A Hypothalamic Circuit that Modulates Feeding and Parenting Behaviors.

Across mammalian species, new mothers undergo considerable behavioral changes to nurture their offspring and meet the caloric demands of milk production. While many neural circuits underlying feeding and parenting behaviors are well characterized, it is unclear how these different circuits interact and adapt during lactation. Here, we characterized the transcriptomic changes in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) and the medial preoptic area (MPOA) of the mouse hypothalamus in response to lactation and hunger.

Evaluation of two methods for detection of viable Bacillus anthracis simulant spores in maritime environmental samples.

Analytical methods exist to detect biothreat agents in environmental samples during a response to biological contamination incidents. However, the coastal zone facilities and assets of the US Coast Guard (USCG), including response boats in diverse geographical areas and maritime environmental conditions, can pose complex and unique challenges for adapting existing analytical detection methods. The traditional culture (TC) and the rapid viability polymerase chain reaction (RV-PCR) methods were evaluated for their compatibility for maritime environmental surface and grab sample analysis to detect spores of Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies kurstaki (Btk), a surrogate for Bacillus anthracis.

AgRP neurons coordinate the mitigation of activity-based anorexia.

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a debilitating and deadly disease characterized by low body mass index due to diminished food intake, and oftentimes concurrent hyperactivity. A high percentage of AN behavioral and metabolic phenotypes can be replicated in rodents given access to a voluntary running wheel and subject to food restriction, termed activity-based anorexia (ABA). Despite the well-documented bodyweight loss observed in AN human patients and ABA rodents, much less is understood regarding the neurobiological underpinnings of these maladaptive behaviors.

Neurokinin B-Expressing Neurons of the Central Extended Amygdala Mediate Inhibitory Synaptic Input onto Melanin-Concentrating Hormone Neuron Subpopulations.

The lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) is a highly conserved brain region critical for maintaining physiological homeostasis and goal-directed behavior. LHA neurons that express melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) are key regulators of arousal, energy balance, and motivated behavior. However, cellular and functional diversity among LHA neurons is not well understood.

Formaldehyde Vapor Characteristics in Varied Decontamination Environments.

Introduction: This effort investigated formaldehyde vapor characteristics under various environmental conditions by the analyses of air samples collected over a time-course. This knowledge will help responders achieve desired formaldehyde exposure parameters for decontamination of affected spaces after a biological contamination incident.

Methods: Prescribed masses of paraformaldehyde and formalin were sublimated or evaporated, respectively, to generate formaldehyde vapor.