical methods or be a source of iatrogenic injury. Consequently, knowledge of these anastomoses is crucial to clinical practice. Therefore, the objective of this review is to concisely present the most relevant information regarding median and ulnar anastomoses in the forearm and hand.