Perfil sociodemográfico e situação de saúde dos pacientes expostos ao Césio 137 em Goiânia / Sociodemographic profile and health situation of patients exposed to Cesium 137 in Goiânia

Este trabalho teve por objetivo analisar os aspectos sociodemográficos e da situação de saúde dos indivíduos expostos ao Césio 137, que constam com cadastro ativo no Sistema de Informação ao Radioacidentado (SISRAD) do Centro de Assistência aos Radioacidentados (CARA). Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, com análise transversal, realizado no período de outubro de 2019 a fevereiro de 2020 e que contempla dados registrados desde o ano de 1987. O público-alvo da pesquisa consistiu em indivíduos expostos de forma direta e indireta ao Césio 137 na cidade de Goiânia-Goiás, e que se encontram devidamente cadastrados no CARA. Levou-se em consideração aspectos sociodemográficos, a fim de construir o perfil dos pacientes. Realizado esse processo, procedeu-se à classificação e distribuição dos pacientes, através de critérios como a forma de contato e a dose de exposição. O levantamento de dados foi executado pela análise dos prontuários no SISRAD. Resultados e Conclusões: nos grupos mais jovens não foram identificados cânceres precoces ou malformações nos Grupos NGI e NGII, mas existem relatos que conflitam com as declarações de óbitos dos grupos GI e GII, o que trouxe dificuldades para uma análise estratificada e detalhada. As doenças psíquicas, apresentam maior prevalência, seguidas de causas associadas a hipertensão e a diabetes. Verificou-se a importância da análise de saúde dos radioacidentados como ferramenta de planejamento, preparação e avaliação dos grupos de risco

This study aimed to analyze the sociodemographic aspects and the health situation of individuals exposed to Cesium 137, who have an active record in the Information System for Radio Accidents (SISRAD) of the Assistance Center for Radio Accidents (CARA). Methods: This is a descriptive study, with cross-sectional analysis, carried out from October 2019 to February 2020 and which includes data recorded since 1987. The target audience of the research consisted of individuals exposed directly and indirect exposure to Cesium 137 in the city of Goiânia-Goiás, and who are duly registered with the CARA. Sociodemographic aspects were taken into account in order to build the profile of patients. Once this process was completed, the patients were classified and distributed using criteria such as the form of contact and the dose of exposure. Data collection was carried out by analyzing the medical records in SISRAD. Results and Conclusions: In the younger groups, no early cancers or malformations were identified in Groups NGI and NGII, but there are reports that conflict with the death certificates of groups GI and GII, which brought difficulties for a stratified and detailed analysis. Mental illnesses are more prevalent, followed by causes associated with hypertension and diabetes. The importance of analyzing the health of radio-accidents as a tool for planning, preparing and evaluating risk groups was verified

Characterization of Geiger-Müller radiation detectors response at the University of Costa Rica's Cyclotron Facilities / Caracterización de la respuesta de detectores de radiación Geiger-Müller en el Ciclotrón de la Universidad de Costa Rica

To ensure a reliable verification of a radiation detector, the right parameters for this response verification must be determined and a specific characterization on the detectors of interest must be performed. These were the main pillars of this study, where four Geiger-Müller at the University of Costa Rica's Cyclotron Facilities' main laboratories were studied and characterized using a 137Cs source. First, a verification of the inverse-square law was performed to corroborate the correct measurement by the detectors as the distance from a 137Cs source to the detectors was varied using a new design for a positioner support to ensure repeatability. This verification yielded a potential fit curve with and equation D=670635 x-1.961 (error percentage of 1.95%) and an R2 value of 0.9836. Then, using combinations of copper plates of widths 1.0 mm and 2.0 mm as attenuators between the source and the detectors, the mass attenuation coefficient for copper was obtained only as a reference value for future calibrations of the detectors. The result for this value was 0.040 cm2 /g. The results obtained in this study and the method developed to achieve these results will serve as a base for calibrations of the detectors at these facilities, which will ensure the safety of the patients and personnel in this building.

Para asegurar respuesta correcta de un detector de radiación, se deben determinar los parámetros correctos para esta verificación y debe realizarse una caracterización específica de los detectores de interés. Estos fueron los pilares principales de este estudio, donde se estudiaron y caracterizaron 4 detectores Geiger-Müller en los laboratorios principales del Ciclotrón de la Universidad de Costa Rica utilizando una fuente radiactiva de 137Cs. Primero, se realizó una verificación de la ley del inverso-cuadrado para corroborar la medición correcta de los detectores según se varía la distancia entre la fuente de 137Cs al detector utilizando un diseño nuevo de un soporte posicionador para la fuente que asegura la repetibilidad entre experimentos. Esta verificación resultó en una curva de ajuste potencial de ecuación D=670635x-1,961 (porcentaje de error de 1,95%) y un valor de R2 de 0,9836. Luego, utilizando combinaciones de placas de cobre de espesores 1,0 mm y 2,0 mm como atenuadores entre la fuente y los detectores, se obtuvo el coeficiente de atenuación másico para el cobre como un valor de referencia para futuras calibraciones de los detectores. Este resultado fue de 0,040 cm2/g. Los resultados obtenidos en esta investigación y el método desarrollado para lograr estos resultados servirán como una base para una futura confirmación metrológica calibraciones de los detectores en estos laboratorios, lo cual colaborará con la seguridad y protección radiológica de pacientes y trabajadores en este edificio.

Evaluation of ionizing radiation as a risk factor for the incidence of breast cancer: long-term analysis after the cesium-137 accident in Goiânia, Brazil. An ecological study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The largest radiological accident to occur in any urban area happened in Goiânia, Brazil, in 1987. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between breast cancer incidence and ionizing radiation levels. DESIGN AND SETTING: Ecological study among residents of the city of Goiânia, Brazil. METHODS: The central region of Goiânia, with seven major sources of contamination from cesium-137, was defined as the study area. The addresses of women diagnosed with breast cancer were identified between 2001 and 2010. The data were geographically referenced and, using census data, the annual averages of crude incidence rates were estimated. The existence of clusters of new cases was ascertained by means of the Moran index. Correlations of radiometric measurements with the incidence were assessed using unconditional linear regression. RESULTS: A total of 4,105 new cases were identified, of which 2,233 were in the study area, and of these, 1,286 (57.59%) were georeferenced. The gross rates of total and referenced cases were 102.91 and 71.86/100,000 women, respectively. These were close to the average for Brazilian state capitals, which is 79.37/100,000 women. The cluster analysis showed slight correlations in three small sets of census tracts, but these were far from the sources of contamination. The scatter plot of points and the R2 value close to zero indicated that there was no association between the variables. CONCLUSION: This study reinforces the hypothesis that the ionizing radiation levels to which women living in Goiânia are now exposed to are not associated with the onset of new cases of breast cancer.

Systemic Arterial Hypertension in Patients Exposed to Cesium-137 in Goiânia-GO: Prevalence Study / Hipertensão Arterial Sistêmica em Pacientes Expostos ao Césio-137 em Goiânia-GO: Estudo de Prevalência

Abstract Background: Systemic Arterial Hypertension (SAH) in the Brazilian population, in populations not exposed to Césio-137, presents a prevalence of 28% nationwide. However, in the group of radioactivity victims, these values are unknown. Objective: To analyze the prevalence of hypertension in patients exposed to Cesium-137 in Goiânia, enrolled in the Sistema de Monitoramento dos Radioacidentados (SISRAD) (Radioactivtity Victims Monitoring System) of the Centro de Assistência aos Radioacidentados (C.A.R.A) (Assistence Center for Radioactivity Victims). Methods: This is a descriptive, observational cross-sectional epidemiological study carried out in Goiânia-Goiás, from August 2013 to October 2014, with a group of patients enrolled in the Sistema de Monitoramento dos Radioacidentados (SISRAD) of the Centro de Assistência a Radioacidentados (C.A.R.A.). A total of 102 radioactive patients were divided into two groups: group 1 with 40 and group 2 with 62 participants. A field survey was conducted with a closed and semi-structured questionnaire in which the following contexts were addressed: sociodemographic profile, life habits and personal background. A database was created using the Google Forms application from the Google Web technologies company. The duly collected and stored data were imported and analyzed in the statistical software SPSS, version 21. Results: The prevalence of SAH reached a total of 25% (12 individuals) of the 48 interviewees, 50% of women (24) and 50% of men (24), of which 22.9% (11) of the radioactivity victims revealed to be smokers. Conclusion: The prevalence of SAH in the radioactivity victims population is similar to that of the population in general.

Resumo Fundamentos: A Hipertensão Arterial Sistêmica (HAS) na população brasileira, em populações não expostas ao Césio-137, apresenta prevalência de 28% em âmbito nacional. Porém, no grupo de radioacidentados, esses valores são desconhecidos. Objetivo: Analisar a prevalência da HAS em pacientes expostos ao Césio-137 ocorrido em Goiânia, cadastrados no Sistema de Monitoramento dos Radioacidentados (SISRAD) do Centro de Assistência aos Radioacidentados (C.A.R.A). Métodos: Estudo epidemiológico do tipo descritivo, observacional de caráter transversal realizado em Goiânia-Goiás, no período de agosto de 2013 a outubro de 2014, com grupo de pacientes cadastrados no Sistema de Monitoramento dos Radioacidentados (SISRAD) do Centro de Assistência aos Radioacidentados (C.A.R.A). Participaram da pesquisa 48 radioacidentados de um total de 102 que foram subdivididos em dois grupos: grupo 1 com 40 e o grupo 2 com 62 participantes. Realizou-se uma pesquisa de campo com questionário fechado e semi-estruturado em que foram abordados os seguintes contextos: perfil sociodemográfico, hábitos de vida e antecedentes pessoais. Criou-se um banco de dados utilizando-se o aplicativo Google Forms, da empresa de tecnologias na Web Google. Os dados devidamente coletados e armazenados foram importados e analisados no software estatístico SPSS, versão 21. Resultados: Dos 48 entrevistados a prevalência de HAS atingiu um total 25% deles (12 indivíduos), sendo 50% de mulheres (24) e 50% de homens (24), dentre estes, 22,9% (11) dos radioacidentados revelaram ser tabagistas. Conclusão: A prevalência de HAS na população de radioacidentados se manifesta de forma semelhante ao da população em geral.

Estimates of Radiation Doses and Cancer Risk from Food Intake in Korea

The aim of this study was to estimate internal radiation doses and lifetime cancer risk from food ingestion. Radiation doses from food intake were calculated using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and the measured radioactivity of 134Cs, 137Cs, and 131I from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in Korea. Total number of measured data was 8,496 (3,643 for agricultural products, 644 for livestock products, 43 for milk products, 3,193 for marine products, and 973 for processed food). Cancer risk was calculated by multiplying the estimated committed effective dose and the detriment adjusted nominal risk coefficients recommended by the International Commission on Radiation Protection. The lifetime committed effective doses from the daily diet are ranged 2.957-3.710 mSv. Excess lifetime cancer risks are 14.4-18.1, 0.4-0.5, and 1.8-2.3 per 100,000 for all solid cancers combined, thyroid cancer, and leukemia, respectively.

Evaluation of a novel decorporation approach to prevent radioactivity uptake by using acidosis in experimental animals.

With an aim to devise a prophylactic and/or therapeutic approach for preventing internalization of radiothallium (201Tl), and more importantly by implication, its chemical analogue radiocesium (137Cs) during any nuclear emergency, different ex vivo and in vivo animal models were created to determine the role of pH in absorption of 201Tl across jejunum/muscle tissue and whole body retention of 201Tl respectively. Movement of Tl+ under simulated pH conditions proved that pH had direct influence on its absorption. Oral intake of acidified water or parenteral administration of lactic acid was able to reduce the body burden of 201Tl by up to 12 and 50% respectively. The results indicate that acidification of gut, within physiological range may be used as an option for decorporation/inhibition of incorporation of radiothallium and radiocesium, particularly in cases of mass casualty.

Qualidade de vida dos indivíduos expostos ao césio-137, em Goiânia, Goiás, Brasil / Quality of life in individuals exposed to cesium-137 in Goiânia, Goiás State, Brazil / Calidad de vida de las personas expuestas al cesio-137, en Goiânia, Goiás, Brasil

Estudo observacional transversal realizado em Goiânia, Goiás, Brasil, em uma amostra de 56% de 111 pessoas, objetivando avaliar a qualidade de vida dos indivíduos expostos ao césio-137 e sua associação com fatores sociodemográficos. Utilizou-se o WHOQOL-BREF e o Sistema de Monitoramento dos Radioacidentados. Os participantes foram divididos segundo critérios internacionais em: Grupo I - radiodermites e/ou dosimetria citogenética acima de 20 rads (n = 33); e Grupo II - dosimetria citogenética ≤ 20 rads (n = 29), totalizando 62 sujeitos. Dentre os domínios do WHOQOL-BREF, o meio ambiente apresentou a média de escores mais alta (59,88; DP = 20,39) e o psicológico a média mais baixa (53,02; DP = 17,98). As associações entre os domínios físico, psicológico e relações sociais foram significativas para a variável idade. Não houve diferença entre grupos. A associação entre os fatores sociodemográficos e qualidade de vida não foi significativa. Os radioacidentados sofrem considerável impacto na qualidade de vida, com persistência de problemas psicossociais, especialmente para aqueles com mais de 41 anos.

This cross-sectional observational study in Goiânia, Goiás State, Brazil in a sample of 56% of 111 individuals exposed to cesium-137 aimed to evaluate their quality of life and associations with socio-demographic factors. The study used the WHOQOL-BREF and the Monitoring System for Radiation Victims. Participants were divided according to international criteria: Group I - radiation dermatitis and / or cytogenetic dosimetry above 20 rads (n = 33) and Group II - cytogenetic dosimetry ≤ 20 rads (n = 29), totaling 62 subjects. Among the WHOQOL-BREF domains, environment showed the highest mean scores (59.88, SD = 20.39) and psychological the lowest (53.02, SD = 17.98). Associations between the physical, psychological, and social domains were significant for the age variable. There was no difference between groups. The association between socio-demographic factors and quality of life was not significant. Radiation victims suffer considerable impact on quality of life, with persistent psychosocial problems, especially among those older than 41 years.

Estudio transversal observacional realizado en Goiânia, Goiás, Brasil, con un 56% de 111 individuos para evaluar la calidad de vida de las personas expuestas al cesio-137 y su asociación con factores sociodemográficos. Se utilizó el WHOQOL-BREF y el Sistema de Monitoreo de Radio accidentados. Los participantes fueron divididos: Grupo I - Dosimetría radiodermitis y/o citogenética mayor de 20 rads (n = 33) y Grupo II - dosimetría citogenética ≤ 20 rad (n = 29), de un total de 62 sujetos. Entre los dominios del WHOQOL-BREF, el medio ambiente tenía los puntos más altos de promedio (59,88; SD = 20,39) y el promedio más bajo fue el psicológico (53,02; SD = 17,98). Las asociaciones entre las relaciones físicas, psicológicas y sociales fueron significativas para la variable edad. No hubo diferencias entre los grupos y entre los factores sociodemográficos y de calidad de vida. Los radioaccidentados sufren un impacto considerable en la calidad de vida, con la persistencia de los problemas psicosociales, especialmente para aquellos con más de 41 años.

Is It Safe to Eat Fish?

No abstract available.

Measurement of [226]Ra, [232]Th, [137]Cs and [40]K activities of wheat and corn products in Ilam province - Iran and resultant annual ingestion radiation dose

Natural background radiation is the main source of human exposure to radioactive material. Soils naturally have radioactive mineral contents. The aim of this study is to determine natural [[238] U, [232] Th, [40] K] and artificial [[137] Cs] radioactivity levels in wheat and corn fields of Eilam province. HPGe detector was used to measure the concentration activity of [238]U and [232]Th, [40] K and [137] Cs in wheat and corn samples taken from different regions of Eilam province, in Iran. In wheat and corn samples, the average activity concentrations of [226] Ra, [232] Th, [40]K and [137] Cs were found to be 1,67, 0.5, 91.73, 0.01 and 0.81, 0.85, 101.52, 0.07Bp/ kg [dry weight], respectively. H[ex] and H[in] in the present work are lower than 1. The average value of H[ex] was found to be 0.02 and 0.025 and average value of H[in] to be found 0.025 and 0.027 in wheat fields samples and corn samples in Eilam provinces, respectively. The obtained values of AGDE are 30.49 mSv/ yr for wheat filed samples and 37.89 mSv/ yr for corn samples; the AEDE rate values are 5.28 mSv/yr in wheat filed samples and this average value was found to be 6.13 mSv/yr in corn samples in Eilam. Transfer factors [TFs] of long lived radionuclide such as [137]Cs, [226]Ra, [232] Th and [40]K from soils to corn and wheat plants have been studied by radiotracer experiments. The natural radioactivity levels in Eilam province are not at the range of high risk of morbidity and are under international standards

Surgical intervention for the central recurrence or persistent local lesion of uterine cervical carcinoma following full-dose radiotherapy / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the results of surgical treatment for central recurrence or persistent local lesion of uterine cervical carcinoma following full-dose radiotherapy.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty-seven patients were diagnosed having central recurrence or persistent local lesion of uterine cervical carcinoma following full-dose radiotherapy. The patients were treated surgically: extrafascial hysterectomy was performed in 37 cases, radical hysterectomy in 7, and modified radical hysterectomy in 3. Their clinicopathological features were retrospectively reviewed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Central recurrence or persistent local lesion was confirmed by pathology in 36 patients, while negative in 11. For patients receiving extrafascial hysterectomy, the median survival time and 5-year survival rate were 22 months and 40.4%, while for radical hysterectomy corresponding figures were 26 months and 40.0%. The mean operation time for the extrafascial hysterectomy and the radical or modified hysterectomy was 2.5 and 3.8 hours, respectively. The mean blood loss was 272.1 and 610.0 ml, respectively. The postoperative morbidity was 21.6% for extrafascial hysterectomy and 70.0% for radical or modified hysterectomy (P = 0.007).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>For some patients with central recurrence or persistent local lesion of uterine cervical carcinoma following full-dose radiotherapy, surgical intervention may achieve long time survival. Extrafascial hysterectomy is a feasible and effective treatment for some selected patients.</p>

Effect of ionizing radiation on rat parotid gland

A common side effect of radiotherapy used in the treatment of oral cancer is the occurrence of structural and physiological alterations of the salivary glands due to exposure to ionizing radiation, as demonstrated by conditions such as decreased salivary flow. The present study evaluated ultrastructural alterations in the parotid glands of rats receiving a fractionated dose (1,500-cGy) of radiation emitted by a Cesium-137 source and rats that were not subjected to ionizing radiation. After sacrifice, the parotid glands were removed and examined by transmission electron microscopy. Damage such as cytoplasmic vacuolization, dilatation of the endoplasmic reticulum and destruction of mitochondria, as well as damage to the cellular membrane of acinar cells, were observed. These findings lead to the conclusion that ionizing radiation promotes alterations in the glandular parenchyma, and that these alterations are directly related to the dose level of absorbed radiation. Certain phenomena that appear in the cytoplasm and nuclear material indicate that ionizing radiation causes acinar cell death (apoptosis).

Um efeito colateral comum da radioterapia usada no tratamento de câncer na cavidade oral é a ocorrência de alterações estruturais e fisiológicas sobre as glândulas salivares por exposição à radiação ionizante, como demonstrada em situações com decréscimo do fluxo salivar. O presente estudo teve por objetivo avaliar as alterações ultra-estruturais de glândulas parótidas de ratos que receberam uma dose fracionada (1500 - cGy) de radiação emitida por uma fonte de Césio 137 e ratos que não receberam a radiação ionizante. Após o sacrifício, as glândulas parótidas foram removidas e examinadas por microscopia eletrônica de transmissão. Lesões das organelas citoplasmáticas, como dilatação do retículo endoplasmático, destruição das mitocôndrias e formação das vacuolizações citoplasmáticas, além de lesão da membrana celular das células acinares foram observadas. Portanto, a radiação ionizante promove alterações no parênquima glandular, o que está diretamente relacionado com a dose de radiação absorvida. Determinados fenômenos que surgem no citoplasma e material nuclear são indicadores de que a radiação ionizante leva a célula acinar a morte programada (apoptose).

investigation on the performance of dose calibrators in nuclear medicine centers in Iran

To investigate the status of the nuclear medicine [NM] centers in Iran for the performance of dose calibrators, 18 out of 54 centers providing NM services in Iran were randomly selected and inspected in 1997. In the first phase of the study the selected centers were inspected for performing of quality control [QC] tests of dose calibrators. The linearity of the activity response, precision, accuracy, and the physical functions of the instruments, were studied. In the second phase of the study, carried out in 2006, 28 out of 75 NM centers were investigated for QC tests performance. The QC tests were performed by using standardized radio nuclides of Tc-99m and Cs-137 in the first phase, and Tc-99m and I-131 in the second phase of the studies. Standard procedures were used for carrying out the tests. According to the obtained results in the first phase of the study, 10 centers were found to be in unacceptable situation. Following this study, all the concerned NM centers were informed about the results, and at the same time the repair and adjustment of the dose calibrators were requested. In addition, the appropriate training courses along with the QC testing manuals were provided to the centers. Based on the data of the second phase of the study, only 6 NM centers were in unacceptable situation. The results indicated the effectiveness of the improvements carried out in the working procedures of the centers during interval between the two phases of investigation

Treatment and prognosis of low-grade malignant endometrial stromal sarcoma / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To review the experience in the treatment of low-grade malignant endometrial stromal sarcoma.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The data of 41 patients with low-grade malignant endometrial stromal sarcoma surgically treated between 1982 and 2004 were reviewed. Statistical analysis was carried out using chi(2) and Kaplan-Meier life table.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of these 41 patients, 24 suffered from irregular vaginal bleeding, and 30 had been diagnosed to have leiomyoma before treatment. Thirty patients but 11 underwent surgical management with uterus removed. Thirty-three patients received postoperative adjuvant therapy including radiation and/or chemotherapy. The 5-year and 10-year actuarial survival was 87. 5% and 77. 8%, respectively. Eighteen patients (43. 9%) developed recurrent disease, most of which in the pelvis. The mean time to recurrence was 31 months (range 6 to 78 months) with the median time of 26 months. The recurrent rate was 66.7% for patients whose ovarian function was reserved versus 37. 5% for those without reservation. Patients who received adjuvant therapy had a lower recurrent rate (30. 3%) than those who did not (87. 5%). The recurrent rate of the patients treated with postoperative adjuvant radiation was 32. 3% (10/31) versus 80% (8/10) for those patients without. The 5-year actuarial survival rate of patients with recurrent disease was 71. 8%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Low-grade malignant endometrial stromal sarcoma has a good prognoses though dwarfed by higher late recurrence after initial treatment. Postoperative adjuvant radiation is helpful to reduce local recurrence. Endometrial stromal sarcoma;</p>

Determining TG-43 brachytherapy dosimetry parameters and dose distribution for a [131]Cs source model CS-1

Monte Carlo determination of TG-43 brachytherapy dosimetry parameters and dose distribution calculation for [131]Cs source model CS-1 are presented in this study. The dose distribution was calculated around the [131]Cs Model CS-1 located in the center of 30 cm x 30 cm x 30 cm water, and soft tissue phantoms cube using MCNP code by Monte Carlo method. The percentage depth dose [PDD] variation along the different axis, parallel and perpendicular, the source was calculated. Then, the isodose curves for 100%, 75%, 50% and 25% PDD were constructed. Finally, F[r, theta] and g[r] dosimetry parameters of TG-43 protocol have been determined. Results obtained show that the Monte Carlo method could only calculate dose deposition in high gradient region, near the source, accurately. The energy cut off was found to be 1 eV and the error in the calculations was less than 2%. The isodose curves of the CS-1 [131]Cs source were constructed from dose calculation by MCNP code. The calculated dosimetry parameters for the source were in agreement with previously published results

Effect and safety of transrectal 137 CS gamma-rays in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the effect and safety of transrectal 137Cs gamma-ray therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty cases of BPH were treated by transrectal 137Cs gamma-rays.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After 6 months there was significant improvement in the maximum urine flow, IPSS and QOL (P < 0.05). But no significant changes were observed in the prostate volume and residual urine (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Transrectal 137Cs gamma-ray therapy is safe and effective in the treatment of BPH.</p>

Effect of Shuanghuang Shengbai granule on radiotherapy or chemotherapy induced leukopenia in mice / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect of Shuanghuang Shengbai granule on mice leukopenia induced by ip cyclophosphamide (CTX) or radiation.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Mice leukopenia models were induced by ip CTX or radiation, and then treated with Shuanghuang Shengbai granule per oral. The peripheral hemogram, thymus index, spleen index, bone marrow nucleated cell (BMNC) and colony forming unit-spleen (CFU-S) were detected. The bone marrow cell differentiation was examined. The pathological slices of bone marrow were observed.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Shuanghuang Shengbai granule could increase the WBC, BMNC, CFU-S of model mice significantly; Shuanghuang Shengbai granule could make the granulocyte and erythrocyte index recovered to normal level and it could also protect the bone marrow hemotopoietic microenvironment from the harm of radiation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Shuanghuang Shengbai granule has apparent leukogenic function.</p>

The effect of HER2/neu overexpression on p53 gene expression, cell proliferation and sensitivity to gamma-irradiation via the PI3K/Akt pathway in breast cancer cell MCF7 / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of HER2/neu overexpression on the wild p53 gene expression, cell proliferation and sensitivity to gamma-irradiation via phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway in human breast cancer cell MCF7.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Lipofectin-mediated gene transfection method was used to transfer HER2/neu into MCF7 cells. Expression of HER2/neu, p53, Akt and p-Akt protein after PI3K pathway inhibitor LY294002 treatment was determined by Western blot. Cell proliferation and cell surviving fraction after gamma-irradiation treatment were assayed by MTT.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Eighteen of HER2/neu stably transfected MCF7 cell clones were established, one of them was HER2/neu overexpressing. HER2/neu overexpressing MCF7 cells showed higher p-Akt expression and lower p53 expression than those of parental MCF7 cells, which could be abrogated by LY294002. HER2/neu overexpressing MCF7 cells had higher proliferation rate and lower sensitivity to gamma-irradiation than those of parental MCF7 cells, which could be opposed by LY294002.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Overexpression of HER2/neu induces reduced expression of wild-type p53 protein, relatively high cell proliferation and low sensitivity to gamma-irradiation in breast cancer cell MCF7 by activating PI3K/Akt pathway, which may contribute to therapeutic resistance in some breast cancer patients with wild-type p53 gene status.</p>

Radioactividad en las ventanas de 137 Cs, 125 I, 131 I, 59 Fe, y 57 Co de alimentos incluidos en la cesta básica y en el agua, consumidos en el Estado Carabobo, Venezuela / Radioactivity for 137 Cs, 125 I, 131 I, 59 Fe, y 57 Co windows from foods inclued in the basic alimentary basket and in the water, consumed in the state of Carabobo, Venezuela

Uno de los medios de ingreso de Radionucleidos Artificiales y Naturales al organismo es la alimentación. En el presente estudio se determinaron los niveles de radioactividad de las ventanas de energía correspondientes a 137 Cs, 125 I, 131 I, 59 Fe, y 57 Co en alimentos y bebidas tanto nacionales como importados, pertenecientes a la cesta alimentaria básica venezolana: alimentos de origen animal como carne vacuna, huevo de gallina y hueso de pollo; alimentos de origen vegetal como tomate, papa, caraota negra y arroz; agua embotellada nacional e importada de Portugal y agua del acueducto; y leche en polvo completa nacional, de Italia y de Nueva Zelanda. La radioactividad fue medida con un contador de centelleo de pozo con cristal NaI(Tl). Se concluye que los alimentos y bebidas examinados, presentan niveles menores a la actividad mínima detectable para 137 Cs, 131 I, 59 Fe, 57 Co, mientras que para el radionucleido 125 I se detectaron, en el agua de acueducto de la ciudad de Valencia y el agua embotellada importada de Portugal, niveles por encima de los mínimos detectables. Estos datos sugieren fuertemente la necesidad de monitorizar constantemente los niveles de radioactividad en varias ventanas energéticas de los alimentos de la cesta básica alimentaria y del agua potable.

Correlations between ventilatory function tests, arterid blood gases and blood levels of some radioactive isotopes in asymptomatic and symptomatic cigarette smokers

In this work, three groups of subjects were studied. The first was control group [8 cases], the second was asymptomatic cigarette smokers [30 cases] and the third was symptomatic cigarette smokers [36 cases] that was in turn divided into three equal subgroups: asthma, COPD and cancer lung. All groups were examined for ventilatory function tests [FVC, FEV1 -FEV1% and FEF 25-75%], arterial blood gases, [Pa O2 and PaCO2, pH] and blood levels of lead 212, lead214, and Cesium 137. There was a significant decrease in all ventilalory function tests, PaO 2and increase PaCO2 in symptomatic group in relation to control and asymptomatic groups. The pH of blood showed no change. The study showed a significant increase in the levels of lead 212, lead214 and cesium137 in both smokers groups in relation to control. FEV1 and FEF 25-75%, lead212, lead 214 and cesium 137 showed significant differences between the three studied groups. Also there was a significant negative correlation between the blood lead 212 and the FEV1% in the symptomatic cigarette smokers group. These changes were related to the toxic contents of cigarette leaves and wrappings including the high content of the previously estimated radioisotopes

Poly-ADP-ribosylation of histone proteins of human kidney T1-cells in vitro following gamma-irradiation.

Poly-ADP-ribosylation of cellular proteins is involved with radiation induced damage and its repair. It has been observed that suspension of human kidney T1-cells in vitro attained elevated levels of poly-ADP-ribosylation due to experimental manipulations necessary for preparation of single cell suspension from monolayer cell cultures. These cells in suspension were exposed to various doses of gamma-rays with or without subsequent repair incubation. The PADPR of histones H3, H1 and H2B increased with increasing dose of radiation and decreased after 90 min or repair incubation. Concomitant with these changes, the affinity of histones to DNA in chromatin reduced immediately after irradiation. Normal affinity was reestablished after post-irradiation repair incubation. The results indicate that induction of poly-ADP-ribosylation of histone proteins by radiation and by manipulations to prepare single cell suspension involved different cellular components.