Synthesis of Ag-ZnO with multiple rods (multipods) morphology and its application in the simultaneous photo-catalytic degradation of methyl orange and methylene blue.

In this study, the photo-decolorization of a mixture of methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO) was investigated using Ag-ZnO multipods. The photo-catalyst used, ZnO multipods, was successfully synthesized. The surface of ZnO microstructure was modified by deposition of different amounts of Ag nanoparticles (Ag NPs) using the photo-reduction method. The as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-Vis and atomic absorption spectroscopy. The photo-catalytic efficiency of Ag-ZnO is mainly controlled by the amount of Ag NPs deposited on the ZnO surface. The results obtained suggest that Ag-ZnO containing 6.5% Ag NPs, has the highest photo-catalytic performance in the simultaneous photo-degradation of dyes at a shorter time.

Effects of demographic factors, body mass index, alcohol drinking and smoking habits on irritable bowel syndrome: a case control study.

BACKGROUND: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder. AIMS: To identify demographic factors in patients with IBS. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: One-hundred and fifty three IBS patients seen at Taleghani Hospital Gastroenterology Clinic and met the Rome III criteria and 163 peoples who did not meet IBS criteria were consecutively enrolled. Both groups were asked to complete a self-rating questionnaire containing information, which included questions about age, sex, monthly income, education level, marital status, height, weight, alcohol drinking and smoking habits. Student's t-test, Pearson's Chi-square and logistic regression were used to statistical analysis. RESULTS: The mean (SD) age for IBS patients 36.3 (13.5) years and 33.1 (9.9) years in non-IBS group (P < 0.001). Frequency of IBS defined by Rome III criteria was higher in females and younger individuals. Univariate analysis showed that IBS in males was associated with a lower monthly income and educational level and in females younger age, single, lower monthly income and educational level, body mass index (BMI), and unemployment status. Multivariate logistic regression identified a low level of education in males (Odds ratio [OR] = 3.6, 95% Confidence interval [CI]: 1.4-9.6) and in females, lower education level (OR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.1-5.2), lower BMI (OR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.89-0.99), unemployed (OR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.11-0.85) and smoking (OR = 6.2, 95% CI: 1.03-37.2). CONCLUSION: We identified demographic factors in IBS patients. Being single and having a lower educational level, income, lower BMI and being unemployed were the most important factors associated with IBS, particularly in females.

A 34K SNP genotyping array for Populus trichocarpa: design, application to the study of natural populations and transferability to other Populus species.

Genetic mapping of quantitative traits requires genotypic data for large numbers of markers in many individuals. For such studies, the use of large single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping arrays still offers the most cost-effective solution. Herein we report on the design and performance of a SNP genotyping array for Populus trichocarpa (black cottonwood). This genotyping array was designed with SNPs pre-ascertained in 34 wild accessions covering most of the species latitudinal range. We adopted a candidate gene approach to the array design that resulted in the selection of 34 131 SNPs, the majority of which are located in, or within 2 kb of, 3543 candidate genes. A subset of the SNPs on the array (539) was selected based on patterns of variation among the SNP discovery accessions. We show that more than 95% of the loci produce high quality genotypes and that the genotyping error rate for these is likely below 2%. We demonstrate that even among small numbers of samples (n = 10) from local populations over 84% of loci are polymorphic. We also tested the applicability of the array to other species in the genus and found that the number of polymorphic loci decreases rapidly with genetic distance, with the largest numbers detected in other species in section Tacamahaca. Finally, we provide evidence for the utility of the array to address evolutionary questions such as intraspecific studies of genetic differentiation, species assignment and the detection of natural hybrids.

Evaluation of five resynchronization methods using different combinations of PGF2α, GnRH, estradiol and an intravaginal progesterone device for insemination in Holstein cows.

The aim of this study was to evaluate five methods for the resynchronization of estrus in lactating dairy cows. One hundred and seventy-three Holstein cows were assigned at random to five treatments: Ovsynch-24, IPD+Ovsynch-24, Ovsynch-31, Heatsynch, and IPD+Heatsynch. The start of the resynchronization protocols, and all subsequent procedures, was timed in relation to the pre-enrolment AI (PAI) and ranged over 7 days for each treatment. The pregnancy status of all the animals was evaluated by ultrasound examination on day 31±3 PAI. In all treatments, the resynchronized AI (RAI) was at an observed estrus or at a fixed time after the completion of the resynchronization procedures. Cows were observed for estrus thrice daily and those observed in estrus were inseminated according to the AM-PM rule. Those cows diagnosed as not pregnant and not observed in estrus were inseminated at a fixed time. The average proportion of cows with an active CL was 31.2% (54/173) on day 14 PAI, 22.0% (38/173) on day 21 PAI, and 18.5% (32/173) on day 24 PAI (NS). The incidence of luteolysis averaged 12.7% (22/173) from day 21 to 24, and 28.9% (50/173) from day 14 to 24. The differences between individual treatments were not significant but there was a significantly greater incidence of luteolysis (P<0.0009) from day 14 to 21 for the IPD treatments combined (30.3%; 24/63) than for the non-IPD treatments combined (26.6%; 17/110). Conception rates at day 31 PAI ranged from 16.6% to 42.1% (NS), and at day 61 PAI ranged from 16.6% to 37.1% (NS). Also conception rates at day 31 and 61 RAI ranged from 5% to 25% (NS). Pregnancy losses between days 31 and 61 PAI varied from 0 to 25.0% (NS) between treatments for the pre-enrollment AI but were 0% for all treatments for the resynchronized AI. It was concluded that using IPD, PGF2α, estradiol and GnRH in different resynchronization methods had no effects on conception rate in this study. Also conception rate was not significantly different when resynchronization programs began before ultrasonographic examination for pregnancy diagnosis. Using IPD did not reduce luteolysis during resynchronization programs and estrus detection rates were similar among treatment groups.

Comparison of the effects of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, human chorionic gonadotropin or progesterone on pregnancy per artificial insemination in repeat-breeder dairy cows.

Three different treatments were compared to improve pregnancy per artificial insemination (P/AI) in repeat-breeder (RB) dairy cows. All cows (n=103) were assigned to one of four groups: (1) gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH); (2) human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG); (3) once-used controlled internal drug release (CIDR) device; and (4) control. All treatments performed 5-6days after artificial insemination (AI) and milk samples were collected just before treatment for progesterone assays. There were no significant differences in milk fat progesterone concentration among trial groups. Cows were observed for estrus signs thrice daily. Pregnancy per AI on day 45 in hCG and CIDR groups were significantly higher than GnRH and control groups (60.0% and 56.0% vs. 26.9% and 29.6%, respectively), but there were no differences in P/AI between GnRH and control groups. There were also no significant differences between hCG and CIDR groups. Milk fat progesterone concentrations were compared between pregnant and non-pregnant cows in each group and only in the hCG group it was significantly lower in pregnant cows. In conclusion, treating repeat-breeder cows with hCG or once-used CIDR 5-6days after AI improved P/AI.

Metabolic changes in cows with or without retained fetal membranes in transition period.

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of retained fetal membranes (RFM) on serum minerals and energy- and protein-related metabolites in dairy cows at a herd with a recent history of fatty liver syndrome. Forty-seven multiparous Holstein cows were selected during transition period. Nine cows had RFM longer than 24 h after calving. Blood samples were obtained on prepartum days 21 and 7 and postpartum days 7 and 21. We used repeated measure procedure of anova to evaluate the effect of RFM on serum metabolites. Cows with RFM had significantly higher concentrations of beta-hydroxybutyrate, non-esterified fatty acids and triglycerides after calving, but had lower concentrations of cholesterol during transition period. The concentrations of serum albumin and blood urea nitrogen were also significantly lower in RFM-affected cows than non-affected ones after parturition. Our results suggested that negative energy balance (NEB) postpartum was associated with RFM in dairy cattle. However, our findings did not reveal a cause and effect relationship with respect to the role of NEB as a possible risk factor for RFM.

First report of Neospora caninum-associated bovine abortion in Mashhad area, Iran.

Neospora caninum is an apicomplexan protozoan which causes abortion in cattle worldwide. The present study was designed to assess the importance of bovine neosporosis for causing abortion in Iranian cattle. Infection was primarily diagnosed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), complemented with histopathology and immunohistochemistry (IHC). One hundred brains of aborted bovine fetuses were collected from Iranian dairy herd between 2003 and 2005 in Mashhad area. N. caninum was detected by PCR in the brains of 13 aborted fetuses. Lesions consistent with N. caninum infection were observed in 12 of fetal brains. Immunohistochemical examination of brain detected N. caninum organisms in three aborted fetuses, and a thick-walled (2 mum) cyst with 50 mum diameter was identified in one of the IHC-positive brain. The results indicated that neosporosis is an important cause of abortion in dairy cattle of Iran.

Seroepidemiology of Neospora caninum infection in dairy cattle herds in Mashhad area, Iran.

A seroepidemiology study of Neospora caninum was conducted in Mashhad area, Khorasan province, Iran on 337 cattle from 30 dairy using ELISA. All herds had seropositive cattle and antibodies were formed in 46% of the cattle. Abortion was significantly associated with seropositivity of cattle. The highest risk of abortion was observed in the 1-2-year-old cows. Our results indicate that Neospora infection is widespread in Iran.

Radioprotection by 16,16 dimethyl prostaglandin E2 is equally effective in male and female mice.

Pretreatment with 16,16 dimethyl prostaglandin E2 (DiPGE2) provides effective protection against radiation and chemical injury. Cytoprotection against chemical injury is known to be influenced by sex factors, and is more effective in females than males. Since prostaglandin metabolism and biological responses to prostaglandin may vary between sexes, studies were conducted to compare DiPGE2-induced radioprotection in male and female mice. Pretreatment with 400 micrograms DiPGE2/kg body wt substantially enhanced 30-day survival in males and females. There was no significant difference in the LD50/30 of male and female mice receiving vehicle alone prior to irradiation, 8.34 Gy versus 8.46 Gy, respectively. DiPGE2 treatment increased the LD50/30 in males to 12.1 Gy, providing a dose modification factor (DMF) of 1.45. Similar increases were observed in females, with a LD50/30 of 11.6 and a DMF of 1.37. The reported difference in DiPGE2-induced cytoprotection between males and females exposed to ethanol injury, and the lack of variation in the present radioprotection study suggests that separate mechanisms are involved in two processes.

Proteinuria of B700, a 67 kD albumin-like melanoma-specific antigen.

B700 is a murine melanoma antigen that is closely related to, but distinct from, serum albumin. The present study examined the metabolic fate and anatomic distribution of radioiodinated B700 and mouse serum albumin (MSA) administered s.c. to mice. In blood, both proteins were associated with the plasma fraction where the halflife of B700, a glycoprotein, was 0.5 days, compared to 2.7 days for MSA. Of particular interest was the observation that B700, a 67 kD anionic protein, was excreted primarily in urine. The selective B700-proteinuria did not alter urinary volumes or produce hematuria or edema. SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and western blot analysis using the H-2-3-3 B700-specific monoclonal antibody revealed that B700 proteinuria occurred in B-16 murine melanoma bearing animals but not in control mice. These studies demonstrate that the tumor-bearing host readily distinguishes between very similar normal protein (MSA) and tumor-associated antigen (B700) molecules and processes them differently.

B700, an albumin-like melanoma-specific antigen, is a vitamin D binding protein.

B700, a murine melanoma-specific antigen, is a member of the serum albumin protein family. Other members include serum albumin and vitamin D binding protein. The primary structure and biochemical functions of B700, as well as its in vivo metabolic fate, are largely unknown. We compared murine albumin, vitamin D binding protein and B700 for their ability to specifically bind [3H]-1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D3. Scatchard analysis revealed a single binding site for B700 with a Ka of 51,000 mol/l and a Bmax of 4.51 x 10(-7) mol/l. There was no significant difference in the Ka and Bmax among the albuminoid proteins. However, differences in the binding sites could be distinguished by competition experiments where vitamin D3, vitamin D2 or 7-dehydrocholesterol competed for the specific binding of 1.25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 to a greater extent by B700 than by vitamin D binding protein. The albumin binding site more closely resembles vitamin D binding protein than B700, but the data indicate that the binding function of the albuminoid proteins is conserved in B700.

Comparison of the metabolic fate and tissue distribution of B700, an albumin-like melanoma-specific antigen with serum albumin in normal and tumor-bearing mice.

1. B700, a murine melanoma antigen, is a member of the serum albumin protein family, being closely related to murine serum albumin (MSA). 2. We have studied and compared the metabolic fate and anatomic distribution of radioiodinated B700 and MSA administered to semisyngeneic naive and tumor-bearing mice. 3. Labelled material from both proteins is excreted primarily into urine. 4. The rate of excretion of the two proteins is markedly different, with B700 having a shorter half-life in the body. 5. Despite their similar molecular weights, intact B700 represents approx. 30% of the radioactivity in the urine but only 4% of the MSA in the urine is intact. 6. These studies demonstrate that the host can readily distinguish between very similar normal (MSA) and tumor-associated (B700) molecules and process them differently. 7. Similar findings of differential fate and distribution have been reported in comparing other albuminoid molecules [Dueland S., Blomhoff R. and Pedersen J. I. (1990) Biochem. J. 267, 721-725].

B700, a melanoma-specific antigen, catalyzes metabolism of prostaglandin E2.

B700 is an albumin-like mouse-melanoma-specific antigen of unknown primary structure and biochemical function. The ability of mouse serum albumin to catalyze weak degradation of prostaglandin E2 has been utilized to compare functional similarities between B700 and mouse serum albumin. Both proteins catalyze the degradation of prostaglandin E2 to prostaglandin A2 and prostaglandin B2. This catalytic ability is related to the amino acid composition of the two proteins within the functional region rather than the 3-dimensional configuration, the activity is not altered upon boiling. The primary prostaglandin E2 metabolite in the presence of mouse serum albumin is prostaglandin B2, while prostaglandin A2 predominates in B700 catalyzed degradations. An additional product, presently unidentified, is produced during B700 catalyzed degradation of prostaglandin E2. Our studies indicate that the B700 protein has weak enzymatic activity for prostaglandin E2 similar to that of albumin. To our knowledge, B700 is the only melanoma antigen for which enzymatic activity has been demonstrated.