Mitochondrial DNA sequence-based phylogenetic relationship of trichiurus lepturus [perciformes: trichiuridae] from the Persian Gulf

In this study, mitochondrial DNA analysis using 16S ribosomal DNA [rDNA] was performed to investigate the phylogeny relationship of Trichiurus lepturus in the Persian Gulf compared to the other investigated area. The amplification of 16S rDNA resulted in a product of 600 bp in all samples. The results showed that the isolated strain belongs to T. lepturus showing 42 divergence sites among the same reported partial sequences of 16S rRNA gene from the other area [West Atlantic and Indo-Pacific area]. Phylogeny results showed that all 18 haplotypes of the species clustered into five clades with reasonably high bootstrap support of values [>64%]. Overall, the tree topology for both phylogenetic and phenetic trees for 16S rDNA was similar. Both trees exposed two major clusters, one wholly containing the haplotypes of the T. lepturus species belonging to Indo-Pacific area with two major sister groups including Persian Gulf specimen and the other cleared the Western Atlantic and Japan individuals clustered in another distinct clade supporting the differentiation between the two areas. Phylogenic relationship observed between the Persian Gulf and the other Indo-Pacific Individuals suggested homogeneity between two mentioned areas

[Identification and isolation of rumen fungi of baluchi sheep in Sistan]

Background: based on the information no research has been done on the identification and isolation of anaerobic fungi in the Baloochi sheep's rumen in the dry climate up to now

Objectives: the purpose of this research was the separation and study of the appearance morphology of anaerobic fungi in the Baloochi sheep's rumen in Sistan region

Methods: the semi-defined medium environment was used in this research for cultivation, separation and purification of anaerobic fungi. Sampling from the solid and liquid contents of 50 Baloochi sheep was done randomly in Zabol slaughterhouse and these samples were used as the source of fungus to inoculation to culture. The roll bottle method was used for purification of rumen fungi. The antibiotic solutions [ampicillin, penicillin, streptomycin, oxytetracycline and chloramphenicol] were used for inhibiting growth of bacteria. Samples of pure fungi were transferred to culture and were observed after growth in glass slide with light microscope. The separated fungi were all monocentric and had rhizoid

Results: with regard to morphologic characteristics the genera of Neocallimastix and Piromyces and species of Piromyces communis, Piromyces minutus, Piromyces rhizinflata, Caecomyces communis was isolated in rumen of Baloochi sheep

Conclusions: with identification of these fungi species in rumen of Baloochi sheep, it is recommended to perform molecular test and enzyme extraction for further survey of characteristics in future research

[Effect of vermicompost and fungi inoculation on growth characteristics and steviosid content of stevia rebaudiana bert]

Background: According to the importance of Stevia rebaudiana that it's sweetener steviol glycosides, has been introduced in recent year as a natural alternative for saccharose, the evaluation of bio-fertilizers effects on growth and development of stevia is necessary

Objective: In this research the effect of vermicompost and mycorrhiza on growth traits and steviosid [ST] content in Stevia rebaudiana was studied

Methods: This research was conducted in faculty of agriculture of Tarbiat Modarres University, Tehran, Iran, through a factorial experiment based on randomized complete block design with 12 treatments and 3 replications. The first factor was different levels of vermicompost [0, 10% and 20%] in basal medium including garden soil + 15% by weight Cow manure and also garden soil alone as a control treatment. Second factor was mycorrhiza fungi including inoculation Glomus mosseae and Piriformospora indica and treatment of non-inoculated plants.

Results: The bio-fertilizers had significant effect [P and le;0.01] on the studied parameters. The maximum amount of growth parameters [chlorophyll content, and fresh and dry weight of aerial parts and root] was obtained treatment of 20% of vermicompost and Glomus mosseae inoculation. The highest content of steviosid was obtained in end of vegetative growth stage and control treatment

Conclusion: Application of vermicompost significantly improved the chlorophyll content and growth traits and also the highest their amounts were obtained in combination treatment of vermicompost and mycorrhizal inoculation

effect of distillation methods and plant growth stages on the essential oil content and composition of thymus daenensis

Thymus daenensis is on e of the endemic aromatic species in Iran that its essential oil is used in food and pharmaceutical industries. In this study, the effects of plant growth stages and distillation methods on essential oil content and thymol percentage of this species were evaluated. The aerial parts of Th. daenensis were collected in three stages of plant growth from Tehran province of Iran. The plant materials were dried in shade and their essential oils were isolated by hydro-distillation in three replications. In addition, the essential oils of plant materials at full flowering stage were obtained by hydro-distillation, water and steam distillation and steam distillation. The essential oils were analyzed by capillary GC and GC/MS. The result showed that the different plant growth stages and distillation methods had significant effect on essential oil content. The highest essential oil content was obtained at full flowering stage [2.28% w/w]. Among distillation methods, the highest essential oil content was obtained by hydro-distillation [2.27%] that was significant difference with other distillation method. There was no significant difference between essential oil composition at different plant growth stages. Also, thymol, p-cymene and y-terpinene were the main components. The highest percentage of thymol was obtained by hydro-distillation. Generally, it can be concluded that harvesting of Th. daenensis at full flowering stage and extraction of its essential oil by hydro-distillation were more suitable for obtaining the higher oil content and thymol percentage

Awareness of Iranian's general dentists regarding the latest prophylaxis guideline for prevention of infective endocarditis

Statement of Problem: Dental procedures leading to oral tissue injuries may provoke bacterial release to the blood stream causing infective endocarditis [IE] in vulnerable patients. The guideline which was proposed by AHA has been updated 9 times having the last update published in 2007. This study was endeavored to uncover the level of knowledge of general dental practitioners in Shiraz, concerning the 2007 AHA guidelines for endocarditis prophylaxis in patients with cardiac problems receiving dental treatments

Materials and Method: This cross- sectional and descriptive analytical study included 150 dentists as participants. All practitioners were given a self -report questionnaire which consisted of three sections. Questions were designed to assess their knowledge of antibiotic prophylaxis in patients with cardiac disease

Results: Almost all participants [93%] were aware of antibiotic prophylaxis to be essential for tooth extraction. Most participants did not believe in prophylaxis for noninvasive procedures [such as shedding of primary teeth, impression, intraoral radiography]. From all of the respondents, 75% considered Amoxicillin to be the antibiotic of choice and 57% were acquainted with the correct dose of Amoxicillin for high risk patients

Conclusion: The study identified a potential for under/over prescription of antibiotic prophylaxis under the current guideline. Burden of IE necessitates more accurate knowledge of antibiotic prophylaxis in the undergraduate curriculum and continuing education programs of dentistry

Changes in essential oil composition and leaf traits of basil [Ocimum basilicum L.] affected by bio-stimulators / fertilizers application

Basil [Ocimum basilicum L.], a member of the Lamiaceae family, has traditionally been used as a medicinal plant in the treatment of headaches, coughs, diarrhea, constipation, warts, worms, and kidney malfunctions. To investigate the foliar application effects of bio-stimulators and bio-fertilizers on morphological and phytochemical traits of basil [Ocimum basilicum L.]. Bio-stimulators in three commercial formulations of aminolforte, kadostim and fosnutren [with concentration of 1.5 L.ha[-1]] through foliar application, and bio-fertilizers in three commercial formulations of nitroxin, super-nitro plus and barvar 2 [with concentration of 0.5 L.ha[-1]] through seed inoculation were considered as two studied factors. The results showed that the interaction effect of bio-stimulators and bio - fertilizers was significant [p<0.01] on all of studied parameters except of chlorophyll content [SPAD value]. The highest leaf fresh weight [25.47 g/plant] and leaf dry weight [6.48 g/plant] were obtained under fosnutren and nitroxin treatment, also maximum leaf number [206.33] was recorded in aminolforte and nitroxin treatment. The highest leaf area [1302.2 mm[2]/plant] was observed in kadostim and nitroxin treatment. Also results showed that the highest content of essential oil [0.43%] was obtained in aminolforte and nitroxin, methyl chavicol [37.13%] in fosnutren and super-nitro plus, geranial [29.05%] and caryophylene [6.66%] in kadostim and nitroxin, and carvacrol [31.60%] in fosnutren and nitroxin treated plants. In general, the best treatment to improve growth and phytochemical traits of Ocimum basilicum were kaclostim x nitroxin and fosnutren x nitroxin

[Evaluation of phosphorus removal from filtered effluent of activated sludge using the electrochemical process]

Phosphorus [in a concentration range of 0.005-0.05 mg/L-P] is enough for eutrophication of water bodies; therefore, phosphorus removal from effluents is necessary. The electrochemical process is one of the methods used for phosphorus removal. Thus, this study aimed to examine the effect of the electrochemical process on phosphorus removal from filtered effluent of activated sludge. This bench-scale experimental study was carried out on the samples of filtered effluent of activated sludge in a batch system. Phosphorus concentrations for 210 samples were measured through stannous-chloride method [The Standard Method, 4500 P-D.]. Data were analyzed using Green house Geisser, one-way ANOVA and the Tukey's post- hoc tests. The average phosphorus concentration before the electrochemical process in the filtered samples and the maximum efficiency of phosphorus removal were 1.93 +/- 0.86 mg/L-P and 98%, respectively. The residual phosphorus concentrations [electrical current >/= 0.3A, reaction time >/= 10min] in all samples were decreased to less than 1mg/L-P. Results showed that the electrochemical process can decrease the residual phosphorus to less than the standard limit [1mg/L-P] in Iran. The plot for the average residual phosphorus concentrations versus reaction time is a straight line [R[2]=0.837]. Phosphorus removal from the samples of filtered effluent of activated sludge is considered as a second-order reaction and the fitted model can be formulated as y= -0.001x[2] + 0.133x + 0.875 [R[2]=0.925]

[Geographical distribution of mouse and mouse-borne diseases in Iran: a review article]

Mice as a reservoir and potential source of some zoonotic disease play an important role in transferring and spreading of infectious diseases. Considering the important role of mice in transmitting diseases to human, this study aimed to evaluate the geographic distribution of mouse and mouse-borne diseases. This review article was carried out using keywords: rodents, Yersinia, Tularemia, Salmonellosis and the terms for other diseases caused by mouse. Ovid, PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, Systematic Review, SID, Scirus and Google scholar databases were searched to find the relevant articles. A total number of 600 articles were retrieved and their titles and abstracts were reviewed. The irrelevant articles were excluded and the eligible ones selected and finally the results were analyzed. Findings of this study indicated a new geographical distribution for mouse and mouse-borne diseases in Iran . Moreover, the results of this study clearly showed the types of disease transmission and distribution by mice in Iran. Such places can be labeled as high-risk areas in order to use the effective control methods. Results show that mice are the important reservoirs of diseases in Iran. Important foci of the diseases in almost all areas of Iran are dispersed. Therefore, reliable methods to control mice are important

[Effect of the nursing staff associate model on nursing students' clinical learning]

Clinical education is one of the most important ingredients of nursing curriculum. Inadequacies in nursing skills are main concerns of nursing students. Therefore, the application of new teaching methods is essential to improve the quality of clinical education. The Clinical Education Associate Method [CEAM], using the collaboration of nursing staff is a strategy for clinical education. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the nursing staff associate model on nursing students' clinical learning. This was a quasi-experimental study. 40 nursing students were randomly and equally assigned into two groups. The students in the experiment group were trained by nursing staff during clinical education, while the students in the control group received the routine education. The clinical skills of the students were assessed using a checklist. Collected data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The students in both groups were the same in terms of demographic characteristics. The students in the experiment group received better marks in clinical skills such as medication, communication with patients, isolation methods, and dressing in comparison with the students in the control group [P<0.05]. In the nursing staff associate model, students interact with each other and will be able to communication better, and their self-esteem is improved. Moreover, the level of learning in such students is higher in comparison with students taught using the routine method. Therefore, the widespread application of this model in nursing and other healthcare disciplines are suggested

Hazel [corylus avellana L.] as a new source of taxol and taxanes

Taxol is used to treatment of variety cancers including ovarian, breast, lung, head and neck carcinomas and the AIDS-related Karposi's carcinoma, and was originally obtained from bark of taxus brevifolia. However the amount of extracted taxol from taxus is extremely low and cannot be considered as a suitable commercial source and it has led to studies for finding new sources of Taxol. In 1998, Angela Hoffman and her team reported that hazel could be as a taxol-producing species and it has been confirmed by recent studies. On the other hand, the genes and enzymes involved in taxol biosynthesis pathway in taxus sp. have been identified and characterized but because of very slow growth and difficult somatic embryogenesis, manipulation of taxus is restricted. Instead, hazel with widely contribution in the world, easy invitro culture and characterization of some genes involved in the pathways of MVA and DXP [such as HMGR, IPI and GGPP], makes possibility of manipulation of taxol biosynthesis pathway. In this paper we reviewed a summary of genetic and biotechnology studies on hazel

Effect of phase III cardiac rehabilitation and relaxation on the quality of life in patients with cardiac syndrome X

Cardiac syndrome X is a relatively common disorder, and still not much is known about the causative factors or its pathophysiology, which makes it difficult to cure. Due to its chronic nature and debilitating symptoms, many patients have significantly reduced quality of life [QOL].The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of phase III cardiac rehabilitation [CR] and relaxation on the QOL of patients. This research is a randomized clinical trial study. Forty eligible and consenting women [age 30-65 years] were randomly assigned to four groups. In the first group [n = 11], progressive muscle relaxation [PMR]; in the second group [n = 11], phase III CR; and in the third group [n = 11], PMR along with phase III CR were performed for 8 weeks at home. The fourth group [n = 7] was used as the control group. Short form of QOL questionnaire [SF 36] was used for data gathering.Data analysis was performed using X[2], Kruskal-Wallis, and rank sum difference tests. After phase III CR, relaxation, and combination of CR and relaxation, patients demonstrated improved QOL [P < 0.001]. The results of post test multiple comparisons showed that there were statistically significant differences between control and all intervention groups [P < 0.05]. There was also statistically significant difference between relaxation and combination of phase III CR and relaxation groups [P < 0.5]. An 8 week phase III CR program together with relaxation improved QOL of patients with cardiac syndrome X. We suggest phase III CR program together with relaxation as an effective treatment in these patients.

[ review of pesticide hazards with emphasis on insecticide resistance in arthropods of health risk importance]

Considering the importance of environmental health and the role of pesticides as the major method in controlling hygienic pests and their hazards for environment and human health as well as development of insecticide resistance in arthropods, we reviewed the hazards of chemical methods in pest control and compared them with those of other methods in regard to insecticide resistance. The aim of this study was to sort and investigate the hazards of chemical compounds used for pest control. This was a review article. Using keywords such as: ecotoxicology, insecticide resistance, pesticide residue environment and hazardous material environment, we searched Databases of Ovid, Pub Med, Web of Science, Medline, EBM Cochrane Database of Systematic Review and SID to find articles in the journals of our country and international journals. We found 552 articles and reviewed their titles and abstracts. Some of the articles were not related to our study and were excluded and our conclusion and analysis were based on the selected eligible articles. The most important findings of this study were classification of adverse effects of pesticides on environment and development of resistance to these compounds and mechanisms of resistance in different arthropods. Resistance can lead to use of increased doses of pesticides which in turn, can result in more environmental pollution. The adverse effects of application of pesticides on environment are very serious. These adverse effects include insecticide resistance which may result in, control failure over hygienic pests and vectors of human diseases. Environmental control methods by using environmental sanitary measures can destroy the breeding places of arthropods and decrease their population. Use of environmental control methods, instead of application of pesticides, can keep the environment safe and healthy and result in the improvement of the health of the human communities which is one of the main aims of the health organizations

[Mapping the distribution of some important scorpions collected in the past five decades in Iran]

Scorpions are important venomous arthropods which kill many people annually globally. Scorpion sting is one of important health issues in subtropical area in south of Iran. Scorpions are subjects of many studies conducted before in many parts of Iran. The aims of this study were to find the dispersion and mapping the distribution of scorpion specimens based on published documents. In this study all published documents on Iranian scorpions which indexed with Iranmedex and PubMed including locally information and collection details were studied. Scientific names and collection details were arranged as a shape file in ArcGIS software and were mapped. Alternatively, a systematic literature review was preformed and the data and/or metadata were used for evaluation of the findings. Maps show the distribution of scorpions across Iran and provide preliminary information for its monitoring. Further prevention and control programs are needed. There was not considerable difference between the distribution of the studied specimens and the other information obtained from the other studies. The specimens of a few species which previously reported from some parts of Iran were not available. The existence of some species which was reported from different parts of the country needs to be confirmed by experts. It seems that more species of scorpions in Iran may found in central and south part of Iran and areas with low altitude

[Determination of seed and oil yield and yield components in two variety of milk thistle [silybum marianum gaetrn.] based on path analysis and regression]

Silybum marianum Gatrn. [Family: Asteraceae] is an annual or biennial plant, native to the Mediterranean area, which has spread in North and South of Iran. The seeds contain high amount of oil [20 - 35%] which exhibits wound-healing, anti-burn, and hepatoprotective properties. Determine the most seed yield components and oil yield in milk thistle. This research was conducted using two genotypes of milk thistle [Ahvaz wild type and Germany] in a randomized complete block design with four replications, to evaluate the most seed yield components and oil yield. Initially, oil and seed yield [dependent variable] separately determined for any variety using stepwise regression analysis. In Ahvas type, seed yield and oil percent for oil yield, and capitulum diameter for seed yield whereas, in Germany type, number of capitulum for seed yield and seed yield for oil yield justified variation related to dependent variable significantly. Regression analysis represented seed yield is affected by capitulum diameter and number, and secondary metabolites of seed [R[2]=98.16] and oil yield is justified by oil percent and seed active constituents and yield [R[2]=99.91]. The path analysis revealed that direct and positive effect number of capitulum [0.49], diameter of main capitulum [0.41] and oil percent [0.1] and direct and negative effect of active ingredient silymarin, are important components of oil yield. In general, this result showed that for increasing of seed and oil yield can be used from capitulum diameter and number and oil percent in medicinal plant breeding of milk thistle

[ comparison between advanced O3/UV and H2O2/UV oxidation processes for the treatment of municipal solid waste leachate]

The solid-waste leachate is a type of wastewater with high concentration of mineral and organic compounds. There is little information about the effect of the advanced oxidation processes for the treatment of municipal solid-waste leachate. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of processing advanced oxidation method as a biological pre-treatment for municipal solid waste. This bench-scale experimental study was conducted in a closed batch system on leachate samples of Kahrizak landfill [Tehran]. After obtaining the optimal conditions for the O3/UV and H2O2/UV processes, the effect of each process on 20 leachate samples was assessed and for each sample, 4 different reaction times were studied for the removal of BOD5, COD, TS and color. The results were compared using the mixed-design ANOVA model. The BOD5, COD and TS in raw leachate were 2500, 21910 and 29347 mg/l, respectively. The O3/UV and H2O2/UV processes removed 87% and 73% of COD, respectively. The BOD5/COD ratio in the O3/UV and H2O2/UV processes increased from 0.11 to 0.33 and 0.11 to 0.12, respectively. Moreover, the color in the O3/UV and H2O2/UV processes decreased from 82 to 67.25% and 81.65%, respectively. The O3/UV process can be used as a biological pre-treatment. The optimum pH for this process is 8.5, the optimum ozone concentration is 60.1 g/kg of decreased COD and the best reaction time which increases the BOD5/COD ratio more than 0.25 and less expensive than other reaction times, is 10 minutes

Wound myiasis due to musca domestica [diptera: muscidae] in persian horned viper, pseudocerastes persicus [squamata: viperidae]

A case of myiasis due to Musca domestica describes in Pseudocerastes persicus for the first time. The snake was found in Bari Karafs, Kashan, Iran, with a lesion on its body. Fourteen live larvae of M. domestica removed from its wound. This is the first report of a new larval habitat of M. domestica

[ study on the variations of temperature, moisture, pH and carbon to nitrogen ratio in producing compost by stack method]

Background: Considering the importance of chemical and physical parameters such as temperature, moisture, pH and carbon to nitrogen [C:N] ratio in producing compost, the purpose of this study was to evaluate these parameters in producing compost by stack method

Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was carried out on municipal solid waste generated in Kashan during a 63-day period from Oct 3 to Dec 4, 2010. Compost samples were taken from the top one-third, the center and also the bottom of the compost pile and mixed; the compost pile was aerated [if necessary]. Thereafter, samples were analyzed for carbon and nitrogen content using Fourti method

Results: The initial temperature of the compost pile was 38[degree]C and then increased to 65[degree]C at the 9[th] day, and reached to 26[degree]C at the last day of composting. The moisture at the beginning of the process was 67.5%, increased to 73% at the 5[th] day and decreased to 38% at the last day. The initial pH of the compost was 5.5, increased during the compost process, and reached an optimal value of 7.7 at the end of the process. The C:N ratio at the beginning of the process was 35:1 and in mature compost decreased to 12.5:1

Conclusion: Presence of actinomycetes and the dark-brown color of the prepared compost on the 63rd day of composting indicate that the compost meets the required standards. Consequently, the implementation of this method is suitable for tropical cities like Kashan

[Epidemiologic aspects of penetrating eye trauma in subjects younger than sixteen years at feiz hospital in 2009]

To report the characteristics of children referred to the emergency department of Feiz Medical Center with penetrating eye injuries. In a cross-sectional study, children with penetrating eye trauma were evaluated. Age, sex, parents educational level, time, location, and cause of trauma recorded and compared. Overall, 100 patients with mean age of 7 +/- 3.8 [range 2 to 16 years] including 69 male and 31 female were assessed. 57 eye injuries occurred at home, time of trauma was in the morning in 47% of patients. The most common cause of injury was knife [26%] and wood was the second common cause [17%]. Overall, 29 child were alone at the time of injury .The most common type of injury was corneal laceration [71%]. All traumatic cases were unilateral. Most children were injured in the early morning, therefore education of parents and other child care givers for more attention to children and improvement of health education about eye trauma may prevent pediatric eye injuries

[Endogenous klebsiella endophthalmitis associated with liver abscess]

To report a case of endogenous Klebsiella endophthalmitis associated with liver abscess in Iran. A 79 year old man was referred with chief complaint of left eye pain and visual loss. The patient had conjunctival hyperemia, corneal edema, hypopyon and severe vitreous cellular reaction in the left eye and yellowish conjunctival discoloration which was apparent in the right eye. Abdominal CT scan revealed a right liver lobe abscess that underwent percutaneous liver biopsy under sonography guide. Blood, vitreous and liver mass cultures revealed Klebsiella Pneumonia growth. The patient was diagnosed as a case of endogenous Klebsiella endophthalmitis secondary to bacteremia associated with liver abscess. This report suggests that rather than being confined to Far East, endogenous endophthalmitis secondary to liver abscess due to Klebsiella pneumonia may be a global problem

[Clinical evaluation of drug induced acute angle closure glaucoma]

To evaluate all cases of drug induced angle closure glaucoma cases who presented to Feiz Hospital, Isfahan during 2008-2010. In this retrospective case series, we present 7 cases of drug induced angle closure glaucoma after administration of Topiramate. All patients were female. The average age of patients was 33.28 years old [ranging from 19 to 44]. With sufficient corneal clarity, mean BCVA was 20/400 and mean refractive error was -6.50 [rang -3.00 to-12.00] diopters. Mean intraocular pressure was 44.71 [rang 34 to 60] mmHg. Mean time normalization of intraocular pressure was 12.30 [rang 8 to 23] hours. Acute myopia and acute angle closure glaucoma are serious adverse effects of Topiramate, both of which are reversible with immediate discontinuation of the drug. So, taking a complete drug history and thinking about culprit drugs is critical in the evaluation of such cases