Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle (SPION) mediated in vitro radiosensitization at megavoltage radiation energies

The purpose of this study was to assess SPION’s in vitro radiosensitizer effect at 6MV-energies and to calculate nanoparticle enhancement ratio (NER) of SPIONs. Citrate coated-SPION’s were synthesized. Trypan-blue, metabolic activity tests were performed. Cell cultures were irradiated at 0,2,4,6,8 Gy at 6MV-energy. Clonogenic survival assays, NER calculations were carried out. SPIONs were biocompatible. NERs were cell-line specific and dose dependent. The highest radiosensitization were seen in radiosensitive MCF-7 and MDAH-2447 cells at 2 Gy (NER:1.49 and 1.39 respectively), in relatively radioresistant MDA-MB-231 cells at 4 Gy (NER:1.20). By increasing doses radiosensitizer effect disappeared. There is possibility that by synergistic effect, SPIONs may cause dose-dependent and cell-line specific radiosensitization at 6MV.     

Dosimetric studies and chemical kinetics of Resazurin dye and its possible use as radiation dosimeter

Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry - The structural and optical properties of the neutron irradiated PMMA doped by 5 wt% RhB have been investigated. Fourier transform infrared...     

Determination of129I and127I in human thyroid blocks containing mercury as a preservative

A solvent extraction techniques has been developed to separate iodine from mercury contained in thyroid tissues for the determinations of¹²⁹I and¹²⁷I in human thyroid blocks by neutron activation analysis. The tissue samples are digested with a mixture of 5 ml HCl and 1 ml HNO₃ in a round-bottomed flask fitted with a condenser running with cold water to avoid any loss of iodine. Iodine is extracted into 0.1 M dihexyl sulfide solution in xylene leaving the majority of the mercury in the aqueous phase. Iodine is adsorbed on activated charcoal packed in quartz tubes either by heating the xylene containing iodine in the presence of oxygen or by heating the aqueous solution obtained after back extracting iodine from xylene using a saturated sulfur dioxide solution. Iodine is desorbed from the charcoal and trapped into a quartz ampule which is sent for neutron activation.     

Single-photon double ionization of mercury clusters using synchrotron radiation

Single-photon doublet-ionization experiments have been carried out on mercury resulting in the formation of doubly charged clusters. The efficiency is very high and similar to that obtained by electron impact. The mechanism of double ionization is discussed and our results favor a two-step process both in photon and electron impact ionization.     

Dosimetric characteristics of aqueous solution of crystal violet for applications in food irradiation

Aqueous solution of crystal violet has been evaluated spectrophotometrically as a gamma-ray chemical dosimeter. The response of the chemical dosimetric system has also been investigated under different environmental conditions, such as light and temperature. In the present study the response has been measured at two wavelengths; 588 nm (λ_max of the irradiated solution) and 500 nm. The response of the crystal violet dosimeter was linear in the dose range of 50–550 Gy at pH 5.6 when absorption measurements were made at 588 and 500 nm. The response of the crystal violet dosimeter during post-irradiation storage at room temperature in dark showed slight decrease in absorbance at 588 and 510 nm but the response was almost stable at 460 nm. For higher doses, the change in the response was greater as compared to the low doses. Post-irradiation stability during diffused sunlight showed significant decrease in the response for higher dose at 588 and 510 nm and slower decrease in the response for lower dose at the above mentioned wavelengths. However the response was almost stable up to 97 days at 460 nm for higher and lower doses. At 4 °C, the decrease in the absorbance was slower at 588 and 510 nm while the response was almost constant at 460 nm. At higher temperatures, such as 40 °C, the decrease in the absorbance was greater at 588 and 510 nm while at 460 nm the absorbance was almost constant for about 3 months.     

Analysis and leaching characteristics of mercury and arsenic in Chinese medicinal material

The purpose of this study is to investigate the amounts and characteristics of heavy metals (As, Hg) leachable from several Chinese medicinal materials (CMM) under conditions simulating stomach and intestine digestion and absorption. Analysis by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was compared with that by hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectrometry (HG-AFS). Focused microwave assisted extraction (MAE) and Soxhlet extraction were carried out to compare with the conventional sequential extraction method. The CMM studied included two mineral drugs: realgar and cinnabar, and two formulated drugs containing the two minerals. The leachable amounts of the target elements into artificial stomach fluid, artificial intestinal fluid, and artificial intestinal fluid in 0.5% trypsin were compared. The last solvent gave the greatest amounts of leachable As (0.41%) from realgar and Hg (1×10⁻⁴%) from cinnabar, but otherwise no significant effect on the leachable amounts was observed upon changing the following parameters: temperature (37-60 °C), HCl concentration (0.5-6 M), and CMM sample particle size (74 and 250 μm). The low leaching efficiencies observed confirmed the presence of As and Hg as insoluble species (sulfides)in these mineral drugs. Sequential extraction schemes were used to determine the species of mercury and arsenic in formulated drugs containing the minerals. Trace amounts of organic forms of arsenic (0.43%) and mercury (2.9×10⁻⁴%) were observed which could be the transformation products derived from the original cinnabar or realgar minerals in drug formulation.     

Dosimetric characteristics of different types of saccharides: An EPR and UV spectrometric study

The time stability and dose response of the free radicals produced in various types of “less-studied” mono- and disaccharides by γ-radiation is studied by EPR (Electron Paramagnetic Resonance) and UV spectrometry. The time evolution of the shape of the EPR spectra of irradiated saccharides is investigated from 5 min to 5 months after irradiation. The intensity of the stable EPR signal is studied as a function of the absorbed γ-dose in the range 0.5–20 kGy. Aqueous solutions of irradiated solid saccharides exhibit a UV absorption maximum in the range 250–290 nm. A linear dependency is found between the magnitude of the UV absorption maximum and the absorbed γ-dose. The time stability of the UV absorption maximum is also studied for every saccharide. The results are compared with those obtained for irradiated sucrose.     

Dosimetric properties of commercial grade plexiglas as a possible routine dosimeter for radiation processing

Dyed and undyed polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) are commercially available for high dose dosimetry in radiation processing applications. In order to investigate the properties of the locally available clear perspex as a subsitute routine dosimeter, we have looked into the optical and dosimetric properties of clear perspex sheets with a thickness of 2 mm.

The selected wavelength used for read out was 314 nm. Absorption spectra obtained showed a sharp cutoff at 260 nm wavelength. Post-irradiation studies at different doses indicate that the optical density decrease with storage time. No significant dose rate dependence in the range of 1.1 to 11 kGy/hr has been observed. The temperature response of the said clear perspex in the range of 0–30°C during irradiation has also been determined.

Comparison of the optical density versus dose for the local clear perspex against that of red perspex from Harwell, at an absorbed dose of 25 kGy, as obtained in our gamma irradiator, IR-136, showed a difference of 3%. The reproducibility of the local clear PMMA has been observed to be also less than 3% in an absorbed dose range of 5 to 50 kGy.     

General characteristics of the copper-based mercury film electrode

The optimum conditions for the preparation, storage, conditioning and renewal of copper-based mercury film electrodes (CBMFEs) are given. The voltammetric results obtained at these electrodes are compared with the predictions of the theory of cyclic and stripping voltammetry at the mercury film electrode, as well as with the results obtained at the silver-based and the platinum-based mercury film electrodes. The advantage of a CBMFE is prolonged life-time, whereas the disadvantages ar the decreased range of usable positive potentials and the possibility of interfering reactions of the electrodeposited metals with the copper substrate or copper dissolved in the mercury phase. The presence of copper has no essential influence on the behaviour of lead and thallium; it affects the behaviour of zinc markedly and that of cadmium and indium slightly. The conditions allowing the minimization of the harmful action of copper on the behaviour of cadmium and indium have been found.     

Redox processes induced in methemoglobin solution by mercury lamp UV light and spark-discharge plasma radiation

The buildup of–SH groups in methemoglobin by irradiation with emission of spark discharge plasma in air and UV light from a low-pressure mercury lamp (λ = 253.7 nm) has been studied. The concentration of–SH groups increases the during spark discharge treatment, with the methionine amino acid residue in the methemoglobin molecule being reduced by nitrous and peroxynitrous acids; the bonds in the methemoglobin molecule are destroyed within 20 minutes of the spark treatment. By the action of UV radiation, methionine is reduced through chromophores (tryptophan, tyrosine) and methemoglobin is reduced by O₂^.- radical ions to oxy- and deoxyhemoglobin.     

Comparison of chemical effects of UV radiation from spark discharge in air and a low-pressure mercury lamp

The chemical effects of UV radiation from atmospheric-pressure spark discharge and a DBK-9 low-pressure mercury lamp in distilled water and aqueous solutions of hydrogen peroxide and tryptophan have been studied. Reactive species generated in water by the both radiation sources are HO ₂ ^· radicals, acid residue ions NO ₂ ^? and NO ₃ ^? , and ammonium ions. The yield of HO ₂ ^· radicals has appeared to be the same for both sources, (1.1–1.2) × 10^?6 mol L^?1 s^?1. This is confirmed by measurements of the degradation kinetics of tryptophan, which can be destroyed by HO ₂ ^· radicals. The pH of water monotonically decreases with time during the spark discharge treatment. In the case of the mercury lamp, the pH varies insignificantly because of the competition of NH ₄ ⁺ alkali ions with the acid residues. UV radiation plays the major role in the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide.     

300 MW燃煤电站砷、汞排放特征研究

对某300 MW燃煤电站煤、底灰和静电除尘器(ESP)飞灰进行采样并测定了其中的砷、汞含量,同时应用Ontario Hydro Method (OHM) 标准方法和设备对ESP前后烟气中的砷、汞分布进行了直接采样和测试.对砷的检测结果表明,ESP飞灰中砷含量约6.68×10^-6,是原煤中砷含量的2.5倍左右,而底灰中砷含量仅为1.70×10^-6,ESP前烟气中砷含量约153.27 μg/m³,ESP后砷含量急剧降低为41.13 μg/m³;对汞的检测结果表明,原煤中汞含量约2.5×10^-7,飞灰、底灰中的汞含量分别约1.9×10^-7、1.5×10^-7;ESP前后烟气中总汞含量分别为5.49、5.21 μg/m³.砷在飞灰中明显富集,而汞在飞灰和底渣中均不具有富集效果.ESP单元具有明显的协同脱砷效果,平均脱除率约在71%左右,而对汞的协同脱除效果不明显.     

Determination of mercury and organic mercury contents in Malaysian seafood

The contents of mercury and organic mercury in various types of seafood from various location in Malaysia were determined by neutron activation analysis. Total mercury was determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) whilst organic mercury was determined by INAA after chemical separation. Samples were digested in acid media and into the solution was added copper ion and KBr to release organic mercury compound from sulphur component of the tissue. The organic mercury was then extracted into toluene and then treated with cysteine paper to convert the compound into sub-organo-mercury from. The paper was then transferred into polyethylene vials and irradiated in the MINT TRIGA Reactor. Analytical results of organic mercury in Indian mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta), Spanish mackerel (Scomberomurus commersoni), shrimp (Peneaus sp.), squid (Loligo sp.) and cockle (Anadara granosa) is in the range of 45%–94% of the total mercury.     

Determination of mercury and mercury compounds in air and other non-corrosive gases

Summary Mercury is adsorbed on cellulose powder and activated charcoal. The contents of the adsorber are burnt in the oxy-hydrogen flame, and the mercury determined by the flameless atomic absorption procedure. The method is applicable to mercury present as metallic vapour, organo mercurical compounds and particulate matter containing adsorbed mercury compounds. The combustion step eliminates all possible non-atomic absorption interferences in the measuring procedure and ensures quantitative recovery of the mercury from the adsorption material.Quantitative adsorption recovery over a wide range of flow rate from 2–200 l/h allows the use of small battery operated pumps for personal monitoring, or vacuum pumps for high speed and large volume sampling. The range of flow rate makes isokinetic sampling conditions possible.

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Bestimmung von Quecksilber und Quecksilberverbindungen in Luft und anderen nicht korrodierenden Gasen

Zusammenfassung Quecksilber wird an Cellulosepulver und Aktivkohle adsorbiert. Der Inhalt des Adsorbers wird in der Wasserstoff-Sauerstoff-Flamme verbrannt und das Quecksilber durch flammenlose Atomabsorption bestimmt. Die Methode erfa\t Quecksilber als Metalldampf, in Form von Organo-Quecksilberverbindungen sowie Quecksilberverbindungen, die an Staubpartikel adsorbiert sind. Die Verbrennung in der Wasserstoff-Sauerstoff-Flamme eliminiert Störungen durch nicht-atomare Absorption bei der AAS-Messung und garantiert die quantitative Erfassung des adsorbierten Quecksilbers.Die quantitative Adsorption über einen gro\en Bereich der Durchflu\geschwindigkeit von 2–200 l/h erlaubt batteriebetriebene Pumpen für die Quecksilbermessung am Mann, oder den Einsatz von Vakuumpumpen für die Probenahme bei hoher Durchflu\rate und gro\em Probenvolumen. Der gro\e Bereich der Durchflu\rate gestattet isokinetische Bedingungen für die Probenahme.

     

Simultaneous determination of oxygen and mercury in inorganic and organic mercury compounds

Oxygen and mercury in inorganic and organic mercury compounds are determined simultaneously by a modification of the Schütze-Unterzaucher method. The determination of mercury is not influenced by the presence of sulphur and nitrogen in the samples. In 13 inorganic and organic mercury compounds, oxygen has been determined with an error of less than 0.4% and mercury with an error of less than 0.5%.     

Studies of transport and collection characteristics of gaseous mercury in natural gases using amalgamation and isotope dilution analysis

Transport and collection characteristics were studied for gaseous elemental mercury (Hg(0)(g)) in natural gases using newly developed methodology based on amalgamation, isotope dilution with permeation tubes and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The study involved different Au-Pt collection tube designs, tubing materials and gaseous matrices, including air, natural and sales gas, as well as methane and sales gas to which hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) had been added. The Hg(0)(g) capacity of the Au-Pt tubes was determined to 3.5 +/- 0.1 microg. Blanks and detection limits of gaseous mercury (Hg(g)) were 58 +/- 17 pg m(-3) and 50 pg m(-3), respectively, for a 60 L sample volume. For the gases tested, added Hg(0)(g) tracers could be collected with 90% or higher efficiency at flow rates and volumes of up to 10 L min(-1) and 100 L, respectively. The collection efficiency was found to be independent of the type of gas tested, even in the presence of H(2)S. However, for the gases containing H(2)S, the apparent transport efficiency of added Hg(0)(g) tracers through stainless steel tubing varied from 50 to 150% upon changing the temperature from 25 to 100 degrees C. The interaction of stainless steel with Hg(0)(g) leading to either a sink, or source of Hg, was not observed in the absence of H(2)S, nor was it observed for PTFE tubing in the presence of H(2)S. These observations raise questions about the applicability of currently used sampling procedures for determination of Hg(g) in H(2)S rich natural gases, including the 6978-2 ISO standard method, in which stainless steel is a prescribed material for tubing and valves of the sampling apparatus.     

Gamma radiation influence on technological characteristics of wheat flour

This study aimed at determining the influence of gamma radiation on technological characteristics of wheat (Triticum sativum) flour and physical properties of pan breads made with this flour. The bread formulation included wheat flour, water, milk, salt, sugar, yeast and butter. The α-amylase activity of wheat flour irradiated with 1, 3 and 9 kGy in a Gammacell 220 (AECL), one day, five days and one month after irradiation was evaluated. Deformation force, height and weight of breads prepared with the irradiated flour were also determined. The enzymatic activity increased—reduction of falling number time—as radiation dose increased, their values being 397 s (0 kGy), 388 s (1 kGy), 343 s (3 kGy) and 293 s (9 kGy) respectively, remaining almost constant over the period of one month. Pan breads prepared with irradiated wheat flour showed increased weight. Texture analysis showed that bread made of irradiated flour presented an increase in maximum deformation force. The results indicate that wheat flour ionizing radiation processing may confer increased enzymatic activity on bread making and depending on the irradiation dose, an increase in weight, height and deformation force parameters of pan breads made of it.