Activity Of 3H Research Articles

Radioactivity Levels, Spatial Distribution, and Radiological Risk Assessment of 226Ra, 228Ra, 40K, and 3H in Water Samples from Dhaka City and Savar, Bangladesh.

This investigation was conducted to measure the radioactivity levels of 226Ra, 228Ra, 40K, and 3H in the 13 most popular branded bottled mineral water (BMW), 12 groundwater sources consumed in Dhaka city, Bangladesh, and six water samples collected from the nuclear object site at Savar, adjacent to Dhaka. The activity of 3H was measured by using a liquid scintillation counter, and a gamma-ray spectrometer with an HPGe detector was used to measure the activity of other radionuclides. The average activity concentrations of 226Ra, 228Ra, 40K, and 3H in BMW samples and groundwater were found to be 1.81 ± 0.43, 1.74 ± 0.40, 43.08 ± 6.23, 2.42 ± 0.16, and 1.61 ± 0.51, 1.69 ± 0.45, 57.42 ± 3.16, and 3.02 ± 0.19 Bq/L, respectively. In addition, the activity concentrations of identified radionuclides in water samples collected from Savar were found to be 1.59 ± 0.43, 1.53 ± 0.50, 99.83 ± 3.05, and 2.95 ± 0.20 Bq/L. With the exception of 3H, the activity concentration and the annual effective dose of 40K, 226Ra, and 228Ra surpassed the acceptable thresholds of the WHO. The combined activity of radium (Rac) also exceeds the USEPA recommended maximum permissible limit of 0.185 Bq/L. The excess lifetime cancer risk results were below the permissible threshold of 10-3 for radiological risks. Groundwater was subjected to an AAS analysis for common metals (Na, Mg, and Ca) and heavy metals (Fe, Cr, Cu, and Pb). The results showed that the heavy metals were below the detection limit. Radionuclide contents in groundwater of Dhaka city were mapped spatially using a GIS technique. Statistical analyses such as one-way ANOVA, one sample t test, and Pearson's correlation analysis were also performed. According to Pearson's correlation analysis, 228Ra is mostly responsible for radiation risk in BMW and groundwater.

Explorations of Agonist Selectivity for the α9* nAChR with Novel Substituted Carbamoyl/Amido/Heteroaryl Dialkylpiperazinium Salts and Their Therapeutic Implications in Pain and Inflammation.

There is an urgent need for nonopioid treatments for chronic and neuropathic pain to provide effective alternatives amid the escalating opioid crisis. This study introduces novel compounds targeting the α9 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunit, which is crucial for pain regulation, inflammation, and inner ear functions. Specifically, it identifies novel substituted carbamoyl/amido/heteroaryl dialkylpiperazinium iodides as potent agonists selective for human α9 and α9α10 over α7 nAChRs, particularly compounds 3f, 3h, and 3j. Compound 3h (GAT2711) demonstrated a 230 nM potency as a full agonist at α9 nAChRs, being 340-fold selective over α7. Compound 3c was 10-fold selective for α9α10 over α9 nAChR. Compounds 2, 3f, and 3h inhibited ATP-induced interleukin-1β release in THP-1 cells. The analgesic activity of 3h was fully retained in α7 knockout mice, suggesting that analgesic effects were potentially mediated through α9* nAChRs. Our findings provide a blueprint for developing α9*-specific therapeutics for pain.

Novel sulphonamide-azaheterocycle conjugates and their anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-angiogenesis activity and molecular docking studies

The present study reports the synthesis of sulphonamide-azaheterocycle conjugates (3 a-j) and evaluates its in vitro anticancer activity against breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) and liver cancer cell line (HepG2). The compound 3g was found to be the most active compound with IC50 values of 40.54 ± 0.25 μg/ml against MCF 7 cell line and 55.38 ± 0.18 μg/mL against HepG2 cell line. The compound 3h was found to be most active with IC50 value of 36.70 ± 0.90 μg/mL against MCF 7 cell line and 54.75 ± 0.68 μg/mL against HepG2 cell line as compared to the standard drug 5-fluorouracil (26.08 ± 0.82 μg/mL and 45.50 ± 2.35 μg/mL). The compounds 3 a-j showed characteristic changes, particularly in the nucleus, which were observed through nuclear staining with the fluorescent dye DAPI. The compound 3h has shown strong anti-inflammatory activity with IC50 values of 31.17 ± 0.23 μg/mL. Furthermore, the anti-diabetic activity of 3g and 3h exhibited significant activity with IC50 values 34.51 ± 1.31 and 33.87 ± 1.54 μg/mL as compared to the standard drug acarbose. Compounds 3a, 3b, 3d, 3f, 3g and 3h displayed a strong antiangiogenic effect, with an antiangiogenic score of 1.34, 1.28, 1.32, 1.41, 1.41 and 1.45. Moreover, in silico bioactivity prediction studies demonstrated significant interactions between the compounds and putative drug targets. Results of DFT analysis highlighted that 3h possesses a favorable electronic structure with the possibility of having promising potential in biological applications. The analysis of binding affinities in docking studies highlighted that 3h exhibited the most favorable binding among all sulphonamide-azaheterocycle conjugates (3 a-j) tested against both the HER2 (PDB: 3PP0) and EGFR (PDB: 4HJO).

Abstract 479: Novel specific PKM2 inhibitor, compound 3h, induces apoptotic and autophagic cell death through Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in prostate cancer cells

Abstract Pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) is a key enzyme involved in the regulation of glycolysis. Although PKM2 is overexpressed in various tumor tissues, its functional role in cancer chemotherapy remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the anticancer activity of novel PKM2 inhibitors in the regulation of cell metabolism and its associated pathways in prostate cancer cells. To evaluate the molecular basis of specific PKM2 inhibitors, the interactions of compounds 3h and 3K with the PKM2 protein were assessed via molecular docking. We found that, compared to compound 3K, compound 3h exhibited a higher binding affinity for PKM2. Moreover, compound 3h significantly inhibited the pyruvate kinase activity and PKM2 expression. Cytotoxicity and colony formation assays revealed the potent anticancer activity of compound 3h against LNCaP cells. Compound 3h significantly increased the apoptotic and autophagic cell death in LNCaP cells. In addition, compound 3h induced AMPK activation along with the inhibition of mTOR/p70S6K pathway. Furthermore, compound 3h significantly inhibited glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration, as determined by analyzing extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) and oxygen consumption rate (OCR) production. Our results revealed that compound 3h caused apoptotic and autophagic cell death by inhibiting cancer cell metabolism in LNCaP cells. Therefore, blocking glycolytic pathways using specific PKM2 inhibitors can be used to target cancer cell metabolism in PKM2-overexpressed prostate cancer cells. Citation Format: Chunxue Jiang, Tian Zheng, HwaYoung Cha, Hyung Sik Kim. Novel specific PKM2 inhibitor, compound 3h, induces apoptotic and autophagic cell death through Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in prostate cancer cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 479.

Novel Specific Pyruvate Kinase M2 Inhibitor, Compound 3h, Induces Apoptosis and Autophagy through Suppressing Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway in LNCaP Cells

Pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) is a key enzyme involved in the regulation of glycolysis. Although PKM2 is overexpressed in various tumor tissues, its functional role in cancer chemotherapy remains unexplored. In this study, we investigated the anticancer activity of a new PKM2 inhibitor, compound 3h, through the cell metabolism and associated signaling pathways in prostate cancer cells. To evaluate the molecular basis of specific PKM2 inhibitors, the interactions of compounds 3h and 3K with the PKM2 protein were assessed via molecular docking. We found that, compared to compound 3K, compound 3h exhibited a higher binding affinity for PKM2. Moreover, compound 3h significantly inhibited the pyruvate kinase activity and PKM2 expression. Cytotoxicity and colony formation assays revealed the potent anticancer activity of compound 3h against LNCaP cells. Compound 3h significantly increased the apoptotic and autophagic cell death in LNCaP cells. In addition, compound 3h induced AMPK activation along with the inhibition of the mTOR/p70S6K pathway. Furthermore, compound 3h significantly inhibited glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration, as determined by analyzing the extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) and oxygen consumption rate (OCR) production. Our results revealed that compound 3h caused apoptotic and autophagic cell death in LNCaP cells by inhibiting cancer cell metabolism. Therefore, blocking glycolytic pathways using specific PKM2 inhibitors can target cancer cell metabolism in PKM2-overexpressed prostate cancer cells.

Induced Radionuclides and Their Activity Concentration in Gel Dosimeters Irradiated by Carbon Ion Beam.

Radioactivity was measured in a micellar gel dosimeter, a polymer gel dosimeter, and water was irradiated by carbon ion beams at various beam energy conditions. Monte Carlo simulation was also performed to estimate the radioactivity. Short-lived positron-emitting nuclides were observed immediately after irradiation, but they decayed rapidly into the background. At 24 h post-irradiation, the dominant measured radioactivity was of 7Be. The simulation also showed minor activity of 24Na and 3H; however, they were not experimentally observed. The measured radioactivity was independent of the type of gel dosimeter under all irradiation conditions, suggesting that the radioactivity was induced by the interaction of carbon ions with water (the main component of the gel dosimeters). The ratio between the simulated and measured radioactivity was within 0.9–1.5. The activity concentration of 7Be was found to be less than 1/10 of the value derived using the exemption concept proposed by the International Atomic Energy Agency. This result should be applicable to irradiated gel dosimeters containing mainly water and 0–4 wt.% C and 0–1.7 wt.% N.

Influence of operation of thermal and fast reactors of the Beloyarsk NPP on the radioecological situation in the cooling pond. Part 1: Surface water and bottom sediments

The results of radioecological monitoring of the cooling pond Beloyarsk NPP (Russia) have been presented. The influence of waste technological waters of thermal and fast NPP reactors on the content of artificial radionuclides in surface waters and bottom sediments of the Beloyarsk reservoir has been studied. The long-term dynamics of the specific activity of 60Co, 90Sr, 137Cs and 3H in the main components of the freshwater ecosystem at different distances from the source of radionuclide discharge has been estimated. Critical radionuclides (60Co and 137Cs), routes of their entry and periods of maximum discharge of radioisotopes into the cooling pond have been determined. It is shown that the technology of electricity generation at Beloyarsk NPP, based on fast reactors, has a much smaller effect on the flow of artificial radionuclides into the freshwater ecosystem of the reservoir. During the entire period of monitoring studies, the decrease in the specific activity of radionuclides from NPP origin in surface waters was 4.3–74.5 times, in bottom sediments 10–505 times. The maximum discharge of artificial radionuclides into the reservoir was noted during the period of restoration and decontamination work aimed at eliminating emergencies at the AMB thermal reactors of the first stage of the Beloyarsk NPP.

MONITORING OF TRITIUM POLLUTION OF THE SHAGAN RIVER WATERS

The article presents the results of monitoring the waters of the Shagan river on the change in the specific activity of tritium for 2016–2020. The Shagan river is the longest surface watercourse on the territory of the Semipalatinsk Test Site, flowing along the eastern part of the Balapan site, where, together with the tributary, the Ashisu, flows into the “Atomic Lake”. Further, at a distance of 110 km downstream, the river forms a left-bank tributary of the Irtysh river. Previous studies have revealed and repeatedly confirmed the fact of radioactive contamination of the surface and ground waters of the Shagan river technogenic radionuclide 3H. It was revealed that the main source of pollution is groundwater entering the surface waters of the river. In this regard, in order to ensure long-term monitoring of 3H pollution of river waters, seasonal monitoring was carried out in three sections of the river located along its channel, starting from the outlet from the “Atomic Lake” heap and further downstream to the confluence with the Irtysh river.As a result of the observations, it was found that the specific activity of 3H in surface and ground waters, depending on the observation time, varies in a wide range of values. So, in the area of maximum pollution, the content of 3H changes from the minimum – 8 Bq/kg in the spring, to the maximum 370 000 Bq/kg in the summer-autumn period. At the exit points of the Shagan river outside the landfill, the concentration of 3H varies from 90 Bq/kg to 12 400 Bq/kg. In the area of the confluence of the Shagan river in Irtysh river content of 3H does not exceed 110 Bq/kg.

Влияние трития на морфо-анатомическую структуру растений вида Тростник обыкновенный (Phragmites australis)

The article presents the results of research on the morpho-anatomical structure of the plants growing under chronic exposure to ionizing radiation. The research was conducted in the territory of the Semipalatinsk test site in the vicinity of the Shagan river. The radioecological situation in the study area is determined by the presence of the long-lived radionuclides 3H, 90Sr, 239+240Pu in components comprising the natural environment. The main contributor to the radioactive contam-ination of the nature components is 3H. The findings of the study show that when 3H specific activ-ity in the free water of the common reed grass increases to n103-n105 Bq/kg, some anatomical parameters of its cane and leaf are reduced. The study also shows that with the increase in triti-um specific activity from n102 to n105 Bq/kg the anatomical parameters of the cane (scleren-chyma, cane diameter) decrease. When the specific activity of tritium increases to n104 Bq/kg, the leaf anatomical parameters are reduced. When specific activity of 3H increases to n105 Bq/kg there is the general tendency to the insignificant increase in anatomical parameters.

Комплексный радиационно-экологический мониторинг водных экосистем в регионе размещения АЭС «Руппур» (Народная Республика Бангладеш)

Представлен опыт создания и ведения системы радиационно-экологического мониторинга водных экосистем в регионе АЭС «Руппур» (Бангладеш). Компоненты водных экосистем в зоне влияния АЭС являются как наиболее информативными для определения состояния окружающей среды, так и важными с точки зрения ведения хозяйственной деятельности. Именно поэтому оценка и прогнозирование качества водных экосистем в районе АЭС — актуальная проблема для обеспечения радиационной и экологической безопасности. Разработана детализированная программа мониторинга; выбраны пункты наблюдения за состоянием поверхностных и подземных вод на разном расстоянии от АЭС «Руппур»; определены объекты мониторинга (вода, донные отложения, высшая водная растительность, рыба), перечень исследуемых параметров, регламент наблюдений, а также методы и нормативно-техническое обеспечение. В числе контролируемых показателей рассмотрены: физико-химические характеристики воды и донных отложений; радионуклидный состав компонентов водных экосистем, включающий природные (40K, 226Ra, 232Th) и техногенные (90Sr, 137Cs, 3H) радионуклиды; содержание 19 тяжёлых металлов, а также химических загрязнителей. Мониторинговые исследования проведены в 2014–2017 гг. на фоновом уровне и на этапе строительства АЭС «Руппур» с учётом климатических особенностей региона в различные периоды года. Радионуклиды в объектах окружающей среды определены методами спектрометрии и радиохимии, тяжёлые металлы — атомно-абсорбционным и плазменно-эмиссионным методами анализа. Установлено, что высшая водная растительность в реке Падма (Ганг) встречается не во все сезоны. В декабре она фактически отсутствует; максимальное видовое разнообразие отмечено в июне. Выделены различия между поверхностными и подземными водами в регионе АЭС «Руппур» по ряду физико-химических характеристик. Показатели общей минерализации и жёсткости в питьевой воде выше, чем в поверхностной, в 2–3 раза, что обусловлено составом вод р. Падма, основа которых — талые воды ледников гор и дождевая вода. Содержание в поверхностных и подземных водах органических загрязнителей ниже или на уровне порога их обнаружения приборами (бензпирен — менее 0,01 мкг·л−1; фенолы — 1,3–3,5 мкг·л−1; нефтепродукты — 0,01–0,043 мг·л−1). Объёмная активность в водах р. Падма 137Cs за весь период наблюдений не превышала 0,18 Бк·л−1 при среднем значении 0,07 Бк·л−1. Содержание 90Sr было в диапазоне 0,02–0,12 Бк·л−1, а 3H — в пределах 0,8–2,1 Бк·л−1. Средняя удельная активность 90Sr в донных отложениях варьировала в диапазоне 0,5–1,8 Бк·кг−1, а 137Cs — 0,8–2,1 Бк·кг−1. Удельная активность 3H в донных отложениях составляла менее 3 Бк·кг−1, за исключением трёх проб в 2017 г. (12–30 Бк·кг−1), что обусловлено, по всей видимости, локальным загрязнением. Удельная активность 90Sr в высшей водной растительности была на уровне 0,4–3,9 Бк·кг−1, а 137Cs — 0,4–1,0 Бк·кг−1. В питьевой воде объёмная активность нормируемых радионуклидов колебалась в следующих диапазонах: 137Cs — 0,03–0,27 Бк·л−1, что в 40 раз ниже уровня вмешательства по НРБ-99/2009; 90Sr — 0,01–0,16 Бк·л−1 (в 30 раз ниже норматива); 3H — 0,4–1,2 Бк·л−1 (более чем в 6 тыс. раз ниже уровня вмешательства). Удельная активность 90Sr в рыбе варьировалась в диапазоне 0,02–1,6 Бк·кг−1, что в 60 раз ниже российских и международных стандартов. Содержание 137Cs в рыбе было в пределах 0,26–0,3 Бк·кг−1, что в 400 раз ниже российских нормативов и более чем в 3 тыс. раз — международных. Анализ данных наблюдений за уровнями загрязнения тяжёлыми металлами компонентов водных экосистем в регионе АЭС «Руппур» показал, что по ряду элементов зарегистрированы их повышенные концентрации, бόльшая часть которых относится к сезону муссонов. Так, в поверхностных водах р. Падма отмечено периодическое увеличение содержания As, Cd, Mn, Al, а в донных отложениях — As, Cd, Ni, Co, Zn, что связано с антропогенным влиянием и с усиленным стоком загрязняющих веществ в период муссонных дождей. В питьевой воде 30-километровой зоны АЭС «Руппур» зафиксированы периодические повышенные концентрации As и Mn, а в отдельных пробах — Fe и Al, что может быть обусловлено как природными особенностями региона (относительно высокое содержание As в водоносных горизонтах), так и состоянием систем водоснабжения. Заложенная сеть радиационно-экологического мониторинга водных экосистем позволяет регистрировать изменение ситуации в регионе размещения АЭС «Руппур» и выявлять влияние работы атомной электростанции на человека и окружающую среду.

A wet-oxidation procedure of radioactive waste resin and waste concentrated liquid for 3H and 14C analysis

3H and 14C are two of the principal isotopes that should be considered in the characterization of radioactive waste from the nuclear power plant. In this paper, an analytical method of 3H and 14C in radioactive waste resin and waste concentrated liquid with a wet-oxidation process was presented, which allowed us to obtain both samples of 3H and 14C simultaneously. The chemical yields were optimized based on an orthogonal experiment with fresh resin. The analytical precision and the minimum detectable concentration (MDC) were provided. The chemical yield of 14C during the process for resin was about 96.8%. There was no significant difference between the analytical results of 14C with the wet-oxidation method and those with the oxygen-bomb combustion method. The MDCs of activity of 3H and 14C were 41 Bq/gww and 1.3 Bq/gww for waste resin, and 1.3 Bq/gww and 0.02 Bq/gww for waste concentrated liquid. The method was applied to determine the radioactivity concentrations in the waste from a typical nuclear power plant. It was shown that the averaged concentrations of 3H and 14C in the radioactive waste resin were 6134 Bq/gww and 2724 Bq/gww, and the averages in waste concentrated liquid were 104.7 Bq/gww and 27.3 Bq/gww, respectively.

Geochemistry and isotopic analysis of brines in the coastal sabkhas, Eastern region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Several solute-source models have been proposed to elucidate the origin of the solutes in the Gulf coastal sabkhas. The Ascending Brine hydrogeologic model has been shown to be a viable explanation for the origin of solutes in the Arabian (Persian) Gulf coastal sabkha in the UAE (United Arab Emirates). A coastal sabkha approximately 500 km northwest of the UAE sabkha and 40 km northwest of Dhahran, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was selected to test the general applicability of this conceptual model. The Cl and Br relationship was used to assess the source of solutes in combination with the activities of 226Ra, and bromine isotopes δ81Br. The possible origin of water in the system was constrained using isotopes of δ18O, δ2H, and activity of 3H. The analyses of Cl−/Br−, 226Ra activity and bromine isotopes δ81Br indicate solutes are consistent with the Ascending Brine model and incompatible with seawater based models. Isotopes of δ18O, δ2H, and activity of 3H suggest most of the water is from local precipitation. Whereas the geology, solute chemistry, and mineral sequence is different in both sites, water and solute isotopes at this site are consistent with the proposed Ascending Brine model.

Background radiation in the production area of hokutolite in Taiwan

The Geothermal Valley Hot Spring Area of Beitou in Taiwan is celebrated for is discovery of hokutolite. Ascribed to abundant radioisotopes of uranium- and thorium-series from igneous stratum in this area, the radioactivity and background radiation is important to be investigated for nearby inhabitants. In this study, measurements were carried out for gross α/β activities, radium-isotope and tritium activities in water, major naturally occurring radionuclides in soil, sludge and plants, and radon-isotope activities in air. The ambient dose rate, effective dose rate, direct radiation dose from surface of the ground as well as the annual effective dose to the public was estimated. Gross α/β activities detected in hot spring water indicated that the hot spring water is undrinkable in this area. Gamma activity in water was mainly from daughters of 228Ra and 226Ra, which decreased downstream the Beitou Creek. The activity of 3H was lower than the minimum detectable activity (MDA) at the sampling sites. The 7Be and 137Cs were rare in soil. Potassium-40 was measured in sludge, and 7Be and 4K were found in plants. Cobalt-60 was <MDA in soil, sludge and plants in this area. The derived absorbed dose rate and estimated effective dose rate were similar to average global levels. Activity concentrations of 238U and 232Th in soil were both maximum in the production region of hokutolite due to precipitation of these radionuclides. Sludge activity for 238U and 232Th were both highest in the Geothermal Valley. The contribution of terrestrial sources to effective dose rate was highest around the production region of hokutolite. Direct radiation dose was around the level of 10−10 μSv/h. Annual effective dose was estimated lower than 0.088 ± 0.013 mSv/year. Directly measured radiation dose rate was found highest (0.340 μSv/h) around the hokutolite production region. Radon (222Rn) concentration was highest at Geothermal Valley and <40 Bq/m3 at other sites. Thoron was detected at some sites (7.4–77.7 Bq/m3). Most of the thoron concentrations are higher than 10 Bq/m3 due to higher 232Th concentration in this area.

Тритиевое загрязнение почвы в местах проведения наземных ядерных испытаний на Семипалатинском испытательном полигоне

Semipalatinsk above-ground nuclear tests caused atmospheric fallout and radioactive contam-ination of the environment that resulted in the synthesis of great amount of radioisotopes. Triti-um was the basic isotope generated in the soil as a result of above-ground nuclear tests. Previ-ously many researchers believed that tritium contamination of the soil occurred in sites for un-derground nuclear tests only. The research of tritium content in areas for above-ground nuclear tests was not taken into consideration. However, during the work in the site for above-ground tests “Experimental Field”, we examined the tritium content in soil and numerically estimated the specific activity of 3H. Because the radioisotope may be produced from the following activa-tion reactions while nuclear explosions: 6Li3 + n → 4He2 + 3Н; 10B5 + n → 24He2 + 3Н; 14N + n → 12C + 3Н, as well as 151Eu63 + n → 152Eu63 , we selected soil samples to test for 3H, as well as for 152Eu. Then analysis results were compared for establishing relationship between the isotopes and investigating the mechanism of 3H production. The article presents results of detailed study of soil contaminated with tritium in the “Experimental Field” site. 3H content in soil and the iso-tope distribution in epicenter zones of technical sites and in sites located in different distance from the epicenter are presented. Correlated dependence of the 3Н content on the 152Eu content that allowed us to discover the basic mechanism of the tritium production, that was a neutron-activation reaction occurred at the time of above-ground nuclear tests.

Nuclear and analytical methods for investigation of high quality wines

Nuclear and analytical methods can help to determine the year of production – vintage and the geographical provenance of high quality wines. A complex analytical investigation of Melnik fine wines from “Artarkata” vineyards, Vinogradi village near Melnik in Southwest Bulgaria using different methods and equipment were performed. Nuclear methods, based on measured gamma-ray activity of 137Cs and specific activity of 3H can be used to determine the year of wine production. The specific activity of 137Cs was measured in wines from different vintages using Low-Background High-Resolution Gamma-Spectrometry. Tritium measurements in wine samples were carried out by using a low level liquid scintillation counting in a Packard Tri-Carb 2770 TR/SL liquid scintillation analyzer. The identification of the origin of wines using their chemical fingerprints is of great interest for wine consumers and producers. Determination of 16 chemical elements in samples from soil, wine stems, wine leaves and fine wine from the type Shiroka Melnishka, which are grown in typical Melnik vineyard was made, using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES).

Design, Synthesis, and Anticancer Activity of 3H–benzo[f]chromen‐3‐one Derivatives

A series of substituted aminomethylbenzocoumarin derivatives 8a–i have been synthesized, characterized, and structure of compound 8g was confirmed by X‐ray single crystal analysis. All the synthesized compounds were tested for their anticancer activity against cancer cell lines A549 (lung carcinoma cell line), MCF7 (breast cancer cell line), and A375 (melanoma cell line). Compounds 8a, 8f, and 8h showed excellent growth inhibitory activity against all three cell lines, respectively. Compounds 8a and 8f were also found to be quite promising at very low concentration as an anticancer agent against MCF7 and A549 cell lines. Compounds 8g and 8i showed excellent antimitotic activity with IC50 0.32 and19.98 nM for A549 cell line.

Radionuclidic purity tests in 18F radiopharmaceutIcals production process

Radionuclidic purity tests of 18F radiopharmaceuticals (Na18F and fluorodeoxyglucose [18F]FDG) and radionuclide composition analysis of irradiated water [18O]H2O were performed. The measurements were conducted using a High-Purity Germanium (HPGe) detector and a liquid scintillation counter. Radionuclide identification and activity measurements were performed for samples from different stages of the production process. Most of the impurities were detected on QMA (quaternary methylammonium) anion exchange columns and in liquid wastes. Using liquid scintillation counting, the activity of 3H resulting from the 18O[p, 3H]16O reaction was determined. It was shown that all of the impurities were efficiently determined and eliminated in the radiopharmaceuticals synthesis process and that the final products meet the requirements set by relevant regulations.

Synthesis, central nervous system activity and structure-activity relationships of novel 1-(1-Alkyl-4-aryl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazo)-3-substituted urea derivatives.

A series of 10 novel urea derivatives has been synthesized and evaluated for their central nervous system activity. Compounds 3a–3h were prepared in the reaction between the respective 1-alkyl-4-aryl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-amines 1a and 1b and appropriate benzyl-, phenethyl-isocyanate or ethyl 4-isocyanatobenzoate and ethyl isocyanatoacetate 2 in dichloromethane. Derivatives 4c and 4g resulted from the conversion of 3c and 3g into the respective amides due to action of an aqueous ammonia solution. The results obtained in this study, based on literature data suggest a possible involvement of serotonin system and/or the opioid system in the effects of tested compounds, and especially in the effect of compound 3h. The best activity of compound 3h may be primarily attributed to its favourable ADMET properties, i.e., higher lipophilicity (related to lower polar surface area and greater molecular surface, volume and mass than for other compounds) and good blood-brain permeation. This compound has also the greatest polarizability and ovality. The HOMO and LUMO energies do not seem to be directly related to activity.

Construction and implementation of a TDCR system at ENEA

A new 4π (LS) TDCR system was built at ENEA-INMRI. Three photomultiplier tubes, arranged in a planar 120° geometry around a spherical optical chamber, were directly linked to a CAEN Desktop Digitizer DT5720. This module, based on the Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) technology for real time Digital Pulse Processing (DPP), allowed to replace all the classical TDCR electronics by only one device. The activity of 3H and 63Ni standard sources were successfully measured by the new detector.

Synthesis and characterization of BEA-SO 3H as an efficient and chemoselective acid catalyst

BEA zeolite was synthesized under hydrothermal condition and modified with various amounts of chlorosulphonic acid. It was characterized by XRD, XRF, FT-IR, BET, thermogravimetric analysis and SEM techniques. Catalytic activity of BEA-SO 3H was tested for the synthesis of 1,1-diacetates from a variety of aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes including those carrying electron donating or withdrawing substituents by acetic anhydride. At optimized conditions, The BEA-SO 3H (28 wt.%) catalyst showed good yield at very short time for the synthesis and deprotection of 1,1-diacetates. Furthermore, BEA-SO 3H was found to be recyclable for the protection of aldehydes with acetic anhydride under solvent-free and room temperature conditions. This method is a green approach for the protection of aldehydes in the presence of ketones.