NUSIMEP-7: uranium isotope amount ratios in uranium particles.

The Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements (IRMM) has extensive experience in the development of isotopic reference materials and the organization of interlaboratory comparisons (ILC) for nuclear measurements in compliance with the respective international guidelines (ISO Guide 34:2009 and ISO/IEC 17043:2010). The IRMM Nuclear Signatures Interlaboratory Measurement Evaluation Program (NUSIMEP) is an external quality control program with the objective of providing materials for measurements of trace amounts of nuclear materials in environmental matrices. Measurements of the isotopic ratios of the elements uranium and plutonium in small amounts, typical of those found in environmental samples, are required for nuclear safeguards and security, for the control of environmental contamination and for the detection of nuclear proliferation. The measurement results of participants in NUSIMEP are evaluated according to international guidelines in comparison to independent external certified reference values with demonstrated metrological traceability and uncertainty. NUSIMEP-7 focused on measurements of uranium isotope amount ratios in uranium particles aiming to support European Safeguards Directorate General for Energy (DG ENER), the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) network of analytical laboratories for environmental sampling (NWAL) and laboratories in the field of particle analysis. Each participant was provided two certified test samples: one with single and one with double isotopic enrichment. These NUSIMEP test samples were prepared by controlled hydrolysis of certified uranium hexafluoride in a specially designed aerosol deposition chamber at IRMM. Laboratories participating in NUSIMEP-7 received the test samples of uranium particles on two graphite disks with undisclosed isotopic ratio values n((234)U)/n((238)U), n((235)U)/n((238)U) and n((236)U)/n((238)U). The uranium isotope ratios had to be measured using their routine analytical procedures. Measurement of the major ratio n((235)U)/n((238)U) was obligatory; measurement of the minor ratios n((234)U)/n((238)U) and n((236)U)/n((238)U) was optional. Of the twenty-four institutes that registered for NUSIMEP-7, 17 have reported their results achieved by different analytical methods. The results of NUSIMEP-7 confirm the capability of laboratories in measuring n((234)U)/n((238)U), n((235)U)/n((238)U) and n((236)U)/n((238)U) in uranium particles of the size below 1 µm diameter. Furthermore, they underpin the recent advances in instrumental techniques in the field of particle analysis. In addition, feedback from the measurement communities from nuclear safeguards, nuclear security and earth sciences was collected in view of identifying future needs for NUSIMEP interlaboratory comparisons.

Argentinean prehistoric pigments' study by combined SEM/EDX and molecular spectroscopy.

Composition of the prehistoric pigments' (from Carriqueo rock shelter, Rio Negro province, Argentina) has been analysed by means of molecular spectroscopy (Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and micro-Raman) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled to an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS). Red and yellow pigments were recognized as red and yellow ochre. The matrix of the pigments is composed of one or more substances. According to the matrix composition yellow and red pigments were also divided into two groups-i.e. those containing kaolinite or sulphates. Green pigment was detected as green earth, made up of celadonite as a chromophore.

Heavy metals biosorption from aqueous solution by simple eucaryotic organisms.

Biosorption of cadmium and chromium (III) ions by means of selected yeast species has been estimated. Kinetics and equilibrium measurements have shown the reliable efficiency of both metals removal for Candida tropicalis. The influence of pH and ionic strength on biosorption process has been examined as well. For both metals the adsorption isotherms have been presented. The equilibrium of chromium (III) sorption has appeared compatible to Langmiur model and the maximum sorption capacity has been determined.

Macrophages during infection with Trichinella spiralis in mice.

Behaviour of macrophages in experimental mice trichinellosis was investigated using the immunoenzymatic technique with monoclonal antibodies CD11b/CD18 within the framework of avidin-biotin-DAB. The maximum and earliest mobilization of macrophages 7 day post infection (dpi) was observed in the lamina propria of the intestinal mucosa. The highest level of macrophages in the muscles tissue was noted on day 21 of infection, however as early as in 28 dpi, their maximum level was observed inside the larval capsules. They line, especially between 35-42 dpi internal capsule surface.

The cells observed inside capsules of larvae in the course of experimental trichinellosis in mice.

In the course of trichinellosis in mice the numerous cells inside larval capsules were observed. Beginning on 14 day post infection (dpi) they were seen in about 7% of infected muscles fibers but at 21 dpi the percentage of capsules with the cells amounted to 77. In the next stage of infection the number of capsules containing cells continued to increase and reach almost 100% at 60 dpi. The identification of the cells was carried out by the indirect immunoenzymatic method using anti-CD4+, anti-CD8+ and anti-macrophage (Mac-1 antigen) monoclonal antibodies. In course of observation the level of CD4+ cells decreased from 11.3 to 0.7, of CD8+ from 17.7 to 3.0 and of macrophages from 71.0 to 23.1%. The most numerous CD4+ cells were seen at 14 dpi while the CD8+ and macrophages at 21 dpi. Beginning on 28 dpi negatively reacting cells inside larval capsules were also observed. The number of these cells increased from 23.8 to 73.2% at 60 dpi and their identification requires further investigations. The role and the function of all these cells are discussed.

[The influence of ricin on the course of experimental infections of mice with Trichinella spiralis]. / Wplyw ricinu na przebieg doswiadczalnego zarazenia myszy nicieniami Trichinella spiralis.

Mice received 5 ng of ricin 24 hours after infection (experiment I) or 1 ng of ricin twice, 24 hours and 17 days of infection (experiment II). Animals were killed in 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42 and 60 days after infection. In the jejunum and masseter muscle sections, CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes, mast cells and eosinophils were studied. Heavy suppression of CD8+ lymphocytes, strong eosinophils and less pronounced mast cells stimulation was observed in the jejunum of mice received ricin (experiment I). Worm expulsion in intestine was faster than in the control (opposite results in experiment II). The composition of cells infiltration in the muscle was in both experiments similar to the control, however, fewer CD4+ lymphocytes were observed in larva capsule and there were fewer muscle larvae. Therefore CD8+ cells are believed to take part in restricting only the muscle stage of trichinellosis.

[One center's experience with fibrinolytic treatment in children]. / Leczenie fibrynolityczne u dzieci: doswiadczenia wlasne.

Fifteen children treated with fibrinolytic agents are presented. The most frequent indication was thromboembolic disease (TED). Eleven patients received streptokinase, 5-urokinase and 3-tissue plasminogen activator. Concomitant heparin was administered to 9 patients with TED. Total resolution was achieved in 9 children, partial improvement in 5; 1 child died during treatment without any improvement. Bleeding complications were observed in 6 patients, 1 of them died due to haemorrhagic stroke. According to the literature and our own experience, we recommend fibrinolytic agents as the treatment of choice for severe TED also in children.

[The influence of phytohemagglutinin P on CD4+ and CD8+ cells in the course of experimental trichinellosis in mice]. / Wplyw fitohemaglutyniny P na zachowanie sie komórek CD4+ i CD8+ w przebiegu eksperymentalnej wlosnicy u myszy.

Experiments were carried out with mice of CFW inbred strain infected with 200 Trichinella spiralis larvae and divided into two groups: experimental and control. The experimental mice were injected with phytohaemagglutinin P (PHA-P), 24 h before infection. The all animals were killed between 7-133 days post infection and the pieces of spleens, mesenteric lymph nodes, jejunum and masseter muscles were sectioned in a cryostat and examined with monoclonal antibodies (anti-Thy 1, 2, anti-CD4+ and anti-CD8+) by immunoenzymatic method. In the animals treated with PHA-P, more numerous CD4+ cells were observed in comparison with the control. The CD8+ cells were stimulated only in the muscles. The most important problem were the CD4+ and CD8+ cells inside the larvae capsules. The role of the CD4+ and CD8+ cells in the immunopathological changes in the course of trichinellosis was discussed.

CD4+ and CD8+ cells in mice infected with Trichinella spiralis and treated with cyclosporine A.

The mice infected with 200 Trichinella spiralis larvae were injected intraperitoneally with Cyclosporine A (CyA) between 14-18 days post infection (dpi). The drug was administered in a dosis of 50 mg/kg/day. The animals were killed at 21, 28, 35, 42 and 60 dpi and the fragments of spleen, mesenteric lymph node, jejunum and musculus masseter were sectioned in a cryostat and fixed in acetone. The slides were examined with monoclonal sera by the immunofluorescent or immunoenzymatic method. It was found that the number of CD4+ cells in the control and in the CyA-treated mice was similar but in the animals receiving the drug the reaction was less intensive. The stimulation of CD8+ cells of CyA treated mice--especially in the jejunum--was stronger than in the control animals. This fact is important because the CD8+ cells are the APC cells in this organ.

The influence of adriamycin on the CD4+ and CD8+ cells in the course of trichinellosis in mice.

The effect of adriamycin on the behaviour of CD4+ and CD8+ cells in the course of trichinellosis in mice has been studied. The animals infected with 200 larvae per mouse were administered intraperitoneally adriamycin (Adriblastin from Farmitalia) at 1st and 28th day post infection (dpi), in a dosis of 0.2 mg. The mice were killed weakly for 6 weeks and then at the 60th dpi. The examinations were made on histologic sections from the spleen, mesenteric lymph node, jejunum and masseter muscle using immunofluorescent and immunoenzymatic methods with monoclonal antibody. The mice receiving adriamycin exhibited more CD8+ cells in the intestinal mucosa and by the end of the experiment also in the muscles in comparison with the control animals, which, however, did not affect the course of the infection.

The clinicomorphological correlations in Schoenlein-Henoch nephropathy in children.

Clinicomorphological analysis has been performed in Schoenlein-Henoch nephropathy. Various clinical symptoms are accompanied by morphological changes of variable type and severity. Electron microscopy is a major tool for evaluating these changes. It relatively frequently modifies the diagnosis made by light microscopy. It mainly concerns class I and VI changes (according to a grading system of the International Study Group of Kidney Diseases in Childhood). It was shown that late prognosis was largely determined by the type and severity of morphological changes. Varying severity of changes in individual glomeruli in the same specimen requires in each case a comparison of results obtained by electron microscopy with those obtained by light microscopy in semithin sections. In three children biopsy was repeated. Progression of morphological changes was found in one child. He developed renal failure. In one child morphological changes on first biopsy did not differ from those on second biopsy. Repeated biopsy was performed due to the presence of hypertension. In one child with persistent proteinuria repeated biopsy showed marked attenuation of morphological changes.

[The level of nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) positive cells in some organs of mice infected with Trichinella spiralis]. / Poziom komórek reagujacych z blekitem nitro-tetrazoliowym (NBT) w wybranych narzadach myszy zarazonych Trichinella spiralis.

The percentage of NBT-positive cells in peritoneal fluid, spleen and mesenteric lymph node of CWF mice infected orally with 200 Trichinella spiralis larvae was investigated. The highest level of NBT-positive cells in peritoneal fluid was found on the 5-6th and 50-60th day post infection (p.i.), in spleen between the 30-75th and in mesenteric lymph node between the 50-75th day p.i. The lack of reaction between peritoneal fluid cells and newborn migrating larvae at the 15th and 20th day p.i. observed by the authors, may be associated with slight activity of these cells in the NBT reduction test between 8-30th day p.i.