EPR DOSIMETRIC PROPERTIES OF DI-SODIUM TARTRATE.

A new dosimetry system based on di-sodium tartrate was investigated. Unirradiated and irradiated sample spectra were recorded and described. Effects of the change in microwave power and modulation amplitude values on the signal amplitude and the line width of the two peaks were plotted. Response to the Cs-137 gamma radiation was studied in two ranges: high-dose range (2409.66-41.97) Gy and low-dose range (41.97-1.40) Gy. The first peak of di-sodium tartrate is found to be 1.2 times more sensitive than that of alanine in the dose range (2409.66-41.97) Gy; moreover, in the dose range (41.97-1.40) Gy, it is found to be 1.3 times more than that of alanine. For the second peak of di-sodium tartrate, it is found to be less sensitive than that of alanine in the dose range (2409.66-41.97) Gy by a factor of 0.41, whereas in the dose range (41.97-1.40) Gy, it is found to be 0.44 times less than that of alanine The minimum detectable dose for di-sodium tartrate is about 0.05 Gy for the first peak and 1.4 Gy for the second peak.

A new approach to the analysis of thermoluminescence glow-curve of TLD-600 dosimeters following Am-241 alpha particles irradiation.

A new approach to the analysis of thermoluminescence (TL) glow-curves of LiF:Mg, Ti (TLD-600) following alpha particles irradiation has been presented using general expressions derived from the one-trap-one recombination (OTOR)-level model. It has been found that the results of the deconvolution in the case of using these expressions are different from the case of using the other TL expressions, especially for the high-temperature region. The advantage of using the OTOR expressions is that, unlike the usual analysis, a good fit and reasonable kinetic parameter values could be obtained with a lower number of deconvoluted peaks. The kinetic parameters and the dosimetric properties of each peak have been investigated over different absorbed doses and new findings have been found. Improvement of the accuracy and the precision of the dose measurements at low-dose levels has been achieved using the glow-curve deconvolution algorithm. In addition, theoretical interpretations of some observed behaviors have been presented using the interactive multiple trap system model.

The effect of body mass index at diagnosis on clinical outcome in children with newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

The impact of body mass index (BMI) at diagnosis on treatment outcome in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is controversial. We studied 373 children with ALL enrolled on the Total XV study, which prospectively used minimal residual disease (MRD) for risk assignment. MRD on day 19 and at the end of remission induction (day 46), cumulative incidence of relapse/refractory disease (CIR), event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated using sets of four, three and two subgroups based on BMI at diagnosis, along with BMI percentile change during remission induction. Higher BMI was associated with older age and higher treatment risk. There was no association between MRD on days 19 or 46 and BMI for four, three or two BMI subgroups (P>0.1 in all cases), nor was BMI associated with CIR or EFS. Obese patients had worse OS compared with non-obese (P=0.031) due to treatment-related mortality and less salvage after refractory disease or bone marrow relapse. No association between BMI change during remission induction and MRD, CIR, EFS or OS was seen. BMI at diagnosis does not predict poorer response or relapse in a contemporary MRD-directed ALL regimen. Improvements in supportive care and innovative, less-toxic frontline/salvage therapies are needed, especially for obese patients.

The deconvolution of thermoluminescence glow-curves using general expressions derived from the one trap-one recombination (OTOR) level model.

The new developed thermoluminescence (TL) glow-peak expressions derived from the one trap-one recombination (OTOR) level model were used to analyze the TL glow-curves recorded with linear and exponential heating function profiles under various experimental conditions. The results showed that these expressions can, accurately, analyze the TL glow-curves even with the overlapped glow-peaks. Low values of R=An/Am were reported for glow-peaks in different TL materials. A glow-peak with the possibility of An>Am was also pointed out.

Pediatric Burkitt's lymphoma and diffuse B-cell lymphoma: are surveillance scans required?

Outcomes in pediatric B-Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (B NHL) have improved with intensive chemotherapy protocols, with long-term survival now over 80%. However, long-term adverse effects of therapy and poor outcomes for patients who relapse remain challenges. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the potential risks and benefits of routine relapse surveillance imaging after the completion of therapy. We reviewed 44 B NHL patients diagnosed and treated at Texas Children's Cancer Center in the period between 2000 to 2011. All cross-sectional diagnostic imaging examinations performed for disease assessment after completion of chemotherapy were reviewed and cumulative radiation dosage from these examinations and the frequency of relapse detection by these examinations were recorded. Only 3 patients of the 44 relapsed (6.8%), though none of the relapses were initially diagnosed by computed tomography (CT) or fludeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) scans. Median effective dose of ionizing radiation per patient was 40.3 mSv with an average of 49.1 mSv (range 0-276 mSv). This single-institution study highlights the low relapse rate in pediatric B-NHL with complete response at the end of therapy, the low sensitivity of early detection of relapse with surveillance CT or FDG-PET imaging, and the costs and potential increased risk of secondary malignancies from cumulative radiation exposure from surveillance imaging. We propose that routine surveillance CT or FDG-PET scans for these patients may not be necessary.

Pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma: are we over-scanning our patients?

Despite the favorable outcome of most pediatric patients with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), there is rising concern about risks of carcinogenesis from both diagnostic and therapeutic radiation exposure for patients treated on study protocols. Although previous studies have investigated radiation exposure during treatment, radiation from post-treatment surveillance imaging may also increase the likelihood of secondary malignancies. All diagnostic imaging examinations involving ionizing radiation exposure performed for surveillance following completion of therapy were recorded for 99 consecutive pediatric patients diagnosed with HL from 2000 to 2010. Cumulative radiation dosage from these examinations and the frequency of relapse detection by these examinations were recorded. In the first 2 years following completion of therapy, patients in remission received a median of 11 examinations (range 0-26). Only 13 of 99 patients relapsed, 11 within 5 months of treatment completion. No relapse was detected by 1- or 2-view chest radiographs (n = 38 and 296, respectively), abdomen/pelvis computed tomography (CT) scans (n = 211), or positron emission tomography (PET) scans alone (n = 11). However, 10/391 (2.6%) of chest CT scans, 4/364 (1.1%) of neck CT scans, and 3/47 (6.4%) of PET/CT scans detected relapsed disease. Thus, only 17 scans (1.3%) detected relapse in a total of 1358 scans. Mean radiation dosages were 31.97 mSv for Stage 1, 37.76 mSv for Stage 2, 48.08 mSv for Stage 3, and 51.35 mSv for Stage 4 HL. Approximately 1% of surveillance imaging examinations identified relapsed disease. Given the very low rate of relapse detection by surveillance imaging stipulated by current protocols for pediatric HL patients, the financial burden of the tests themselves, the high cure rate, and risks of second malignancy from ionizing radiation exposure, modification of the surveillance strategy is recommended.

Assessment of natural radioactivity and radon exhalation rate in Sannur cave, eastern desert of Egypt.

Activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th and 40K in rocks and soil samples collected from Sannur cave, Beni Suef governorate, eastern desert of Egypt, were determined using the high-resolution gamma spectrometry technique. The results show that the concentrations of the naturally occurring radionuclides are the following: 238U ranged from 8.51 +/- 1.23 to 20.66 +/- 2.12 Bq kg(-1), 232Th ranged from 7.69 +/- 1.02 to 22.73 +/- 1.60 Bq kg(-1) and 40K ranged from 185.74 +/- 0.42 to 2084.70 +/- 23.30 Bq kg(-1). The radium equivalent activity (Raeq), the absorbed dose rate (D), and the external hazard index (Hex) were also calculated and compared to the international recommended values. The radon concentration and radon exhalation rate from the rock and soil samples were measured using the Can technique. The average value of annual effective dose for cave workers is 1.98 mSv y(-1), while for visitors it is 2.4 microSv per visit. The radon exhalation rate varies from 0.21 +/- 0.03 to 1.28 +/- 0.02 Bq m(-2) h(-1). A positive correlation has been observed between uranium content and radon exhalation rate.

Concentrations of steroids and biochemical constituents in follicular fluid of buffalo cows during different stages of the oestrous cycle.

One of the factors controlling ovarian physiology in cattle is the alteration that occurs in the hormonal and biochemical composition of follicular fluid. Because they are ill-defined in buffaloes, the present study was aimed at determining changes in the follicular fluid collected from 197 pairs of buffalo ovaries after slaughter. Total oestrogens, progesterone, calcium, inorganic phosphorus and total protein were found to be higher before oestrus and reached their peak values during oestrus. Glucose concentrations were maximal before oestrus. Testosterone, total corticosteroids and acid phosphatase concentrations increased during metoestrus peaking during dioestrus. Alkaline phosphatase concentration was higher during dioestrus. Ratios and correlations between changes in concentrations of the different follicular steroids were determined.

Gonadotrophin releasing hormone treatment of Holstein cows with follicular cysts monitored by skim milk progesterone determination.

Progesterone was assayed in skim milk fraction of 38 cystic cows, 26 (68.4%) of which had basal ( < 0.5 ng/ml) progesterone concentrations and were diagnosed as having follicular cysts. These cows were allotted at random to one of 3 treatments: (1) a sham injection of sterile water in 7 cows as controls; (2) a single injection (1 mg) of GnRH analog in 8 cows; (3) double injections (1 mg) of GnRH analog at 7-day interval in 11 cows. According to rectal palpation confirmed by skim milk progesterone determination, the double injection group responded well (P < 0.05) compared with the single injection and control groups (81.8% vs 62.5 vs 42.9%). The interval calving to 1st insemination, interval treatment to conception and interval calving to conception were significantly (P < 0.01) shorter in the double injection group than in the other 2 groups. Also, the conception rate to first insemination was significantly (P < 0.05) higher (63.6% vs 37.5% vs 42.9%). The data provide evidence for reduction in infertility and reproductive disorders in cystic cows given double injections of GnRH.

Therapeutic efficacy of povidone-iodine (Betadine) and dichloroxylenol (Septocid) in Holstein cows affected with endometritis and/or cervicitis.

The efficacy of either povidone-iodine (Betadine) or dichloroxylenol (Septocid) intrauterine infusions on the treatment of endometritis and/or cervicitis in cows was examined. One hundred and twelve repeat-breeder Holstein cows (aged 3-7 years) were selected for this study. Rectal and vaginal examinations were applied to detect the signs of endometritis and/or cervicitis. Cows were assigned into two groups: the first group (n = 60) was treated with Betadine solution (0.5%) while the second group (n = 52) was given Septocid (0.1%) administered as intrauterine infusion (100-150 ml). Both treatment were repeated at least two times at 7-day intervals and the cows were rechecked. The responding animals were inseminated 10-12 h after oestrus detection using frozen semen from bulls of proven fertility. The success or failure of treatment was evaluated on the basis of the post-treatment conception rate. The relationship of the body weight of cows, the length of the service period (open days) and the number of previous services with the results of treatment with Betadine or Septocid is discussed. The recovery and conception rates obtained after Betadine treatment were better than those obtained after Septocid. Moreover, healthy cows (> or = 500 kg body weight) and those inseminated before post-partum day 180, having no more than 4-7 previous services, responded well to either Betadine or Septocid treatment.

Effects of sample handling temperatures on bovine skim milk progesterone concentrations.

The effects of incubation of whole milk at various temperatures and times on the concentration of progesterone in the skim milk fraction was determined. For the study, milk samples were collected from 10 pregnant Holstein cows. The milk from each cow was transferred to culture tubes to provide 32 replicates of 3 ml volume. To begin the incubation study, all samples were placed in a 37 degrees C water bath for 4 h. The end of this incubation was designated as time 0 and a sample from each cow was centrifuged to harvest skim milk. At time 0, samples from each cow were divided among incubation temperatures of 0 degrees, 4 degrees, 20 degrees and 37 degrees C. Samples were removed from each incubation group at 30, 60, 90 and 120 min. After 120 min, all remaining samples were returned to the 37 degrees C incubation and skim milk was collected at 30, 60 and 90 min. Progesterone was measured in skim milk by radioimmunoassay. The mean +/- SE concentration of progesterone in skim milk at time 0 was 10.9 +/- 1.1 nmol/L. The mean concentration of progesterone in skim milk was higher (P < 0.05) in all samples incubated at 0 degrees and 4 degrees C, with incremental increases ranging from 34% to 67% above time 0. Progesterone in skim milk returned to time 0 concentrations in milk samples transferred from 0 degrees or 4 degrees C to 37 degrees C. There was no change in skim milk progesterone in whole milk samples incubated at 20 degrees or 37 degrees C. From this study, it can be concluded that the concentration of progesterone in skim milk is temperature dependent. Inconsistency in handling whole milk samples can have a profound effect in the concentration of progesterone on skim milk. The temperature-dependent effect was reversible and may be related to solubility of progesterone in milk fat.

Plasma progesterone, oestradiol-17 beta, oestrone sulphate, corticosteroids and a metabolite of PGF2 alpha: evolution throughout pregnancy, before, during and after parturition in buffalo cows.

The concentration of plasma progesterone, oestradiol-17 beta, oestrone sulphate, corticosteroids and 13,14-dihydro-15-ketoprostaglandin F2 alpha (PGFM) was measured in 12 buffalo cows during the whole period of gestation, around parturition and for 15 d postpartum. The concentration of progesterone and oestradiol-17 beta increased slightly during the first 2 months (3.5 +/- ng/ml) and 4 months (14.8 +/- 2.1 pg/ml) of pregnancy, respectively. Their values remained consistently below these levels until near the end of the pregnancy period when progesterone concentrations decreased significantly (P < 0.05) at d 7 prepartum (0.9 +/- 0.1 ng/ml) and oestradiol-17 beta increased markedly (P < 0.01) at d 10 prepartum (26.3 +/- 2.6 pg/ml). Progesterone showed basal values (< 0.5 ng/ml) from d 4 prepartum to d 15 postpartum. Oestradiol-17 beta concentrations were maximal (82.8 +/- 3.6 pg/ml) during labour and returned to their basal values (< 12 pg/ml) at d 5 postpartum. The concentrations of oestrone sulphate remained low (< 140 pg/ml) during the first half of gestation period. It increased sharply (P < 0.01) thereafter to 5,620 +/- 116.5 pg/ml by 30 d prepartum and afterwards declined to about 50% of this value before calving reaching basal level (< 80 pg/ml) at d 2 postpartum. The concentration of corticosteroids fluctuated narrowly (1.7 +/- 0.3 ng/ml) throughout gestation, increasing significantly (P < 0.05) at d 12 prepartum (5.3 +/- 1.8 ng/ml) and peaking to 16.8 +/- 3.2 ng/ml at the moment of delivery. Its value declined below 3 ng/ml from d 3 onwards postpartum.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effects of sample handling temperatures on bovine skim milk progesterone concentrations.

The effect of incubation of whole milk at various temperatures and times on the amount of progesterone (nmol/l) in the skim milk fraction was determined. For this study, milk samples were obtained from 10 pregnant Holstein cows. The whole milk samples were incubated at 37 degrees C (near normal body temperature of the cow) for 4 h and the initial skim milk progesterone concentration was determined. After that, the experiment was carried out in two main steps: (I) The test tubes containing the whole milk were divided into 4 groups and incubated at different temperatures (0, 4, 20 and 37 degrees C). Samples were removed at 30, 60, 90 and 120 min. (II) After 120 min of incubation at different temperatures, the remaining test tubes were returned to the water bath at 37 degrees C for another 30, 60 and 90 min. The initial average of skim milk progesterone concentrations after incubating the whole milk at 37 degrees C for 4 h was 11.0 +/- 4.4 nmol/l. When the whole milk was incubated at 0 degrees C, the skim milk progesterone concentration increased (P < 0.05) to 14.6 nmol/l at 30 min and reached 16.2 nmol/l at 60 min of incubation. At 4 degrees C incubation temperature, skim milk progesterone increased significantly (P < 0.05) to 15.3 nmol/l and reached 16.9 nmol/l after 90 min. When the whole milk was left at 20 degrees C, the initial skim milk progesterone values decreased to 9.5 nmol/l after 30 min incubation and no further decreases were found even if the whole milk was returned to 37 degrees C for 90 min.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Peripheral blood concentrations of plasma steroids and a metabolite of prostaglandin F2 alpha in pregnant cows vaccinated against foot and mouth disease.

Blood samples were collected from 82 pregnant cows at 6-h intervals to determine the effects of vaccination against foot and mouth disease (FMD) on plasma concentrations of progesterone, total unconjugated oestrogens, total corticosteroids and 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGFM). Twenty-two (26.8%) cows showed a strong post-vaccinal reaction in the form of a significant (P < 0.05) elevation in rectal temperature, accompanied by significant (P < 0.01) increases in plasma progesterone and corticosteroid concentrations for 36-42 h after vaccination. Seven (8.5%) cows returned to oestrus within 5-6 days when vaccinated during the first month of pregnancy and nine (10.9%) gave birth prematurely within 72-80 h when vaccinated during the last month of gestation. The importance of post-vaccinal reactions on embryonic mortality and premature birth is emphasized. It is suggested that cows in early and late pregnancy are most susceptible to adverse effects of vaccination against FMD.

Skim milk progesterone in pregnant cows from insemination throughout lactation.

The skim milk progesterone profile was assessed by radioimmunoassay, without extraction, from the day of insemination (day 0) until the cows were dried off on day 225 of gestation. A total of 418 samples were collected from 154 pregnant Holstein cows. The daily variation in skim milk progesterone was recorded from day 1 until day 45 of pregnancy to detect the commencement of progesterone secretion from the corpus luteum after insemination. Subsequent determinations were made every 2 weeks from day 46 until lactation ceased. On the day of artificial insemination and for the first 2 days after insemination, all the cows had a basal progesterone concentration < 0.1 ng/ml. A rise in progesterone (0.2 +/- 0.1 ng/ml) was first detected on the third day after insemination. The progesterone values then increased significantly (p < 0.001) until day 15. The values then remained nearly constant (2.5-3.5 ng/ml) until day 106 of pregnancy, when they began to decline. Between days 120 and 180 of gestation, progesterone was significantly decreased (2.2-2.9 ng/ml) before it rose again to the previous plateau (3.5-3.9 ng/ml) around day 180. The progesterone concentration then remained at the higher level until the animals were dried off.

Bulk and trace elements in the accessory glands of buffalo bulls.

Little is known of the importance of mineral levels in buffalo semen or the relationship of the level of various elements to spermatozoan activity. To establish a basis upon which further studies could be conducted, the accessory glands (seminal vesicles, prostate and bulbo-urethrals) of 43 buffalo bulls (2-4 years old) with intact testes and eight steers (3-4 years old) were analysed for their content of bulk and trace elements. The ash obtained from known weights of various accessory glands was used to determine the concentrations of Na and K using emission flame photometry. P was determined chemically, whereas Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe and Zn were assayed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The accessory glands of intact bulls varied significantly in the concentration of all elements except Fe. Ca and Cu were relatively more concentrated in the seminal vesicles. The prostate had the highest concentration of Zn, while the highest concentrations of Na, K, Mg and P were found in the bulbo-urethral glands. Age of the bulls had no marked effect on any of the elements studied except Cu which appeared to decrease significantly in older bulls. Seasonal variation was significant for the levels of K, Ca and Zn. Castration appeared to result in a highly significant reduction of Zn concentration in all accessory glands.

Sequential changes in plasma progesterone, total oestrogens and corticosteroids in the cow throughout pregnancy and around parturition.

Blood samples were taken thrice weekly for 2 weeks from 33 pregnant cows in nine groups, 1 month apart, and twice daily for 8 days commencing 1 week before parturition from eight cows. Plasma progesterone and total oestrogens were quantified by validated radioimmunoassays and total corticosteroids by a competitive protein binding technique. During the first 3 months of pregnancy, no remarkable changes were observed for the three hormones studied. From the fourth month on, concentrations of progesterone and total corticosteroids decreased significantly (P less than 0.05) and remained fairly constant until the ninth month. Values of total oestrogens increased significantly (P less than 0.05) from the fourth to the sixth month and thereafter remained unchanged. In the periparturient cows, progesterone levels decreased linearly (P less than 0.01) during the 3 days preceding delivery. Concentrations of total oestrogens rose sharply from day -5 and peaked at calving. Values of total corticosteroids increased dramatically on the sixth day and also at 24 hours before parturition. These results suggest that, contrary to earlier studies, plasma corticosteroids could have a primary key role for triggering parturition in cows.

Influence of general anaesthesia (thiopental sodium) on progesterone and cortisol levels in pregnant goat serum.

6 pregnant Baladi goats underwent general anaesthesia, using thiopental sodium. Intravenous application of 10-15 mg/kg body weight of thiopental sodium in 2.5% solution produced light anaesthesia for about 20 minutes. The effect of general anaesthesia on progesterone and cortisol levels was studied before and during the application of anaesthesia as well as 1/2, 1, 4, and 24 hours after anaesthesia. Progesterone was determined by RIA and cortisol by competitive protein binding reaction. Decrease in progesterone and rise in cortisol were noticed during and after anaesthesia. 4 of 13 foetuses were aborted 1-2 weeks after the application of anaesthesia. 6 were born dead. 2 died few hours after birth, and 1 stayed alive.

Sequential changes in plasma progesterone, total oestrogens and corticosteroids in cow throughout pregnancy and around parturition.

Blood samples were taken thrice a week for 2 weeks from 33 pregnant cows in 9 groups, 1 month apart. In addition, blood samples were collected twice daily 1 week from 8 cows before parturition. Plasma progesterone and total oestrogens were quantified by validated radioimmunoassays and total corticosteroids by a competitive protein binding technique. During the 1st 3 month of pregnancy, no remarkable changes were observed from the 3 hormones studied. From the 4th month on, concentrations of progesterone and total corticosteroids decreased significantly (P less than 0.05) and remained fairly constant until the 9th month. Values of total oestrogens increased significantly (P less than 0.05) from the 4th to 6th months and stayed unchanged afterwards. Progesterone levels in periparturient cows decreased linearly (P less than 0.01) during 3 days preceding delivery. Concentrations of total oestrogens rose sharply from day -5 and peaked at calving. Values of total corticosteroids increased dramatically on the 6th day and 24 hours before parturition. The results obtained suggest that in contrast to studies cited earlier plasma corticosteroids could play a key role for triggering parturition in cows.