The Effect of Crude Extract of Turbo coronatus from the Persian Gulf on Serum Biochemical Parameters and Hematiological Parameters of Rats

Background: Turbotoxins are marine secondary metabolites that produce in Turbinidae family and were isolated from Japanese Turbo marmorata for the first time. A few research has been done on these metabolites so far. Another species, Turbo coronatus exists in Iran. The main aim of the current project was to investigate some biological effects of the crude extract of Turbo coronatus from the Persian Gulf . Materials and methods: In this study, 18 rats were selected in three groups including the control group. The experimental groups received ½ and 1/3 lethal doses intravenously and serum levels of liver and muscle enzymes, electrolytes and complete blood counts (CBC) were measured after 24 hours. Results: The levels of liver and muscle enzymes, amylase, sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, ferrous, haptoglobin, albumin and creatinine were significantly increased in experimental group compared with the control group by injection of crude extract of Turbo coronatus; however, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), red blood cell count, magnesium, and glucose levels were significantly decreased in the experimental group compared with the control group. Conclusions: Intravenous injection of ½ and 1/3 lethal doses of the crude extract of Turbo coronatus to rats produced rhabdomyolysis and hepatocytes injury. In addition, the crude extract injection acted as a haematoxin and decreased hemoglobin and MCV

Serum cytokines, a diagnostic tool for herniated lumbar disc type

Inflammatory mediators such as cytokines have been suggested to be important in the pathophysiology of disc herniation. However, few studies have been ever conducted for evaluating the serum levels of these cytokines. This study aimed at assessing the agreement of serum and operation-field cytokines in diagnosis of herniated lumbar disc type. In this study, 43 patients with lumbar disc herniation were recruited in Tabriz Imam Reza Hospital during a 12-month period. According to the type of herniation, the patients were categorized in two groups: with excursion or sequestration (group A) and with bulging (group B) of disc, with 22 and 21 cases, respectively. The level of interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α was determined in nucleus pulposus (NP) and serum of the patients by employing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Agreement rate between the two readings was determined. There was full agreement between the serum and NP readings for all the studied parameters. The optimal cut-off points for serum IL-1α, IL-6 and TNFα were ≤0.25, ≤0.05 and ≤0.7 pg/ml, respectively, for discrimination between the extrusion and bulging discs. Serum levels of IL-1α, IL-6 and TNFα may be applicable for preoperative diagnosis of the type of the herniated lumbar disc, especially TNFα, and IL-6 parameters which have a high sensitivity and specificity for differentiation between bulging and extrusion or sequestration discus.Key words: Intervertebral disk displacement, IL-1α, IL-6, TNFα, serum

A novel method to design water spray cooling system to protect floating roof atmospheric storage tanks against fires

Hydrocarbon bulk storage tank fires are not very common, but their protection is essential due to severe consequences of such fires. Water spray cooling system is one of the most effective ways to reduce damages to a tank from a fire. Many codes and standards set requirements and recommendations to maximize the efficiency of water spray cooling systems, but these are widely different and still various interpretations and methods are employed to design such systems. This article provides a brief introduction to some possible design methods of cooling systems for protection of storage tanks against external non-contacting fires and introduces a new method namely “Linear Density Method” and compares the results from this method to the “Average Method” which is currently in common practice. The average Method determines the flow rate for each spray nozzle by dividing the total water demand by the number of spray nozzles while the Linear Density Method determines the nozzle flow rate based on the actual flow over the surface to be protected. The configuration of the system includes a one million barrel crude oil floating roof tank to be protected and which is placed one half tank diameter from a similar adjacent tank with a full surface fire. Thermal radiation and hydraulics are modeled using DNV PHAST Version 6.53 and Sunrise PIPENET Version 1.5.0.2722 software respectively. Spray nozzles used in design are manufactured by Angus Fire and PNR Nozzles companies. Schedule 40 carbon steel pipe is used for piping. The results show that the cooling system using the Linear Density Method consumes 3.55% more water than the design using the average method assuming a uniform application rate of 4.1 liters per minute. Despite higher water consumption the design based on Linear Density Method alleviates the problems associated with the Average Method and provides better protection

Environmental dose rate assessment of ITER using the Monte Carlo method

Exposure to radiation is one of the main sources of risk to staff employed in reactor facilities. The staff of a tokamak is exposed to a wide range of neutrons and photons around the tokamak hall. The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) is a nuclear fusion engineering project and the most advanced experimental tokamak in the world. From the radiobiological point of view, ITER dose rates assessment is particularly important. The aim of this study is the assessment of the amount of radiation in ITER during its normal operation in a radial direction from the plasma chamber to the tokamak hall. To achieve this goal, the ITER system and its components were simulated by the Monte Carlo method using the MCNPX 2.6.0 code. Furthermore, the equivalent dose rates of some radiosensitive organs of the human body were calculated by using the medical internal radiation dose phantom. Our study is based on the deuterium-tritium plasma burning by 14.1 MeV neutron production and also photon radiation due to neutron activation. As our results show, the total equivalent dose rate on the outside of the bioshield wall of the tokamak hall is about 1 mSv per year, which is less than the annual occupational dose rate limit during the normal operation of ITER. Also, equivalent dose rates of radiosensitive organs have shown that the maximum dose rate belongs to the kidney. The data may help calculate how long the staff can stay in such an environment, before the equivalent dose rates reach the whole-body dose limits

Examine the Relationship Between Locus of Control and Happiness Male Physical Education and Non Physical Education Teachers in Yazd Province

This study examined the relationship between locus of control and happiness for male physical and non-physical education teachers in Yazd province. A total of 260 teachers (physical education 53 people, non-PE 207) by random sampling, and finally 258 questionnaires were examined. In this study, Pearson correlation method for carrying out the Questionnaire of resources Rotter (short form) and Oxford were used. The results showed a positive relationship between locus of control and happiness (001/0 P =). There is a significant. The findings showed Components of mental health, life satisfaction, self-efficacy and positive role in the happiness of the highest physical and non-physical education teachers have. In addition, the comparative study between the two groups in terms of locus of control, physical education teachers from internal locus of control than non-PE teachers, respectively. Keywords: Happiness, locus of control, physical education teachers, physical education Dbyrghr DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/9-12-13 Publication date:June 30th 201

Stress and dynamic analysis of optimized trailer chassis

Članak se bavi dinamičkom i analizom naprezanja lančane sheme šasije kamiona. Najprije se, kako bi se konstruirala šasija najmanje težine, odabiru vrsta materijala i profili poprečnog presjeka šasije u skladu s maksimalnim normalnim naprezanjem i teorijama maksimalne deformacije. Zatim je provedena analiza naprezanja šasije kamiona primjenom ABAQUS softvera u svrhu određivanja maksimalnog poprečnog progiba i raspodjele naprezanja. Rezultati pokazuju da su U-profili dovoljni za smanjenje težine koja može izdržati opterećenja. U sljedećem su koraku razmatrana vibracijska svojstva šasije, što je od velike važnosti za određivanje prirodnih frekvencija konstrukcije. U tu se svrhu provela modalna analiza metodom konačnih elemenata pomoću ANSYS softvera te su određene prirodne frekvencije i oblici vibriranja. U završnom se stupnju dinamički model vozila iskoristio za usporedbu dinamičkih parametara vozila i voznih karakteristika kod optimalizirane i neoptimalizirane šasije. Rezultati simulacije su pokazali da optimalizirana šasija povećava stabilnost kod ljuljanja i poboljšava uvjete u vožnji. Također, da bi se izbjeglo poklapanje frekvencije pobude (ekscitacije) s prirodnom frekvencijom šasije, prirodne frekvencije i oblici vibriranja analizirali su se uz promjene uvjeta opterećenja.This paper discusses the stress and dynamic analysis of truck ladder chassis. At the first stage, in order to design a chassis for self-weight reduction, material type and cross section profiles of chassis are selected according to a maximum normal stress and maximum strain theories. Then, the stress analysis of truck chassis has been carried out by ABAQUS software to determine maximum transverse deflection and stress distribution. Results show that open U-shaped profiles are sufficient for weight reduction which can endure loads. In the next stage, the prediction of the vibrational properties of the chassis which is of great significance in determining the natural frequencies of the structure, are considered. For this purpose, the modal analysis has been accomplished by the finite element packaged ANSYS software, and natural frequencies and mode shapes have been determined. In the final stage, vehicle dynamic model is used to compare vehicle dynamic parameters and ride response in optimized and not optimized chassis conditions. Simulation results clarified that the optimized chassis increases the roll stability and improves ride conditions. Also, in order to avoid matching the natural frequency of the chassis with the excitation frequency, natural frequencies and vibration modes have been analysed during the loading conditions

Relationship between Weight, Body Mass Index, and Bone Mineral Density in Men Referred for Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry Scan in Isfahan, Iran

Objective. Although several studies have investigated the association between body mass index (BMI) and bone mineral density (BMD), the results are inconsistent. The aim of this study was to further investigate the relation between BMI, weight and BMD in an Iranian men population. Methods. A total of 230 men 50-79 years old were examined. All men underwent a standard BMD scans of hip (total hip, femoral neck, trochanter, and femoral shaft) and lumbar vertebrae (L2-L4) using a Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) scan and examination of body size. Participants were categorised in two BMI group: normal weight <25.0 kg/m2 and overweight and obese, BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2. Results. Compared to men with BMI ≥ 25, the age-adjusted odds ratio of osteopenia was 2.2 (95% CI 0.85, 5.93) and for osteoporosis was 4.4 (1.51, 12.87) for men with BMI < 25. It was noted that BMI and weight was associated with a high BMD, compatible with a diagnosis of osteoporosis. Conclusions. These data indicate that both BMI and weight are associated with BMD of hip and vertebrae and overweight and obesity decreased the risk for osteoporosis. The results of this study highlight the need for osteoporosis prevention strategies in elderly men as well as postmenopausal women

Physical, plant growth regulators and TiO2 nanoparticles priming treatments to improve seed germination of endangered asafoetida (Ferula assafoetida L.)

Purpose: Ferula assafoetida (L.) is one of the most important medicinal plants with many applications in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.  It has been endangered due to overharvesting from natural habitat and long period of seed dormancy. Knowledge of seed germination behavior leads to the development of its conservation and cultivation. Research methods: We conducted this research as a factorial experiment in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) to evaluate seed germination in response to low temperature, plant growth regulators (kinetin, gibberellin, carrageenan as plant bio-stimulant) and TiO2 nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs). The germination percentage and rate, mean germination time, and radicle elongation were measured. Findings: The results showed that the cold (4 °C), GA3, carrageenan, kinetin and TiO2 NPs increased seeds germination rate and percentage. Maximum seed germination percentage (86% or 23% more than control) and minimum mean germination time (26 days or 12.6 days shorter than control) obtained with seeds pretreated by kinetin soaking and TiO2 NPs treatment at 4 °C. Furthermore, most treatments produced healthier and stronger radicles compared to the control which is vital for better establishment and growth. Research limitations: No limitations were found. Originality/Value: The price and demand of asafoetida products have been increased dramatically. The most important constrain to hinder reliable supply of the products is the shortage of plant or difficulty to access its products. Here, we showed the cost effective and environmentally friendly methods to provide high seeds germination with vigorous roots

A survey of reservoir hosts in two foci of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Kerman province, southeast of Iran

In the Old World, cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is zoonoses and natural vertebrate hosts of CL parasites are mammals. This study was carried out on natural infection rates of Leishmania parasites in reservoir hosts in one new focus of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) and in suspected reservoir in an old focus of ACL in Iran. The sampling of rodents using Sherman traps was carried out and PCR technique was used for detection and identification of Leishmania species in Bahreman district, Kerman province, southeast of Iran. In addition, the smears were taken from suspicious lesions in stray dogs in the city of Kerman, the center of Kerman province. Simultaneously, pieces of lesion (1 9 191 cm) were taken for further histopathological examination. Overall, 25 rodents were collected and identified, including Meriones libycus and Rhombomys opimus. Amastigotes were observed in 33 % of the R. opimus by microscopic examination and indentified as Leishmania major by PCR technique. Four suspicious dogs out of 391 stray dogs showed no Leishmania species. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first isolation and identification of L. major from R. opimus in Kerman province, where ZCL has been present in recent years. Therefore, R. opimus is considered as the main animal reservoir host in Bahreman ZCL focus. In ACL focus such as the city of Kerman, dogs had no role in CL infection as reservoir host

Phospholipase A2 activity of the Persian Gulf upside-down jellyfish venom (Cassiopea andromeda)

Background: The venomous jellyfish Cassiopea andromeda can produce envenomation and different toxicological and biological effects by their nematocysts. The phospholipase A2 enzymes (PLA2) are toxic and induce various pharmacological effects including neurotoxicity, myotoxicity, and anticoagulant activities. The main aim of the current project was to screen the in vitro PLA2 activity of the C. andromeda crude venom. To better understand the experimental result; a molecular docking study was also performed. Materials and methods: The live specimens were collected from Nayband lagoon, by a trawl net, and separation of their tentacles was done according to Bloom 's et al., method. The PLA2 activity of crude venom was performed according to the acidimetric method of Tan and Tan. The lyophilized venom was subjected to Gas Chromatography/ Mass Spectroscopy, and the obtained structures were used for docking study against PLA2. The indoxam was considered as standard control. Results: The PLA2 activity of the jellyfish crude venom was 413 ±0.08 µmol/min/mg. Analysis of the crude venom detected seven compounds (i-vii) using GC-MS. Docking data was also confirmed the experimental results. According to the docking results, the highest affinity [-6.7 (kcal/mol)] was observed in the compound “Pregn-5-ene-3,11-dione, 17,20:20,21 bis [methylenebis(oxy)]-, cyclic 3-(1,2-ethane diyl acetal”. Conclusions: A high PLA2 level was found in the venom of C. andromeda. There was a good correlation between in vitro and in silico studies