biological effects induced by high-charged and energy particles and its application in cancer therapy

The radiobiological effects of high atomic number and energy [HZE particles] ion beams are of interest for radioprotection in space and tumor radiotherapy. Space radiation mainly consists of heavy charged particles from protons to iron ions, which is distinct from common terrestrial forms of radiation. HZE particles pose a significant cancer risk to astronauts on prolonged space missions. With high delivered energies and intense ionization, HZE particles can damage not only the biological systems but also the shielding materials. HZE particles are more effective than low-LET radiation like gamma- or X-rays to induce genetic mutation and cancer. On Earth, similar ions are being used for targeted cancer therapy due to the advantage of the inverse dose profile, with delivering higher doses to the tumor while keeping lower doses to the surrounding tissues. In this review, we focus on the recent insights into the biological effects caused by HZE particles and the corresponding mechanism. We also discuss the current application of HZE particle in cancer therapy. Understanding the mechanisms underlying the repair of DNA damage induced by HZE particles contribute to accurately estimate the risks to human health associated with HZE particle exposure and to improve the effectiveness of tumor radiotherapy

Protection efficacy of multivalent egg yolk immunoglobulin against eimeria tenella infection in chickens

To control avian coccidiosis with drug-independent strategy effectively and safely, multivalent hyperimmune egg yolk immunoglobulin [IgY] was prepared and its ability to protect against Eimeria tenella infection was evaluated. Hens were orally immunized with live oocysts of 5 species of Eimeria for six times, antibody titers in serum and yolk were monitored by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The specific IgY was isolated, purified and lyophilized. IgY powder was orally administrated as dietary supplement in newly hatched chicks at various dosages. Birds were orally challenged with 10000 sporulated oo-cysts of E. tenella at 10 days of age, weighed and killed at 8 days post challenge, and the protective effect was assessed. The average yield of IgY was 9.2 mg/ml yolk, the antibody titer of IgY reached to 1:163840 per mg with the purity up to 98%. Chickens fed IgY resulted in reduced mortality, increased body weight gain [BWG], reduced oocyst shedding, reduced caecal lesion score and increased anti-coccidial index. In terms of BWG and caecal lesion, IgY significantly enhanced the resistance of bird at >/= 0.05% of IgY in the diet when compared with the challenged control group [P<0.05]. No significant difference was observed at dosage >/= 0.5% and 1.0% when BWG and caecal lesion were compared with the sodium salinomycin control group, respectively [P>0.05]. Supplementing newly hatched chicks with Eimeria-specific IgY represents a promising strategy to prevent avian coccidiosis