Focused X-Ray Histological Analyses to Reveal Asbestos Fibers and Bodies in Lungs and Pleura of Asbestos-Exposed Subjects

2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 1062-1071 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorella Pascolo ◽  
Alessandra Gianoncelli ◽  
Clara Rizzardi ◽  
Martin de Jonge ◽  
Daryl Howard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fluorescence Microscopy ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Asbestos Exposure ◽  
Chemical Imaging ◽  
Tissue Samples ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Asbestos Fibers ◽  
High Calcium ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Microscopy Techniques

AbstractAsbestos bodies are the histological hallmarks of asbestos exposure. Both conventional and advanced techniques are used to evaluate abundance and composition in histological samples. We previously reported the possibility of using synchrotron X-ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM) for analyzing the chemical composition of asbestos bodies directly in lung tissue samples. Here we applied a high-performance synchrotron X-ray fluorescence (XRF) set-up that could allow new protocols for fast monitoring of the occurrence of asbestos bodies in large histological sections, improving investigation of the related chemical changes. A combination of synchrotron X-ray transmission and fluorescence microscopy techniques at different energies at three distinct synchrotrons was used to characterize asbestos in paraffinated lung tissues. The fast chemical imaging of the XFM beamline (Australian Synchrotron) demonstrates that asbestos bodies can be rapidly and efficiently identified as co-localization of high calcium and iron, the most abundant elements of these formations inside tissues (Fe up to 10% w/w; Ca up to 1%). By following iron presence, we were also able to hint at small asbestos fibers in pleural spaces. XRF at lower energy and at higher spatial resolution was afterwards performed to better define small fibers. These analyses may predispose for future protocols to be set with laboratory instruments.

A scanning Kelvin probe for synchrotron investigations: thein situdetection of radiation-induced potential changes

2011 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 48-53 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bekir Salgin ◽  
Dirk Vogel ◽  
Diego Pontoni ◽  
Heiko Schröder ◽  
Bernd Schönberger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Performance ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Kelvin Probe ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Scanning Kelvin Probe ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
First Results ◽  
Radiation Induced ◽  
Set Up

A wide range of high-performance X-ray surface/interface characterization techniques are implemented nowadays at every synchrotron radiation source. However, these techniques are not always `non-destructive' because possible beam-induced electronic or structural changes may occur during X-ray irradiation. As these changes may be at least partially reversible, anin situtechnique is required for assessing their extent. Here the integration of a scanning Kelvin probe (SKP) set-up with a synchrotron hard X-ray interface scattering instrument for thein situdetection of work function variations resulting from X-ray irradiation is reported. First results, obtained on bare sapphire and sapphire covered by a room-temperature ionic liquid, are presented. In both cases a potential change was detected, which decayed and vanished after switching off the X-ray beam. This demonstrates the usefulness of a SKP forin situmonitoring of surface/interface potentials during X-ray materials characterization experiments.

scholarly journals Rounded Atelectasis After Exposure to Refectory Ceramic Fibres - A Case Report

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulrike Brückner ◽  
Anne S. Schulze ◽  
Marian Kampschulte ◽  
Joachim Schneider
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Thermal Insulation ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Function Analysis ◽  
Asbestos Exposure ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Pleural Thickening ◽  
Refractory Ceramic ◽  
Exposed Workers ◽  
Aluminium Silicate

Abstract Background: Refractory Ceramic fibres (RCF) are man-made mineral fibres used in high performance thermal insulation applications and mostly to line furnaces, kilns and other industrial heaters. Analogous to asbestos fibres, RCF are respirable, show a pleural drift and can persist in human lung tissue for more than 20 years after exposure. Pleural changes such as localised or diffuse pleural thickening as well as pleural calcification were reported. Case presentation: A 45 years old man worked in high performance thermal insulation applications using refractory ceramic fibres (RCF) for almost 20 years. During a biennial occupational medical prophylaxis to ensure early diagnosis of disorders caused by inhalation of aluminium silicate fibres with X-ray including high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) showed bilateral pleural thickening and a pleural calcification next to a rounded atelectasis. Asbestos exposure could be excluded. In pulmonary function test a restrictive lung pattern could be revealed. In work samples scanning electron microscopy (SEM) including energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) classified aluminium silicate fibres. X-ray powder diffraction and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed crystalline as well as amorphous fibres. Conclusions: A comprehensive lung function analysis and in case of restrictive lung disorders additional CT scans are needed in RCF exposed workers in accordance to the guidelines for medical occupational examinations comparable to asbestos exposed workers.

Preparation of tissue samples for X-ray fluorescence microscopy

2005 ◽  
Vol 60 (12) ◽  
pp. 1531-1537 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanna Chwiej ◽  
Magdalena Szczerbowska-Boruchowska ◽  
Marek Lankosz ◽  
Slawomir Wojcik ◽  
Gerald Falkenberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fluorescence Microscopy ◽  
Tissue Samples ◽  
X Ray

scholarly journals Rounded atelectasis after exposure to refractory ceramic fibres (RCF)

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulrike Brueckner ◽  
Anne S. Schulze ◽  
Dirk Walter ◽  
Marian Kampschulte ◽  
Joachim Schneider
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Thermal Insulation ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Function Analysis ◽  
Asbestos Exposure ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Pleural Thickening ◽  
Refractory Ceramic ◽  
Exposed Workers ◽  
Aluminium Silicate

Abstract Background Refractory Ceramic fibres (RCF) are man-made mineral fibres used in high performance thermal insulation applications. Analogous to asbestos fibres, RCF are respirable, show a pleural drift and can persist in human lung tissue for more than 20 years after exposure. Pleural changes such as localised or diffuse pleural thickening as well as pleural calcification were reported. Result A 45 years old man worked in high performance thermal insulation applications using refractory ceramic fibres (RCF) for almost 20 years. During a occupational medical prophylaxis to ensure early diagnosis of disorders caused by inhalation of aluminium silicate fibres with X-ray including high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), bilateral pleural thickening was shown and a pleural calcification next to a rounded atelectasis was detected. Asbestos exposure could be excluded. In pulmonary function test a restrictive lung pattern could be revealed. In work samples scanning electron microscopy (SEM) including energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) classified used fibres as aluminium silicate fibres. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed crystalline as well as amorphous fibres. Conclusions A comprehensive lung function analysis and in case of restrictive lung disorders additional CT scans are needed in RCF exposed workers in accordance to the guidelines for medical occupational examinations comparable to asbestos exposed workers.

scholarly journals Imbalance of Mg Homeostasis as a Potential Biomarker in Colon Cancer

Diagnostics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 727
Author(s):  
Davide Schiroli ◽  
Chiara Marraccini ◽  
Eleonora Zanetti ◽  
Moira Ragazzi ◽  
Alessandra Gianoncelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fluorescence Microscopy ◽  
Scientific Literature ◽  
Tissue Expression ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Tissue Samples ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Potential Biomarker ◽  
Cancer Types ◽  
Prospective Investigation

Background: Increasing evidences support a correlation between magnesium (Mg) homeostasis and colorectal cancer (CRC). Nevertheless, the role of Mg and its transporters as diagnostic markers in CRC is still a matter of debate. In this study we combined X-ray Fluorescence Microscopy and databases information to investigate the possible correlation between Mg imbalance and CRC. Methods: CRC tissue samples and their non-tumoural counterpart from four patients were collected and analysed for total Mg level and distribution by X-Ray Fluorescence Microscopy. We also reviewed the scientific literature and the main tissue expression databases to collect data on Mg transporters expression in CRC. Results: We found a significantly higher content of total Mg in CRC samples when compared to non-tumoural tissues. Mg distribution was also impaired in CRC. Conversely, we evidenced an uncertain correlation between Mg transporters expression and colon malignancies. Discussion: Although further studies are necessary to determine the correlation between different cancer types and stages, this is the first report proposing the measurement of Mg tissue localisation as a marker in CRC. This study represents thus a proof-of-concept that paves the way for the design of a larger prospective investigation of Mg in CRC.

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