Upto Day Research Articles

Effect of Time and Amount of Colostrum Feeding on Physiological Parameters and Health Scores in Surti Buffalo Calves

Background: Timely feeding of adequate colostrum to new born calf is important to ensure transfer of passive immunity to prevent several infections. Present study has evaluated effect of time and amount of colostrum feeding on physiological parameters and health scores in Surti buffalo calves. Methods: Based on amount and time of feeding colostrum after birth, 24 Surti buffalo calves were divided into four groups as T1 (7%; 0-4), T2 (7%; 4-8), T3 (10%; 0-4) and T4 (10%; 4-8). Physiological parameters (twice daily upto day 5) and naval, nasal, eye and faecal scores on day 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42 were recorded. Lying behavior was recorded on day 2. Result: Significant (p less than 0.05) interaction between treatment and weeks and nonsignificant effect of treatment was observed. Calves that received colostrum late had significantly (p less than 0.05) higher faecal score as well as evening heart and respiration rate. Calves that received colostrum early had significant (p less than 0.05) higher lying time. Normal scores of naval, nasal, eye and faecal indicated good health of calves. It was concluded that early feeding of colostrum @ 7 or 10% body weight within 4 hours after birth is beneficial for optimum health in buffalo calves.

Dermal Exposure of Morinda Citrifolia Linn. Fruit Extract Coated Gold Nanoparticles: Effects on Haematological and Biochemical Parameters in Wistar Rats

The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of Morinda citrifolia fruit extract coated gold nanoparticles on subacute dermal toxicity in wistar rats. Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) were synthesized by biological reduction (green synthesis) of chloroauric acid (HAuCl 4 .3H 2 O) with Azadirachta Indica (Neem) 5% leaf extract1. The nanoparticles characterized and were confirmed by colour changes from pale yellow to ruby red. These nanoparticles were coated with Morinda citrifolia fruit extract (McFE)1. The toxicity was evaluated in 50 wistar rats of either sex and randomly assigned to five groups. One group was considered healthy, three groups received dermal application of the combination of 1 mg/kg GNPs with 150 mg/kg McFE (Low dose), 2 mg/kg GNPs with 300 mg/kg McFE (Medium dose) and 4 mg/kg GNPs with 600 mg/kg McFE (High dose) dermal application for 28 days. The last group was considered as satellite group which received 8 mg/ kg GNPs with 1200 mg/kg McFE and animals were observed for extra 14 days beyond trial period for post withdrawal effect. There were no abnormal behavioral signs and no any alteration observed on skin throughout the experimental period. Hematological parameters showed no significant variations as a sign of toxicity except hike in neutrophil count and compensatory increase in TEC count on 28th day of entire treatment period but not in a dose dependent manner. Similarly, serum biochemical values showed a hike in ALT and AST in McFE coated GNPs groups. However, hike in BUN values in the experiment was observed to be non-dose dependent and a significant increase in creatinine dose independently on 28th days was observed. There was non-significant increase in total protein on day 14 was observed in the experiment. There was no significant toxicity in entire dosage, from hematology aspect but slight immune stimulation seen up-to 14th day of experiment (neutrophil) in McFE coated GNPs doses with no relation to dose and coating. However, in serum biochemical value slight liver functions tests affected on 14th day but no specific dose related toxicity is observed in any of the treatment. There is increase BUN and creatinine level on 28th day but proper excretion by kidney filtration units. A chronic toxicity trial is appealed to understand the extent of dermal toxicity.

Preoperative and postoperative comparison of higher order aberrations in individuals 1 month after small incision lenticule extraction

Aim: This study analysed the visual outcomes of patients with myopia and myopic astigmatism following Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE). Visual outcomes were determined by Post-operative refraction, Uncorrected Visual Acuity and aberrometry estimated with iTrace aberrometer post operatively immediately and upto day 30. Results: On Post-Operative day 1, the spherocylinder group, attained an uncorrected visual acuity of 6/6. Materials and Methods: The final post-operative refraction in all cases was within ±0.25 diopters of sphere in 18 eyes and within ±0.50 diopters of sphere in 10 eyes. The aberrometry values recorded on iTrace at the end of 30 days revealed a decrease in the total higher order aberrations. Mean higher order aberration is significantly (P

Expression of Cardiac Specific Cell Marker in Ex Vivo Differentiated Canine iPSC

Induced Pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) have a high ability to renew and differentiate themselves into various lineages and as vehicles of cell based therapy. Stem cell can differentiate under appropriate in vitro and in vivo conditions into different cell types. This study described the establishment of condition for in vitro expression of alpha MHC gene in cardiac differentiated canine iPSC (ciPSC). In vitro differentiation of canine iPSCs via embryoid bodies (EBs) were produced by ‘Hanging Drop’ method. EB’s were differentiated by using IMDM differentiation media: FBS – 10%, NEAA (100X) – 0.5%, Â-Mercaptoethanol- 100mM, Gentamycin- 5µg/ml supplemented with Azacytidine- 0.5µM. During differentiation, EBs were collected on day 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 for characterization of cardiomyocytes specific marker expression. Total RNA from EBs were extracted by using Trizol method and subsequently cDNA were synthesized. The differentiated cells expressed cardiac specific gene (Alpha MHC) which started from day 6 of differentiation upto day 24 Immunocytochemistry and relative expression of cardiac specific genes revealed that ciPSC have the potential to differentiate into cardiomyocytes which can be used for cardiac tissue regeneration and as disease models for pharmaceutical testing.

Role of tourniquet in post-operative pain after total knee replacement surgery: a case control study

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Intraoperative use of tourniquet to double the systolic blood pressure during total knee replacement (TKR) is used commonly for maintaining bloodless field. The aim of this study is to understand the role of tourniquet in post-operative pain after a TKR.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> Using a case-control design we enrolled 20 patients who underwent TKR with intraoperative use of tourniquet and 20 age and gender matched controls who underwent TKR without the use of tourniquet, from November 2014 till May 2016 in the Department of Orthopedics at the A.J. Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangalore. Baseline demographic information was collected for all patients and pain was measured using simplified verbal scale (SVS). Statistical analysis was performed using unpaired t-test and ANOVA.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Average age of cases and controls was 62.8±7.47 and 63.1±7.21 years respectively, with no significant difference between them. The average SVS score on Day 1 was significantly different between the cases and controls, p value 0.0032. On Day 2 and Day 3 SVS scores were not different significant. For cases the mean difference was 0.77 and -1.3 when we compared scores of SVS on Day 2 and Day 1. For control subjects mean difference was 0.939 and 0.760 when we compared SVS scores on Day 3 and Day 1.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> We found significantly lower post-operative pain upto Day 3 in patients who underwent TKR without a tourniquet.</p><p> </p>

647 - Improving the Accuracy of Hematopoietic STEM CELL DATA

Background: Almost 175 Hematopoietic stem cell transplants are done at our centre each year in a team comprising of 5 physicians. Maintaining the data manually of all these patients, year by year, accurately is a herculean task. Consolidation of this data with the help of prescription records from out patient's cards, phone calls & e-mail is done on a regular basis. We also introduced a Transplant Meeting every fortnightly helping us collect follow-up information more accurately. Methods: Outpatient prescriptions of transplant patients were scanned and data entered into our database on a regular basis. Communications to patients were done regularly by phone calls, email and social media like facebook & whatsapp for their current status. We started a transplant meeting every 2 weeks to improve the accuracy of our database. All consultants, transplant nurses, data manager and coordinators were part of this meeting. Patients were divided in two groups: 1st—patient's upto day +100 and 2nd beyond day +100. All events including CMV reactivation, GvHD, relapse & death were discussed. Reminders were sent for timing of post transplant vaccination. Results: With the practice of regular transplant meetings the data was streamlined. Scanning out patient's prescriptions also helped to follow important pending laboratory reports, informing assigned physicians for early intervention and management if required helped to improve patient care. Conclusion: Regular follow-up post transplant is essential in order to ensure efficacy and safety of stem cell transplant including quality of life. Various modalities are imperative for accurate and updated follow-up data entry.

Studies on life stages of reniform nematode, Rotylenchulus reniformis on papaya

The study of life cycle consisted of the embryonic and the post embryonic development of reniform nematode. The eggmasses were collected from R. reniformis infested papaya roots and observations were made on embryonic and post embryonic developmental stages. The embryonic development was completed in 3 to 4 days and the eggs hatched from 3rd day and continued upto 7th day. The second stage juveniles remained in water until they developed into fourth stage juveniles or the pre-adults which were formed after 12 to 14 days. The pre-adults are the infective stages of reniform nematode. The pre-adults were then inoculated in papaya seedlings and developed into matured females with laying eggs on 12th day of inoculation. Hence, the total life cycle was found to be 25 to 26 days from egg to egg in papaya.

Pregnancy associated protein and progesterone concentrations during early pregnancy in Sirohi goats

Eight apparently healthy Sirohi goats, aged 2.5–3 years were synchronized and naturally served. Blood samples from each goat were collected every 4days from day −4 (4days before estrus) up to day 28 (day 28 after estrus) to determine progesterone and PAGs concentrations. Pregnancy diagnosis was done after one month using ultra-sonic scanning. The average serum progesterone concentration on day 4 before estrus and on the day of estrus was the lowest concentration recorded during the experiment. It increased non significantly on day 4 after estrus. Further it increased significantly (P<0.05) on day 8 and remained almost similar upto day 12 of pregnancy. Later the progesterone concentration increased significantly (P<0.01) from day 16 of pregnancy through day 28.The average serum PAG concentration on day 4 before estrus was the lowest concentration recorded during experiment. The serum PAG increased significantly (P<0.05) on the day of estrus. Further it increased non significantly up to day 12 of pregnancy. Later the PAG concentration showed highly significant increase (P<0.01) from day 16 of pregnancy through day 28 of pregnancy, respectively. The correlation between PAGs and progesterone concentration was significant and positive (r=0.98; P<0.05) from day 4 before estrus to 28th day of pregnancy in Sirohi goats. Although progesterone concentration is identified commercially as an aid to the diagnosis of pregnancy, similarly PAGs can also be an important alternate tool for accurate and early diagnosis of pregnancy by day 16 to day 20 in goats.

Responsiveness of Total Plasma Protein After Administration of Some Toxic Heavy Metals in an Indian Teleost &lt;i&gt;(Clarias batrachus L.)&lt;/i&gt;

Heavy metals of acetate salts of lead, zinc, copper and mercury cause serious toxic effects on protein biosynthesis. These metal salts reduce the plasma protein content. A dose-response relationship is found to occur in this blood parameter in the experimental fish in comparison to the control group of fishes. Both groups are fed. Higher dose of those chemical agents are much responsive to cause harmful effects on fish plasma protein amount. All the heavy metals toxicity except zinc toxicity are shown to be continued (reduced) upto day 42 but the decrease in the said parameter is more marked with zinc salt on day 7 only. The present investigation is an attempt to evaluate the relationship of this haematological parameter with the physiological status among the heavy metal polluted fishes during chronic treatment.

Evaluation of different polymeric films for extending shelf life of Volvariella volvacea, the paddy straw mushroom

Shelf life studies of freshly harvested mushrooms of Volvariella volvacea (Bull ex Fr.) strain VV-11 was carried out using 0.1% KMS washed fruit bodies packed in punnet trays overwrapped with different polymeric films (Impact, RD 106, cling film and low density polyethylene). Polypropylene (PP) bags were used as control. Packs were stored at ambient room temperature (25–32°C) for 3 days showed upto 28.1% weight loss after 3 days of storage and minimum loss was in cling film packs (5.2 - 23.8%). The fruit bodies overwrapped with cling film retained more whiteness on 3rd day with L-value of 69.8 for KMS washed fruit bodies. Statistically lower L-value (63.9) was observed for KMS washed fruit bodies packed in PP bags. Cling film also showed minimum increase in CO2 concentration during the three days of storage followed by RD106 and Impact films. In control PP bags, CO2 concentrations increased up to 17.6% after 3 days which was significantly higher than the other polymeric films evaluated. The microbial load increased from log 5.0 cfu/g with time in all the samples and was not statistically different among the different films tested. The lowest polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity was on zero day (0.09 U/min/g) which increased to (0.15 U/min/g) by 3rd day of storage. Cling film packed fruit bodies retained best nutritional attributes of the fruit bodies during storage. The effect of different storage temperatures (10, 15 and 30°C) on the various physical, nutrient and biochemical parameters of 0.1% KMS washed fruit bodies packed using cling film showed that all the parameters were better retained upto 3rd day of storage at 15°C.

Comparative study of automated cryopreservation of red blood cells

BackgroundStrategic blood reserves are an important component in meeting blood needs and this can be accomplished through the establishment of a frozen blood program. MethodsOne hundred units of packed RBC were glycerolized using the Haemonetics ACP 215 automated cell processor and placed in a −86 °C deep freezer for freezing and storage. Product weight, hematocrit, RBC count, WBC count and hemoglobin were recorded prior to freezing. Twenty five bags were thawed and deglycerolized after every three months starting at one year from the date of first glycerolization In addition to the earlier parameters the bags were assessed for supernatant osmolality, pH, supernatant hemoglobin, ATP levels and supernatant potassium and from these red cell recovery, percentage hemolysis, supernatant glycerol and red cell viability were estimated. All tests were repeated at the end of 7 and 14 days. ResultsThe mean red cell recovery was found to be 86.12% on Day 0 and 84% on Day 14. All the bags showed residual glycerol and pH within the acceptable limits upto Day 14. Percentage hemolysis, Mean ATP levels and mean supernatant potassium levels were within acceptable limits upto Day 14. All the units were sterile upto Day 14. ConclusionThe data in this study showed that the red cells which were glycerolized using the automated platform ACP 215, frozen at −80 °C for more than a year and deglycerolized again using the ACP 215 had excellent viability while being stored at 4 °C during the 14 days of post-thaw storage.

Effect of β-glucan on the immune response of early stage of Anabas testudineus (Bloch) challenged with fungus Saprolegnia parasitica

The present study was carried out to study the effect of different dosages of β-glucan suspension on immune response and disease resistance in Anabas testudineus spawns against a fungal pathogen Saprolegnia parasitica. Eight day old spawns were exposed for 3 h in four different dosages of β-glucan suspension in phosphate buffered saline at the rate of 0, 5, 10, 15 mg l-1. The cell suspension of spawn was assayed for total protein, acid phosphate, lysozyme, bactericidal and NBT activity. The spawns were then challenged with 3x105 CFU ml-1 of S. parasitica. The survivability percentage and immunological parameters were assayed upto day 7. Exposure of fish for 3h to all the concentrations of β-glucan recorded a significant enhancement in the immunological parameters such as lysozyme activity, bactericidal activity and NBT activity by the end of day 7. The challenge study indicated least mortality in the groups exposed to 10 mgl-1 and 15 mgl-1 but 15 mgl-1 gives little higher survivability. Thus 3 h exposure of β-glucan suspension could reduce the mortality and increase the immunity of A. testudineus spawns against S. parasitica.

Comparative Evaluation of Bivalent Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Tests versus Traditional Methods in Field with Special Reference to Heat Stability Testing in Central India

BackgroundMalaria presents a diagnostic challenge in areas where both Plasmodium falciparum and P.vivax are co-endemic. Bivalent Rapid Diagnostic tests (RDTs) showed promise as diagnostic tools for P.falciparum and P.vivax. To assist national malaria control programme in the selection of RDTs, commercially available seven malaria RDTs were evaluated in terms of their performance with special reference to heat stability.Methodology/Principal FindingsThis study was undertaken in four forested districts of central India (July, 2011– March, 2012). All RDTs were tested simultaneously in field along with microscopy as gold standard. These RDTs were stored in their original packing at 25°C before transport to the field or they were stored at 35°C and 45°C upto 100 days for testing the performance of RDTs at high temperature. In all 2841 patients with fever were screened for malaria of which 26% were positive for P.falciparum, and 17% for P.vivax. The highest sensitivity of any RDT for P.falciparum was 98% (95% CI; 95.9–98.8) and lowest sensitivity was 76% (95% CI; 71.7–79.6). For P.vivax highest and lowest sensitivity for any RDT was 80% (95% CI; 94.9 - 83.9) and 20% (95% CI; 15.6–24.5) respectively. Heat stability experiments showed that most RDTs for P.falciparum showed high sensitivity at 45°C upto 90 days. While for P.vivax only two RDTs maintained good sensitivity upto day 90 when compared with RDTs kept at room temperature. Agreement between observers was excellent for positive and negative readings for both P.falciparum and P.vivax (Kappa >0.6–0.9).ConclusionThis is first field evaluation of RDTs regarding their temperature stability. Although RDTs are useful as diagnostic tool for P.falciparum and P.vivax even at high temperature, the quality of RDTs should be regulated and monitored more closely.

Effect of β-glucan on immunity and survival of early stage of Anabas testudineus (Bloch)

The present experiment was carried out to study the effect of different dosages of β-glucan suspension derived from barley on the innate immune response and disease resistance of Anabas testudineus spawns against infection caused by Aeromonas hydrophila. Four different dosages of β-glucan suspension in phosphate buffered saline at the rate of 0, 5, 10, 15 mg l −1 were taken and 8 days old spawn were exposed for 2 h and 3 h. The cell suspension of spawn was assayed for total protein, acid phosphatase activity, lysozyme activity, bactericidal and NBT. Further, the spawns were challenged with 3 × 10 5 cells ml −1 of A. hydrophila and survivability percentage and immunological parameters were assayed upto day 7. On day 7, most of the immunological parameters such as lysozyme activity, bactericidal activity and NBT activity were significantly enhanced after exposing the fish to all the concentrations of β-glucan. Challenge study indicated least mortality in the group of spawns immersed in 15 mg l −1 β-glucan suspension for 3 h. Thus, 3 h exposure to β-glucan suspension could reduce the mortality and increase the immunity of A. testudineus spawns.

Experimental and modeling investigations of a hybrid upflow anaerobic sludge-filter bed (UASFB) reactor

A 9.8-L hybrid UASFB reactor, in which the lower half was occupied by a sludge blanket and the upper half by small floating polyethylene media, was evaluated using wine distillery vinasse as substrate. The reactor was operated for a total period of 232 days at 33 + 1 degrees C. Continuous feeding of the reactor was started with an initial OLR of 2.9 g COD/L.d and then it was increased step wise to 19.5 g COD/L.d by increasing the feed COD, while maintaining a constant HRT (1.05 d). The reactor was equipped with a continuous internal recirculation system from top to the bottom at the rate of 9 L/h (upflow velocity = 0.83 m/h) upto day 159 and then it was reduced to about half on day 160 onwards. It was observed that the reduced recirculation rate did not affect the performance of the reactor with an average COD(t) and COD(s) removal efficiencies of 82 and 88%, respectively. A maximum gas production rate of 6.7 L CH(4)/L(reactor).d was achieved for the highest OLR applied. The specific activity analysis depicts that the activity of the attached biomass was more than 2 times higher than that of the granular sludge. The efficiency of liquid mixing was good through out this study. The packing medium had a dual role in the retention of the biomass inside the reactor: i.e. entrapment of biomass within the support and filtration of the granular biomass, preventing it from going out of the reactor. ADM1_10 model simulated well the dynamic evolutions of the main variables in the liquid as well as in the gas phases.

Prevention of chemotherapy-induced delayed nausea and vomiting with aprepitant in patients recieving highly emetogenic-five day cisplatin regimens

14125 Background: It has been shown that addition of the NK1 receptor antagonist aprepitant to 5HT3 antagonist plus dexamethasone is more effective than just the 5HT3 antagonist plus dexamethasone for prevention of acute and delayed emesis due to high dose cisplatin and also that this effect lasts for multiple cycles. This study evaluated whether the antiemetic efficacy of aprepitant could be sustained for 5 day cisplatin regimens. Methods: Patients receiving cisplatin 20mg/m2/day for 5 days (PEB and TCF regimens ) were randomized to one of the following two regimens: (1) aprepitant 125 mg 1 hour before cisplatin on day 1 and aprepitant 80 mg on days 2 and 3 (n = 17); (2) placebo before cisplatin on days 2 to 7 (n = 19). All groups received ondansetron 32 mg and dexamethasone 20 mg before cisplatin, and dexamethasone 8 mg on days 2 to 7. The primary end point was complete response (no emesis and no rescue therapy) over 7 days following cisplatin in up to six cycles analyzed by a modified intent-to-treat approach. Secondary end point was evaluated using Functional Living Index-Emesis questionnaire. Treatment comparisons were made using logistic regression models and P value calculated using the chi square test due to small sample size. Results: In the acute period, 83% and 56% of patients were without emesis in groups I and II, respectively (P &lt; .01 for group I v group II). In the delayed period upto day 5, the proportion of patients without emesis in groups I and II, was 59% and 32%, respectively (P &lt; .01 for groups I v group II). In the extended period day 6 and 7 the proportion of patients without emesis in groups I and II was 50% and 38% respectively (P&lt; .01 for groups I v II). The distribution of nausea scores in the delayed period beyond day 5 was lower when comparing group I with group II (P &lt; .05 for days 6 and 7). Two serious adverse events of diarrhea were probably attributed to aprepitant. Conclusions: Once daily oral administration of aprepitant was effective and superior in reducing delayed emesis and nausea after 5 days cisplatinum regimen when added to 5HT3 antagonist plus dexamethasone. This benefit persists upto day 7. Confirming and extending previous results aprepitant should be used in triple combination in patients receiving 5 day cisplatin regimens. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Phosphate solubilization by Penicillium spp. isolated from soil samples of Indian Himalayan region

A total of 246 fungal isolates representing 36 genera and 72 species were isolated from the soil samples collected from Indian Himalayan region. Twenty-one species belonged to the genus Penicillium alone. All the Penicillium species were screened for phosphate solubilizing activity on Pikovskaya agar at 21 °C. Eight species of Penicillium, exhibiting formation of halos (zone of solubilization) around the fungal colonies in qualitative plate assays, were selected for quantitative estimations. In quantitative estimations that were conducted upto day 30 (at 3 days interval), seven species of Penicillium brought maximum solubilization after day 15, while P. oxalicum showed maximum solubilization after day 21 of incubation. The increase in solubilization coincided with decrease in pH of the broth. Acid phosphatase activity was 1.5–2.0 times higher in comparison to alkaline phosphatase. Many of these species showed wide range of tolerance for temperature, pH and salt concentration.

Biochemical and functional changes of rat liver spheroids during spheroid formation and maintenance in culture: I. morphological maturation and kinetic changes of energy metabolism, albumin synthesis, and activities of some enzymes.

In the process of isolated single liver cells coming together to form three-dimensional spheroids, cells undergo dramatic environmental changes. How liver cells respond to these changes has not been well studied before. This study characterized the functional and biochemical changes during liver spheroid formation and maintenance. Spheroids were prepared in 6-well plates from freshly isolated liver cells from male Sprague rats by a gyrotatory-mediated method. Morphological formation, and functional and biochemical parameters of liver spheroids were evaluated over a period of 21 days in culture. Liver spheroid formation was divided into two stages, immature (1-5 days) and mature (>5 days), according to their size and shape, and changes in their functionality. Galactose and pyruvate consumption was maintained at a relatively stable level throughout the period of observation. However, glucose secretion and cellular GPT and GOT activities were higher in immature spheroids, decreased upto day 5 and remained stable thereafter. Cellular gamma-glutamyltransferase (gamma-GT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities were initially undetectable or low and increased as spheroids matured. Albumin secretion decreased rapidly within the first 2 days and increased as spheroids matured. It is concluded that cells undergo functional and biochemical changes during spheroid formation following isolation of liver cells from intact tissue. Functionality and biochemical properties recovered and were maintained in mature spheroids. A relatively stable period (6-15 days) of functionality in mature spheroids was identified and is recommended for applications of the model.

A systematic study of the development of the airway (bronchial) system of the avian lung from days 3 to 26 of embryogenesis: a transmission electron microscopic study on the domestic fowl, Gallus gallus variant domesticus

In the embryo of the domestic fowl, Gallus gallus variant domesticus, the lung buds become evident on day 3 of development. After fusing on the ventral midline, the single entity divides into left and right primordial lungs that elongate caudally while diverging and shifting towards the dorsolateral aspects of the coelomic cavity. On reaching their definitive topographical locations, the lungs rotate along a longitudinal axis, attach, and begin to slide into the ribs. First appearing as a solid cord of epithelial cells that runs in the proximal-distal axis of the developing lung, progressively, the intrapulmonary primary bronchus begins to canalize. In quick succession, secondary bronchi sprout from it in a craniocaudal sequence and radiate outwards. On reaching the periphery of the lung, parabronchi (tertiary bronchi) bud from the secondary bronchi and project into the surrounding mesenchymal cell mass. The parabronchi canalize, lengthen, increase in diameter, anastomose, and ultimately connect the secondary bronchi. The luminal aspect of the formative parabronchi is initially lined by a composite epithelium of which the peripheral cells attach onto the basement membrane while the apical ones project prominently into the lumen. The epithelium transforms to a simple columnar type in which the cells connect through arm-like extensions and prominently large intercellular spaces form. The atria are conspicuous on day 15, the infundibulae on day 16, and air capillaries on day 18. At hatching (day 21), the air and blood capillaries have anastomosed profusely and the blood–gas barrier become remarkably thin. The lung is well developed and potentially functionally competent at the end of the embryonic life. Thereafter, at least upto day 26, no further consequential structures form. The mechanisms by which the airways in the avian lung develop fundamentally differ from those that occur in the mammalian one. Compared with the blind-ended bronchial system that inaugurates in the mammalian lung, an elaborate, continuous system of air conduits develops in the avian one. Further studies are necessary to underpin the specific molecular factors and genetic processes that direct the morphogenesis of an exceptionally complex and efficient respiratory organ.

Application of supercritical and subcritical fluids for the extraction of hazardous materials from soil

Subcritical and supercritical extractions are novel, non destructive techniques which can be applied for the removal of hazardous compounds from contaminated soil without any changes of the soil composition and structure. The aim of the presented review paper is to give information on up-to day results of this method commonly applied by several institutions worldwide. Interest in the application of SC CO2 has been more expressed in the last two decades, which may be related to its favorable characteristics (non-toxic, non-flammable, increase diffusion into small pores, low viscosity under SC conditions, low price and others). However, interest in wet oxidation (WO) and especially in SCWO (the application of water under supercritical conditions with air) has also increased in the last few years. Interest in H2O as a SC fluid, as well as in extraction with water under subcritical conditions may also be related to specific characteristics and the enhanced rate of extraction. Moreover, the solubility of some specific compounds present in soil can be easily changed by adjusting the pressure and temperature of extraction. The high price of the units designed to operate safely at a pressure and temperature much higher than the a critical one of the applied fluids is the main reason why, at present, there is no more broader application of such techniques for the removal hazardous materials from contaminated soil. In the present paper, among many literature citations and their overall review, some specific details related to the development of specific analytical methods under SC conditions are also considered.