Monte Carlo implementation of a Gaussian plume model for submersion dose calculation at short downwind distances.

In this article, the submersion dose due to a radioactive cloud of pollutants was evaluated at short downwind distances from an emission stack. The atmospheric transport of contaminants was modelled using the Gaussian plume model (GPM). The algorithm for dose computation and its hypotheses were analysed.

Altered gravity modulates prostaglandin H synthase in human K562 cells.

In this study, we extended our previous observations on the effects of altered gravity on the "lipoxygenase pathway", by ascertain the possible role of the force of gravity in modulating the activity and expression of PHS in human erythro-leukemia K562 cells.

Ethanol exposure inhibits the cytotoxic effect induced by gp120 in CHP100 human neuroblastoma cells.

The aim of present study was to investigate the acute effects of ethanol on cytotoxicity induced by HIV-1 coat protein gp120 in CHP100 human neuroblastoma cell line. We demonstrate that ethanol, within a range of clinically relevant concentrations (15-90 mM) prevents cell death elicited by gp120 (10 pM) in a dose dependent manner. This protective action seems to be mediated by a reduction of free intracellular Ca(2+) levels because ethanol, at concentrations ranging from 0.

Anandamide induces apoptosis in human cells via vanilloid receptors. Evidence for a protective role of cannabinoid receptors.

The endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA) is shown to induce apoptotic bodies formation and DNA fragmentation, hallmarks of programmed cell death, in human neuroblastoma CHP100 and lymphoma U937 cells. RNA and protein synthesis inhibitors like actinomycin D and cycloheximide reduced to one-fifth the number of apoptotic bodies induced by AEA, whereas the AEA transporter inhibitor AM404 or the AEA hydrolase inhibitor ATFMK significantly increased the number of dying cells. Furthermore, specific antagonists of cannabinoid or vanilloid receptors potentiated or inhibited cell death induced by AEA, respectively.

Anandamide uptake by human endothelial cells and its regulation by nitric oxide.

Anandamide (AEA) has vasodilator activity, which can be terminated by cellular re-uptake and degradation. Here we investigated the presence and regulation of the AEA transporter in human umbelical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). HUVECs take up AEA by facilitated transport (apparent K(m) = 190 +/- 10 nm and V(max) = 45 +/- 3 pmol.