Intestinal digestive enzyme activity under the influence of different dietary supplements methionine and lysine in the diet of Sparidentex hasta

This study was conducted to determine the effects of dietary methionine and lysine supplementation on digestive enzymes activity in juvenile Sobaity, Sparidentex hasta. For this purpose, 180 juvenile fish with an initial average weight of 31.38 ± 1.4 g were distributed randomly in eighteen (300 L) polyethylene tanks. 6 experimental diets were prepared with different levels of methionine and lysine including control diet (without dietary methionine and lysine), Diet 1: 100% methionine; Diet 2: 75% methionine and 25% lysine; Diet 3: 50% methionine and 50% lysine; Diet 4: 25% methionine and 75% lysine; Diet 5: 100% lysine. During the experimental period, fish were fed to satiation thrice daily (8:00, 13:00 and 18:00 hours) for 8 weeks. At the end of the experiment, digestive enzymes (trypsin, chymotrypsin, alkaline phosphatase, amylase, lipase and total protease were affected by different dietary levels of methionine and lysine supplementations (P<0/05). Also, the activity of trypsin and chymotrypsin had shown an increasing trend with an increased amount of diet lysine while enzyme activity of alkaline phosphatase was higher in treatments contains the maximum amount of methionine supplementation. According to results, the increasing of lysine in diet reduced enzyme activity of lipase. The results, showed no significant differences between experimental treatments in amylase and total protease (P<0/05). Based on the results of evaluation digestive enzymes, amino acids supplements of lysine and methionine were changed the activity of digestive enzymes in juvenile Sobaity, (S. hasta). Finally, Diet 2 with 75% methionine and 25% lysine was suggested for used by Sobaity, as to the balance of dietary methionine and lysine supplementation

The Role of Vitamin D in Multiple Sclerosis: An Interaction Between Genes and Environment

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative chronic inflammatory disease with neurological and cognitive manifestations which involves the central nervous system. The etiology of it is unknown, however, it appears several factors like genetic factors, environmental factors and their interactions play key roles in the development of MS. Many studies show that vitamin D deficiency is a risk factor for MS disease. In the 21st century, about 1 billion people worldwide are vitamin D deficient. In this article, mechanisms which are associated with protective roles of vitamin D in MS based on epidemiological, immunological, experimental, molecular and clinical studies are discussed

The mechanism of Copper effect on Alzheimer's disease

Background: Aggregation of beta amyloid plaques (Aβ) in the brain is one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recent studies have shown that the change in Cu hemostasis can cause and progress AD. Materials and Methods: The literature review and recent investigations were studied. Data were analyzed and the consistent and controversial results were compared. Results: The amyloid precursor protein (APP) has three Copper binding sites including histidine 149, 151, 147 that plays a key role in the APP stability, folding and metabolism. APP acts as a Cu chaperon and metalloprotein in the brain. When Copper binds to these histidine residues, APP structure will be stable and reduce the generation of Aβ. At low Copper status, the conversion of APP to Aβ plaques and the risk of AD can be increased. Moreover, the excessive concentration of Copper especially inorganic Copper can also interact with Aβ plaques and produce H2O2 then oxidize it and cause cross-linked Aβ. Also, Cu toxicity increases ROS in specific regions of the brain involved in AD. Conclusion: There are some challenges among the related studies that Copper is a protective and progressive factor in AD. It seems that both Copper deficiency and toxicity are involved in AD. So, the maintenance of Copper balance is necessary for treatment

The association between Lead exposure and cardiovascular diseases

Background: Lead exposure is involved in cardiovascular diseases, as a major cause of mortality worldwide. This study aimed to provide an overview of the underlying mechanisms. Materials and Methods: The recent studies regarding Lead and cardiovascular diseases are reviewed. Electronic information resources such as Web of knowledge, PubMed, Science direct and Google scholar were used.Results: The data analysis indicated that the low level Lead exposure in long term causes a marked increase in arterial pressure by several mechanisms: an increase in the activities of angiotensin converting enzyme and kininase II, the effect on synthesis and/or release of renin, a reduction in the Nitric oxide availability and an increase in arterial resistance, the stimulatory effect on sympathetic nervous system, the alteration of adrenergic system and endothelium derived vasoregulatory factors, the dysregulation of arterial natriuretic peptide and interference with dependent signaling pathway. The other action of Lead is the promotion of oxidative stress (OS). Several studies demonstrated the association between OS and cardiovascular diseases. Lead has an effect on endothelial and vascular functions by interfering with the synthesis of some proteoglycans. Also, this metal can arouse a negative effect on fibrinolytic process and promote the growth of vascular smooth cells, which are involved in the formation of atherosclerotic plaque. Conclusion: Further research is needed to characterize the full impact of Lead exposure on cardiovascular diseases. Considering the high levels of Lead pollution and prevalence of cardiovascular diseases in Iran, the effects of Lead exposure on cardiovascular diseases need to be included in the risk assessment of Lead exposure

Decolorization And Biological Degradation Of Azo Dye Reactive Red2 By Anaerobic/Aerobic Sequential Process

This study investigates the anaerobic treatability of reactive Red2 in an anaerobic/aerobic sequential process. Laboratory scale anaerobic baffled reactor and fixed activated sludge reactor were operated at different organic loadings and hydraulic retention times. The effects of shock dye concentration on the chemical oxygen demand and color removal efficiencies were investigated in the anaerobic baffled reactor. The effect of hydraulic retention time on the color and chemical oxygen demand removal efficiencies were also investigated in the aerobic reactor. The studies were carried out in continuous mode and the effluent of the anaerobic baffled reactor was used as feed for the fixed activated sludge reactor. Chemical oxygen demand removal efficiency of 54.5% was obtained at HRT =1 day in the anaerobic reactor. The average color removal was 89.5%. Chemical oxygen demand removal efficiency of 69% was obtained at HRT =7 h in the aerobic fixed activated sludge reactor. A slight decrease of the color was also observed in the aerobic reactor. This investigation has shown that successful treatment of a highly colored wastewater is possible in the anaerobic baffled reactor. Also the results showed that, anaerobic biological system has higher efficiency in dye removal than fixed activated sludge system, while aerobic system has higher efficiency in chemical oxygen demand removal comparing with the anaerobic baffled reactor

In Vitro – In Vivo Evaluation of Sustained – Release Lithium Carbonate Matrix Tablets: Influence of Hydrophilic Matrix Materials

Background: Conventional Lithium carbonate (LC) tablets produce rapid and relatively high peak blood levels resulting in adverse effects. These drawbacks can be overcome by designing a suitable sustained or controlled-release LC preparation. Methods: Sustained-release matrix tablets were therefore developed using different types and ratios of polymers including carbomer (CP), Na carboxymethylcellulose (Na CMC) and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), to assess the release profiles and in vivo performance of the formulations. The tablets were prepared by either direct compression (DC) or wet granulation (WG). In the DC method, 69% (450 mg) LC, 5, 10 or 15% CP or Na CMC (of total tablet weight), lactose and /or Avicel (to maintain constant tablet weight) were mixed and directly compressed. In the WG method, 450 mg LC and 10, 20, or 30% HPMC were granulated with Eudragit S100 solution, dried, and then compressed to formulate the tablets. In vitro and in vivo, newly formulated sustained-release LC tablets were compared with sustained-release commercial tablets (Eskalith and Priadel). In vivo studies were conducted in nine healthy subjects in a cross-over design, with a 3x3 Latin square sequence, and pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated using classical methods. Results: The matrix tablets containing 15% CP exhibited suitable release kinetics and uniform absorption characteristics comparable to that of Eskalith. In vivo, this formulation produced a smooth and extended absorption phase very much similar to that of Eskalith with the identical elimination half-life and extent of absorption. Conclusion: The matrix tablets containing 15% CP reduces the incidence of side effects often associated with high serum concentration of Lithium and blood level variations. Direct correlation between the dissolution profiles and the relative bioavailability of the formulations could be observed. Keywords: Lithium carbonate, Matrix tablets, Sustained-release, In vitro-in vivo evaluatio

STABILIZATION OF DEWATERED SEWAGE SLUDGE BY AEROBIC COMPOSTING METHOD: USING SAWDUST AS BULKING AGENTS

Introduction. Sludge production from municipal wastewater treatment plants should have quality standards before disposal in to the environment. Environmental specialists classified sewage sludge as a hazardous waste because of high organic compounds and pathogenic microorganisms. They belive that sewage should be stabilized before disposal and so composting of sewage sludge is an effective and economical method to stabilize. Sewage sludge compost could be used to improve soil structure and enrich the soil with nutrients.&#13; Methods. To evaluate the optimum conditions of aerobic compost, the mixture of dewatered sewage sludge from Isfahan municipal waste water treatment plant and sawdust as bulking agent were used. Pilot scale study were performed in Isfahan municipal waste water treatment plant. To perform this research project, the dewatered sewage sludge with humidity between 78 to 82 percent were mixed with sawdust. Turning over method of the piles with one week interval were applied to aerate the mixture. Temperature of the piles were monitored at different depths daily. Other parameters such as N, G, organic matters and pH were determined weekly. Total and fecal coli form, and salmonella were determined at the beginning and end of the composting process, also heavy metals were measured at the same time.&#13; Results. The results of this study showed that after days, temperature of the mixture reached up to 55 G, and were stabled for 15 days. Humidity, organic matter, organic carbon and GIN ratio of the mixture decreased over the period of the study, due to increasing the temperature. Also organic matter and humidity mainly decreased in thermofilic phase. The number of total and fecal coliform and also salmonella decreased to A class standards of US.EPA at the end of the operation.&#13; Discussion. The results of the study also showed that, this type of composting method is reliable, and simple to schedule, with high flexibility and low odor production. Organic compounds and pathogenic microorganisms reduced and EPA standards were reached during this project

The Efficiency of Anaerobic Digesters on Microbial Quality of Sludge in Isfahan and Shahinshahr Waterwaste Treatment Plant

Anaerobic digestion is among the oldest processes used for stabilization of solid and biosolids. In this survey 12 samples were taken from the digested anaerobic sludge of Isfahan and ShahinShahr WWTP and total solids, volatile solids, total coliform, fecal coliform, Salmonella and viable parasite ova tests were done. Results were compared with the 503 sections of the 40 CFR regulation of the US EPA .The result showed that the average reduction rate was 30% for volatile solids, 4.5×107 MPN/g. dry solids (DS) for total coliform, 5.6×106MPN/g.DS for fecal coliform, 24MPN/4g.DS for Salmonella , and 27 number/4g.DS for viable parasite ova of digested anaerobic sludge in Isfahan. In Shahinshahr WWTP, the average of reduction was 39% in volatile solids, 2.13× 107MPN /g.DS in total coliform, 1.16×106 MPN /g.DS in fecal coliform ,11 MPN/4g.DS in Salmonella and 16 number/4g.DS for viable parasite ova of digested anaerobic sludge . Therefore the digested sludge in Isfahan did not meet the requirements of pathogen reduction in class A and B as well as the reduction requirements for vector attraction, while the digested sludge in ShahinShahr met the requirements of pathogen reduction in class B and vector attraction. So, agricultural use of digested sludge should be made by limiting the kind of crops as well as controlling the harvesting time. The results from the two anaerobic digesters of Isfahan and Shahin Shahr showed that there was a significance correlation between the reduction of volatile solids with total coliform, fecal coliform and Salmonella (P0.9 ), while there was no significance correlation between the reduction of volatile solids and viable parasite ova