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The paper summarizes measurements and the Monte Carlo simulations performed to adapt the high purity germanium (HPGe) detectors of the system to the particular tasks of the decommissioning site. The work carried out for the installation and adaptation in CIEMAT of the prototype 'SuperMum', developed in the framework of the European MetroDecom II project for segregation and declassification of materials is described. The activities related to the validation of the prototype for the specific needs of a real Waste Management Unit are presented. Monte Carlo models of the SuperMum have been developed at CIEMAT and CMI using different codes and adapted to the geometries used (big-bag containers with the material volume of up to 0.5 m3). Uncertainty budget reporting tailored for the possible deviations between Monte Carlo assumptions and real waste have been analyzed. Data for several filling levels and activity distributions have been measured with reference sources and a good agreement has been obtained with calculated values.
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Research data regarding exogenous melatonin effects on buck semen antioxidative status during the breeding and nonbreeding seasons are scarce or missing. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of melatonin implants on the activity and ratios of antioxidative enzymes and on malondialdehyde concentrations in the seminal plasma and spermatozoa of French Alpine bucks during the 3 mo of the nonbreeding season. Two groups of randomly assigned bucks were either treated with melatonin (n = 6) or served as controls (n = 6). Semen samples were collected weekly, seminal plasma was separated from spermatozoa, and activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and the concentration of malondialdehyde were determined. The melatonin-treated bucks had significantly higher CAT/SOD and GSH-Px/SOD ratios, but a significantly lower GR/GSH-Px ratio in seminal plasma and spermatozoa during the different periods of the nonbreeding season. In conclusion, exogenous melatonin influenced the activities of all ratios and some single antioxidative enzymes tested in bucks' seminal plasma and spermatozoa. Here we provide the first evidence derived from an intervention, that is, melatonin treatment, which affects antioxidative enzymes ratios in the semen of bucks, and could thus be recommended as an indicator of oxidative stress severity and antioxidative status of semen.
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Cabras , Melatonina/farmacología , Estaciones del Año , Análisis de Semen/veterinaria , Semen/fisiología , Espermatozoides/fisiología , Animales , Antioxidantes/metabolismo , Antioxidantes/farmacología , Catalasa/metabolismo , Implantes de Medicamentos , Regulación Enzimológica de la Expresión Génica/efectos de los fármacos , Glutatión Peroxidasa/genética , Glutatión Peroxidasa/metabolismo , Glutatión Reductasa/genética , Glutatión Reductasa/metabolismo , Masculino , Melatonina/administración & dosificación , Superóxido Dismutasa/genética , Superóxido Dismutasa/metabolismoRESUMEN
This paper addresses the measurement facilities for pre-selection of waste materials prior to measurement for repository acceptance or possible free release (segregation measurement system); and free release (free release measurement system), based on a single standardized concept characterized by unique, patented lead-free shielding. The key objective is to improve the throughput, accuracy, reliability, modularity and mobility of segregation and free-release measurement. This will result in a more reliable decision-making with regard to the safe release and disposal of radioactive wastes into the environment and, resulting in positive economic outcomes. The research was carried out within "Metrology for Decommissioning Nuclear Facilities" (MetroDecom) project.
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OBJECTIVE: To describe the radiographic and ultrasonographic characteristics of the spleen and abdominal lymph nodes in clinically healthy ferrets. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-five clinically healthy ferrets were prospectively recruited for this cross-sectional study. Three-view whole body radiographs and abdominal ultrasonography were performed on awake (23 out of 55) or sedated (32 out of 55) ferrets. On radiographs splenic and abdominal lymph node visibility was assessed. Splenic thickness and echogenicity and lymph node length, thickness, echogenicity, number and presence of cyst-like changes were recorded. RESULTS: The spleen was radiographically detectable in all ferrets. On ultrasound the spleen was hyperechoic to the liver (55 out of 55) and mildly hyperechoic (28 out of 55), isoechoic (15 out of 55) or mildly hypoechoic (12 out of 55) to the renal cortices. Mean splenic thickness was 11.80 ±0.34 mm. Lymph nodes were radiographically discernible in 28 out of 55 ferrets and included caudal mesenteric and sublumbar nodes. An average of 9 ±2 lymph nodes (mean± standard deviation; mode 10) were identified in each ferret using ultrasound. A single large jejunal lymph node was identified in all ferrets and had a mean thickness of 5.28 ± 1.66 mm. For other lymph nodes the mean thickness measurements plus one standard deviation were less than 4.4 mm (95% confidence interval: ≤ 3.72 mm). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The information provided in this study may act as a baseline for evaluation of the spleen and lymph nodes in ferrets.
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Hurones , Ganglios Linfáticos/diagnóstico por imagen , Radiografía/veterinaria , Bazo/diagnóstico por imagen , Ultrasonografía/veterinaria , Abdomen , Animales , Estudios TransversalesRESUMEN
A new large-volume metal reference standard has been developed. The intended use is for calibration of free-release radioactivity measurement systems and is made up of cast iron tubes placed inside a box of the size of a Euro-pallet (80 × 120 cm). The tubes contain certified activity concentrations of (60)Co (0.290 ± 0.006 Bq g(-1)) and (110m)Ag (3.05 ± 0.09 Bq g(-1)) (reference date: 30 September 2013). They were produced using centrifugal casting from a smelt into which (60)Co was first added and then one piece of neutron irradiated silver wire was progressively diluted. The iron castings were machined to the desirable dimensions. The final material consists of 12 iron tubes of 20 cm outer diameter, 17.6 cm inner diameter, 40 cm length/height and 245.9 kg total mass. This paper describes the reference standard and the process of determining the reference activity values.
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Radioisótopos de Cobalto/análisis , Monitoreo de Radiación/métodos , Residuos Radiactivos/análisis , Plata/análisis , Administración de Residuos/normas , Humanos , Estándares de ReferenciaRESUMEN
While very rarely reported, duodenocutanenous fistula research might alter the duodenal ulcer disease background and therapy. Our research focused on rat duodenocutaneous fistulas, therapy, stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157, an anti-ulcer peptide that healed other fistulas, nitric oxide synthase-substrate L-arginine, and nitric oxide synthase-inhibitor L-nitro-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). The hypothesis was, duodenal ulcer-healing, like the skin ulcer, using the successful BPC 157, with nitric oxide-system involvement, the "wound healing-therapy", to heal the duodenal ulcer, the fistula-model that recently highlighted gastric and skin ulcer healing. Pressure in the lower esophageal and pyloric sphincters was simultaneously assessed. Duodenocutaneous fistula-rats received BPC 157 (10 µg/kg or 10 ng/kg, intraperitoneally or perorally (in drinking water)), L-NAME (5 mg/kg intraperitoneally), L-arginine (100 mg/kg intraperitoneally) alone and/or together, throughout 21 days. Duodenocutaneous fistula-rats maintained persistent defects, continuous fistula leakage, sphincter failure, mortality rate at 40% until the 4(th) day, all fully counteracted in all BPC 157-rats. The BPC 157-rats experienced rapidly improved complete presentation (maximal volume instilled already at 7(th) day). L-NAME further aggravated the duodenocutaneous fistula-course (mortality at 70% until the 4(th) day); L-arginine was beneficial (no mortality; however, maximal volume instilled not before 21(st) day). L-NAME-worsening was counteracted to the control level with the L-arginine effect, and vice versa, while BPC 157 annulled the L-NAME effects (L-NAME + L-arginine; L-NAME + BPC 157; L-NAME + L-arginine + BPC 157 brought below the level of the control). It is likely that duodenocutaneous fistulas, duodenal/skin defect simultaneous healing, reinstated sphincter function, are a new nitric oxide-system related phenomenon. In conclusion, resolving the duodenocutanenous fistulashealing, nitric oxide-system involvement, should illustrate further wound healing therapy to heal duodenal ulcers.
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Arginina/uso terapéutico , Enfermedades Duodenales/tratamiento farmacológico , Úlcera Duodenal/tratamiento farmacológico , Duodeno/fisiología , Inhibidores Enzimáticos/uso terapéutico , NG-Nitroarginina Metil Éster/uso terapéutico , Fragmentos de Péptidos/uso terapéutico , Proteínas/uso terapéutico , Enfermedades de la Piel/tratamiento farmacológico , Cicatrización de Heridas/efectos de los fármacos , Animales , Enfermedades Duodenales/mortalidad , Úlcera Duodenal/mortalidad , Úlcera Duodenal/patología , Esfínter Esofágico Inferior/fisiopatología , Fístula , Motilidad Gastrointestinal/efectos de los fármacos , Masculino , Óxido Nítrico Sintasa/antagonistas & inhibidores , Antro Pilórico , Ratas , Ratas WistarRESUMEN
The aim of this research was to determine the influence of dietary replacement of n-6 with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on cellular immunity and oxidative stress in the transition period dairy cows. The experiment was conducted on 20 dairy Holstein cows from 3 ± 1 weeks before parturition until the 6th week of lactation. Both groups were fed an iso-energetic and iso-nitrogenous diet. Soybean meal from control (C) group was replaced with linseed in the experimental (LS) group. Cellular immunity and oxidative stress were measured on days -10, 1, 21 and 42 relative to parturition. During the entire experimental period, the proportion of CD45+ cells was lower (P<0.05) in LS group compared with the C group. The phagocytosis ability and phagocytosis index of cows fed with n-3 fatty acids were significantly reduced (P<0.05) compared with the group of cows fed with n-6 fatty acids. The most severe decrease in phagocytosis ability was on day -10 and 1 relative to parturition. The activity of superoxide dismutase (P<0.05) and plasma glutathione peroxidase (P<0.05) increased around calving, although activities were not influenced by dietary treatment. Increased malondialdehyde concentration (P<0.05) was influenced by dietary n-3 fatty acids and the time relative to parturition. The immune suppression was most pronounced during periparturient period. In that matter we can conclude that not only dietary n-3 fatty acids but also oxidative stress, which reached peak at time of parturition, contributed to the reduced cellular immunity during the periparturient period.
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Bovinos/fisiología , Dieta/veterinaria , Ácidos Grasos Omega-3/farmacología , Lino/química , Inmunidad Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Aceite de Linaza/farmacología , Estrés Oxidativo/efectos de los fármacos , Animales , Ácidos Grasos Omega-3/metabolismo , Ácidos Grasos Omega-6/metabolismo , Femenino , Citometría de Flujo , Glutatión Peroxidasa/metabolismo , Lactancia/fisiología , Antígenos Comunes de Leucocito/metabolismo , Modelos Lineales , Recuento de Linfocitos , Malondialdehído/metabolismo , Parto , Fagocitosis/efectos de los fármacos , Embarazo , Glycine max/química , Superóxido Dismutasa/metabolismoRESUMEN
Stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 was suggested to link inflammatory bowel disease and multiple sclerosis, and thereby, shown to equally counteract the models of both of those diseases. For colitis, cysteamine (400 mg/kg intrarectally (1 ml/rat)) and colon-colon anastomosis (sacrifice at day 3, 5, 7, and 14) were used. BPC 157 (10 µg/kg, 10 ng/kg) was applied either intraperitoneally once time daily (first application immediately after surgery, last at 24 hours before sacrifice) or per-orally in drinking water (0.16 µg/ml/12 ml/day till the sacrifice) while controls simultaneously received an equivolume of saline (5 ml/kg) intraperitoneally or drinking water only (12 ml/day). A multiple sclerosis suited toxic rat model, cuprizone (compared with standard, a several times higher regimen, 2.5% of diet regimen + 1 g/kg intragastrically/day) was combined with BPC 157 (in drinking water 0.16 µg or 0.16 ng/ml/12 ml/day/rat + 10 µg or 10 ng/kg intragastrically/day) till the sacrifice at day 4. In general, the controls could not heal cysteamine colitis and colon-colon anastomosis. BPC 157 induced an efficient healing of both at the same time. Likewise, cuprizone-controls clearly exhibited an exaggerated and accelerated damaging process; nerve damage appeared in various brain areas, with most prominent damage in corpus callosum, laterodorsal thalamus, nucleus reunions, anterior horn motor neurons. BPC 157-cuprizone rats had consistently less nerve damage in all damaged areas, especially in those areas that otherwise were most affected. Consistently, BPC 157 counteracted cerebellar ataxia and impaired forelimb function. Thereby, this experimental evidence advocates BPC 157 in both inflammatory bowel disease and multiple sclerosis therapy.
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Antiinflamatorios/uso terapéutico , Antiulcerosos/uso terapéutico , Lesiones Encefálicas/tratamiento farmacológico , Colitis Ulcerosa/tratamiento farmacológico , Fármacos Neuroprotectores/uso terapéutico , Fragmentos de Péptidos/uso terapéutico , Proteínas/uso terapéutico , Anastomosis Quirúrgica , Animales , Antiinflamatorios/farmacología , Antiulcerosos/farmacología , Ataxia/tratamiento farmacológico , Conducta Animal/efectos de los fármacos , Encéfalo/patología , Lesiones Encefálicas/inducido químicamente , Lesiones Encefálicas/patología , Lesiones Encefálicas/fisiopatología , Colitis Ulcerosa/inducido químicamente , Colitis Ulcerosa/patología , Colitis Ulcerosa/fisiopatología , Colon/patología , Colon/cirugía , Cuprizona , Cisteamina , Miembro Anterior/fisiopatología , Enfermedades Inflamatorias del Intestino/tratamiento farmacológico , Masculino , Esclerosis Múltiple/tratamiento farmacológico , Fármacos Neuroprotectores/farmacología , Fragmentos de Péptidos/farmacología , Proteínas/farmacología , Ratas , Ratas WistarRESUMEN
In 2011 the joint research project Metrology for Radioactive Waste Management (MetroRWM)(1) of the European Metrology Research Programme (EMRP) started with a total duration of three years. Within this project, new metrological resources for the assessment of radioactive waste, including their calibration with new reference materials traceable to national standards will be developed. This paper gives a review on national, European and international strategies as basis for science-based metrological requirements in clearance and acceptance of radioactive waste.
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Guías como Asunto , Protección Radiológica/legislación & jurisprudencia , Protección Radiológica/normas , Residuos Radiactivos/legislación & jurisprudencia , Residuos Radiactivos/prevención & control , Administración de Residuos/legislación & jurisprudencia , Administración de Residuos/normas , Descontaminación/legislación & jurisprudencia , Descontaminación/normas , InternacionalidadRESUMEN
Two aerosol sampling stations in Lithuania were simultaneously used for assessing consequences of the accident at the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant. The maximum activity concentrations of (129 m)Te, (131)I, (134)Cs and (137)Cs were 0.59 ± 0.06, 3.5 ± 0.3, 0.90 ± 0.08, 0.90 ± 0.07 mBq m(-3) at station #1 in Vilnius, and 0.29 ± 0.03, 1.0 ± 0.1, 0.41 ± 0.04, 0.41 ± 0.0 4 mBq m(-3) at station #2 in northeastern part of Lithuania, respectively.
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Contaminantes Radiactivos del Aire/análisis , Accidente Nuclear de Fukushima , Monitoreo de Radiación/instrumentación , Ceniza Radiactiva/análisis , Radioisótopos/análisis , Espectrometría gamma/instrumentación , Ultrafiltración/instrumentación , Aerosoles/química , Aerosoles/aislamiento & purificación , Japón , Lituania , Océanos y Mares , Monitoreo de Radiación/métodos , Espectrometría gamma/métodosRESUMEN
Magnetic resonance imaging is used commonly to diagnose intervertebral disk herniation in dogs. It is common to locate areas of suspected compression on sagittal T2-weighted (T2-W) images and then obtain limited transverse images in these areas to reduce the acquisition time (a step-by-step approach). Our objective was to assess the frequency of correct localization of spinal cord compression due to disk herniation using only the sagittal images. The results from isolated readings of the sagittal T2-W images alone or combined with a single-shot fast spin echo (SSFSE) slab in 118 dogs were compared with a gold standard, based on a consensual reading of all images available, including complete transverse images across the entire spinal segments under study. The sites of compression were localized correctly from the sagittal images in 89.8% of dogs. If only the most significant lesions were accounted for, the percentage increased up to 95.2%. In 54.9% of the readings with incorrect localization, the actual compressive site was immediately adjacent to the one suspected from review of the sagittal images. The frequency of correct localization was higher in the cervical region, and was increased by examination of the SSFSE slab. The most common cause of disagreement was the presence of multiple degenerate bulging disks. Based on these results we recommend obtaining transverse images across the entire segment when multiple bulging disks are present. It is also recommended to obtain transverse images across the spaces immediately adjacent to the suspected site of herniation from review of the sagittal images.
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Enfermedades de los Perros/diagnóstico , Desplazamiento del Disco Intervertebral/veterinaria , Imagen por Resonancia Magnética/veterinaria , Compresión de la Médula Espinal/veterinaria , Animales , Vértebras Cervicales/patología , Perros , Femenino , Desplazamiento del Disco Intervertebral/diagnóstico , Vértebras Lumbares/patología , Masculino , Variaciones Dependientes del Observador , Reproducibilidad de los Resultados , Compresión de la Médula Espinal/diagnóstico , Compresión de la Médula Espinal/etiología , Vértebras Torácicas/patologíaRESUMEN
Several systems with large area plastic scintillators were tested, which are used to avoid the undesirable and illegal transport of radioactive materials especially at border crossings, in metallurgical works and in plants processing metal scrap, were tested. Measuring equipment with germanium detectors, which is used for check of material released from the Dukovany Nuclear Power Plant, was also tested. The detection possibilities of a chamber with plastic scintillators, for the use during checking of materials released to the environment, were investigated.