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15 pages, 1486 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gender Differences in the Impact of Recommendations on Diagnostic Imaging Tests: A Retrospective Study 2007–2021

by Lucy A. Parker, Andrea Moreno-Garijo, Elisa Chilet-Rosell, Fermina Lorente and Blanca Lumbreras

Life 2023, 13(2), 289; https://doi.org/10.3390/life13020289 - 20 Jan 2023

Viewed by 1150

(1) Background: The frequency of imaging tests grew exponentially in recent years. This increase may differ according to a patient’s sex, age, or socioeconomic status. We aim to analyze the impact of the Council Directive 2013/59/Euratom to control exposure to radiation for men [...] Read more.

(1) Background: The frequency of imaging tests grew exponentially in recent years. This increase may differ according to a patient’s sex, age, or socioeconomic status. We aim to analyze the impact of the Council Directive 2013/59/Euratom to control exposure to radiation for men and women and explore the impact of patients’ age and socioeconomic status; (2) Methods: The retrospective observational study that includes a catchment population of 234,424. We included data of CT, mammography, radiography (conventional radiography and fluoroscopy) and nuclear medicine between 2007–2021. We estimated the associated radiation effective dose per test according using previously published evidence. We calculated a deprivation index according to the postcode of their residence. We divided the study in 2007–2013, 2014–2019 and 2020–2021 (the pandemic period). (3) Results: There was an increase in the number of imaging tests received by men and women after 2013 (p < 0.001), and this increase was higher in women than in men. The frequency of imaging tests decreased during the pandemic period (2020–2021), but the frequency of CT and nuclear medicine tests increased even during these years (p < 0.001) and thus, the overall effective mean dose. Women and men living in the least deprived areas had a higher frequency of imaging test than those living in the most deprived areas. (4) Conclusions: The largest increase in the number of imaging tests is due to CTs, which account for the higher amount of effective dose. The difference in the increase of imaging tests carried out in men and women and according to the socioeconomic status could reflect different management strategies and barriers to access in clinical practice. Given the low impact of the available recommendations on the population exposure to radiation and the performance of high-dose procedures such as CT, deserve special attention when it comes to justification and optimization, especially in women. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Radioactive Pollution and Biological Effects of Radioactivity)

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13 pages, 1488 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Health Effects of Natural Environmental Radiation during Burning Season in Chiang Mai, Thailand

by Narongchai Autsavapromporn, Chutima Krandrod, Pitchayaponne Klunklin, Rawiwan Kritsananuwat, Churdsak Jaikang, Kittikun Kittidachanan, Imjai Chitapanarux, Somchart Fugkeaw, Masahiro Hosoda and Shinji Tokonami

Life 2022, 12(6), 853; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12060853 - 08 Jun 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2139

Abstract

This paper presents the first measurement of the investigation of the health impacts of indoor radon exposure and external dose from terrestrial radiation in Chiang Mai province during the dry season burning between 2018 and 2020. Indoor radon activity concentrations were carried out [...] Read more.

This paper presents the first measurement of the investigation of the health impacts of indoor radon exposure and external dose from terrestrial radiation in Chiang Mai province during the dry season burning between 2018 and 2020. Indoor radon activity concentrations were carried out using a total of 220 RADUET detectors in 45 dwellings of Chiang Mai (7 districts) during burning and non-burning seasons. Results show that indoor radon activity concentration during the burning season (63 ± 33 Bq/m³) was significantly higher (p < 0.001) compared to the non-burning season (46 ± 19 Bq/m³), with an average annual value of 55 ± 28 Bq/m³. All values of indoor radon activity concentration were greater than the national (16 Bq/m³) and worldwide (39 Bq/m³) average values. In addition, the external dose from terrestrial radiation was measured using a car-borne survey during the burning season in 2018. The average absorbed rate in the air was 66 nGy/h, which is higher than the worldwide average value of 59 nGy/h. This might be due to the high activity concentrations of ²³⁸U and ³²³Th in the study area. With regards to the health risk assessment, the effective dose due to indoor radon exposure, external (outdoor) effective dose, and total annual effective dose were 1.6, 0.08, and 1.68 mSv/y, respectively. The total annual effective dose is higher than the worldwide average of 1.15 mSv/y. The excess lifetime cancer risk and radon-induced lung cancer risk during the burning season were 0.67% and 28.44 per million persons per year, respectively. Our results substantiate that indoor radon and natural radioactive elements in the air during the burning season are important contributors to the development of lung cancer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Radioactive Pollution and Biological Effects of Radioactivity)

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20 pages, 2940 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ingestional Toxicity of Radiation-Dependent Metabolites of the Host Plant for the Pale Grass Blue Butterfly: A Mechanism of Field Effects of Radioactive Pollution in Fukushima

by Akari Morita, Ko Sakauchi, Wataru Taira and Joji M. Otaki

Life 2022, 12(5), 615; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12050615 - 20 Apr 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2115

Abstract

Biological effects of the Fukushima nuclear accident have been reported in various organisms, including the pale grass blue butterfly Zizeeria maha and its host plant Oxalis corniculata. This plant upregulates various secondary metabolites in response to low-dose radiation exposure, which may contribute [...] Read more.

Biological effects of the Fukushima nuclear accident have been reported in various organisms, including the pale grass blue butterfly Zizeeria maha and its host plant Oxalis corniculata. This plant upregulates various secondary metabolites in response to low-dose radiation exposure, which may contribute to the high mortality and abnormality rates of the butterfly in Fukushima. However, this field effect hypothesis has not been experimentally tested. Here, using an artificial diet for larvae, we examined the ingestional toxicity of three radiation-dependent plant metabolites annotated in a previous metabolomic study: lauric acid (a saturated fatty acid), alfuzosin (an adrenergic receptor antagonist), and ikarugamycin (an antibiotic likely from endophytic bacteria). Ingestion of lauric acid or alfuzosin caused a significant decrease in the pupation, eclosion (survival), and normality rates, indicating toxicity of these compounds. Lauric acid made the egg-larval days significantly longer, indicating larval growth retardation. In contrast, ikarugamycin caused a significant increase in the pupation and eclosion rates, probably due to the protection of the diet from fungi and bacteria. These results suggest that at least some of the radiation-dependent plant metabolites, such as lauric acid, contribute to the deleterious effects of radioactive pollution on the butterfly in Fukushima, providing experimental evidence for the field effect hypothesis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Radioactive Pollution and Biological Effects of Radioactivity)

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21 pages, 5357 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Metabolomic Profiles of the Creeping Wood Sorrel Oxalis corniculata in Radioactively Contaminated Fields in Fukushima: Dose-Dependent Changes in Key Metabolites

by Ko Sakauchi, Wataru Taira and Joji M. Otaki

Life 2022, 12(1), 115; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12010115 - 13 Jan 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2709

Abstract

The biological impacts of the Fukushima nuclear accident, in 2011, on wildlife have been studied in many organisms, including the pale grass blue butterfly and its host plant, the creeping wood sorrel Oxalis corniculata. Here, we performed an LC–MS-based metabolomic analysis on [...] Read more.

The biological impacts of the Fukushima nuclear accident, in 2011, on wildlife have been studied in many organisms, including the pale grass blue butterfly and its host plant, the creeping wood sorrel Oxalis corniculata. Here, we performed an LC–MS-based metabolomic analysis on leaves of this plant collected in 2018 from radioactively contaminated and control localities in Fukushima, Miyagi, and Niigata prefectures, Japan. Using 7967 peaks detected by LC–MS analysis, clustering analyses showed that nine Fukushima samples and one Miyagi sample were clustered together, irrespective of radiation dose, while two Fukushima (Iitate) and two Niigata samples were not in this cluster. However, 93 peaks were significantly different (FDR < 0.05) among the three dose-dependent groups based on background, low, and high radiation dose rates. Among them, seven upregulated and 15 downregulated peaks had single annotations, and their peak intensity values were positively and negatively correlated with ground radiation dose rates, respectively. Upregulated peaks were annotated as kudinoside D (saponin), andrachcinidine (alkaloid), pyridoxal phosphate (stress-related activated vitamin B6), and four microbe-related bioactive compounds, including antibiotics. Additionally, two peaks were singularly annotated and significantly upregulated (K₁R₁H₁; peptide) or downregulated (DHAP(10:0); decanoyl dihydroxyacetone phosphate) most at the low dose rates. Therefore, this plant likely responded to radioactive pollution in Fukushima by upregulating and downregulating key metabolites. Furthermore, plant-associated endophytic microbes may also have responded to pollution, suggesting their contributions to the stress response of the plant. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Radioactive Pollution and Biological Effects of Radioactivity)

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9 pages, 523 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Radiocaesium Contamination of Mushrooms at High- and Low-Level Chernobyl Exposure Sites and Its Consequences for Public Health

by Ondřej Harkut, Petr Alexa and Radim Uhlář

Life 2021, 11(12), 1370; https://doi.org/10.3390/life11121370 - 09 Dec 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2377

Abstract

We compare the specific activities of

^{137}

Cs and

^{40}

K in stipes and caps of three different common mushroom species (Xerocomus badius, Russula ochroleuca and Armillariella mellea) measured at the Czech Chernobyl hot spot in the Opava area (Silesia) [...] Read more.

We compare the specific activities of

^{137}

Cs and

^{40}

K in stipes and caps of three different common mushroom species (Xerocomus badius, Russula ochroleuca and Armillariella mellea) measured at the Czech Chernobyl hot spot in the Opava area (Silesia) and at a low-exposed site at the Beskydy mountains in 2011. The highest values of

^{137}

Cs were found in caps of Xerocomus badius and Russula ochroleuca in the Opava area (

11.8

and

8.77

kBq/kg, respectively). The source of

^{137}

Cs was verified by the measurement of the

^{134}

Cs/

^{137}

Cs ratio. Based on our results, we estimate an effective dose per year due to radiocaesium intake in the two investigated areas for Xerocomus badius, one of the most popular edible mushrooms in the Czech Republic. In 2011, the effective dose reached the maximum value of 0.102 mSv in the Opava area and 0.004 mSv at the low-exposed site at the Beskydy mountains. Therefore, it does not represent a significant risk for public health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Radioactive Pollution and Biological Effects of Radioactivity)

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10 pages, 1481 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Potential Serum Biomarker for Screening Lung Cancer Risk in High Level Environmental Radon Areas: A Pilot Study

by Narongchai Autsavapromporn, Pitchayaponne Klunklin, Imjai Chitapanarux, Churdsak Jaikang, Busyamas Chewaskulyong, Patumrat Sripan, Masahiro Hosoda and Shinji Tokonami

Life 2021, 11(11), 1273; https://doi.org/10.3390/life11111273 - 21 Nov 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1971

Abstract

Radon is a major cause of lung cancer (LC) deaths among non-smokers worldwide. However, no serum biomarker for screening of LC risk in high residential radon (HRR) areas is available. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine diagnostic values of serum [...] Read more.

Radon is a major cause of lung cancer (LC) deaths among non-smokers worldwide. However, no serum biomarker for screening of LC risk in high residential radon (HRR) areas is available. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine diagnostic values of serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), cytokeratin 19 fragment (Cyfra21-1), human epididymis protein 4 (HE4), interleukin 8 (IL-8), migration inhibitory factor (MIF), tumor nuclear factor-alpha (TNF-α) and vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) occurring in high radon areas. Seventy-five LC non-smoker patients and seventy-five healthy controls (HC) were enrolled in this study. Among the HC groups, twenty-five HC were low residential radon (LRR) and fifty HC were HRR. Significantly higher (p < 0.0004) serum levels of CEA, Cyfra21-1, IL-8 and VEGF were found in the LC compared with the LRR and HRR groups. More importantly, significantly higher levels (p < 0.009) of serum CEA, Cyfra21-1 and IL-8 were observed in HRR compared with the LRR group. Likewise, a ROC curve demonstrated that serum CEA and Cyfra21-1 could better distinguish LC risk from HRR groups than IL-8. These results indicated that serum CEA and Cyfra21-1 were significantly increased in the HRR group and may be considered as potential biomarkers for individuals at high-risk to develop LC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Radioactive Pollution and Biological Effects of Radioactivity)

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28 pages, 9951 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Metabolomic Response of the Creeping Wood Sorrel Oxalis corniculata to Low-Dose Radiation Exposure from Fukushima’s Contaminated Soil

by Ko Sakauchi, Wataru Taira and Joji M. Otaki

Life 2021, 11(9), 990; https://doi.org/10.3390/life11090990 - 20 Sep 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3058

Abstract

The biological consequences of the Fukushima nuclear accident have been intensively studied using the pale grass blue butterfly Zizeeria maha and its host plant, the creeping wood sorrel Oxalis corniculata. Here, we performed metabolomic analyses of Oxalis leaves from Okinawa to examine [...] Read more.

The biological consequences of the Fukushima nuclear accident have been intensively studied using the pale grass blue butterfly Zizeeria maha and its host plant, the creeping wood sorrel Oxalis corniculata. Here, we performed metabolomic analyses of Oxalis leaves from Okinawa to examine the plant metabolites that were upregulated or downregulated in response to low-dose radiation exposure from Fukushima’s contaminated soil. The cumulative dose of radiation to the plants was 5.7 mGy (34 μGy/h for 7 days). The GC-MS analysis revealed a systematic tendency of downregulation among the metabolites, some of which were annotated as caproic acid, nonanoic acid, azelaic acid, and oleic acid. Others were annotated as fructose, glucose, and citric acid, involved in the carbohydrate metabolic pathways. Notably, the peak annotated as lauric acid was upregulated. In contrast, the LC-MS analysis detected many upregulated metabolites, some of which were annotated as either antioxidants or stress-related chemicals involved in defense pathways. Among them, only three metabolite peaks had a single annotation, one of which was alfuzosin, an antagonist of the α₁-adrenergic receptor. We conclude that this Oxalis plant responded metabolically to low-dose radiation exposure from Fukushima’s contaminated soil, which may mediate the ecological “field effects” of the developmental deterioration of butterflies in Fukushima. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Radioactive Pollution and Biological Effects of Radioactivity)

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15 pages, 7885 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Efficacy of a Graphene Oxide/Chitosan Sponge for Removal of Radioactive Iodine-131 from Aqueous Solutions

by Tanate Suksompong, Sirikanjana Thongmee and Wanwisa Sudprasert

Life 2021, 11(7), 721; https://doi.org/10.3390/life11070721 - 20 Jul 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3159

Abstract

Iodine-131 is increasingly used for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. The excretion of radioactive iodine is primarily through the urine. The safe disposal of radioactive waste is an important component of overall hospital waste management. This study investigated the feasibility of using graphene oxide/chitosan [...] Read more.

Iodine-131 is increasingly used for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. The excretion of radioactive iodine is primarily through the urine. The safe disposal of radioactive waste is an important component of overall hospital waste management. This study investigated the feasibility of using graphene oxide/chitosan (GO/CS) sponges as an adsorbent for the removal of iodine-131 from aqueous solutions. The adsorption efficiency was investigated using iodine-131 radioisotopes to confirm the results in conjunction with stable isotopes. The results revealed that the synthetic structure consists of randomly connected GO sheets without overlapping layers. The equilibrium adsorption data fitted well with the Langmuir model. The separation factor (R_L) value was in the range of 0–1, confirming the favorable uptake of the iodide on the GO/CS sponge. The maximum adsorption capacity of iodine-131 by GO/CS sponges was 0.263 MBq/mg. The highest removal efficiency was 92.6% at pH 7.2 ± 0.2. Due to its attractive characteristics, including its low cost, the ease of obtaining it, and its eco-friendly properties, the developed GO/CS sponge could be used as an alternative adsorbent for removing radioiodine from wastewater. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Radioactive Pollution and Biological Effects of Radioactivity)

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12 pages, 2976 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Radiological Risk to Human and Non-Human Biota Due to Radioactivity in Coastal Sand and Marine Sediments, Gulf of Oman

by Ibrahim I. Suliman and Khalid Alsafi

Life 2021, 11(6), 549; https://doi.org/10.3390/life11060549 - 11 Jun 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2282

Abstract

Natural and ¹³⁷Cs radioactivity in coastal marine sediment samples was measured using gamma spectrometry. Samples were collected at 16 locations from four beaches along the coastal area of Muscat City, Gulf of Oman. Radioactivity in beach sand was used to estimate the [...] Read more.

Natural and ¹³⁷Cs radioactivity in coastal marine sediment samples was measured using gamma spectrometry. Samples were collected at 16 locations from four beaches along the coastal area of Muscat City, Gulf of Oman. Radioactivity in beach sand was used to estimate the radiological risk parameters to humans, whereas the radioactivity in marine sediments was used to assess the radiological risk parameters to non-human biota, using the ERICA Tool. The average radioactivity concentrations (Bqkg⁻¹) of ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, ⁴⁰K, ²¹⁰Pb and ¹³⁷Cs in sediments (sand) were as follows: 16.2 (16.3), 34.5(27.8), 54.7 (45.6), 46.8 (44.9) and 0.08 (0.10), respectively. In sand samples, the estimated average indoor (

D_{in}

) and outdoor (

D_{out}

) air absorbed dose rates due to natural radioactivity were 49.26 and 27.4 and the total effective dose (

{AED}_{Total}

; µSvy⁻¹) ranged from 150.2 to 498.9 (average: 275.2). The measured radioactivity resulted in an excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) in the range of 58–203 (average: 111) in and an average gonadal dose (AGD; µGy.y⁻¹) ranged from 97.3 to 329.5 (average: 181.1). Total dose rate per marine organism ranged from 0.035 µGy h⁻¹ (in zooplankton) to 0.564 µGy h⁻¹ (in phytoplankton). The results showed marine sediments as an important source of radiation exposure to biota in the aquatic environment. Regular monitoring of radioactivity levels is vital for radiation risk confinement. The results provide an important radiological risk profile parameter to which future radioactivity levels in marine environments can be compared. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Radioactive Pollution and Biological Effects of Radioactivity)

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12 pages, 2307 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Radon Survey in Bank Buildings of Campania Region According to the Italian Transposition of Euratom 59/2013

by Vittoria D’Avino, Mariagabriella Pugliese, Fabrizio Ambrosino, Mariateresa Bifulco, Marco La Commara, Vincenzo Roca, Carlo Sabbarese and Giuseppe La Verde

Life 2021, 11(6), 533; https://doi.org/10.3390/life11060533 - 08 Jun 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2143

Abstract

²²²Rn gas represents the major contributor to human health risk from environmental radiological exposure. In confined spaces radon can accumulate to relatively high levels so that mitigation actions are necessary. The Italian legislation on radiation protection has set a reference value for [...] Read more.

²²²Rn gas represents the major contributor to human health risk from environmental radiological exposure. In confined spaces radon can accumulate to relatively high levels so that mitigation actions are necessary. The Italian legislation on radiation protection has set a reference value for the activity concentration of radon at 300 Bq/m³. In this study, measurements of the annual radon concentration of 62 bank buildings spread throughout the Campania region (Southern Italy) were carried out. Using devices based on CR-39 solid-state nuclear track detectors, the ²²²Rn level was assessed in 136 confined spaces (127 at underground floors and 9 at ground floors) frequented by workers and/or the public. The survey parameters considered in the analysis of the results were: floor types, wall cladding materials, number of openings, door/window opening duration for air exchange. Radon levels were found to be between 17 and 680 Bq/m³, with an average value of 130 Bq/m³ and a standard deviation of 120 Bq/m³. About 7% of the results gave a radon activity concentration above 300 Bq/m³. The analysis showed that the floor level and air exchange have the most significant influence. This study highlighted the importance of the assessment of indoor radon levels for work environments in particular, to protect the workers and public from radon-induced health effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Radioactive Pollution and Biological Effects of Radioactivity)

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15 pages, 1581 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Radionuclides Transfer from Soil to Tea Leaves and Estimation of Committed Effective Dose to the Bangladesh Populace

by Nurul Absar, Jainal Abedin, Md. Mashiur Rahman, Moazzem Hossain Miah, Naziba Siddique, Masud Kamal, Mantazul Islam Chowdhury, Abdelmoneim Adam Mohamed Sulieman, Mohammad Rashed Iqbal Faruque, Mayeen Uddin Khandaker, David Andrew Bradley and Abdullah Alsubaie

Life 2021, 11(4), 282; https://doi.org/10.3390/life11040282 - 27 Mar 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3249

Abstract

Considering the probable health risks due to radioactivity input via drinking tea, the concentrations of ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th,⁴⁰K and ¹³⁷Cs radionuclides in the soil and the corresponding tea leaves of a large tea plantation were measured using high purity [...] Read more.

Considering the probable health risks due to radioactivity input via drinking tea, the concentrations of ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th,⁴⁰K and ¹³⁷Cs radionuclides in the soil and the corresponding tea leaves of a large tea plantation were measured using high purity germanium (HPGe) γ-ray spectrometry. Different layers of soil and fresh tea leaf samples were collected from the Udalia Tea Estate (UTE) in the Fatickchari area of Chittagong, Bangladesh. The mean concentrations (in Bq/kg) of radionuclides in the studied soil samples were found to be 34 ± 9 to 45 ± 3 for ²²⁶Ra, 50 ± 13 to 63 ± 5 for ²³²Th, 245 ± 30 to 635 ± 35 for ⁴⁰K and 3 ± 1 to 10 ± 1 for ¹³⁷Cs, while the respective values in the corresponding tea leaf samples were 3.6 ± 0.7 to 5.7 ± 1.0, 2.4 ± 0.5 to 5.8 ± 0.9, 132 ± 25 to 258 ± 29 and <0.4. The mean transfer factors for ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th and ⁴⁰K from soil to tea leaves were calculated to be 0.12, 0.08 and 0.46, respectively, the complete range being 1.1 × 10⁻² to 1.0, in accordance with IAEA values. Additionally, the most popularly consumed tea brands available in the Bangladeshi market were also analyzed and, with the exception of ⁴⁰K, were found to have similar concentrations to the fresh tea leaves collected from the UTE. The committed effective dose via the consumption of tea was estimated to be low in comparison with the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) reference ingestion dose limit of 290 μSv/y. Current indicative tea consumption of 4 g/day/person shows an insignificant radiological risk to public health, while cumulative dietary exposures may not be entirely negligible, because the UNSCEAR reference dose limit is derived from total dietary exposures. This study suggests a periodic monitoring of radiation levels in tea leaves in seeking to ensure the safety of human health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Radioactive Pollution and Biological Effects of Radioactivity)

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8 pages, 521 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Indoor Radon Concentration and Risk Assessment in 27 Districts of a Public Healthcare Company in Naples, South Italy

by Filomena Loffredo, Federica Savino, Roberto Amato, Alfredo Irollo, Francesco Gargiulo, Giuseppe Sabatino, Marcello Serra and Maria Quarto

Life 2021, 11(3), 178; https://doi.org/10.3390/life11030178 - 24 Feb 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2389

Abstract

Radon is a major source of ionizing radiation exposure for the general population. It is known that exposure to radon is a risk factor for the onset of lung cancer. In this study, the results of a radon survey conducted in all districts [...] Read more.

Radon is a major source of ionizing radiation exposure for the general population. It is known that exposure to radon is a risk factor for the onset of lung cancer. In this study, the results of a radon survey conducted in all districts of a Public Healthcare in Italy, are reported. Measurements of indoor radon were performed using nuclear track detectors, CR-39. The entire survey was conducted according to a well-established quality assurance program. The annual effective dose and excess lifetime cancer risk were also calculated. Results show that the radon concentrations varied from 7 ± 1 Bq/m³ and 5148 ± 772 Bq/m³, with a geometric mean of 67 Bq/m³ and geometric standard deviation of 2.5. The annual effective dose to workers was found to be 1.6 mSv/y and comparable with the worldwide average. In Italy, following the transposition of the European Directive 59/2013, great attention was paid to the radon risk in workplaces. The interest of the workers of the monitored sites was very high and this, certainly contributed to the high return rate of the detectors after exposure and therefore, to the presence of few missing data. Although it was not possible to study the factors affecting radon concentrations, certainly the main advantage of this study is that it was the first in which an entire public health company was monitored in regards to all the premises on the underground and ground floor. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Radioactive Pollution and Biological Effects of Radioactivity)

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Review

Jump to: Research

21 pages, 742 KiB

Open AccessReview

Multi-Omics Approaches and Radiation on Lipid Metabolism in Toothed Whales

by Jayan D. M. Senevirathna and Shuichi Asakawa

Life 2021, 11(4), 364; https://doi.org/10.3390/life11040364 - 20 Apr 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3393

Abstract

Lipid synthesis pathways of toothed whales have evolved since their movement from the terrestrial to marine environment. The synthesis and function of these endogenous lipids and affecting factors are still little understood. In this review, we focused on different omics approaches and techniques [...] Read more.

Lipid synthesis pathways of toothed whales have evolved since their movement from the terrestrial to marine environment. The synthesis and function of these endogenous lipids and affecting factors are still little understood. In this review, we focused on different omics approaches and techniques to investigate lipid metabolism and radiation impacts on lipids in toothed whales. The selected literature was screened, and capacities, possibilities, and future approaches for identifying unusual lipid synthesis pathways by omics were evaluated. Omics approaches were categorized into the four major disciplines: lipidomics, transcriptomics, genomics, and proteomics. Genomics and transcriptomics can together identify genes related to unique lipid synthesis. As lipids interact with proteins in the animal body, lipidomics, and proteomics can correlate by creating lipid-binding proteome maps to elucidate metabolism pathways. In lipidomics studies, recent mass spectroscopic methods can address lipid profiles; however, the determination of structures of lipids are challenging. As an environmental stress, the acoustic radiation has a significant effect on the alteration of lipid profiles. Radiation studies in different omics approaches revealed the necessity of multi-omics applications. This review concluded that a combination of many of the omics areas may elucidate the metabolism of lipids and possible hazards on lipids in toothed whales by radiation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Radioactive Pollution and Biological Effects of Radioactivity)

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