Chemical and isotopic characterization of the thermal fluids emerging along the North-Northeastern Greece.

Hydrochemical and isotopic characteristics of fluids from major geothermal fields of middle/low temperature in N/NE Greece are examined [basins: Strymon River (SR), Nestos River Delta (ND), Xanthi-Komotini (XK), Loutros-Feres-Soufli (LFS) and Rhodope Massif]. The geodynamic context is reflected to isotopic/chemical composition of fluids, heat flow values and elevated CO concentrations in emitted fluids. B and Li are derived from leaching of the geothermal systems hosting rocks.

Urbanization impact on sulfur content of groundwater revealed by the study of urban speleothem-like deposits: Case study in Paris, France.

Speleothem-like deposits that develop underground in urban areas are an archive of the environmental impact of anthropic activities that has been little studied so far. In this paper, the sulfate content in shallow groundwater from northern Paris (France) is compared with the sulfur content in two 300-year-old urban carbonate deposits that grew in a historical underground aqueduct. The present-day waters of the aqueduct have very high sulfur and calcium contents, suggesting pollution from gypsum dissolution.

Comparative study of Se oxyanions retention on three argillaceous rocks: Upper Toarcian (Tournemire, France), Black Shales (Tournemire, France) and Opalinus Clay (Mont Terri, Switzerland).

A comparative study of selenium oxyanion sorption was carried out by means of batch sorption experiments on three argillaceous rocks that differ in their mineralogical compositions and textural properties. The results show no selenate (Se(VI)) sorption onto the argillaceous rocks after 60 days, but clear sorption of selenite (Se(IV)), the extent being closely related to the initial Se(IV) concentration. At the lowest concentration ([Se(IV)]eq < 10(-8) mol L(-1)), the ranking of rock affinity for Se(IV) is Black Shales > Opalinus Clay (OPA) > Upper Toarcian, with Rd values of 910 ± 70, 600 ± 65 and 470 ± 70 mL g(-1) respectively.

A laboratory experiment for determining both the hydraulic and diffusive properties and the initial pore-water composition of an argillaceous rock sample: a test with the Opalinus clay (Mont Terri, Switzerland).

Argillaceous formations are thought to be suitable natural barriers to the release of radionuclides from a radioactive waste repository. However, the safety assessment of a waste repository hosted by an argillaceous rock requires knowledge of several properties of the host rock such as the hydraulic conductivity, diffusion properties and the pore water composition. This paper presents an experimental design that allows the determination of these three types of parameters on the same cylindrical rock sample.

Isotopic and hydrochemical approach to the functioning of an aquifer system in the region of Marrakech (Morocco).

A geochemical and isotopic (water and dissolved sulphate) study was performed on groundwater in the region of Marrakech, Morocco, with the aim of better understanding the regional hydrogeological system in order to improve water resources management. Significant differences in stable isotope contents and chemical compositions were observed between groundwater collected in the northern part of the region (Jbilets massif), where the basement schists outcrop, and that sampled in the southern part (Haouz basin), where the basement schists are overlaid by Plio-Quaternary deposits. The stable isotope composition of the groundwater showed that in the southern part the aquifer is mainly recharged from high-altitude precipitation over the High-Atlas Mountains, which may reach 600 mm per year or more, whereas, in the northern part, it is only recharged by lower-altitude local precipitation, which does not exceed 240 mm per year.

Isotopes and groundwater management strategies under semi-arid area: case of the Souss upstream basin (Morocco).

This study concerns the Souss upstream basin. The objective is to investigate the characteristics of surface water and groundwater, to assess the impact of artificial recharge as reinforcement of the natural replenishment and assess the renewal of groundwater under semi-arid area. Two major water types are observed: (i) surface waters and upstream springs (least mineralized) and (ii) all groundwater samples (prevailing calcium and magnesium bicarbonate water type).

Contribution of the diffusive exchange method to the characterization of pore-water in consolidated argillaceous rocks.

Consolidated argillaceous rocks, potential host rocks for nuclear waste disposal, display particular properties (low water content, very small pore size) that require specific methods, especially for the characterization of their pore-water. The diffusive exchange method was applied to the claystone of Tournemire by taking into account the effect of swelling or micro-cracks induced by drilling. The good agreement of diffusion parameters with those obtained from the through-diffusion method showed that the extent of this disturbance was low.

Synthesis, characterization and comparative biodistribution study of a new series of p-iodine-125 benzamides as potential melanoma imaging agents.

Iodobenzamides are reported to possess some affinity for melanoma. In order to identify the compound having the most appropriate pharmacokinetic properties as a potential melanoma imaging agent, thirteen new [125I]radioiodobenzamides with a butylene amide-amine spacer and various substituents on the terminal amino group were investigated. Their synthesis, radioiodination and biodistribution in B16 melanoma bearing C57BL6 mice are described and compared to [125I] labeled N-(2-diethylaminoethyl)-4-iodobenzamide ([125I]BZA), our reference compound.

Distribution of I-BZA (N-2-diethylaminoethyl-4-iodobenzamide) in grafted melanoma and normal skin: a study by secondary ion mass spectroscopy.

Iodobenzamides labelled with radioactive iodine are undergoing clinical evaluation as imaging and potential therapeutic agents in malignant melanomas. However, the uptake mechanism in melanic tissues remains controversial. Using secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), we studied the microscopic distribution of N-(2 diethylaminoethyl)-4 iodobenzamide (I-BZA) in B16 murine melanoma inoculated to C57BL/6J1 Co mice as well as in normal pigmented skin.

Establishment of IPC 227 cells as human xenografts in rabbits: a model of uveal melanoma.

This study was designed in order to evaluate the feasibility of establishing an animal model of human uveal melanoma. IPC227, a cell line established from the biopsy of a patient with a spindle cell ciliary body melanoma, was transplanted into the anterior chamber of the eye in immunosuppressed New Zealand rabbits. In a second step, a tumour fragment from the anterior chamber was implanted transclerally into the posterior choroid.

Clinical study of [123I] N-(2-diethylaminoethyl)-4-iodobenzamide in the diagnosis of primary and metastatic ocular melanoma.

Purpose: To assess the value of scintigraphy with [123I]N-(2-diethylaminoethyl)-4-iodobenzamide (BZA), a phase II clinical trial was performed on 48 patients with a suspicion of ocular melanoma.

Methods: 56 examinations were performed to image lesions with a clinical diagnosis of primary ocular melanoma before and/or after treatment, to observe the results in simulating lesions or to image metastases.

Results: Ocular BZA-scintigraphy demonstrated a sensitivity of 86%, and a specificity of 83%.

Application of textural features to the detection of ocular melanomas in scintigraphy.

A method for automated detection of ocular melanoma in scintigraphic images is described. The algorithm first performs an automatic segmentation of the eyes on specific reference images. The images of the eyes are then analyzed using textural parameters computed in several directions and averaged to damp directional information.

Localization of N-(2-diethylaminoethyl)4-iodobenzamide in the pigmented mouse eye: a microanalytical study.

The 123I-N-(2-diethylaminoethyl)4-iodobenzamide (123I-BZA) is a new radiopharmaceutical used for the scintigraphic imaging of malignant melanomas. The mechanism for BZA uptake in melanic tissues is still unknown. Two methods of microanalysis, secondary ion mass spectrometry and electron probe X-ray microanalysis, were used to determine tissue distribution and subcellular location of unlabelled BZA in the C57BL6/J1 co mouse eye.

Synthesis, radiolabeling, and preliminary evaluation in mice of some (N-diethylaminoethyl)-4-iodobenzamide derivatives as melanoma imaging agents.

N-(2-Diethylaminoethyl)-4-iodobenzamide (BZA) is a radiopharmaceutical recently developed in our laboratory for the scintigraphic detection of melanoma and metastases. Optimal time for imaging was between 18-24 h p.i.

A radiolabelled iodobenzamide for malignant melanoma staging.

123I-N-(di-ethylamino-2-ethyl) 4 iodobenzamide (I-BZA) has been put forward by the Clermont-Ferrand INSERM U71 group (France) as a tracer for malignant melanoma. We report on the clinical results obtained in 56 studies performed on 48 patients. Whole body scans along with spot views were obtained after injection of 185 MBq of I-BZA.

In vitro uptake of technetium-99m-teboroxime in carcinoma cell lines and normal cells: comparison with technetium-99m-sestamibi and thallium-201.

Since 201Tl, 99mTc-sestamibi and 99mTc-teboroxime concentrate in cardiac cells through different mechanisms, we compared their uptake in cultured normal cells and carcinoma cell lines in order to define their possible use for tumor evaluation in vivo. Four lines of normal cells from animals, including myocytes from newborn rats, and four lines of human carcinoma cell lines were incubated for 1 hr with 37 kBq of either tracer. Results, expressed in percent of the total activity taken up by 1 million cells, showed a 9% difference between the uptake of teboroxime by normal and carcinoma lines (24.

Phase II scintigraphic clinical trial of malignant melanoma and metastases with iodine-123-N-(2-diethylaminoethyl 4-iodobenzamide).

Preclinical studies established [125I]-N-(2-diethylaminoethyl) 4-iodobenzamide (BZA) as a potential radiopharmaceutical in the management of patients with malignant melanoma. External detection of both murine and human melanotic melanomas was possible after intravenous injection of 125I-BZA in tumor-bearing mice. This article reports a Phase II clinical trial evaluating 123I-BZA as an imaging agent of primary melanomas and metastases.

Synthesis and evaluation of new iodine-125 radiopharmaceuticals as potential tracers for malignant melanoma.

The synthesis, labeling, and biodistribution of four 125I radiopharmaceuticals designed to localize in melanoma were tested. Uptake in tumors was demonstrated by autoradiography of whole-body sections and quantitated by measurement of radioactivity of selected tissues and tumors using melanoma-bearing mice. N-(2-diethylaminoethyl)-4-iodobenzamide was selected for its highest melanoma uptake: 60 min after IV injection of 6.

[Perspectives of scintigraphic diagnosis of malignant lymphoma using a new radiopharmaceutical].

In the sequence of our studies on radiopharmaceuticals for malignant melanoma detection the results were most promising for the possible use of 125I or 123I-N-(2-diethyl amino ethyl)4-iodobenzamide. The biodistribution in mice bearing melanoma either human or animal from 4 to 24 hrs. post i.

Brain uptake of labelled adiphenine in rats.

This study describes the behaviour of a dual labelled drug, adiphenine, in the rat brain. Macroautoradiographies show images of the brain at different times after injection. Some of the tissue metabolites are identified at the brain level and the passage of the blood brain barrier is compared with tritiated water.

Adiphenine plasma levels and blood-brain barrier crossing in the rat.

Adiphenine was administered in 3H-labelled form in doses of 15 mumole/kg intravenously to male Wistar rats. Plasma and brain levels of the unchanged drug were measured. The elimination of the 3H-labelled compound from the plasma was monophasic with a half-life of 13 minutes.

IgG purification to measure the level of an iodinated thyroglobulin peptide, the 3,5,3',5' tetraiodo-l-tyrosyl-l-tyrosine in human serum.

Antibodies reacting with 3,5,3',5' tetraiodo-l-tyrosyl-l-tyrosine (I2Tyr-I2Tyr) were elicited in rabbits by immunization with an oxidized yeast conjugate coupled with I2Tyr-I2Tyr. Ion-exchange chromatography was used to purify immunoglobulins, in order to improve the specificity in measurement of I2Tyr-I2Tyr level in patient serum. IgG binding capacity versus I2Tyr-I2Tyr was considerably increased after immunoglobulin purification.