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PubMed2006

Hypothetical HTLV-I induction by ionizing radiation.

Some laboratories have reported HTLV-I genome integration in cancer patients diagnosed with neoplasms of cervix and uterus. Usually, cancer patients undergo radiotherapy besides chemotherapy and surgery. It is hypothesized that radiation exposure would induce HTLV-I genome generation/activation, nevertheless there is not any report on experimental procedures trying to demonstrate HTLV-I gene expression in cells exposed to ionizing radiation. Anyway, earlier experimental works by Lieberman and Kaplan in 1959 succeeded to isolate retroviral particles, the radiation leukemia virus (RadLV), from thymic lymphomas of X-ray-irradiated C57BL/Ka mice, assuming that RadLV activated in the host by ionizing radiation, is released and transported to the thymus, where lymphoblasts, generated during the postradiation recovery phase, constitute an optimal target cell population for both replication of and eventual transformation by virus. Recent studies claim that besides RadLV, another retrovirus (RadLV-0) also induced by ionizing radiation is expressed and would be responsible for transformed cells of bone marrow origin. Epidemiological studies coincidentally point out to high incidence of HTLV-I infection in geographic areas displaying significant levels of radioactivity contamination as in Central Africa, Japan Islands and Mururoa Atoll. In our research work, we detected HTLV-I antibodies and viral genome integration in cancer patients of cervix and uterus and health care workers, whose had been exposed to ionizing radiation during radiotherapeutic procedures. Recombinational events among endogenous retrovirus and other retrogenic elements in the host cell genome under the bombardment of ionizing radiation from different sources could have optimized the phenomena occurrence or even ignited them to happen, generating HTLV-I genome, related viral peptides and virions. Therefore, it is feasible that exposure to ionizing radiation during therapeutic procedures could generate HTLV-I genome or induce the virus to be expressed in cells of cancer patients submitted to radiotherapy as also in healthy subjects under the same conditions, in artificial or natural radiation environment.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Multi-resolution Bayesian regression in PET dynamic studies using wavelets.

In the kinetic analysis of dynamic PET data, one usually posits that the variation of the data through one dimension, time, can be described by a mathematical model encapsulating the relevant physiological features of the radioactive tracer. In this work, we posit that the remaining dimension, space, can also be modeled as a physiological feature, and we introduce this concept into a new computational procedure for the production of parametric maps. An organ and, in the instance considered here, the brain presents similarities in the physiological properties of its elements across scales: computationally, this similarity can be implemented in two stages. Firstly, a multi-scale decomposition of the dynamic frames is created through the wavelet transform. Secondly, kinetic analysis is performed in wavelet space and the kinetic parameters estimated at low resolution are used as priors to inform estimates at higher resolutions. Kinetic analysis in the above scheme is achieved by extension of the Patlak analysis through Bayesian linear regression that retains the simplicity and speed of the original procedure. Application to artificial and real data (FDG and FDOPA) demonstrates the ability of the procedure to reduce remarkably the variance of parametric maps (up to 4-fold reduction) without introducing sizeable bias. Significance of the methodology and extension of the procedure to other data (fMRI) and models are discussed.

Bayes Theorem↗

PubMed2005

Uranium contents and (235)U/(238)U atom ratios in soil and earthworms in western Kosovo after the 1999 war.

The uranium content and (235)U/(238)U atom ratio were determined in soils and earthworms of an area of Kosovo (Djakovica garrison), heavily shelled with depleted uranium (DU) ammunition during the 1999 war. The aim of the study was to reconstruct the small-scale distribution of uranium and assess the influence of the DU added to the surface environment. The total uranium concentration and the (235)U/(238)U ratio of topsoils showed great variability and were inversely correlated. The highest uranium levels (up to 31.47 mg kg(-1)) and lowest (235)U/(238)U ratios (minimum 0.002147) were measured in topsoils collected inside, or very close to, the clusters of DU penetrator holes. Regarding the fractionation of uranium in the surface soils, the uranium concentrations in the soluble and exchangeable fractions increased as the total uranium concentration of the topsoils increased. High and rather uniform percentage contents of uranium (24-36%) were associated with the poorly crystalline iron oxide phases of soils. In the U-enriched soils the elevated levels of the element were probably due to the presence of very small, unevenly distributed oxidized DU particles. The total uranium concentration in earthworms was in the range 0.142-0.656 mg kg(-1), with the highest concentrations in Lumbricus terrestris. The juveniles of all three studied species seemed to accumulate uranium more than adults, probably due to age-related differences in metabolism. The (235)U/(238)U ratio in the earthworms was variable (0.005241-0.007266) and independent of both the total uranium contents in soils and the absolute uranium levels in the animals. Bioconcentration was greater at lower U concentrations in soil, probably due to an increasing rate of elimination of uranium by the earthworms as the soil contents of the element increase. The results of this study clearly indicate that DU was added to the soil of the study area. Nevertheless, the phenomenon was very limited spatially and the total uranium concentrations fell within the natural range of the element in soils. Moreover, the absolute uranium concentrations indicate that there was no contamination of the earthworm species studied.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Effects of progressive anoxia on the solubility of technetium in sediments.

Technetium is a significant radioactive contaminant from nuclear fuel cycle operations. It is highly mobile in its oxic form (as Tc(VII)O4-) but is scavenged to sediments in its reduced forms (predominantly Tc(IV)). Here we examine the behavior of Tc at low concentrations and as microbial anoxia develops in sediment microcosms. A cascade of stable-element terminal-electron-accepting processes developed in microcosms due to indigenous microbial activity. TcO4- removal from solution occurred during active microbial Fe(III) reduction, which generated Fe(II) in the sediments and was complete before sulfate reduction began. Microbial community analysis revealed a similar and complex microbial population at all three sample sites. At the intermediate salinity site, PauII, a broad range of NO3-, Mn(IV), Fe(III), and SO4(2-) reducers were present in sediments including microbes with the potential to reduce Fe(III) to Fe(II), although no differences in the microbial population were discerned as anoxia developed. When sterilized sediments were incubated with pure cultures of NO3(-)-, Fe(III)-, and sulfate-reducing bacteria, TcO4- removal occurred during active Fe(III) reduction. X-ray absorption spectroscopy confirmed that TcO4- removal was due to reduction to hydrous Tc(IV)O2 in Fe(III)- and sulfate-reducing estuarine sediments.

Bacteria↗

PubMed1989

Sources for Pu in near surface air.

This paper provides evidence that most of the Pu in the near surface air today is due to resuspension. Vertical and particle size distribution in near surface air over a period of three years were measured. The seasonal variations of Pu in air and the influence of meteorological parameters on these variations are shown. Samples were taken before the Chernobyl accident in an area where only Pu fallout from the atmospheric nuclear tests of the early sixties occurs. The comparison of the behavior of Pu with other trace elements, which were also measured, showed similar behavior of Pu and elements like Ca, Ti and Fe in near surface air. This confirms that most Pu is resuspended because the main source for these elements in air is the soil surface. Resuspension factors and resuspension rate are estimated for all measured elements. A resuspension factor of 0.8 X 10(-8) m-1 and a resuspension rate of 0.09 X 10(-9) s-1 is calculated for Pu.

Air Pollutants↗

PubMed1985

Isolation and identification of N1-methylnicotinic acid (trigonelline) from rat urine.

A urinary metabolite of nicotinic acid, single- and double-labeled N1-methylnicotinic acid (trigonelline: Tg) were isolated as urinary excretion products of rats following portal vein injection of [carboxyl-14C]nicotinic acid (14C-NiA) and/or S-adenosyl-L-[methyl-3H]methionine (3H-SAM). The labeled compounds produced were identified as Tg by comparison of ultraviolet absorption pattern and chromatographic behavior with those of the authentic compound, and by cocrystallization with the authentic carrier. It was demonstrated that enzymatic synthesis of double-labeled Tg is accomplished by reaction between 14C-NiA and 3H-SAM, and the enzymatic product was identified using the above methods. Approximately 1.5% respectively of the radioactivity of 14C-NiA and 3H-SAM was incorporated into Tg by enzymatic reaction. Furthermore, Tg from normal rat urine was isolated by ion-exchange chromatographic procedures and was crystallized from ethyl alcohol. The isolated compound was identified as Tg by comparison of ultraviolet spectra, infrared spectra, gas-mass spectra, elemental analysis, melting point and thin layer chromatogram behavior with those of the authentic compound. From these results, it was clearly demonstrated that Tg was one of the metabolites of nicotinic acid in the rat.

Alkaloids↗

PubMed1987

Analysis of changes in rat prostate carcinoma following hormone deprivation.

The R3327-H model of prostatic adenocarcinoma was employed for the study of the cellular changes that occur during induction, regression, and recurrence of prostate cancer after endocrine therapy. The present study was designed to compare the glandular and stromal elements of the relapse phase with the histologically distinct early and intermediate phases of tumor progression. Morphometric analysis revealed significant differences between all three groups in the percentages of total tumor occupied by the epithelial component. At all three time periods, high-power inspection of autoradiograms prepared after incubation of the tissues with radioactive dihydrotestosterone revealed large cells in the stroma, especially in the intermediate phase. Immunohistochemistry further revealed evidence of invasion across the prostatic acinar basement membranes by similar cells. These studies lead the authors to postulate a mechanism by which hormone-independent cells in the epithelium repopulate the stroma, causing a recapitulation of the original morphology of the tumor in the postremission period. They propose that prostate tumor response to estrogen therapy can be operationally defined in three phases: involution, rebound, and relapse. They infer that further knowledge of the timing of these phases may permit early selective use of specific therapeutic strategies which will be able to balance the clinical risk with the known behavior of the neoplasm during progression of the disease.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMed2005

Uptake and distribution of natural radioactivity in wheat plants from soil.

The uptake of naturally occurring uranium, thorium, radium and potassium by wheat plant from two morphologically different soils of India was studied under natural field conditions. The soil to wheat grain transfer factors (TF) were calculated and observed to be in the range of 4.0 x 10(-4) to 2.1 x 10(-3) for 238U, 6.0 x 10(-3) to 2.4 x 10(-2) for 232Th, 9.0 x 10(-3) to 1.6 x 10(-2) for 226Ra and 0.14-3.1 for 40K. Observed ratios (OR) of radionuclides with respect to calcium have been calculated to explain nearly comparable TF values in spite of differences in soil concentration of the different fields. They also give an idea about the discrimination exhibited by the plant in uptake of essential and nonessential elements. The availability of calcium and potassium in soil for uptake affects the uranium, thorium and radium content of the plant. The other soil factors such as illite clays of alluvial soil which trap potassium in its crystal lattice and phosphates which form insoluble compounds with thorium are seen to reduce their availability to plants. A major percentage (54-75%) of total 238U, 232Th and 226Ra activity in the plant is concentrated in the roots and only about 1-2% was distributed in the grains, whereas about 57% of 40K activity accumulated in the shoots and 16% in the grains. The intake of radionuclides by consumption of wheat grains from the fields studied contributes a small fraction to the total annual ingestion dose received by man due to naturally existing radioactivity in the environment.

Aluminum Silicates↗

PubMed1976

[Advances in gammaencephalography for the study of intercranial lesions].

Simultaneously to the development of new techniques such as the computerized axial tomography, the gamma-angioencephalography is progressing in the field of cerebral investigation in its original way, keeping on non invasing character. In view to analyze this evolution we shall examine first its technical possibilities, then the extractible data of the various techniques. Finally we will consider in which way we must bring most of our effort for the best utilization of the gamma-angioencephalography in the routine work, on one hand, and for progressing in the knowledge of the physiopathology of some lesions, specially vascular accidents, on the other hand. Technical modalities are multiple. Besides the standard technique (pertechnetate angiography with rapid sequential views, regional transit curves, early and late static views) it is possible to replace or to repete the injection: --changing the patient's position, --using another radiopharmaceutical labelled with technetium -or another isotope, or two tracers for two compartments; --carrying out a pharmacodynamic or CO2 test, --using radioxenon, and secondly a pure vascular tracer, to measure relative regional blood pool and relative regional blood flow. a) morphological ones (vascular tracks, regional blood pool, radioactive areas: number, form, homogeneity, outline), b) dynamic and quantitative ones (transit times, blood flow, extravascular diffusion, changes of these parameters when changing the radiopharmaceutic, or when using a test). Progresses can take place in three ways, very closely related to each other: a) In the methodology, to precise --relative merit of the different radiocompounds according to the various cerebral lesions, --methods for examination according to the clinical problems, --computing and date processing techniques. b) In the indications, to choose the best, the simplest, though the surest method for the daily clinical problems, and the best one to assemble special information escaping to the morphological radiological techniques. This choice needs frequent and close discussions between clinicians and nuclear specialists. c) In the signification of the data, to interprate correctly: --preferential uptakes in lesions or in compartments, --changes in the relative volumes of vascular bed and extravascular space in lesions, --vascular reactivity to an hemodynamic test, --accumulation or clearance of a diffusible tracer such as xenon. It is not always easy to reach a non equivocal interpretation of a whole group of data. It can be better to give a descriptive analysis which brings together elements for the diagnosis and physiopathological observations helpful for a therapeutic action and to follow up the disease at short and long term.

Blood Flow Velocity↗

PubMed1990

Tax-independent binding of multiple cellular factors to Tax-response element DNA of HTLV-I.

The human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I) promoter contains three copies of imperfect repeats of a 21-base pair sequence designated here as TRE (Tax-response element) that is responsive to the virally encoded transactivator protein Tax. We have identified and separated four nuclear proteins from C81-66-45 cells, an HTLV-I immortalized Tax-expressing human T-lymphocyte line (Salahuddin et al., 1983), that interact with the TRE-DNA, none of which are identical with the Tax-protein. The proteins identified have molecular weights of about 32, 36 to 42, 50 and 110 kD. Four different methods were used to identify the proteins. First, from different cell lines three or all four of the nuclear proteins were specifically cross-linked by UV irradiation to the radioactively labeled TRE-DNA fragment. Second, TRE-DNA binding proteins sedimented through a glycerol density gradient at rates corresponding to proteins of native molecular weights of 35 to 50 kD and 110 kD. Third, only the 50 kD protein was retained on a biotinylated DNA-streptavidin matrix when the DNA fragment contained the TRE-DNA. Fourth, extensive purification by several cycles of TRE-DNA affinity chromatography resulted in the 32, 36 to 42 and 110 kD proteins and to less extent the 50 kD factor. Two abundant proteins of 75 and 80 kD were competed out by poly[d(I-C)] in all reactions. The cAMP-response element CRE, TGACGTCA, present in the 21 base-pair sequence, appears to be essential for specific protein-TRE-DNA interactions because mutation of the two G's destroys this complex. This result suggests that the cAMP response element binding protein, CREB, is involved in the protein-TRE-DNA complex and in mediating the Tax response.

Base Sequence↗

PubMed1987

Opioid receptors in rat neostriatum: radioautographic distribution at the electron microscopic level.

The distribution of mu-opioid receptors, selectively labeled in vitro with a monoiodinated Met-enkephalin analog [( 125I]FK 33-824), was analyzed by light and electron microscopic radioautography in sections from the neostriatum of the rat. In the light microscope, patches of high receptor densities were detected amidst a moderately labeled matrix. The number of silver grains, as counted in 1-micron thick plastic-embedded sections, was 3 times greater inside the patches than in the intervening matrix. In both compartments, the proportion of labeled binding sites associated with the neuropil was significantly higher (greater than 70%) than that associated with nerve cell bodies or myelinated fascicles. Quantitative analyses of electron microscopic radioautographs revealed that the majority of silver grains corresponding to specifically bound [125I]FK molecules originated from radioactive sources associated with apposed neuronal membranes. Of the total number of specific binding sites, 53% was associated with axodendritic, 18% with axoaxonic and 3% with axosomatic interfaces. The occurrence of multiple labeled foci along the plasma membrane of certain perikarya and dendrites suggested that some of the binding sites might be associated with somato/dendritic elements. The high incidence of labeling along axoaxonic interfaces indicated that others were linked to the membrane of axons and/or axon terminals. A major finding of the present study was that only a small proportion of specific FK binding sites (7% of total) was associated with synaptic junctions. Labeled synapses were primarily of the asymmetric type and were found predominantly on dendritic branches and spines. A few were observed on nerve cell bodies. Labeled symmetric synapses were rare and encountered exclusively on dendritic branches. The high frequency with which specifically labeled binding sites were found to be associated with neuronal interfaces involving axonal processes strongly suggests that even if non-junctional these binding sites correspond to functional receptors. Whether these receptors are activated by endogenous ligand molecules released by the labeled terminals themselves or from terminals located at a distance from the labeled interfaces remains to be determined.

Animals↗

PubMed1988

Role of proteoglycans in renal development.

The role of proteoglycans (PGs) in morphogenesis was investigated. Fetal kidneys were obtained from 13-day-old mouse embryos and maintained for 7 days in culture. The biosynthesis of PGs was perturbed by addition of p-nitrophenyl-beta-D-xylopyranoside in the culture medium. The kidneys were processed for morphological and biochemical studies. The morphological studies included staining of tissues with anti-basement membrane antibodies and ruthenium red. [35S]sulfate was used as the precursor product for biosynthetic and autoradiographic studies. The kidneys treated with xyloside had loose mesenchyme, inhibition of ureteric bud branching, diminution in the population of developing nephron elements, decreased immunofluorescence with anti-proteoglycan antibodies and staining with ruthenium red, and a reduced [35S]sulfate incorporation into poorly organized extracellular matrices. The biochemical studies included characterization of PGs/glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) by Sepharose CL-4B, -6B, and DEAE-Sephacel chromatographies and cellulose acetate electrophoresis. Under the influence of xyloside, the total radioactivities decreased 2 to 4-fold in tissues and increased 18 to 42-fold in media fractions. A reduction in the size of macromolecular form of PGs, i.e., from MW approximately 2.5 X 10(6) to approximately 2.5 X 10(4), was noted. The PGs/GAGs synthesized were mainly made up of heparan sulfate and small amounts of chondroitin sulfate. They eluted at a lower salt concentration as compared to the controls. A similar diminution in the size of media PGs, i.e., from MW approximately 1.8 X 10(5) to approximately 2.8 X 10(4), was observed. Additional studies with [3H]xyloside indicated that the chains initiated on xyloside residues were similar in size and composition to GAG-chains. These findings indicate that a perturbance in the biosynthesis of PGs/GAGs leads to abnormalities in renal organogenesis.

Animals↗

PubMed1988

Sensitive radiometric assay for chloramphenicol acetyltransferase using automated HPLC.

Chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) is widely used as a reporter element in studies of eukaryotic gene expression. We report a new technique for measurement of CAT activity that incorporates several advantages over the existing procedures from which it is derived. The combination of direct reverse-phase HPLC analysis, substitution of butyryl for acetyl coenzyme A substrate, automated sample loading and continuous on-line radioactivity detection significantly improves the assay. This technique eliminates the need for organic extraction; improves chromatographic resolution of radioactive substrate and products; provides low background with high sensitivity, linearity, and precision; and yields rapid, quantitative results, even at low levels of cellular CAT expression.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Dietary cysteine reduces the methionine requirement by an equal proportion in both parenterally and enterally fed piglets.

The sulfur amino acids (SAA), methionine and cysteine, are normally supplied in a 50:50 ratio in the oral diet of pigs. In contrast, cysteine is not included in any appreciable amounts in parenteral solutions due to its instability in solution. Cysteine can replace part of the methionine requirement, but is not required when methionine is supplied at a level that meets the entire SAA requirement. However, the role of the gut on cysteine sparing has not been investigated. In the present study, the enteral and parenteral methionine requirement was determined, with excess dietary cysteine, by using the indicator amino acid oxidation (IAAO) technique. Piglets [n = 28, 2 d, 1.65 +/- 0.014 kg (SE)] were fed elemental diets containing adequate energy, phenylalanine and excess tyrosine, with varied methionine concentrations and excess cysteine [0.55 g/(kg. d)]. Diets were infused continuously via intravenous (parenteral) or gastric (enteral) catheters. Phenylalanine oxidation was determined during a primed, constant infusion of L-[1-(14)C]-phenylalanine, by measuring expired (14)CO(2) and plasma specific radioactivity (SRA) of phenylalanine. For both the parenteral and enteral groups, phenylalanine oxidation (% of dose) decreased linearly (P < 0.01) as methionine intake increased and then became low and unchanging. Using breakpoint analysis, the methionine requirement was estimated to be 0.25 and 0.18 g/(kg. d) for enteral and parenteral feeding, respectively. These data show that the parenteral methionine requirement is approximately 70% of the enteral requirement when measured in the presence of excess dietary cysteine (P < 0.05). A comparison with our previous studies in which methionine was the only source of sulfur amino acids shows that the addition of dietary cysteine reduces the methionine requirement by approximately 40% in both enterally and parenterally fed neonatal piglets. Therefore, dietary cysteine is equally effective in sparing dietary methionine whether fed enterally or parenterally.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Distinctive expression and functions of the type 4 endothelial differentiation gene-encoded G protein-coupled receptor for lysophosphatidic acid in ovarian cancer.

Endothelial differentiation gene (edg)-encoded G protein-coupled receptors (Edg Rs)-1, -3, and -5 bind sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), and Edg-2 and -4 bind lysophosphatidic acid (LPA). Edg Rs transduce signals from LPA and S1P that stimulate ras- and rho-dependent cellular proliferation, enhance cellular survival, and suppress apoptosis. That high levels of LPA in plasma and ascitic fluid of patients with ovarian cancer correlate with widespread invasion suggested the importance of investigating expression and functions of Edg Rs in ovarian cancer cells (OCCs) as compared with nonmalignant ovarian surface epithelial cells (OSEs). Analyses of Edg Rs by semiquantitative reverse transcription-PCR, a radioactively quantified variant of PCR, and Western blots developed with monoclonal antibodies showed prominent expression of Edg-4 R in primary cultures and established lines of OCCs but none in OSEs. In contrast, levels of Edg-2, -3, and -5 were higher in OSEs than OCCs. LPA stimulated proliferation and signaled a serum response element-luciferase reporter of immediate-early gene activation in OCCs but not OSEs, whereas S1P evoked similar responses in both OSEs and OCCs. Pharmacological inhibitors of Edg R signaling suppressed OCC responses to LPA. A combination of monoclonal anti-Edg-4 R antibody and phorbol myristate acetate, which were inactive separately, evoked proliferative and serum response element-luciferase responses of OCCs but not OSEs. Thus the Edg-4 R may represent a distinctive marker of OCC that transduces growth-promoting signals from the high local concentrations of LPA characteristic of aggressive ovarian cancer.

Female↗

PubMed2006

External dose estimates for Dolon village: application of the U.S./Russian joint methodology.

Methods to estimate external dose from radioactive fallout from nuclear tests have for many years depended on two types of data: measurements of exposure rate in air and an empirically derived power function to describe the change in exposure rate with time, Over the last four years, a working group with American and Russian participation has developed a bi-national joint methodology that offers an improved capability for estimating external dose. In this method, external dose is estimated using exposure rate functions derived from data from American nuclear tests similar in construction to SNTS (Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site) devices. For example, in this paper, we derive doses for test #1 (August 29, 1949) at the SNTS using an exposure rate function for the U.S. TRINITY test. For the case of test #1, the average external dose for a person in Dolon is estimated to have been about 0.5 Gy compared to 1 to 2 Gy estimated in other work. This prediction agrees better with reported EPR measurements in teeth from village residents and with measurements of TL signals in bricks from Dolon buildings. This report presents the basic elements of the joint methodology model for estimation of external dose received from SNTS fallout.

Body Burden↗

PubMed2004

Lanthanide-based time-resolved fluorescence of in cyto ligand-receptor interactions.

A lanthanide-based assay for ligand-receptor interactions provides an attractive alternative to the traditional radiolabeled determinations in terms of sensitivity, throughput, and biohazards. We designed and tested peptide ligands modified with an Eu-DTPA chelate. These labeled ligands were used in competitive binding assays with results comparable to those obtained using the traditional radiolabeled binding assays. The sensitivity of time-resolved fluorescence is sufficient to detect attomoles of europium, allowing assays in 96-well plates, compared with 30-mm dishes for (125)I binding assays to whole cells. We verified binding of Eu-DTPA-NDP-alpha-MSH to cells overexpressing the human melanocortin-4 receptor. The Eu-labeled ligand bound to these cells with an affinity similar to that of unlabeled NDP-alpha-MSH and was used to optimize a competitive binding assay. The lanthanide-based assays provided superior results with higher throughput and eliminated the need for radioactive waste disposal. This assay is appropriate for high-throughput screening of ligand libraries.

Binding, Competitive↗

PubMed2005

Uranium and thorium in weathering and pedogenetic profiles developed on granitic rocks from NW Spain.

Uranium and thorium were analyzed in seven weathering and pedogenetic soil profiles developed on granitic rocks from NW Spain. Concentrations were measured by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) and the U- and Th-bearing minerals were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS). Both elements were determined in rock, bulk soil and in different grain-size fractions (sand: 2000-50 microm, silt: 50-2 microm, and clay: <2 microm). U concentrations in the rock varied between 5.3 and 27.7 mg kg(-1) and Th concentrations from 5.5 to 50.7 mg kg(-1). The most alkalic rocks can be considered as U-rich granites. Bulk soil U and Th concentrations are similar to those of the rocks (4.8-29.2 and 7.4-56.7 mg kg(-1), respectively), but in the grain-size fractions both elements show the lowest concentrations in the sand and the highest in the clay. In the latter, concentrations are always higher than those of the rocks, particularly in the C horizons with enrichments up to 4 times for U and 5 times for Th. The concentration profiles and the ratios to the parent rock suggest that U and Th are leached from the surface soil and accumulate in the deeper horizons. Mass balance calculations, using Ti as a reference immobile element, also support U and Th leaching in the solum and supergene enrichment in bottom horizons. Leaching seems to be more intense on horizons with gravel content higher than 20%. The leaching of U and Th in the topmost horizons and the accumulation in the bottom soil horizons can be considered as a natural attenuation of the impact of these radiogenic elements in the environment. But their enrichment in the potentially airborne fraction poses some risk of redistribution in the ecosystems.

Environmental Monitoring↗