Excitation functions of 3He- and α-particle induced nuclear reactions on natural krypton: Production of 82Sr at a compact cyclotron

Excitation functions have been measured for ^natKr(³He, xn)^{82,83,85m,85g,87m}Sr and ^natKr(³He, pxn)^{81,82m,83,84m,84g,86}Rb reactions over the energy range of 10–33 MeV and for ^natKr(α, xn)^{82,83,85m,85g,87m}Sr and ^natKr(α, pxn)^{81,82m,83,84,86}Rb processes from 10 to 25 MeV. Cross section data and calculated thick target yields show that for the production of ⁸²Sr in this energy region the ³He-particle induced process is more suitable than the alpha-induced process. A high current gas target was constructed to test the ⁸²Sr-production yield under actual production conditions using 36 MeV ³He-particles. A thick target yield of 1.49 μCi (55 kBq)/μAh was achieved using natural krypton. The ⁸²Kr(³He, 3n)⁸²Sr process is technically feasible for production and, if long parasitic irradiations could be carried out, the method would be of considerable interest for use at a medium-sized cyclotron.     

Protective effects of melatonin on γ-ray induced intestinal damage

Purpose: To examine the protective effects of melatonin on intestinal damage induced by γ-rays.

Materials and methods: Six-week-old Slc:ICR male mice were used. Mice were given whole-body irradiation at various exposure doses (7–21 Gy) with ¹³⁷Cs γ-rays (0.98 Gy/min). The mice were orally administered 1 ml of either 1% carboxymethyl cellulose sodium salt (CMC) or melatonin (1, 5, 10 or 20 mg/ml) freshly prepared as a uniform suspension in CMC before or after irradiation. The concentrations of plasma melatonin were determined by the radioimmunoassay (RIA) method. The mice were killed at 3.5 days after the exposure. The jejunum was removed, fixed in formalin and then stained with hematoxylin and eosin. The numbers of crypts per transverse circumference were counted using a microscope for 10 histological sections of each mouse.

Results: The intestinal damage caused by γ-ray irradiation was prevented by melatonin correlating to dosage. The D₀ (slope of the dose-survival curve) value significantly (p < 0.05) increased from 1.55 ± 0.19 (mean ± SD) Gy to 1.98 ± 0.16 Gy by orally administering 20 mg melatonin 30 min before irradiation. The radioprotective effect of melatonin continued for 6 h after the administration.

Conclusions: Melatonin is judged to be a potential protector against intestinal damage associated with radiotherapy. Further experimental and clinical studies on this subject are needed to allow its use for radiotherapy.     

Abstracts of papers on updated radiation effects,immunological effects of nuclear war,medical effects and future dangers of nuclear‐weapon tests

Biological weapons (BW), although outlawed under the 1925 Geneva Convention, were studied in World War II, but were not used except on a small scale by the Japanese in Manchuria. The UN Disarmament Commission in 1959 failed to have BW eliminated because of the absence of agreed international verification. The Pugwash movement carried out trial inspections of microbiological establishments and concluded in 1966 that verification was possible. A WHO assessment in 1969 on chemical and biological weapons was that the effects on civilian populations could be very damaging, but that BW would not be militarily useful except for sabotage. The Biological Weapons Convention (1972) renounced biological warfare but permits relevant research for defence. Research on BW has recently been increased by the USA which claims that the USSR is using genetic engineering for this purpose. Research relevant to BW should not be carried out secretly nor under military auspices.     

Study of activation cross sections of proton induced reactions on barium: Production of 131Ba→131Cs

In the frame of a systematic study of charged particle production routes of the therapeutic radioisotope ¹³¹Cs, excitation functions of the ^natBa(p,x)^135,132mgLa, ^{ind135m,cum133m,cum133mg,cum131mg}Ba and ^{136mg,134mg,132,cum129}Cs reactions were measured in the 30?70 MeV energy range using stacked foil irradiation technique, activation method and gamma spectroscopy. Comparisons with new results of the ALICE-IPPE and EMPIRE-II codes and with existing data obtained with TALYS code are shown. From the measured cross section data integral yields were calculated and compared with experimental integral yield data reported in the literature. Potential use of proton induced reactions on Ba for production of ¹³¹Cs is discussed.     

Radiochemical determination of cross sections of α-particle induced reactions on 192Os for the production of the therapeutic radionuclide 193mPt

For determination of cross sections of α-particle induced reactions on 99.65% enriched ¹⁹²Os, the methods for electrolytic preparation of thin samples and radiochemical separation of radioplatinum were optimized. The excitation functions of the ¹⁹²Os(α,n)^195mPt and ¹⁹²Os(α,3n) ^193mPt reactions were measured from 20 to 39 MeV. The cross section of the latter reaction reaches a maximum value of about 1.5 b at an energy around 36 MeV. The results of nuclear model calculations using the codes TALYS and STAPRE agreed well with the measured data. The optimum energy range for the production of no-carrier-added ^193mPt (T_1/2=4.33 d) was found to be E_α=40→30 MeV. The thick target yield amounts to 10 MBq/μA h and a possible batch yield of 2 GBq should be sufficient for Auger electron therapy on a wide scale.     

Protective effects of Zaoshen capsule on irradiation damage induced by 60Co γ-rays in mice

nificantly (P<0.01). Conclusions Animal experiments demonstrated that Zaoshen capsule had obvious protective effects on hematopoietic and immune systems of irradiated mice.     

Therapeutic effects of combined cytokines on hematopoietic injuries induced by 4.5 Gy γ-rays irradiation in beagles

Objectivc To observe the therapeutic effects of combined cytokines on hematopoietic injuries induced by 4.5 Gy60 Co γ-rays irradiation in beagles,and to provide experimental evidences for the clinical treatment of extremely severe myeloid acute radiation sickness(ARS).Methods 16 beagles were given 4.5 Gy60 Co γ-rays total body irradiation,and then randomly assigned into irradiation control group,supportive care group and cytokines group.In addition to supportive care,recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhG-CSF),recombinant human interleukin-11(rhIL-11)and recombinant human interleukin-2(rhIL-2)were administered subcutaneouly to dogs in cytokines group.Peripheral blood hemogram was examined once every two days.Bone marrow and peripheral blood were collected to proceed colony cultivation 4 d pre-irradiation and 1 and 45 d post-irradiation.Conventional histopathological sections of sternum were prepared to observe the histomorphology changes. Results After irradiation,the population of all kinds of cells in peripheral blood declined sharply.WBC nadir Was elevated(1.04×109/L,but 0.28×109/L and 0.68×109/L for the irradiation control group and the supportive care group separately),the duration of thrombocytopenia was shortened (24 days,but 33 days for the supportive care groug) and red blood cell counts were maintained in the range of normal values after cytokincs treatment in combination.The colony forming efficiency of haemopoietic stem cells(HSCs)in bone marrow and peripheral blood decreased obviously 1 d post irradiation,but recovered to the level of that before irradiation 45 d post irradiation after supportive care and cytokines treatment.Hematopoietic cells disappeared in bone marrow of animals in irradiation control group,but hematopoietic functions were recovered after cytokines were administrated.Conclusions RhG-CSF.rhIL-11 and rhIL-2 used in combination could elevate WBC nadir,accelerate the recovery of leukocytes,platelets and red blood cells and promote the proliferation,differentiation and maturity of HSPCs left in the body after 4.5 Gy γ-rays total body irradiation,eventually restore the hematopoietic function.Hence,combination of rhG-CSF,rhIL-11 and rhIL-2 could serve as better therapeutic strategy to treat extremely severe myeloid ARS.     

Therapeutic effects of combined cytokines on hematopoietic injuries induced by 4.5 Gy γ-rays irradiation in beagles

Objectivc To observe the therapeutic effects of combined cytokines on hematopoietic injuries induced by 4.5 Gy60 Co γ-rays irradiation in beagles,and to provide experimental evidences for the clinical treatment of extremely severe myeloid acute radiation sickness(ARS).Methods 16 beagles were given 4.5 Gy60 Co γ-rays total body irradiation,and then randomly assigned into irradiation control group,supportive care group and cytokines group.In addition to supportive care,recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhG-CSF),recombinant human interleukin-11(rhIL-11)and recombinant human interleukin-2(rhIL-2)were administered subcutaneouly to dogs in cytokines group.Peripheral blood hemogram was examined once every two days.Bone marrow and peripheral blood were collected to proceed colony cultivation 4 d pre-irradiation and 1 and 45 d post-irradiation.Conventional histopathological sections of sternum were prepared to observe the histomorphology changes. Results After irradiation,the population of all kinds of cells in peripheral blood declined sharply.WBC nadir Was elevated(1.04×109/L,but 0.28×109/L and 0.68×109/L for the irradiation control group and the supportive care group separately),the duration of thrombocytopenia was shortened (24 days,but 33 days for the supportive care groug) and red blood cell counts were maintained in the range of normal values after cytokincs treatment in combination.The colony forming efficiency of haemopoietic stem cells(HSCs)in bone marrow and peripheral blood decreased obviously 1 d post irradiation,but recovered to the level of that before irradiation 45 d post irradiation after supportive care and cytokines treatment.Hematopoietic cells disappeared in bone marrow of animals in irradiation control group,but hematopoietic functions were recovered after cytokines were administrated.Conclusions RhG-CSF.rhIL-11 and rhIL-2 used in combination could elevate WBC nadir,accelerate the recovery of leukocytes,platelets and red blood cells and promote the proliferation,differentiation and maturity of HSPCs left in the body after 4.5 Gy γ-rays total body irradiation,eventually restore the hematopoietic function.Hence,combination of rhG-CSF,rhIL-11 and rhIL-2 could serve as better therapeutic strategy to treat extremely severe myeloid ARS.     

Numerical method of identifying parameters of oil–water saturation by nuclear logging

This paper considers the problem of identifying parameters of oil and water saturated quartzite-feldspar beds from neutron–neutron and neutron activation logs. These beds are similar to a wider class of polymictic ones. The unknown parameters are porosity, partial volumes of water and oil and the mineral constituents. Here, the mathematical model of the problem is presented, a system of equations for determining the parameters is formulated, and a method numerical solvation is suggested. The efficiency of the approach is supported by results of numerical experiments. In cases when the ill-conditioned nature is essential, the numerical method includes a special regularization procedure.     

Combined action of açai and aerobic exercise training on the development of NAFLD induced by a high-fat diet: a preliminary exploration

Sport Sciences for Health - Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a metabolic condition that comprises a spectrum of liver diseases. Non-pharmacological treatments such as functional food...     

Studies on mechanism of treatment of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor,recombinant human interleukin-11 and recombinant human interleukin-2 on hematopoietic injuries induced by 4.5 Gy γ-rays irradiation in beagles

Objective To investigate the mechanism of treatment of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor(rhG-CSF),recombinant human interleukin-11(rhIL-11)and recombinant human interleukin-2 (rhIL-2)on hematopoietic injuries induced by 4.5 Gy60 Coγ-ray irradiation in beagles,and to provide experimental evidence for the clinical treatment of extremely severe myeloid acute radiation sickness (ARS).Methods Sixteen beagle dogs were given 4.5 Gy60 Co γ-ray total body irradiation(TBI),then randomly assigned into irradiation control group,supportive care group or cytokines+supportive care (abbreviated as cytokines)group.In addition to supportive care,rhG-CSF,rhlL-11 and rhIL-2 were administered subcutaneously to treat dogs in cytokines group.The percentage of CD34+cells,cell cycle and apoptosis of nucleated cells in peripheral blood were examined by Flow cytometry.Results After 4.5 Gy 60 Co γ-ray irradiation,the CD34+cells in peripheral blood declined obviously(61.3%and 52.1% of baseline for irradiation control and supportive care group separately).The cell proportion of nucleated cells in Go/G1 phase was increased notably(99.27% and 99.49% respectively).The rate of apoptosis(26.93% and 21.29% separately)and necrosis(3.27% and 4.14%,respectively)of nucleated cells were elevated significantly when compared with values before irradiation(P<0.05) 1 d post irradiation.When beagles were treated with cytokines and supportive care,the CD34+cells in peripheral blood were markedly increased(135.6% of baseline).The effect of G0/G1 phase blockage of nucleated cells became more serious(99.71%).The rate of apoptosis(5.66%)and necrosis(1.60%)of nucleated cells were significantly lower than that of irradiation control and supportive care groups 1 d after exposure.Conclusions Cytokines maybe mobilize CD34+cells in bone marrow to peripheral blood,indce cell cycle block at G0/G1 phase and reduce apoptosis,and eventually cure hematopoieticinjuries induced by irradiation.     

Studies on mechanism of treatment of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor,recombinant human interleukin-11 and recombinant human interleukin-2 on hematopoietic injuries induced by 4.5 Gy γ-rays irradiation in beagles

Objective To investigate the mechanism of treatment of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor(rhG-CSF),recombinant human interleukin-11(rhIL-11)and recombinant human interleukin-2 (rhIL-2)on hematopoietic injuries induced by 4.5 Gy60 Coγ-ray irradiation in beagles,and to provide experimental evidence for the clinical treatment of extremely severe myeloid acute radiation sickness (ARS).Methods Sixteen beagle dogs were given 4.5 Gy60 Co γ-ray total body irradiation(TBI),then randomly assigned into irradiation control group,supportive care group or cytokines+supportive care (abbreviated as cytokines)group.In addition to supportive care,rhG-CSF,rhlL-11 and rhIL-2 were administered subcutaneously to treat dogs in cytokines group.The percentage of CD34+cells,cell cycle and apoptosis of nucleated cells in peripheral blood were examined by Flow cytometry.Results After 4.5 Gy 60 Co γ-ray irradiation,the CD34+cells in peripheral blood declined obviously(61.3%and 52.1% of baseline for irradiation control and supportive care group separately).The cell proportion of nucleated cells in Go/G1 phase was increased notably(99.27% and 99.49% respectively).The rate of apoptosis(26.93% and 21.29% separately)and necrosis(3.27% and 4.14%,respectively)of nucleated cells were elevated significantly when compared with values before irradiation(P<0.05) 1 d post irradiation.When beagles were treated with cytokines and supportive care,the CD34+cells in peripheral blood were markedly increased(135.6% of baseline).The effect of G0/G1 phase blockage of nucleated cells became more serious(99.71%).The rate of apoptosis(5.66%)and necrosis(1.60%)of nucleated cells were significantly lower than that of irradiation control and supportive care groups 1 d after exposure.Conclusions Cytokines maybe mobilize CD34+cells in bone marrow to peripheral blood,indce cell cycle block at G0/G1 phase and reduce apoptosis,and eventually cure hematopoieticinjuries induced by irradiation.     

Radiation‐induced fragmentation of cardiolipin in a model membrane

Purpose: To obtain evidence for the possibility of free‐radical fragmentation of cardiolipin under the action of ionizing radiation as measured by its aqueous dispersion from liposomes.

Materials and methods: Liposomes of tetramyristoylcardiolipin (TMCL) were exposed to γ‐rays from ⁶⁰Co or ¹³⁷Cs sources at doses between 1 and 24?kGy. Fragmentation products were identified using thin‐layer chromatography and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS).

Results: Using MALDI‐TOF MS and thin‐layer chromatography, it was shown that γ‐irradiation of liposomes consisting of TMCL was accompanied by free‐radical fragmentation of the lipid to form dimiristoylphosphatidic acid and dimiristoylphosphatidyl hydroxyacetone. The yields of dimiristoylphosphatidic acid were greater than those of dimiristoylphosphatidyl hydroxyacetone, and formation of the named compounds was inhibited by dissolved oxygen.

Conclusion: It is shown for the first time that on γ‐irradiation, cardiolipin can undergo free‐radical fragmentation in its polar component.     

Evaluation of gastrointestinal involvement of Behçet’s disease by nuclear medical techniques

To evaluate the value of nuclear medicine procedures in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal involvement of Behcet's disease in asymptomatic patients, Tc-99m human immunoglobulin (HIG) and Tc-99m leucocyte (LC) whole body scintigraphies were performed on 30 patients with major symptoms of the disease. Comparison of the results with other diagnostic techniques showed that Tc-99m HIG whole body scanning can be a useful diagnostic aid before the disease becomes clinically active in the gastrointestinal system.