Whole-brain imaging with single-cell resolution using chemical cocktails and computational analysis.

Systems-level identification and analysis of cellular circuits in the brain will require the development of whole-brain imaging with single-cell resolution. To this end, we performed comprehensive chemical screening to develop a whole-brain clearing and imaging method, termed CUBIC (clear, unobstructed brain imaging cocktails and computational analysis). CUBIC is a simple and efficient method involving the immersion of brain samples in chemical mixtures containing aminoalcohols, which enables rapid whole-brain imaging with single-photon excitation microscopy. CUBIC is applicable to multicolor imaging of fluorescent proteins or immunostained samples in adult brains and is scalable from a primate brain to subcellular structures. We also developed a whole-brain cell-nuclear counterstaining protocol and a computational image analysis pipeline that, together with CUBIC reagents, enable the visualization and quantification of neural activities induced by environmental stimulation. CUBIC enables time-course expression profiling of whole adult brains with single-cell resolution.

A healthy young woman with massive hemorrhagic ascites.

Retrograde menstruation is the backward movement of menstrual fluids. The underlying mechanisms remain unknown. The converse current itself is benign, but the result can be abdominal pain caused by peritoneal irritation and, eventually, endometriosis. The case was of a 25-year-old woman with lower abdominal pain accompanied by significant hemoperitoneum. Physical examination and inspection using abdominal ultrasonography and computed tomography failed to reveal a differential diagnosis. Detailed history taking revealed sexual activities during her menstrual period, which allowed for a diagnosis of retrograde menstruation. These findings emphasize the importance of extensive history taking.