Protective Effect of Biochanin A on Gamma Radiation-Induced Oxidative Stress, Antioxidant Status, Apoptotic, and DNA Repairing Molecules in Swiss Albino Mice.

Radiation therapy is indispensable in medical practice but often causes adverse effects on healthy tissues, necessitating the search for natural radioprotectors. This study investigates the protective effect of Biochanin A (BCA) against gamma radiation-induced oxidative stress and DNA damage in Swiss albino mice. Gamma radiation, a potent ionizing source, generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) that damage cellular biomolecules, including DNA. Antioxidants play a crucial role in neutralizing ROS and preventing oxidative damage. Swiss albino mice were divided into control, BCA control (10 mg/kg body weight), radiation alone (7 Gy), and radiation+ BCA pretreatment groups. BCA, a natural isoflavone with known antioxidant and cytoprotective properties, was administered intraperitoneally before radiation exposure. After irradiation, lipid peroxidation levels, antioxidant enzyme activities/level (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and reduced glutathione), expression levels of DNA repair genes (P53, P21, GADD45α), apoptotic markers (Bax, Bcl-2, Caspase-3, -9 and Cytochrome-C), and inflammatory marker (NF-κB) were analyzed in small intestine tissue. Our findings indicate that gamma radiation significantly elevated lipid peroxidation levels and altered antioxidant enzyme activities, indicating oxidative stress. However, BCA pretreatment mitigated these effects by bolstering antioxidant defences, reducing radiation-induced oxidative damage. Additionally, BCA altered apoptotic markers, NF-κB expression, promoting cell survival mechanisms. At the molecular level, BCA pretreatment upregulated key DNA repair genes (P53, P21, GADD45α), crucial for repairing radiation-induced DNA damage and maintaining genomic stability. These results underscore BCA potential as a radioprotector, suggesting its efficacy in mitigating radiation-induced oxidative stress and preserving cellular integrity. In conclusion, BCA demonstrates promising radioprotective properties by attenuating oxidative stress, enhancing antioxidant defences, modulating apoptotic pathways, and promoting DNA repair mechanisms following gamma radiation exposure. Further research is necessary to elucidate its precise mechanisms of action and explore its potential therapeutic applications in radiation oncology and environmental radioprotection.

Role of Olive Leaf Extract, Mesenchymal Stem Cells or Low Radiation Dose in Alleviating Hepatic Injury in Rats.

Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) or low-dose gamma radiation (LDR) on liver injury compared to the effect of olive leaf extract as a hepatoprotective agent. Methods: Rats were allocated into six groups; group I served as the negative control. Group II received 5% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) in its drinking water for 1 week. Group III was injected with a single dose of 1 × 106 bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) intravenously. Group IV was treated as in group III after 5% DSS treatment. Group V was given 5% DSS, followed by olive leaf extract (OLE) (1000 mg/ kg, oral). Group VI: 5% DSS for 1 week, then was exposed to low-dose gamma radiation (LDR) (0.05 Gy). Results: Rats treated with OLE, BM-MSCs, or exposed to LDR exerted significant alleviation in all hepatic biomarkers, significant enhancements in oxidative stress parameters, and improvements in inflammatory biomarkers Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß) and Interferon gamma (INF-γ) hepatic contents compared with those of the DSS group. Histological pictures emphasized the biochemical findings. Conclusions: BM-MSCs might be a valuable therapeutic approach to overcome hepatic injury. Exposure to LDR provided protective mechanisms that allow the body to survive better.

Effect of gamma irradiation on proliferation and growth of friable embryogenic callus and in vitro nodal cuttings of ugandan cassava genotypes.

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) production and productivity in Africa is affected by two viral diseases; cassava mosaic disease (CMD) and cassava brown streak disease (CBSD). Induced mutagenesis of totipotent/embryogenic tissues or in vitro plant material can lead to the generation of CMD and/or CBSD tolerant mutants. To massively produce non-chimeric plants timely and with less labor, totipotent cells or tissues are a pre-requisite. This study aimed to determine the effect of gamma radiation on the proliferation and growth of friable embryogenic callus (FEC) and in vitro nodal cuttings respectively. To obtain FEC, 2-6 mm sized leaf lobes of nine cassava genotypes were plated on Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal media supplemented with varying levels (37, 50, 70, 100) µM of picloram for production of organized embryogenic structures (OES). The OES of five cassava genotypes (Alado, CV-60444, NASE 3, NASE 13 and TME 204) were crushed and plated in Gresshoff and Doy (GD) basal media in combination with the amino acid tyrosine in varying concentrations for FEC production. FEC from five cassava genotypes and in vitro nodal cuttings of nine genotypes were irradiated using five different gamma doses (0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 Gy) at a dose rate of 81Gy/hr. The lethal dose (LD)50 was determined using the number of roots produced and flow cytometry was done to determine the ploidy status of plants. The highest production of OES was noted in Alado across varying picloram concentrations, while TME 204 obtained the highest amount of FEC. The irradiated FEC gradually died and by 28 days post irradiation, FEC from all five cassava genotypes were lost. Conversely, the irradiated in vitro nodal cuttings survived and some produced roots, while others produced callus. The LD50 based on number of roots varied from genotype to genotype, but plants remained diploid post-irradiation. Accordingly, the effect of gamma irradiation on Ugandan cassava genotypes (UCGs) was genotype-dependent. This information is foundational for the use of in vitro tissues as target material for cassava mutation breeding.

Effect of gamma radiation on freeze-dried red pitaya (Hylocereus costaricensis) skin powder: An EPR study to assess the original dose.

The integral use of some fruits is an alternative for sustainable production from an environmental, social, and economic point of view, so activities that promote the sustainability of the food production chain, such as fruits waste irradiation, are being carried out. For control and safety purposes with irradiated products, it is necessary to use precise and adequate techniques that allow the marking and unequivocal identification of these products. Among these techniques, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy has stood out for its high sensitivity in detecting paramagnetic species generated during irradiation. The pitaya fruit has as its processing residue its skin, which represents 33 % of its total weight. In addition, studies carried out with pitaya reveal the presence of bioactive compounds, including phenolic compounds, that contribute to its antioxidant capacity. With this perspective, in the present work, we investigated the paramagnetic centers induced by gamma irradiation in powdered red pitaya skin products by means of the EPR technique, with the purpose of using them as indicators and/or dosimetric material for the determination of the absorbed dose in irradiated pitaya skin products. EPR experiments indicate the presence of at least three paramagnetic species. One of the centers (center I) exhibits six hyperfine lines with g = 2.0050 and is attributed to the Mn2+ ion. Center II has contributions from at least two radicals, and the dominant radical displays hyperfine interaction with one α-type and two nearly equivalent ß-type protons with g = 2.0042. Center III has g = 2.0029 and results from the cellulosic part of the pitaya fruit. The intensity of centers II and III increases linearly with increasing gamma irradiation doses in the dose range from 500 Gy to 30 kGy. In addition, the fading results with storage time at room temperature of centers II and III show a 20 % decay in the first 21 days and then stabilize. Also, complementary studies of the morphology and degree of crystallinity of the pitaya skin powder were carried out by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively.

Effect of binary porogen mixtures on polymer monoliths prepared by gamma-radiation initiated polymerization.

Gamma-radiation initiated polymerization is an easy-to-use and simple technique for the preparation of porous polymer monoliths widely used as active materials in separation columns. Herein, binary porogen mixtures of ethyl acetate/acetone/acetonitrile with methanol were used to synthesize diethylene glycol dimethacrylate monoliths with this technique. Systematic studies have been performed to determine the effect of the composition of the solvent mixture on the morphology and the reaction kinetics, including the growth mechanism and the growth rate. The irradiation dose-dependent conversion profiles showed that with binary solvents the polymerization is much faster than with the same compounds used as single solvents. Depending on the type and the composition of the solvent one-, two- and three-dimensional, and fractal growth mechanisms were identified.

Enhanced surface activation of ground tire rubber via the radiolysis of water for effective rubber recycling.

In this study, we examined the chemical changes occurring in ground tire rubber (GTR) and on its surface as a result of gamma irradiation in water, with low doses of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 kGy. To better distinguish the changes the radiation caused in the GTR and the surface activation of the GTR caused by the irradiated water, we also performed radiation treatments in an inert atmosphere. We mixed the treated GTRs with fresh rubber, and after vulcanization, investigated the mechanical properties and conducted dose optimization. The chemical changes occurring in GTR were characterized by Soxhlet-extraction and cross-link density measurements. Changes on the surface were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). In water irradiation, cross-link density decreased (∼10 %), while in an inert atmosphere, new bonds formed between the chains (∼10 %), with negligible degradation (∼2 %) in both cases. Based on the FTIR spectra, new oxygen-containing groups appeared on the GTR surface in water treatment, while this was not observed in a nitrogen atmosphere. The increase in surface oxygen content was confirmed by XPS, showing a ∼10 % increase as a result of water treatment, while it remained unchanged in the inert atmosphere. We achieved a 30 % increase in tensile strength (5 kGy) without a decrease in elongation properties and a 32 % increase in tear strength (20 kGy) for vulcanizates containing surface-activated GTR. Mechanical properties did not improve with treatments in an inert atmosphere. The oxidizing agents formed during the radiolysis of water activated the surface of the GTR, helping to establish a better connection with the matrix.

Advanced polymeric matrix utilizing nanostructured bismuth and tungsten oxides for gamma rays shielding.

In this study, the shielding properties of novel polymer composites, developed by integrating glycidyl methacrylate with nanoparticles of bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) and tungsten oxide (WO3), were explored. The ability of the composites to attenuate gamma radiation was evaluated by measuring the emissions from Ba-133, Co-60, Cs-137, and Na-22. X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra were obtained for both the pure polymer glycidyl methacrylate and the samples containing nanostructures of Bi2O3, Bi2O3/WO3, and WO3, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to analyze the samples. The incorporation of Bi2O3 and WO3 nanoparticles into the polymer glycidyl methacrylate matrix significantly enhanced the composites' ability to attenuate gamma radiation, as demonstrated by the increased linear and mass attenuation coefficients. The results showed good agreement between the experiment and the XCOM database. The composites exhibited significant efficiency in attenuating lower-energy gamma rays, which is particularly advantageous in the medical and nuclear industries.

Silver secnidazole nano-hybrid emulsion-based probiotics as a novel antifungal formula against multidrug-resistant vaginal pathogens.

This study presents a novel approach to manage vaginal infections due to Candidiasis, utilizing a novel silver secnidazole nano-hybrid emulsion (Ag-Secn-NHE)-based probiotics and free Ag-Secn-NHE. Ag-Secn-NHE was prepared by simple homogenization‒ultrasonication technique and validated by using a ultraviolet‒visible scan, dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and zeta potential. Saccharomyces cerevisiae (RCMB 002Y001) is the most effective probiotic-producing organism that demonstrates significant effects when combined with Ag-Secn-NHE. Ag-Secn-NHE-based probiotics showed significant antifungal effect compared to free Ag-Secn-NHE, silver nitrate, silver nanoparticles, secnidazole, secnidazole nanoemulsion, and commercial vaginal wash against multidrug-resistant vaginal pathogens. The highest inhibitory effect was achieved with Ag-Secn-NHE-based probiotic against Candida auris, Candida albicans, and Cryptococcus neoformans with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) 0.625 ± 0.002, 0.00625:1.25 ± 0.012 and 0.00625:1.25 ± 0.032 mg/mL, respectively, in comparison with Ag-Secn-NHE that show MIC at 0.00625:1.25 ± 0.612, 0.0125:2.5 ± 0.812, and 0.0125:2.5 ± 0.112 mg/mL (Ag:Secn). Ag-Secn-NHE-based- probiotic show minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) at range from 2.5 to 20 mg/mL, wherever free Ag-Secn-NHE show MFC range from 5 to >20 mg/mL. Additionally, Ag-Secn-NHE-based probiotics have 75% inhibition of biofilm formation against C. auris and 60% inhibition of biofilm formation against both Cryptococcus neoformans and C. albicans in comparison with free Ag-Secn-NHE. Time-kill curves showed that the antifungal effect of Ag-Secn-NHE-based probiotics was fungistatic at 2MIC value after 4 h and after 16 h for Ag-Secn-NHE. TEM photographs showed that C. auris cells treated with Ag-Secn-NHE-based probiotic formula revealed severe deformations and distored ultrastructural changes. furthermore, results indicated that the Gamma radiation up to 15 kGy increases production of Ag-Secn-NHE in comparison with non-irradiated one.

Cognitive Effects of Simulated Galactic Cosmic Radiation Are Mediated by ApoE Status, Sex, and Environment in APP Knock-In Mice.

Cosmic radiation experienced during space travel may increase the risk of cognitive impairment. While simulated galactic cosmic radiation (GCRsim) has led to memory deficits in wildtype (WT) mice, it has not been investigated whether GCRsim in combination with genetic risk factors for Alzheimer's disease (AD) worsens memory further in aging mice. Here, we investigated the central nervous system (CNS) effects of 0 Gy (sham) or 0.75 Gy five-ion GCRsim or 2 Gy gamma radiation (IRR) in 14-month-old female and male APPNL-F/NL-F knock-in (KI) mice bearing humanized ApoE3 or ApoE4 (APP;E3F and APP;E4F). As travel to a specialized facility was required for irradiation, both traveled sham-irradiated C57BL/6J WT and KI mice and non-traveled (NT) KI mice acted as controls for potential effects of travel. Mice underwent four behavioral tests at 20 months of age and were euthanized for pathological and biochemical analyses 1 month later. Fecal samples were collected pre- and post-irradiation at four different time points. GCRsim seemed to impair memory in male APP;E3F mice compared to their sham counterparts. Travel tended to improve cognition in male APP;E3F mice and lowered total Aß in female and male APP;E3F mice compared to their non-traveled counterparts. Sham-irradiated male APP;E4F mice accumulated more fibrillar amyloid than their APP;E3F counterparts. Radiation exposure had only modest effects on behavior and brain changes, but travel-, sex-, and genotype-specific effects were seen. Irradiated mice had immediate and long-term differences in their gut bacterial composition that correlated to Alzheimer's disease phenotypes.

Nano-pregabalin effectively mitigates Glut, CGRP and NE neurotransmitters abnormalities in the brain of gamma irradiated rats with reserpine-induced fibromyalgia model: Behavioral and neurochemical studies.

AIMS: Fibromyalgia (FM) is an idiopathic syndrome with painful burdensome symptoms. Radiotherapy is one of the main therapeutic modalities for treating various malignancies and there is a probable association between FM exacerbation and exposure to ionizing radiation. Based on that nanomedicines progressively being explored for their promising applications in medicine, the aim of the current study is to assess the possible therapeutic benefits of nanoform of pregabalin (N-PG) in managing FM symptoms during being exposed to ionizing radiation. MAIN METHODS: Rats were allocated into four groups. First group served as control, the other three groups received gamma radiation (2 Gy/day) after 1 h of reserpine administration (1 ml/kg per day, s.c.) to induce FM for three successive days. On the next day, third and fourth groups received (30 mg/kg, p.o.) of PG and N-PG, respectively once daily for ten consecutive days. Tail flick test was performed and von Frey filaments were used to assess mechanical allodynia/hyperalgesia, and then rats were sacrificed to obtain brains. KEY FINDINGS: N-PG effectively replenished reserpine effects and treated both allodynia and hyperalgesia, improved thermal allodynia, effectively recovered all neurotransmitters near to normal baseline, inhibited oxidative stress status via decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA), increasing glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), it had strong anti-inflammatory effect as verified by reducing both cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) in addition to inhibition of intrinsic apoptosis through caspase-3 (casp-3) decrease and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) increase. Histopathological and immunohistochemical results confirmed the biochemical findings. SIGNIFICANCE: N-PG could be a promising drug for treating FM especially when there is urgent need to expose patient to ionizing radiation.

New Insight into Nucleotide Changes on Irradiated Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), A Pest of Horticultural Importance.

Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) is a major quarantine pest species infesting most of the tropical fruits. Its infestation had significantly reduced and disrupted the export market trade, thus, very crucial to be controlled during the preharvest and postharvest. One of the most sustainable control methods is by using the radiation technique to reduce the pest population, thus curbing the spread of this pest to new geographical areas. The objective of this study was to measure the nucleotide changes in B. dorsalis (larval, pupal and adult stages) which had been irradiated with 50 to 400 Gray, using Gamma Cell Biobeam GM8000 irradiator with Cesium-137 source at the Malaysian Nuclear Agency, Selangor, Malaysia. Data from the treated samples (with and without morphological changes) were analysed using cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI). The alignment of 59 sequences resulted in 0.92% variables with only four characters that were parsimony informative, and six sites (30, 60, 234, 282, 483 and 589) which had nucleotide changes, but had not been translated to another protein. Low polymorphism was presented on the sample groups, with only four haplotypes, but with high diversity value (Hd) = 0.5885. The phylogeny trees formed soft polytomy in both trees [neighbour joining (NJ) and maximum parsimony (MP)] presenting a mixture of individuals but did not show any significant difference between treatments. This finding concluded that low mutation had occurred on the treated B. dorsalis and this information is very valuable in getting new insight on the survival of B. dorsalis in the horticulture industry.

Assembly Regulates Gamma Radiation Polymerization of Polytelluoxane.

Regulating chemical drug's responsiveness to gamma radiation is crucial for achieving better therapeutic effects in cancer treatment. Most research focused on thermodynamic chemical structure design, while little attention was paid to kinetic regulate strategy, which possesses greater universality and security. In this study, we achieved a kinetic-based regulate strategy of gamma radiation reaction, through the construction of microphase environment during polymerization of polytelluoxane (PTeO). We designed hydrophobic segments forming large compound micelles (LCMs) assembly to create kinetically favorable higher concentration for radiation-induced reaction. It exhibited a > ten times higher responsiveness and, as far as we know, merely required a minimum dosage of 5 Gy for polymerization to occur. What's more, by taking advantages of the assembly change with Te-O hydrophilic segments and gamma radiation, polymerization became milder with lower polydispersity than previous methods. Such kinetic-based regulate strategy could offer a novel perspective on the design of radiation-responsive chemoradiotherapy and other radiation-induced chemical process.

Development of a novel elastomer with unique properties as fire and radiation resistance.

This study aims to create a novel, distinct form of elastomer with superior ability to resist fire, high resistance to radiation, and resistance to environmental conditions such as temperature and solvents. This type of natural-based elastomer was prepared using carboxymethyl cellulose CMC, polyacrylic acid PAA, crosslinked with tannic acid TA. Most techniques in elastomer manufacture technologies are unfriendly and participate in increasing carbon emissions. Gamma radiation was used as a clean tool for copolymerization and crosslinking the elastomer. The irradiation dose of 5 kGy with a rate of 3.32 kGy/h was enough to produce CMC/PAA/TA elastomer. The properties of the produced elastomer were investigated by Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and limiting oxygen index (LOI). CMC/PAA/TA has high resistance to solvents such as acetone, benzene, HCl, and HNO3. The tensile strength is 3.376 MPa, the elongation percent is 501.689%, and the LOI value is 30%. The produced elastomer possessed excellent gamma radiation resistance. The elastomer was exposed later to 1864 kGy of gamma radiation without showing degradation and retained its properties, as confirmed by FTIR, TGA, and mechanical properties. After investigation, it can be inferred that the produced CMC/PAA/TA elastomer exhibited outstanding properties.

Enhancing bioprocessing of red pigment from immobilized culture of gamma rays mutant of the endophytic fungus Monascus ruber SRZ112.

Considerable attention has been paid to exploring the biotechnological applications of several Monascus sp. for pigment production. In this study, our focus is on enhancing the bioprocessing of red pigment (RP) derived from the endophytic fungus Monascus ruber SRZ112. To achieve this, we developed a stable mutant strain with improved productivity through gamma irradiation. This mutant was then employed in the immobilization technique using various entrapment carriers. Subsequently, we optimized the culture medium for maximal RP production using the Response Surface Methodology. Finally, these immobilized cultures were successfully utilized for RP production using a semi-continuous mode of fermentation. After eight cycles of fermentation, the highest RP yield by immobilized mycelia reached 309.17 CV mL-1, a significant increase compared to the original titer. Importantly, this study marks the first report on the successful production of Monascus RP in a semi-continuous mode using gamma rays' mutant strain, offering prospects for commercial production.

Investigating the involvement of the NLRP3/ASC/caspase-1 and NF-κb/MAPK pathways in the pathogenesis of gouty arthritis: Insights from irradiated and non-irradiated Trifolium alexandrium L. extracts and some metabolites.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Trifolium alexandrinum L. (TA), has traditionally been used in folk medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties against hyperuricemia and gout. However, the specific mechanisms of action of TA have not been thoroughly studied. AIM OF THE WORK: This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of irradiated (TR25) and non-irradiated (TR0) Trifolium alexandrinum L. aqueous extract (TAAE), along with two isolated compounds, caffeine (CAF) and saponin (SAP), in a rat model of acute gouty arthritis (GA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The GA model was established by injecting a monosodium urate (MSU) suspension into the knee joint. Synovial tissue pathology was assessed, and levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1ß, NF-κB, mTOR, AKT1, PI3K, NLRP3, and ASC were measured by ELISA. mRNA expression of ERK1, JNK, and p-38 MAPK was detected using qRT-PCR, and Caspase-1 protein expression was assessed by immunohistochemical analysis. Knee swelling, uric acid levels, liver and kidney function, and oxidative stress markers were also evaluated. RESULTS: TAAE analysis identified 170 compounds, with 73 successfully identified using LC-HR-MS/MS, including caffeine citrate and theasapogenol B glycoside as the main constituents. The studied materials demonstrated significant protective effects against GA. TR25 administration significantly mitigated knee joint circumference compared to other treatments. It demonstrated potential in alleviating hyperuricemia, renal and hepatic impairments induced by MSU crystals. TR25 also alleviated oxidative stress and reduced levels of IL1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, and NF-κB. Weak Caspase-1 immune-positive staining was observed in the TR25 group. TR25 decreased NLRP3 and ASC expression, reducing inflammatory cytokine levels in GA. It effectively inhibited the PI3K, AKT, and mTOR signaling pathways, promoting autophagy. Additionally, TR25 suppressed ERK1, JNK, and p-38 MAPK gene expression in synovial tissue. These effects were attributed to various components in TAAE, such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins, alkaloids, and triterpenes. CONCLUSION: Importantly, irradiation (25 KGy) enhanced the antioxidant effects and phtchemical contents of TAAE. Additionally, TR0, TR25, CAF, and SAP exhibited promising protective effects against GA, suggesting their therapeutic potential for managing this condition. These effects were likely mediated through modulation of the NLRP3/ASC/Caspase-1 and ERK/JNK/p-38 MAPK signaling pathways, as well as regulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the underlying mechanisms and optimize their clinical applications.

Gastroprotective and microbiome-modulating effects of ubiquinol in rats with radiation-induced enteropathy.

Radiation enteritis is a frequently encountered issue for patients receiving radiotherapy and has a significant impact on cancer patients' quality of life. The gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in intestinal function, yet the impact of irradiation on gut microorganisms is not fully understood. This study explores the gastroprotective effect and gut microbiome-modulating potential of ubiquinol (Ubq), the reduced form of the powerful antioxidant CoQ-10. For this purpose, male albino rats were randomly assigned to four groups: Control, IRR (acute 7 Gy γ-radiation), Ubq_Post (Ubq for 7 days post-irradiation), and Ubq_Pre/Post (Ubq for 7 days pre and 7 days post-irradiation). The fecal microbiomes of all groups were profiled by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing followed by bioinformatics and statistical analysis. Histopathological examination of intestinal tissue indicated severe damage in the irradiated group, which was mitigated by ubiquinol with enhanced regeneration, goblet cells, and intestinal alkaline phosphatase expression. Compared to the irradiated group, the Ubq-treated groups had a significant recovery of intestinal interleukin-1ß, caspase-3, nitric oxide metabolites, and thio-barbituric reactive substances to near-healthy levels. Ubq_Pre/Post group displayed elevated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR-γ) level, suggesting heightened benefits. Serum insulin reduction in irradiated rats improved post-Ubq treatment, with a possible anti-inflammatory effect on the pancreatic tissue. Fecal microbiota profiling revealed a dysbiosis state with a reduction of bacterial diversity post-irradiation, which was re-modulated in the Ubq treated groups to profiles that are indistinguishable from the control group. These findings underscore Ubq's gastroprotective effects against radiation-induced enteritis and its potential in restoring the gut microbiota's diversity and balance.

On the Feasibility of an LCD-Based Real-Time Converter for Ionizing Radiation Imaging.

Here we present the cascade converter (CC), which provides real-time imaging of ionizing radiation (IoR) distribution. It was designed and manufactured with the simplest architecture, utilizing liquid crystal display (LCD) technology. Based on two merged substrates with transparent electrodes, armed with functional layers, with the cell filled with nematic liquid crystal, a display-like, IoR-stimulated CC was achieved. The CC comprises low-absorbing polymer substrates (made of polyethylene terephthalate-PET) armed with a transparent ITO electrode covered with a thin semipermeable membrane of polymer (biphenylperfluorocyclobutyl: BP-PFCB) doped with functional nanoparticles (NPs) of Lu2O3:Eu. This stack was covered with a photoconductive layer of α-Se and finally with a thin polyimide (PI) layer for liquid crystal alignment. The opposite substrate was made of LCD-type glass with ITO and polyimide aligning layers. Both substrates form a cell with a twisted structure of nematic liquid crystal (TN) driven with an effective electric field Eeff. An effective electric field driving TN structure is generated with a sum of (1) a bias voltage VBIAS applied to ITO transparent electrodes and (2) the photogenerated additional voltage VXray induced between ITO and α-Se layers with a NPs-doped BP-PFCB polymer layer in-between. The IoR (here, X-ray) conversion into real imaging of the IoR distribution was achieved in the following stages: (1) conversion of IoR distribution into non-ionizing red light emitted with functional NPs, (2) transformation of red light into an electric charge distributed in a layer of the photoconductive α-Se, which is what results in the generation of distributed voltage VXray, and (3) a voltage-mediated, distributed switching of the TN structure observed with the naked eye. The presented imaging device is characterized by a simple structure and a simple manufacturing process, with the potential for use as a portable element of IoR detection and as a dosimeter.

Effect of gamma irradiation on properties of the synthesized PANI-Cu nanoparticles assimilated into PS polymer for electromagnetic interference shielding application.

Conductive polymer nanocomposites for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding are important materials that can be combat the increasingly dangerous radiation pollution arising from electronic equipment and our surrounding environment. In this work, we have synthesized polyaniline-copper nanoparticles (PANI-Cu NPs) by the copper salt based oxidative polymerization method at room temperature and then added with different concentration (0, 1, 3 and 5 wt%) in polystyrene polymer forming PS/ PANI-Cu nanocomposites films by means of the traditional solution casting technique. The formed PANI-Cu NPs were investigated by UV/Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and SEM/EDX elemental mapping techniques. On the other hand, the prepared PS/PANI-Cu nanocomposites films were evaluated by UV and SEM, the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites films were evaluated and showed an improvement by added PANI-Cu NPs up to 3 wt% and 50 kGy gamma exposure dose. The PS/PANI-Cu nanocomposites films were examined as electromagnetic interference shielding material. Electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of the produced nanocomposites were tested in the X-band of the radio frequency range namely from 8 to 12 GHz using the vector network analyzer (VNA) and a proper wave guide. All samples were studied before and after 50 kGy gamma-ray irradiation under the same condition of pressure and temperature. The results showed that the nanocomposites have improved shielding properties.

Radiotolerant endophytic bacteria and analysis of the effects of 137Cesium on the metabolome of Pantoea sp.

Some bacteria have developed mechanisms to withstand the stress caused by ionizing radiation. The ability of these radioresistant microorganisms to survive high levels of radiation is primarily attributed to their DNA repair mechanisms and the production of protective metabolites. To determine the effect of irradiation on bacterial growth, we propose to compare the metabolites produced by the irradiated isolates to those of the control (non-irradiated isolates) using mass spectrometry, molecular networking, and chemometric analysis. We identified the secondary metabolites produced by these bacteria and observed variations in growth following irradiation. Notably, after 48 h of exposure to radiation, Pantoea sp. bacterial cells exhibited a significant 6-log increase compared to non-irradiated cells. Non-irradiated cells produce exclusively Pyridindolol, 1-hydroxy-4-methylcarbostyril, N-alkyl, and N-2-alkoxyethyl diethanolamine, while 5'-methylthioadenosine was detected only in irradiated cells. These findings suggest that the metabolic profile of Pantoea sp. remained relatively stable. The results obtained from this study have the potential to facilitate the development of innovative strategies for harnessing the capabilities of endophytic bacteria in radiological protection and bioremediation of radionuclides.

Single/Multi-Network Conductive Hydrogels-A Review.

Hydrogels made from conductive organic materials have gained significant interest in recent years due to their wide range of uses, such as electrical conductors, freezing resistors, biosensors, actuators, biomedical engineering materials, drug carrier, artificial organs, flexible electronics, battery solar cells, soft robotics, and self-healers. Nevertheless, the insufficient level of effectiveness in electroconductive hydrogels serves as a driving force for researchers to intensify their endeavors in this domain. This article provides a concise overview of the recent advancements in creating self-healing single- or multi-network (double or triple) conductive hydrogels (CHs) using a range of natural and synthetic polymers and monomers. We deliberated on the efficacy, benefits, and drawbacks of several conductive hydrogels. This paper emphasizes the use of natural polymers and innovative 3D printing CHs-based technology to create self-healing conductive gels for flexible electronics. In conclusion, advantages and disadvantages have been noted, and some potential opportunities for self-healing single- or multi-network hydrogels have been proposed.