Pollution, contamination and future land use at Brookhaven National Laboratory

Scientists interested in contamination normally deal only with pollution itself, not with people's perceptions of pollution or the relationship between pollution and land use. The overall objective of this article was to examine the relationship between people's perceptions of pollution and their views on future land use. People were interviewed at an Earth Day Festival near the Department of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) on Long Island, New York. On an open-ended question, people thought that BNL should be left as it is, or maintained as a preserve, park or conservation area, or used for environmental research. Almost no one thought that it should be used for housing or industrial purposes. When asked to rate a list of possible future land uses, maintaining BNL as a National Environmental Research Park for research and for recreation were rated the highest (nuclear storage was rated the lowest). This was consistent with the subjects' views that pollution was the greatest concern about BNL. The congruence between perceptions about concerns or problems and future land use preferences suggests a unified view of management of contaminated sites, such as BNL, at least among a group of people whose environmental interests were evident by their presence at the event.

Effect of endotoxin on the immunity of Indian major carp, Labeo rohita

Endotoxin, a lipopolysaccharide component of outer cell wall membrane of the Gram-negative bacteria is a factor responsible for a number of biological effects including immunostimulatory activities in different animal species including fish. In this study, L. rohita yearlings of weight ranging from 80 to 100g were injected intraperitoneally with 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20 EU/fish dose of endotoxin to find out its effect on the immunity. The L. rohita yearlings were found to resist the endotoxin dose up to 20 EU/fish and at the lower doses, i.e., at 1 and 2 EU/fish; it acted as an immune potentiator. Different serum and immune parameters like protein, globulin, lysozyme, respiratory burst activity, myeloperoxidase activity, natural agglutination titre were found to be significantly high (p<0.01) at a dose of 1 EU/fish. While at 10 and 20 EU/fish, most of these parameters were lower thereby indicating the immuno-suppressive nature of the endotoxin at these higher doses.

Zuckerkandl's organ improves long-term survival and function of neural stem cell derived dopaminergic neurons in Parkinsonian rats

Transplantation of neural stem cells (NSC) derived dopamine (DA) neurons has emerged as an alternative approach to fetal neural cell transplantation in Parkinson's disease (PD). However, similar to fetal neural cell, survival of these neurons following transplantation is also limited due to limited striatal reinnervation (graft with dense neuronal core), limited host-graft interaction, poor axonal outgrowth, lack of continuous neurotrophic factors supply and principally an absence of cell adhesion molecules mediated appropriate developmental cues. In the present study, an attempt has been made to increase survival and function of NSC derived DA neurons, by co-grafting with Zuckerkandl's organ (a paraneural organ that expresses neurotrophic factors as well as cell adhesion molecules); to provide continuous NTF support and developmental cues to transplanted DA neurons in the rat model of PD. 24 weeks post transplantation, a significant number of surviving functional NSC derived DA neurons were observed in the co-transplanted group as evident by an increase in the number of tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactive (TH-IR) neurons, TH-IR fiber density, TH-mRNA expression and TH-protein level at the transplantation site (striatum). Significant behavioral recovery (amphetamine induced stereotypy and locomotor activity) and neurochemical recovery (DA-D2 receptor binding and DA and DOPAC levels at the transplant site) were also observed in the NSC+ZKO co-transplanted group as compared to the NSC or ZKO alone transplanted group. In vivo results were further substantiated by in vitro studies, which suggest that ZKO increases the NSC derived DA neuronal survival, differentiation, DA release and neurite outgrowth as well as protects against 6-OHDA toxicity in co-culture condition. The present study suggests that long-term and continuous NTF support provided by ZKO to the transplanted NSC derived DA neurons, helped in their better survival, axonal arborization and integration with host cells, leading to long-term functional restoration in the rat model of PD.

Imatinib mesylate and nilotinib (AMN107) exhibit high-affinity interaction with ABCG2 on primitive hematopoietic stem cells

The majority of chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients treated with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) imatinib mesylate maintain durable responses to the drug. However, most patients relapse after withdrawal of imatinib and advanced stage patients often develop drug resistance. As CML is considered a hematopoietic stem cell cancer, it has been postulated that inherent protective mechanisms lead to relapse in patients. The ATP binding-cassette transporters ABCB1 (MDR-1; P-glycoprotein) and ABCG2 are highly expressed on primitive hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and have been shown to interact with TKIs. Herein we demonstrate a dose-dependent, reversible inhibition of ABCG2-mediated Hoechst 33342 dye efflux in primary human and murine HSC by both imatinib and nilotinib (AMN107), a novel aminopyrimidine inhibitor of BCR-ABL. ABCG2-transduced K562 cells were protected from imatinib and nilotinib-mediated cell death and from downregulation of P-CRKL. Moreover, photoaffinity labeling revealed interaction of both TKIs with ABCG2 at the substrate binding sites as they compete with the binding of [(125)I] IAAP and also stimulate the transporter's ATPase activity. Therefore, our evidence suggests for the role of ABC transporters in resistance to TKI on primitive HSCs and CML stem cells and provides a rationale how TKI resistance can be overcome in vivo.

Isolated inflammatory sphenoiditis with multiple unilateral cranial nerve palsies

Isolated sphenoidits is a rare entity that often presents with vague, non-specific symptoms. We present the case of a 36-year-old Middle Eastern man, who developed headache and a painful right eye. A diagnosis of acute sphenoiditis was made. Shortly afterwards, he developed diplopia due to isolated abducent nerve involvement. Within two months, the extent of cranial nerve involvement had increased to include cranial nerves II, III, and V. Subsequently, this was treated by functional endoscopic sinus surgical drainage and biopsy. Histology revealed inflammatory changes. The patient made a dramatic recovery post-operatively, with resolution in all symptoms.

Thermal Evaporation Processing of Nano and Submicron Tin Oxide Rods

Nano and submicron rods of semiconductor tin oxide (SnO2) have been synthesized via thermal evaporation technique. Various substrates such as oxidized silicon (Si/SiO2), porous alumina (Al2O3), oxidized and anodized titanium (Ti/TiO2), with the sputtered platinum (Pt) catalyst, have been utilized for this purpose. The effect of Pt sputtering time and the nature of the substrate on the size distribution and the morphology of the SnO2 rods and their substrate-surface-coverage have been investigated. The formation of nano and submicron SnO2 rods has been attributed to the vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) and vapor-solid (VS) growth mechanisms depending on the processing conditions.

Neuroprotective and neurorescue effect of black tea extract in 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rat model of Parkinson's disease

In the present study, an attempt has been made to explore the neuroprotective and neuroreparative (neurorescue) effect of black tea extract (BTE) in 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-lesioned rat model of Parkinson's disease (PD). In the neuroprotective (BTE + 6-OHDA) and neurorescue (6-OHDA + BTE) experiments, the rats were given 1.5% BTE orally prior to and after intrastriatal 6-OHDA lesion respectively. A significant recovery in d-amphetamine induced circling behavior (stereotypy), spontaneous locomotor activity, dopamine (DA)-D2 receptor binding, striatal DA and 3-4 dihydroxy phenyl acetic acid (DOPAC) level, nigral glutathione level, lipid peroxidation, striatal superoxide dismutase and catalase activity, antiapoptotic and proapoptotic protein level was evident in BTE + 6-OHDA and 6-OHDA + BTE groups, as compared to lesioned animals. BTE treatment, either before or after 6-OHDA administration protected the dopaminergic neurons, as evident by significantly higher number of surviving tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactive (TH-ir) neurons, increased TH protein level and TH mRNA expression in substantia nigra. However, the degree of improvement in motor and neurochemical deficits was more prominent in rats receiving BTE before 6-OHDA. Results suggest that BTE exerts both neuroprotective and neurorescue effects against 6-OHDA-induced degeneration of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system, suggesting that possibly daily intake of BTE may slow down the PD progression as well as delay the onset of neurodegenerative processes in PD.

Some aspects involving the use of CdTe for finding end-point energies in diagnostic radiology

We have considered the use of CdTe detectors and commercially available spectroscopy systems for the determination of the end-point energies of diagnostic X-ray devices. A simple technique based upon filtered spectra and simple fitting procedures was used to deduce end-point energies. We observed some unexpected detector-related effects such as significant shifts in the energy calibration at high count rates. When CdTe detectors operate at high counting rates drifts in the DC level, associated with collection rates of the positive charge (holes) can yield a corresponding shift in the spectrum towards lower energies. Only for relatively low counting rates and long detection periods, in excess of 10 min, can end-point energies be obtained with CdTe that reach levels of precision found in recent protocols. High rates also decrease energy resolution and lower the accuracy of recalibrations using characteristic X-rays from the target.

Picture Quiz: An unusual cause of headache - Answers

Leptomenigeal Carcinomatosis (LC) affects approximately 5% of patients with cancer, either as a presenting sign or as a late complication Improvements in neuro imaging and increased awareness of the condition have led to the condition being diagnosed with increasing frequency. LC is thought to result from the multifocal seeding of malignant cells via the cerebro spinal fluid (CSF).

Picture Quiz: An unusual cause of headache

A sixty-six year old lady was admitted after describing two 'vacant' episodes with collapse. She had also complained of chronic fronto-occipital headache and more than 10kg weight loss over the preceding three month period. She denied any gastrointestinal, respiratory or cardiac symptoms. She was a non-smoker and did not drink alcohol regularly. She had a past history of hypertension and hypothyroidism for which she was taking ramipril and thyroxine. On examination she appeared cachexic, but no other abnormality was detected.

Restorative potential of dopaminergic grafts in presence of antioxidants in rat model of Parkinson's disease

Free radical mediated damage has been reported to contribute significantly towards low survival (5-10%) of grafted dopaminergic neurons, post transplantation. In the present study, an attempt has been made to explore the neuroprotective potential of the combination of two major antioxidants ascorbic acid (AA) and glutathione (GSH) on ventral mesencephalic cells (VMC) and nigral dopamine (DA) neurons when co-transplanted together with VMC in rat model of Parkinson's disease (PD). GSH and AA have been reported to act co-operatively in the conditions of oxidative stress thereby helping in maintaining the cellular GSH/GSSG redox status. Functional recovery was assessed 12 weeks post transplantation, where a significant restoration (p<0.001) in d-amphetamine induced circling behavior (62%), spontaneous locomotor activity (SLA; 64%), dopamine-D2 receptor binding (63%), dopamine (65%) and 3,4-dihydroxy phenyl acetic acid (DOPAC) level (64%) was observed in co-transplanted animals as compared to lesioned and VMC alone grafted rats. VMC and GSH+AA co-transplanted animals exhibited a significantly higher surviving TH-immunoreactive (TH-ir) neurons number (p<0.01), TH-ir fibers outgrowth (p<0.05) in striatal graft and TH-ir neurons in substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) (p<0.01), as compared to VMC alone transplanted rats. An attempt was made to further confirm our in vivo observations through in vitro experiments where following in vitro exposure to 6-OHDA, a higher cell survival (p<0.01), TH-ir cell counts (p<0.001) and DA and DOPAC levels (p<0.01) were also observed in 8-day-old VMC culture in presence of GSH+AA as compared to VMC cultured in absence of antioxidants. The results suggest that GSH+AA when co-transplanted with VMC provide higher restoration probably by increasing the survival of grafted VMC and simultaneously supporting nigral TH-immunopositive neurons in rat model of PD.

Co-transplantation of carotid body and ventral mesencephalic cells as an alternative approach towards functional restoration in 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rats: implications for Parkinson's disease

Exogenous administration of various neurotrophic factors has been shown to protect neurons in animal model of Parkinson's disease (PD). Several attempts are being made to search a tissue source simultaneously expressing many of these neurotrophic factors. Carotid body (CB) contains oxygen-sensitive glomus cells rich in dopamine (DA) and expresses glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor and neurotrophin-3. We have attempted to study the functional restoration following co-transplantation of CB cells and ventral mesencephalic cells (VMC) in a 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rat model of PD. A significant recovery (p < 0.001) in d-amphetamine-induced circling behavior (80%) and spontaneous locomotor activity (85%) was evident in co-transplanted animals at 12 weeks post-transplantation as compared to lesioned animals. Similarly, a significant (p < 0.001) restoration was observed in DA-D(2) receptor binding (77%), striatal DA (87%) and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) (85%) levels and nigral DA (75%) and DOPAC (74%) levels. Functional recovery was accompanied by tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression and quantification of TH-positive cells by image analysis revealed a significant restoration in TH-immunoreactive (IR) fiber density in striatum, as well as TH-IR neurons in substantia nigra pars compacta in co-transplanted animals over VMC-transplanted animals. The result suggests that co-transplantation of CB cells along with VMC provides better and long-term functional restoration in the rat model of PD, possibly by supporting the survival of newly grafted cells as well as remaining host DA neurons.

Olfactory ensheathing cell transplantation restores functional deficits in rat model of Parkinson's disease: a cotransplantation approach with fetal ventral mesencephalic cells

Different strategies have been worked out to promote survival of transplanted fetal ventral mesencephalic cells (VMCs) using trophic and nontrophic support. Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) express high level of growth factors including NGF, bFGF, GDNF, and NT3, which are known to play important role in functional restoration or neurodegeneration. In the present investigation, an attempt has been made to study functional restoration in 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-lesioned rat model of Parkinson's disease (PD) following cotransplantation of VMC and OECs (cultured from olfactory bulb, OB) in striatal region. The functional restoration was assessed using neurobehavioral, neurochemical, and immunohistochemical approach. At 12 weeks, post-transplantation, a significant recovery (P < 0.001) in D-amphetamine induced circling behavior (73%), and spontaneous locomotor activity (SLA, 81%) was evident in cotransplanted animals when compared with 6-OHDA-lesioned animals. A significant restoration (P < 0.001) in [3H]-spiperone binding (77%), dopamine (DA) (82%) and 3,4-dihydroxy phenyl acetic acid (DOPAC) level (75%) was observed in animals cotransplanted with OECs and VMC in comparison to lesioned animals. A significantly high expression and quantification of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive cells in cotransplanted animals further confirmed the supportive role of OECs in viability of transplanted dopaminergic cells, which in turn may be helping in functional restoration. This was further substantiated by our observation of enhanced TH immunoreactivity and differentiation in VMC cocultured with OECs under in vitro conditions as compared to VMC alone cultures. The results suggest that cotransplantation of OECs and VMC may be a better approach for functional restoration in 6-OHDA-induced rat model of Parkinson's disease.