Nutritional value and heavy metal content of fishmeal from the Southwest Caspian Sea

This study aimed to evaluate some nutritional values and heavy metal contents of fishmeal produced by the commercial factories in Guilan Province, the Southwest Caspian Sea. The fishmeal samples were randomly collected from five factories producing fishmeal by Kilka (Clupeonella spp.) (units 1-4) and tuna canning offal (unit 5) as the raw materials. Proximate fish composition, amino acid contents and four heavy metal concentrations including chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) were measured in the fishmeal specimens. Crude protein contents were found to be in the range of 53.61-68.82% and the lowest value belonged to the unit 5. Also, the highest level of fat and ash contents were 22.49% and 18.05%, respectively (p < 0.05). The lowest essential: nonessential amino acid ratio was 0.71 in unit 5. Fishmeal specimens from unit 5 showed the highest metal concentrations with the following descending order: Cr > Cd > Pb > Hg. Results indicated that the heavy metal concentrations in the fishmeal are dependent on the source of raw materials. The heavy metal concentrations in the examined fishmeal did not exceed the permissible limits proposed by National Research Council (NRC) for animal feedstuff requirements

Seroepidemiology of hepatitis C in Kermanshah (West of Iran, 2006)

Background and Aims: Chronic and serious outcomes of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection impose remarkable economic burden to the health system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of HCV infection in the general population of Kermanshah in the year 2006. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 1721 residents from Kermanshah were chosen by systematic and cluster sampling in the year 2006. After interview, serum samples were taken and evaluated for HCV-Ab using ELISA method (3rd generation). Positive samples were confirmed by Western Blot (WB) and PCR if necessary. Results: The prevalence of HCV was 0.87 (male: 1.4 vs. female: 0.3). There was 88.2 coordination between ELISA and WB results. Statistical relationship was observed between HCV infection and male sex (P<0.018), history of addiction (P<0.0001), shared needle (P<0.0001), unsafe sexual contact (P<0.008), history of blood and blood products transfusion (P<0.0001), tattooing (P<0.0001), history of incarceration (P<0.0001), and hemophilia (P<0.0001). On the other hand, stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that hemophilia, shared needle, IV addiction, transfusion and addiction were the most important risk factors for HCV infection in a descending order. The rate of HCV infection increased in cases with multiple risk factors. Conclusions: We estimate that among 967196 people, who live in Kermanshah, nearty 8400 individuals may have HCV infection and this will be a major problem in the near future. Addicts especially IV drug users and cases with the history of blood and blood products transfusion are high risk groups who need special attention regarding HCV infection

A review of advanced air distribution methods - theory, practice, limitations and solutions

Ventilation and air distribution methods are important for indoor thermal environments and air quality. Effective distribution of airflow for indoor built environments with the aim of simultaneously offsetting thermal and ventilation loads in an energy efficient manner has been the research focus in the past several decades. Based on airflow characteristics, ventilation methods can be categorized as fully mixed or non-uniform. Non-uniform methods can be further divided into piston, stratified and task zone ventilation. In this paper, the theory, performance, practical applications, limitations and solutions pertaining to ventilation and air distribution methods are critically reviewed. Since many ventilation methods are buoyancy driving that confines their use for heating mode, some methods suitable for heating are discussed. Furthermore, measuring and evaluating methods for ventilation and air distribution are also discussed to give a comprehensive framework of the review

A case of ophthalmomyiasis in man by Oestrus ovis Linncacus in Tehran ( Insecta Diptcra, Oestridae)

Five first-stage-larvae were removed by soft and pointed blottingpaper from the left eye of a woman and they were identified as oestrus ovis. She was infected in Tehran and this is the first true case of ophrhalmomyiasis due to sheep nasal bot fly in Iran. Reports indicate that case of ophrhalmomyiasis are more frequent in Iranian villages with different degree of .severity. Methods for prevention and treatments are also discussed

A case of ophthalmomyiasis in man by Oestrus ovis Linncacus in Tehran ( Insecta Diptcra, Oestridae)

Five first-stage-larvae were removed by soft and pointed blottingpaper from the left eye of a woman and they were identified as oestrus ovis. She was infected in Tehran and this is the first true case of ophrhalmomyiasis due to sheep nasal bot fly in Iran. Reports indicate that case of ophrhalmomyiasis are more frequent in Iranian villages with different degree of .severity. Methods for prevention and treatments are also discussed

Serologic response to hepatitis B vaccine in health care workers, Kermanshah, Iran

Background: Hepatitis B is a major infectious risk factor for health-care workers (HCWs) and public- safety workers. Although seroconversion rate following hepatitis B vaccination is estimated to be more than 90%, serologic response to Heberbiovac HB vaccine currently given in our center in Kermanshah province has been varied in different experiences, So, this study was conducted to determine serologic response in HCWs.&#13; Methods: In a descriptive-cross sectional study, in 138 HbcAb from 10 health care centers, HbcAb negatives and vaccinated with Heberbiovac HB (Cuba made, available vaccine in Iran), HbsAb titer was assessed by ELISA. Serologic response as antibody titer equal or more than 10mIU/ml considered protective level (serologic responder). The data were analyzed by SPSS software, using X² and Fisher exact test.&#13; Results: Within 138 HCWs(60.1% female and 39.9% male), 69.6% had serologic response. The age had significant role in serologic response rate, but sex, weight, smoking and interval from the last time of vaccine reception were not effective factors.&#13; Conclusion: Serologic response rate to HBV vaccine in Kermanshah was much lower than other experiences. We need more information about the efficacy of Heberbiovac HB in high-risk groups and general population, the reasons of low efficacy and increasing serologic response.&#13; Keywords: Hepatitis B, Vaccine, Serologic response, Heberbiovac HB, Health-care worker

Estrogenic potency of effluent from two sewage treatment works in the United Kingdom

Rainbow trout were exposed for 3 weeks (in a flow-through system) to various dilutions of treated effluent (25, 50, 75, and 100%) from Harpenden and Chelmsford sewage treatment works (STW) during November 1994 and August 1996, respectively, and the induction of plasma vitellogenin was measured. Significant (p < 0.05) increases in plasma vitellogenin concentrations occurred in fish held in effluent from Harpenden STW at concentrations of 50% and above. At Chelmsford STW, the effluent appeared to be more potent, causing induction of vitellogenin in fish at concentrations as low as 25% (compared with 50% for the Harpenden effluent). Exposure to lower concentrations of effluent emanating from Chelmsford in April of the following year indicated that estrogenic activity was diluted to no-effect levels at this STW at concentrations between 12 and 25%