Histotripsy-induced cavitation cloud initiation thresholds in tissues of different mechanical properties

Histotripsy is an ultrasound ablation method that depends on the initiation and maintenance of a cavitation bubble cloud to fractionate soft tissue. This paper studies how tissue properties impact the pressure threshold to initiate the cavitation bubble cloud. Our previous study showed that shock scattering off one or more initial bubbles, expanded to sufficient size in the focus, plays an important role in initiating a dense cavitation cloud. In this process, the shock scattering causes the positive pressure phase to be inverted, resulting in a scattered wave that has the opposite polarity of the incident shock. The inverted shock is superimposed on the incident negative pressure phase to form extremely high negative pressures, resulting in a dense cavitation cloud growing toward the transducer. We hypothesize that increased tissue stiffness impedes the expansion of initial bubbles, reducing the scattered tensile pressure, and thus requiring higher initial intensities for cloud initiation. To test this hypothesis, 5-cycle histotripsy pulses at pulse repetition frequencies (PRFs) of 10, 100, or 1000 Hz were applied by a 1-MHz transducer focused inside mechanically tunable tissue-mimicking agarose phantoms and various ex vivo porcine tissues covering a range of Young's moduli. The threshold to initiate a cavitation cloud and resulting bubble expansion were recorded using acoustic backscatter detection and optical imaging. In both phantoms and ex vivo tissue, results demonstrated a higher cavitation cloud initiation threshold for tissues of higher Young's modulus. Results also demonstrated a decrease in bubble expansion in phantoms of higher Young's modulus. These results support our hypothesis, improve our understanding of the effect of histotripsy in tissues with different mechanical properties, and provide a rational basis to tailor acoustic parameters for fractionation of specific tissues.

Does electron and proton therapy reduce the risk of radiation induced cancer after spinal irradiation for childhood medulloblastoma? A comparative treatment planning study

The aim of this treatment planning comparison study was to explore different spinal irradiation techniques with respect to the risk of late side-effects, particularly radiation-induced cancer. The radiotherapy techniques compared were conventional photon therapy, intensity modulated x-ray therapy (IMXT), conventional electron therapy, intensity/energy modulated electron therapy (IMET) and proton therapy (IMPT).CT images for radiotherapy use from five children, median age 8 and diagnosed with medulloblastoma, were selected for this study. Target volumes and organs at risk were defined in 3-D. Treatment plans using conventional photon therapy, IMXT, conventional electron therapy, IMET and IMPT were set up. The probability of normal tissue complication (NTCP) and the risk of cancer induction were calculated using models with parameters-sets taken from published data for the general population; dose data were taken from dose volume histograms (DVH). Similar dose distributions in the targets were achieved with all techniques but the absorbed doses in the organs-at-risk varied significantly between the different techniques. The NTCP models based on available data predicted very low probabilities for side-effects in all cases. However, the effective mean doses outside the target volumes, and thus the predicted risk of cancer induction, varied significantly between the techniques. The highest lifetime risk of secondary cancers was estimated for IMXT (30%). The lowest risk was found with IMPT (4%). The risks associated with conventional photon therapy, electron therapy and IMET were 20%, 21% and 15%, respectively. This model study shows that spinal irradiation of young children with photon and electron techniques results in a substantial risk of radiation-induced secondary cancers. Multiple beam IMXT seems to be associated with a particularly high risk of secondary cancer induction. To minimise this risk, IMPT should be the treatment of choice. If proton therapy is not available, advanced electron therapy may provide a better alternative.

Imaging features of radiation-induced changes in the abdomen

After external-beam radiation therapy, radiation-induced changes may be observed in abdominal and pelvic organs at imaging. In the liver, an area of low attenuation corresponding to the radiation port (or an area of hyperattenuation if the underlying liver tissue shows fatty change) can be seen at computed tomography (CT) performed within 3-6 months after therapy. Later, the liver may be fibrotic and contracted. In the stomach, small intestine, and colon, wall thickening and edema are early manifestations. Ulcers may also be observed. Long-term complications include strictures and fistulas. After irradiation of the kidneys, altered attenuation of the renal parenchyma may be seen at CT. Ureteral strictures, typically involving the distal ureter, may be observed after pelvic irradiation. The bladder may be small and contracted with a thickened wall after radiation exposure. Fistulas between the bladder and other pelvic organs sometimes occur. Typical musculoskeletal changes include growth abnormalities in skeletally immature patients, fatty replacement of bone marrow, and radiation osteitis. Radiation-induced neoplasms are also recognized after therapy.

Electro-acupuncture attenuates stress-induced defecation in rats with chronic visceral hypersensitivity via serotonergic pathway

Acupuncture has long been used for patients with irritable bowel syndrome. However, it has remained unclear. The aim of this study was to testify the effect of electro-acupuncture(EA) on (1) visceral hypersensitivity induced by the mechanical colorectal irritation during postnatal development of rats, and (2) stress-induced colonic motility changes on rats with chronic visceral hypersensitivity. The abdominal withdrawal reflex (pain threshold and score) for visceral hypersensitivity and fecal pellet output for motor dysfunction were selected as two indexes for measurement. In addition, the effect of EA on 5-HT(4a) receptor and serotonin transporter (SERT) expression in the colon mucosa was analyzed semi-quantitatively through immunohistochemistry and 5-HT concentration in the colon tissue was observed through spectro-photo-fluorimeter detection, respectively. Our results showed that EA significantly elevated pain threshold, decreased the scores and also decreased fecal pellet output during water avoid stress. Furthermore, EA decreased 5-HT concentration in colon in rats with CVH and CVH rats with water avoidance stress, and increased the 5-HT(4a) and SERT expression in rats with CVH. Thus, it can be concluded that EA attenuates behavioral hyperalgesia and stress-induced colonic motor dysfunction in CVH rats via serotonergic pathway.

Radiation injury: imaging findings in the chest, abdomen and pelvis after therapeutic radiation

Radiation may be used as adjuvant or primary therapy in a variety of tumors in the chest, abdomen and pelvis. Therapeutic radiation affects not only malignant tumors but also surrounding normal tissues. The risk of injury depends on the size, number and frequency of radiation fractions, volume of irradiated tissue, duration of treatment, and method of radiation delivery. Concomitant chemotherapy can act synergistically to produce injury. Other predisposing factors include infection, prior surgery and chronic illness like hypertension, diabetes mellitus and atherosclerosis. Radiation changes vary, based on the target organ and the time from completion of therapy. While most serious complications related to radiotherapy are relatively uncommon, given the number of patients that are treated and the relatively long latency period for development of radiation changes, follow-up imaging studies frequently have findings that should be recognized as radiation related. Familiarity with the spectrum of imaging findings after radiation injury permits differentiation from other etiologies such as recurrent malignancy. The following will discuss imaging findings that may be seen during imaging surveillance in patients with malignancy affecting the chest, abdomen and pelvis.

Space radiation absorbed dose distribution in a human phantom

The radiation risk to astronauts has always been based on measurements using passive thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs). The skin dose is converted to dose equivalent using an average radiation quality factor based on model calculations. The radiological risk estimates, however, are based on organ and tissue doses. This paper describes results from the first space flight (STS-91, 51.65 degrees inclination and approximately 380 km altitude) of a fully instrumented Alderson Rando phantom torso (with head) to relate the skin dose to organ doses. Spatial distributions of absorbed dose in 34 1-inch-thick sections measured using TLDs are described. There is about a 30% change in dose as one moves from the front to the back of the phantom body. Small active dosimeters were developed specifically to provide time-resolved measurements of absorbed dose rates and quality factors at five organ locations (brain, thyroid, heart/lung, stomach and colon) inside the phantom. Using these dosimeters, it was possible to separate the trapped-proton and the galactic cosmic radiation components of the doses. A tissue-equivalent proportional counter (TEPC) and a charged-particle directional spectrometer (CPDS) were flown next to the phantom torso to provide data on the incident internal radiation environment. Accurate models of the shielding distributions at the site of the TEPC, the CPDS and a scalable Computerized Anatomical Male (CAM) model of the phantom torso were developed. These measurements provided a comprehensive data set to map the dose distribution inside a human phantom, and to assess the accuracy and validity of radiation transport models throughout the human body. The results show that for the conditions in the International Space Station (ISS) orbit during periods near the solar minimum, the ratio of the blood-forming organ dose rate to the skin absorbed dose rate is about 80%, and the ratio of the dose equivalents is almost one. The results show that the GCR model dose-rate predictions are 20% lower than the observations. Assuming that the trapped-belt models lead to a correct orbit-averaged energy spectrum, the measurements of dose rates inside the phantom cannot be fully understood. Passive measurements using 6Li- and 7Li-based detectors on the astronauts and inside the brain and thyroid of the phantom show the presence of a significant contribution due to thermal neutrons, an area requiring additional study.

Radiation dose and risk from fluoroscopically guided percutaneous transhepatic biliary procedures

PURPOSE

To estimate radiation dose and associated risks after fluoroscopically guided percutaneous transhepatic biliary (PTB) drainage and stent implantation procedures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Organ and effective doses, normalized to dose-area product (DAP), were estimated for PTB procedures with use of a Monte Carlo transport code and an adult mathematical phantom. Exposure parameters from 51 consecutive patients were used to determine average examination parameters for biliary drainage and stent implantation procedures. Thermoluminescent dosimeters were used in an anthropomorphic phantom to verify Monte Carlo calculations. Radiation-induced cancer and genetic risks were estimated.

RESULTS

The results consist of doses normalized to DAP so patient dose from any technique and x-ray unit can be easily calculated for left and right biliary access and for separate or combined biliary and metallic stent implantation sessions. A good agreement was found between Monte Carlo-calculated data and data derived from thermoluminescent dosimetry. The average effective dose varied from 1.8 to 5.4 mSv depending on procedure approach (left vs right access) and procedure scheme. A maximum effective dose of 13 mSv was estimated for 30 minutes of fluoroscopy.

CONCLUSIONS

Doses delivered to patients undergoing PTB procedures are comparable to those that arise from computed tomography protocols. Radiation-induced cancer risk may be considerable for young patients undergoing PTB drainage and stent implantation procedures.

Long-term exposure of Sprague Dawley rats to 20 kHz triangular magnetic fields

PURPOSE

There are only a few reports on harmful effects of 20 kHz sine waves; however, it is essential to comprehensively evaluate the potentially harmful effect of triangular signals at the same frequency. Therefore, in this study, effects of long-term exposure to 20 kHz magnetic fields was examined.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighty Sprague Dawley rats were divided into two groups (half male and female in each sham and exposed groups), and they were exposed to 20 kHz triangular magnetic fields at 6.25 microT rms for 8 h/day for 12 or 18 months. Urinalysis [pH, glucose, protein, ketone bodies, red blood cells (RBC), nitrogen, bilirubin, urobilinogen, and specific gravity], hematological analysis (RBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit, thrombocyte count, and leucocyte count), blood biochemistry (total protein, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, glucose, total bilirubin, total cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase), and histopathological analysis of organs (thymus, stomach, intestine, liver, kidney, testis, ovary, spleen, brain, heart, and lung) were performed.

RESULTS

No significant differences were seen between 20 kHz magnetic-fields exposed rats and sham-exposed rats in body and organ weights, hematological analysis, blood biochemistry, urinalysis data, and histopathological examination, except for the numbers of neutrophiles and lymphocytes in female rats. The number of neutrophiles was significantly increased in female rats on the 12th month after exposure, and the number of lymphocytes in female rats was significantly decreased on the 18th month.

CONCLUSION

Long-term exposure of rats to 20 kHz triangular magnetic fields did not induce any significantly harmful effects, except changes in neutrophiles at 12 months and lymphocytes at 18 months of exposure in female rats. These hematological changes need to be investigated again at a higher intensity of 20 kHz magnetic fields.

Increased Expression of Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF) in Multiple Organs After Exposure of Non-Human Primates (NHP) to Lethal Doses of Radiation

Exposure to sufficiently high doses of ionizing radiation is known to cause fibrosis in many different organs and tissues. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2), a member of the CCN family of matricellular proteins, plays an important role in the development of fibrosis in multiple organs. The aim of the present study was to quantify the gene and protein expression of CTGF in a variety of organs from non-human primates (NHP) that were previously exposed to potentially lethal doses of radiation. Tissues from non-irradiated NHP and NHP exposed to whole thoracic lung irradiation (WTLI) or partial-body irradiation with 5% bone marrow sparing (PBI/BM5) were examined by real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR, western blot, and immunohistochemistry. Expression of CTGF was elevated in the lung tissues of NHP exposed to WTLI relative to the lung tissues of the non-irradiated NHP. Increased expression of CTGF was also observed in multiple organs from NHP exposed to PBI/BM5 compared to non-irradiated NHP; these included the lung, kidney, spleen, thymus, and liver. These irradiated organs also exhibited histological evidence of increased collagen deposition compared to the control tissues. There was significant correlation of CTGF expression with collagen deposition in the lung and spleen of NHP exposed to PBI/BM5. Significant correlations were observed between spleen and multiple organs on CTGF expression and collagen deposition, respectively, suggesting possible crosstalk between spleen and other organs. These data suggest that CTGF levels are increased in multiple organs after radiation exposure and that inflammatory cell infiltration may contribute to the elevated levels of CTGF in multiple organs.

Organ Doses From Diagnostic Medical Radiography-Trends Over Eight Decades (1930 to 2010)

This study provides a retrospective assessment of doses to 13 organs for the most common radiographic examinations conducted between the 1930s and 2010, taking into account typical technical parameters used for radiography during those years. This study is intended to be a resource on changes in medical diagnostic radiation exposure over time with a specific purpose of supporting retrospective epidemiological studies of radiation health risks. The authors derived organ doses to the brain, esophagus, thyroid, red bone marrow, lungs, breast, heart, stomach, liver, colon, urinary bladder, ovaries, and testes based on 14 common radiographic procedures and compared, when possible, with doses reported in the literature. These dose estimates were based on radiographic exposure parameters described in textbooks widely used by radiologic technologists in training from 1939 to 2010. The derived estimated doses presented here are believed to be representative of typical organs for an average-size adult who might be considered to be similar to the reference person. There were large variations in organ doses noted among the different types of radiographic examinations. Doses were highest in organs within the area imaged and next highest in organs in close proximity to the area imaged. Estimated organ doses have declined substantially [overall 22-fold (±38)] over time as a consequence of changes in technology, imaging protocols and protective measures. For some examinations, only slight differences were observed in doses for the decades of the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s due to minor changes in technical parameters. Substantial dose reductions were observed in the 1990s and 2000s.

IMPLICATIONS OF PATIENT CENTRING ON ORGAN DOSE IN COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY

Automatic exposure control (AEC) in computed tomography (CT) facilitates optimisation of dose absorbed by the patient. The use of AEC requires appropriate 'patient centring' within the gantry, since positioning the patient off-centre may affect both image quality and absorbed dose. The aim of this experimental study was to measure the variation in organ and abdominal surface dose during CT examinations of the head, neck/thorax and abdomen. The dose was compared at the isocenter with two off-centre positions-ventral and dorsal to the isocenter. Measurements were made with an anthropomorphic adult phantom and thermoluminescent dosemeters. Organs and surfaces for ventral regions received lesser dose (5.6-39.0 %) than the isocenter when the phantom was positioned +3 cm off-centre. Similarly, organ and surface doses for dorsal regions were reduced by 5.0-21.0 % at -5 cm off-centre. Therefore, correct vertical positioning of the patient at the gantry isocenter is important to maintain optimal imaging conditions.

Evaluation of the developmental toxicity of 60 Hz magnetic fields and harmonic frequencies in Sprague-Dawley rats

Experimental data suggest that exposure to the 50 and 60 Hz sinusoidal components of power-frequency magnetic fields (MFs) does not have an adverse impact on fetal development. However, the possible developmental toxicity of MF harmonics has not been investigated. This study was designed to determine whether exposure to 180 Hz MFs (third harmonic), alone or in combination with 60 Hz MFs, induces birth defects in Sprague-Dawley rats. Groups of sperm-positive dams (> or =20/group) were exposed for 18.5 h per day from gestation days 6 through 19 to (1) ambient MFs only (<0.0001 mT; sham controls); (2) 60 Hz MFs at 0.2 mT; (3) 180 Hz MFs at 0.2 mT; or (4) 60 Hz + 180 Hz MFs (10% third harmonic; total field strength = 0.2 mT). Litter size, litter weight, percentage live births, sex ratio, and number of resorption sites were determined for each dam, and gross external, visceral, cephalic and skeletal examinations were performed on all fetuses. MF exposure had no significant effects on litter size, litter weight, or fetal development. With the exception of common rib variants, the incidence of fetal anomalies was comparable in all groups. A small increase in the incidence of rib variants was seen in the group exposed to 60 Hz + 180 Hz MFs; however, the incidence of rib variants in this group was similar to that in historical controls from our laboratory. These data extend the existing database on developmental toxicity of MFs by demonstrating that exposure to 180 Hz MFs, either alone or superimposed on an underlying 60 Hz signal, does not induce biologically significant developmental toxicity. These data do not support the hypothesis that exposure to power-frequency MFs is an important risk factor for fetal development.

Role of shielding in modulating the effects of solar particle events: Monte Carlo calculation of absorbed dose and DNA complex lesions in different organs

Distributions of absorbed dose and DNA clustered damage yields in various organs and tissues following the October 1989 solar particle event (SPE) were calculated by coupling the FLUKA Monte Carlo transport code with two anthropomorphic phantoms (a mathematical model and a voxel model), with the main aim of quantifying the role of the shielding features in modulating organ doses. The phantoms, which were assumed to be in deep space, were inserted into a shielding box of variable thickness and material and were irradiated with the proton spectra of the October 1989 event. Average numbers of DNA lesions per cell in different organs were calculated by adopting a technique already tested in previous works, consisting of integrating into "condensed-history" Monte Carlo transport codes--such as FLUKA--yields of radiobiological damage, either calculated with "event-by-event" track structure simulations, or taken from experimental works available in the literature. More specifically, the yields of "Complex Lesions" (or "CL", defined and calculated as a clustered DNA damage in a previous work) per unit dose and DNA mass (CL Gy-1 Da-1) due to the various beam components, including those derived from nuclear interactions with the shielding and the human body, were integrated in FLUKA. This provided spatial distributions of CL/cell yields in different organs, as well as distributions of absorbed doses. The contributions of primary protons and secondary hadrons were calculated separately, and the simulations were repeated for values of Al shielding thickness ranging between 1 and 20 g/cm2. Slight differences were found between the two phantom types. Skin and eye lenses were found to receive larger doses with respect to internal organs; however, shielding was more effective for skin and lenses. Secondary particles arising from nuclear interactions were found to have a minor role, although their relative contribution was found to be larger for the Complex Lesions than for the absorbed dose, due to their higher LET and thus higher biological effectiveness.

Advances in prevention of radiation damage to visceral and solid organs in patients requiring radiation therapy of the trunk

BACKGROUND

As a part of multimodality therapy, many patients with tumors of the trunk receive radiation therapy. The major morbidity of this therapy is often secondary to incidental radiation damage to tissues adjacent to treatment areas.

METHODS

We detail our use of saline breast implants placed in polyglycolic acid mesh sheets to displace visceral and solid organs away from the radiation field.

RESULTS

Analysis of CT scans and dose volume histograms reveal that this technique successfully displaces uninvolved organs away from the radiation fields, thereby minimizing the radiation dose to such organs and tissues.

CONCLUSION

We believe this is a safe and efficacious method to prevent radiation damage to visceral and solid organs adjacent to trunk tumor sites.

Evaluation of dose conversion coefficients for an eight-year-old Iranian male phantom undergoing computed tomography

In order to construct a library of Iranian pediatric voxel phantoms for radiological protection and dosimetry applications, an Iranian eight-year-old phantom was constructed from a series of CT images. Organ and effective dose conversion coefficients to this phantom were calculated for head, chest, abdominopelvis and chest-abdomen-pelvis scans at tube voltages of 80, 100 and 120 kVp. To validate the results, the organ and effective dose conversion coefficients obtained were compared with those of the University of Florida eight-year-old voxel female phantom as a function of examination type and anatomical scan area. For a detailed study, depth distributions of organs together with the thickness of surrounding tissues located in the beam path, which are shielding the internal organs, were determined for these two voxel phantoms. The relation between the anatomical differences and the level of delivered dose was investigated and the discrepancies among the results justified.

[Estimation of absorbed dose of beta radiation into the critical tissues by a single injection of tritiated water]

The biological effects of tritium in humans need to be clarified, because the chances of humans becoming exposed to tritium beta radiation may increase with the development of the nuclear fusion reactor. To evaluate the biological effects of tritium, it is necessary to estimate exactly the absorbed dose from the tritium beta rays in the tissue. In many reports, the absorbed dose of HTO in the tissues is estimated from the tritium content in body fluid and dose calculations are customarily based upon the water content of soft tissues, which is taken to be 0.7 to 0.8. However, these methods may not show the exact absorbed dose in the organs. In the present study, the radioactivity of the critical tissues was measured directly using a sample oxidizer and the absorbed dose was calculated from the radioactivity of tritium in the tissues. Details on the method for calculation of the absorbed dose in tissues of the mouse is shown in this report. The results suggest that the absorbed dose should be obtained from the radioactivity in the tissues.

Radiation transport modeling and assessment to better predict radiation exposure, dose, and toxicological effects to human organs on long duration space flights

NASA is very interested in improving its ability to monitor and forecast the radiation levels that pose a health risk to space-walking astronauts as they construct the International Space Station and astronauts that will participate in long-term and deep-space missions. Human exploratory missions to the moon and Mars within the next quarter century, will expose crews to transient radiation from solar particle events which include high-energy galactic cosmic rays and high-energy protons. Because the radiation levels in space are high and solar activity is presently unpredictable, adequate shielding is needed to minimize the deleterious health effects of exposure to radiation. Today, numerous models have been developed and used to predict radiation exposure. Such a model is the Space Environment Information Systems (SPENVIS) modeling program, developed by the Belgian Institute for Space Aeronautics. SPENVIS, which has been assessed to be an excellent tool in characterizing the radiation environment for microelectronics and investigating orbital debris, is being evaluated for its usefulness with determining the dose and dose-equivalent for human exposure. Thus far. the calculations for dose-depth relations under varying shielding conditions have been in agreement with calculations done using HZETRN and PDOSE, which are well-known and widely used models for characterizing the environments for human exploratory missions. There is disagreement when assessing the impact of secondary radiation particles since SPENVIS does a crude estimation of the secondary radiation particles when calculating LET versus Flux. SPENVIS was used to model dose-depth relations for the blood-forming organs. Radiation sickness and cancer are life-threatening consequences resulting from radiation exposure. In space. exposure to radiation generally includes all of the critical organs. Biological and toxicological impacts have been included for discussion along with alternative risk mitigation methods--shielding and anti-carcinogens.

Visceral signals reach visual cortex during slow wave sleep: study in monkeys

Propagation of signals from the gastro-intestinal system towards the occipital cortex within sleep-wake cycle was investigated in three monkeys used in the study of sleep impairment in a chronic MPTP model of parkinsonism. The monkeys differed in motor abilities and sleep structure. e animal (M1) was non-motor disabled and had no sleep alterations. The other two monkeys were severely motor affected, but one (M2) had normal sleep cycles; meanwhile, the other (M3) had no complete sleep cycles. To evaluate the level of sleep and to record cortical evoked responses screw electrodes were implanted over the occipital cortex. Two hours before overnight recordings, two hook electrodes were injected intraperitoneally (under light Ketanest anesthesia) and anchored in gut. Using these electrodes, electric stimulation was applied during slow wave sleep, and in wakefulness. Cortical evoked responses to intraperitoneal stimulation were found indeed during sleep in experiments with M1 and M2. These results show that also in primates with normal sleep pattern visceral information is transferred to the cerebral cortex during slow wave sleep.

[The late effects in treated dogs with a history of acute radiation sickness. The hemodynamic status at different times after irradiation]

Dogs were exposed to X radiation at a dose of 15 Gy; part of them received a complex treatment. The morphological studies of internal organs of control dogs were made before death (on days 4 to 15 after irradiation). The treated dogs were killed 0.5-2 years following irradiation. Hemodynamics normalization was noted in 1.5-2 years in the liver, brain cortex, adrenals, insular tissue of the pancreas, and lymph nodes.

Radiation measurements on the International Space Station

The International Space Station (ISS) is becoming a reality with the docking of the Russian Service module (Zarya) with the Unity module (Zaveda). ISS will be in a nominal 51.65-degree inclination by 400 km orbit. This paper reviews the currently planned radiation measurements, which are in many instances, based on experiments previously flown on the Space Shuttle. Results to be expected based on Shuttle measurements are presented.

Biochemical changes in rats flown on board the Cosmos 690 biosatellite

Male rats of the Wistar strain were examined one day and 26 days after the 20-day space flight on board the Cosmos 690 biosatellite. On the 10th flight day the animals were exposed to 24-hour gamma irradiation: some animals were irradiated at a dose of 220 rad and the others at a dose of 800 rad. The data were compared with the results obtained from two control groups one day and 26 days after the experiment: (i) rats kept in the vivarium and fed with a special diet, and (ii) rats from a synchronous experiment (which simulated the flight profile with the exception only of weightlessness). The studies showed the following changes one day after flight: an increase in the concentration of total cholesterol, glucose, urea and corticosterone in the blood plasma, an increase in the concentration of triglycerides in the plasma, liver and bone marrow, a decrease in the concentration of total cholesterol in the adrenals, a reduction in the DNA and RNA content in the spleen and bone marrow, a decline in the potassium concentration together with an increase in the sodium concentration in soleus muscle. The degree and pattern of the changes depended largely on the dose of irradiation. The parameters returned to normal 26 days post-flight.

Physico-chemical aspects of Thai fermented fish viscera, Tai-Pla, curry powder processed by hot air drying and hybrid microwave-infrared drying

The objective of this research was to comparatively investigate the effect of hot air drying (HA) and hybrid microwave-infrared drying (MI) on physico-chemical characteristics of Thai fermented fish viscera, Tai-Pla, curry powder (TCP). HA was carried out at 60°C, 70°C, and 80°C and MI was carried out at a microwave power of 740, 780, and 810 W with a constant infrared heating power (500 W) for different drying times to obtain the final moisture content ≤ 12.0% and the water activity (aw) ≤ 0.6. The quality characteristics of TCP were governed by HA temperature and MI output power. TCP dried using HA and MI at all conditions had similar contents of protein, lipid, ash, fiber, and carbohydrate (p>0.05). The fastest drying rate was detected when MI at 810 W for 40 min was applied (p<0.05). In this condition, TCP had the lowest browning index (A294 and A420) and the highest lightness (L* value) (p<0.05). TCP dried with MI at all powers had higher phenolic content and lower TBARS compared to HA (p<0.05). However, no significant differences in DPPH• scavenging activity were observed among TPC made by HA and MI (p>0.05). Similar Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra with different peak intensities were observed in all samples, indicating the same functional groups with different contents were found. The bulk density of all TCP ranged from 0.51 g/mL to 0.61 g/mL and the wettability ranged from 24.02% to 26.70%. MI at 810 W for 40 min effectively reduced the drying time (5-fold faster) and lowered the specific energy consumption (18-fold lower) compared to the HA at 60°C for 210 min. Therefore, MI is a promising drying technique to reduce the drying time and improve the overall quality of TCP.