Removal of Estrogen Hormones (17-Estradiol and Estrone) from Aqueous Solutions Using Rice Husk Silica

The aim of this study was to investigate the removal of estrogen hormones (17β-estradiol and estrone) from aqueous solutions using rice husk extracted silica. Rice husk was collected from rice factories in Mazandaran province (Iran) and the adsorbent was prepared in a furnace at 800 °C for 4 h, after acid leaching with hydrochloric and sulfuric acid mixture. Optimal operating parameters for estrogen removal were determined, including initial pH values (4–9), adsorbent dosages (0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 g L–1), contact times (30, 60, 90, and 120 min), and initial concentrations of 17β-estradiol and estrone (10, 40, 70 and 100 ng L–1); one-factor-at-a-time method was used. The method of electrochemiluminescence was used to measure the concentration of hormones. Kinetic adsorption models and adsorption isotherms were also studied. The maximum removal efficiency (%) of 17β-estradiol (E2) and estrone (E1) hormones of 95.5 and 93.1 %, respectively, was obtained at optimal conditions of pH 4, 1.5 g L–1 of adsorbent dosage, 60 min of contact time and 10 ng L–1 initial concentrations of E2 and E1. Pseudo first-order kinetic model and Langmuir adsorption isotherm had the best fit with experimental data for both estrogen hormones, following nonlinear regression procedure. Rice husk silica could be considered as effective and accessible adsorbent for removal of estrogenic hormones. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License

A survey on health status of marine fish in Bandar-e-Imam station

Mariculture is one of the most important sub sector fisheries industry in Asia-pacific region. There are over 40 marine fish species commonly cultured, such as groupers (Epinephlus spp.), snappers (Lutjanus spp.) and Asian sea bass (Lattes calcarifer). But this industry in Southeast Asia experienced serious disease problem since the late 1980s. Khouzestan province has a coastal line about 200 km with many Creek and suitable area for Mariculture. Marine fish culture in Khouzestan province in floating net cages was successfully initiated in Ghazaleh Creek following development of Epinephlus coioides artificial seed production in the 1372. This study has been conducted since 1384 to 1387 in Bandar-e-Imam station. The aim of this research project was to determine the health management status in cage and hatchery, identification of marine fish pathogens (Bacteria, Fungi and parasite), examination of heavy metal in cages sediment and test the physico chemical factors of water in cages and hatchery. Different parts of broodstocks body and fingerlings including intestine, gills and body surface were examined. In this study, 18 Genus and species of bacteria such as Vibrio alginolyticus, Vibrio anguillarum, Vibrio splendidus, Vibrio vulnificus, Plesiomonas shigelloides, Aeromonas hydrophila, Aeromonas caviae, Pseudomonas sp. were diagnosed. Also 7 Genus and species of fungi such as: Aspergillus Niger, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicillium sp. And Fusarium sp. Were isolated. In this survey following of disease appearance parasites such as; protozoans Amyloodinium sp. And Trichodina sp. In E.coioides and Acanthopagrus latus and Sparidentex hasta, monogean such as Benedenia sp. In E.coioides and S. hasta, isopoda probably Nerocila sp. In nasal cavity of E.coioides and copepods such as: Caligus sp. And Lernanthropus sp. In A.latus and S.hasta were identified. In this study, microorganisms (bacteria, fungi and parasites) isolated from three different marine fishes species, were reported for the first time in Iran. The range of the physico-chemical parameters of water in cages were: DO (5.42-10.24 ppm), BOD5 (1.51-10.24 ppm), No_2 (0.0197-0.89 ppm), No_3 (3.53-11.93 ppm), Po_4 (0.965-6.05 ppm), turbidity (4-58 NTU) and ammonia (0.0008-0.03 ppm). According to the results parameters such as nitrate, nitrite and turbidity were found more than standard levels. Heavy metals: Ni and Pb relatively high observed

Monitoring infectious agents in L.vannamei farms in choebdeh-Abadan

The introduction of L. vannamei to Iran from Hawaii was initiated when high mortality occurred in shrimp farms of Abadan in 2002 than in Bushehr during summer of 2004. Inspection of L. vannamei for infectious agents (Bacteria , virus , fungi and parasite ) , determine total plate count and total vibrio in Bahmanshir Rivers, shrimps and farms water , examination physicochemical factors of farms water , Identification of carriers of wssv in wild shrimp and crabs , the main objectives of this study , which was held in 2007 . 540 shrimp samples (pl12 pl15) and subadults were collected from different shrimp farms in khouzestan province and then check for identity bacteria, fungi and parasite. Also 280 samples of L. vannamei , wild shrimps ( Metapenaeus af inis , Exopalaemon styliferus ) and crabs (Grapsus sp .and Sesarma sp. ) were Collected from Bahmanshir river for virology studies by PCR procedure (Iq2000 kit WSSV , IHHNV , TSV ) . 120 samples of L. vannamei for histopathology had been collected randomly and preserved in Davidson’s fixation and then transferred to 75% ethyl alcohol for storage. (Hepatopancreas gills). Physicochemical parameters of water in culture ponds comprising of pH DO, BOD, NO_3, NO_2, salinity. Total. Hardness and NH3 were measured all over culture period for 340 times. Finally it has been detected 10 genus and species of bacteria consisting of V . alginolyticus, V. parahaemolyticus, V. proteolyticus , plesiomonas shigelloides ; 6 genus and species of fungi specially Aspergilus niger , Asp.fumigatus and Asp.flavus and two genus of parasites vorticella sp. And Zoothamnium sp. were isolated. Crab (Sesarma sp.) were tested by using Iq2000 diagnostic kit for WSSV that positive for WSSV. There was a positive result (three viruses TSV, IHHNV and WSSV) for postlarvae and subadults of L.vannamei by using Iq2000 kit and IFRO kit (Internal kit). Histopathological studies have shown inclusion bodies of TSV, WSSV, IHHNV, MBV and HPV in various tissues. Results demonstrated the mean of vibrio count (0. 01×103 - 1.96 ×103) and tolal plate count (0 .21 ×103 - 14.25 ×10 3). physicochemical parameters of water were measured as follows : salinity (12.3 22.5 ppt ).BOD5 ( 1.98 10.21 ppm ) , DO (3.17 11.25 ppm ) , NH3(0.02 3.45 ppm ) and temperature (20 31. 5 c) . Keywords: L.vannamei, bacteria, virus, fungi, parasite Histo pathology - physicochemical parameters of water- Abadan khouzestan province

Fish gene bank of the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea

Genetic studies and gene banks preparation can identify guidelines for improving diversity and population structure and estimation, poaching and also the amount of cross breeding and provide genetic classification. In this study, sampling was performed from the important studied species habitats areas for the species such as: Dasyatis bennetti، Netuma thalassina, Netuma bilineata Carcharhinus leucas، Choerodon robustus، Pseudorhombus pentophthalmus ،Pseudorhombus arsius Thunnus tonggol ،Euthynnus affinis and Trichiurus lepturus. Total DNA extraction was performed using phenol - chloroform method which is the most common method for DNA extraction in order to achieve high quality of DNA was performed in the preparation of gene bank in this study. After relevant studies on this gene primers were designed and in use. After editing the sequences, nucleotide BLAST (Basic Local Alignment Search Tool) was performed using NCBI blast main page. The sequences obtained from each sample were aligned and corrected from any ambiguities and assembled using Bio edit program .Trees were generated using maximum parsimony (MP), a character-based algorithm and neighbor joining (NJ) a distance-based algorithm for phenetic analysis. The distance matrix option of MEGA4 was used to calculate genetic distance according to the Kimura 2-parameter model of sequence evolution. Based on the results obtained, the optical density of 260 to 280 nm in the samples was recorded between 1/8 - 2, indicating good quality DNA samples. Optimized PCR reaction to 16SrRNA gene amplification using the gradient between 48 - 60° C showed that the most suitable criteria for binding primers, 54 to 58 Celsius degrees respectively. The project objectives including the identification of the genetic structure of the species, and draw the phylogenetic trees using two genes 16SrRNA, making identification and registration of specified computer storage and regulate the structure and management of mentioned species by focus on genetic resources 10 species of majour commercial and noncommercial fishes in the Persia Gulf and Oman Sea through the creation of an integrated network of aquatic genetic resources in the region to try to identify genetic resources and aquatic gene bank. This type of analysis could be considered as an important tool to be used in broodstock selection in breeding programs. Also identify the species of fish named as Pseudorhombus pentophthalmus with a new haplotype and genetic differences 7% in compare to the samples recorded in the World gene Bank can considered as a major achievements of this research

Hypoxia-enhanced Blood-Brain Barrier Chip recapitulates human barrier function and shuttling of drugs and antibodies

The high selectivity of the human blood-brain barrier (BBB) restricts delivery of many pharmaceuticals and therapeutic antibodies to the central nervous system. Here, we describe an in vitro microfluidic organ-on-a-chip BBB model lined by induced pluripotent stem cell-derived human brain microvascular endothelium interfaced with primary human brain astrocytes and pericytes that recapitulates the high level of barrier function of the in vivo human BBB for at least one week in culture. The endothelium expresses high levels of tight junction proteins and functional efflux pumps, and it displays selective transcytosis of peptides and antibodies previously observed in vivo. Increased barrier functionality was accomplished using a developmentally-inspired induction protocol that includes a period of differentiation under hypoxic conditions. This enhanced BBB Chip may therefore represent a new in vitro tool for development and validation of delivery systems that transport drugs and therapeutic antibodies across the human BBB

Reproductive maturation of sub adult Indian carps in earthen ponds

Carp culture in extensive and semi-extensive systems: i.e., earthen ponds, natural and semi-natural water resources, reservoirs and the paddy field has widspred distribution. Indian major carps including Catla (Catla catla), Roho (Labeo rohita), Mrigal (Cirrhinus mirgala) which have faster growth and good feed value than other warm water fishes introduced to many countries including India, Thailand, Burma, Philippines, Japan and the former Soviet Union are also considered and are reared. Sex steroids are important in the control of reproduction in fish. Development of methods for Indian education programs for proliferation requires knowledge of the hormonal changes during sexual maturation and spawning is. Testosterone, progesterone and 17 ϐ-estradiol are steroid hormones that play an important role in controlling Tuesday reproduction and sexual maturity of the fish are. This study aimed to investigate the changes in steroid hormones testosterone and 17 beta-estradiol including Catla (Catla catla), Roho (Labeo rohita), Mrigal (Cirrhinus mirgala) were conducted in different seasons. 40 specimen of carps breeders were investigated in southern (Aquaculture Research Institute) and north (North Aquaculture Research Institute) of Iran and maintained in different seasons (spring, summer, autumn, winter). Fish were caught by netting vetch and spring 1 cm. Blood samples were collected from the fish caudal blood serum by centrifugal separation model Labofuga 200 was made in Germany. Testosterone, and estradiol RIA (Radioimmunoassy) using an automatic gamma counter LKB model made in Finland made in France using the Immunotech kit hormone were measured. The results showed that the average level of 17 betaestradiol in the female in the spring, summer, autumn and winter, respectively, 82/12 ± 75/107, 66/13 ± 2/80, 73/17 ± 8/122 and 72/17 ± 25/104 ml, respectively. Mean testosterone levels in the female in the spring, summer, autumn and winter, respectively, 004/0 ± 092/0, 002/0 ± 05/0, 003/0 ± 11/0 and 006/0 ± 1/0 ng ml, respectively. Overall, the highest levels of 17 beta-estradiol and testosterone in female Roho were recorded in autumn. Also, low levels of 17 beta-estradiol and testosterone in female Roho was observed in summer. Highest and lowest levels of the male hormone, respectively, were recorded in winter and spring. The relationship between the hormone 17 beta-estradiol and testosterone with environmental factors such as pH and dissolved oxygen were discussed. there was a positive correlation between testosterone levels in males only the amount of dissolved oxygen .results revieled that sex hormone levels were increased during winter and autumn would be the signe for reproductive performance and spawning seasone in three species

Identification and characterization of pathogenic viruses in aquatic animal using advanced techniques in order to develop rapid diagnostic kit (shrimp viral disease kit as well as TSV, HPV and MBV )

Shrimp production increasing rapidly in the world and in2013 the production reaches 4.2 MT. In Iran the shrimp production is under development and estimated in 1393, 20 thousand tons produced. In this regards the important subject is health and disease in shrimp farm. The white spot syndrome virus for second time appears in chabahar and damage many farms. Because the aquaculture activity expand in the world in national, regional and international scale, many emerge disease are endanger. In this regard the viral disease is very important and not only decrease the production but also has a side effect in business and national economy. For control and prevention the viral disease, the accurate methods such as PCR kit were developed. In this project the PCR methods with sensitivity, specificity and efficacy was designed and used for detection viral disease. Many viruses have several serotypes and in different area maybe new serotype induce the disease. For this reason, the specific kit will be design. Three viruses consist of MBV, TSV and IHHNV are very pathogenic in shrimp farm and need the specific PCR kit for detection them. In this project the MBV virus was identified and designs a new primer with Oligo software and the primer amplified a part of DNA with 185 bp in the gel. The specificity and sensitivity of primer were checked by IQ2000 Kit and the primer used for detection unknown samples

Designing and establishment of ISO/IEC 17025 in laboratories of national inland water aquaculture center and south Iran aquaculture research center

The project was carried out between June of 2011 and November of 2012,8 laboratories of research center in Anzali (Plankton, Algae, Hydrochemistry, Physiology, Ichthyology, Bentose, Parazitology, Virology) and 7 laboratories of research center in Ahvaz (Clinical pathology, Plankton, Hydrochemistry, Physiology, Ichthyology, Bentose, Parazitology, Virology) were selected for accreditation. The main stages for establishment of the system consisted of: 1-Conducting a gap analysis to compare the present state of the laboratories with ISO/IEC 17025 2-Training General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories Validation of methods Estimation of uncertainty Internal audits 3- Performing of technical and management requirements 4-Submit of quality manual to ASCB center in England in order to accredit In August of 2012 The main results were including: 1-Increase the accuracy of measurement in laboratories 2-Improvement of the Repeatability and Reproducibility of the test methods 3-Traceability and standardization of test methods 4- Calibration of measurement instruments 6- Updating of test methods 7-Standardization of physical condition of the laboratories 8- Getting the certification from ASCB center i