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Oceans are repositories of radionuclides. Radionuclides are transferred through the food chain and cause ionizing radiation hazards for marine organisms. In this study, the transfer characteristics of 226Ra, 40K, 14C, 3H, 137Cs and 90Sr in organisms at different trophic levels in the eastern coast of Yantai city were investigated. The risk of ionizing radiation to organisms was assessed using the ERICA Tool 2.0. The results show no significant changes in the concentration of any of the nuclides in the coastal area compared to the preoperation period of the nuclear power plant. The transfer factor of 137Cs, 40K, 226Ra, 14C, 90Sr and 3H at the different trophic levels of marine organisms were 2.09, 1.29, 1.17, 1.15, 1.06 and 0.74, respectively. The dose rates of ionizing radiation to organisms from six radionuclides ranged from 32.02 nGy·h-1 to 195.49 nGy·h-1 and had a mean value of 102.86 ± 57.30 nGy·h-1. The main artificial radionuclides (14C, 3H, 90Sr, 137Cs) released by nuclear power plants in the study area produced negligible radiation doses to marine organisms. However, other artificial radionuclides present in the effluents of nuclear power plants (99Tc, 110mAg and 131I) as well as other natural radionuclides (includes 210Po, 210Pb, etc) were not included, and further evaluation of these is recommended.

Background: Food crop consumption is one of the primary routes through which the environment is polluted with radionuclides, metals, and metalloids. In recent years, the negative impacts of metals, metalloids, and radionuclides on crop quality via the food-human system have jeopardized both human health and food security. Because some metals, metalloids, and radionuclides are persistent and non-biodegradable, they build up in the human body's essential organs, causing a variety of serious health issues, including cancer. It is therefore absolutely essential to evaluate the potential cancer risks of radionuclides as well as metals and metalloids in the food crops consumed in the study area to avoid negative health consequences. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the potential cancer risks of metals and metalloids (As, Cd, Cr, and Pb) and Radionuclides (U-238, Th-232, and K-40) via consumption of food crops cultivated around the Riruwai mining area, northeastern Nigeria. Methodology: Thirty-three (33) food crops (15 vegetables and 18 cereal crops) were collected directly from the farmlands in the study area. The concentrations of radionuclides, metals, and metalloid in each food crop were assessed using a microwave-plasma atomic emission spectrometry (MP-AES) and a high-purity germanium (HPGe) gamma-ray spectrometer, respectively. The measured concentrations of radionuclides, metals, and metalloid were used to calculate their lifetime cancer risks (LTCRs). Results: The findings of the study revealed that the concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, and Pb in all the investigated food crops were above the threshold limits, while lower activity concentrations in all the investigated food crops below the world average standard were observed in U-238, Th-232, and K-40. LTCRs of all the individual metal and metalloid as well as radionuclide in each food crop were determined to be below the global threshold limits, indicating no likelihood of cancer risk from consuming the food crops. However, it was discovered that the total cumulative LTCRs of all the metals and metalloid in all food crops combined were 2.51E-04, which was over twofold the acceptable limit of 1.00E-04 Conclusion: The individual metal, metalloid, and radionuclide LTCRs in each food crop were found to be below global threshold limits, indicating no cancer risk from consumption. However, the cumulative LTCRs of all the metals and metalloid in all food crops were found to exceed the acceptable level, which requires proper monitoring and government intervention. Cancer risk is influenced by factors beyond food consumption, such as alcohol consumption, heredity, and air pollution, so multidimensional studies are needed before making a final decision on cancer risks in the study area.

As nuclear technology evolves in response to increased demand for diversification and decarbonization of the energy sector, new and innovative approaches are needed to effectively identify and deter the proliferation of nuclear arms, while ensuring safe development of global nuclear energy resources. Preventing the use of nuclear material and technology for unsanctioned development of nuclear weapons has been a long-standing challenge for the International Atomic Energy Agency and signatories of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. Environmental swipe sampling has proven to be an effective technique for characterizing clandestine proliferation activities within and around known locations of nuclear facilities and sites. However, limited tools and techniques exist for detecting nuclear proliferation in unknown locations beyond the boundaries of declared nuclear fuel cycle facilities, representing a critical gap in non-proliferation safeguards. Microbiomes, defined as “characteristic communities of microorganisms” found in specific habitats with distinct physical and chemical properties, can provide valuable information about the conditions and activities occurring in the surrounding environment. Microorganisms are known to inhabit radionuclide-contaminated sites, spent nuclear fuel storage pools, and cooling systems of water-cooled nuclear reactors, where they can cause radionuclide migration and corrosion of critical structures. Microbial transformation of radionuclides is a well-established process that has been documented in numerous field and laboratory studies. These studies helped to identify key bacterial taxa and microbially-mediated processes that directly and indirectly control the transformation, mobility, and fate of radionuclides in the environment. Expanding on this work, other studies have used microbial genomics integrated with machine learning models to successfully monitor and predict the occurrence of heavy metals, radionuclides, and other process wastes in the environment, indicating the potential role of nuclear activities in shaping microbial community structure and function. Results of this previous body of work suggest fundamental geochemical-microbial interactions occurring at nuclear fuel cycle facilities could give rise to microbiomes that are characteristic of nuclear activities. These microbiomes could provide valuable information for monitoring nuclear fuel cycle facilities, planning environmental sampling campaigns, and developing biosensor technology for the detection of undisclosed fuel cycle activities and proliferation concerns.

The article presents results of a study of the radiation environment on territories adjacent to the sites of the “Globus-4” and “Gorizont-1” peaceful nuclear explosions in the Komi Republic. Field survey was carried out in July 2021. The work provides an assessment of the radiation situation in terms of the main indicators: ambient dose equivalent rate, the content of anthropogenic radionuclides in soil, tritium in the water of water bodies and drinking water supply sources in the settlements nearest to the sites of the peaceful nuclear explosions. The values of gamma radiation ambient dose equivalent rate in all the surveyed territories are at the level of fluctuations of natural regional radiation background and amounted to 0.03 – 0.07 µSv/h in the territory of peaceful nuclear explosion “Globus-4”, 0.01 – 0.05 µSv/h in the territory of “Gorizont-1”. No contaminated soil areas with anthropogenicradionuclides were detected. Tritium activity concentration in water samples does not exceed 5 Bq/kg, which is typical for global levels of this radionuclide in water bodies. The study has shown that the radiation situation in the territory of peaceful nuclear explosions “Globus-4” and “Gorizont-1” meets the requirements of SanPiN 2.6.1.2819-10 “Ensuring radiation safety of the population living in the areas of (1965 – 1988) nuclear explosions for peaceful aims” and currently poses no threat to public health. A conservative dose estimate of additional anthropogenic exposure of individuals from the population from tritium intake with water from centralised water supply sources was 0.065 µSv/year. Longterm radiation safety of the researched territories requires organisation of radiation monitoring, determination of protected zone boundaries and installation of readable information signs warning about radiation hazard and prohibition of economic activities.

Abstract The assessment of natural radionuclides in soil samples from artisanal gold mine sites in Iperindo, Nigeria was conducted using different analysis methods. Soil samples collected across three locations and within a control area were analyzed using well-calibrated gamma spectroscopy fitted with a sodium iodide detector. The average activity concentrations (ranges) of 238U, 232Th, and 40 K were found to be 61.55 ± 13.97 (33.40–87.00) Bqkg−1, 72.65 ± 16.83 (41.90–105.10) Bqkg−1, and 1134.99 ± 142.24 (720.50–1722.10) Bqkg−1, respectively for the mining areas and 15.26 ± 6.96 (10.90–20.10) Bqkg−1, 21.46 ± 9.35 (17.40–25.30) Bqkg−1, and 381.04 ± 51.27 (280.30–511.70) Bqkg−1, respectively for the control locations. The average activity concentrations of the radionuclides assessed were above the worldwide permissible limits for the Iperindo mining areas and below the worldwide average for the control areas. The investigation also assessed various radiological parameters, encompassing the radium equivalent, dose rate, annual effective dose rate, internal and external hazard indices, alpha and gamma indices, annual gonadal equivalent, and excess lifetime cancer risk. The recorded values for mine locations were 252.83 Bqkg−1, 119.98 nGyh−1, 0.15 mSvy−1, 0.85 Bqkg−1, 0.68 Bqkg−1, 0.31 Bqkg−1, 1.89 Bqkg−1, 850.23 μSvy−1, and 0.52 $$\times$$ × 10−3, respectively. Except for the radium equivalent, external and internal hazard risks, and the alpha index, which were notably below the recommended threshold, all the other radiological parameters exceeded the globally advised limits. All the radiological parameters from the control areas were below the worldwide average values.

Different degrees of natural radioactivity found in quartz can have negative consequences on health. Quartz vein along the investigated Abu Ramad area, Egypt, had its natural radioactivity assessed. The HPGe spectrometer was used to determine the role played by the radionuclides 238U, 232Th, and 40K in the gamma radiation that was emitted, and the results showed that these concentrations are 484.64 ± 288.4, 36.8 ± 13.1 and 772.2 ± 134.6 Bq kg−1 were higher than the corresponding reported global limits of 33, 45, and 412 Bq kg−1 for each radionuclide (238U, 232Th, and 40K). Among the radiological hazard parameters, the excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) is estimated and it's mean value of ELCR (1.2) is higher than the permissible limit of 0.00029. The relationship between the radionuclides and the associated radiological hazard characteristics was investigated based on multivariate statistical methods including Pearson correlation, principal component analysis (PCA), and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). According to statistical research, the radioactive risk of quartz is primarily caused by the 238U, 232Thand 40K. Finally, applying quartz to building materials would pose a significant risk to the public.

In order to address the impact of nuclear accident on the atmospheric environment, an analysis method for the atmospheric diffusion characteristics of radionuclides at different scales was established, which was based on the regional scale weather prediction model weather research forecasting model ( WRF). Taking multiple nuclear power plants in the eastern region as the research object, the atmospheric diffusion distribution characteristics of radionuclides released from nuclear accident in the eastern region and in the nuclear power plant surrounding region were studied. The WRF model was used, which was driven by final reanalysis data (FNL) reanalysis meteorological data, combined with the Gaussian atmospheric diffusion model. The results show that the maximum atmospheric diffusion factor at the regional scale mainly distributes in the western region of the calculation area, and it shows a decreasing trend with increasing distance. The difference of the maximum atmospheric diffusion factor at distances of 500 m and 5 000 m is about one order of magnitude. The maximum atmospheric diffusion factor of nuclear power plant surrounding region scale is one order of magnitude lower than that of the regional scale. The difference of the maximum atmospheric diffusion factor at distances of 500 m and 5 000 m is about one order of magnitude for other nuclear power plants,except Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant. There are significant differences of the direction of the maximum atmospheric diffusion factor among different nuclear power plants due to the influence of meteorological conditions of the plant site. The atmospheric diffusion capacity in eastern coastal region is stronger than that in inland region, which is conducive to the atmospheric transport of radioactive radionuclides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the results of systematic investigations on the gamma dose rates in air, natural radioactivity in soil and the dependence of radioactivity on the mineralogy of soils in the environs of the Belagavi, Karnataka, India. The gamma dose rates were measured using a portable survey metre and the activity in soils were measured using NaI(Tl) based gamma ray spectrometer and the mineral composition was studied using FTIR spectroscopy. The activity of 40K varies from 72.52 to 324.76 Bq kg−1 with an average of 153.17 Bq kg−1. The 226Ra activity varies from 16.53 to 70.53 Bq kg−1 with an average value of 23.88 Bq kg−1 and the activity of 232Th varies from 10.95 to 59.07 Bq kg−1 with an average value of 25.75 Bq kg−1. Elevated levels of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in soils were observed in some part of Belagavi, which was traced to the mineralogy of the region. The higher activity of natural radionuclides poses radiological implications to the population of the region. The activity utilisation index was found to be is above the normal levels in some locations. The pattern of distribution of radionuclides in the region was studied using SPSS statistical software. The soil with clay minerals Haematite, Calcite, Kalonite, Albite and Feldspar showed higher radionuclide content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kaolinite-rich soils were used to prepare zeolite-based composites via alkaline activation. The porous material was characterized by conducting XRD and microporosity measurements, as well as ESEM microscopy. The Weber and Morris (W-M) model was used for studying adsorption kinetics of radioactive cations on synthesized alkali-activated material. These investigations evidenced the effects of pore structure and the importance of the intrinsic characteristics of hydrated cations (ionic potential; hydrated radius; B-viscosity parameter; molar Gibbs energy of hydration of cation) on W-M kinetic rate constants. The application of diffusion-based models permitted us to assess the key diffusion parameters controlling successive diffusion regimes, and to reveal strong contributions of surface diffusion to adsorption kinetics during the course of the second and third kinetics stages of the W-M model. The magnitude of the surface diffusion coefficient was related to the capacity of hydrated cationic species to lose water molecules when penetrating brick pores. The HSDM model were tested for predicting radionuclide adsorption in a fixed-bed column. A breakthrough curve simulation indicated the predominance of the surface diffusion regime, which was in agreement with mathematical analysis of (batch) adsorption kinetics data. Ionic diffusion was linked to the characteristics of capillary porosity and connectivity of capillary pores in the composite, suggesting the generation of hydrated nuclides and their immobilization in the form of outer-sphere complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the twenty-first century, numerous forms of pollution have adversely impacted freshwater and the entire aquatic ecosystem. The higher population density in urban areas also contributes to increased releases of substances and thermal contaminants, significantly stressing the ecosystem of industrial companies. This study aimed to assess the potential pressure of industrial and municipal activities on water quality, radioactivity levels, and biological diversity, focusing on the consequences of radionuclides on periphytic diatom communities. Furthermore, the environmental impact of pollutants will be evaluated to monitor the ecological condition of the Ismailia Canal. Chemical analyses employed various instruments and methods to identify and quantify matter, with radionuclide elements measured by gamma spectrometry and diatoms counted and identified by inverted microscopy. Our results revealed that the canal was classified as excellent for irrigation, aquatic life, and drinking water based on FAO, CCME, and EWQS water quality indices, with high nutrient levels at Abu Za'baal fertilizer company. The activity concentration of 226Ra-series, 232Th-series, and 40K in the water and sediment samples for two seasons was within the guideline values, except for a few stations in the zone [B] (the industrial zone). Fertilizer samples (raw material) showed a high value of the 226Ra-series activity. Diatom community structure significantly varied across the different canal locations regarding the presence or absence of industrial activities, with no discernible variations between the study seasons. A specific variety of algal species was found to be predominant at the highest radioactive sites. Redundancy analysis (RDA) showed a significant correlation between parameters (pH, Na, TDS, PO4, SO4, SiO2, K, and CO3), radionuclides, environmental conditions, and the composition of the diatom community, especially in the area affected by industrial discharges. Moreover, the radiological hazard index in water and sediment remained below the maximum for two seasons. This research provides valuable data and information for communities and decision-makers, suggesting the strategic use of phycoremediation as a water biotreatment process to protect the valuable economic resources of the Ismailia Canal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nutritional value of raw materials is determined by a set of indicators that define the biological value of protein, lipids, mineral composition, and safety. Therefore, their investigation in the meat of one of Ukraine's aquaculture species - the clariid catfish - is relevant. The purpose of the study was to investigate the biological value of protein, lipids, mineral composition, and safety of catfish meat when grown in Ukraine and evaluate these indicators in accordance with the recommendations of FAO/WHO. The amino acid composition of the protein was determined by ion exchange liquid-column chromatography on an automatic analyser T 339 (Czech Republic); the fatty acid composition of lipids was determined on a gas chromatograph HRGC 5300 ("Carlo Erba", Italy). The mineral composition of meat was investigated by atomic emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma; the content of heavy metals was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. The study of the amino acid composition of the protein established the presence of all essential amino acids in an amount significantly exceeded in the ideal protein in accordance with FAO/WHO recommendations, which indicates a high biological value. The fatty acid composition of lipids is typical for freshwater fish and catfish lipids from other aquacultures. The biological value of catfish lipids is determined by the ratio of fatty acids of the ω-6/ω-3 families as 1.8:1.0 at the recommended value of 10:5, which indicates the possibility of using lipids of this fish as a source of especially deficient ω-3 fatty acids in the human diet. The low level of polyunsaturated fatty acids and the absence of essential fatty acids eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids gives the basis for developing the design of biologically valuable catfish meat products by enriching it with lipids from marine aquatic organisms. The practical significance of the findings is to obtain original data on the nutritional value of meat from one of the aquaculture species in Ukraine, determine the degree of satisfaction of the daily human need for its consumption, and develop recommendations for rational use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on the modern distribution of 137Cs in soils of different forest site types in black alder (Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaerth.) stands was conducted. In forest litter, there is not a high percentage of its total activity in soil: in moist fairly fertile site type (C3) – 13.4 %, damp fairly fertile site type (C4) – 16.3 %, and wet fairly fertile site type (C5) – 3.8 %. The mineral part of the soil in moist and damp fairly fertile site type is characterized by decreased density of radioactive contamination of soil layers with depth. In wet fairly fertile site type, this indicator increases to a depth of 6 - 8 cm and decreases with further deepening. A 10-cm layer of moist fairly fertile site type (C3) contains 61.8 % of the total radionuclide activity in soil, damp fairly fertile site type (C4) – 68.1%, and wet fairly fertile site type (C5) – 70.1 %, correspondingly; a 20-cm layer has 75.4, 78.3, 91.9 % and a 30-cm layer – 80.9, 82.2, 96.0 % of the total radionuclide activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scenarios of deposition on the sea surface around the Korean Peninsula following hypothetical release at Kori NPP were studied by application of the atmospheric transport model FLEXPART. The series of 1460 dispersion scenarios was calculated, covering the time period of 1 year. The total depositions on the surfaces of the East/Japan Sea (EJS), Yellow Sea (YS), East China Sea (ECS), and near-coast zone of 200-km vicinity around the Korean Peninsula, normalized on the total emission inventory were analyzed. The normalized deposition on the total area of 3 seas varied by more than 2 orders of magnitude from 0.003 to 0.59. The fraction of wet deposition in total deposition varied from 0 to 0.99. The selected most heavy deposition scenarios were divided into those dominated by dry deposition and wet deposition. The most conservative release scenarios (7 August 2020 and 2 September 2020) were dominated by wet deposition and were caused by the monsoon rainband and passage of the typhoon. In the scenario of 7 August 2020, 96% of deposition appeared in the near-coast zone. Cluster analysis of dispersion scenarios confirmed strong seasonal dependence of deposition patterns. For EJS and YS, the maximum average deposition was reached in the 'Summer' cluster. For ECS the maximum average normalized deposition was reached in the 'Spring + Fall' cluster ( D r = 0.055 ). Minimum average deposition on all seas was obtained for the 'Winter' cluster. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using through diffusion method at room temperature, migration of simulants of RW elements (P, Se, Br, Mo, Cs, U) in compacted samples of clay materials of various mineral compositions was studied during porous diffusion from model solutions: underground water and leachates of phosphate waste forms having a total salt content of up to 500 mg/L. Based on the results of experiments, effective diffusion coefficients and sorption distribution coefficients of elements in barrier materials were determined. Numerical models are proposed to describe diffusion transfer of selenium, cesium, and uranium depending on porosity, mineral composition of materials, and concentration of elements in pore solution. Patterns of diffusion of elements from solutions of different salt composition were revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiolabeled antibodies are powerful tools for both imaging and therapy in the field of nuclear medicine. Radiolabeling methods that do not release radionuclides from parent antibodies are essential for radiolabeling antibodies, and practical radiolabeling protocols that provide high in vivo stability have been established for many radionuclides, with a few exceptions. However, several limitations remain, including undesirable side effects on the biodistribution profiles of antibodies. This review summarizes the numerous efforts made to tackle this problem and the recent advances, mainly in preclinical studies. These include pretargeting approaches, engineered antibody fragments and constructs, the secondary injection of clearing agents, and the insertion of metabolizable linkages. Finally, we discuss the potential of these approaches and their prospects for further clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current work uses a high-purity germanium (HPGe) gamma detector to measure radionuclides in the soil in Kordofan, Sudan. This experimental investigation was required to determine the activities of soil samples and detect the radiation hazard indices at three selected locations in Kordofan, which include 238U, 232Th, 226Ra, and 40K using gamma-ray spectrometry. The assessment of radium equivalent (Req) was determined to be between 25.12 Bq/kg to 293.03 Bq/kg. However, the external and internal hazard indices Hex and Hin were less than the permissible limit of 1. The possible radiological health risk in the soil was estimated using the absorbed dosage rate of the area under study in the range of 13.06 to 94.4 nGy/hour. It is revealed that the range of radiation annual effective absorbed dose rates is 0.03 to 0.116 mSv/year. The activity concentrations of these radionuclides were measured to be fairly consistent with the data that had been reported globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uranium (U) and nickel (Ni) released 50 years ago have been immobilized in the Tims Branch wetlands located on the Savannah River Site in the United States. Sediments were collected from seven locations to identify the factors responsible for this attenuation. Ni and U contents in the solids were significantly correlated, suggesting that depositional as opposed to chemical processes contributed to their spatial distribution. Based on sequential extractions, 63 ± 16% of the U was partitioned into the organic fraction, whereas Ni was distributed between several sediment fractions. An inverse pH-organic matter (OM) correlation and positive correlations of OM with total U and organic-bound U/Ni suggest that increased OM preservation and binding to the mineral surfaces were likely responsible for Ni- and especially U-sediment retention (Tims Branch pH = 4.84 ± 0.68). EXAFS analysis indicated the predominance of U(VI) coordinated with clay minerals (~65%), together with ~35% coordinated to either OM (in areas with elevated OM levels) or iron oxides. The desorption-Kd coefficients of U (3972 ± 1370 L/kg) and Ni (30 ± 8 L/kg) indicate that dissolved Ni poses a greater long-term risk than dissolved U for migrating downstream. This study suggests that a delicate balance of geochemical properties controls whether wetlands behave as sinks or sources of contaminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alpine grassland in the Tibetan Plateau (TP) of China is one of the most susceptible regions to wind erosion in recent decades. The fencing project, grassland enclosure using fencing, has been a common strategy for land degradation counteraction in the TP. However, the wind erosion reduction effects of fencing project remain largely unclear, especially in the regions lacking continuous observations such as Southern TP. In this study, a sand source area with fencing protection (fencing land, a mainly eroded grazing grassland before being fenced) and a near‐source climbing dune were selected to illustrate the effect of fencing project on wind erosion using 137Cs and 210Pbex tracing techniques. An adjacent perennial grazing land was selected for comparison. The results showed that the wind erosion rate in sand source area was 17.18 t·ha−1·year−1 before the implementation of project, while that was −6.67 t·ha−1·year−1 since fencing. The wind erosion rates in perennial grazing land were 24.91 t·ha−1·year−1 for 20 years ago to 1963 and 24.33 t·ha−1·year−1 for almost 20 years. The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) of sand source area increased from 0.098 before fencing to 0.137 after fencing; the latter was 1.63 times higher than that of grazing land during the same period. After the implementation of fencing project in sand source area, it was found that the sand supply to the climbing dune was mainly reduced, thus stabilizing it and promoting NDVI increase, especially in the middle‐lower part of the climbing dune. These results would benefit the evaluation of grassland restoration effectiveness in the TP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-lived radionuclides in our environment provide important information on natural and anthropogenic processes. Their presence and concentration reflect the balance of production and decay. Geological archives store such information and the nuclides can be chemically extracted from the bulk sample. Accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) represents a sensitive method to quantify those nuclides at natural levels. Three different terrestrial archives are discussed here as examples for radionuclide extraction using various chemical separation methods for subsequent AMS measurements. We focus on sample preparation for the cosmogenic radionuclides 10Be and 26Al, various anthropogenic actinide isotopes such as U, Pu, and Am as well as the astrophysically interesting nuclides 41Ca, 53Mn, and 60Fe. The processed materials cover samples with masses between a few mg and up to a few hundred kg and protocols are presented for the quantitative extraction of some 10,000 atoms of cosmogenic or interstellar origin per sample and even as low as a few hundred actinide atoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThe study aims to establish a natural radioactivity and radon gas baseline for the proposed concession for an underground gold mine in the Bonteboni within the Prestea Hun-Valley Municipality of the Western Region, Ghana. The CR-39 and HPGe detectors were used to determine radon gas and 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K concentrations with sieving and weighing methods to determine the porosity and composition of soils, in sixty (60) soil samples and one hundred twenty (120) dwellings. The studied data for dwellings were found to range from 82.9 to 165.8 Bq/m3 (131.0 ± 12.7 Bq/m3). The radionuclides of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K and soil radon gas were in the range of 12.5–35.9 Bq/kg (23.3 ± 0.9 Bq/kg), 35.8–134.7 Bq/kg (83.2 ± 3.7 Bq/kg), 30.4–324.6 Bq/kg (143.2 ± 11.3 Bq/kg) and 8.0–19.3 (14.7 ± 0.4 µBqm−2 h−1), respectively. Indoor radon gas was found in increasing order in dwelling types as clay > sandcrete > wooden while the natural radionuclides were also found to follow the order 40K > 232Th > 226Ra. Sixty-three dwellings obtained indoor radon levels above the World Health Organization’s recommended limit of 100 Bq/m3. Fifteen locations had levels of the radionuclides 226Ra and 232Th exceeding guidelines set by the UNSCEAR. The effective doses due to natural radionuclides were found to be less than 1 mSv/yr with thirty-five locations having values greater than the ICRP’s lower recommended limit of 3 mSv/yr. The ventilation systems were found to have a greater influence on the indoor radon concentration in different dwellings. The linkage and composition analysis between the porosity and soil particles indicated a direct impact on natural radionuclides and radon levels, thereby influencing the amount of radiation exposure to the public and environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental and health risks posed by radionuclides in quarry pit soils are of great concern in environmental health monitoring. The current investigation was aimed at determining the natural radionuclide activity concentration (in Bq kg–1) of the understudied quarry pit granules used as construction materials. The collection and preparation of pit soil samples from Abeokuta quarry sites were done using standard methods, analysis of radiological parameters was carried out using hyperpure germanium (HPGe) spectrometer. Specific activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K were measured. The values obtained were greater than the world weighted average of 35, 30, and 400 Bq kg–1 for 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K, respectively. The absorbed dose, the annual effective dose, and the radium equivalent were calculated and demonstrated significant values. The radionuclide content of the samples is relatively high and the use of pit soils as a building material, therefore, raises radiological concerns for dwellers in this area and requires periodic monitoring and undergoing a radiation protection program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inter-comparison exercise results carried as a part of external quality control helps in establishing the accuracy and uncertainty of the method and the measurement system. The performance evaluation is based on the statistical performance indicators such as precision, trueness, relative bias and z-score. Z-score is used for scaling the difference between a participant's result and the assigned value for the concentration of the radio-analyte. It allows interpreting the data with different means and standard deviations and placing them on a common scale. This standard scale was used to compare result of the proficiency test made over the years for different radionuclides in matrices such as water, soil, sediment, seaweed, rice grain, having variable mean and standard deviation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a total of 20 water samples were collected from various locations inside the city of Baghdad. Each sample consists of a volume of 1 litre of water which had been obtained from multiple geographical locations. There were twelve water samples representing pure tap water sourced from various locations additionally, eight samples of mineral water were obtained from several marketplaces in Baghdad. A total of six radionuclides were detected in the water samples using the HPGe detector. These radionuclides were identified as Bi 214, Ra 226, TI 208, Bi 212, Pb 212, and K 40. Among these, Bi 214 and Ra 226 are part of the U-238 series, while TI 208, Bi 212, and Pb 212 belong to the Th 232 series. Additionally, K 40 is a naturally occurring radionuclide. The observed minimum value for the average specific activity of radionuclides in pure tap water samples was Al-Yarmouk Pure tap water. However, the sample Hay Al-qahira pure tap water exhibited the highest recorded specific activity values of radionuclides in pure tap water. The observed minimum value for the average specific activity of radionuclides in mineral water samples was Bardaa mineral water. However, the sample (W15) exhibited the highest recorded values for the specific activity of radionuclides in mineral water. The measured external dosage of natural radioactivity in water samples from Baghdad was found to be relatively low, at 0.366 mSv.y-1. This value falls below the recommended limit the United Nations Scientific Committee set on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR), 1 mSv.y-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New experiments are performed using a gamma ray spectrometer installed at the cosmic ray station in Apatity. The spectrometer monitors the differential spectrum of gamma radiation coming from the atmosphere in the 0.1–4 MeV range of energies. Analysis of the gamma radiation spectra in dozens of increases shows that the effect of growing gamma radiation during precipitation is not related to the presence of radionuclides, or the additional release of radionuclides from the soil. The characteristics of the gamma ray spectra indicate meteorological processes in the atmosphere as the primary cause of the increase effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to examine the physicochemical and radiological properties of some inorganic materials which are perlite, vermiculite, pumice, rock wool, zeolite, expanded clay aggregate, volcanic tuff, and sepiolite used in soilless agriculture. Water saturation, pH, electrical conductivity, calcium carbonate equivalent, available potassium, available phosphorus, and organic matter analyses were implemented for inorganic materials. The elemental contents of the components for studied inorganic materials were obtained using inductively coupled plasma‐optical emission spectrometry (ICP‐OES). Furthermore, natural and artificial radionuclides of studied inorganic materials were calculated using gamma‐ray spectrometry. The pumice has the highest 226Ra activity concentration, and the zeolite has the highest 232Th and 40K activity concentrations. The 137Cs activity concentration is the maximum for perlite and it is the minimum for expanded clay aggregate. The zeolite has the highest radiological hazard parameters whereas those are the smallest for the rock wool. The Fe, Na, B, Ca, K, Si, P, S, and Mn are the primary components of the inorganic materials used in soilless agriculture. Consequently, this study is contributed to environmental and health problems of livings. In the future, transferred radionuclides from plant to livings assessment can be carried out for these inorganic materials used in soilless agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultra-low-radioactivity titanium alloys are promising materials for the manufacture of low-background detectors which are being developed for experiments in astroparticle physics and neutrino astrophysics. Structural titanium is manufactured on an industrial scale from titanium sponge. The ultra-low-background titanium sponge can be produced on an industrial scale with a contamination level of less than 1 mBq/kg of uranium and thorium isotopes. The pathways of contaminants during the industrial production of structural titanium were analyzed. The measurements were carried out using two methods: inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) and gamma spectroscopy using high-purity germanium detectors (HPGes). It was shown that the level of contamination with radioactive impurities does not increase during the remelting of titanium sponge and mechanical processing. We examined titanium alloy samples obtained at different stages of titanium production, namely an electrode compaction, a vacuum arc remelting with a consumable electrode, and a cold rolling of titanium sheets. We found out that all doped samples that were studied would be a source of uranium and thorium contamination in the final titanium alloys. It has been established that the only product allowed obtaining ultra-low-background titanium was the commercial VT1-00 alloy, which is manufactured without master alloys addition. The master alloys in the titanium production process were found cause U/Th contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nuclear medicine presents one of the most promising modalities for efficient non-invasive treatment of a variety of cancers, but the application of radionuclides in cancer therapy and diagnostics is severely limited by their nonspecific tissue accumulation and poor biocompatibility. Here, we explore the use of nanosized metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) as carriers of radionuclides to order to improve their delivery to tumour. To demonstrate the concept, we prepared polymer-coated MIL-101(Cr)-NH2 MOFs and conjugated them with clinically utilized radionuclide 188Re. The nanoparticles demonstrated high loading efficacy of radionuclide reaching specific activity of 49 MBq mg−1. Pharmacokinetics of loaded MOFs was investigated in mice bearing colon adenocarcinoma. The biological half-life of the radionuclide in blood was (20.9 ± 1.3) h, and nanoparticles enabled it to passively accumulate and retain in the tumour. The radionuclide delivery with MOFs led to a significant decrease of radioactivity uptake by the thyroid gland and stomach as compared with perrhenate salt injection, which is beneficial for reducing the side toxicity of nuclear therapy. The reported data on the functionalization and pharmacokinetics of MIL-101(Cr)-NH2 for radionuclide delivery unveils the promising potential of these MOFs for nuclear medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: The frequency and intensity of war-like activities (war, military training, and shooting ranges) worldwide cause soil pollution by metals, metalloids, explosives, radionuclides, and herbicides. Despite this environmentally worrying scenario, soil decontamination in former war zones almost always involves incineration. Nevertheless, this practice is expensive, and its efficiency is suitable only for organic pollutants. Therefore, treating soils polluted by wars requires efficient and economically viable alternatives. In this sense, this manuscript reviews the status and knowledge gaps of mycoremediation. (2) Methods: The literature review consisted of searches on ScienceDirect and Web of Science for articles (1980 to 2023) on the mycoremediation of soils containing pollutants derived from war-like activities. (3) Results: This review highlighted that mycoremediation has many successful applications for removing all pollutants of war-like activities. However, the mycoremediation of soils in former war zones and those impacted by military training and shooting ranges is still very incipient, with most applications emphasizing explosives. (4) Conclusion: The mycoremediation of soils from conflict zones is an entirely open field of research, and the main challenge is to optimize experimental conditions on a field scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, due to the development of nuclear power and other industries, the pollution of heavy metals and radionuclides in water cannot be ignored, and the demand for clean water has become an important issue of global concern. Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2 ) nanomaterials have attracted much attention in the fields of sterilization, hydrogen storage, water purification,etc. Membrane technology has become one of the options for the removal of heavy metals and radionuclides from water based on the advantages of simple operation and high efficiency. In this paper, the research progress of MoS2-based nanomaterials and membranes in removing heavy metals and radionuclides from water is summarized, focusing on MoS2 synthesis and modification methods, the main affect factors and mechanisms of heavy metals and radionuclides removal by MoS2, the preparation of MoS2-modified membranes, and the research progress on removing heavy metals and radionuclides from water by membrane technology, which aims at efficiently removing heavy metals and radionuclides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterogeneous and mechanochemical syntheses of new materials based on titanium, calcium, and magnesium phosphates were developed for the first time. The products demonstrated high efficiency as sorbents for the removal of heavy metal cations and radionuclides from solutions. The joint action of the sorption components ensures high sorption capacity towards various cations over a wide pH range. The optimal conditions providing products with a specified phase composition were identified. The use of a solution of a phosphorus-containing agent and solid precursors taken in a stoichiometric ratio, together with mild hydrothermal conditions make it possible to minimize the amount of liquid waste. In the first step of the synthesis, precipitation of titanium phosphate and formation of the precursor needed for the second step (formation of calcium and magnesium phosphates) take place simultaneously. Thus, the synthesis protocol complies with the green chemistry principles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elevated levels of radionuclides and toxic metals in water can potentially influence the growth of fish during their mature stages, posing a risk of human exposure through the consumption of contaminated fish. This investigation assessed the levels of health risk of naturally occurring radionuclides and heavy metals in commonly consumed African catfish, White catfish and Nile tilapia fish species in the Epe Waterside region of Lagos, Nigeria, using a sodium iodide detector and an atomic absorption spectrometer. The activity concentrations (Bq/kg) of 40K (29.1±21.0-823.5±18.2) were higher than 226Ra (27.1±87.8-202.7±50.3) and 232Th (52.9±7.4-600.2±7.0), with mean values exceeding the permissible limits set by WHO. The mean committed effective dose rate is above the 50 mSv recommended by ICRP. The mean annual intake and cancer risks for people who consume fish on a weekly basis (nutrition statistics for seven, five, three, and one day per week) were relatively high, surpassing the permissible limit of 1.0x10-6 as recommended by WHO. The concentrations of heavy metals (Zn: 0.026-1.344, Cu: 0.008-0.055, and Cd: 0.048-0.250 mg/kg) exhibited mean values that fell within the acceptable limits defined by FAO/WHO, with the exception of Pb, which recorded a higher concentration ranging from 2.51 to 3.39 mg/kg. The fish's natural habitats (lagoon) have been contaminated by toxins, likely originating from industries, waste disposal activities, agrochemicals, rusty pipes, and other fittings. Encouraging the cultivation of fishes in domesticated ponds around the study area can reduce the risk of consuming contaminated fish and other seafood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a novel thermophilic Bacillus cereus ST14 with heavy metal tolerance was isolated from a hot spring mud sample in Afyonkarahisar (Omer). 16S rRNA analysis revealed that strain ST14 was mostly related to Bacillus cereus strain 151,007-R3_K09_40_27F (98.18%) and Bacillus cereus strain 2 k (98.10%). We hypothesized that U(VI) and Th(IV) affected B. cereus at the cell level and that this bacterium can be used as a bioindicator. Therefore, U(VI) and Th(IV) tolerance, removal, bioaccumulation, and impacts on antioxidant enzymes of thermophilic B. cereus have been examined in detail. Changes in the surface macrostructure and functionality of B. cereus following interaction with U(VI) and Th(IV) were studied using a scanning electron microscope and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. B. cereus was found to be highly resistant to 10 and 12.5 mg/L of U(VI) and Th(IV) after 24-h incubation. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were observed to be increased by different U(VI) and Th(IV) concentrations. The highest bioaccumulation capacity quantities were detected as 100.79 and 87.96 mg metal/g dried bacteria at 24th h at 12.5 mg/L concentration for U(VI) and Th(IV), respectively. The highest U(VI) and Th(IV) cell membrane bioaccumulation capabilities of B. cereus have been measured as 318.94 and 263.89 mg metal/g wet membrane, respectively, at 24 h and 12.5 mg/L. This study's findings suggested that B. cereus could be employed as a bioindicator organism for detecting metal contamination in natural or industrial water samples. However, further research should focus on other thermophilic microorganisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural radionuclides are powerful tools for understanding the sources and fate of suspended particulate matter (SPM). Particulate matter with different particle sizes behaves differently with respect to adsorption and desorption. We analyzed the activities and distribution characteristics of multiple natural radionuclides (238U, 226Ra, 40K, 228Ra, 7Be and 210Pbex) on size-fractionated SPM at the Lijin Hydrographic Station (Huanghe or Yellow River) every month over a one-year period. Results showed that medium silt (16–32 µm) was the main component. As expected, the activity of each radionuclide decreased with an increase of particle size. We examined the sources of SPM with different particle sizes using activity ratios of 226Ra/238U, 228Ra/226Ra, 40K/238U and 7Be/210Pbex, and concluded that SPM with different particle sizes originated from different sources. Our results indicate that fine SPM (<32 µm) was mainly from the erosion of soil along the lower reaches of the Yellow River, while coarse SPM (>32 µm) was mainly derived from resuspension of riverbed sediment. During high runoff periods, the concentration of SPM increased significantly, and the proportion of fine particles originating upstream increased. Naturally occurring radioactive isotopes, especially on size-fractionated particles, are therefore seen as useful tracers to understand the sources and behaviors of riverine particles transported from land to sea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

10B isotopes have been almost exclusively used in the neutron-capture radiation therapy (NCT) of cancer for decades. We have identified two other nuclides suitable for radiotherapy, which have ca. ten times larger cross section of absorption for neutrons and emit heavy charged particles. This would provide several key advantages for potential NCT, such as the possibility to use a lower nuclide concentration in the target tissues or a lower neutron irradiation flux. By detecting the characteristic γ radiation from the spontaneous decay of the radionuclides, one can image their biodistribution. These advantages could open up new possibilities for NCT applications as a safer and more efficient cancer therapy.

Purpose. To determine the content of heavy metals as well as natural and artificial radionuclides in muscle tissue and carapaces of narrow-clawed crayfish Astacus leptodactylus of the Kamianske and Zaporizhzhia (Dnipro) reservoirs. Methodology. The material for the study were narrow-clawed crayfish collected in the spring period (March-April) 2021 in the coastal zone of the Kamianske and Zaporizhzhia (Dnipro) reservoirs. The collection of material was carried out with standard open-type crayfish traps with a mesh size No. 20, manual collection in the littoral zone as well as with the help of special baited traps. Carapaces and muscle tissue of crayfish were used to determine the content of heavy metals and radionuclides. Preparation of samples for measuring the content of heavy metals and radionuclides was carried out by separating crayfish tissues with subsequent homogenization and concentration (drying and incineration) of the collected material. The samples were dried at a temperature of +105°С to a constant weight, and then incinerated at a temperature of +450°С to obtain white ash. The content of radionuclides was determined on a gamma-beta spectrometer SE-BG-01 “AKP”. The content of heavy metals was determined on an atomic absorption spectrophotometer C115-M1 with a flame analyzer. Findings. Zn, Fe, and Cu were actively accumulated in the muscle tissue of crayfish of the Kamianske and Zaporizhzhia (Dnipro) reservoirs. This fact is explained by the intensive accumulation of elements in crayfish body that actively occurred in the course of physiological processes. Heavy metals such as Mn, Pb, Co were the most accumulated in crayfish carapace. The minimum content of heavy metals was found for Сd. It was found that Pb, Cu, Zn and Cd contents exceed the MACs in muscles of crayfish of the Zaporizhzhia (Dnipro) reservoir by 8, 6, 6.2 and 1.65 times, respectively. The norms for the content of heavy metals in the muscle tissue of river crayfish have not been established in Ukraine today, however, a comparison of the data we obtained with the norms for live fish shows a significant excess for almost all heavy metals examined. It was found that the level of radionuclide activity of in the muscle tissue of decapods of both investigated reservoirs was due to 40K, in the carapaces — 226Ra; 90Sr activity was minimal in muscles, and 226Ra activity in carapaces. Accumulation of studied radionuclides in crayfish did not exceed the MACs for crayfish as a food product. Originality. For the first time, the levels of accumulation of heavy metals and the activity of radionuclides in the muscle tissue and carapace of narrow-clawed crayfish of the Kamianske and Zaporizhzhia (Dnipro) reservoirs were determined. The content of toxic elements that are subject to control in food raw materials and food products according to the MACs in crayfish of the Kamianske and Zaporizhzhia (Dnipro) reservoirs was determined. Practical value. The results of the work can be used during monitoring of the ecotoxicological and radioecological conditions of the aquatic environment. Also, the obtained results can be applied in the study of narrow-clawed crayfish of the Dnieper River basin.

Natural iodine deficiency, which in some regions of Russia provokes thyroid diseases, increases the consequences of the entry of short-lived radioactive isotopes of this element into the food chain as a result of the Chernobyl accident (1986). The aim of the work is to assess the risk of morbidity of the population of the Kaluga, Bryansk and Oryol regions with thyroid cancer at the level of individual settlements based on experimental data. The iodine content in soils and vegetation cuttings of pastures in geochemically contrasting landscapes, as well as in cows' milk and potatoes of private household farms in the regions affected by the Chernobyl accident in 1986: Bryansk (2021), Oryol (2022) and Kaluga (2023) regions was studied. Joint expeditions of the Laboratory of Environmental Biogeochemistry of GEOKHI RAS and the Department of Human Ecology and Bioelementology of the Institute of Ecology of RUDN, carried out on the initiative and with the participation of the authors, revealed a significant variation of iodine concentration in soils and food products, which may be crucial for assessing the risk of thyroid diseases, including thyroid cancer, among the local rural population. The iodine content was found to be highly variable in both topsoil (0.31-3.04 mg/kg) and grass cuttings (0.14-0.29 mg/kg) of the study area. The maximum natural and technogenic risk of thyroid cancer morbidity in the rural population as a result of the consequences of the Chernobyl accident of 1986 is specific for the studied settlements of Zhizdrinsky district of Kaluga region, Bolkhovsky, Dmitrovsky and Sverdlovsky districts of Oryol region, Rognedinsky district of Bryansk region.

Clay minerals are widely used to treat groundwater and surface water containing radionuclides. In our study, the method of mechanochemical activation for increasing the sorption capacity of the natural clay mineral montmorillonite was used. By adjusting the grinding time, the increasing sorption parameters of mechanochemically activated montmorillonite were determined. X-ray diffraction method, scanning electron microscopy, and the determination of the specific surface by low-temperature adsorption–desorption of nitrogen to characterize the natural and mechanochemical-activated montmorillonites were used. It was established that the maximal sorption of uranium, strontium, and cesium is found for montmorillonite after mechanochemical treatment for 2 h. It is shown that the filling of the surface of montmorillonite with ions of different natures occurs in various ways during different times of mechanochemical treatment. The appropriateness of the Langmuir and Freundlich models for the sorption parameters of uranium, strontium, and cesium ions on montmorillonite after its mechanochemical activation was established. The effect of natural organic substances—humic acids—on the efficiency of water purification from uranium on mechanoactivated montmorillonite was studied. The obtained sorbents can be effectively used for the removal of trace amounts of radionuclides of different chemical natures (uranium, cesium, and strontium) from polluted surface and ground waters.

PurposeThis review is focused on radium and radionuclides in its decay chain in honor of Marie Curie, who discovered this element.Materials and methodsWe conglomerated current knowledge regarding radium and its history predating our present understanding of this radionuclide.ResultsAn overview of the properties of radium and its dose assessment is shown followed by discussions about both the negative detrimental and positive therapeutic applications of radium with this history and its evolution reflecting current innovations in medical science.ConclusionsWe hope to remind all those who are interested in the progress of science about the vagaries of the process of scientific discovery. In addition, we raise the interesting question of whether Marie Curie's initial success was in part possible due to her tight alignment with her husband Pierre Curie who pushed the work along.

Background: New therapeutic strategies for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) have been developed in the past to achieve the best response rates. Most recently, the use of combination therapies has been explored to optimize patient outcomes. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) may help to treat mCRPC more effectively. Objectives: This study aimed to determine whether the combination of a PARPi with different radiation qualities results in different levels of radiosensitization of PC-3 cells. Methods: The radiosensitizing potential of Olaparib in combination with 177Lu, 223Ra, X-rays and photodynamic therapy (PDT) using the UVA light-activated photosensitizer ortho-iodoHoechst33258 (oIH) was evaluated by determining the clonogenic survival, DNA damage and cell cycle analysis. Results: Here, we show that this combination strategy differentially sensitized PC-3 cells to different radiation qualities. The combination of 177Lu with Olaparib increased the numbers of persistent double-strand breaks (DSBs) by a factor of 3.3 and cell death in PC-3 cells. Overall, the β-emitter 177Lu indicated a higher radiosensitization efficacy compared to 223Ra, with X-rays corresponding to dose modification factors (DMF) of 1.77, 1.17 and 1.16 respectively. Even in the case of the α-emitter 223Ra, the effects were much less pronounced than for 177Lu. PARPi also showed a slight potentiation of the cytotoxic effects both in co-treatment with X-rays and with PDT. Conclusions: The results of our study indicate a potential role for Olaparib in further optimizing the PSMA radioligand therapy (PRLT) outcomes. However, further evaluation of the combination of PARPi with PRLT is needed to gain more insights into improving the benefit to patients suffering from mCRPC.

The poor prognosis of pancreatic cancer requires novel treatment options. This review examines the evolution of radiopharmaceuticals in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Established strategies such as peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) offer targeted and effective treatment, compared to conventional treatments. However, there are currently no radiopharmaceuticals approved for the treatment of pancreatic cancer in Europe, which requires further research and novel approaches. New radiopharmaceuticals including radiolabeled antibodies, peptides, and nanotechnological approaches are promising in addressing the challenges of pancreatic cancer therapy. These new agents may offer more specific targeting and potentially improve efficacy compared to traditional therapies. Further research is needed to optimize efficacy, address limitations, and explore the overall potential of these new strategies in the treatment of this aggressive and harmful pathology.