Radiocaesium Contamination of Mushrooms at High- and Low-Level Chernobyl Exposure Sites and Its Consequences for Public Health

We compare the specific activities of 137Cs and 40K in stipes and caps of three different common mushroom species (Xerocomus badius, Russula ochroleuca and Armillariella mellea) measured at the Czech Chernobyl hot spot in the Opava area (Silesia) and at a low-exposed site at the Beskydy mountains in 2011. The highest values of 137Cs were found in caps of Xerocomus badius and Russula ochroleuca in the Opava area (11.8 and 8.77 kBq/kg, respectively). The source of 137Cs was verified by the measurement of the 134Cs/137Cs ratio. Based on our results, we estimate an effective dose per year due to radiocaesium intake in the two investigated areas for Xerocomus badius, one of the most popular edible mushrooms in the Czech Republic. In 2011, the effective dose reached the maximum value of 0.102 mSv in the Opava area and 0.004 mSv at the low-exposed site at the Beskydy mountains. Therefore, it does not represent a significant risk for public health.

Analysis of Global Warming’s Influence on the Dimensioning of Borehole Heat Exchangers at a Climate-Exposed Site

A borehole heat exchanger (BHE) presents the most reliable source of geothermal energy for any object where the heat pump system is to be installed. The main objective of BHE optimization in a specific rock massive and for calculated heat consumption is to design a BHE with proper capacity and sustainable performance. One of the most important inputs for the preparation of such a model is the average outer air temperature on the site during the year. While the properties of the local rock massive are from the heat project lifetime view (tens of years) stable, the local average outer temperature fluctuates according to global climate changes. This article presents a study of the impact of climate changes on the dimensioning process of a BHE and consequently on its performance using data from a real installation at a highly climate-exposed site in the Czech Republic. During the dimensioning of a BHE, this study could help to better quantify the objective risks that result from climate changes. However, the results of this study show that the currently calculated impact of an increase in outer temperature is not crucial, but it is advisable to take this new fact into account during the design and dimensioning process, especially for large installations. To study the ground in terms of usable energy potential at climate-exposed locations properly, the available data were critically analyzed and the results were then synthesized in an appropriate way for the needs of the data simulations.

The role of the IT-state in D76N β2-microglobulin amyloid assembly: A crucial intermediate or an innocuous bystander?

The D76N variant of human β2-microglobulin (β2m) is the causative agent of a hereditary amyloid disease. Interestingly, D76N-associated amyloidosis has a distinctive pathology compared with aggregation of WT-β2m, which occurs in dialysis-related amyloidosis. A folding intermediate of WT-β2m, known as the IT-state, which contains a nonnative trans Pro-32, has been shown to be a key precursor of WT-β2m aggregation in vitro. However, how a single amino acid substitution enhances the rate of aggregation of D76N-β2m and gives rise to a different amyloid disease remained unclear. Using real-time refolding experiments monitored by CD and NMR, we show that the folding mechanisms of WT- and D76N-β2m are conserved in that both proteins fold slowly via an IT-state that has similar structural properties. Surprisingly, however, direct measurement of the equilibrium population of IT using NMR showed no evidence for an increased population of the IT-state for D76N-β2m, ruling out previous models suggesting that this could explain its enhanced aggregation propensity. Producing a kinetically trapped analog of IT by deleting the N-terminal six amino acids increases the aggregation rate of WT-β2m but slows aggregation of D76N-β2m, supporting the view that although the folding mechanisms of the two proteins are conserved, their aggregation mechanisms differ. The results exclude the IT-state as the origin of the rapid aggregation of D76N-β2m, suggesting that other nonnative states must cause its high aggregation rate. The results highlight how a single substitution at a solvent-exposed site can affect the mechanism of aggregation and the resulting disease.

CH–π interaction between cross-strand amino acid pairs stabilizes β-hairpins

We identified several CH–π donor–acceptor pairs involving amino acid side chains with less polarized C–H bonds at a solvent-exposed site between the strands of a β-hairpin peptide.

RADIATION EXPOSURE DURING SPINE SURGERY USING C-ARM FLUOROSCOPY

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the radiation dose received by staff in spine surgeries, including those who are not considered occupationally exposed workers. Methods: All spinal surgeries performed in the same department during a period of 12 months were evaluated with regard to the exposure of surgeons, scrub nurses, and auxiliary personnel working in the operating room to radiation from C-arm fluoroscopy. Radiation was measured by 15 film badge dosimeters placed on the professionals’ lapels, gloves, and room standardized sites. The films were analyzed in the dosimetry laboratory by collections per period. Results: During the 12 months, 81 spinal surgeries were performed by the same team, with surgical times ranging from 1 to 6 hours. The total radiation dose ranged from 0.16 mSv to 2.29 mSv depending on the dosimetry site. The most exposed site was the wrist of the main surgeon. Conclusion: The results showed that in the spinal surgeries in our setting, the radiation doses are low and within legal limits. Nevertheless, constant training of professionals is essential for radiation protection of medical staff and patients. Level of evidence I/b, exploratory cohort study.