Gene expression analyses of the small intestine of pigs in the ex-evacuation zone of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.

BACKGROUND: After the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, radioactive contaminants were released over a widespread area. Monitoring the biological effects of radiation exposure in animals in the ex-evacuation zone should be continued to understand the health effects of radiation exposure in humans. The present study aimed to clarify the effects of radiation by investigating whether there is any alteration in the morphology and gene expressions of immune molecules in the intestine of pigs and inobuta (wild boar and domestic pig hybrid) in the ex-evacuation zone in 2012. Gene expression analysis was performed in small intestine samples from pigs, which were collected from January to February 2012, in the ex-evacuation zone. Pigs lived freely in this zone, and their small intestine was considered to be affected by the dietary intake of radioactive contaminants. RESULTS: Several genes were selected by microarray analysis for further investigation using real-time polymerase chain reaction. IFN-γ, which is an important inflammatory cytokine, and TLR3, which is a pattern recognize receptor for innate immune system genes, were highly elevated in these pigs. The expressions of the genes of these proteins were associated with the radiation level in the muscles. We also examined the alteration of gene expressions in wild boars 5 years after the disaster. The expression of IFN-γ and TLR3 remained high, and that of Cyclin G1, which is important in the cell cycle, was elevated. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that some changes in gene expression occurred in the small intestine of animals in the ex-evacuation zone after radiation. It is difficult to conclude that these alterations are caused by only artificial radionuclides from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. However, the animals in the ex-evacuation zone might have experienced some changes owing to radioactive materials, including contaminated soil, small animals, and insects. We need to continue monitoring the effects of long-term radiation exposure in living things.

Excited-state characteristics of tetracyanidonitridorhenium(V) and -technetium(V) complexes with N-heteroaromatic ligands.

Six-coordinate tetracyanidonitridorhenium(V) and -technetium(V) with axial N-heteroaromatic ligands, (PPh4)2[MN(CN)4L] [M = Re, L = 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine (dmap), 3,5-lutidine (lut), 4-picoline (pic), 4-phenylpyridine (ppy), pyridine (py), 3-benzoylpyridine (3bzpy), 4,4'-bipyridine (bpy), pyrazine (pz), 4-cyanopyridine (cpy), or 4-benzoylpyridine (4bzpy); M = Tc, L = dmap, lut, pic, py, pz, or cpy] were synthesized and characterized. The crystal structures of 11 complexes were determined by single-crystal X-ray analysis. All of the complexes showed photoluminescence in the crystalline phase at room temperature. The emission maximum wavelengths (λ(em)) of the rhenium complexes with dmap, lut, pic, ppy, or py were similar to one another with a quite high emission quantum yield (Φ(em)): λ(em) = 539-545 nm, Φ(em) = 0.39-0.93, and emission lifetime (τ(em)) = 10-45 µs at 296 K. The emission spectra at 77 K exhibited vibronic progressions, and the emissive excited state is characterized as (3)[(d(xy))(1)(dπ*)(1)] (dπ* = d(xz), d(yz)). On the other hand, the emission maximum wavelength of the rhenium complex with 3bzpy, bpy, pz, cpy, or 4bzpy was significantly dependent on the nature of the axial ligand in the crystalline phase: λ(em) = 564-669 nm, Φ(em) ≤ 0.01-0.36, and τ(em) = 0.03-13.3 µs at 296 K. The emission spectra at 77 K in the crystalline phase did not show vibronic progressions. The emissive excited state of the rhenium complex with bpy, pz, cpy, or 4bzpy is assignable to originate from the metal-to-N-heteroaromatic ligand charge-transfer (MLCT)-type emission with a spin-triplet type. The change in the excited-state characteristics of rhenium complexes by the N-heteroaromatic ligand is a result of stabilization of the π* orbital of the N- heteroaromatic ligand to a lower energy level than the dπ* orbitals. The emission spectral shapes of technetium complexes were almost independent of the nature of the N-heteroaromatic ligand with λ(em) = 574-581 nm at room temperature. The different emission characteristics between the pz and cpy coordinate rhenium complexes and the technetium analogues would be due to stabilization of technetium-centered orbitals compared with the rhenium ones in energy.

Estimation of external dose for wild Japanese macaques captured in Fukushima prefecture: decomposition of electron spin resonance spectrum.

The signal intensities of CO2- radicals in teeth can be utilised as an individual indicator of the cumulative external dose for animals. To accurately determine the external dose, it is desirable to analyse the CO2- radical intensity and improve its detection limit. We recently reported a dose-response in the range of 0-200 mGy and estimated the absorbed dose for seven wild Japanese macaques captured in/around the related areas to the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident. Herein, for further improvement of this method, we examined the electron spin resonance spectra of the teeth of these seven and an additional four macaques captured in Fukushima by applying two spectrum-decomposition algorithms.

Photoluminescence switching with changes in the coordination number and coordinating volatile organic compounds in tetracyanidonitridorhenium(V) and -technetium(V) complexes.

Six-coordinate distorted octahedral tetracyanidonitridorhenium(V) and -technetium(V) complexes with a volatile organic compound (VOC) coordinating at the trans position of a nitrido ligand, (PPh4)2[MN(CN)4L] (M = Re, L = MeOH, EtOH, acetone, or MeCN; M = Tc, L = MeOH), and five-coordinate square-pyramidal tetracyanidonitrido complexes without an axial ligand, (PPh4)2[MN(CN)4] (M = Re or Tc), were synthesized and characterized. Single-crystal X-ray structural analysis was carried out for (PPh4)2[MN(CN)4L] (M = Re, L = MeOH, EtOH, or acetone; M = Tc, L = MeOH) and (PPh4)2[ReN(CN)4]. All complexes studied showed photoluminescence in the solid state at room temperature. Reversible luminescence switching between six- and five-coordinate rhenium(V) complexes and between the relevant six-coordinate rhenium(V) complexes except that between the MeCN and acetone complexes was achieved by exposing them to VOC vapor in the solid state at room temperature. Luminescence changes were observed from the five-coordinate technetium(V) complexes in a MeOH vapor atmosphere in the solid state. In contrast, no vapochromic luminescence was observed from the five- and six-coordinate complexes in an acetone vapor atmosphere.

Detection limit of electron spin resonance for Japanese deciduous tooth enamel and density separation method for enamel-dentine separation.

Electron spin resonance (ESR) dosimetry is one of the most powerful tools for radiation dose reconstruction. The detection limit of this technique using human teeth is reported to be 56 mGy or 67 mGy; however, the absorbed dose of Fukushima residents after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FNPP) accident was estimated to be lower than this detection limit. Our aim is to assess the absorbed radiation dose of children in Fukushima Prefecture after the accident; therefore, it is important to estimate the detection limit for their teeth. The detection limit for enamel of deciduous teeth of Japanese children separated by the mechanical method is estimated to be 115.0 mGy. The density separation method can effectively separate enamel from third molars of Japanese people. As we have collected thousands of teeth from children in Fukushima, the present technique may be useful to examine their external absorbed dose after the FNPP accident.

Radioactivity and radionuclides in deciduous teeth formed before the Fukushima-Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident.

The Fukushima-Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FNPP) accident in March of 2011 released substantial amounts of radionuclides into the environment. We collected 4,957 deciduous teeth formed in children before the Fukushima accident to obtain precise control data for teeth formed after the accident. Radioactivity was measured using imaging plates (IP) and epidemiologically assessed using multivariate regression analysis. Additionally, we measured 90Sr, 137Cs, and natural radionuclides which might be present in teeth. Epidemiological studies of IP showed that the amount of radioactivity in teeth from Fukushima prefecture was similar to that from reference prefectures. We found that artificial radionuclides of 90Sr and 137Cs, which were believed to have originated from past nuclear disasters, and natural radionuclides including 40 K and daughter nuclides in the 238U and 232Th series contributed to the generation of radioactivity in teeth. We also found no evidence to suggest that radionuclides originating from the FNPP accident significantly contaminated pre-existing teeth. This is the first large-scale investigation of radioactivity and radionuclides in teeth. The present findings will be indispensable for future studies of teeth formed after the FNPP accident, which will fall out over the next several years and might be more contaminated with radionuclides.

Synthesis, spectroscopic and electrochemical properties, and electronic structures of octahedral hexatechnetium(III) clusters [Tc6Q8(CN)6]4- (Q = S, Se).

Chalcogenide-capped molecular octahedral hexatechnetium(III) clusters [Tc(6)Q(8)(CN)(6)](4-) {Q = S ([1](4-)), Se ([2](4-))} were prepared by the substitution of axial ligands with cyanide. The structures of the new complexes were determined by single-crystal X-ray analysis. The IR spectra of [1](4-) and [2](4-) showed a C[triple bond]N stretching band at 2114 and 2105 cm(-1), respectively. In cyclic voltammetry, [1](4-) and [2](4-) in CH(3)CN showed reversible one-electron-oxidation waves assignable to the Tc(6)(24e/23e) process at +0.99 and +0.74 V, respectively. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations on the hexatechnetium complexes showed that the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) was primarily localized on a Tc(6)Q(8) core and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) was completely localized on the metal orbitals. The energy level of HOMO and the redox potential of the M(6)(24e/23e) process (M = Tc, Re) were found to have a good linear relationship. Time-dependent DFT calculations showed that the substantially allowed transitions with the lowest energy were Tc(6)Q(8) core-centered transitions. The electronic structures and electronic transition features of the hexatechnetium complexes were similar to those of the hexarhenium analogues [Re(6)Q(8)(CN)(6)](4-) (Q = S, Se); however, the energy gap between the HOMO and LUMO was smaller in the hexatechnetium complexes.

Synthesis, structures, redox properties, and theoretical calculations of thiohalide capped octahedral hexanuclear technetium(iii) clusters.

The first thiohalide µ3-capped octahedral hexanuclear technetium clusters with 24 valence electrons, [Tc6(µ3-S)8-n(µ3-Br)nBr6]n-4 [n = 1 ([Tc-S7Br]3-) and n = 2 ([Tc-S6Br2]2-)] and [Tc6(µ3-S)7(µ3-Cl)Cl6]3- ([Tc-S7Cl]3-), were synthesized and characterized. The structures of [Tc-S7Br]3-, [Tc-S6Br2]2-, and [Tc-S7Cl]3- were determined by single-crystal X-ray analysis. The Tc-Tc bond distances in [Tc-S7Br]3-, [Tc-S6Br2]2-, and [Tc-S7Cl]3- are 2.5842(6)-2.6029(6) Å (avg. 2.593(2) Å), 2.5835(10)-2.6049(10) Å (avg. 2.596(1) Å), and 2.5829(4)-2.5940(4) Å (avg. 2.587(3) Å), respectively. The capping halide and sulfide ligands in [Tc-S7Br]3-, [Tc-S6Br2]2-, and [Tc-S7Cl]3- were disordered in the crystals. The bond distances of Tc-S/Br as a function of the occupancies of the capping bromides for [Tc-S6Br2]2-, [Tc-S7Br]3-, and [Tc6(µ3-S)8Br6]4- ([Tc-S8]4-) showed a linear correlation. The one-electron reduction waves assignable to the Tc/TcIITc [Tc6(24e/25e)] process were observed for the novel complexes. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations of the hexanuclear technetium complexes showed a smaller energy gap between the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) of the hexanuclear technetium complexes compared to those of the rhenium analogues. The electronic transitions of the new technetium complexes shifted to lower energy compared to the isotypic rhenium complexes.

Intestinal Bacteria as Powerful Trapping Lifeforms for the Elimination of Radioactive Cesium.

In March 2011, an accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant led to major problems, including the release of radionuclides such as Cesium (Cs)-137 into the environment. Ever since this accident, Cs-137 in foods has become a serious problem. In this study, we determined the concentration of Cs-137 in the feces, urine, and ruminal contents of cattle and demonstrated the possibility of its elimination from the body by intestinal bacteria. The results revealed a high Cs-137 concentration in the feces; in fact, this concentration was higher than that in skeletal muscles and other samples from several animals. Furthermore, intestinal bacteria were able to trap Cs-137, showing an uptake ratio within the range of 38-81% in vitro. This uptake appeared to be mediated through the sodium-potassium (Na+-K+) ion pump in the bacterial cell membrane. This inference was drawn based on the fact that the uptake ratio of Cs-137 was decreased in media with high potassium concentration. In addition, it was demonstrated that intestinal bacteria hindered the trapping of Cs-137 by the animal. Cattle feces showed high concentration of Cs-137 and intestinal bacteria trapped Cs-137. This study is the first report showing that intestinal bacteria contribute to the elimination of Cs-137 from the body.

Correlation of Radiocesium Activity between Muscle and Peripheral Blood of Live Cattle Depending on Presence or Absence of Radiocontamination in Feed.

To monitor radiocesium activity in skeletal muscle of live cattle, the animals were given radiocesium-contaminated feed continuously, then switched to contamination-free feed after radiocecium concentration in peripheral blood (PB) reached plateau. Radioactivity in skeletal muscles of neck and rump was measured by attaching the probe of a NaI survey meter closely on the body surface just above the muscle of the live cattle (external measurement). We validated the strong positive correlation between the value of the external measurement and radiocesium activity concentration of dissected muscle (r = 0.89, P < 0.001 for neck; r = 0.80, P < 0.001 for rump). Accumulation of radiocesium both in muscle and PB was proportional to the total amount of radiocesium cattle ingested. However, radioactivity concentration in PB was constant in the cattle that had continuously ingested radiocesium, lower than 2.0 × 105 Bq in total within 67 days from the beginning of radiocesium intake. In addition, the ratio of radiocesium activity in muscle to that in PB was lower during the time when radiocontaminated feed was ingested than that of contamination-free feed ingestion. Using the correlation of radioactivity between muscle and PB, we confirmed that a majority of the cattle in the ex-evacuation zone of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident, from 167 to 365 days after the accident occurred, were in the declining period of radiocesium intake.

A luminescent dicyanidonitridotechnetium(v) core with tridentate ligand coordination sites.

A novel, luminescent technetium complex, [TcN(CN)2bpa] (bpa = bis-(2-pyridylmethyl)amine), with tridentate ligand coordination sites was synthesized and characterized. Photoemission with a maximum wavelength at 666 nm was observed in the solid-state at 296 K.

Haematological analysis of Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) in the area affected by the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident.

Several populations of wild Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) inhabit the area around Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FNPP). To measure and control the size of these populations, macaques are captured annually. Between May 2013 and December 2014, we performed a haematological analysis of Japanese macaques captured within a 40-km radius of FNPP, the location of a nuclear disaster two years post-accident. The dose-rate of radiocaesium was estimated using the ERICA Tool. The median internal dose-rate was 7.6 µGy/day (ranging from 1.8 to 219 µGy/day) and the external dose-rate was 13.9 µGy/day (ranging from 6.7 to 35.1 µGy/day). We performed multiple regression analyses to estimate the dose-rate effects on haematological values in peripheral blood and bone marrow. The white blood cell and platelet counts showed an inverse correlation with the internal dose-rate in mature macaques. Furthermore, the myeloid cell, megakaryocyte, and haematopoietic cell counts were inversely correlated and the occupancy of adipose tissue was positively correlated with internal dose-rate in femoral bone marrow of mature macaques. These relationships suggest that persistent whole body exposure to low-dose-rate radiation affects haematopoiesis in Japanese macaques.

90Sr specific activity of teeth of abandoned cattle after the Fukushima accident - teeth as an indicator of environmental pollution.

90Sr specific activity in the teeth of young cattle that were abandoned in Kawauchi village and Okuma town located in the former evacuation areas of the Fukushima-Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FNPP) accident were measured. Additionally, specific activity in contaminated surface soils sampled from the same area was measured. (1) All cattle teeth examined were contaminated with 90Sr. The specific activity, however, varied depending on the developmental stage of the teeth during the FNPP accident; teeth that had started development before the accident exhibited comparatively lower values, while teeth developed mainly after the accident showed higher values. (2) Values of 90Sr-specific activity in teeth formed after the FNPP accident were higher than those of the bulk soil but similar to those in the exchangeable fraction (water and CH3COONH4 soluble fractions) of the soil. The findings suggest that 90Sr was incorporated into the teeth during the process of development, and that 90Sr in the soluble and/or leachable fractions of the soil might migrate into teeth and contribute to the amount of 90Sr in the teeth. Thus, the concentration of 90Sr in teeth formed after the FNPP accident might reflect the extent of 90Sr pollution in the environment.

Analysis of Plasma Protein Concentrations and Enzyme Activities in Cattle within the Ex-Evacuation Zone of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant Accident.

The effect of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FNPP) accident on humans and the environment is a global concern. We performed biochemical analyses of plasma from 49 Japanese Black cattle that were euthanized in the ex-evacuation zone set within a 20-km radius of FNPP. Among radionuclides attributable to the FNPP accident, germanium gamma-ray spectrometry detected photopeaks only from 134Cs and 137Cs (radiocesium) commonly in the organs and in soil examined. Radioactivity concentration of radiocesium was the highest in skeletal muscles. Assuming that the animal body was composed of only skeletal muscles, the median of internal dose rate from radiocesium was 12.5 µGy/day (ranging from 1.6 to 33.9 µGy/day). The median of external dose rate calculating from the place the cattle were caught was 18.8 µGy/day (6.0-133.4 µGy/day). The median of internal and external (total) dose rate of the individual cattle was 26.9 µGy/day (9.1-155.1 µGy/day). Plasma levels of malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase activity were positively and glutathione peroxidase activity was negatively correlated with internal dose rate. Plasma alanine transaminase activity and percent activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)-2, LDH-3 and LDH-4 were positively and LDH-1 was negatively correlated with both internal and total dose rate. These suggest that chronic exposure to low-dose rate of ionizing radiation induces slight stress resulting in modified plasma protein and enzyme levels.

(90)Sr in teeth of cattle abandoned in evacuation zone: Record of pollution from the Fukushima-Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident.

Here we determined the (90)Sr concentrations in the teeth of cattle abandoned in the evacuation area of the Fukushima-Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FNPP) accident. (90)Sr activity concentrations in the teeth varied from 6-831 mBq (g Ca)(-1) and exhibited a positive relationship with the degree of radioactive contamination that the cattle experienced. Even within an individual animal, the specific activity of (90)Sr (Bq (g Sr)(-1)) varied depending on the development stage of the teeth during the FNPP accident: teeth that were early in development exhibited high (90)Sr specific activities, while teeth that were late in development exhibited low specific activities. These findings demonstrate that (90)Sr is incorporated into the teeth during tooth development; thus, tooth (90)Sr activity concentrations reflect environmental (90)Sr levels during tooth formation. Assessment of (90)Sr in teeth could provide useful information about internal exposure to (90)Sr radiation and allow for the measurement of time-course changes in the degree of environmental (90)Sr pollution.

Correction: Analysis of Plasma Protein Concentrations and Enzyme Activities in Cattle within the Ex-Evacuation Zone of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant Accident.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0155069.].

Software development for estimating the concentration of radioactive cesium in the skeletal muscles of cattle from blood samples.

The 2011 earthquake severely damaged the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FNPP), resulting in the release of large quantities of radioactive material into the environment. The deposition of these radionuclides in rice straw as livestock feed led to the circulation of contaminated beef in the market. Based on the safety concern of the consumers, a reliable method for estimating concentrations of radioactive cesium in muscle tissue is needed. In this study, we analyzed the concentrations of radioactive cesium in the blood and skeletal muscle of 88 cattle, and detected a linear correlation between them. We then developed software that can be used to estimate radioactive cesium concentrations in muscle tissue from blood samples. Distribution of this software to the livestock production field would allow us to easily identify high-risk cattle, which would be beyond the safety regulation, before shipping out to the market. This software is planned to be released as freeware. This software would contribute to food safety, and aid the recovery of the livestock industry from the damage creacted by the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami.

A comprehensive dose evaluation project concerning animals affected by the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident: its set-up and progress.

It is not an exaggeration to say that, without nuclear accidents or the analysis of radiation therapy, there is no way in which we are able to quantify radiation effects on humans. Therefore, the livestock abandoned in the ex-evacuation zone and euthanized due to the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FNPP) accident are extremely valuable for analyzing the environmental pollution, its biodistribution, the metabolism of radionuclides, dose evaluation and the influence of internal exposure. We, therefore, sought to establish an archive system and to open it to researchers for increasing our understanding of radiation biology and improving protection against radiation. The sample bank of animals affected by the FNPP accident consists of frozen tissue samples, formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens, dose of radionuclides deposited, etc., with individual sampling data.

Cesium radioactivity in peripheral blood is linearly correlated to that in skeletal muscle: analyses of cattle within the evacuation zone of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.

The accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FNPP) released a large amount of radioactive substances into the environment. Furthermore, beef contaminated with radioactive cesium above the 500 Bq/kg safety standard was circulated in the food chain in 2011. Japanese consumers remain concerned about the safety of radioactively contaminated food. In our previous study, we detected a linear correlation between radioactive cesium ((137) Cs) activity in blood and muscle around 500 to 2500 Bq/kg in cattle. However, it was unclear whether the correlation was maintained at a lower radioactivity close to the current safety standard of 100 Bq/kg. In this study, we evaluated 17 cattle in the FNPP evacuation zone that had a (137) Cs blood level less than 10 Bq/kg. The results showed a linear correlation between blood (137) Cs and muscle (137) Cs (Y = 28.0X, R(2) = 0.590) at low radioactivity concentration, indicating that cesium radioactivity in the muscle can be estimated from blood radioactivity. This technique would be useful in detecting high-risk cattle before they enter the market, and will contribute to food safety.

Growth characteristics of Cannabis sativa L. cultivated in a phytotron and in the field.

Growth characteristics of Cannabis saliva L. are indispensable factors to verify the statements by the criminals of illegal cannabis cultivation. To investigate growth characteristics of C. sativa, two varieties, cannabidiolic acid (CBDA)-rich (CBDA-type) which being cultivated for fiber production and delta9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA)-rich (THCA-type) which is used for drug abuse, were cultivated from seeds under the same growth environment in a phytotron. THCA-type showed high germination rate (100%) whereas only 39% of the CBDA-type seeds germinated 6 days after sowing. Plant height, number of true leaves, number of nodes, number of axillary buds and flowering of these two varieties were periodically observed. THCA-type grew more rapidly (plant height: 125.8 cm for THCA-type, 84.7 cm for CBDA-type, 75 days after cultivation) demonstrating vigorous axillary bud formation and earlier male-flowering (63 days for THCA-type, 106 days for CBDA-type, after sowing). Propagation of THCA-type was tested using the axillary shoot cuttings of female plants either with or without the main stem. All the cuttings with the main stem rooted after 21 days and grew healthily in a phytotron. However, all the newly developed leaves were single instead of palmate. In the field, THCA-type male-flowered after 155 days of cultivation after sowing on March 31. The height of the field-cultivated plants reached 260.9 cm 163 days after sowing. Despite the great differences in final plant heights, the increases of plant height per day during the vegetative growth stage were similar in the field and in the phytotron. Thus estimating the starting time of illegal cannabis cultivation might be possible if the plant is in the vegetative growth stage.