[Coliform bacteria removal from contaminated water using nanosilver]

Although silver can be used as an effective water disinfectant, it has some disadvantages such as its high costs and darkening of the skin and mucous membrane due to long-term exposure to high silver concentrations. Nanotechnology can solve such problems through reduction of silver content. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of nanosilver on removing the coliform bacteria from contaminated water. This bench-scale experimental study was carried out in a batch system on artificially contaminated water samples prepared by adding 5 ml effluent to 60 liters of tap water. In each run, the nanosilver suspension [30-180 microgL-1] was added to 6 containers [500 ml] of contaminated water and then a sample was taken every 20 minutes for a 100-minute period and tested for coliform according to the standard methods book. Results revealed that the coliform bacteria removal significantly increased with increasing the contact time of nonosilver [P=0.001], but there was no significant correlation between the nanosilver concentrations and coliform removal [P=0.6]. The maximum coliform removal [92.41%] was achieved within 100 minutes contact time for 60 microgL-1 of silver. Although nanosilver treatment is effective in removing coliform from contaminated water, further researches are required to study the efficacy of drinking water disinfection

Relative frequency of suicidal ideation in students of Isfahan universities in 2005

Considering the high prevalence of suicide in the 15-24 years old age group, a ground for preventive interventions can be laid out by identdying the youth with suicidal ideation. The present study aimed to assess the relative frequency of suicidal ideation in the students of three universities in city of Isfahan in central part of lran. In a descriptive-analytic cross-sectional study, relative frequency of suicidal ideation was assessed among 300 students aged 19 to 25 years studying at three universities Isfahan, namely University of Isfahan, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, and Isfahan University of Technology in 2005. They were randomly selected proportional to size of male and female students in each university. We used World Health Organizations standardized questionnaire for assessing menta.' health risk factors [STEP] comprised of demographic and suicidal ideation questions. Chi square test was used for data analysis using SPSS software. Thirty one students [10.33%; 95% CL 8.92%-11.07%] had suicidal ideation. Suicidal thoughts were significantly more frequent in male students of Isfahan University of Technology as compared with all other students [p < 0.05]. Suicidal thoughts were also significantly more frequent in students residing in this university's dormitories than its native students and also than students residing in other two universities dormitories [p < 0.05]. Considering the relatively high frequency of suicidal thoughts especially in male nonnative students, a further prospective study with a larger sample size seems necessary to identify risk factors and at-risk groups more precisely, as well as to plan a stepwise program to reduce such identified risk factors

[Distrubances in arterial blood gases exchanges in treated asthmatic patients]

This study was performed to investigate and study of arterial blood gases [ABG] in treated asthmatic patients with the age range of 18-74 years old in Kashan during the autumn and winter of 1999. The research was carried out descriptively on 122 referred patients [60 male and 62 female] whose diagnosis was confirmed one week after treatment with antiasthmatic drugs treatment was the same for all patients. Obtaining arterial blood samples from radial artery in sitting position and spirometry were done. The pressure of arterial oxygen value [Pa02] and the pressure of arterial C02 [PaC02] in the samples were determined and also the confidence interval was estimated. Pa02 value in treated male and female patients was 77.2 +/- 10.3 mmHg and 77.9 +/- 10.3 mmHgrespectively. The linear equation was as follows Pa02 =86.106-0.1933 xage [year]. PaC02 in treated asthmatic male and female patient was 37.7 +/- 1.96 mmHg and 37 +/- 2.61 mmHgrespectively. In treated asthmatic patients after 7 days of treatment, hypoxemia is a common complication which necessitates further supervision and monitoring after the occurrence of acute asthmatic attacks