Comparative neuroanatomy of the lumbosacral spinal cord of the rat, cat, pig, monkey, and human.

The overall goal of this work was to create a high-resolution MRI atlas of the lumbosacral enlargement of the spinal cord of the rat (Sprague-Dawley), cat, domestic pig, rhesus monkey, and human. These species were chosen because they are commonly used in basic and translational research in spinal cord injuries and diseases. Six spinal cord specimens from each of the studied species (total of 30 specimens) were fixed, extracted, and imaged. Sizes of the spinal cord segments, cross-sectional dimensions, and locations of the spinal cord gray and white matter were quantified and compared across species. The lumbar enlargement spans spinal cord levels L3-S1 in rats, L4-S1 in cats, L3-S1 in pigs, L2/L3-L7/S1 in monkeys, and T12/L1-S1/S2 in humans. The enlargements in pigs and humans are largest and most similar in size (length and cross-sectional area); followed by monkeys and cats; and followed by rats. The obtained atlas establishes a neuroanatomical reference for the intact lumbosacral spinal cord in these species. It can also be used to guide the planning of surgical procedures of the spinal cord and technology design and development of spinal cord neuroprostheses, as well as precise delivery of cells/drugs into target regions within the spinal cord parenchyma.

Adsorption of Cu2+ Ions from Aqueous Solutions on Nano-Titanate Engelhard Titanosilicate-2 (ETS-2).

Adsorption of Cu2+ ions from aqueous solutions is an increasingly important problem. Nano-titanate ETS-2 (Engelhard Titanosilicate-2) was studied for Cu2+ removal from aqueous solutions through the batch technique at room temperature. Structural and chemical properties of both ETS-2 sorbent and aqueous solution were studied by different characterization tests such as Thermogravimetric Analysis, Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and Inductively Coupled Plasma measuremen. Copper adsorption capacity was found to increase upon raising the contact time or the pH of the solution. The maximum uptake of Cu2+ (99.9%) by ETS-2 occurred at pH of 6.7 and 30 min of contact time. The Cu2+ removal capacity of ETS-2 was found to be 53.58 mg/g at pH = 5.16, which improved to 54.02 mg/g, when rising the contact time to 90 min. Chemical properties of ETS-2 indicated that ETS-2 surface possessed sodium exchange sites making it a favourable sorbent for metal exchange.