The Role of Telomerase in Radiation-Induced Genomic Instability.

Findings from previous studies have suggested that the telomerase system is involved in radiation-induced genomic instability. In this study, we investigated the involvement of telomerase in the development and processing of chromosomal damage at different cell cycle stages after irradiation of human fibroblasts. Several response criteria were investigated, including cell survival, chromosomal damage (using the micronucleus assay), G-induced chromatid aberrations (using the conventional G assay as well as a chemically-induced premature chromosome condensation assay) and DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs; using γ-H2AX, 53BP1 and Rad51) in an isogenic pair of cell lines: BJ human foreskin fibroblasts and BJ1-hTERT, a telomerase-immortalized BJ cell line.

Dose assessment intercomparisons within the RENEB network using G-lymphocyte prematurely condensed chromosomes (PCC assay).

Purpose: Dose assessment intercomparisons within the RENEB network were performed for triage biodosimetry analyzing G-lymphocyte PCC for harmonization, standardization and optimization of the PCC assay.

Materials And Methods: Comparative analysis among different partners for dose assessment included shipment of PCC-slides and captured images to construct dose-response curves for up to 6 Gy γ-rays. Accident simulation exercises were performed to assess the suitability of the PCC assay by detecting speed of analysis and minimum number of cells required for categorization of potentially exposed individuals.

RENEB biodosimetry intercomparison analyzing translocations by FISH.

Purpose: In the framework of RENEB, several biodosimetry exercises were conducted analyzing different endpoints. Among them, the analysis of translocations is considered the most useful method for retrospective biodosimetry due to the relative stability of their frequency with post irradiation time. The aim of this study was to harmonize the accuracy of translocation-based biodosimetry within the RENEB consortium.

RENEB intercomparison exercises analyzing micronuclei (Cytokinesis-block Micronucleus Assay).

Purpose: In the framework of the 'Realizing the European Network of Biodosimetry' (RENEB) project, two intercomparison exercises were conducted to assess the suitability of an optimized version of the cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay, and to evaluate the capacity of a large laboratory network performing biodosimetry for radiation emergency triages. Twelve European institutions participated in the first exercise, and four non-RENEB labs were added in the second one.

Materials And Methods: Irradiated blood samples were shipped to participating labs, whose task was to culture these samples and provide a blind dose estimate.

Health effects of desalinated water: Role of electrolyte disturbance in cancer development.

This review contends that "healthy" water in terms of electrolyte balance is as important as "pure" water in promoting public health. It considers the growing use of desalination (demineralization) technologies in drinking water treatment which often results in tap water with very low concentrations of sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium. Ingestion of such water can lead to electrolyte abnormalities marked by hyponatremia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia and hypocalcemia which are among the most common and recognizable features in cancer patients.