Determination of the full-energy peak efficiency of a detection system is significant in the activity calculation of the measured radioactive samples. In this work, we present an experimental method to determine the absolute efficiency calibration of a NaI(Tl) detector, considering that a standard source of interest is unavailable and by using the known specific activity of a standard sample measured using a HPGe detector. The efficiency of a gamma-ray spectrometer that consists of a coaxial HPGe detector is calculated using Canberra ISOCS/LabSOCS software and a fabricated calibration source. To validate our method, environmental samples (rock and soil samples) were analyzed on both the detectors. The obtained activity concentrations were checked by means of the IAEA proficiency test procedure. The performance criteria evaluation results were found to be ‘Acceptable’ for all the analytical determinations of all the radionuclides under study, except for the samples with low activity (15 Bq kg−1 and 10 Bq kg−1 for 226Ra and 232Th, respectively). The precision of the low-activity samples was not considered ‘Acceptable’ as the results were slightly inaccurate; in this case, the results were considered as ‘Warning’ because the relative bias (RB) was less than the maximum acceptable bias (MAB).

Determination of the full-energy peak efficiency of a detection system is significant in the activity calculation of the measured radioactive samples. In this work, we present an experimental method to determine the absolute efficiency calibration of a NaI(Tl) detector, considering that a standard source of interest is unavailable and by using the known specific activity of a standard sample measured using a HPGe detector. The efficiency of a gamma-ray spectrometer that consists of a coaxial HPGe detector is calculated using Canberra ISOCS/LabSOCS software and a fabricated calibration source. To validate our method, environmental samples (rock and soil samples) were analyzed on both the detectors. The obtained activity concentrations were checked by means of the IAEA proficiency test procedure. The performance criteria evaluation results were found to be ‘Acceptable’ for all the analytical determinations of all the radionuclides under study, except for the samples with low activity (15 Bq kg−1 and 10 Bq kg−1 for 226Ra and 232Th, respectively). The precision of the low-activity samples was not considered ‘Acceptable’ as the results were slightly inaccurate; in this case, the results were considered as ‘Warning’ because the relative bias (RB) was less than the maximum acceptable bias (MAB).

Radioactive pollution comes on the top of pollution types that affect human life directly through damaging the human genome or indirectly via his food web. The current study focused on the evaluation of radiation effects of Assiut Thermal Power Plant (ATPP) ashes on two crop plants, potato and squash, in terms of morphological and molecular levels. More particularly, the specific activity concentrations were measured in Bq/kg, of the 238U (226Ra) and 232Th series, and 40K-isotope for the untreated soil sample (control) and ATPP ash sample (represents the radioactive source with 100% concentration). Different concentrations of ATPP ash (0, 2, 4, 6 and 8%) were mixed with soil sample to study the effect of radioactively contaminated soil on potato and squash plants. The results of the present investigation revealed that the morphological characteristics of both potato and squash plants were changed, which reflected a steep regression in the values of all vegetative growth and yield traits. The alterations of the characteristic values were directly proportional to the radioactive ash concentration in the soil. In the same context, the molecular evaluation using PCR-based markers, e.g., ISSR and SCoT helps in understanding and explaining experimental observations at morphological level. ISSR/SCoT bands confirmed the toxicity and mutagenicity of radioactive ash samples at their present dose on both potato and squash plants. The present findings clearly explained the morphometric and genetic abnormalities in two of the main consumed crops by a human. Thus, the green area around the ATPP may disappear in the future due to increasing the pollution in terms of the radioactive component that directly attached to plants or indirectly by mixing with soil.

Radioactive pollution comes on the top of pollution types that affect human life directly through damaging the human genome or indirectly via his food web. The current study focused on the evaluation of radiation effects of Assiut Thermal Power Plant (ATPP) ashes on two crop plants, potato and squash, in terms of morphological and molecular levels. More particularly, the specific activity concentrations were measured in Bq/kg, of the 238U (226Ra) and 232Th series, and 40K-isotope for the untreated soil sample (control) and ATPP ash sample (represents the radioactive source with 100% concentration). Different concentrations of ATPP ash (0, 2, 4, 6 and 8%) were mixed with soil sample to study the effect of radioactively contaminated soil on potato and squash plants. The results of the present investigation revealed that the morphological characteristics of both potato and squash plants were changed, which reflected a steep regression in the values of all vegetative growth and yield traits. The alterations of the characteristic values were directly proportional to the radioactive ash concentration in the soil. In the same context, the molecular evaluation using PCR-based markers, e.g., ISSR and SCoT helps in understanding and explaining experimental observations at morphological level. ISSR/SCoT bands confirmed the toxicity and mutagenicity of radioactive ash samples at their present dose on both potato and squash plants. The present findings clearly explained the morphometric and genetic abnormalities in two of the main consumed crops by a human. Thus, the green area around the ATPP may disappear in the future due to increasing the pollution in terms of the radioactive component that directly attached to plants or indirectly by mixing with soil.

Despite the human brain being made of nearly 60% fat, the vast majority of studies on the mechanisms of neuronal communication which underpin cognition, memory and learning, primarily focus on proteins and/or (epi)genetic mechanisms. Phospholipids are the main component of all cellular membranes and function as substrates for numerous phospholipid-modifying enzymes, including phospholipases, which release free fatty acids (FFAs) and other lipid metabolites that can alter the intrinsic properties of the membranes, recruit and activate critical proteins, and act as lipid signalling molecules. Here, we will review brain specific phospholipases, their roles in membrane remodelling, neuronal function, learning and memory, as well as their disease implications. In particular, we will highlight key roles of unsaturated FFAs, particularly arachidonic acid, in neurotransmitter release, neuroinflammation and memory. In light of recent findings, we will also discuss the emerging role of phospholipase A1 and the creation of saturated FFAs in the brain.

: Exosomes are nano-membrane vesicles that various cell types secrete during physiological and pathophysiological conditions. By shuttling bioactive molecules such as nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids to target cells, exosomes serve as key regulators for multiple cellular processes, including cancer metastasis. Recently, microvesicles have emerged as a challenge in the treatment of prostate cancer (PCa), encountered either when the number of vesicles increases or when the vesicles move into circulation, potentially with an ability to induce drug resistance, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Notably, the exosomal cargo can induce the desmoplastic response of PCa-associated cells in a tumor microenvironment (TME) to promote PCa metastasis. However, the crosstalk between PCaderived exosomes and the TME remains only partially understood. In this review, we provide new insights into the metabolic and molecular signatures of PCa-associated exosomes in reprogramming the TME, and the subsequent promotion of aggressive phenotypes of PCa cells. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms of TME reprogramming by exosomes draws more practical and universal conclusions for the development of new therapeutic interventions when considering TME in the treatment of PCa patients.

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