Mass Casualty Decontamination in a Chemical or Radiological/Nuclear Incident with External Contamination: Guiding Principles and Research Needs.

Hazardous chemical, radiological, and nuclear materials threaten public health in scenarios of accidental or intentional release which can lead to external contamination of people.  Without intervention, the contamination could cause severe adverse health effects, through systemic absorption by the contaminated casualties as well as spread of contamination to other people, medical equipment, and facilities.  Timely decontamination can prevent or interrupt absorption into the body and minimize opportunities for spread of the contamination, thereby mitigating the health impact of the incident.

Association of radiation-induced genes with noncancer chronic diseases in Mayak workers occupationally exposed to prolonged radiation.

We examined the association of gene expression with noncancer chronic disease outcomes in Mayak nuclear weapons plant workers who were exposed to radiation due to their occupation. We conducted a cross-sectional study with selection based on radiation exposure status of Mayak plant workers living in Ozyorsk who were alive in 2011 and either exposed to: combined incorporated Plutonium-239 ((239)Pu) and external gamma-ray exposure (n = 82); external gamma-ray exposure alone (n = 18); or were unexposed (n = 50) of Ozyorsk residents who provided community-based professional support for plant personnel and who were alive in 2011. Peripheral blood was taken and RNA was isolated and then converted into cDNA and stored at -20°C.

Independent validation of candidate genes identified after a whole genome screening on Mayak workers exposed to prolonged occupational radiation.

We evaluated gene expression in the peripheral blood of Mayak workers in relationship to occupational chronic exposure to identify permanent post-exposure signatures. The Mayak workers had experienced either a combined exposure to incorporated (239)Pu and external gamma rays (n = 82) or exposure to external gamma rays (n = 18). Fifty unexposed individuals served as controls.

Gene expression analysis in Mayak workers with prolonged occupational radiation exposure.

The authors evaluated gene expression in the peripheral blood in relation to occupational exposure in Mayak workers to find out about the existence of a permanent post exposure signature. Workers were exposed to combined incorporated ²³⁹Pu and external gamma rays (n = 82) or to external gamma rays only (n = 18), and 50 unexposed individuals served as controls. Peripheral blood was taken from workers older than 70 y.

Sulfur mustard research--strategies for the development of improved medical therapy.

Objective: Sulfur mustard (SM) is a bifunctional alkylating substance being used as chemical warfare agent (vesicant). It is still regarded as a significant threat in chemical warfare and terrorism. Exposure to SM produces cutaneous blisters, respiratory and gastrointestinal tract injury, eye lesions, and bone marrow depression.

Cytotoxicity of the dental composite component TEGDMA and selected metabolic by-products in human pulmonary cells.

Objectives: The comonomer triethyleneglycoldimethacrylate (TEGDMA) is a commonly used constituent of resin-based dental materials. Upon placement, light-cured dental polymers may release a wide spectrum of residual compounds due to incomplete monomer-conversion during polymerization. Apart from liberating unreacted monomers, additional compound release might occur due to mechanical wear and enzymatic degradation on the salivary surface of resin fillings.

Assessment of alterations in barrier functionality and induction of proinflammatory and cytotoxic effects after sulfur mustard exposure of an in vitro coculture model of the human alveolo-capillary barrier.

Acute lung injury after sulfur mustard (SM) inhalation is characterized by massive, localized hemorrhage and alveolar edema, which implies severe disruption of the vascular and distal airway barrier. In this study, we tested a recently established in vitro coculture model of the alveolo-capillary barrier for its applicability to investigate acute toxic effects of SM at the human respiratory unit. The epithelial compartment of cocultures was exposed to varying concentrations of SM (0-1000 microM; t = 30 min).