[Effect of whole body vibration on healthy rat plasma parameters]

Whole body vibration [WBV] has been regarded as an exercise training method and as a non-pharmacological supportive treatment option appearing to be efficient for chronic disease conditions, such as bone disorders and cardio-respiratory fitness. Since, data on the safety and efficacy of vibration on plasma parameters are lacking, therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the effects of WBV on the plasma parameters in adult male Wistar rat model. Male Wistar rats weighing 140-180 g were divided into control and the vibration group. Vibration training consisted of vertical sinusoidal whole body vibration for 8 weeks, followed by blood collection. The vibrated rats weighed more than the control group [approximately 14% more]. Plasma CK, E2 and IL-6 levels were significantly higher in the vibration group compared with the controls. The mean of Vit. D level was 15% higher; hsCRP level was 11% lower and IL-6 level was 32% higher in the vibration group. No difference was observed for other selected plasma parameters. The potential effects of physiological responses of WBV on several physiological systems are without deteriorations in plasma parameters

Performance evaluation of different filter media in turbidity removal from water by application of modified qualitative indices

Water filtration units have been faced problems in water turbidity removal related to their media, which is determined by qualitative indices. Moreover, Current qualitative indices such as turbidity and escaping particle number could not precisely determine the efficiency of the media in water filtration, so defining new indices is essential. In this study, the efficiency of Anthracite-Silica and LECA-Silica media in turbidity removal were compared in different operating condition by using modified qualitative indices. The pilot consisted of a filter column [one meter depth] which consisted of a layer of LECA [450 mm depth] and a layer of Silica sand [350 mm depth. Turbidities of 10, 20, and 30 NTU, coagulant concentrations of 4, 8, and 12 ppm and filtration rates of 10, 15, and 20 m/h were considered as variables. The LECA-Silica media is suitable media for water filtration. Averages of turbidity removal efficiencies in different condition for the LECA-Silica media were 85.8 +/- 5.37 percent in stable phase and 69.75 +/- 3.37 percent in whole operation phase, while the efficiency of total system were 98.31 +/- 0.63 and 94.49 +/- 2.97 percent, respectively. The LECA layer efficiency in turbidity removal was independent from filtration rates and due to its low head loss; LECA can be used as a proper medium for treatment plants. Results also showed that the particle index [PI] was a suitable index as a substitute for turbidity and EPN indices

[Introduction of an experimental model for the rapid destruction of hair cells: the use of DPOAEs in assessment of rat ear function]

The aim of thos survey is establishment of an animal model through which a rapid distortion of the hair cell of cochlea administering amikacin and furosemide and using distortion product otoacoustic emission [DPOAE] the functioning of rat's ear would be assessed. Forty-eight male Sprague dawley rats [with average of weight 200-250g, 12 weeks post natal] were randomly divided into six equal groups. Except the control group the rest received 0.5mg/g, 0.75mg/g, 1mg/g, 1.25mg/g, and 1.5mg/g, of subcutaneous amikacin respectively. 30 minutes later every rat received 0.1mg/g of furosemide intrapritoneally. DPOAE of rats was measured prior to these injections and 72 hours later. Then tissue section of the rat's cochlea was prepared.Data were analyzed by means of SPSS [version 17] and ANOVA test and paired sample T test at the significant level of p

[Survey the amount of heavy metals in cultural vegetables in suburbs of Sharhoud]

Vegetables are one of the most important components of daily food. Contamination of vegetables with heavy metals might ends to accumulate in the body, therefore in this study the level of lead, chromium, cadmium, arsenic and zinc in cultural vegetables of Shahroud suburb were measured in 1387. In this cross-sectional descriptive study, 150 vegetable samples through 3 months, 50 for each month, were randomly harvested. Atomic absorption instrument was used to determine the amount of mentioned heavy metals after sample preparation, SPSS whit 0.05 was used for statistically data analyzing. For vegetables the average value of Pb, Cr and Cd in different vegetables were different from each other and P value was less than<0.001. There are no significant amounts of Arsenic concentration. The value of these metals with 95% acceptable level was in the range of satisfaction. Arsenic didn't have that much of error of its contamination Except Zn and As other metals like Cr, Cd and Pb were above the standard zone by FAO and WHO. The wastewaters of urban and industrial facilities are the main reason for this problem. The best suggestion is using pure water for this purpose

Removal of chromium [VI] from aqueous solutions using lewatit FO36 nano ion exchange resin

The removal of the chromium [VI] ion from aqueous solutions with the Lewatit FO36 ion-exchange resin is described at different conditions. The effects of adsorbent dose, initial metal concentration, contact time and pH on the removal of chromium [VI] were investigated. The batch ion exchange process was relatively fast and it reached equilibrium after about 90 min of contact. The ion exchange process, which is pH dependent showed maximum removal of chromium [VI] in the pH range 5.0-8.0 for an initial chromium [VI] concentration of 0.5 mg/dm[3]. The equilibrium related to Lewatit FO36 ion- exchange capacity and the amounts of the ion exchange were obtained using the plots of the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. It was observed that the maximum ion exchange capacity of 0.29 mmol of chromium [VI]/g for Lewatit FO36 was achieved at optimum pH value of 6.0. The ion exchange of chromium [VI] on this cation-exchange resin followed first-order reversible kinetics

[Effect of paraoxon on antioxidant system and lipid peroxidation in liver of rat]

The toxic effects of some organophosphate pesticides [Ops] which are capable to produce free radicals and induce disturbance in body antioxidant systems. Paraoxon is an OP that is the active form parathion. To evaluate the effect of paraoxon on liver antioxidant system of rat. Wister rats were randomly divided into four groups including: control [paraoxon solvent], and three groups receiving different doses of paraoxon [0.3, 0.7 and 1 mg/kg] by intraperitoneal injection. Animal were anesthetized and liver tissue removed 24 hours after injection. After hemogenation of liver tissue Superoxide Dismutase [SOD] and Catalase [CAT], Lactate Dehydrogenese [LDH] and Glutathione S- Transferase [GST] activities, Glutathione [GSH] and malondialdehyde [MDA] levels were determined by biochemical methods. Paraoxon increased CAT, LDH and SOD activities and MDA level at doses higher than 0.3 mg/kg, while GSH level was decreased significantly, as compare with the control group. GST activity was increased significantly at 0.3 and 0.7 mg/kg concentration [P<0.05], but at 1 mg/kg concentration was decreased as compare with the control group. Probably Paraoxon induced the production of free radicals and oxidative stress in a dose- dependent manner. The enhanced activity of antioxidant enzymes of liver is due to increase the detoxification capacity. Decrease of tissue GSH content indicatives of oxidative tissue injury and the increase of MDA level indicatives per oxidation that occurs in membranes of liver

[Response of brain antioxidant defense system to acute doses of paraxaon in male rats]

The toxic effects of some Organophosphates [Ops] are not limited to inhibition of cholinesterase, they are capable to produce free radicals and induce disturbance in body antioxidant systems. Paraoxon is an OP, which is the active form of parathion. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of paraxaon on oxidant-antioxidant system in rat brain tissue. Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups [n=7] as followed: control [corn oil as paraoxon solvent] and three of groups of paraxaon receiving different doses [0.3, 0.7 and 1 mg/kg] by intraperitoneal injection. 24 hours after injection, animal to ether anesthesia and brain tissue removed. After brain tissue hemogenation, superoxide dismutase [SOD] and catalase [CAT], lactate dehydrogenase [LDH] and glutathione S-transferase [GST] activities, glutathione [GSH] and malondialdehyde [MDA] levels were determined by biochemical methods. At doses higher than 0.3 mg/kg paraoxon, the enhanced activities of kidney SOD, CAT and GST and LDH activity [>/= 0.3 mg/kg] were significantly increased, comparing with the control, while GSH level was significantly decreased. There were no significant changes observed in MDA level. The results suggest that paraoxon induces the production of free radicals and oxidative stress in a dose- dependent manner. The enhanced activity of antioxidant enzymes in brain of rats probably as a function of the increased detoxification capacity. Depletion of tissue GSH is a prime factor, which can impair the cell's defense against the toxic actions of free radicals

[Response of brain antioxidant defense system to acute doses of paraxaon in male rats]

Background: the toxic effects of some Organophosphates [OPs] are not limited to inhibition of cholinesterase, they are capable to produce free radicals and induce disturbance in body antioxidant systems. Paraoxon is an OP, which is the active form of parathion. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of paraxaon on oxidant-antioxidant system in rat brain tissue

Materials and Methods: wistar rats were randomly divided in to four groups [n=7] as followed: control [corn oil as paraoxon solvent] and three of groups of paraxaon receiving different doeses [0.3, 0.7 and 1 mg/kg] by intraperitoneal injection. 24 hours after injection, animal to ether anesthesia and brain tissue removed. After brain tissue hemogenation, superoxide dismutase [SOD] and catalase [CAT], lactate dehydrogenase [LDH] and glutathione S- transferase [GST] activities, glutathione [GSH] and malondialdehyde [MDA] levels were determined by biochemical methods

Results: at doses higher than 0.3 mg/kg paraoxon, the enhanced activities of kidney SOD, CAT and GST and LDH activity [>/= 0.3 mg/kg] were significantly increased, comparing with the control, while GSH level was significantly decreased. There were no significant changes observed in MDA level

Conclusions: the results suggest that paraoxon induces the production of free radicals and oxidative stress in a dose- dependent manner. The enhanced activity of antioxidant enzymes in brain of rats probably as a function of the increased detoxification capacity. Depletion of tissue GSH is a prime factor, which can impair the cell's defense against the toxic actions of free radicals

Removal of hexavalent chromium from drinking water by granular ferric hydroxide

Removal of chromium can be accomplished by various methods but none of them is cost-effective in meeting drinking water standards. For this study, granular ferric hydroxide was used as adsorbent for removal of hexavalent chromium. Besides, the effects of changing contact time, pH and concentrations of competitive anions were determined for different amounts of granular ferric hydroxide. It was found that granular ferric hydroxide has a high capacity for adsorption of hexavalent chromium from water at pH 0.968. However, the disadvantage was that the iron concentration in water was increased by the granular ferric hydroxide. Nevertheless, granular ferric hydroxide is a promising adsorbent for chromium removal, even in the presence of other interfering compounds, because granular ferric hydroxide treatment can easily be accomplished and removal of excess iron is a simple practice for conventional water treatment plants. Thus, this method could be regarded as a safe and convenient solution to the problem of chromium-polluted water resources

[Monitoring of environmental aspects and impacts in research/educational laboratories]

The purpose of this study was to determine the types of waste produced by the research laboratories of the Department of Environmental Engineering at Tehran University of Medical Sciences and to assess the environmental impact of these waste products. In order to determine the environmental impact, parameters such as wastewater quantity and quality, solid waste production, noise, particulate matter [PM₁, PM₁₀, PM₂₅], heat, light as well as the probability of occurrence and significance of impact were monitored in 2006. These parameters were selected for monitoring and analysis of various laboratory types such as chemical, microbiologic and pilot laboratories and those dealing with air pollution. We first classified the environmental effects as those of very high, high, moderate, and low significance. It then emerged that overall, chemical and sewage laboratories were posing a greater environmental danger because they produced three waste materials that have very significant environmental effects. We suggest that the chemical laboratory should be monitored constantly due to its higher rate of hazardous waste production and safety precautions should be put in place to protect staff and students

[Mechanism of paraoxon Effect on [[3]H] GABA uptake inhibition in brain synaptosomes of rat]

Parathion is an organophosphate compound that is frequently used as an insecticide. Paraoxon is the metabolic product of parathion which previously reported that inhibits GABA uptake by rat cerebral cortex synaptosomes. The aim of this study is to investigate possible underlying inhibitory mechanism[s] of paraoxon on GABA uptake, in synaptosomes prepared from rat cerebral cortex. After preparation of synaptosomes, kinetic studies were performed to determine the effect of paraoxon on K[m] and V[max] of GABA uptake. Acetylcholine and its antagonists [atropine and mecamylamine] were used to evaluate cholinergic dependency of GABA uptake. Type of GABA transporter involved was determined using beta-alanine and DAB A. The results of the study showed that paraoxon significantly decreased V[max] [175.2 +/- 4.23 vs. 80.4 +/- 2.03 pmol/mg protein/min, P<0.001] of GABA uptake while had no effect on its k[m] [9.80 +/- 1.02 vs. 9.09 +/- 0.92micro M in paraoxon and control groups respectively]. DABA significantly decreased GABA uptake [P<0.001] while beta-alanine had no effect. Acetylcholine had no effect on GABA uptake. On the other hand, neither atropine nor mecamylamine could reverse the inhibitory effect of paraoxon on GABA uptake. In conclusion, it seems that paraoxon acts as non-competitive anatagonist of GABA uptake, which affects kinetics of GABA uptake in nerve endings. We also conclude that the inhibitory effect of paraoxon on GABA uptake is cholinergic-independent

Granular ferric hydroxide [GFH] as an adsorbent for removal of arsenate and arsenite from drinking water

The pollution of water resources with arsenic [As] is considered as a serious problem and there are several reports about pollution of superficial and underground water with arsenic, in particular arsenate and arsenite in our country specially in some areas of Kurdistan province. There are various methods for removal of arsenic from drinking water which are generally costly. In this study, granular ferric hydroxide [GFH] was used as a synthetic adsorbent for removal of arsenate and arsenite with concentrations of 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg/L. The effects of changing contact time, pH and concentrations of competitive anions, concentration of iron added to water during removal of arsenic and the effect of sulfate and chloride ions on removal of arsenic and compatibility of adsorption with Ferundlinch and Langmuir equations were evaluated. Excel soft ware was used for data analysis. According to this study, GFH showed removal efficiencies of 95, 86.5 and 83.75 for arsenate and 91, 83.5 and 80 percent for arsenite [in initial concentrations of 0.5, 1 and 2 mg/L and at a PH of 7.5]. The dosage of adsorbent for this treatment was 0.5 g/L and 30 minutes was required for contact time. SO[4][2-] and Cl[-] revealed no significant effect on removal of arsenic. Adsorbability of both arsenate and arsenite by GFH followed Ferundlich isotherm with R[2]=0.96, whereas arsenate adsorption [with R[2] value of more than 0.94] complied more with Langmuir isotherm in comparison to arsenite adsorption [with R[2] value of more than 0.92]. Results of our study also indicated that the amount of iron added to water was much more than the standard value of 0.3mg/L used for dinking water. The results of our study showed GFH is highly efficient in removal of arsenate and arsenite after modification of water PH, but it has disadvantages of addition of iron to water, need of import of GFH and high cost. The problem of addition of iron to water can be managed by traditional methods

[Comparing deproteinization methods for serum nitric oxide assay by Greiss reaction]

Nitric oxide [NO] is involved in numerous physiologic and phathophysiologic processes. Recently, further investigators have focused on serum NO determination. In our previous study, we validated a simple, cheap and rapid method for serum NO determination based on the Greiss reaction. Deproteinization is a necessary step for this reaction, thus, the present study was designed to assess different deproteinization methods for serum NO determination. Ten common protein precipitating chemicals including methanol, ethanol, zinc sulfate, methanol/diethyl ether, acetonitrile, TCA, PCA, sodium tangstate, ammonium sulfate and filter were used for deproteinization of 42 human sera, while results were compared to filter separation as a reference. Serum NO levels were determined in 60 sera of adult human. Data showed that correlation coefficient of precipitating agents: methanol, ethanol, zinc sulfate, methanol-diethylether, acetonitrile, TCA, PCA, sodium tangstate, ammonium sulfate against filter separation method were 0.84, 0.92, 0.91, 0.79, 0.88, 0.85, 0.93, 0.53, and 0.78, respectively [p < 0.001]. Methanol, ethanol and methanol/diethylether caused overestimation, while TCA, PCA, sodium tangstate, and ammonium sulfate caused underestimation of serum NO results. Serum NO level had normal distribution with mean +/- SE of 33 +/- 1.3 micromol/L. Although different chemical protein precipitants are used for serum NO determination, our study revealed that zinc sulfate is the best choice for this purpose