Edible Vaccines: A Patent-Driven Exploration of Immunization Technologies

Vaccines are biological preparations that improve immunity to particular diseases. Particularly for poor developing nations, edible vaccines show significant potential as a financially advantageous, simple to administer, straightforward to store, fail-safe, and socially and culturally acceptable vaccine delivery system. A vaccine incorporates the gene-encoding bacterial or viral disease-causing agent in plants without losing its immunogenic property. Potatoes, tomatoes, rice, soybeans, and bananas are the primary plants for edible vaccines. It activates the systemic and mucosal immunity responses against a foreign disease-causing organism. It offers exciting possibilities to reduce diseases like hepatitis B, rabies, HIV/AIDS (human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immune deficiency syndrome), etc. These vaccines provide many benefits, like being convenient to administer, efficiently storing, and readily acceptable drug delivery systems for patients of different age groups. So, an edible vaccine may be the most convenient vaccine to improve immunity. However, there are a lot of technical and regulatory challenges to overcome in the way of edible vaccine technology. Though all seem surmountable, various technical obstacles and regulatory and non-scientific challenges need to be overcome. Moreover, edible vaccine patents represent a cutting-edge area of biotechnology, where the integration of genetic material into edible substances holds great promise for revolutionizing vaccination methods. These patents aim to harness the potential of plants and other edibles to stimulate immune responses, offering a potential alternative to traditional injectable vaccines. This review states the technologies, host plants, current status, recent patents, the future of this new preventive modality, and different regulatory issues concerning edible vaccines.

Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Phytoconstituents for Addressing Neurodegenerative Disorders

Neurodegenerative disorder is a serious condition that is caused by abnormal or no neurological function. Neurodegenerative disease is a major growing cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide, especially in the elderly. After World War Ⅱ, eugenics term was exterminated from medicines. Neurodegenerative disease is a genetically inherited disease. Lifestyle changes, environmental factors, and genetic modification, together or alone, are involved in the occurrence of this disorder. The major examples of neurodegenerative disorders are Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, in which apoptosis and necrosis are the two major death pathways for neurons. It has been determined from various studies that the etiology of the neurodegenerative disease involves the role of oxidative stress and anti-oxidant defence system, which are prime factors associated with the activation of signal transduction pathway that is responsible for the formation of synuclein in the brain and manifestation of toxic reactions in the form of functional abnormality, which ultimately leads to the dysfunction of neuronal pathway or cell. There has not been much success in the discovery of effective therapy to treat neurodegenerative diseases because the main cause of abnormal functioning or death of neurons is not well known. However, the use of natural products that are derived from plants has effective therapeutic potential against neurodegenerative disease. The natural compounds with medicinal properties to prevent neurological dysfunction are curcumin, wolfberry, ginseng, and Withania somnifera. The selection and use of natural compounds are based on their strong anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties against neurodegenerative disease. Herbal products have active constituents that play an important role in the prevention of communication errors between neurons and neurotransmitters and their respective receptors in the brain, which influence their function. Considering this, natural products have great potential against neurodegenerative diseases. This article reviews the natural compounds used to treat neurodegenerative diseases and their mechanisms of action.

COVID-19 Vaccination Program for Children: An Electronic Assessment of Symptoms

BACKGROUND

The evolution of COVID-19 vaccinations, which are mostly seen as crucial to curb the epidemic, is a result of remarkable and ground-breaking researches by scientists around the world.

OBJECTIVE

The main goal of this study was to identify the significant adverse reactions of these vaccines, specifically in Homo sapiens.

METHODS

In this research, a trial version of Qualtrics CoreXM software was used, and 18 questionnaires were prototyped as part of an online survey that was done in the northern part of India.

RESULTS

The dataset included survey responses from 286 vaccinated (Corbevax) respondents' samples detailing their demographics, daily activities, type of gastronomic preferences, and any prior illnesses. The data were collected between March 24, 2022, and April 26, 2022. After analysis, 70.98% of respondents who took the first dose of the medication experienced side effects, while 50.62% of respondents who took the second dose of the medication stated the same. The major side effects reported were injection site pain, fever, tiredness, body ache, headache, etc.

CONCLUSION

After conducting a poll on children (aged 12-18) who had received the COVID-19 vaccination, we concluded that immunizations rarely cause moderate side effects that are manageable.

Emerging Treatment Options of Pluronic in Designing Colloidal Nano and Microcarriers Carriers for Various Therapies

Poloxamers, commonly known as Pluronics, are a special family of synthetic tri-block copolymers with a core structure made of hydrophobic poly (propylene oxide) chains sandwiched by two hydrophilic poly (ethylene oxide) chains. It is possible to modify the mechanical, bioactive, and microstructural characteristics of Pluronics to simulate the behavior of different types of tissues. Additionally, they are auspicious drug carriers with the capacity to increase therapeutic agent availability and to design nano-drug formulations for various ailments. The nanoformulation composed of Pluronics is more susceptible to cancer cells due to their amphiphilic nature and feature of selfassembling into micelles. Today's expanding poloxamer research is creating new hopes that increase the possibility of new remedies for a brand-new nanomedicine age treatment. This article provides a concise overview of the classification, grading, and attributes of drug delivery systems (DDSs) as well as the potential for Pluronics to create micro and nanocarriers. We subsequently discuss its utility in drug delivery for cancer, gene therapy, anti-infective therapy, antioxidants, anti-diabetic drugs, anti-HIV, Alzheimer's disease, and antimicrobial drugs. This review also highlighted several patented formulations that contain various grades of Pluronics in one or more different ways. The recent findings in fundamental research in the field properly demonstrate the strong interest in these novel pharmaceutical strategies.

Deciphering the Therapeutic Applications of Nanomedicine in Ovarian Cancer Therapy: An Overview

The majority of deadly cancers that afflict the female reproductive system occur in the ovary. Around 1,40,000 women worldwide die from ovarian cancer each year, making it the sixth most common cancer-associated deceases among females in the United States. Modern, cutting-edge treatments like chemotherapy and surgery frequently produce full remissions, but the recurrence rate is still very high. When this crippling condition is diagnosed, there are frequently few therapeutic choices available because of how quietly it manifests. Healthcare practitioners must have a fundamental grasp of the warning signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer, as well as the imaging techniques and treatment choices available, to give the patient the best care possible. The discipline of medical nanotechnology has gained a lot of momentum in recent years in resolving issues and enhancing the detection and treatment of different illnesses, including cancer. This article gives a brief summary of types, risk factors and approaches to ovarian cancer treatment. We subsequently discussed the pathophysiology of ovarian cancer with the risk factors. This review also emphasizes the various signalling pathways involved in ovarian cancer. Our comprehensive integration of recent findings in fundamental research in the nano arena reveals the strong interest in these nanomedicines in ovarian cancer treatment. However, these nanomedicines still require more research, as indicated by the comparatively small number of clinical trials ongoing. This article will provide a reference for ovarian cancer treatment.

Puerarin: an Anticancer and Anti-Inflammatory Agent

Objective:

Puerarin is a well-known anti-inflammatory agent which has demonstrated its potential to cure numerous ailments. Though many plants are reported in the literature, still their mechanisms are unversed. In this review, numerous mechanisms of puerarin to cure cancer and other inflammatory disorders, pharmacokinetics and adverse events, and boulevards of further research are discussed.

Methods:

Organized research was done using ScienceDirect, PubMed, ResearchGate, Google Scholar, Google Patents and ScienceDirect Medline to quest all the available data to date on puerarin. Different keywords used were “puerarin”, “Pueraria tuberosa”, “cancer”, “anti-inflammatory”, “cardiovascular”, “IBD”, “pharmacokinetics” etc.

Results:

One hundred thirty-six articles and thirteen patents were studied. Puerarin is reported to treat chronic problems like inflammation, sexual dysfunction, cardiovascular diseases and menaces such as colon, stomach, lung and breast cancer by numerous mechanisms, as these ailments do not progress via a single independent pathway.

Conclusion:

Conclusion: This article will definitely help budding researchers scrutinize the wealth of information on the therapeutic chattels of puerarin and identify the gaps that have forbidden its application as a potential molecule to cure various ailments.

An Investigation on Self-Medication Practice During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among the Indian Population

BACKGROUND

Self-medication has both negative and beneficial effects on people's health, as the COVID-19 epidemic has demonstrated. The goal of the study is to look into the epidemiology of self-medicated medications used for respiratory symptoms, as a COVID-19 preventive, for its symptoms, or after a positive COVID-19 test, and to see how symptom relief is viewed in India, as well as what demographic factors encourage self-medication.

METHODS

Using a trial version of Qualtrics Core XM software to prototype 24 surveys, a webbased questionnaire was built, tested, and disseminated in several Indian states.

RESULT

In the survey, 519 candidates participated. 43% of respondents reported that all symptoms were relieved. However, just 39% of all respondents took the government-recommended Ayushkwath, and 56% took a vitamin C tablet to improve immunity. Aspirin, ibuprofen, and azithromycin were shown to be the most commonly used medications for various symptoms, including fever, weariness, cough, sneezing, loose motion, and immune boost, and breathing problems.

CONCLUSION

Self-medication was common, with many people taking drugs for which there was little scientific evidence. The frequency of self-medication was connected to age, region, and employment position.

An Electronic Evaluation of Symptoms in People of India Post-COVID-19 Vaccination

BACKGROUND

Remarkable and groundbreaking performances of scientists all over the globe have led to the evolution of COVID-19 vaccines, which are extensively viewed as means to control the epidemic. The primary purpose of this research work was to discover the major side effects of the vaccines, mainly in Homo sapiens.

METHODS

An online survey was conducted in various cities of Haryana, India, using a trial version of QualtricsCoreXM software to prototype 20 questionnaires.

RESULTS

In the survey, 200 candidates participated, among which 83.5% had received Covishield and 16.5% had been vaccinated with Covaxin. Overall 65% of respondents have reported side effects. The major side effects reported were fever, tiredness, myalgia, diarrhea, headache, etc. Conclusion: Succeeding the survey related to the effects of COVID-19 vaccine on non-identical Homo sapiens, generally with respect to their perspective regarding the symptoms of vaccine, both the vaccines were found to have mild side effects which could be easily managed.

Technological advancements in jaggery-making processes and emission reduction potential via clean combustion for sustainable jaggery production: An overview

Jaggery is a kind of unrefined non-centrifugal sugar (NCS) used mainly in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Traditionally, jaggery is produced by concentrating sugarcane juice in open pans with the help of bagasse combustion. However, due to thermal energy loss with flue gases and an unscientific approach in plant construction, jaggery plants have a poor thermal efficiency of less than 25%, poor emission characteristics, and a high bagasse consumption rate. Advanced jaggery-making techniques use solar energy and heat pumps for jaggery production. However, these techniques are in the early stage of development, and the literature indicates that these techniques should be used in conjuction with traditional ones to improve the performance of jaggery making plants. This literature review describes advances in jaggery-making methods, critically analyzed them, and provides a qualitative comparison of these methods. Further, gaps in the existing literature are identified and reported for future research direction. In addition, efforts have been made to quantify and estimate the emissions reduction and bagasse consumption potentials from the traditional jaggery industry to make this rural industry a sustainable and profitable business for rural entrepreneurs. The comparison with the recently developed clean combustion device exhibits that the harmful emissions from the jaggery industry could be reduced drastically viz. 95%-98% of PM2.5; 92%-95% of CO, and 52-60% of CO2, while saving more than 35% of bagasse consumption. Implemented at a national scale, it may reduce nearly 3% of all harmful emissions in the country, which is equally applicable elsewhere.

Novel Coronavirus 2019 Outbreak: A Global Epidemic

Background:

In the 1960s, the human coronavirus was designated, which is responsible for the upper respiratory tract disease in children. Back in 2003, mainly 5 new coronaviruses were recognized. This study directly pursues to govern knowledge, attitude and practice of viral and droplet infection isolation safeguard among the researchers during the outbreak of the COVID-19.

Introduction:

Coronavirus is a proteinaceous and infectious pathogen. It is an etiological agent of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). Coronavirus, appeared in China from the seafood and poultry market last year, which has spread in various countries, and has caused several deaths.

Methods:

The literature data has been taken from different search platforms like PubMed, Science Direct, Embase, Web of Science, who.int portal and complied.

Results:

Corona virology study will be more advanced and outstanding in recent years. COVID-19 epidemic is a threatening reminder not solely for one country but all over the universe.

Conclusion:

In this review article, we encapsulated the pathogenesis, geographical spread of coronavirus worldwide, also discussed the perspective of diagnosis, effective treatment, and primary recommendations by the World Health Organization, and guidelines of the government to slow down the impact of the virus are also optimistic, efficacious and obliging for the public health. However, it will take a prolonged time in the future to overcome this epidemic.

Identical and Nonidentical Twins: Risk and Factors Involved in Development of Islet Autoimmunity and Type 1 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE

There are variable reports of risk of concordance for progression to islet autoantibodies and type 1 diabetes in identical twins after one twin is diagnosed. We examined development of positive autoantibodies and type 1 diabetes and the effects of genetic factors and common environment on autoantibody positivity in identical twins, nonidentical twins, and full siblings.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Subjects from the TrialNet Pathway to Prevention Study (N = 48,026) were screened from 2004 to 2015 for islet autoantibodies (GAD antibody [GADA], insulinoma-associated antigen 2 [IA-2A], and autoantibodies against insulin [IAA]). Of these subjects, 17,226 (157 identical twins, 283 nonidentical twins, and 16,786 full siblings) were followed for autoantibody positivity or type 1 diabetes for a median of 2.1 years.

RESULTS

At screening, identical twins were more likely to have positive GADA, IA-2A, and IAA than nonidentical twins or full siblings (all P < 0.0001). Younger age, male sex, and genetic factors were significant factors for expression of IA-2A, IAA, one or more positive autoantibodies, and two or more positive autoantibodies (all P ≤ 0.03). Initially autoantibody-positive identical twins had a 69% risk of diabetes by 3 years compared with 1.5% for initially autoantibody-negative identical twins. In nonidentical twins, type 1 diabetes risk by 3 years was 72% for initially multiple autoantibody-positive, 13% for single autoantibody-positive, and 0% for initially autoantibody-negative nonidentical twins. Full siblings had a 3-year type 1 diabetes risk of 47% for multiple autoantibody-positive, 12% for single autoantibody-positive, and 0.5% for initially autoantibody-negative subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

Risk of type 1 diabetes at 3 years is high for initially multiple and single autoantibody-positive identical twins and multiple autoantibody-positive nonidentical twins. Genetic predisposition, age, and male sex are significant risk factors for development of positive autoantibodies in twins.

Abstract P1-01-14: Nuclease-activated oligonucleotide probes for detection of breast cancer circulating tumor cells (CTCs): Early clinical results

Introduction:

A challenge for CTC-based diagnostic tests has been the development of methods with sufficient sensitivity to detect low levels of CTCs. Expense, accuracy and complexity have also limited clinical uptake of CTCs. To overcome these limitations we explored detecting CTCs by measuring their nuclease activity with nuclease-activated probes. We present the development of a rapid and highly-sensitive CTC detection assay based on probes that are selectively digested (activated) by target nucleases expressed in breast cancer cells.

Methods:

Nuclease activity in samples from women with Stage IV breast cancer and healthy donors was determined and correlated with clinical data. Patients seen at University of Iowa Clincis were eligible for this IRB-approved study. Blood samples were processed using microfilter (ScreenCell) units for CTC enrichment and converted into cell lysates that were examined by means of three different chemically-optimized oligonucleotide probes. CTC-derived nuclease activity was quantified using a fluorometer. The presence of CTCs was confirmed using established CTC detection methods (e.g. RT-PCR, immunohistostaining).

Results:

Sensitivity of the probe assay was 5 cancer cells in buffer solution and ~200 cancer cells in 1 mL of healthy donor blood. The final study cohort included 28 breast cancer patients and 10 healthy donors. The averaged signal intensities from patient samples were significantly higher compared to the healthy donor control group, presumably arising from CTCs in the blood. Statistical analysis further reveald short incubations in the assay (&lt;20 min) to be optimal. From an ROC analysis we obtained AUC values of 0.8821, 0.8103 and 0.9356 for the three different probes. The oligonucleotide probe being the best predictor of disease yielded 100% sensitivity in the patient samples with a specificity of 70%. The dsDNA 20 minute probe was correlated negatively with tumors being ER+/PR+ (p=0.03). The 2'f-RNA 0 minute probe correlated significantly with HER2- tumors (p=0.04). In this smaller series other trends were also suggested.

Conclusion:

We describe a novel diagnostic for the detection of CTCs that could overcome limitations of CTC detection assays and could provide a robust diagnostic tool for breast cancer. Future clinical assays derived from this technology could require minimal training and infrastructure and might be developed into a point-of-care testing format.

Citation Format: Giangrande PH, Kruspe S, Dickey DD, Kamboj S, Clark KC, Urak K, Burghardt E, Smith B, Thomas A, McNamara JO. Nuclease-activated oligonucleotide probes for detection of breast cancer circulating tumor cells (CTCs): Early clinical results [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-01-14.

Inter-comparison of dynamic models for radionuclide transfer to marine biota in a Fukushima accident scenario

We report an inter-comparison of eight models designed to predict the radiological exposure of radionuclides in marine biota. The models were required to simulate dynamically the uptake and turnover of radionuclides by marine organisms. Model predictions of radionuclide uptake and turnover using kinetic calculations based on biological half-life (TB1/2) and/or more complex metabolic modelling approaches were used to predict activity concentrations and, consequently, dose rates of (90)Sr, (131)I and (137)Cs to fish, crustaceans, macroalgae and molluscs under circumstances where the water concentrations are changing with time. For comparison, the ERICA Tool, a model commonly used in environmental assessment, and which uses equilibrium concentration ratios, was also used. As input to the models we used hydrodynamic forecasts of water and sediment activity concentrations using a simulated scenario reflecting the Fukushima accident releases. Although model variability is important, the intercomparison gives logical results, in that the dynamic models predict consistently a pattern of delayed rise of activity concentration in biota and slow decline instead of the instantaneous equilibrium with the activity concentration in seawater predicted by the ERICA Tool. The differences between ERICA and the dynamic models increase the shorter the TB1/2 becomes; however, there is significant variability between models, underpinned by parameter and methodological differences between them. The need to validate the dynamic models used in this intercomparison has been highlighted, particularly in regards to optimisation of the model biokinetic parameters.

Whole-organism concentration ratios for plutonium in wildlife from past US nuclear research data

Whole-organism concentration ratios (CRwo-media) for plutonium (Pu) in wildlife were calculated using data from the broad range of organism types and environmental settings of the US nuclear research program. Original sources included site-specific reports and scientific journal articles typically from 1960s to 80s research. Most of the calculated CRwo-media values are new to existing data sets, and, for some wildlife categories, serve to fill gaps or add to sparse data including those for terrestrial reptile; freshwater bird, crustacean and zooplankton; and marine crustacean and zooplankton. Ratios of Pu concentration in the whole-organism to that in specific tissues and organs are provided here for a range of freshwater and marine fish. The CRwo-media values in fish living in liquid discharge ponds were two orders of magnitude higher than those for similar species living in lakes receiving Pu from atmospheric fallout, suggesting the physico-chemical form of the source Pu can dominate over other factors related to transfer, such as organism size and feeding behavior. Small rodent data indicated one to two order of magnitude increases when carcass, pelt, and gastrointestinal tract were included together in the whole-organism calculation compared to that for carcass alone. Only 4% of Pu resided in the carcass of small rodents compared to 75% in the gastrointestinal tract and 21% in the pelt.

Effects of the new wildlife transfer factors on RESRAD-BIOTA's screening Biota Concentration Guides and previous model comparison studies

The RESRAD-BIOTA Level 1 default Biota Concentration Guides (BCGs) are generic screening environmental medium concentrations based on reasonably conservative concentration ratios (CRs). These CRs had been identified from available literature for a variety of biota organisms. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Technical Report Series (TRS) handbook on radionuclide transfer to wildlife was recently published with data that can be compared with the RESRAD-BIOTA values. In addition, previous IAEA Environmental Modeling for Radiation Safety (EMRAS) II Biota Working Group model comparison results are examined by comparing them with those obtained using the new TRS CR values for wildlife. Since the CR affects only internal doses, the effect on the overall dose depends on the relative contribution from internal and external exposure pathways.

Assessing doses to terrestrial wildlife at a radioactive waste disposal site: inter-comparison of modelling approaches

Radiological doses to terrestrial wildlife were examined in this model inter-comparison study that emphasised factors causing variability in dose estimation. The study participants used varying modelling approaches and information sources to estimate dose rates and tissue concentrations for a range of biota types exposed to soil contamination at a shallow radionuclide waste burial site in Australia. Results indicated that the dominant factor causing variation in dose rate estimates (up to three orders of magnitude on mean total dose rates) was the soil-to-organism transfer of radionuclides that included variation in transfer parameter values as well as transfer calculation methods. Additional variation was associated with other modelling factors including: how participants conceptualised and modelled the exposure configurations (two orders of magnitude); which progeny to include with the parent radionuclide (typically less than one order of magnitude); and dose calculation parameters, including radiation weighting factors and dose conversion coefficients (typically less than one order of magnitude). Probabilistic approaches to model parameterisation were used to encompass and describe variable model parameters and outcomes. The study confirms the need for continued evaluation of the underlying mechanisms governing soil-to-organism transfer of radionuclides to improve estimation of dose rates to terrestrial wildlife. The exposure pathways and configurations available in most current codes are limited when considering instances where organisms access subsurface contamination through rooting, burrowing, or using different localised waste areas as part of their habitual routines.

The estimation of absorbed dose rates for non-human biota: an extended intercomparison

An exercise to compare 10 approaches for the calculation of unweighted whole-body absorbed dose rates was conducted for 74 radionuclides and five of the ICRP's Reference Animals and Plants, or RAPs (duck, frog, flatfish egg, rat and elongated earthworm), selected for this exercise to cover a range of body sizes, dimensions and exposure scenarios. Results were analysed using a non-parametric method requiring no specific hypotheses about the statistical distribution of data. The obtained unweighted absorbed dose rates for internal exposure compare well between the different approaches, with 70% of the results falling within a range of variation of ±20%. The variation is greater for external exposure, although 90% of the estimates are within an order of magnitude of one another. There are some discernible patterns where specific models over- or under-predicted. These are explained based on the methodological differences including number of daughter products included in the calculation of dose rate for a parent nuclide; source-target geometry; databases for discrete energy and yield of radionuclides; rounding errors in integration algorithms; and intrinsic differences in calculation methods. For certain radionuclides, these factors combine to generate systematic variations between approaches. Overall, the technique chosen to interpret the data enabled methodological differences in dosimetry calculations to be quantified and compared, allowing the identification of common issues between different approaches and providing greater assurance on the fundamental dose conversion coefficient approaches used in available models for assessing radiological effects to biota.

An international model validation exercise on radionuclide transfer and doses to freshwater biota

Under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)'s EMRAS (Environmental Modelling for Radiation Safety) programme, activity concentrations of (60)Co, (90)Sr, (137)Cs and (3)H in Perch Lake at Atomic Energy of Canada Limited's Chalk River Laboratories site were predicted, in freshwater primary producers, invertebrates, fishes, herpetofauna and mammals using eleven modelling approaches. Comparison of predicted radionuclide concentrations in the different species types with measured values highlighted a number of areas where additional work and understanding is required to improve the predictions of radionuclide transfer. For some species, the differences could be explained by ecological factors such as trophic level or the influence of stable analogues. Model predictions were relatively poor for mammalian species and herpetofauna compared with measured values, partly due to a lack of relevant data. In addition, concentration ratios are sometimes under-predicted when derived from experiments performed under controlled laboratory conditions representative of conditions in other water bodies.

Predicting the radiation exposure of terrestrial wildlife in the Chernobyl exclusion zone: an international comparison of approaches

There is now general acknowledgement that there is a requirement to demonstrate that species other than humans are protected from anthropogenic releases of radioactivity. A number of approaches have been developed for estimating the exposure of wildlife and some of these are being used to conduct regulatory assessments. There is a requirement to compare the outputs of such approaches against available data sets to ensure that they are robust and fit for purpose. In this paper we describe the application of seven approaches for predicting the whole-body ((90)Sr, (137)Cs, (241)Am and Pu isotope) activity concentrations and absorbed dose rates for a range of terrestrial species within the Chernobyl exclusion zone. Predictions are compared against available measurement data, including estimates of external dose rate recorded by thermoluminescent dosimeters attached to rodent species. Potential reasons for differences between predictions between the various approaches and the available data are explored.

Modeling of the EMRAS urban working group hypothetical scenario using the RESRAD-RDD methodology

The RESRAD-RDD methodology was applied to model the short- and long-term radiation exposures after a hypothetical radiological dispersal device (RDD) event in an urban environment. It was assumed that an RDD event would result in outside surface contamination of the exterior walls and roofs of surrounding buildings, as well as associated paved areas and lawns. The contaminants also might move inside the buildings and deposit on floors and interior walls. Some important input parameters include occupancy factors, building characteristics, and weathering of surface contamination. The modeling results include predicted external dose rates, relative contributions from important surfaces, annual and cumulative doses, and radionuclide concentrations. Potential countermeasures evaluated include grass removal, soil removal, and washing of paved areas.

Modelling the long-term consequences of a hypothetical dispersal of radioactivity in an urban area including remediation alternatives

The Urban Remediation Working Group of the International Atomic Energy Agency's EMRAS (Environmental Modelling for Radiation Safety) program was organized to address issues of remediation assessment modelling for urban areas contaminated with dispersed radionuclides. The present paper describes the second of two modelling exercises. This exercise was based on a hypothetical dispersal of radioactivity in an urban area from a radiological dispersal device, with reference surface contamination at selected sites used as the primary input information. Modelling endpoints for the exercise included radionuclide concentrations and external dose rates at specified locations, contributions to the dose rates from individual surfaces, and annual and cumulative external doses to specified reference individuals. Model predictions were performed for a "no action" situation (with no remedial measures) and for selected countermeasures. The exercise provided an opportunity for comparison of three modelling approaches, as well as a comparison of the predicted effectiveness of various countermeasures in terms of their short-term and long-term effects on predicted doses to humans.

Inter-comparison of models to estimate radionuclide activity concentrations in non-human biota

A number of models have recently been, or are currently being, developed to enable the assessment of radiation doses from ionising radiation to non-human species. A key component of these models is the ability to predict whole-organism activity concentrations in a wide range of wildlife. In this paper, we compare the whole-organism activity concentrations predicted by eight models participating within the IAEA Environmental Modelling for Radiation Safety programme for a range of radionuclides to terrestrial and freshwater organisms. In many instances, there was considerable variation, ranging over orders of magnitude, between the predictions of the different models. Reasons for this variability (including methodology, data source and data availability) are identified and discussed. The active participation of groups responsible for the development of key models within this exercise is a useful step forward in providing the transparency in methodology and data provenance required for models which are either currently being used for regulatory purposes or which may be used in the future. The work reported in this paper, and supported by other findings, demonstrates that the largest contribution to variability between model predictions is the parameterisation of their transfer components. There is a clear need to focus efforts and provide authoritative compilations of those data which are available.

Web-based training course for evaluating radiological dose assessment in NRC's license termination process

As part of the requirement for terminating the licenses of nuclear power plants or other nuclear facilities, license termination plans or decommissioning plans are submitted by the licensee to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for review and approval. Decommissioning plans generally refer to the decommissioning of nonreactor facilities, while license termination plans specifically refer to the decommissioning of nuclear reactor facilities. To provide a uniform and consistent review of dose modeling aspects of these plans and to address NRC-wide knowledge management issues, the NRC, in 2006, commissioned Argonne National Laboratory to develop a Web-based training course on reviewing radiological dose assessments for license termination. The course, which had first been developed in 2005 to target specific aspects of the review processes for license termination plans and decommissioning plans, evolved from a live classroom course into a Web-based training course in 2006. The objective of the Web-based training course is to train NRC staff members (who have various relevant job functions and are located at headquarters, regional offices, and site locations) to conduct an effective review of dose modeling in accordance with the latest NRC guidance, including NUREG-1757, Volumes 1 and 2. The exact size of the staff population who will receive the training has not yet been accurately determined but will depend on various factors such as the decommissioning activities at the NRC. This Web-based training course is designed to give NRC staff members modern, flexible access to training. To this end, the course is divided into 16 modules: 9 core modules that deal with basic topics, and 7 advanced modules that deal with complex issues or job-specific topics. The core and advanced modules are tailored to various NRC staff members with different job functions. The Web-based system uses the commercially available software Articulate, which incorporates audio, video, and animation in slide presentations and has glossary, document search, and Internet connectivity features. The training course has been implemented on an NRC system that allows staff members to register, select courses, track records, and self-administer quizzes.

Inter-comparison of absorbed dose rates for non-human biota

A number of approaches have been proposed to estimate the exposure of non-human biota to ionizing radiation. This paper reports an inter-comparison of the unweighted absorbed dose rates for the whole organism (compared as dose conversion coefficients, or DCCs) for both internal and external exposure, estimated by 11 of these approaches for selected organisms from the Reference Animals and Plants geometries as proposed by the International Commission on Radiological Protection. Inter-comparison results indicate that DCCs for internal exposure compare well between the different approaches, whereas variation is greater for external exposure DCCs. Where variation among internal DCCs is greatest, it is generally due to different daughter products being included in the DCC of the parent. In the case of external exposures, particularly to low-energy beta-emitters, variations are most likely to be due to different media densities being assumed. On a radionuclide-by-radionuclide basis, the different approaches tend to compare least favourably for (3)H, (14)C and the alpha-emitters. This is consistent with models with different source/target geometry assumptions showing maximum variability in output for the types of radiation having the lowest range across matter. The intercomparison demonstrated that all participating approaches to biota dose calculation are reasonably comparable, despite a range of different assumptions being made.

Radioactive materials in biosolids: dose modeling

The Interagency Steering Committee on Radiation Standards (ISCORS) has recently completed a study of the occurrence within the United States of radioactive materials in sewage sludge and sewage incineration ash. One component of that effort was an examination of the possible transport of radioactivity from sludge into the local environment and the subsequent exposure of humans. A stochastic environmental pathway model was applied separately to seven hypothetical, generic sludge-release scenarios, leading to the creation of seven tables of Dose-to-Source Ratios (DSR), which can be used in translating from specific activity in sludge into dose to an individual. These DSR values were then combined with the results of an ISCORS survey of sludge and ash at more than 300 publicly owned treatment works, to explore the potential for radiation exposure of sludge workers and members of the public. This paper provides a brief overview of the pathway modeling methodology employed in the exposure and dose assessments and discusses technical aspects of the results obtained.

External exposure model in the RESRAD computer code

An external exposure model has been developed for the RESRAD computer code that provides flexibility in modeling soil contamination configurations for calculating external doses to exposed individuals. This model is based on the dose coefficients given in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Federal Guidance Report No. 12 (FGR-12) and the point kernel method. It extends the applicability of FGR-12 data to include the effects of different source geometries, such as cover thickness, source thickness, source area, and shape of contaminated area of a specific site. A depth factor function was developed to express the dependence of the dose on the source thickness. A cover-and-depth factor function, derived from this depth factor function, takes into account the dependence of dose on the thickness of the source region and the thickness of the cover above the source region. To further extend the model for realistic geometries, area and shape factors were derived that depend not only on the lateral extent of the contamination, but also on source thickness, cover thickness, and radionuclides present. Results obtained with the model generally compare well with those from the Monte Carlo N-Particle transport code.

A predictable outcome of a preventable disease

Infective endocarditis is a systemic illness that can present with a variety of non-specific clinical symptoms. Patients with certain underlying heart valve abnormalities are at increased risk for development of infective endocarditis while undergoing minor procedures, particularly those associated with bacteremia by pathogens that typically cause infective endocarditis. We present a case of infective endocarditis that developed after a dental procedure in a patient with a previously undetected congential bicuspid aortic valve.

Protocols for implementing DOE authorized release of radioactive scrap metals

A process to implement the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) policy for authorized release of radioactive materials from DOE facilities is provided in the Draft Handbook for Controlling Release for Reuse or Recycle of Property Containing Residual Radioactive Material, published by DOE in 1997 and distributed to DOE field offices for interim use and implementation. The authorized release of such property is intended to permit its beneficial use across the entire DOE complex. A computerized management tool--P2Pro(RSM)--has been developed to aid in carrying out the release process for radioactive metals. It contains protocols for the authorized release process and relevant information to facilitate the evaluation of scrap metals for reuse and recycle. The P2Pro(RSM) protocols provide DOE and its contractors with an effective, user-friendly tool for managing authorized release activities P2Pro(RSM) is designed to be used in the Windows environment. The protocols incorporate a relational database coupled with a graphic-user interface to guide the user through the appropriate steps so authorized release limits can be developed. With the information provided in the database, an as-low-as-reasonably-achievable (ALARA) optimization process can be easily set up and run for up to 10 alternatives for disposition of radioactive scrap metals. The results of the ALARA optimization process can be printed in a series of reports and submitted as part of the application for the authorized release of the radioactive scrap metals.

Cost of medications for elderly in a nursing home

The rising cost of medical care, particularly for elderly patients in nursing homes, is receiving increasing attention. The purpose of this study was to investigate the cost of and the average number of medications taken per patient in a nursing home. The study included 116 residents of a nursing home in New Orleans, Louisiana. Relevant information about the number of medications taken by each patient on a regular basis was obtained by chart review. The cost of medications was calculated from the Red Book (which represents the cost of drugs to the pharmacy), because the medication prices charged by the nursing home were not available. The number of medications used per patient per day expressed as mean +/- S.D. was 8.1 +/- 4.1. The cost of medications per patient per month expressed as mean +/- S.D. was $182 +/- 141. The estimated annual cost of medications per patient was $2,184. It is highly likely that the cost to the patient is higher than the cost shown here. This preliminary study shows that elderly patients take several medications associated with significant expense.

Activity-dependent modulation of synaptic AMPA receptor accumulation

Both theoretical and experimental work have suggested that central neurons compensate for changes in excitatory synaptic input in order to maintain a relatively constant output. We report here that inhibition of excitatory synaptic transmission in cultured spinal neurons leads to an increase in mEPSC amplitudes, accompanied by an equivalent increase in the accumulation of AMPA receptors at synapses. Conversely, increasing excitatory synaptic activity leads to a decrease in synaptic AMPA receptors and a decline in mEPSC amplitude. The time course of this synaptic remodeling is slow, similar to the metabolic half-life of neuronal AMPA receptors. Moreover, inhibiting excitatory synaptic transmission significantly prolongs the half-life of the AMPA receptor subunit GluR1, suggesting that synaptic activity modulates the size of the mEPSC by regulating the turnover of postsynaptic AMPA receptors.

Receptor clustering: activate to accumulate?

Postsynaptic receptor clustering is thought to be of critical importance in central neurotransmission. Recent work suggests that the formation and size of such clusters may depend on synaptic activity, although that dependence appears to vary according to the type of receptor that mediates the postsynaptic response.

Interaction of the N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor with AMPA receptors

Glutamate receptors mediate the majority of rapid excitatory synaptic transmission in the central nervous system (CNS) and play important roles in synaptic plasticity and neuronal development. Recently, protein-protein interactions with the C-terminal domain of glutamate receptor subunits have been shown to be involved in the modulation of receptor function and clustering at excitatory synapses. In this paper, we have found that the N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor (NSF), a protein involved in membrane fusion events, specifically interacts with the C terminus of the GluR2 and GluR4c subunits of AMPA receptors in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, intracellular perfusion of neurons with a synthetic peptide that competes with the interaction of NSF and AMPA receptor subunits rapidly decreases the amplitude of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs), suggesting that NSF regulates AMPA receptor function.

Evaluation of Monte Carlo simulation of photon counting efficiency for germanium detectors

The reliability of calculating the full-energy peak counting efficiency of germanium detectors by Monte Carlo simulation was evaluated by comparing MCNP-4 code results with measurements over a range of conditions. The measurements were performed for two detectors of 20% and 110% nominal efficiencies with a point source at two distances and with four different volume sources, including a reentrant beaker, placed on the end caps. The radionuclides were National Institute of Standards and Technology standard sources that emit photons between energies of 42.8 and 1,596.4 keV. Each detector was modeled in detail with respect to the dimensions of the detection volume and attenuation material in the can, dead-layer, and crystal holder foil. The measurements of the 42.8-keV photon were used to check dimensions and to change slightly the value of the dead-layer thickness so that the simulation agreed with measurements at this energy. After this adjustment, the average ratio of simulation results to measurements for 13 photon energies above 42.8 keV was between 0.97 and 1.03 for all sets of point and volume source comparisons. Ratios at individual energies were between 0.92 and 1.06 for the point source and between 0.94 and 1.09 for volume sources. The observed differences were consistent with the estimated standard deviations of simulation and of measurement, which ranged from 1 to 6% and typically were 2 to 3% except for larger uncertainties at low energies. On the basis of this comparison, simulation with the MCNP-4 code is equivalent to measurement with photon standards if the detector and source configuration can be modeled within a tenth of a millimeter.

Correlative study of histopathology and bacteriology in patients of tubercular lymphadenitis

Histopathology as well as bacteriology of lymph node specimen are useful diagnostic tools for tuberculous lymphadenitis. In the present study, a total of 71 cases of lymphadenitis were selected for histopathological and bacteriological studies. Only 46 patients had caseating type and 4 had non-caseating type of tuberculous lymphadenitis while 21 patients revealed non-specific chronic lymphadenitis on histopathological examination. Only 6 lymph node smears were positive for acid fast bacilli (AFB), 19 cases were positive for mycobacterial culture growth. Thus, it is not necessary that the cases which are histopathologically positive will be positive for culture as well. Therefore, both bacteriology and histopathology are complimentary diagnostic tools for tuberculous lymphadenitis.

Radium needle used to calibrate germanium gamma-ray detector

A standard platinum-iridium needle that contains 374 MBq 226Ra was tested as a source for calibrating a portable germanium detector used with a gamma-ray spectrometer for environmental radioactivity measurements. The counting efficiencies of the 11 most intense gamma rays emitted by 226Ra and its short-lived radioactive progeny at energies between 186 and 2,448 keV were determined, at the full energy peaks, to construct a curve of counting efficiency vs. energy. The curve was compared to another curve between 43 and 1,596 keV obtained with a NIST mixed-radionuclide standard. It was also compared to the results of a Monte Carlo simulation. The 226Ra source results were consistent with the NIST standard between 248 and 1,596 keV. The Monte Carlo simulation gave a curve parallel to the curve for the combined radium and NIST standard data between 250 and 2,000 keV, but at higher efficiency.