Efficacy of a combination of imidacloprid 10%/moxidectin 2.5% spot-on (Advocate® for dogs) in the prevention of canine spirocercosis (Spirocerca lupi)

The nematode Spirocerca lupi is a major canine parasite in warm regions of the world, classically causing parasitic nodules in the esophagus, aortic aneurysms, and spondylitis. This study evaluated the preventive efficacy of monthly treatment with imidacloprid 10%/moxidectin 2.5% spot-on (Advocate® for dogs) administered over a period of 9 months in young dogs naturally exposed to S. lupi on Réunion island. One hundred and twelve puppies, aged from 2.0 to 4.0 months and with a negative spirocerca fecal examination at inclusion, completed the study. They were randomly allocated to two groups. Group A puppies (n = 58) received nine spot-on treatments with Advocate® at the minimum dose of 2.5 mg moxidectin/kg bw at monthly intervals. Control group B puppies (n = 54) received no treatment for S. lupi. During the study, regular clinical and fecal examinations were performed, as was final upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Endoscopy showed that 19 dogs from group B had spirocerca nodules, corresponding to a prevalence of 35.2% in dogs aged 12 to 14 months. In contrast, only one dog from group A had a nodule, corresponding to a preventive efficacy of 94.7% (p < 0.0001). None of the 378 fecal examinations were positive for spirocerca. This study confirms a high prevalence of canine spirocercosis on Réunion and shows that infestation occurs in very young puppies. Furthermore, it demonstrates that monthly spot-on administration of a combination of imidacloprid 10%/moxidectin 2.5% (Advocate® for dogs) in puppies starting at the age of 2 to 4 months achieves effective and safe prevention of canine spirocercosis

Durability of ceramic fibers in the human lung. Preliminary results

International audienceA proper understanding of the pulmonary toxicology of man-made mineral fibres (MMMF) requires information on their durability in the human lung but to date there is little information on this subject. Recently however, we have had the opportunity to document some interesting aspects of the short-term durability of ceramic fibres in human lung by analysing fibres recovered in broncho-alveolar lavage fluid obtained frorn seven men currently employed in the MMMF production industry. Fibres recovered from the lungs by lavage were characterized by analytical transmission electron microscopy. Both normal and highiy-transfonned ceramic fibres were detected. The transformed fibres exhibited a spectrum ofmorphological features and elemental compositions. Some retained a typical ceramic chemistry but were heavily coated with ironcontaining material. Others had a hollow tube morphology, made up offine iron-containing granules without any of the normal major ceramic elements. Such fibres were sometimes found lying under a bed ofsiliceous Seachate. It is hypothesized (hat the transformation process first involves a coating of the ceramic fibres with iron-containing granules, followed by a progressive dissolution of the structural elements. We conclude that some ceraraic fibres are not durable in the human lung

Hyperbolicity and numerics in SYS-TH codes:The FONESYS point of view

The paper provides a brief overview on the state of the art of the numerical modeling in present system thermal-hydraulic codes in the framework of the Forum & Network of System Thermal-Hydraulics Codes in Nuclear Reactor Thermal-Hydraulics (FONESYS). FONESYS is a network among code developers who share the common objective to strengthen current technology and to bring technical argumentation against possible disbelief in SYS-TH codes. The aim of the FONESYS network is to highlight the capabilities and the robustness as well as the limitations of current SYS-TH codes to predict the main phenomena during transient scenarios in nuclear reactors for safety issues. This objective will be achieved primarily through the development of a strategy that aims to identify the key aspects for the improvement of SYS-TH codes and then establish a work program regarding actions to be taken to provide an answer to the needs listed in the Road Map of FONESYS network. In this regard, key topics, like the hyperbolicity, the numerical methods and some closure laws with particular reference to the modeling of some interfacial forces in the current SYS-TH codes, have been treated by the FONESYS network and are summarized in this paper

FONESYS : The Forum & Network of SYStem Thermal-Hydraulic Codes in Nuclear Reactor Thermal-Hydraulics

tThe purpose of this article is to present briefly the project called Forum & Network of System Thermal-Hydraulics Codes in Nuclear Reactor Thermal-Hydraulics (FONESYS), its participants, the motivation forthe project, its main targets and working modalities.System Thermal-Hydraulics (SYS-TH) codes, also as part of the Best Estimate Plus Uncertainty (BEPU)approaches, are expected to achieve a more-and-more relevant role in nuclear reactor technology, safetyand design. Namely, the number of code-users can easily be predicted to increase in the countries wherenuclear technology is exploited. Thus, the idea of establishing a forum and a network among the codedevelopers and with possible extension to code users has started to have major importance and value.In this framework the FONESYS initiative has been created. The main targets of FONESYS are:•To promote the use of SYS-TH Codes and the application of the BEPU approaches.•To establish acceptable and recognized procedures and thresholds for Verification and Validation (V&V).•To create a common ground for discussing envisaged improvements in various areas, including user-interface, and the connection with other numerical tools, including Computational Fluid Dynamics(CFD) Code

Tungsten based divertor development for Wendelstein 7-X

Wendelstein 7-X, the world’s largest superconducting stellarator in Greifswald (Germany), started plasma experiments with a water-cooled plasma-facing wall in 2022, allowing for long pulse operation. In parallel, a project was launched in 2021 to develop a W based divertor, replacing the current CFC divertor, to demonstrate plasma performance of a stellarator with a reactor relevant plasma facing materials with low tritium retention. The project consists of two tasks: Based on experience from the previous experimental campaigns and improved physics modelling, the geometry of the plasma-facing surface of the divertor and baffles is optimized to prevent overloads and to improve exhaust. In parallel, the manufacturing technology for a W based target module is qualified.This paper gives a status update of project. It focusses on the conceptual design of a W based target module, the manufacturing technology and its qualification, which is conducted in the framework of the EUROfusion funded WPDIV program. A flat tile design in which a target module is made of a single target element is pursued. The technology must allow for moderate curvatures of the plasma-facing surface to follow the magnetic field lines. The target element is designed for steady state heat loads of 10 MW/m2 (as for the CFC divertor). Target modules of a similar size and weight as for the CFC divertor are assumed (approx. < 0.25 m2 and < 60 kg) using the existing water cooling infrastructure providing 5 l/s and roughly maximum 15 bar pressure drop per module.The main technology under qualification is based on a CuCrZr heat sink made either by additive manufacturing using laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) or by uniaxial diffusion welding of pre-machined forged CuCrZr plates. After heat treatment, the plasma-facing side of the heat sink is covered by W or if feasible by the more ductile WNiFe, preferably by coating or alternatively by hot isostatic pressing W based tiles with a soft OFE-Cu interlayer. Last step is a final machining of the plasma-exposed surface and the interfaces to the water supply lines and supports to correct manufacturing deformations