A. Akleev and M. Kosenko (1991) Quantitative, functional and cytogenetic characteristics of lymphocytes and various indicators of immunity in persons participating in the decontamination work at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant.
Gematol Transfuziol, 36:8, 24-6 (in Russian).
Abstract
Immunologic and cytogenetic investigations conducted in subjects, who had been engaged in liquidation of consequences of the Chernobyl NPS catastrophe, during the first months after their work was finished, showed decreased content of large granulo-containing lymphocytes and serum IgM in the blood, their levels were completely recovered 3 years later. A complex of unfavourable factors attending radiation (stress, changes in the way of life, chemical actions etc.) played an important role in the genesis of these changes.
L. R. Anspaugh (1996) Dose reconstruction issues as they pertain to the Chernobyl cleanup worker population.
44th Annual Meeting of the Radiation Research Society, Chicago, Ilinois, USA, S17-2 .
Abstract
Not available
N. Antonov, O. Stulova and T. Khlopova (1996) The prevalence of respiratory organ diseases among those who cleaned up the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Ter Arkh, 68:3, 17-9 (in Russian).
Abstract
Epidemiological investigation of 206 males aged 30-45 exposed to radiation while working from May 1986 to March 1987 (the period of most likely radioactive dust inhalation damage) in radionuclide-contaminated zone after the Chernobyl accident has been performed. Chronic bronchitis and bronchial asthma occurred in the examinees 4.1 and 7.1 times more frequently than in nonexposed controls. The exposure to radionuclides was found related to subsequent respiratory disorders. Bronchopulmonary diseases in the emergency crews exposed to radiation were encountered in 42.5% which is two times more frequently than in control subjects. In view of this, it is necessary to introduce urgently special prophylactic programs for the above subjects.
N. Antonov and O. Stulova (1996) Respiratory tract damage in those who cleaned up the aftermath of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Ter Arkh, 68:3, 12-4 (in Russian).
Abstract
The authors have established the fact of acute inhalation damage of the "Chernobyl aerosol" to respiratory organs of the exposed subjects. The complaints correlation to the site of work, time and kind of job shows that respiratory symptoms arose more frequently in those members of emergency teams who arrived at the station in May, August-October 1986, March 1987, stayed for 30-40 days, worked at the site of the damaged reactor, were engaged in decontamination, degasification, drilling, construction and other "dusty" jobs. As a result of inhalation of the Chernobyl dust previously healthy patients developed various respiratory diseases.
O. Babak, I. Kushnir, L. Goncharova, S. Melikhov and G. Fadeenko (1993) The rehabilitation of duodenal peptic ulcer patients who participated in the cleanup of the aftereffects of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Likarska Sprava, 4, 39-41 (in Russian).
Abstract
These patients require individual rehabilitation after determination of the unspecific reactivity of the body with prodigiosane. Depending on the results of this test the patients were treated with drugs stimulating the immune response in case of hyporeactivity, with adaptogens in normoreactive course of the disease and drugs modulating B-cell immunity in hyperreactivity. This approach allows to reduce hospital time, enhances remission.
A. Baranov, R. Gale, A. Guskova, E. Piatkin, G. Selidovkin, L. Muravyova, R. Champlin, N. Danilova, L. Yevseeva and L. Petrosyan (1989) Bone marrow transplantation after the Chernobyl nuclear accident [published erratum appears in N Engl J Med 1990 Jan 25;322(4):280] [see comments].
N Engl J Med, 321:4, 205-12 .
Abstract
On April 26, 1986, an accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power station in the Soviet Union exposed about 200 people to large doses of total-body radiation. Thirteen persons exposed to estimated total-body doses of 5.6 to 13.4 Gy received bone marrow transplants. Two transplant recipients, who received estimated doses of radiation of 5.6 and 8.7 Gy, are alive more than three years after the accident. The others died of various causes, including burns (the cause of death in five), interstitial pneumonitis (three), graft-versus-host disease (two), and acute renal failure and adult respiratory distress syndrome (one). There was hematopoietic (granulocytic) recovery in nine transplant recipients who could be evaluated, six of whom had transient partial engraftment before the recovery of their own marrow. Graft-versus-host disease was diagnosed clinically in four persons and suspected in two others. Although the recovery of endogenous hematopoiesis may occur after exposure to radiation doses of 5.6 to 13.4 Gy, we do not know whether it is more likely after the transient engraftment of transplanted stem cells. Because large doses of radiation affect multiple systems, bone marrow recovery does not necessarily ensure survival. Furthermore, the risk of graft-versus-host disease must be considered when the benefits of this treatment are being weighed.
A. Baranov, A. Guskova, N. Nadejina and V. Nugis (1995) Chernobyl experience: biological indicators of exposure to ionizing radiation.
Stem Cells (Dayt), 13:Suppl 1, 69-77 .
Abstract
Using the Chernobyl accident as an example, an attempt is made to consider the possibility of using the biological markers of exposure and effects of exposure to ionizing radiation in relation to biology dosimetry, and to predict early and late nonstochastic and stochastic radiation consequences. The biological dosimetry was based on the three markers: chromosome aberrations of peripheral blood lymphocytes, dynamics of blood cell (lymphocytes, neutrophils) counts and electron spin resonance (ESR) of tooth enamel. The first two methods can be applied in a short period of time (days or weeks) after exposure and only after high doses (> 0.5-1 Gy) of acute total body irradiation (TBI). The ESR tooth enamel method possesses dosimetric value at all conditions of uniform gamma TBI (acute, prolonged, chronic and high as well as low level of doses) and at any time after exposure. The low limit of sensitivity of the ESR test is about 0.1 Gy. The use of biological markers of effects of radiation exposure as early diagnostic signs was limited to clinical significant disorders of hemopoietic, immune systems and skin in conditions of acute high-dose irradiation. In cases of acute or prolonged irradiation in low doses, many changes on the cellular as well as organism level were discovered. However, there were not enough data on radiation specificity or dose dependence of these changes. Hence they cannot be considered as the indicators of clinically significant early and late nonstochastic effects. The role of biological markers of stochastic effects in clinical practice is discussed herein.
D. Bard, P. Verger and P. Hubert (1997) Chernobyl, 10 years after: health consequences.
Epidemiol Rev, 19:2, 187-204 .
Abstract
Not available
I. R. Bariliak, E. F. Safonova, G. A. Dubovaia, V. Brezhneva Iu, A. Sotskaia Ia and M. V. Mutychko (1998) The cytogenetic indices of participants in the cleanup of the aftermath of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station and their correction.
Lik Sprava, 4, 9-11 (in Russian).
Abstract
An analysis was performed of cytogenetic homeostasis in liquidators of the Chernobyl accident after-effects, which led to the belief that if the above contingent of subjects continue living in large industrial regions characterized by high levels of environmental contamination with industrial waste, such as that formed in the chemical, by-product coke, and metallurgical industries, they will not dispel disorders of the cytogenetic homeostasis (chromosomal and chromatic aberrations), which fact is believed to be due to the inhibition of the processes of elimination of somatic cells with a faulty genotype. Proposed for the correction of cytogenetic disorders are such options as a complex of antioxidants and intravascular laser irradiation of blood, that will, we believe, help in restoring the cytogenetic homeostasis.
B. Bartoov, N. Zabludovsky, F. Eltes, V. V. Smirnov, V. I. Grischenko and A. Fischbein (1997) Semen Quality of Workers Exposed to Ionizing Radiation in Decontamination Work after the Chernobyl Nuclear Reactor Accident.
Int J Occup Environ Health, 3:3, 198-203 .
Abstract
The objective of the study was to assess effects of radiation on sperm quality, including ultramorphology of spermatozoa of men who worked as salvage workers at the Chernobyl nuclear reactor accident site or in the adjacent region. Semen characteristics were assessed by light microscopy, biochemical analysis, and quantitative ultramorphologic analysis seven years after the accident. Samples were collected in the Ukraine, examined there by routine semen analysis, fixed, and transferred to Israel for further examinations. The study population consisted of 18 radiation-exposed individuals. Eighteen unexposed Ukrainian men were examined as controls. Sperm motility was found to be reduced in the radiation-exposed workers. Ultramorphologic defects were evident in the sperm nucleus. Fertility potential was adversely affected among the exposed workers. Thus, salvage workers who had worked at the Chernobyl nuclear reactor accident site or in the vicinity thereof were found to manifest ultramorphologic abnormalities in the sperm nucleus and to have impaired fertility potential seven years after the radiation exposure. The injury was independent of whether the work site had been located at the reactor site or in the vicinity thereof.
M. Bauchinger (1997) Health impacts of large releases of radionuclides. Cytogenetic effects as quantitative indicators of radiation exposure.
Ciba Found Symp, 203:, 188-99; discussion 199-204, 232-4 .
Abstract
Scoring of dicentrics in metaphase preparations of human T lymphocytes is the method of choice for estimating individual whole-body doses of radiation exposure. A quantification of partial-body exposures or non- uniform distribution of the dose is more complicated but it can be achieved by using specific mathematical approaches. For retrospective biodosimetry, conventional scoring of dicentrics is less precise because these unstable aberrations are eliminated with time post- exposure. Symmetrical translocations are not selected against during mitotic division in the haematopoietic cell reproductive centres, so the frequencies of these stable aberrations are generally assumed to remain constant even for decades. They can now be analysed precisely by fluorescence in situ hybridization using whole chromosome-specific DNA probes (chromosome painting) with an alpha-satellite DNA probe for centromere detection. Based on in vitro calibration curves established with single or multicolour paints covering 4-22% of the total human genomic DNA content, scoring of translocations has been applied for dose reconstruction in smaller groups of atomic bomb survivors and victims of the Chernobyl and Goiania radiation accidents. However, prior to routine use, the method requires further validation. Such work includes the precise evaluation of the unexpectedly high frequency of complex exchanges (> or = 3 breaks in > or = 2 chromosomes) found both at > 2 Gy doses of low linear energy transfer (LET) radiation and generally for high LET alpha-particles. Data on the long-term stability of translocations and the appearance of clonal abberrations, as well as improved measurements of the linear coefficient of standard calibration curves, are also required.
I. Beliakov, A. Iarilin, O. Kuzqmenok, E. Gnezditskaia and L. Beletskaia (1992) Determination of autoantibodies to antigens of thymic epithelial cells of clean up team workers and patients who survived acute radiation sickness at distant periods after irradiation.
Radiobiologiia, 32:3, 341-8 (in Russian).
Abstract
A group of patients, suffering from sequelae of acute radiation sickness (ARS), and liquidators was studied 5 years after exposure to a complex of factors resulting from the Chernobyl A.P.S. disaster. Studied were: the antibody titres to antigens of the cytoplasm of thymus epithelial reticulum cells and to Hassall's corpuscles the levels of serum immunoglobulins M, G, A; and the content of serum alpha 1-thymosin. Patients with ARS sequelae and liquidators showed a high level and incidence of autoantibodies to antigens of cytoplasm of thymus epithelial reticulum cells and to Hassall's corpuscles. There were no significant differences between the antibody levels in the blood of patients with ARS sequelae and liquidators. The antibodies were found to belong to IgM class; there was a correlation between the serum IgM titres and the rate of the indirect immunofluorescence reaction with autoantibodies to antigens of the cytoplasm of the thymus epithelial reticulum cells. To identify autoantibodies cryostat sections of human and mouse, (CBA x C57BL/6) F1, thymus as well as the epithelial and stromal cell culture of mouse thymus can equally be used.
I. Beliakov, A. Iarilin, N. Nadezhina, N. Korotkova, I. Kosheeva and A. Simonova (1992) Several indices of the peripheral immune system in clean up team workers and patients who survived acute radiation disease 5 years after effects of the radiation accident factors.
Radiobiologiia, 32:3, 349-56 (in Russian).
Abstract
A group of liquidators and patients survived acute radiation sickness (ARS) was studied five years after the effect of radiation factors resulted from the Chernobyl A.P.S. disaster. Studied were the number of T-lymphocytes (SD2+, SD3+, SD5+), subpopulations SD16+ and SD25+, the content of SD16+ and SD25+ lymphocytes and B-cells, as well as the levels of serum IgM, A, G; determined was the concentration of serum alpha 1-thymosin. A decrease was noted in the number of T-cells of the examined patients, with respect to all markers studied: the number of SD4+ cells was found decreased in patients with ARS sequelae and normal in liquidators. The decrease in serum alpha 1-thymosin was a function of dose. Dynamics of changes in the T-cells of the examinees may reflect the new trends in the radiation response of T-lymphocytes which were not directly related to initial damages to the latter. The injury to the stroma of the thymus and especially to its epithelial cells may be the basis for later postirradiation damages to the immune system. The decrease in the concentration of alpha 1-thymosin in the blood serum of the examinee is the manifestation of the thymus hypofunction. In liquidators and patients with the ARS sequelae the number of SD25+ cells increased markedly indicating the existence of the source of endogenous cell activation. The content of B-lymphocytes in all studied groups of patients was reduced which may serve as a criterion of chronic stress.
L. K. Bezdrobnaia, E. P. Romanova, I. P. Drozd, E. A. Fediuk and G. N. Koval (1997) A micronucleus analysis of the peripheral blood lymphocytes of the professional contingent and of the self-settlers in the exclusion zone of the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Tsitol Genet, 31:1, 41-6 (in Russian).
Abstract
The chromosomal damage (micronuclei) of the peripheral blood lymphocytes of the group of professionals who had participated in the liquidation of the Chernobyl NPP accident and have continued their work at the "Shelter" and of the group of self-settlers who living for about ten year in the Chernobyl NPP alienation zone were studied. Residents of Kyiv were the group for comparison. It was found that in professionals the number of micronuclei was higher due to the presence of cells with several micronuclei while in the self-settlers it was due to the increase in the number of cells with one micronucleus. Also was determined the correlation between the frequency of micronuclei in the lymphocytes of the self-settlers on the one hand and the level of radionuclides contamination of territory and dose loading on the other.
W. Bigbee, R. Jensen, T. Veidebaum, M. Tekkel, M. Rahu, A. Stengrevics, A. Kesminiene, J. Kurtinaitis, A. Auvinen, T. Hakulinen, K. Servomaa, T. Rytomaa, G. Obrams and J. Boice JD (1996) Glycophorin A biodosimetry in Chernobyl cleanup workers from the Baltic countries [see comments].
BMJ, 312:7038, 1078-9 .
Abstract
Not available
W. Bigbee, R. Jensen, T. Veidebaum, M. Tekkel, M. Rahu, A. Stengrevics, A. Auvinen, T. Hakulinen, K. Servomaa, T. Rytomaa, G. Obrams and J. Boice JD (1997) Biodosimetry of Chernobyl cleanup workers from Estonia and Latvia using the glycophorin A in vivo somatic cell mutation assay.
Radiat Res, 147:2, 215-24 .
Abstract
The reactor accident at Chernobyl in 1986 necessitated a massive environmental cleanup that involved over 600,000 workers from all 15 Republics of the former Soviet Union. To determine whether the whole-body radiation received by workers in the course of these decontamination activities resulted in a detectable biological response, over 1,500 blood samples were obtained from cleanup workers sent from two Baltic countries, Estonia and Latvia. Here we report the results of studies of biodosimetry using the glycophorin A (GPA) locus in vivo somatic cell mutation assay applied to 734 blood samples from these workers, to 51 control samples from unexposed Baltic populations and to 94 samples from historical U.S. controls. The data reveal inconsistent evidence that the protracted radiation exposures received by these workers resulted in a significant dose-associated increase in GPA locus mutations compared with the controls. Taken together, these data suggest that the average radiation exposure to these workers does not greatly exceed 10 cGy, the minimum levels at which radiation effects might be detectable by the assay. Although the protracted nature of the exposure may have reduced the efficiency of induction of GPA locus mutations, it is likely that the estimated physical doses for these cleanup worker populations (median reported dose 9.5 cGy) were too low to result in radiation damage to erythroid stem cells that can be detected reliably by this method.
A. Birioukov, M. Meurer, R. Peter, O. Braun-Falco and G. Plewig (1993) Male reproductive system in patients exposed to ionizing irradiation in the Chernobyl accident.
Arch Androl, 30:2, 99-104 .
Abstract
Twelve men with different forms and stages of chronic radiation dermatitis caused by accidental exposure to beta and gamma irradiation during and after the Chernobyl atomic power plant accident were examined. Two patients had impotentia coeundi, and the others reported various impairments of sexual function. One patient had aspermia, two patients had azoospermia, one had oligospermia, and four had normal sperm counts. In three samples abnormal forms of spermatozoa were increased. Sperm motility was decreased in 3 samples and was normal in another. Hormonal analyses demonstrated low testosterone plasma levels in two patients, an increase of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels in six patients, and a decrease of luteinizing hormone (LH) in one patient. In one patient who showed an increase of plasma prolactin level, associated with low testosterone and LH, a microadenoma of the pituitary gland (prolactinoma) was detected. It would appear that there is an association between accidental exposure to ionizing radiation of varying severity and the impairment of exocrine and endocrine testicular function, sometimes resulting in long-lasting physiological and psychological problems.
N. Bochkov (1993) Analytic review of cytogenetic studies after the Chernobyl accident.
Vestn Ross Akad Med Nauk, 6, 51-6 (in Russian).
Abstract
Not available
N. Bochkov, A. Akleev and L. Baleva (1996) The genetic sequelae of the Chelyabinsk and Chernobyl radioactive contaminations.
Vestn Ross Akad Med Nauk, 6, 64-72 (in Russian).
Abstract
Genetic consequences of radioactive fall-outs of the Chelyabinsk plant producing plutonium (1949-1952) and the Chernobyl accident have been analysed. Three powerful radioactive fall-outs caused a population genetic dose of 682,801 cSv per 217,750 persons (the average dose was 2.25 cSv). Individual variations were from 1-2 mSv to 1.2 Sv or more. The population genetic dose from the Chernobyl accident was higher (32 x 10(6) man/cSv), but the individual dose was lower (mainly no more than 1 cSv). Progenic analyses of residents of radiation contaminated areas showed no increase in the incidence of congenital anomalies, spontaneous abortions, developmental microanomalies, and Down syndromes (except Byelorussia). Calculations of genetic consequences for the Ural region demonstrated that only in the most contaminated area (the average gonadal dose was 19.5 cSv); a 4.13% increase of the spontaneous level could be observed. In all other areas it was less than 1%. It is difficult to reveal possible genetic consequences of the Chernobyl accident using the real sample size of the newborns. Even in the areas with fall-outs above 15 Ci/km2, the incidence of congenital anomalies did not exceed 1% of the spontaneous level.
J. D. Boice, Jr. and J. H. Lubin (1997) Occupational and environmental radiation and cancer.
Cancer Causes Control, 8:3, 309-22 .
Abstract
Epidemiologic evidence on the relation between occupational and environmental radiation and cancer is reviewed. Studies of pioneering radiation workers, underground miners, and radium dial painters revealed excess cancer deaths and contributed to the setting of radiation protection standards and to theories of carcinogenesis. Occupational exposures today are generally much lower than in the past, thus any associated increases in cancer will be difficult to detect. Pooling investigations of these more recently exposed workers, however, has the potential to validate current estimates of risk used in radiation protection. New information on the effects of chronic radiation exposure also may come from studies in the former Soviet Union of Chernobyl clean-up workers and of workers at the Mayak nuclear facilities. Studies of environmental radiation exposures, other than radon, are largely inconclusive, due mainly to the difficulties in detecting the low risks associated with low dose exposures. Thyroid cancer, however, has been linked to environmental radiation from the Chernobyl accident and from nuclear weapons tests. Low-level radiation released during normal operations at nuclear plants has not been found to increase cancer rates in surrounding populations. Radon, a human carcinogen, is the most ubiquitous exposure to human populations; remediating high residential-radon levels is recommended, recognizing that the exposure can never be removed completely because it occurs naturally.
N. Brimkulov, A. Abdulina, N. Davletalieva, A. Bakirova, A. Karamuratov and M. Mirrakhimov (1996) The rehabilitation under alpine conditions of the participants in the cleanup of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station who are ill with chronic bronchitis.
Ter Arkh, 68:3, 34-7 (in Russian).
Abstract
24 patients exposed to low-dose radiation after the Chernobyl accident were examined before and after 24-day treatment of chronic bronchitis in the high-altitude rehabilitation center (3200 m above the sea level) in Tien Shan. Sanogenic alpine climate improved the patients' general condition, physical performance and lung ventilation, corrected compromised immunity. After high-altitude adaptation tracheobronchial inflammation alleviated, cytologic composition and surface activity of bronchoalveolar fluid returned to normal. Therefore, high-altitude treatment of Chernobyl accident victims with chronic bronchitis is effective and can be recommended for such patients.
Z. A. Butenko, I. A. Smirnova, K. P. Zak, E. V. Mikhailovskaia, E. A. Ianok and E. G. Kishinskaia (1998) Genomic disorders in the mononuclear blood cells of those who worked in the cleanup of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Radiats Biol Radioecol, 38:3, 323-9 (in Russian).
Abstract
The results of molecular investigations of blood mononuclears from 120 clean-up workers after 7-9 years of Chernobyl accident with the total exposure radiation doses ranging from 5 to 76 cGr are presented. Structural polymorphism of the leukemia associated bcr and ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes were studied using Southern blot hybridization. Allelic polymorphism of bcr gene with characteristic for leukemia allele distribution was detected in 16.6%. Rearrangements of rRNA genes were observed in 13% of Chernobyl accident clean-up workers.
V. Buzunov, A. Druzhinin and E. Druzhinina (1993) An attempt to study the psychological sequelae of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Vestn Ross Akad Med Nauk, 3, 27-31 (in Russian).
Abstract
The paper describes the image of radiation menace. Basic differences in image parameters are revealed for some population groups. The psychological levels of the image are regarded as psychosocial phenomena. Some specific psychological consequences of mental regression are outlined in the paper.
C. Charpin, S. Garcia, A. Chernaiev, O. Grobova, D. Charpin, D. Hoffschir, C. Voisin and A. Chuchalin (1997) Morphometry and densitometry of alveolar macrophage cytoplasmic particles in Chernobyl, Ukraine, liquidators.
Anal Quant Cytol Histol, 19:1, 37-44 .
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To characterize intracytoplasmic particles found in alveolar macrophages (AMs) sampled by bronchial alveolar lavage (BAL) performed on Chernobyl, Ukraine, liquidators suffering form chronic obstructive lung disease. STUDY DESIGN: Eight BALs were assessed. BAL products containing AMs were cytocentrifuged, and appropriate fixation and epoxy embedding were performed for ultrastructural study. Morphometry of cells (AMs) and of cytoplasmic particles was then obtained by processing, using dedicated software, digitized ultrastructural images. RESULTS: AM cytoplasm contained crowded phagolysozomes, varying in size, shape and density and enclosing dense particles rich in radionuclides, with particular morphometric features: surface, 387 +/- 543 pixels (mean +/- SD); number, 77 +/- 34; phagozome/cell surface ratio, 23.7%; shape factor, 1.32 +/- 0.23; and mean optical density, 171 +/- 31. CONCLUSION: Processing of digitized ultrastructural images of AMs provides accurate morphometric data that can be used further for clinical purposes, in particular to evaluate BAL performed either for diagnosis or treatment.
A. Cheban, O. Dekhtiareva, O. Kopylova and A. Gridqko (1991) Realization of stochastic and nonstochastic effects of thyroid gland irradiation in the course of 5 years after the Chernobyl AES accident.
Vestn Akad Med Nauk SSSR, 11, 28-9 (in Russian).
Abstract
Not available
I. Cheburakov and O. Cheburakova (1993) Disorders of spermatogenesis in people working at the clean-up of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident.
Radiats Biol Radioecol, 33:6, 771-4 (in Russian).
Abstract
It has been studied the state of ejaculate of 125 men, participated in liquidation of Chernobyl disaster consequences in 1986-1986 and irradiated by doses up to 25 rem. For all checked men the decrease of ejaculate volume and the number of spermatozoa with increasing of part of immovable and degenerated forms has been found. Maximal changes have been observed for men being at Chernobyl NPS in 1986 and exposed by dose more than 10 rem. The majority of these persons have asthenooligospermia in 1st degree. The majority of men exposed by total dose more than 1 rem have teratozoospermia. Two men exposed by dose more than 10 rem suffer from azoospermia.
A. Cherniaev, C. Charpin, O. Grobova, D. Hoffshir, E. Dmitrov, Z. Aisanov, D. Charpin and C. Voisin (1996) The morphological characteristics of the alveolar macrophages in those who cleaned up the aftermath of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station at a late period (1).
Ter Arkh, 68:3, 19-23 (in Russian).
Abstract
The paper presents morphological, morphometric and densitometric evidence obtained on cytoplasmic inclusions of alveolar macrophages from bronchoalveolar lavage of chronic obstructive bronchitis (COB) sufferers. All of them previously worked in the zone contaminated after the Chernobyl accident. The control consisted of nonexposed to radiation COB patients. In the exposed subjects alveolar macrophages were more active, 20% of cytoplasm was occupied by numerous phagolysosomes varying in form. Their densitometric evaluation has been performed. Further bronchoalveolar lavages will be conducted to follow up the above changes in alveolar macrophages.
I. Chizh (1996) The experience of the medical service of the Armed Forces in the cleanup of the aftereffects of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Voen Med Zh, 317:6, 4-15, 80 (in Russian).
Abstract
The article analyzes ten-years experience (1986-1996) of the Armed Forces medical service participation in elimination of consequences of Chernobyl's disaster. The system of medical supply created soon after disaster (management and interaction, forces and means, peculiarities of sanitary-hygienic, antiepidemic, treatment-and-prophylactic supply) has been described in brief, its positive sides and main deficiencies and also the ways of there elimination, the place of military-medical service in modern state system of disaster medical supply have been discussed. The results of prolonged dynamic observation of rescuers by the All-Army medical-and-dosimetric register materials, the main directions, results and prospects of scientific study about problems of radiative disaster have been analyzed.
A. Chuchalin, O. Grobova, A. Cherniaev, A. Tatarsky, D. Hoffshir and C. Voisin (1995) The delayed respiratory consequences of inhaled radionuclides in population exposed to nuclear catastrophe.
Stem Cells (Dayt), 13 Suppl 1:, 276-82 .
Abstract
Cytological analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and x-ray energy dispersive spectrometry of intercellular compounds were evaluated in 19 workers ("liquidators") commissioned to clean and contain the nuclear waste after the Chernobyl catastrophe in comparison with ten control subjects. Results showed a significant increase of neutrophils, small monocyte-like alveolar macrophages (AM) and AM with large black cytoplasmic inclusions. In addition, such mineral elements as Zr, Ce, Pr, Sm, Pa, PU and Cs were detected in AM phagosomes in liquidators. These elements were reported as markers of Chernobyl-type nuclear fuel. It is recognized that BAL gives access to particulate matter present in lung parenchyma. Thus, spectrometric analysis of AM inclusions can provide reliable information about the exposure to inhaled radionuclides seven years after the catastrophe.
A. Chuchalin (1996) Respiratory organ pathology in those who cleaned up the aftermath of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station (editorial).
Ter Arkh, 68:3, 5-7 (in Russian).
Abstract
Not available
A. Chuchalin, A. Maracheva, O. Grobova, A. Cherniaev, N. Antonov, E. Kalmanova, E. Dmitrov and C. Voisin (1997) Lungs exposed to nuclear catastrophe: one-year therapeutic programme in Chernobyl liquidators group.
Schweiz Med Wochenschr, 127:5, 165-9 .
Abstract
The high prevalence of chronic respiratory problems in cleaning technicians (so-called "liquidators") of the destroyed reactor at Chernobyl and prolonged persistence of inhaled radioactive particles in their lungs suggested a substantial link between radioactive exposure and the diseases observed. Taking into account the importance of the problem, we started this study with the aim of establishing an effective and useful therapeutic program and assessing its efficacy during a one-year period of treatment. Chernobyl liquidators (n = 20) were screened by clinical history, physical examination, lung function test, chest radiograph, electrocardiogram, complete blood cell counts, serum chemistry, immunological blood tests, and complete BAL fluid investigation. One group of the patients (n = 10) underwent a special one-year treatment including polyvitamins, N-acetylcysteine, and therapeutic BAL every 3 months. The technique of therapeutic BAL has proven to be a promising and effective tool in the treatment of lung diseases induced by inhalation of radioactive particles.
A. Chumak, D. Bazyka, V. Talqko, Z. Minchenko, A. Bezpalenko, N. Beliaeva, N. Gerasimenko, E. Dmitrenko, I. Konopleva, R. Nefedova and a. et (1991) Immunological aspects of the study of contingents of population exposed to ionizing radiation effects as the consequence of the Chernobyl AES accident.
Vestn Akad Med Nauk SSSR, 8, 16-20 (in Russian).
Abstract
The immune system was examined in those who participated in the liquidation of accident sequelae at the Chernobyl Atomic Power Station and the population exposed to ionizing radiation. Alteration in surface antigenic markers of basic regulatory subpopulations of immunocompetent cells and metabolic changes are caused by radiation and co-existent somatic diseases. Typing for HLA antigens and proteins with a genetically determined phenotype revealed characteristic features of their distribution for the general population.
V. Chumak, I. Likhtarev, S. Sholom, L. Pasalskaya and Y. Pavlenko (1997) Retrospective Reconstruction of Radiation Doses of Chernobyl Liquidators by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance. Contract Report CR97-2. Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute: Bethesda.
Abstract
Accurate, reliable dose reconstruction is a critical component in the epidemiological followup of liquidators. Dosimetry of teeth by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) is a state-of-the-art laboratory technique that is key to this effort. The Scientific Center of Radiation Medicine (SCRM) has developed and refined this technique in order to meet the practical demands of large-scale epidemiologic followup of the Chernobyl liquidators. Independent analysis using similar technology was performed by investigators at the University of Utah and showed good correlation with the SCRM results. The lower limit of detection for reliable dose reconstruction was 100 mGy. Techniques were applied to samples from approximately 135 liquidators involved in cleanup activities within the first 2 years after the Chernobyl accident in 1986. Mean dose was 287 mGy, geometric mean was 205 mGy, and median dose value was 200 mGy. The reconstructed dose values range from 30 to 2220 mGy. Correlation of results between the two institutions was generally within 17%. This report also addresses some confounding factors (previous medical x-ray exposures, ultraviolet light effects on anterior teeth, nonlinearly of dose response curves below 100 mGy) and how to deal with them.
V. Chvyrev and V. Kolobov (1996) The organization of health and hygiene measures among the troops working in the cleanup of the aftermath of the Chernobyl catastrophe in 1986.
Voen Med Zh, 317:4, 4-7, 79 (in Russian).
Abstract
Not available
J. Cwikel (1997) Comments on the psychosocial aspects of the International Conference on Radiation and Health.
Environ Health Perspect, 105:Suppl 6, 1607-8 .
Abstract
Summary comments on the psychosocial aspects of the International Conference on Radiation and Health highlighted the issues that were salient in the conference. There was a broad consensus that long-term psychosocial effects may turn out to be the most significant source of morbidity. In addressing health concerns there is a need to consider psychological responses, as they may be the source of the high rate of morbidity and use of health services. The public's response to radiation is one of anxiety, fear, and concerns about lack of control over modern technology. Aside from stress there may be alternative mechanisms that explain the high rates of morbidity, such as direct biological effects of radiation on the cardiovascular system. The issue of social stigma is not addressed in most studies of affected populations but may be a potent social force. There is a need for concerned scientists to reach a better consensus about the health effects of radiation and to communicate effectively with the lay public. We need more cross-cultural research on psychosocial aspects and how to more effectively help affected populations. There are auspicious beginnings in this direction.
J. Cwikel, A. Abdelgani, J. R. Goldsmith, M. Quastel and Yevelson, II (1997) Two-year follow up study of stress-related disorders among immigrants to Israel from the Chernobyl area.
Environ Health Perspect, 105:Suppl 6, 1545-50 .
Abstract
We report on findings from a 2-year follow-up study of immigrants originating from exposed areas around the site of the 1986 Chernobyl accident matched with comparison subjects emigrating from other republics in the Confederation of Independent States. In the initial study of 708 immigrants, the samples were matched by age, gender, and year of immigration. We assessed two exposure groups--high and low--by estimating levels of ground cesium contamination from the International Atomic Energy Agency maps. We reinterviewed 520 immigrants from the first wave of data collection (a reinterview rate of 73%), 87 from high- exposure areas, 217 from low-exposure areas, and 216 comparison subjects. This study examined the prevalence of symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorders (PTSD), depression, somatization, anxiety, and physical effects (high blood pressure, acute symptoms, and chronic illness). The results obtained in the first wave conducted 8 years after the accident showed that psychological symptoms were significantly higher in exposed respondents than in the comparison group. During the second wave (10 years after the accident) we observed a decline in the prevalence of PTSD and related distress except for somatization, which remained at the same level. An association between exposure and high blood pressure was observed in the first wave of data, but was not still significant in the second wave of data collection. The proportion of those who reported three or more chronic health problems was 48.3% among the high-exposure group, 49.3% in the low-exposure group, and 30.6% in the comparison group (p = 0.0003). The most commonly reported problems were heart disease. problems with vision or hearing, migraine headaches, problems with the lymphatic system, and arthritis. Based on the results, it was concluded that the Chernobyl accident was a powerful stressor, having a strong impact on both mental and physical health. Since all respondents were engaged in the process of acculturation and accommodation to a new country after emigration, it is encouraging that this study shows that levels of psychological distress are waning as the new immigrants are absorbed into Israeli society. However, there still remains some independent effect on health associated with the experience of the Chernobyl accident.
A. D'iakova, L. Liasko, G. Sushkevich, M. Poluektova and T. Chirkova (1994) Free radical lipid peroxidation in clean-up workers from the Chernobyl nuclear reactor accident depending on working conditions in the area of radioactive contamination.
Gematol Transfuziol, 39:1, 22-4 (in Russian).
Abstract
Plasma lipids and antioxidant defense factors were examined 5-6 years after the exposure in 49 subjects who had taken part in decontamination of the territories after the Chernobyl accident against those in non-exposed donors. Elevated levels of heptane-soluble lipoperoxides and of dienketones were registered, though malonic dialdehyde changed little. The above parameters deviated from the control level more in subjects exposed to higher ecological risk. In this group of examinees the antioxidant activity failed to neutralize lipoperoxide excess under low activity of plasma catalase. Antioxidant drugs are recommended to manage disorders of lipoperoxide homeostasis in subjects exposed to radiation as a result of Chernobyl accident.
M. M. Danylash, M. D. Torokhtin, V. I. Urban, V. O. Korostel'ov, M. P. Lendel, M. O. Haisak, O. H. Lihyrda and O. V. Sarkanych (1996) The characteristics of duodenal peptic ulcer in persons exposed to the action of ionizing radiation.
Lik Sprava, 5-6, 64-6 (in Russian).
Abstract
The clinical course was studied of duodenal ulcer as were results of hematologic and immunologic investigations in those persons (n = 86) having taken part in the elimination of the aftermath of the Chernobyl accident. It has been ascertained that concomitant disorders have a marked effect on the clinical symptoms of ulcer disease in above patient population. Values for blood hemoglobin and state of cellular and humoral immunity are proposed to be used for predicting the disease course and determining efficacy of the therapy instituted.
M. M. Danylash (1997) The mechanisms of ulcerogenesis in liver pathology in persons exposed to the action of ionizing radiation.
Lik Sprava, 4, 35-7 (in Russian).
Abstract
A total of 92 patients with duodenal ulcer (DU) who took part in the elimination of aftereffects of Chernobyl accident in 1986 were examined. Of these, 46 patients (group I) developed DU against the background of persisting hepatitis. The above patients demonstrated significant increase in the peripheral blood levels of hemoglobin and red cell count as well as immunoglobulins of all classes and circulating immune complexes in blood serum. By far the commonest among group I patients (compared to group II) were such events as allergization of the organism and duodenogastric reflux. Based on the studies made a conclusion is drawn to the effect that it is necessary that specific agents capable of improving hemodynamics, endowed with immunocorrective and antiallergic activity should be included into a complex of therapeutic measures designed to treat those patients with hepatitis having been exposed to ionizing radiation, together with those means capable of normalizing the pyloroduodenal portion motor-and- evacuatory function to prevent the DU development.
S. Darby and G. Reeves (1991) Lessons of Chernobyl [editorial].
BMJ, 303:6814, 1347-8 .
Abstract
B. Davydov, I. Ushakov and S. Soldatov (1993) The blood indices of the flight and technical engineering personnel in helicopter aviation who were participants in the cleanup of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Aviakosm Ekolog Med, 27:2, 60-8 (in Russian).
Abstract
Qualitative analysis did not reveal changes in the blood forming system in pilots subjected to admissible doses of ionizing radiation. Quantitative evaluation of hemogram using the integral coefficient of deterioration of blood indices and differential blood count entropy index allowed to establish correlation between shifts in blood and dose rate. Hematologic changes, particularly in oxidative enzymes of platelets, to a large extent depend on the whole complex of factors characteristic of the Chernobyl accident. After 5 years since that tragedy the number of formed elements of pilots blood did not exceed their specific limits.
L. V. Degtiareva and G. Z. Moroz (1998) The pathomorphological characteristics of duodenal peptic ulcer in the victims of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station: changes in the duodenal mucosa outside of the defect.
Lik Sprava, 1, 16-8 (in Russian).
Abstract
A study was made of duodenobiopsies from patients with duodenal ulcer, 62 of whom took part in the elimination of the effects of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant accident, 33 have been resident in the territories affected by radioactive contamination, and 36 were a group of nosological control. In the ChNPP accident victims, the inflammatory process in chronic duodenitis tended to be more pronounced and active, with the atrophic changes in the mucous membrane being more commonly seen. Incorporation of radionuclides and external irradiation in a dose exceeding 25 sGy causes most profound disturbances in regeneration of epithelium entailing metaplasia and dysplasia of gastric epithelium in duodenum, which facts heighten the risk for neoplasmogenesis.
L. V. Degtiareva and G. Z. Moroz (1998) The pathomorphological characteristics of duodenal peptic ulcer in the victims of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station: changes in the gastric mucosa.
Lik Sprava, 1, 13-6 (in Russian).
Abstract
Gastrobiopsies were studied from patients with duodenal ulcer, 62 of whom took part in the elimination of the effects of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant breakdown, 33 were permanent residents in the territories affected by radioactive contamination, and 36 formed the control group. Several distinguishing features were noted in chronic Helicobacter gastritis in victims of Chernobyl accident versus control, such as higher degree and activity of the inflammatory process spreading over large tissue areas, with Helicobacter pylori being recordable in the gastric mucosa in highly increased numbers, and more frequent occurrence of atrophic changes. Incorporation of radionuclides and external irradiation at dose levels exceeding 25 cause most significant disturbances in regeneration of epithelium, with its enterolyzation and dysplasia going on, which fact makes the risk of neoplastic transformations higher.
L. Dehtiar'ova and L. Polishchuk (1996) The cytomorphological characteristics of the epithelial layer of the gastric and duodenal mucosa in those who worked in the cleanup of the aftermath of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Tsitol Genet, 30:5, 11-6 (in Ukrainian).
Abstract
The complex of cytomorphological changes (dystrophy, dysregeneration, dysplasia, metaplasia) and dysfunction of gastric and duodenal mucosa epithelium were found in 79 liquidators of the Chernobyl disaster. It was shown that the reparative capability of superficial epithelium was retained. The increased number of abnormal mitoses was observed. The highest proliferative activity of duodenal epithelium reflects the intensity of reparative processes in duodenum at acute phase of peptic ulcer disease.
V. Delariu (1994) Apropos the article by N. B. Kholodova Changes in the Central Nervous System in Those Who Worked to Clean up the Aftereffects of the Accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station (Based on data from Clinical and X-ray Computed Tomographic Studies) (comment).
Zh Nevropatol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova, 94:6, 102 (in Russian).
Abstract
Not available
E. Domracheva, G. Klevezal', V. Nechai, V. Gaponovich, V. Selezhenkov, V. Mordvintsev, L. Sukhovskaia, R. Voevodskaia, A. Vanin and V. Khangulov (1991) Individual doses of radiation estimated by two methods of biological dosimetry in residents of the Chernobyl region and in participants of liquidation of the emergency.
Gematol Transfuziol, 36:12, 18-20 (in Russian).
Abstract
Not available
O. V. Drobins'ka and H. Z. Moroz (1998) The characteristics of the lipid peroxidation status and the activity of the main antioxidative enzymes in patients with duodenal peptic ulcer who took part in the cleanup of the aftermath of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Lik Sprava, 4, 7-9 (in Russian).
Abstract
Results are submitted of investigations designed to study processes of lipid peroxidation and activity of chief antioxidant enzymes in those patients with duodenal ulcer who took part in the elimination of the effects of the Chernobyl accident. The above contingent of examinees displayed activation of lipid peroxidation (accumulation of conjugated dienes, keto-dienes, malonic dialdehyde) and decline in the activity of superoxide-dismutase, catalase. The results obtained attest to the need for using antioxidants in a complex therapy of patients with peptic ulcer, who have come to be exposed to ionizing radiation.
EC (1996) The radiological consequences of the Chernobyl accident.
The First International Conference of the European Commission, Belarus, the Russian Federation and Ukraine on the Consequences of the Chernobyl Accident, Minsk, ECSC-EC-EAEC, Brussels-Luxembourg, 1598 .
Abstract
Not available
I. Emerit, A. Levy, L. Cernjavski, R. Arutyunyan, N. Oganesyan, A. Pogosian, H. Mejlumian, T. Sarkisian, M. Gulkandanian and M. Quastel (1994) Transferable clastogenic activity in plasma from persons exposed as salvage personnel of the Chernobyl reactor.
J Cancer Res Clin Oncol, 120:9, 558-61 (in Russian).
Abstract
Clastogenic factors were first described in the plasma of people who had been accidentally or therapeutically irradiated. They were found also in A-bomb survivors, where they persisted for many years after the irradiation. The present study searched for these factors in the plasma of 32 civil workers from Armenia, who had been engaged as "liquidators" around the Chernobyl atomic power station in 1986. It also included 15 liquidators who had emigrated from the ex-Soviet Union to Israel. Reference plasma samples were obtained from 41 blood donors from the Armenian Blood Center in Yerevan. The samples were tested for their clastogenic activity in blood cultures from healthy donors. The majority of results from the liquidators exceeded those from the unexposed reference samples. The samples from the first Armenian group, with the higher average irradiation dose (0.6 +/- 0.6 Gy), were more clastogenic than those from the second group exposed to 0.2 +/- 0.2 Gy. The number of aberrations in the test cultures was 17.9 +/- 2.9% and 10.5 +/- 3.8% respectively, compared to 5.7 +/- 3.2% in the cultures exposed to the reference ultrafiltrates from Armenian blood donors. The samples from the Israeli liquidators also induced significantly increased aberration rates (14.0 +/- 3.9% aberrant cells). The clastogenic activity was regularly inhibited by superoxide dismutase, indicating that the chromosome-damaging effects of radiation-induced clastogenic factors are exerted via the intermediation of superoxide radicals, as is known for clastogenic factors of different origin.
I. Emerit, N. Oganesian, T. Sarkisian, R. Arutyunyan, A. Pogosian, K. Asrian, A. Levy and L. Cernjavski (1995) Clastogenic factors in the plasma of Chernobyl accident recovery workers: anticlastogenic effect of Ginkgo biloba extract.
Radiat Res, 144:2, 198-205 .
Abstract
Clastogenic factors are found in the plasma of persons irradiated accidentally or therapeutically. They persisted in the plasma of A-bomb survivors over 30 years. Clastogenic factors were found in 33 of 47 Chernobyl accident recovery workers (often referred to as liquidators) in a previous study (I. Emerit et al., J. Cancer Res. Clin. Oncol. 120, 558-561, 1994). In the present study, we show that there is a positive correlation between clastogenic activity and dose and that these biomarkers of oxidative stress can be influenced successfully by appropriate antioxidant treatment. With the authorization of the Armenian Ministry of Health, 30 workers were treated with antioxidants from Ginkgo biloba leaves. The extract EGb 761 containing flavonoids and terpenoids was given at a daily dose of 3 x 40 mg (Tanakan, IPSEN, France) during 2 months. The clastogenic activity of the plasma was reduced to control levels on the first day after the end of the treatment. A 1-year follow-up showed that the benefit of the treatment persisted for at least 7 months. One-third of the workers again had clastogenic factors after 1 year, demonstrating that the process which produced clastogenic factors continued. However, the observation that antioxidants do not have to be given continuously is encouraging for intervention trials on a large-scale basis. These appear justified, since clastogenic factors are thought to be risk factors for the development of late effects of irradiation.
I. Emerit, R. Arutyunyan, N. Oganesian, A. Levy, L. Cernjavsky, T. Sarkisian, A. Pogossian and K. Asrian (1995) Radiation-induced clastogenic factors: anticlastogenic effect of Ginkgo biloba extract.
Free Radic Biol Med, 18:6, 985-91 .
Abstract
Clastogenic factors (CFs) were first described in the blood of persons irradiated accidentally or for therapeutic reasons. Work of our laboratory has shown that they occur also under other circumstances, which are characterized by oxidative stress, and that CF-induced chromosome damage is regularly prevented by superoxide dismutase (SOD). Recently we found CFs in a high percentage of salvage personnel of the Chernobyl reactor accident. These liquidators represent a high-risk population and might benefit from cancer chemoprevention by antioxidants. SOD would have to be injected and is not appropriate for long-term prophylactic treatment. In the present study, we therefore evaluated the anticlastogenic effect of the Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761, which is known for its superoxide scavenging properties. EGb 761 was tested on CF-treated blood cultures of healthy donors. After establishing the optimal protective EGb concentration, using CFs produced by irradiation of whole blood from healthy volunteers, the extract was tested on cultures exposed to CFs from plasma of persons irradiated as liquidators. The anticlastogenic effect could be confirmed for a final concentration of 100 micrograms/ml. In 12 consecutive experiments, CFs induced an average of 18.00 +/- 4.41 aberrations/100 cells. This was reduced to 7.33 +/- 3.08 in the parallel cultures receiving 100 micrograms/ml EGb 761 (p < .001). SOD was anticlastogenic in the same system at concentrations of 30 cytochrome C units/ml (approximately 10 micrograms/ml). Preliminary results obtained in a small series of liquidators showed regression or complete disappearance of CFs in the plasma after 2 months of treatment with EGb 761 (3 x 40 mg/d).
I. Emerit, N. Oganesian, R. Arutyunian, A. Pogossian, T. Sarkisian, L. Cernjavski, A. Levy and J. Feingold (1997) Oxidative stress-related clastogenic factors in plasma from Chernobyl liquidators: protective effects of antioxidant plant phenols, vitamins and oligoelements.
Mutat Res, 377:2, 239-46 .
Abstract
I. Filyushkin (1996) The Chernobyl accident and the resultant long-term relocation of people.
Health Phys, 71:1, 4-8 .
Abstract
Following the Chernobyl accident, large areas of the former USSR with populations in the millions were polluted, to varying extent, with long-lived radionuclides. Within the framework of the USSR state legislation still in force in the newly-formed independent states of Belorussia, Russia, and Ukraine, relocation of nearly one million people from these areas was prescribed to avoid exposure to low levels of irradiation; this measure was obviously groundless, both medically and socially. Additionally, four million people from the three affected states were needlessly included in post-Chernobyl legislation; their exposure did not exceed the natural background levels characteristic of many inhabited regions around the world. Finally, these millions of people were falsely identified as the major victims of the accident. This evoked worldwide concern and played an important role in limiting the development of nuclear power production in a number of countries. This article focuses on the social aspects of the Chernobyl aftermath that ordinarily escape scientific attention. In particular, it considers the public health-related realities of "pre-Chernobyl" and "post-Chernobyl, Soviet society, both political and psychological, that not only blocked implementation of proper radiation protection measures, but also put inappropriate measures into action.
A. Fischbein, N. Zabludovsky, F. Eltes, V. Grischenko and B. Bartoov (1997) Ultramorphological sperm characteristics in the risk assessment of health effects after radiation exposure among salvage workers in Chernobyl.
Environ Health Perspect, 105:Suppl 6, 1445-9 .
Abstract
We present a pilot study of individuals (liquidators) who were engaged in clean-up operations after the disaster at the nuclear power plant at Chernobyl in Ukraine. In the 10 years since the disaster, adverse health effects among exposed individuals have not been clearly defined. There is widespread fear of damage to the reproductive system, with implications for fertility problems and adverse effects on offspring. Bearing this in mind, methods to evaluate the potential for production of fertile semen have been applied using quantitative ultramorphological (QUM) analysis. QUM analysis examines the organization and integrity of sperm organelles by electron microscopy, using both transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Significant differences were observed between clean-up workers and controls of similar age regarding certain ultramorphological parameters of the sperm head. The results of this pilot study suggest that QUM analysis of human sperm is a feasible approach for evaluating the fertility potential of individuals who were exposed to ionizing radiation from the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident.
V. Frolov, N. Peresadin, S. Kazakova and E. Safonova (1993) Immune status of people participating in the clean-up of after-effects of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant accident living in the industrial region of Donbass.
Gematol Transfuziol, 38:7, 39-42 (in Russian).
Abstract
The examination of 286 subjects exposed to radiation hazards when taking part in liquidation of the Chernobyl accident aftereffects was performed to compare persons living under ecologically unfavourable conditions (significant air pollution due to heavy industry) against those living in relatively comfortable environment. It was found that immune status of the former displayed imbalance. In the latter immunity was much less damaged. The findings suggest a conclusion on the role of environmental factors in immunological disturbances in subjects exposed to small doses of ionizing radiation.
V. Frolov, N. Peresadin, E. Safonova and I. Bariliak (1993) The cytogenetic disorders in the people who took part in the cleanup of the sequelae at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station and who lived continuously in areas with an unfavorable ecological situation.
Tsitol Genet, 27:4, 14-9 (in Russian).
Abstract
Cytogenetic disturbances are manifested now in persons who liquidated aftereffects of the Chernobyl disaster. The character and course of the disturbances depend on the ecological conditions of the region where liquidators live at present. Examination of a group of liquidators with nerve-psychopathologic disorders and accompanying somatic pathology has revealed the presence of cytogenetic disturbances, mainly of the chromosome aberration type. At the same time, in persons who live under conditions of high environment pollution with ejections of industrial enterprises, the number of chromatid aberrations increases, which may be a result of action of chemical mutagens. A tight correlation is revealed between the level of cytogenetic disorders in lymphocytes and expressivity of the secondary immunodeficiency. Elimination of lymphocytes with unstable chromosome aberration is delayed when ecological pollution of the biosphere reaches the high level.
V. Frolov, N. Peresadin, S. Kazakova, E. Safonova, I. Korobka and A. Petrunia (1994) Use of an "immunologic compass" for diagnosis of immune disorders in clean-up crew members after the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant.
Klin Lab Diagn, 1, 10-3 (in Russian).
Abstract
A total of 389 patients with cerebrovascular diseases who participated in liquidation of the Chernobyl power plant accident consequences were examined using rosette formation test and the cytotoxic method with monoclonal antibodies (MCAB). The predominant type of immunologic abnormalities found in 79.1% of patients was a marked reduction of CD4+ cell (T-helpers/inductors) count and a moderate reduction of CD8+ (T-suppressor/keller) count, this resulting in reduction of the CD4/CD8 coefficient. In 11.3% of the examinees CD(4+)-lymphocyte count was reduced and CD8+ count was within the normal range, in 6.2% both CD4+ and CD8+ counts were reduced, and in 3.4% CD4+ count was reduced and CD8+ moderately elevated. Results of theophylline test did not coincide with those of CD4+ and CD8+ measurements in 44.2% of cases.
H. Ginzburg and E. Reis (1991) Consequences of the nuclear power plant accident at Chernobyl [published erratum appears in Public Health Rep 1991 May-Jun;106(3):352].
Public Health Rep, 106:1, 32-40 .
Abstract
The Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant accident, in the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic (SSR), on April 26, 1986, was the first major nuclear power plant accident that resulted in a large-scale fire and subsequent explosions, immediate and delayed deaths of plant operators and emergency service workers, and the radioactive contamination of a significant land area. The release of radioactive material, over a 10-day period, resulted in millions of Soviets, and other Europeans, being exposed to measurable levels of radioactive fallout. Because of the effects of wind and rain, the radioactive nuclide fallout distribution patterns are not well defined, though they appear to be focused in three contiguous Soviet Republics: the Ukrainian SSR, the Byelorussian SSR, and the Russian Soviet Federated Socialist Republic. Further, because of the many radioactive nuclides (krypton, xenon, cesium, iodine, strontium, plutonium) released by the prolonged fires at Chernobyl, the long-term medical, psychological, social, and economic effects will require careful and prolonged study. Specifically, studies on the medical (leukemia, cancers, thyroid disease) and psychological (reactive depressions, post-traumatic stress disorders, family disorganization) consequences of continued low dose radiation exposure in the affected villages and towns need to be conducted so that a coherent, comprehensive, community-oriented plan may evolve that will not cause those already affected any additional harm and confusion.
H. Ginzburg (1993) The psychological consequences of the Chernobyl accident--findings from the International Atomic Energy Agency Study.
Public Health Rep, 108:2, 184-92 (in Russian).
Abstract
In October 1989, more than 3 years after the nuclear power plant accident at Chernobyl, in the Ukraine, the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics requested that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) evaluate the medical and psychological health of residents living in areas identified as being contaminated with radioactive fallout. The IAEA designed and conducted a collaborative study to examine whether there were any measurable effects of exposure to the low levels of ionizing radiation resulting from the accident. The study, using structured interviews and IAEA laboratory equipment, collected data on more than 1,350 residents of 13 villages. IAEA clinical staff members concluded that they could not identify any health disorders in either the contaminated or nearby (uncontaminated) control villages that could be attributed directly to radiation exposure. The clinical staff, however, did note that the levels of anxiety and stress of the villagers appeared to be disproportionate to the biological significance of the levels of IAEA-measured radio-active contamination. Almost half the adults in all the villages were unsure if they had a radiation-related illness. More than 70 percent of persons in the contaminated villages wanted to move away, and approximately 83 percent believed that the government should relocate them. The IAEA effort indicates that the villagers need to be educated about their actual risks, and they need to understand what types of illnesses are, and are not, associated with exposure to radioactive contamination. Unfortunately, the villagers' needs may exceed the available resources of their local and central governments.
M. Goldman (1997) Health impacts of large releases of radionuclides. Retrospective radiation dose assessment: an overview of physical and biological measures of dose.
Ciba Found Symp, 203:, 178-84; discussion 184-7, 232-4 .
Abstract
Models to estimate population doses from environmental measurements, dietary radioactivity and lifestyle characteristics are useful for populations but difficult to apply accurately to an individual within the population. Individual biological and radiation dosimetry is limited to small numbers of persons and thus has limitations when considering larger groups or populations. Current direct biological indicators of dose are generally limited to doses above 0.1 Gy. New advances in improving the accuracy and sensitivity of these methods offer the promise of validating population estimates and specifying variance in individual doses. An integration of the two approaches will provide the support for more accurate radiation epidemiology and risk assessment.
J. Goldsmith, L. Merkin, M. Quastel, S. Pouak, E. Kordysh, W. Wishkerman and I. Emerit (1997) Evaluation of the Radiation Exposures of Chernobyl "liquidators": Exploratory Studies of
a Sample of Immigrants to Israel.
Int J Occup- Envirom Health, 3, 51-59 .
Abstract
Workers who were involved in the clean-up and recovery operation after the Chernobyl disaster ("liquidators") numbered about 800,000. Estimates of their exposures are highly relevant to evaluation of possible effects on their health. While some exposure measurements were made, they were also used for job assignments and terminations. The earliest and probably greatest exposure preceded adequate monitoring. By means of exploratory studies, the authors evaluated an exposure-estimating system proposed by a WHO consultation team in St. Petersburg. An index is derived based on recorded or reported 1) calendar time of initiating work, 2) location near or distant from the reactor, 3) duration of exposure, 4) type of work, 5) post-exposure symptoms, 6) blood count decreases, and 7) use of protective equipment. Data were obtained by interviews of liquidators who presented at a Beer Sheva clinic during evaluation of Cs-137 body burden. Of 75 liquidators, four had no data, one had only one item, six had two, 11 had three, 21.0 had four, 20 had five, 11 had six, and one had seven items. Only 19 had dose estimates. There was no trend in mean scores/item with increase in the number of items, indicating lack of information bias. Measured values, when available, were consistent with the scores. Clastogenic scores were determined for 26 of these subjects; the correlation with exposure indexes was 0.02, but for those with "positive" clastogenic tests (more than six abnormal divisions per 100), the correlation with the scores was 0.44. No such relationship was found for the persons with elevated Cs-137 tests. Glycophorin A antigen tests discriminated between liquidators and others, but, in this small study, did not correlate with the indexes.
J. R. Goldsmith and M. R. Quastel (1997) Afterword.
Environ Health Perspect, 105:Suppl 6, pp-? .
Abstract
Not available
N. P. Goncharov, G. V. Katsiya, G. S. Kolesnikova, G. A. Dobracheva, T. N. Todua, V. V. Vax, A. Giwercman and G. M. Waites (1998) Endocrine and reproductive health status of men who had experienced short-term radiation exposure at Chernobyl.
Int J Androl, 21:5, 271-6 .
Abstract
Hormonal and semen parameters in 416 men aged 25-45 years were examined: 328 were men who cleaned the territory around the Chernobyl nuclear reactor (called 'liquidators') and 88 were healthy age-matched controls. The dose of radiation received by the liquidators was 0.16 +/- 0.08 Gy. LH, FSH, prolactin, testosterone and cortisol levels were assayed using WHO-matched reagents. Semen analyses were performed according to the WHO Manual (1992). The mean concentration of all hormones in liquidators and controls were within the WHO-defined normal range. The mean levels of LH and cortisol in liquidators were significantly lower (p = 0.013 and p 0.001, respectively) and testosterone significantly higher (p = 0.023) than in controls. The variations in hormone levels in liquidators were not correlated with the acquired doses of radiation as measured by personal dosimeters (film badges). Semen parameters in a subgroup of 70 liquidators were within the normal WHO-defined range. The percentage of normal forms of spermatozoa in liquidators (35.0 +/- 13.1%) was significantly lower (p 0.015) than in a control group (42.8 +/- 8.9%). The study has shown that exposure of men to relatively short-term radiation did not cause long-lasting disruption of their endocrine status and spermatogenesis. The study was 7-9 years retrospective and it is therefore impossible to infer what the immediate effects of the radiation exposure were on these parameters.
R. V. Gorenkov, P. N. Liubchenko, I. Malyshev, P. O. Kazanchian, E. B. Mantsukhina and V. N. Karpov (1999) Ultrasonographic evaluation of major vessels in patients with vibration disease.
Med Tr Prom Ekol, 2, 12-7 (in Russian).
Abstract
Common carotic arteries, odd visceral branches of abdominal aorta were subgected to ultrasound Doppler examination and color duplex ultrasound in 100 vibration disease patients and 57 liquidators of Chernobyl power accident consequences. Stenosis of various degree and thickened vascular wall were revealed in 23.6 +/- 4.5% of vibration disease patients and in 46.2 +/- 7.98% of liquidators (p 0.05). These data prove that the liquidators being younger (4 years average age difference) than the vibration disease patients demonstrate more significant atherosclerotic changes of vascular wall.
I. Gorpinchenko (1992) Sexual functions in men subjected to ionizing radiation exposure resulting from the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Likarska Sprava, 5, 23-9 (in Russian).
Abstract
A study of 426 males who participated in liquidating the sequels of the Chernobyl atomic station disaster revealed specific changes of the sexual active and generative function. Data are reported on the main mechanisms of these disorders and treatment results are analyzed.
F. Granath, F. Darroudi, A. Auvinen, L. Ehrenberg, T. Hakulinen, A. Natarajan, M. Rahu, T. Rytomaa, M. Tekkel and T. Veidebaum (1996) Retrospective dose estimates in Estonian Chernobyl clean-up workers by means of FISH.
Mutat Res, 369:1-2, 7-12 .
Abstract
The present study deals with retrospective estimation of radiation doses, among Estonian Chernobyl clean-up workers, by means of scoring stable translocations using the FISH technique. All persons investigated in this study were sent to the area in 1986 and the majority of them were selected to be among those with the presumably highest exposure doses. In spite of the selection the estimated average dose is between 0.2-0.3 Gy, thus not clearly above the officially permitted dose level of 0.25 Gy. Due to unforseen conditions during transport of the blood samples, both the number of persons available for analysis and the number of metaphases available for scoring were substantially reduced. However, unless this selection is linked with the potential aberration frequency of the cells involved, no bias is expected.
I. Grigorqev and S. Belkov (1993) Changes in the immunological status of the servicemen who participated in the cleanup of the aftereffects of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Voen Med Zh, 11, 9-11 (in Russian).
Abstract
Not available
O. Grobova and V. Chernikov (1996) The presence of cesium-137 in the tissue of a lung tumor in someone who cleaned up the aftermath of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Ter Arkh, 68:3, 26-30 (in Russian).
Abstract
A man of 66 participated in the emergency works after the Chernobyl accident. His official dose of radiation comprised 24 roentgens. In March, 1993, he underwent prophylactic examination including computed tomography which revealed peripheral tumor in the lower part of the left lung with penetration in the lymph nodes of the lung root. Biopsy showed it to be adenocarcinoma. Moreover, electron-microscopically, more than 40% of alveolar macrophages contained large optically dense particles in the cytoplasm. After lobectomy in March 1993 x-ray and gamma spectrometry of the removed lung tissue recorded high content of 137Cs (0.1-0.18 Bq). This finding evidences possible long-term deposition of radionuclides in the bronchopulmonary system of radiation-exposed subjects.
A. Gus'kova, A. Baranov, A. Barabanova, A. Moiseev and E. Piatkin (1989) The diagnosis, clinical picture and treatment of acute radiation sickness in the victims of the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station. II. Non-bone marrow syndromes of radiation lesions and their treatment.
Ter Arkh, 61:8, 99-103 (in Russian).
Abstract
Out of 115 victims to the breakdown, 56 persons had radiation burns, 17 the intestinal syndrome, 80 the oropharyngeal syndrome, and 7 interstitial radiation pneumonitis. In the lethal outcome, of crucial importance were radiation burns (over 40% of the body surface) (19 persons) and radiation pneumonitis (7 persons). The grave intestinal and oropharyngeal syndromes were accompanied by other fatal manifestations of radiation injuries. Hemoperfusion, plasmapheresis, continuous heparinization and administration of freshly frozen plasma did not bring about any improvement. The local use of different remedies under aseptic conditions was the leading method of the treatment of radiation burns in the acute period. Parenteral feeding turned out to produce a beneficial effect in the treatment of the intestinal and oropharyngeal syndromes.
A. Gus'kova, A. Baranov, A. Barabanova, A. Moiseev and E. Piatkin (1989) Diagnosis, clinical picture and therapy of acute radiation disease in victims of the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power station. I. Conditions of irradiation, dose levels, bone marrow syndrome and its therapy.
Ter Arkh, 61:1, 95-103 (in Russian).
Abstract
A follow-up of 115 patients with acute radiation disease resulting from external gamma-beta-radiation confirmed a high value of the previously proposed principles of predicting a degree of severity on the basis of the clinical manifestations of a primary reaction of disease and some syndromes using methods of hematological and cytogenetic analysis. Early isolation of patients with ARD of II-IV degree, selective intestinal decontamination, administration of antibiotics of a broad spectrum of action, antimycotic and antiviral drugs, and gamma-globulin can practically eliminate the risk of development of fatal infectious complications in medullary and transient types of radiation disease. The efficient use of thrombomass transfusion completely prevents development of the thrombocytopenic hemorrhagic syndrome. Experience in bone marrow transplantation requires a review of therapeutic indications.
J. Havenaar, G. Rumyantzeva, A. Kasyanenko, K. Kaasjager, A. Westermann, W. van den Brink, J. van den Bout and J. Savelkoul (1997) Health effects of the Chernobyl disaster: illness or illness behavior? A comparative general health survey in two former Soviet regions.
Environ Health Perspect, 105:Suppl 6, 1533-7 .
Abstract
Results are described of a general health survey (n = 3044) that was conducted 6.5 years after the Chernobyl accident in 1986 in a seriously contaminated region in Belarus and a socioeconomically comparable, but unaffected, region in the Russian Federation. The purpose of the study was to investigate whether there are differences in the general health status of the inhabitants of the two regions that may be attributed to the Chernobyl disaster. A broad-based population sample from each of these regions was studied using a variety of self-report questionnaires. A subsample (n = 449) was further examined with a standardized physical and psychiatric examination. The results show significantly higher scores on the self-report questionnaires and higher medical service utilization in the exposed region. No significant differences were observed in global clinical indices of health. Although there were trends for some disorders to be more prevalent in the exposed region, none of these could be directly attributed to exposure to ionizing radiation. The results of this study suggest that the Chernobyl disaster had a significant long-term impact on psychological well-being, health-related quality of life, and illness behavior in the exposed population.
J. Hilton (1997) Chernobyl: a survivable ecological disaster?
Rev Environ Health, 12:4, 215-33 .
Abstract
A study of events occurring after the Chernobyl accident until 1996 was funded by the European Commission (EC). The study included work by hundreds of scientists from the EC and the former Soviet Union. An overview of these studies is given that puts the science into historical context and shows the effects of the radioactive doses on the population and on the environment. The exposed populations are considered in terms of the separate exposure subgroups (emergency workers; inhabitants of settlements near the reactor; inhabitants of settlements receiving high doses of condensation radionuclides; children in the deposition areas; the general population). The scientific understanding of the natural and anthropogenic countermeasures that reduced doses is presented, and the effects on the human population are discussed.
O. M. Hryd'ko (1997) The results of an ultrasonic study of the thyroid in patients with nodular goiter who were irradiated as a result of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Lik Sprava, 5, 39-42 (in Russian).
Abstract
We studied the main values of ultrasonic scanning of patients with thyroid nodes depending on the dose, conditions of irradiation and sex. A total of 281 patients who had received a dose of irradiation of 0.01 to 2.0 Gr were evaluated; of these, 82 took part in the elimination of the effects of the Chernobyl accident (EEA) after evacuation, and 190 subjects were evacuees from the ChNPP 30-km zone, their age ranging between 20 to 68 years. In 43.6% of those having taken part in EEA, thyroid nodes did not exceed 1 cm across, in 44% node diameter was in the range 1 to 2 cm, in 12.4% it exceeded 2 cm. A screening examination revealed volume formations up to 1 cm in 79.5% of the evacuees, 1 to 2 cm across (9.4%), and in 13.02% node diameter exceeded 2 cm. In a major proportion of the examined patients the nodes were hypoechogenous. Distribution of echogenicity of nodes in male subjects does not depend on the dose and period of irradiation. A suggestion is made to the effect that ChNPP accident factors are not involved in the development of nodular forms of goiter in the immediate 7 years following irradiation.
O. M. Hryd'ko (1997) The effect of factors in the accident at the Chernobyl, Atomic Electric Power Station on the development of nodular goiter in the immediate postirradiation period.
Lik Sprava, 3, 3-7 (in Russian).
Abstract
With the purpose of studying effects of a complex of factors of Chernobyl Atomic Power Plant breakdown on evolution of nodular goiter, an analysis was carried out of clinical and laboratory evaluation of 6572 individuals (3549 men and 3023 women) who had taken part in the elimination of aftermath of Chernobyl accident, with regard to sex, dose and length of time during which the above individuals were exposed to radiation. Duration of exposure did not appear to affect nodular goiter rates either in men (7.92% in liquidators of "iodine" period and 8.19% among those of "noniodine" period of irradiation, or women (17.31% and 24.66% respectively). Results of studies made 5-7 years after the Chernobyl accident did not show relationship between incidence rate of nodular goiter and dose of radioactive irradiation received.
O. M. Hryd'ko (1998) The structural-functional status of the thyroid in patients with nodular goiter evacuated from the 30-kilometer zone of the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Lik Sprava, 2, 29-33 (in Russian).
Abstract
An analysis was performed of results of ultrasonic and hormonal investigations in 239 patients with nodular goiter revealed in a screening-type clinical and laboratory examination of the 3371 persons evacuated from the 30-km zone of ChNPP, at their ages randing between 18 to 68 years. In 84.20% of patients in the group who took part in the elimination of effects of the Chernobyl accident (PEEA)--"PEEA + the evacuated"--the diameter of the nodules did not exceed 1 cm, in 6.1% it ranged from 1 to 2 cm, and in 13.41% it exceeded 2 cm. Distribution of nodules in the group "the evacuated" did not differ much from that in the above group. In 20% of patients with nodular goiter, there were functional disturbances concurrent with the autoimmune processes. No effects were detected of small doses of extra irradiation on the pattern of structural-and-functional indices in patients with nodular goiter evacuated from the 30-km zone of ChNPP who took part in EEA.
IAEA (1996) One decade after Chernobyl: Summing up the consequences of the accident. Proceedings of an International Conference.
The International Conference One decade after Chernobyl: Summing up the consequences of the accident, Vienna, IAEA, 555 .
Abstract
Not available
IAEA (1996) One decade after Chernobyl: Summing up the consequences of the accident. Poster presentations. Volume 1 (sessions 1-4).
The International Conference One decade after Chernobyl: Summing up the consequences of the accident, Vienna, IAEA, 1997, 356 .
Abstract
Not available
G. Iakovlev, I. Shishmarev, S. Sergeev, A. Nikiforov and M. Pronin (1992) An attempt at a polythetic classification of a group of clean up team workers after the Chernobyl AES accident.
Radiobiologiia, 32:3, 333-40 (in Russian).
Abstract
Using the complex statistics methods with due regard for the time lapsed from the moment of exposure to ionizing radiation, multifactors of the accident and the number of studies, the manifestations of the radiation effect (within the dose range from 0.1 to 0.5 Gy) on certain functional systems in a group of Chernobyl A.P.S. accident liquidators.
A. Iarilin, I. Beliakov, I. Nadezhina and A. Simonova (1992) Individual immunological parameters in clean-up team members and patients with sequelae of acute radiation sickness 5 years after the effects of the Chernobyl accident.
Radiobiologiia, 32:6, 771-8 (in Russian).
Abstract
A study was made of deviations, beyond 1 sigma and 1.5 sigma of a mean value (M) of a donor group, in individual immunological parameters (for instance, the number of CD5+, CD2+, CD4+, CD8+, CD25+ and B-cells; alpha 1-thymosin concentration; and autoantibody titers to antigens of epithelial reticulum cell cytoplasm) in patients suffered acute radiation sickness (ARS) and liquidators of Chernobyl NPP accident. The radiation damage to the immune system was reliably detected in the affected subjects examined: they exhibited a decrease in the alpha 1-thymosin level below M = -1.5 sigma and in absolute B cellularity below M = -1 sigma; and increase in the number of CD25+ cells and in the level of serum autoantibodies to antigens of thymus epithelial reticulum cell cytoplasm. When several parameters selected were examined simultaneously the frequency of recording the deviations in merely one of them markedly increased.
A. Iarilin, N. Sharova, O. Kuz'menok, A. Mitin, M. Nikonova and M. Litvina (1996) Changes in the immune system of the victims of the action of the factors in the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station. Their manifestations, nature and the possible sequelae.
Radiats Biol Radioecol, 36:4, 587-600 (in Russian).
Abstract
The hypothesis is formulated, which explains genesis of long-lasting disturbances in the immune system of the persons affected by factors of Chernobyl disaster. Immunological alterations which are displayed at the late time after action of radiation in doses 0.5 Gy or lower are not a result of direct damage of the cells of immune system by irradiation. Their development is more probably a result of appearance of some systemic conditions and factors in affected organism--such as hormonal disbalance and especially autoantibodies of different specificities, including those reactive with thymic epithelial cells. Autoantibodies of the last type induce the decrease of thymic hormone secretion which results in functional deficiency of T lymphocytes. This chain of events is similar to those occurring in aging and does not directly causes development of the clinical displays of immunodeficiency. Only irradiation in doses of 4-6 Gy or higher inducing the structural damage of thymic microenvironment can rouse the long-lasting T cell immunodeficiency with the clinical manifestations.
O. Ignatova, G. Bondarenko, N. Soboleva and I. Boeva (1997) Cardiac contractile function in the participants of the cleanup of the aftermath of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station who are ill with hypertension.
Likarska Sprava, 2, 114-6 (in Russian).
Abstract
In a major proportion (67%) of those examined (persons with stage-II hypertensive disease who took part in the elimination of the aftermath of the Chernobyl breakdown) with the aid of echocardiography, hypertrophy of the left ventricular (LV myocardium was revealed as was augmentation of the mass of the LV myocardium together with decline in the contractile function, while in other examinees (33%) all above parameters showed no deviation from the norm. This permits predicting probability of cardial complications in such patient populations.
L. Ilyin (1995) Chernobyl: myth and reality. "Megalopolis": Moscow
Abstract
Not available
L. Ilyin, V. Kriuchkov, D. Osanov and D. Pavlov (1995) The irradiation levels of the participants in the cleanup of the aftermath of the Chernobyl accident in 1986-1987 and the verification of the dosimetric data.
Radiats Biol Radioecol, 35:6, 803-28 (in Russian).
Abstract
It is considered the organization of individual dosimetric monitoring (IDM) within 30-km zone around Chernobyl nuclear power plant (CNPP) in 1986 for different contingents of recovery workers: the CNPP personnel, Management for Construction 605 (MC-605), military recovery workers, persons assigned to 30-km zone. It is concluded that the quality of IDM had decreased in the following series: the MC-605 personnel, the CNPP personnel, the assigned persons, and military units. The method of dosimetric data verification for recovery workers in 1986 is presented which is based on the analyses of the dependency H(delta)/In delta from delta, where delta is a step of the histogram of distribution, and H(delta) is delta-entropy of distribution. The results obtained by this method correspond to the results of the experts' estimation. It was shown that 60% of registered individual doses for the whole contingent of the recovery workers differ from the real exposure doses. Using the theory of hybrid lognormal distribution it was obtained, in our opinion, real external dose distribution for all the recovery workers. It was estimated that 7% of recovery workers received doses more than 0.25 Gy. Also, the data on values of mean and collective doses for different contingents, as well as for all persons involved in recovery operations is presented.
L. A. Ilyin, V. P. Kriuchkov, D. P. Osanov and D. A. Pavlov (1998) Reply to the letter-to-the-editors by V.A. Pitkevich, V.K. Ivanov, S.Iu. Chekin, A.F. Tsyb, "Concerning the problem of radiation exposure levels to the Chernobyl AES accident clean-up participants, included in Russian Medical-Dosimetric State Registry" (letter).
Radiats Biol Radioecol, 38:1, 126-33 (in Russian).
Abstract
Theoretical and practical problems related to the dosimetric data verification for recovery workers at the Chernobyl NPP are considered. The distinctions in definitions epsilon-entropy in paper [1] and delta- entropy in [2] are considered. In a certain measure this distinctions explain distinction in conclusions, made in these papers. Method of dosimetric data collection, used by Institute of Biophysics and its difference from the method of data acquisition, used in national Medical-dosimetric registers is described. Results on determination of a share of participants given for various clean-up worker divisions, contained in pointed delta-shape peaks, received by two various methods, stated in [2] and [6], are compared and their satisfactory conformity with one another is established.
P. Inskip, M. Hartshorne, M. Tekkel, M. Rahu, T. Veidebaum, A. Auvinen, L. Crooks, L. Littlefield, A. McFee, S. Salomaa, S. Makinen, J. Tucker, K. Sorensen, W. Bigbee and J. Boice JD (1997) Thyroid nodularity and cancer among Chernobyl cleanup workers from Estonia.
Radiat Res, 147:2, 225-35 .
Abstract
Thyroid examinations, including palpation, ultrasound and, selectively, fine-needle aspiration biopsy, were conducted on nearly 2,000 Chernobyl cleanup workers from Estonia to evaluate the occurrence of thyroid cancer and nodular thyroid disease among men with protracted exposure to ionizing radiation. The examinations were conducted in four cities in Estonia during March-April 1995, 9 years after the reactor accident. The study population was selected from a predefined cohort of 4,833 cleanup workers from Estonia under surveillance for cancer incidence. These men had been sent to Chernobyl between 1986 and 1991 to entomb the damaged reactor, remove radioactive debris and perform related cleanup activities. A total of 2,997 men were invited for thyroid screening and 1,984 (66%) were examined. Estimates of radiation dose from external sources were obtained from military or other institutional records, and details about service dates and types of work performed while at Chernobyl were obtained from a self-administered questionnaire. Blood samples were collected for assay of chromosomal translocations in circulating lymphocytes and loss of expression of the glycophorin A (GPA) gene in erythrocytes. The primary outcome measure was the presence or absence of thyroid nodules as determined by the ultrasound examination. Of the screened workers, 1,247 (63%) were sent to Chernobyl in 1986, including 603 (30%) sent in April or May, soon after the accident. Workers served at Chernobyl for an average of 3 months. The average age was 32 years at the time of arrival at Chernobyl and 40 years at the time of thyroid examination. The mean documented radiation dose from external sources was 10.8 cGy. Biological indicators of exposure showed low correlations with documented dose, but did not indicate that the mean dose for the population was higher than the average documented dose. Ultrasound examinations revealed thyroid nodules in 201 individuals (10.2%). The prevalence of nodules increased with age at examination, but no significant associations were observed with recorded dose, date of first duty at Chernobyl, duration of service at Chernobyl, building the sarcophagus or working on the roof of neighboring buildings or close to the damaged reactor. Nodularity showed a nonsignificant (p(1) = 0.10) positive association with the proportion of lymphocytes with chromosome translocations, but associations with the frequency of variant erythrocytes in the GPA assay were weak and unstable (p(1) > or = 0.46). The majority of fine-needle biopsies taken on 77 study participants indicated benign nodular disease. However, two cases of papillary carcinoma and three benign follicular neoplasms were identified and referred for treatment. Both men with thyroid cancer had been sent to Chernobyl in May of 1986, when the potential for exposure to radioactive iodines was greatest. Chernobyl cleanup workers from Estonia did not experience a markedly increased risk of nodular thyroid disease associated with exposure to external radiation. Possible reasons for the apparent absence of effect include low radiation doses, the protracted nature of the exposure, errors in dose measurement, low sensitivity of the adult thyroid gland or the insufficient passage of time for a radiation effect to be expressed.
N. Ivanitskaia, M. Savchenko, S. Sorokina and I. Li (1996) Immune system function in the participants in the cleanup of the aftermath of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Likarska Sprava, 3-4, 31-3 (in Russian).
Abstract
Imbalance was revealed in the proportions of T-lymphocyte subpopulations in those persons engaged in activity in mining employment who had been exposed to a complex of the radiation accident factors. Maximum reduction in the lymphocyte suppressor activity was recordable in those patients in whom the doses of radioactive irradiation received exceeded 25 s Gy. Depression was found of humoral immunity manifested by a drop in the absolute as well as relative numbers of B-lymphocytes and fall in the blood serum levels of Ig G, A. The results of study of clinical-biochemical and immunologic parameters of blood permit individualized therapies be developed, prophylactic measures to be devised to deal with the relevant pathologic processes and conditions in the cohorts examined.
V. Ivanov and A. Tsyb (1996) The Chernobyl accident and radiation risks: dynamics of epidemiological rates (morbidity, disability and death rates) according to the data in the national registry.
World Health Stat Q, 49:1, 22-8 .
Abstract
Ten years have elapsed since the Chernobyl accident. The gravest technologically generated accident throughout human history has attracted considerable attention from the whole world community. At the same time, the problem of estimating the total damage to life and health of people exposed to radiation remains very complicated. The negative effects of Chernobyl include a spectrum of factors which may reinforce each other. In particular, to date there are no theoretical models or practical recommendations on estimating the contribution of the social, psychological or emotional factors that surround diseases due to radiation accidents. On the other hand, for maximum effective rehabilitation of the affected population, the impartial determination of the contribution by both radiation and non-radiation components is necessary. Therefore, the continuation of long-standing investigations within the framework of the National and Radiation and Epidemiological Registry along with obtaining new scientific data in the field of radiation epidemiology is of great practical importance in limiting the health consequences of the accident.
V. Ivanov and A. Tsyb (1996) Chernobyl radiation risks: assessments of morbidity, mortality and disability rates according to the data of the National Radiation and Epidemiological Registry, 1995.
Nagasaki Symposium Radiation and Human Health, Nagasaki, Elsevier Science B.V., 31-42 .
Abstract
Not available
V. Ivanov, A. Tsyb, A. Gorsky, M. Maksyutov, E. Rastopchin, A. Konogorov, A. Korelo, A. Biryukov and V. Matyash (1997) Leukaemia and thyroid cancer in emergency workers of the Chernobyl accident: estimation of radiation risks (1986-1995).
Radiat Environ Biophys, 36:1, 9-16 .
Abstract
This work focuses on the direct epidemiological assessment of the risks of radiation-induced leukaemia and thyroid cancer in emergency workers (EW) after the Chernobyl accident. The Russian National Medical Dosimetric Registry (RNMDR) contains data for 168,000 EW as of January 1, 1996. The analysis relates to 48 leukaemias and 47 thyroid cancers, diagnosed and verified. Radiation risks are estimated by comparing the EW data with national data for a male population of the same age distribution. For leukaemia, an excess relative risk per Gy (ERR/Gy) of 4.30 (95% CI: 0.83, 7.75) is obtained, while the excess absolute risk per 10(4) person-years (PY) Gy (EAR/10(4)PY Gy) is found to be 1.31 (95% CI: 0.23, 2.39); for thyroid cancer an ERR/Gy of 5.31 (95% CI: 0.04, 10.58) is obtained, and an EAR/10(4)PY Gy of 1.15 (95% CI: 0.08, 2.22).
V. Ivanov, A. Tsyb, A. Konogorov, E. Rastopchin and S. Khait (1997) Case-control analysis of leukaemia among Chernobyl accident emergency workers residing in the Russian Federation, 1986-1993.
J Radiol Prot, 17:3, 137-157 .
Abstract
Not available
V. K. Ivanov, A. F. Tsyb, A. I. Gorsky, M. A. Maksyutov, E. M. Rastopchin, A. P. Konogorov, A. P. Biryukov, V. A. Matyash and R. F. Mould (1997) Thyroid cancer among "liquidators" of the Chernobyl accident.
Br J Radiol, 70:837, 937-41 .
Abstract
In 1986, immediately after the Chernobyl accident, the USSR Ministry of Health adopted a large scale programme of establishing an All-Union Distributed Registry of persons affected by radiation due to the accident. The registry was based at the Medical Radiological Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences (MRRC RAMS). In 1992, when the USSR was dissolved, this registry database contained information on 659,000 persons, including 284,000 Chernobyl accident emergency workers ("liquidators"). Currently, the Russian National Medical Dosimetric Registry (RNMDR) contains data on 435,276 persons, including 167,862 liquidators. This paper reviews the data for 47 verified thyroid cancers in the liquidator subgroup of the RNMDR. Analyses show that there is an excess relative risk of thyroid cancer per Gy of 5.31 (95% confidence intervals 0.04 and 10.58) and an excess absolute risk of thyroid cancer per 10(4) person-years per Gy of 1.15 (95% confidence intervals 0.08 and 2.22).
V. K. Ivanov, E. M. Rastopchin, A. I. Gorsky and V. B. Ryvkin (1998) Cancer incidence among liquidators of the Chernobyl accident: solid tumors, 1986-1995.
Health Phys, 74:3, 309-15 .
Abstract
The paper considers information about cancer incidence (solid tumors) among liquidators of the Chernobyl accident, which occurred in April 1986. The information was accumulated in the Russian National Medical and Dosimetric Registry (RNMDR) in the period from 1986 to early 1996. The RNMDR contains individual dosimetric and annual check-up data on liquidators resident in Russia. This paper presents results for male liquidators who had no oncological diseases before arrival to the 30-km zone and for whom the following information was available: confirmed dose of external radiation, birth date, date of arrival to the 30-km zone, time spent in the 30-km zone, and results of medical check-ups. The number of liquidators under study is 114,504, i.e., about 68% of all those registered in the RNMDR. The average dose of the studied cohort is 108 mGy; the average age at first arrival to the 30-km zone is 34.3 y; the total number of person-y is 797,781. The cohort of liquidators is briefly characterized. Cancer incidence in liquidators is compared to that of the population of Russia as a whole by calculating standardized incidence ratio (SIR). The values of SIR with 95% confidence intervals for all solid tumors and malignant neoplasms of the digestive system were 1.23 (1.15; 1.31) and 1.11 (1.01; 1.24), respectively. Assessment of radiation risks for the same classes of diseases has revealed a statistically significant increase in cancer incidence with external radiation dose. This study also shows that statistically significant excesses in the incidence of malignant neoplasms of the respiratory system have not been observed.
T. Ivanova, T. Tronova, L. Kapilevich, L. Andreiko, E. Kilina, O. Karelina, E. Levitskii and E. Knipenberg (1997) The use of sapropels in osteoarthritis in participants in the cleanup of the aftermath of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult, 3, 23-5 (in Russian).
Abstract
Not available
R. Jensen, R. Langlois, W. Bigbee, S. Grant, D. Moore, M. Pilinskaya, I. Vorobtsova and P. Pleshanov (1995) Elevated frequency of glycophorin A mutations in erythrocytes from Chernobyl accident victims.
Radiat Res, 141:2, 129-35 .
Abstract
In 1986, when an explosion accident occurred at the Chernobyl, Ukraine nuclear power plant, a large number of people were exposed to significant amounts of ionizing radiation. During the time between 1986 and 1992, peripheral blood samples were obtained from 102 people who either were on site during the emergency or were brought to Chernobyl shortly thereafter to assist in the cleanup of radioactive contaminants and isolate the damaged reactor from the environment. These blood samples plus samples from 13 unexposed Soviet individuals were analyzed by flow cytometry using the allele-loss somatic mutation assay for glycophorin A. Results of these assays show that the frequency of N/O variant red cells increased in proportion to the estimated radiation exposure of each individual. The radiation dose-response function derived from this population closely resembles that determined previously for atomic bomb survivors whose blood samples were obtained and analyzed 40 years after their exposure. This suggests comparable mutation induction per unit dose for these two populations and long-term persistence of the mutational damage. In addition, measurements on multiple blood samples from each of 10 donors taken over a 7-year period showed no significant changes in N/O variant cell frequencies, confirming the persistence of radiation-induced somatic mutations in long-lived bone marrow stem cells.
K. L. Johnson, J. Nath, J. M. Pluth and J. D. Tucker (1999) The distribution of chromosome damage, non-reciprocal translocations and clonal aberrations in lymphocytes from Chernobyl clean-up workers.
Mutat Res, 439:1, 77-85 .
Abstract
In this paper we determined whether the frequencies of translocations and insertions are proportional to chromosome size in peripheral blood lymphocytes from Chernobyl nuclear accident clean-up workers and healthy unexposed control subjects. The frequency of aberrations among chromosomes 1, 2 and 4 in both groups was found to be significantly different from the distribution expected on the basis of chromosome size, although the difference was only marginally significant in controls. We also determined whether differences exist in aberration frequencies measured by two scoring systems: the classical method, where reciprocal exchanges are scored as one event, and PAINT, where each break junction is scored as a single event. The two scoring systems gave highly correlated results which yielded an interpretable arithmetic relationship between frequency measurements using the two systems. Approximately 34% of all translocations were observed to be non-reciprocal, and cells bearing clones of abnormal cells were observed in 6 of 198 subjects (3.0%). Our results demonstrate that clones of abnormal cells and the presence of non-reciprocal translocations contribute to the non-proportional distribution of radiation-induced and spontaneous cytogenetic damage. Copyright 1999 Elsevier Science B.V.
Z. Kamarli and A. Abdulina (1996) Health conditions among workers who participated in the cleanup of the Chernobyl accident.
World Health Stat Q, 49:1, 29-31 .
Abstract
People who took part in the Chernobyl accident cleanup have been registered upon their return to Kyrgyzstan since 1991, and their children since 1992. Later, citizens affected by the Semipalatinsk and Chelyabinsk contamination incidents were included for registration and health care purposes. The effects of the nuclear waste depositories in the Mailuu-Suu region were examined with the assistance of the Kansas University Medical Center (United States of America). All these investigations of affected people indicate apparent increases in a number of symptoms and illnesses when compared to the rest of the population. Sample sizes ranged from several hundred to several thousand. Above-normal radiation levels and/or the stress and fear of living in contaminated area can lead to significant increases in nervous disorders, cardiovascular diseases and other problems. The most significant increase was in the suicide rate.
A. Kapreenko and K. Loganovskii (1992) Borderline neuropsychic disorders in persons subjected to ionizing radiation exposure.
Likarska Sprava, 6, 48-52 (in Russian).
Abstract
Results were compared of a study of mental disorders in 365 participants of liquidation of sequelae of the Chernobyl atomic station disaster subjected to the effect of ionizing radiation showing psychic disorders, in 475 somatic patients and in 42 Afghan soldiers suffering of traumatic cebrebrasthenia. Clinical aspects of manifestation of nervous and mental disorders and their effect on the dynamic structure of mental and somatic premorbid state, presence of somatic diseases, specific psychotrauma situation and organic effects of the ionizing radiation. Stages of development of these disorders were singled out and signs of their endogeneity and progression were established. The possibilities of psycho-social adaptation are discussed.
V. T. Kartashov, V. I. Knysh, V. S. Novikov, V. K. Taranukha, V. P. Galik, A. E. Bulgakov, A. N. Andreeva, M. A. Porshneva and A. G. Sidorova (1998) Experience with the dynamic dispensary observation of those who worked in the cleanup of the aftermath of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Voen Med Zh, 319:6, 28-33 (in Russian).
Abstract
Not available
A. Kazets, L. Isakova and I. Shiianova (1996) The evaluation of the physical work capacity of participants in the cleanup of the aftermath of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station during their rehabilitation at a health resort.
Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult, 3, 46-7 (in Russian).
Abstract
Not available
V. Kharchenko, N. Rozhkova, G. Zubovskii, B. Rassokhin, L. Rozhinskaia and G. Purtova (1993) Digital bone densitometry.
Vestn Rentgenol Radiol, 2, 4-8 (in Russian).
Abstract
Normal values of bone mineral composition were defined, based on examinations of 600 male and female volunteers of various age groups by digital roentgenodensitometry. The mineral compactness was found reduced in the patients with endocrine diseases, in subjects who participated in liquidation of the Chernobyl power plant accident aftereffects, and in those suffering from skeletal pains. The authors emphasize the value of digital roentgenodensitometry as a method for monitoring the efficacy of treatment of patients with endocrine diseases and chronic renal insufficiency.
V. Kharchenko, N. Rozhkova, G. Zubovskii, I. Sergeev, I. Smirnov, L. Rozhinskaia, B. Rassokhin and G. Purtova (1994) Indicators of bone mineral density in persons who had participated in cleaning-up operations after the Chernobyl AES accident.
Vestn Rentgenol Radiol, 2, 38-40 (in Russian).
Abstract
Not available
V. Kharchenko, G. Zubovskii and N. Kholodova (1995) Changes in the brain of persons who participated in the cleaning-up of the Chernobyl AES accident based on the data of radiodiagnosis (single-photon emission-computed radionuclide tomography, x-ray computed tomography and magnetic resonance tomography).
Vestn Rentgenol Radiol, 1, 11-4 (in Russian).
Abstract
Presents the data of x-ray examinations of the brain in cleaner-ups of the consequences of the Chernobyl power plant accident who complained of headaches, ache in the bones, poor memory, giddiness, weakness, a drastic drop of performance ability, fits with loss of consciousness. Hypometabolic foci localized both in the white and gray matter of the brain were revealed. X-Ray computer-aided tomography and magnetic imaging showed dilatation of the ventricular system of the brain, dilatation of the subarachnoidal spaces, symmetrical reduction of the density of medullary tissue round the bodies and anterior and posterior horns of lateral ventricles, round the third ventricle, near semi-oval centers, as well as solitary or multiple focal reduction of medullary tissue density. Findings of x-ray methods of diagnosis permit a conclusion on a complex organic involvement of the brain in subjects who participated in liquidation of the consequences of the Chernobyl power plant accident. The most typical are signs of the hypertensive hydrocephalic syndrome with cerebrospinal fluid disturbances and of the vascular encephalic syndrome with development of focal postischemic malacia of the brain matter.
N. Kholodova (1993) Changes in the central nervous system in those who worked to clean up the aftereffects of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station (based on data from clinical and x-ray computed tomographic studies) (see comments).
Zh Nevropatol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova, 93:4, 74-7 (in Russian).
Abstract
Not available
N. Kholodova, G. Kuznetsova, G. Zubovskii, P. Kazakova and S. Buklina (1996) The late sequelae of radiation exposure on the nervous system.
Zh Nevropatol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova, 96:5, 29-33 (in Russian).
Abstract
Clinical, neuropsychologic, neurophysiologic as well as neuromorphologic (in legal cases) examinations of Chernobyl liquidators were performed. In addition, the study was made of the monkeys exposed to 1,5 Gy radiation. The results obtained testified to the organic character of cerebral damages. They may be characterised as chronic progressive discirculatory-hypoxic syndrome in which disorders of vascular permeability were expressed and dystrophic destructive irreversible alterations of nervous cells occurred.
I. Khomaziuk (1991) Health status of persons who participated in the elimination of consequences of the Chernobyl AES accident.
Vestn Akad Med Nauk SSSR, 11, 29-31 (in Russian).
Abstract
Not available
L. P. Kindzel'skii and E. A. Demina (1998) The clinico-hematological picture of acute radiation sickness in the initial period after the Chernobyl catastrophe.
Lik Sprava, 3, 7-11 (in Russian).
Abstract
The time and degree pattern of the primary response manifestations did not in all instances correlate with subsequent severity of radiation pathologies, which fact may be explained by different levels of bodily exposure to alpha and beta-emitting radionuclides, products of combustion of different substances, psychological status of the people. There is a wave-like change in the parameters characterizing the cellular composition of blood.
L. P. Kindzel'skii and E. A. Demina (1998) An analysis of morbidity in those who worked in the cleanup of the aftermath of the Chernobyl accident.
Lik Sprava, 1, 7-11 (in Russian).
Abstract
Some aspects were studied of pathologies in those liquidators who sought to find out connection between health disorders and restorative work at the Chernobyl Power Plant through the Kiev Regional Expert Medical Counsel in 1990-1996. Those disorders in whose pathogenesis the radiation factor acts together with factors of nonradiation nature, namely of the nervous, cardiovascular systems, and digestive organs, rank first in the structure of pathologies during the first ten years of the postradiation period. The incidence rate of malignancies among those liquidators who had applied to the Council is on the increase. In the structure of oncopathologies prevalence, the leading place is taken up by tumours of digestive organs, respiratory system, and urogenital organs.
V. Klimenko, I. Diagilq, O. Kostiukevich, N. Romanenko and V. Gaidai (1995) A case of prolonged hematopoietic depression after acute radiation sickness in a man who worked in the cleanup of the aftereffects of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Likarska Sprava, 1-2, 41-3 (in Russian).
Abstract
Not available
P. M. Klimenko (1998) Homeopathic therapy of chronic prostatitis in participants of the Chernobyl AES accident clean-up.
Klin Khir, 12:, 43-5 (in Russian).
Abstract
An accident on the Chernobyl Atomic Power Station (CHAPS) caused unprecedented ecological catastrophe and the problems of studying of the ionizing radiation action on human organism appeared. Irradiation causes occurrence of local reactions in prostatic gland. The efficacy of complex homeopathic remedies produced by firm "Heel" is established in the treatment of chronic prostatitis in participants of an accident liquidation on the CHAPS.
T. Kniazeva, M. Otto, E. Orekhova, I. Tupitsyna, V. Krasnikov and N. Derevnina (1996) Nondrug methods for the rehabilitation of participants in the cleanup of the aftermath of accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station who have neurocirculatory dystonia and hypertension.
Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult, 3, 10-2 (in Russian).
Abstract
Among cardiovascular diseases registered in the Chernobyl wreckers neurocirculatory dystonia and hypertension occur most frequently. Combined treatment including electric sleep, iodinebromine baths, therapeutic exercise, massage relieves clinical symptoms, promotes positive rearrangement of hemodynamics, a decrease in myocardial hyperkinesis and vegetative dysfunction, an increase in cardiovascular reserves, correction of hypersympathicotonia and immune disorders.
S. N. Koliubaeva, V. V. Raketskaia, E. A. Borisova and V. E. Komar (1995) Radiation damages in human lymphocytes studied by micronucleus and chromosomal analysis.
Radiats Biol Radioecol, 35:2, 150-6 (in Russian).
Abstract
It was shown that the dependence of the micronucleus number and chromosome aberration on irradiation dose is linear quadratic, the values of linear coefficient being different. The distribution of ameliorators and children from the areas with higher irradiation level by micronucleus test conforms to Poisson distribution, while the distribution by chromosomal analysis approaches to binomial distribution.
E. Kordysh, J. Goldsmith, M. Quastel, S. Poljak, L. Merkin, R. Cohen and R. Gorodischer (1995) Health effects in a casual sample of immigrants to Israel from areas contaminated by the Chernobyl explosion.
Environ Health Perspect, 103:10, 936-41 .
Abstract
We analyzed questionnaire and physician examination data for 1560 new immigrants from the former USSR divided into three groups by potential exposure to Chernobyl radiation. Two groups were chosen according to soil contamination by cesium-137 at former residences, as confirmed by our findings in a 137Cs body burden study. The third group consisted of "liquidators," persons who worked at the Chernobyl site after the disaster. Liquidators had greater self-reported incidences of symptoms commonly accepted as acute effects of radiation exposure, increases in prevalence of hypertension, and more health complaints. Excesses of bronchial asthma and health complaints were reported in children from the more exposed communities. Asthma prevalence in children potentially exposed in utero appears to be increased eightfold. Older adults from more exposed areas had more hypertension as assessed by history and measurements. These findings suggest the possible association of radiation exposure with several nonmalignant effects.
S. Korolenko and O. Kuriata (1997) The clinico-hemodynamic and psychological characteristics of the course of hypertension in those who cleaned up the aftermath of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Likarska Sprava, 1, 10-4 (in Russian).
Abstract
A comparative evaluation of 53 liquidators of the Chernobyl NPP accident and 49 subjects who were not exposed to ionizing radiation, patients with stage II hypertensive disease (HD), revealed clinical features of the disease course, apparent changes in the psychological profile and vegetative supply of the reactions of the cardiovascular system in the former category of the patients. Based on the reactions to the functional tests and urinary excretion of catecholamines, low threshold was shown of resistance to psychoemotional stress in the liquidators, as was usefulness of changes in alpha- and beta-adrenoblockers.
A. I. Koval, V. I. Klimenko and Z. V. Radchuk (1998) The characteristics of the bone marrow stromal elements in the participants in the cleanup of the aftermath of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station in the long term.
Lik Sprava, 3, 15-8 (in Russian).
Abstract
Histologic features were studied of bone marrow biopsies in 25 individuals who took part in the elimination of the aftermath of the Chernobyl accident and who had received a radiation dose of at least 1 Gy. Particular features of the studied trepanobiopsies included dysplasia of granulocytes, hypocellular bone marrow, circulatory disorders and sinusoidal distortion, edematization of stromal elements, substitution of fibroreticular tissue for hemopoietic one. No relationship was established between the changes revealed and radiation dose.
A. Kovalenko, V. Sushko and M. Fedirko (1992) The hormonal functions regulating carbohydrate metabolism in participants in the cleanup of the sequelae of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station with a neurocirculatory dystonia syndrome.
Likarska Sprava, 6, 52-5 (in Russian).
Abstract
Radioimmunoassay revealed in participants of Chernobyl disaster sequelae preclinical changes of some hormonal functions: moderate increase of the basal concentration of blood insulin, somatotropin, C-peptide against the background of persistent hypercortisolemia. Increase of the level of "hyperglycemic" hormones (cortisol, somatotropin, C-peptide) is explained by adaptative and compensatory reactions of the body in response to lesioning effects of ionizing radiation and other negative factors of the Chernobyl accident. Relative hyperinsulinemia is, apparently, compensating the total hyperglycemic effect of these hormones leading to stabilization of the blood sugar level.
Kozinets, E. Zhiliaev, V. Legeza, I. Abdulq, V. Pogorelov, Z. Shishkanova, T. Sarycheva, O. Diagileva, O. Popova and I. Novoderzhkina (1993) Peripheral blood cells in clean-up workers of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident after a five-year follow-up.
Gematol Transfuziol, 38:9, 35-8 ( in Russian).
Abstract
Not available
T. Kozyrevax, N. Nikiforova, I. Kalmykova, E. Skobel'tsyna, P. Sorochan and A. Starodubtseva (1990) Immunity status in persons participating in liquidation of the effects of the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant.
Gematol Transfuziol, 35:12, 17-9 (in Russian).
Abstract
The time course study of the immunity status of 57 subjects who were engaged in liquidation of consequences of the catastrophe at Chernobyl NPS in May-December, 1986, has revealed a high frequency of disorders in bactericidal and digestive activities of neutrophils, as well as in the functional activity of T-lymphocytes in the peripheral blood. The incidence rate of subjects with disturbed functional activity of T-lymphocytes is significantly higher in the group of subjects with suppressed capacity of blood lymphocytes for DNA repair as compared to those with normal levels of blood lymphocyte capacity for DNA repair.
V. Kravtsov, R. F. Fedortseva, A. Loginova Iu, E. V. Starkova, M. V. Tiukacheva, A. F. Iakovlev and A. M. Nikiforov (1997) Morphological anomalies in "tailed" lymphocyte nuclei and their connection with dicentric chromosomes in irradiated patients.
Genetika, 33:12, 1675-80 (in Russian).
Abstract
Lymphocyte nuclei with a narrow outgrowth into the cytoplasm ("tail") were detected on peripheral blood smears of patients exposed to ionizing radiation during the clean up after the Chernobyl meltdown (liquidators). On average, lymphocytes with tailed nuclei occurred at a frequency of 0.43% and 0.15% in exposed patients (n = 101) and healthy donors (n = 50), respectively; the difference between the samples was significant, P 0.001. The coefficient of correlation between frequencies of lymphocytes with tailed nuclei and those with dicentric chromosomes was 0.74 (n = 27, P 0.001). The frequency of lymphocytes with dicentric chromosomes was increased in 9 out of 10 patients, in which lymphocytes with tailed nuclei occurred at a frequency larger than 0.8%. A double-color FISH was used to localize centromeric (not more than two signals) and telomeric (not more than one signal) regions in nuclear tails. Abnormal tailed lymphocyte nuclei were assumed to result from breaking the chromosome bridges formed by the dicentric chromosomes.
V. P. Kruchkov and A. B. Nosovsky (1996) Retrospective Dosimetry: Kiev (in Russian).
Abstract
Not available
L. A. Kryzhanovskaia (1997) Nonpsychotic disorders in persons who took part in the cleanup of the aftermath of the Chernobyl catastrophe.
Lik Sprava, 6, 31-4 (in Russian).
Abstract
Not available
L. A. Kryzhanovskaia, G. M. Gruzdev and V. P. Kardashov (1998) The bioelectrical activity of the brain in an organic lesion of the central nervous system presenting in those who worked in the cleanup of the aftermath of the accident at Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Lik Sprava, 1, 24-7 (in Russian).
Abstract
A study was made of brain bioelectric activity in 122 patients who developed organic lesions of the brain following their taking part in the elimination of the effects of Chernobyl disaster. A visual analysis was performed as was an assessment of the electroencephalogrammes (EEG) obtained, as recommended by E. A. Zhirmunskaia. Disorganization of bioelectrical activity occurred in organic lesions of the brain in 26.5% of cases, which fact suggested disturbances in the activity of control systems of the brain. Disorganized EEG with marked disturbances in both cortical and regulatory electrogenesis were common in patients presenting with psycho-organic syndrome. The results obtained will, we believe, help in elucidating one of the links in the pathogenesis of the above conditions and selecting a complex of adequate therapeutic measures to be instituted in his pathology treatment setting.
S. K. Kulishov (1997) The systemic hemodynamics of patients with ischemic heart disease who participated in the cleanup of the aftermath of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Lik Sprava, 5, 23-6 (in Russian).
Abstract
Not available
J. Lazutka and V. Dedonyte (1995) Increased frequency of sister chromatid exchanges in lymphocytes of Chernobyl clean-up workers.
Int J Radiat Biol, 67:6, 671-6 .
Abstract
Sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) were analysed in lymphocytes from 12 control persons and 33 Chernobyl clean-up workers. The group of Chernobyl clean-up workers consisted of civilians who were forced to go to Chernobyl to clean up environmental contamination caused by Chernobyl disaster. On average, they received 0.13 (range 0.04-0.249) Gy of external irradiation before returning to home. Cytogenetic analyses were performed 6-8 years after the irradiation. Standard cytogenetic techniques were used. Mean SCE frequency was 7.45 +/- 0.69 SCE/cell in controls and 10.30 +/- 0.31 SCE/cell in clean-up workers (p < 0.05). Analysis of variance showed that exposure to radiation explained 19.6%, occupational exposure to various chemical substances, 11.9%, coffee consumption, 8.3%, smoking, 4.2%, interaction between smoking and coffee consumption, 3.6%, and alcohol abuse, 3.4% of total variation in SCE frequency. Effects of all above confounding factors were significant (p < 0.05). In addition, increased frequencies of chromosome aberrations due to exposure at Chernobyl and alcohol consumption were observed. However, there was no correlation between external dose of irradiation and the frequency of chromosome aberrations. Thus, even 6-8 years after the irradiation, cytogenetic effects in lymphocytes of Chernobyl clean-up workers are still significant.
J. Lazutka (1996) Chromosome aberrations and rogue cells in lymphocytes of Chernobyl clean-up workers.
Mutat Res, 350:2, 315-29 .
Abstract
A cytogenetic analysis was performed on peripheral blood lymphocytes from 183 Chernobyl clean-up workers and 27 control individuals. Increased frequencies of chromosome aberrations were associated with exposure to radiation at Chernobyl, alcohol abuse and a history of recent influenza infection. However, only approximately 20% of Chernobyl clean-up workers had an increased frequency of dicentric and ring chromosomes. At the same time, an increased frequency of acentric fragments in lymphocytes of clean-up workers was characteristic. The use of multivitamins as dietary supplement significantly decreased the frequency of chromosome aberrations, especially of chromatid breaks. Rogue cells were found in lymphocytes of 28 clean-up workers and 3 control individuals. The appearance of rogue cells was associated with a recent history of acute respiratory disease (presumably caused by adenoviral infection) and, probably, alcohol abuse. Dicentric chromosomes in rogue cells were distributed according to a negative binomial distribution. Occurrence of rogue cells due to a perturbation of cell cycle control and abnormal apoptosis is suggested.
V. I. Legeza (1998) Liquidators of the Chernobyl accident consequences: a decade since the accident.
Ter Arkh, 70:1, 77-9 (in Russian).
Abstract
Not available
I. A. Liktarev and V. V. Chumak (1996) Overview of the Chernobyl liquidator database.
44th Annual Meeting of the Radiation Research Society, Chicago, Ilinois, USA, S17-1 .
Abstract
Not available
L. G. Littlefield, A. F. McFee, S. I. Salomaa, J. D. Tucker, P. D. Inskip, A. M. Sayer, C. Lindholm, S. Makinen, R. Mustonen, K. Sorensen, M. Tekkel, T. Veidebaum, A. Auvinen and J. D. Boice, Jr. (1998) Do recorded doses overestimate true doses received by Chernobyl cleanup workers? Results of cytogenetic analyses of Estonian workers by fluorescence in situ hybridization.
Radiat Res, 150:2, 237-49 .
Abstract
Studies of workers who were sent to Chernobyl after the 1986 reactor accident are being conducted to provide a better understanding of the effects of chronic low-dose radiation exposures. A crucial component to these investigations is an accurate assessment of the radiation doses received during the cleanup activities. To provide information on biological measurements of dose, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with whole-chromosome painting probes has been applied to quantify stable chromosome aberrations (translocations and insertions) among a defined cohort of 4,833 cleanup workers from Estonia. Cytogenetic analysis of 48-h lymphocyte cultures from 118 Estonian cleanup workers (10.3 cGy mean recorded dose; 25 cGy maximum), 29 Estonian population controls and 21 American controls was conducted by three laboratories. More than 258,000 painted metaphases were evaluated. Overall, we observed lower translocation frequencies than has been reported in previous studies using FISH among Chernobyl cleanup workers. In our data, a clear association with increased levels of translocations was seen with increasing age at blood drawing. There was no correlation, however, between aberration frequency and recorded measurements of physical dose or any category of potential high-dose and high-dose-rate exposure such as being sent to Chernobyl in 1986, working on the roof near the damaged nuclear reactor, working in special zones or having multiple tours. In fact, the translocation frequency was lower among the exposed workers than the controls, though not significantly so. To estimate the level of effect that would have been expected in a population of men having an average dose of approximately 10 cGy, blood from six donors was exposed to low-LET radiation, and more than 32,000 metaphases were scored to estimate dose- response coefficients for radiation-induced translocations in chromosome pairs 1, 2 and 4. Based on these results, we estimate that had this group of 118 men received an average whole-body dose of 10-11 cGy, as chronic or acute exposures, an increase in the mean frequency of chromosome translocations of more than 40-65% would have been observed in their lymphocytes compared to findings in nonirradiated controls. In spite of evaluating more than a quarter of a million metaphases, we were unable to detect any increase in the mean, median or range in chromosome aberrations in lymphocyte cultures from a group of Estonian men who took part in the cleanup of the Chernobyl nuclear power site and those who did not. We conclude that it is likely that recorded doses for these cleanup workers overestimate their average bone marrow doses, perhaps substantially. These results are consistent with several negative studies of cancer incidence in Chernobyl cleanup workers and, if borne out, suggest that future studies may not be sufficiently powerful to detect increases in leukemia or cancer, much less distinguish differences between the effects of chronic compared to brief radiation exposures.
M. Litvina, M. Nikonova and A. Iarilin (1994) The state of classical and alternative complement activation pathways in persons who participated in the cleanup of the aftereffects of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Power Plant.
Radiats Biol Radioecol, 34:4-5, 598-602 (in Russian).
Abstract
The levels of T-cell activation through classical and alternative pathways were studied in persons participated in cleaning-up operations at Chernobyl N. P. P. Proliferation response of T-cells on the action of monoclonal antibody anti-CD3 (classical activation) as well as response on phytohaemagglutinin was partially decreased just as response on autologic erythrocytes in combination with phorbol 12-myristate-13 acetate (CD2-dependent alternative activation) was completely suppressed in all affected persons. Addition of interleukin 2 did not restore T-cell responses on both anti-CD3 and alternative stimulation. The different degree of decrease of T-cell responses on anti-CD3 and CD2-dependent alternative stimulation is not a result of respective alterations of cell surface CD3 and CD2 expression.
S. V. Litvintsev, V. V. Nechiporenko, A. M. Reznik, G. F. Vitol and N. A. Alieva (1998) Disorders of the cognitive functions in those who worked in the cleanup of the aftermath of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Voen Med Zh, 319:4, 43-7 (in Russian).
Abstract
Not available
P. Liubchenko, L. Kovaleva, A. Nikolaeva, E. Bendikov, E. Dubinina and V. Ol'shanskii (1994) Intrahepatic circulation in participants of clean-up after the Chernobyl Atomic Energy Plant accident.
Med Tr Prom Ekol, 2, 15-7 (in Russian).
Abstract
Examination of 42 liquidators of Chernobyl power station accident consequences, which was conducted in 5-6 years after the work in Chernobyl, proved 66.7% of examinees to have hypervolemia of hepatic circulation. These changes are due to hyperkinetic type of central hemodynamics. The data obtained prove absence of sclerotic lesions in liver.
D. Lloyd and A. Sevan'kaev (1996) Biological dosimetry for persons irradiated by the Chernobyl accident. Final report of Experimental Collaboration Project N6. Office for Official Publication of the European Communities: Luxembourg
Abstract
Not available
O. Lobkova, I. Mitin and D. Vologzhanin (1993) The characteristics of allergic diseases in people exposed to the factors of a radiation catastrophe.
Voen Med Zh, 3, 23-5, 80 (in Russian).
Abstract
The article deals with peculiarities of allergic diseases (bronchial asthma, pre-asthma, pollinosis) in patients who were exposed to the factors of radiative, catastrophe. Screening--questionnaire was made on 381 patients who went through the Chernobyl disaster. 46 patients from this number who had various allergic diseases were chosen for specific diagnostics and immunological researches. A conclusion was made that critical systems of organism, and especially the immune systems had the major significance for the development and outcome of radiative injuries. The disorders in these systems contribute to the development of allergic diseases.
A. Loginov, V. Perederii, N. Bychkova, A. Fomina and E. Trach (1995) The characteristics of the morphological changes in the digestive canal, the clinical course of digestive organ diseases and the immune status of persons subjected to radiation exposure as a result of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Ter Arkh, 67:2, 44-7 (in Russian).
Abstract
Not available
E. Lushnikov (1997) One decade after Chernobyl: sequelae of the accident and urgent problems of radiation pathology (editorial).
Arkh Patol, 59:4, 42-6 (in Russian).
Abstract
Medico-biological sequelae of irradiation of humans as a result of the Chernobyl accident are considered. Acute radiation sickness, thyroid carcinoma in children, chromosomal aberrations in the peripheral blood lymphocytes have an etiological link with radiation. Three problems are important for future studies: 1) collection of reliable information about the radiation, 2) assessment of dose-effect relations, 3) organization of supervision.
M.B. (1996) Poor dose data hamper study of cleanup workers.
Science, 272:5260, 360 .
Abstract
Not available
A. S. Madekin and V. T. Paramei (1998) Antioxidant therapy of vision organ disorders in the Chernobyl accident liquidators.
Vestn Oftalmol, 114:1, 31-4 (in Russian).
Abstract
Antioxidant complex including flacumine, glutamic acid, and sodium thiosulfate was used to treat pathological changes in the organ of vision in the liquidators of the Chernobyl accident. The treatment stabilized vision acuity and improved some hormonal and immunological parameters of the blood. Hence, this therapeutic complex can be used for the prevention and treatment of ocular abnormalities in subjects exposed to radionuclides.
W. Mann (1994) The International Chernobyl Project Technical Report: assessment of radiological consequences and evaluation of protective measures. Report by an International Advisory Committee.
Nucl Med Biol, 21:1, 3-7 .
Abstract
Not available
A. Maracheva and A. Tatarskii (1996) Respiratory organ pathology in the participants in the cleanup of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Ter Arkh, 68:3, 8-12 (in Russian).
Abstract
The authors performed this investigation to ascertain the role of radioactive dust inhalation in the onset of respiratory diseases and determination of clinicomorphological features of such pathology. The authors have found that work in conditions of massive dust exposure, stay in the dust zone for a month and longer in 1986-1987 were the decisive risk factors of respiratory impairment. The examination covered 28 patients who had acute symptoms of inhalation damage to respiratory system when performing their job in the contaminated zone. Later on they developed chronic progressive respiratory affection having the following clinicomorphological characteristics: 1) persistent cough with hard to expectorate sputum, addition of respiratory insufficiency, sluggish recurrent infection and inflammation, deterioration of working capacity and quality of life, 2) isolated decline of specific diffuse capacity of the lungs in combination with obstructive ventilation, 3) marked disturbances of cellular immunity (reduced fraction of T-helpers and increased fraction of T-suppressors), 4) x-ray picture of diffuse pneumosclerosis and hyperairiness of the lung tissue, 5) endoscopic evidence of inflammation and atrophy of the bronchial tree mucosa, 6) numerous alveolar macrophages with foreign inclusions in the lavage fluid, such markers of Chernobyl dust inhalation as Sr, Zr, I, Cs, Ce, Np, Pu, Am, Cm registered in alveolar macrophages at roentgenospectral and roentgenofluorescent microtests, 7) defective functional activity of alveolar macrophages (free radical activation). Long-term persistence of the Chernobyl dust in the lung tissue results in essential functional and morphological changes in cell composition of the alveolar area, lung tissue undergoes structural alterations contributing to specific respiratory diseases with typical clinicomorphological characteristics.
O. O. Martsynkevych (1997) The late neurological radiation sequelae in participants in the cleanup of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Lik Sprava, 6, 29-31 (in Russian).
Abstract
As many as 119 subjects who took part in the elimination of the aftermath of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant breakdown were studied for their neurological status 7-8 years following the accident. Changes were revealed at all levels of the brain, such as cortex, subcortex, truncus cerebri. Parameters characterizing blood were studied in the examinees together with results of radiometry of brain tissue of deceased liquidators, that suggested cause-and-effect relationship between cerebral symptomatology and radiation.
O. O. Martsynkevych (1998) The neurological and radiometric indices of those who worked in the cleanup who live on the territory of Chernigov Province.
Lik Sprava, 4, 16-8 (in Russian).
Abstract
The condition was studied as was the degree of neurologic changes in those persons who took part in the elimination of the aftereffects of the Chernobyl accident, with special reference to radiation pollution of the territory. Brain tissue of the deceased liquidators was found out to store 137Cs. The implication of the endogenous incorporation of radionuclides in the development of chronic radiation encephalopathy is discussed.
N. A. Maznik and V. A. Vinnikov (1997) The dynamics of the cytogenetic effects in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of those who worked in the cleanup of the aftermath of the accident at Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Tsitol Genet, 31:6, 41-7 (in Russian).
Abstract
Dynamics of cytogenetic anomalies in liquidators of the Chernobyl accident has been studied. Dicentric and ring frequencies appeared to be the most informative criteria of radio-induced chromosome aberrations. The rate of cell elimination with dicentrics and rings was higher in liquidators exposed to more than 25 cGy of radiation that in those exposed to less than 25 cGy of radiation. The rate of elimination of chromatid-type aberrations and genomic mutations was very low in the group of liquidators exposed to higher dose of radiation.
G. Medvedev (1991) The truth about Chernobyl. I.B.Tauris&Co Ltd Publishers: London, New York
Abstract
Not available
V. O. Moiseienko (1998) The validation and efficacy of correcting gastrointestinal disorders in patients with chronic glomerulonephritis who took part in the cleanup of the aftermath of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Lik Sprava, 3, 4-7 (in Russian).
Abstract
The use is substantiated and efficiency is studied of novel treatment methods to deal with gastroenterologic disorders in 102 patients with chronic glomerulonephritis who took part in the elimination of the aftermath of the Chernobyl accident. Positive clinical and endoscopic effects appeared to be higher in those groups who underwent the informative-wave therapy (IWT) in their multiple-modality treatment versus the group on drug therapy only. IWT in combination with enterosorption were found out to be associated with marked detoxicating and sanogenous effects as well as with improvement of the functional state of the alimentary canal and kidneys.
D. H. Moore, 2nd, J. D. Tucker, I. M. Jones, R. G. Langlois, P. Pleshanov, I. Vorobtsova and R. Jensen (1997) A study of the effects of exposure on cleanup workers at the Chernobyl nuclear reactor accident using multiple end points.
Radiat Res, 148:5, 463-75 .
Abstract
Blood samples were collected from 192 exposed workers who participated in the cleanup after the April 26, 1986, nuclear reactor accident at Chernobyl, Ukraine. These samples, together with samples from 73 individuals living in Russia but not involved in Chernobyl cleanup activities, were collected during September 1991 to May 1996 and shipped to the U.S. for evaluation by three bioassays: cytogenetic analysis based on chromosome painting, HPRT mutation analysis and glycophorin A (GPA) variant analysis. Univariate statistical analyses of the results of each bioassay (including adjustments for age, smoking status and estimated precision of the bioassay) found greater frequencies of chromosome translocations and HPRT mutant T lymphocytes among the exposed individuals compared to the controls (P < or = 0.01). GPA analyses showed no significant difference for exposed compared to controls for either hemizygous, N/O, or homozygous, N/N, variant cell frequency. Multivariate analysis of variance of the subset of 44 exposed and 14 unexposed individuals with measurements from all three bioassays found elevated frequencies of chromosomal translocations and HPRT mutants, and reduced frequencies for both GPA end points among the exposed persons compared to the controls. However, none of these differences, considered singly or in combination, was statistically significant (although statistical power is low due to small sample sizes). Mean estimated dose, based on cytogenetic response, for those exposed was 9 cGy (range 0 to 51 cGy) and was less than that estimated by physical dosimetry (25 cGy). Correlation between the end points of the bioassays and estimated physical dosimetry was low (r < 0.2); the only significant correlation found was for physical dose estimate and dates worked at Chernobyl (r = 0.4, P < 0.01), with those working soon after the accident receiving greater estimated doses.
I. Moskalenko, N. Nikiforova and I. Kalmykova (1990) Deoxyribonuclease activity in the blood serum of persons participating in liquidation of the effects of the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant.
Gematol Transfuziol, 35:12, 16-7 (in Russian).
Abstract
Deoxyribonuclease activity in blood serum was comparatively analyzed in 90 subjects who had been engaged in liquidation of consequences of the catastrophe at Chernobyl NPS in 1986, and in 55 normal donors. It was found that the mean value of deoxyribonuclease activity in the group of the liquidators was significantly lower as compared to that of donors. A stable decrease of activity of neutral deoxyribonuclease (DNAse I, pH 7.3) was detected in 18 and that of acid deoxyribonuclease (DNAse II) in 9 out of 90 subjects investigated. The anamnesis of most of the patients with lowered deoxyribonuclease activity has revealed transient leukopenia, decreased parameters of T-cellular immunity and phagocytic activity of neutrophils.
R. Mould (1987) After Chernobyl.
Br J Radiol, 60:714, B29-34 .
Abstract
Not available
R. F. Mould (1992) Chernobyl. The real story. Pergamon press: Oxford, New York, Beijing, Frankfurt, San Paulo, Sydney, Tokio, Toronto
Abstract
Not available
N. M. Nadezhina, I. A. Galstian, L. A. Suvorova, V. N. Pokrovskaia, G. P. Gruzdev, V. G. Leliuk, A. B. Kutuzova, N. Rtishcheva Zh and I. V. Uvacheva (1997) Health status of persons with acute radiation sickness caused by Chernobyl AES accident.
Radiats Biol Radioecol, 37:5, 780-6 (in Russian).
Abstract
After Chernobyl accident 75 survivors with acute radiation syndrome (ARS) have been under observation in the Clinic of the Institute of Biophysics. Years after accident serious problems occurred in the individuals, who suffered from late effects from radiation injuries (late radiation ulcers and radiation cataracts). One patient suffered on hypernephroma, one-kidney cyst. Observed somatic diseases are gastrointestinal diseases, different neurological diseases and syndromes and upper pulmonary tract diseases. Hemopoiesis system condition was characterised by the development of transient moderate cytopenia (light and moderate degree of ARS patients) as well as the periodical increase of blood cell counts above standard indices (severe degree of ARS patients).
A. Nagornaia, A. Kartysh, A. Stepanenko, T. Proklina, A. Osnach and E. Sytenko (1995) The results of a study of disability among those who participated in the cleanup of the aftereffects of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station (based on data from the Ukrainian National Registry).
Likarska Sprava, 1-2, 36-7 (in Russian).
Abstract
Not available
NEA (1996) Chernobyl - ten years on: radiological and health impact. NEA Committee on Radiation Protection and Public Health, OECD
Abstract
To mark the tenth anniversary of the Chernobyl accident, the NEA Committee on Radiation Protection and Public Health published a concise report reviewing the current knowledge of the serious impacts of the accident, taking stock of the information accumulated over the last decade and the scientific studies under way, and assessing to which degree national authorities and experts have implemented the numerous lessons learned from the accident.
A. Niagu (1991) Psychoneurological and psychological aspects of the consequences of the Chernobyl AES accident.
Vestn Akad Med Nauk SSSR, 11, 31-2 (in Russian).
Abstract
Not available
A. M. Nikiforov, A. V. Pershin, S. G. Shcherbak and I. Listopadov Iu (1993) The course of duodenal peptic ulcer in the participants in the cleanup of the aftereffects of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Voen Med Zh, 3, 19-20 (in Russian).
Abstract
80 liquidators of Chernobyl disaster with aggravation of duodenal ulcer were examined, as well as a control group of 70 patients. In the group of liquidators some characteristic features were disclosed, namely peculiarities in the state of abdominal mucosa and clinical course of the disease. These data were obtained in the results of hematological, immunological and biochemical researches.
A. M. Nikiforov, V. Cheprasov, N. S. Shamova and V. A. Shamov (1998) The late-period characteristics of the bioelectrical activity of the brain in participants in the cleanup of the aftermath of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Fiziol Cheloveka, 24:6, 48-55 (in Russian).
Abstract
Not available
E. Nikolaevskii and V. Novozhenov (1993) The clinico-functional status of the organs and systems in pilots who participated in the cleanup of the aftereffects of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Voen Med Zh, 10, 55-7 (in Russian).
Abstract
Not available
V. Nikolenko, V. Valutsina, D. Lastkov and K. Trinus (1992) Status of the vestibular analyzer and psychophysiologic parameters in miners and crew members cleaning up the consequences of the Chernobyl nuclear plant accident.
Gig Tr Prof Zabol, 9-10, 5-7 (in Russian).
Abstract
Status of the vestibular analyzer and psychophysiologic parameters were studied in 20 miners with the long length of service and in 16 liquidators of Chernobyl atomic power station accident consequences. Liquidators showed the reliably increased latent periods of P1, N1 and P2 spikes of vestibular evoked potentials, considerably increased latent time of the complicated oculomotor reaction and lowered rate of information processing. Exposure to increased radiation dose during the work at Chernobyl atomic power station was a main factor to influence on the functional status of vestibular analyzer.
V. Nikolenko, H. O. Bondarenko, T. P. Bodachenko, N. P. Sobolieva and R. O. Voinar (1998) A case of total complicated pleuropneumonia in someone who worked in the cleanup of the aftermath of the Chernobyl catastrophe.
Lik Sprava, 2, 33-5 (in Russian).
Abstract
A case is described that is not typical one, of total complicated pleuropneumonia in the liquidator K. of 1986 Chernobyl disaster aftermath. The dose of radiation he had been exposed to amounted to 25.75 rads. In 1989 he had acute right-sided pneumonia, in 1996-acute right-sided pleuropneumonia that got complicated by purulent meningoencephalitis. Examination of the patient revealed secondary T- cellular dysbalance.
V. Nikolenko (1998) The neuro-otological aspects of diseases in persons who took part in the cleanup of the aftermath of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Lik Sprava, 7, 45-7 (in Russian).
Abstract
An examination carried out in 224 patients presenting with different neurologic pathologies, who took part in the elimination of the aftereffects of the Chernobyl accident, revealed a substantial increase in the latent periods of vestibular evoked potentials and disturbances in brain bioelectrical regulation together with a cerebral circulatory disorder, as evidenced by EEG and ultrasonic investigation respectively. 94.7% percent of patients demonstrated varying degree vestibular dysfunction, which fact is to be considered in prescribing treatments to be administered.
A. Noshchenko and K. Loganovskii (1994) The functional brain characteristics of people working within the 30-kilometer area of the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station from the viewpoint of age-related changes.
Likarska Sprava, 2, 16-9 (in Russian).
Abstract
Features of the brain functional status were evaluated by mapping of spontaneous and evoked electrical activity of the brain as were the processes of aging of the nervous system, in 402 individuals who have been working within 30-km of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Station (CNPS), 100 participants in combat in Afghanistan and 20 healthy residents from regions with pollution-free ecological environment. In subjects who had been at the CNPS distinguishing features were noted of the electrical activity of the brain at rest and in the process of processing of sensory information, which were manifested by alterations in interhemispheric and cortico-subcortical relations and were not associated with age but were dependent on a radiation dose. At the same time CNS functional age corresponds to an older age in the irradiated subjects aged under 35 and to a younger one in those over 35 years of age.
V. Novikov, A. Nikiforov and V. Cheprasov (1996) The psychological sequelae of the accident.
Voen Med Zh, 317:6, 57-62, 80 (in Russian).
Abstract
The psychological status of rescuers of consequences of Chernobyl's disaster, having planned stationary examination and treatment of common somatic diseases, has been examined. The age of men represented the study group was 35-54 years old. The next methodics have been used: questionnaire MMPI (adapted by L. N.Sobchik), the method of colour choice (adapted version of Liusher's test) and questionnaire of Spilberger-Khanin. The results of medical-psychological examination showed the development in rescuers of common dysadaptation and stress state, characterized by depressive-hypochondriac state with high anxiety. The course of psychotherapeutic activities made possible to improve essentially the psychological status of the patients.
V. S. Novikov, V. N. Tsygan, E. D. Borisova and L. A. Rybina (1997) Changes in brain bioelectric activity in liquidators of sequelae of the accident at Chernobyl power plant.
Fiziol Cheloveka, 23:5, 34-9 .
Abstract
Not available
V. Nugis and A. Chirkov (1990) A comparison of the number of chromatid aberrations with dose, estimated from the frequency of dicentrics, in the cytogenetic study of lymphocytes in subjects involved in the accident at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Station.
Radiobiologiia, 30:5, 585-7 (in Russian).
Abstract
A study was made of the frequency of chromatid aberrations in lymphocyte culture of subjects affected by the Chernobyl accident as a function of dose estimated by the incidence of dicentrics. The average number of chromatid aberrations was nearly the same within the dose range from 0 to 5 Gy exhibiting a tendency towards growth with dose. A high individual variability of the chromatid aberration frequency was observed.
T. N. Obukhova and E. V. Domracheva (1998) Registration of stable aberrations in peripheral blood lymphocytes using G-differential chromosome staining and fluorescence in situ hybridization methods.
Radiats Biol Radioecol, 38:6, 793-9 (in Russian).
Abstract
G-banding analysis and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for whole chromosomes 1, 2 and 4 were applied in comparative assay for frequency of stable chromosome aberrations in 37 individuals with previous exposure to radiation (15 clean-up workers/liquidators of Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident and 22 residents of radiocontaminated areas) and in 18 individuals of a reference group. In G-banding analysis of stable aberrations, we used classification of Ohtaki K. et al., 1992, in compliance with ISCN, 1985. FISH-assay for translocations is performed in accordance with classification of Tucker J.D. et al., 1995. Comparison of the results reveals statistical trustworthy correlation between the two assays. The results point out that FISH for translocations in as few as three chromosomes, when combined with screening of numerous metaphases, provides sensitivity comparable with that provided by G-banding which covers the whole genome.
N. Oganesian, E. Ogandzhanian, I. Melikian, S. Malikoian, G. Tiroian, K. Asrian, A. Abramian and I. Batikian (1991) Results of a follow-up of participants in the liquidation of the effects of the Chernobyl AES accident.
Med Radiol (Mosk), 36:10, 33-6 (in Russian).
Abstract
The paper is concerned with the results of analysis of a clinico-laboratory study of persons (residents of Armenia) who took part in the elimination of the effects of the Chernobyl accident. Investigation of general morbidity revealed no correlation with exposure to ionizing radiation. The symptom complex of pathological changes included CNS functional disorders, a transition from the hypokinetic type of a heart response to exercise to the normokinetic one, lowered immune status and tissue peripheral blood flow, unmarked hematological and biochemical shifts, suggesting suppression of the body antioxidant system.
I. Oradovskaia, R. Ruzybakiev, V. Prokopenko, A. Dmitriev, G. Zakharov, V. Androsov, N. Podobin, L. Mirkamalova, L. Askarova, E. Sevastqianova and a. et (1994) Clinico-immunological characteristics of people who worked within the 30-kilometer zone of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Power Plant 4 years after the accident.
Radiats Biol Radioecol, 34:4-5, 611-9 (in Russian).
Abstract
Clinical examination with immune status assessment of more than 300 healthy persons, who worked in 30-km Chernobyl NPP zone four years after the accident was carried out. The clinical characters of immune deficiency were detected in 6.67% of examined persons and appeared as repeated respiratory diseases. Significant increase in mean level of leukocytes and lymphocytes was revealed. Activation of T-helper link of cell immunity was determined by increase of CD4+ cells in 35.2% of examined persons, that were lower than in people who took part in Chernobyl accident amelioration in 1986. Decrease in content of T-cells and B-cells was observed in 1/4 and 3/4 of persons correspondingly by rosette assays. No changes in serum immunoglobulins level was observed.
D. Osanov and A. Shaks (1992) The levels of irradiation of superficial tissues in personnel engaged in the clean-up of the consequences of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Vestn Akad Med Nauk SSSR, 2, 26-30 (in Russian).
Abstract
Not available
D. Osanov and V. Kriuchkov (1996) The need to account for beta radiation in determining the total radiation exposure of those working in cleanup.
Radiats Biol Radioecol, 36:4, 641-50 (in Russian).
Abstract
The role of external beta-radiation as one of the major radiation factors effected persons involved in recovery operations (liquidators) after the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant is considered. The paper uses the data of discriminate individual dosimetric monitoring of beta- and gamma-radiation for different groups of liquidators and experimentally received dose distribution in tissue equivalent material in the places of carrying out work. The results obtained by calculation were also used. It was established that experimentally determined ratios of beta-radiation doses to gamma-radiation doses have a good correlation with estimates resulted by calculation. It allowed the authors to use these estimates and individual gamma-radiation dose distribution for drawing histograms of individual beta-radiation dose distribution for open parts of skin, for lens, and gonads in cases of liquidators involved in building "sarcophagus". The obtained estimates of individual doses in the near surface tissue and organs exceeds significantly exposure levels for the whole body. This fact should draw the special attention to the rise in the number of radiation-induced cancer and cataracts.
O. Panchenko, S. Tabachnikov and I. Kutqko (1996) Mental disorders in the participants in the cleanup of the aftermath of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Zh Nevropatol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova, 96:5, 34-7 (in Russian).
Abstract
320 persons Chernobyl liquidators were examined. The selection was made on the basis of presence of mental disturbances of nonpsyzchotic level. Five syndromes were revealed: astheno-neurotic (116 cases), astheno-depressive (92 cases), obsessive-phobic (57), astheno-hypochondriac (32), hysteric-hypochondriac (23 persons). The structure of above-mentioned syndromes was determined by combination of different symptoms (there were 40 symptoms). It was found that affective disorders of depressive spectrum are prevalent in all mental manifestations, while vasovegetative disturbances were common in psychosomatic manifestations.
T. Pashkova, Z. Aizanov, E. Kalmanova, A. Bichev, A. Maracheva and A. Tatarskii (1996) Respiratory and hemodynamic disorders in the participants in the cleanup of the aftermath of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Ter Arkh, 68:3, 14-6 (in Russian).
Abstract
After examination of cardiorespiratory function in 10 males exposed to Chernobyl accident unfavorable factors at the age of 31-45 years suffering from chronic obstructive bronchitis (7 cases) and mixed bronchial asthma (3 cases) it was established that the patients had ventilation disorders of mixed genesis (moderate obstructive and respiratory affections), frequently occurring decreased specific diffusion (DLCO/Va) in normal total diffusion capacity of the lungs, inefficient gas exchange, midly declined left ventricular pump capacity and contractility. In the above patients a relationship was found between parameters of central hemodynamics assessed at echo-CG and severity of ventilation impairment and respiratory insufficiency.
R. Pavliuk and O. Bai (1996) The role of genetically determined blood system markers in the development of humoral immunity disorders in those who worked in the cleanup of the aftermath of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Likarska Sprava, 7-9, 44-7 (in Russian).
Abstract
The immunoglobulins content was measured in blood serum of 233 individuals who took part in the elimination of effects of ChNPP breakdown. Distributive patterns of phenotypes, antigens and genes of HLA system depending on levels of Igs G, A and M have been studied. A positive association of some HLA antigens with concentration of immunoglobulins of certain isotypes was found out.
V. Perederii, N. Bychkova, A. Fomina, A. Loginov and E. Trach (1991) The characteristics of the clinical course of digestive organ diseases in persons subjected to ionizing radiation exposure resulting from the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Vrach Delo, 10, 65-8 (in Russian).
Abstract
Results of a study of 1905 persons are reported. Of them 1775 showed diseases of the digestive organs. Among them were were 275 who were subjected to the effect of ionizing radiation. In these 275 patients the most frequent pathology were erosive lesions of the gastric and duodenal mucosa, gastroesophageal reflux, esophagitis. There was a dependence of the onset of the disease and stay in the disaster Zone. The disease was accompanied by a stable T-cellular immunodeficiency that exacerbated the course of the disease. It is recommended to include immunocorrectors in the complex therapy of these diseases.
E. K. Piatkin, V. Nugis and A. A. Chirkov (1989) Estimation of absorbed dose based on the results of cytogenetic studies of lymphocyte cultures from subjects exposed in the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Power Station.
Med Radiol (Mosk), 34:6, 52-7 (in Russian).
Abstract
Cytogenetic analysis of peripheral blood and bone marrow lymphocyte cultures was performed in 158 persons who had suffered in the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Power Station. According to these data, in spite of severe local injuries in some cases, hemopoietic tissue of a majority of the patients was exposed to relatively homogeneous irradiation. Doses, estimated by the frequency of dicentrics (per 100 cells), in 7 patients varied within the ranges 10.1-13.7 Gy, in 12--6.1- 9.5 Gy, in 16--4-5.8 Gy, in 33--2-3.9 Gy, in 19--1-1.9 Gy, in 42--0.1- 0.9 Gy. Dicentrics in 29 patients were undetectable.
M. Pilinskaia, A. Shemetun, M. Eremeeva, D. Redqko, V. Fedorenko and S. Shepelev (1991) The cytogenetic effect in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of persons with a history of acute radiation sickness as a result of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Tsitol Genet, 25:4, 17-21 (in Russian).
Abstract
The results of cytogenetic examination of 51 patients with acute radiation disease caused by Chernobyl accident show interindividual variability in frequency and spectrum of chromosome aberrations in men with the same diagnosis, who were first examined 9-38 months after the accident. It is shown that possibility to reveal a cytogenetic marker of radiation exposure grows up in cases with severe disease.
M. Pilinskaia, A. Shemetun, D. Redqko and S. Shepelev (1991) Dynamics of the cytogenetic effect in re-examined individuals who have participated in eliminating the emergency at the Chernobyl Atomic Power Plant in various periods after irradiation.
Tsitol Genet, 25:5, 3-9 (in Russian).
Abstract
The repeat cytogenetic examination of 22 persons who were exposed to acute radiation while eliminating emergency at the Chernobyl Atomic Power Plant has revealed interindividual variability in the rate of elimination of radiation-induced chromosome mutations. The data obtained have confirmed complexity to reconstruct individual radiation doses by the results of cytogenetic analysis carried out 1-3 years after the ionizing radiation effect.
M. Pilinskaia, A. Shemetun, A. Bondar' and S. Dybskii (1991) Cytogenetic effect in somatic cells of subjects exposed to radiation effects due to the Chernobyl AES accident.
Vestn Akad Med Nauk SSSR, 8, 40-3 (in Russian).
Abstract
Not available
M. Pilinskaia, A. Shemetun, M. Eremeeva and D. Redqko (1992) The cytogenetic indication of irradiation in persons exposed to the action of the factors in the Chernobyl accident.
Tsitol Genet, 26:6, 6-9 (in Russian).
Abstract
363 men who have been working under conditions of additional irradiation in terms from few hours to some months were cytogenetically examined to define individual irradiation. In 111 men with the known dose of irradiation (5-140 cGy), the results of cytogenetic evaluation indicated, as a rule, a less intensive irradiation than physical dosimetry. This could be caused by elimination of chromosome aberrations, individual sensitivity, peculiar irradiation situation, or in some cases by incorrect evaluation of dose. In 252 men with the unknown dose of irradiation a tentative level was determined as based on frequency of metaphases with chromosome type aberrations. According to the study the absorbed dose was below 25 cGy in 209 cases, 26-50 cGy in 39 cases, and reached 51-90 cGy in 4 cases.
M. Pilinskaia (1992) Urgent problems of elimination of medical aftereffects of the Chernobyl nuclear reactor accident (news).
Tsitol Genet, 26:4, 73-5 (in Russian).
Abstract
Not available
M. Pilinskaia, A. Shemetun, S. Dybskii, D. Red'ko and M. Eremeeva (1992) The cytogenetic effect in peripheral blood lymphocytes as an indicator of the effect on man of factors of the Chernobyl accident.
Radiobiologiia, 32:5, 632-9 (in Russian).
Abstract
The data obtained confirm the possibility of both individual and population cytogenetic indication of the effect of low intensity radiation, exceeding the background level, and exhibit a positive correlation with the radio-ecological situation formed. The cytogenetic effect, that indicates the disturbance of the genome stability, might be considered as an indicator of a high probability of occurrence of pathologies, with a genetic component, in the subpopulations under study, compared to spontaneous level.
M. Pilinskaia, A. Shemetun, S. Dybskii, D. Redqko, E. Vaniurikhina and E. Dybskaia (1994) The cytogenetic monitoring of the victims of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Tsitol Genet, 28:3, 18-25 (in Russian).
Abstract
The results of the cytogenetic monitoring of population groups that are critical with respect to the intensity of irradiation exposure (liquidators of the accident, including those who suffered from acute atomic disease) or to sensitivity of cell genome to irradiation (children living in zones with radioactive contamination) indicate a significant increase in the frequency of both chromosomal aberrations and markers of the irradiation effect in each of the groups and correlate with the ecologic situation in the regions studied.
M. Pilinskaia, E. Shemetun and A. Shemetun (1995) Radiation-induced cytogenetic markers detected 8 years after the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station by different methods of analyzing metaphase chromosome preparations in persons who have had acute radiation sickness.
Tsitol Genet, 29:5, 3-11 (in Russian).
Abstract
A comparative cytogenetic observation of 10 patients suffered from acute radiation sickness of second and third degree as a result of Chernobyl accident has been carried out. The new data about the level of unstable and stable biomarkers of irradiation delayed exposure were established using conventional G-banding and FISH-staining.
M. Pilinskaia, A. Shemetun, S. Dybskii and D. Redqko (1996) The genetic effects in the somatic cells of persons working under chronic irradiation of different intensities after the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Tsitol Genet, 30:2, 17-25 (in Russian).
Abstract
A complex genetic study of two groups from of Chernobyl NPP personnel (from "Shelter" unit and 3rd Block) has been carried out using classical cytogenetic and GPA methods. The first group was the most vulnerable from the viewpoint of accumulated dose (exceeding 25 cGy for the moment of study). Positive correlation between individual and group frequencies of cytogenetic markers of irradiation (stable and unstable chromosomes aberrations) and NO mutations in the GPA locus was found.
M. A. Pilinskaia, S. S. Dybskii and I. G. Khaliavka (1998) The use of the FISH method for the cytogenetic examination of persons with a history of acute radiation sickness in connection with the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Tsitol Genet, 32:1, 22-32 (in Russian).
Abstract
We have performed conventional cytogenetics with group karyotyping and FISH analysis on metaphase-arrested lymphocyte cultured from 13 adults of 23 to 50 years. Twelve Chernobyl accident liquidators of 1986 year recovered from acute radiation sickness of the first (3 persons), second (7 persons) and third (2 persons) degree of severity; and one unexposed (control) person. A cocktail containing a balanced mix of directly-labeled by Spectrum orange whole-chromosome probes for human chromosomes 1,2 and 4 were used. Under the conventional staining the positive correlation between the frequency of chromosome type aberration (acentrics, dicentrics, centric rings, abnormal monocentrics) and the severity of irradiation was established even 10 years after radiation exposure. Under the FISH analysis the frequency of reciprocal translocation was in the range from 0.061 to 0.729 per cell which corresponded to doses of acute uniform irradiation from 0.8 till 3.48 Gy. The data obtained confirmed the validity of FISH as for quantifying stable chromosome aberrations in peripheral lymphocytes of irradiated persons as the high sensitivity of FISH for the retrospective dose evaluation in delayed terms after radiation exposure.
M. Pilinskaya (1996) The results of selective cytogenetic monitoring of Chernobyl accident victims in the Ukraine.
Health Phys, 71:1, 29-33 .
Abstract
Selective cytogenetic monitoring of the highest priority groups of Chernobyl disaster victims has been carried out since 1987. In 1992-1993, 125 liquidators (irradiated mainly in 1986) and 42 persons recovering from acute radiation sickness of the second and third degrees of severity were examined. Cytogenetic effects (an elevated level of unstable as well as stable markers of radiation exposure) were found in all groups, which showed a positive correlation with the initial degree of irradiation severity even 6-7 y after the accident. Comparative scoring of conventional staining vs. G-banding in 10 liquidators showed the identical rate of unstable aberrations. At the same time, the yield of stable aberrations for G-banded slides exceeded the frequency for conventional staining. In order to study possible mutagenic activity of chronic low levels of irradiation, the cytogenetic monitoring of some critical groups of the population (especially children and occupational groups--tractor drivers and foresters) living in areas of the Ukraine contaminated by radionuclides was carried out. In all the examined groups, a significant increase in the frequency of aberrant metaphases, chromosome aberrations (both unstable and stable), and chromatid aberrations was observed. Data gathered from groups of children reflect the intensity of mutagenic impact on the studied populations and demonstrate a positive correlation with the duration of exposure. Results of cytogenetic examination of adults confirmed the importance of considering the contribution of occupational radiation exposure to genetic effects of Chernobyl accident factors on the population of contaminated areas. Results of our investigations demonstrated the possibility of evaluating the mutagenic impact of acute and long-term irradiation of different intensities on somatic cells of persons undergoing radiation exposure due to the Chernobyl accident and confirmed the need to introduce new informative genetic methods [especially fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)] for reliable retrospective cytogenetic dosimetry of radiation exposure in Chernobyl accident victims.
V. Pitkevich, V. Ivanov, S. Chekin and A. Tsyb (1996) Exposure levels of persons involved in cleaning-up after the Chernobyl AES accident and included in the Russian State Medical and Dosimetric Registry (letter).
Radiats Biol Radioecol, 36:5, 747-57 (in Russian).
Abstract
Theoretical and practical problems related to the dosimetric data verification for recovery workers at the Chernobyl NBB are considered. Approaches and conclusions presented in the paper of L.A. Ilyin at al, (1). By using probability theory it was clearly that the method of dose verification developed in the reviewed paper and based on delta-entropy of statistical distribution failed to be scientifically founded. It does not permit to prove the existence of non-random component in random sampling without additional assumptions. The main conclusion of the reviewed paper, that 60% of individual doses included in the all-russia state medical and dosimetric state registry (ARMDSR) differ from the real exposure doses, is analysed and quantitatively estimated for several group of recovery workers. Our results present evidence that ARMDSR data do not contain a considerable part of "distorted" values even if the above mentioned method to take as valid.
V. A. Pitkevitch, V. K. Ivanov, A. F. Tsyb, M. A. Maksyoutov, V. A. Matiash and N. V. Shchukina (1997) Exposure levels for persons involved in recovery operations after the Chernobyl accident. Statistical analysis based on the data of the Russian National Medical and Dosimetric Registry (RNMDR).
Radiat Environ Biophys, 36:3, 149-60 .
Abstract
We present a detailed description of dosimetric data entered in the Russian National Medical and Dosimetric Registry (RNMDR) for emergency workers (liquidators) involved in recovery operations (RO) after the Chernobyl accident. The data on the absorbed doses from external exposure are based on the documents given to liquidators by organizations that performed dosimetric monitoring in the zones of operation. Using the data on external doses currently available in the RNMDR for 119,416 liquidators (78.4% of the total number of 152,325 persons), different statistical characteristics were derived to assess the reliability of the information. The paper also discusses dose distributions according to the date of beginning work in the RO zone [up to 250 km from the Chernobyl nuclear power plant (NPP)], on the distance of the settlement where the liquidators were accommodated or worked from the NPP, and on the duration of their stay in the RO zone. To analyse the reliability of the dosimetric data, the notion of an effective exposure dose rate (EEDR), i.e. the ratio of the dose registered in RNMDR and the duration of stay in the RO zone, was introduced for each liquidator, and corresponding statistical characteristics for the distribution of EEDR depending on the date of entry into the RO zone and distance from the place of residence or work to the NPP were obtained. The analysis for different groups of liquidators shows that the dosimetric information of the RNMDR is, as a statistical aggregate, generally consistent with the data on the radiation situation in the RO zones.
A. Pivnik, T. Moiseeva, E. Domracheva, L. al-Radi, G. Broun, I. Karpova, A. Kremenetskaia, E. Maslova, N. Shklovskii-Kordi and A. Vorob'ev (1996) The clinico-hematological indices of the participants in the cleanup of the aftermath of the Chernobyl accident.
Ter Arkh, 68:7, 73-7 (in Russian).
Abstract
Clinicohematological investigations and cytogenetic analysis of blood lymphocytes were made 5-7 years after the Chernobyl accident in 201 liquidators who had worked in the radionuclide-contaminated zone. Among the somatic diseases found in the examinees statistically more prevalent were cardiovascular and gastrointestinal affections, asthenic syndrome, thyroid disorders. Hemograms presented a rise in hemoglobin, red cell and eosinophil content, a drop in the number of neutrophils. A tendency to erythrocytosis was observed in 20.3% of the wreckers. Dicenters and rings were abundant in the lymphocytes of 69% of the cytogenetically examined examinees 5-7 years after the exposure to radiation.
U. Plappert, K. Raddatz, S. Roth and T. M. Fliedner (1995) DNA-damage detection in man after radiation exposure - the comet assay - its possible application for human biomonitoring.
Stem Cells (Dayt), 13:Suppl 1, 215-22 .
Abstract
The exposure of human beings to ionizing radiation is still of great concern to occupational and environmental medicine. The goal of this workshop is to identify a panel of biological markers that could be used in humans after exposure to ionizing radiation. The comet assay or single cell gel (SCG) assay is a new method that allows efficient determination of single-strand breaks (SSB) and double-strand breaks (DSB), as well as alkali-labile sites in the DNA of single cells. In order to demonstrate the practicability of the comet assay for the detection of DNA damage caused by low doses of ionizing radiation, we exposed human peripheral blood cells to radiation in vitro. The extent of DNA damage in blood cells irradiated with x-rays (0.05-1 Gy) was significantly increased above the control values even at 0.05 Gy and shows a clear dose-relationship. To investigate the repair kinetics for x-ray-induced DNA damage following acute and chronic (fractionated) irradiation, we exposed peripheral blood to 1 Gy and examined the tail moment at different time intervals. The effect of one acute dose is repaired within two h, whereas the effect of fractionated irradiation gives a totally different result. The tail moment of the initial damage increased indicating an accumulation of the damage, and the repair activity clearly decreased. Until now, there was no data available concerning DNA damage in vivo. For this reason, we explored patients subjected to radioiodine therapy as well as a Chernobyl liquidator.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
V. Ponomarenko, I. Ushakov, S. Soldatov, B. Davydov, V. Zvonikov and A. Strel'chenko (1994) Changes in the neuroemotional status of the flight personnel who participated in the cleanup of the aftereffects of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Voen Med Zh, 2, 18-22 (in Russian).
Abstract
Not available
V. A. Ponomarenko, I. B. Ushakov and S. K. Soldatov (1998) Occupational medicine: health protection of liquidation specialists.
Med Tr Prom Ekol, 4:, 21-7 (in Russian).
Abstract
Taking long-term clinical and epidemiologic observation of rescue team (helicopter pilots) as an example, the authors defined principal concepts concerning prophylaxis, social security and rehabilitation of Chernobyl plant accident liquidators. Methodology and methods of the liquidators' health care are discussed.
O. V. Protasova, I. A. Maksimova, L. L. Klimenko, A. A. Turna and A. A. Konradov (1997) The late sequelae of the action of irradiation during the cleanup of the aftermath of the Chernobyl catastrophe on the concentration of macro- and microelements in human blood serum.
Izv Akad Nauk Ser Biol, 5, 592-5 (in Russian).
Abstract
The content of Cu, Fe, Zn, Mg, P, and S in the blood serum and its ultrafiltrate was studied by the inductively coupled argon plasma atomic emission spectrometry in eliminators of the accident at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Station who worked in the accident zone in 1986- 1987. Changes in the mineral equilibrium of the blood serum was expressed in elevated concentrations of the ultrafiltered Cu and S, increased Mg content in the serum, and decreased content of ultrafiltered Zn. The Fe concentration in the serum and ultrafiltrate did not differ from the control indices, thus suggesting balanced Fe transport, accumulation, and mobilization at a remote time after the radiation injury.
T. G. Protasova, V. G. Leliuk and A. K. Gus'kova (1997) Causes of death of persons exposed to health hazards in the area of the Chernobyl Accident.
Klin Med, 75:11, 41-7 (in Russian).
Abstract
Causes of death were analysed for two groups of subjects exposed to radiation in 1986 because of the Chernobyl accident. 27 victims were exposed to external gamma-radiation (4.3-13.7 Gy) in the moment of or few hours after the accident. Most of these subjects had radiation sickness of different severity in combination with local radiation lesions. 2 victims had severe thermal burns. 405 victims worked as wreckers or emergency teams members in the contaminated area in different time after the accident. They died most frequently of traumas, accidents, cancer, cardiovascular diseases. Most of deaths in this group were attributed to general somatic causes unrelated to the hazards of the ionizing radiation.
M. K. Pulatova and V. L. Sharygin (1997) Fungal infection of human organs by resistant melanin-synthesizing species is one of the pathogenic factors and one of the real consequences of the accident at Chernobyl power plant.
Radiats Biol Radioecol, 37:4, 649-56 (in Russian).
Abstract
Free radical melanin centers have been detected in the cell concentrate of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) of liquidator of Chernobyl NPP accident. To identify the nature of these centers the EPR technique and the fluorescent technique were used to study BAL of liquidators with lung chronic pathology, their blood, blood components as well as model melanin- and lipofuscin-containing systems: synthetic DOPA-melanin, human melanosome, human lipofuscin, human melanolipofuscin. I Besides that we have investigated the samples of fungi, extracted from lung phlegm of liquidators (Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium Sp., Candida albicans) as well as the melanin, extracted from fungal conidium. It has been shown that the melanin centers found in BAL cells of liquidators is the melanin of melanin-synthesizing mutant fungi Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus. The prolonged gamma-irradiation at low dose rate and the effects of inhaled radioactive particles cause the adaptive mutation of micromycetes producing the chemo- and radioresistant population. We think that the radioactive dust and pathogenic mutant micromycetes were inhaled in lungs of liquidators during their work at the Chernobyl NPP. Thus, one of valid consequences of Chernobyl accident may be the wide fungous of human organs, in particularly, by Aspergillus mutant. The radiation-induced weakening of immune reactions of liquidators promotes the resistance of this fungus mutant infection.
M. R. Quastel, J. R. Goldsmith, J. Cwikel, L. Merkin, V. Y. Wishkerman, S. Poljak, A. Abdelgani, E. Kordysh, A. Douvdevani, J. Levy, R. Gorodisher, Y. Barki, I. Emerit and G. Kramer (1997) Lessons learned from the study of immigrants to Israel from areas of Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine contaminated by the Chernobyl accident.
Environ Health Perspect, 105:Suppl 6, 1523-7 .
Abstract
During the past 6 years, immigration to Israel of 700,000 persons from the former Soviet Union (FSU) included about 140,000 from radiocontaminated regions of Belarus, Ukraine, and Russia near Chernobyl. In Beer Sheva, a major center for immigrant absorption in Israel, a primary objective was to evaluate their health status and to refer them for care. 137Cs levels in 1228 men, women, and children were measured with a portable whole-body counter. Whole-body counts showed clear correlation with the degree of 137Cs ground contamination in previous regions of residence. The population could thus be sub-divided according to degree of exposure, based on previous regions of residence. The thyroid status of 300 local immigrant children was evaluated because of the increased risk of childhood thyroid cancer in the regions from which they came. This group was subdivided into comparative groups of children who came from less and more contaminated areas according to the International Atomic Energy Agency soil 137Cs contamination maps. Enlarged thyroids were found in about 40% of both groups. One 12-year-old girl from Gomel had a malignant papillary carcinoma. Thyroid-stimulating hormone levels, though within normal limits, were significantly greater (p < 0.02) for girls from high exposure regions. Liquidators showed significant increases in serum clastogenic factor and in the number of circulating glycophorin A- mutated red cells. In studies of over 700 people from both radiocontaminated and unaffected regions of the FSU, evidence for posttraumatic stress disorder was found more frequently in persons coming from the more contaminated areas.
Z. Radchuk (1997) The clinico-hematological characteristics of the participants in the cleanup of the aftermath of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Station with stable deviations in blood analyses.
Likarska Sprava, 1, 14-7 (in Russian).
Abstract
On a screening examination of 6145 individuals who took part in the elimination of Chernobyl breakdown and were exposed to radiation in the range of 0.05-1 Gr, a group was identified of those subjects displaying stable deviations from the norm in their blood analyses, such as leukocytosis, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, lymphocytosis, monocytosis, and some other abnormalities. A 3-yr follow-up revealed 17 cases of malignant diseases of the hematopoietic system, suggesting high risk for hemoblastoses morbidity. Comparative characterization is given of hematologic deviations in blood analyses together with the clinical status of persons who took part in the elimination of the effects of ChNPP accident in 1986 and those subjects working permanently within a 30-km radius.
M. Rahu, M. Tekkel, T. Veidebaum, E. Pukkala, T. Hakulinen, A. Auvinen, T. Rytomaa, P. Inskip and J. Boice JD (1997) The Estonian study of Chernobyl cleanup workers: II. Incidence of cancer and mortality.
Radiat Res, 147:5, 653-7 .
Abstract
A cohort of 4,742 men from Estonia who had participated in the cleanup activities in the Chernobyl area sometime between 1986 and 1991 and were followed through 1993 was analyzed with respect to the incidence of cancer and mortality. Incidence and mortality in the cleanup workers were assessed relative to national rates. No increases were found in all cancers (25 incident cases compared to 26.5 expected) or in leukemia (no cases observed, 1.0 expected). Incidence did not differ statistically significantly from expectation for any individual cancer site or type, though lung cancer and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma both occurred slightly more often than expected. A total of 144 deaths were observed [standardized mortality ratio (SMR) = 0.98; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.82-1.14] during an average of 6.5 years of follow-up. Twenty-eight deaths (19.4%) were suicides (SMR = 1.52; 95% CI = 1.01-2.19). Exposure to ionizing radiation while at Chernobyl has not caused a detectable increase in the incidence of cancer among cleanup workers from Estonia. At least for the short follow-up period, diseases directly attributable to radiation appear to be of relatively minor importance when compared with the substantial excess of deaths due to suicide.
A. A. Rebenok (1997) The characteristics of the cerebral asthenia syndrome in persons who were victims of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Lik Sprava, 5, 32-5 (in Russian).
Abstract
A total of 107 patients (81 males, 26 females), their age ranging between 34 to 45 years, diagnosed as having discirculatory encephalopathy with underlying cerebrasthenic syndrome, were examined. All the examinees took part in the elimination of the Chernobyl accident effects in 1986. It was found out, that cerebrasthenia which is present in the structure of all clinical variants of organic affection of the brain is the most mobile (functional) link of the morbid process when a disorder sets in rather than the failure of the organ to perform its function. It ranks among other asthenic syndromes reflecting a specific character of exogenous radiation effect on the organism, being a result of a characteristic interaction between the organism and a health hazard. Measures to dispel the asthenic component at the initial stages of development of the disorder will make for reduction or arrest of progression of organic symptomatology.
A. A. Revenok (1998) Psychopathic-like disorders in persons with an organic brain lesion as a result of exposure to ionizing radiation.
Lik Sprava, 3, 21-4 (in Russian).
Abstract
A total of 132 patients of both sexes who ranged from 32 to 49 years old were studied in a general hospital setting. They were diagnosed as having developed organic affection of the brain presenting with the leading psychosis-like syndrome, viz, personality and behaviour derangements--[F 07.0] according to the international classification ICD-10. All those having been examined in 1986 took part in the elimination of the effects of the Chernobyl accident. Based on the findings obtained it has been ascertained that late in the course of the organic brain affection sequelae there start prevailing first and foremost elements of affective-volitional disorders transforming the mental make-up of patients according to psychopathy-like type of mentality.
V. Rich (1991) USSR: Chernobyl's psychological legacy [news].
Lancet, 337:8749, 1086 .
Abstract
Not available
E. Riklis (1997) Summation of the International Conference on Radiation and Health: radiobiology viewpoint.
Environ Health Perspect, 105:Suppl 6, 1609-10 .
Abstract
The idea to hold an international conference on radiation and health arose as a natural response to the mounting evidence of serious health effects on populations resulting from the Chernobyl accident. The nature of the Chernobyl accident, where large amounts of radioactive nuclides spread in the reactor area and all over Europe, dictated the emphasis of the presented papers covering both direct radiation effects and effects of radioactive contaminants on large populations. In addition to classical radiobiologic studies of the effects of radiation on cells, organs, humans and their environment, basic studies of DNA damage and repair, the possibility to enhance and repair, and studies of radioprotectors, emphasis was directed at the effects of radiation on large populations and at the inaccuracy of dosimetry. The lack of accurate physical dosimetry resulted in the need to develop new methods of biological dosimetry. Health effects as a result of Chernobyl were expressed in many disorders, some not recognized before as radiation effects, and many related to psychosocial behavioral symptoms. Special emphasis was given to the plight of liquidators who were exposed while carrying out cleanup operations around the reactor and to the observed increase in thyroid cancer among area inhabitants. All of the observations and results were taken into consideration when discussing and proposing appropriate health policies based on risk analysis and the observed phenomena.
N. Rivkind, L. Staritsina and G. Skvortsova (1996) Multiaberrant cells in the participants of the cleanup of the aftermath of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Ter Arkh, 68:7, 77-9 (in Russian).
Abstract
Not available
L. Rozhinskaia, E. Marova, B. Rassokhin, G. Purtova, A. Bukhman, V. Oganov, A. Rakhmanov, A. Bakulin, S. Rodionova and B. Mishchenko (1994) Osteopenic syndrome in liquidators of the aftereffects of the accident at the Chernobyl power plant.
Probl Endokrinol (Mosk), 40:4, 24-7 (in Russian).
Abstract
Bone system was examined in 112 liquidators; in 71 of these osseous tissue density was studied by osseous densitometer using bienergetic x-ray absorptiometry and in 45 x-ray examinations, analyses of biochemical and hormonal parameters were carried out. Spinal painful syndrome was detected in 61 to 82% of the examinees. For analysis of densitometric and x-ray parameters the liquidators were divided into 2 groups: group 1 included those who worked at the power plant in 1986 (55%) and group 2 were those who worked there in 1987-1989. Radiation doses in group 1 reliably surpassed those in group 2 (p < 0.001). Bone mineral density in the lumbar vertebrae was significantly lower in group 1 as against group 2 and lower in both groups vs. controls. More than 5% osseous mineral loss was revealed in 73% of group 1 liquidators and in 43% of group 2 ones. Analysis of spinal roentgenograms in 45 liquidators showed a high incidence of negligible and moderately expressed osteoporosis without compression fractures of vertebral bodies: osteopenia signs were found in 87% of group 1 examinees complaining of pain in the spine and in 73% of group 2 examinees; signs of osteochondrosis and spondylosis were detected in 40% of group 1 and in 47% of group 2 subjects. Hence, a higher incidence of osteopenia in liquidators, more manifest condition and its higher detection rate in subjects exposed to higher radiation doses indicate a certain contribution of radiation factor to the development of the osteopenia syndrome in liquidators.
A. S. Saenko, I. A. Zamulaeva, S. G. Smirnova, N. V. Orlova, E. I. Selivanova, N. P. Matveeva, M. A. Kaplan and A. E. Tsyb (1998) Determination of mutation frequency at loci of glycophorin A and T- cell receptor: study of Chernobyl AES accident cleanup workers.
Radiats Biol Radioecol, 38:2, 181-5 (in Russian).
Abstract
The frequencies of somatic mutations at loci of glycophorin A (GPA) and T-cell receptor (TCR) were determined in control unexposed donors and Chernobyl clean up workers, who received low doses of irradiation up to 0.25 Gy. High variability of mutant rates for two investigated genes was shown in the clean up workers. No significant difference in the GPA (NO) mutant frequencies was observed between the clean up workers and control donors (p > 0.05), though there is a tendency for increasing the GPA mutation rate in the clean up workers. Meanwhile, the TCR mutation rate was significantly increased the clean up workers (p 0.01), perhaps because of acceleration of spontaneous mutagenesis and possible genome instability. Persons with elevated levels of mutations at two loci can present a group at high risk in respect to oncological diseases.
A. S. Saenko, I. A. Zamulaeva, S. G. Smirnova, N. V. Orlova, E. I. Selivanova, V. A. Saenko, N. P. Matveeva, M. A. Kaplan, V. Y. Nugis, N. M. Nadezhina and A. F. Tsyb (1998) Determination of somatic mutant frequencies at glycophorin A and T-cell receptor loci for biodosimetry of prolonged irradiation.
Int J Radiat Biol, 73:6, 613-8 .
Abstract
PURPOSE: To determine the variant frequencies (VF) at glycophorin A (GPA) and T-cell receptor (TCR) loci in persons exposed to prolonged ionizing radiation at different doses and to assess the significance of the GPA and TCR assays for biodosimetry of prolonged irradiation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The VF values were determined by means of flow cytometry in 120 persons exposed between 1968-1996. Most exposures were in Chernobyl clean-up workers in 1986-1987. RESULTS: A significant correlation was shown between the NO GPA variant cell frequency and dose (r = 0.61, p 0.05 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The GPA assay has limited potential to be used as a biodosimeter of prolonged irradiation, at least in dose interval up to 2.0 Gy. The TCR assay is likely to have greater potential in estimation of recent radiation exposure than the GPA assay.
T. Sakhno (1992) The immune status of patients with neurocirculatory dystonia subjected to ionizing radiation exposure during the cleanup of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Likarska Sprava, 5, 20-3 (in Russian).
Abstract
The immune state of 77 cleanup workers of Chernobyl power plant accident suffering from vegetative dystonia was studied. The group of comparison consisted of 10 vegetative dystonia patients, who were not subjected to the ionizing radiation influence. The workers showed no specific changes of immunity, but immune state disturbances among them were more frequent and more pronounced that in ordinary vegetative dystonia patients.
K. Salassidis, E. Schmid, R. Peter, H. Braselmann and M. Bauchinger (1994) Dicentric and translocation analysis for retrospective dose estimation in humans exposed to ionising radiation during the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident.
Mutat Res, 311:1, 39-48 .
Abstract
Chromosome analyses were carried out in peripheral blood lymphocytes obtained between September 1991 and March 1992 from 15 persons exposed to ionising radiation during the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident. At present, all are being treated for symptoms of the delayed stage of the cutaneous radiation syndrome. Biological dose-equivalent estimates were determined, either by measuring the frequency of dicentric and ring chromosomes in first division unstable cells from conventional preparations (Qdr method), or by measuring the frequency of stable translocations using two-colour fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) with composite whole chromosome-specific DNA libraries for human chromosomes 1, 4 and 12 (chromosome painting) and a degenerate alpha-satellite pancentromeric DNA probe. With both methods fairly comparable individual estimates between 1.1 and 5.8 Gy were obtained for 12 of 15 individuals. Three individuals exhibited no elevated aberration frequencies. Perspectives and limitations of chromosome painting for dose reconstruction of past radiation exposures are discussed.
K. Salassidis, V. Georgiadou-Schumacher, H. Braselmann, P. Muller, R. Peter and M. Bauchinger (1995) Chromosome painting in highly irradiated Chernobyl victims: a follow-up study to evaluate the stability of symmetrical translocations and the influence of clonal aberrations for retrospective dose estimation.
Int J Radiat Biol, 68:3, 257-62 .
Abstract
Follow-up fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) measurements of symmetrical translocations were performed in peripheral blood lymphocytes from 12 highly irradiated victims of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident biannually, between September 1991 and July 1994, to investigate the persistence of these aberration type with time post-exposure. Translocations were determined using biotin-labelled painting DNA probes for human chromosomes 1, 4 and 12 and a digoxigenin-labelled alpha-satellite pancentromeric DNA probe. In 11 of 12 cases the translocation frequencies remained fairly constant during the observation period, which allows to generate comparable dose estimates on the various sampling times. In one case (no. 9) the existence of a cell clone containing the consistent chromosome rearrangement t(1;13) (q25;q14) was identified using FISH in rehybridized slides with a digoxigenin-labelled painting DNA probe for chromosome 13 and a separate G-banding analysis. To obtain reliable dose estimates, total translocation frequency has to be corrected for the high contribution (16.5-23.5%) of this clonal translocation.
V. Schevchenko, E. Akayeva, I. Yeliseyeva, T. Yelisova, E. Yofa, I. Nilova, A. Syomov and W. Burkart (1996) Human cytogenetic consequences of the Chernobyl accident.
Mutat Res, 361:1, 29-34 .
Abstract
The frequency of chromosomal aberrations was evaluated in more than 500 liquidators of the Chernobyl accident. The 'sarcophagus' builders and the dosimetrists showed the highest frequency of aberrations per 100 cells: 3.24 +/- 0.25 and 3.11 +/- 0.43. For Chernobyl Atomic Power Station staff members the mean frequencies of aberrations per 100 cells was 2.37 +/- 0.20. The mean yields of aberrations in the other groups was between 1.31 and 1.47 per 100 cells. If the mean frequencies of aberrations are converted into equivalent whole body doses, values between 136 and 414 mGy are obtained. Especially in the group of 'sarcophagus' builders, the yields of aberrations varied interindividually and corresponded to equivalent whole body doses of up to about 2 Gy.
Z. Semidotskaia, O. Bilqchenko, T. Popovskaia, I. Cherniakova, N. Nikiforova and O. Misiura (1996) The characteristics of the immunity status of people with arterial hypertension who took part in the cleanup of the aftermath of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Likarska Sprava, 3-4, 27-30 (in Russian).
Abstract
Clinical and immunological investigations were conducted in 70 patients with arterial hypertension from among those individuals having taken part in the elimination of the aftereffects of the Chernobyl APP breakdown in 1986-1987. The analysis of the results obtained showed the patients with primary and renal hypertension present with pathogenetic heterogeneity of the immune disturbances, which fact necessitates conducting rigorous immunologic monitoring for the methods of immune correction to be objectivized.
A. Semov, E. Iofa, E. Akaeva and V. Shevchenko (1994) The dose dependence of the induction of chromosome aberrations in those who worked in the cleanup of the Chernobyl accident.
Radiats Biol Radioecol, 34:6, 865-71 (in Russian).
Abstract
The method of biological dosimetry based on registration of frequency of chromosome aberrations in peripheral lymphocytes was proven to be a valuable technique for estimation of large absorbed doses. In the case of low absorbed doses or low dose rate the suitability of this method is restricted because of deficiency of suitable dose-response curve for yield of chromosome aberrations. In this work chromosome aberration rate was estimated in 31 ameliorators of the Chernobyl accident with the known data of physical dosimetry in the range of 12-30 cGy. Linear dependence of induction of chromosome aberrations was found in this dose range. The coefficients for induction of dicentrics and all unstable aberrations of chromosome type was found to be 1.4 +/- 0.4 and 7.2 +/- 1.2 per 100 cells per 1 Gy, respectively.
A. B. Semov, S. N. Ptitsina and N. Semova (1997) Features of DNA repair during chronic exposure to mutagenic factors.
Radiats Biol Radioecol, 37:4, 565-8 (in Russian).
Abstract
Long-time in vivo influence of chemical mutagens in low doses can decrease the level of unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS) induced in human as well as in laboratory mammals. The phenomenon under investigation is not specific neither for chronically acting mutagens nor for challenging agent. A decrease in UV- and gamma-ray-induced UDS was registered after chronic irradiation in plant populations and also in Chernobyl ameliorators and inhabitants of radioactively contaminated regions. The observed effect seems to have general biological character.
A. Sevan'kaev, V. Moiseenko and A. Tsyb (1994) The possibilities of using biological dosimetry methods for the retrospective assessment of dosages in relation to the sequelae of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station. An assessment of the dosages based on an analysis of unstable chromosome aberrations.
Radiats Biol Radioecol, 34:6, 782-92 (in Russian).
Abstract
The problem of retrospective dose assessment in connection with the Chernobyl accident is discussed. Existing methods of dose quantification based on the analysis of unstable aberrations in blood lymphocytes are discussed in details. Starting from the own data it is concluded that unstable aberration technique could not be applied to verify individual doses for ameliorators as well as for inhabitants of contaminated areas.
A. Sevan'kaev, D. Lloyd, A. Edwards and V. Moiseenko (1995) High exposures to radiation received by workers inside the Chernobyl sarcophagus.
Radiation Protection Dosimetry, 59:2, 85-91 .
Abstract
Data are presented from quartz fibre electrometer measurements and chromosomal aberration analyses for six men sampled from a group of about 15 subjects who, for several years, have undertaken a variety of tasks inside the sarcophagus that covers the ruined reader at Chernobyl. Personal doses estimated by both methods are subject to a number of uncertainties and approximations which are discussed. Broad agreement between the physical and biological dosimetry methods was found indicating that very high, albeit fractionated and protracted, exposures had been received with approximate total doses ranging from 1-15 Gy
A. Sevan’kaev, D. Lloyd, H. Braselmann, A. Edwards, V. Moiseenko and Z. AA (1995) A survey of chromosomal aberrations in lymphocytes of chernobyl liquidators.
Radiation Protection Dosimetry, 59:2, 85-91 .
Abstract
Chromosomal aberrations in lymphocytes of 875 Chernobyl liquidators have been scored and by comparison with control subjects the dicentric plus ring and excess acentric fragment frequencies are higher for persons who worked in the exclusion zone In 1986-1988 but not in 1989. Aberration yields are too low for individual biological dosimetry but, after taking account of the time interval between irradiation and blood sampling, the dicentric plus ring frequencies indicate average doses for 1986, 1987 and 1989 in good agreement with the annual averages in the Obninsk Registry. For 1988 Not availablehe cytogenetic data indicate a significant higher average dose than the Registry. Liquidators who were not issued with a personal film badge tend to have higher aberration yields than those for whom badge data are recorded. This is particularly evident for those persons who ……. three months after the accident where physical dosimetry data are less complete or reliable. These persons …… the highest exposures of all liquidators and the chrornosomal data suggest an average value of about 300 mGy
I. Shantyr, A. Nikiforov, I. Romanovich, V. Schwartz, N. Makarova, L. Deryapa and E. Saygina (1997) Estimation of Radiation Exposures of "Liquidators" of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Station: Identification of Risk Groups.
Int J Occup Environ Health, 3, 45-50 .
Abstract
Identification of workers who are at high risk and at low risk as a result of participation in the cleanup of the consequences of the accident at the Ghernobyl nuclear power station ("liquidators") is important both for scientific research and for the medical care of the individuals involved. Using register data for 36,700 liquidators, the authors estimated the relationships between radiation doses and the following factors: time of arrival at the accident zone, irradiation conditions, and possible health effects following the exposures. The analyses took into account types of work (decontamination, cordon work, building); places and circumstances of work (inside or outside or with machinery); and the use of individual protection measures. Included in possible effects on health were changes in hematologic indexes, weakness, headache, dryness or tickling of the throat, cough, facial hyperemia, metallic taste, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, heaviness in the epigastric region, and instability of defecation. With the help of mathematical models, the rating for each factor was assessed, and on this basis the liquidators were subdivided into risk groups. For workers for whom dose information was not available, probable doses could be calculated. The three most influential variables were time of starting work, type of work done, and the number of health effects.
I. Shantyr' and S. Korobov (1994) The importance of the All-Army Registry in the health assessment of the servicemen who took part in the cleanup of the aftereffects of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Voen Med Zh, 2, 25-6, 80 (in Russian).
Abstract
An active part in liquidation of the Chernobyl APS disaster consequences was taken by servicemen. The article deals with the so-called All-Army Register and its tasks which are as following: a long-term records of patients who have participated in this emergency situation and received various doses of radiation; control over the changes in their health status, etc.
I. Shantyr', I. Romanovich, N. Makarova, L. Deriapa and E. Saigina (1995) A hygienic analysis of the irradiation doses of those cleaning up the aftermath of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station (based on data from the All-Army Registry).
Voen Med Zh, 3, 58-63, 80 (in Russian).
Abstract
In the result of the analysis of irradiation doses of 36,895 servicemen who have participated in liquidation of the Chernobyl APC disaster consequences it was found out that the average radiation dose was 12.1 cSv in 1986, 8.4 cSv in 1987, and in 1988-90 it didn't exceed 5 cSv. The irradiation received by these servicemen has depended on the time of their arrival to the zone of the disaster, the maximum permissible doses of radiation established at that period, the character of their activities and the place of their work, utilization of protection means. A conclusion was made that irradiation dose itself could be considered only as a general guide reference, because it didn't take into consideration internal irradiation and beta-irradiation of skin. That's why it is necessary to continue the further monitoring over the health status of liquidators independently of the doses of irradiation which were fixed in their histories.
I. Shantyr', I. Romanovich, V. Shvarts, N. Makarova, L. Deriapa and E. Saigina (1996) The health indices of those working in the cleanup during accident recovery operations.
Voen Med Zh, 317:6, 42-6, 80 (in Russian).
Abstract
Having analyzed the data base of All-Army register contained information about 35,970 rescuers it was determined that 45.5% of them during works in dangerous radiative conditions complained of the health change for the worse characterized by the state of irritation of mucous membrane of superior respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. The direct correlation between value of irradiation dose and frequency of complaints, and also degree of lowering of there physical performance have been defined.
O. V. Shemetun and M. A. Pilins'ka (1998) The detection of stable and unstable markers of radiation action in persons with a history of chronic irradiation using the methods of routine and differentiated staining of metaphase chromosomes.
Tsitol Genet, 32:1, 32-7 (in Russian).
Abstract
A comparative cytogenetic observation of a group from Chernobyl NPP personnel has been carried out using conventional and G-banding staining. Detection rate of stable aberration by conventional staining to G-banding was 0.20.
V. Shevchenko, A. Semov, E. Akaeva, T. Elisova, E. Iofa, I. Nilova, G. Stephan, H. Romm and W. Burkart (1995) The cytogenetic effects in persons who suffered as a result of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Radiats Biol Radioecol, 35:5, 646-54 (in Russian).
Abstract
Frequency of chromosome aberration was evaluated in 537 persons taken part in amelioration after the accident. The highest rate of aberration was found in covering builders and dosimetric: 3.24 +/- 0.25 and 3.11 +/- 0.43 per 100 cells, respectively. The mean rate of aberrations among the Chernobyl NPP staff was 2.37 +/- 0.20 per 100 cells, in the other examined groups the mean yield of aberration varied from 1.31 to 1.47 per 100 cells. The found aberration rates correspond to the equivalent whole body doses in the range from 131 to 515 mGy as evaluated by the established dose-response curve. In the group of covering builders the individual aberration rates varied more markedly, and corresponded to the equivalent whole body dose up to about 1 Gy. Slides of 27 individuals were checked by an automated dicentric scoring system. The results showed a satisfactory correlation between the frequencies of dicentrics per chromosome detected by routine and computer methods.
I. Shevchenko (1996) The clinical aspects of the aftermath of the accident (based on data from the Military Medical Academy).
Voen Med Zh, 317:6, 16-21, 80 (in Russian).
Abstract
The results of medical examinations of the persons taking part in elimination of consequences of Chernobyl's disaster obtained by the specialists of Military-medical academy allowed to verify the conception of damage action of radiation and nonradiation complex of injury factors, to estimate well-information of stale and new biological indicators of radiation dose, to plan the ways of rescuers rehabilitation during stationary, polyclinic and sanatorium stages of treatment.
S. V. Shevchenko (1997) The dynamic indices of the natural cell-mediated cytotoxicity in patients with duodenal peptic ulcer who participated in the cleanup of the aftermath of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Lik Sprava, 5, 26-9 (in Russian).
Abstract
As many as 129 patients with duodenal ulcer (DU) who took part in the elimination of the aftereffects of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant breakdown were studied for parameters characterizing the natural cell- mediated cytotoxicity, such as ability to form conjugates with NK- sensitive K-562 target cells, content of conjugate-forming mononuclear cells endowed with known lytic activity, total cytotoxic activity. The functional state of NK-cells is shown to be interrelated with the objective clinical criteria of the condition. Based on the results obtained it can be concluded that alterations in the mechanisms of functioning of NK-cells in the above contingent of examinees can be interpreted as a negative factor in the course of the reparative processes in DU in the remote future after the Chernobyl accident.
L. V. Shkala (1998) Metabolic disorders in digestive and hepatobiliary pathology in those who worked in the cleanup of the aftermath of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Lik Sprava, 7, 42-5 (in Russian).
Abstract
A clinical observation over 57 liquidators of the Chernobyl accident aftermath (ChAAL) with associated diseases of the digestive and hepato- biliary system revealed abnormalities in blood enzymic activity, presenting as elevation of, in particular, alanine aminotransferase as well as of asparagine aminotransferase, gamma-glutaminetranspeptidase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, and of blood mineral composition at the expense of an increase in certain minerals. Disturbances in underlying process of bodily metabolism promote the development and association of erosive and ulcerous lesions of the stomach and duodenum with chronic noncalculous cholecystitis, persistent hepatitis in ChAAL.
V. M. Shkol'nik and A. V. Pogorelov (1998) The action of ionizing radiation on the central nervous system (based on clinical and polymodal evoked potential data).
Lik Sprava, 3, 18-21 (in Russian).
Abstract
A clinical examination was done as was an investigation into polymodal evoked potentials (EP) of the brain in the group of 123 liquidators of the accident (LA) to the N 4 reactor unit of the Chernobyl nuclear power station. There was a steady decrease in the amplitude of auditory EP of the brain stem (AEPBS), somatosensory EP, visual EP and a great lengthening of latent periods (LP) of late cortical components H200, II300, H400. LP AEPBS appeared to be intact in 91.5% LA. Correlation was established between the hemodynamic and neurodynamic disorders suggesting to us that further postradiation nosology is brought about by morbid neuronal pattern, the formation of which is determined not only by radiation exposure but acquires the character of a multivariate process.
J. Sichel, M. Wygoda, I. Dano, P. Osin and J. Elidan (1996) Fibrosarcoma of the thyroid in a man exposed to fallout from the Chernobyl accident.
Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol, 105:10, 832-4 .
Abstract
Since the Chernobyl accident in April 1986, a dramatic increase in the incidence of thyroid carcinoma has been described, especially in children. A case of sarcoma of the thyroid in a man exposed to the Chernobyl fallout is presented. Sarcoma of the thyroid is a rare finding. The present patient lived in a region that is known to be one of the most exposed to Chernobyl fallout. The case suggests a high probability of a relationship between the sarcoma of the thyroid and the exposure to radiation.
W. Sinclair (1996) Chernobyl: myth and reality [book review].
Rad Res, 145:, 243-246 .
Abstract
Not available
N. Slozina, E. Neronova, T. Kharchenko and A. Nikiforov (1997) Increased level of chromosomal aberrations in lymphocytes of Chernobyl liquidators 6-10 years after the accident.
Mutat Res, 379:2, 121-5 .
Abstract
Chromosomal aberrations (CA) were used to investigate the level of cytogenetical damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes from the liquidators in a remote period (6-10 years) after the Chernobyl accident. There was a significantly higher frequency of chromosomal radiation markers (dicentrics and rings) in the peripheral lymphocytes of the liquidators than in the control subjects. No differences between these groups were demonstrated by the micronucleus (MN) test. Increased frequency of chromatid exchanges was associated with the smoking habits of the liquidators.
G. Snigireva, P. Liubchenko, V. Shevchenko, N. Novitskaia, N. Borisova, E. Dubinina and V. Maslennikova (1993) Results of cytogenetic screening of people employed in liquidation of accident consequences at the Chernobyl nuclear plant in 5 years.
Med Tr Prom Ekol, 11-12, 34-6 (in Russian).
Abstract
The liquidators of Chernobyl power station accident consequences were subjected to cytogenetic examination in 5 years after the accident. The analysis included a routine method of peripheral blood lymphocyte culture. The exposed and reference groups turned out to differ in the occurrence of distorted cells and chromosomal aberrations in peripheral blood lymphocytes. The highest cytopathogenic effect was seen in those, who had been working at the station in May-June 1986. The authors suggest to form the groups at high risk on the base of cytogenetic data and subject the groups to thorough examination for various diseases including malignancies.
G. Snigireva, P. Liubchenko, V. Shevchenko, N. Novitskaia, N. Borisova, E. Dubinina and V. Maslennikova (1994) Results of cytogenetic examination of participants in the decontamination after the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power station, 5 years later.
Gematol Transfuziol, 39:3, 19-21 (in Russian).
Abstract
Results of the cytogenetic investigation on the Chernobyl accident decontamination participants, 5 years after the accident, have been disclosed. Cytogenetic analysis was performed on circulating blood lymphocytes, using a standard cultivation technique. Differences were detected between control group and decontamination participants on frequency of aberrant cells and aberrations of chromosome type in peripheral blood lymphocytes. Maximal cytogenetic effect on this data was detected in persons, who had worked between May and August 1986. On the base of cytogenetic investigation data, the authors proposed to form high-risk groups, including oncologic risk groups, which need a profound dynamic investigation.
G. Snigireva, V. Shevchenko and N. Novitskaia (1995) The use of the FISH method for reconstructing the absorbed doses received by participants in the clean-up of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Radiats Biol Radioecol, 35:5, 654-61 (in Russian).
Abstract
The frequency of stable translocations using two-color fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) were determined in peripheral blood lymphocytes of 20 persons who took part in liquidation of the Chernobyl accident and of 11 persons of control group. The individual doses for all patients were estimated from a calibration dose-response curve for stable translocation. The doses estimated by our cytogenetic data not always coincided with official dosimetric data. The possibility of using FISH for dose reconstruction of past radiation exposure was discussed.
G. Snigiryova, H. Braselmann, K. Salassidis, V. Shevchenko and M. Bauchinger (1997) Retrospective biodosimetry of Chernobyl clean-up workers using chromosome painting and conventional chromosome analysis.
Int J Radiat Biol, 71:2, 119-27 .
Abstract
Blood samples of 52 Chernobyl clean-up workers were analysed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using whole-chromosome painting probes for chromosomes 1, 4 and 12, simultaneously with a pancentromeric probe and by conventional chromosome analysis, for radiation-induced symmetrical translocations and dicentrics in T-lymphocytes. Based on FISH measurements of translocations, individual biodosimetry estimates between 0.32 and 1.0 Gy were obtained from 18 cases. Pooled data for the total group of 52 workers provided a collective biodosimetry estimate of 0.23 Gy. For a group of 34 workers with documented doses, the mean dose estimate of 0.25 Gy compared well with the mean documented dose of 0.26 Gy. However, no correlation between individual translocation frequencies (FG) and documented doses could be found. A statistical analysis of the expected dose-response suggests exposures to higher doses than documented for a substantial fraction of workers with ascribed doses < 0.2 Sv. For subjects working repeatedly at the reactor site between 1986 and 1995 the mean translocation frequency was significantly higher than for those working only in 1986. A comparison of dicentric frequencies obtained by conventional scoring and by FISH measurements showed no significant difference, although only two of 52 cases revealed significantly higher yields than the mean control level. Based on conventionally scored dicentric frequencies, a collective biodosimetry estimate of 0.23 Gy could be derived only of the group of persons working at Chernobyl exclusively in 1986 for which a documented average dose of 0.19 Gy was reported.
G. Souchkevitch (1996) Main scientific results of the WHO International Programme on the Health Effects of the Chernobyl Accident (IPHECA).
World Health Stat Q, 49:3-4, 209-12 .
Abstract
Scientific results obtained within the WHO International Programme on the Health Effects of the Chernobyl Accident (IPHECA) have confirmed the increase of thyroid cancer cases in children who were exposed to radiation due to the accident in 1986. In the zones under surveillance in Belarus, the Russian Federation and Ukraine, the general morbidity for leukaemia and related diseases did not undergo a significant change after the accident. Accident recovery workers ("liquidators") are an especially high-risk group and need further medical follow-up.
F. Steinhaeusler (1997) Pilot Study: Reconstruction of the Chernobyl
Emergency Management. Report to the Ministry of Environment, Youth and Family Affairs and the Ministry of Science and Transport. Risk Research Report Nr. 15. Institute of risk research of the Academic Senate of the University of Vienna: Vienna.
Abstract
Not available
E. Stepanova and E. Vaniurikhina (1993) The clinical and cytogenetic characteristics of the children born to persons with a history of 1st- and 2d-degree acute radiation sickness as a result of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Tsitol Genet, 27:4, 10-3 (in Russian).
Abstract
We have examined 15 children (born in 1987-1988), whose fathers liquidated the aftereffects of the accident at Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant and suffered from acute radiation sickness of the 1st and 2nd stages and 50 children of the control group. The obtained data showed that the number of small developmental abnormalities (stigmas of dysembryogenesis) increased as well as the chromatid aberration frequency as compared with the control group.
C. Streffer (1997) Radiation-induced health problems resulting from the Chernobyl nuclear reactor disaster (editorial).
Wien Klin Wochenschr, 109:22, 863-8 (in German).
Abstract
Not available
A. I. Svimovsky, E. Ivanov, I. Danilov, A. Bakun, V. Ageichik and V. Ivanov (1998) Unstable chromosome aberrations in lymphocytes of liquidators of the Chernobyl accident consequences.
Ter Arkh, 1, 59-67 (in Russian).
Abstract
Analysis of peripheral blood lymphocytes detecting unstable chromosome aberrations in liquidators of the Chernobyl disaster consequences and in residents of territories contaminated after the accident. Peripheral blood lymphocytes were tested for unstable chromosome aberrations in 216 subjects who worked for different periods after the Chernobyl accident in 1986-1987 in the 30-km zone and at adjacent territories. The results were correlated to the duration of stay in the lone, terms of examination after the work, exposure dose fixed in the files, deviations in the health status and blood values, and with similar data on 21 residents of the stringent control regions of the Camel district and 26 5 patients with different haematological diseases and donor blood samples exposed in vitro. Chromosome aberrations detected in the examined group are represented by dicentrics, paired and non paired fragments, acentricrings, and gaps. Although not everything is yet clear, we consider that detection of unstable chromosome aberrations of the dicentric type in lymphocytes of subjects who participated in liquidation of the acci-dent consequences in remote periods after exposure persuasively proves that a radiation exposure, no matter what its dose was, took place, and hence, there are good grounds for including the subjects with aberrations in the high risk group. On the other hand, the absence of such aberrations does not rule out the detrimental effect of radiation on the organism.
A. S. Svintsitskii and S. N. Bekoeva (1998) The involvement of the upper digestive tract and psychosomatic disorders in those who worked in the cleanup of the aftermath of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Lik Sprava, 7, 39-42 (in Russian).
Abstract
Not available
A. Svirnovski, E. Ivanov, I. Danilov, A. Bakkun, V. Ageichick and V. Ivanov (1994) Frequencies of unstable chromosome aberrations in peripheral blood lymphocytes of Chernobyl emergency accident workers.
Bull Soc Sci Med Grand Duche Luxemb, 131:2, 35-9 (in Russian).
Abstract
On the basis of the investigation of unstable chromosome aberrations in peripheral blood lymphocytes of Chernobyl accident emergency workers, of residents of the contaminated areas, of patients with blood diseases and of donor's blood irradiated in vitro it is stated that presence of unstable chromosome aberrations such as dicentrics in lymphocytes of emergency workers and residents indicates that they have been overexposed. However, in the absence of the described aberrations in individuals involved in emergency work or in residents years after accident it is impossible to reject the overexposure.
G. V. Talalaeva, I. E. Oranskii and L. F. Spirina (1997) The adaptive role of physiobalneotherapy in a rehabilitative system for the participants in the cleanup of the aftermath of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult, 4, 33-5 (in Russian).
Abstract
Not available
N. Taradii, P. Beloshitskii and K. Kurdanov (1997) Changes in lymphocyte cytochemical markers in radiation-exposed patients under mountain conditions.
Vestn Ross Akad Med Nauk, 5, 33-7 (in Russian).
Abstract
It is shown that 24-day rehabilitation in the mountains reduced general sensitization in subjects exposed to radiation after the Chernobyl accident. The assessment of lymphocyte population and functional activity (lysosomal, mitochondrial, mitotic) by their markers (acid phosphatase, succinate dehydrogenase, DNA) indicated lowering of B-lymphocyte count, T-killers, increased count of o-lymphocytes, DNA in all lymphocyte populations, a rise in the activity of SDG and acid phosphatase. Subjects from the Chernobyl rescue teams living in high altitudes for 3-15 years after the accident had low T-lymphocyte but high o-lymphocyte counts, stable SDG, enhanced activity of acid phosphates in T-killers. The fact of lymphocyte populations increase, stimulation of their activity observed in the end of the radiation-exposed subjects, rehabilitation gives grounds for further investigations of beneficial effect of mountain climate on irradiated body, of relevant indications and contraindications.
A. Tatarskii and A. Maracheva (1996) The results of the combined programmed treatment of those who cleaned up the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station who suffer from respiratory organ diseases.
Ter Arkh, 68:3, 30-3 (in Russian).
Abstract
Examination of respiratory system in subjects exposed to long-term inhalation of radioactive dust when engaged in repair works after the Chernobyl accident have revealed specific pathology of the respiratory organs caused by long-term persistence of radioactive dust in the lung tissue. A special regimen of combined treatment has been developed which included: bronchoalveolar lavage, antioxidants, broncholytics, mucolytics, extracorporeal procedures, physical rehabilitation. 1-year monitoring of subjects on this treatment versus untreated controls proved the above regimen beneficial as the patients exhibited less intensive clinical symptoms, less frequent exacerbations of infectious and inflammatory processes, higher quality of life. Some of the patients resumed work. Contrary to controls, the patients had no signs of progression. Therapeutic bronchoalveolar lavage led to elimination of a large percent of the radioactive dust which was present in the alveolar macrophages, thus ruling out the key factor of respiratory affections.
M. Tekkel, M. Rahu, T. Veidebaum, T. Hakulinen, A. Auvinen, T. Rytomaa, P. Inskip and J. Boice JD (1997) The Estonian study of Chernobyl cleanup workers: I. Design and questionnaire data.
Radiat Res, 147:5, 641-52 .
Abstract
Nearly 2% of the male population of Estonia aged 20-39 years were sent to Chernobyl to assist in the cleanup activities after the reactor accident. A cohort of 4,833 cleanup workers was assembled based on multiple and independent sources of information. Information obtained from 3,704 responses to a detailed questionnaire indicated that 63% of the workers were sent to Chernobyl in 1986; 54% were of Estonian and 35% of Russian ethnicity; 72% were married, and 1,164 of their 5,392 children were conceived after the Chernobyl disaster. The workers were less educated than their counterparts in the general population of Estonia, and only 8.5% had attended university. Based on doses entered in worker records, the mean dose was 11 cGy, with only 1.4% over 25 cGy. Nearly 85% of the workers were sent as part of military training activities, and more than half spent in excess of 3 months in the Chernobyl area. Thirty-six percent of the workers reported having worked within the immediate vicinity of the accident site; 11.5% worked on the roofs near the damaged reactor, clearing the highly radioactive debris. The most commonly performed task was the removal and burial of topsoil (55% of the workers). Potassium iodide was given to over 18% of the men. The study design also incorporates biological indicators of exposure based on the glycophorin A mutational assay of red blood cells and chromosome translocation analyses of lymphocytes; record linkage with national cancer registry and mortality registry files to determine cancer incidence and cause-specific mortality; thyroid screening examinations with ultrasound and fine-needle biopsy; and cryopreserved white blood cells and plasma for future molecular studies. Comprehensive studies of Chernobyl cleanup workers have potential to provide new information about cancer risks due to protracted exposures to ionizing radiation.
C. B. Thomas, D. O. Nelson, P. Pleshanov, I. Vorobstova, L. Tureva, R. Jensen and I. M. Jones (1999) Elevated frequencies of hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase lymphocyte mutants are detected in Russian liquidators 6 to 10 years after exposure to radiation from the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident.
Mutat Res, 439:1, 105-19 .
Abstract
This study was conducted to determine whether the frequency of hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) deficient lymphocyte mutants would detect an effect of radiation exposure in a population of Russians who were exposed to low levels of radiation while working in 1986 and 1987 as liquidators cleaning up after the Chernobyl nuclear power reactor accident. The HPRT lymphocyte cloning assay was performed on peripheral blood lymphocytes collected between 1992 and 1996 from 142 liquidators and 66 Russian controls, and between 1989 and 1993 from 231 American controls. Russian and American controls were not significantly different for either cloning efficiency or mutant frequency (MF); inclusion of both sets of controls in the analysis increased the ability to detect a Chernobyl exposure effect in the liquidators. After adjusting for age and smoking, the results revealed no significant difference in cloning efficiency of Chernobyl liquidators relative to Russian controls but a significant, 24% increase in liquidator HPRT mutant frequency over Russian controls (90% confidence interval was 7% to 45% increase). The analytical method also accounted for differences in precision of the individual estimates of log CE and log MF and accommodated for outliers. The increase in HPRT mutant frequency of liquidators is an attribute of the exposed population as a whole rather than of individuals. These results demonstrate that, under appropriate circumstances, the HPRT specific locus mutation assay of peripheral blood lymphocytes can be used to detect a semi-acute, low dose radiation exposure of a population, even 6 to 10 years after the exposure. Copyright 1999 Elsevier Science B.V.
S. V. Titievskii and S. I. Tabachnikov (1997) The dynamics of mental disorders in participants in the cleanup of the aftermath of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova, 97:11, 61-2 (in Russian).
Abstract
Not available
L. Titova, I. Oradovskaia, N. Sharova and A. Iarilin (1996) A comparative evaluation of the content of T-lymphocyte subpopulations, alpha 1-thymosin and autoantibodies to epithelial thymic cells in the personnel in the 30-kilometer control zone of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Radiats Biol Radioecol, 36:4, 601-9 (in Russian).
Abstract
A significant decrease in mean number of CD5+, CD8(+)-lymphocytes in persons, who worked in 30-km zone of Chernobyl nuclear power station was revealed. A significant increase in percent of CD5+, CD4(+)-cell percents was observed in workers, who worked for 1,2-2,5 years in zone, but absolute number, were decreased comparing a control and data received in people, who have just arrived to work in 30-km zone. The positive correlation exists between the percent of lymphocytes and years of service in 30-km zone. The lower level of alpha 1-thymosine was revealed in serum of the persons, who worked in zone for 4.5-5 years than data received in people, who worked for 0.5 year. Increase level of serum autoantibodies reacting with thymic epithelial cell was detected in men, who worked in zone for 3-3.5 years. In persons, who worked more 5 years and have just arrived in zone identical data were received.
L. D. Titova and N. I. Sharova (1998) Study of immune status indices, levels of alpha-1-thymosin and autoantibodies to thymic epithelial cells in persons who worked in the 30-kilometer zone of the Chernobyl AES depending on the radiation dose.
Radiats Biol Radioecol, 38:2, 215-22 (in Russian).
Abstract
The indices of immune status, concentration of alpha 1-thymosin and level of thymus epithelial cell autoantibodies in human blood of persons, who had worked in 30-km zone Chernobyl NPP were studied. The decrease in mean number of leukocytes, lymphocytes, CD5+, CD4+, CD8+ cells, content of serum alpha 1-thymosin and increased level of autoantibodies were detected in workers, whose dose rates irradiation were greater than 25 cSv. So, the quality differences in the changes of immune system, which were induced by low dose chronic irradiation were obtained.
V. S. Tkachyshyn (1998) A complex of methods for the early diagnosis of premorbid states of the bronchopulmonary system and of the main forms of chronic nonspecific lung diseases in those who took part in the cleanup of the aftermath of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Lik Sprava, 1, 21-4 (in Russian).
Abstract
The author suggests including questionnaire survey, recording of the external respiration, and thermography into a complex of methods for early diagnosis of premorbid states of the bronchopulmonary system and main forms of chronic unspecific lung diseases in those persons who took part in the elimination of the aftereffects of the ChNPP breakdown. The above complex can be used as a screening for contingents to be put to further in-depth study.
I. Tsvelev, E. Kira, V. Bezhenar' and A. Grebeniuk (1997) The nature of the changes in the immunity of the women who worked in the cleanup of the sequelae of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station and were evacuated from the radioactively contaminated area.
Voen Med Zh, 318:1, 38-42, 80 (in Russian).
Abstract
During examination of 37 women taking part in elimination of consequences of Chernobyl's disaster was revealed, that complex of disaster factors action resulted the formation of disbalance in the system of immunocompetence cells and caused the oppression of functional activity of neutrophils. In 110 women living on the radioactive contaminated zone (5-40 Ci/km) the phenomena of the secondary immunodeficiency in the form of defeat as cellular as humoral factors of immunity and nonspecific resistance system was diagnosed.
A. Tsyb, A. Dedenkov, V. Ivanov, V. Stepanenko and V. Pozhidaev (1989) The development of an all-Union registry of persons exposed to radiation resulting from the accident at the Chernobyl atomic power station.
Med Radiol (Mosk), 34:7, 3-6 (in Russian).
Abstract
Not available
A. Tsyb, V. Ivanov, S. Airapetov, E. Gagin, M. Maksiutov, O. Rozhkov, O. Stadnik, S. Chekin and A. Saakian (1991) Radiation-epidemiologic analysis of the data of State Registry of persons exposed to radiation due to the Chernobyl AES accident.
Vestn Akad Med Nauk SSSR, 11, 32-6 (in Russian).
Abstract
Not available
A. Tsyb (1995) Radiation Doses for Emergency Workers.
Bulletin of the National Radiation and Epidemiological Registry, Special Issue 2:, 44 (in Russian).
Abstract
Not available
A. Tsyb and V. Ivanov (1996) The results of medical and dosimetric research on the population and on those who worked in cleanup subjected to radiation exposure as a result of the Chernobyl catastrophe.
Vestn Ross Akad Med Nauk, 6, 58-64 (in Russian).
Abstract
The Russian State Medical and Dosimetric Register (RSMDR) of subjects exposed to radiation due to the Chernobyl accident and a radiation epidemiological analysis of the data collected are described. At present, RSMDR covers 435,000 persons including 152,000 participants in the liquidation of the accident consequences (liquidators). Predictive estimates (based of the models recommended by the International Commission of Radiation Protection) and the actual data obtained 9 years after the accident are compared. It has been found that within 20 years after radiation in a cohort of liquidators an attributive risk for leukemia and for solid cancers will be 23.6 and 2.8%, respectively. The actual data after 10 years correspond with the predictive estimates. According to disability and morbidity rates, the 1986-1987 liquidators represent a high-risk group. Radiation epidemiological examinations for thyroid cancer in children (at the moment of the Chernobyl accident) were made in the Bryansk and Kaluga Regions. The relative risk for detected cancers was ascertained to be 7.15. This signifies that about 90% of the thyroid cancers detected are caused by a radiation factor.
A. Tsyb and V. Ivanov (1997) The sequelae and problems of the Chernobyl catastrophe.
Voen Med Zh, 318:1, 34-7 (in Russian).
Abstract
Not available
I. Ushakov and S. Soldatov (1993) An analysis of the health status of helicopter pilots who participated in the cleanup of the consequences of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Voen Med Zh, 4, 77-9 (in Russian).
Abstract
Not available
V. Valutsina, S. Noreiko, I. Peftiev, G. Bondarenko, A. Denisenko, N. Sliusarenko, S. Kaniuka, E. Mirnaia, E. Ladariia, V. Prilutskii and a. et (1993) The structure of the morbidity and disability among miners who worked in the cleanup of the aftereffects of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Likarska Sprava, 2-3, 39-41 (in Russian).
Abstract
The authors analyzed morbidity and invalidity in miners engaged in liquidation of Chernobyl disaster sequels depending on the duration of stay in increased radiation background, radiation dose, length of work in the mines. Among the nosological entities prevailed vegeto-vascular dystonia, thyroid and gastrointestinal pathology.
C. Vanchieri (1997) Chernobyl "liquidators" show increased risk of suicide, not cancer [news].
J Natl Cancer Inst, 89:23, 1750-2 .
Abstract
Not available
E. Vashchenko (1993) Some indicators of nervous system function in people exposed to harmful conditions of the Chernobyl accident.
Fiziol Zh, 39:5-6, 10-8 (in Russian).
Abstract
Clinico-neurophysiological study of the functional state of the nervous system was performed for persons who participated in elimination of the Chernobyl accident consequences in 1986, as well as for persons working in the 30 km zone. Mean age of the persons was 41. Vegetative dystonia syndrome was diagnosticated in 50% of examined subjects. The increased perception and pain thresholds, as well as the thresholds' asymmetry were determined in 30% of patients. The conduction velocity of sensory and motor nerves, as well as the neuromuscular transmission were normal. No substantial changes in parameters of the soleus H- and M-responses were detected. A decreased amplitude and increased latency of the evoked skin sympathetic potential were found indicating a decreased tone of the adrenergic sympathetic vasoconstrictors and cholinergic sudomotor fibres, that may be one of the pathogenic mechanisms of the sensory, vegetotrophovascular disorders for these subjects. Decreased activity of the sympathetic autonomic system causes permanent course of the vegetative dystonia syndrome and more seldom the parasympathetic autonomic paroxysms. A decreased tone of the sympathetic autonomic system may be due to the monoaminergic neuromediation inhibition (decreased noradrenaline and dopamine excretion for the same subjects), that can induce psychoemotional disorders, depression and sleep-wakeness cycle disorders.
O. Viatleva, T. Katargina, L. Puchinskaia and M. Iurkin (1996) The electrophysiological characteristics of brain function in mental disorders in participants in the cleanup of the aftermath of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Zh Nevropatol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova, 96:3, 41-6 (in Russian).
Abstract
150 liquidators who had worked in the Chernobyl accident area were examined. All of them had mental diseases. Both alpha-rhythms disorganisation and increase of beta-1 activity were usually observed in brain cortex sensomotor areas of 43 patients as compared with 17 healthy individuals. Meanwhile alpha-activity was significantly decreased especially in the left hemispheres of patients with psycho-organic syndrome. The majority of patients were characterized by both enhanced reaction to light flashes rhythm assimilation and the decrease of nonspecific and skin-galvanic reactions to the light stimulus. The conclusion is made about the systemic CNS damage in such patients that was more pronounced in psycho-organic syndrome.
J. F. Viel, E. Curbakova, B. Dzerve, M. Eglite, T. Zvagule and C. Vincent (1997) Risk factors for long-term mental and psychosomatic distress in Latvian Chernobyl liquidators.
Environ Health Perspect, 105:Suppl 6, 1539-44 (in Russian).
Abstract
Epidemiologic studies on the health effects of the Chernobyl disaster have focused largely on physical health, whereas the psychological consequences have received little attention. The authors have assessed the associations of various exposure variables with mental and psychosomatic distress in a sample of 1412 Latvian liquidators drawn from the State Latvian Chernobyl Clean-up Workers Registry. The outcome was a mixed mental-psychosomatic disorder occurring during 1986 to 1995. Comparisons among subgroups of the cohort classified according to exposure type or level were based on the proportional hazards model. Length of work (> or = 28 days) in a 10-km radius from the reactor (relative risk [RR] = 1.39, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14-1.70), work (> 1 time) on the damaged reactor roof (RR = 1.46, 95% CI 1.02- 2.09), forest work (RR = 1.41, 95% CI 1.19-1.68), fresh fruit consumption (> or = 1 time/day) (RR = 1.72, 95% CI 1.12-2.65) are risk factors for mixed mental-psychosomatic disorder. Construction of the sarcophagus (RR = 1.82, 95% CI 0.89-3.72) is also associated with this outcome, although nonsignificantly. Distinguishing stress-related from radiation-induced effects in this data set was difficult and these findings should provide a basis for later hypothesis testing in other cohorts.
P. Vlasov and I. Kvacheva (1996) The pathomorphology of the pulmonary infectious complications in acute radiation sickness (based on the autopsy data from persons who died as a result of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Ter Arkh, 68:3, 23-6 (in Russian).
Abstract
The lungs from 27 patients who died from acute radiation sickness in Chernobyl accident were studied histologically. Pulmonary infectious complications were found caused by invasion of viral, bacterial and fungal agents. 2 cases with cytomegaloviral pneumonitis, 3 with focal bronchopneumonia and 3 with pulmonary candidiasis are described. Being dependent on hematopoietic function, the inflammatory reactions were not pronounced in postirradiation aplasia and became evident in the recovery.
I. Vorobtsova, V. Mikhelqson, M. Vorobqeva, N. Pleskach, A. Bogomazova, V. Prokofqeva and A. Piukkenen (1994) The results of a cytogenetic examination performed in different years on those who worked in the cleanup of the aftermath of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Radiats Biol Radioecol, 34:6, 798-804 (in Russian).
Abstract
Persons participated in the Chernobyl accident amelioration in the years of 1986-1987 were examined cytogenetically either in 1987 (group 1) or in 1990-1992 (group 2). The frequency of chromosome aberrations in cultured peripheral lymphocytes is found to be significantly lower in group 2 in comparison with group 1, being increased in both exposed groups as compared to the control one. The data are obtained in favour of hypothesis on chromosome instability of exposed individuals. On the base of cytogenetic data the collective dose received by amelioraters was calculated.
I. Vorobtsova and A. Bogomazova (1995) Stable chromosome aberrations in the lymphocytes of the peripheral blood in persons who suffered as a result of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Radiats Biol Radioecol, 35:5, 636-40 (in Russian).
Abstract
The people suffered from Chernobyl accident exhibited the increased frequency of stable chromosome aberrations in peripheral lymphocytes as it was estimated by two-colour fluorescence in situ hybridisation with whole chromosome specific DNA probes for chromosomes 1, 4 and 12. However, the age dependence of this parameter in control group has to be estimated before the connection of this effect with radiation factor will be possible.
G. Voronkov, I. Evstratova, T. Kutsenko, G. Pliushch and A. Shamrai (1995) The correction of disorders in free-radical lipid oxidation in the blood of persons working in an area with elevated ionizing radiation.
Likarska Sprava, 1-2, 38-40 (in Russian).
Abstract
Not available
T. Vorontsova, N. Galitskaia, E. Shavrova, G. Zhuk, R. Sharko, L. Khmelevskaia and V. Ponomarev (1990) Evaluation of the immunological status of persons participating in liquidation of the effects of the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant.
Gematol Transfuziol, 35:12, 19-20 (in Russian).
Abstract
Not available
V. Voznyak (1996) Background Paper 6: Social, Economic, Institutional and Political Impact. Report for the Russian Federation.
One decade after Chernobyl: Summing up the consequences of the accident. Proceedings of an International Conference, Vienna, IAEA, 379-411 .
Abstract
Not available
O. Vyatleva, T. Katargina, L. Puchinskaya and M. Yurkin (1997) Electrophysiological characterization of the functional state of the brain in mental disturbances in workers involved in the clean-up following the Chernobyl atomic energy station accident.
Neurosci Behav Physiol, 27:2, 166-72 .
Abstract
Studies were carried out on 150 workers with mental disturbances, who had been involved in the clean-up of the Chernobyl atomic energy station accident. Visual and computer analyses of EEG traces from 43 workers were compared with traces from 17 healthy subjects, and the comparison revealed that the most common features in workers were disorganization of the alpha-rhythm and strengthening of beta-1-activity in the sensorimotor cortex. In neurosis-like syndromes (13 patients), there was a significant increase in the power of the alpha-rhythm in the anterior parts of the cortex; in psycho-organic states, power as significantly reduced (especially in the left hemisphere). Contributing to the greater proportion of flat EEG traces in patients with psycho-organic syndromes as compared with other groups of patients. Most patients among the clean-up workers had increased assimilation of flashing light rhythms and weakening of non-specific and skin galvanic responses to a light stimulus. It was concluded that systemic CNS changes occurred in patients from the clean-up worker groups, especially in those with psycho-organic syndrome.
H. S. Weinberg, E. Nevo, A. Korol, T. Fahima, G. Rennert and S. Shapiro (1997) Molecular changes in the offspring of liquidators who emigrated to Israel from the Chernobyl disaster area.
Environ Health Perspect, 105:Suppl 6, 1479-81 .
Abstract
The primary goal of this research was to reveal de novo mutations in the liquidators (cleanup personnel) who emigrated to Israel from the Chernobyl disaster area. We used genome fingerprinting simple sequence repeat-anchored polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and random amplified polymorphic DNA PCR (RAPD PCR). The methodology involved a combination of RAPD PCR, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and silver staining, with arbitrarily primed PCR. Use of microsatellite markers appears to be the most promising technique for high sensitivity analysis. The analysis involved DNA isolated from the blood of experimental and control subjects (involving both offspring who were born before or after the disaster and their parents). Our studies have reproducibly detected new bands that appeared in the children born after the disaster. No such bands appeared in the children born in the same family before the accident or in the children of control families who had not been exposed to radiation.
WHO (1995) Proceedings of the WHO International Conference on the Health Consequences of the Chernobyl and other Radiological Accidents.
International Conference on the Health Consequences of the Chernobyl and other Radiological Accidents, Geneva, WHO, 568 .
Abstract
Not available
P. W. Wiest, M. F. Hartshorne, P. D. Inskip, L. A. Crooks, B. S. Vela, R. J. Telepak, M. R. Williamson, R. Blumhardt, J. M. Bauman and M. Tekkel (1998) Thyroid palpation versus high-resolution thyroid ultrasonography in the detection of nodules.
J Ultrasound Med, 17:8, 487-96 .
Abstract
Detection of thyroid nodules by physical examination and high- resolution ultrasonography was compared using small groups of blinded, experienced physician examiners working with a sample of 2441 persons from Estonia, most of whom were Chernobyl nuclear reactor clean-up workers. A random subsample of 113 (5%) persons was subjected to triple control examinations with both physical examination and high-resolution ultrasonography. Positive high-resolution ultrasonographic findings were considerably more reproducible among different observers than were positive physical examination findings. Agreement between methods was poor. Nodules were found in 169 (6.9%) subjects by physical examination and in 249 (10.2%) subjects by high-resolution ultrasonography. Physical examination found only 53 (21%) of the 249 nodules found by high-resolution ultrasonography. High-resolution ultrasonography did not confirm the existence of 115 (68%) of the 169 nodules found by physical examination. Only 6.4% of nodules less than 0.5 cm in diameter, as based on high-resolution ultrasonographic results, were detected by physical examination. Physical examination detection improved with increasing nodule size but was still only 48.2% for nodules larger than 2 cm. Physical examination was relatively effective in detecting nodules in the isthmus of the thyroid gland but much less so for nodules in the upper pole of the gland. Clinical evaluation and epidemiologic studies of nodular thyroid disease stand to benefit from the greater sensitivity and specificity of ultrasonographic examinations.
E. Williams, F. Pacini and A. Pinchera (1995) Thyroid cancer following Chernobyl.
J Endocrinol Invest, 18:2, 144-6 .
Abstract
Not available
V. Y. Wishkerman, M. R. Quastel, A. Douvdevani and J. R. Goldsmith (1997) Somatic mutations at the glycophorin A (GPA) locus measured in red cells of Chernobyl liquidators who immigrated to Israel.
Environ Health Perspect, 105:Suppl 6, 1451-4 .
Abstract
Glycophorin A (GPA) assays for human erythrocytes with gene expression loss and duplication phenotypes (NO, NN) were carried out on 15 Chernobyl clean-up workers (liquidators) who immigrated to Israel within the preceding 5 years, 19 local Israeli controls, and 14 Russian (nonliquidator) immigrants. GPA phenotype variants in red blood cells of the 15 liquidators showed values ranging from 1 to 101 events/10(6) cells, with a mean +/- SD of 25.6 +/- 7.0. In comparison, the 19 Israeli controls had values ranging from 0 to 13 GPA events per 10(6) cells, with a mean +/- SD of 3.9 +/- 0.8. The difference was highly significant (p < 0.001). Another group of 14 volunteer control subjects (nonliquidators) who had emigrated from the former Soviet Union to Israel during the past 5 years showed values ranging from 0.0 to 35.0 events per 10(6) cells, with a mean +/- SD of 6.1 +/- 2.7. The difference between this group and the liquidator group was significant at p < 0.01. The results are compatible with past exposure to radiation in the group identified as liquidators.
A. A. Yarilin, I. M. Belyakov, O. I. Kusmenok, V. Y. Arshinov, A. V. Simonova, N. M. Nadezhina and E. V. Gnezditskaya (1993) Late T cell deficiency in victims of the Chernobyl radiation accident: possible mechanisms of induction.
Int J Radiat Biol, 63:4, 519-28 (in Russian).
Abstract
T cell number, serum concentrations of thymic hormones and anti- epithelial autoantibodies were studied in people affected at Chernobyl NPP. Group 1 took part in the clearing-up operation and had no clinical manifestations of acute radiation sickness. Group 2 worked at the NPP during the accident; they survived acute radiation sickness (degree I- II, subgroup 2a; degree III-IV, subgroup 2b). The total doses of external radiation were 0.1-0.5 Gy in group 1, up to 4 Gy in subgroup 2a and up to 9 Gy in subgroup 2b. Total T cell number, serum thymic activity and alpha 1-thymosin concentration were decreased in all groups of affected persons. CD8+ cell number decreased only in group 1; CD4+ cell number in subgroup 2b. A decrease in thymic hormone level was most prominent in subgroup 2b. The titres of anti-epithelial antibodies were increased in all groups of affected persons independently of radiation dose. The titres were higher in patients with subnormal levels of alpha 1-thymosin. It has been proposed that radiation alters the function of thymic epithelial cells by direct action and/or through indirect mechanisms including participation of autoantibodies. The observed complex of alterations is similar to that in the normal process of immunological ageing.
A. Yaroshinskaya (1994) Chernobyl: the forbidden truth. Jon Carpenter: Oxford
Abstract
Not available
I. Yevelson, A. Abdelgani, J. Cwikel and I. S. Yevelson (1997) Bridging the gap in mental health approaches between east and west: the psychosocial consequences of radiation exposure.
Environ Health Perspect, 105:Suppl 6, 1551-6 .
Abstract
Mental health professionals in Western countries and the Confederation of Independent States ([CIS], the former Soviet Union) have been examining the social and psychological consequences of the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear accident on the people who lived or are living in the exposed areas. Based on reviews of the literature, papers from international conferences, and communication between researchers in various countries, different perspectives have emerged on classifying distress and disorders and designing treatment programs. The origins of these differences lie in philosophical, historical, and political developments in the West and the CIS. These different approaches often have made it difficult for mental health professionals from the CIS and the West to work together. The goal of this paper is 2-fold: to identify and recognize the main differences in these approaches and to propose specific solutions for bridging the gap. The basic approach of mental health professionals in the CIS is a physiological, nosological one--it focuses on the etiology of the illness. Although their main diagnostic tool is the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, it has undergone adaptations that reflect the Soviet medical and physiological attitude toward psychiatry. These changes have resulted in the abrogation and addition of disorder categories. For example, in the CIS edition of the ICD-9, there is no mention of post traumatic stress disorder as a distinct disorder. In contrast, in the West, the dominant approach is a symptomatic, phenomenologic one. Emphasis is placed on a dynamic understanding of the disorder and treatment is conducted by mental health professional (psychologists, social workers, psychiatrists). This contrasts with the approach used in the CIS, where psychological distress often is somaticized and treatment undertaken by physicians rather than mental health professionals. The authors of this paper call on researchers to come together and work jointly on the recognition and resolution of these differences. Then both groups will be able to offer concrete solutions and build tools that can benefit both sides. It is hoped that these new approaches will receive worldwide recognition and prove useful for other mental health professionals working with persons affected by the accident at Chernobyl.
N. Zabludovsky, F. Eltes, B. Bartoov, V. Grischenko and A. Fischbein (1999) Age-related ultramorphologic sperm abnormalities among salvage workers from the Chernobyl nuclear power plant [letter].
Int J Occup Environ Health, 5:1, 72-5 .
Abstract
Not available
T. A. Zadorozhnaia, Z. I. Fabri, M. L. Gabor, V. A. Sushko and L. M. Alekseeva (1996) Hypophyseal-thyroid system function in patients with nonspecific lung diseases who participated in the cleanup of the aftermath of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Lik Sprava, 5-6, 60-4 (in Russian).
Abstract
A comparative evaluation was done of the condition of the hypophyseal- thyroid axis in those patients with unspecific pulmonary diseases having taken part in the elimination of the aftermath of the ChNPP accident in 1986-1988, as well as patients with no particular prior history and essentially healthy subjects. With the thyroxin content tending downwards, the main differences manifested themselves at the level of hypophyseal control. Provision of the organism with more active forms of hormones was found to be maintained in all the cases at the physiological level.
V. Zainullin, P. Borodkin, S. Cherniak, I. Skaletskii, A. Sevan'kaev and V. Shevchenko (1992) Results of the cytogenetic examination of the people taking part in the clean-up of the accident at the Chernobyl AES.
Radiobiologiia, 32:5, 668-72 (in Russian).
Abstract
Chromosome preparations from peripheral blood cells of 117 subjects who took part in liquidation of Chernobyl NPP accident consequences in 1986 have been investigated. The number of chromosome aberrations has been shown to increase considerably. A short-term exposure has been found to be 5-7 times more effective than long-term one.
V. G. Zainullin (1997) Genetic effects of chronic irradiation of low intensity.
Radiats Biol Radioecol, 37:4, 555-9 (in Russian).
Abstract
The report reveals the results of genetic studies of biological consequences of Chernobyl NPP accident and experiment with low radiation carried out in 1986-1996 years. The report deals with the results of cytogenetics observation of "liqudators" and data of genetic analysis of some laboratory strains of Drosophila melanogaster. It supposed, that the alteration level of mutability may be explained in destabilization of genotype. The essential part in induction of genotype destabilization replies the genome instability mechanisms.
I. Zakharov, V. Lazutkin, V. Khanzhiev, I. Voloshina, V. Ignatkin and A. Ovdienko (1994) The results of a psychophysiological examination of participants in the cleanup of the aftereffects of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station.
Voen Med Zh, 2, 52-6 (in Russian).
Abstract
Not available
L. Zhavoronkova, N. Gogitidze and N. Kholodova (1996) The characteristics of the late reaction of the human brain to radiation exposure: the EEG and neuropsychological study (the sequelae of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station).
Zh Vyssh Nerv Deiat Im I P Pavlova, 46:4, 699-711 (in Russian).
Abstract
We examined 23 patients (participants in the clean-up of the consequences of the Chernobyl accident in 1986-1987) using neuropsychological and electrophysiological approaches. The results obtained by means of EEG coherence analysis, three-dimensional source localization, and dichotic listening test were compared. All the patients showed some common dysfunctions such as disturbances of hemispheric interaction which resulted in deterioration of the brain functional state in comparison with the control group. Neuropsychological evidence and source localization of the epileptiform EEG suggested predominantly subcortical damage at the limbic-reticular and, especially, diencephalic level. The observed signs of the left-hemispheric dysfunction depended on the brainstem damage while the right-hemispheric dysfunction were explained by the diencephalic damage. The observed symptoms were considered as a result of subcortical brain lesions at different levels rather than the primary cortical hemispheric damage.
L. A. Zhavoronkova, N. B. Kholodova, N. V. Gogitidze and M. Koptelov Iu (1998) A dynamic assessment of the reaction of the human brain to radiation exposure (the aftermath of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station).
Zh Vyssh Nerv Deiat Im I P Pavlova, 48:4, 731-42 (in Russian).
Abstract
The present study was aimed at the comparative assessment of electrophysiological and clinical data in persons (155 right-handed men) who took part in the Chernobyl clean-up in different periods after radiation. Dynamic evaluation of psychoneurological disorders revealed the growth of incidence and severity of cerebrovascular disturbances accompanied by the signs of organic symptoms' aggravation and encephalopathy in longer periods after radiation. The results of neuropsychological examination also showed the deterioration of patients' state manifested as growth of fatigue, cognitive defects, and emotional impairments. Analysis of the EEG parameters, including power and coherence mapping and 3-d dipole source localization analysis demonstrated the increasing number of patients with the most severe forms of EEG pathology: the "plane" type in combination with fast paroxysmal (beta-band) and slow forms of activity from 45% in 1990-92 to 63% in 1997. The "hypersynchronization" type of EEG activity was typical for the earlier period accompanied by the dominance of the pathological forms of EEG activity in mediobasal structures of the left hemisphere, and brainstem zones vs. diencephalon and the right hemisphere. The later period was characterized by decreasing coherence in symmetrical frontal and front-temporal areas of the left hemisphere, while in the early period the hypersynchronization prevailed in symmetrical central areas and in the right hemisphere. The evidence were obtained to a disconnection between the brain hemispheres. We suppose that the progressive involvement of structures of the limbic- reticular complex (especially, brainstem, mediobasal structures, and white matter) into the pathological process occurs with time in participants of clean-up of the Chernobyl disaster consequences.
E. G. Zhiliaev, A. N. Grebeniuk, A. E. Antushevich, V. I. Legeza and N. A. Smirnov (1998) Change in neutrophils in liquidators of the consequences of the accident at the Chernobyl power plant.
Voen Med Zh, 319:2, 26-30, 95 (in Russian).
Abstract
In result of own researches and analysis of the literature? the information about high sensitivity of neutrophils of peripheric blood to infringements of constancy of internal state of body, arising as reply to radiating influence, are received. Ionized radiation modulates greatly properties and functions of neutrophilic granulocytes, which are the most sensitive and high-modulated cells of non-specific resistance system. The changes of the functional-metabolic status of neutrophils in participants of liquidation of consequences of Chernobyl disaster have been saving during 10 years after influence of the extreme, including radiating, factors of failure.
H. Zitzelsberger, H. Hessel, K. Salassidis, H. Mittermuller and M. Bauchinger (1998) Molecular genetic characterization of the Philadelphia chromosome detected in reactor personnel highly exposed to radiation from the Chernobyl accident.
Cancer Genet Cytogenet, 104:2, 86-93 .
Abstract
Clonal del(22q) chromosome aberrations were coincidentally observed in highly exposed reactor personnel of the Chernobyl power plant accident in the course of retrospective biological dosimetry. These aberrant chromosomes were detected in PHA-stimulated cultures from peripheral blood after FPG staining and revealed a morphology similar to a Philadelphia chromosome. A rearrangement of the BCR gene on 22q11 could be confirmed in unstimulated peripheral blood by RFLP analysis from three of four del(22q) carrying cases. FISH analysis of the del(22q) carrying cases with BCR- and ABL-specific DNA probes additionally exhibited a BCR-ABL fusion in 5.2 to 9% of cells in unstimulated blood. Breakpoints within the BCR gene could be located either in the M-bcr or the m-bcr region and thus, a specific breakpoint region could not be detected in these four patients. Since typical clinical leukemic symptoms associated with the translocation (9;22)(q24;q11) could not be observed in these highly irradiated subjects (1.1 to 5.8 Gy), the role of this particular aberration in the development of a radiation-induced leukemia remains obscure.