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Objective To explore the uranium concentration in surface water and drinking water in Beijing, China and the relationship between uranium concentration and gross α activity concentration. Methods Water samples were collected from 16 districts in Beijing. Uranium concentration and gross α activity concentration were measured with WGJ-III trace uranium analyzer and LB6008 six-channel α/β counter using the ultraviolet fluorescence and thick source methods. Results The uranium concentrations in surface water and drinking water were 1.131 and 1.572 μg/L, respectively. The gross α activity concentrations in surface water and drinking water were 0.059 and 0.074 Bq/L, respectively. There were no significant differences in uranium concentration and gross α activity concentration between surface water and drinking water (P > 0.05). The uranium concentration was positively correlated with the gross α activity concentration, with a correlation coefficient of 0.700 (P < 0.05). The gross α activity concentration was determined by the uranium concentration with a determination coefficient of 48%. The committed effective dose of 238U in drinking water was between 3.284 × 10−5 and 1.640 × 10−3 mSv, with an average value of 5.400 × 10−4 mSv. Conclusion The uranium concentration and gross α activity in the surface water and drinking water in Beijing fluctuate and remain in the background range. These values are much lower than the recommended limits of 0.03 mg/L and 0.5 Bq/L stipulated in the GB 5749-2021 Standard for Drinking Water Quality. The annual committed effective dose of 238U through drinking water ingestion is very small.
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Objective:To analyze the relationship between plasma uranium concentration and renal injury.Methods:A case-control study was conducted in Hunan province, involving 102 renal injury cases and 102 matched controls. The association between plasma uranium concentration and renal injury was analyzed using conditional logistic regression models, and the dose-response relationship was analyzed through restricted cubic spline regression. The linear regression model and Spearman correlation were used to analyze the association between plasma uranium concentration and renal injury indicators.Results:The median of plasma uranium concentration was 8.94 ng/L in all subjects and 10.19 ng/L in the case group. The plasma uranium may be a risk factor for renal injury, with a dose-response relationship between the both representing nonlinear association ( χ2=5.15, P<0.05). The risk of renal injury was 4.21 times higher in the group exposed to highest uranium concentration than that in the group exposed to lowest uranium concentration. Plasma uranium concentration was closely related to glomerular filtration rate, serum creatinine and β 2-microglobulin ( r=0.211, -0.142, 0.195, P<0.05). Conclusions:The plasma uranium concentration is significantly associated with the renal injury, which may provide epidemiology evidence for the prevention of renal injury.
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Objective:To understand the non-uranium miners′ awareness of radon and health risks in China and analyze the relevant influencing factors, in order to provide research basis for radiological protection institutions and employers to carry out radon health education.Methods:Male miners in 32 typical non-uranium mines from 11 provinces were selected by using cluster random sampling method from June 2020 to December 2021. The awareness of radon and health risks was investigated, and the influencing factors were analyzed by binary logistic regression model.Results:A total of 1 184 non-uranium miners were investigated, and the radon awareness rate of them was 19.17%. 36.56% of the non-uranium miners heard about radon knew the radon health risks accurately, and 18.06% could identify the measures to reduce radon concentration correctly. Univariate analysis showed that the radon awareness rate of non-uranium miners varied with different education levels, labor relations, post categories, and regions ( χ2=55.92, 21.89, 64.31, 11.26, P<0.05 ). The result of logistic regression analysis showed that a bachelor degree or above, regular employee, administrative personnel and technical personnel were influencing factors of the radon awareness level ( χ2=12.81, 6.58, 5.66, 21.44, P<0.05 ). There was no statistically significant difference of radon awareness rate in different ages, working years, regions, and smoke groups ( P>0.05 ). Conclusions:The awareness level of radon and health risks of non-uranium miners was relatively low in China. Radiological protection institutions and employers should strengthen education and training of radon related knowledge in non-uranium miners through mass media, on-duty training, contract notification and workplace publicity board notification, so as to improve their personal protection consciousness.
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Objective: To explore the correction factors of lung cancer caused by radon exposure in a uranium mine, and estimate the excess relative risk (ERR) coefficient of lung cancer caused by radon in the uranium miners. Methods: Male miners who worked in a uranium mine more than one year in Hunan Province from 1958 to 2018 were selected. This study preliminarily estimated the ERR coefficient of lung cancer caused by radon in the miners with different corrections using the Possion regression model. Results: This study cohort included 4 851 uranium miners, with 187 miners died with lung cancer from 1958 to 2018, and cumulative follow-up of 207 251 person-year. The ERR coefficient of lung cancer caused by radon without correction factors was estimated to be 0.21%/WLM (95%CI: 0.04%/WLM-0.27%/WLM). In the final model, the exponential correction factors of radon-induced lung cancer were time since exposure and exposure rate. In this model, if time since exposure was 45 years and the average exposure rate was 0.14 WL, the estimated ERR coefficient was 1.73%/WLM (95%CI: 0.36%/WLM-3.11%/WLM). The ERR decreases by about 60.00% for every 10 years since exposure, and increases by about 30.00% for every one WL increase exposure rate. Conclusion: The correction factors of lung cancer caused by radon in uranium miners in this mine were the time since exposure and exposure rate. It was preliminarily estimated that the ERR coefficient of lung cancer caused by radon in the occupational radon exposed population in this uranium mine was 1.73%/WLM (95%CI: 0.36%/WLM-3.11%/WLM).
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Objective To evaluate the current situation of radioactive contamination in the soil around a decommissioned uranium mine by combined determination of 210Pb and 210Po activity concentrations. Methods Soil samples were collected around a decommissioned uranium mine. 210Po and the 210Pb decay product 210Bi were plated on a copper sheet by self-deposition at a constant temperature. Gross α and gross β counts were measured using a low-background α/β counter. The activity concentrations of 210Pb and 210Po in soil were calculated. The radioactive contamination was evaluated using geological accumulation index. Results The activity concentrations of 210Pb and 210Po in the soil around the decommissioned uranium mine were 873.7-2315.5 and 956.0-2315 Bq·kg−1, respectively. The activity concentrations of 210Pb and 210Po in nearby farmland soil were 54.2-257.8 and 59.1-234.5 Bq·kg−1, respectively. Evaluation with the geological accumulation index showed that the level of nearby farmland contamination was 0-2, indicating zero to moderate radioactive contamination of the farmland. Conclusion The relatively high radioactivity around the decommissioned uranium mine requires attention to the transfer, diffusion, and ingestion of the uranium decay products 210Pb and 210Po in the surrounding soil to avoid radioactive contamination of the environment.
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Objective To prepare 4-sulfonylcalix[6]arene-modified cotton fibers for adsorption and removal of uranium based on the specific complexation of calix[6]arene with uranium (VI). Methods Chemical grafting was used for the modification of cotton, which reacted with α-bromoisobutyryl bromide, glycidyl methacrylate, and 4-sulfonylcalix[6]arene. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to characterize the structure of 4-sulfonylcalix[6]arene-modified cotton (Cotton S-C[6]a). A Franz diffusion cell was used to simulate uranium-contaminated skin. Laser fluorimetry was used to determine the uranium content. Results SEM, XPS, and FTIR showed that cotton fibers were successfully grafted with 4-sulfonylcalix[6]arene. The optimal conditions of Cotton S-C[6]a for the adsorption of uranium (VI) was pH 4.0, duration of 20 min, and 20 mg of adsorbent. The adsorption process fitted well with pseudo-secondary-order kinetics. The uranium removal efficiency of Cotton S-C[6]a was up to 78.46% in aqueous solution and 81.72% on skin. Conclusion The synthesized Cotton S-C[6]a is highly efficient in the removal of uranium (VI) in solution and on contaminated skin.
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Objective To establish a method for uranium aerosol sample collection, dry ashing treatment, and laboratory laser-fluorescence measurement in the workplace of uranium processing and fuel fabrication facilities. Methods Through optimization experiments, the effects of sampling flow, sample pH value, and test temperature on uranium aerosol concentration results were studied, and the detection limit, precision, and recovery rate of the method were tested. Results Under the optimal test conditions, the detection limit of the method was 0.025 ng/mL; the minimum detectable concentration of 1 m3 of aerosol samples was 1.25 × 10−3 μg/m3; the relative standard deviation (RSD) of the measurement results was less than 5%; the recovery rate was between 96% and 104%. Conclusion The detection limit, precision, and accuracy of the method meet the testing requirements for uranium aerosol samples in the workplace of uranium processing and fuel fabrication facilities.
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@#With the rapid development of the nuclear industry, the uranium-exposed population is rapidly expanding. Kidney injury is a major health concern for uranium-exposed population because uranium is initially retained in the kidneys and induces chemical toxicity. However, the commonly used clinical markers of kidney injury usually show significant changes in the late stages of such damage, making it difficult to monitor the occupational health of uranium-exposed population. In recent years, a number of biomarkers that can reflect early kidney injury caused by uranium have been identified and investigated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and protein blotting. This article will review the studies in this area, with the aim of providing a basis for the diagnosis and understanding the development and prognosis of uranium-induced kidney injury.
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ABSTRACT Oil and gas, mining, among others, are examples of facilities where naturally occurring radioactive materials can be found. This study aims to evaluate the presence of natural radioactive series, especially those of 238U and 232Th, in the water treatment plants of Poços de Caldas City, Minas Gerais. The presence of these series was investigated in samples of raw water, treated water, sludge from decanters, and scale from Parshall gutters. The sludge, input, and scale samples were submitted to the gamma spectrometry technique to determine the 226Ra, 228Ra, and 210Pb radionuclides. For U and Th, ultraviolet visible spectrophotometry was performed, and for the alpha and beta total values, radiochemical separation and subsequent alpha and beta total counts were performed. The results indicate that water samples are within the Ministry of Health Ordinance n° 5 (2017). Due to the different concentrations of radionuclide activity in the sludge, it was not possible to affirm the same order of magnitude with the sediment from the catchments. However, the values are in accordance with those established by the European Union Council for Naturally-Occurring Radioactive Materials. In the scale, the contents of 1192, 1704, and 301 Bq kg−1 were identified for 226Ra, 228Ra, and 210Pb, respectively. In the inputs of aluminum sulfate and calcium hydroxide, no relevant activities were identified. The results obtained in the study can serve as an indicative regarding the need for a more detailed evaluation of the radiological issue in question concerning public water supplies.
RESUMO Petróleo e gás, mineração, estações de tratamento de água, entre outros, são exemplos de instalações que podem apresentar Materiais Radioativos de Ocorrência Natural. Neste estudo, objetivou-se avaliar a presença de séries radioativas naturais, especialmente as de 238U e 232Th nas estações de tratamento de água da cidade de Poços de Caldas/MG. Foram investigadas as presenças dessas séries em amostras de água bruta, de água tratada, no lodo dos decantadores e nas incrustações das calhas Parshall, além dos principais insumos utilizados. As amostras de lodo, insumos e incrustações foram submetidas à técnica de espectrometria gama para a determinação dos radionuclídeos 226Ra, 228Ra e 210Pb. Para U e Th, realizou-se espectrofotometria ultravioleta-visível, e para os valores de Alfa e Beta totais foram realizadas separação radioquímica e posterior contagem Alfa e Beta total. Os resultados indicaram que as amostras de águas estão em conformidade com a Portaria de Consolidação n° 5 de 2017 do Ministério da Saúde. Dadas as diferentes concentrações de atividade dos radionuclídeos no lodo, não foi possível afirmar a mesma ordem de magnitude com o sedimento das captações. Entretanto, os valores estão consonantes com o estabelecido pelo conselho da União Europeia para Materiais Radioativos de Ocorrência Natural. Nas incrustações foram identificados teores de 1.192 Bq.kg-1, 1.704 Bq.kg-1 e 301 Bq.kg-1 para 226Ra, 228Ra e 210Pb, respetivamente. Já para os insumos Sulfato de Alumínio (Al4(SO4)3) e Hidróxido de Cálcio Ca(OH)2 não foram identificadas atividades relevantes. Os resultados obtidos no estudo podem servir como indicativos da necessidade de uma avaliação mais detalhada sobre a questão radiológica em foco, em relação ao abastecimento público de águas.
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Objective:To investigate chromosomal aberrations in peripheral blood lymphocytes of underground miners, in order to explore the influencing factors involved in chromosomal aberration levels of non-uranium metal mines.Methods:Totall 135 workers were recruited from an iron mine and a gold mine located in different cities of Henan province, where 69 workers worked aboveground and 66 miners worked underground in the metal mines. The radon concentration in the mines was measured by solid-state nuclear track detectors. Chromosomal aberrations in peripheral blood lymphocytes from the subjects were detected using conventional analysis method, and the influence factors of chromosomal aberrations were analyzed.Results:Radon concentration was 30-2 943 Bq/m 3 in the aboveground workplace of the mines, and 62-28 314 Bq/m 3 in underground. The age of the underground group was obviously lower than that of the aboveground group( t=2.12, P<0.05), but the frequencies of dicentrics, translocation, acentric fragment, and total chromosome-type aberrations in the underground group were significantly higher than those in the aboveground group ( χ2=10.49, 16.74, 8.15, 29.50, P<0.01). Consistent results were obtained when only male workers were regarded as object of observation ( χ2=8.44, 11.63, 4.94, 20.81, P<0.05). The frequency of translocation ( χ2=8.44, P<0.05) was dependent on the length of service in the underground group. Poisson regression analysis indicated that the aboveground and undergroud grouping partly affected the levels of dicentrics, translocation, acentric fragment, and total chromosome-type aberrations (the underground group IRR=3.25, 2.69, 1.97, 2.18, P<0.05). Conclusions:The radon exposure in the underground workplace of the metal mines may be the main factor resulting in the increase of chromosome-type aberrations of miners. The occupational health and safety of the miners who may be exposed to high radon levels are worthy of great attention.
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Objective:To achieve rapid and accurate detection of trace uranium in drinking water by analyzing the factors influencing the accuracy of uranium measurement in drinking water using ultraviolet fluorescence method and by evaluating the uncertainty in measurement.Methods:The influence of acidity, Fe 3+ and Mn 2+ contents on the analitical result were studied to optimize the measurement conditions. The accuracy of the measurement method was verified in 7 laboratories. By studying the errors introduced in the process of standard preparation, sample pretreatment and measurement, the sources of uncertainty were analyzed and the uncertainty was synthesized. Results:At pH 1-11 in aqueous solution, the linear regression coefficient of the standard curve was greater than 0.995, which was in line with the linear measurement range of the instrument. At pH 12 or so, the linear regression coefficient was 0.761, which could not meet the measurement requirements. At pH<3 or pH>10, the increase in fluorescence count was lower, which might increase the measurement error. At Fe 3+ concentration ≥15 mg/L, a large deviation occurred in measurement value that could affect seriously measurement result. At Mn 2+ concentration ≥ 1.6 mg/L, the sample produced white precipitation, which could affect the measurement accuracy. Three spiked water samples with different concentrations were determined in 8 laboratories. Each water sample was measured six times in parallel. The relative standard uncertainty of the result were 6.42×10 -2, 4.48×10 -2 and 5.26×10 -2 μg/L, and the expanded uncertainties were 0.03, 0.06 and 0.12 μg/L( k=2), respectively. Conclusions:The optimum conditions for the determination of uranium in water using this method pH were in samples 3-10, the concentration of Fe 3+ less than 15 mg/L, and the concentration of Mn 2+ less than or equal to 1.6 mg/L. The main sources of uncertainty in the measurement of uranium in water using ultraviolet fluorescence method arise from the repeated measurement error and the volume of added standard solution.
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Objective:To explore the mechanism of lysosomal membrane permeabilization(LMP)inuranyl acetate-induced death of human kidney proximal tubular epithelial HK-2 cells.Methods:HK-2 cells were exposed to uranyl acetate at concentrations of 100, 300 and 600 μmol/L for 24 h, then in tracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS)and mitochondrial superoxide were measured by DCFH-DA and MitoSOX probe, respectively. HK-2 cells were divided into four groups: blank control group, NAC or CA-074 Me group, uranyl acetate exposure group and uranyl acetate exposure plus NAC or CA-074 Me group. Two-color immune of luorescence staining was used to detect the co-localization of galectin-1 and lysosomal associated membrane protein-1 (LAMP-1) to measure the extent of LMP, and to detect the non- co-localization of cathepsin B and LAMP-1 to reflect the release of cathepsin B in lysosomes. Calcein-AM/PI double staining method was used to detect cell death. One-color immune of luorescence staining of cleaved-caspase-3 expression was used to detect apoptosis. Results:Intracellular ROS and mitochondrial superoxide levels were significantly increased in HK-2 cells after exposure with 100, 300 and 600 μmol/L uranyl acetate for 24 h, about 1.1-2.5 times or 4.0-28 times, respectively( tROS=17.98, 11.84, 11.75, P< 0.05; tmitochondrial superoxide=6.14, 16.02, 13.06, P< 0.05), and they also increased with uranyl acetate concentrations ( tROS=10.10, 10.37, 5.59, P< 0.05; tmitochondrial superoxide=21.50, 15.16, 5.93, P< 0.05). The percentage of co-localization of galectin-1 and LAMP-1 and the percentage of non- co-localization of cathepsin B and LAMP-1 were markedly increased in HK-2 cells after exposure with 600 μmol/L uranyl acetate for 24 h, 5.4-6.7 times or 1.5-2.1 times, respectively ( tGalectin-1=15.85, 12.70, P< 0.05; tCathepsin B=5.95, 6.69, P< 0.05), but these increases were inhibited by NAC ( tGalectin-1=4.74, P<0.05; tCathepsin B=4.51, P< 0.05). Moreover, the cell death rate and the cleaved-caspase-3 expression level were also significantly increased in HK-2 cells after exposure with 600 μmol/L uranyl acetate for 24 h, about 28-47 times or 2.4-6.0 times, respectively( tPI=30.40, 10.34, P<0.05; tCleaved-caspase-3=18.49, 9.52, P<0.05), and these increases were obviously diminished by CA-074 Me ( tPI= 6.76, P<0.05; tCleaved-caspase-3=13.47, P<0.05). Conclusions:Exposure to uranyl acetate induces a burst of intracellular ROSthat leads to LMP and consequently causes leakage of cathepsin B from lysosomes to cytoplasm, in turn triggering the lysosomal-dependent cell death and mitochondrial-regulated apoptosis of HK-2 cells.
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Objective:To analyze the serum lipid levels, and its influencing factors, of male residents around an uranium mine in order to provide a scientific basis for health risk assessment for such residents.Methods:With such a mine as the center, the surveyed subjects were divided into four groups as within 5, 10, 15 and 20 km of this mine, respectively. These male residents living around the mine were randomly selected as subjects. A health questionnaire survey was conducted among the subjects. The indicator such as height, weight and blood pressure were measured by means of the standard method. Peripheral venous blood was extracted from the subjects, and their venous blood glucose and serum lipid were detected. The levels of serum lipid and detectable rates of abnormal serum lipid were analyzed by using univariate analysis, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the influencing factors of dyslipidemia.Results:A total of 867 males at age 40 to 69 was included in the vicinity of the mine. The mean levels ( ± s) of TC, TG, LDL-C, and HDL-C were (5.46±1.11), (1.92±1.64), (3.19±1.02), and (1.39±0.43) mmol/L, respectively. 384 subjects with dyslipidemia were totally detected in the residents, and the detection rate was 44.29% (384/867). Of the residents with dyslipidemia, the majority was abnormal in two lipid related indexes (45.57%, 175/384). Univariate analysis result showed that there was statistically significant difference in TG level in different distance groups ( F=3.34, P<0.05). There were statistically significant differences in the abnormal detection rates of TG and HDL-C in subjects in different distance groups ( χ2=9.52, 10.18, P<0.05). The detection rates of dyslipidemia were significantly different in the groups of BMI, blood pressure and blood glucose ( χ2=45.91, 32.31, 11.42, P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that excluding marital status and degree of education, the BMI, blood pressure and blood glucose all had an impact on dyslipidemia. The residents with overweight ( OR=2.08, 95% CI: 1.52-2.86) and obeseness ( OR=2.88, 95% CI: 1.58-5.24) had a higher risk for dyslipidemia than those with normal weight. The risks for dyslipidemia in the residents with hypertension ( OR=1.94, 95% CI: 1.45-2.60) and hyperglycemia ( OR= 2.17, 95% CI: 1.27-3.69) were higher than those with normal blood pressure and blood glucose, respectively. Conclusions:The detection rate of dyslipidemia is higher in male residents around the mine. The BMI, alcohol consumption, blood pressure, blood glucose and distance from the mine are influencing dyslipidemia and other relevant indexes. Overweight is an independent risk factor for dyslipidemia and its components. The distances from uranium mine has no significant effect on the dyslipidemia of male residents.
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Objective:To investigate the total radioactivity in drinking well water around the Bayanwula uranium mine.Methods:Totally 174 samples of drinking well water and 5 samples of filtered well water from residential houses were collected during dry and wet seasons in 2020 around the Bayanwula uranium mine. Total α and total β radioactivity in dry season and wet season were analyzed for detrmining whether there were differences between them and the relation between total radioactivity with different locations away from the uranium center. The radioactivity in filtered drinking well water used in residential houses was also investigated. Radioactivity were measured and analyzed using low background alpha and beta radioactivity meters, and the data were analysed using SPSS analytical statistical method.Results:In the drinking well water around Bayanwula uranium mine, the activity concentrations of total α and β measured in dry season were 0.024-2.468 Bq/L with a mean of (0.605±0.507) Bq/L and 0.125-1.395 Bq/L with a mean of (0.420±0.235) Bq/L, respectively. The values measured in wet season were 0.049-2.988 Bq/L with a mean of (0.825±0.605) Bq/L for total α and 0.059-1.623 Bq/L with a mean of (0.506±0.265) Bq/L for total β, respectively. The average value of total radioactivity in water samples was lower within 10, 30 and 20 km of the uranium mine in the descending order.Conclusions:The radioactivity in well water around the Bayanwula uranium mine is high, with the total α and β in samples greater in wet season than in the dry season and without elevated levels as compared to the pre-mining background.
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@#<b>Objective</b> To investigate the radionuclide radium-226 and natural uranium content in the main agricultural products around a decommissioned uranium tailings pondand to determine the radioactivity level in the food around the tailings pond. <b>Methods</b> From 2017 to 2021, several samples of rice and beans were collected in the surrounding area of the tailings pond for five consecutive years, and the concentrations of radium-226 and natural uranium were measured by a high-purity germanium gamma spectrometer. The annual accumulated effective dose of internal exposure caused by radium-226 ingested through local standard human diet was estimated by the indirect method. <b>Results</b> The detection rate of natural uranium in rice was 96.0%, and the detection rate of radium-226 was 74.0%; the detection rate of natural uranium in beans was 96.7%, and the detection rate of radium-226 was 73.3%. The annual accumulated effective dose caused by radium-226 ingested through diet was about 170.22 μSv/a in surrounding residents. <b>Conclusion</b> The concentrations of radium-226 and natural uranium in the main agricultural products around the tailings pond are within the limit of the national standard. By comparing with the research results in related fields in China, the radiation effects caused by radium-226 ingested through dieton the residents around the tailings pond are acceptable.
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Background Exposure to uranium can result in multi-organ toxicity in humans. Some experimental studies have shown that uranium presents a damaging effect on liver, but no relevant population studies have been reported. Objective To investigate a potential association of plasma uranium exposure with liver injury. Methods The inhabitants of two representative areas of heavy metal pollution in northern and southern Hunan were selected as the research subjects. A total of 740 participants were recruited through 1∶1 paired case-control design based on a pre-determined diagnostic criterion for liver injury (defined as two or more anomalies among alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and total bilirubin in the health examination) and the principle of case-control comparability. Information such as general demographic characteristics and medical history were collected through questionnaires and physical examination. Plasma uranium and liver function were determined by laboratory tests. Spearman correlation was applied to assess the association between plasma uranium concentration and liver injury indexes, and restricted cubic spline model was used to evaluate the dose-response relationship between plasma uranium concentration and liver injury. The participants were divided into four groups from Q1 to Q4 according to the quartile values of plasma uranium concentration of the control group after natural logarithmic transformation (with the Q1 group as the reference group), and the association between plasma uranium concentration and liver injury was evaluated by conditional logistic regression. Results The plasma uranium level in M (P25, P75) of the case group was 10.89 (6.78-18.53) ng·L−1, higher than that in the control group, 9.26 (5.01-14.38) ng·L−1 (P<0.001). The results of Spearman correlation analysis showed that alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase were positively correlated with plasma uranium level (rs=0.138, rs=0.167; P<0.001). The restricted cubic spline model showed that the risk of liver injury increased with the increase of plasma uranium concentration (overall effect P<0.001). After adjusting for confounding factors such as gender, age, smoking, alcohol consumption, and prevalence of hypertension and hyperlipidemia, the results of conditional logistic regression analysis showed that the risks of liver injury in the Q2 group, the Q3 group, and the Q4 group were 2.043 (95%CI: 1.135-3.680), 2.246 (95%CI: 1.238-4.075), and 3.536 (95%CI: 1.955-6.397) times higher than that of the Q1 group respectively. Conclusion Plasma uranium exposure is associated with liver injury. This study is the first to provide population-level evidence of such an association.
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With the development of nuclear energy technology and the use of depleted uranium weapons, the uranium exposed population is gradually expanding and the health effects of uranium exposure are of increasing concern. The toxicity of uranium to kidney, a sensitive organ for uranium to enter the body to produce effects, cannot be ignored. As of now, the effects of uranium exposure on the kidney are still not well understood, the threshold of uranium-induced kidney injury has been controversial, and there is a lack of sensitive and specific biomarkers for the diagnosis of early kindey damage, especially in the context of chronic uranium exposure. For these reasons, this paper reviewed the results of research on dose-effect relationships and biomarkers of uranium-induced kidney injury and provided an outlook on future research directions, with the aim of providing a basis for subsequent study on animal experiments and population health effects related to uranium exposure.
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In the process of natural uranium purification and conversion, low-level uranium-containing radioactive wastes will be produced. On the basis of introducing the characteristics of wastes from natural uranium purification and conversion and their treatment, we review the main strategies and good practices of minimization of wastes from natural uranium purification and conversion, analyze the main problems in minimization of wastes from natural uranium purification and conversion in China, and propose corresponding improvement measures, which provides a reference for the implementation and management of minimization of wastes from natural uranium purification and conversion.
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Objective To investigate the endocytosis and exocytosis of soluble uranium in human kidney proximal tubular epithelial (HK-2) cells and the cytotoxicity after uranium exposure. Methods Cell Counting Kit-8 assay was used to determine the cell viability after different concentrations of uranium exposure, and optical microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used to observe the changes in cells after uranium exposure. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used to monitor the endocytosis and exocytosis of uranium over time by cells. Flow cytometry was used to assess the changes in cell cycle and apoptosis after uranium exposure. Results After uranium exposure, HK-2 cells showed dose-dependent damage; cell cycle was arrested in G1 phase; cell apoptosis and necrosis occurred; cell proliferation was inhibited. The content of endocytic uranium increased gradually within 24 h, and there was a threshold for uranium endocytosis, while the fraction of uranium binding to cell surface was low (< 0.2%). Over 40% of the endocytic uranium would be exocytosed within 1 h. Uranium could form needle-like precipitates in both intracellular and extracellular areas after uranium exposure. Conclusion After uranium exposure, cells show decreased viability, cell cycle arrest, and cell apoptosis. The process of endocytosis and exocytosis of soluble uranium is very rapid. HK-2 cells can convert soluble uranium into non-toxic precipitates.
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Uranium is an important radioactive actinide in nature and an important nuclear material in nuclear industry. After uranium is accidentally released into the environment, it enters the body through the respiratory tract, the digestive tract, and other ways, then enters the circulation system through blood, and is finally mainly deposited in the kidney and bone, causing a certain degree of toxicity. Therefore, efficient low-toxicity chelators are an important way to reduce radionuclide pollution, radiation damage, and chemical toxicity. This article reviews uranium deposition and harm, the detoxification mechanism of uranium chelators, and the research advances in uranium chelators and points out the development trend of uranium chelators.