A pilot study on the use of neutron activation analysis and multivariate statistics for the provenance of Jamaican Cannabis sativa L (Marijuana).

The aim of this study was to use instrumental neutron activation analysis and multivariate analysis to determine the provenance of Jamaican Cannabis sativa L. Sixty-three samples were collected from various areas in Jamaica, with no other data but their known or self-reported growing regions. The samples were analysed for Al, As, Br, Ca, Cd, Co, Cs, Fe, K, La, Mg, Mn, Na, Rb, Sb, Sc, Sm, Sr, V, and Zn. The resulting elemental data were statistically evaluated using agglomerative hierarchical cluster analysis and principal component analysis. Cluster analysis was able to group the samples into their known or reported growing regions with a high degree of accuracy. Principal component analysis was also able to elucidate some of the underlying geochemical factors that could explain the clustering. These included the underlying bauxitic geochemistry and the influence of fertilizer inputs. Of the analysed elements, Al, As, Cd, Co, Fe, K, La, Mg, Mn, Sc, Sm, V, and Zn appear to be most significant in identifying the growing regions of the cannabis samples. Results indicate the promise of this methodology with an increased dataset and potentially further refinement of the identifying elements.

Biomonitoring Assessment of Toxic and Trace Elements in Sterechinus neumayeri Sea Urchins from the Comandante Ferraz Station in Antarctica.

In the present study, sea urchin Sterechinus neumayeri tissues were used for the passive biomonitoring of toxic and trace elements at the Comandante Ferraz Station, Antarctica and compared to a pristine region (Botany). As, Ba, Br, Ca, Co, Cr, Fe, K, Na, Rb, Sc, Se and Zn concentrations were determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA), while toxic metals (Cd, Hg, Ni and Pb), and Cu were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry (GF-AAS). The findings were compared to other organisms commonly applied for biomonitoring purposes and to the sediment concentrations of each sampling region. Urchins from the Ferraz Station area presented higher Br, Co, Cr, Cs, K, Se and Zn levels than the pristine location. The results obtained herein suggest S. neumayeri can be applied to the biomonitoring of Cr and Zn. The present study also contributes to knowledge of the mineral composition of the sea urchin S. neumayeri.

Neutron Autoradiography Combined With UV-C Sensitization: Toward the Intracellular Localization of Boron.

Our group has reported the imprint formation of biological material on polycarbonate nuclear track detectors by UV-C exposure, which is used as an approach to simultaneously visualize cell imprints and nuclear tracks coming from the boron neutron capture reaction. Considering that the cell nucleus has a higher UV-C absorption than the cytoplasm and that hematoxylin preferentially stains the nucleus, we proposed to enhance the contrast between these two main cell structures by hematoxylin staining before UV-C sensitization. In this study, several experiments were performed in order to optimize UV-C exposure parameters and chemical etching conditions for cell imprint formation using the SK-BR-3 breast cancer cell line. The proposed method improves significantly the resolution of the cell imprints. It allows clear differentiation of the nucleus from the rest of the cell, together with nuclear tracks pits. Moreover, it reduces considerably the UV-C exposure time, an important experimental issue. The proposed methodology can be applied to study the boron distribution independently from the chosen cell line and/or boron compounds.

Nitrogen (protein) determination in single seeds by nuclear reactions.

In this work, a brief review on nuclear reaction methods aimed at nitrogen assessment in organic matter is given, followed by a detailed application using a deuteron beam and (d,p) and (d,α) induced reactions on 14N to determine nitrogen content in single seeds This study covers the analysis of five wheat and four maize stable varieties, which showed up good (linear) correlation coefficients in comparison with corresponding Kjeldahl nitrogen analysis for each species. This method of analysis turns out to be a fast and non-destructive technique for protein determination in cereals, besides its extendibility to other plant products for human nutrition.

Trace element measurement for assessment of dog food safety.

The quality of dog diets depends on adequate ingredients capable of providing optimal nutrition and free of contaminants, for promoting long-term health. Trace elements in 95 samples of dry food for dog puppies (n = 32) and adults (n = 63) of various brands were measured using instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). The mass fractions of most elements were within the permissible limits for dogs. Aluminum, antimony, and uranium presented fairly high levels in some samples, which may imply health risks. Aluminum mass fractions ranged from <21 to 11,900 mg/kg, in same brand, super-premium dog food. Antimony mass fractions ranged up to 5.14 mg/kg, with the highest values measured in six samples of dog food from the same producer. The mass fractions of uranium was found up to 4 mg/kg in commercial brands from five different producers.

Na, K, Ca, Mg, and U-series in fossil bone and the proposal of a radial diffusion-adsorption model of uranium uptake.

Fossil bones are often the only materials available for chronological reconstruction of important archeological sites. However, since bone is an open system for uranium, it cannot be dated directly and therefore it is necessary to develop models for the U uptake. Hence, a radial diffusion-adsorption (RDA) model is described. Unlike the classic diffusion-adsorption (D-A) model, RDA uses a cylindrical geometry to describe the U uptake in fossil bones. The model was applied across a transverse section of a tibia of an extinct megamammal Macrauchenia patachonica from the La Paz Local Fauna, Montevideo State, Uruguay. Measurements of spatial distribution of Na, K, Ca, and Mg were also performed by neutron activation analysis (NAA). Gamma-ray spectrometric U-series dating was applied to determine the age of the bone sample. From U concentration profile, it was possible to observe the occurrence of a relatively slow and continuous uranium uptake under constant conditions that had not yet reached equilibrium, since the uranium distribution is a ∪-shaped closed-system. Predictions of the RDA model were obtained for a specific geochemical scenario, indicating that the effective diffusion coefficient D/R in this fossil bone is (2.4 ± 0.6)10(-12) cm(2)s(-1). Mean values of Na, K, Ca, and Mg contents along the radial line of the fossil tibia are consistent with the expected behavior for spatial distributions of these mineral elements across a modern bone section. This result indicates that the fossil tibia may have its mineral structure preserved.

Differential mercury transfer in the aquatic food web of a double basined lake associated with selenium and habitat.

Food web trophodynamics of total mercury (THg) and selenium (Se) were assessed for the double-basined ultraoligotrophic system of Lake Moreno, Patagonia. Each basin has differing proportions of littoral and pelagic habitats, thereby providing an opportunity to assess the importance of habitat (e.g. food web structure or benthic MeHg production) in the transfer of Hg and Se to top trophic fish species. Pelagic plankton, analyzed in three size classes (10-53, 53-200, and >200 µm), had very high [THg], exceeding 200 µg g(-1) dry weight (DW) in the smallest, and a low ratio of MeHg to THg (0.1 to 3%). In contrast, [THg] in littoral macroinvertebrates showed lower values (0.3 to 1.8 µg g(-1) DW). Juvenile and small fish species feeding upon plankton had higher [THg] (0.2 to 8 µg g(-1) muscle DW) compared to large piscivore fish species (0.1 to 1.6 µg g(-1) muscle DW). Selenium concentrations exhibited a much narrower variation range than THg in the food web, varying from 0.5 to 2.7 µg g(-1) DW. Molar Se:Hg ratios exceeded 1 for the majority of organisms in both basins, with most ratios exceeding 10. Using stable nitrogen isotopes as indicator of trophic level, no significant correlations were found with [THg], [Se] or Se:Hg. The apparent lack of biomagnification trends was attributed to elevated [THg] in plankton in the inorganic form mostly, as well as the possibility of consistent Se supply reducing the biomagnification in the food web of the organic portion of THg.

Heavy metals and essential elements in Commerson's dolphins (Cephalorhynchus c. commersonii) from the southwestern South Atlantic Ocean.

A survey of the elemental contents of K, Mg, Mn, Na, Cl, Br, Cs, Co, Rb, Fe, Zn, Al, Ti, V, As, Ag, Au and Cd in liver, kidney and muscle was performed in specimens of Commerson's dolphins (Cephalorhynchus c. commersonii) from subantarctic waters. The concentrations were determined by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis and the specimens derives from animals incidentally caught in artisanal fishing nets. Liver had the highest concentrations of Fe, 897(79) µg g(-1) DW (dry weight) (average; standard deviation in parenthesis), kidney had the highest Cd, 35 (24) µg g(-1) DW; Cl, 9,200 (1,700) µg g(-1) DW; Na, 6,800 (1,100) µg g(-1) DW and Br, 73(12) µg g(-1) DW; and muscle the highest Mg 954 (71) µg g(-1) DW. Potassium and Cs concentrations in muscle and kidney ranged in 12,510-13,020 and 0.230-0.252 µg g(-1) DW, respectively; Zn and Mn concentrations were similar in liver and kidney (117-122.1 and 3.66-16.5 µg g(-1) DW, respectively). Silver was high in liver 5.4(5.0) µg g(-1) DW and kidney 1.2(2.7) µg g(-1) DW. Gold, Rb, Co and As had no differences among tissues. Likewise, as in other odontocete species, the concentrations of essential elements showed little variation between the specimens analyzed, since they are regulated biochemically; however, heavy metals showed high variability. This study constitutes the first large description of the elemental composition in Commerson's dolphins from subantarctic waters of the South Atlantic Ocean.

Apple snails and their endosymbionts bioconcentrate heavy metals and uranium from contaminated drinking water.

PURPOSE: The differential ability of apple snail tissues, endosymbionts, and eggs to bioaccumulate several metals (Sb, As, Ba, Br, Zn, Cr, Fe, Hg, Se, and U) was investigated. METHODS: Metal concentrations were determined by neutron activation analysis in several tissues, endosymbionts, and eggs from mature apple snails cultured in either drinking water or reconstituted water (prepared with American Society for Testing and Materials type I water). RESULTS: The highest bioconcentration factors (BCFs) in the midgut gland were found for Ba, Zn, Se, As, U, Br, and Hg (in decreasing order), while the highest in the kidney were for Ba, Br, and Hg. The foot showed the highest BCFs for Ba, Hg, Br, and Se (in decreasing order). Calcified tissues (uterus, shell) and eggs showed low BCFs, except for Ba. Both C corpuscles and gland tissue showed statistically higher BCFs than K corpuscles for Ba, Fe, U, Br, and Sb. The concentration of most of the studied elements was significantly lower in tissues and endosymbionts obtained from snails cultured in reconstituted water instead of drinking water. Snails cultured in reconstituted water and then exposed or not to Hg, As, and U (at the maximum contaminant level allowed by the US Environmental Protection Agency) also resulted in high levels accumulated in midgut gland, endosymbionts and kidney. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the midgut gland (and the symbionts contained therein), the kidney, and the foot of Pomacea canaliculata may be useful bioindicators of Hg, As and U pollution in freshwater bodies and that the unrestricted use of ampullariid snails as human and animal food must be considered with caution.

Tillandsia usneoides L, a biomonitor in the determination of Ce, La and Sm by neutron activation analysis in an industrial corridor in Central Mexico.

The atmosphere of the Tula Industrial Corridor in Central Mexico is contaminated due to several industries including oil refining while station monitoring in this area are limited. Lanthanides are considered fingerprint of oil refinery activities, and La, Ce and Sm have been previously detected in this area using filters. The suitability of T. usneoides as a biomonitor assessing the La, Ce and Sm concentrations in Particulate Matter is evaluated by NAA. Results of both biomonitor and filters are highly correlated.

Heavy metal and trace element concentrations in wheat grains: assessment of potential non-carcinogenic health hazard through their consumption.

Heavy metal and trace element concentrations were examined in wheat grains and straw to elucidate associations between air pollution sources and soil variables. The mean wheat grain concentrations of Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn surpassed the tolerance limits stated in the international legislation for wheat grain and foodstuffs. When topsoil Ba, Co, Cr and Zn concentrations were higher than the legislation thresholds for agricultural and residential soils, wheat grain concentrations were also increased. In addition, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn revealed an immobilization effect of a cement plant and the atmospheric deposition input, with Cd in wheat grains being associated with a cement plant and industrial waste incinerator. The health risks arising from wheat grain consumption indicated that the inhabitants of Argentina are experiencing significant non-carcinogenic risks (Hazard Index = 3.311), especially when consuming wheat grains affected by metallurgical or chemical factories, as well as by air transportation from big cities.

Chemical elements in organic and conventional sweet oranges.

This work focuses on the determination of chemical elements in sweet oranges of variety Valencia produced under organic and conventional systems using instrumental neutron activation analysis and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The distribution of chemical elements was variable among the fruit parts with usually higher concentrations of Br, Ca, Ce, K, La, Na, Rb, and Sc in the peel. However, K, Na, and Rb also presented high values in the juice samples, while Fe and Zn were higher in the seeds. Differences between organic and conventional oranges were found for Br and Cu.

Analysis of saliva from Amblyomma cajennense (Acari: Ixodidae)species from Brazil by NAA

The Amblyomma cajennense tick species is considered one of the most important and widespread species in Brazil. It salivary secretion has been a target ofseveral studies in biocenology, as the vector of diseases and in investigations related to antihemostatic properties andantitumor. To complement this investigation, neutron activation analysis (NAA) was applied to determine concentrationsof elements in saliva samples of this tick species. The saliva samples (50–554 lL) were collected at Butantan Institute (São Paulo city, Brazil) and they were investigated using the IEA-R1 nuclear reactor at IPEN/ CNEN-SP-Brazil. These data were compared with the values established for Amblyomma americanum and Amblyomma variegatum species emphasizing agreement only for Cl, K and Na with the A. americanum species,suggesting similarities in the mechanisms that regulate the osmotic pressure in this hematophagous animal. The knowledge of these limits contributes for tick saliva characterization as well as for the understanding of the many physiological processes, especially those related to salivary secretion.

Bioindication of atmospheric trace metals--with special references to megacities.

After considering the particular problems of atmospheric pollution in megacities, i.e. agglomerations larger than 5 mio. inhabitants, with urbanization of World's population going on steadily, possibilities of active biomonitoring by means of green plants are discussed. Based on specific definitions of active and passive bioindication the chances of monitoring heavy metals in Sao Paulo megacity were demonstrated (first results published before). This is to show that there is need for increased use of bioindication to tackle the particular problems of megacities concerning environmental "health", the data to be processed according to the Multi-Markered-Bioindication-Concept (MMBC). Comparison to other work shows this approach to be reasonable.

Diagnostic assessment to estimate and minimize neutron dose rates received by occupationally exposed individuals at cyclotron facilities.

Since 2003, radiopharmaceuticals for medical diagnostic purposes have been produced at the Instituto de Engenharia Nuclear, in Brazil, using two cyclotron accelerators - CV-28 and RDS111. As a result of the ever increasing production, a diagnostic assessment to reduce neutron dose rates received by occupationally exposed individuals during irradiation processes has been developed. The purpose of this work is to present this assessment, which is currently being applied to both the Fluorine and Iodine targets of CV-28 and RDS111 cyclotron accelerators.

Determination of the neutron spectrum shape parameter alpha in k0 NAA methodology using covariance analysis.

The k(0) method for quantitative reactor neutron activation analysis (NAA) has been applied in several laboratories for the determination of multi-elemental concentrations in different materials. The general formula that yields the concentration value can be divided in two parts: one involving detection parameters and the other involving irradiation parameters. A rigorous uncertainty calculation must take into account the correlations between each of these parameters. The Nuclear Metrology Laboratory at IPEN has a research program intended to develop a methodology applying covariance analysis in order to obtain the overall uncertainty in the concentrations of different elements in a given sample, and the correlation between each pair of them. The present paper concentrates in the determination of the neutron spectrum shape factor alpha by two methods: Cd-covered and Cd-ratio, using experimental data obtained in the IEA-R1 research reactor. The final values for alpha were: (0.001+/-0.018) and (0.001+/-0.019) for the Cd-covered and Cd-ratio methods, respectively, in good agreement with each other.

Análise da dosagem sérica de elementos traço e sua correlação com aspectos clínicos de uma população de idosos saudáveis / Analysis of serum trace elements and their correlation with clinical aspects of a population of healthy elderly

O interesse sobre o papel dos elementos traço na gênese de doenças, na mortalidade e na manutenção da saúde vem sendo cada vez maior. Este trabalho tem como objetivo determinar as concentrações séricas dos elementos: Br, Ca, Cl, Fe, Na, Rb, Se e Zn e correlacioná-las com os aspectos clínicos de uma população de idosos saudáveis. Foram considerados saudáveis os idosos sem senilidade sistêmica e sintomática, sendo selecionamos 101 idosos saudáveis, 33 (32,67%) homens e 68 (67,33%) mulheres com idade média de 71,7 ± 7,1 (60-98). O nível sérico de Se foi significativamente menor em pacientes mais idosos (p < 0.001). Em comparação com os valores de referência, o Br, Cl e Na apresentaram médias menores. Em relação ao sexo, os homens tiveram menores níveis de Br (p < 0,001) e de Se (p = 0,005) com maiores níveis de Fe (p < 0,001). Menores níveis de Se foram relacionados com menor escolaridade (p= 0.013). Os valores de Br estiveram muito abaixo dos valores de referência e a prática da atividade física correlacionou-se com menores níveis de Br (p= 0,008). Poderíamos questionar se os altos níveis de Br seriam prejudiciais ao envelhecimento saudável, se níveis baixos de bromo seriam marcadores de saúde em idosos ou até se existe relação entre hábitos de vida saudáveis com os níveis de Br. A partir dos 71,2 anos, os níveis séricos de selênio começam a cair mesmo em indivíduos saudáveis. Estudos adicionais deverão determinar se o monitoramento dos níveis séricos de selênio pode ser utilizado como marcador precoce do desenvolvimento de doenças e mortalidade.

Concern about the role of trace elements in the genesis of disease, mortality and health maintenance has been increasing. This study aims to determine serum concentrations of the elements: Br, Ca, Cl, Fe, Na, Rb, Se and Zn and correlate them with clinical features of a population of healthy elderly. Were considered healthy elderly people without senile systemic symptoms. We selected 101 healthy elderly, 33 (32.67%) men and 68 (67.33%) women with a mean age of 71.7 ± 7.1 (60-98). The serum level of Se was significantly lower in older patients (p <0.001). Compared with the reference values Br, Cl and Na diminished. Longer averages about sex men had lower levels of Br (p <0.001) and Se (p = 0.005) with higher levels of Fe (p <0.001). If lower levels were associated with less education (p = 0.013). Br values were well below the reference values and physical activity correlated with lower levels of Br (p = 0.008). One might question whether high levels of Br would be detrimental for healthy aging, if low levels of bromine were markers of health in the elderly or even if there is a relationship between healthy lifestyle habits with the levels of Br. From 71.2 years, serum levels of selenium begin to fall even in healthy individuals. Additional studies will determine if monitoring of serum levels of selenium can be used as a marker of early development of disease and mortality.

Accumulation of chromium and interaction with other elements in Chlorella vulgaris (Cloroficeae) and Daphnia magna (Crustacea, Cladocera).

Assays with Chlorella vulgaris Beijerinck Novakova, 1890 and Daphnia magna Straus, 1820 were performed to determine Cr and other elements concentration in tissues of both species by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA), after being exposed to 150, 280 and 350 microg l(-1) Cr(VI). Interaction among Cu, Zn, Fe and Cr were also registered. In the control of C. vulgaris, the amount of Cr was < 4 microg g(-1); in the treatments with Cr(VI) the values were 47, 82 and 100 folds greater than the control for the lowest, intermediate and highest concentrations tested respectively. In the control of D. magna, the amount of Cr was <3 microg g(-1); in the treatments with Cr(VI) the values were 14, 13 and 27 folds higher than the control for the lower, intermediate and higher Cr(VI) concentrations respectively and from 3 to 9 times less than for C. vulgaris These results show that C. vulgaris is very efficient accumulator of Cr(VI) from polluted waters, and in consequence, it is proposed to be used in phytoremediation procedures.

Multielement analysis of argentinean lemon juices by instrumental neutronic activation analysis and their classification according to geographical origin.

Multielement analysis of lemon juices from different Argentinean regions was carried out by instrumental neutronic activation analysis (INAA) with the aim at developing a reliable method in the traceability of the origin of lemon juices. This work presents a characterization of 44 lemon juice samples selected from three different geographical origins in the Northwest region of Argentina. Multivariate chemometric techniques such principal component analysis and lineal discriminant analysis (LDA) were used with the aim of classifying the juices and identifying the most significant parameters. Eleven elements were determined (Br, As, Na, Rb, La, Cr, Sc, Fe, Co, Zn, and Sb). The analytical method was validated by analyzing the standard reference material IAEA V-10 (hay powder); the results are within +/-10% of the reported values for the majority of the elements. Biplots of LDA scores for the INAA data illustrate clear separation between each sample.

A comparative neutron activation analysis study of common generic manipulated and reference medicines commercialized in Brazil.

In this work, a comparative study of neutron activation analysis (NAA) was performed by the nuclear institutes: CDTN/CNEN-Brazil, CCHEN-Chile and the SCK.CEN-Belgium aiming to investigate some generic, manipulated and reference medicines largely commercialized in Brazil. Some impurities such as: As, Ba, Br, Ce, Co, Cr, Eu, Fe, Hf, Sb, Sc, Sm, Ti and Zn were found, and the heterogeneity of the samples pointed out the lack of an efficient public system of quality control.