Wounding characteristics and treatment principles of ground anti-armored vehicle ammunition against armored crew / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

The wound mechanism, injury characteristics and treatment principles of anti-armored vehicle ammunition against armored crew in the past 20 years are summarized in this paper. Shock vibration, metal jet, depleted uranium aerosol and post armor breaking effect are the main factors for wounding armored crew. Their prominent characteristics are severe injury, high incidence of bone fracture, high rate of depleted uranium injury, and high incidence of multiple/combined injuries. During the treatment, attention must be paid on that the space of armored vehicle is limited, and the casualties should be moved outside of the cabin for comprehensive treatment. Especially, the management of depleted uranium injury and burn/inhalation injury are more important than other injuries for the armored wounds.

Research on the formulation and revision of radiological parameters in the "Standards for Drinking Water Quality（GB5749-2022）" in China / 中华预防医学杂志

The radioactive safety of drinking water has attracted increasing public concern. The newly issued Standards for Drinking Water Quality (GB5749-2022) in China has revised the radiological parameters. This article provides an overview of the main sources, levels of radionuclides in drinking water, and summarized the individual doses criterion and adverse health effects associated with exposure of the public to radionuclides from drinking-water. It analyzes and discusses the relevant revision content of radiological parameters, including the guidance values for screening gross α and gross β, subtracting the contribution of potassium-40 from gross β activity when the gross β activity concentration exceeds the screening level, and the basis for establishing the limit values of reference indices uranium and radium-226. Specific implementation and evaluation suggestions are also proposed.

A mineração de urânio em questão: análise da comunicação pública das Indústrias Nucleares do Brasil (INB) em Caetité, Bahia / Questioning uranium mining: an analysis of the public communication stated by Indústrias Nucleares do Brasil (INB) in Caetité, Bahia / La minería de uranio en cuestión: un análisis de la comunicación pública transmitida por la INB (Indústrias Nucleares do Brasil) en Caetité, Bahia

O objetivo deste artigo é discutir, através de análise de conteúdo, as estratégias de comunicação pública adotadas pelas Indústrias Nucleares do Brasil no 'Espaço INB', um centro de informações localizado na cidade baiana de Caetité, onde a empresa realiza a mineração e o beneficiamento de urânio. Desde que foram iniciadas, essas atividades levantaram inúmeras suspeitas de danos ambientais e problemas de saúde pública. Diante disso, buscamos compreender como a INB se posiciona diante dessas suspeitas e se relaciona com as populações atingidas por suas atividades. De acordo com nosso argumento, ao adotar uma postura que denominamos tecnoentusiasta e tecnocrática, a empresa dificulta um debate público aberto e descentralizado sobre as controvérsias em torno da mineração de urânio

This article aims to use the content analysis to discuss the public communication stated by the 'Espaço INB', an information center managed by Indústrias Nucleares do Brasil located in the city of Caetité ­ BA, where the company mines and processes uranium. Since INB started its activities in Caetité, several suspicions of environmental damage and public health problems emerged. Thus, we analyze how INB responds to these suspicions and relates to the populations affected by its activities. We argue that INB adopts an attitude that we call techno-enthusiastic and technocratic, hindering an open public and decentralized debate about the controversies surrounding uranium mining.

El objetivo de este artículo es discutir, a través del análisis de contenido, la comunicación pública transmitida por el 'Espaço INB', un centro de información administrado por Indústrias Nucleares do Brasil ubicado en la ciudad de Caetité/Bahia, donde la empresa hace la mínería y el procesamiento del uranio. Desde que comenzaron, estas actividades han generado numerosas sospechas de daños ambientales y problemas de salud pública. Por eso, analizamos como el INB contesta estas sospechas y se relaciona con las poblaciones afectadas por sus actividades. Argumentamos que el INB adopta una actitud que llamamos tecno-entusiasta y tecnocrática, lo que dificulta un debate público abierto y descentralizado sobre las controversias respecto a la minería de uranio.

Evaluation of antihyperglycemic potential of homeopathic medicines Insulinum, Pancreatinum and Uranium nitricum in Streptozotocin Induced diabetic rats

IntroductionDiabetes Mellitusis an emerging endocrine and metabolic disorder which has affected millions of people globally. Homeopathic system of medicine uses ultra-molecular doses for treatment of Diabetes Mellitus. Homeopathic medicines are prepared from plant, mineral, sarcodes,nosodes and animal parts. Insulinum 6 CH, Pancreatinum 6CH and Uranium nitricum 6 CHareused in homeopathy for treatment of Diabetes Mellitus. However,no preclinical studies have been investigated for the anti-diabetic effect and its safety.MethodsHomeopathic medicines Insulinum 6CH, Pancreatinum 6CHandUranium nitricum6CH(1012)dilution factor were used to examine antihyperglycemic effects in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. After 28 daysoftreatment,bodyweight, Hematology, Biochemistry (serum glucose, urea, creatinine, SGPT, SGOT, ALP, Triglyceride and HDL-cholesterol), Oral Glucose Tolerance Test, HbA1C with histopathologyof (Liver, Kidney, Pancreas) weremeasured.ResultsAfter Streptozotocin induction, the animals have shown significant increase in the fasting blood glucose level (p<0.01) as compared to normal control animals. Treatment with homeopathic medicine Insulinum 6CH, Pancreatinum 6CHandUranium nitricum6CHpotency showed significant decrease in levels of Glucose (p<0.05), OGTT, Total protein (P<0.001), ALP (P<0.05), Cholesterol (P<0.001), SGPT (P<0.001), SGOT (p<0.01), Urea, HbA1C as compared to diabetic animal.ConclusionsIn the present study homeopathic medicine Insulinum 6CH, Pancreatinum 6CH andUranium nitricum6CHpotency exhibitantihyperglycemic effects in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.(AU)

Health effects of exposure to radon: implications of the radon bed mattress incident in Korea / 한국역학회지

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive material formed by the slow decay of uranium and thorium found in the earth's crust or construction materials. Internal exposure to radon accounts for about half of the natural background radiation dose to which humans are exposed annually. Radon is a carcinogen and is the second leading cause of lung cancer following smoking. An association between radon and lung cancer has been consistently reported in epidemiological studies on mine workers and the general population with indoor radon exposure. However, associations have not been clearly established between radon and other diseases, such as leukemia and thyroid cancer. Radiation doses are assessed by applying specific dose conversion coefficients according to the source (e.g., radon or thoron) and form of exposure (e.g., internal or external). However, regardless of the source or form of exposure, the effects of a given estimated dose on human health are identical, assuming that individuals have the same sensitivity to radiation. Recently, radiation exceeding the annual dose limit of the general population (1 mSv/yr) was detected in bed mattresses produced by D company due to the use of a monazite-based anion powder containing uranium and thorium. This has sparked concerns about the health hazards for mattress users caused by radiation exposure. In light of this event, this study presents scientific information about the assessment of radon and thoron exposure and its human implications for human health, which have emerged as a recent topic of interest and debate in society.

Health Effects of Radon Exposure

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive material that is formed as the decay product of uranium and thorium, and is estimated to contribute to approximately half of the average annual natural background radiation. When inhaled, it damages the lungs during radioactive decay and affects the human body. Through many epidemiological studies regarding occupational exposure among miners and residential exposure among the general population, radon has been scientifically proven to cause lung cancer, and radon exposure is the second most common cause of lung cancer after cigarette smoking. However, it is unclear whether radon exposure causes diseases other than lung cancer. Media reports have often dealt with radon exposure in relation to health problems, although public attention has been limited to a one-off period. However, recently in Korea, social interest and concern about radon exposure and its health effects have increased greatly due to mass media reports of high concentrations of radon being released from various close-to-life products, such as mattresses and beauty masks. Accordingly, this review article is intended to provide comprehensive scientific information regarding the health effects of radon exposure.

Health effects of exposure to radon: implications of the radon bed mattress incident in Korea / 한국역학회지

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive material formed by the slow decay of uranium and thorium found in the earth's crust or construction materials. Internal exposure to radon accounts for about half of the natural background radiation dose to which humans are exposed annually. Radon is a carcinogen and is the second leading cause of lung cancer following smoking. An association between radon and lung cancer has been consistently reported in epidemiological studies on mine workers and the general population with indoor radon exposure. However, associations have not been clearly established between radon and other diseases, such as leukemia and thyroid cancer. Radiation doses are assessed by applying specific dose conversion coefficients according to the source (e.g., radon or thoron) and form of exposure (e.g., internal or external). However, regardless of the source or form of exposure, the effects of a given estimated dose on human health are identical, assuming that individuals have the same sensitivity to radiation. Recently, radiation exceeding the annual dose limit of the general population (1 mSv/yr) was detected in bed mattresses produced by D company due to the use of a monazite-based anion powder containing uranium and thorium. This has sparked concerns about the health hazards for mattress users caused by radiation exposure. In light of this event, this study presents scientific information about the assessment of radon and thoron exposure and its human implications for human health, which have emerged as a recent topic of interest and debate in society.

Retrospective case-series analysis of haematological malignancies in goldmining areas of South Africa

Background. South Africa (SA)'s high levels of environmental contamination of mine tailings from uranium and its decay products, coupled with remarkably short distances between mine tailings and residential areas, raise concern about whether there is an association between environmental uranium exposure and risk of cancer, including haematological malignancies. Objectives. We reviewed information on cases from the central hospital offering cancer diagnostics and treatment in a major mining area of SA to describe their basic clinical and demographic characteristics, as part of assessing whether a cancer epidemiological study in this area would be feasible.Methods. Basic clinical, demographic and residential information on patients with haematological malignancy diagnosed between 2004 and 2013 was collected retrospectively from the patient files at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital in Soweto, Johannesburg.Results. In total, 1 880 patients aged 18 - 94 years were identified. Referral from distant provinces was not uncommon, but >80% lived within 50 km of the hospital. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma accounted for 44% of the haematological malignancies, followed by leukaemia with 26%. HIV status was known for 93% of the patients, of whom 47% were HIV-positive.Conclusions. Caution is required when interpreting spatial distributions of patients, given inaccuracies in residential addresses and referral patterns to the hospital, and with HIV and other infections probable important confounders. Our study therefore shows that active case recruitment is required for accurate assessment of residential information. However, some findings on spatial distributions in the study warrant the continuation of efforts to develop a study protocol to investigate the possible link between uranium exposure in mining areas and haematological malignancies in residents. Disproportionately high incidence rates of haematological malignancies observed in specific districts would be relevant for further investigation

The toxicological mechanisms and detoxification of depleted uranium exposure

Depleted uranium (DU) has been widely applied in industrial and military activities, and is often obtained from producing fuel for nuclear reactors. DU may be released into the environment, polluting air, soil, and water, and is considered to exert both radiological and chemical toxicity. In humans and animals, DU can induce multiple health effects, such as renal tubular necrosis and bone malignancies. This review summarizes the known information on DU's routes of entry, mechanisms of toxicity, and health effects. In addition, we survey the chelating agents used in ameliorating DU toxicity.

An updated review of case–control studies of lung cancer and indoor radon-Is indoor radon the risk factor for lung cancer?

Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related death in the world. Smoking is definitely the most important risk factor for lung cancer. Radon (222Rn) is a natural gas produced from radium (226Ra) in the decay series of uranium (238U). Radon exposure is the second most common cause of lung cancer and the first risk factor for lung cancer in never-smokers. Case–control studies have provided epidemiological evidence of the causative relationship between indoor radon exposure and lung cancer. Twenty-four case–control study papers were found by our search strategy from the PubMed database. Among them, seven studies showed that indoor radon has a statistically significant association with lung cancer. The studies performed in radon-prone areas showed a more positive association between radon and lung cancer. Reviewed papers had inconsistent results on the dose–response relationship between indoor radon and lung cancer risk. Further refined case–control studies will be required to evaluate the relationship between radon and lung cancer. Sufficient study sample size, proper interview methods, valid and precise indoor radon measurement, wide range of indoor radon, and appropriate control of confounders such as smoking status should be considered in further case–control studies.

Riscos, saúde e alternativas de produção de conhecimentos para a justiça ambiental: o caso da mineração de urânio em Caetité, BA / Risks, health and knowledge production alternatives for environmental justice: the case of uranium mining in Caetité, BA

No município de Caetité, sertão baiano, situa-se a única mina de urânio em atividade no Brasil, operada desde 2000 pelas Indústrias Nucleares do Brasil (INB). Esta empresa tem sua atuação bastante questionada por comunidades locais e movimentos sociais da região, os quais alegam que a mesma omite informações sobre os riscos e impactos ambientais e à saúde relacionados ao empreendimento.Suspeitas de contaminação ambiental são reforçadas pelos acidentes ocorridos,sobretudo pelos episódios de vazamento de material radioativo para o ambiente. Portanto, verifica-se, em Caetité, um cenário de desinformação e incertezas quanto aos riscos e impactos potencialmente atribuídos as atividades de mineração e beneficiamento de urânio na região, que atingem, basicamente, trabalhadores da mina e comunidades rurais vizinhas. As abordagens técnico-científicas clássicas de investigação e produção de conhecimentos mostram-se limitadas para lidar com situações que envolvem riscos complexos, sobretudo em contextos de conflito e injustiças ambientais, como ocorre com a operação da mina de urânio em Caetité. Assim, diante do quadro apresentado, esta tese busca realizar uma reflexão crítica sobre a importância de estratégias alternativas de produção de conhecimentos, as quais valorizem e incorporem o saber situado dos sujeitos atingidos, a fim de possibilitar uma melhor compreensão, mais contextualizada, de riscos tecnológicos complexos e suas implicações para o ambiente e a saúde. Para tanto, são tomadas como referência experiências participativas e integradas de produção de conhecimentos acerca dos riscos e impactos verificados junto às atividades de mineração e beneficiamento de urânio em Caetité...

In the municipality of Caetité, semi-arid region of Bahia, it is located the only active uranium mine in Brazil, which is operated by the Brazilian Nuclear Industries (INB) since 2000. This company has its operations very questioned by local communities and social movements. They claim that INB omits information about environmental and health risks and impacts related to the mine's operation. Suspicions of environmental contamination are reinforced by accidents, mainly by past episodes of radioactive material leakages into the environment. So, in Caetité, it turns out ascenario of misinformation and uncertainty regarding the risks and impacts potentiallydue to the uranium mining and milling activities, which affect basically mineworkersand nearby rural communities. Classical technical and scientific approaches ofresearch and knowledge production appear limited to deal with situations that involvecomplex risks, especially in contexts of conflict and environmental injustices, just likethe case of Caetité's uranium mine operation. Thus, considering this setting, thisdissertation aims to make a critical reflection on the importance of alternativeknowledge production strategies, which value and incorporate the situatedknowledge of affected people in order to enable a better and contextualizedunderstanding of complex technological risks and its environmental and healthimplications. Therefore, it is taken as reference participatory and integratedknowledge production experiences about the risks and impacts related to uraniummining and milling in Caetité...

Assessment of dose due to natural radio-nuclides in vegetables of high background radiation area in south-eastern part of Bangladesh

The aims of the study are to determine the radioactivity concentrations of [226]Ra, [238]U, [232]Th and [40]K in vegetables of a recently found high background radiation area of south-eastern part of Bangladesh and to detect the radiological risks to human from intake of these vegetables. 10 plant samples were collected randomly from different locations of the study area. The radio-nuclides in papaya were measured by direct gamma-ray spectrometry using HPGe detector. The average activity concentrations of [226]Ra, [238]U, 232Th and [40]K in papaya samples were 80.95 +/- 13.61, 64.77 +/- 38.47, 83.53 +/- 20.50 and 1691.45 +/- 244.98 Bq kg[-1] respectively. The annual effective ingestion dose due to intake of papaya was 1.1 mSv Y[-1]. The concentrations of radio-nuclides in the papaya samples found in present study were higher than the world average values suggested by the UNSCEAR. The annual effective ingestion dose was found 3.8 times higher than total exposure per person resulting from the ingestion of terrestrial radioisotopes

Lung cancer mortality among uranium gaseous diffusion plant workers: a cohort study 1952-2004

9%-15% of all lung cancers are attributable to occupational exposures. Reports are disparate regarding elevated lung cancer mortality risk among workers employed at uranium gaseous diffusion plants. To investigate whether external radiation exposure is associated with lung cancer mortality risk among uranium gaseous diffusion workers. A cohort of 6820 nuclear industry workers employed from 1952 to 2003 at the Paducah uranium gaseous diffusion plant [PGDP] was assembled. A job-specific exposure matrix [JEM] was used to determine likely toxic metal exposure categories. In addition, radiation film badge dosimeters were used to monitor cumulative external ionizing radiation exposure. International Classification for Disease [ICD] codes 9 and 10 were used to identify 147 lung cancer deaths. Logistic and proportional hazards regression were used to estimate lung cancer mortality risk. Lung cancer mortality risk was elevated among workers who experienced external radiation >3.5 mrem and employment duration >12 years. Employees of uranium gaseous diffusion plants carry a higher risk of lung cancer mortality; the mortality is associated with increased radiation exposure and duration of employment

Toxicological Investigation of Radioactive Uranium in Seawater

Trace uranium detection measurement was performed using DNA immobilized on a graphite pencil electrode (DGE). The developed probe was connected to the portable handheld voltammetric systems used for seawater analysis. The sensitive voltammogram was obtained within only 30 s accumulation time, and the anodic stripping working range was attained at 100~800 microg/l U and 10~50 microg/l. The statistic relative standard deviation of 30.0 mg/l with the 15th stripping was 0.2115. Here, toxicological and analytical application was performed in the seawater survey in a contaminated power plant controlling water. The results were found to be applicable for real-time toxicological assay for trace control.

Nutritional Status and Hair Mineral Content of Elementary School Children with Behavioral Problems

This study was performed to assess the nutritional status and hair mineral content of children with behavioral problems and compare the values with a gender, age-matched control group. The subjects were recruited from S elementary school children in Seoul, Korea. Students scored higher than 60 points were diagnosed with behavioral problems according to the Korean-Child Behavior Checklist. Nutritional assessment of the two groups (behavior problem group: male n=15, female n=24; 9.6+/-1.6 years, control group: male n=16, female n=18; 9.5+/-1.9 years) was performed using a nutritional survey and by measuring hair mineral contents. In the results, food frequency questionnaire analysis showed that the intakes of anchovy (P<0.05), soybean curb (P<0.01), radish (P<0.05), bean sprouts (P<0.05), spinach (P<0.05), carrot (P<0.05), pumpkin (P<0.05), lettuce (P<0.05), cabbage (P<0.01), apple (P<0.05), and milk (P<0.01) were higher in the control group than the behavior problem group, whereas intakes of ramyeon (P<0.05), cookies (P<0.05), and coke (P<0.01) were higher in the behavior problem group than the control group. Intakes of most nutrients such as plant-derived protein (P<0.05), fiber (P<0.05), plant-derived calcium (P<0.05), phosphorus (P<0.05), plant-derived iron (P<0.05), vitamin B2 (P<0.05), vitamin B6 (P<0.05), vitamin C (P<0.01), vitamin E (P<0.05), and folate (P<0.05) were significantly higher in the control group than the behavior problem group. Hair analysis showed that the levels of arsenic (P<0.05), mercury (P<0.001), uranium (P<0.05), iron (P<0.001), boron (P<0.01), and germanium (P<0.001) were lower, but the levels of phosphate (P<0.05), chromium (P<0.001), sodium (P<0.05), and sulfur (P<0.001) were higher in the behavior problem group than the control group. Conclusively, behavioral problems constitute a complicated condition in which nutritional factors may play major roles. However, it is still under investigation as to whether or not modification of dietary habits or nutritional supplementation can improve children's behavior, since symptoms require a broad understanding of the environmental and genetic interactions.

Radioactivity levels and health risks due to radionuclides in the soil of Yalova, Northwestern Turkey

Naturally occurring radionuclide of terrestrial origin [also called primordial radionuclide] are present in various degrees in all media in the environment, including the human body itself. Their concentrations in environment decrease continually by decaying. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the radioactivity levels and health risks due to terrestrial radionuclide in soil of Yalova, northwestern Turkey. For this purpose, activity concentrations of radionuclide in soil and the environmental outdoor gamma dose rates [terrestrial and cosmic] have been investigated in the city of Yalova. In addition, maps for the radionuclide activity concentrations of soil and the outdoor gamma dose rates distributions have been plotted for the region. The average activities of radionuclide, [238]U, [232]Th, [226]Ra, [40]K, and [137]Cs in the soil were determined as 17.95 [8.5-37.3] Bq/kg, 26.87 [3.8-43.9] Bq/kg, 22.36 [8.3-41] Bq/kg, 419.32 [197.1-950.0] Bq/kg, 2.53 [0.5-13.4] Bq/kg, respectively, in the region. The average outdoor gamma dose rates due to terrestrial and cosmic radiations were found to be 49 nGy/h and 35 nGy/h with the total of 84 nGy/h outdoor gamma exposure rate in the region. Annual effective dose due to environmental outdoor gamma radiation exposures was determined as 103 nSv with the excess lifetime cancer risk of 0.042 x 10[-2] in the region. The results of the study were discussed with the studies done in the close cities and the worldwide averages

Detoxication effect of water-soluble imprinted cross-linked chitosan on depleted uranium induced toxicity to renal cells / 药学学报

To investigate whether a series of water-soluble cross-linked chitosan derivates synthesized in the guide of imprinting technology could be used as a uranium chelating agent to protect cells exposed to depleted uranium (DU), the imprinted chitosan derivates with high UO2(2+) chelating ability were screened, and cell model of human renal proximal tubule epithelium cells (HK-2) exposed to DU (500 micromol.L-1) was built, chitosan derivates (400 mg.L-1 ) was added to test group and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA, 50 mg.L-1) was added to positive control group. The results showed that three Cu2+ imprinted chitosan derivates had higher uranium chelating ability (>49 microg.mg-1) than chitosan and non-imprinted chitosan derivates. Compared to the cells exposed to DU only, survival of cells in group added chitosan derivates rose up significantly (increased from 57.3% to 88.7%, and DTPA to 72.6%), and DU intracellular accumulation decreased, membrane damage and DNA damage also eased. Among the imprinted chitosan derivates, Cu2+ imprinted penta dialdehyde cross-linked carboxymethyl chitosan (Cu-P-CMC) was the best, and better than DTPA. From ultrastructure observation, the DU precipitates of test group added Cu-P-CMC were most grouped in a big hairy clusters in a string together outside cells. It is possible that the DU-chitosan derivates precipitates are too big to enter into cells, and from this way, the DU uptake by cells decreased so as to detoxication.

Effect of the chelator BPCBG on the decorporation of uranium in vivo and uranium-induced damage of human renal tubular epithelial cells in vitro / 药学学报

This study is to assess the efficacy of BPCBG on the decorporation of uranium (VI) and protecting human renal proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) against uranium-induced damage. BPCBG at different doses was injected intramuscularly to male SD rats immediately after a single intraperitoneal injection of UO2(CH3COO)2. Twenty-four hours later uranium contents in urine, kidneys and femurs were measured by ICP-MS. After HK-2 cells were exposed to UO2(CH3COO)2 immediately or for 24 h followed by BPCBG treatment at different doses for another 24 or 48 h, the uranium contents in HK-2 cells were measured by ICP-MS, the cell survival was assayed by cell counting kit-8 assay, formation of micronuclei was determined by the cytokinesis-block (CB) micronucleus assay and the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was detected by 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFH-DA) oxidation. DTPA-CaNa3 was used as control. It was found that BPCBG at dosages of 60, 120, and 600 micromol kg(-1) resulted in 37%-61% increase in 24 h-urinary uranium excretion, and significantly decreased the amount of uranium retention in kidney and bone to 41%-31% and 86%-42% of uranium-treated group, respectively. After HK-2 cells that had been pre-treated with UO2(CH3COO)2 for 24 h were treated with the chelators for another 24 h, 55%-60% of the intracellular uranium was removed by 10-250 micromol L(-1) of BPCBG. Treatment of uranium-treated HK-2 cells with BPCBG significantly enhanced the cell survival, decreased the formation of micronuclei and inhibited the production of intracellular ROS. Although DTPA-CaNa3 markedly reduced the uranium retention in kidney of rats and HK-2 cells, its efficacy of uranium removal from body was significantly lower than that of BPCBG and it could not protect uranium-induced cell damage. It can be concluded that BPCBG effectively decorporated the uranium from UO2(CH3COO)2-treated rats and HK-2 cells, which was better than DTPA-CaNa3. It could also scavenge the uranium-induced intracellular ROS and protect against the uranium-induced cell damage. BPCBG is worth further investigation.

The characteristics of type I, III collagen and LN in pulmonary fibrosis induced by uranium ore dust in rats / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the characteristics of LN and type I, III collagen in pulmonary fibrosis induced by uranium ore dust in rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>60 adult Wistar rats were divided randomly into two groups, control group (30 rats) and uranium ore dust group (30 rats). Non-exposed intratracheal instillation method was used. Uranium ore dust group was exposed 20 mg/ml uranium ore dust suspension 1ml per rat, meanwhile control group was exposed normal saline 1ml per rat. Post-exposed the 7, 14, 21, 30 and 60 d, 6 rats in each group were killed randomly, lung tissue were collected. The pathological changes in lung tissue were observed by microscope using HE staining, the collagen I and III in lungs were observed by polarizing microscope using Biebrich scarlet staining. The expression of LN protein in lung tissue was observed by immunohistochemistry-SP.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>During lung fibrosis, a large amount of the proliferated I and III collagen in lungs were observed. Post-exposure to uranium ore dust, the characteristics in proliferated collagen in lungs were type I collagen deposited in lung interstitium mainly in the early stage. The area percentage of collagen I and III was increased significantly at 7, 14, 21, 30 and 60d in the experimental group as compared with that in the control group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The over expression of LN in the lung tissue were observed. The expression of LN was distributed in the lung tissue as thickening of the linear or cluster. The integral optical density of LN was increased significantly at 21, 30 and 60 d in the experimental group as compared with that in the control group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>After exposure to uranium ore dust, the characteristics in proliferated collagen in lungs are the type of I collagen deposited in lung interstitium mainly in the early stage, while the type of III collagen increase significantly at the later period. The overexpression of LN exists in the process of pulmonary fibrosis. It suggests that LN has a role effect in the process of pulmonary fibrosis.</p>

Avaliação da incidência e mortalidade por câncer na população residente em região com anomalia geológica na ocorrência de urânio: estudo de caso: Monte Alegre, PA / Mortality and cancer incidence among residents in an area with a geological occurrence of uranium: the municipality of Monte Alegre, PA, Brazil

O município de Monte Alegre, PA apresenta níveis aumentados de radiação natural devido à presença de ocorrências uraníferas na região. Os objetivos dessa dissertação foram: realizar uma análise da evolução da mortalidade na população residente de Monte Alegre e compará-la com aquela observada nos municípios controles (Alenquer e Prainha); e determinar a ocorrência de neoplasia maligna no município de Monte Alegre a partir da avaliação do excesso de risco de mortalidade e das estimativas da incidência. A dissertação foi dividida em dois artigos, cada um atendendo a um dos objetivos. No primeiro foi avaliada a tendência temporal da mortalidade por todas as causas, causas mal definidas e neoplasias entre 1981 e 2005. Os dados utilizados foram os disponíveis no Sistema de Informação sobre Mortalidade (SIM). No segundo foram estimadas as Razões Padronizadas de Mortalidade (SMR), as razões de risco através da razão das SMRs de Monte Alegre e municípios controles e razões de chances de mortalidade por câncer (CMOR) para o município de Monte Alegre e controles no período de 1981 a 2005, utilizando a população do estado do Pará como referência. Para estimar a incidência de câncer foram realizadas três diferentes abordagens: a partir dos dados obtidos nos centros de diagnósticos para câncer que atendem a população da área de estudo; através dos dados de Autorização de Internação Hospitalar; e dados primários obtidos no inquérito populacional realizado na região em 2007/2008. Ao longo do período, observou-se um decréscimo da taxa padronizada de mortalidade geral em Monte Alegre por todas as causas assim como por causas mal definidas para ambos os sexos. Embora a tendência da mortalidade por neoplasias em Monte Alegre se apresente estável, a qualidade da base de dados de mortalidade não permite análises conclusivas da real situação deste grupo de causa de morte nos municípios analisados. Os valores de SMR para mortalidade por todas as causas, encontrados para Monte Alegre, foram similares aos dos municípios controles, apresentando redução estatisticamente significativa: SMRMA= 72,9, IC 95 por cento 70,5-75,3 e SMRMC=75,2, IC 95 por cento 76,2-77,3, respectivamente. Não se observou excesso de mortes por câncer em Monte Alegre e nos municípios controles, e a análise da mortalidade segundo sexo não revelou um excesso de risco estatisticamente significativo nas diferentes localizações tumorais. As diferentes abordagens para estimar a incidência de câncer em Monte Alegre apesar da precária qualidade dos dados não mostraram padrão distinto dos municípios controles. A inexistência de um registro de câncer de base populacional, no município de Monte Alegre, constitui-se em uma limitação importante para se conhecer a real incidência de câncer. No momento, pode-se afirmar que não há evidência científica que assegure um aumento das ocorrências de óbitos por neoplasias no município, sendo precipitado e especulativo concluir que a utilização das rochas de urânio estaria ocasionando um aumento na mortalidade por câncer na população de Monte Alegre.