Fracture in Irradiated Rat Femur: A Description of an Experimental Model and Evaluation of its Effectiveness / Fratura em fêmur irradiado de rato: Descrição de um modelo experimental e avaliação de sua eficácia

Abstract Objective We aim to describe an experimental model for studying femoral fractures in rats after exposure to ionizing radiation, demonstrating a way to apply a substance for analysis, the method for patterning fracture and irradiation, and how to evaluate its effectiveness based on radiographic studies. Methods We used 24 rats divided into 2 groups of 12 animals each. The STUDY group was exposed to ionizing radiation and treated with saline solution, and the CONTROL group was not exposed to radiation and was treated with saline solution. All animals were subjected to standardized fracture of the right femur that was fixed with intramedullary wire. The efficiency of the bone union was assessed by radiographic exam. Results Fracture healing was more efficient in bones not exposed to ionizing radiation (p = 0.012). All fractures met the criteria of being simple, diaphyseal, transverse or short oblique. Conclusion The experimental model presented is an efficient alternative for the study of fractures in irradiated bones in rats.

Resumo Objetivo Nosso objetivo é descrever um modelo experimental para estudo de fraturas de fêmur em ratos após exposição a radiação ionizante, demonstrando uma forma de aplicação de uma substância para análise, o método de padronização de fratura e irradiação e a forma de avaliação de sua eficácia com base em estudos radiográficos. Métodos Utilizamos 24 ratos divididos em dois grupos de 12 animais cada. O grupo ESTUDO foi exposto à radiação ionizante e tratado com soro fisiológico, enquanto o grupo CONTROLE não foi exposto à radiação e foi tratado com soro fisiológico. Todos os animais foram submetidos à fratura padronizada do fêmur direito e sua fixação com fio intramedular. A eficácia da consolidação óssea foi determinada por exame radiográfico. Resultados A cicatrização de fraturas foi mais eficiente em ossos não expostos à radiação ionizante (p = 0,012). Todas as fraturas atenderam aos critérios de serem simples, diafisárias, transversas ou oblíquas curtas. Conclusão O modelo experimental apresentado é uma boa alternativa para o estudo de fraturas em ossos irradiados em ratos.

Radioprotective Effect of Nigella Sativa Oil on Heart Tissues of Rats Exposed to Irradition

Abstract Background Various studies are ongoing related to the radioprotective agents. Herbal preparations are currently becoming popular because of their beneficial effects with fewer side effects compared to the synthetic/semi-synthetic medicines, and Nigella sativa oil (NSO) is only one of them. Objective To investigate NSO for its antioxidant effects on the heart tissue of rats exposed to ionizing radiation (IR). Methods Thirty six male albino Wistar rats, divided into four groups, were designated to group I (IR plus NSO group) that received both 5 Gray of gamma IR to total cranium and NSO; group II (IR alone group) that received IR plus saline, group III (control group of NSO) that received saline and did not receive NSO or IR; group IV (control group) that received only sham IR. Alterations in Total antioxidant status (TAS) and Total oxidant status (TOS), Oxidative stres index (OSI), Sulhydryl group (SH), Lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH), Paraoxonase (PON) levels, Arylesterase (ARE) and Ceruloplasmin (CER) activities in homogenized heart tissue of rats were measured by biochemical methods. Results In heart tissue of the rats in the IR alone group (group II) LOOH, TOS and OSI levels were found to be higher, ARE activity and TAS level were found to be lower than all of the other groups (p < 0.01). These results also support that IR increases oxidative stress and NSO's protective effect. Conclusion NSO would reduce the oxidative damage in the irradiated heart tissue in the experimental rat model.

Las radiaciones ionizantes como expresión del desarrollo científico-tecnológico: responsabilidad social en su uso

RESUMEN El devenir de la ciencia contemporánea reclama de una conciencia moral y de una ética para la ciencia, la asunción de sentimientos, valores, normas, deberes y responsabilidades para el obrar y el quehacer científico en particular para los profesionales implicados en el uso de las radiaciones ionizantes. El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo realizar una revisión bibliográfica sobre las consideraciones bioéticas relacionados con el uso de las radiaciones ionizantes como expresión del desarrollo científico-tecnológico, para contribuir a elevar la responsabilidad social en su uso en el Servicio de Imagenología del Hospital Provincial General Docente "Dr. Antonio Luaces Iraola" de Ciego de Ávila. Para la obtención de la información se efectuó una búsqueda en bases de datos bibliográficas de 2015-2019, en literatura científica de la BVS de Cuba como PubMed/Medline y Lilacs. Se consultaron fuentes de información disponibles a texto completo como SciELO Cuba y Ebsco. Se sistematizan los conocimientos relacionados con las insuficiencias detectadas en relación con la falta de percepción social sobre los riesgos que implica la radiación ionizante para la salud de los pacientes, familiares, trabajadores expuestos, así como para el medio ambiente por falta de una adecuada Cultura de Seguridad Radiológica.

ABSTRACT The future of contemporary science calls for a moral conscience and ethics for science, the assumption of feelings, values, norms, duties and responsibilities for the work and scientific work in particular for professionals involved in the use of radiation ionizing. The objective of this work is to carry out a bibliographic review on the bioethical considerations related to the use of ionizing radiation as an expression of scientific-technological development, to contribute to raising social responsibility in its use in the Imaging Service of the Provincial General Teaching Hospital "Dr. Antonio Luaces Iraola" of Ciego de Ávila. To obtain the information, a search was carried out in bibliographic databases from 2015-2019, in the scientific literature of the Cuban VHL such as PubMed/Medline and Lilacs. Information sources available in full text, such as SciELO Cuba and Ebsco, were consulted. The knowledge related to the insufficiencies detected in relation to the lack of social perception about the risks that ionizing radiation implies for the health of patients, relatives, exposed workers, as well as for the environment due to lack of an adequate Culture of Radiological safety.

RESUMO O futuro da ciência contemporânea exige uma consciência moral e ética para a ciência, a assunção de sentimentos, valores, normas, deveres e responsabilidades pelo trabalho e trabalho científico em particular para os profissionais envolvidos no uso das radiações. O objetivo deste trabalho é realizar uma revisão bibliográfica sobre as considerações bioéticas relacionadas ao uso de radiações ionizantes como expressão do desenvolvimento científico-tecnológico, para contribuir para aumentar a responsabilidade social em seu uso no Serviço de Imagiologia do Hospital Geral de Ensino Provincial "Dr. Antonio Luaces Iraola" de Ciego de Ávila. Para obter as informações, foi realizada uma busca em bases de dados bibliográficas de 2015-2019, na literatura científica da BVS cubana como PubMed/Medline e Lilacs. Foram consultadas fontes de informação disponíveis em texto completo, como SciELO Cuba e Ebsco. O conhecimento relacionado às insuficiências detectadas em relação à falta de percepção social sobre os riscos que a radiação ionizante implica para a saúde de pacientes, familiares, trabalhadores expostos, bem como para o meio ambiente devido à falta de uma adequada Cultura de segurança radiológica.

Actividad fotoprotectora de una crema con extracto acuoso liofilizado de Lepidium meyenii (MACA) frente a la irradiación ultravioleta en piel de ratones / Photoprotective activity of a cream containing lyophilized aqueous extract of Lepidium meyenii (MACA) against ultraviolet irradiation on mouse skin

RESUMEN Objetivos: Evaluar la actividad fotoprotectora de una crema con extracto acuoso liofilizado de maca (ELM) frente a la irradiación ultravioleta (UV) en la piel de ratones. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio experimental en 35ratones BALB/c. Los tratamientos fueron aplicados por vía tópica en el dorso de los animales y posteriormente irradiados con rayos ultravioleta B, para luego medir el grosor en micras (µm) de muestras histológicas de la piel de los ratones. Se asignaron siete grupos divididos en no irradiado: blanco (G1) e irradiados con luz UV: sin tratamiento (G2); con protector solar comercial con factor de protección solar (FPS) 30 (G3); crema (placebo) (G4); ELM al 15% en agua (G5); ELM al 5% en crema (G6); y ELM al 15% en crema (G7). Se determinó el FPS in vitro, mediante el método de Mansur. Se realizaron las lecturas de las absorbancias en un espectrofotómetro ultravioleta-visible (UV-VIS) y se determinaron los FPS para las siguientes formulaciones: ELM al 5% en crema, benzofenona-4 (BZF-4) y bloqueador solar comercial FPS 30. Resultados: El grosor de piel de ratón en micras (µm) fue de 27,28 en G2; 18,31 en G3; 27,33 en G4; 19,51 en G5 y 18,04 en G6; no hubo diferencia significativa entre el grupo no expuesto a la radiación (G1) y el grupo ELM al 15% en crema (G7), ambos presentaron los menores grosores (12,76 y 14,20 µm, respectivamente). El FPS de ELM al 15% en crema fue 5,480 ± 0,020. Conclusiones: La formulación con ELM en crema presentó actividad fotoprotectora frente a la irradiación UV, los alcaloides fueron los componentes fitoquímicos mayormente encontrados y la formulación fue compatible con el activo (ELM).

ABSTRACT Objectives: To evaluate the photoprotective activity of a cream with lyophilized aqueous extract of maca (LEM) against ultraviolet (UV) irradiation in the skin of mice. Materials and methods: An experimental study was carried out on 35 BALB/c mice. Treatment was applied topically on the dorsum of the animals, which were subsequently irradiated with ultraviolet B rays, and then we measured the thickness in microns (μm) of histological samples of the skin of the mice. Seven groups were assigned, divided into non-irradiated: Blank (G1) and irradiated with UV light: no treatment (G2); with commercial sunscreen with sun protection factor (SPF) 30 (G3); cream (placebo) (G4); LEM at 15% in water (G5); LEM cream at 5% (G6); and LEM cream at 15% (G7). In vitro SPF was determined using the Mansur method. Absorbance readings were taken in an ultraviolet- visible spectrophotometer (UV-VIS) and SPFs were determined for the following formulations: LEM cream at 5%, benzophenone-4 (BZF-4) and commercial sunscreen SPF 30. Results: Mouse skin thickness in microns (μm) was 27.28 in G2; 18.31 in G3; 27.33 in G4; 19.51 in G5 and 18.04 in G6. There was no significant difference between the group not exposed to radiation (G1) and the 15% LEM cream group (G7), both had the lowest thicknesses (12.76 and 14.20 μm, respectively). The SPF of LEM cream at 15% was 5.480 ± 0.020. Conclusions: The formulation with LEM cream showed photoprotective activity against UV irradiation, alkaloids were the phytochemical components mostly found and the formulation was compatible with the active principle (LEM).

Quantifying the inovation of cosmetic formulations that contains phenolic rich fruit extracts as fotoprotective bioactives / Quantificando a inovação de formulações cosméticas que contêm extratos de frutas ricas em substâncias fenólicas como bioativos fotoprotetivos

Introduction: sunscreen is a cosmetic used to protect human skin from the deleterious effects of UV radiation and thus minimize the risks of developing skin cancer. Extracts produced from fruits, such as Abiu, Guava, Rambutan and Grape, have significant concentrations of chromophores and phenolic substances that have the ability to absorb UV light and neutralize free radicals. The production of cosmetics from naturally occurring substances with such activities will be of great importance for Brazilian industry and could reduce the cost of production, given the large existing biodiversity in the country. Objectives: carry out a patent search for formulations and cosmetic products that contains phenolic rich fruit extracts as photoprotective and antioxidant bioactives. Methodology: a survey of patents was carried out in the database of the National Institute of Intellectual Property (INPI) and the European Patent Office (EPO), covering a time period between 2008 and 2018, using a combination of keywords related to herbal cosmetics and sunscreens. Results: this research identifies a significant number of patents related to plant extract in association with sunscreen product, however, no patent filings were identified for cosmetic products containing extracts of the evaluated fruits, either alone or in combination, for photoprotective and antioxidant purposes. Conclusion: the Brazilian and international market for sun care products moves millions to billions of dollars annually and have a significant annual growth prospect. Considering the great biodiversity existing in the country, the production of cosmetics from naturally occurring substances with such activities will be of great importance for the Brazilian industrial sector.

Introdução: os filtros solares são cosméticos usados para proteger a pele humana dos efeitos deletérios da radiação UV e assim, minimizar os riscos de desenvolvimento de câncer de pele. Extratos produzidos a partir de frutos, como Abiu, Goiaba, Rambutan e Uva, têm concentrações significativas de cromóforos e substâncias fenólicas que têm a capacidade de absorver a radiação UV e neutralizar os radicais livres. A produção de cosméticos a partir de substâncias naturais com essas atividades será de grande importância para a indústria brasileira e poderá reduzir o custo de produção, dada a grande biodiversidade existente no país. Objetivos: realizar uma busca de registros de patentes de formulações e produtos cosméticos que contêm extratos de frutos ricos em fenólicos como bioativos fotoprotetores e antioxidantes. Metodologia: foi realizado um levantamento de patentes no banco de dados do Instituto Nacional de Propriedade Intelectual (INPI) e do Escritório Europeu de Patentes (EPO), abrangendo um período de tempo entre 2008 e 2018, utilizando uma combinação de palavras-chave relacionadas a cosméticos à base de plantas e protetores solares. Resultados: esta pesquisa identificou um número significativo de patentes relacionadas ao extrato de plantas em associação ao produto protetor solar, no entanto, não foram identificados pedidos de patente para produtos cosméticos que contenham extratos das frutas avaliadas, isoladamente ou em combinação, para fins fotoprotetores e antioxidantes. Conclusão: o mercado brasileiro e internacional de produtos de proteção solar movimenta milhões a bilhões de dólares anualmente e tem a perspectiva de crescimento anual significativa. Considerando a grande biodiversidade existente no país, a produção de cosméticos a partir de substâncias naturais com essas atividades será de grande importância para o setor industrial brasileiro.

Radiation effects on residents caused by comprehensive utilization of slag in building materials / 中国辐射卫生

Objective This study intends to analyze the radioactivity level of slag and its building materials, estimate the effective dose of the residents caused by the comprehensive utilization of slag in building materials, and provide basis for rational utilization of slag. Methods Data of slag production and its comprehensive utilization in building materials, radioactive level investigation and detection of slag and building materials in different periods and regions were collected from 2005 to 2016. Using the room model of concrete structure and the model of calculating equilibrium equivalent radon concentration with the specific activity of 226Ra in indoor building materials, the external and internal radiation doses of residents caused by comprehensive utilization of slag for building materials were estimated respectively, and then the annual additional effective dose and collective dose of residents were estimated. Results The contents of 226Ra and 232Th in the slag were relatively high, while the contents of 40K were relatively low. The radionuclide content in slag cement decreased significantly. The annual additional effective doses of slag used in concrete and cement mixture relative to ordinary cement were 0.40 mSv·a−1 and 0.20 mSv·a−1 respectively. The annual additional collective dose and 50-year collective dose caused by slag used in building materials were 3.87 × 103～1.84 × 104 man·Sv and 1.94 × 105～9.20 × 105 man·Sv respectively. Conclusion The comprehensive utilization of slag in building materials increases the additional effective dose of residents, so the use of some slag in building materials needs to be paid more attention to. In addition, the influence of comprehensive utilization of slag in building materials, such as the way, the amount of slag and the amount of building materials, on the annual additional effective dose of residents caused should also be paid attention to.

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance in the Assessment of Chagas Disease and its Complications

Abstract The well-known occurrence of Chagas disease in endemic areas has become a worldwide problem, and cardiac magnetic resonance allows the early detection of cardiac involvement and complications of this disease. Cardiac magnetic resonance is a useful tool in all phases of Chagas disease, and new promising techniques using T1 mapping and extracellular volume measurements are able to detect cardiac involvement even earlier than conventional techniques.

Imaging evaluation of nonobstetric conditions during pregnancy: what every radiologist should know / Avaliação por imagem de condições não obstétricas na gestação: o que todo radiologista deve saber

Abstract In recent decades, there has been a significant increase in the number of imaging examinations performed on pregnant patients. That increase has occurred across the various modalities, including ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. However, little is known about the risks that these examinations generate for the mother and fetus, related to the use of ionizing radiation or the use of contrast media. When pregnant patients are submitted to imaging studies, the principles of protection established by the International Commission on Radiological Protection should always be respected, to avoid injury to the pregnant woman and the fetus. The potential deleterious effects on the fetus must be weighed against the damage caused by not performing an examination that is clearly indicated, given that a delayed or missed diagnosis can be even more harmful to the health of the mother and of the fetus itself. The purpose of this review article is to address concerns regarding the safety of imaging methods used during pregnancy, as well as to identify typical clinical situations that require decisions to be made about the indication and optimal planning of imaging examinations.

Resumo Nas últimas décadas observou-se um aumento expressivo no número de exames de imagem realizados em pacientes gestantes. Este aumento inclui diferentes modalidades, como a ultrassonografia, a tomografia computadorizada e a ressonância magnética. Entretanto, ainda se sabe pouco sobre os riscos que esses exames geram para o binômio mãe-feto, seja no contexto da utilização de radiação ionizante ou da utilização de diferentes meios de contraste. Ao se submeter pacientes grávidas a estudos por imagem, deve-se sempre respeitar os princípios de limitação do uso estabelecidos pela Comissão Internacional de Proteção Radiológica, visando a poupar a gestante e o feto de danos evitáveis. Ressalta-se que os potenciais efeitos deletérios sobre o feto se contrapõem aos danos causados pela não realização de um exame bem indicado, já que um diagnóstico protelado ou perdido pode ser ainda mais nocivo para a saúde materna e do próprio concepto. O objetivo deste artigo de revisão é esclarecer dúvidas sobre a segurança dos métodos de imagem durante o período gestacional, bem como identificar situações clínicas típicas que exigem decisões sobre a indicação e o planejamento otimizado dos exames de imagem.

Damage of blue-light exposure to retinal morphology and function in mice / 中华实验眼科杂志

Objective@#To study the damage effects of blue-light exposure on retinal morphology and function in mouse.@*Methods@#Twenty 8-week-old clean C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into blue-light exposure group and normal control group by coin tossing method.The mice in the blue-light exposure group was exposed to 10 000 lx blue light for 5 days after dark adaptation for 24 hours, and the mice in the normal control group was kept under the normal light intensity for 5 days at 12-hour light/12-hour darkness cycles.The retinal thickness was detected by optical coherence tomography (OCT), and retinal function was evaluated by electroretinogram (ERG). The mice was sacrificed and the frozen section and flat mount of eyeball wall was created at 24 hours after irradiation.The expressions of rhodopsin (Rho), zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and β-catenin in the retinas were detected by immunofluorescent staining.The use and care of the experimental animals adhered to ARVO Statement by American Society of Visual and Ophthalmological Sciences (No.IACUC-1803029).@*Results@#The thickness of the retinal outer nuclear layer at 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1 000 μm from the superior and inferior to optic nerves were thinned in the mice of the blue-light exposure group compared with those of the normal control group, showing significant differences between the two groups (all at P<0.05). The b-wave amplitude of the scotopic and photopic ERG was (305.50±41.52)μV and (119.50±6.67)μV in the blue-light exposure group, respectively, which was significantly reduced in comparison with (415.50±28.77)μV and (139.75±8.26)μV of the normal control group (both at P<0.05). Immunofluorescent staining showed that the retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells of the mice exhibited hexagonal shape with regular arrangement, retinal morphology was regular, and the expressions of Rho, ZO-1 and β-catenin proteins showed stronger fluorescence in the retinas of normal control group.However, structural disorder, diminishing fluorescence intensity of Rho, ZO-1 and β-catenin were found in the blue-light exposure group.The morphology of the retina was disordered while the cell structure was destroyed.@*Conclusions@#Blue-light irradiation results in morphological and functional damages of retina.

Damage of blue-light exposure to retinal morphology and function in mice / 中华实验眼科杂志

Objective To study the damage effects of blue-light exposure on retinal morphology and function in mouse.Methods Twenty 8-week-old clean C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into blue-light exposure group and normal control group by coin tossing method.The mice in the blue-light exposure group was exposed to 10 000 lx blue light for 5 days after dark adaptation for 24 hours,and the mice in the normal control group was kept under the normal light intensity for 5 days at 12-hour light/12-hour darkness cycles.The retinal thickness was detected by optical coherence tomography (OCT),and retinal function was evaluated by electroretinogram (ERG).The mice was sacrificed and the frozen section and flat mount of eyeball wall was created at 24 hours after irradiation.The expressions of rhodopsin (Rho),zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and β-catenin in the retinas were detected by immunofluorescent staining.The use and care of the experimental animals adhered to ARVO Statement by American Society of Visual and Ophthalmological Sciences (No.IACUC-1803029).Results The thickness of the retinal outer nuclear layer at 200,400,600,800 and 1 000 μm from the superior and inferior to optic nerves were thinned in the mice of the blue-light exposure group compared with those of the normal control group,showing significant differences between the two groups (all at P＜0.05).The b-wave amplitude of the scotopic and photopic ERG was (305.50±41.52) μV and (119.50±6.67)μV in the blue-light exposure group,respectively,which was significantly reduced in comparison with (415.50±28.77) μV and (139.75±8.26) μV of the normal control group (both at P＜ 0.05).Immunofluorescent staining showed that the retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells of the mice exhibited hexagonal shape with regular arrangement,retinal morphology was regular,and the expressions of Rho,ZO-1 and β-catenin proteins showed stronger fluorescence in the retinas of normal control group.However,structural disorder,diminishing fluorescence intensity of Rho,ZO-1 and β-catenin were found in the blue-light exposure group.The morphology of the retina was disordered while the cell structure was destroyed.Conclusions Blue-light irradiation results in morphological and functional damages of retina.

Pathological fracture after radiotherapy: systematic review of literature

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the epidemiological data and available treatments for fractures secondary to radiotherapy treatment. METHODS: Identification of publications on pathological skeletal fractures previously exposed to ionizing radiation. RESULTS: The incidence of fractures after irradiation varies from 1.2% to 25% with a consolidation rate of 33% to 75%, being more frequent in the ribs, pelvis, and femur. The time elapsed between irradiation and fracture occurs years after radiotherapy. Risk factors include age above 50 years, female gender, extensive periosteal detachment, circumferential irradiation, tumor size, and anterior thigh location. The etiology is still uncertain, but cellular disappearance, reduction of bone turnover and activity were observed hematopoietic as possible causes of failure of consolidation. CONCLUSION: There is no consensus in the literature on the factors related to the development of fractures, with radiation dose, previous tumor size and periosteal detachment being suggested as potential factors.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Avaliar dados epidemiológicos e tratamentos disponíveis para fraturas secundárias ao tratamento radioterápico. MÉTODOS: Identificação de publicações sobre as fraturas patológicas ocorridas em esqueleto previamente exposto à radiação ionizante. RESULTADOS: A incidência de fraturas após irradiação varia de 1,2% a 25% com taxa de consolidação de 33% a 75%, sendo mais frequente em costelas, pelve e fêmur. O tempo decorrido entre a irradiação e a fratura ocorre anos após a radioterapia. Os fatores de risco incluem idade acima de 50 anos, sexo feminino, descolamento periosteal extenso, irradiação circunferencial, tamanho do tumor e localização anterior na coxa. A etiologia ainda é incerta, mas foram observados desaparecimento celular, redução do turnover ósseo e da atividade hematopoiética como possíveis causas da falha de consolidação. CONCLUSÃO: Não há consenso na literatura avaliada sobre os fatores relacionados ao desenvolvimento de fraturas, sendo a dose de radiação, o tamanho prévio do tumor e o descolamento periosteal sugeridos como fatores potenciais.

Effects of Chronic Exposure to Mercury on Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Activity and Oxidative Stress in Normotensive and Hypertensive Rats / Efeitos da Exposição Crônica ao Mercúrio sobre a Atividade da Enzima Conversora de Angiotensina e Estresse Oxidativo em Ratos Normotensos e Hipertensos

Abstract Background: Mercury's deleterious effects are associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Objective: To determine whether chronic exposure to inorganic mercury increases the activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme and its relationship with oxidative stress in several organs and tissues. Methods: We studied male Wistar and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) (3-month-old) exposed or not to HgCl2 for 30 days. At the end of treatment, we investigated the following: changes in body weight, hemodynamic parameters, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity and oxidative stress in the heart, aorta, lung, brain and kidney in hypertensive compared to normotensive animals. A value of p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Chronic exposure to HgCl2 did not affect weight gain in either group. Systolic blood pressure, measured weekly, did not increase in Wistar rats but showed a small increase in SHR rats. We also observed increases in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure and ACE activity in the plasma and hearts of normotensive rats. In the SHR+Hg group, ACE activity increased in plasma but decreased in kidney, lung, heart, brain and aorta. Oxidative stress was assessed indirectly by malondialdehyde (MDA) production, which increased in Hg-treated rats in both plasma and heart. In the SHR+Hg group, MDA increased in heart and aorta and decreased in lungs and brain. Conclusion: These results suggest that chronic exposure to inorganic mercury aggravates hypertension and produces more expressive changes in ACE activity and oxidative stress in SHRs. Such exposure affects the cardiovascular system, representing a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disorders in normotensive rats and worsening of pre-existing risks for hypertension.

Resumo Fundamento: Os efeitos deletérios do mercúrio estão associados ao risco cardiovascular aumentado. Objetivo: Determinar se a exposição crônica ao mercúrio inorgânico aumenta a atividade da enzima conversora de angiotensina e sua relação com o estresse oxidativo em vários órgãos e tecidos. Métodos: Estudamos ratos Wistar e ratos espontaneamente hipertensos (SHR) (3 meses de idade) expostos ou não a HgCl2 por 30 dias. Ao final do tratamento, investigamos: alterações de peso, parâmetros hemodinâmicos, atividade da enzima conversora de angiotensina (ECA) e estresse oxidativo no coração, aorta, pulmão, cérebro e rim de animais hipertensos comparados a animais normotensos. Um valor de p < 0,05 foi considerado significativo. Resultados: A exposição crônica ao HgCl2 não afetou o ganho de peso em nenhum dos grupos. A pressão arterial sistólica, medida semanalmente, não aumentou em ratos Wistar, mas mostrou um pequeno aumento nos ratos SHR. Também observamos aumentos na pressão diastólica final do ventrículo esquerdo e na atividade da ECA no plasma e no coração de ratos normotensos. No grupo SHR + Hg, a atividade da ECA aumentou no plasma, mas diminuiu no rim, pulmão, coração, cérebro e aorta. O estresse oxidativo foi avaliado indiretamente pela produção de MDA, que aumentou nos ratos tratados com Hg tanto no plasma quanto no coração. No grupo SHR + Hg, o MDA aumentou no coração e na aorta e diminuiu nos pulmões e no cérebro. Conclusão: Estes resultados sugerem que a exposição crônica ao mercúrio inorgânico agrava a hipertensão e produz mudanças mais expressivas na atividade da ECA e no estresse oxidativo em SHRs. Essa exposição afeta o sistema cardiovascular, representando um fator de risco para o desenvolvimento de distúrbios cardiovasculares em ratos normotensos e para piorar riscos pré-existentes para hipertensão.

Occupational exposure to imaging in orthopedics and radiation safety / 中国医师杂志

Minimally invasive surgery has become a trend in modern orthopedic surgery,and the demand for intraoperative imaging has gradually increased.Good intraoperative imaging can assist the orthopaedic surgeon in accurately positioning the anatomy and placing the internal fixation.However,intraoperative imaging inevitably exposes the orthopaedic surgeon and patient to ionizing radiation,and radiation exposure can induce DNA damage and reactive oxygen species.Production results in cell damage that often leads to cell death or genomic instability leading to increased risk of various radiation-related conditions,including malignancy.Although the traditional intraoperative fluoroscopy operating room will be equipped with lead clothing and lead collar to reduce radiation exposure,it is not known whether the lead clothing and lead-covered parts are safe.Therefore,radiation safety has become an inevitable problem for orthopedic surgeons in intraoperative imaging,and how to effectively reduce and avoid unnecessary exposure to ionizing radiation is particularly important for bone surgeons and patients.This article aims to review the occupational exposure and radiation safety of intraoperative imaging in orthopaedic surgery.

Analysis of radiation effects on some properties of GaAs:Cr and Si sensors exposed to a 22 MeV electron beam / Análisis de los efectos de la radiación en algunas propiedades de sensores de GaAs:Cr y Si expuestos a un haz de electrones de 22 MeV

Abstract Nowadays, the experiments related to High Energy Physics and others fields demand the use of detectors with greater radiation resistance, and the novel material GaAs:Cr has demonstrated excellent radiation hardness compared with other semiconductors. On the basis of evidence obtained in the JINR experiment with the use of 22 MeV electrons beam generated by the LINAC-800 accelerator, an analysis of electron radiation effects on GaAs:Cr and Si detectors is presented. The measured I-V characteristics showed a dark current increase with dose, and an asymmetry between the two branches of behaviors for all detectors. Analyzing the MIP spectra and CCE dose dependence measurements a deterioration process of detectors collection capacity with dose increase was found, although behaviors are somewhat different according to the detector type. The detailed explanation of these effects from the microscopic point of view appears in the text, and are generally linked to the generation of atomic displacement, vacancies and other radiation defects, modifying the energy levels structure of the target material. These changes affect the lifetime and concentration of the charge carriers, and other characteristics of the target material.

Resumen Actualmente, los experimentos relacionados con la física de altas energías y otros campos, demandan el uso de detectores con mayor resistencia a las radiaciones y el novedoso material GaAs:Cr ha demostrado poseer una excelente fortaleza comparado con otros semiconductores. En base a las evidencias obtenidas en el experimento del IUIN con el uso de un haz de electrones de 22 MeV generado por el acelerador LINAC-800, se presenta un análisis de los efectos de la radiación en detectores de Si y GaAs:Cr. Las características I-V medidas mostraron un incremento de la corriente de fuga con la dosis y una asimetría entre las dos ramas de estos comportamientos para todos los detectores. Analizando las mediciones de los espectros MIP y la dependencia de la CCE con la dosis, fue encontrado un proceso de deterioro de la capacidad de detección de los detectores con el aumento de la dosis, sin embargo, los comportamientos son diferentes de acuerdo al tipo de detector. La explicación detallada de estos efectos desde el punto de vista microscópico aparece en el texto, los cuales están relacionados generalmente con la generación de desplazamientos atómicos, vacancias y otros defectos producto de la radiación, modificando la estructura de los niveles energéticos en el material sensor. Estos cambios afectan el tiempo de vida y la concentración de los portadores de carga, así como otras características del material.

Cytopathologic follow-up of women with cervical cancer post-radiotherapy: case series / Citopatologia de seguimento em mulheres com câncer de colo do útero após radioterapia: série de casos

ABSTRACT Cytopathology, in addition to its role in cervical cancer screening programs, is also an important tool for controlling the efficacy of treatment in women with cervical cancer by monitoring and early detecting residual, recurrent neoplasms or benign reactive changes. In this study, we report eight cases of cytopathologic follow-up of women with cervical cancer post-radiotherapy, assisted by a Center of Oncology in Pernambuco. The main cytological findings post-treatment were described,as well as the histopathological characteristics at diagnosis and the treatments performed.

RESUMO A citopatologia, além de seu papel nos programas de rastreio do câncer cervical, é uma importante ferramenta para o controle da eficácia do tratamento em mulheres com câncer de colo do útero, monitorando e detectando precocemente neoplasias residuais, recorrentes ou alterações reacionais benignas. Neste trabalho, relatamos oito casos de citopatologia de seguimento em mulheres com câncer de colo do útero após tratamento radioterápico, assistidas por um centro de oncologia pernambucano. Os principais achados citológicos pós-tratamento foram descritos, assim como as características histopatológicas ao diagnóstico e os tratamentos realizados.

Prospective study of radiation related adverse events and its management in cancer patient at tertiary care teaching hospital

Background: Radiation therapy is associated with certain adverse events which may cause significant discomfort to patient and may affect patient’s life. The objective of the study was to assess radiation related adverse events in the patients who are on radiation therapy and to prevent and manage these adverse events.Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on 193 patients receiving radiotherapy in Oncology Department at Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital, Faridkot, Punjab. One fraction (2 Gray) dose had been given to patients daily for five days in a week and monitor. The collected data was analyzed by applying IBM SPSS v21.Results: The clinical results observed in 193 consecutive patients with follow-up of 7 weeks and graded according to RTOG Acute Radiation Morbidity Scoring Criteria. Majority of events were reported in age group of 41-60 years followed by 61-80 years, 20-40 years. Epidermal, mucosal, Genitourinary and Lower G.I. reactions are graded. The reactions managed by providing symptomatic treatment.Conclusions: Radiation related adverse events have been found frequently in patients with radiotherapy and chemo-radiotherapy both. As the number of doses increase with time the grade of reactions also increases. Appropriate follow-up and management of these events reduces patient burden of treatment.

Protection effects of glutathione 2 on human lens epithelial cells against ultraviolet radiation-induced apoptosis / 中华实验眼科杂志

Objeetive To observe the damage of human lens epithelial cells (LECs) induced by ultraviolet (UV) B radiation and the expression changes of glutaredoxin 2 (Grx2) in the cells,and to investigate the protective effects of Grx2 on human LECs against UVB-induced apoptosis.Methods Human LECs (HLE-B3) were cultured and exposed to different energy of UVB (0,10,30,50 mJ/cm2) with the wavelength of 297 nm.The morphology of the cells was examined under the optical microscope 2,4,8,12 and 16 hours after irradiation of UVB.The survival rate of the cells was evaluated with cell counting kit 8 (CCK8).The apoptosis rate of the cells was detected by TUNEL assay.Real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot were employed to detect the expressions of Grx2 mRNA and Grx2 protein in the cells,respectively.The cells were transfected with pcDNA3.1-Grx2 plasmid by lipofectamine 2000 as the Grx2 transfected group,and pcDNA3.1 plasmid was transfected into cells as the empty plasmid group.The cells were irradiated by 50 mJ/cm2 for 4 hours,and the apoptosis rate of human LECs was detected by TUNEL assay.Results Cultured cells grew well with the green fluorescence for Grx2 expression in the non-UVB exposure group,and shrinkage and death of the cells were found after UVB irradiation.The survival rate of the cells was gradually reduced after irradiation of 10,30,50 mJ/cm2 UVB as the increase of UVB energy and lapse of time.The expression level of Grx2 mRNA were 2.53±0.48 and 3.53±0.14 in the 10 mJ/cm2 UVB group and 30 mJ/cm2 UVB group 4 hours after irradiation,which were significantly higher than 1.01±0.08 and 1.00±0.09 in the non-UVB exposure group (all at P＜0.05).The expression level of Grx2 mRNA in the cells was 15.30±3.01 at 1 hour after irradiation in the 50 mJ/cm2 UVB group,which was significantly higher than 1.00 ±0.07 in the non-UVB exposure group (P＜0.05).The expression levels of Grx2 protein showed the same tendency to Grx2 mRNA.The apoptosis rate of the cells in the Grx2 transfected group was (15.34± 1.71) ％,and that in the empty plasmid group was (22.11 ± 2.46) ％ at 4 hours after 50 mJ/cm2 UVB irradiation,with a significant difference between them (t =3.189,P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions UVB irradiation induced damage of human LECs in dose-and time-dependent manner.However,the expression of Grx2 in human LECs is up-regulated transiently after exposure of UVB,which has a protective effect on the cells against the UVB-induced apoptosis.

Patient Radiation Dose in Neurointerventional Radiologic Procedure: A Tertiary Care Experience / 신경중재치료의학

PURPOSE: Neurointerventional radiology procedures often require a long time to perform. Patient radiation dose is an important issue due to the hazards of ionizing radiation. The objective of this study was to measure the peak skin dose (PSD) and effective dose to estimate the deterministic and stochastic effects of a therapeutic interventional neuroradiologic procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cumulative dose (CD) and dose area product (DAP) were automatically recorded by a fluoroscopic machine and collected prospectively between April and November 2015. The study included 54 patients who underwent therapeutic neurointerventional radiology procedures. The CD of each patient was used to estimate the peak skin dose and the DAP was also calculated to estimate the effective dose. RESULTS: The average estimated peak skin dose was 1,009.68 mGy. Two patients received radiation doses of more than 2 Gy, which is the threshold that may cause skin complications and radiation-induced cataract. The average effective dose was 35.32 mSv. The majority of patients in this study (85.2%) who underwent therapeutic neurointerventional radiologic procedures received effective doses greater than 20 mSv. CONCLUSION: Not all therapeutic neurointerventional radiology procedures are safe from deterministic complications. A small number of patients received doses above the threshold for skin complications and radiation induced cataract. In terms of stochastic complications, most neurointerventional radiology procedures in this study were quite safe in terms of radiation-induced cancer.