[Antimicrobial effect of some medicinal smoke, Iranian traditional medicine]

Background: Nowadays, science tries to find a way to control the pathogens in public place and health centers. The use of medicinal smokes is common in Iranian traditional medicine to improve air quality and purify air

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of Herbal fume, contain frankincense, clove, sandalwood and camel grass against a variety of microorganisms

Methods: Herbal smoke include, sandalwood [Santalum album], camel grass [Cymbopogon schoenanthus], condor [Boswellia sacra] and clove [Syzygium aromaticum], against microorganisms, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and Candida albicans, was investigated

Results: Sandalwood and camel grass fumes could inhibit C. albicans completely both in 7 minutes and inhibit B. subtilis in turn in 9 minute and 11 minute. Also they could inhibit E. coli and S. aureus in turn in 10 and 9 minute. Frankincense and clove fume had no significant effects. Mixing two plants, sandalwood and camel grass in the ratio 1:1, will enhanced the antimicrobial effects of these smoke and the inhibition time come shorter

Conclusion: According to this research, Sandalwood and camel grass smoke have significant effect. Microbes and fungi showed great sensitivity against herbal fume and the smoke expressed the possibility of industrial usage. Further research is required to identify the chemical composition of these plant smokes

[Evaluation of illumination intensity and ultraviolet radiation at Kerman Medical University Libraries]

Adequate lighting in work environments can increase productivity and concentration and reduced fatigue. Light and illumination studies have been done mainly in industrial environments, and public or administrative environments were less under consideration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ultraviolet radiation and illumination level at Kerman Medical Sciences University libraries. In this study, the total, natural and artificial amount of illumination was measured at two different times, at the center of the designated stations in 14 study halls and the height of 30 inches by Hagner [Model EC[1]] luxmeter. Also, ultraviolet radiation [UVB and UVA] was measured by Hanger [Model S4] equipped with UVB and UVA detectors. The results of ultraviolet radiation and illumination level measurements were compared with standard by Excel. The overall, natural and artificial illumination level, in 28.57%, 100% and 71.42% study halls was less than the National and IESNA standard [300 lux]. The School of Nursing has the highest amount of UVB and UVA radiation in both total and natural light measurements. The Shahid Bahonar Hospital, men's section had the highest amount of UVB and UVA radiation in artificial light measurements. Initiatives such as proper alignment of bulbs, periodic dusting and cleaning, regular replacing of burnt bulbs, using study desks with the appropriate level of brightness, placing lamps at appropriate heights, and using bulbs with less UV radiation can improve the lighting situation in libraries

Evaluation of [222]Rn rate in medical dormitory of Kerman city

Radon [[222]Rn] Measurement in the residential environments is very important because of its effecting on human health and causing cancer in the respiratory system. [222]Rn is individually responsible for half of the natural radiation received in humans and influences on human by breathing. Hence, this study was undertaken to access the [222]Rn level in the dormitories of Kerman university of medical science [southeast of Iran] to ensure its safety level. In this study, for measuring [222]Rn level in seven dormitories of the Kerman University of Medical Sciences, the Lucas cell technique was used. This study was undertaken during the winter because of the high concentration of radon in this season due to closed building ambience. In this study, the highest measured radon gas rate was 24.5 Bq/m[3] in Boustan [1]. Average concentrations of the radon gas in all dormitories were 4.7 Bq/m[3], which is lower than the standard level. The results of this study showed that the [222]Rn level in all dormitories was lower than the normal amount [48 Bq/m3] as well as the standard level

Level changes of traffic noise in Kerman city, southeast Iran

The purpose of this research was to determine the traffic noise level and changes in the Kerman City, southeast Iran in recent years. This cross-sectional study was carried out in 2008 to investigate the existing noise situation in Kerman. Sound levels [L[max], L[min], L[eq], L[99], L[90], L[50] and L[10] were determined throughout 13 stations using sound level measurement system [model, CEL-440]. Number of passing vehicles was also assessed at the sampled stations. Sound level in all sampled stations was higher than Iran and World Health Organization guidelines. Comparison of L[eq] in different hours using statistical tests showed significant difference between different hours with 95% confidence coefficient [P=0.01]. Comparison of L[eq] throughout the week also showed that there was a significant difference [P=0.001] between Friday and workday. The comparison of L[eq] with the number of passing vehicles using Pearson correlation statistical test showed significant difference between the number of heavy vehicles passed and the level of L[eq] [P=0.001]. It also showed that number of heavy vehicles caused the most noise levels. The results of this study compared to a similar study conducted in 1999 showed an increasingly high noise level. Noise level increased from 1999 to 2008 by 3.89% which is indicative of an increase in noise emission sources

Estimating total economic value of coral reefs of Kish Island [Persian Gulf]

This paper is concerned with the economic valuation of the coral reef within Kish Island in Persian Gulf of Iran. For calculating this value, all components of use and non-use values are estimated and then according to each of them, suitable method has applied. Many different evaluation tools such as contingent valuation method, zonal travel cost method, replacement cost, avoided cost method, value at risk method are used. The semi non parametric distribution free estimator for calculating the contingent valuation method is applied. The probability of willingness to pay the same as the probability of accepting bids is estimated by using data based on questioners approach using stated preference method. The result indicates that the total economic value of this unique ecosystem in Kish Island is at least 14.6 million dollar per year, showing the importance of conservation value of the ecosystem. Its largest component of total economic value is about 62 percent attributed to the recreational value. This is followed by conservation value which is about 23 percent of the economic value. Since coastal protection and waste assimilation functions of coral reef are 10 percent, it is also suitable factor in illustrating total economic value. The economic value for each hectare of this ecosystem in Kish Island is US$ 237,000 in 2009

Removal of methylene blue dye from textile simulated sample using tubular reactor and TiO[2]/UV-C photocatalytic process

In this study, photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue was examined using different concentrations of TiO[2] nano-particles [diameters less than 21 nm] and ultraviolet [UV-C] radiation in a tubular reactor. Different concentrations of catalyst [0.3-1.2 g/L], different pH conditions [3, 7 and 9] and dye concentration [15, 30 and 60 mg/L] as well as sample rotation level [125 mL/min] were studied. The sample passed 1-7 times through the quartz reactor exposed to UV-C ray [constant intensity = 2.8 mW/cm[2]] [every rotation time was 8 min]. Results of this research showed clearly that methylene blue is significantly degradable by TiO[2] and UV-C radiation. Increasing dye concentration resulted in decreased efficiency and thus, as more samples passed through quarts tube, removal efficiency increased. Methylene blue with concentration of 15 mg/L and after 7 rotations in the reactor [56 min] was removed with the efficiency of 98%. Subsequent to dye removal, 47% of initial COD decreased simultaneously

[ comparative study on uterus and kidney inflammation and their treatments described in the book [Hidayat al-Muta'allimin fit-Tib] with modern medicine]

[Hidayat al-Muta'allimin fit-Tib] [A Guide to Students of Medicine] is one of the oldest Persian medical books written in Persian by Akhawayni around llth century in Bukhara. In this book, each disease is described as a separate monograph including signs and symptoms as well as treatment orders. Two of the well explained monographs are concerned to inflammation of uterus and kidney. The purpose of this study was to compare the signs, symptoms, and treatment procedures written in the above mentioned book with what written in modern medical texts for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease [PID] and kidney abscess. For this purpose, a comparative study on signs, symptoms, and treatment procedures of these diseases with modern medicine was done. According to this study, the inflammation of uterus in primary stage showed some similarities with PID and in final stage with tubo- ovarian abscess. The inflammation of kidney at its first stage had a lot of resemblance with pyelonephritis, in advanced stage with interarenal or perinephric abscess, and in final stage with renal failure. The treatment procedures in the old traditional medicine were originally based on herbal treatments that are completely different with modern antibiotic therapy. However, the anti-inflammatory and anti-infective herbal drugs used in this book are in support of the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory data reported for the most of these herbs in scientific literatures. The results point out that the ancient Iranian physicians had a reasonable concept of the infective diseases. The herbs used by traditional physicians have ethnopharmacological potential for further research to develop new antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agents from these plants

[Influence of Fenton process on treatability of Kerman City solid waste leachate]

Untreated leachate is discharging into the environment in the many countries of worldwide. Leachate treatment methods have not been unified so far due to variable composition of leachate. Moreover, the uncontrolled management of leachate, cause many environmental dissociates. The aims of this study apply the Fenton process to decrease the pollutants of Kerman leachate. Raw leachate was obtained from compactor vehicles used for the collection of Kerman city solid waste, before final disposal. In order to removal of biodegradable organic compounds, a rector was built based on characteristics of landfill Kerman city and raw leachate underwent anaerobic treatment in this pilot. In the next stage, treated leachate in the pilot, was affected by Fenton process. The optimized parameters in Fenton process including pH, reaction time and dosage of H[2]O[2] and Fe[2+] were also studied. The results showed that TSS, BOD[5] and COD decrease to 62%, 96% and 89%, respectively, after 60 days treatment in the pilot. BOD[5]/COD ratio also decreased from 0.6 to 0.2 in anaerobic treated leachate. In optimum condition [pH=3, reaction time=75 min, Fe[2+] =1400 mg/L and H[2]O[2] = 2500 mg/L] maximum COD removal was 78% by Fenton process. BOD[5]/COD ratio increased from 0.2 to 0.51 which showed an increase in biodegradability of leachate as a result of Fenton process. Anaerobic biologically treatment followed by Fenton processes could be assumed as an efficient process that could improved the leachate quality. Biological treatment to reduce leachate pollution alone was not enough. The most important Fenton process advantage is reduction of refractory and toxic leachate compounds and increasing leachate's biodegradability

ethnopharmacological study on antibacterial activity of some selected plants used in Iranian traditional medicine

Iran is a land of great heritage of ancient medical scholars. Herbal medicines, as a basement of treatment of diseases have been clearly described in the medical texts of these scholars including Rhazes, Avicenna, and others. Numerous plants are introduced in these texts to treat those diseases likely to be infective ones. Few attempts have been made to evaluate ethnopharmacological aspects of these plants. In the present study selected specimens of plants described in ancient Iranian medical texts to treat infective conditions were evaluated for antibacterial activity. The hypothesis of this study was that the plants described in the ancient medical texts possess antibacterial properties. In this study, ten specimens of these plants were selected from various texts. Their scientific terminologies were prepared based on various respected sources. The antibacterial activity of hydroalcoholic extracts of these herbs, as well as their MICs and MBCs were evaluated according to standard techniques. Results of this study showed that almost all of 10 specimens showed considerable antibacterial activity. The MIC and MBC of some herbs showed strong activity against gram positive and gram negative microorganisms. MICs and MBCs of Heracleum persicum and antibacterial activity of Zea mays are reported for the first time in this study. The antibacterial activity of the selected plants supports their old uses as anti-infective agents. The results of this survey also showed antibacterial activity of Arnebia euchroma [Royle] Johst. and Teucrium polium L. traditionally used as poultice for infective wounds. H. persicumi traditionally used in Iran as spice can play a valuable role in preventing food poisoning. The data of this study supported the importance of ethnopharmacological approach and opened also the new doors to future researches in this field

review on antimicrobial activities of sumac fruit [Rhus Coriaria L.]

Sumac is a shrub with a long history of application in traditional medicine and Iranian cuisine. It grows wild in the region from the Canary Islands over the Mediterranean area to Iran and Afghanistan. The word [sumac] is derived from Aramaic word [sumaqa] which means red. Aside from some studies on sumac as an antioxidant, an anti hyperglycemic, and an anti hyperuricemic agent, many articles have been recently published on antimicrobial activities of sumac because of the advent of new microbial resistances and the need to find new antimicrobial agents. Reviewing the articles suggests that total extracts of sumac fruit have antibacterial activity against both Gram- positive and Gram- negative bacteria but it also shows that sumac fruit has no effect on fungi and anaerobics. More investigation should be conducted on: 1] Fractionization of total extracts and purification of their components to recognize safety use of and ability of sumac as an antimicrobial; 2] Effects of sumac on resistant bacteria and its potential capability as an antimicrobial agent

effects of autoclaving, salt and protein on antimicrobial activities of Iranian sumac

Although many compounds have already approved for use in food as antimicrobials, research for finding greater number of these compounds are still interesting because most currently approved food antimicrobials have limited applications due to food compound interactions. Finding new food antimicrobials requires expensive investigations. Traditional herbal antimicrobial agents like sumac can play an important role. If it is demanded to promote sumac to the rank of a food antimicrobial agent, its stability and interactions must be evaluated. The evaluation of sumac heat stability was done by measuring MICs and MBCs of the extract against some food- related bacteria in extreme condition of autoclaving. The main components of sumac extract are tannic compounds. Tannins have interactions with salt and proteins, and they become sediment in such conditions. Antimicrobial activities of the extract were measured by well diffusion method in the presence of salt and protein and compared with the activities of pure extract. The results show that sumac is heat stable but has interactions with salt and proteins that reduce its activity against Gram- negatives