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Clearance by the rat of inhaled fly ash from fluidized-bed coal combustion.

Fly ash from a fluidized-bed coal combustor was neutron-activated and administered to male Fischer 344 rats by a single nose-only inhalation exposure. The activated fly ash contained 46Sc and smaller amounts of other gamma-emitting radionuclides. Whole-body clearance of radioactivity to 127 d was described by an exponential equation, with the long-term component having a biological half-life of 78 d. High-resolution gamma spectra of the lungs were obtained with a Ge(Li) detector and the relative activities of several fly ash constituents were compared. The activities of 152Eu, 134Cs, 54Mn, and 60Co significantly decreased with time relative to those of 46Sc and 59Fe. These results indicate that the clearance of fly ash is similar to that of other relatively insoluble particles and that some elements may have been preferentially dissolved from the fly ash particles in vivo.

Air Pollutants↗

Study of gel materials as radioactive 222Rn gas detectors.

Commercial hair gel material (polyvinyl pyrolydone triethanolamine carbopol in water) and bacteriological agar (phycocolloid extracted from a group of red-purple algae, usually Gelidium sp.) have been studied as radioactive radon gas detectors. The detection method is based on the diffusion of the radioactive gas in the gel material, and the subsequent measurement of trapped products of the natural decay of radon by gamma spectrometry. From the several radon daughters with gamma radiation emission (214Pb, 214Bi, 214Po, 210Pb, 210Po), two elements, 214Pb (0.352 MeV) and 214Bi (0.609 MeV), were chosen for the analysis in this work; in order to determine the best sensitivity, corrections were made for the short half-life of the analysed isotopes. For the gamma spectrometry analysis, a hyperpure germanium solid state detector was used, associated with a PC multichannel analyser card with Maestro and Microsoft Excel software. The results show the viability of the method: a linear response in a wide radon concentration range (450-10,000 Bq m(-3)), reproducibility of data, easy handling and low cost of the gel material. This detection methodology opens new possibilities for measurements of radon and other radioactive gases.

Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation↗

Electron microscopic autoradiographic localization of carbocromene in the coronary vessel walls and myocardium.

The ultrastructural distribution of 14-C- and the 3-H-carbocromene in monkeys and rats showed a characteristic pattern in the coronary artery wall and the heart muscle. The radioactivity was found to be located on the coronary vessel wall mainly in the tunica media over the smooth muscle cells and in the myocardium over the contractile elements and the mitochondria.

Administration, Oral↗

Low-affinity uptake of [3H]choline by rat neurointermediate lobe in vitro.

Uptake of [3H]choline by rat neurointermediate lobes in vitro was investigated. The rate of uptake showed saturation with concentration of [3H]choline above 120 microM. Lowering of the incubation temperature from 32 to 4 degrees C, or increasing the concentration of K+ in the incubation medium from 5 to 100 mM, diminished the rate of uptake by 83.8% (SEM 6.9%, n = 3) or 43.1% (SEM 13.5%, n = 3), respectively. Following preloading with [3H]choline, a slow efflux (1% of the content every 20 min) of [3H]radioactivity was observed from the perifused glands. This efflux was enhanced 10-fold by increasing the concentration of K+ in the perifusion medium to 100 mM. Neither the uptake of [3H]choline, nor the subsequent basal or potassium-enhanced efflux of [3H]radioactivity were affected by reducing the concentration of Na+ from 125 to 19 mM, or by including 10 microM hemicholinium-3 in the medium during preincubation and perifusion. Replacing Ca2+ by 0.5 mM EGTA during perifusion resulted in a minor decrease (28%, SEM 7.3%, n = 7) in the potassium-enhanced [3H]radioactivity efflux. This decrease occurred only in one of the two high-potassium periods during the perifusion. In conclusion, uptake of [3H]choline by rat neurointermediate lobes was due to a low-affinity, saturable mechanism, with the efflux of [3H]radioactivity most likely representing the depolarization-facilitated outflow of [3H]choline. Autoradiography of the tissue sections showed this uptake to be localized to both neuronal and glial elements of the neural lobe, in contrast to sparse labelling of pars intermedia.

Animals↗

Use of stable isotopes to assess protein and amino acid metabolism in children and adolescents: a brief review.

As protein accretion is a prerequisite for growth, studying the mechanisms by which nutrients and hormones promote protein gain is of the utmost relevance to paediatric endocrinology. Tracers are ideally suited for the assessment of protein and amino acid kinetics in vivo, as they provide an estimate of synthesis and turnover. Current tracer approaches in children and adolescents utilize stable isotopes, 'heavier' forms of elements that have one or several extra neutrons in the nucleus. Such isotopes are already present at low, but significant, levels in all tissues and foodstuffs, are not radioactive and are devoid of any known side-effects when present in small amounts. L-[1-(13)C] labelled leucine, given as a 4- to 6-h intravenous infusion, has become the method of choice to assess whole-body protein kinetics. After infusion, any 13C-leucine that is oxidized appears in the breath as 13CO2, whereas the remainder is incorporated into body proteins through protein synthesis. The isotope enrichments are determined by isotope ratio mass spectrometry and gas chromatography mass spectrometry, and absolute rates of whole-body protein synthesis, oxidation, and breakdown can be extrapolated. This approach has been used extensively to investigate the regulation of protein kinetics by nutrients and by hormones. Attempts have also been made to measure amino acid/protein metabolism in selected body compartments, and to measure the kinetics of specific tissue proteins, for example, muscle, gut, or plasma proteins.

Adolescent↗

Combined autoradiography and formaldehyde-induced fluorescence methods for localization of radioactively labeled substances in relation to monoamine neurons.

A combined technique of formaldehyde-induced fluorescence (FIF) and autoradiography is described for the localization of radioactively labeled substances in relation to monoamine neurons. This method permits the simultaneous visualization of 3H-labeled steroid hormone or drug uptake sites and fluorescing monoamine neural elements (cell bodies, fiber projections, terminals) in the same tissue section. Thin frozen sections cut in a cryostat are freeze-dried, exposed to formaldehyde vapor at 80 degrees C, and carried through dry-mount autoradiography processing steps before fluorescence microscopy screening. Subsequent histological staining of sections and light microscopy are employed for conventional autoradiogram screening. With this procedure, 3H-estradiol and 3H-dihydrotestosterone are localized in various catecholamine (CA) neurons in the diencephalon and lower brain stem of the rat. Also, catecholaminergic as well as noncatecholaminergic sex steroid target neurons are seen to be innervated by CA terminals in various rat brain regions.

Animals↗

[Genomic variation of laboratory strains and natural populations of Drosophila melanogaster exposed to X-irradiation].

The spontaneous and X-ray-induced mutation rates and spectrums were estimated in laboratory strains and natural populations of Drosophila melanogaster from the Chernobyl meltdown area. Laboratory strains Oregon R and y2w alpha 4 were stable. In all natural populations, the spontaneous mutation rate was an order of magnitude higher (10(-3)) than in laboratory strains. Irradiation at a total dose of 3000 R was shown to induce genetic instability in the stable laboratory strain y2w alpha 4 and to increase the mutation rate and spectrum range in the unstable natural population P1. A high level of genetic instability was observed both in the first and second generations. Genetic analysis by means of classical genetic and molecular methods was performed; in crosses, a collection of spontaneous and induced mutants was used. The molecular genetic nature of mutations at the white and cut loci was analyzed by Southern blot-hybridization. Mutations at the white locus were shown to result both from transposition and recombination events; cut mutations were caused by deletions.

Animals↗

[Struma ovarii or malignant ovarian goiter. A case].

BACKGROUND: We report a case of follicular struma ovarii observed in an ovary teratoma without metastatic dissemination. CASE REPORT: A right ovarian tumor was discovered at ultrasound examination in a 31-year-old woman complaining of low abdominal pain. The patient underwent laparoscopic exploration and a 4-cm cystic mass of the right ovary was removed. Microscopic examination showed a malignant struma ovarii of the follicular type with vascular space invasion; other teratomous elements were identified. Immunohistochemical staining for thyroglobulin confirmed the nature of the tumor. The patient was treated by complete right ovariectomy followed by total thyroidectomy and administration of radioactive iodine (99 mCi I-131). Repeat I-131 body scan performed at 6 months was normal. DISCUSSION: Struma ovarii is a rare type of ovarian teratoma, consisting mainly of thyroid tissue. The incidence of malignant struma ovarii is below 1% and fewer than two dozen cases with distant metastases have been reported. The major problem associated with struma ovarii has been the establishment of criteria for malignancy.

Adult↗

Sedimentation of formed elements in distally ischaemic flaps.

Our aim was to find out whether thrombosis has a key role in distally ischaemic flaps and whether heparin improves flap survival in distally ischaemic myocutaneous and pure skin flaps in pigs. In experiment 1 we measured the concentration of coagulation factors in the venous effluent from both viable flaps and distally ischaemic flaps. In experiment 2 radioactively labelled blood components (red cells, platelets and fibrinogen) were injected intravenously and the distribution of each tracer was measured. In experiment 3 either heparin or saline was given as a local, continuous direct intra-arterial infusion. Fluorescein was used in all experiments to estimate the eventual flap survival. Our results indicate that thrombosis is not an important factor in distal ischaemia, and that heparin did not improve survival. Instead, there seems to be selective pooling of formed elements in the ischaemic portion of the flap.

Animals↗

Identification of a region on the adenovirus E1A gene responsible for induction by phorbol ester tumor promoter.

12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) treatment induces human adenovirus (Ad) early region 1A (E1A) messenger ribonucleic acid expression in infected or Ad-transformed cells. Here, we report that deletion analysis has identified a TPA-responsive element (TRE) in the E1A enhancer region. Deletion analysis indicates that the TRE is located upstream of the E1A cap site between nucleotides -237 and -47. Incubation of extracts from TPA-treated cells with radioactively labeled deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fragments containing the TRE (-237 to -47) form specific DNA-protein complexes as demonstrated by gel shift analysis and Southwestern blotting. These experiments provide evidence that novel protein-DNA complexes are formed on a region of the E1A promoter required for TPA-enhanced expression. We speculate that these DNA-binding proteins may interact with the TRE and play a critical role in the mechanism through which TPA upregulates transcription from the Ad E1A gene.

Adenovirus E1A Proteins↗

Distribution of Np and Pu in Swedish lichen samples (Cladonia stellaris) contaminated by atmospheric fallout.

The activity concentrations of (237)Np and the two Pu isotopes, (239)Pu and (240)Pu, were determined in lichen samples (Cladonia stellaris) contaminated by fallout from atmospheric nuclear test explosions and the Chernobyl accident. The samples were collected at 18 locations in Sweden, from north to south, between 1986 and 1988 and analysed with high-resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HR-ICP-MS) and alpha spectrometry. Data on the activity ratios (238)Pu/(239+240)Pu and (134)Cs/(137)Cs measured previously were also included in this study for comparison. The (237)Np activity concentration ranged from 0.08 +/- 0.01 to 2.08 +/- 0.17 MBq kg(-1), depending on the location of the sampling site and time of collection. The (239+240)Pu activity concentration ranged from 0.09 +/- 0.01 to 4.09 +/- 0.15 Bq kg(-1), with the (240)Pu/(239)Pu atomic ratio ranging between 0.16 +/- 0.01 and 0.44 +/- 0.03, the higher ratios indicating a combination of weapons test fallout and Chernobyl fallout. The (237)Np/(239)Pu atomic ratios ranged between 0.06 +/- 0.01 and 0.42 +/- 0.04, the lower ratios indicating combination of weapons test fallout and Chernobyl fallout. At a well-defined sampling site at Lake Rogen (62.32 degrees N, 12.38 degrees E), additional lichen samples were collected between 1987 and 1998 to study the distribution of Np and Pu in different layers. The concentrations of the two elements follow each other quite well in the profile.

Air Pollutants, Radioactive↗

The application of electrets to passive Rn progeny dosimeters.

The theoretical and experimental bases are presented for development of a passive electret dosimeter for Rn progeny. The mechanism of aerosol collection is described, and experiments to develop a suitable aerosol collecting element (electret) for a passive Rn progeny dosimeter are reported.

Air Pollutants↗

[Distribution of ionizing radiation absorption in microstructures of a biosystem].

The method of determination of the gamma-radiation absorption distribution in microstructures of a biosystem is proposed. The absorption capacity and energy absorption distribution of some biomolecules, mass coefficients and optical density of blood and thyroid gland are calculated. Influence of the pollution of biosystem microstructures (liver, blood, thyroid, gland) by hard elements on the energy absorption distribution is demonstrated.

Air Pollution, Radioactive↗

[Effect of increased natural radioactivity on bone marrow morphology of Microtus oeconomus pall].

It was established that Microtus oeconomus Pall. living in territories with the increased radiation background exhibit focal myeloid hyperplasia in the bone marrow, changes in the maturation indices of erythroid and myeloid elements, increase in number of karyocytes due to the increase in their mitotic activity. It is suggested that activation of vole haemopoiesis is an adaptive reaction of the organism to the effect of the radioecological factor.

Animals↗

Mass spectrometry and isotopes: a century of research and discussion.

In 1815, the British physician William Prout had advanced the theory that the molecular masses of elements were multiples of the mass of hydrogen. This "whole number rule" (and especially deviations from it) played an important role in the discussion whether elements could be mixtures of isotopes. F. Soddy's discovery (1910) that lead obtained by decay of uranium and of thorium differed in mass was considered a peculiarity of radioactive materials. The question of the existence of isotopes came up when the instruments developed by J.J. Thomson and by W. Wien to study cathode and canal rays by deflection in electric and magnetic fields were steadily improved. In 1913, Thomson mentioned a weak line at mass 22 accompanying the expected one at mass 20 when he analyzed the mass spectrum of neon. Subsequently Aston obtained the mass spectrum of chlorine with masses at 35 and 37. Still in 1921, Thomson objected heavily to the idea of isotopes. The isotope problem was finally settled, but more accurate mass measurements showed that even isotopic weights differed to some extent from the whole numbers. Based on earlier ideas of P. Langevin and J.-L. Costa, F.W. Aston and A.J. Dempster developed the idea of packing fractions and mass defects due to the transformation of a portion of the matter comprising the atomic nucleus into energy. While the determination of the exact isotopic masses had improved over the years, the accurate determination of isotopic abundances remained a problem as long as photographic recording was used. Here especially A.O. Nier pioneered using dual collectors and compensation measurements. This was the prerequisite for the discovery that isotopic ratios varied somewhat in nature. M. Dole discovered the fractionation of oxygen isotopes by photosynthesis and respiration. Today 13C/12C-ratios are employed to detect adulterations of food and in doping analysis, and 14C/13C-ratios obtained by accelerator mass spectrometry are used for dating historical objects, just to give some examples.

Biomedical Research↗

A new genetic test for familial hyperaldosteronism type I aids in the detection of curable hypertension.

In Familial Hyperaldosteronism Type I (FH-I, glucocorticoid-suppressible hyperaldosteronism), a curable form of hypertension inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion, the underlying genetic defect is a "hybrid gene" in which 11 beta-hydroxylase gene regulatory elements are fused to the coding region of the aldosterone synthase gene. The detection of this hybrid gene by Southern blotting is time consuming and involves the use of radioactive isotopes. We describe a new, long polymerase chain reaction-based method for detecting the hybrid gene which greatly reduces the time required to obtain a result, avoids exposure of laboratory workers to radioactive materials, and will thereby facilitate the screening of patients for the presence of FH-I.

Bartter Syndrome↗