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PubMed2000

Radioactive waste minimization implications of clinically-indicated exsanguination procedures.

Exsanguination is a method of animal euthanasia approved for use in specific circumstances. Animals undergoing exsanguination are fully anesthetized, and the blood is removed resulting in hypovolemia. In situations where radioactive materials are used as part of a research protocol that remain predominantly suspended in the blood, the exsanguination procedure can result in a significant lowering of residual radioactivity content. This reduction can greatly affect the types of waste management and minimization options that can be subsequently applied. In this study, data were collected from 20 rabbits injected with approximately 29.6 MBq (0.8 mCi) of tritiated thymidine as part of a percutaneous transluminal carotid artery angioplasty study. Residual concentrations of radioactivity were consistently reduced by an average of 88%. The reduction was very significant in this instance, since the residual activities were below the established exemption limit of 1.85 kBq g(-1) (0.05 microCi g(-1)) for disposal of these wastes as non-radioactive. Although the exsanguination procedure can result in significant waste minimization opportunities in certain circumstances, this should not be the rationale for its use. Rather, the method of euthanasia should be based exclusively on sound animal care and use principles, and waste management strategies should then be made following that decision. Health Phys. 79(3):291-293; 2000 Key words: waste, low-level; waste management; radiation protection; blood

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Principles of gross alpha and beta radioactivity detection in water.

A simultaneous detection of gross alpha and beta radioactivity was studied using gas proportional counting. This measurement is a part of a method mandated by US Environmental Protection Agency to screen for alpha and beta radioactivity in drinking water. Responses of a gas proportional detector to alpha and beta particles from several radionuclides were determined in drop and electroplated geometries. It is shown that, while the alpha radioactivity can be measured accurately in the presence of beta radioactivity, the opposite is not typically true due to alpha-to-beta crosstalk. The crosstalk, originating from the emission of conversion and Auger electrons as well as x rays, is shown to be dependent primarily on the particular alpha-decay scheme while the dependence on alpha energy is small but negligible. It was measured at 28-35% for 241Am, 22-24% for 230Th, and 4.9-6.5% for 239Pu. For 210Po, the crosstalk of 1.2-1.6% was observed mostly due to energy retardation. A method of reducing the crosstalk to a <3% level is proposed by absorbing the atomic electrons in a 6.2 mg cm(-2) Al absorber, at the same time decreasing the beta efficiency by 16-31%.

Alpha Particles↗
PubMed1995

Detection of p53 mutations by single-strand conformation polymorphisms (SSCP) gel electrophoresis. A comparative study of radioactive and nonradioactive silver-stained SSCP analysis.

p53 mutations are the most common genetic abnormality in humans tumors, but their clinical significance remains to be precisely elucidated. Conventional single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis, a well-established technique for detecting p53 mutations, uses radioactively labeled polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products, which migrate abnormally in the presence of mutations. We performed radioactive PCR-SSCP analysis in a series of 30 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded ovarian carcinomas and two cell lines (SW480 and Caov4) harboring known homozygous p53 mutations and compared the results with nonradioactive silver-stained SSCP. The purpose was to assess whether nonradioactive SSCP is suitable for detecting p53 mutations in a rapid, sensitive, cost-effective fashion, without the need of radioactive isotopes. We accomplished PCR amplification of p53 exons 5 through 8 in 26 carcinomas, and radioactive SSCP detected p53 mutations in 13 tumors; three mutations were localized in exon 5, six in exon 6, two in exon 7, and two in exon 8. All mutations were correctly identified with nonradioactive SSCP, except for one exon 8 mutation. To establish the sensitivity of nonradioactive SSCP, DNA samples of SW480 and Caov4 were mixed with increasing amounts (0-90%) of normal DNA and subjected to PCR-SSCP analysis. Mutations were detected until the concentration of SW480 and Caov4 was 15% and 10%, respectively, of the total sample. The results of our investigation demonstrate that nonradioactive silver-stained SSCP is a sensitive, rapid, and simple technique to detect p53 mutations, even in formalin-fixed tissues, and could be easily used to investigate large series of patients to assess the clinical significance of p53 mutations in human tumors.

Carcinoma↗
PubMed2006

Low-activity radioactive materials management at the U.S. Department of Energy.

The U.S. Department of Energy (U.S. DOE) is making significant progress with the cleanup of its legacy radioactively-contaminated facilities and sites left from research and development and production of nuclear materials and weapons. Sites like Rocky Flats, Battelle Columbus Laboratories, Fernald, Mound, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Hanford, and Oak Ridge are faced daily with decisions related to disposition of waste and radioactive material. One key to this success is the disposition of waste arising from cleanup. Most of the generated waste volume has very low levels of radioactive contamination. The waste includes contaminated soil, debris from demolition, or scrap metal and equipment. The cost of disposing of large volumes of waste can be prohibitive, so there is incentive to find innovative ways to disposition wastes. This paper describes the current status of policy development in this area, such as development of a draft programmatic environmental impact statement and monitoring of related rulemaking at the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The paper also provides an overview of draft U.S. DOE guidance on control and release of property with residual radioactive material, and site-specific applications of DOE guidance.

Decision Making↗
PubMed1957

The effect of carrier strontium on the absorption of oral doses of radioactive strontium in rats.

Carrier strontium had relatively little effect on the retention of an oral dose of radioactive strontium by the rat when it was administered immediately after the radioactive dose. The proportion of the radioactive dose which was excreted in the urine, on the other hand, increased progressively with the carrier dose. There was a decreased uptake of radioactive strontium in rats fed on a special low strontium diet. The effects of dietary strontium are discussed. Evidence was found of a discrimination by the rat against strontium in favour of calcium which was accounted for, at least in part, by a preferential urinary excretion of strontium.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Model for inactivation and disposal of infectious human immunodeficiency virus and radioactive waste in a BL3 facility.

A method is described for autoclaving low levels of solid infectious, radioactive waste. The method permits steam penetration to inactivate biologic waste, while any volatile radioactive compounds generated during the autoclave process are absorbed. Inactivation of radiolabeled infectious waste has been problematic because the usual sterilization techniques result in unacceptable radiation handling practices. If autoclaved under the usual conditions, there exists a high probability of volatilization or release of radioisotopes from the waste. This results in the radioactive contamination of the autoclave and the laboratory area where steam is released from the autoclave. Our results provide a practical method to inactivate and dispose of infectious radioactive waste. For our research, Bacillus pumilus spore strips and vaccinia virus were used as more heat-resistant surrogates of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). These surrogates were used because HIV is difficult to grow under most conditions and is less heat tolerant than the surrogates. In addition, B. pumilus has defined cell death values, whereas such values have not been established for HIV. Both B. pumilus and vaccinia virus are less hazardous to work with. The autoclave method is time efficient and can be performed by laboratory personnel with minimal handling of the waste. Furthermore, waste site handlers are able to visually inspect the solid waste containers and ascertain that inactivation procedures have been implemented.

Disinfection↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Influence of radioactive concentration and storage time on radiochemical purity of 18F-FDG].

OBJECTIVE: To study the influence of the 18F-FDG radioactive concentration and the usual greatest storage time of the radiopharmaceutical at the Radiopharmacy Unit (RU) over its radiochemical purity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty 18F-FDG preparations coming from different batches were studied. The radiochemical purity was determined at the RU by means of TLC to saline-diluted (1:10) and undiluted samples of each preparation, in the early 30 minutes since its arrival and 5 hours later. The radiochemical purity of the original 18F-FDG was determined at the PET radiopharmaceutical producer Laboratory (PETL) by means of HPLC in the early hour since the 18F-FDG dispensing. RESULTS: The increase of 18F-Fluoride found in the (5 h-30 min) period was significantly greater in the samples without diluting than in the diluted ones (p < 0.0001). We found a significant correlation between the percent of this increase of 18F-Fluoride (y) and the radioactive concentration of the 18F-FDG (x): y = 0.00061x + 0.1759 (R2 = 0.198; p < 0.0005). The percent of 18F-Fluoride determined at the RU was significantly higher than the percent of 18F-Fluoride determined at the PETL (p < 0.0001). A significant correlation between the differences of the percent of 18F-Fluoride determined by TLC and HPLC (y) and the radioactive concentration (x) was found: y = 0.0139x + 0.3146 (R2 = 0.196; p = 0.016). A significant correlation among the differences of percent 18F-Fluoride determined by TLC and HPLC ([%F] RU - [%F] PETL), the radioactive concentration (RC) and the time since the radiopharmaceutical dispensing (t) was found: [%F] RU - [%F] PETL = 0.01159*RC (mCi/mL) + 0.250*t (h) - 0.01903 (R2 = 0.226; p < 0.014). CONCLUSIONS: The stability of the 18F-FDG preparations with time increases when diminishing its concentration. We recommended the dilution of these preparations with physiological saline solution.

Acetylation↗
PubMed1992

[Radioactive contamination of cistern waters along the Croatian coast of the Adriatic Sea].

Measurements of radioactive contamination of cistern waters with 90Sr, 134Cs and 137Cs have been carried out along the Croatian coast of the Adriatic Sea. An exponential decline of radioactivity followed the moratorium on nuclear tests. After the nuclear accident at Chernobyl, high radioactivity levels were detected again. The pre-Chernobyl and the post-Chernobyl mean residence times of 90Sr in cistern waters reflect the mechanism by which strontium was released to the atmosphere (atmospheric nuclear weapon tests conducted in the stratosphere or explosions in the Chernobyl nuclear reactor releasing radioactive material to the troposphere). For the pre-Chernobyl period, the mean residence time of 90Sr in cistern waters was similar to that calculated for fallout, being approximately 10 years. The post-Chernobyl 137Cs/90Sr activity ratio has been decreasing, but it has not yet reached the pre-Chernobyl values (approximately 1.6). The time-dependent 134Cs/137Cs activity ratio reflects the Chernobyl reactor inventory of these radionuclides. The annual dose for the critical adult population received from 90Sr, 134Cs and 137Cs by consumption of cistern water was estimated to be a few percentages of the dose from natural background radiation.

Cesium Radioisotopes↗
PubMed2005

Biofilm formation in spent nuclear fuel pools and bioremediation of radioactive water.

Microbiological studies of spent nuclear fuel pools at the Cofrentes Nuclear Power Plant (Valencia, Spain) were initiated to determine the microbial populations in the pools' water. Biofilm formation at the nuclear power plant facilities and the potential use of those microbial populations in the bioremediation of radioactive water were also studied. Biofilm formation was analyzed by immersing different austenitic stainless steel coupons (UNS S30400, UNS S30466, UNS S31600), as well as balls of stainless steel (UNS S44200) and titanium (99.9%) in a spent nuclear fuel pool (under static and dynamic conditions) for 34 months. Epifluorescence microscopy and scanning electron microscopy revealed that biofilm formed on the samples, in spite of the radioactive and oligotrophic conditions of the water. Based on standard culture methods and sequencing of 16S rDNA fragments, 57 bacteria belonging to alpha-, beta-, and gamma-Proteobacteria, Firmicutes and Actinobacteridae were identified in the biofilms. The radioactivity of the biofilm was measured using gamma-ray spectrometry, which revealed that biofilms were able to retain radionuclides, especially (60)Co. Using metallic materials to decontaminate radioactive water could become a new approach for bioremediation.

Biodegradation, Environmental↗
PubMed1991

Radioactivity and foods.

The purpose of this article is to describe and contrast two relationships between radiation and food--on the one hand, beneficial preservation of food by controlled exposure to ionizing radiation; and, on the other, contamination of food by accidental incorporation of radioactive nuclides within the food itself. In food irradiation, electrons or electromagnetic radiation is used to destroy microorganisms and insects or prevent seed germination. The economic advantages and health benefits of sterilizing food in this manner are clear, and numerous studies have confirmed that under strictly controlled conditions no undersirable changes or induced radioactivity is produced in the irradiated food. An altogether different situation is presented by exposure of food animals and farming areas to radioactive materials, as occurred after the major Soviet nuclear reactor accident at Chenobyl. This article furnishes the basic information needed to understand the nature of food contamination associated with that event and describes the work of international organizations seeking to establish appropriate safe limits for levels of radioactivity in foods.

Food Contamination, Radioactive↗
PubMed1990

Preferential accumulation of radioactivity in rat kidneys after the administration of 125I-labelled Fab antidigitalis antibodies.

125I-labelled Fab antidigitalis antibodies were administered i.p. to rats, whose organs were removed 20 h later and examined for radioactivity. Maximum radioactivity was found in the thyroid region, followed by the kidneys, liver, adrenals, heart, skeletal muscle and brain. The radioactivity of kidneys was greater than in any of the other organs except the thyroid, where it probably resulted from the uptake of radioiodine, released from the antibodies. After injection of Na125I there was no difference between the kidneys and the liver. In kidney homogenates, radioactivity was present both in the 100,000xg pellet and in the supernatant. The possibility of accumulation or production of the endogenous digitalis-like factor in the kidneys is discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

About radioactivity in some PMMA bone cements.

Various bone cements containing zirconium oxide (ZrO2) as X-ray contrast medium were tested for radioactivity by means of a gamma spectrometer. All measured bone cements (PALACOS, IMPLAST, SULFIX-6) showed a certain degree of radioactivity. The radiation source in the bone cement is the added zirconium oxide, which is polluted by radioactive elements. As these X-ray contrast media remain in the body for decades as components of the bone cement, the radioactive zirconium oxides should be substituted by high purity radiation-free zirconium oxide or barium sulfate.

Bone Cements↗
PubMed1989

[Critical aspects in determining total radioactivity of biological samples].

During measurements of radioactivity in some milk samples with liquid scintillation counter (about one year after the nuclear accident of Chernobyl) we have observed an increase of the values of scintillation fluid with the passing of time. Although this enhancement is absolutely small (about 2 c.p.m. in 500 min), it is very important for an exact measurement of samples at low counting, as those tested. Our protocol of measure provides for insertion of alternate blanks and samples in the automatic sample-holders of liquid scintillation counter. The values of measurement of samples are taken during the increase phase subtracting the value of blank interpolated on the increasing straight line from c.p.m. of sample. Finally, we report the collected values of the whole radioactivity in some milk samples: at least 5-6 nCi/L contrary to about 1 nCi/L of 137Cs reported by USL. In our opinion it is important to consider the whole radioactivity as measure of the overall biological danger of radioactive samples. In fact, this measurement takes into account also biologically very dangerous radionuclides as 3H, 14C, 90Sr.

Animals↗
PubMed1978

[Results of the intraperitoneal application of radioactive gold in cases of ovarian cancer (author's transl)].

Radioactive gold was instilled once into the peritoneal cavity of 248 patients with ovarian carcinoma of varying stages. The criterium for the radioactive gold instillation was either for the post-operative treatment in stage 1A or for the treatment of ascites in more advanced stages. The treatment had no clear cut influence on the five year survival rate. The treatment with radioactive gold Au 198 was very effective in the treatment of ascites and had less side effects than other radioactive colloidal materials.

Ascites↗
PubMed1993

[Radioactivity of bone cement].

A total of 14 samples of different types of bone cement from five different manufacturers were examined for their radioactivity. Each of the investigated bone cements showed a low radioactivity level, i.e. between < 1 and 100 Bq/kg. The content of U-238 and K-40 always was below the limit of detection (< 1-< 10 Bq/kg). Significant differences were detected in the amount of Ra-226, Pb-210, and Ra-228 detected between different samples of the same product from the same manufacturer, as well as between various types of cements. The highest radioactivity level was measured for Ra-226. Although stochastic radiation effects can not totally be excluded, it is extremely unlikely that the small amount of radioactive substances additionally transferred into the body by the bone cement has negative effects on the recipient's organism or on the fate of the alloplastic implant: "The risk factor and extrapolation in a low dosage range ... do not lead to an underestimation but more likely to an overestimation of the radiation hazard" [18].

Bone Cements↗
PubMed1996

[Henri Beckquerel's discovery of radioactivity, and history of nuclear medicine. 100 years in the shadow or on the shoulder of Röntgen].

In 1896 Henri Becquerel discovered that uranium emitted penetrating rays similar to X-rays. His finding started a series of discoveries that were rewarded with numerous Nobel prizes. Marie and Pierre Curie found that thorium was radioactive too, and discovered and described two new elements, polonium and radium. They also found that radioactive radiation could be separated into alpha, beta and gamma rays. In 1993 their daughter Irene Joliot-Curie and her husband Frederic Joliot managed to produce radioactivity artificially by bombarding atomic nuclei with alpha particles. Enrico Fermi did likewise, but bombarded the nuclei with neutrons. In the cyclotron invented by Ernest Lawrence, radioactive isotopes were produced by proton bombardment. The ability to produce radioisotopes of different elements initiated a variety of tracer studies in biology and medicine. The number of studies increased exponentially when the nuclear reactor in Oak Ridge, US, was opened for radionuclide production in 1946. This article summarises the history of the application of radionuclides in science and medicine internationally and in Norway until now.

History, 19th Century↗
PubMed1998

Measurement of resuspended aerosol in the Chernobyl area. Part II. Size distribution of radioactive particles.

Size distribution measurements of particulate radionuclides were performed at two sites in the Chernobyl 30-km exclusion zone using several cascade impactors. The results obtained in the period September 1986 till June 1993 were discussed with regard to the general assumption of a log-normal activity size distribution in inhalation dose assessment. At Zapolie (a site 14 km from the Chernobyl reactor) a bimodal distribution was observed in 91% of all measured distributions. In most cases the medians were about 4 microns and in the range 20-30 microns. According to soil granulometric data this finding was explained by superimposing two processes: local resuspension and advective transport of radioactive aerosol from highly contaminated territories. The mean air concentration showed an increasing proportion of inhalable particles over the years since the accident. In 1993 the inhalable fraction was about 48% of the total concentration. At Pripyat, a site situated within a highly contaminated area, unimodal types of size distributions were predominant with the median diameters in the range 5-10 microns for 137Cs. For the three nuclides 137Cs, 144Ce and 106Ru, very similar types of distribution were observed. Apparently, the radioactive aerosol was of fuel origin. During a forest fire at a distance of 17 km, the majority of the radioactivity was associated with submicrometer particles with median diameters in the range 0.28-0.50 micron.

Aerosols↗
PubMed1996

Modelling the Chernobyl radioactive fallout (I): A fractal approach in northern Italy.

This paper deals with the 137Cs airborne radioactive concentration measured in Northern Italy after the Chernobyl accident. We devised a fractal model to aid in describing the space-time distribution of radioactivity. The model is based on the Fractal Sum of Pulses theory, involving additive stochastic processes. We use, as input source of information, the parametrization of the time trend of radioactive concentration in a few Italian Provinces we calculated in previous work. The results look promising, since realistic scenarios of environmental pollution are produced.

Air Pollutants, Radioactive↗