CORRECTING SYSTEMIC DEFICIENCIES IN OUR SCIENTIFIC INFRASTRUCTURE

Scientific method is inherently self-correcting. When different hypotheses are proposed, their study would result in the rejection of the invalid ones. If the study of a competing hypothesis is prevented because of the faith in an unverified one, scientific progress is stalled. This has happened in the study of low dose radiation. Though radiation hormesis was hypothesized to reduce cancers in 1980, it could not be studied in humans because of the faith in the unverified linear no-threshold model hypothesis, likely resulting in over 15 million preventable cancer deaths worldwide during the past two decades, since evidence has accumulated supporting the validity of the phenomenon of radiation hormesis. Since our society has been guided by scientific advisory committees that ostensibly follow the scientific method, the long duration of such large casualties is indicative of systemic deficiencies in the infrastructure that has evolved in our society for the application of science. Some of these deficiencies have been identified in a few elements of the scientific infrastructure, and remedial steps suggested. Identifying and correcting such deficiencies may prevent similar tolls in the future

EVIDENCE SUPPORTING RADIATION HORMESIS IN ATOMIC BOMB SURVIVOR CANCER MORTALITY DATA

A recent update on the atomic bomb survivor cancer mortality data has concluded that excess relative risk (ERR) for solid cancers increases linearly with dose and that zero dose is the best estimate for the threshold, apparently validating the present use of the linear no threshold (LNT) model for estimating the cancer risk from low dose radiation. A major flaw in the standard ERR formalism for estimating cancer risk from radiation (and other carcinogens) is that it ignores the potential for a large systematic bias in the measured baseline cancer mortality rate, which can have a major effect on the ERR values. Cancer rates are highly variable from year to year and between adjacent regions and so the likelihood of such a bias is high. Calculations show that a correction for such a bias can lower the ERRs in the atomic bomb survivor data to negative values for intermediate doses. This is consistent with the phenomenon of radiation hormesis, providing a rational explanation for the decreased risk of cancer observed at intermediate doses for which there is no explanation based on the LNT model. The recent atomic bomb survivor data provides additional evidence for radiation hormesis in humans

LOW DOSE RADIATION ADAPTIVE PROTECTION TO CONTROL NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASES

Concerns have been expressed recently regarding the observed increased DNA damage from activities such as thinking and exercise. Such concerns have arisen from an incomplete accounting of the full effects of the increased oxidative damage. When the effects of the induced adaptive protective responses such as increased antioxidants and DNA repair enzymes are taken into consideration, there would be less endogenous DNA damage during the subsequent period of enhanced defenses, resulting in improved health from the thinking and exercise activities. Low dose radiation (LDR), which causes oxidative stress and increased DNA damage, upregulates adaptive protection systems that may decrease diseases in an analogous manner. Though there are ongoing debates regarding LDR’s carcinogenicity, with two recent advisory committee reports coming to opposite conclusions, data published since the time of the reports have overwhelmingly ruled out its carcinogenicity, paving the way for consideration of its potential use for disease reduction. LDR adaptive protection is a promising approach to control neurodegenerative diseases, for which there are no methods of prevention or cure. Preparation of a compelling ethics case would pave the way for LDR clinical studies and progress in dealing with neurodegenerative diseases

LINEAR NO-THRESHOLD MODEL VS. RADIATION HORMESIS

The atomic bomb survivor cancer mortality data have been used in the past to justify the use of the linear no-threshold (LNT) model for estimating the carcinogenic effects of low dose radiation. An analysis of the recently updated atomic bomb survivor cancer mor- tality dose-response data shows that the data no longer support the LNT model but are consistent with a radiation hormesis model when a correction is applied for a likely bias in the baseline cancer mortality rate. If the validity of the phenomenon of radiation hormesis is confirmed in prospective human pilot studies, and is applied to the wider pop- ulation, it could result in a considerable reduction in cancers. The idea of using radiation hormesis to prevent cancers was proposed more than three decades ago, but was never investigated in humans to determine its validity because of the dominance of the LNT model and the consequent carcinogenic concerns regarding low dose radiation. Since cancer continues to be a major health problem and the age-adjusted cancer mortality rates have declined by only ~10% in the past 45 years, it may be prudent to investigate radiation hormesis as an alternative approach to reduce cancers. Prompt action is urged

The Risk of Cancer from CT Scans and Other Sources of Low-Dose Radiation: A Critical Appraisal of Methodologic Quality

AbstractIntroduction: Concern exists that radiation exposure from computerized tomography (CT) will cause thousands of malignancies. Other experts share the same perspective regarding the risk from additional sources of low-dose ionizing radiation, such as the releases from Three Mile Island (1979; Pennsylvania USA) and Fukushima (2011; Okuma, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan) nuclear power plant disasters. If this premise is false, the fear of cancer leading patients and physicians to avoid CT scans and disaster responders to initiate forcedevacuations is unfounded.Study Objective: This investigation provides a quantitative evaluation of the methodologic quality of studies to determine the evidentiary strength supporting or refuting a causal relationshipbetween low-dose radiation and cancer. It will assess the number of higher qualitystudies that support or question the role of low-dose radiation in oncogenesis.Methods: This investigation is a systematic, methodologic review of articles published from 1975–2017 examining cancer risk from external low-dose x-ray and gamma radiation, defined as less than 200 millisievert (mSv). Following the PRISMA guidelines, the authors performed a search of the PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Methodologies of selected articles were scored using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS) and a tool identifying 11 lower quality indicators. Manuscript methodologies were rankedas higher quality if they scored no lower than seven out of nine on the NOS and contained no more than two lower quality indicators. Investigators then characterized articles as supporting or not supporting a causal relationship between low-dose radiation and cancer.Results: Investigators identified 4,382 articles for initial review. A total of 62 articles met all inclusion/exclusion criteria and were evaluated in this study. Quantitative evaluation of the manuscripts’ methodologic strengths found 25 studies met higher quality criteria while 37 studies met lower quality criteria. Of the 25 studies with higher quality methods, 21 out of 25did not support cancer induction by low-dose radiation (P = .0003).Conclusions: A clear preponderance of articles with higher quality methods found no increased risk of cancer from low-dose radiation. The evidence suggests that exposure to multiple CT scans and other sources of low-dose radiation with a cumulative dose up to 100 mSv (approximately 10 scans), and possibly as high as 200 mSv (approximately 20 scans), does not increase cancer risk

A Study on Kudal Kirumi

AIM AND OBJECTIVES: AIM: Kudal Kirumi (Worm infestations) is prevalent world wide and more in regions with poor standards of personal and food hygiene and inadequate sanitation. It is said that 40% of world’s population are affected. In tropics expecially children are more prone to infestation due to over crowding and lack of knowledge. The principle aim of study of Kudal Kirumi with clinical study is to collect and review the views and ideas of the ancient Siddhars about this disease, having this basic aim in mind the following aim have been drawn. OBJECTIVE: 1. To make a clinical study on the basis of Siddha Literature. 2. To utilize the diagnostic methods mentioned by the Siddhars. 3. To make a comparative study on Naakkupuchi Noi and Masarai Puzhu Noi regarding their incidence & their effects on age, sex, occupation, etc. 4. To know the extent of correlation of aetiology, signs and symptoms of Naakkupuchi Noi with Ascariasis and Masarai Puzhu Noi with Giardiasis. 5. To use modern parameters in the investigation of the disease that enhances to observe the progress of the patient. 6. To have clinical trial on Kudal Kirumi with Vidangathi Chooranam. 7. To do the Pharmacological and Bio-chemical analysis of the drug. 8. To high light the factors like diet, land climate condition and mainly the hygienic measures in the incidence Naakkupuchi Noi & Masarai Puzhu Noi. 9. To make an awareness about the disease and counselling to the patients about the hygienic life. SUUMARY Infection is most prevalent in tropical and subtropical climates due to lack of sanitary facilities or the use of human faeces as fertilizer (night soil). Infection may also be acquired through ingestion of contaminated fruits and vegetables. Most infected individuals are asymptomatic due to low worm load. Clinical manifestations occur due to intestinal complications. Twenty patients from both sexes of different age groups were selected and a careful detailed history was elicited and diagnosis was made on both the siddha and modern methodology. Among 20 persons 12 were male and 8 were female. The patients were treated with “Vidangathi Chooranam” internally in the in-patient ward of postgraduate Kuzhanthai marathuvam department. Modern investigation also be done. Some of the patients varied in sex, age & in all other respect such as socio-economic status. I took a statistics with the aid of details mentioned in the case sheet. The detailed clinical analysis of the trail drug is done in the Bio- Chemical laboratory in Government siddha medical college, Palayamkottai. The pharmacological analysis of trial drug was done in the dept. of pharmacology in Government Siddha Madical College, Palayamkottai. The drug Vidangathi Chooranam is having good laxative action, very good anti spasmodic action and good antihistamine action. During the course of treatment no signs of complications were reported & recorded. On the basis of clinical results achieved with the evidences of faeces examination at the time of admission and discharge the Vidangathi Chooranam” was proved to be more effective in anthelmintic action for Ascariasis and for Giardiasis, where more than 80% of the cases were completely relieved. CONCLUSION In this clinical study results were found to be satisfactory. Almost the clinical feature of Naakku Puchi correlates with Ascariasis and Masaraipuzhu noi with Giardiasis. The results revealted that the predisposing factors for Naakku Puchi Noi and Masaraipuzhu Noi were contaminated food, unhygienic habits, lack of environmental sanitation and poor socioeconomic condition of the affected person. The trail drug Vidangathi chooranam was effective and given good results in the present research finding show that 80% cases how been completed cured and 20% cases showed moterate relief study. The preparation and administration of the trail drug was very simple economically cheap, easily available. Clinically the drugs are free from adverse effects. So it is concluded that the drug Vidangathi Chooranam was very effective in the treatment of Naakku Puchi Noi and Masaraipuzhu Noi

ANTIDIABETIC ACTIVITY OF BACOLEPIS NERVOSA (WIGHT AND ARN.) DECNE. EX MOQ. EXTRACT ON ALLOXAN INDUCED DIABETIC RATS

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ethanol extracts of stem and leaf of Bacolepis nervosa as antihyperglycemic, anti-hyperlipidemic and antioxidant activity in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Methods: Diabetes was induced in wistar albino rats by administration of alloxan monohydrate (150 mg/kg). The ethanol extract of B. nervosa leaf and stem at a dose of 150 and 300 mg/kg body weight was administrated at a single dose per day to diabetes-induced rats for a period of 14 d. The effect of ethanol extract of B. nervosa leaf and stem on blood glucose, insulin, urea, creatinine, HbA1C, serum protein, albumin, globulin, serum enzymes, serum lipid profiles, lipid peroxidase (LPO) and antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and reduced glutathione (GSH) were measured in the diabetic rats.Results: The ethanol extract of B. nervosa stem and leaf elicited significant reduction in blood glucose (p<0.001), serum enzymes (SGPT, SGOT, ALP) (p<0.01), lipid parameters (TC, TG, VLDL-LDL, PL) (p<0.01) except HDL-C and significantly increased insulin (p<0.01), HDL-C (p<0.05),, GPx, GSH, SOD and CAT (p<0.05) at the dose of 300 mg/kg when compared with the diabetic-induced control.Conclusion: From the above results, it is concluded that ethanol extracts of B. nervosa leaf and stem possesses significant antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant effect in alloxan induced diabetic rats

Croton sparsiflorus whole plant extract mediated biosynthesis of metallic silver nanoparticles and their antibacterial activity

In the present study, the potential of aqueous whole plant extract of Croton sparsiflorus for biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was evaluated. The formation of AgNPs was confirmed by color changes and UV- Visible spectroscopy, which showed absorbance maxima peak at 417nm. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis confirmed the particle size and x-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the crystalline character of AgNPs. AFM analysis also confirmed the surface morphology of synthesized AgNPs. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) authorized the presence of alcoholic and phenolic groups played an important reduction role in the synthesis process. It shows the antibacterial efficiency against gram negative bacteria, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Salmonella paratyphi. From the results, it is suggested that green synthesized AgNPs could be used effective in future biomedical engineering. Keywords: Croton sparsiflorus, Green synthesis, Silver nanoparticles, X-ray diffraction, Antibacterial activity

COMMENTARY: ETHICAL ISSUES OF CURRENT HEALTH-PROTECTION POLICIES ON LOW-DOSE IONIZING RADIATION

The linear no-threshold (LNT) model of ionizing-radiation-induced cancer is based on the assumption that every radiation dose increment constitutes increased cancer risk for humans. The risk is hypothesized to increase linearly as the total dose increases. While this model is the basis for radiation safety regulations, its scientific validity has been questioned and debated for many decades. The recent memorandum of the International Commission on Radiological Protection admits that the LNT-model predictions at low doses are “speculative, unproven, undetectable and ‘phantom’.” Moreover, numerous experimental, ecological, and epidemiological studies show that low doses of sparsely-ionizing or sparsely-ionizing plus highly-ionizing radiation may be beneficial to human health (hormesis/adaptive response). The present LNT-model-based regulations impose excessive costs on the society. For example, the median-cost medical program is 5000 times more cost-efficient in saving lives than controlling radiation emissions. There are also lives lost: e.g., following Fukushima accident, more than 1000 disaster-related yet non-radiogenic premature deaths were officially registered among the population evacuated due to radiation concerns. Additional negative impacts of LNT-model-inspired radiophobia include: refusal of some patients to undergo potentially life-saving medical imaging; discouragement of the study of low-dose radiation therapies; motivation for radiological terrorism and promotion of nuclear proliferation

Changing the Paradigm of Cancer Screening, Prevention, and Treatment

The war on cancer has been fought during the past several decades primarily based on the somatic mutation model of cancer. This has resulted in the emphasis on cancer screening and elimination of any detected cancerous/precancerous cells as the primary method of cancer prevention. This approach has reduced mortality from some cancers, but age-adjusted cancer mortality rates continue to be high. The lack of significant progress in reducing cancer mortality rates may be indicative of a fundamental flaw in the cancer model used. An alternative model of cancer is the immune suppression model of cancer based on the tremendous increase in cancers when the immune system is suppressed. According to this model, the key carcinogenic event is the suppression of the immune system which enables the already existing covert cancers to grow uncontrollably, causing cancer. Hence, cancer screening would consist of identifying those with weak immune system response. The primary mode of cancer prevention and treatment would be boosting of the immune system, for example, through exercise, infection, and low-dose radiation, as they are all known to enhance immune system response and reduce cancers. There is sufficient evidence to justify clinical trials of this approach for cancer screening, prevention, and treatment