This rendered image of the brain via a technique called diffusion tractography reveals parts of the brain’s white matter in a compilation of WTC responders experiencing cognitive impairment (CT). These areas depicted by various colors illustrate where the brain is more vulnerable to neurodegenerative processes. The different colors represent differences in the heath of various parts of the brain including the limbic system. Credit: Chuan Huang
Stony Brook-led imaging study sheds light on PTSD-associated mental decline
A study that assessed the brains of 99 World Trade Center (WTC) responders by using diffusion tractography, a 3-D imaging technique, showed that WTC responders with cognitive impairment (CI), a possible sign of dementia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), have a different presentation of the white matter in their brains compared to responders with CI without PTSD. Led by researchers at Stony Brook University affiliated with the Stony Brook WTC Health and Wellness Program, the study suggests a specific form of dementia could be affecting WTC responders who also have PTSD. The findings are published early online in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease.
According to the authors, this is the first study to examine white matter alterations using connectometry in a sample of WTC responders in mid-life (average age: 56) with and without concurrent PTSD. The goal of the study was to examine and elucidate the extent to which white matter tract integrity might be impaired in WTC responders with CI and/or PTSD. Previously, the researchers had identified changes in white matter diffusivity in small numbers of responder patients.
“Our findings are by no means conclusive in terms of defining CI or dementia in WTC responders, and if this study provides evidence of a new form of dementia emerging,” says Sean Clouston, PhD, lead author and Associate Professor in the Program in Public Health, and in the Department of Family, Population, and Preventive Medicine at Stony Brook University.
“Overall, the study supports the view that responders with CI have neurological changes consistent with neurodegenerative disease, but they are inconclusive as to the type of disease,” he adds. “Our findings do show that dementia due to PTSD is clearly different from non-PTSD dementia in this responder population.”
Subjects in the study were matched by age, gender, occupation, race and education. Cognitive status was determined by using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and PTSD status was determined by using the Diagnostics and Statistics Manual-IV. The researchers used diffusion tensor imaging via a mMR scanner, and they used connectometry to examine whole-brain tract level differences in white matter integrity as reflected by fractional anistrophy (FA) values.
In summary, the team found that FA was negatively correlated with CI and PTSD status in the fornix, cingulum, forceps minor of the corpus callosum, and the right uncinate fasciculus. Additionally, FA was negatively correlated with PTSD status, regardless of the CI status in the superior thalamic radiation and the cerebellum.
The authors conclude that the brain imaging results “suggest that WTC responders with early-onset CI may be experiencing an early neurodegenerative process characterized by decreased FA in white matter tracts.”
The technique and other findings
Clouston and colleagues used the imaging technique diffusion tractography to examine how healthy axons are in the brain’s white matter. The technique helped to determine that responders with CI had signatures in their white matter that did not match patterns seen in old-age Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementias.
By using the imaging technique, they also compared responders with PTSD and dementia to those with dementia but without PTSD. The imaging revealed a lot of similarities between the groups but also showed a remarkable difference in the white matter of those with PTSD and dementia – showing evidence of cerebellar atrophy, a finding that is inconsistent with other studies of dementia.
The research for the study was supported in part by the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute on Aging (grant # R01AG049953), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (grant # U010H011314) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, NIOSH, (grant # 200-2011-39361).
TURTLE TIME: Erik's Reptile Edventures will be at The Shoppes at East Wind's Family Fun Day event this weekend!
PROGRAMS
Intro to Fishing Clinic
Join the staff at Caleb Smith State Park Preserve for an Intro to Fishing Clinic at scenic Willow Pond on Aug. 27 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. for a children’s introduction to catch and release fishing. Discover the different types of fishing poles, tackle, and bait, and which is best to use in a fresh water pond. View casting demonstrations and a lesson on the different types of fish that make Willow Pond their home. Then stay for some catch and release fishing! Poles, tackle, and bait will be provided. For children under age 15. $4 per child. Advance registration required by calling 265-1054.
Family Fun Day
The Shoppes at East Wind, 5768 Route 25A, Wading River host a Family Fun Day on Aug. 27 and 28 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wait, summer’s not over yet! As you gear up for the next school year, let’s end the summer with an awesome time for the entire family.witn music and games, face painting, a bounce house, Erik’s Reptile Edventures, crafts and much more! $20 per child at the door includes all activities (except carousel); parents are free with paying child. Questions? Call 846-2370.
Nature Discovery
Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, King Parkpresents a Tiny Tots program for children ages 3 to 5 titled Nature Discovery on Sept. 1 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. The program will connect children and their parents with nature through short walks, animal visitors, and crafts. . $4 per child. Call 269-4333 to register.
Build a Pirate Ship
Shiver me Tuesdays! The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor presents aPirate Ship Workshop every Tuesday in August from 2 to 4 p.m. Adults and kids can design and build a unique pirate ship model from a variety of wooden materials and more during this drop-in program. Complete your craft with a Jolly Roger! Bring your imagination. Kids, bring your adults for supervision. Admission + $10 participant. Questions? Call 367-3418.
FILM
Disney’s ‘Moana’
The 5th annual Farmingville Flicks Movie Series concludes with Disney’s Moana on Aug. 25 at the Local Church, 1070 Portion Road, Farmingville at dusk. Presented by Farmingville Hills Chamber of Commerce and Sachem Public Library. Bring seating. Free but registration is required by visiting www.farmingvillechamber.com.
‘Princess Mononoke’
The Cinema Arts Cenre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema For Kids series with a screening of Princess Mononoke on Aug. 28 at noon. Inflicted with a deadly curse, the young warrior Ashitaka heads west in search of a cure. There, he stumbles into a bitter conflict between Lady Eboshi, the proud people of Iron Town, and the enigmatic Princess Mononoke, a young girl raised by wolves, who will stop at nothing to prevent the humans from destroying her home and the forest spirits and animal gods who live there. Featuring the voice talents of Gillian Anderson, Billy Crudup, Claire Danes, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Billy Bob Thornton. Tickets are $12 adults, $5 children. Call 423-7610 for more information.
THEATER
‘Knuffle Bunny’
From Aug. 5 to Sept. 3, the Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 East Main St., Smihtown will present Mo Willems’ Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical from Aug. 5 to Sept. 3. Trixie, her father, and her favorite stuffed bunny set off on a trip to the laundromat. The trip brings wonder, excitement and joy to the lively toddler until she realizes that she has lost Knuffle Bunny. Filled with adventure, song and dancing laundry, it’s the perfect show for a family-friendly outing! Tickets are $18. To order, visit www.smithtownpac.org.
‘Junie B. Jones The Musical’
Children’s theater continues at the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport with Junie B. Jones The Musical from July 23 to Aug. 28. Sneak a peek into the “Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal” of the outspoken and lovable Junie B. Jones! Based on the top selling children’s book series, this upbeat musical follows the spunky Junie as she navigates through the ups and downs of her first day of 1st grade. All seats are $20. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
END OF SUMMER FUN
The Port Jefferson Greek Festival kicks off tonight, Aug. 25, at 5 p.m.
File photo by Kyle Barr/TBR News Media
Thursday August 25
Summer Thursdays at the LIM
See off summer with the Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook at its last Summer Thursday event from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Bring a picnic basket, a blanket, and a friend and enjoy the grounds of the museum after hours with music by Pirates of the Snowy Terminal Moraine. Free. Visit www.longislandmuseum.org for more info.
Historic Walking Tour & Pub Crawl
The Huntington Historical Society hosts a Historic Walking Tour & Pub Crawl beginning at the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Building, Main Street, Huntington at 6 p.m. Led by Town of Huntington Historian, Robert C. Hughes, this walking tour will guide you through the notable buildings and events in the history of Huntington Village. Along the way participants will stop at local establishments, (with a great history or in a historic building) to enjoy some refreshment before continuing the tour. $25 per person, $20 members (drinks not included). To register, call 427-7045 or visit www.huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org.
Port Jefferson Greek Festival
Opa! Greek Church of the Assumption, 430 Sheep Pasture Road, Port Jefferson presents its annual Greek Festival today from 5 to 10 p.m., Aug. 26 from 5 to 11 p.m., Aug. 27 from noon to 11 p.m. and Aug. 28 from noon to 10 p.m. with vendors, authentic Greek delights, dancing, music, carnival rides, church tour and giant raffle. Fireworks on Aug. 26 and 27 (weather permitting), raffle drawing on Aug. 28 at 8 p.m. $2 per person, free for children under 12. For more information, call 473-0894 or visit www.portjeffgreekfest.com.
Holbrook Carnival
Join the Holbrook Chamber of Commerce for its annual Carnival & Festival on the grounds of the Holbrook Country Club, 700 Patchogue-Holbrook Road, Holbrook tonight and Aug. 26 from 6 to 11 p.m., and Aug. 27 and 28 from 2 to 11 p.m. Games, food, rides, craft vendors, entertainment and fireworks (on Aug. 27). For more info, call 471-2725.
Harborside Concerts
The Village of Port Jefferson concludes its free Harborside Concert series with a special performance by The Hit Men (classic rock) at the Port Jefferson Ferry Dock, 102 West Broadway, at 7 p.m. For more information, call-473-4724 or visit www.portjeff.com.
Native American Drumming
All Souls Parish House, 10 Mill Pond Road, Stony Brook will host an evening of Native American Drumming Meditation led by elder drummer Ric Statler from 7 to 8:45 p.m.Drumming meditation seeks to integrate the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual parts of the human self, creating a state of well-being. Free. Call 655-7798 for more information.
Friday August 26
Port Jefferson Greek Festival
See Aug. 25 listing.
Holbrook Carnival
See Aug. 25 listing.
Musical Moments in Kings Park
The Kings Park Civic Association continues its 2022 Musical Moments series tonight at Russ Savatt Park, 14 Main St., Kings Park at 7:30 p.m. with Moonflower – Spirit of Santana. Bring seating. Call 516-319-0672 for further details.
Happenings on Main Street
The Northport Arts Coalition presents a free concert by The Toby Tobias Ensemble at the Northport Village Park Gazebo at the harbor at 7 p.m. as part of its Happenings on Main Street Series. Bring seating. Call 827-6827 or visit www.northportarts.org.
Poets in Port
The Northport Arts Coalition hosts an evening of poetry at First Presbyterian Church, 330 Main St., Northport at 7:30 p.m. Featured poet will be Carlo Frank Calo. An open reading will follow. Free tickets are available through eventbrite.com.
Tribute to Frankie Valli
Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson continues its 2022 Summer Concert Series with Oh What A Night!, Las Vegas’s hottest Frankie Valli tribute featuring all the original hitsincluding “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like A Man,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” “My Eyes Adored You,” and “Working My Way Back To You,” at 8 p.m. Tickets are $59. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
Friday Night Face-Off
Friday Night Face Off, Long Island’s longest running Improv Comedy Show, returns to Theatre Three’s Second Stage, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson tonight at 10:30 p.m. Using audience suggestions, FNFO pits two teams of improvisers against each other in an all-out championship! Recommended for ages16 and up, due to adult content. Tickets are $15 at the door – cash only. Call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com for more information.
Saturday August 27
Port Jefferson Greek Festival
See Aug. 25 listing.
Holbrook Carnival
See Aug. 25 listing.
WMHO’s Pop Up Saturday
The Ward Melville Heritage Organization concludes its Pop-Up Saturdays at the Stony Brook Village Center with artist Marty Macaluso who will visit the village and draw caricatures of individuals and groups from 2 to 4 p.m. (no rain date) Free. Call 751-2244 or visit www.wmho.org.
Farmingville Community Day
Join the Farmingville Residents Association, One More for Jesus Church, Helping Hands Outreach, Sachem Public Library and YMCA Long Island for its annual Community Day Festival at Triangle Park, corner of Horseblock Road andWoodycrest Drive from 3 to 8 p.m. Enjoy food, entertainment, activities for kids, a bounce house area, and more. Held rain or shine. For more information, call 260-7411 or visit www.farmingvilleresidents.org.
St. James FD Parade
In honor of its 100th anniversary of serving the community, the St. James Fire Department will celebrate with a parade kicking off on Woodlawn Avenue at the high school at 5 p.m. and then traveling left on Lake Avenue to St. James Elementary School. Enjoy a Battle of the Bands, town party, DJ, kids activities, refreshments and fireworks by Grucci at 9 p.m. For more information, call 584-5760.
Smithtown End of Summer concert
Town of Smithtown Supervisor, Ed Wehrheim and the Town Council, in conjunction with Relish Kings Park, The Inlet and Gusto’s of Hauppauge will host a free, Country Music Concert at the Kings Park Bluff to close out the Summer Season at 7 p.m.. , Residents are invited to enjoy Nathan Dean and The Damn Band along Bootleggers Trail with Bootsie Magou Straight Bourbon Whiskey Nationwide Tour. . Parking for the event is limited and must be reserved online at: https://CountryMusicAtTheBluff.eventbrite.com. In the event of rain, the concert will take place on Aug. 28. Bring seating. For more info, call 360-7600.
Tribute to Beach Boys, Beatles …
Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson continues its 2022 Summer Concert Series with Four by Four, a musical tribute to the Beach Boys, Beatles, Bee Gees and Motown, at 8 p.m. Enjoy instantly recognizable classic pop songs in fully staged and choreographed production numbers. Informative and often humorous banter ties all of this extraordinary music together for an evening of feel good, raise-the roof entertainment. Tickets are $59. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
Sunday August 28
Port Jefferson Greek Festival
See Aug. 25 listing..
Holbrook Carnival
See Aug. 25 listing.
Nesconset Street Fair
Join the Nesconset Chamber of Commerce for Nesconset Day along Smithtown Blvd., Nesconset Plaza and the Nesconset Gazebo from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.The street fair will feature vendors, crafts, music, games, food trucks, face painting and bounce houses. Questions? Call 672-5197 or visit www.nesconsetchamber.org.
Sunday at the Society
Join the Northport Historical Society, 215 Main St., Northport for a Sunday at the Society lecture titled “Remembering 9/11: A Discussion” with Darryl St. George at 1 p.m.St. George will contextualize the tragic events of September 11th’s, break down the history leading up to the attacks, and provide a look at the events that followed such as the Global War on Terror, the rise of ISIS, and the Arab Spring. Join him in contemplating how the September 11th Attacks shaped our world today and in honoring those who lost their lives twenty-one years ago. Free. Advance registration required by visiting www.northporthistorical.org.
Wind Down Sundays
The popular summer concert series continues at Hap’s historic Red Barn at Frank Melville Memorial Park, 1 Old Field Road, Setauket tonight with One Step Ahead (jazz, R&B, reggae, rock, pop, classics) at 5:30 p.m. Bring seating. Call 689-6146 or visit www.frankmelvillepark.org.
Summer Sunset Stroll
Join the staff at Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park for a Summer Sunset Stroll from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Bring your camera and your walking shoes as you enjoy an early evening stroll along the sandy beaches, forests and marshes and capture the beauty of the late summer sunset from multiple angles.Adults only. $4 per person. To register , visit www.eventbrite.com & search #NatureEdventure.
Summer Concerts on the Green
Summer concerts are back in front of the Stony Brook Post Office at the Stony Brook Village Center, 111 Main Street, Stony Brook from 7 to 9 p.m. every Sunday through Aug. 28, courtesy of the Ward Melville Heritage Organization. Tonight’s final performance will be by the Sound Symphony Orchestra. Spnosored by the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, the concert will feature light classical songs, movie themes and Broadway tunes. Additionally, a vocalist will performs opera songs. Bring seating. Call 751-2244 or visit wmho.org.
Monday August 29
Tide Mill Tour
The Huntington Historical Society will lead a tour of the Van Wyck-Lefferts Tide Mill, one of the best preserved 18th century tide mills in the country at 12:30 p.m. The tour begins with a short boat ride from Gold Star Battalion Beach into Puppy Cove, past waterfront mansions with sightings of egrets, ospreys, and visiting waterfowl. Your guide will explain the workings of the mill with some related social history, and each tour participant will receive a comprehensive, illustrated booklet. Ticket are $20 per person, $15 members. To purchase, call 427-7045 or visit www.huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org.
Tuesday August 30
Concerts at The Gazebo
Enjoy the final Tuesday night concert of the summer at The Gazebo, 127 Smithtown Blvd., Nesconset by 70s Rock Addiction, courtesy of the Nesconset Chamber of Commerce. Tonight’s performance is a fundraiser for Paws of War. Rain dates are the next day. Bring seating. Questions? Call 672-5197 or visit www.nesconsetchamber.org.
Wednesday August 31
Port Jefferson Sunset Concert
Greater Port Jefferson Arts Council concludes its Sunset Concerts at Harborfront Park, 101-A East Broadway, Port Jefferson with the Eastbound Freight Bluegrass Band from 6:30 to 8 p.m. through Aug. 31. Tonight’s performance will be by Gene Casey & The Lone Sharks. Bring seating. Call 473-5220 or visit www.gpjac.org.
Thursday Sept, 1
No events listed for this day.
Film
‘Star Wars’ Trilogy
For all the Star Wars fans out there! This is your chance to see the Original Trilogy back on the big screen! For one week only, the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington will be screening A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi! All three films will screen each day, with successive screenings on Friday and Saturday for those who want to binge watch the trilogy! See them at the Cinema August 26th – September 1st. Visit www.cinemaartscentre.org for more information.
‘YOU TALKIN’ TO ME?’ Catch a screening of ‘Taxi Driver’ on the big screen at the Cinema Arts Centre on Aug. 27.
‘Taxi Driver’
As part of its Cult Cafe series, the Cinema Arts Centre will screen Martin Scorcese’s 1976 classic Taxi Driver starring Robert DeNiro, Cybill Shepherd and Jodie Foster on Aug. 27 at 10 p.m. Tickets are $7, $5 members. Visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.
‘The Godfather’
In celebration of its 50th anniversary, The Godfather will be screening at the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington on Aug. 30 at 7 p.m. Considered by many to be one of the greatest films of all time, the movie follows the saga of the Corleone crime family led by Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando), then later his son Michael (Al Pacino). With new digital restoration. Tickets are $15, $10 members. Visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.
Theater
‘Every Brilliant Thing’
One more performance! Theatre Three, 412 Main Street, Port Jefferson, in association with Response Crisis Center, presents the Long Island premiere of Every Brilliant Thing, a one-man show starring Jeffrey Sanzel, on the Second Stage Sundays at 3 p.m. from July 10 to Aug. 28. You’re seven years old. Your mother is in the hospital. Your father said she’s “done something stupid.” So, you begin a list of everything that is truly wonderful about the world — everything worth living for. With audience members recruited to take on supporting roles, Every Brilliant Thing is a heart-wrenching, hilarious story of depression and the lengths we will go for those we love. All seats are $20. Fifty percent of the gross proceeds of this production will benefit Response Crisis Center. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
‘On Your Feet!’
Extended! The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan from July 14 to Sept. 3. From their humble beginnings in Cuba, Emilio and Gloria Estefan came to America and broke through all barriers to become a crossover sensation at the very top of the pop music world. But just when they thought they had it all, they almost lost everything. On Your Feet! takes you behind the music and inside the real story of this record-making, and groundbreaking couple who, in the face of adversity, found a way to end up on their feet. Get ready to get on your feet, and dance to the smash hits “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You,” “1-2-3,” “Live For Loving You,” “Conga,” and many more. Tickets range from $75 to $80 with free valet parking. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
‘Henry V’
The Carriage House Players continues its annual Shakespeare Festival at the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport with Henry V from Aug. 26 to Sept. 18 on Wednesdays and Fridays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 7 p.m. Performances take place outdoors on stage in the courtyard, where the Spanish-Mediterranean architecture adds a touch of timeless charm and magic. Bring a picnic dinner to enjoy before the show and bring your own lawn chair. Inclement weather cancels. Tickets are $20 adults, $15 seniors and children ages 12 and under. To order, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.
‘Guys and Dolls’
Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson kicks off its 52nd season with Guys and Dolls from Sept. 17 to Oct. 22. Considered the perfect musical of Broadway’s Golden Age, this delightful romp gambles in luck and love from Times Square to Havana. High rollers and low characters from Damon Runyon’s mythical New York are joyously presented in Frank Loesser’s bold and brassy score, featuring “Luck Be a Lady,” “I’ve Never Been in Love Before,” and “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat.” An award-winning classic for the entire family! Tickets are $35 adults, $28 senior and students, $20 children ages 5 and up. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
Vendors Wanted
◆ Davis Town Meeting House Society seeks vendors for its Yard Sale & Craft Fair on Sept. 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Davis House, 263 Middle Country Rd., Coram. Rain date is Sept. 11. $25 per table. For an application, call Maryanne at 631-804-2256 or email: [email protected].
◆ Yaphank Historical Society seeks vendors for the annual Fall Yard sale on Sept. 17 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the grounds of the Hawkins House at 4 Yaphank Avenue, Yaphank. Rain date is Sept 18. Vendor fee is only $10 per spot. No advance reservations necessary. Call 631-924-4803 with questions, or visit www.yaphankhistorical.org.
◆ Hallockville Museum Farm, 6038 Sound Ave., Riverhead seeks artisan craft & farmers market vendors for its 41st annual Country Fair on Sept. 17 and 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more details and an application, visit www.Hallockville.org/countryfair.
◆ Port Jefferson Lions Club seeks vendors for its 1st annual Car Show at Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville on Sept. 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Rain date is Sept. 25) Call Warren at 631-258-6165.
◆ Caroline Episcopal Church of Setauket is sponsoring a Fall Craft Fair & Barn Sale on the Setauket Village Green (Main St. and Caroline Ave.) on Sept. 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rain date is Sept. 25 from noon to 5 p.m. Limited spaces still available on the Village Green (10’x10’) and covered Carriage Shed (9’x18’). Reserve your spot at depasmarket.com. Questions? Call 631-806-4845.
◆ Stony Brook Community Church, 216 Christian Ave., Stony Brook is seeking vendors for its Apple Festival on Oct.1 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (rain date Oct. 2). Spots (10’ x 10’) are $40 each; vendors can call or text 631-252-0777 for an application.
◆ St. Thomas of Canterbury, 29 Brooksite Drive, Smithtown seeks craft or new merchandise vendors for its Craft Fair and Car Show on Oct. 8 (rain date is Oct. 15 for craft fair only) $50/space. Visit www.stthomasofcanterbury.net or call 631-265-4520 to obtain an application.
◆ Northport Arts Coalition seeks artists and musicians for its annual ArtWalk on Oct. 9 from 1 to 5 p.m. ArtWalk turns the entire Village of Northport into an immersive art experience. Artists in this juried event exhibit and sell their work in shops and offices while musicians serenade visitors on the streets. Artists will need to submit samples of their work to be considered for entry, and musicians will need to submit videos or recordings of live performances. The deadline to submit is Aug.21 and you’ll be notified by Sept. 1 if you’ve been accepted. Visit www.NorthportArts.org/ArtWalk.
◆ Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 716 Route 25a, Rocky Point seeks vendors to be a part of their annual October Festival on Oct. 15 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The fee for vendor participation of new items, no raffles is $35 per10’ x 10’ space. Must supply own table and chairs. Visit www.thefishchurch.com Festivals and Events page.
Class Reunions
✴Port Jefferson (ELVHS) Class of 1972’s 50th reunion is planned for September 9 and 10. Please spread the word, and visit Facebook page “Port Jefferson(ELVHS) Class of 1972 50th Reunion” for details or e-mail [email protected].
✴Ward Melville High School Class of 1972’s50th reunion is Oct 1. Please spread the word and visit Facebook page “Ward Melville High School Class 72 50th Reunion” for more information and purchasing tickets. For more information, email [email protected] or call 631-928-5684 and leave your name and contact information for any questions.
The Town of Smithtown Horizons Counseling & Education Center will mark International Overdose Awareness Day and Recovery Month by holding NARCAN® training events for the community. On Wednesday, August 31 at noon and Tuesday, September 13 at 7 p.m., there will be free NARCAN® training seminars in the Community Room of Horizons Counseling and Education Center, located at 161 E. Main Street, Smithtown.
“An event such as this is imperative in these times we are experiencing as a country, state, county and town. With rising stressors facing our communities, behavioral health awareness and support are in great need. Alcohol and substance abuse continue to plague communities, we see opioid overdose numbers front and center in conversations, media reports and the starring role on the screen when turning on the television or opening the newspaper. An event such as this allows for Horizons to outreach our community to increase awareness and capacity for the town residents and equip them with the knowledge and skills to provide lifesaving acts such as opioid overdose reversal with Narcan. Continued discussion and education on opioid overdose and awareness will encourage a decrease in stigma and create an environment supportive of recovery for those who are seeking recovery for opioid use disorder. This event will provide exactly that to our local community,” said Joe Bieniewicz, Director of Drug and Alcohol Counseling Services.
On International Overdose Awareness Day, people and communities come together to raise awareness of one of the world’s most urgent public health crises – one that, unfortunately, is only getting worse. Having an outpatient drug and alcohol agency right in the township is an asset for the community. Additionally, learning the signs of an overdose can help save a life.
“International Overdose Awareness Day is important not only to acknowledge those who have been lost to the disease of addiction, but also to educate and offer hope to those who are still struggling,” said Alexa Stern, Drug and Alcohol Community Coordinator.
Narcan kits will be provided for free. Horizons Counseling & Education Center resource tables will be set up around the training area, filled with information about recovery services, the outpatient program and substance misuse prevention education. All are welcome to attend to get trained and to hear about the drug and alcohol treatment and prevention services that Horizons provides.
Observed on the 31st of August every year, International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) seeks to create better understanding of overdose, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths, and create change that reduces the harms associated with drug use. International Overdose Awareness Day is convened by Penington Institute, an Australian not-for-profit.
International Overdose Awareness Day is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind. It began in 2001, led by Sally J Finn at The Salvation Army in St Kilda, Melbourne. Since then, communities, governments, and organizations work to raise overdose awareness about one of the world’s worst public health crises, and promote action and discussion about evidence-based overdose prevention and drug policy.
About Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Recovery Month:
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Recovery Month is a national observance held every September to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the emergence of a strong and proud recovery community, and the dedication of service providers and community members across the nation who make recovery in all its forms possible.
TheJazzLoft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook has announced the following events for September 2022 :
Thurs. 9/1 The JazzLoft Big Band at 7 p.m.
The 17 member JazzLoft Big Band performs Big Band Swing at the 1939 World’s Fair. During the Fair famous big bands would play while dancers did the lindy hop and swing dances. Tickets: $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children, children under 5 free.
Wed. 9/7 Young at Heart : Billie Holiday Torch Songs at 1 p.m.
TheJazzLoft Trio will perform the songs made famous by Billie Holiday. Young at Heart is a monthly themed jazz concert for those that like their jazz in the afternoon. Tickets: $10
Wed. 9/7 TheJazzLoft Trio and Jam at 7 p.m. TheJazzLoft Trio performs at 7 PM followed by a jam at 8 p.m. Tickets: $10 at 7 p.m., $5 at 8 p.m.
Fri. 9/9 Aubrey Johnson Duo at 7 p.m. Aubrey Johnson is a vocalist, composer and educator who specializes in jazz, Brazilian and creative contemporary music. She is joined by pianist and composer Randy Ingram. Tickets: $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children, children 5 and under free.
Saturday 9/10 What Is JAZZ ? Living Museum Tour at 6 p.m. TheJazzLoft will help visitors understand , “What is jazz?”, through an interactive tour featuring 7 stops in the museum that tell the history of jazz. Small groupswill tour through the museum while musicians and singers will be stationed at displays in the museum that depict blues, gospel, early jazz, the big band and swing era and bebop. The tour ends in the Count Basie Garden where a Latin band will play and refreshments will be available. Tickets: $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children, children under 5 free
Wed. 9/14 The Jazz Loft Trio and Jam at 7 p.m. TheJazzLoft Trio performs at 7 p.m. followed by a jam at 8 p.m. Tickets: $10 at 7 p.m., $5 at 8 p.m.
Thurs. 9/15 Bad Little Big Band at 7 p.m. Pianist Rich Iacona leads his 15 member band in performing the music of The Great American Songbook and original music and arrangements written by band members. Tickets: $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children, children under 5 free
Wed. 9/21 to Sat. 9/24 HARBOR JAZZ FEST
Wed. 9/21 Opening Reception JazzLoft Trio and Jam at 7 p.m. TheJazzLoft Trio performs at 7 p.m. followed by a jam at 8 p.m. Tickets: $10
Thurs. 9/22 The Interplay Jazz Orchestra at 7 p.m. The 17 member Interplay Jazz Orchestra performs original compositions and arrangements written by band members. Tickets: $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children, children under 5 free
Fri. 9/24 Harry Allen Quartet at 7 p.m. Harry Allen is a renown jazz tenor saxophonist, composer, recording artist and arranger. Tickets: $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children, children under 5 free
Sat. 9/25 Rubens De La Corte at 1 p.m. Rubens De la Corte is a Brazilian guitarist, songwriter and ethnomusicologist.
Anderson Pocket Band at 4 p.m. Trombonist Ray Anderson is known for pushing the limits of his instrument.
Nicole Zuraitis and Her All Star Band at 7 p.m. Nicole is a Grammy nominated powerhouse vocalist, winner of the 2021 American Traditions vocal competition. She is a pianist, songwriter and arranger. She is a JazzLoft audience favorite. She will be performing on the Stony Brook Village Green as part of the Harbor Jazz Fest. This event is FREE.
Tickets: All Saturday events are free and take place on the Village Green in Stony Brook
Wed. 9/28 JazzLoft Trio and Jam at 7 p.m. TheJazzLoft Trio performs at 7 p.m. followed by a jam at 8 p.m. Tickets: $10 at 7 p.m., $5 at 8 p.m.
Tickets are available at www.thejazzloft.org and subject to availability, on site before events. For more information, call 631-751-1895.
Enjoy traditional Greek dancing on Saturday and Sunday evenings. File photo by Giselle Barkley/TBR News Media
By Heidi Sutton
Lovers of all things Greek will gather at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Assumption in Port Jefferson this week when the church presents its annual Greek Festival on Thursday, Aug. 25 from 5 to 10 p.m., Friday, Aug. 26 from 5 to 11 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 27 from noon to 11 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 28 from noon to 10 p.m.
Held rain or shine, the fun event will feature carnival rides, games, a variety of vendors, fireworks, church tours, live Greek music by Asteri Entertainment, dancing and of course, culinary delights.
Authentic mouth-watering foods such as gyros, tiropita (cheese pie), moussaka, souvlaki, and spanakopita (spinach pie) will be served up, along with sweet desserts such as galaktoboureko, koulourakia, baklava and loukoumades, a fried dough pastry favorite.
One of the main attractions at the festival is the over-the-top sweepstakes that the church holds. This year 170 prizes will be awarded from cars — a 2023 Mercedes Benz A-Class is first prize — to a boat, Apple Watch, iPad, cash, Smart TV and more. Tickets for the sweepstakes are $100 each and limited to 3,999 tickets. The drawing will be held on Aug. 28 at 8 p.m.
The event is also an opportunity to see traditional Greek dance performances by the Blue Point Hellenic Dancers on Saturday and the Greek School Dancers on Sunday.
Fireworks will be held on Friday and Saturday nights at 9:30 p.m., weather permitting. Free shuttle buses will pick up attendees from Ward Melville High School, 380 Old Town Road, East Setauket to transport them to festival on Friday, Saturday and Sunday only. Parking is also available at BASF Corporation across the street from the church. Tickets are $2 per person; children under 12 can attend for free.
The Greek Orthodox Church of the Assumption is located at 430 Sheep Pasture Road in Port Jefferson. For more information, call the church office at 631-473-0894 or visit www.portjeffgreekfest.com.
The Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 East Main St., Smithtown will be hosting auditions for performers aged 16 and up for the upcoming MainStage production of ‘The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical , on Monday, Aug. 22.
ALL ROLES ARE OPEN. This is a mainstage show and there will be performance stipends available to those who are cast. There is the potential for daytime school performances during the week in addition to the scheduled performance dates. Please be specific with your weekday availability on your audition form.
This production will be directed and musically directed by Robbie Torres, and choreographed by Julie Stewart.
Sign up begins at 7 p.m., and auditions will begin at 7:30 p.m.. Please prepare 16-32 bars of a song from a similar musical (Pop/Rock, Contemporary Broadway), and bring sheet music, a recent headshot and resume. Callbacks (if necessary) will be held Thursday, August 25 at 7:30 p.m. You will be notified by email if you are needed for a callback. Please do not call the theatre, the phone is not monitored.
All gender identities and expressions, racial & ethnic backgrounds, and physical and cognitive abilities are encouraged to audition.
If you are unable to attend the in-person audition, a video audition may be submitted. Please contact [email protected] for more information.
Rehearsals will be held at SPAC beginning August 29, and will be from 8 – 10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, with the potential to add Fridays and weekends if necessary. Please be accurate with your conflicts on your audition sheet. No conflicts will be accepted for tech week, Saturday September 24 – Thursday September 29.
Performances:
Fri, Sept 30 – 8PM
Sat, Oct 1 – 2PM
Sat, Oct 1 – 8PM
Sun, Oct 2 – 2PM
Fri, Oct 7 – 8PM
Sat, Oct 8 – 2PM
Sat, Oct 8 – 8PM
Sun, Oct 9 – 2PM
Mon, Oct 10 – 2PM
Fri, Oct 14 – 8PM
Sat, Oct 15 – 2PM
Sat, Oct 15 – 8PM
Sun, Oct 16 – 2PM
Fri, Oct 21 – 8PM
Sat, Oct 22 – 2PM
Sat, Oct 22 – 8PM
Sun, Oct 23 – 2PM
Fri, Oct 28 – 8PM
Sat, Oct 29 – 2PM
Sat, Oct 29 – 8PM
Synopsis:
As the half-blood son of a Greek god, Percy Jackson has newly-discovered powers he can’t control, a destiny he doesn’t want, and a mythology textbook’s worth of monsters on his trail. When Zeus’s master lightning bolt is stolen and Percy becomes the prime suspect, he has to find and return the bolt to prove his innocence and prevent a war between the gods. But to succeed on his quest, Percy will have to do more than catch the thief. He must travel to the Underworld and back; solve the riddle of the Oracle, which warns him of betrayal by a friend; and come to terms with the father who abandoned him. Adapted from the best-selling book The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan and featuring a thrilling original rock score, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is an action-packed mythical adventure “worthy of the gods” (Time Out New York)
Character Descriptions:
PERCY JACKSON – Son of Poseidon, a good kid with a teenage temper
ANNABETH – Daughter of Athena, smarter than you
GROVER – A happy-go-lucky satyr, like a hippie kid with hooves. Also plays:
MR. D, aka DIONYSUS – God of wine, snarky camp director
LUKE – Son of Hermes, cool camp counselor. Also plays:
GABE UGLIANO – Percy’s foul stepfather
ARES – God of war, rock star in leather pants
MINOTAUR – Half-man, half-bull
WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART
SALLY JACKSON – Percy’s hard-working mother. Also plays:
SILENA BEAUREGARD – Daughter of Aphrodite
THE ORACLE – a hippie mummy
ECHIDNA – Mother of monsters
CHARON – Ferryperson to the Underworld
MR. BRUNNER, aka CHIRON – Wise centaur, part-time Latin teacher. Also plays:
POSEIDON – God of the sea, salty beach bum
HADES – God of the dead, aging rock star type
AUNTY EM, aka MEDUSA – Avid sculptor
KRONOS – A voice in a pit
KURT COBAIN
CYCLOPS
CLARISSE – Tough jock girl, daughter of Ares. Also plays:
MRS. DODDS – A Fury posing as a substitute algebra teacher
KATIE GARDNER – Daughter of Demeter
THALIA – Daughter of Zeus, tough
BIANCA – A mysterious girl in 1930’s clothes
NEWSCASTER
JANIS JOPLIN
SQUIRREL
For further information, visit www.smithtownpac.org.
This is part one of a two-part series featuring Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory alums Joanna Wysocka, Robert Tjian, Victoria Bautch, Rasika Harshey and Eileen White. Part two will be in the issue of Aug. 25.
Often working seven days a week as they build their careers, scientists plan, conduct and interpret experiments that don’t always work or provide clear cut results.
Driven by their passion for discovery, they tap into a reservoir of ambition and persistence, eager for that moment when they might find something no one else has discovered, adding information that may lead to a new technology, that could possibly save lives, or that leads to a basic understanding of how or why something works.
Nestled between the shoreline of an inner harbor along the Long Island Sound and deciduous trees that celebrate the passage of seasons with technicolor fall foliage, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has been a career-defining training ground for future award-winning scientists.
Five alumni of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory recently shared their thoughts, experiences, and reflections on the private lab that was founded in 1890.
While they shared their enthusiasm, positive experiences and amusing anecdotes, they are not, to borrow from scientific terminology, a statistically significant sample size. They are also a self-selecting group who responded to email requests for interviews. Still, despite their excitement about an important time in their lives and their glowing description of the opportunities they had to hone their craft, they acknowledged that this shining lab on the Sound may not be paradise for everyone.
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory is considerably smaller than some of the research universities around the country. Additionally, scientists with a thin skin — read on for more about this — may find their peers’ readiness to offer a range of feedback challenging. Still, the lab can and has been a launching pad.
A suitcase and a dream
Joanna Wysocka’s story mirrors that of other immigrants who came to the United States from their home countries. Wysocka arrived from Poland in 1998 with one suitcase that included mementos from her family, a Polish edition of her favorite book, One Hundred Years of Solitude, and a dream of developing her scientific career.
She was also chasing something else: her boyfriend Tomek Swigut, who had come to Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. “I was fresh off the boat without any fancy resume or anything,” Wysocka recalls. “They really took a chance on me.”
Joanna Wysocka
While she learned how to conduct scientific experiments, she also recognized early on that she was a part of something bigger than herself. Early on, she found that people didn’t hold back in their thoughts on her work. “You always got critical feedback,” she said. “People felt very comfortable picking apart each other’s data.”
The positive and negative feedback were all a part of doing the best science, she explained.
Wysocka felt the inspiration and exhilaration that comes from a novel discovery several times during her five-year PhD program.
“It’s 11 p.m. in the evening, you’re in the dark room, developing a film, you get this result and you realize you’re a person who knows a little secret that nobody else in the world knows just yet,” she recalled. “That is really wonderful.”
For special occasions, the lab celebrated such moments with margaritas. Winship Herr, her advisor, made particularly strongest ones.
In one of her biggest projects, Wysocka was working with a viral host cell factor, or HCF. This factor is critical for transcription for the Herpes simplex virus. What wasn’t clear, however, was what the factor was doing. She discovered that this factor worked with proteins including chromatin modifiers. “From this moment, it set me up for a lifetime passion of working on gene regulation and chromatin,” she said.
As for the scientific process, Wysocka said Herr offered her critical lessons about science. When she started, Herr expected two things: that she’d work hard and that she’d learn from her mistakes. During the course of her work, she also realized that any work she did that depended on the result of earlier experiments required her own validation, no matter who did the work or where it was published. “You need to repeat the results in your own hands, before you move on,” she explained.
Despite the distance from the lab to New York City and the smaller size of the lab compared with large universities, Wysocka never felt isolated. “Because of all the conferences and courses, the saying goes that ‘if you want to meet somebody in science, go to a Cold Spring Harbor bar and sit and wait.’” That, however, is not something she took literally, as she put considerable hours into her research. While she wishes she had this incredible foresight about choosing Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, she acknowledges that she was following in Swigut’s footsteps.
The choice of CSHL worked out well for her, as her research has won numerous awards, including the Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science, which recognizes immigrant scientists who have made a contribution to U.S. society. She now works as Professor at Stanford University and is married to Swigut.
Swinging for the fences
In 1976, Robert Tjian had several choices for the next step in his developing scientific career after he completed his PhD at Harvard University. James Watson, who had shared the Nobel Prize in 1962 for the double helix molecular structure of DNA with Francis Crick and Maurice Wilkins and was director at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, convinced him to conduct his postdoctoral research at CSHL.
Robert Tjian
The contact with Watson didn’t end with his recruitment. Tjian, who most people know as “Tij,” talked about science on almost a daily basis with Watson, which he considered an ‘incredible privilege.”
Although he only worked at CSHL for two years, Tjian suggested the experience had a profound impact on a career that has spanned six decades.
Learning about gene discovery was the main driver of his time at CSHL. An important discovery during his work at CSHL was to “purify a protein that binds to the origin of replication of a tumor virus, which was what [Watson] wanted me to do when he recruited me,” he said. That launched his career in a “positive way.”
Tjian feels fortunate that things worked out and suggested that it’s rare for postdoctoral students to achieve a transformative career experiment in such a short period of time either back then or now. He attributes that to a combination of “being in the right place at the right time,” luck and hard work.
At Berkeley, where he is Professor of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Structural Biology and has been running a lab since 1979, he has observed that the most successful researchers are the ones who are “swinging for the fences. If you don’t swing for the fences and get lucky, you sure as hell aren’t going to hit a home run.”
Tjian learned how to run a lab from his experience at CSHL. He selects for risk takers who are independent and feels the only way to motivate people is to ensure that the work they are pursuing involves questions they want to solve.
One of the most important and hardest lessons he learned during his research career was to “fail quickly and move on.” He tells his student that about 85 percent of their experiments are going to fail, so “get used to it and learn from it.”
Despite his short and effective stay at CSHL, Tjian suggested he made “more than his fair share” of mistakes. Terri Grodzicker, who is currently Dean of Academic Affairs at CSHL, taught Tjian to do cell culture, which he had never done before. He contaminated nearly all the cultures for about a month.
While Tjian described the lab as a “competitive place,” he felt like his colleagues “helped each other.”
When he wasn’t conducting his experiments or contaminating cultures, he spent time on the tennis court, playing regularly with Watson. Watson wasn’t “exactly the most coordinated athlete in the world,” although Tjian respected his “remarkably good, natural forehand.” He was also one of the few people who was able to use the lab boat, which he used to fish for striped bass and bluefish early in the morning. “I would try to drag all kinds of people out there,” he said.
While his CSHL experience was “the best thing” for him, Tjian explained that the lab might not be the ideal fit for everyone, in part because it’s considerably smaller than larger universities. At Berkeley, he has 40 to 55 PhD students in molecular biology and he can interact with 40,000 undergraduates, which is a “very different scale.”
Tjian has returned many times to CSHL and is planning to visit the lab at the end of August for a meeting he’s organizing on single molecule microscopy.
Each time he comes back, he “always felt like I was coming home,” he said.
Backyard barbecues are fine, but there are times, particularly on a hot summer evening, when even the most dedicated grill meister doesn’t want to stand over a hot grate and flip and baste, no matter how cold the beer or how chilled the martini in their other hand. This is the time to turn to cold sliced meat or poultry or maybe some poached fish. Preceded by a cold soup and accompanied by homemade potato salad, coleslaw or a crisp green salad laced with fresh herbs it’s a dinner that will please your family as well as company and keep you from the heat of the grill and the kitchen.
Marinated Grilled Steak
YIELD: Makes 6 servings
INGREDIENTS:
One 3-pound flank or boneless sirloin steak
1 cup dry red wine
1/4 cup sweet vermouth
1/4 red wine vinegar
1/3 cup olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 cup tomato sauce
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger root
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat grill to high; brush steak with a little of the olive oil; grill, turning once, until it reaches an internal temperature of 140-145 F and is pink inside for medium rare; cook longer for more well done. Transfer to a shallow nonreactive dish. In a medium nonreactive saucepan combine wine, vermouth, vinegar, oil, onion, tomato sauce, garlic, bay leaves, ginger root and salt and pepper; bring to a low simmer for 5 minutes, then pour over hot steak. Let cool completely, then cover tightly and refrigerate, turning occasionally, at least 6 hours. When ready to serve, slice, arrange on a platter and spoon marinade over it. Serve with rice salad, snow peas and scallions.
Wine-Poached Salmon with Dill-Cucumber Sauce
Wine-Poached Salmon with Dill-Cucumber Sauce
YIELD: Makes 4 servings
INGREDIENTS:
3 cups dry white wine
1 small onion, chopped
3 celery ribs with leaves, chopped
3 flat leaf parsley sprigs
Four 6-8 ounce salmon fillets, skin on
1 1/2 cups plain Greek yogurt
1/3 cup minced peeled and seeded cucumber
1/4 cup minced red onion
1 garlic clove, minced
1 1/2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
3 tablespoons minced fresh dill
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS:
In a deep skillet combine the wine, onion, celery and parsley; add 3 inches water and bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer. Carefully place the salmon fillets in the liquid (be sure they are fully submerged) and bring liquid back to a simmer. Cover and cook gently until salmon is the same shade of pink on the inside as the outside, about 5 to 10 minutes. With a slotted spatula, carefully remove the fillets, peel off their skin and place them on a platter, dab off any white bits and let sit 15 minutes to cool slightly. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. In a medium bowl combine the yogurt, cucumber, onion, garlic, lime juice, dill, and salt and pepper; cover and refrigerate.
In a small bowl whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard, and salt and pepper. In a medium bowl toss together the chicken, celery, shallot, dill, parsley, chives and pickles; add mayonnaise mixture and toss to evenly coat, then fold in the walnuts, grapes and peas. Cover and place in fridge until chilled.
Different dietary approaches may help modulate the immune system
By Dr. David Dunaief
Dr. David Dunaief
Autoimmune disease is when the body’s immune system attacks the organs, cells and tissues and causes chronic inflammation. However, this umbrella term refers to more than 80 different diseases (1). Some are familiar names, like type 1 diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Others, like Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome and Cogan syndrome, are less well-known.
Chronic inflammation is the main consequence of immune system dysfunction, and it is the underlying theme tying these diseases together. Unfortunately, autoimmune diseases tend to cluster (2). Once you have one, you are at high risk for acquiring others. They disproportionately affect women, although men are also at risk.
Treating autoimmune diseases with meds
The primary treatment is immunosuppressives. In RA, for example, where there is swelling of joints bilaterally, a typical drug regimen includes methotrexate and TNF (tumor necrosis factor) alpha inhibitors, like Remicade (infliximab). These therapies seem to reduce underlying inflammation by suppressing the immune system and interfering with inflammatory factors, such as TNF-alpha. Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), a class that also includes Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine), may slow or stop the progression of joint destruction and increase physical functioning.
However, there are several concerning factors with these drugs. First, the side-effect profiles are substantial. They includes risks of cancers, opportunistic infections and even death, according to black box warnings (the strongest warning required by the FDA) (3). Opportunistic infections include diseases like tuberculosis and invasive fungal infections.
It is no surprise that suppressing the immune system would increase the likelihood of infections. Nor is it surprising that cancer rates would increase, since the immune system helps to fend off malignancies. In fact, a study showed that after 10 years of therapy, the risk of cancer increased by approximately fourfold with the use of immunosuppressives (4).
Second, these drugs were tested and approved using short-term clinical trials; however, many patients are prescribed these therapies for 20 or more years.
So, what other methods are available to treat autoimmune diseases? Medical nutrition therapy using bioactive compounds and supplementation are being studied. Medical nutrition therapy may have immunomodulatory (immune system regulation) effects on inflammatory factors and on gene expression.
Managing inflammation with nutrition
Raising the level of beta-cryptoxanthin, a carotenoid bioactive food component, by a modest amount has a substantial impact in preventing RA. Several studies have also tested dietary interventions in RA treatment (5). Included were fasting followed by a vegetarian diet; a vegan diet; and a Mediterranean diet, among others. All mentioned here showed decreases in inflammatory markers, including c-reactive protein (CRP), and improvements in joint pain and other quality of life concerns.
Fish oil’s effects
Fish oil helps your immune system by reducing inflammation and improving your blood chemistry, affecting as many as 1,040 genes (6). In a randomized clinical study, 1.8 grams of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) plus docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation had anti-inflammatory effects, suppressing cell signals and transcription factors (proteins involved with gene expression) that are pro-inflammatory.
In RA patients, fish oil helps suppress cartilage degradative enzymes, while also having an anti-inflammatory effect (7). A typical recommendation is to consume about 2 grams of EPA plus DHA to help regulate the immune system. Don’t take these high doses of fish oil without consulting your doctor, since fish oil may have blood-thinning effects.
Probiotic supplements
Approximately 70 percent of your immune system lives in your gut. Probiotics, by populating the gut with live beneficial microorganisms, have immune-modulating effects that decrease inflammation and thus are appropriate for autoimmune diseases. Lactobacillus salvirus and Bifidobacterium longum infantis are two strains that were shown to have positive effects (8, 9).
In a study with Crohn’s disease patients, L. casei and L. bulgaricus reduced the inflammatory factor TNF-alpha (10). To provide balance, I recommend probiotics with Lactobacillus to my patients, especially with autoimmune diseases that affect the intestines, like Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis.
Increasing fiber intake
Fiber has been shown to modulate inflammation by reducing biomarkers, such as CRP. In two separate clinical trials, fiber either reduced or prevented high CRP in patients. In one, a randomized clinical trial, 30 grams, or about 1 ounce, of fiber daily from either dietary sources or supplements reduced CRP significantly compared to placebo (11).
In the second trial, which was observational, participants who consumed the highest amount of dietary fiber (greater than 19.5 grams) had reductions in a vast number of inflammatory factors, including CRP, interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and TNF-alpha (12).
Immune system regulation is complex and involves over 1,000 genes, as well as many biomarkers. Dysfunction results in inflammation and, potentially, autoimmune disease. We know the immune system is highly influenced by bioactive compounds found in high-nutrient foods and supplements. Therefore, bioactive compounds may work in tandem with medications and/or may provide the ability to reset the immune system through immunomodulatory effects, treating and preventing autoimmune diseases.
Dr. David Dunaief is a speaker, author and local lifestyle medicine physician focusing on the integration of medicine, nutrition, fitness and stress management. For further information, visit www.medicalcompassmd.com.
The Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 East Main St., Smithtown will be hosting auditions for performers aged 16 and up for the upcoming MainStage production of ‘The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical , on Monday, Aug. 22.
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