Chemical composition and protein enrichment of orange peels and sugar beet pulp after fermentation by two Trichoderma species

The present experiment aimed at increasing orange peel and sugar beet pulp protein content through solid-state fermentation by Trichoderma reesei and Trichoderma viride. In vitro digestibility and changes in the chemical composition of the fermented products were determined after seven days of fungal cultivation using gas production tests. The cultivation of T. reesei and T. viride on orange peels decreased neutral detergent soluble content [P<0.01] and increased cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin contents [P<0.01]. Changes in fiber fractions were found to be more pronounced with T. viride. The cultivation of T. reesei and T. viride on sugar beet pulp increased neutral detergent soluble content [P<0.01] and decreased cellulose and hemicellulose contents [P<0.01]. These changes were more pronounced with T. reesei. The cultivation of T. reesei or T. viride on orange peels or sugar beet pulp increased crude protein content [P<0.01] compared with the unfermented materials; however, the increase was more pronounced for orange peels fermented with T. viride when corrected for weight loss [P<0.05]. After 24 and 48 h of incubation, significant decreases in cumulative gas production [P<0.01] were observed in fermented sugar beet pulp and orange peels compared with the unfermented materials. Fungal treatment of orange peels and sugar beet pulp reduced the digestibility of in vitro organic matter, metabolizable energy and average fermentation and gas production rates [P<0.01]. The data showed that seven days of solid-state fermentation of orange peels and sugar beet pulp by T. reesei or T. viride can increase their crude protein content

[ correlation of family functioning dimensions and self-concept of adolescent smokers in Zanjan]

Use of tobacco products is a most common problem among adolescents. Few researches have been conducted on correlation of family functioning and self-concept among adolescent smokers. The aim of this study was to determine the correlation of family functioning dimensions and self-concept of adolescent smokers in Zanjan In this descriptive-correlational study, 100 male adolescent smokers were selected by purposive sampling method. A questionnaire was used for data collection that included 3 parts: 1- demographic characteristics 2- Mc Master Family Assessment Device 3- Beck Self-Concept Test. Face and content and validity index of instruments were measured. Reliability of the instrument was determined by internal consistency for Mc Master Family Assessment Device [Alpha=0.81], Beck Self-Concept Test [Alpha=0.91] and test- retest method [Ghe=0.84] and [Ghe=0.91] respectively. Data was analyzed by SPSS/16. Results showed that the highest and lowest dimensions of family functioning were problem solving function and roles function respectively. Most subjects [88%] had average family functioning and only 4% of them had high family functioning. In addition, results illustrated that, 61% of subjects had neutral self-concept. There was a significant correlation between family functioning and self-concept and affective response had the highest score than other dimensions of family functioning [r=0.34, P=0.000]. The results of the study showed that adolescents' self-concepts were correlated with family functioning. Therefore, creating a supportive family environment and parenting education, should be incorporated in nursing interventions of smoking prevention

[Peripartum cardiomyopathy: a case report]

Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a rare but sometimes fatal form of heart failure during the period of 1 month antepartum to 5 months postpartum. The aim of this report is to assess the clinical presentation, management and crucial role of echocardiography in women with peripartum cardiomyopathy. A 22 year-old woman, with previously healthy primipara, was admitted to the emergency ward with sever dyspnea, cough, and bloody hemoptesis and a preliminary diagnosis of pulmonary embolism [PE] two weeks after cesarean section. Neither perfusion scintigaphy nor Doppler sonography test of lower extremities and pelvis showed any evidence of PE or deep venous thrombosis. Echocardiography revealed features of left ventricular failure. A diagnosis of peripartum cardiomyopathy was made, appropriate treatment was administered and the patient improved. It is possible to misdiagnose peripartum cardiomyopathy with PE. Echocardiography is a valuable tool in the differential diagnosis. As a noninvasive procedure, it should be performed at the bedside as soon as possible to introduce proper treatment and to avoid potentially fatal errors