Proanthocyanidin as a cytogenetic protective agent against adverse effects of plant growth regulators supplementation in rats

The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective role of grape seed extract (containing proanthocyandin) against the adverse effects of plant growth regulators (GA₃ (gibberellic acid) and IAA (indoleacetic acid)). The present data showed that the administration of either GA₃ and IAA caused undesirable changes in both hepatic and testicular structure. This was evidenced by a disturbed hepatic strands, pyknotic nuclei, central vein with collapsed endothelium, dilatation in bile sinusoids, congested blood vessel, binucleatd hepatocytes, lymphocytic infiltration, vacuolation, giant hepatic cells, increased Kupffer cells and karyoryxis. Additionally, it was shown that degenerative changes in the testis, spermatogenic arrest, moderate tubular necrosis, Leydig cell degeneration and reduction in the number and size of the seminiferous tubules with some spermatogonia detached from the basement membrane. Concerning flow cytometric study of the liver a significant decrease in G0/1 % and a significant increase in S phase %, G2/M  %, P⁵³ % and apoptosis % (sub G1) were detected. However, in testis the data recorded a significant decrease in the percentage of mature sperm (percentage of haploid cells) and a significant increase in the percentage of spermatide, diploid cells, P⁵³ and of apoptotic cells. On the other hand, a distinct recovery of the mentioned hepatic and testicular histopathological and cytogenetic disorders was observed when proanthocyanidin was supplemented to rats administered either of the plant growth hormones (GA₃ and IAA).     

Site of deposition and factors affecting clearance of aerosolized solute from canine lungs

We determined the influence of several factors on lung solute clearance using aerosolized 99mTc-diethylenetriaminepentaacetate. We used a jet nebulizer-plate separator-balloon system to generate particles with an activity median aerodynamic diameter of 1.1 micron, administered the aerosol in a standard fashion, and determined clearance half times (t1/2) with a gamma-scintillation camera. The following serial studies were performed in five anesthetized, paralyzed, intubated, mechanically ventilated dogs: 1) control, with ventilatory frequency (f) = 15 breaths/min and tidal volume (VT) = 15 ml/kg during solute clearance; 2) repeat control, for reproducibility; 3) increased frequency, with f = 25 breaths/min and VT = 10 ml/kg; 4) positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) of 10 cmH2O; 5) unilateral pulmonary arterial occlusion (PAO); and 6) bronchial arterial occlusion (BAO). Control t1/2 was 25 +/- 5 min and did not change in the repeat control, increased frequency, or BAO experiments. PEEP markedly decreased t1/2 to 13 +/- 3 min (P less than 0.01), and PAO increased it to 37 +/- 6 min (P less than 0.05). We conclude that clearance from the lungs by our method is uninfluenced by increased frequency, increases markedly with PEEP, and depends on pulmonary, not bronchial, blood flow.     

BTEX Remediation under Challenging Site Conditions Using In-Situ Ozone Injection and Soil Vapor Extraction Technologies: A Case Study

Remediation was successfully completed in a petroleum-contaminated site using ozone sparging combined with soil vapor extraction technologies. The site contained high levels of BTEX contamination in dissolved, adsorbed, and free phases. The presence of fine-grained soil, smear zone contamination, and shallow groundwater posed challenging site conditions for this remediation. Active remediation was performed for approximately 18 months followed by one year of post-remediation monitoring. Application of soil vapor extraction technology effectively removed free phase contamination. Biodegradation during active and post-remediation periods also played a role in bringing down the contaminant levels and achieving closure of the release. The cost of this remediation approach was estimated to be $2.04 per cubic foot ($72.08 per cubic meter) and found to be cost-effective. Timely completion of the project prevented the spreading of contaminants towards the down-gradient residential and school properties.