Length-weight frequency and sex ratio of crayfish, Astacus leptodactylus, in Aras Reservoir, west Azerbaijan, Iran

The length-weight frequency and sex ratio of crayfish (Astacus leptodactylus) in Aras Reservoir, was studied seasonally from spring 2008 to winter 2009. The total mean length and weight for the crayfish were 106.43±7.94mm and 35.81±10.86g, respectively. A measured 18.99% of the caught crayfish exceeded the standard commercial size (120mm) and only 16.43% of the catch weighed higher than the standard commercial weight 50 grams. The standards have been set forth by West Azerbaijan Fishery Office. Generally, the male crayfish dominated the samples. Comparisons of growth equations confirmed that the males are heavier than females with the same size. The results showed that crayfish Astacus leptodactylus has critical condition in Aras Reservoir

Developing the attenuation relation for damage spectrum in X-braced steel structures with neural network

Evaluating structural damage, caused by earthquakes, is very important in seismic risk management. Zoning maps of structural damage are directly used in evaluating damage of different zones as well as planning to retrofit structures. Attenuation relation is applied in preparing the acceleration zoning of regions. Similarly, damage attenuation relations which are used in analyzing probabilistic hazard and preparing damage zoning are obtained by structural damage spectrum. This spectrum is nonlinear and designed by considering nonlinear parameters of a series of one-degree-of-freedom structures and time history dynamic analysis. After gathering and modifying 778 records of the earthquakes happened in Iran, the damage spectrum was prepared for X-braced steel structures with different specifications (yield force, hysteresis curves, and ductility capacity). Damage attenuation relation was developed for the structures through regression analysis and the obtained results were compared with those of artificial neural network method. Damage of three samples with different specifications was calculated by the developed attenuation relation. The obtained results were compared with those of time history dynamic analysis. The developed relations were used for analyzing the probabilistic damage risk and preparing the damage zoning maps for city of Qazvin, as a seismic region in Iran

Evaluation of SD-208, a TGF-β-RI kinase inhibitor, as an anticancer agent in retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma is the most common intraocular tumor in children resulting from genetic alterations and transformation of mature retinal cells. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of SD-208, TGF-β-RI kinase inhibitor, on the expression of some miRNAs including a miR-17/92 cluster in retinoblastoma cells. Prior to initiate this work, the cell proliferation was studied by Methyl Thiazolyl Tetrazolium (MTT) and bromo-2�-deoxyuridine (BrdU) assays. Then, the expression patterns of four miRNAs (18a, 20a, 22, and 34a) were investigated in the treated SD-208 (0.0, 1, 2 and 3 μM) and untreated Y-79 cells. A remarkable inhibition of the cell proliferation was found in Y-79 cells treated with SD-208 versus untreated cells. Also, the expression changes were observed in miRNAs 18a, 20a, 22 and 34a in response to SD-208 treatment (P<0.05). The findings of the present study suggest that the anti-cancer effect of SD-208 may be exerted due to the regulation of specific miRNAs, at least in this particular retinoblastoma cell line. To the best of the researchers� knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating that the SD-208 could alter the expression of tumor suppressive miRNAs as well as oncomiRs in vitro. In conclusion, the present data suggest that SD-208 could be an alternative agent in retinoblastoma treatment. © 2016 Tehran University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved

An Ecology study on artificial reef in Hormozgan (Bandar Lengeh)

Uncontrolled fishing of marine resources in the world, has caused many commercial species to be at risk of destruction and extinction. Along with development of aquaculture, establishment of artificial reefs is considered one of important strategies to compensate loss of resources and overfishing. Accordingly, the project was based. Sampling of fish cary out from winter 2005 to Fall 2006 and for plankton, zooplankton, Iktyoplankton and bentoses from spring 2006 to winter 2006. The structures of Moloo artificial habitat had been arranged in seven rows at three depths (8, 9.5 and 11 m). Two control stations were considered one kilometer each side of the habitat. Sampling of physicochemical parameters and pollutantsand sediment cary out in summer and winter 2006 . CPUE and frequency of species, showed significant differences between seventh row (mixed structures) and six other rows (P0.05). Although mean CPUE showed high seasonal differences, but because analogous variance was also significantly different (P0.05). Observed and identified ichthyoplanktons were pertaining to families Clupeidae, Gobiidae, Callionymidae, Engraulidae, Sciaenidae and Sparidae. The highest density was observed in summer; The highest mean annual density was related to Gobiidae. Benthos groups were including crustaceans, molluscs, polychaetes, nematodes, nemertines, foraminiferans, ophiurids and echiurans. There were obtained no significant difference between density of benthic organisms on surfaces of different structures. Despite significant seasonal differences between some physicochemical factors and water pollution (P<0.05), significant differences between stations did not exist; Mean water temperature in establishment area of structures, were obtained 32.9 0.5 °C in summer and 21.4 0.5 °C in winter. Due to the buffering properties of seawater, pH had a limited range of changes (8 - 8.95) with an average of 8.81 0.13. Average amount of transparency was 3.8 2.72 and 5.63 0.78 m. in summer and winter respectively. Annual averages of dissolved oxygen and salinity were 7.11 0.1 ppm and 39.13 0.26 ppt respectively. Annual average of nutrients including nitrate, nitrite and phosphate in the study area, were, 74.9 0.7, 1.44 0.09 and 0.97 0.06 µmol per lit. respectively. The average COD in the summer and winter is estimated 1.53 0.48 and 1.62 0.48 mg per ml, respectively. Mean values of copper, zinc, iron, nickel and lead were obtained 26.5, 54.3, 27.6, 70.85 and 48.15 µg per one gram of dried weight of sediment, respectively; Aliphatic normal hydrocarbons (C10-C30) have been measured in water and sediment samples

Laboratories risks evaluation of Persian Gulf and Oman Sea Ecological Research Center

In this study, to assess and classify risks associated with working in the laboratories of Persian Gulf and Oman Sea Ecological Research Center, the method of "Failure Mode Effects Analysis" (FMEA) as well as some statistical methods were used. The results of the risk assessment in the 11 affiliated laboratories showed that the risk levels in all cases, except for benthos laboratory, could be evaluated as moderate or high and therefore appropriate corrective actions must be implemented. Based on the results of the Kruskal-Wallis tests both before and after the corrective actions, there were significant differences between the laboratories from the viewpoint of risk priority number (RPN). The post hoc tests showed the lowest risk levels for the benthose and histology laboratories, while the highest risks identified in the laboratory of instrumental analysis. The results of the classification of the laboratories using cluster analysis are largely similar to those of the posthoc tests. According to Mann-Whitney U test, only in the case of the samples preparation laboratory, significant differences between the values of the RPN before and after the corrective actions could be observed (p> 0.05), however, the risk levels still remained high. In general it can be concluded that FMEA is an effective method for risk assessment in the research laboratories and appropriate statistical methods can also be used for complementary analysis

The study of cyst formation in bisexual strains of A. urmiana, A. franciscana and parthenogenetic strians of A. pakistan, A. turkmenistan in laboratory conditions

The study was conducted to achieve growth, survival and reproductive characteristics of four Artemia populations (A.urmiana , A.franciscana , Pakistan strain and Turkmanestan strain). In this study, The strains were cultured under the same and static environment in laboratory condition. All cysts strains were hatched using the standard methods and the nauplii from the populations were cultured in laboratory condition using 80 g/L salinity, 25±1ºC with photoperiod (12L:12D) and Dunalliella tertiolecta were fed. The growth and survival of artemia were determined on days 8, 11, 14, 17 and 20 of culture. Randomly, The adult population were placed in 50 ml conical falcons and reproductive characteristics were determined. The results revealed that the survivorship A. franciscana had the highest survival (%99.8) and A. turkmanestan lowest survival (%92.1) The results revealed that the in growth rate while pakistanian strain had the highest growth rate(8554 micron). The results revealed that the reproductive characteristics in each population of species , the highest cyst production were observed in A. urmiana, A. franciscana and A. turkmanestan strains and the highest nauplii production was due to pakistanian strain. The highest production were observed in A. franciscana and lowest production were observed in turkmanestan strain

Echocardiographic characteristics including tissue Doppler imaging after enhanced external counterpulsation therapy.

This study assessed the effects of a course of enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) therapy on systolic and diastolic cardiac function using echocardiography to measure left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), end-systolic volume (ESV), end-diastolic volume (EDV), systolic wave (Sm), early diastolic wave (Ea), Vp, E/Ea, E/Vp, and diastolic function grade in 25 patients before and after 35 hours of EECP. EECP reduced ESV and EDV and increased ejection fraction significantly in patients with baseline LVEF or = 14 (P=.032, .038, .007), baseline grade II or III diastolic dysfunction (decreased compliance) (P=.014, .032, .027), baseline Ea 50, baseline E/Ea or = 7 cm/s, and Sm > or = 7 cm/s. These results demonstrate improved systolic and diastolic function in selected patients and provide new insight into potential clinical applications of EECP

Echocardiographic characteristics including tissue Doppler imaging after enhanced external counterpulsation therapy.

This study assessed the effects of a course of enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) therapy on systolic and diastolic cardiac function using echocardiography to measure left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), end-systolic volume (ESV), end-diastolic volume (EDV), systolic wave (Sm), early diastolic wave (Ea), Vp, E/Ea, E/Vp, and diastolic function grade in 25 patients before and after 35 hours of EECP. EECP reduced ESV and EDV and increased ejection fraction significantly in patients with baseline LVEF or = 14 (P=.032, .038, .007), baseline grade II or III diastolic dysfunction (decreased compliance) (P=.014, .032, .027), baseline Ea 50, baseline E/Ea or = 7 cm/s, and Sm > or = 7 cm/s. These results demonstrate improved systolic and diastolic function in selected patients and provide new insight into potential clinical applications of EECP

The study of increasing production of warm water fish per unit area in West Azarbaijan Province with using aeration and nutrition management

This project in partnership with Azerbaijan State Fisheries Department and the aim of increasing fish production hydrothermal (Carp fish) at unit area through providing scientific and practical method in applying air device and nutrition management, a field area of 8.5 hectares and in ponds with 3300 m^2 at village Eylarzgy carried at Urmia city. After preparation of ponds, action to release fry density was 6000 ha piece. Percent including 55 percent of silver carp (as most fish), Common carp 31 percent, 8 percent Grass carp and 6 percent of Big head with average weights 67 to 92 grams respectively. For fertilizing ponds in addition to basic fertilizer, during development, organic fertilizers (cow) amount to 24 ton/ hectar (Aslary) once every two days and types of mineral fertilizers (chemical) rate of 1012.5 kg per in three days once were used. In addition to feeding carp fish with natural food, concentrates and food for feeing Grass carp fresh forage (alfalfa) was used. Oxygen supply required for ponds were provided with one to two air units (Air jet). Sampling and biometry of fish and water samples for water analysis and identification of plant zooplankton (of the family and genus) once every month until the end of the growing period was performed. Resulting data were analyzed with Excel statistical software. Results showed that the production rate in the studied ponds was 4.74 tons per hectare and production of 3.15 tons per hectare in year ago, the farm has 50.5 percent increase compared to year ago average production rate in the whole province (3.21 tons per hectare) of 47.7 percent and the average production rate in the country in 1385 (about 3.8 tons per hectare) 24.7 percent increase shows

Feasibility study on development of artificial reefs in the Persian Gulf (Hormuzgan province)

Persian Gulf waters (areas of Hormuzgan province) in order to determine the best location for installation of Artificial reefs were studied seasonally from December 2006 to March 2007. Distribution of fauna and flora and estimation of deposit depth by SCUBA diving method, density and frequency of macrobenthose communities, frequency of ichthyoplankton communities, determination of organic carbon (OC) and Grain size and measurement of water physical factors including salinity, saturation oxygen, dissolved oxygen, temperature, chlorophyll a, in transect and subtransect was studied for recognizing the best placement to installation of artificial reefs. All areas of Shipping, military areas, around of Islands, natural habitats and entrance to jetty were introduced for excluding areas. South of Qeshm Island (transects of Bahman jetty, Bandar Masen and Bandar Salakh) are catching area for small pelagic (sardine and anchovy fishes), therefore in these areas installation of artificial reefs have confined with this restriction. Also entrance to Bahman jetty, sea plant habitats (sea grass and algae) in transects of Bahman jetty and Bandar Masen were considered as restricted areas. In this area, suitable areas for installation of artificial reefs was determined based on distribution of Ichthyoplankton societies for every transect, for macrobenthose enrichment Bahman jetty transect was calculated middle, but transects of Bandar Masen, Hengam island and Bandar Salakh was done good indicator. The deposition depth in transects of Bandar Masen and Hengam island was determined as good factor but this index was known as average factor for transects of Bahman jetty and Bandar Masen. Also, two another indicators, primary production and bottom sturdiness, were calculated as middle factor for Bahman jetty transect, but these indicators were known as good factors for other transects in this area (Bandar Masen, Hengam island and Bandar Salakh). The results of these indicators in transects of Bandar Kong and Bandar Bostaneh in Bandar Lengeh area was indicated that T. O. C and bottom sturdiness indices had no significant difference (p>0. 05) and the whole of these transects had average priority. Bottom sturdiness, primary productions and macrobenthose communities indices had difference in Bandar Lengeh area (p<0. 05) and these indices had average priority in Bandar Kong transect and had good priority in transects of Bandar Bostaneh and Bandar Hasineh. Ichthyoplankton community had average priority for Bandar Bostaneh transect, and had good priority for transects of Bandar Kong and Bandar Hasineh. The good priority has obtained for transects of Bandar Charak, Bandar Gorzeh and Bandar Chiroeyah. Also Macrobenthose community, primary production, water physical factors and bottom sturdiness were known as good, good, average and weakness priority respectively for transects of Bandar Charak, Bandar Gorzeh, but primary production, bottom sturdiness, water physical factors and macrobenthose community were resulted as average, good, good and average priority respectively for Bandar Chiroeyah transect . T.O.C index was determined as average priority for transects of Bandar Gorzeh and Bandar Chiroeyah and good priority for Bandar Charak transect. Finally, excluded areas maps, suitability areas maps and feasibility areas maps were drawn by Arc GIS software. In this survey, layers between 10 to 20 meters depth were recognized as the best position for installation of artificial reefs