Functional Interrogation of Adult Hypothalamic Neurogenesis with Focal Radiological Inhibition

The functional characterization of adult-born neurons remains a significant challenge. Approaches to inhibit adult neurogenesis via invasive viral delivery or transgenic animals have potential confounds that make interpretation of results from these studies difficult. New radiological tools are emerging, however, that allow one to noninvasively investigate the function of select groups of adult-born neurons through accurate and precise anatomical targeting in small animals. Focal ionizing radiation inhibits the birth and differentiation of new neurons, and allows targeting of specific neural progenitor regions. In order to illuminate the potential functional role that adult hypothalamic neurogenesis plays in the regulation of physiological processes, we developed a noninvasive focal irradiation technique to selectively inhibit the birth of adult-born neurons in the hypothalamic median eminence. We describe a method for Computer tomography-guided focal irradiation (CFIR) delivery to enable precise and accurate anatomical targeting in small animals. CFIR uses three-dimensional volumetric image guidance for localization and targeting of the radiation dose, minimizes radiation exposure to nontargeted brain regions, and allows for conformal dose distribution with sharp beam boundaries. This protocol allows one to ask questions regarding the function of adult-born neurons, but also opens areas to questions in areas of radiobiology, tumor biology, and immunology. These radiological tools will facilitate the translation of discoveries at the bench to the bedside.     

The proportion of TA, TG, and TM cells in various immunodeficiency and autoimmune disorders

Patients with various immunodeficiency and autoimmune disorders were examined for the proportions of T cells bearing Fc-IgA, Fc-IgG, and Fc-IgM receptors. These disorders included common variable immunodeficiency, systemic lupus erythematosus, ataxia-telangiectasia, selective IgA deficiency, and the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome. Abnormal proportions (higher or lower than an interval containing 95% of our normal values) of Fc-IgA receptor-bearing T cells (TA) were found in common variable immunodeficiency, systemic lupus erythematous, ataxia-telangiectasia, and selective IgA deficiency. However, the proportion of T cells bearing Fc receptors did not correlate with their functional activity in in vitro immunoglobulin production assays.     

Silent generation of memory in genetic low-responder mice after a single contract with a bacterial antigen.

It is shown that immunologic memory can progressively develop following a single contact with a bacterial antigen (Escherichia coli β-d-galactosidase) in the absence of any sign of an antibody response. The relevance that this silent preparation for an anamnestic response might have in the pathogenesis of unexpected immune reactions is emphasized.     

Collecting Saliva and Measuring Salivary Cortisol and Alpha-amylase in Frail Community Residing Older Adults via Family Caregivers

Salivary measures have emerged in bio-behavioral research that are easy-to-collect, minimally invasive, and relatively inexpensive biologic markers of stress. This article we present the steps for collection and analysis of two salivary assays in research with frail, community residing older adults-salivary cortisol and salivary alpha amylase. The field of salivary bioscience is rapidly advancing and the purpose of this presentation is to provide an update on the developments for investigators interested in integrating these measures into research on aging. Strategies are presented for instructing family caregivers in collecting saliva in the home, and for conducting laboratory analyses of salivary analytes that have demonstrated feasibility, high compliance, and yield quality specimens. The protocol for sample collection includes: (1) consistent use of collection materials; (2) standardized methods that promote adherence and minimize subject burden; and (3) procedures for controlling certain confounding agents. We also provide strategies for laboratory analyses include: (1) saliva handling and processing; (2) salivary cortisol and salivary alpha amylase assay procedures; and (3) analytic considerations.     

A project-based approach to the use of biological literature

A course is described which has been designed to increase students' ability and willingness to use and read the scientific literature, and ultimately to enable them to make their own contributions to the literature in an acceptable style and format. The objectives and methods of the course differ from those of traditional library-use courses by concentrating on making students read and evaluate the literature rather than on information retrieval per se. Reactions have been favourable. Students make more and better use of the literature and the standard of presentation of written work has improved. The work habits generated by the course assist students throughout their academic careers. The course may have considerable implications for other library user-education programmes.     

Performance evaluation of lake basin water governance using composite index

A Lake Basin Water Governance Performance Composite Index (LBWGPCI) framework was developed to test and evaluate the performance of water governance for lake basins using the Songkhla Lake Basin (SLB), Thailand as a case study. The LBWGPCI integrates a range of water resources and environmental related indicators together to provide a holistic profile of lake basin key water governance issues. The purpose of this work was to identify, examine, develop and analyze key lake basin water governance performance indicators, test them on the SLB, and make appropriate recommendations for improvement. In the light of the results obtained in this study, overall composite index of the LBWGPCI indicated poor performance, which required high priority, urgent and critical actions. We conclude that the water governance performance of the SLB is still evolving and has a lot of great potential to grow in the right direction if the current focus and commitment of government and stakeholders at all levels, are maintained and sustained.     

Soluble erythrocyte antigens preferentially enhance cross-reactive specificities in human antibody responses

Stimulation of human tonsillar lymphocytes in culture with pokeweed mitogen (PWM) results in the production of a large number of antibody-forming cells which can be measured in the sheep erythrocyte (SE)-specific, direct haemolytic plaque-forming cell (PFC) assay. For optimal responsiveness in this system the human AB serum supplementing the culture medium must have been preabsorbed with SE. This effect is due, at least in part, to release during the absorption step of soluble immunogenic material from SE which acts synergistically with PWM to produce an enhanced response but which is unable to stimulate a response in the absence of the mitogen. In contrast to SE, absorption of AB serum with ox or horse erythrocytes failed to increase erythrocyte-specific responses. However, absorption with goat erythrocytes (GE) enhanced both SE- and GE-specific responses. An analysis of PFC specificities in cultures containing absorbed or unabsorbed serum revealed that enhanced responsiveness in the presence of absorbed serum was due to an increase in the proportion of PFC which cross-reacted with both SE and GE. The significance of this observation is discussed in terms of the antigenic requirements of interacting T- and B-cell subpopulations.     

Fatty acid synthetase assay employing bicyclic diones as substrates.

A rapid and convenient spectrophotometric assay for fatty acid synthetase is presented. It is based on the NADPH-dependent reduction of compounds such as cis-decalin-1,4-dione by the β-ketoacyl-ACP reductase component of the fatty acid synthetase complex. The assay has applications where rapid, semiquantitative data are desired.