(99m)Tc(CO)(3)-Ibritumomab tiuxetan; a novel radioimmunoimaging (RII) agent of B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL)

To exploit the B-lymphocyte antigen-CD20 binding capacity of the Ibritumomab tiuxetan (IBTN) monoclonal antibody (mAb) for imaging, the over-expression of B cells in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) (a myeloproliferative disorder of the lymphatic system) was investigated. In the current investigation, we present the labeling of the IBTN with technetium-99m ((99m)Tc) through [(99m)Tc(CO)(3)](+) precursor for radioimmunoimaging (RII) of the tumor prior to its treatment with (90)Y labeled IBTN. Labeled IBTN was radiobiologically characterized in terms of radiochemical purity, in vitro stability in human plasma, immunoreactivity, binding with Raji and Ramos cells and biodistribution in a female nude mouse (FNM) model. It was observed that the reduced IBTN (rIBTN) showed more promising radiobiologic characteristics than the nonreduced IBTN. Significantly higher transchelation was seen in excess cysteine compared with histidine. The radioconjugate showed higher saturated binding affinity with CD20 antigen. Significantly higher target (tumor) to background ratios were observed 1 h post-injection (p.i.). Based on radiochemical purity, in vitro stability, immunoreactivity, binding and biodistrubtion in the FNM model, we recommend the radiolabeling of the rIBTN using tricarbonyl technique as a potential RII agent.     

Mycorrhiza and Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria: Potential Bioagents for Sustainable Phosphorus Management in Agriculture

Phosphorus (P) is a critical nutrient that plays an essential role in improving soil fertility for optimum plant growth and productivity. It is one of the most deficient macro-nutrients in agricultural soils after nitrogen and is considered inadequate for plant growth and production. To P availability in soils, the farmers are applying huge amounts of synthetic P fertilizers that adversely affect the wider environment, groundwater, soil fertility and microbial population. Many beneficial microbes are known to release and supply soluble P for improving growth and yield of a variety of plants in a sustainable manner in P deficient soils. Thus, inoculation of these microbes, including arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) to soil to enhance crop production without harming the environment, is an alternative approach to chemical fertilizers. The combined role of AMF and PSB in P solubilization is not well understood and the application and mode of action of these microbial groups are often naive due to variation in the environment. Therefore, the current review article would develop a better understanding of the interactive role and mechanisms of AMF and PSB in improving P availability from both organic and inorganic sources in a sustainable crop production system. Finally, the current review would loop out further avenues for researchers interested to commercially produce effective AMF and PSB-based biofertilizers for sustainable management of phosphorus over a wide range of agricultural crops worldwide.     

Effect of x-rays and gamma radiations on the bone mechanical properties: literature review

The bone auto grafting, isografting, allografting and xenografting are used for defective bone replacement or treatment in almost all living species. The X-ray and Gamma (electromagnetic radiation) sterilization performed on the donor bone graft to prevent toxicity or migration of virus/bacterial infections from donors to reciver. Conversely, X-ray and Gamma radiation deteriorates the bone mechanical properties and bone become more susceptible to fracture. Fracture toughness as well as other mechanical properties of bone change with these radiations. In this literature review the effect of the X-rays and Gamma radiation on bone mechanical properties are discussed. All relevant literature was reviewed. After reviewing the literature only the research relating to the effect of X-rays and Gamma radiations on bone mechanical properties are included. Literature studies showed significant effect of the X-rays and Gamma radiations on the mechanical properties of the bones. In some studies the differences exists on the doses of radiations which were discussed in this study. The high energetic electromagnetic radiation (X-rays and Gamma radiations) changed/modify the collagen network of the bone, which reduced the mechanical properties of bone; however these changes depend on the radiation dose.