BNCT research facility at MARIA reactor - Numerical models and preliminary measurements.

In NCBJ, Poland a new laboratory for BNCT research is being constructed at MARIA reactor. In the first phase it will provide a thermal neutron beam for experiments with cellular samples and small animals. In the next step, a converter will be mounted to provide fast neutron beam. Beam shaping assembly will moderate the beam to epithermal energies allowing for irradiation human phantoms. The laboratory infrastructure as well as radiation shielding of the laboratory are being designed using MCNP6 software.

Consistency test of coincidence-summing calculation methods for extended sources.

An internal consistency test of the calculation of coincidence-summing correction factors FC for volume sources is presented. The test is based on exact equations relating the values of FC calculated for three ideal measurement configurations. The test is applied to a number of 33 sets of FC values sent by 21 teams. Most sets passed the test, but not the results obtained using the quasi-point source approximation; in the latter case the test qualitatively indicated the magnitude of the bias of FC.

Study on the influence of the B4C layer thickness on the neutron flux and energy distribution shape in multi-electrode ionisation chamber.

A model of a multi-electrode ionisation chamber, with polypropylene electrodes coated with a thin layer of B4C was created within Monte Carlo N-Particle Transport Code (MCNPX) and Fluktuierende Kaskade (FLUKA) codes. The influence of the layer thickness on neutron absorption in B4C and on the neutron spectra in the consecutive intra-electrode gas volumes has been studied using the MCNPX and FLUKA codes. The results will be used for designing the new type of the ionisation chamber.

Enhanced lipid peroxidation in cancer tissue homogenates in non-small cell lung cancer.

The oxidative modification of nucleic acids by reactive oxygen species may lead to malignant conversion, but its exact role in lung cancer biology is still not clear. Lipid peroxidation, a well-known index of free radicals activity, is a process of oxidative polyunsaturated acids destruction. Our study was aimed to investigate the level of lipid peroxidation ex vivo in tumor tissue and lung parenchyma obtained from patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Thirty-two patients with lung cancer (including 19 with squamous cell lung cancer) were enrolled in the study. During a surgical resection, tumor tissue and lung parenchyma were obtained and the concentration of lipid peroxidation products, i.e. conjugated dienes and lipid hydroperoxides, measured. In the whole group of patients the concentrations of conjugated dienes and lipid hydroperoxides in the tumor tissue were higher than those in lung parenchyma (1.008 +/- 0.503 A233 nm vs. 0.717 +/- 0.283 A233 nm; p < 0.05 and 0.109 +/- 0.062 A532 nm vs. 0.102 +/- 0.087 A532 nm; p < 0.05, respectively). Similar results were obtained in squamous cell carcinoma patients (0.975 +/- 0.348 A233 nm vs. 0.708 +/- 0.300 A233 nm; p > 0.02 and 0.094 +/- 0.029 A532 nm vs. 0.080 +/- 0.071 A532 nm; p < 0.05, respectively). In both groups of patients, a positive correlation between concentration of conjugated dienes in tumor tissue and clinical stage (R = 0.45; R = 0.52; p < 0.05, respectively) was found. Our results confirm the enhanced lipid peroxidation in cancer tissue as compared with matched lung parenchyma. Additionally, a higher level of oxidative stress, expressed as the concentration of conjugated dienes in tumor tissue, was associated with clinical progression of the tumor.

[The evaluation of efficacy and tolerability of salbutamol administered by nebulization in patients with stable severe bronchial asthma]. / Ocena skutecznosci i tolerancji Salbutamolu w nebulizacji u chorych na stabilna ciezka astme oskrzelowa.

The aim of the study was the assessment of the effect of salbutamol in nebulization on ventilatory parameters and heart action in patients with stable severe well controlled bronchial asthma. The study was performed in 30 asthmatics (19 females and 11 men) with incomplete reversibility of airflow obstruction after salbutamol inhalation administered via MDI device. The mean age was 47 years, the duration of asthma--18 years. Mean FVC value was 2.46 L (66.6%), FEV1--1.76 L (56.8%), and MEF50--1.74 L/s (40.4% predicted). The study was performed according to the double-blind crossover method with placebo used. On the first day the reversibility test with 400 mg salbutamol was performed. On the two consecutive days salbutamol (Steri-Neb Salamol 2.5 mg) and placebo in nebulization were randomly administered. Ventilatory parameters were measured before and in 20, 40, 60, 120, 180 and 240 minutes after the nebulization. At the same time points the heart action was assessed by physical examination. The changes in FVC, FEV1 and MEF50 were expressed in absolute values and as a relative increase in relation to predictive value. The significant improvement of measured ventilatory parameters was observed as early as 20 minute after the nebulization. This increase in MEF50 lasted 2 hours, in FEV1--3 hours and in FVC 4 hours. The relative increase in MEF50 was significant higher than the remaining parameters. The significant increase in heart rate was noted after salbutamol nebulization.

[Evaluation of the relationship between the clinical course of severe asthma and ventilatory parameters]. / Ocena zwiazków miedzy klinicznym przebiegiem ciezkiej astmy oskrzelowej a wskaznikiem wentylacji.

The aim of the study was the assessement of relations between the clinical symptoms of asthma, ventilatory parameters and nonspecific bronchial hyperresponsiveness. 22 patients with severe asthma, 12 females and 10 men, aged 43-68 years (mean 56) were observed for two years. The duration of asthma ranged from 6 to 38 years (mean 18). All the patients were treated with inhalatory steroids in dose 800-1200 mg. Three months before entering the study the patients had no exacerbation or respiratory tract infection. Throughout the study diary cards were filled and the symptoms were recorded on 0-4 scale. PEF was measured two times a day, the highest value noted. Spirometry and reversibility tests were performed. On the last day patients underwent histamine challenge test. Data from four weeks were analyzed statistically. The significant correlation was established between PEF variability and clinical symptoms scores, both mean and measured in the last day of the study. The relationship between mean PEF variability and bronchial hyperresponsiveness was also observed.

[The influence of salmeterol and salbutamol on bronchial constriction in patients with bronchial asthma]. / Wplyw salmeterolu i salbutamolu na zwezenie oskrzeli u chorych na astme oskrzelowa.

The aim of the study was to compare bronchodilatating effect of inhaled salmeterol, salbutamol and both drugs administered simultaneously. 14 subjects (7 females, 7 men), aged 30-65 years (mean 49 yrs), suffering from moderate to severe asthma were examined. The improvement of FEV1 greater than 15% within 15 minutes of inhaling 200 micrograms of salbutamol was demanded. The study was performed in randomized, double-blinded, placebo controlled design. Throughout the study, all patients kept a daily score of symptoms and treatment. Each day of the trial, FEV1 in 30, 60, 120, 180 and 240 minute was measured. The statistically significant increase of FEV1 was noted only in 30 minute after salbutamol and in 180 minute after inhaling of salmeterol in comparison to salbutamol alone. No significant advantage of adding salbutamol to the patients previously treated with salmeterol was observed.

[Nonspecific bronchial hyperreactivity in patients with seasonal bronchial asthma observed through two consecutive years]. / Nieswoista nadreaktywnosc oskrzeli u chorych na sezonowa astme oskrzelowa obserwowanych przez dwa kolejne lata.

Seasonal bronchial asthma causally connected with the exposure to pollen allergens is a chronic, eosinophilic mucosal inflammation of airway. This inflammation is the basis for the development of nonspecific bronchial hyperreactivity which is the most typical but mutable feature of asthma. Bronchial hyperreactivity often determines asthma intensity and the need of asthma treatment. The nonspecific bronchial hyperreactivity over two consecutive years was evaluated in 11 patients (2 women and 9 men) with seasonal bronchial asthma, sensitized to grass, remaining under the conditions of natural allergen exposure and out of this period. Bronchial reactivity to histamine was measured by Cockcroft's at all method. So called histamine threshold (PC20H) in mg/ml was assessed. The values of ventilatory parameters (FVC, FEV1) and asthma symptom scores were also measured. It was showed that nonspecific bronchial hyperreactivity significantly increased in subjects with seasonal bronchial asthma during natural pollen exposure. PC20H in two studies performed during this period decreased 3 and 6 times when compared to preseasonal values. The majority part of patients (80%) has the increased bronchial reactivity to histamine also beyond the of grass season when clinical symptoms of asthma and rhinitis are not observed. This postseasonal hyperreactivity could be the effect of the chronic inflammation process persisted from the period of natural allergen exposure. Continuous subthreshold, which means asymptomatic exposure to perennial allergens to which most of patients are sensitized, could be another reason of this hyperreastivity. The possibility of exposure to the activity of seasonal allergens the whole year in persons with asthma can not omitted, as the presence of pollens in the sample of the house dust in patient's flat is observed during the yield of pollen season. Nonspecific bronchial hyperreactivity in individual patients is fluctuated, which probably is not dependent on the intensity of natural allergen exposure.

[The effect of nedocromil sodium on the clinical course, ventilatory parameters and nonspecific bronchial hyperreactivity in patients with nonatopic bronchial asthma treated with beclomethasone dipropionate]. / Wplyw nedokromilu sodu na przebieg kliniczny, wskazniki wentylacyjne i nieswoista nadreaktywnosc oskrzeli u chorych na astme nieatopowa leczonych beklometazonem.

The efficacy of nedocromil sodium (NED) (8mg twice daily) in controlling the clinical symptoms of asthma (score symptoms), the pulmonary parameters (FEV1, FVC) and bronchial hyperreactivity to histamine was assessed. The study was performed in double-blind, cross-over and placebo-controlled way in 16 patients suffering from nonatopic, stable, moderate asthma treated with beclomethasone dipropionate (from 400 micrograms to 800 micrograms). NED and placebo were administered in a randomized way with 8-week wash-out period. Bronchial reactivity to histamine, was measured as the amount of histamine causing a 20% fall in FEV1 (PC20H in mg/ml). Treatment with NED did not change asthma symptom scores, FVC and FEV1. Decreased usage of beta 2-agonist was observed. NED did not influence bronchial hyperreactivity to histamine (xg PC20H was respectively 0.09 and 0.11 mg/ml after placebo and 0.06 and 0.08 after NED). The authors conclude that studies with NED in nonatopic asthmatics should be continued, but the dosage of the drug ought to be bigger and the time of treatment ought to be longer.

[Clinical evaluation of the isotonic solution of theophylline for intravenous injection]. / Ocena kliniczna izotonicznego roztworu teofiliny do wlewów dozylnych.

The safety and tolerance of intravenous theophylline in asthmatic patients was investigated. The effect upon the lung function tests and frequency of cardiac arrhythmias were evaluated in 15 patients after five days treatment with theophylline 300 mg twice a day. Measurements of the peak expiratory flow (PEF) were obtained prior to theophylline administration, immediately after first intravenous infusion and 1.3 and 6 hours later and before and after second infusion, while serum theophylline levels were determined at the same time by enzyme immunoassay (Diagnostica Merc). The same measurements were made at the fifth day of observation. Continuous 24 hour Holter monitoring of the electrocardiogram before the study and at the fifth day of the treatment was performed. Biochemical investigations included aspartate and alanine aminotransferase (GGTPi GOT), sodium and potassium ion concentrations, serum levels of creatinine, glucose and bilirubin hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, MCHC, red blood cells count and white blood cell differential count were determined. The therapeutic concentration of theophylline in serum were found in all subject treated with theophylline 300 mg twice a day. The improvement in lung function and no changes in cardiac rhythm were observed the biochemical findings did not demonstrate any significant differences after five days of the study. The study confirm safety and good tolerance of intravenous theophylline used in the doses 300 mg twice a day.

Cardiac arrhythmias as a result of intravenous infusions of theophylline in patients with airway obstruction.

The effect of intravenous theophylline upon the activity of creatinine kinase (CK) and its cardiac specific isoenzyme (CK-MB) and the frequency of cardiac arrhythmias were evaluated in 12 patients with bronchial asthma and spastic bronchitis. Measurements of the peak expiratory flow (PEF) were obtained prior to theophylline administration, immediately after the infusion and at 1, 3 and 6 hours, while serum theophylline levels were determined at the same time by enzyme immunoassay. Continuous 24-hour Holter monitoring of the electrocardiogram before the study and at the first day of the investigations was performed. CK-MB elevation was observed relating to the theophylline infusion. The CK-MB activity prior to theophylline administration was 10.87 +/- 5.2 units and 24.9 +/- 13.4 units at 5 minutes after termination of the infusion. The elevation lasted until the end of the observation period, being 29.4 +/- 17 units at 1 hour, 27.95 +/- 12.1 units at 3 hours and 34.9 +/- 13.9 at 6 hours. No statistically significant differences in CK activity were found. In most patients the heart rate was accelerated during the theophylline infusion and 4 patients developed clinically silent ventricular arrhythmias obviously related to the infusion. In one patient a 5-hour long bout of atrial fibrillation, which resolved spontaneously, was observed. No changes were found in the ST-T segment.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Effect of intravenous infusions of theophylline on cardiac arrhythmias and activity of creatinine kinase CK-MB in patients with airway obstruction]. / Wplyw dozylnych wlewów teofiliny na wystepowanie zaburzen rytmu serca i aktywnosc frakcji sercowej kinazy kreatynowej CK-MB u chorych z obturacja dróg oddechowych.

The effect of intravenous theophylline upon the activity of creatinine kinase (CK) and its cardiac specific isoenzyme compound (CK-MB) and the frequency of cardiac arrhythmias was evaluated in 12 patients with bronchial asthma and spastic bronchitis. The patients were receiving an intravenous infusion of theophylline for three days. On the first day twice (400 mg and 300 mg) and subsequently, 400 mg once daily over 30 minutes. Measurements of the peak expiratory flow (PEF) were obtained prior to theophylline administration, immediately after the infusion and at 1, 3 and 6 hours while serum theophylline levels were determined at the same time by enzyme immunoassay. Continuous 24-h Holter monitoring the electrocardiogram was performed. CK-MB elevation was observed related to the theophylline infusion. The CK-MB activity prior to theophylline administration was 10.87 +/- 5.2 units and 24.9 +/- 13.4 units at 5 min after termination of the infusion. The elevation was sustained until the end of the observation period, being 29.4 +/- 17 units at 1 hour, 27.95 +/- 12.1 units at 3 hours and 34.9 +/- 13.9 at 6 hours. On the third day of the study, although theophylline had been withheld for 24 hours the baseline CK-MB levels were found to be higher than on day 1, at 14.35 +/- 5.35 (the difference, however, was not statistically significant) and the activity increased after each theophylline infusion (21.7 +/- 6.7 units, 22.5 +/- 5.7 units, 23.6 +/- 5.5 units and 28.2 +/- 7.3 units respectively). No statistically significant differences in CK activity were found. In most patients the heart rate was accelerated during the theophylline infusion and four patients developed clinically silent ventricular arrhythmias obviously related to the infusion. In one patient a five-hour long bout of atrial fibrillation, which resolved spontaneously was observed. No changes were found in the ST-T segment. The ventricular arrhythmias correlated with the increased activity of CK-MB and were related to the serum theophylline levels. The study confirms a potential cardiotoxic effect of intravenous theophylline with a resultant requirement of careful adjustment of doses.