Low-Dose Gamma Radiation Fields Decrease Cell Viability, Damage DNA, and Increase the Expression of Hsp70 and p53 Proteins in Human Leukocytes

Ionizing radiations are tools in diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Leukopenia from exposure to ionizing radiation has been reported. Due to their radiosensitivity, leukocytes are a biological model to analyze cell damage. Therefore, cell viability, DNA damage, and Hsp70 and p53 expression in human leukocytes exposed to low-dose gamma radiation fields from a 137Cs source were evaluated. A decrease in cell viability, DNA damage and an increase in the expression of Hsp70 and p53 proportional to the radiation dose received was found, which was 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 mGy.

Nerve regeneration following implantation of axotomized nerves pretreated with gamma radiation

BACKGROUND： It has been shown that irradiation to the neurolemma can reduce immuuogenicity. However, it is still poorly understood whether the degenerated nerve can affect peripheral nerve regeneration OBJECTIVE： To observe the effect of radiation-damaged nerve transplantation on functional recovery of the peripheral nerve. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： Self-control animal trial was performed at the Experimental Center of Orthopedics, Tangdu Hospital of Fourth Military Medical University from January to October 2005. MATERIALS： Fifty-four healthy, Chinese rabbits, irrespective of gender, were randomly divided into experimental （n = 36） and control （n = 18） groups. A 60 Co Y -radiation machine and NDI-200 nerve electromyograph were provided by the Experimental Center of Orthopedics, Tangdu Hospital of Fourth Military Medical University. METHODS： A median incision was made in the posterior right thigh of rabbits after abdominal anesthesia. A 30-mm segment of sciatic nerve was excised from the inferior margin of the piriform muscle to the tibiofibular intersection. The sciatic nerve in the experimental group was sterilely radiated with 350 Gy for 9.5 minutes. The damaged nerve segment was then re-transplanted. In the control group, the sciatic nerve was re-transplanted directly following excision. Nerve conduction velocity was determined at 4, 6, and 8 months post-surgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Functional assessments, such as gait, nutritional status of skin on dorsum of foot, toe spreading reflex, and foot holding, were made between 1 and 180 days post-surgery. The common peroneal nerve and tibial nerve reflexes under clamping were observed at 4, 6, and 8 months post-surgery to evaluate functional restoration of the peripheral nerve. Electromyogram was performed to observe nerve conduction velocity. RESULTS： From postoperative days 1 to 26, the limbs that were transplanted with irradiated nerve exhibited dragged walking, foot drop, sole ulcers, depilation, self-induced injury to the toes, and other denervation behaviors. From 95 to 120 days after re-transplantation, the ulcers recovered, in addition to recovered toe-spreading reflex. When subjected to the clamping text, nerve reflex occurred. Compared with animals transplanted with normal nerve, nerve conduction velocity in the experimental group was slower at 4 and 6 months post-surgery （P 〈 0.05 and P 〈 0.01）. At 8 months after surgery, nerve conduction velocity recovered in the experimental group, but was still slower than the control group （P 〈 0.05）. Recovered conduction velocity in the experimental group was significantly faster than the control group （P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： Reinnervation was achieved by pre-treating a 30-mm segment of sciatic nerve with 350-Gy radiation. Although radiation improved nerve conduction velocity recovery following re-transplantation, the velocity was not completely recovered to normal levels.

Influence of ^(60)Co gamma radiation on fluorine plasma treated enhancement-mode high-electron-mobility transistor

A1GaN/GaN depletion-mode high-electron-mobility transistor （D-HEMT） and fluorine （F） plasma treated enhancement-mode high-electron-mobility transistor （E-HEMT） are exposed to 60Co gamma radiation with a dose of 1.6 Mrad （Si）. No degradation is observed in the performance of D-HEMT. However, the maximum transeonductance of E-HEMT is increased after radiation. The 2DEG density and the mobility are calculated from the results of capacitance-voltage measurement. The electron mobility decreases after fluorine plasma treatment and recovers after radiation. Conductance measurements in a frequency range from 10 kHz to 1 MHz are used to characterize the trapping effects in the devices. A new type of trap is observed in the F plasma treated E-HEMT compared with the D-HEMT, but the density of the trap decreases by radiation. Fitting of Gp/w data yields the trap densities DT = （1-3）Х1012 cm^-2.eV^-1 and DT = （0,2-0.8）Х10^12 cm^2-eV^-1 before and after radiation, respectively. The time constant is 0.5 ms-6 ms. With F plasma treatment, the trap is introduced by etch damage and degrades the electronic mobility. After 60Co gamma radiation, the etch damage decreases and the electron mobility is improved. The gamma radiation can recover the etch damage caused by F plasma treatment.

Comparative Study of Micro and Nano Size WO3/E44 Epoxy Composite as Gamma Radiation Shielding Using MCNP and Experiment

The radiation shielding characteristics of 50wt% WO3/E44 epoxy composite in various gamma energies from 80 keV to 1.33 MeV are investigated via the MCNP code. Thus two scales are considered for WOa filler particles： micro and nano with sizes of i #m and 5Onto, respectively. The simulation results show that W03 nano particles exhibit a larger increase in linear attenuation coefficient in comparison with micro size particles. Finally, validation of simulation results with the published experimental data shows a good agreement.

Biocidal Effect of Gamma Radiation on the Ecology of Filamentous Fungal Populations Associated with Stone Deterioration

This study focused on the identification of the filamentous fungi associated with soapstone samples exposed to outdoor conditions and the biocidal effect of gamma radiations on isolated fungal populations in Minas Gerais State in Brazil. Two soapstone blocks were placed outdoors under tropical environmental conditions for 12 months. A total of 9 filamentous fungal populations were identified on their surfaces, namely Acremomium （cf.） alternatum, Alternaria alternata, Aspergillusfumigatus, Calcarisporium （cf.） arbuscula, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Curvularia lunata, Epicoccum nigrum, Fusarium equiseti and Penicillium citrinum. The gamma radiation assay was then carried out as a test of biocidal action by exposing all fungal populations to the ionizing radiation. The results showed that only the C. cladosporioides species was resistant to this biocidal agent, since it was able to increase its population post exposure. Scanning electron microscopy images identified the microbial colonization on the soapstone blocks and the stone elementar composition was analyzed by energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry. After treatment, there was no structural and aesthetic alteration in the soapstone samples, and evidencing that gamma radiation can be used as a biocidal agent. However, the resistance of the black fungal population indicates caution in the choice of gamma irradiation as biocidal treatment.

Effect of the Substitution of Sand by Rubber of Waste Tires on the Mechanical Properties of Hydraulic Concrete and Exposure to Gamma Radiation

For a long time and until now, rubber is the most used material for the manufacture of tires for motor vehicles. Unfortunately, once the tire meets its life cycle, the remaining rubber cannot be recycled, so the tires are discarded in collection centers and often in clandestine dumps. This represents a serious environmental problem because, in one case, these waste tires become breeding grounds for insects and wildlife that is harmful to humans. In the second case, the tires are burned, releasing highly damaging gases into the atmosphere. On the other hand, concrete is worldwide the construction material par excellence. It is basically composed of cement, gravel and sand. Mixing these three components in different proportions, their mechanical strength in compression can be increased. However, due to its fragile nature, concrete, once a crack is formed, it rapidly advances by fragmenting the material and producing its rapid collapse. In the present work, in order contribute to the care of the environment as well as to modify the fracture mode of the concrete, rubber particles obtained from waste tires were used as sand substitute in hydraulic concrete. In addition, rubber modified samples concrete were lately exposed to 70 kGy of gamma radiation in order to study the effects of this radiation on the mechanical deformation of concrete. The results showed a decrease in the mechanical properties of the concrete with rubber particles with respect to the traditional concrete itself. However, such decreases were offset by the fact that samples with rubber addition do not collapses as fast as the free rubber samples. The acquired data pave the way for research with great benefits, such as the use of recycled tires in concrete for its fracture mode modification in a beneficial way, as well as a possible decrease in the cost of concrete.

Evaluation of the Use of Gamma Radiation for Reduction of Aflatoxin B1 in Corn(Zea mays)Used in the Production of Feed for Broiler Chickens

Corn is one of the main grasses used to produce human or animal food. One of the main problems with the use of corn is the presence of mycotoxins, where aflatoxin B1 is one of the most harmful for human and animal health. Chemical methods such as the addition of antifungals and sequestrants are used to control this contaminant in food;however, these methods can leave dangerous residues. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of irradiation with gamma rays on corn for the control of aflatoxin B1. For this purpose, three treatments were compared: treatment 1, application of gamma radiation, treatment 2, application of antifungal and treatment 3, combination of gamma radiation and application of antifungal. Corn without exposure to any control of aflatoxin was used as a witness group. Irradiation doses of 2, 6 and 10 kGy were tested, and the dose of 6 kGy was selected as the best since it lowered aflatoxin B1 more effectively. The corn analyzed in this study was stored during 45 days at 23°C, and every 15 days. We determined the concentration of aflatoxin B1, presence or absence of pathogenic microorganisms and insects, and we evaluated the physicochemical characteristics of the grain. Then, the treatments were compared and treatment 1, only irradiation with gamma rays, proved to be significantly more effective in the reduction of aflatoxin B1 and the total inhibition of the survival of the insects during the 45 days of storage which allowed better preservation of the protein. All treatments controlled the growing of pathogenic microorganisms as Salmonella and Enterobacteriacea, and kept the humidity of the grain in values lower than 13%. The cost production of a bag of 40 kg of feed was also estimated in USD 22.56;which is1.80% greater than the cost corresponding to the conventional process that uses mycotoxin sequestrants.

^(60)Co gamma radiation effect on AlGaN/AlN/GaN HEMT devices

The testing techniques and experimental methods of the 60Co gamma irradiation effect on A1GaN/A1N/ GaN high electron mobility transistors （HEMTs） are established. The degradation of the electrical properties of the device under the actual radiation environment are analyzed theoretically, and studies of the total dose effects of gamma radiation on A1GaN/A1N/GaN HEMTs at three different radiation bias conditions are carried out. The degradation patterns of the main parameters of the A1GaN/A1N/GaN HEMTs at different doses are then investigated, and the device parameters that were sensitive to the gamma radiation induced damage and the total dose level induced device damage are obtained.

Study of the Sensing Characteristics of Irradiated Fiber Bragg Gratings and Fabry-Perot Interferometers Under Gamma Radiation

The sensing characteristics of irradiated fiber Bragg gratings(FBGs)and Fabry-Perot interferometers(FPIs)were investigated under a 2MGy dose of gamma radiation.The study found that the pressure sensitivity of FP sensors after irradiation was stable,while the temperature sensitivity of FBG sensors was unstable,and both wavelengths displayed a shift.These findings offer the possibility for the application of FP pressure sensors in the gamma radiation environments,and FBG sensors require further research to be suitable for application in the nuclear radiation environments.

PROBING THE IMPACT OF GAMMA-IRRADIATION ON THE METABOLIC STATE OF NEURAL STEM AND PRECURSOR CELLS USING DUAL-WAVELENGTH INTRINSIC SIGNAL TWO-PHOTON EXCITED FLUORESCENCE

Two-photon excitedfluorescence(TPEF)spectroscopy and imaging were used to investigate the effects of gamma-irradiation on neural stem and precursor cells(NSPCs).While the observed signal from reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide(NADH)was localized to the mitochondria,the signal typically associated with oxidizedflavoproteins(Fp)was distributed diffusely throughout the cell.The measured TPEF emission and excitation spectra were similar to the established spectra of NAD(P)H and Fp.Fpfluorescence intensity was markedly increased by addition of the electron transport chain(ETC)modulator menadione to the medium,along with a concomitant decrease in the NAD(P)H signal.Three-dimensional(3D)neurospheres were imaged to obtain the cellular metabolic index(CMI),calculated as the ratio of Fp to NAD(P)Hfluorescence intensity.Radiation effects were found to differ between low-dose(
50 cGy)and high-dose(50 cGy)exposures.Low-dose irradiation caused a marked drop in CMI values accompanied by increased cellular proliferation.At higher doses,both NAD(P)H and Fp signals increased,leading to an overall elevation in CMI values.Thesefindings underscore the complex relationship between radiation dose,metabolic state,and proliferation status in NSPCs and highlight the ability of TPEF spectroscopy and imaging to characterize metabolism in 3D spheroids.

In Vitro Evaluation of Gamma Irradiation on a Gel Formulation of Cratylia Mollis: Rheological Proporties and Microbiological Control

Lectin Cramoll-1,4, obtained from Cratylia mollis seeds (beans camaratu) was structurally characterized, biologically and pharmacologically, but its use as a biopharmaceutical is not well documented. The objective of this study is to propose a biopharmaceutical formulation lectin Cramoll-1,4, test their hemagglutinating properties in vitro as well as the use of gamma radiation as a continuous process of decontamination formulation. It was made of the extraction and purification Cramoll-1,4, was developed a gel formulation using Carbopol? as a vehicle, at concentrations of 50, 100, 200, 300 and 600 μg was irradiated with 60Co gamma rays in a dose of 7.549 kGy·h–1. The proposed formulation at a concentration of 300 μg produced an increase in the hemagglutinating units Cramoll-1,4 due to the synergistic effect caused by gamma radiation. Considering the diverse use of lectins, specific molecular and structural factors, as well as changes resulting from its formulation, concentration, irradiation and route of administration is of utmost importance to continue the studies in vitro, for subsequent application in vivo to characterize the physiological and molecular processes involved in the response and cellular effects.

Thermoluminescence Response and Its Deconvolution on Crystalline Higher Order Mixtures of Alkali Halides Exposed to Gamma-Rays for Dosimetric Use

Alkali halides crystals have been the subject of intense research. High order crystalline one phase mixtures （high order： more that binary） studied by TL （thermoluminiscence technique） proved having persistent peaks along the time after the radiation to which they are exposed. In general in alkali halide crystals the traps associated with highest recorded temperature peaks in the TL due to radiation damage have greater permanence in time too. These features are useful for dosimetric applications. In this work, temperature thermoluminescence glow peaks of ternary and quaternary mixed alkali halide crystals have been studied. The study has been focused on their high temperature glow peaks after being subjected to thermal treatments at 373, 573, and 673 K. The glow peaks of high temperature were isolated and studied 24 h and 48 h after irradiation. The parameters of the recombination processes associated to these peaks were obtained using a glow peak shape method. Orders of kinetics were higher than 1.0 and the activation energy greater than 1.2 eV. The results suggest that such materials have a high potential as dosimeter and energy storage materials.

GRAFTING ONTO WOOL V.RADIATION-INITIATED GRAFTING OF ACRYLIC ACID ONTO WOOL FIBER

This paper deals with graft copolymerization of acrylic acid (AA) onto Xinjiang fine wool.fiber in aqueous medium initiated by gamma rays. Graft copolymerization was carried out by themutual irradiation method in limited air. Percent grafting and percent efficiency have been deter-mined as a function of total dose, dose rate, concentration of monomer, wool weight and reactiontemperature. Graft copolymers are characterized with infrared (IR) spectroscopy, scanning elec-tron microscopy (SEM), and X--ray diffractometer. Properties of the grafts were studied, and compared with the virgin fiber.

Monitoring of Ionizing Radiation and Rain Intensity during May to October 2015 in S^o Jos~ dos Campos, Brazil

Radiation affects the environment and local human activity in any location of the earth＇s surface. Due to this fact, the aim of this study was to monitor the ionizing radiation and rain intensity using portable devices. During May 23 to October 2, 2015, it was made measures the intensity of gamma radiation from 30 keV to 10.0 MeV at a height of 25 meters in Sao Jos6 dos Campos city, SP, Brazil. It was used a crystal of sodium iodide scintillator 3 - 3 inches coupled to a photomultiplier and associated electronic. The measurements were made continually with minute＇s interval throughout the period and it was monitored rain intensity every minute at the same height of the tower. In this job, it was possible to correlate rain-radiation and it was observed which gamma radiation has a directly proportional relationship with rain and visible frequency of 1 day.

Environmental Low Energy Gamma Rays Measurements in Brazilian Tropics Region During 2016

Low energy gamma radiation （0.2-10.0） MeV near the Earth＇s surface has several origins. Primary and secondary cosmic radiations with interactions of very high energy protons （〉 1 GeV） in terrestrial atmosphere are the main sources. The second most important source near the surface of the Earth and in the tropical and equatorial regions is the radon gas （Rn-222） that decays in alpha particles and gamma rays in this energy range. Also the telluric radionuclides 238U, 235U, 40K and 232Th in decays produce gamma radiation with different intensities at different locations on the surface of the Earth. Other sources less present are electrical discharges （lightning strikes） and man-made radioactive sources for medical, dental and industrial applications. In this work, it is shown that measurements of these components during all year 2016 are carried out at the ITA （Technological Institute of Aeronautics） campus in Sao Jose dos Campos, SP, Brazil and their possible correlations with atmospheric phenomena.

Monitoring of Ionizing Radiation Using Geiger Instrument during February to April 2015 in Sao Jose Dos Campos, SP, Brazil

Measures of ionizing radiation were observed in a tower which is 20 meters above the ground relative height. They show a distinct period of 24 hours oscillation during this Februaryl 1 to April 11, 2015. It is suggested that these oscillations originate from radon gas （222Rn） vented from the ground floor. One Russian specific Geiger tube with associated electronics developed at ITA was used, Monitoring of ionizing radiation from 30 keV to l0 MeV shows that the X and gamma rays up to 3.0 MeV is prevalent in the region comes from the Radon gas 222Rn that decay in 214Bi and 214pb in the energies of the gamma rays 0.269, 0.609 and 1.05 MeV respectively. Then, with this simple, portable instrument was possible to monitoring the dynamics of radon gas in the region every interval minutes.

Monitoring of Ionizing Radiation from Radon Gas （Rn-222） in Sao Jose Dos Campos--Brazil Region

It is common knowledge that we live in an environment which comprises ionizing radiation （X-rays, gamma rays）. These radiation in normal situations is produced by natural phenomena such as cosmic rays from different sources in Universe and the decay of radioactive elements present in the Earth planet atmosphere and crust. Ionizing radiation can also be produced by human activities such as those related to nuclear power generation and use in medicine and industry. Although ionizing radiations are part of our daily lives, few students or researchers have the opportunity to perform measurements and observations of the background radiation. To overcome this deficiency in education, we started a pilot project that propose measures and observations of environmental radiation background with students of the ITA （Technological Institute of Aeronautics, Silo Paulo）. Using compact and portable detector to observe gamma radiation like described in this work, many graduate students can participate.

Study of a Portable Experimental Set for the Monitoring of Ionizing Radiation in the Tropical Region of Brazil

The Geiger is a proportional counter that detects the ambient ionizing radiation using a sensor tube and an associated electronics that allows feeding the desired voltage to the tube and acquiring the data in a certain time interval. With a sensor tube of Chinese and Russian origin and associated electronics based on the Arduino system, an experimental set of very low cost and easy handling for the monitoring of the local environmental ionizing radiation was set up. The main objective of this work is to disseminate this very low cost technique for the environmental study in secondary schools in Brazil.

Elimination of Foodborne Pathogens in Seafoods by Irradiation： Effects on the Quality and Shelf-Life

Animal originated contamination is the main problem of public health and causes human suffering all over the world. Nowadays, radiation technology is used on foods and yielded with positive results. Gamma radiation causes damage in the structure of bacterial DNA and cell walls. This irritation can lead to decrease in bacterial growth such as spoilage and pathogenic organisms （i.e, Salmonella spp., Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes, Yersinia enterocolitica, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli O 157：H7） by this means, increased quality and shelf-life can be obtained. However, for the maintaining organoleptic and nutritional quality, it is an obligation to achive the lowest levels of doses according to chemical, physical, microbiological properties of the product. Radiation energy can lead to radiolytic products from lipids, proteins and water which are the maj or components of seafoods. Another problem in seafood industry is quality losses at the retail and distribution. Time-temperature integrations are the major factors affecting the bacterial growth and enzymatic activity on the loss of seafood quality. The purpose of this review is to summarize the available information on the elimination of some food pathogens by irradition, which emphasize the effects of gamma irradiation on the quality and shelf-life of seafoods.

Dynamics of Environmental Ionizing Radiation between May to September 2016 in the Region of S^o Jos~ dos Campos, SP, Brazil

Measurements of gamma radiation （200 keV to 10 MeV） were performed between May 25 to September 30 2016 at ITA （Technological Institute of Aeronautics） in Sao Jose dos Campos, SP, Brazil. Detector and associated electronics were previously calibrated in the laboratory of ITA using radioactive sources Cs-137, Po-210 and Sr-90. These sources provide gamma-ray energies in 0.662 keV alpha particles of 5.4 MeV and 0.90 keV electrons, respectively. Detector is a scintillator Sodium Iodide activated with Thallium [NaI（Tl）] associated to a photomultiplier and electronic devices which gather, store, distribute and structure data so users can analyze them. During the period of May-September, the experimental set was installed in an open room on a tower 25 meters above the ground. Measurements indicated variations of ionizing radiation in function of dry weather, rain, cold fronts passes and presence of fog in the area; the sample time interval was minute by minute. This study discusses the analysis and the dynamics of how to measure meteorological parameters using an ionizing radiation system.