Total Gamma Research Articles

Blood indicators of dry cows before and after administration of a drug STEMB

Objective: To determine the effect of a drug STEMB, which is a biostimulating tissue preparation based on chicken embryos, on the morpho-biochemical blood values of dry cows. Methods: The study was conducted on 60 Holstein cows, which were divided into three groups (group 1, group 2, and group 3), with 20 cows in each group. During the experiment, all animals in each group were subjected to the same condition of feeding and maintenance. The experimental animals were administered with the STEMB drug three times subcutaneously at an interval of 7 d within 30 d before calving. Group 1 were given 0.050 mL/kg body weight; group 2 were given 0.075 mL/kg body weight; group 3 were given 0.100 mL/kg body weight. Results: STEMB at 0.075 mL/kg body weight improved the blood cell composition, increasing the erythrocytes, hemoglobin, leukocytes, hemoglobin content, the total protein, albumins, alpha globulins, and gamma globulins. It reduced the beta-globulin index and provided a threshold level for the enzymes alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and A, M, G immunoglobulins. Conclusions: Use of the STEMB drug with a dose of 0.075 mL/kg body weight given subcutaneously three times at an interval of 7 d within 30 d before delivery is optimal for the prevention of complications during calving and postpartum periods, thereby providing an improvement in the blood cell composition.

Inorganic Nitrate Alleviates Total Body Irradiation-Induced Systemic Damage by Decreasing Reactive Oxygen Species Levels

To evaluate the protective effect of inorganic nitrate against systemic damage in a mouse model of total body gamma irradiation (TBI). C57BL/6 mice in the irradiation (IR)+NaNO3 group were pretreated with 2mmol/L NaNO3 in their drinking water for 1week before receiving 5Gy irradiation. Animals that received only 5Gy irradiation were designated as the IR group. Survival and body weight were monitored. The peripheral blood lymphocytes, heart, liver, lung, and submandibular gland were harvested and assessed. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured in the lung and submandibular gland. We examined phosphorylated histone H2AX (p-H2AX) and p53-binding protein 1 (53BP1) as markers of early-stage DNA damage and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) and Bax/caspase 3 mRNA expression as markers of apoptosis. No improvement of survival was observed in the IR+NaNO3 group after TBI, but body weight loss after 5Gy TBI was significantly attenuated in the IR+NaNO3 group. The levels of peripheral blood erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets at 7days postirradiation recovered with nitrate treatment; moreover, the p-H2AX level in the peripheral blood lymphocytes was much lower in the IR+NaNO3 group at 2 and 4hours post irradiation. In the lung and submandibular gland, the levels of p-H2AX, 53BP1 and ROS as well as TUNEL staining were significantly decreased in the IR+NaNO3 group compared with those in the IR group. Gene expression of Bax and caspase 3 was decreased in both the lung and submandibular gland with nitrate treatment, indicating attenuation of apoptosis. Inorganic nitrate delivery could effectively prevent TBI-induced systemic damage. Nitrate-mediated decreases in ROS levels may contribute to this systemic protective effect.

Fabrication of Ni, Cr, W reinforced new high alloyed stainless steels for radiation shielding applications

Abstract Stainless steel is commonly used in radiation applications for its high temperature resistance and fine mechanical properties. In this study, three types of high alloyed stainless-steel samples were produced. Before the production, GEANT4 Monte Carlo simulation toolkit was used to estimate the total fast neutron macroscopic cross sections and gamma mass attenuation coefficients. The hot-pressing process and the powder metallurgy method were applied. We tested samples’ chemical and mechanical strength. Samples were exposed to both gamma rays and fast neutrons. The obtained simulation and experimental results for both neutron and gamma radiation are compatible. According to the simulation and experimental results, neutron shielding capacity of the new stainless-steel alloys is higher than the most commonly used 316LN stainless steel in nuclear applications. Among the prepared samples, SSA1 steel has the smallest half value layer at the all examined energies. All the prepared samples posses higher mass attenuation coefficient values and lower half value layer than 316LN steel. This indicates that the produced three new high alloyed stainless-steel samples have high gamma absorption capacity when compared to 316LN steel.

Effect of baseline renal and hepatic function on the incidence of adverse drug events: the Japan Adverse Drug Events study

Background The impact of renal and hepatic dysfunction on the morbidity and mortality of inpatients with adverse drug events (ADEs) is uncertain in daily clinical practice. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of renal and hepatic function on ADEs and inpatients' morbidity and mortality. Methods The Japan Adverse Drug Events (JADE) study was a prospective cohort study carried out at three tertiary-care teaching hospitals in Japan. Participants were consecutive inpatients (n=3459) aged 15 years or older. We evaluated the effect of renal and hepatic function on the occurrence of ADEs, and assessed how they affected length of hospital stay (LOS) and in-hospital mortality. We used the estimated glomerular filtration rate to quantify renal function and categorized patients into three groups (normal, ≥60 mL/min/1.73 mm; moderate, ≥30 and <60 mL/min/1.73 mm; severe, <30 mL/min/1.73 mm). We defined patients as having hepatic dysfunction when at least one data point (total bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, or gamma glutamyltransferase) was beyond a cutoff value. Results We analyzed the laboratory data of 2508 patients. There was a significant difference in the occurrence of ADEs among the three GFR categories (normal, 20%; moderate, 26%; severe, 22%; p=0.02). More ADEs occurred in patients with hepatic dysfunction (25% vs. 20%, p=0.01). LOS was significantly longer in those with ADEs stratified either by renal or by hepatic dysfunction (p<0.0001). ADEs were independently associated with in-hospital mortality, adjusting for renal and hepatic function (p<0.0001). Conclusions Inpatients' organ dysfunction increased ADEs, and ADEs were associated with both LOS and in-hospital mortality independently, irrespective of renal and hepatic function.

Environmental correction of gamma ray logs by geometrical / empirical factors

This paper presents a series of empirical expressions to correct the total natural gamma ray log due to well environmental factors. This correction is focussed on improving the quantification of 40 K, given its application in the computation of the clay content of the different layers crossed during drilling.To date, there are no analytical relationships that make this correction and continuously consider the different diameters of the many existing sondes. There are also no functions that continuously take into account the different combinations of media interspersed between the well walls and the sonde (casing, drill pipe, gravel pack, cement, etc.) for different measurement modes and systems, such as wireline, while drilling.To solve these shortcomings, the relationships developed in this work have cited, in addition to the different well diameters and mud densities, the diameter of the sonde and the environmental parameters as variables with any value and in any possible combination. The obvious advantage of these parametric equations is that they can easily be entered as a subroutine into any code.Unlike the existing correction methods, i.e., empirical charts and curves obtained by simulation codes based on the Monte Carlo method, the relationships developed take into account the variation of the build-up effect that the radiation undergoes as it travels from layers with a certain radioactive emission to the sonde. In addition, another difference is that the relationships generated in this work include the internal diameter of the sonde between its outer walls and the cylindrical radiation detector glass.Starting from the general relationships that consider the attenuation and build-up effects of gamma radiation when passing through a medium, the methodology consisted of establishing an effective distance for the cylindrical geometry in which the source is the well wall, particularized for each effect and each type of tool (centred and eccentred).The resulting correction factors have been contrasted with the most recognized experimental charts in the field of well logging, obtaining a very high correlation and an average deviation of around 1.5%.

Delayed gamma determination at the JSI TRIGA reactor by synchronous measurements with fission and ionization chambers

Well characterized neutron and gamma fields inside a nuclear reactor are of key importance for its safe operation and for successful utilization of various research reactor irradiation facilities. In case of high-flux research reactors such as BR2 in Belgium, Maria in Poland and the future Jules Horowitz Reactor in France, the gamma energy deposition rate in reactor structural components and irradiated samples reaches values well over 10W/g. To assure safe reactor operation, the gamma field and associated heating must therefore be thoroughly characterized in order to provide adequate component and sample cooling.The gamma field can be divided into two contributions: prompt gamma rays are emitted almost instantly after neutron interaction with nuclei, while the delayed gamma rays are emitted from nuclei, which become radioactive by neutron absorption, generated from fission and other processes. Most modern Monte-Carlo particle transport codes enable the transport of prompt gamma rays; a few support delayed gamma ray generation and transport as well. The latter have mostly been applied to fusion devices, where detailed shutdown dose-rate measurements have been performed. Although the delayed gamma field can also be simulated in fission devices, significant inaccuracy in the result is to be expected due to the computational complexity arising from the large number of radioactive fission products and incompleteness of nuclear data. Furthermore, the unavailability of experimental delayed gamma measurements in fission systems presents an important challenge for the validation of the experimental results.Previous measurements in several research reactors show that the delayed gamma flux amounts to around 30% of the total gamma flux. However, these evaluations were performed with measurement data obtained during rapid reactor shutdowns (SCRAMs), using a single measurement point per SCRAM.In this paper we propose a new technique to accurately determine the magnitude of the delayed gamma component and its time evolution, based on synchronous acquisition of fission and ionization chamber signals. The measurements were performed at the JSI TRIGA reactor, using fission and ionization chambers placed in several in-core measurement positions. Their signal was acquired synchronously and at the highest possible acquisition rate in order to distinguish between measurement noise and reactor transients. Using the novel delayed gamma extraction technique we were able to estimate the magnitude of the delayed gamma contribution to be: 18.9% ± 2.0% at the reactor core periphery, linearly increasing towards the reactor core center to 31.4% ± 2.8% of the total measured gamma flux signal after 10min of reactor operation.

The effect of urbanization on the functional and scale-sensitive diversity of bird assemblages in Central India

Abstract:Diversity changes can be evaluated at various spatial scales, and the relationship between changes in diversity at the local, landscape and regional scales is not evident. The overall patterns of functional and beta diversity of bird assemblages were evaluated along a five-stage urbanization gradient, censused over the months of January to April in the years 2010–2013, in and around Amravati city, Deccan Plateau, Central India. We expected the abundance of large and predatory species to decline along the gradient, and urbanization to homogenize species richness at the landscape level. Overall, 112,829 birds belonging to 89 species were identified in the region, and species richness decreased from the rural forest (73 species) to more urbanized areas (lowest at the centre of Amravaty city with 29 species). Along the urbanization gradient, bird assemblages contained more small species, and the share of frugivorous and omnivorous species also increased, while that of insectivorous species decreased. Diversity partitioning indicated that of the overall pattern, local (alpha) diversity accounted for 50.1% of the total (gamma) diversity, and urbanization stages another 36.2%; the contribution of within-stage, local diversity was rather small (2.7%), indicating fairly homogeneous assemblages.

Paclitaxel alleviates liver fibrosis induced by bile duct ligation in rats: Role of TGF-β1, IL-10 and c-Myc

Liver fibrosis is a global health issue that causes morbidity and mortality with no currently available treatment. It has been shown that low dose paclitaxel (PTX) can stabilize microtubules and inhibit the profibrotic transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) signaling pathway. In this study the effect of treatment with low dose PTX was examined using a model of cholestatic liver fibrosis. Bile-duct ligation (BDL) was induced in rats for 2 weeks then PTX (0.3 mg/kg/ip) was administered three times a week for 2 weeks. Administration of PTX ameliorated BDL-induced elevation in biomarkers of hepatocellular damage (alanine transaminase; ALT and aspartate transaminase; AST) and obstructive cholestatic injury (total bilirubin and gamma glutamyl transferase; γ-GT). PTX was able to correct the increase in liver weight to body weight ratio and the bile duct proliferation induced by BDL. Additionally, PTX treatment corrected the BDL-induced fibrosis of portal tracts, elevation of hydroxyproline content and increased alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) mRNA and protein expression. This antifibrotic effect of PTX was further examined through its inhibitory effect on TGF-β1 mRNA and protein expression in addition to c-Myc mRNA expression. Furthermore, PTX rectified the BDL-induced decrease in interleukin-10 (IL-10) mRNA and protein expression. In conclusion, this study suggests that PTX at low dose has the potential to treat BDL-induced liver fibrosis in rats possibly through suppression of TGF-β1 and c-Myc and activation of IL-10 pathways.

Effect of heating on physical, mechanical, and nuclear radiation shielding properties of modified concrete mixes

Four concrete mixes, goethite-limonite concrete (G.L), barite-limonite concrete (B.L), steel slag-limonite concrete (S.L), and dolomite concrete (D.C) were prepared and designed to investigate the influence of heating (25, 100, 200, and 450 °C) on their performance as nuclear radiation shielding barriers. Slabs of different thicknesses from the investigated concrete mixes were exposed to a collimated beam of fast neutrons emitted from 252Cf like fission spectrum, with activity of 1.05 mCi. Measurements of the attenuation properties of fast neutrons as well as total, primary and secondary, gamma rays were performed. Organic scintillation detector with stilbene crystal was used to detect fast neutrons and total gamma-rays intensities. Results show that G.L concrete has the highest value of total removal macroscopic cross-section, Σ, for samples exposed to temperature up to 200 °C. However, for samples heated at 450 °C, G.L concrete has the poorest attenuation for fast neutrons. On the other hand, for total gamma rays, as temperature raising up to 450 °C, the B.L. concrete mix has the highest value of total linear attenuation coefficients (μ). Nevertheless; at 450 °C the S.L. concrete mix has almost the same value of μ as that of B.L.

Docosahexaenoic acid‐containing phosphatidylcholine induced osteoblastic differentiation by modulating key transcription factors

In this study, the pro-osteogenic effects of docosahexaenoic acid-containing phosphatidylcholine (DHA-PC) were investigated both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro experiments showed that DHA-PC promoted mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) proliferation and differentiation into osteoblasts. Luciferase reporter gene assay and western blotting indicated that DHA-PC significantly increased RUNX2 transcriptional activity and translation level. Although DHA-PC did not affect total peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) protein level, it promoted ERK-mediated phosphorylation of PPARγ at serine 112 locus, which was positively associated with osteogenesis. The effect of DHA-PC on osteogenic differentiation was further verified in MC3T3-E1 cells. In vivo experiments indicated that DHA-PC increased bone formation rate of adolescent mice. In summary, our study showed that DHA-PC promoted osteogenesis by up-regulating RUNX2 expression and ERK-mediated PPARγ serine 112 phosphorylation, which might provide an adjunctive therapy for the treatment of osteoporosis as a novel functional food. Practical applications Docosahexaenoic acid-containing phosphatidylcholine (DHA-PC), isolated from the squid roe, possesses unique biological activities owing to the properties of the constituent phospholipids and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. However, the protective effect of DHA-PC on osteogenesis is not known. This study demonstrated that squid roe DHA-PC promoted mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) differentiation in vitro, and clarified the underlying mechanism of this action. Moreover, in vivo experiments confirmed the osteogenetic effect of DHA-PC, which may provide a basis for using DHA-PC as a functional food for accelerating bone formation.

Mathematical derivation of density log from total gamma ray and neutron logs in clastic rocks, a case study, Egypt

An empirical equation was adequately prepared to calculate the density log values without running the density tool from total gamma ray and neutron log values, on clastic reservoir rocks. This equation was applied to calculate the density log values in three important regions in Egypt (Gulf of Suez, Nile Delta and Western Desert) for hydrocarbon exploration.The derived density log was calculated depending on the neutron and total gamma ray logs, which were used to calculate porosity and volume of shale percentages, and finally sand percentage.Applying the derived equation to calculate the density log values from total gamma ray and neutron logs, and comparing the results with the really measured log in the three wells, located with three different regions; the calculated values were mostly comparable with the measured log values. The computed correlation coefficients of the three linear regression equations attained 0.92, 0.96 and 0.97 for the Gulf of Suez, Western Desert and Nile Delta regions, Egypt, respectively.In spite of the fact that, the three empirical regression equations revealed different slopes and various intercept values, yet these equations were found to be nearly identical, when applied to the same values and compared to each other. The differences between the slopes and intercepts in the three equations refer to the various depositional environments in the three studied regions as well as their different depths and consequently their diverse pressures.

New approach for releasing uranium radiation impact on shale content evaluation in shaly sand formations: A case study, Egypt

The total shale volume is a physical parameter that plays a vital role in the evaluation of oil-bearing reservoirs. This study presents a new approach of shale volume calculation using the gamma ray spectrum of only thorium and potassium, avoiding the effect of uranium on gamma ray log (U-free). The calculations of shale volume based on U-free gamma ray log decreased to about 76%, 78%, and 79%, respectively, compared to the calculations based on the total gamma ray in clastic reservoirs in the abovementioned three regions.A new equation was derived to calculate the shale volume in the case of the absence of spectral gamma ray logs. A good agreement was observed between the computed shale volume using (U-free) gamma ray logs and that obtained from the derived equation; showing a variable percentage of 100%, 99%, and 101% of three studied regions in Egypt (Gulf of Suez, Western Desert, and Nile Delta), respectively.To achieve a good quality assurance of this method, the actual shale volumes of rock samples, which were estimated by the hydrometer separation technique, were compared with the calculated values using the new method. A strong correlation was found between them with a correlation coefficient r of 0.93.

Heavy quarkonium production through the top quark rare decays via the channels involving flavor changing neutral currents

In the paper, we discuss the possibility of observation of heavy quarkoniums via the processes involving flavor changing neutral currents (FCNC). More explicitly, we systematically calculate the production of heavy charmonium and (c{bar{b}})-quarkonium through the top quark semi-exclusive rare FCNC decays in the framework of the non-relativistic QCD (NRQCD) factorization theory. Our results show that the total decay widths Gamma _{trightarrow eta _c} =1.20^{+1.04+1.14}_{-0.51-0.45}times 10^{-16} GeV, Gamma _{trightarrow J/psi } =1.37^{+1.03+1.30}_{-0.51-0.51}times 10^{-16} GeV, Gamma _{trightarrow B_c}=2.06^{+0.17+0.91}_{-0.17-0.54}times 10^{-18} GeV, and Gamma _{trightarrow B^*_c}=6.27^{+0.63+2.78}_{-0.62-1.64}times 10^{-18} GeV, where the uncertainties are from variation of quark masses and renormalization scales. Even though the decay widths are small, it is important to make a systematic study on the production of charmonium and (c{bar{b}})-quarkonium through the top-quark decays via FCNC in the Standard Model, which will provide useful guidance for future new physics research from the heavy quarkonium involved processes.

A multi-messenger study of the total galactic high-energy neutrino emission

A detailed multi-messenger study of the high-energy emission from the Galactic plane is possible nowadays thanks to the observations provided by gamma and neutrino telescopes. We show the potential of this approach by using the total gamma flux from the galactic plane measured by HESS at 1 TeV and in the longitude range −75̂ < l < 60̂. We compare the HESS observational data with expectations for diffuse gamma emission, calculated by using different assumptions for the CR distribution in the Galaxy. We highlight the existence of an extended region of the galactic plane where the observed flux is substantially larger than the diffuse emission, thus calling for an additional contribution of comparable or larger intensity, possibly due to cumulative emission of resolved and unresolved gamma-ray sources. If this additional contribution is due to hadronic interactions, the considered region also produces a large neutrino flux and should be considered as a preferential target for the search of a galactic component in neutrino telescopes. We estimate the total contribution (i.e. including both diffuse and the source components) of this region to the IceCube HESE neutrino dataset as a function of the spectral index and energy cutoff of the sources, taking also into account the upper limit on galactic neutrino emission provided by Antares.

Analysis of the relationship binding in situ gamma count rates and soil sample activities: Implication on radionuclide inventory and uncertainty estimates due to spatial variability

The paper strives to identify through geostatistical simulations the parameters which build up a correlation between radionuclide activity concentrations measured on core samples and corresponding in situ total gamma count rates measured into boreholes drilled within the contaminated soil. This numerical exercise demonstrates that a linear relationship should exist between logarithmic values of in situ count rates and logarithmic values of activity concentrations when the contamination is strongly structured through space. A sensitivity analysis to some parameters (geostatistical range of the contamination structure, core sampling method, soil water content, multiple gamma-emitter contamination, etc.) is undertaken to identify which situations may impede the use of such a correlation. Then this approach is applied on Chernobyl measurements undertaken in 2015 and compared to the co-kriging method which considers the localization of the measurements and the additional measurements. It appears that co-kriging is a better estimator than linear regression, but the latter remains an acceptable way of estimating activity from gamma emitters and presents better results than lognormal regression. Therefore, total gamma logging measurements performed into boreholes of porous media contaminated by gamma-emitting radionuclides can be used for characterizing contamination and dealing with its spatial variability with the use of co-kriging.

Improving Gross Count Gamma-Ray Logging in Uranium Mining With the NGRS Probe

AREVA Mines and the Nuclear Measurement Laboratory of CEA Cadarache are collaborating to improve the sensitivity and precision of uranium concentration measurement by means of gamma-ray logging. The determination of uranium concentration in boreholes is performed with the Natural Gamma Ray Sonde (NGRS) based on a NaI(Tl) scintillation detector. The total gamma count rate is converted into uranium concentration using a calibration coefficient measured in concrete blocks with known uranium concentration in the AREVA Mines calibration facility located in Bessines, France. Until now, to take into account gamma attenuation in a variety of boreholes diameters, tubing materials, diameters and thicknesses, filling fluid densities, and compositions, a semiempirical formula was used to correct the calibration coefficient measured in Bessines facility. In this paper, we propose to use Monte Carlo simulations to improve gamma attenuation corrections. To this purpose, the NGRS probe and the calibration measurements in the standard concrete blocks have been modeled with Monte Carlo N-Particles (MCNP) computer code. The calibration coefficient determined by simulation 5.3 $\text{s}^{-1}\cdot \text {ppm}_{U}^{-1}$ with 10% accuracy is in good agreement with the one measured in Bessines (and for which no uncertainty was provided), 5.2 $\text{s}^{-1}\cdot \text {ppm}_{U}^{-1}$ . The calculations indicate that the concrete blocks used for measuring the calibration coefficients measured in Bessines are underestimated by about 10%. Based on the validated MCNP model, several parametric studies have been performed. For instance, the rock density and chemical composition proved to have a limited impact on the calibration coefficient. However, gamma self-absorption in uranium leads to a nonlinear relationship between count rate and uranium concentration beyond approximately 1% of uranium weight fraction, the underestimation of the uranium content reaching more than a factor 2.5 for a 50% uranium weight fraction. Parametric studies have also been performed with different tubing materials, diameters, and thicknesses, as well as different borehole filling fluids representative of real measurement conditions, in view to validate gamma attenuation corrections based on the semiempirical formula. In addition, a multilinear analysis approach has been tested to further improve accuracy on uranium concentration determination, leading to only a few percent uncertainties on a large range of configurations.

Effects of Vitamin/Sorbent Complexes on Behavioral Activity of Gamma-Irradiated Rats in the Open Field

The dynamics of behavioral indices of male albino rats were examined in the open field test. Total gamma irradiation (absorbed dose 5 Gy) resulted in decreases in the indices of all types of motor and orientational/research activity and increased emotional tension. The treatment of animals with the chitin/protein and carotene-tocopherol complexes (0.35 and .6.67 g/kg, respectively) before and after irradiation, due to the antioxidant and enterosorbent properties of these complexes, significantly moderated the negative effects of irradiation and provided a clear trend toward normalization of the measured behavioral indices (period of observation 30 days).

Mid-term prognosis of non-functioning pituitary adenomas with high proliferative potential: really an aggressive variant?

Pituitary adenomas with high proliferation rate and rapid growth are well known, but the clinical characteristics, prognosis, and treatment algorithm remain unclear. The clinical characteristics and mid-term prognosis of patients with non-functioning pituitary adenomas with high proliferative potential were retrospectively investigated. This study identified 53 patients with Ki-67 labeling index of >3% among 845 patients with non-functioning pituitary adenoma (6.3%) initially treated by surgery. Prophylactic treatment was not applied for patients with residual tumor, but salvage treatment was performed if tumor progression was identified within the follow-up period. Twenty-two patients remained progression-free, whereas 31 patients suffered tumor progression. Comparison of gross total removal (n = 22) and non-total removal (n = 31) groups showed significantly longer progression-free period in the former group (P < 0.001). As salvage treatment gamma knife radiosurgery was applied for 11 patients resulting in 10 patients remaining progression-free and regrowth in 1 patient. Fractionated irradiation was applied for 10 patients, resulting in 2 patients remaining progression-free, deaths in 5 patients including 3 of transformation to pituitary carcinoma, dementia in 1 patient caused by frontal lobe dysfunction, and progression in 2 patients requiring additional surgery and gamma knife radiosurgery. Temozolomide was administered in 2 patients, resulting in deaths in both patients including 1 transformation to pituitary carcinoma. Total removal and gamma knife radiosurgery can result in good outcome. However, the prognosis is extremely poor for patients inadequate for gamma knife radiosurgery. Development of new salvage treatments is essential.

Immune profile in aborted Iraqi women with toxoplasmosis

Background: Toxoplasmosis is one of the most important causes for abortion in women. The immune responses have a role in the outcome of such infection in gestated women. Aim: The current study was designed to investigate the immune profile in aborted Iraqi women with toxoplasmosis. Materials and Methods: Fifty-five aborted women and 29 healthy control women were enrolled in this study. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to estimate serum levels to each of interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1α), granulocyte-monocyte colony-stimulating factor, IL-8, IL-4 IL-10, IL-12, interferon gamma (INF-γ), and IL-6. Single-radial-immunodiffusion assay was used to estimate serum levels of C3, C4, and total immunoglobulin gamma. Results: Serum levels of IL-8 showed significant elevation, while IL-6 and INF-γ showed significant dropping in infected women compared to control. Other immune factors showed nonsignificant differences between the two groups of the present study. Conclusion: Disturbance of immune response associated with toxoplasmosis may explain the success of parasite in escaping from discrimination and elimination by the immune system then supporting its survival and replication.

Improving gross count gamma-ray logging in uranium mining with the NGRS probe

AREVA Mines and the Nuclear Measurement Laboratory of CEA Cadarache are collaborating to improve the sensitivity and precision of uranium concentration measurement by means of gamma ray logging. The determination of uranium concentration in boreholes is performed with the Natural Gamma Ray Sonde (NGRS) based on a NaI(Tl) scintillation detector. The total gamma count rate is converted into uranium concentration using a calibration coefficient measured in concrete blocks with known uranium concentration in the AREVA Mines calibration facility located in Bessines, France. Until now, to take into account gamma attenuation in a variety of boreholes diameters, tubing materials, diameters and thicknesses, filling fluid densities and compositions, a semi-empirical formula was used to correct the calibration coefficient measured in Bessines facility. In this work, we propose to use Monte Carlo simulations to improve gamma attenuation corrections. To this purpose, the NGRS probe and the calibration measurements in the standard concrete blocks have been modeled with MCNP computer code. The calibration coefficient determined by simulation, 5.3 s-1.ppmU-1 ± 10%, is in good agreement with the one measured in Bessines, 5.2 s-1.ppmU-1. Based on the validated MCNP model, several parametric studies have been performed. For instance, the rock density and chemical composition proved to have a limited impact on the calibration coefficient. However, gamma self-absorption in uranium leads to a nonlinear relationship between count rate and uranium concentration beyond approximately 1% of uranium weight fraction, the underestimation of the uranium content reaching more than a factor 2.5 for a 50 % uranium weight fraction. Next steps will concern parametric studies with different tubing materials, diameters and thicknesses, as well as different borehole filling fluids representative of real measurement conditions.