[Comparison of the effects of regular aerobic training irisin serum changes in sedentary obese men]

Introduction: The aim of current study was to compare on the effects of regular aerobic training intensities on PGC1-alpha- dependent myokine serum changes and to evaluate lipid profile changes in sedentary obese men

Materials and Methods: Thirty-nine obese men with BMI > 27 were selected and were divided into three groups; group I carried out exercise training with 50-60% of maximum heart rate [Low intensity], group II with 70-80% of maximum heart rate [High intensity], and group III do not carried out exercise training [control group]. All training groups carried out exercise training for 30 continuous sessions [3 sessions/per-week for 30 to 45 min per session]. After initial assessments anthropometrical, VO2max and blood sampling], followed by 10 weeks of exercise training, post-intervention assessments were completed 24 hours after the last training session

Results: Findings were clarified that Irisin was significantly increased in the low intensity group [p=0.005], and increased by twenty-seven percent in high intensity group, difference however not statistically significant [p=0.08]. Also, HDL-cholesterol significantly increased significantly in both groups [p<0.05], LDL to HDL-cholesterol ratio decreased significantly [p<0.05]. In addition, there were significant relationships between some of the lipid and anthropometrical indices with Irisin [p<0.05]

Conclusion: Both of the training interventions had a good effect on of Irisin changes and improvement of lipid profiles in obese subjects. Nevertheless, compared to other intensities, the effectiveness of low intensity training in these subjects was better. In addition, it seems that exercise training can ameliorate Irisin resistance

Satureja hortensis as a growth promoter in broiler chickens

Satureja hortensis is a popular herb in most regions of the world with leaves used as seasoning. Evidence shows that this plant contains phenolic components such as thymol and carvacrol with a relatively wide spectrum of antimicrobial activity. This study aimed at evaluating the efficacy of S. hortensis plant powder as an alternative to antimicrobial growth promoters in broiler diets. The plant was bought in sufficient quantity from the district of Yasouj, Iran and was dried and ground into powder. A total of 140 unsexed 1-day-old Arbor Acers breed broiler chicks were housed and fed a starter diet up to 18 days of age. The birds were then randomly divided into two groups and reared under similar conditions. Chickens received either normal grower [from 18 to 35 days of age] and finisher [from 36 to 50 days of age] diets without S. hortensis [group I] or a similar diet containing one percent plant powder [group II]. Statistical comparison of average body weights at various time intervals showed that chickens in group II [1930 +/- 29 g, n=63] were significantly [P<0.05] heavier than the birds in the control group [1837 +/- 25 g, n=62]. The average body weight of males in each group [2075 +/- 42 g, n=20 and 2143 +/- 40 g, n=22 for groups I and II, respectively] was also greater than those of the females [1724 +/- 34 g, n=42 and 1808 +/- 30 g, n=41 for groups I and II, respectively]. Although feed conversion ratio was slightly less in group II [1.95], it was not substantially different from that in group I [2.02]. It is concluded that S. hortensis might be a potential growth promoter in poultry

[Comparison of the effects of methadone and morphine on postoperative pain scale following thoracic surgery in opium addict patients]

Post operative pain is cause of suffering in most patients and can cause a lot of problems. Analgesic effects of many narcotics have been widely studied. In this study, the effects of methadone and morphine on postoperative pain scale following thoracic surgery in opium addict patients were assessed. In this clinical trial and double blind study, sixty opium addict patients [ASA I, II], aged 20-65 yr, were randomly allocated into two groups. Thirty minutes before induction of general anesthesia the first group received 0.1 mg/kg methadone and the second group received 0.1 mg/kg morphine. The two groups were assessed and compared in regard to the intensity of pain and meperidine requirement in the first post operative 24 hr. Intensity of post operative pain and meperidine requirement in the methadone group were significantly lower than those in the morphine group [P<0.01]. Administration of 0.1mg/kg methadone as premedication for opium addict patients reduces the post operative pain more than morphine. Therefore, premedication with methadone for opium addict patients undergoing thoracic surgery is recommended

Detection of gene expression and sequence analysis of chicken class II trans activator [CIITA]

Class II transactivator [CIITA] is a dominant transcriptional element, controlling numerous genes in the immune system. CIITA is expressed in a constitutive pattern in antigen presenting cells although its expression can occur in other cell types. Since the revelation of CIITA, there have been considerable advances toward understanding its role as an activator of MHC II genes in humans and mice; nonetheless, there is a lack of published data for this gene in other animals such as chickens. The goals of this study were to determine the expression of class II transactivator [CIITA] in chicken and analysis of the CIITA gene sequence between four Iranian indigenous chicken ecotypes. After securing the research accuracy and optimization of reaction conditions, cDNA and DNA samples of gene were obtained from four Iranian indigenous chicken ecotypes. The PCR and RT-PCR products were sequenced and the data were analyzed by bioinformatics software. Comparison of the sequencing results with the reference sequence of the red jungle fowl revealed that these sequences belonged to the predicted CIITA gene. There was a high conservation rate in the sequence of CIITA. Our results indicated that like other species, CIITA is transcripted in chickens' immune system cells. Further studies on chickens must be done to reveal CIITA roles in immune responses of chickens

[Screening and identifying of erythrocyte alloantibodies in patients with Thalassemia major referred to Ahvaz Shafa hospital]

Patients with thalassemia major are clinically dependent on red blood cell [RBC] transfusions. Performing multiple transfusions increase the risk of transfusion-related complications including blood-borne infections, iron overload and also RBC alloimmunization. This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 70 thalassemia cases with regular blood transfusions. The serum samples were screened for the detection of the unexpected antibodies and the positive samples were subjected to antibody identification. Among 70 cases, 6 [8.6%] were identified as unexpected alloantibody; three cases as Anti-K, one as Anti-E and another one as Anti-D. Coincidence of Anti D and Anti-E was detected in one case. Eighteen patients [25.7%] were splenectomized. No significant correlation was seen between the presence of alloantibody and age, sex, the time of first transfusion and spleen condition. Considering that the most prevalent unexpected antibodies [8.6%] identified in this study were against the Kell and Rh system antigens, the evaluation of compatibility for antigens found can be recommended before the performing of transfusion. Therefore, this strategy may decrease the possibility of recipient immunization and production of the unexpected antibodies against donor RBCs

[Survey of heavy metals [Cd, Pb, Hg, Zn and Cu] contamination in sediment of three sites AZnzali wetland]

Anzali Wetland is one of the most important aquatic ecosystems of Iran which is located in south-west of the Caspian sea. This Wetland provides a suitable and non-market price habitat for valuable fish and aquatic animals which have an important role in the life cycle of this ecosystem. This study reports the results of some heavy metals contamination monitoring in superficial water of the Anzali Wetland, Iran. The samples were collected from three sites [east, center and west] of Anzali Wetland, in each site three stations existed and each sample replicated three times. The results showed high heavy metal levels in eastern site of wetland, where there were high levels of contamination. The mean of heavy metals concentration in sediment from Anzali Wetland were in order as Cd 157.023, Pb 3.646 and Hg 300.692 ng /g dried weight, Zn 186.953 and Cu 44.452 mg /g dried weight in eastern site. The concentration levels of heavy metals in three sites were in order as follows: Zn > Cu > Hg > Cd > Pb. Concentrations of heavy metals in eastern zone reflected metal loadings from anthropogenic sources located at and in the vicinity of the sampling sites

effect of Frankincense in the treatment of moderate plaque-induced gingivitis: a double blinded randomized clinical trial

Extract of Boswellia Serrata species has been used in the Indian traditional medicine in the treatment of various inflammatory diseases. The present study was designed to evaluate anti-inflammatory effects of Frankincense in the treatment of gingivitis, which is a periodontal tissue inflammatory disease. This double blind randomized placebo controlled trial was carried out among high school female students with moderate plaque-induced gingivitis. Based on either administration of 0.1 gram of Frankincense extract or 0.2 gram of its powder or placebo and whether the patients undergone scaling and root planning [SRP] or not, they were randomly assigned to 6 groups. The primary efficacy outcome was changes in Gingival Index [Loe and Sillness] and the secondary outcomes were alteration in plaque index [Sillness and Loe], bleeding index [Cowell] and probing pocket depth [WHO probe]. All indices were measured in the 0, 7th and 14th days of the study. Seventy five patients ranged of 15-18 years old were enrolled. At the end of the study, the indices in all groups showed significant decreases in comparison to the first day [p<0.05], except for the bleeding index in the group without SRP and drug therapy [p=0.111]. More precise analysis of data revealed that SRP in association with Frankincense application [either extract or powder] can lead to remarkable decrease in inflammatory indices in comparison to the groups without SRP and drug therapy [p<0.001]. In addition, no significant difference was observed between powder or extract therapy [p>0.05] and between patients received either SRP or treatment alone [p=0.169]. Frankincense, a safe and low-cost herbal medicine, may be feasibly applied to improve inflammation based disease of gingival as an adjunct to the conventional mechanical therapy

[Histopathological effect of advanced periodontal disease on the dental pulp]

Statement of Problem: Many authors have claimed that pulpal inflammation may occur following periodontal diseases. Appropriate diagnosis of different lesions that have affected the dental pulp or periodontium is critical for prevention of unnecessary or harmful treatments; this must be taken into account before treatment

Purpose: The purpose of this study was histological evaluation of the pulp in the teeth with advanced periodontitis

Materials and Method: 30 permanent single teeth root that had advanced periodontitis with attachment loss >/= 5 mm at least in one surface were used. The teeth were not maintainable and did not have caries, restoration and any sign of primary trauma from occlusion and did not receive any periodontal professional treatment in the past 6 months with no background of trauma. After clinical and radiographical examination and confirmation of the existence of advanced periodontitis, the teeth were extracted. Then cracks were created in the teeth by special clips. After fixation of the teeth in 10% formalin solution and decalcification by 10% nitric acid, the sections were prepared and stained by hematoxylin and eosin and then evaluated from histological perspectives. The data were analyzed by Spearman correlation coefficient ANOVA, t-test and Kruskal wallis tests

Results: In this survey, we did not find any significant correlation between clinical findings and histopathological situation. The relationship between clinical attachment loss and pulp diagnosis was statistically significant [p =0.043]. Also there was a statistically significant relationship between clinical attachment loss and calcification in the pulp [p =0.014]

Conclusion: According to the result of this research, it seems that periodontal condition affects the pulpal condition and it should be considered in future treatments on these teeth

[Evaluation of ultrasound waves effect on antibiotic resistance Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus isolated from hospital and their comparison with standard species]

Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus are important pathogens that produce wide spread infections. Purpose of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of ultrasonic irradiation [US] alone and in combination with antibiotic on antibiotic resistance Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. In this study ultrasonic irradiation [US] in a laboratory-scale batch sonoreactor with low frequency [42 kHz] plate type transducer at 170W of acoustic power was used. The Water samples, were taken from different wards of the 3 teaching hospitals which were affiliated to the Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences to isolate Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus and also to determine their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern. Our results showed that Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus were affected by the ultrasound and the bactericidal effect increased with time. It was found that P. aeruginosa was more susceptible to the ultrasonic treatment than S. aureus. The combination of US with an antibiotic [amoxicillin] enhanced killing of both bacteria over the use of US alone. There were no differences in resistance to ultrasound between isolated strains and standard strains from Persian type culture collection

Degradation of trace aqueous 4-chloro-2-nitrophenol occurring in pharmaceutical industrial wastewater by ozone

Degradation of 4-chloro-2-nitro phenol by ozonation in aqueous solution was studied in a semi batch reactor under constant ozone dosage and variable pH conditions. The effectiveness of the process was estimated based on the degree of conversion of 4-chloro-2-nitro phenol. It was observed that ozonation is more effective at alkaline reaction of medium than other conditions. The degree of conversion achieved [at the first 5 minutes of the process] at pH 9 was 99.64% compared to 99.03% and 77.35% at pH 7 and 3, respectively. Another parameter used to quantify the 4-chloro-2-nitrophenol during ozonation was the pseudo first order rate constant k [min[-1]]. Results showed that the rate constant of the process was approximately much higher at the alkaline pH compared to acidic ones. A considerable improvement in chemical oxygen demand removal was observed at pH above 7. At pH 9, the reduction in chemical oxygen demand at the end of the process reached 56.9%. The degree of organically bounded nitrogen conversion to nitrate was higher at pH 3. Of the total organic carbon reduction, 15.89% was observed at pH 9. The 4-chloro-2-nitro phenol degradation intermediate products were analyzed by mass- spectrometry. The main intermediate product was chlorophenol

Histopathological study of chronic hepatitis B: a comparative study of Ishak and METAVIR scoring systems

Ishak and METAVIR scoring systems are among the most commonly used histopathological systems to evaluate chronic hepatitis. To assess the level of agreement between these two scoring systems in patients with chronic hepatitis B. Liver biopsy samples taken from 92 patients with chronic hepatitis B were considered as the training set; 57 more biopsy specimens were used as the validation set. In the training set, grade of necroinflammation and stage of fibrosis for each liver biopsy specimen were determined by two expert liver pathologists using both Ishak and METAVIR systems. Inter-observer variability between the two pathologists was evaluated. Biopsy specimens of the validation set were seen and scored by a third expert pathologist. In the training set, criteria were developed to categorize Ishak grading and staging systems separately to best fit with the METAVIR scoring system. The criteria found in the training set, was then tested in the validation set. The level of agreement between the two scoring systems was assessed by weighted kappa statistics. For the training set, agreement between the two pathologists was excellent. Using our proposed criteria in the training set, there was excellent level of agreement in grading [Kappa = 0.89] and staging [Kappa = 0.99] between Ishak and METAVIR systems. In the validation set, the criteria led to substantial correlation [Kappa = 0.61] in grading, and excellent correlation [Kappa = 0.94] in staging between the two systems. Using our proposed criteria, excellent or at least substantial concordance between Ishak and METAVIR scoring systems can be achieved for the degree of both necro-inflammatory changes and fibrosis

[Inhibitory effect of GABA on glucose- stimulated insulin secretion from isolated islets of langerhans in rat]

Gamma-amino butyric acid [GABA], an amino acid, present in some inhibitory neurons of the central nervous system, is also found in relatively high levels in the islets of Langerhans. Results of different studies concerning the effect of GABA on insulin secretion are controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the role of GABA and GABAB receptors on glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in isolated islets of rats. The collagenase digestion technique was used to isolate the islets from pancreata of 45 male Wistar rats [200-250g]. Insulin secretion was assessed in eight islets in each cup exposed to different concentrations of glucose [8.3 and 16.7 mM] in the presence or absence of GABA [25, 50, 100 micro M], baclofen [10, 20, 50 micro M] [GABAB agonist] and saclofen [50,100 micro M] [GABAB antagonist]. Insulin concentration was measured by the ELISA method. Insulin release was reported as mean +/- SEM micro U/isIet/50 min and p values of <0.05 were considered significant. GABA inhibited glucose [8.3 and 16.7 mM]-induced insulin secretion in isolated islets [P<0.05]. Different concentrations of baclofen had no significant effect on glucose-induced insulin secretion; however glucose [16.7 mM] stimulated insulin secretion in the presence of 100 micro M saclofen [91 +/- 8.8 micro U/islet/60 min] was significantly [p<0.05] higher compared to insulin secretion stimulated by 16.7 mM glucose alone [67.7 +/- 2.58 micro U/islet/60 min]. These findings indicate that GABA has an inhibitory effect on glucose-induced insulin secretion; and therefore it may play a regulatory role in insulin secretion. This effect needs to be taken in to account in the pathophysiology of diabetes

Omega-3 fatty acid content in various tissues of different Persian Gulf fish

To investigate the level of omega-3 fatty acids in different kind of fish head, muscle and liver from 30 species of fish collected from Persian Gulf. In this experimental study, the fish were collected by hunting from Boushehr and Hormozgan sea ports. Their head, muscle and liver fatty acids were determined on their methylated fatty acids dissolved in N-hexin. Quantitative analysis of fatty acids was performed by gas chromatography [GC] with methylmyristate used as the reference material in this analysis and the qualitative analysis of fatty acids was done by gas chromatography and mass spectrometer [GC- mass] and cod liver oil which contained all of omega-3 fatty acids used as standard. Our study showed that some fish were good sources of omega-3 fatty acids and Trout [Ghezel-ALA], Bartail flathead [Zaminkan-e-domnavari], Malabar blood snapper [Sorkhoo malabari] had maximum levels of omega-3 in all body tissues. Other types of fish were rich in omega 3 fatty acids in separate organs, such as liver in Bartail flathead [Zaminkan-e-domnavari], head in Sillago Sihama [Shoort] and muscle in Trout [Ghezel-ALA]. In contrast, lesser amount of omega 3 fatty acids is found in tissues of other species of fish such as Silver pomfret [Halva sefid], Longfin trevally [Gish-e-derazbale] and Xiphophorus Hellerii [Dom-shamshiri]. This research showed that the liver of fish had the highest level of omega-3 fatty acids and fish muscle contained more omega-3 fatty acids than the head and all fish tissues can be served

[Oral mycotic flora and its association with dental caries in Babol dental students in 2005]

Candida albicans is colonized on different oral surfaces such as tongue, palate, dental caries and plaques. Different factors like age, sex, diet, dietary habits and oral hygiene play role in amount and severity of colonization of this microorganism. Our goal was to determine the relationship between the existence of Candida albicans in oral cavities and dental caries in students of dentistry. This descriptive-analytical study was performed on 121 students of Babol dental school without any history of systemic disease and use of antibiotics or streoidal drugs. After explaining study goals and getting informed consent, the students' demographic information and medical histories were recorded in data sheets. Then clinical examination for determination of DMFT and plaque index was done. Salivary PH was measured. Dental plaque samples were cultured. Data were analysed by SPSS 10.5 using Student t-test, Fisher's Exact test, Mann-Whitney U test and Chi-Square test. 63 [52.1%] students were male and 58 [47.9%] female. The mean age was 24.61 +/- 5.2 years. Candida culture was positive in 53 [43.8%] salivary and 51 [42.1%] plaque samples which in 50[94.3%] of salivary and 45 [88.3%] of plaque cultures was Candida Albicans. 44 students [36.4%] were caries free. The positive Candida cultures were more common in students with more dental caries, less than 7 restorations, oral PH<7, and moderate dental plaque [P<0.05]. It was also more common among smoker students. Presence of Candida Albicans in saliva and plaque samples had no relationship with sugar intake, number of brushing times and sex. Dental caries have significant relationship with existence of Candida Albicans in mouth, low salivary PH and smoking [P<0.05]. Candida Albicans is the most common type of Candida in oral cavity

Photooxidation of crude petroleum maltenic fraction in natural simulated conditions and structural elucidation of photoproducts

Photooxidation is an important process in the degradation of petroleum spilled in the marine environment. Most crude oils spilled at sea spread rapidly to form slicks with greatly increased surface area. Thus, a fundamental understanding of the effect of photooxidation on oil is a prerequisite for providing an accurate description of the recent history and potential fate of oil spilled in a marine environment. The present work describes a reliable method for evolution and studies the nature of the photoproducts and composition of the residual hydrocarbons of an oil film over the seawater. The maltenic fraction of Iranian oil was exposed to sunlight with simulated natural conditions as a film of oil over seawater. The effect of ultraviolet illumination on using a variety of techniques including GC/MS and FT-IR was examined. The saturated hydrocarbons were very resistant, but the aromatic hydrocarbons were particularly sensitive to photochemical degradation. Greater size and increasing alkyl substitution increased the sensitivity of aromatic compounds to photooxidation

Effects of dietary zinc supplement during lactation on longitudinal changes in plasma and milk zinc concentrations

Effects of dietary zinc supplement during lactation on maternal plasma zinc and milk zinc concentrations through 5 months of lactation were examined. One hundred and thirty eight healthy lactating mothers received a weekly 100 mg elemental zinc supplement [ZG, n = 67] or placebo [PG, n = 71] starting one week postpartum in a double blind, randomized design. Milk and plasma zinc concentrations were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotoineter. During the course of study, there was not a significant difference between ZG and PG groups in dietary zinc and energy intake. The mean plasma zinc concentration during the 1st week and 5th month were 134 +/- 49.1 and lI5.6 +/- 23ug/dl [p=0.005] for PG group, respectively: that of the ZG group these figures were 124.9 +/- 52.8 and I21 +/- 27.1ug/dl [p=0.38,], respectively. The mean serum alkaline phosphatase concentration of the 1st week and 5th month were 94.8 +/- 3 7 and 92.6 +/- 29.9 iu/l for PG group, respectively: that of the ZG group these figures were 90.5 +/- 36 and 90 +/- 29 iu/l [p=0.21], respectively. Milk zinc concentration declined significantly over the course of study for two groups, with the sharpest decline occurring during the first 2 months. The mean monthly zinc concentration of ZG group declined from 310 +/- 138 during the 1st week to l18 +/- 64pg/dl at 5th month [declined by 52%]. Corresponding means for PG group were 322 +/- 1 61 and l09 +/- 70ug/dl [declined by 60%], respectively. Milk zinc concentration was significantly different between two groups for 3 and 4 months. A similar study, however, with different zinc dose and administration manner, in zinc marginal deficient lactating mothers is needed to assess the impact of zinc supplementation on milk zinc concentrations

Control of environmental health and removal of rats by alpha[2]-adrenergic antagonist and potassium channel blocker

In the present study, it is shown that in vivo oral administration of glibenclamide [1-10 mg/kg/day], an adenosine triphosphate -sensitive potassium channel blocker, and yohimbine [1-5 mg/kg/day], an alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist, potently reduced glycemia in male rats. Diazoxide [1-45 mg/kg/day], a potassium channel opener, and clonidine [0.05-0.5 mg/kg/day], an alpha 2- adrenoceptor agonist, antagonized the effects of glibenclamide and yohimbine respectively. Administration of glibenclamide and yohimbine separately decreased the serum glucose levels, so it was expected that coadministration of these two drugs significantly decreased this parameter in fasted animals. It is well known that glibenclamide blocks the potassium channels and it is likely that, yohimbine also blocks these channels, but according to our data, it seems that yohimbine acts via a different binding site to that of glibenclamide. In this research it is also observed that administration of yohimbine and glibenclamide causes death in rats, it seems that these drugs causes death in the experimental animals by lowering blood glucose level, which were the aim of this study and could be applied as a way to control the environmental health by abolishing rats

[Effects of nitric oxide on the expression of nicotine and apomorphine induced behavioral sensitization in mice]

Nicotine is the most abused drug in the world Experiments have shown that repeated administration of nicotine may increase the responsibility to the drug, whereas small amounts of nicotine may increase behavioral responses including locomotor activity. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of nitric oxide and possible dopamine mediation in nicotine-induced behavioral sensitization. Since, it is hypothesized that dopaminergic pathways within the brain are responsible for sensitization, apomorphine has been used. Apomorphine was also used to evaluate the interactions between nitric oxide and brain dopaminergic pathways. In the present study, the effects of L-arginine [a nitirc oxide precursor] and L-NAME [a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor] on the acquisition and expression of nicotine-induced behavioral sensitization in female N-MARI mice [body weight 20-25 g n=7/group] were investigated. Animal activities were recorded by an infrared activity meter. In order to evaluate the effetcs of the drugs on animal locomotor activity, animals were received different doses of nicotine [0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1 and 1.5 mg/kg], L-arginine [5, 10, 20 and 50 mg/kg], L-NAME [5, 10 and 20 mg/kg] apomorphine [0.125, 0.5 and 2 mg/kg]. L-arginine and/or L-NAME were injected to the animals either 20 min before each nicotine or apomorphine administration during the sensitization phase [acquisition] or 20 min before nicotine or apomorphine challenge dose [expression]. Results showed that administration of nicotine [1 mg/kg] caused significantly reduced, while apomorphine [0.125 mg/kg] significantly increased in animal's locomotor activity. While L-arginine administration did not change the animals' activities, injection of L-NAME [10 and 20 mg/kg] significantly reduced animals activities. Administration of L-arginine [5-50 mg/kg] before nicotine injection did not affect the nicotine-induced behavioral sensitization but did inhibit apomorphine-induced behavioral senitization. Injection of L-arginine [5-50 mgkg] reduced the expression of behavioral sensitization in nicotine and apomorphine senstized mice. L-NAME [5, 10 and 20 mg/kg] injection reduced both acquisition and expression of nicotine and apomorphine-induced behavioral sensitization. It could be concluded that inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis caused the inhibition of behavioral sensitization to nicotine and apomorphine. Considering these findings, it seems that nitric oxide inhibits nicotine-induced behavioral sensitization via brain dopaminergic pathways

Treatment of dye containing colored index acid yellow 36 by electrocoagulation using iron electrodes

The removal of pollutants from effluents by electrocoagulation has become an attractive method in recent years. This paper deals with the batch removal of the reactive textile dye Colored Index [C. I.]. Acid yellow 36 from an aqueous medium by the electrocoagulation method using iron electrodes. The effects of electrolyte concentration, initial pH, current density, electrode area, interelectrode distance, dye concentration, and treatment time on the decolorization efficiency have been investigated. Iron hydroxypolymeric species formed during an earlier stage of the operation efficiently remove dye molecules by adsorption and precipitation, and in a subsequent stage, Fe[OH]3 flocs trap colloidal precipitates and make solid liquid separation easier during the flotation stage. These stages of electrocoagulation must be optimized to design an economically feasible electrocoagulation process. The increase of current density up to 127.8 A/m2 enhanced the color removal efficiency. Our results showed that the optimum electrolysis time was 6 min. The optimum pH was determined 8. It was also found that the color removal% [R.P.%] with increasing of dye concentration, decrease. The optimum amount of electrolyte [NaCl] was found to be 8 g/l when the dye concentration was 50 mg/l

Comparison of plasma leptin levels in patients with normal, low and high risk myocardial perfusion scan

Leptin, secreted from adipose tissue may have some correlation with coronary artery disease according to some reports in literature. The mean concentration of plasma leptin in patients with normal and abnormal myocardial perfusion imaging [MPI] and relation of leptin levels, independently to abnormality in MPI after correction for body mass index [BMI] was evaluated. As a cross-sectional study on 270 patients [July-December 2004], data was collected by questionnaire, history and physical examination. After a 12-hours overnight fast, blood samples were obtained. Myocardial perfusion scan was performed and quantitative assessment according to 17 segments analysis was carried out. For 114[42.2%] males and 156[57.8%] females, mean age was 55.8 +/- 0.7. Frequency of normal, low and high-risk scans were 101 [37.4%], 67 [24.8%], and 102[37.8%], respectively. Close relationship between BMI and leptin levels was observed [r = 0.42]. One-way ANOVA for BMI, leptin, triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C and fasting blood sugar didn't show differences between three groups[p>0.05]. Adjusted odds ratio of leptin for BMI in presence of abnormal MPI was 1.05 [0.95, CI: 0.82-1.4]. Serum leptin level shows no correlation with coronary artery disease risk category or factors [excluding BMI]