Multisignal ionization chamber with a B4C coating as an active neutron beam spectrometer: Monte Carlo simulations.

In this study, the influence of additional 10B4C polarizing electrodes coating on KW-1 multisignal ionization chamber performance was investigated. Using the FLUKA Monte Carlo code energy deposition, neutron fluence and neutron track-length distributions were simulated. Further calculations allow us to obtain response functions for monoenergetic neutron beams in the energy range from 1 meV to 30 MeV.

Numerical model of human head phantom to ensure dosimetry of dose components for boron neutron capture therapy.

Extremely important aspects of the boron neutron capture therapy are, first of all, administering to the patient a boron compound that selectively reaches the neoplastic cells, and in the second step, the verification of the irradiation process. This paper focuses on the latter aspect, which is the detailed dosimetry of the processes occurring after the reaction of thermal neutrons with the boron-10 isotope. The results of computer simulations with the use of a new type of human head phantom filled with a polymer dosimetric gel will be presented in this article.

Unfolding of 239Pu-Be and 252Cf neutron energy spectra using passive multi-layer neutron spectrometer.

In the study, the passive multi-layer neutron spectrometer, based on thermoluminescence detectors, was tested in a calibration laboratory with 239Pu-Be and 252Cf isotopic sources. MCNP code was used for the calculation of the response functions for the neutron energy range from 1 meV to 100 MeV. It was also utilised for initial guess spectra calculations.

Underground radioactivity measurements of meteorites: Development of methods suitable to determine precise terrestrial age of recent falls.

The L6 chondritic meteorite, HaH-346, fell in Libya. However, neither the exact date of the fall nor the exact size of the original meteoroid or asteroid is known. A specimen of the meteorite, weighing 488 g, was measured using ultra low-background gamma-ray spectrometry in the 225 m deep underground facility HADES.

Molecular Mechanisms of Specific Cellular DNA Damage Response and Repair Induced by the Mixed Radiation Field During Boron Neutron Capture Therapy.

The impact of a mixed neutron-gamma beam on the activation of DNA damage response (DDR) proteins and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) is poorly understood. Ionizing radiation is characterized by its biological effectiveness and is related to linear energy transfer (LET). Neutron-gamma mixed beam used in boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) can induce another type of DNA damage such as clustered DNA or multiple damaged sites, as indicated for high LET particles, such as alpha particles, carbon ions, and protons.

BNCT research facility at MARIA reactor - Numerical models and preliminary measurements.

In NCBJ, Poland a new laboratory for BNCT research is being constructed at MARIA reactor. In the first phase it will provide a thermal neutron beam for experiments with cellular samples and small animals. In the next step, a converter will be mounted to provide fast neutron beam.

Determination of Pu, Pu and Am in air filters.

The aim of this work is to present the method for sequential plutonium and americium activity determination in air filters using chromatographic radionuclide separation and alpha spectrometry measurement. The developed method may be employed for the purposes of workplace monitoring and as an indicator of the need of introducing the individual monitoring as well as a useful complementation of individual monitoring. Basic parameters describing the developed method such as values of chemical recoveries and minimum detectable activities for plutonium and americium isotopes have been determined.

Study on the influence of the B4C layer thickness on the neutron flux and energy distribution shape in multi-electrode ionisation chamber.

A model of a multi-electrode ionisation chamber, with polypropylene electrodes coated with a thin layer of B4C was created within Monte Carlo N-Particle Transport Code (MCNPX) and Fluktuierende Kaskade (FLUKA) codes. The influence of the layer thickness on neutron absorption in B4C and on the neutron spectra in the consecutive intra-electrode gas volumes has been studied using the MCNPX and FLUKA codes. The results will be used for designing the new type of the ionisation chamber.

[Exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease].

The problems of exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were presented in this study. The methods of diagnosis and treatment was discussed in this article.

Enhanced lipid peroxidation in cancer tissue homogenates in non-small cell lung cancer.

The oxidative modification of nucleic acids by reactive oxygen species may lead to malignant conversion, but its exact role in lung cancer biology is still not clear. Lipid peroxidation, a well-known index of free radicals activity, is a process of oxidative polyunsaturated acids destruction. Our study was aimed to investigate the level of lipid peroxidation ex vivo in tumor tissue and lung parenchyma obtained from patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

[The evaluation of efficacy and tolerability of salbutamol administered by nebulization in patients with stable severe bronchial asthma].

The aim of the study was the assessment of the effect of salbutamol in nebulization on ventilatory parameters and heart action in patients with stable severe well controlled bronchial asthma. The study was performed in 30 asthmatics (19 females and 11 men) with incomplete reversibility of airflow obstruction after salbutamol inhalation administered via MDI device. The mean age was 47 years, the duration of asthma--18 years.

[Evaluation of the relationship between the clinical course of severe asthma and ventilatory parameters].

The aim of the study was the assessement of relations between the clinical symptoms of asthma, ventilatory parameters and nonspecific bronchial hyperresponsiveness. 22 patients with severe asthma, 12 females and 10 men, aged 43-68 years (mean 56) were observed for two years. The duration of asthma ranged from 6 to 38 years (mean 18).

[The influence of salmeterol and salbutamol on bronchial constriction in patients with bronchial asthma].

The aim of the study was to compare bronchodilatating effect of inhaled salmeterol, salbutamol and both drugs administered simultaneously. 14 subjects (7 females, 7 men), aged 30-65 years (mean 49 yrs), suffering from moderate to severe asthma were examined. The improvement of FEV1 greater than 15% within 15 minutes of inhaling 200 micrograms of salbutamol was demanded.

[Nonspecific bronchial hyperreactivity in patients with seasonal bronchial asthma observed through two consecutive years].

Seasonal bronchial asthma causally connected with the exposure to pollen allergens is a chronic, eosinophilic mucosal inflammation of airway. This inflammation is the basis for the development of nonspecific bronchial hyperreactivity which is the most typical but mutable feature of asthma. Bronchial hyperreactivity often determines asthma intensity and the need of asthma treatment.

[The effect of nedocromil sodium on the clinical course, ventilatory parameters and nonspecific bronchial hyperreactivity in patients with nonatopic bronchial asthma treated with beclomethasone dipropionate].

The efficacy of nedocromil sodium (NED) (8mg twice daily) in controlling the clinical symptoms of asthma (score symptoms), the pulmonary parameters (FEV1, FVC) and bronchial hyperreactivity to histamine was assessed. The study was performed in double-blind, cross-over and placebo-controlled way in 16 patients suffering from nonatopic, stable, moderate asthma treated with beclomethasone dipropionate (from 400 micrograms to 800 micrograms). NED and placebo were administered in a randomized way with 8-week wash-out period.

[Clinical evaluation of the isotonic solution of theophylline for intravenous injection].

The safety and tolerance of intravenous theophylline in asthmatic patients was investigated. The effect upon the lung function tests and frequency of cardiac arrhythmias were evaluated in 15 patients after five days treatment with theophylline 300 mg twice a day. Measurements of the peak expiratory flow (PEF) were obtained prior to theophylline administration, immediately after first intravenous infusion and 1.

Cardiac arrhythmias as a result of intravenous infusions of theophylline in patients with airway obstruction.

The effect of intravenous theophylline upon the activity of creatinine kinase (CK) and its cardiac specific isoenzyme (CK-MB) and the frequency of cardiac arrhythmias were evaluated in 12 patients with bronchial asthma and spastic bronchitis. Measurements of the peak expiratory flow (PEF) were obtained prior to theophylline administration, immediately after the infusion and at 1, 3 and 6 hours, while serum theophylline levels were determined at the same time by enzyme immunoassay. Continuous 24-hour Holter monitoring of the electrocardiogram before the study and at the first day of the investigations was performed.

[Effect of intravenous infusions of theophylline on cardiac arrhythmias and activity of creatinine kinase CK-MB in patients with airway obstruction].

The effect of intravenous theophylline upon the activity of creatinine kinase (CK) and its cardiac specific isoenzyme compound (CK-MB) and the frequency of cardiac arrhythmias was evaluated in 12 patients with bronchial asthma and spastic bronchitis. The patients were receiving an intravenous infusion of theophylline for three days. On the first day twice (400 mg and 300 mg) and subsequently, 400 mg once daily over 30 minutes.