[Optimizing conditions of lead removal by Saccharomyces cerevisiae in laboratory condition]

Lead enters the human body through water, food, air and accumulates in bones instead of calcium. It can damage nervous system, kidneys and genital system especially in children and also affects hemoglobin synthesis. To optimize the environment conditions to increase the biosorption with Saccharomyces cerevisiae as well as cell immobilization and determination of its efficiency associated with degree of biosorption. This was a cross-sectional study carried out at the Laboratory Center, Islamic Azad University, Sciences and Researches Division, Tehran [Iran] during 2009-2010. The strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae used in this study was obtained from Lorestan yeast manufacturer, Lorestan, Iran. All factors affecting biosorption including the initial lead concentration, contact time, and pH were investigated. Entrapment method was used to immobilize cells. The maximum biosorption capacity of 80 mg g[-1] dw was observed at the following conditions: contact time 2 h, initial lead concentration 500 ppm, and pH 4.5. The metal biosorption capacity of pretreated yeast strain by autoclave was 35.3 mg g[-1] dw. Also, the biosorption capacity of immobilized cells was almost doubled compared to that of free cells. Regarding the data found in our study, non-pretreated and stabilized Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a suitable biosorbent for removal of lead ions from environment

[Identification of total and fecal coliforms and heterotrophic to Microbiological method and E.Coli O157:H7 to immunological, and real time PCR methods in Isfahan water treatment plant]

Total and Fecal coliforms [TC and FC], heterotrophic plate count [HPC], were counted by microbiological method and E.coli O157:H7 were detected through immunological and Real time PCR methods in water intake and all of units of Isfahan water treatment plant [IWTP]. The microbial profile including TC, FC, and HPC, were monitored and turbidity and total organic carbon were analyzed in 8 locations of water intake, and unit operation and processes of IWTP, including, inlet, sedimentation, ozonation, and filtration and finished water. Immunological method through anti-serum kits and molecular method of RT-PCR were used to detect E.coli O157:H7 in the 8 locations and also the sludge of the sedimentation basin and filters backwash water of IWTP. Survival of E.coli O157:H7 in sludge sample of sedimentation basin was indicated by formation of agglutination particles in immunological method and through indicator probes in the RT-PCR method. However, E.coli O157:H7 was not detected in water samples of other units of IWTP. The removal percent of TC, FC, and HPC were: 59.5, 49, and 54.8% in sedimentation basin; 66, 45.8, and 57% in ozonation;: 98.8, 98, and 78.8 in the filtration; and 96, 100, 91% in disinfection, respectively. This study approved the existence of the pathogenic coliform, E.coli O157:H7 in the sludge of sedimentation basin. Absent of E.coli O157:H7 in the finished water indicates that the existing units of IWTP could eliminate these pathogenic bacteria, before reaching the final units of the plant, including the filters and disinfection

[Rigid fixation to prevent iatrogenic septal deviation]

This and similar studies show that surgeons can not rely on the immediate effect of scoring on the cartilage at the operation period. A straight septum on the operating table may deviate toward the opposite side by passing time. During a period of 5 years, 283 cases have undergone rhinoplasty and in 227 patients, septoplasty accompanied the operation. Patients were divided into two groups of 125 and 158 cases. In the first group, septal deviation was corrected mainly by cross hatching of the quadrilateral cartilage accompanied by other modalities. In latter group, who were operated on recently, different methods of rigid fixation of septum in addition to the previous classic manner were used. The outcome was over correction of septum toward the opposite side in 18 cases of the first group. No more iatrogenic over correction of septum was diagnosed in the second group, [P<0.0001]. We recommend rigid fixation for correction of septal deviation instead of simple cross notching

impact of teaching methodology workshops on knowledge, attitude and practice of the medical teachers

Teacher's familiarity with teaching methods along with medical revolutions is necessary to achieve the quality improvement in education. Two effective factors for success in application of educational content in practice domain, are knowledge and attitudes of participants in educational programs. To detect the effectiveness of elementary teaching methodology workshops on knowledge, attitude and practice of the faculty members of Kerman university of medical sciences. This semiexperimental study was implemented on 71 participants, selected by convenience method. The data related to the knowledge and attitudes was gathered using pre and post workshop questionnaires. A checklist was used to evaluate their practice before the workshop. The result indicated that mean and standard deviation knowledge of pre workshop was 6.2 +/- 3.7, attitude was 14.19 +/- 1.2 and practice 13.6 +/- 2.2 and post workshop ones were 13.4 +/- 3.9, 18.2 +/- 2.1, and 14.12 +/- 1.68, respectively. There was a significant relationship between pre and post workshop knowledge and attitude [P <0.001]. There was no such a relationship in practice domain. No significant relationship was observed between attitude, knowledge variations and practice. It cannot be judged that practice variations were affected by knowledge variation during the workshops. There was a correlation coefficient between age and post workshop knowledge [r= 0.33 and P< 0.03]. By increase in the age, the acquired knowledge after the end of workshop was decreased. It seems that the workshop can improve the participants' knowledge and attitude, but besides educational workshop some other factors are necessary for behavioral improvement in the practice domain