[Degradation of polycyclic hydrocarbones anthracene by using Pseudomonas aeruginusa]

Background and Objective: Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons [PAHs] are the most important organic pollutants that causing multiple side effects including carcinogenic, mutagenic and toxicity. Among the aromatic compounds degrading bacteria, pseudomonas produce board spectrum of degrading enzymes and are used, as biological tools, for decreasing of PAHs. This study was done to evaluate the degradation of polycyclic hydrocarbones anthracene by using Pseudomonas aeruginusa

Methods: In this descriptive - analytic study, sampling was collected from river estuary sediment and had cultured in Minimal Salt Medium [MSM]. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was one of the isolated bacteria from river sediment which identified by molecular technique. In next step, influence of pH [6.5 and 7.5] temperature [25 and 35[degree]C] and concentration of anthracene [150 and 200 ppm] were surveyed on anthracene biodegradation and bacterial growth during zero, 24 and 48 hours by HPLC and spectrophotometry method respectively

Results: The results showed that the optimized condition for biodegradation included pH=7.5, 35[degree]C and 150 ppm of anthracene. Bacterial degradation of anthracene was increased with prolong of incubation time. Biodegradation efficiency of anthracene in the presence of pseudomonas was 50% within 2 days, which indicates the ability of the bacteria for the enzymes production

Conclusion: High growth potential of pseudomonas in unsuitable areas and due to the production of degrading enzymes, it can be used as indicator bacteria used to remove anthracene

Life expectancy at birth in rural areas based on corrected data of the Iranian vital horoscope

Life expectancy at birth as an alternative summary measure of mortality represents number of years which a newborn will be alive based on the current age specific death rates. As it summarizes death rates across all age range in a given population is the most common summary measure of mortality. The aim of this study was to correct death rates for underreport and estimate life expectancy at birth in rural population of Iran in 2008. In addition, this study aimed to assess the Vital Horoscope system's data quality. Data were obtained from all Health Houses in Iranian villages in 2008. In order to adjust over 5 years old death rates for underreport, we used Brass Growth Balance method. Since this method is not applicable to under 5 years old, we used child mortality rates projected based on the Iranian Demographic and Health survey 2000 to correct death rates. Adjusted life expectancy at birth for males was 71.5 year and for females was 74.4 year. Completeness of the death data was 88% for males and 79% for females. Adjusted child [under 5] mortality rate by sex in males and females was 25.9 and 23.8 per 1000 live births respectively. Adult mortality for males was 167.2 and 98.3 for females per 1000. Data based on Vital Horoscope system are a suitable source to estimate life expectancy and other mortality statistics. Also has an acceptable completeness on death registration. Further studies to investigate accuracy of data from the Vital Horoscope system are suggested

Vector ecology and susceptibility in a malaria-endemic focus in southern Islamic Republic of Iran

This study aimed to carry out a malaria situation analysis, species composition and susceptibility levels of the main malaria vector, Anopheles stephensi, to different insecticides in Bashagard. A longitudinal survey was conducted in 2 randomly selected villages in Bashagard. Malaria vectors were sampled by dipping method for the larvae and hand catch, night-biting catch, total catch, and shelter pit collection for the adults. Standard WHO susceptibility tests were used for a variety of insecticides on F1 progeny of An. stephensi reared from wild-caught females. In total, 693 adult anopheline mosquitoes and 839 third and fourth-instar larvae were collected and identified. They comprised 7 species; the most abundant adult and larvae anopheline mosquito was An. Dthali [40.7% and 30.5% respectively]. An. Culicifacies[24.2%] and An. Stephensi [16.7%] were the next most common species for adult mosquitoes. An. Stephensi was fully susceptible to malathion and pyrethroid insecticides but resistant to DDT and tolerant to dieldrin

[Effects of nisin and thyme essential oil, individually and in combination, on inoculated populations of Listeria monocytogenes in minced silver carp]

Food poisoning caused by Listeriamonocytogenes results in death in 30% of the cases. Considering the high probability of L. monocytogenes contamination of local fish, the present study aimed at investigating the effects of thyme [Zataria multiflora Boiss] essential oil [EO] and nisin, individually and in combination, on the growth of L. monocytogenes in minced silver carp during refrigerated storage. Minced fish samples were inoculated with 1x10[4] cfu/g of L. monocytogenes. A total of 11 samples were inoculaetd with thyme EO at a concentration [weight/volume]of 0.3%, 0.8% or 1.2%, nisin at a concentration of 500 or 1000 IU/g, or a combination of the two. The treated and control samples were packaged in plastic bags and kept at refrigerator temperature for 12 days.. Samples were cultured on CHROMagarTM Listeria every 2 days and the bacteri counted. Nisin at two different levels [500 and 1000 IU/g]could not inhibit the growth of L.monocytogenes to a level below the acceptable level in raw food [100 cells/g]. The antibacterial activity of nisin decreased during the storage period, while simultaneous use of nisin and thyme EO at a concentartion of 0.8 and 1.2% reduced L. monocytogenes viable count to a level below the acceptable limit during 12 days. A combination of 0.8% thyme [weight/volume]and 1000 IU/g nisin has the best inhibitory effect on growth of L. monocytogenes in minced silver carp during cold [4[degree sign] C] storage

[ effect of variable CO[2] concentrations on HSP70 gene in Trichophyton rubrum and Microsporeum canis]

Trichophyton rubrum is considered as the most common causes of dermatophytosis in human skin and nail tissues. Microsporeum canis is a zoophile dermatophyte which can be transmited to human. HSP70 is a 70 KD heat shock protein in fungi. In this study, the effects of variable CO[2] concentrations were examined on HSP70 expression in T. rubrum and M. canis. Strains used in this study were obtained from skin scales and nails of the patients who were suffering from onychomycosis. Samples were cultured on Sabouraud dextrose broth [SDB] and incubated at 25°C for 2, 4 and 7 days under 3%, 5%, and 10% of CO[2] concentrations. Control cultures maintained for 7 days without CO[2] concentrations. Then, RNA was isolated from the harvested mycelia mass, and HSP70 gene expression was studied in T. rubrum and M. canis by RT-PCR. The obtained results were compared to the Beta actin as a house keeping gene. The results of this study revealed the maximum variations under 3%,5%, and 10% of CO[2] concentrations in maximum 7 days incubation period, and the expression of HSP70 gene showed different variations under different CO[2] concentrations. Our results showed a negative effect of CO[2] concentrations in the expression of HSP70 in T. Rubrum and a positive effect in M. canis comparing to the controls

[Effects of bacteriocine Z on the shelf-life of silver carp fillets during refrigerated storage]

Because of the high perishability of fish, keeping the quality of fresh fish is one of the most important problems in the fish-processing industry and for the consumers. The aim of this study was to determine the antibacterial and antioxidant effects of bacteriocine Z on silver carp fillets during refrigerated storage. After being weighed, fish fillets were sprayed with nisin Z [0.2 g/kg] packaged in vacuum and refrigerated [4°C]. Microbial [TVC, PTC, LAB] and chemical [PV, TBA, TVB-N] parameters were measured at days 0, 3, 6 and 9. As compared with the nisin Z-treated fish samples, the psycrotrophic, lactic-acid, and aerobic-mesophilic bacterial counts were higher in the control samples. The microbial parameters decreased significantly in the nisin Z-treated samples at the beginning of the period, followed by a slower rate of increase than the control; the chemical parameters showed a slower rate of decrease. Using metabolites as natural preservatives in fish fillets may increase shelf-life of silver carp fillets during refrigerated storage. Bacteriocine Z may extend their shelf-life at 4°C by 3 days

Malaria situation analysis and stratification in Bandar Abbas Country, Southern Iran, 2004-2008

The aim of this study was that the past five years data were collected to analyze the situation of malaria and health facilities in this area for better understanding malaria problem and to find solutions. In this retrospective study data of the last 5 years were obtained from health center of Bandar Abbas, published papers and reports, weather forecasting organization of the city and annual reports of Hormozgan official authorities. An excel databank was created and analysis was conducted using this software. According to the national health system, Bandar Abbas also has referral net work system from periphery to the district health center. The maximum and minimum Annual Parasitic Index [API] were observed in 2005 [1.31] and 2008 [0.17], respectively. The prevalence of cases in villages was more than city, except for 2008. More than 97.6% of indigenous malaria cases were caused by Plasmodium vivax, although P. falciparum, P. ovale and mix infection were also reported. Anopheles stephensi, An. dthali and An. fluviatilis are the main malaria vectors in rural area, while only the first species is distributed in the urban area. According to results and many variables including API, Bandar Abbas is divided in two strata. From the situation analysis of Bandar Abbas it is postulated that the main activities of this district could be accuracy of data, and malaria vector control

L-carnitine level in seminal plasma of fertile and infertile men

To determine any correlation between infertility and semen quality with concentrations of L-carnitine in human seminal plasma. This case-control study performed in Fatemieh Hospital in Hamadan, Iran. Seminal plasma of 72 infertile men and 80 men with proved fertility as a control group was investigated and L-carnitine level was determined using UV enzymatic test at 340 nm. The concentration of L-carnitine was significantly lower in the infertile group compared with control group [80.59 +/- 56.43 mg/l versus 108.43 +/- 42.26 mg/l; P= 0.0009]. There was also a statistically significant positive correlation between seminal plasma L-carnitine concentration, total sperm count, and the percentage of motile sperm [P= 0.0009, and P= 0.0000, respectively]. These finding suggest that the determination of seminal plasma L-carnitine level may be a useful test in evaluation of male infertility

[Survey of susceptibility of cockroaches to pyrethroids insecticides in Sari hospital in 1383]

The medical importance of cockroaches is much greater than what has generally been realized. They are known to carry pathogenic viruses and bacteria such as escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and salmonella species including S.typhi and S.typhimurium. As a result, their eradication is very important. One of the best and effective ways of controlling cockoaches is thought to be the chemical method, which is performed by insecticides. It should be stated that the chemical treatment must be combined with enviromental sanitation, otherwise, the results will not be satisfactory. This study was carried out by using four different insecticides like: Permethrin 0.92% Deltamethrin 0.98% and Supermithrin 0.92% to evaluate their susceptibility and resistance. In this study, the cockroaches were collected from Imam Khomeini and Boo Ali Hospitals in Sari and were tested by different cocentrations of above -mentioned insecticides. Susecptibility of cockroaches was performed according to the standards of World Health Organization [W.H.O]. In this study, all the strains of cockroaches were exposed to the concentration of the above-mentioned insecticides through surface contact method. Imam Khomeini strain showed the LT50 of 20/24, 19/30, 19/64 minutes and Boo Ali hospitals 19/87, 17/6, 18/66 minutes. For susceptible strain, 8/89, 8/8, 8/64 minutes were obtained to Permethrin, Deltamethrin and Sumithrin respectively. On the other hand, LT90 for Imam Khomeini strain were 42/91, 41/21, 37/38 minutes and Boo Ali hospitals 42/59, 40/88, 34/05 minutes. For susceptible strain, 17/58, 18/43, 17/28 minutes were obtained to Permethrin, Deltamethrin and Supermithrin respectively. In surface contact, the resistance ratio [RR] to pyrethroids insecticides [Permethrin, Deltamethrin and Supermithrin] of BoAli hospitals strain was 2/23, 2 and 2/15 respectively, while this ratio for Imam Khomeini strain was 2/2, 2/19 and 2/27. Direct use of permethrin, Deltamethrin and supermithrin has developed the resistance of German cockroaches significantly

Thl/Th2 cytokines in psoriasis

The aim of this study was to determine the Thl and Th2 serum cytokines, in patients with psoriasis and to compare their cytokine levels with those of normal control subjects. Serum levels of Interferon-gamma [IFN-gamma], Interleukin-2 [IL-2], Interleukin-4 [IL-4], and Interleukin-10 [IL-10] were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay in 40 patients with psoriasis and in 40 normal controls. Compared with control subjects, patients with psoriasis had elevated levels of IFN-gamma and IL-2 [P<0.001]. In addition a positive correlation was found between the levels of IFN-gamma, IL-2 and disease severity. Thl secreting inflammatory cytokines may contribute to the pathogenesis of psoriasis

[Effects of fructose on plasma lipids in male rats]

Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of death in the most countries. Its development is determined by genetic and environmental factors. The major known risk factors are elevated LDL and reduced HDL. There is a direct correlation between these factors and dietary intake. Fructose intake has increased during the past years. The purpose of this study is to investigate the consequences of short-term fructose consumption on plasma lipids in male rats. This experimental study was performed in pharmacology department of Hamadan University of Medical Sciences in 2005. Thirty male Wister rats weighing 250-300 g were recruited, divided into two groups of 15, and were fed either 10% fructose in drinking water for 2 weeks or drinking water. Serum triglyceride, cholesterol, LDL and HDL was measured on the first and fifteenth days. All the data were compared with T student test and analyzed with SPSS software. The concentration of serum triglycerides, cholesterol on the fifteenth day were not significantly different as compared with the first day; whereas the concentration of LDL and HDL were significantly different between day 15 and day 1 [p<0.05]. The ratio of LDL/HDL, Cholesterol/HDL and triglyceride/HDL on day 15 wee significantly different as compared with day 1 [p<0.05]. On the basis of these findings, it can be suggested that fructose intake for short period increases the CHD risk factors

Molecular characterization of subunit G of the vacuolar ATPase in pathogen dermatophyte trichophyton rubrum

Trichophyton rubrum is an anthropophilic fungus causing up to 90% of chronic cases of dermatophytosis. Several properties of this fungus have been investigated so far. However, a few studies were carried out in the field of molecular biology of this fungus. In the present study, we tried to identify the subunit G of its vacuolar ATPase [V-ATPase]. Pairs of 21 nt primers were designed from highly conserved regions of the V-ATPase subunit G genes in other fungi. Mentioned primers were utilized in PCR using isolated genomic DNA template as well as cytoplasmic RNA of T.rubrum and the PCR and RT-PCR fragments were then sequenced. About 469 nucleotides were sequenced which encoded a polypeptide with 119 amino acids. Nucleotide sequence comparison in gene data banks [NCBI, NIH] for both the DNA and its deduced amino acid sequence revealed significant homology with V-ATPase subunit G genes and proteins of other eukaryotic cells. The amino acid sequence of the encoded protein was about 84% identical to the sequence of V-ATPase subunit G from other fungi. In summary, we have cloned the first V-ATPase subunit G of dermatophytes and characterized it as a member of this gene family in other eukaryotic cells

Advanced glycation end products and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance in gingival tissues of diabetic and non-diabetic patients with chronic periodontitis

Production of advanced glycation end products [AGEs] is directly linked to the level and duration of hyperglycemia in diabetic patients. Oxidative stress plays a major role in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus. Free radicals are formed in diabetes by glucose oxidation, nonenzymaticglycation of proteins and subsequent oxidative degradation of glycated proteins. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance [TB ARs] is a factor evidence in the presence of oxidative stress as a potential mechanism under-lying periodontal disease associated with diabetes.11 subjects [mean age 38.9 years, 6M, 5F] with chronic periodontitis associated with diabetes [5 Type 1, 6 Type II] and 16 subjects [mean age 36.7 years, 7M, 6F] with chronic periodontitis as a matched control group participated in this study. Clinical attachment loss and bleeding on probing were determined in all subjects during clinical examination. FBS and HbAlc were measured in all subjects. Sections of gingival tissue of all patients were removed during periodontal surgery. AGEs and TEARS were measured in all removed gingival tissues. The statistical analysis was carried out using T-test, Mann-Whitney U-test and Spearman correlation coefficient.FBS in diabetic and non-diabetic patients was 155.0 +/- 82.0 and 87.4 +/- 10.6 mg/dL respectively and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant [p= 0.03]. There was also a significant difference in HbAlc between the two studied groups [5 +/- 0.04 and 9.1 +/- 1.03%] in diabetic and non-diabetic subjects respectively, [p= 0.000]. A higher level of TB ARs was observed in diabetic patients compared to non-diabetics [1.13 +/- 0.3 vs 0.05 +/- 0.01 mole/lit ;p= 0.001]. Clinical attachment loss also was higher in diabetic patients [p= 0.008].From the results of this study it can be concluded that oxidative stress plays a major role in the development of periodontitis in diabetic patients