A quantitative cholinergic and catecholaminergic 3D Atlas of the developing mouse brain

The complex organization of brain regions during development requires a three-dimensional approach to facilitate the visualization and quantification of dynamic changes taking place throughout this important period. Using the tissue clearing method combined with immunohistochemistry, three-dimensional (3D) lightsheet microscopy and a multiresolution registration technique, we provide the first 3D atlases of the main cholinergic (CH) and catecholaminergic (CA) systems in the mouse brain from embryonic day 12 (E12) to post-natal day 8 (P8). We report that in several brain structures, there is a logarithmic scale increase of choline acetyltransferase and tyrosine hydroxylase positive neurons from E18 to P8. In addition, a detailed voxel-wise analysis revealed abrupt modifications in the developmental trajectory of many brain structures during the transition from E18 to P0. Our atlases will not only facilitate developmental studies aimed at quantitatively determining the fate of CH or CA neurons in utero but also be used as an anatomical reference to quantify other neuronal populations present in the annotated regions. In the future, these maps will be a reliable tool to study developmental malformations associated with neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Investigation of work ability index (WAI) and its relationship with maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max) among cement industry employer

Introduction: Given the importance of adapting workers' physical and mental capabilities to their job needs, measuring their ability to work, maintaining, and upgrading, it has become an essential task. This study aimed to investigate WAI and its relationship with VO2max at one of the cement companies. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 130 employees of a cement company in Iran in 2018. For data collection, the WAI, Queens's test for maximum oxygen consumption, and a questionnaire designed by researchers (socio-demographic and work-related factors) were used. SPSS 21 was used to analyze the data.  Results: The results showed that the mean ± standard deviation of WAI in staff was 39.35 ± 4.64. Among the demographic and related variables, sports activity (P > 0.04) and sleep quality (P < 0.001), and work experience (P> 0.046) were significantly correlated with WAI. There was a significant positive correlation between the mean score of WAI and Vo2max (r = 0.21, p < 0.05). Regression modeling showed that Vo2max was the only significant predictor of WAI. Conclusion: According to the results of the study, to control and enhance the ability of the staff of the study, occupational intervention programs should focus on improving sleep quality and increased exercise. Also, considering the positive relationship of Vo2max to the WAI of the surveyed staff, it is recommended to select suitable employees in terms of aerobic capacity according to the workload of the job.

Pyramidal neuron growth and increased hippocampal volume during labor and birth in autism

We report that the apical dendrites of CA3 hippocampal pyramidal neurons are increased during labor and birth in the valproate model of autism but not in control animals. Using the iDISCO clearing method, we show that hippocampal, especially CA3 region, and neocortical volumes are increased and that the cerebral volume distribution shifts from normal to lognormal in valproate-treated animals. Maternal administration during labor and birth of the NKCC1 chloride transporter antagonist bumetanide, which reduces [Cl^-]_i levels and attenuates the severity of autism, abolished the neocortical and hippocampal volume changes and reduced the whole-brain volume in valproate-treated animals. These results suggest that the abolition of the oxytocin-mediated excitatory-to-inhibitory shift of GABA actions during labor and birth contributes to the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorders by stimulating growth during a vulnerable period.