ABSTRACT
The adequacy of cement-clay composite, for solidification/stabilization of organic radioactive spent liquid scintillator wastes and its resistance to frost attack were determined by a freezing/thawing (F/T) test. Frost resistance is assessed for the candidate cement-clay composite after 75 cycles of freezing and thawing by evaluating their mass durability index, compressive strength, apparent porosity, volume of open pores, water absorption, and bulk density. Infrared (IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential thermal analysis (DTA), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were performed for the final waste form (FWF) before and after the F/T treatment to follow the changes that may take place in its microstructure during the hydration regime. The results were obtained indicate that the candidate composite exhibits acceptable resistance to freeze/thaw treatment and has adequate suitability to solidify and stabilize organic radioactive spent liquid scintillator wastes even at very exaggerating conditions (-50°C and +60°C).
Subject(s)
Construction Materials , Organic Chemicals , Radioactive Waste , Aluminum Silicates , Clay , Freezing , Refuse Disposal , Scintillation CountingABSTRACT
Normal, and vaccinated mice four weeks previously with radiation attenuated cercariae of S. mansoni (500/mouse) were challenged with normal cercariae (150/mouse), then treated one week later with praziquantel (400 mg/kg body weight, orally). Worm burden was determined to calculate the % immunity in all groups under study. Histopathological examination of liver, small and large intestine, spleen and lung was done. Serum IgE level was estimated using the immunoradiometric assay. (IRMA). The % immunity was highest among vaccinated, infected and treated group with minimal pathological changes recorded and highest IgE level. From the data collected, it was found that, the efficacy of praziquantel treatment was enhanced in vaccinated mice and that there was synergistic effect between drug treatment and vaccination when praziquantel was given seven days post-infection (challenge).
Subject(s)
Praziquantel/therapeutic use , Schistosoma mansoni/immunology , Schistosomiasis mansoni/drug therapy , Vaccines, Attenuated/immunology , Animals , Female , Gamma Rays , Immunoglobulin E/blood , Male , Mice , Schistosoma mansoni/radiation effects , Schistosomiasis mansoni/prevention & control , VaccinationABSTRACT
Changes in sex hormonal levels were studied in Schistosoma mansoni infected and praziquantel treated mice (400 x 2 mg/Kg), drug control and in normal control groups. It was observed that schistosomiasis lead to increase in the level of testosterone, progesterone and 17B-esteradiol, 60 and 70 days postinfection in male and female mice, respectively. In praziquantel treated group the level of testosterone was lowered 10, 20 & 30 days post treatment, progesterone and 17 beta-estradiol fell 30 days post treatment after primary rise. The mechanism of recorded changes will be discussed in details.
