scholarly journals Folate cycle genome and change in the homocysteine level in children after forest fires in the Chernobyl exclusion zone

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
pp. 179-184
Author(s):  
Yu. I. Bandazhevsky ◽  
N. F. Dubovaya
Keyword(s):  
Forest Fires ◽  
Combustion Products ◽  
The Body ◽  
Border Region ◽  
Blood Levels ◽  
Exclusion Zone ◽  
Air Contamination ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Secondary Air ◽  
Folate Cycle

Fires that often occur in the forests of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone are one of the most powerful sources of secondary air contamination with combustion products and various radionuclides that have a negative effect on the health of children and adults. Aim. Aim was to explore the relationship between forest fires and the change in blood homocysteine levels in children living in Polessky district of Ukraine bordering the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. Methods. Immunochemical, mathematical and statistical. Results. Increased blood levels of homocysteine, irrespective of the state of genome of folate cicle, were found in more than 70.0 % of cases in the group of children living near the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone during the period from 02/04/2015 to 18/12/2015. Given the forest fires with an area of 10.127 ha and 130 ha officially registered in the Chernobyl exclusion zone in the spring and summer of 2015, it can reasonably be argued that the increase in the level of homocysteine in the blood of children living in the border region associatared with wood burning particles, including black carbon and radioactive elements, that enter the body with air and food. Conclusions. Forest fires in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone are the cause of abnormal methionine metabolism and an increase in blood homocysteine levels in children from the adjacent districts. Keywords: homocysteine, folate metabolism, genetic polymorphisms, association, forest fires, Chernobyl Exclusion Zone.

scholarly journals SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF FIREFIGHTING IN RADIONUCLIDE-CONTAMINATED FORESTS OF THE CHORNOBYL EXCLUSION ZONE

Fire Safety ◽  
2019 ◽  
pp. 47-53
Author(s):  
A. D. Kuzyk ◽  
D. V. Lagno
Keyword(s):  
Radioactive Contamination ◽  
Forest Fires ◽  
Direct Contact ◽  
Combustion Products ◽  
The Body ◽  
Radiation Hazard ◽  
Radioactive Elements ◽  
Exclusion Zone ◽  
Material Resources ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages

Introduction. Forest fires are dangerous for people and environment. Their extinction requires appropriate human and material resources. Fires in the Chornobyl radionuclide-contaminated exclusion zone are especially dangerous. The purpose of paper is to analyze the causes of forest fires in the Chornobyl exclusion zone, the characteristics of their elimination taking into account the danger of radioactivity and using protection equipment. Results. The causes for the occurrence of fires in the forests of the Chernobyl exclusion zone are natural and manmade. The clutter of forest areas creates preconditions for the emergence and spread of fire. Radioactive contamination of forests is caused by poor care. Illicit logging and illegal visitors to the exclusion zone contribute to the fires occurrence. In case of a fire, radioactive elements in dust and combustion products extend over long distances. Radionuclides fall on the skin of the firefighter and penetrate the body during of breathing. Dust contributes to dissemination of radionuclides and is caused by the movement of people, firefighting engines, and work of manual and mechanical means. To choose methods of forest fires extinguishing in conditions of radioactive contamination, it is necessary to take into account the avoidance or minimization of firefighters’ direct contact with radioactive materials. Each of the traditional methods of extinguishing fires has its advantages and disadvantages, taking into account cost, efficiency and safety. The paper analyses the following methods of extinguishing: striking on flame, using water, throwing ground into flame, extinguishing by explosion, creating mineralized strips, opposite burning, use of fire aviation, and artificial precipitation. Firefighters have to use appropriate protective clothing and personal protective respiratory equipment during extinguishing a fire in a radioactive environment. Conclusions. To eliminate a forest fire in a radiation-contaminated zone, it is necessary to choose the appropriate method of extinguishing, taking into account the radiation hazard, and to apply the appropriate personal protective equipment. The fire aviation allows eliminating a fire by avoiding direct contact of firefighters with a radiationcontaminated environment.

scholarly journals EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH ON ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ON ENVIRONMENT AFFECTED BY FOREST FIRE UNDER COMPLEX RADIATION CONDITIONS OF FIREFIGHTING

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (154) ◽  
pp. 333-338
Author(s):  
S. Azarov ◽  
R. Shevchenko ◽  
S. Shcherbak
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Study ◽  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Forest Fire ◽  
Forest Fires ◽  
Combustion Products ◽  
Practical Significance ◽  
Radiation Hazard ◽  
Exclusion Zone ◽  
Fire Load ◽  
Radiation Conditions

The paper deals with the problem of formation of general procedures for experimental study of environmental impact due to forest fire in complex radiation conditions of fire load formation and its further testing on the example of the ChNPP exclusion zone. The study carried out an experimental verification of the adequacy of the previously proposed methodological apparatus and identified the main directions of its further use as a basis for solving the problems of predicting the negative environmental impact on the environment. To this end, the following tasks have been solved:the general procedures of the methodology of experimental study of environmental impact due to forest fire in complex radiation conditions of fire load formation are formulated; a comprehensive experimental study was carried out using the developed method on the example of the fire load of the Chernobyl exclusion zone. Conducted studies in the field indicate that the content of radioactive smoke in the ground atmosphere of the Exclusion Zone can be dramatically increased by several orders of magnitude due to forest fires. Short-term (sever-al days) increased content of radioactive combustion products in the surface air can reach the level of radiation hazard for both the environment and directly for the life of the population living in a clean area at considerable distances (up to 30 km along the track axis) wildfire. The fires in the forests contaminated with Chornobyl radionuclide in the western trace due to the loss of TUE are of particular environmental danger, since the presence of plutonium combustion products in radioactive products results in significant dose loads for the environment and the population. The practical significance of the obtained results lies in the possibility of their application for carrying out complex ecological audit of the territory, which is subject to secondary radiation influence both inside and outside the exclusion zone of the Chornobyl NPP. Keywords: ecological safety, forest fire, radiation exposure, complex fire load

scholarly journals Breast cancer prevention in districts affected by the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident beginning from child ages

2021 ◽  
pp. 29-35
Author(s):  
Yu.I. Bandazhevskyi ◽  
◽  
N.F. Dubovaya ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Breast Cancer Risk ◽  
Cancer Risk ◽  
Genetic Predisposition ◽  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase ◽  
Mthfr Gene ◽  
The Body ◽  
Exclusion Zone ◽  
Folate Cycle

The aim of this paper was to assess the prevalence of the T risk allele of the MTHFR:677 genetic polymorphism in a group of girls from Ivankovsky and Polessky districts located near the Chernobyl exclusion zone. In addition, we assessed variants of combined carriership of the T allele with risk alleles of other genetic polymorphisms regulating the folate cycle. Research methods. Immunochemical, statistical. Results. Genetic predisposition to breast cancer risk was analyzed in a group of 251 adolescent girls. Carriership of the T allele of the MTHFR:С677Т polymorphism was found in 142 children (56.6%), while the homozygous T/T variant was found in 25 girls, or in 10.0% of cases. Compound heterozygosity for the 677CT/1298AC alleles of the MTHFR gene was recorded in 60 individuals, or in 23.9% of cases. Conclusions. The revealed genetic changes in the folate cycle lead to a significant decrease in the activity of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, and, accordingly, to an increase in the level of homocysteine in the blood, creating conditions for the occurrence of breast cancer. Given the high level of genetic predisposition, taking into account the constant impact on the body of radioactive elements and their decay products, the occurrence, as a consequence, of serious metabolic disorders, it is necessary to identify the breast cancer risk group of children.

Homocysteine, pituitary and thyroid hormones in children with different physical development levels after forest fires in the Chornobyl exclusion zone

2021 ◽  
pp. 11-18
Author(s):  
Yu.I. Bandazhevskyi ◽  
◽  
N. F. Dubova ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Thyroid Hormones ◽  
Forest Fires ◽  
Physical Development ◽  
Blood Levels ◽  
Exclusion Zone ◽  
Peripheral Tissues ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Pituitary Thyroid Axis ◽  
Thyroid Axis ◽  
Development Levels

Objective We performed a comparative assessment of the blood levels of homocysteine, pituitary and thyroid hormones in children with different levels of physical development before and after forest fires in the Chornobyl exclusion zone (ChEZ) in 2015. Methods: We used immunochemical, instrumental, mathematical and statistical methods. Results: The analysis of variable dynamics was performed in 336 adolescents of the Polisskyi and the Ivankivskyi districts of Kyiv region. An association was found between homocysteine (Нсу), hormones of the pituitary-thyroid axis and physical development of children. A statistically significantly higher level of Нсу was observed in the adolescents from the Ivankivskyi district in comparison with the children from the Polisskyi district. Forest fires in the spring and summer of 2015 in the ChEZ should be considered the main cause for the increase in Нсу in the blood of the adolescents. The increased level of Т3 in the peripheral tissues induced by Нсy and TSH contributed to a decrease in the physical development index values. Due to a decrease in the intensity of the Т4 deiodination process, the insufficient formation of Т3 in the peripheral tissues was recorded in the group of children with a disharmonious high physical development.

scholarly journals Hyperhomocysteinemia in children and forest fires in the Chоrnobyl exclusion zone

2020 ◽  
pp. 21-26
Author(s):  
Yu.I. Bandazhevsky ◽  
◽  
N.F. Dubova ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Forest Fire ◽  
Forest Fires ◽  
Genetic System ◽  
Folate Metabolism ◽  
Wood Combustion ◽  
Exclusion Zone ◽  
Combustion Gases ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Prevention Of Cancer ◽  
Folate Cycle

Objective: We determined a role of folate metabolism genotypes in the occurrence of hyperhomocysteinemia in children after a forest fire in the Chоrnobyl exclusion zone (ChEZ). Material and methods: In the study, we applied immunochemical, Real-time PCR, mathematical and statistical methods. Results: A survey of 84 adolescents from the Poliske district, Kiev region revealed changes in their metabolic processes in the form of increased homocysteine production in connection with a forest fire in the ChEZ which was recorded during April 26-29, 2015. A comparative analysis of the specific gravity of the folate cycle genotypes in the subgroups of the children with hyperhomocysteinemia before and after a forest fire showed that an endogenous factor in the form of a genetic apparatus, controling synthesis of folate cycle enzymes, was not involved in this phenomenon. Сonclusions: Forest and peat fires in the Chernobyl exclusion zone are one of the main causes for the elevation in blood homocysteine levels in children from the adjacent districts, regardless of the state of folate metabolism genetic system. Monitoring of the blood homocysteine levels in children and adults living under conditions of the exposure to wood combustion gases, containing radioactive elements, is a key component of the programmer for the prevention of cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

scholarly journals RESULTS OF WBC/MONITORING OF FIREFIGHTERS PARTICIPATING IN RESPONSE TO CHORNOBYL FOREST FIRES IN APRIL–MAY 2020

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 ◽  
pp. 177-187
Author(s):  
D. Bazyka ◽  
◽  
P. Fedirko ◽  
V. Vasylenko ◽  
O. Kolosynska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Effective Dose ◽  
Forest Fire ◽  
Forest Fires ◽  
Nuclear Power ◽  
State Institution ◽  
The State ◽  
The Body ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Exclusion Zone ◽  
Internal Radiation

Objective.of this study was to determine the levels of radionuclides in the rescuers’ bodies of the SES during firefighting in the exclusion zone of the Chornobyl nuclear power plant and to assess the dose of internal radiation due to this receipt. Materials and methods. From 06.04.2020 to 19.05.2020 in the State Institution «National Research Center for Radiation Medicine of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine» (NRCRM) measurements of the content of incorporated gamma radionuclides on whole body counters (WBC) operational class «Screener-3M» (Minimum detected activity (MDA) is 300–500 Bq for 5 minutes of measurement at 137Cs) and expert high-sensitivity WBC (MDA is 20 Bq for 10 minutes of measurement at 137Cs). 470 people (523 measurements) in three groups of personnel of the SES of Ukraine who took part in the forest fire liquidation in the exclusion zone in the period from April 4 to May 5, 2020 were examined. Mathematical and spectrometric methods are used in the work. Results and conclusions. In the vast majority (95 %) of the personnel of the SES of Ukraine, examined at the WBC operational class «Screener-3M» (more than 500 measurements), the assessment of the values of the individual effective dose of internal radiation due to 137Cs in the body during firefighting, assuming that it receipt occurred during operation in the exclusion zone, did not exceed the minimum dose detected by MDD (5–14 μSv). The average value of the effective dose of internal radiation in the group of personnel of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine in Kyiv, which participated in the elimination of forest fires in the exclusion zone from April 4 to May 5, 2020 (26 people) studied at the expert WBC, is 2.5 ± 1.1 μSv, in the group of personnel of the SES of Ukraine in Cherkasy region, which participated in the fire on April 19–24, 2020 (9 people) – 2.2 ± 0.6 μSv, in the group of personnel of the SES of Ukraine in the Kyiv region, which took part in the elimination of the forest fire in the exclusion zone on April 4 – May 5, 2020 (42 people) – 4.4 ± 2.4 μSv. Maximum values of 5.1 μSv, 3.5 μSv, 11.8 μSv in the groups of Kyiv city, Cherkasy and Kyiv regions, respectively, which is much lower than the basic dose limit for the population from man-made sources of 1000 μSv · year-1 according to the Law of Ukraine about protection of the person against influence of ionizing radiation. Key words: forest fire, Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, internal irradiation, whole body counters, 137Сs.

scholarly journals Folate cycle genetics, level of homocysteine, thyroid and pituitary hormones in the blood among the children from the districts bordering the Chornobyl exclusion zone

2021 ◽  
Vol 100 (3) ◽  
pp. 30-37
Author(s):  
Yu.I. Bandazhevskyi ◽  
◽  
N.F. Dubova ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Thyroid Hormones ◽  
Genetic System ◽  
Pituitary Hormones ◽  
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone ◽  
The State ◽  
Blood Levels ◽  
Exclusion Zone ◽  
Free Triiodothyronine ◽  
Total Group ◽  
Folate Cycle

Objective: The aim of the study was to identify interrelations between the state of folate cycle genetic apparatus and blood levels of homocysteine, thyroid and adenohypophysis hormones in the blood among the children from Ivankivskyi and Poliskyi districts, Kyiv region, bordering the Chornobyl exclusion zone (СhEZ). Methods: Immunochemical, genetic, statistical ones. Results: We measured blood levels of homocysteine (Hcy), pituitary thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (T3), free thyroxine (T4) in 158 children from Poliskyi district and 178 children from Ivankivskyi district and assessed the state of a genetic system of the folate cycle (FC). The average age of the examined was (15.2 ± 0.9) years old (95% CI 15.0-15.4 years old). Taking into account the FC genotypes, genetic subgroups were formed, they were based on 100% representation of one specific genotype. The laboratory examination was carried out twice: in April and December 2015 (before and after the fires in the ChEZ). It was found out that in the total group of the children, as well as in most of analyzed genetic subgroups, the level of Hcy and thyroid hormones (TG) in the children from Ivankivskyi district was statistically significantly higher than in those from Poliskyi district. At the same time, a direct association between Hcy and TSH was observed in the total group, as well as in most of the genetic subgroups of children from Ivankivskyi district, and this ssociation was absent in the children from Poliskyi district. The blood level of Hcy both in the children from Poliskyi district and in the children from Ivankivskyi district was statistically significantly higher in the subgroup containing only homozygous variants of the T allele of the MTHFR:677 genetic polymorphism in comparison with the subgroups containing neutral C alleles of the same polymorphism. At the same time, there were no differences for TSH, T3 and T4. Сonclusions: The analysis enabled to establish a synchronous reaction of metabolic cycles ensuring the metabolism of Hcy and thyroid hormones in the adolescents, regardless of the FC genotypes. Correlation analysis, as well as the results of statistical analysis, indicate that an increase in the level of Hcy in the blood of children induced the synthesis of TSH and T3. The results show a close relationship between thyroid hormone genesis and the metabolism of methionine sulfur-containing amino acids and Hcy. A forest fire, containing long-lived radioactive elements, is the most likely reason for the increase of Hcy level and, as a result, the hormones of the pituitary-thyroid axis in the blood of the children living in the districts, bordering the ChEZ.

scholarly journals EFFECTS OF WILDFIRE EMISSION ON THE MORPHOFUNCTIONAL STATE OF THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM IN WHITE RATS

2019 ◽  
Vol 98 (11) ◽  
pp. 1245-1250 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vera A. Vokina ◽  
M. A. Novikov ◽  
T. A. Elfimova ◽  
E. S. Bogomolova ◽  
A. N. Alekseenko ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brain Tissue ◽  
Forest Fires ◽  
Water Maze ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Combustion Products ◽  
The Body ◽  
Plant Residues ◽  
Perivascular Spaces ◽  
White Rats ◽  
The Impact

Introduction. The study of the mechanisms of action of combustion products released during natural fires on the body and the development of appropriate preventive measures is an actual hygienic problem at the present stage. Material and methods. Experimental modeling of landscape fire was carried out for 7 days, 4 hours per day. Forest fuel, which is a living ground cover and plant residues, was used as a combustible substrate. The concentration of carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, furfural, and acetaldehyde was determined in the exposure chamber, the general qualitative composition of air and the target qualitative analysis for volatile aldehydes and ketones were carried out. After exposure rat behavior was observed through an open field test and Morris water maze, histological studies of brain tissue were done. Results. During the experiment changes in the structure of the behavior of white rats exposed to smoke were established to be characterized by a decrease in motor and exploratory activity, and an increase in the level of anxiety in females was also observed. When testing in the water maze of Morris revealed violations of spatial memory and the ability to navigational learning. Histological examination of the cerebral cortex in animals of the experimental groups revealed multiple foci of neuronophagy, expansion of perivascular spaces, and the development of glial cell replacement hyperplasia was noted. Conclusion. The results indicate the presence of a neurotoxic effect of combustion products, characterized by a decrease in the motor activity of animals, increased anxiety and impaired memory processes, as well as morphological changes in the brain tissue of white rats. However, in order to reveal the role of the impact of a complex of substances released during forest fires, their contribution to morphological and functional disorders, furthermore in-depth studies are required.

Preparation and In Vitro Evaluation of Resealed Erythrocytes as A New Trend in Treatment of Asthma

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed Ibrahim ◽  
Alaa Zaky ◽  
Mohsen Afouna ◽  
Ahmed Samy
Keyword(s):  
In Vitro Release ◽  
Human Erythrocytes ◽  
The Body ◽  
Blood Levels ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Burst Release ◽  
Prolonged Release ◽  
Nocturnal Asthma ◽  
Carrier Erythrocytes

Carrier erythrocytes are emerging as one of the most promising biological drug delivery systems investigated in recent decades. Beside its biocompatibility, biodegradability and ability to circulate throughout the body, it has the ability to perform extended release system of the drug for a long period. The ultimate goal of this study is to introduce a new carrier system for Salbutamol, maintaining suitable blood levels for a long time, as atrial to resolve the problems of nocturnal asthma medication Therefore in this work we study the effect of time, temperature as well as concentration on the loading of salbutamol in human erythrocytes to be used as systemic sustained release delivery system for this drug. After the loading process is performed the carrier erythrocytes were physically and cellulary characterized. Also, the in vitro release of salbutamol from carrier erythrocytes was studied over time interval. From the results it was found that, human erythrocytes have been successfully loaded with salbutamol using endocytosis method either at 25 Co or at 37 Co . The highest loaded amount was 3.5 mg/ml and 6.5 mg/ml respectively. Moreover, the percent of cells recovery is 90.7± 1.64%. Hematological parameters and osmotic fragility behavior of salbutamol loaded erythrocytes were similar that of native erythrocytes. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that the salbutamol loaded cells has moderate change in the morphology. Salbutamol releasing from carrier cell was 43% after 36 hours in phosphate buffer saline. The releasing pattern of the drug from loaded erythrocytes showed initial burst release in the first hour followed by a very slow release, obeying zero order kinetics. It concluded that salbutamol is successfully entrapped into erythrocytes with acceptable loading parameters and moderate morphological changes, this suggesting that erythrocytes can be used as prolonged release carrier for salbutamol.

scholarly journals Psychological Consequences of the Delay in the Silent Mentor Programme During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Perspectives From Family Members of Silent Mentors

2021 ◽  
pp. 003022282110009
Author(s):  
Li Ping Wong ◽  
Sik Loo Tan ◽  
Haridah Alias ◽  
Thiam Eng Sia ◽  
Aik Saw
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Body ◽  
Functional Health ◽  
Psychological Consequences ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Health And Well Being

The COVID-19 pandemic has put a hold on the Silent Mentor Programme (SMP); this pause has not only caused unprecedented challenges for the delivery of medical education but has forced changes in the programme ceremony sessions. We aimed to describe the psychological impact and experiences of family members of silent mentors during the COVID-19 pandemic using qualitative interviews. Many expressed feelings of remorse and unrest about the unprecedented delay of the SMP. The delay increased negative emotions particularly among some elderly family members; however, there was no prominent negative effect on their functional health and well-being. Several participants relayed the belief that the soul cannot rest until the body receives a proper burial while some worried about the deterioration of the physical condition of the mentors. In conclusion, findings provide insights into the importance of not overlooking the mental health implications of delaying the SMP in future outbreaks or crises.

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