Proteomic analysis of muscle tissue from rainbow trout [Oncorhynchus mykiss] fed dietary beta-glucan

The aim of this study was to examine the changes in muscle proteome of the rainbow trout fed dietary beta-glucan. The experimental diets contained 0 [control], 0.1% and 0.2% beta-1, 3/1, 6 yeast glucan. First, feeding larvae were fed to apparent satiation nine times per day with their respective diets over two months. The percentage of body weight gain and feed efficiency of fish fed 0.2% diet was significantly higher than those of fish fed the control and 0.1% diets. Fish fed the control and 0.2% diets were subjected to proteomic analysis. Proteins of the muscle tissue were analyzed using two-dimensional electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. Spots that were found to differ significantly in abundance between control and beta-glucan fed fish were selected for identification. Out of 8 protein spots showing differential expression, 7 spots were successfully identified. Two protein spots that were found to be increased in abundance in the beta-glucan treated rainbow trout corresponded to tropomyosin alpha-1 chain [spot 1] and slow myotomal muscle tropomyosin [spot 2]. The five spots that were down-regulated with dietary beta-glucan supplementation were identified as different forms of myosin: myosin light polypeptide 3-2 [spot 3], myosin light chain 1 [spots 4 and 5], fast myosin light chain 2 [spot 6] and myosin heavy chain [spot 7]. The altered expression of structural proteins in fish fed beta-glucan may be related to higher growth rate in rainbow trout. These findings provide basic information to understand possible mechanisms of dietary beta-glucan contribution to better growth in rainbow trout

Congenital arthrogryposis associated with musculoskeletal defects in three newborn goats

Arthrogryposis as a congenital malformation that refers to the fixed flexion of one or more joints as a result of stiffness or limited movements of multiple joints, change of posture and limb function due to permanent contracture of joints and wasting of muscles that usually occur at early stage of gestation. This report describes congenital arthrogryposis associated with musculoskeletal defects in three newborn goats. Both front and hindlimbs joints were characteristically flexed towards the anterior portion of the body. In addition, ankylosis, reduced muscle mass of limbs and rigidly fixed hindlimbs, lordosis, kyphosis and brachygnathia were observed. There was no definitive evidence of etiology of arthrogryposis, however, it seemed to be infectious, inherited or due to toxic plants. Since there is no recorded history about the mothers of the kids and the limited information available, causes of these defects cannot be determined

[Stressors and coping strategies of psychiatric nurses in psychiatric wards]

Psychiatry units' nurses are faced with several tensions. Therefore, using proper coping strategies for reducing their aggravating effects seems necessary. The purpose of this study was to determine the stressors, coping strategies in nurses, working in psychiatry units of Razi Medical Educational Center. This survey was a descriptive-analytical study which was carried out with 104 participants of psychiatric nurses. Data gathering strategies consisted of three questionnaires: Personal information and Devilliers, Carson and Leary Stress Scale and PsychNurse Methods of Coping, stress and strategies of coping in Psych Nurse were measured. For analyzing the data Spss.17 was used. In order to answer the research's questions of Pearson correlation, Regression, variance analysis, Tukey and t-test were used. Low payment; threats from patients and attendants; Lack of enough safety in wards were common causes of stress among nurses in psychiatry wards. Acute units nurses were experiencing relatively more stress than other units' nurses in which this difference was more significant in chronic units [p=0/02] .There were no significant relation between other individual variables with job stress except the sex variable. Male nurses have experienced more high significant stress in comparison with female ones [p=0/04]. Most nurses are trying to gain adaptation with these tensions by believing in and feeling good about themselves; increasing knowledge and experience and relying on their abilities. Using emotional base coping for nurses in acute units and using problem base coping in chronic units is reported more than other units. Employing focus diverting thought-attention and emotional conflict in female nurses were more than male ones, in which significant difference were obtained in just thought-focus diversion [p=0/04]. Acute wards' nurses, who were experiencing high levels of tensions, employing extensively emotional base coping, educating, preventive practices and coping with received stress is recommended for employees, especially psychiatry wards' nurses

[ effect of aerobic training on the amount of GFR and excreted of creatinine in patients with chronic kidney]

The main characteristic of kidney disease is the decrease in Glomerular filtration Rate [GFR]. Physical exercise seems to influence GFR and the operation of kidney. The study has been conducted to determine the effect of eight weeks running on treadmills on the amount of GFR and another factor of operation of kidney of patients with chronic renal. Twenty seven subjects were chosen among male patients with chronic renal who had gone to kidney disease clinics. Before the beginning of the exercise period, blood test and 24 hour urine samples were taken and the amounts of the GFR were calculated using the Creatinine Clearance. An exercising program was given to the empirical group including eight weeks running on treadmills with the intensity of 50-80% maximal heart rate, which was practiced thrice a week, each session lasting 30-40 minutes. After the end of the exercising period, blood and urine tests were taken from both control and experimental groups under the same condition. Meaningful differences was perceived in the amount of GFR between control and empirical groups after 8 Week Running on Treadmills [P= 0.03]. There was also a significant difference between excreted creatinine of the 24 hour urine of the control group and empirical group after 8 Week Running on Treadmills [P= 0.003]. But there was no meaningful difference in the amount of creatinine serum [P= 0.8] and serum urea nitrogen [P= 0.1] between control and empirical groups after eight weeks running on treadmills. Aerobic activities could be prevent chronic renal in the first stages. It can also be effective in the prevention or postponement of the development of chronic renal failure

effects of atmospheric processes on Tehran smog forming

Air pollution is one of the most important problems in urban areas that always threaten citizen's health. Photochemical smog is one of the main factors of air pollution in large cities like Tehran. Usually smog is not only a part of nature, but is being analyzed as an independent matter, which highly affects on the nature. It has been used as relationship between atmospheric elements such as temperature, pressure, relative humidity, wind speed with inversion in the time of smog forming and weather map in 500 Hpa level during 9 years descriptive static by using correlation coefficient in this analyze. Results show that there is a meaningful correlation between atmospheric elements and smog forming. This relation is seen between monthly average of these elements and monthly average of smog forming. However, when temperature decreases, corresponding pressure will increase and result of this will be smog forming. Usually smog increases in cold months of year due to enter cold high pressure air masses in Iran during December and January that is simultaneous with decreasing temperature and air pressure increases and inversion height distance decreases from the earth surface which cause to integrate air pollution under its surface, will cause to form smog in Tehran. It shows a meaningful and strong relation, based on resultant relations by correlation coefficient from inversion height and smog forming, so that obtained figure is more than 60%

[ effect of photoperiod duration on hatching rate of eggs in wild persian sturgeon [acipenser persicus]]

The Persian Sturgeon [Acipenser Persicus] is an indigenous and most populous sturgeon in the southern coasts of the Caspian Sea. Nowadays, their numbers are decreasing due to certain problems that are affecting their early life. The aim of this study was to take up the optimal photo period in hatching stage of wild Persian sturgeon eegs. One female [weight of 38kg and length of 178cm] and one male [weight of 15kg and length of 145cm] spawner of Persian Sturgeon were selected with the female the male having a after fertilization there were 3 kg of eggs [with a 92% fertilization rate]. The fertilized eggs were transferred to 12 boxes of Youshchenkov's incubators with different lighting treatments as follows: control treatment [12 hrs of light and 12 hrs of darkness]; treatment one [8hrs of light and 16 hrs of darkness]; treatment two [24hrs of light]; and, treatment three [24hrs of darkness]; considered 3 replications for each treatment. Thick aluminum foil was applied to create a dark condition for each incubator box. Statistical analysis was done using ANOVA test followed Tukey's test. The results showed no significant difference for the hatching rate in the four different treatments [p>0.05], but, the hatching rate in treatment three was higher when compared with the other groups [48.65 +/- 7.53%]. The results also showed that the mean weight of larvae in treatment three was more than the other ones [101.14 +/- 4.25g]. In treatment three, the number of larvae per gram was less than the other treatments [48 per gram], with no significant difference [p>0.05]. It can be concluded that in the incubation stage, Persian Sturgeon [Acipenser Persicus] is more adaptable to darker conditions, hence providing dark conditions in the incubation period is necessary to obtain a larger quantity of high quality larvae

Osteogenic gene expression in osteoblastic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells

During differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells [MSCs] into various cells, the expression of a variety of genes undergoes some changes; in this study we decided to investigate the expression rate of some genes like osteopontin [OPN] and osteocalcin [OCN] during this process in order to find a better and faster way for these cells to be differentiated into osteoblasts. In this experimental study, the mononuclear cells of bone marrow were separated and then cultured in DMEM-LG culture media with 10% FBS. During some definite days, the RNA of differentiating cells was extracted. Then, the effective genes in osteogenesis like OPN and OCN were amplified by speciefic primers. The mesenchymal cells were cultured on 3D calcium phosphate scaffolds, and finally the activity rate of the alkaline phosphatase was examined. This research has demonstrated that in the process of differentiation, the expression of the two genes of OPN and OCN changed orderly with the maximum expression of OPN in the 6th day and the maximum expression of OCN in the 7th and 8th days of differentiation. The osteogenic differentiation of MSCs was not confirmed by the coloration of mineral sediments. The activity rate of alkaline phosphatase revealed the preference of 3D calcium phosphate scaffold to 2D environment in this differentiation. The calcium phosphate scaffold positively affects the differentiation process. The expression of OPN and OCN genes changes during differentiation and can be used as away to a better and faster differentiation of these cells into osteoblast

study of effectiveness of blended learning approach for medical training courses

Blended learning as a method of learning that includes face to face learning, pure E-learning and didactic learning. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of medical education by this approach. This interventional study was performed in 130 students at different clinical levels participating in class sessions on [congenital adrenal hyperplasia and ambiguous genitalia]. Sampling was done gradually during 6 months and all of them filled a pretest questionnaire and received an educational compact disk. One week later, a presence class session was held in a question and answer and problem solving method. Two to four weeks later, they filled a posttest questionnaire. There was a significant correlation between pretest and posttest scores and the posttest scores were significantly more than the pretest ones. Sub-specialized residents had the most and the students had the least attitude towards blended learning approach. There was a significant correlation between the research samples' accessibility to computer and their attitude and satisfaction to blended learning approach. Findings generally showed that the blended learning was an effective approach in making a profound learning of academic subjects

[ effect of fiber reinforcement and composition of the overlying composite on the flexural strength of three laboratory-processed fiber-reinforced Composite resins]

Reinforcement with fiber is one of effective methods for improvement in flexural properties of indirect composite resin restorations. The composition of the overlying veneering composite plays a critical role in the flexural properties of the final fiber reinforced restoration. The aim of this in-vitro study was to evaluate the effect of fiber reinforcement on the flexural strength of three laboratory-processed fiber-reinforced composite resins. In this experimental-laboratory study, 72 bar type specimens [3225 mm] were constructed by using three types of fiber-reinforced composite resins [Gradia, Signom, Bellglass] and one Plexiglas mold. In each type of composite resin, two groups [one with fiber and one without fiber] were constructed. These specimens were tested by the three-point bending method to measure flexural strength. Data were statistically analyzed with two way ANOVA, Tukey and T-test at 0.05 significance level. The mean flexural strength of Gradia with fiber was higher than the other groups [150.14 MPa] and the mean flexural strength of Signom without fiber was the least [60.53 MPa]. There was a significant difference between the mean primary fracture force in the three groups [P<0.001]. Within the limitations of this study, it may be concluded that reinforcement with fiber considerably increases the fracture resistance of composite specimens and the overlying veneering composite may play an important role in the transverse strength of fiber reinforced composite specimens

[Lingual thyroid presenting as acquird hypothyroidism in the adulthood]

According to several reports the incidence of lingual thyroid in childhood are more than adults. This ectopic thyroid gland induced mild hypothyroidism with spectrum as normal or below normal. Generally, most cases of congenital ectopic thyroid appears as Cretinism. In this report we will introduce an adult with a lingual thyroid that induced adult hypothyroidism

[Performance evaluation of hybrid septic tank and aerated lagoon process efficiency for landfill leachate treatment]

In this research, landfill leachate treatment in Karaj city was investigated by a linked septic tank and aerated lagoon. At first, characteristics of the leachate were determined. Then a pilot plant with anaerobic-aerobic [Septic tank and Aerated lagoon] parts was installed and started. Results showed that Chemical Oxygen Demand [COD] removal efficiency for septic tank and subsequently to lagoon for influent COD of 19537 mg/L, were 8401 and 432 mg/L, respectively. The septic tank and aerated lagoon also operated with different flow rates and the best results for septic tank and aerated lagoon obtained in 23.6 L/day and 9.3 L/day respectively with maximum COD removal efficiency of 91.2%. According to the obtained results, the hybrid system had 90% COD removal efficiency. Therefore, leachate COD loading could be effectively removed in this system

[Qualitative and quantitative performance of equipment and non-structural vulnerability in selected public hospitals in Tehran city during an earthquake]

One of the important tasks of medical centers is to provide emergency services to the injured during an earthquake. Therefore, these medical centers always should be prepared to deal with such circumstances. Non-structural elements are the important components of medical centers that should be considered. In this study, qualitative and quantitative performance of equipment and non-structural vulnerability of seven public hospitals in Tehran city have been evaluated during an earthquake. In this cross-sectional research, all public hospitals in Tehran city were studied including governmental or public, private, military and also social security. Using WHO/PAHO Standard Checklist, seven public hospitals were selected and evaluated by convenience sampling method in eleven sections. According to the results, the lowest functional level was observed in emergency exit systems, communication systems, furniture and equipment. The studied hospitals were at a satisfactory level in heating and cooling systems, ventilation systems of care units, fire detection and extinguisher. Although 56% of the mentioned hospitals were at a satisfactory level in overall assessment of performance in non-structural features, the critical, vital and effective sections of the hospitals were functioning at an average and some in even low levels of safety. Totally, the hospitals lacked a proper preparation in disaster in non-structural evaluation; furthermore, there was a standard instruction in non-structural immunization that hospitals should consider in preparation

Simulation of temperature changes in Iran under the atmosphere carbon dioxide duplication condition

The present research intends to show the effect of global warming on the trend and patterns of temperature in Iran. The study has been divided into two primary parts, the first of which is an analysis of the country's temperature trend using the following data measures: the minimum, maximum, and mean seasonal night temperature [the minimum temperature] components, the day temperature [the maximum temperature] component and the mean daily temperature component. This data is specific to the time frame 1951 to 2005 and it was obtained from 92 synoptic and climatology stations around the country. The second part of this research involved simulating and forecasting the effects of global warming on temperature values under conditions in which greenhouse gases have increased. For analyzing these simulations and forecasts the MAGICC SCENGEN model was used and different climate change scenarios were taken into consideration. The results are quite interesting. In the analysis of the country's current temperature trend and in the forecasting's, specifically related to time, a significant temperature increase was observed during the summer months. Also, with regard to altitudinal levels, it was evident that stations at higher altitudes show a more significant increase in daily and mean daily temperatures. Taking into account the output mean of the different climate change scenarios, the temperature simulations show a 4.41 Degree C increase in Iran's mean temperature by 2100. Most of these temperature increases would occur in the southern and eastern parts of Bushehr, certain coastal regions of the Persian Gulf, eastern and western parts of Fars, Kohgilooye, Boyerahmad, southern parts of Yazd, as well as southern and southeastern parts of Esfahan

[ key role of type IV collagen in developing retinal basement membrane in mouse]

Basement membranes are specialized extracellular matrices serve as development, proliferation and substrates for migration. Collagen fibers specially type IV, are the most important part of this area. As retina is one of the target organs in diabetes mellitus and diabetic retinopathy and diabetic nephropathy are major cause of end stage - renal and retinal diseases and resulting in increased in morbidity and mortality of effected individuals, therefore early diagnosis leads to better treatment. Investigation the appearance and distribution of collagen IV during gestational days and early postnatal period. 24 intact female Balb/c mice were kept under normal nutrition and environment condition. After mating, vaginal plug was assumed as zero day of pregnancy. From [13[th]-18[th]] days, gestation pregnant mice were sacrified and their embryos as well as pups from 1st to 5th days were collected. For histochemichal studies, the head of specimens were fixed, histological preparation was done and by using monocolonal antibody against for tracing of collagen type IV were carried out. Our finding revealed that amount of collagen IV in internal limiting membrane [ILM] and extra cellular matrix [ECM] of the retina appearance on embryonic 16[th] day and increase continuously until end stage of embryonic life. In addition, strong labeling was observed until 3rd day of postnatal period but these reactions did not increase significantly after these periods. These findings indicate that retinal development is dependent on different proteins by special regards specially collagen IV

[ effects of Zingiber officinal R. on primary dysmenorrhea]

Prevalence of dysmenorrhea and its importance for women life as well as side effects of non steroid anti inflammatory drug used for its treatment increases the tendency for alternative complementary, and herbal therapy. This study was carried out to determine the effect of Zingiber offlcinale R. on primary dysmenorrheal on students residing in Dormitories' Shahed University. This clinical trial was performed on 78 unmarried students, average 21 years old with primary dysmenorrhea residing in Dormitories' Shahed University. Subjects were selected through a questionnaire which included demographic and menstrual cycle characteristics and graded of dysmenorrhea. Graded of dysmenorrhea were determined by verbal multidimensional scoring system and subjects who were graded moderate and severe dysmenorrhea were randomly allocated into two groups that received the Zingiber capsule and the placebo capsule. The subjects in Zingiber group received the 500 mg zingiber powders in capsules three times a day for three days and placebo group received 500 mg placebo capsule similarly from a day of starting of menstruation. Severity and duration of dysmenorrheal pain were determined in both groups and compared to each other. Results indicate that demographic characteristics [age, BMI and menstrual status] were similar between two groups before treatments. Severity and duration of dysmenorrhea in Zingiber group deceased significantly [p<0.01 and p<0.021 respectively] at the end of the study compared to placebo group. Administration of Zingiber 500 mg t.i.d decreases pain and duration of primary dysmenorrhea without any obvious adverse effects. The investigation for accurate effective doses of Zingiber and its adverse effect on long term administration is recommended

[ pullulans [a yeast-like fungus], its importance and applications]

Aureobasidium pullulans [de Bary] is a yeast-like fungus which belongs to the order Dothideales that occurs in Mediterranean, dry and tropical areas where fresh water and marine precipitates can be found on the leaves of the trees. A. pullulans has different applications in various biological fields. Production of pullulan is one of its uses and also it can be used in tasteless polymers as a flavor. Pullulan is a biomaterial factor and is used as a primary material in production of medications and food. Pullulan is used in pharmacologic industry as a binder and oxidative agent. A. pullulans can be used for production of "single cell protein" and also removal of oil spots on the seas, lakes and seashores. It can be used for production of xylanase, sucrase, amylase, and b-galactosidase, glucoamylase. In addition, other important enzymes can be produced which add to the importance of this organism. There are few reports indicating yet another potential of A. pullulans as a probable source of new extracellular and intracellular antimicrobial agents. Considering the above mentioned potentials of A. pullulans, it is clear that this organism is of great importance for various research point of view. Therefore considering the importance of its industrial production [antibiotic, pullulan, single cell protein, removal of environmental pollution, and paint manufacturing industry], we recommend more investigations in the future and its industrial production

[Investigation of iron powder, hydrogen peroxide and iron hydrogen peroxide for removal of acid yellow powder 36 dye from aqueous solutions]

A great part of organic compounds cause more pollution in natural waters meet, are chemical dye material. Azo dyes have more usage in different industries. Azo dyes not only give undesirable dye to the water but also have mutation potential and carcinogenesis effects in human and cause the production of toxic substances in water environments. The purpose of this study is investigation of iron powder, hydrogen peroxide and iron powder-hydrogen peroxide processes in removal of acid yellow 36 dye from aqueous solutions. This study was conducted in laboratory scale. At this experiment synthetic solution was made from acid yellow 36 dye, and the removal of acid yellow 36 dye was studied by iron powder, hydrogen peroxide and iron powder-hydrogen peroxide processes .Also effect of dye concentration, pH solution, hydrogen peroxide concentration, iron powder concentration and the time of contact on decolorization, were evaluated. The results showed that iron powder-hydrogen peroxide process, compared to two other process has high decolorization power. Removal efficacy of iron powder-hydrogen peroxide process with H[2]O[2]=23.33 ml / L, pH=3, iron powder 2000 mg/L and 60 minute, was about 97.9% In general this investigation showed that, this method [Iron powder-hydrogen peroxide process] has high efficiency for removal of Azo dyes. But application this method in the industry, should be economically evaluated

[Application of reverse osmosis technology for arsenic removal from drinking water]

Arsenic [As] is a highly toxic metalloid found in ground and surface waters. Arsenic contamination in drinking water leads to harmful effects on human health. In this study, the efficacy of Reverse Osmosis [RO] membrane technology was evaluated for arsenic removal from drinking water. This experimental study was carried out on RO membrane spiral- wound module [model: 2521 TE, CSM Co. Korea] in pilot scale. After preparation of sodium arsenate solution in the laboratory, performance of RO membrane system in arsenic [As] removal was investigated. Experiments were conducted with five different pressures [100, 130, 160, 190, 210 Psi], pH [4, 5.5, 7, 8.5, 10], temperature [20, 25, 30, 35, 40°C] and an initial As concentration of 0.2 mg/L. The influence of different feed concentrations [0.2, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2 mg/L] on As removal efficiency was also examined. In each step, flux was measured and after 30 minutes samples were taken. Arsenic amount in feed and permeate were measured by silver diethyldithiocarbamate [AgDDTC] method. The results of this study demonstrated that greater than 90% of As can be eliminated from drinking water. Also the results showed that the pressure of 190 psi, As concentration of 0.2-0.5mg/L, temperature of 25-30°C and pH = 6-8 were the optimal conditions. Arsenic removal efficiency in optimal conditions of system performance was up to 99%

[ effect of intravenous atropine on prevention of spinal anesthesia-induced hemodynamic alterations in young patients]

Background: we investigated the effect of intravenous [IV] atropine injection before spinal anesthesia [SA] on prevention of hemodynamic alterations in young patients

Materials and Methods: we randomized 217 patients in two groups. All individuals received 10 ml/kg IV infusion of Ringer lactate solution.Control group [103 patients] received placebo injection while case group [114 patients] were premedicated with 10 [micro]/kg IV atropine in a blinded trial

Results: the systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate decreased significantly in control group compared to the rise of these hemodynamic variables in case group. There was a significant decrease in the incidence of hypotension and discomfort during sitting position SA comparing control and case groups [46.6% vs. 0%; p<0.001]. No cardiac or nervous complication was recorded in patients while rescue therapy for hypotension was needed in control group

Conclusion: we concluded that pretreatment with atropine in patients undergoing sitting position SA could lower the incidence of complications while adequate screening is performed

[ effect of cardiopulmonary resuscitation workshop on nurses' sustained learning]

The effect of the presence of trained personnel in the team on the outcome of resuscitation has been proved in previous studies. An informative need assessment, in the environment of present study, reveals the role of the nurses' knowledge in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation [CPR]. Therefore, this study was designed to determine the effect of education through workshop on nurses' sustained learning regarding resuscitation. An interventional study, using pre-test and post-test was carried out. The data gathering tool was a questionnaire consisted of two parts including individual characteristics and 21 multiple choice questions about necessary actions in cardiopulmonary resuscitation. This questionnaire was answered by the participants before, immediately after, and 6 months after the workshop. The results were analyzed using Repeated Measure ANOVA by SPSS software. The highest score, the lowest score and the mean score in pre-test were 17, 6 and 10.12, respectively. These scores for the post-test were 21, 13 and 17.96, respectively. For the test held after 6 month, the highest score was 17, the lowest was 10 and the mean score was 15.02. Comparing the means of these tests showed a significant difference between the pre-test, post-test, and the test after 6 months. Although CPR workshops met the needs felt by nurses to some extent, the repetition of these workshops in regular bases [six months at maximum], seems to be necessary