Reishi Mushroom Attenuates Hepatic Inflammation and Fibrosis Induced by Irradiation Enhanced Carbon Tetrachloride in Rat Model

This work was undertaken to establish a new experimental model of hepatic fibrosis by gamma irradiation and CCl4 and to study the hepatoprotective effect of Reishi Mushroom (RM) against hepatic fibrosis induced in that model. Our results revealed that oral co-administration of 110 mg/kg RM by gavage to fibrotic rats offered an obvious hepatic protection as assured by the significant decrement in ALT and AST, HP content, MDA and NO levels with elevation of the antioxidant enzymes activities. The levels of TGF-β, TNF-α, HO-1 and type-1 collagen and their m-RNA expression were markedly declined as compared with those of fibrotic rats. Microscopical examination revealed that the exposure of rats to radiation aggravated the effect of CCl4 causing extensive collagen deposition and marked pseudolobulation of the hepatic parenchyma indicative of bridging fibrosis. While, oral co-administration of RM obviously improved the state of steatosis and apparently suppressed hepatic fibrogenesis.

Characterization of Radiation Prepared Copolymer and Studies of Their Biodegradability

Blends of biodegradable copolymer based on starch, poly lactic acid (PLA), poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) and natural rubber (NR) have been prepared. Gamma radiation induced synthesis and modification of polymer hydrogel was studied. The polymer blends have been chemically surface modified by glycerol. The modified polymer blends have been investigated for swelling ratio, tensile strength and 9 scanning electron microscopy. The swelling ratio of polymer blends increased significantly after surface modification with glycerol. The swelling of polymer was decreased as a function of (NR) content in polymer blends. The gel fraction (PVA-starch-PLA) and (PVA-starch-NR) blends increased by increasing the radiation doses (kGy) to reach the maximum amount of (~99%) and (~88.2%), respectively. Addition of 2.5% (PLA) led to greater increase of the swelling ratio than 10% (NR) to blends and the maximum swelling was found at dose (5 kGy). At concentration of glycerol (5.0% w/w), tensile strength decreased and elongation at break % increased. The polymers degrading microorganisms were isolated from soil samples. The degradation ability of the microbial isolates for each polymeric material was tested on agar plates. Among these isolates, the most efficient degrader isolates for prepared blends in MSM shaking flasks were selected and the degradation was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy.

Selectivity of Acrylic Acid Radiation Grafted Non-Woven Polypropylene Sheets towards Some Heavy Metals Ions

Graft polymerization has been considered as a general method for the modification of the physical and chemical properties of polymeric materials and of particular interest for synthesis of the hydrophilic membrane. In this study, hydrophilic carboxylic acid groups were introduced by radiation-induced grafting of acrylic acid (AAc) onto non-woven polypropylene fabric (NWPP). Different irradiation doses and (AAc) monomer concentrations were used to optimize grafting yield. Characterization and properties of the prepared graft copolymer were studied by employing X-ray Dif-fraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM ), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The prepared grafted materials were used for removing some heavy metals ions. The results showed that the non-woven PP grafted with (AAc) has good affinity toward Cu, Ni and Co.

Preparation, Characterization and in Vitro Evaluation of the Antitumor Activity of the Biologically Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles

This study was concentrated on the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles from Penicillium aurantiogresium (IMI 89372) with a focus on its cytotoxicity in MCF-7 and MCT cancer cell lines as well as Vero (normal) cell line that was assessed by crystal violet assay after treatment with various concentrations (0.44 – 145 μg/ml) for 24 h. The cell morphology was examined by inverted light microscopy. Further, the radiosensitizing effect of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on MCF-7 was also demonstrated by assessing cell morphology, cell proliferation of MTT assay, LDH activity and induction of apoptosis through checking of some apoptotic genes that altered during carcinogenesis, including caspase-3, Bax and Bcl-2. Caspase-3 activity was also estimated. Synthesis of AgNPs was determined by UV-Visible spectrum and it was further characterized by TEM, FT-IR and X-Ray analysis (EDX, XRD). The biosynthesized AgNPs were spherical and of 12.7 nm in size as recorded by direct electron microscopy visualization. The biosynthesized AgNPs showed variation in cytotoxicity against MCF-7, MCT and Vero cell lines in a concentration dependant response with a varied degree of alteration in cell morphology. The result showed that AgNPs were highly toxic towards MCF-7 with IC50 value of 10.5 μg/ml. Treatment of MCF-7 (10.5 μg/ml) prior to irradiation improved the effect of irradiation dose (6 Gy) via increasing alteration of cell morphology, inhibition of cell proliferation, activation of the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and caspase-3 leading to induction of apoptosis which was further confirmed through increasing nuclear DNA damage and up regulation of caspase 3 and Bax genes and downrgulation of Bcl-2 genes. In conclusion, the present findings clearly indicated that AgNPs showed dose dependant cytotoxicity and verified that AgNPs acted as a potent radiosensitizer and could enhance gamma irradiation induced killing of MCF-7 breast cancer cells.

Brachytherapy in cancer cervix: Time to move ahead from point A?

Brachytherapy forms an integral part of the radiation therapy in cancer cervix. The dose prescription for intracavitary brachytherapy(ICBT) in cancer cervix is based on Tod and Meredith's point A and has been in practice since 1938. This was proposed at a time when accessibility to imaging technology and dose computation facilities was limited. The concept has been in practice worldwide for more than half a century and has been the fulcrum of all ICBT treatments, strategies and outcome measures. The method is simple and can be adapted by all centres practicing ICBT in cancer cervix. However, with the widespread availability of imaging techniques, clinical use of different dose-rates, availability of a host of applicators fabricated with image compatible materials, radiobiological implications of dose equivalence and its impact on tumour and organs at risk; more and more weight is being laid down on individualised image based brachytherapy. Thus, computed tomography, magnetic-resonance imaging and even positron emission computerized tomographyalong with brachytherapy treatment planning system are being increasingly adopted with promising outcomes. The present article reviews the evolution of dose prescription concepts in ICBT in cancer cervix and brings forward the need for image based brachytherapy to evaluate clinical outcomes. As is evident, a gradual transition from "point" based brachytherapy to "profile" based image guided brachytherapy is gaining widespread acceptance for dose prescription, reporting and outcome evaluation in the clinical practice of ICBT in cancer cervix.

Region of Treatment in Radiotherapy and Second Malignancies in Breast Cancer Patients

A cohort study was conducted based on clinical records for 5248 women treated for breast cancer in Florence (Italy), with continuous follow up from 1965 to 1994. The subjects were categorised into groups such as no radiation treatment;breast dose only;and radiation doses in one, two, three or four of the following fields: namely internal mammary chain, supraclavicular nodes, axillary lymph nodes and chest wall. The Cox proportional hazards model for ungrouped survival data was used to estimate the relative risk for second cancer after radiotherapy delivered to different regions. The relative risk for all second cancers combined was statistically significantly raised if the internal mammary chain and supraclavicular nodes were irradiated. However, we found that the relative risk of the second malignancies could be reduced if all the locoregional lymph nodes (the internal mammary chain, supraclacicular nodes, axillary nodes) and chest wall are irradiated at the same time. If this finding can be verified by other large cohort studies or randomized clinical trials, it may have implications in clinical practice when deciding upon the targeted areas for radiotherapy;partial radiation treatment of the locoregional lymph nodes could raise the risk of second malignancies and should ideally be avoided.

The Quadrennial Ozone Symposium 2016

1. Overview The 2016 Quadrennial Ozone Symposium （QOS-2016） was held on 4-9 September 2016 in Edinburgh, UK. The Symposium was organized by the International Ozone Commission （IO3C）, the NERC Centre for Ecology ＆ Hydrology and the University of Edinburgh, and was co-sponsored by the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics, the International Association of Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences, and the World Meteorological Organization.

Technical challenges in tackling regulatory concerns for urban atmospheric nanoparticles

Recent Euro 5 and Euro 6 vehicle emission standards are the first ever initiative to control particles on a number basis at the source. Related standards are also desirable for ambient nanoparticles （taken in this article to be those below 300 rim） to protect against possible adverse effects on public health and the environment. However, there are a number of technical challenges that need to be tackled before developing a regulatory framework for atmospheric nanoparticles. Some of the challenges derive from a lack of standardisation of the key measurement parameters, including sampling, necessary for robust evaluation of particle number concentrations, especially in the context of insufficient knowledge of the physicochemical characteristics of emerging sources （i.e. bio-fuel derived and manufactured nanoparti- cles）. Ideally, ambient concentrations of primary particles could be linked to primary particle emissions by use of nanoparticle dispersion models, and secondary nanoparticles using photochemical modeling tools. The limitations in these areas are discussed. Although there is inadequate information on the exact biological mechanism through which these particles cause harm, it is argued that this should not in itself delay the introduction of regulation. This article reviews the missing links between the existing knowledge of nanoparticle number concentrations and the advances required to tackle the technical challenges implied in developing regulations.

Development of a Rapid Risk and Impact Assessment Tool to Enhance Response to Environmental Emergencies in the Early Stages of a Disaster: A Tool Developed by the European Multiple Environmental Threats Emergency NETwork (EMETNET) Project

Every year,numerous environmental disasters and emergencies occur across the globe with far-reaching impacts on human health and the environment.The ability to rapidly assess an environmental emergency to mitigate potential risks and impacts is paramount.However,collating the necessary evidence in the early stages of an emergency to conduct a robust risk assessment is a major challenge.This article presents a methodology developed to help assess the risks and impacts during the early stages of such incidents,primarily to support the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism but also the wider global community in the response to environmental emergencies.An online rapid risk and impact assessment tool has also been developed to promote enhanced collaboration between experts who are working remotely,considering the impact of a disaster on the environment and public health in the short,medium,and long terms.The methodology developed can support the appropriate selection of experts and assets to be deployed to affected regions to ensure that potential public health and environmental risks and impacts are mitigated whenever possible.This methodology will aid defensible decision making,communication,planning,and risk management,and presents a harmonized understanding of the associated impacts of an environmental emergency.

Characterising populations living close to intensive farming and composting facilities in England

Bioaerosol exposure has been linked to adverse respiratory conditions.Intensive farming and composting facilities are important anthropogenic sources of bioaerosols.We aimed to characterise populations living close to intensive farming and composting facilities.We also infer whether the public are becoming more concerned about anthropogenic bioaerosol emissions,using reports of air pollution related incidents attributed to facilities.We mapped the location of 1,257 intensive farming and 310 composting facilities in England in relation to the resident population and its characteristics(sex and age),area characteristics(deprivation proxy and rural/urban classification)and school locations stratified by pre-defined distance bands from these bioaerosol sources.We also calculated the average number of air pollution related incidents per year per facility.We found that more than 16%of the population and 15%of schools are located within 4,828 m of an intensive farming facility or 4,000 m of a composting facility;few people(0.01%)live very close to these sites and tend to be older people.Close to composting facilities,populations are more likely to be urban and more deprived.The number of incidents were attributed to a small proportion of facilities;population characteristics around these facilities were similar.Results indicate that populations living near composting facilities(particularly>250 to≤4,000 m)are mostly located in ur6an areas(80188%of the population),which supports the need for more community health studies to be conducted.Results could also be used to inform risk management strategies at facilities with higher numbers of incidents.