Sisko Salomaa | Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (original) (raw)
Papers by Sisko Salomaa
This report provides an update on the national radiation safety research programme and the activi... more This report provides an update on the national radiation safety research programme and the activities of the Consortium for Radiation Safety Research (Cores), giving more detail on radiation safety research carried out by the consortium members. While there has been long-standing cooperation between STUK and universities, such ties were further strengthened and formalised after the government decided to introduce a comprehensive reform of the Finnish research and innovation system in 2013. This subsequently led to the setting up of the national Consortium for Radiation Safety Research (Cores) and the formulation of a national programme on radiation safety research in Finland. The main goal of the government reform was to strengthen multidisciplinary, high-level research of social significance. One line of action was to deepen cooperation between research institutes and universities. To achieve this goal, the Resolution envisaged a step-by-step integration process leading to centres of competence (agreement-based consortia). According to the government policy, such agreement-based consortia must have common research equipment, laboratories and information resources (e.g. follow-up material, sample material, statistical and register material) as well as engage in close cooperation in research and education (e.g. sharing of mutually complementary competencies, joint professorships and duties, and shared staff). Based on the Government Resolution, a process was initiated to strengthen the cooperation between STUK and universities and to create a national research consortium that would carry out research on various aspects of ionising and non-ionising radiation safety. The agreement to set up the Consortium was signed between STUK and nine universities by 2015. In addition to STUK, the following universities signed the Consortium Agreement forming the Finnish Consortium for Radiation Safety Research (Cores), and contributed to the national programme:
Journal of Radiological Protection, 2021
This special issue of JRP includes a selection of research papers and review articles presented a... more This special issue of JRP includes a selection of research papers and review articles presented at the 15th Congress of the International Radiation Protection Association (IRPA15) as chosen by the scientific committee. All invited journal contributions are suitably expanded beyond the initial conference presentations to meet the criteria for a full journal article and include (a) presentation within a comprehensive radiological protection context and (b) additional data/interpretation. Published contributions address a wide spectrum of scientific topics and concepts to further develop the radiation protection (RP) system. They are based on scientific evidence and available experience in a wide spectrum of applications of the protection system. The IRPA is the international voice of the RP profession. It promotes excellence in RP by providing benchmarks of good practice, enhancing professional competence, and encourages the application of the highest standards of professional conduct...
International Journal of Radiation Biology, 2020
Since early April 2020, there has been intense debate over proposed clinical use of ionizing radi... more Since early April 2020, there has been intense debate over proposed clinical use of ionizing radiation to treat life-threatening pneumonia in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. At least twelve relevant papers appeared by 20 May 2020. The radiation dose proposed for clinical trials are a single dose (0.1-1 Gy) or two doses (a few mGy followed by 0.1-0.25 Gy involving a putative adaptive response, or 1-1.5 Gy in two fractions 2-3 days apart). The scientific rationale for such proposed so-called low dose radiotherapy (LDRT) is twofold (note that only doses below 0.1 Gy are considered as low doses in the field of radiation protection, but here we follow the term as conventionally used in the field of radiation oncology). Firstly, the potentially positive observations in human case series and biological studies in rodent models on viral or bacterial pneumonia that were conducted in the pre-antibiotic era. Secondly, the potential anti-inflammatory properties of LDRT, which have been seen when LDRT is applied locally to subacute degenerative joint diseases, mainly in Germany. However, the human and animal studies cited as supportive evidence have significant limitations, and whether LDRT produces anti-inflammatory effects in the inflamed lung or exacerbates ongoing COVID-19 damage remains unclear. Therefore, we conclude that the available scientific evidence does not justify clinical trials of LDRT for COVID-19 pneumonia, with unknown benefit and known mortality risks from radiogenic cancer and circulatory disease. Despite the significant uncertainties in these proposals, some clinical trials are ongoing and planned. This paper gives an overview of current situations surrounding LDRT for COVID-19 pneumonia.
International Journal of Radiation Biology, 2000
To determine the exact location of radiation-induced chromosomal breakpoints along the euchromati... more To determine the exact location of radiation-induced chromosomal breakpoints along the euchromatic or heterochromatic regions: G-light and G-dark bands, respectively. The distribution of radiation-induced chromosomal breakpoints was scored in human lymphocytes irradiated in vitro with 3 Gy of gamma-radiation. Image analysis was applied to combine G-banded and FISH-painted images of the human chromosome 1. A total of 195 chromosomal breakpoints in 176 cells with structural chromosomal aberrations was used for the present analysis. Radiation-induced breakpoints were found to be distributed randomly with respect to the p or q arms of chromosome 1 and specific band or band length, but more breakpoints were mapped to G-light than to G-dark bands, the difference being statistically significant. The results can well be interpreted in terms of concepts of existing models of nuclear architecture, chromatin structure and transcriptional activities of the chromatin, which can influence the induction of primary chromosomal aberrations by gamma-rays. Differential repair of randomly produced primary aberrations may also explain the non-random distribution of radiation-induced breakpoints.
Journal of Radiological Protection, 2021
During the last decade there has been remarkable integration of radiation protection research in ... more During the last decade there has been remarkable integration of radiation protection research in Europe, driven by six research platforms. The platforms are associations of research centres, university research groups and funding bodies in Member States that are dedicated to specialised areas of research in radiation protection, such as health risks (MELODI), radioecology (ALLIANCE), radiological emergencies (NERIS), dosimetry (EURADOS), medical use of radiation (EURAMED) and societal aspects (SHARE). Recently these platforms established an umbrella organisation MEENAS, to endorse further integration and joint activities in research, education and training, and infrastructures. A milestone in this process of integration and priority setting was achieved in 2020 when the first edition of the joint roadmap for radiation protection research was finalised. In this paper we describe the various roles for research and development in the radiation protection context, ranging from basic sci...
The main results of the EC project ‘Genomic instability and radiation-induced cancer’ (RADINSTAB)... more The main results of the EC project ‘Genomic instability and radiation-induced cancer’ (RADINSTAB) are reviewed and the potential implications of genomic instability and bystander effect for risk assessment and radiation protection discussed. A basic paradigm in radiobiology is that, after exposure to ionising radiation, the deposition of energy in the cell nucleus and the resulting damage to DNA, the primary target, are responsible for the harmful biological effects of radiation. The radiation-induced changes are thought to be fixed already in the first cell division following the radiation exposure and health effects are considered to result as a consequence of clonal proliferation of cells carrying mutations in specific genes. These basic assumptions have recently been challenged by new research findings on radiation-induced genomic instability and bystander effects, which are also called non-targeted effects as it appears that DNA is not the primary target for their induction.
During the period between 1949 and 1989 nuclear weapons testing carried out at the Semipalatinsk ... more During the period between 1949 and 1989 nuclear weapons testing carried out at the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site (STS) in Kazakhstan resulted in local fallout affecting the residents living in the vicinity of the STS. The STS has been the site for more than 450 nuclear tests and more than 1,5 million people were repeatedly exposed to ionizing radiation. In order to gain information on the magnitude of radiation exposure and genetic risk caused by protracted exposure to ionising radiation, a cohort of people exposed to the nuclear test fallout was studied. The villages included in the study are situated along the trail from the first Soviet surface nuclear test in August 1949 and another three surface explosions, which together contributed up to 85% of the collective effective dose to population. Members of 40 three-generation families, comprising 361 individuals, were selected according to preset criteria, interviewed and sampled. A matched control group of 250 persons from a nonc...
The Finnish Consortium for Radiation Safety Research (Cores) organized a symposium "Radiation in ... more The Finnish Consortium for Radiation Safety Research (Cores) organized a symposium "Radiation in the environment-scientific achievements and challenges for the society" in Helsinki on April 16-17, 2018. This report provides a compilation of the abstracts of the presentations, oral as well as posters, given in the symposium. The local organisers were University of Helsinki and STUK-Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority. The objective of the symposium was to bring together scientists working in the broad field of environmental radioactivity, in particular among the Cores consortium, as well as stakeholders and end-users of the research. The symposium also honored the long and esteemed career of Prof. Jukka Lehto in radiochemistry upon his retirement from the position of professor of radiochemistry at the University of Helsinki. Altogether 109 participants registered in the symposium. The topics for the symposium covered analytical radiochemistry and various aspects of environmental radiation and radioecological research, ranging from radioactive fallout and deposition of nuclear waste to naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) and radon, modelling of transfer of radioactive substances in the environment as well as the effects of environmental radiation exposure on man and the biota. A summary of the presentations in the oral sessions is given in the introduction to the report.
![Research paper thumbnail of Non-targeted effects of ionising radiation (NOTE) – a new European integrated project, 2006–2010 [abstract + poster]](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/78981395/thumbnails/1.jpg)
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Journal of Radiological Protection
It is increasingly recognised that stakeholder views can be essential for ascertaining the credib... more It is increasingly recognised that stakeholder views can be essential for ascertaining the credibility of those entrusted with protection of the public and workers against radiation risks, the robustness of the approaches to protection and the relevance of research underpinning radiation protection (RP). The CONCERT European Joint Programme of RP research included consideration of stakeholder views. These were evaluated by means of a publicly available survey, translated into 15 languages, to encourage responses from a wide range of European countries. The survey ran in 2017 and received some 1961 responses from many countries, although response rates varied widely between countries. The survey respondents were largely highly educated, with many having a professional connection to RP or the use of radiation in medicine or industry. Survey results indicated a high level of scientific/technical knowledge relevant to RP and indicated a general trust of most actors involved in the RP fi...
Journal of Radiological Protection
There is widespread recognition of the challenge of an ageing profession and the need to recruit,... more There is widespread recognition of the challenge of an ageing profession and the need to recruit, train and retain the next generation of radiation protection professionals. This challenge was the topic of a special session at the International Radiation Protection Association IRPA15 International Congress. It is necessary to address three key aspects: capturing the future professional: gaining RP knowledge and skills: addressing retention, development and career progression. We must support the flow of students into science-based topics and attractively promote our profession. The availability of university and other training courses, together with research opportunities, must be supported. Mentoring of young professionals is key, supported by empathetic seniors in the profession. The overall challenge necessitates cooperation across a wide range of organisations at both international and national level.
Environment International
International Journal of Radiation Biology
International Journal of Radiation Biology
Background: The circulatory system distributes nutrients, signaling molecules, and immune cells t... more Background: The circulatory system distributes nutrients, signaling molecules, and immune cells to vital organs and soft tissues. Epidemiological, animal, and in vitro cellular mechanistic studies have highlighted that exposure to ionizing radiation (IR) can induce molecular changes in cellular and subcellular milieus leading to long-term health impacts, particularly on the circulatory system. Although the mechanisms for the pathologies are not fully elucidated, endothelial dysfunction is proven to be a critical event via radiation-induced oxidative stress mediators. To delineate connectivities of events specifically to cardiovascular disease (CVD) initiation and progression, the adverse outcome pathway (AOP) approach was used with consultation from field experts. AOPs are a means to organize information around a disease of interest to a regulatory question. An AOP begins with a molecular initiating event and ends in an adverse outcome via sequential linkages of key event relationships that are supported by evidence in the form of the modified Bradford-Hill criteria. Detailed guidelines on building AOPs are provided by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) AOP program. Here, we report on the questions and discussions needed to develop an AOP for CVD resulting from IR exposure. A recent workshop jointly organized by the MELODI (Multidisciplinary European Low Dose Initiative) and the ALLIANCE (European Radioecology Alliance) associations brought together experts from the OECD to present the AOP approach and tools with examples from the toxicology field. As part of this workshop, four working groups were formed to discuss the identification of adverse outcomes relevant to radiation exposures and development of potential AOPs, one of which was focused on IR-induced cardiovascular effects. Each working group comprised subject matter experts and radiation researchers interested in the specific disease area and included an AOP coach. Conclusion: The CVD working group identified the critical questions of interest for AOP development, including the exposure scenario that would inform the evidence, the mechanisms of toxicity, the initiating event, intermediate key events/relationships, and the type of data currently available. This commentary describes the four-day discussion of the CVD working group, its outcomes, and demonstrates how collaboration and expert consultation is vital to informing AOP construction.
International Journal of Radiation Biology
This report provides an update on the national radiation safety research programme and the activi... more This report provides an update on the national radiation safety research programme and the activities of the Consortium for Radiation Safety Research (Cores), giving more detail on radiation safety research carried out by the consortium members. While there has been long-standing cooperation between STUK and universities, such ties were further strengthened and formalised after the government decided to introduce a comprehensive reform of the Finnish research and innovation system in 2013. This subsequently led to the setting up of the national Consortium for Radiation Safety Research (Cores) and the formulation of a national programme on radiation safety research in Finland. The main goal of the government reform was to strengthen multidisciplinary, high-level research of social significance. One line of action was to deepen cooperation between research institutes and universities. To achieve this goal, the Resolution envisaged a step-by-step integration process leading to centres of competence (agreement-based consortia). According to the government policy, such agreement-based consortia must have common research equipment, laboratories and information resources (e.g. follow-up material, sample material, statistical and register material) as well as engage in close cooperation in research and education (e.g. sharing of mutually complementary competencies, joint professorships and duties, and shared staff). Based on the Government Resolution, a process was initiated to strengthen the cooperation between STUK and universities and to create a national research consortium that would carry out research on various aspects of ionising and non-ionising radiation safety. The agreement to set up the Consortium was signed between STUK and nine universities by 2015. In addition to STUK, the following universities signed the Consortium Agreement forming the Finnish Consortium for Radiation Safety Research (Cores), and contributed to the national programme:
Journal of Radiological Protection, 2021
This special issue of JRP includes a selection of research papers and review articles presented a... more This special issue of JRP includes a selection of research papers and review articles presented at the 15th Congress of the International Radiation Protection Association (IRPA15) as chosen by the scientific committee. All invited journal contributions are suitably expanded beyond the initial conference presentations to meet the criteria for a full journal article and include (a) presentation within a comprehensive radiological protection context and (b) additional data/interpretation. Published contributions address a wide spectrum of scientific topics and concepts to further develop the radiation protection (RP) system. They are based on scientific evidence and available experience in a wide spectrum of applications of the protection system. The IRPA is the international voice of the RP profession. It promotes excellence in RP by providing benchmarks of good practice, enhancing professional competence, and encourages the application of the highest standards of professional conduct...
International Journal of Radiation Biology, 2020
Since early April 2020, there has been intense debate over proposed clinical use of ionizing radi... more Since early April 2020, there has been intense debate over proposed clinical use of ionizing radiation to treat life-threatening pneumonia in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. At least twelve relevant papers appeared by 20 May 2020. The radiation dose proposed for clinical trials are a single dose (0.1-1 Gy) or two doses (a few mGy followed by 0.1-0.25 Gy involving a putative adaptive response, or 1-1.5 Gy in two fractions 2-3 days apart). The scientific rationale for such proposed so-called low dose radiotherapy (LDRT) is twofold (note that only doses below 0.1 Gy are considered as low doses in the field of radiation protection, but here we follow the term as conventionally used in the field of radiation oncology). Firstly, the potentially positive observations in human case series and biological studies in rodent models on viral or bacterial pneumonia that were conducted in the pre-antibiotic era. Secondly, the potential anti-inflammatory properties of LDRT, which have been seen when LDRT is applied locally to subacute degenerative joint diseases, mainly in Germany. However, the human and animal studies cited as supportive evidence have significant limitations, and whether LDRT produces anti-inflammatory effects in the inflamed lung or exacerbates ongoing COVID-19 damage remains unclear. Therefore, we conclude that the available scientific evidence does not justify clinical trials of LDRT for COVID-19 pneumonia, with unknown benefit and known mortality risks from radiogenic cancer and circulatory disease. Despite the significant uncertainties in these proposals, some clinical trials are ongoing and planned. This paper gives an overview of current situations surrounding LDRT for COVID-19 pneumonia.
International Journal of Radiation Biology, 2000
To determine the exact location of radiation-induced chromosomal breakpoints along the euchromati... more To determine the exact location of radiation-induced chromosomal breakpoints along the euchromatic or heterochromatic regions: G-light and G-dark bands, respectively. The distribution of radiation-induced chromosomal breakpoints was scored in human lymphocytes irradiated in vitro with 3 Gy of gamma-radiation. Image analysis was applied to combine G-banded and FISH-painted images of the human chromosome 1. A total of 195 chromosomal breakpoints in 176 cells with structural chromosomal aberrations was used for the present analysis. Radiation-induced breakpoints were found to be distributed randomly with respect to the p or q arms of chromosome 1 and specific band or band length, but more breakpoints were mapped to G-light than to G-dark bands, the difference being statistically significant. The results can well be interpreted in terms of concepts of existing models of nuclear architecture, chromatin structure and transcriptional activities of the chromatin, which can influence the induction of primary chromosomal aberrations by gamma-rays. Differential repair of randomly produced primary aberrations may also explain the non-random distribution of radiation-induced breakpoints.
Journal of Radiological Protection, 2021
During the last decade there has been remarkable integration of radiation protection research in ... more During the last decade there has been remarkable integration of radiation protection research in Europe, driven by six research platforms. The platforms are associations of research centres, university research groups and funding bodies in Member States that are dedicated to specialised areas of research in radiation protection, such as health risks (MELODI), radioecology (ALLIANCE), radiological emergencies (NERIS), dosimetry (EURADOS), medical use of radiation (EURAMED) and societal aspects (SHARE). Recently these platforms established an umbrella organisation MEENAS, to endorse further integration and joint activities in research, education and training, and infrastructures. A milestone in this process of integration and priority setting was achieved in 2020 when the first edition of the joint roadmap for radiation protection research was finalised. In this paper we describe the various roles for research and development in the radiation protection context, ranging from basic sci...
The main results of the EC project ‘Genomic instability and radiation-induced cancer’ (RADINSTAB)... more The main results of the EC project ‘Genomic instability and radiation-induced cancer’ (RADINSTAB) are reviewed and the potential implications of genomic instability and bystander effect for risk assessment and radiation protection discussed. A basic paradigm in radiobiology is that, after exposure to ionising radiation, the deposition of energy in the cell nucleus and the resulting damage to DNA, the primary target, are responsible for the harmful biological effects of radiation. The radiation-induced changes are thought to be fixed already in the first cell division following the radiation exposure and health effects are considered to result as a consequence of clonal proliferation of cells carrying mutations in specific genes. These basic assumptions have recently been challenged by new research findings on radiation-induced genomic instability and bystander effects, which are also called non-targeted effects as it appears that DNA is not the primary target for their induction.
During the period between 1949 and 1989 nuclear weapons testing carried out at the Semipalatinsk ... more During the period between 1949 and 1989 nuclear weapons testing carried out at the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site (STS) in Kazakhstan resulted in local fallout affecting the residents living in the vicinity of the STS. The STS has been the site for more than 450 nuclear tests and more than 1,5 million people were repeatedly exposed to ionizing radiation. In order to gain information on the magnitude of radiation exposure and genetic risk caused by protracted exposure to ionising radiation, a cohort of people exposed to the nuclear test fallout was studied. The villages included in the study are situated along the trail from the first Soviet surface nuclear test in August 1949 and another three surface explosions, which together contributed up to 85% of the collective effective dose to population. Members of 40 three-generation families, comprising 361 individuals, were selected according to preset criteria, interviewed and sampled. A matched control group of 250 persons from a nonc...
The Finnish Consortium for Radiation Safety Research (Cores) organized a symposium "Radiation in ... more The Finnish Consortium for Radiation Safety Research (Cores) organized a symposium "Radiation in the environment-scientific achievements and challenges for the society" in Helsinki on April 16-17, 2018. This report provides a compilation of the abstracts of the presentations, oral as well as posters, given in the symposium. The local organisers were University of Helsinki and STUK-Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority. The objective of the symposium was to bring together scientists working in the broad field of environmental radioactivity, in particular among the Cores consortium, as well as stakeholders and end-users of the research. The symposium also honored the long and esteemed career of Prof. Jukka Lehto in radiochemistry upon his retirement from the position of professor of radiochemistry at the University of Helsinki. Altogether 109 participants registered in the symposium. The topics for the symposium covered analytical radiochemistry and various aspects of environmental radiation and radioecological research, ranging from radioactive fallout and deposition of nuclear waste to naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) and radon, modelling of transfer of radioactive substances in the environment as well as the effects of environmental radiation exposure on man and the biota. A summary of the presentations in the oral sessions is given in the introduction to the report.
Journal of Radiological Protection
It is increasingly recognised that stakeholder views can be essential for ascertaining the credib... more It is increasingly recognised that stakeholder views can be essential for ascertaining the credibility of those entrusted with protection of the public and workers against radiation risks, the robustness of the approaches to protection and the relevance of research underpinning radiation protection (RP). The CONCERT European Joint Programme of RP research included consideration of stakeholder views. These were evaluated by means of a publicly available survey, translated into 15 languages, to encourage responses from a wide range of European countries. The survey ran in 2017 and received some 1961 responses from many countries, although response rates varied widely between countries. The survey respondents were largely highly educated, with many having a professional connection to RP or the use of radiation in medicine or industry. Survey results indicated a high level of scientific/technical knowledge relevant to RP and indicated a general trust of most actors involved in the RP fi...
Journal of Radiological Protection
There is widespread recognition of the challenge of an ageing profession and the need to recruit,... more There is widespread recognition of the challenge of an ageing profession and the need to recruit, train and retain the next generation of radiation protection professionals. This challenge was the topic of a special session at the International Radiation Protection Association IRPA15 International Congress. It is necessary to address three key aspects: capturing the future professional: gaining RP knowledge and skills: addressing retention, development and career progression. We must support the flow of students into science-based topics and attractively promote our profession. The availability of university and other training courses, together with research opportunities, must be supported. Mentoring of young professionals is key, supported by empathetic seniors in the profession. The overall challenge necessitates cooperation across a wide range of organisations at both international and national level.
Environment International
International Journal of Radiation Biology
International Journal of Radiation Biology
Background: The circulatory system distributes nutrients, signaling molecules, and immune cells t... more Background: The circulatory system distributes nutrients, signaling molecules, and immune cells to vital organs and soft tissues. Epidemiological, animal, and in vitro cellular mechanistic studies have highlighted that exposure to ionizing radiation (IR) can induce molecular changes in cellular and subcellular milieus leading to long-term health impacts, particularly on the circulatory system. Although the mechanisms for the pathologies are not fully elucidated, endothelial dysfunction is proven to be a critical event via radiation-induced oxidative stress mediators. To delineate connectivities of events specifically to cardiovascular disease (CVD) initiation and progression, the adverse outcome pathway (AOP) approach was used with consultation from field experts. AOPs are a means to organize information around a disease of interest to a regulatory question. An AOP begins with a molecular initiating event and ends in an adverse outcome via sequential linkages of key event relationships that are supported by evidence in the form of the modified Bradford-Hill criteria. Detailed guidelines on building AOPs are provided by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) AOP program. Here, we report on the questions and discussions needed to develop an AOP for CVD resulting from IR exposure. A recent workshop jointly organized by the MELODI (Multidisciplinary European Low Dose Initiative) and the ALLIANCE (European Radioecology Alliance) associations brought together experts from the OECD to present the AOP approach and tools with examples from the toxicology field. As part of this workshop, four working groups were formed to discuss the identification of adverse outcomes relevant to radiation exposures and development of potential AOPs, one of which was focused on IR-induced cardiovascular effects. Each working group comprised subject matter experts and radiation researchers interested in the specific disease area and included an AOP coach. Conclusion: The CVD working group identified the critical questions of interest for AOP development, including the exposure scenario that would inform the evidence, the mechanisms of toxicity, the initiating event, intermediate key events/relationships, and the type of data currently available. This commentary describes the four-day discussion of the CVD working group, its outcomes, and demonstrates how collaboration and expert consultation is vital to informing AOP construction.
International Journal of Radiation Biology