Behavior of uranium series in groundwater of the Wajid Formation, Wadi AdDawasir, Saudi Arabia.

The inventories and the possible mechanisms behind the relative deficiency of both radium and uranium release processes within an elevated gamma-anomalous rock were investigated. A field survey was performed on the highest radioactive anomalous zone that was recorded at Jabal Al Alam (20° 13' 10.06″ N and 44° 14' 32.13″), with the ferruginous sandstone, iron oxide band, and iron concretions (with uranium content and reaching up to1500 ppm). The chemical analyses and the laboratory's gamma-ray spectrometric measurements demonstrated high uranium levels in the analyzed rock samples of the Wajid Sandstone (up to 1000 ppm). The borehole geophysical logs further confirmed that the radioactive anomalies are attributed to the sandstone sequence of the Wajid Formation that is often found associated with elevated concentrations of uranium. The groundwater samples taken from the wells tapping the Wajid aquifer showed uranium concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 5.5 ppb (µg/L). The average 226Ra in groundwater samples was 0.2 Bq L-1. The majority of the 226Ra and 228Ra activities were below the lower limit of detection (LLD). The radiochemical analyses of water samples from the Wajid aquifer display low concentrations of both uranium and 226Ra, with relation to uranium content in host rocks. This was attributed to the fact that uranium is susceptible to form iron oxide complexes, causing them to precipitate in a more stable form. Furthermore, iron oxides coat the sand grains of the Wajid Formation and accordingly might act as a foundation for re-adsorption for both uranium and radium, resulting in their relative deficiency in the surrounding water. The coating might also act as a physical barrier resulting in hindrance of the recoil nuclei due to its significant thickness (several orders of magnitude) compared with that of the average (120 nm) whole alpha-recoil track (ART). The coating layer thickness was determined via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and was found to be up to 180 µm.

Does silicon help to alleviate water deficit stress and in the recovery of Dipteryx alata seedlings?

Water deficit to causes serious problems in the growth and development of plants, impairing their metabolism. Thus, it is necessary to use agents that can mitigate plant damage. This study assesses the potential of silicon to mitigate water deficit stress in Dipteryx alata Vogel seedlings and to help in their recovery after the resumption of irrigation. The study analyzed four water regimes: (I) Continuous irrigation; (II) Water deficit without Si; (III) Water deficit + 0.75 mL Si; and (IV) Water deficit + 1.50 mL Si. Seedlings were evaluated in four periods: (1) (T0 - time zero) at the beginning of the experiment, before irrigation suspension; (2) (P0) when the photosynthetic rates (A) of seedlings under irrigation suspension reached values close to zero, period in which irrigation was resumed; (3) (REC) when A reached values ​​close to those of seedlings under continuous irrigation, characterizing the recovery period; and (4) (END) 45 days after REC, when seedlings were kept under continuous irrigation, similar to the control. Application of 0.75 mL Si alleviates damage to the photosynthetic apparatus of D. alata seedlings that remain longer under water deficit, and contributes to faster physiological recovery after the resumption of irrigation. D. alata seedlings have recovery potential after the stress period, regardless of Si application.

Quality of life after partial penectomy for penile carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the impact of partial penectomy on the quality of life of patients with carcinoma of the penis. METHODS: Fourteen patients who had undergone partial penectomy for penile cancer were studied. Their median age was 50.5 years and the median time of follow-up was 11.5 months. The quality of life was evaluated in three dimensions: social adjustment, sexuality, and emotional state. The patients underwent a semistructured interview and were asked to complete the Overall Sexual Functioning Questionnaire, the Social Problem Questionnaire, the General Health Questionnaire, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. RESULTS: In 9 (64%) patients, the overall sexual function was normal or slightly decreased. Only 2 (14%) men had precarious or absent sexual function. The masculine self-image and the relationship with their partners remained practically unchanged in all the patients. Sexual interest and satisfaction remained normal or slightly reduced in 9 and 12 patients, respectively. The frequency of sexual intercourse was unchanged or slightly decreased in 9 patients. Three patients had no sexual intercourse after surgery. No significant levels of anxiety and depression were found. Within the areas of living conditions, family life, and interactions with other people, all the patients remained as they were before the surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who undergo partial penectomy for penile cancer can maintain the quality of life (in social, psychological, and sexual terms) at levels similar to those that existed in the period before surgery.