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Background: Extremity exposures may raise the risk of cancer induction among radiographers involved in the preparation and administration of technetium-99m labelled radiopharmaceuticals. Objective: To estimate finger doses on radiographers at a South African tertiary hospital. Methods: Adhesive tape was used to securely fix a calibrated thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) on fingertips and bases of ring and index fingers of both hands of five radiographers who prepared and administered technetium-99m labelled radiopharmaceuticals. Rubber gloves were worn to avoid TLD contamination. TLDs doses were read with a Harsaw TLD Reader (Model 3500) after a week. Results: Five radiographers prepared and administered technitium-99m labelled radiopharmaceuticals (activity range; 78.20 GBq - 132.78 GBq during a one-week measurement period). A radiographer handling 132.78 GBq received 4.74±0.52 mSv on both hands; 5.52, 4.55, 5.11 and 4.60 mSv on the fingertip of the index finger of the dominant hand (FIDH), fingertip of the ring finger of the dominant hand (FRDH), fingertip of the index finger of the non-dominant hand (FINDH) and fingertip of the ring finger of the non-dominant hand (FRNDH), respectively. The respective doses received on the finger bases were 4.50 mSv, 4.60, 4.21 and 3.48 mSv. The radiographer handling 78.20 GBq received 0.85±0.18 mSv on both hands, 1.04, 1.17, 0.77 and 1 mSv for the FIDH, FRDH, FINDH and FRNDH, respectively, while respective doses for the bases were 0.8, 0.9, 0.6 and 0.8 mSv. Conclusion: The extremity exposures were below the annual limit (500 mSv). However, the use of syringe shields could still reduce the finger doses further.

Introduction: Computer Tomography (CT) scans can deliver a relatively high radiation dose to the patient, therefore radiation protection for this modality is paramount. The present study determined the frequency of no abnormality detected (NAD) brain CT scans and probability of cancer induction in different age groups and genders. Methods: In this study, brain CT reports were used to identify any findings as abnormality detected (AD) and others as NAD. Then probability of future leukemia and brain cancer was estimated for different age and gender groups. Results: On average, in 65% of the cases the results were NAD (56% and 76% among males and females, respectively). Among children, 79% of the reports were NAD. The total number of projected brain cancers was 1.8 and 1.3 for males and females, respectively. The number of projected leukemia cases was 0.75 and 0.7 for males and females, respectively. For pediatric patients, brain CT scans can lead to leukemia cases about 4.5 times more often than adults. Conclusion: Brain CT scans can lead to additional cases of brain cancer and leukemia. A significant fraction of brain CTs were NAD (non-pathologic) and could practically be replaced by other radiation-free imaging modalities, especially in pediatric and young patients.

Background Recently, low dose radiotherapy delivered to the whole lung has been proposed as treatment for the pneumonia due to COVID-19. Although there is biological plausibility for its use, the evidence supporting its effectiveness is scarce, and the risks associated with it may be significant. Thus, based on a virtual case simulation, we estimated the risks of radiation-induced cancer (RIC) and cardiac disease. Methods Lifetime attributable risks (LAR) of RIC were calculated for the lung, liver, esophagus, and breast of female patients. The cardiovascular risk of exposure-induced death (REID) due to ischemic heart disease was also calculated. The doses received by the organs involved in the treatment were obtained from a simulation of conformal radiotherapy (RT) treatment, delivering a dose of 0.5 Gy–1.5 Gy to the lungs. We considered a LAR and REID 2% unacceptable. Results The lung was at the highest risk for RIC (absolute LAR below 5200 cases/100,000 and 2250 cases/100,000 for women and men, respectively). For women, the breast had the second-highest LAR, especially for young women. The liver and esophagus had LARs below 700/100,000 for both sexes, with a higher incidence of esophageal cancer in women and liver cancer in men. Regarding the LAR cutoff, we observed an unacceptable or cautionary LAR for lung cancer in all women and men 1 Gy. LAR for lung cancer with an RT dose of 1 Gy was cautionary for women >60 years of age and men

Radiation protection and dose optimisation in computerized tomography (CT) for pediatric patients are of utmost importance because of the potential risk of cancer induction by exposure to ionizing radiation. A review of available technical features in modern CT machines aiming at reducing and/or optimizing patient dose was performed. Practical advices to operators were listed according to dose-related technical solutions studied to decrease the doses and to practically implement dose optimisation.

The review summarizes the data on the role of metabolic and repair systems in the mechanisms of therapy-related carcinogenesis and the effect of their polymorphism on the cancer development risk. The carcinogenic activity of different types of drugs, from the anticancer agents to analgesics, antipyretics, immunomodulators, hormones, natural remedies, and non-cancer drugs, is described. Possible approaches for the prevention of drug-related cancer induction at the initiation and promotion stages are discussed.

Studies assessing the dose–response relationship for human skin cancer induction by solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) apply a range of methods to quantify relevant UVR doses, but information about the comparability of these datasets is scarce. We compared biologically weighted effectivities applying the most relevant UVR action spectra in order to test the ability of certain UVR detectors to mimic these biological effects at different times during the day and year. Our calculations were based on solar spectra measured at Dortmund, Germany (51.5° N) and at Townsville, Australia (19.3° S), or computed for latitudes 20° S and 50° N. Convolutions with the CIE action spectra for erythema and non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) and with ICNIRP’s weighting function showed comparable solar zenith angle (SZA) dependences with little influence of season or latitude. A different SZA dependence was found with Setlow’s action spectrum for melanoma induction. Calculations for a number of UVR detector responsivities gave widely discrepant absolute irradiances and doses, which were nevertheless related to those calculated with both CIE spectra by correction factors largely independent of the SZA. Commonly used detectors can thus provide quite accurate estimates of NMSC induction by solar UVR, whereas they may be inadequate to mimic melanoma induction.

So far sun protection meant ultraviolet (UV) protection. But there is preliminary data that beside UV radiation also visible light (VIS) and near infrared A (IRA) radiation may have harmful effects on our skin resulting in photoaging and even cancer induction. Therefore, some authors claim that modern sun protection should also include shielding against longer wavelengths such as VIS and IRA. Therefore, avoidance of sun exposure at peak times and textile sun protection are important pillars of a modern prophylactic approach. Besides, antioxidants and DNA repair enzymes may be added to topical sunscreens in order to enhance the protection before and even after sun exposure. Furthermore, there are reports raising the question about a negative impact of specific UV filters on our environment causing among other things coral bleaching. There is need for more studies elucidating the benefit of photoprotective agents against UV, VIS and IRA with the aim to be environmentally safe at the same moment.

Purpose To estimate the second cancer risk associated with Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) radiotherapy at supradiaphragmatic or infradiaphragmatic region, using the involved field (IFRT) and the involved site radiotherapy (ISRT). Materials and methods IFRT and ISRT treatment plans were created for twenty HL patients. Three dimensional plans (3DRT) were employed for all patients. The organ equivalent dose (OED) and lifetime attributable risk (LAR) for organs at risk were estimated with mechanistic, plateau and bell-shaped model. Estimated risk values were compared with nominal risk of unexposed population. Results For supradiaphragmatic radiotherapy, the mean OED range was 0.63–8.53 Gy and 0.63–7.26 Gy for IFRT and ISRT, respectively. The corresponding range for infradiaphragmatic radiotherapy was 0.18–7.64 Gy and 0.80–4.95 Gy. The LAR for cancer induction in the partially in field organs at risk after IFRT was 0.5%–8.0% and 0.2%–9.3% at supradiaphragmatic and infradiaphragmatic regions, respectively. The corresponding risk after ISRT method was 0.5%–5.2% and 0.9%–6.0%. Estimated cancer risk for breast, lung, thyroid, colon and rectal with ISRT was found significantly reduced compared to IFRT. The risk of secondary malignancies for lung, mouth, pharynx, rectum and colon was assessed more than 1.2 times higher than nominal risk for IFRT. The respective risk using ISRT was above nominal only for pharyngeal cancer. Conclusion ISRT compared with IFRT, results in decreased second cancer risk in most organs considered. Second cancer probability with IFRT was higher than the nominal risk for certain organs, while for ISRT remains higher only for pharyngeal cancer.

The radioactive field is important for the human health due to the biologic impact that the radiation might cause (e.g., cancer induction), so it must be studied to see the changes in the doses of human exposure. In this study, 114 soil samples were collected from different locations in residential areas within the Baghdad governorate. The specific gamma-ray activity of the naturally occurring radionuclides 238U, 232Th and 40K for soil samples was measured spectroscopically using a NaI(Tl) detector. The results of the Karkh side show that the average value of specific activity of terrestrial gamma radiation (238U, 232Th and 40K) was (16.5 ± 0.9) Bq/kg, (9.7 ± 0.4) Bq/kg and (368 ± 11) Bq/kg, respectively. The results of the Rasafa side show that the average value of the specific activity of 238U, 232Th and 40K in samples of the present study were (17.4 ± 1.0) Bq/kg, (9.1 ± 0.3) Bq/k and (381 ± 22) Bq/kg, respectively. The results show that across the area, the natural radioactivity lies within the acceptable level as indicated by UNSCEAR 2008. It is subjected to the natural spatial averaging of the estimations, with the except for the sample (R3) which needs future study. GIS tools were used to map the specific activity for all samples in this study, which were divided into two groups: Karkh side and Rasafa side for simplified results.

The tumor suppressor protein TP53 (p53) plays a multifaceted role in all cells of the human body. Mutations in the TP53 gene are often involved in cancer induction and disease progression. Despite its important role in health and development, structural information for p53 remains incomplete. Here, we present a microchip-based technology to facilitate structural studies of p53 assemblies derived from human cancer cells. These devices do not introduce foreign sequences to the p53 gene and maintain naturally occurring post-translational modifications. Using cryo-electron microscopy, structures for the p53 monomer (∼50 kDa) and tetramer (∼200 kDa) were resolved to ∼4.8 and ∼7 A, respectively. These structures revealed new insights for flexible regions of p53 along with biologically relevant ubiquitination sites. Collectively, the convergence of nanotechnology tools and structural imaging builds a strong framework to understand the oncogenic impact of p53 in human tissues.

To characterize the health effects of incorporated plutonium, many experiments have been conducted using different animal models. These range from (1) applied (tissue uptake/retention determination, decorporation therapy efficacy), (2) fundamental (gene expression, cancer induction), and (3) dosimetry models. In recent years, the use of animals for scientific purposes has become a public concern. The application of the 3Rs - Replace (use of alternative methods or animals not considered capable of experiencing pain, suffering, and distress), Reduce (reduction in animal numbers), and Refine (better animal welfare and minimization of suffering, pain and distress) - has increased to address ethical concerns and legislative requirements. The introduction of novel non-animal technologies is also an important factor as complementary options to animal experimentation. In radiotoxicology research, it seems there is a natural tendency to Replace given the possibility of data reuse obtained from contamination cases in man and animal studies. The creation of "registries" and "repositories" for nuclear industry workers (civil and military) is now a rich legacy for radiotoxicological measurements. Similarly, Reduction in animal numbers can be achieved by good experimental planning with prior statistical analyses of animal numbers required to obtain robust data. Multiple measurements in the same animal over time (external body counting, excreta collection) with appropriate detection instruments also allow Reduction. In terms of Refinement, this has become "de rigueur" and a necessity given the societal and legal concerns for animal welfare. For research in radiotoxicology, particularly long-term studies, better housing conditions within the constraints of radiation protection issues for research workers are an important concern. These are all pertinent considerations for the 3Rs remit and future research in radiotoxicology.

The structure of electronic excited states, their properties, and their chemical reactions are introduced, as is the effect caused by light absorption on various tissues and organs. The most important photochemical reactions occur in the skin or the eye and involve rearrangement (vision, generation of previtamin D), cycloaddition (DNA 2+2 crossing and back, cancer induction), as well as the nonvisual light system (circadian rhythms and melatonin oxidation) of enormous importance for normal growth and other normal processes. Further processes, in particular, cell structure–dependent processes, are likewise presented, and criteria for rationalizing/predicting photochemical reactions are summarily discussed.

Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are a group of tumors originating from the neuroendocrine system. They mainly occur in the digestive system and the respiratory tract. It is well-know a strict interaction between neuroendocrine system and inflammation, which can play an important role in NEN carcinogenesis. Inflammatory mediators, which are produced by the tumor microenvironment, can favor cancer induction and progression, and can promote immune editing. On the other hand, a balanced immune system represents a relevant step in cancer prevention through the elimination of dysplastic and cancer cells. Therefore, an inflammatory response may be both pro- and anti-tumorigenic. In this review, we provide an overview concerning the complex interplay between inflammation and gastroenteropancreatic NENs, focusing on the tumorigenesis and clinical implications in these tumors.

Disinfection of drinking water supplies with various disinfectants has been integral for maintaining high microbial quality of drinking water. Disinfectant inactivates disease-causing organisms and effectively reduces waterborne diseases to ensure safe consumption of water. However, an unintended chemical reaction between disinfectants and naturally occurring organic and inorganic precursors or anthropogenic compounds in the source waters results in the generation of a number of disinfection by-products (DBPs) including trihalomethanes, haloacetic acids, and haloacetonitrile in drinking water. Due to potential adverse health effects (from cancer induction to birth defects, etc.) posed by these geno- and cytotoxic DBPs on exposure, they have received great concern worldwide and thus are regulated by the United States Environmental Protection Act in the water industry. The objective of this chapter is to provide an insight into the apprehension of DBP generation in drinking water, occurrence, types of DBPs, and associated adverse health effects.

The recommendation of chest radiography for school admission and employment purposes should be discouraged due to the risks of radiation especially cancer induction. It is therefore imperative to keep diagnostic radiation doses as low as possible. This dataset presents the entrance surface dose, effective dose, bone marrow dose, breast dose, lung dose and the incidence cancer risks from chest radiography of 40 young adult females. The mean incidence cancer risk to participants is 1: 20,000 for solid cancers. The data revealed the significant factors influencing the entrance surface dose and incidence cancer risks. Keywords: Chest radiography, Entrance surface dose, Incidence cancer risks, Technical factors

Enterococcus faecium é um importante gênero bactérias ácido láticas probióticas que forma parte integrante da microbiota humana saudável. Entretanto, poucos estudos relacionam a capacidade da Enterococcus faecium de origem alimentar para prevenção do câncer colorretal, considerado uma das principais causas de mortalidade nos países ocidentais, estando entre os três cânceres mais incidentes. O nosso estudo se propõe em utilizar uma nova abordagem para avaliar o potencial da cepa Enterococcus faecium 137v – EF137v de queijo de Coalho artesanal no seu desempenho para prevenção e retardo na progressão do câncer colorretal em modelo animal. Para este fim avaliamos, através da ultrassonografia abdominal, os efeitos da administração oral da EF137v sobre o desenvolvimento do câncer colorretal induzido por 1,2-dimetilhidrazina - DMH em diversos grupos objetivando uma análise sistêmica na saúde dos ratos Wistar, bem como observações de possíveis alterações no peso e níveis séricos desses animais. Os resultados obtidos foram importantes para o retardo na progressão tumoral promovido por EF137v em ratos que fizeram uso do probiótico de modo isolado antes (preventivo) e após (curativo) a indução do câncer. Os ratos apresentaram peso corporal estável, sem mudanças bruscas no decorrer do experimento. Níveis séricos de triglicerídeos apresentaram-se altos após o câncer na maioria dos grupos tratados. Uma discussão sobre possíveis alterações metabólicas foi iniciada, bem como a função protetora da EF137v ao câncer colorretal. O probiótico EF137v mostrou-se forte candidato como agente preventivo para o desenvolvimento do câncer e o procedimento ultrassonográfico uma ferramenta adicional para o acompanhar alterações importantes no intestino.

The interest in the induction of secondary tumours following radiotherapy has greatly increased as developments in detecting and treating the primary tumours have improved the life expectancy of cancer patients. However, most of the knowledge on the current levels of risk comes from patients treated many decades ago. As developments of irradiation techniques take place at a much faster pace than the progression of the carcinogenesis process, the earlier results could not be easily extrapolated to modern treatments. Indeed, the patterns of irradiation from historically-used orthovoltage radiotherapy and from contemporary techniques like conformal radiotherapy with megavoltage radiation, intensity modulated radiation therapy with photons or with particles are quite different. Furthermore, the increased interest in individualised treatment options raises the question of evaluating and ranking the different treatment plan options from the point of view of the risk for cancer induction, in parallel with the quantification of other long-term effects. It is therefore inevitable that models for risk assessment will have to be used to complement the knowledge from epidemiological studies and to make predictions for newer forms of treatment for which clinical evidence is not yet available. This work reviews the mathematical models that could be used to predict the risk of secondary cancers from radiotherapy-relevant dose levels, as well as the approaches and factors that have to be taken into account when including these models in the clinical evaluation process. These include the effects of heterogeneous irradiation, secondary particles production, imaging techniques, interpatient variability and other confounding factors.

Radiotherapy with low to intermediate doses has been historically employed for the management of several benign diseases. The exposure to ionizing radiation may increase the probability for carcinogenesis. The knowledge of this probability is of value for weighting the benefits and risks of radiotherapy against different therapeutic approaches. This study initially reviews the epidemiologic data associated with the cancer induction due to radiotherapy for non-malignant conditions in previous decades. Most of these data were derived from patients irradiated with conventional techniques, which are no longer applied, for some benign diseases not treated with radiotherapy nowadays. The follow-up of a series of patients undergoing modern radiotherapy for benign disorders may be used for estimating the radiation-induced cancer risk. The realization of this process is often difficult due to the relatively small number of patients undergoing radiation therapy for such diseases in many countries and due to long latent period for the appearance of a malignancy after exposure. The combination of dosimetric data, which can be obtained by phantom measurements or treatment planning systems or Monte Carlo calculations, with the appropriate linear and non-linear risk models may lead to theoretical estimates of the radiotherapy-induced cancer risks. The limitations of the method providing a whole-body cancer risk based on the effective dose concept are presented. The theoretical organ-specific risks for carcinogenesis give useful information about the development of malignancies at any in-field, partially in-field and out-of-field critical site. The uncertainties of the organ-dependent cancer risk estimates are discussed.

Cancer induction is a highly complex process involving hundreds of different inducers but whose eventual outcome is the same. Clearly, it is essential to understand how signalling pathways and networks generated by these inducers interact to regulate cell behaviour and create the cancer phenotype. While enormous strides have been made in identifying key networking profiles, the amount of data generated far exceeds our ability to understand how it all “fits together”. The number of potential interactions is astronomically large and requires novel approaches and extreme computation methods to dissect them out. However, such methodologies have high intrinsic mathematical and conceptual content which is difficult to follow. This review explains how computation modelling is progressively finding solutions and also revealing unexpected and unpredictable nano-scale molecular behaviours extremely relevant to how signalling and networking are coherently integrated. It is divided into linked sections illustrated by numerous figures from the literature describing different approaches and offering visual portrayals of networking and major conceptual advances in the field. First, the problem of signalling complexity and data collection is illustrated for only a small selection of known oncogenes. Next, new concepts from biophysics, molecular behaviours, kinetics, organisation at the nano level and predictive models are presented. These areas include: visual representations of networking, Energy Landscapes and energy transfer/dissemination (entropy); diffusion, percolation; molecular crowding; protein allostery; quinary structure and fractal distributions; energy management, metabolism and re-examination of the Warburg effect. The importance of unravelling complex network interactions is then illustrated for some widely-used drugs in cancer therapy whose interactions are very extensive. Finally, use of computational modelling to develop micro- and nano- functional models (“bottom-up” research) is highlighted. The review concludes that computational modelling is an essential part of cancer research and is vital to understanding network formation and molecular behaviours that are associated with it. Its role is increasingly essential because it is unravelling the huge complexity of cancer induction otherwise unattainable by any other approach.

Purpose: The biological effects of ionizing radiation (BEIR VII) report estimates that the risk of getting cancer from radiation is increased by about a third from current regulation risk levels. The propose of this study was to estimate cancer induction risk from abdominopelvic computed tomography (CT) scanning of adult patients using 6- and 16-slice CT scanners.Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study on 200 patients with abdominopelvic CT scan in 6- and 16-slice scanners was conducted. The dose-length product (DLP) and volume CT Dose Index (CTDIvol) values from the scanners as well as the effective dose values from the ImPACT CT patient dosimetry calculator with the biological effects of ionizing radiation (BEIR VII) method were used to estimate the cancer induction risk.Results: The mean (and standard deviation) values of CTDIvol and DLP were 6.9 (±1.07) mGy and 306.44 (± 60.57) mGy.cm for 6-slice, and 5.19 (±0.91) mGy and 219.7 (±49.31) mGy.cm for 16-slice scanner, respectively. The ran...

Polyomaviruses are small, non-enveloped, circular double-stranded DNA viruses. Some polyomaviruses can induce tumors and cancer under certain circumstances. The bovine polyomaviruses (BPyV) 1-3 have been only scarcely analyzed so far. It was hypothesized that the consumption of beef meat containing polyomaviruses could contribute to the development of cancer in humans. In order to assess the distribution of the BPyV genome in meat from Germany, 101 beef muscle samples and 10 ground beef samples were analyzed here. A specific sample preparation method combined with or without rolling circle amplification (RCA), and BPyV-specific PCRs were developed and applied. BPyV-1 DNA was detected in 1/101 (1%) samples from beef meat and in 2/10 (20%) ground beef samples. BPyV-2 DNA was detected in 3/10 (30%) ground beef samples, whereas BPyV-3 was not detected in the samples. Application of RCA did not increase the detection rate in ground beef samples. Sequence analysis of the PCR products indicated the presence of BPyV-1, BPyV-2a and BPyV-2b. The whole genome of a BPyV-1 strain from ground beef meat showed 97.8% sequence identity to the BPyV-1 reference strain and that of a BPyV-2a strain from ground beef meet showed 99.9% sequence identity to strain 2aS11. It can be concluded that BPyV genomes can be frequently detected in ground beef samples, although higher sample numbers should be investigated in future to confirm this finding. Further studies should focus on the infectivity, tumorigenicity and heat resistance of the contained viruses in order to assess the risk of cancer induction through consumption of BPyVs present in beef products.

Aims In the midst of debates about the actual risk posed from computed tomography (CT) imaging, there is a general consensus that patients have a right to information. Despite this, communication of the potential cancer induction risk from CT scans is poor, leading to poor patient awareness. Without adequate awareness of any significant risks patients might be deprived of the opportunity to take part in their own care and, therefore, the opportunity for patient-centered care is missed. The aims of this study were to determine whether CT radiographers provide patients with information about cancer induction risks from CT scans and the rationale for their practices. Methodology A qualitative constructivism philosophical approach was taken. Online data collection tools in the form of questionnaires and one-to-one semistructured interviews were used. CT radiographers from five hospitals in the Greater London (the United Kingdom) region took part in the study. Results The sample size for the survey and interviews were 38 and eight, respectively, and the response rate was 33.63%. In the study, 63.16% of participants informed their patients of the cancer induction risk "sometimes." Ultimately, five main concepts that influence communication practices were identified: anxiety, knowledge, time or workload, perceived professional responsibility, and the patients' right to information. Anxiety was found to facilitate and hinder communication. Discussion and Conclusion The results from this study outline that CT radiographers took a passive approach to risk communication more often than not. Their reasons loosely focused on not wanting to discourage patients from having scans, a lack of time and a large gap in radiation risk knowledge. In conclusion, CT radiographers may need to take a more active approach to providing patients with information about the potential radiocarcinogenic risk if truly patient-centered care is to be realized.

Background Modern living is awash with low-frequency electromagnetic radiation raising concern over health effects, birth defects, and infant cancers especially leukemias. Medical/scientific opinion is ambivalent, especially regarding possible mechanisms of action despite our bodies׳ many electric currents. Aims Are some cancers induced by morphogenetic changes rather than direct mutation? We wished to see if morphogenetic effects of weak, extremely low-frequency electric (ELF) fields in embryonated hen׳s eggs could induce cancers, knowing that such treatment is usually deleterious. We report a pilot study intended to reveal a promising cell source in which to search for cancer cells by established methods and then to check for DNA damage. Methods Stored (5°C for 1–36 days) fresh, fertile hens׳ eggs were incubated (38°C, total five or six days) in presence or absence of a weak ELF oscillating electric field (1–40V/cm, 1–50Hz and two to six days). Separated embryos were assessed for development stage. Results Storage of untreated eggs (>12 days, 5°C) allows a steady loss of normal embryo formation at 38°C (few viable by 25 days, half-life ~18 days). Surprisingly, incubation in a weak ELF field during the period of declining viability significantly ( P : 0.03–0.0001) improved viability and condition of the embryos (new half-life ~21 days), rather than the expected converse. Thus for a few days, the field could keep viable some embryos that would otherwise not have survived. Conclusions The rescued embryos and their untreated controls seem the most promising place to seek any carcinogenic effects of ELF fields. The nature of the presumed critical component keeping them viable during 5°C storage is at least of equal interest.

Methylguanidine, an originator of carcinogenic methylnitrosourea, has been found in many animal meats and processed stored food often in high concentration. The present study was designed to understand the multiple dose effect of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU), an end product of methylguanidine, in Swiss albino mice fertility as well as cancer induction. Accordingly, a total of five experimental groups of animal (female Swiss albino mice) were taken, considering group-I as vehicle control and group-II-V as treatment groups (whereas group-II-Vwere treated with single to quadruple doses of 50 mg/kg of MNU respectively in a three weeks interval). After accomplishment of MNU injection, each female mice was mated with male mice to check the fertility efficiency. The results of the study indicated that, mice treated with highest number of MNU doses were 42.85% less efficient in getting pregnant than the control mice. There were noted changes in body weight, food and water intake upon MNU-exposure compared to control group. A significant increase in cumulative weight of vital female organs like uterus and ovary were also observed in mice injected with quadruple doses of MNU (50 mg/kg) compared to control mice. The findings of the study suggest the direct effect of MNU in pregnancy, without any cancer incidence in the vital female organs of Swiss albino mice., Carcinogen; N-methyl-N-nitrosourea; Food contaminant; Fertility; Cancer induction

Purpose Planar bone scans play an important role in the staging and monitoring of malignancy and metastases. Metastases in the lumbar spine are associated with significant morbidity; therefore, accurate diagnosis is essential. Supplementary imaging after planar bone scans is often required to characterize lesions; however, this is associated with additional radiation dose. This article provides information on the comparative effective dose and effective risk from supplementary lumbar spine radiographs, low-dose computed tomography (LDCT), and diagnostic CT (DCT). Method Organ dose was measured in a phantom using thermoluminescent dosimeters. Effective dose and effective risk were calculated for radiographs, LDCT, and DCT imaging of the lumbar spine. Results Radiation dose was 0.56 mSv for the anteroposterior and lateral lumbar spine radiographs, 0.80 mSv for LDCT, and 3.78 mSv for DCT. Additional imaging resulted in an increase in effective dose of 12.28%, 17.54%, and 82.89% for radiographs, LDCT, and DCT, respectively. Risk of cancer induction decreased as age increased. The difference in risk between the modalities also decreased. Males had a statistically significant higher risk than female patients ( P = .023), attributed to the sensitive organs being closer to the exposed area. Conclusions Effective dose for LDCT is comparable with radiographs of the lumbar spine. With the known benefits of image fusion, it is recommended that LDCT replace radiograph imaging for characterization of lumbar spine lesions identified on planar bone scans. DCT is associated with significantly higher effective dose than LDCT. Effective risk is also higher, and the difference is more marked in younger female patients.

Areca Nut (AN), the seed of tropical palm tree Areca catechu, is a widely chewed natural product with estimated 600 million users across the world. Various AN products, thriving in the market, portray 'Areca nut' or 'Supari' as mouth freshener and safe alternative to smokeless tobacco. Unfortunately, AN is identified as a Group 1 human carcinogen by International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Wide variation in the level of alkaloids, broadly ranging from 2 to 10 mg/gm dry weight, is observed in diverse variety of AN sold worldwide. For the first time, various factors influencing the formation of carcinogenic alkaloids in AN at various stages, including during the growth, processing, and storage of the nut, are discussed. Current review illustrates the mechanism of cancer induction by areca alkaloids in humans and also compiles dose-dependent pharmacology and toxicology data of arecoline, the most potent carcinogenic alkaloid in AN. Careful monitoring of the arecoline content in AN can potentially be used as a tool in product surveillance studies to identify the variations in characteristics of various AN sample sold worldwide. The article will help to generate public awareness and sensitize the government bodies to initiate campaigns against AN use and addiction.

Biological responses to low-dose and high-dose radiations are markedly different; the former produce beneficial effects and the latter at acute doses cause detrimental health effects such as cancer induction. High-dose radiations (>2 Gy) of low linear energy transfer are widely used in the treatment of cancer, but limitations are imposed due to normal tissue adverse reactions. Low-dose radiations (LDRs), such as X-rays (a few mGy), have been widely used in diagnosis of many diseases without any known adverse health effects. LDR preexposures have been known to suppress cancer induction by acute doses of radiation. This article briefly reviews the possible applications of LDR in cancer therapy and delineates the underlying radiobiological mechanisms in suppressing high-dose-induced cancer. It is further argued to develop LDR technology in preventing and for palliative outcomes in fighting COVID-19 pandemic infection among the populations. Furthermore, it is suggested to examine the average number of people living in high background radiation areas for susceptibility to COVID-19 infection and compare with the average infection rate in the general public for gaining new knowledge on the response of LDR-exposed population.