Mid-infrared supercontinuum-based Fourier transform spectroscopy for plasma analysis.

Broadband mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy is a well-established and valuable diagnostic technique for reactive plasmas. Plasmas are complex systems and consist of numerous (reactive) types of molecules; it is challenging to measure and control reaction specificity with a good sensitivity. Here, we demonstrate the first use of a novel MIR supercontinuum (SC) source for quantitative plasma spectroscopy. The SC source has a wide spectral coverage of 1300-2700 cm-1 (wavelength range 3.7-7.7 µm), thus enabling broadband multispecies detection. The high spatial coherence of the MIR SC source provides long interaction path lengths, thereby increasing the sensitivity for molecular species. The combination of such a SC source with a custom-built FTIR spectrometer (0.1 cm-1 spectral resolution) allows detection of various gases with high spectral resolution. We demonstrate its potential in plasma applications by accurate identification and quantification of a variety of reaction products (e.g. nitrogen oxides and carbon oxides) under low-pressure conditions, including the molecular species with overlapping absorbance features (e.g. acetone, acetaldehyde, formaldehyde, etc.).

Fourier transform spectrometer based on high-repetition-rate mid-infrared supercontinuum sources for trace gas detection.

We present a fast-scanning Fourier transform spectrometer (FTS) in combination with high-repetition-rate mid-infrared supercontinuum sources, covering a wavelength range of 2-10.5 µm. We demonstrate the performance of the spectrometer for trace gas detection and compare various detection methods: baseband detection with a single photodetector, baseband balanced detection, and synchronous demodulation at the repetition rate of the supercontinuum source. The FTS uses off-the-shelf optical components and provides a minimum spectral resolution of 750 MHz. It achieves a noise equivalent absorption sensitivity of ∼10-6 cm-1 Hz-1/2 per spectral element, by using a 31.2 m multipass absorption cell.

Effect of Ultrasonic Nanocrystal Surface Modification on the Microstructure and Martensitic Transformation of Selective Laser Melted Nitinol.

Nitinol has significant potential for biomedical and actuating-sensing devices, thanks to its functional properties. The use of selective laser melting (SLM) with Nitinol powder can promote novel applications aimed to produce 3D complex parts with integrated functional performances. As the final step of the production route, finishing processing needs to be investigated both for the optimization of the surface morphology and the limit alteration of the Nitinol functional properties. In this work, the effect of an advanced method of surface modification, ultrasonic nanocrystal surface modification (UNSM), on the martensitic transformation and microstructure of SLM built Ni50.8Ti49.2 (at.%) was investigated. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and differential scanning calorimetry indicated that the UNSM process can generate stress-induced martensite, at least partially suppressing the martensitic transformation. The microhardness profile indicates that the UNSM process can affect the mechanical properties of the SLMed Nitinol sample in a range of up to approximately 750 µm in depth from the upper surface, while electron backscatter diffraction analysis highlighted that the initial austenitic phase was modified within a depth below 200 µm from the UNSMed surface.

A survey of social cognitive determinants of physical activity among Iranian women using path analysis method.

INTRODUCTION: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 400 women selected from urban health centers in Isfahan through stratified sampling. The study was designed to evaluate the social cognitive theoretical model in explaining the determinants of physical activity among women using path analysis method. METHODS: In a hypothetical framework, the relationship between self-efficacy, outcome expectation, social support and self-regulation and physical activity were assessed using path analysis and indices of fitness. Furthermore, the predictive power of the model was evaluated. RESULTS: The social cognitive theoretical model had a good predictive power for physical activity. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed the suitability of the theoretical model; this model is able to cover 80% of the physical activity variance. Evaluation of the social cognitive theoretical model using path analysis showed that self-regulation was the strongest determinant of physical activity. Social support and outcome expectation had very weak effects on physical activity; nonetheless, their effect was enhanced by the presence of self-regulation. Self-efficacy had a weak effect on physical activity, however, as an intermediate variable, it reinforced the impact of social support and outcome expectation on physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the present hypothetical model is suggested as an appropriate framework in research related to physical activity among women as well as to strengthening self-regulation skills in designing and implementing programs promoting physical activities.

Preliminary assessment of groundwater hydrogeochemistry within Gilan, a northern province of Iran.

In four basins of Gilan province, groundwater samples were collected from 127 piezometric wells to investigate the hydrogeochemistry of groundwater, and additionally its suitability for drinking and irrigation purposes. The average concentrations of major cations and anions follow the order of Ca2+ > Na+ > Mg2+ > K+ and [Formula: see text], respectively. Using Piper diagram delineation, CaMgHCO3 was determined as the main hydrogeochemical facies of groundwater. According to Piper diagrams, Gibbs plots, and ionic ratios, silicate weathering and ion exchange are the major processes regulating the groundwater hydrochemistry. Furthermore, saturation indices (SIs) revealed that carbonate precipitation also plays an important role in aquifers. Among the processes, weathering of silicate minerals seems to be the dominant process. Comparing the analyzed major ions and physicochemical parameters with the WHO guideline values indicates that the potability of most groundwater samples is generally acceptable. Electrical conductivity (EC) and total dissolved solid (TDS) measurements along with sodium percentage (SP), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), Kelley's index (KI), and residual sodium carbonate (RSC) calculations suggest that groundwater in many areas is suitable for irrigation use. Nonetheless, total hardness (TH) values ranging as high as 650.0 mg/l reveal many groundwater samples to be classified as hard and very hard, indicating a requirement for long-term monitoring and further evaluation. The present study shows that the groundwater quality in Lahijan, Astaneh, and to a lesser extent Fouman drainage basins is lower than in Talesh. Therefore, intense monitoring programs towards enhanced water management practices are recommended before poorer quality groundwater is further utilized.

Classification Models to Predict Survival of Kidney Transplant Recipients Using Two Intelligent Techniques of Data Mining and Logistic Regression.

Kidney transplantation is the treatment of choice for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Prediction of the transplant survival is of paramount importance. The objective of this study was to develop a model for predicting survival in kidney transplant recipients. In a cross-sectional study, 717 patients with ESRD admitted to Nemazee Hospital during 2008-2012 for renal transplantation were studied and the transplant survival was predicted for 5 years. The multilayer perceptron of artificial neural networks (MLP-ANN), logistic regression (LR), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and evaluation tools were used to verify the determinant models of the predictions and determine the independent predictors. The accuracy, area under curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity of SVM, MLP-ANN, and LR models were 90.4%, 86.5%, 98.2%, and 49.6%; 85.9%, 76.9%, 97.3%, and 26.1%; and 84.7%, 77.4%, 97.5%, and 17.4%, respectively. Meanwhile, the independent predictors were discharge time creatinine level, recipient age, donor age, donor blood group, cause of ESRD, recipient hypertension after transplantation, and duration of dialysis before transplantation. SVM and MLP-ANN models could efficiently be used for determining survival prediction in kidney transplant recipients.

Regulation of RAW264.7 macrophage polarization on smooth and rough surface topographies by galectin-3.

Recognition of topographical features induces phenotypic changes in macrophages although the receptors and signaling pathways are not completely characterized. As integrin molecules in focal adhesions/podosomes are in intimate contact with topography and topography modulates the NFkB pathway through cholesterol enriched raft-associated adhesive signaling structures we hypothesized that a cell-surface signaling complex comprised of galectin-3 together with its ligand CD98 and integrinß1 is important for topography-directed lineage determination. This study used polished, sand blasted and acid etched (SLA) surfaces and two novel grooved topographies (G1 and G2) produced by anisotropic etching of Si <1 1 0> to evaluate the role of galectin-3 in macrophage polarization in RAW 264.7 macrophages, as determined by gene expression and morphology. In the presence of the galectin-3 inhibitor, lactose, the M2 marker (mannose receptor) was down-regulated while the M1 marker (iNOS) was up-regulated on smooth and rough surfaces. This skewing of phenotype suggests a role for galectin-3 in macrophage polarization towards the M2 phenotype. Additionally, we evaluated the role of PI3K on polarization using PI3K inhibitor LY294002. We found that the M2 marker was down-regulated on both PO (surface polished) and G1 surfaces implicating PI3K in lineage determination. We also found that surface topography altered cell morphology; macrophages had a larger area on G2 surfaces. Lactose treatment significantly reduced the cell area on all topographies suggesting that the galectin-3 is also involved in signaling complexes triggering the rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 2499-2509, 2017.

Smart Phone Acceptance among Physicians: Application of Structural Equation Modelling in the Largest Iranian University.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to determine attitudes and effective factors in the acceptance of smart phones by physicians of the largest University of Medical Sciences in the south of Iran. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) in 2014. Study participants included 200 physicians working in the hospitals of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences selected through two-stage stratified sampling, but 185 participants completed the study. The study data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire completed through a 5-point Likert scale. The content validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by a panel of experts, its construct validity by confirmatory factor analysis, and its reliability by Cronbach's alpha of 0.802. All data analyses were performed using SPSS (version 22) and LISREL (version 8.8). RESULTS: Results showed that most physicians had a desirable attitude towards using smart phones. Besides, the results of SEM indicated a significant relationship between attitude and compatibility, observability, personal experience, voluntariness of use and perceived usefulness. Moreover, some important fitness indices revealed appropriate fitness of the study model (p=0.26, X2/df=1.35, RMR=0.070, GFI=0.77, AGFI=0.71, NNFI=0.93, CFI=0.94). CONCLUSION: The results revealed that compatibility, observability, personal experience, voluntariness of use and perceived usefulness were effective in the physicians' attitude towards using smart phones. Thus, by preparation of the required infrastructures, policymakers in the field of health technology can enhance the utilization of smart phones in hospitals.

Electronic properties of reduced molybdenum oxides.

The electronic properties of MoO3 and reduced molybdenum oxide phases are studied by density functional theory (DFT) alongside characterization of mixed phase MoOx films. Molybdenum oxide is utilized in compositions ranging from MoO3 to MoO2 with several intermediary phases. With increasing degree of reduction, the lattice collapses and the layered MoO3 structure is lost. This affects the electronic and optical properties, which range from the wide band gap semiconductor MoO3 to metallic MoO2. DFT is used to determine the stability of the most relevant molybdenum oxide phases, in comparison to oxygen vacancies in the layered MoO3 lattice. The non-layered phases are more stable than the layered MoO3 structure for all oxygen stoichiometries of MoOx studied where 2 ≤ x < 3. Reduction and lattice collapse leads to strong changes in the electronic density of states, especially the filling of the Mo 4d states. The DFT predictions are compared to experimental studies of molybdenum oxide films within the same range of oxygen stoichiometries. We find that whilst MoO2 is easily distinguished from MoO3, intermediate phases and phase mixtures have similar electronic structures. The effect of the different band structures is seen in the electrical conductivity and optical transmittance of the films. Insight into the oxide phase stability ranges and mixtures is not only important for understanding molybdenum oxide films for optoelectronic applications, but is also relevant to other transition metal oxides, such as WO3, which exist in analogous forms.

Detection of Ultraweak Photon Emission (UPE) from Cells as a Tool for Pathological Studies.

OBJECTIVE: It is well-known that all living cells emit ultra-weak photon emission (UPE), which is due to byproducts of chemical reactions in cell metabolisms. It has been shown that Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in the cells enhances the UPE intensity. The magnitude of such UPE is extremely weak (i.e. a few to 103 photons/ (sec.cm22)), and the detection of such ultra-weak signals is hardly possible via sensitive instruments like photomultiplier tube (PMT) that can detect single photons. MATERIALS AND METHODS: H2O2 factor with various concentrations was applied on the HT-29 cells to generate ROS. H2O2 concentrations were so low to be nondestructive to the cells. Then, the effect of ROS generation on UPE intensity was investigated. PMT was used to detect UPE from HT-29 cells. RESULTS: The topical application of H2O2 was significantly different (P < 0.05) in comparison with HT-29 cells without H2O2 at a concentration of 1mM in 5 min detection time. The integrated UPE in the presence of H2O2 at concentration of 3mM was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than the integrated UPE in other groups at the same detection time. The difference between the concentrations of 3mM and 4mM was not significant (P > 0.01) for integrated UPE in the cell groups in the presence of H2O2. CONCLUSION: The results show that the recorded UPE from HT-29 cells increased with the topical application of exogenous ROS inducer. As a result, UPE can be used as a non-invasive technique for monitoring ROS in cells.

Pioglitazone significantly prevented decreased rate of neural differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells which was reduced by Pex11ß knock-down.

Peroxisomes constitute special cellular organelles which display a variety of metabolic functions including fatty acid oxidation and free radical elimination. Abundance of these flexible organelles varies in response to different environmental stimuli. It has been demonstrated that PEX11ß, a peroxisomal membrane elongation factor, is involved in the regulation of size, shape and number of peroxisomes. To investigate the role of PEX11ß in neural differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs), we generated a stably transduced mESCs line that derives the expression of a short hairpin RNA against Pex11ß gene following doxycycline (Dox) induction. Knock-down of Pex11ß, during neural differentiation, significantly reduced the expression of neural progenitor cells and mature neuronal markers (p<0.05) indicating that decreased expression of PEX11ß suppresses neuronal maturation. Additionally, mRNA levels of other peroxisome-related genes such as PMP70, Pex11α, Catalase, Pex19 and Pex5 were also significantly reduced by Pex11ß knock-down (p<0.05). Interestingly, pretreatment of transduced mESCs with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ agonist (pioglitazone (Pio)) ameliorated the inhibitory effects of Pex11ß knock down on neural differentiation. Pio also significantly (p<0.05) increased the expression of neural progenitor and mature neuronal markers besides the expression of peroxisomal genes in transduced mESC. Results elucidated the importance of Pex11ß expression in neural differentiation of mESCs, thereby highlighting the essential role of peroxisomes in mammalian neural differentiation. The observation that Pio recovered peroxisomal function and improved neural differentiation of Pex11ß knocked-down mESCs, proposes a potential new pharmacological implication of Pio for neurogenesis in patients with peroxisomal defects.

Hydrogeochemical investigations and groundwater quality assessment of Torbat-Zaveh plain, Khorasan Razavi, Iran.

Hydrogeochemical investigations of groundwater in Torbat-Zaveh plain have been carried out to assess the water quality for drinking and irrigation purposes. In this study, 190 groundwater samples were collected and analyzed for physicochemical parameters and major ion concentrations. The abundance of major cations and anions was in the following order: Na(+) > Mg(2+) > Ca(2+) > K(+), and Cl(-) > [Formula: see text] > [Formula: see text] > [Formula: see text]. As a result, alkaline element (Na(+)) exceeds alkaline earth elements (Mg(2+) and Ca(2+)), and strong acids (Cl(-) and [Formula: see text]) dominate weak acids ([Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]) in majority of the groundwater samples. Statistical analyses including Spearman correlation coefficients and factor analysis display good correlation between physicochemical parameters (EC, TDS and TH) and Na(+), Mg(2+), Ca(2+), Cl(-) and [Formula: see text]. The results display that rock-weathering interactions and ion-exchange processes play important role in controlling groundwater chemistry. Saturation index values also indicate that water chemistry is significantly affected by carbonate minerals such as calcite, aragonite and dolomite. US Salinity Laboratory(USSL) and Wilcox diagrams together with permeability index values reveal that most of the groundwater samples are suitable for irrigation purpose. However, in some regions, the water samples do not indicate required irrigational quality.

Deferoxamine preconditioning to restore impaired HIF-1α-mediated angiogenic mechanisms in adipose-derived stem cells from STZ-induced type 1 diabetic rats.

OBJECTIVES: Both excessive and insufficient angiogenesis are associated with progression of diabetic complications, of which poor angiogenesis is an important feature. Currently, adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are considered to be a promising source to aid therapeutic neovascularization. However, functionality of these cells is impaired by diabetes which can result from a defect in hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), a key mediator involved in neovascularization. In the current study, we sought to explore effectiveness of pharmacological priming with deferoxamine (DFO) as a hypoxia mimetic agent, to restore the compromised angiogenic pathway, with the aid of ADSCs derived from streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetic rats ('diabetic ADSCs'). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Diabetic ADSCs were treated with DFO and compared to normal and non-treated diabetic ADSCs for expression of HIF-1α, VEGF, FGF-2 and SDF-1, at mRNA and protein levels, using qRT-PCR, western blotting and ELISA assay. Activity of matrix metalloproteinases -2 and -9 were measured using a gelatin zymography assay. Angiogenic potential of conditioned media derived from normal, DFO-treated and non-treated diabetic ADSCs were determined by in vitro (in HUVECs) and in vivo experiments including scratch assay, three-dimensional tube formation testing and surgical wound healing models. RESULTS: DFO remarkably enhanced expression of noted genes by mRNA and protein levels and restored activity of matrix metalloproteinases -2 and -9. Compromised angiogenic potential of conditioned medium derived from diabetic ADSCs was restored by DFO both in vitro and in vivo experiments. CONCLUSION: DFO preconditioning restored neovascularization potential of ADSCs derived from diabetic rats by affecting the HIF-1α pathway.

ERK1/2 is a key regulator of Fndc5 and PGC1α expression during neural differentiation of mESCs.

Fibronectin type III domain containing 5 (Fndc5) has already been distinguished to be involved in neural differentiation. However, cellular events of Fndc5 function are still ambiguous in the nervous system. One approach to shed light on duty of this protein in the nervous system is to find its cross-talks with various signaling pathways with defined characteristics and roles. Identification of the underlying molecular mechanism which controls Fndc5 expression and switches its activity up and down enables us to find out the Fndc5 functional map in the nervous system and other human body systems. Retinoic acid (RA) is a bio-small molecule which exerts its role as a neural inducer in the neurodevelopmental process of neural tube. RA up-regulates the expression of various genes involved in neural differentiation process via two distinct pathways: the genomic and the non-genomic. Our previous study has revealed that RA induces Fndc5 expression during neural differentiation process. In this study we have evaluated our hypothesis about the non-genomic up regulation of Fndc5 expression by RA. Interestingly we have identified that there is an association between ERK signaling pathway and Fndc5 expression. Furthermore, inhibition of this pathway by PD0325901 dramatically reduced Fndc5 mRNA level, while activating the pathway up-regulated Fndc5 transcription. In addition, it has been proven that ERK1/2 modulation via RA has more significant controlling effect on Fndc5 promoter rather than bFGF. This led us to conclude that RA enhances Fndc5 expression through a non-genomic pathway via the ERK signaling pathway.

Heavy metals fractionation in surface sediments of Gowatr bay--Iran.

In this study, the chemical speciation of heavy metals and their distribution in surface sediments of Gowatr bay, southeast Iran, are investigated. Modified Bureau Commune de Reference of the European Commission (BCR) sequential extraction technique was applied to assess Cu, Pb, Zn, Mn, Ni, Co, Cr, V, and Fe in the four fractions of five surface sediment samples. Calculated contamination factors (C(i)f) indicate considerable to very high degree of contamination for Cu and Cr, and very high degree for Zn and Ni. Maximum contamination degree (Cd) also suggests serious anthropogenic pollution at two sites. The dominance of average concentration of Cu, Pb, Zn, and Mn in non-residual fractions indicates higher ecological risk within Gowatr bay. Conversely, Ni, Co, Cr, Fe, and V mainly exist in residual phase and hence pose no immediate ecological risk. Calculated individual contamination factors (ICFs) indicate the highest risk of Cu, Pb, Zn, and Mn at two investigated sites. Global contamination factor (GCF) reveals that Pasabandar harbor is highly impacted by metal pollutants.

Functional expression of potassium channels in cardiomyocytes derived from embryonic stem cells.

Royan B(1) stem cell can be differentiated to specialized cell types including cardiomyocytes. This developmental change is accompanied with expression of various K(+) channel types. The aim of this study was to detect functional expression of K(+) currents from stem cell stage and one week and two weeks after differentiation into cardiomyocyte. Mouse stem cell derived cardiomyocytes (ES-cardiomyocytes) were isolated to single cell suspension for K(+) current recording using whole cell patch-clamp technique. The predominant depolarizing current in ES-cardiomyocytes was a tetraethylammonium (TEA) (10 mM) sensitive current which was partially blocked by nifedipine (1 µM) and attenuated by increasing concentration of EGTA (10 mM) in the pipette solution. Pharmacology and electrophysiological properties of this oscillatory sustained current very well matched with characteristics of Ca(2+) activated K(+) current. In addition there was another kind of sustained outward K(+) current which was resistance to TEA but was inhibited by 3,4-diaminopyridine. The characteristic features of this current indicate that this current was due to activation of delayed rectifier K(+) channels. RT-PCR study also confirmed expression of these two types of K(+) channels in ES-cardiomyocytes. Therefore, present study shows functional expression of two types of K(+) ionic current in ES-cardiomyocytes.

Second Generation of HIV Surveillance System: A Pattern for Iran.

BACKGROUND: For the purpose of minimizing the HIV/AIDS epidemic effects, one of the programs is the promotion of scientific methods and setting of the suitable surveillance systems. The present research was conducted to design the HIV/AIDS surveillance system in Iran applying WHO recommendations and the experience of some countries. METHODS: In 2009, based on the country's requirements, the HIV/AIDS surveillance system was proposed and designed for Iran. The Delphi technique was utilized to find the views of experts. Data analysis was conducted based on a comparison of the attributes of the HIV/AIDS surveillance systems in the countries under consideration using a descriptive and theoretical analysis. RESULTS: The model was approved obtaining the final score of 36.3 out of 44, viz 82.5%. CONCLUSION: Designing and performing of the HIV/AIDS surveillance pattern in the direction of "second generation of HIV/AIDS surveillance" can be considered as an important step in the improvement of the patient's control and precaution of HIV/AIDS.

High levels of corticosterone, and gene expression of star, cyp17a2, hsd3b, cyp21, hsd11b2 during acute stress in common carp with interrenal hyperplasia.

We investigated the acute stress response in a common carp strain (E5) with interrenal hyperplasia due to 17α-hydroxylase deficiency, and in an isogenic standard (STD) carp strain. Cortisol, corticosterone and the head kidney-somatic index were measured during and after a 3 h net confinement stress. Star, cyp17a2, hsd3b, cyp21, hsd11b2 mRNA levels were measured in head kidneys using real-time qPCR. The results show very high corticosterone levels and enlargement of the head kidney in E5 fish. This is the first report in a teleost fish showing a significant increase of corticosterone levels in response to stress due to interrenal hyperplasia. The high levels of corticosterone in E5 suggest that corticosterone is not converted to aldosterone in common carp. star and hsd3b mRNA levels were significantly higher in E5 compared to STD fish, while cyp17a2 levels were significantly lower in E5. In contrast to E5, star levels did not change during stress and recovery in STD, suggesting that the enzyme is regulated in a different manner in E5 and STD fish. In E5, the levels of cyp17a2 dropped below control values after 20 min stress. These findings strongly suggest that cyp17a2 is impaired at (post)-transcriptional level. As a consequence the accumulated precursor (pregnenolone) is not converted to cortisol, but to corticosterone. In contrast to STD, significant levels of cortisol could not be detected in E5. Finally, hsd11b2 mRNA levels were significantly lower in E5 compared to STD, and did not change during stress and recovery. These results support the idea that hsd11b2 is involved in the conversion of physiologically active cortisol to inactive cortisone, as reported earlier for STD carp. In conclusion our results show high levels of corticosterone in E5 and differences in star and mRNA levels of steroidogenic genes between E5 and STD carp during net confinement stress.

Effects of Watercress (Nasturtium nasturtium) extract on selected immunological parameters of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

Watercress (Nasturtium nasturtium) is a medical plant containing diverse chemically-active substances with biological properties. The present study was conducted to investigate the immunomodulatory effects of watercress extract on immunological and hematological parameters of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Fish were fed for 21 days with diet supplemented with 0.1% and 1% of watercress extract per 1 kg food and with a normal diet as control. Hematological parameters such as red blood cells (RBC) and white blood cells (WBC), hematocrit (Hct), hemoglobin (Hb), RBC index like mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) as well as immunological parameters such as peroxidase, lysozyme and complement activities, total protein, albumin and globulin levels were measured after 21 days of watercress extract treatment. The results indicated that oral administration of 1 % watercress extract in fish may enhance some hematological and immunological parameters including Hb and MCHC, lysozyme and complement activities, total protein and globulin levels, compared to the controls after 21 days of experimental period. In conclusion, on the basis of these results, oral administration of watercress extract may be useful to improve fish's immune system.

Multi vesicular osseous hydatid disease of the mandible- a case report.

Hydatid disease is a common and major public health issue caused by parasite Echinococcus granulosus. The highest prevalence of the parasite can be found in different parts of world like Africa, Australia, and South America. This infection can occurs in almost any part of the body. Here we present clinical, radiological, histological features and treatment of a multi vesicular osseous hydatid disease of the mandible in an Afghan 5 year old boy with a firm swelling in the right side of mandible.