How the COVID-19 pandemic impacts social scientific research on sustainability: questions of methodology, ethics and justice: comment on Santana et al. 2021

In a highly relevant contribution, Santana et al. (2021) outlined the challenges for qualitative enquiries during the pandemic. We agree that overcoming these challenges is very important since qualitative research is vital for understanding both the impacts of COVID-19 on human communities around the globe and its significance for sustainable futures. However, we argue that a more fundamental approach is needed to address problems within scientific organisations, thinking and practices that directly affect qualitative research capabilities. In this comment, we focus on justice, research organisation, the ways social scientists position themselves and changed understandings of social worlds.

Making the COVID-19 crisis a real opportunity for environmental sustainability

An optimistic narrative has gained momentum during the first year of the pandemic: the COVID-19 crisis may have opened a window of opportunity to "rebuild better", to spur societal transitions towards environmental sustainability. In this comment, we review first evidence of individual and political changes made so far. Findings suggest that economies worldwide are not yet building back better. Against this background, we argue that a naïve opportunity narrative may even impair the progress of transitions towards environmental sustainability because it may render green recovery measures ineffective, costly, or infeasible. Based on these observations, we derive conditions for green recovery policies to succeed. They should consist of a policy mix combining well-targeted green subsidies with initiatives to price emissions and scrap environmentally harmful subsidies. Moreover, green recovery policies must be embedded into a narrative that avoids trading off environmental sustainability with other domains of sustainability-and rather highlights respective synergies that can be realized when recovering from the COVID-19 crisis.

Follow-up of thyroid cancer patients using rhTSH -preliminary results

Aim: In the follow-up of patients with advanced stage thyroid cancer radioiodine scintigraphy, F-l 8-FDG PET and tumormarker hTg using stimulation with recombinant human TSH (rhTSH) were compared to the results of same diagnostic procedures during TSH-suppression or endogenous TSH-stimulation. Methods: 30 patients were investigated in hypothyroidism and after application of rhTSH regarding the serum hormone concentrations, hTg, radioiodine scans and FGD-PET scans. Results: Radioiodine avidity and FDG uptake were significantly higher in 7/30 and 3/5 patients, respectively, compared to endogenous stimulation or TSH-suppression. In about one third of patients hTg increased more than 30%. Conclusion: Our preliminary results indicate a sufficient feasibility and sensitivity of rhTSH not only in the follow-up by hTg and radioiodine scan but also in FDG-PET.

Neurosensory effects of chronic human exposure to arsenic associated with body burden and environmental measures

Exposure to arsenic in drinking water is known to produce a variety of health problems, including peripheral neuropathy. Auditory, visual and somatosensory impairment have been reported in Mongolian farmers living in the Yellow River Valley, where drinking water is contaminated by arsenic. In the present study, sensory tests, including pinprick and vibration thresholds, were administered to 320 residents with well-water arsenic levels, ranging from non-detectable to 690 μg/L. Vibration thresholds in the second and fifth fingers of both hands were measured using a vibrothesiometer. Drinking water, urine and toenail samples were obtained to assess arsenic exposure and body burden. Regression analyses indicated significant associations of pinprick scores and vibration thresholds with all arsenic measures. Vibration thresholds were more strongly associated with urinary than water or nail arsenic measures, but odds ratios for decreased pinprick sensitivity were highest for the water arsenic measure. Results of the current study indicate neurosensory effects of arsenic exposure at concentrations well below the 1000 μg/L drinking water level specified by NRC, and suggest that non-carcinogenic end-points, such as vibration thresholds, are useful in the risk assessment of exposure to arsenic in drinking water.

Acute Cerebrovascular Disease in the Young

Background and Purpose—

Strokes have especially devastating implications if they occur early in life; however, only limited information exists on the characteristics of acute cerebrovascular disease in young adults. Although risk factors and manifestation of atherosclerosis are commonly associated with stroke in the elderly, recent data suggests different causes for stroke in the young. We initiated the prospective, multinational European study Stroke in Young Fabry Patients (sifap) to characterize a cohort of young stroke patients.

Methods—

Overall, 5023 patients aged 18 to 55 years with the diagnosis of ischemic stroke (3396), hemorrhagic stroke (271), transient ischemic attack (1071) were enrolled in 15 European countries and 47 centers between April 2007 and January 2010 undergoing a detailed, standardized, clinical, laboratory, and radiological protocol.

Results—

Median age in the overall cohort was 46 years. Definite Fabry disease was diagnosed in 0.5% (95% confidence interval, 0.4%–0.8%; n=27) of all patients; and probable Fabry disease in additional 18 patients. Males dominated the study population (2962/59%) whereas females outnumbered men (65.3%) among the youngest patients (18–24 years). About 80.5% of the patients had a first stroke. Silent infarcts on magnetic resonance imaging were seen in 20% of patients with a first-ever stroke, and in 11.4% of patients with transient ischemic attack and no history of a previous cerebrovascular event. The most common causes of ischemic stroke were large artery atherosclerosis (18.6%) and dissection (9.9%).

Conclusions—

Definite Fabry disease occurs in 0.5% and probable Fabry disease in further 0.4% of young stroke patients. Silent infarcts, white matter intensities, and classical risk factors were highly prevalent, emphasizing the need for new early preventive strategies.

Clinical Trial Registration Information—

URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov .Unique identifier: NCT00414583

Do outcomes differ after rotator cuff repair for patients receiving workers' compensation?

Comparisons of outcomes after rotator cuff repair between Worker's Compensation Board (WCB) recipients and nonrecipients generally do not consider patient, injury, and shoulder characteristics. We compared preoperative differences between WCB recipients and nonrecipients and determined the impact on their 6-month postoperative outcome. We evaluated a prospective cohort of 141 patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears, 36 of whom (26%) were WCB recipients, preoperatively and 3 and 6 months after rotator cuff repair. Their mean age was 54.0 +/- 10.4 years (standard deviation) and 102 (72%) patients were male. Shoulder range of motion, Western Ontario Rotator Cuff (WORC) index, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons' score were used to evaluate outcomes. We performed regression analyses to control for baseline differences in age, baseline scores, smoking status, symptom duration, injury type, and associated biceps disorder between WCB recipients and nonrecipients. WCB recipients were younger and more likely to smoke, have a traumatic injury, and undergo surgery within 6 months of injury. WCB recipients had lower recovery for all outcomes when these differences were not considered but when differences were accounted for, only 6-month WORC scores were lower in WCB recipients. Clinicians should consider preoperative characteristics before concluding WCB recipients experience less recovery after surgical repair.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level I, prognostic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Pre-operative localisation of hyperfunctional parathyroid tissue with 11C-methionine PET

PURPOSE

Previous studies have shown high sensitivity of positron emission tomography (PET) with 11C-methionine in the pre-operative localisation of parathyroid adenoma and hyperplasia. Nonetheless, in secondary and tertiary hyperparathyroidism (HPT) and in patients with recurrent disease, pre-operative localisation of adenomatous (PTA) or hyperplastic tissue is still a problem with all available methods. The aim of this study was to define the optimal imaging protocol and to compare the diagnostic value of 11C-methionine PET and 99mTc-methoxyisobutylisonitrile (MIBI) single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT): in particular, we wished to define the benefit of 11C-methionine in those patients with inconclusive or negative conventional imaging.

METHODS

Thirty highly pre-selected patients with HPT were enrolled. Sixteen patients had primary HPT, 12 patients had secondary HPT, and two patients had recurrences of parathyroid carcinomas. All patients had ultrasound of the neck, dual-phase scintigraphy with 99mTc-MIBI and PET with 11C-methionine. SUV(parathyroid)/SUV(cervical soft tissue) (target-to-background) and SUV(parathyroid tissue)/SUV(thyroid tissue) (target-to-non-target) ratios were calculated. After surgery, histology of specimens was obtained in all patients but one.

RESULTS

In 12 patients with secondary or tertiary HPT, 36 hyperplastic parathyroid glands were histologically verified. Twenty-five of 36 lesions (69%) were detected with 11C-methionine PET and 17 (47%) with 99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy. PET studies were positive in 17/18 (94%) cases in which HPT was related to adenomas or carcinomas. 99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy/SPECT yielded pathological lesions in 9/18 cases (50%). All eight atypical localisations of parathyroid glands were detected with PET but only six of the eight were detected with 99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy/SPECT. In 10/11 patients with recurrent HPT and non-diagnostic scintigraphy/SPECT, hyperfunctional parathyroid tissue was identified with 11C-methionine PET. The highest SUV(parathyroid)/SUV(cervical soft tissue) ratio was found 10 min, and the highest SUV(parathyroid tissue)/SUV(thyroid tissue) ratio 40 min post injection. In three patients clear delineation of hyperfunctional tissue was only achieved after 40 min post injection.

CONCLUSION

11C-methionine PET is a clinically useful method in highly pre-selected patients with recurrent primary HPT as well as in secondary and tertiary HPT if ultrasound and 99mTc-MIBI SPECT are inconclusive or negative. PET imaging of atypical PTA localisations is more accurate than conventional scintigraphy. In order to achieve optimal contrast of parathyroid glands versus thyroid tissue and adjacent soft tissue, imaging at both 10 min and 40 min is recommended.

Phase I and pharmacokinetic study of TZT-1027, a novel synthetic dolastatin 10 derivative, administered as a 1-hour intravenous infusion every 3 weeks in patients with advanced refractory cancer

BACKGROUND

TZT-1027 is a synthetic dolastatin 10 analog with antineoplastic properties in various cell lines and tumor xenografts. The purpose of this phase I study was to evaluate the safety and toxicity, maximum tolerated dose, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, clinical and metabolic antitumor activity of TZT-1027 when given as a 1-h intravenous infusion every 3 weeks in patients with refractory solid tumors.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients had a histologically verified refractory tumor with measurable disease, were > or = 18 years old, had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status <2 and adequate bone marrow, liver, renal and cardiac function. Dose-limiting toxicity was defined as platelets <25 x 10(9)/l, neutrophils <0.5 x 10(9)/l for >5 days, febrile neutropenia > or = 38.5 degrees C with grade 4 (National Cancer Institute-common toxicity criteria) neutropenia, or grade 3/4 non-hematological toxicity excluding nausea and vomiting. The last dose was the dose where > or = 2 out of six patients experienced dose-limiting toxicity in cycle one. The maximum tolerated dose was one dose level below with less than two of six patients with dose-limiting events.

RESULTS

Twenty-one non-selected, fully evaluable patients were enrolled. The majority were male (19) and the median age was 55 years (range 39-67). Dose levels of TZT-1027 ranged from 1.35 to 3.0 mg/m(2). The median number of cycles was two (range 1-4). Dose-limiting toxicities were observed in three patients at the 3.0 mg/m(2) dose level, including neutropenia, fatigue and a short lasting, reversible peripheral neurotoxic syndrome. The most common toxicities per patient were fatigue, anorexia, alopecia, nausea, constipation, leukopenia and neutropenia. Based on RECIST criteria, the best response was stable disease in seven patients. The pharmacokinetic evaluation revealed a T(1/2) of approximately 7 h and linear kinetics.

CONCLUSIONS

The recommended dose of TZT-1027 for the 3-weekly administration is 2.7 mg/m(2). Neutropenia, fatigue and a reversible peripheral neurotoxic syndrome are dose-limiting with this schedule. TZT-1027 may be associated with neurological side-effects in patients previously exposed to neurotoxic compounds such as oxaliplatin.

Influence of rhTSH on [(18)F]fluorodeoxyglucose uptake by differentiated thyroid carcinoma

The influence of serum TSH levels on fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake by recurrences or metastases of differentiated thyroid carcinomas has not yet been clarified. The aim of this study was to ascertain whether the administration of recombinant human thyrotropin (rhTSH) stimulates FDG uptake by such lesions. In this prospective study, 30 patients with positive or equivocal thyroglobulin (Tg) levels and negative or equivocal iodine-131 and/or morphological imaging results (ultrasound, MRI, CT) underwent FDG positron emission tomography (PET) under exogenous TSH suppression and under exogenous TSH stimulation of serum levels by injection of rhTSH. The mean interval between the FDG-PET studies under these two conditions was 9.3+/-8.8 weeks. Serum TSH levels and free thyroid hormones were determined on each occasion. FDG uptake was quantitated using tumour to background ratios (TBRs) and standardised uptake values (SUVs). Under TSH suppression there was focal FDG accumulation in nine subjects (22 tumour-like lesions). The total number of foci was 45. After exogenous TSH stimulation, the number of patients in whom FDG foci were detected was 19, and the number of foci identified was 82 (78 tumour-like lesions). TBR of regions showing positive FDG contrast with either of the modalities averaged 2.54+/-1.89, and under stimulated TSH levels, 5.51+/-2.99 ( P<0.0001). Corresponding SUVs were 2.05+/-1.45 versus 2.77+/-1.58 ( P<0.001). In a small number ( n=4) of foci related to inflammatory lymph nodes, TBR and SUV were only marginally increased under TSH stimulation (2.01+/-0.38 and 1.07+/-0.38, respectively), and the values did not differ significantly from those obtained under suppression. These results provide the first direct evidence that TSH stimulates FDG uptake by differentiated thyroid carcinoma and that, therefore, FDG-PET is more accurate under rhTSH than under suppression.

Monitoring isotretinoin therapy in thyroid cancer using 18F-FDG PET

Treatment with isotretinoin (13-cis-retinoic acid, 13-cis-RA) is a recent additional option in advanced, otherwise intractable differentiated thyroid cancers. The aim of this study was to evaluate fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG PET) in the prediction and the monitoring of response to 13-cis-RA therapy. Twenty-one patients with advanced differentiated thyroid cancers were investigated using 18F-FDG PET and iodine-131 whole-body scans before and 3, 6 and 9 months after initiation of 13-cis-RA therapy. After 9 months, 13-cis-RA treatment was discontinued and imaging procedures repeated 3 months later. Average 18F-FDG uptake (SUV) decreased significantly during 13-cis-RA therapy but subsequently increased in five of eight patients after withdrawal of 13-cis-RA. 18F-FDG uptake (SUV) 3 months after onset of 13-cis-RA therapy was significantly lower in patients who developed increased 131I uptake in their tumour sites than in patients with no subsequent increase in 131I uptake. There was no relationship between serum thyroglobulin level on the one hand and simultaneously measured 131I or 18F-FDG uptake on the other hand. There was a tendency towards lower 18F-FDG uptake in tumour manifestations with a better outcome. Therefore, 18F-FDG PET at 3 months after the start of treatment promises to differentiate between those patients who will eventually benefit from 13-cis-RA and those who will not. In conclusion, these data indicate that 18F-FDG PET is a useful tool for the evaluation and monitoring of adjuvant therapy with 13-cis-RA in thyroid cancer.

Early thrombolysis inhibits peri-infarct depolarizations in embolic MCA occlusion

Rats submitted to middle cerebral artery (MCA) clot embolism were treated with tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) 1.5 and 3.5 h post-occlusion. Reperfusion patterns were monitored by measuring cortical laser-Doppler flow; the direct current potential was measured to detect peri-infarct depolarizations (PID), a known mechanism of ischemic injury. TPA treatment induced reperfusion in 58% of treated animals that was delayed by 41 +/- 7 min (mean +/- s.e.m.) from treatment onset. The probability of reperfusion did not differ significantly between the two treatment groups. TPA treatment led to a 3-fold reduced frequency of PID if administered early or if successful reperfusion was observed (each p < 0.001). Early thrombolysis inhibits, but does not block, PID as an important mechanism of ischemic injury in embolic stroke.

[1-(11)C]Acetate as a quantitative perfusion tracer in myocardial PET

Our objective was to investigate the properties of [1-(11)C]acetate as a quantitative perfusion tracer for myocardial PET studies.

METHODS

We determined the flow dependence of the effective acetate extraction by a comparison with [(13)N]ammonia in 24 patients at rest (n = 8) and under pharmacologic vasodilation (n = 16). Furthermore, we compared the statistical quality of the perfusion values derived with both tracers. Quantification was based on an irreversible 2-compartment model for [(13)N]ammonia and a reversible 1-compartment model for [1-(11)C]acetate. Area-conserving polar maps were used to determine the correlation between the unidirectional uptake parameters of both tracers on a pixel-by-pixel basis for the whole left ventricular myocardium.

RESULTS

A fit of a generalized Renkin-Crone formula to the data yielded the unidirectional acetate extraction fraction E(f) = 1 - 0.64e(-1.20/f). An extraction correction based on this formula led to good quantitative agreement of perfusion values derived with [(13)N]ammonia and [1-(11)C]acetate over the whole observed flow range (average difference of flow values, 3%; correlation coefficient, 0.96). This agreement proved the applicability of acetate as a quantitative perfusion tracer even under stress conditions. An analysis of the statistical properties of the parameter estimates showed, moreover, that statistical errors were reduced by a factor of nearly 2 in comparison with ammonia.

CONCLUSION

[1-(11)C]acetate allows accurate quantification of myocardial perfusion with PET at rest as well as under stress conditions. The use of acetate leads to distinctly improved statistical accuracy for the perfusion estimates in comparison with ammonia. This accuracy facilitates the generation of reliable parametric polar maps, which are especially useful for clinical application of myocardial perfusion quantification.

[Follow-up of differentiated thyroid cancer patients using rhTSH--preliminary results]

AIM

In the follow-up of patients with advanced stage thyroid cancer radioiodine scintigraphy, F-18-FDG PET and tumormarker hTg using stimulation with recombinant human TSH (rhTSH) were compared to the results of same diagnostic procedures during TSH-suppression or endogenous TSH-stimulation.

METHODS

30 patients were investigated in hypothyroidism and after application of rhTSH regarding the serum hormone concentrations, hTg, radioiodine scans and FGD-PET scans.

RESULTS

Radioiodine avidity and FDG uptake were significantly higher in 7/30 and 3/5 patients, respectively, compared to endogenous stimulation or TSH-suppression. In about one third of patients hTg increased more than 30%.

CONCLUSION

Our preliminary results indicate a sufficient feasibility and sensitivity of rhTSH not only in the follow-up by hTg and radioiodine scan but also in FDG-PET.

Increased resistance to acetaminophen hepatotoxicity in mice lacking glutathione S-transferase Pi

Overdose of acetaminophen, a widely used analgesic drug, can result in severe hepatotoxicity and is often fatal. This toxic reaction is associated with metabolic activation by the P450 system to form a quinoneimine metabolite, N-acetyl-p-benzoquinoneimine (NAPQI), which covalently binds to proteins and other macromolecules to cause cellular damage. At low doses, NAPQI is efficiently detoxified, principally by conjugation with glutathione, a reaction catalyzed in part by the glutathione S-transferases (GST), such as GST Pi. To assess the role of GST in acetaminophen hepatotoxicity, we examined acetaminophen metabolism and liver damage in mice nulled for GstP (GstP1/P2((-/-))). Contrary to our expectations, instead of being more sensitive, GstP null mice were highly resistant to the hepatotoxic effects of this compound. No significant differences between wild-type (GstP1/P2((+/+))) mice and GstP1/P2((-/-)) nulls in either the rate or route of metabolism, particularly to glutathione conjugates, or in the levels of covalent binding of acetaminophen-reactive metabolites to cellular protein were observed. However, although a similar rapid depletion of hepatic reduced glutathione (GSH) was found in both GstP1/P2((+/+)) and GstP1/P2((-/-)) mice, GSH levels only recovered in the GstP1/P2((-/-)) mice. These data demonstrate that GstP does not contribute in vivo to the formation of glutathione conjugates of acetaminophen but plays a novel and unexpected role in the toxicity of this compound. This study identifies new ways in which GST can modulate cellular sensitivity to toxic effects and suggests that the level of GST Pi may be an important and contributing factor in the sensitivity of patients with acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity.

Digital selenium radiography: detection of subtle pulmonary lesions on images acquired with and without an additional antiscatter grid

OBJECTIVE

the objective of this ROC-study was to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of images acquired with a grid in digital selenium radiography compared to that on images obtained with the integrated air gap only.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

seven types of simulated lesions were superimposed onto an anthropomorphic chest phantom. Selenium radiography images were obtained either with or without an additional antiscatter grid. For images acquired with a grid either a similar or increased exposure level was used. Both normal and obese patients were simulated.

RESULTS

When a grid was used with an equivalent detector dose and a higher exposure, diagnostic performance was significantly improved as compared to images obtained with only the air gap. ROC curve areas for mediastinal nodules and catheters were substantially higher for images acquired with a grid and the same exposure level compared to images obtained without a grid. However, detection of linear, net-shaped and reticulonodular structures in peripheral lung regions was significantly worse when a grid was used with an equivalent exposure level. Concerning the interpretation of images obtained from the normal and obese phantom models, no substantial differences were observed.

CONCLUSION

a marked improvement in diagnostic performance could be achieved by means of the use of an additional antiscatter grid and an equivalent detector dose. However, when the same exposure was used, images acquired with the grid allowed a better detection of mediastinal structures although a worse performance was evident in radiolucent lung regions. Therefore, the routine use of a grid without increased exposure is not recommended.

Detection of simulated interstitial lung disease and catheters with selenium, storage phosphor, and film-based radiography

PURPOSE

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of storage phosphor and digital selenium radiography (DSR) with asymmetric and symmetric screen-film systems at different speeds in the detection of simulated interstitial lung disease and catheters.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patterns of simulated interstitial lung disease and catheters were superimposed over an anthropomorphic chest phantom. Hard-copy images were generated at DSR (200-, 400-, and 600-speed), storage phosphor radiography (200- and 400-speed), and asymmetric (400-speed) and symmetric (200- and 400-speed) screen-film imaging. Surface doses were measured, and receiver operating characteristic analyses were performed.

RESULTS

No statistically significant differences were found between the detector systems with the same speeds for each interstitial pattern. Significantly poorer results were found at 600-speed DSR than at 200-speed DSR. Detection of catheters and nodules over high-attenuation areas was significantly worse with the symmetric screen-film system than with the other detectors. The surface dose with the DSR system, without a grid, was about 50% less than that of the other detector systems, with grids, at the same speed.

CONCLUSION

No significant difference was found in the diagnostic performance at DSR, storage phosphor radiography, and film-based radiography for simulated interstitial lung disease at corresponding speeds; there was a reduction in the surface dose of about 50% with the 400-speed DSR system.

Neuroprotection by estrogens in a mouse model of focal cerebral ischemia and in cultured neurons: evidence for a receptor-independent antioxidative mechanism

Estrogens have been suggested for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, including stroke, because of their neuroprotective activities against various neurotoxic stimuli such as glutamate, glucose deprivation, iron, or beta-amyloid. Here, the authors report that 17beta-estradiol (0.3 to 30 mg/kg) and 2-OH-estradiol (0.003 to 30 mg/kg) reduced brain tissue damage after permanent occlusion of the middle cerebral artery in male NMRI mice. In vitro, 17beta-estradiol (1 to 10 micromol/L) and 2-OH-estradiol (0.01 to 1 micromol/L) reduced the percentage of damaged chick embryonic neurons treated with FeSO4. In these primary neurons exposed to FeSO4, the authors also found reactive oxygen species to be diminished after treatment with 17beta-estradiol (1 to 10 micromol/L) or 2-OH-estradiol (0.01 to 10 micromol/L), suggesting a strong antioxidant activity of the estrogens that were used. Neither the neuroprotective effect nor the free radical scavenging properties of the estrogens were influenced by the estrogen receptor antagonist tamoxifen. The authors conclude that estrogens protect neurons against damage by radical scavenging rather than through estrogen receptor activation.

The Influence of Background Music on Task Engagement in Frail, Older Persons in Residential Care

Colmery-O'Neil Veterans Affairs Medical CenterThe purpose of this study was to examine the effects of preferred background music on the engagement of residents of a nursing care facility in therapeutic recreation tasks. Eighteen subjects were assigned to one of two groups and both groups participated in a series of 12 weekly sessions in which the background conditions were randomly ordered. All subjects experienced four sessions each of 10 minutes of (a) silence, (b) preferred background music, and (c) nonpreferred background music. Videotapes were made of all sessions and an observer recorded the number of 30-second time intervals in which each subject was on task. A one-way analysis of variance calculated for frequencies of time intervals for the three conditions revealed no statistically significant differences. It was noted, however, that the therapist tended to prompt more conversations during the preferred music, and when subjects responded they generally dropped their task participation. The investigators concluded that background music may influence the therapists' behaviors which may, in turn, influence responses of their program participants. Further study of the effects of background music on task engagement among care home residents is recommended.

Subtle pulmonary abnormalities: detection on monitors with varying spatial resolutions and maximum luminance levels compared with detection on storage phosphor radiographic hard copies

PURPOSE

The purpose of this receiver operating characteristic study was to compare diagnostic efficacy with images displayed on monitors of varying spatial resolutions and maximum luminance levels to that with storage phosphor radiographic hard copies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seven types of simulated lesions were superimposed onto an anthropomorphic chest phantom. Images were viewed by five radiologists on a 2,560 x 2,048 pixel monitor (maximum luminance, 75 foot-lamberts), on two 1,024 x 1,024 monitors with maximum luminance levels of 25 foot-lamberts and 75 foot-lamberts, respectively, as well as on hard copies. Monitor images were viewed both without and with systematic magnification.

RESULTS

Overall visualization of the lesions was best on hard copies, but visualization on the 2,560 x 2,048 monitor was not found to be substantially different. Lines, reticular opacifications, and catheters were found to be particularly poorly visualized with the 1,024 x 1,024 monitor. These results could be statistically significantly improved only with a systematic magnification; however, this involved a considerable increase in viewing time. Observer performance was markedly inferior with the 1,024 x 1,024 monitor with the lower luminance.

CONCLUSION

Diagnostic performance with a 1,024 x 1,024 monitor is statistically significantly inferior to that with hard copies. A statistically significant improvement can be achieved with a high-resolution 2,560 x 2,048 monitor with a maximum luminance of 75 foot-lamberts.

[Unilateral pulmonary vein atresia in early adulthood]

Unilateral pulmonary vein atresia is a rare condition in adults that may cause serious diagnostic problems because of unspecific clinical findings. A 28-year old female patient is described who presented with signs of recurrent pulmonary embolism with shortness of breathing, unilateral thoracic pain and several episodes of haemoptysis. Ventilation and perfusion scans showed a total lack of perfusion in the right lung with only slight disturbance of ventilation. However, no marked increase of pulmonary artery pressure and no signs of a recent thrombosis of peripheral veins were found. Transoesophageal echocardiography and pulmonary angiography in combination with aortography revealed the diagnosis of unilateral pulmonary vein atresia with abnormal branches of bronchial arteries. There is a considerably left-to-right shunt with return of flow from the bronchial arteries to the right and afterwards to the left pulmonary artery. Clinical, radiological and nuclear medical findings as well as therapeutical options are described.

Five-year results of single-incision arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with patellar tendon autograft

We performed a retrospective study on 80 patients who underwent single-incision arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with patellar tendon autograft and interference fit screw fixation in 1989. Twelve patients were lost to followup, allowing a clinical assessment of 68 patients to be conducted by independent examiners at 1 and 5 years after surgery, with radiographic assessment at 5 years. Thirty-three patients had chronic anterior cruciate ligament-deficient knees. Three patients reruptured their grafts during sports at 29, 48, and 56 months. At 5 years, 64 patients (98%) had grade 0 or 1 Lachman and pivot shift tests with manual stability testing. Fifty patients (77%) were participating in level I or II activities according to the International Knee Documentation Committee scale. Twenty-nine patients (45%) experienced low levels of pain when performing at their highest activity level. Five (8%) had thigh atrophy greater than 1 cm, and three (5%) had an extension loss of more than 3 degrees. Eleven patients (17%) had tenderness over the graft site when kneeling. Fifteen of 62 patients (24%) had degenerative changes on radiographs, and this was more common in patients with chronic anterior cruciate ligament-deficient knees. Fifty-two patients (80%) had normal or nearly normal knees according to the overall International Knee Documentation Committee score.

Arthroscopic posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using four-strand hamstring tendon graft and interference screws

We describe an arthroscopic technique for reconstruction of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) using a four-strand hamstring tendon graft. The femoral tunnel is drilled via the anterolateral portal and the tibial tunnel through the skin incision from the graft harvest. The graft is pulled through the tunnels with pullout sutures and fastened with interference screws. The results to date are good and the procedure can often be performed as day surgery.

Transfusion of platelet-rich plasma from the organ donor during cardiac transplantation

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether transfusion of platelet-rich plasma from the organ donor during cardiac transplantation can influence the amount of the needed homologous blood products.

DESIGN

Randomized, controlled study.

SETTING

University hospital.

PATIENTS

16 ASA physical status III patients undergoing orthotopic cardiac transplantation.

INTERVENTIONS

Eight patients received donor plasma, while another 8 patients served as a control group. Blood from the organ donor was acquired during cardiac explantation. Thereafter platelet-rich plasma was separated by plasmapheresis (2400 turns per minute). The plasma was then transfused to the organ recipient at the end of the cardiac transplantation. The control group received a similar amount of albumin 5%.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

In the patients who received donor plasma, the platelet count increased significantly from 98,000 +/- 49,000 mm-3 to 123,000 +/- 55,000 mm-3, the postoperative requirement of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) was 5.8 +/- 4.5 units, which was significantly lower as compared to the control group (10.8 +/- 5.9 units).

CONCLUSIONS

Transfusion of platelet-rich plasma from the organ donor to the recipient was confirmed to be feasible, the number of postoperatively transfused PRBCs was reduced.

Empirical approaches for the investigation of toxicant-induced loss of tolerance

It has been hypothesized that sensitivity to low-level chemical exposures develops in two steps: initiation by an acute or chronic chemical exposure, followed by triggering of symptoms by low levels of previously tolerated chemical inhalants, foods, or drugs. The Working Group on Toxicant-induced Loss of Tolerance has formulated a series of research questions to test this hypothesis: Do some individuals experience sensitivity to chemicals at levels of exposure unexplained by classical toxicological thresholds and dose-response relationships, and outside normally expected variation in the population? Do chemically sensitive subjects exhibit masking that may interfere with the reproducibility of their responses to chemical challenges? Does chemical sensitivity develop because of acute, intermittent, or continuous exposure to certain substances? If so, what substances are most likely to initiate this process? An experimental approach for testing directly the relationship between patients' reported symptoms and specific exposures was outlined in response to the first question, which was felt to be a key question. Double-blind, placebo-controlled challenges performed in an environmentally controlled hospital facility (environmental medical unit) coupled with rigorous documentation of both objective and subjective responses are necessary to answer this question and to help elucidate the nature and origins of chemical sensitivity.

Visual contrast sensitivity deficits in Bohemian children

Visual contrast sensitivity (VCS) tests have been used successfully in medical diagnosis and subclinical neurotoxicity detection. This paper reports VCS measurements in three studies of children in the Czech Republic. Study 1 compared children in standard schools and schools for the learning disabled. Studies 2 and 3 compared children in Teplice, an area in which soft-brown coal combustion produced high levels of pollutants (e.g. Hg, As, SO2, NOx, and aromatic hydrocarbons), with children in areas of low air pollution, Znojmo and/or Prachatice. It was hypothesized that in utero exposure to the combustion products disrupted neurological development (Sram, 1991). The VCS test (Stereo Optical Co.) consisted of circular fields containing sinusoidal gratings at 5 spatial frequencies (1.5-18 cycles/degree) and various levels of contrast. Subjects indicated orientation of the gratings by pointing left, up, or right. Visual acuity and VCS were measured in each eye of 74 children in Study 1,327 second-grade children in Study 2, and 426 fourth-grade children in Study 3. Hair samples were collected in Studies 2 and 3 analyzed for Hg and As content. Children attending schools for the learning disabled scored significantly lower than controls on VCS, whereas visual acuity was normal. The deficit was greatest at mid- to high spatial frequency. In Study 2, significant VCS deficits were seen in exposed second-grade children at low to mid-spatial frequency, even though visual acuity was slightly above control level. Regression analyses showed that VCS had no relationship to As, but a significant negative correlation with hair Hg was observed in the exposed district. However, current Hg levels were higher in Prachatice. VCS deficits were not observed in the fourth-grade students of Teplice in Study 3. The results of Study 1 indicated that behavioral VCS testing in field studies is practical in young, non-English speaking children, and suggested that vision may be compromised in learning-disabled children. Studies 2 and 3 indicated that at these levels, current Hg body-burdens are poor predictors of VCS. If the VCS deficits seen in Study 2 were related to prenatal exposures, the results of Study 3 suggest that they represent a developmental delay. A longitudinal-study design is needed to address this issue.

Hypothermia accompanied by noncardiogenic pulmonary edema: a case report

The combination of severe hypothermia and noncardiogenic pulmonary edema secondary to an opiate overdose is presented. This case emphasizes the importance of ventilatory support and rewarming techniques available in the emergency department setting.

Teplice program--the impact of air pollution on human health

The aim of the Teplice Program is to investigate and assess the impact of air pollution on the health of the population in the district of Teplice, Czech Republic. Characterization of the air pollutants demonstrated unusually high concentrations during winter inversions of fine particles dominated by acidic sulfates, genotoxic organic compounds, and toxic trace elements. The major source of airborne fine particles is the burning of coal for heating and power. Human exposure and biomarker studies demonstrated large seasonal variations in air pollution within the Teplice District and higher seasonal average pollution levels than the comparative district, Prachatice. Personal exposures to fine particles and organic carcinogens [e.g., polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH)] were correlated with excretion of PAH metabolites in urine, several trace metals in blood, and DNA adducts in white blood cells. Respiratory and neurobehavioral studies of school children were conducted using questionnaires and clinical measures. A significantly higher prevalence of adverse respiratory symptoms and decreased lung function were found in the Teplice district than in Prachatice. The neurobehavioral studies indicated significantly higher teacher referrals for clinical assessment in Teplice, but the majority of objective performance measures did not differ. Reproductive studies were conducted in both males and females. A study of the effects of exposure on pregnancy and birth found an excess prevalence of low birth weight and premature births in Teplice; these adverse effects were more common in infants conceived in the winter and whose mothers were smokers. Based on questionnaires and medical examination, the reproductive development of young men was not different between districts and seasons, however, measures of semen quality suggest that exposure to high levels of air pollution are associated with transient decrements in semen quality.

Lymph node biopsy as an aid in the diagnosis of intracranial tuberculosis

This report describes five patients with intracranial tuberculosis (TB): four with tuberculous meningitis and one with intracranial tuberculomas. In all cases the diagnosis was confirmed by excision biopsy of an enlarged cervical or axillary lymph node. The biopsies showed caseating granulomas and acid fast bacilli, confirming the diagnosis of TB within 48 h of admission. Lymphnode biopsies may be an effective and practical aid in diagnosing intracranial TB.

Influence of ascites on the chemotaxis of granulocytes in patients with cirrhosis

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis is a specific infectious complication in liver cirrhosis. The reasons for the preferred location of infection on the peritoneum are not clear. The aims of the present study were to ascertain whether hepatogenic ascites fluid is chemotactically effective, what part is played by complement factor C3 and whether there are inhibitors of chemotaxis in ascites. Chemotaxis of granulocytes in serum and ascites fluid was measured in 18 patients with cirrhosis and ascites and in 18 healthy individuals using the Boyden chamber method. In the patients, the chemotactic effect of serum was reduced significantly. Ascites fluid had lower chemotactic activity than autologous serum (P < 0.01), directly correlated to C3 levels (P < 0.025). There was a significant correlation between chemotaxis in serum and in ascites fluid (P < 0.005). Adding ascites fluid to serum led to reduction of chemotactic activity only in the patients (P < 0.025). In conclusion, the chemotactic effect of ascites fluid is considerably lower than that of serum and is proportional to local concentrations of C3. Chemotaxis-inhibiting factors can also be identified in ascites fluid, their pathogenetic relevance being limited.

FGF-2 in the MPTP model of Parkinson's disease: effects on astroglial cells

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) is synthesized and stored by astroglial cells and regulates their proliferation and differentiation in vitro. Its implication in the transformation of quiescent astrocytes into reactive astroglia has been discussed. Using a mouse model of Parkinson's disease, in which FGF-2 has been shown to exert marked neuroprotection of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons, we have studied striatal levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), an established marker for astrocytes, and the distribution and morphologies of GFAP-immunoreactive cells following treatments with the neurotoxic drug 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), the growth factor FGF-2, and the non-trophic control protein cytochrome C (cyt C). Systemic injections of MPTP (30 mg/kg) on 3 consecutive days, which we have previously shown to cause profound and long-lasting damage to the nigrostriatal system, induced an approximate 20% transient increase in striatal GFAP, determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), 1 day after the final MPTP injection (= day 4), with subsequent normalization at day 7, which lasted until the end of the experiment (day 18). Morphologically, MPTP elicited a marked increase in number, size, arborization, and stainability of GFAP-immunoreactive cells at day 4 in a striatal area adjacent to the corpus callosum, which was evaluated throughout all experiments. Even on day 18, astrocytes were still apparently larger and more branched than in unlesioned controls. Administration of 4 micrograms of either FGF-2 or cyt C (soaked into a piece of Gelfoam unilaterally to the right striatum in either MPTP- or saline-injected controls) increased striatal GFAP levels bilaterally about 2- to 2.5-fold at 14 days, when FGF-2 showed marked protection of dopaminergic parameters. Likewise, GFAP immunocytochemistry revealed increased numbers of intensely immunoreactive astrocytes under any experimental situation. Differences in the morphologies of astrocytes in FGF-2- and cyt C-treated animals were very subtle and only noted at greater distances away from the site of application of the factors. We conclude that FGF-2, a potent neurotrophic factor for the neurotoxically lesioned nigrostriatal system, does not cause a marked astrogliotic reaction, which might be expected from previous in vitro and in vivo studies in other neural systems. This may limit concerns regarding potential applicability of FGF-2 to the parkinsonian striatum.

FGF-2 modulates dopamine and dopamine-related striatal transmitter systems in the intact and MPTP-lesioned mouse

Following a previous study in which we showed ameliorative effects of basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) locally applied to the nigrostriatal system in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-lesioned mice, we investigated FGF-2 actions at different time intervals after the lesion and effects on non-dopaminergic striatal transmitter systems. A triple intraperitoneal injection of 30 mg/kg MPTP at 24 h intervals caused a reduction of striatal dopamine to 23% of control levels that lasted for at least 4 weeks. Four micrograms FGF-2 soaked into gel foam and placed onto the right striatum partially and bilaterally restored dopamine levels and tyrosine hydroxylase activity after 2 weeks, when the treatment started simultaneously or 1 day after the toxin lesion. FGF-2 was ineffective, if administration commenced with a delay of 7 days. Striatal neurotransmitters that are known to be linked to the dopaminergic system were also altered by the MPTP treatment. GABA was significantly increased, while somatostatin levels were reduced. Upon FGF-2 administration both GABA and somatostatin levels were partially normalized. Our data are consistent with the notion that FGF-2 protects and rescues acutely and subacutely MPTP-lesioned nigrostriatal neurons and that its effects must be mainly indirect. Likewise, positive effects of FGF-2 on non-dopaminergic neurons may be due to the partial restoration of striatal dopamine.

FGF-2-mediated protection of cultured mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons against MPTP and MPP+: specificity and impact of culture conditions, non-dopaminergic neurons, and astroglial cells

The protective role of basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) for 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)- and methylpyridiniumion (MPP+)-lesioned dopaminergic (DAergic) nigrostriatal neurons was studied, using dissociated cell cultures of embryonic day (E) 14 rat mesencephalon. Cells were grown in different culture media and received FGF-2 (5 ng/ml) and/or the toxins (5 microM) at various schedules, but were consistently allowed to differentiate for 3 days prior to becoming exposed to the toxin. Survival of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-immunoreactive cells at 7 days was only markedly impaired by MPTP, if horse serum (HS) or bovine serum albumin (BSA) were omitted from the culture medium. FGF-2 increased the number of TH-immunoreactive cells, and this increase was not diminished by MPTP under any culture condition. Uptake of 3H-DA was significantly reduced by MPTP in HS- and BSA-containing, but not in protein-less cultures. A protective effect by FGF-2 was only seen in the presence of BSA. MPP+ caused a more pronounced reduction in 3H-DA uptake than MPTP, and this effect was partially reversed by the addition of FGF-2, unless cultures contained HS. Neurofilament protein (NF), and indirect measure for the total number of neurons present in the cultures, was not significantly reduced by MPTP or MPP+ corroborating the specificity of the toxin for DAergic neurons, which constitute only a minor fraction in these cultures. In line with the wide spectrum of target neurons of FGF-2, this factor significantly increased NF contents under any culture condition. Quantification of the amounts of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) revealed stimulatory effects of FGF-2 (2.5- to 4-fold) and at least 10-fold higher levels in the presence as compared to the absence of HS. These data show that FGF-2 can protect DAergic neurons against MPTP- and MPP(+)-mediated damage. However, the effects of the toxins as well as of FGF-2 are partially dependent on culture conditions. Variations in the effectiveness of toxins and FGF-2 are not overtly related to the total numbers of neurons or astroglial cells, but may reflect culture type-dependent alterations of neuronal and glial metabolism.

Lead and minor hearing impairment

We examined data recorded for 3,545 subjects aged 6-19 y who participated in the Hispanic Health and Nutrition Survey. We sought to confirm a relationship between blood lead levels and elevated hearing thresholds that we previously reported in a similar study in which data from the Second National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey was used. Lead was associated with an increased risk of hearing thresholds that were elevated above the standard reference level at all four frequencies (i.e., 500 Hz, 1,000 Hz, 2,000 Hz, and 4,000 Hz). Lead was also associated with hearing thresholds when they were treated as a continuous outcome. The relationships appeared to continue at blood lead levels less than 10 micrograms/dl. An increase in blood lead, from 6 micrograms/dl to 18 micrograms/dl, was associated with a 2-dB loss in hearing at all frequencies, and an additional 15% of children had hearing thresholds that were below the standard at 2,000 Hz.

Neurobehavioral and sensory irritant effects of controlled exposure to a complex mixture of volatile organic compounds

Subjective reactions of discomfort, impaired air quality, irritation of mucosal membranes, and impaired memory have been reported in chemically sensitive subjects during exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in new buildings. Sixty-six normal healthy male subjects aged 18-39 were exposed for 2.75 hr to a complex VOC mixture at 0 and 25 mg/m3. Each subject completed control and exposure sessions at one-week intervals in counterbalanced order. Measurements included comfort ratings of eye, nose and throat irritation, symptom questionnaire and computerized behavioral tests. Subjects found the odor of VOCs unpleasantly strong and reported that VOC exposure degraded air quality, increased headache and produced general discomfort. VOC exposure did not affect performance on any behavioral tests.

Basic FGF reverses chemical and morphological deficits in the nigrostriatal system of MPTP-treated mice

The specific mechanisms underlying the restorative effects of adrenal chromaffin grafts in experimental parkinsonism are still obscure. Recent findings indicated an involvement of graft-induced trophic interactions in the course of recovery-related events. Evidence that basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), a potent trophic protein for neurons, (1) is present in chromaffin cells (Blottner et al., 1989) and (2) exerts trophic activities on embryonic mesencephalic neurons in vitro (Ferrari et al., 1989) provided the rationale for administering bFGF in gel foam implants unilaterally to the striatum of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) lesioned mice. Simultaneous bFGF/MPTP treatment diminished bilaterally the reduction of striatal dopamine (DA) levels observed in cytochrome c/MPTP-treated mice and led to an ipsilateral reappearance of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-like immunoreactive fibers, most notably adjacent to the implant, 2 weeks after the surgery. Determinations of TH activities and TH immunoblotting demonstrated that bFGF almost fully reversed the loss of TH activity on either side but restored TH protein more on the ipsilateral than on the contralateral side. Furthermore, differences in dihydroxyphenylacetic acid levels, which were about twice as high on the contralateral side yet still reduced with respect to untreated mice, supported our assumption that the molar TH activity was increased on the untreated side, possibly due to an intrinsic compensatory up-regulation. Delayed administration of bFGF starting 8 d after the MPTP treatment was equally effective with regard to morphological parameters. Our results suggest that bFGF partially prevents the deleterious chemical and morphological consequences of an MPTP-mediated nigrostriatal lesion. Thus, bFGF mimics at least the morphological effects of chromaffin cell grafts to the MPTP-lesioned brain.

A role of basic fibroblast growth factor for rat septal neurons

The in vitro and in vivo relevance of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) for rat septal neurons was studied and compared with the effects of nerve growth factor (NGF). Implantation of gel foam soaked with saline, NGF or bFGF following fimbria fornix (FF) transection in adult rats showed that after 4 weeks the neuronal death in the medial septum of saline-treated rats (87% as compared to the unlesioned side) was reduced by NGF- or bFGF-treatment (NGF 0.3 micrograms: 71%; NGF 20 micrograms: 54%; bFGF 8 micrograms: 68%). These results indicate that both NGF and bFGF are able to sustain neurons in the medial septum after FF transection. Moreover, choline acetyltransferase (ChAT)-immunocytochemistry revealed that rescued neurons comprise a large proportion of the cholinergic population. In cultured embryonic rat septal neurons seeded at high densities both NGF and bFGF significantly enhanced ChAT activity (7.5- and 3-fold, respectively) without affecting cell survival. In low density cultures both neurotrophic proteins increased the survival after 4 days. The portions of cholinergic and GABAergic neurons did not change after NGF- and bFGF-treatment (acetylcholinesterase cytochemistry, anti-GABA immunocytochemistry). These results show that i) NGF and bFGF promote survival of embryonic septal cholinergic and GABAergic neurons and may enhance ChAT activity, and ii) bFGF is a potent trophic factor for septal neurons in vivo and in vitro.

Basic fibroblast growth factor and nerve growth factor administered in gel foam rescue medial septal neurons after fimbria fornix transection

Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) recently has been established as a survival- and transmitter-promoting neurotrophic agent for embryonic neurons in vitro. Its local application to lesioned adult optic and sciatic nerves has been shown to rescue axotomized retinal and sensory neurons that otherwise die. Following transection of the fimbria fornix pathway connecting the medial septum (MS) to the hippocampus, MS neurons undergo severe cell death, which can be prevented partially by infusion of nerve growth factor (NGF). In the same lesion paradigm, we find that 87% of these neurons visualized by cresyl-violet staining have disappeared by 4 weeks after unilateral fimbria fornix transection in adult rats. Implantation of gel foam soaked with 8 micrograms bFGF reduced neuron death to 68%. A similar rescue effect was seen with 0.3 microgram NGF. NGF administered at 20 micrograms reduced cell losses to 54%. Thus, bFGF rescued 22% and NGF at 20 micrograms 38% of the neurons that otherwise would have died. Choline acetyltransferase immunocytochemistry revealed dramatic losses of cholinergic neurons on the lesioned, compared with the unlesioned, side. Cholinergic neuron death was clearly reduced by the bFGF and NGF treatments. Basic FGF, in contrast to NGF, did not prevent a reduction in size of surviving neuronal cell bodies. Considered in the context of FGF being present in brain and hippocampal neurons, our results suggest a possible role for FGF as a neurotrophic factor for CNS neurons in vivo.

Basic fibroblast growth factor promotes in vitro survival and cholinergic development of rat septal neurons: comparison with the effects of nerve growth factor

The effects of basic fibroblast growth factor and nerve growth factor on survival and transmitter expression of cultured rat embryonic (E18) septal neurons were studied. Two different culture media were used: (i) a horse serum-containing Leibowitz L-15 medium and (ii) a serum-free N1-supplemented Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium. Addition of basic fibroblast growth factor to either culture medium enhanced neuronal survival in low density cultures after 4 days. The effects of basic fibroblast growth factor were dose-dependent and blocked by anti-basic fibroblast growth factor antibodies. In serum-containing L-15 medium nerve growth factor also promoted neuronal survival. Basic fibroblast growth factor and nerve growth factor supported neurons comprised both cholinergic and GABAergic subpopulations. The effects of basic fibroblast growth factor and nerve growth factor were not additive. In high density cultures using serum-containing L-15 medium survival of septal neurons was four times higher than in low density cultures after 4 days. Addition of basic fibroblast growth factor or nerve growth factor did not further augment neuronal survival in high density cultures. Maintenance of septal neurons at high density was not affected by antibodies to basic fibroblast growth factor and/or nerve growth factor. Addition of basic fibroblast growth factor or nerve growth factor to serum-containing L-15 medium at high cell density significantly enhanced choline acetyltransferase activity 3- and 7.5-fold, respectively, without affecting cell survival. In conclusion, next to nerve growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, which has been located in the hippocampal target area of septal neurons, appears to be another potent trophic factor for septal neurons.

Electrophysiological measures of visual and auditory function as indices of neurotoxicity

The application of auditory and visual evoked potentials (VEP) to neurotoxicity testing of humans and animals is reviewed. VEPs elicited by flash, reversing-checkerboard patterns, and sine wave grating are described. The flask evoked potential in rats is altered by exposure to many heavy metals, pesticides and solvents. The brainstem auditory evoked potential also appears to be sensitive to neurotoxic chemicals, but the evidence available is limited. The homology of auditory and visual evoked potentials in rats and humans is useful for cross-species extrapolation in neurotoxicology research.