Removal of direct blue 129 from aqueous medium using surfactant-modified zeolite: a neural network modeling

Background: Conserving water for human survival and providing future security are important issues that need to be addressed. Methods: In this study, a zeolite modified with hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (HDTMA-Br), a cationic surfactant, and its application in removing direct blue 129 (DB129) was examined. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize both modified and unmodified zeolites. The effects of operational parameters such as the amount of adsorbent, initial dye concentration and pH on the removal efficiency of the dye were examined. Results: The results showed that in the initial dye concentration of 50 mg/L, the optimum amounts of adsorbent and pH were 0.3 g and 7, respectively. Increasing the dye concentration from 20 to 100 mg/L resulted in the reduction of the removal efficiency from 100% to 79% in the contact time of 90 minutes. The results indicated the highest attracting correlation with Langmuir model. The maximum adsorbent capacity obtained from Langmuir model was 25 mg/g. The kinetics of the dye adsorption on the modified zeolite followed pseudo-second-order kinetics model. Calculated thermodynamic parameters showed that Gibbs free energy changes (DGo) at temperatures of 20 and 45°C were -29.41 and -35.20 kJ/mol, respectively. Enthalpy (DHo) and entropy changes were equal to 41.181 kJ/mol and 0.241 J/mol K, respectively. The results showed that the processing was a spontaneous endothermic reaction. The process modeled by artificial neural networks (ANN) showed that the experimental results can be accurately modeled using neural network model. The correlation coefficient found between the experimental and the model results was 0.951. Conclusion: Due to the low cost, high abundance and availability of zeolite, the removal efficiency of this adsorbent can be increased to desirable levels by modifying. Keywords: Zeolite, Adsorption, Kinetics, Thermodynamics, Neural network

Combination of zinc nanoparticles with chitosan scaffolds increased cytokine genes on wound healing of infected rats with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

Background: The present study aims to determine the effect of zinc nanoparticles with chitosan in the expression of cytokine genes on wound healing of infected rats with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).Methods: In this study, all male Wistar rats were divided into five groups. Group M1: 0.1 mL sterile saline 0.9% solution was added to the wounds with no infection. Group M2: the wounds were infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and only treated with 0.1 mL the sterile saline 0.9% solution. Group M3: animals with infected wounds were treated with zinc nanoparticle. Group M4: animals with infected wounds were treated with chitosan. Group M5: animals with infected wounds were treated with 0.1 mL solution of zinc nanoparticles with chitosan. Skin biopsy samples were removed for the histological studies and quantitative assessment of IL-6, VEGF, TNF and TGF genes using real-time PCR in each groups.Results: Quantitative histological and neovascularization studies showed that there was significant difference between rats in groupM5 compared to other groups. The infected groupM5 exhibited a significant increase in the expression levels of VEGF: 8.02, TNF: 5.34, TGF: 7.98, and decrease of IL-6:-3.34 folds as compared to the other groups on the 21st day (P<0.05). Also, on the same day was seen the minimum surface area of wound in group 5. The surface area between each study group and other groups was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion: Our studies also show that the type of zinc nanoparticles with chitosan scaffolds have more effects than other types of compounds in wound healing.Keywords: Nanozinc; chitosan; wound; meticillin-resistant infection; Inflammatory cytokine 

Morphometric diversity and phylogenetic relationships among Iranian honey bee (Apis mellifera meda Skorikow, 1829) populations using morphological characters

In this study, the morphometric diversity and phylogenetic relationships of Iranian honey bee populations, were investigated using 14 morphometric characteristics. A total of 2250 young adult worker bees from 20 different populations in 20 different provinces of Iran were collected during June to October 2014. The results of nested analysis of variance showed that there were significant differences (P&lt;0.01) between the provinces for all analyzed morphometric traits indicating the existence of a diversity among them. Correlation coefficient analysis showed a high degree of association among the most of the traits. This correlation coefficient should be a putative mean to improve of certain characters in breeding of honey bee. Principal component analysis revealed three principal components explained 81.5% of the total variation. Cluster analysis using WARD method classified honey bee populations into two main groups. The first group includes the honey bees collected from North, Northwest and West portions of Iran. The second group was represented by the honey bees from Eastern North, Central and Southern regions of Iran. The phylogenetic tree based on UPGMA method divided 29 subspecies of honey bee to 5 distinct clusters. The Iranian subspecies honey bee composed of a shared clade with subspecies of Eastern Mediterranean, Near East and Eastern parts of Middle East (O branch)

Genetic Variation in Iranian Honey bees, Apis mellifera meda Skorikow, 1829, (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Inferred from PCR-RFLP Analysis of two mtDNA Gene Segments (COI and 16S rDNA)

In this study, the genetic structure of Iranian honey bee (Apis mellifera meda) populations, mainly obtained from all of regions, were investigated at two different mitochondrial regions. A total of 300 worker bees were collected from 20 different populations in 20 different locations. Portions of the mitochondrial 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rDNA) and cytochrome C oxidase I (COI) genes were amplified by PCR and then subjected to RFLP pattern analysis using 8 restriction enzymes. Nucleotide polymorphisms were revealed using restriction enzyme Sau3A I, Ssp I and Taq I in COI and Bsp143I, Ssp I and Dra I in the 16S rDNA gene segment. In this study, 3 novel composite genotypes (haplotypes) were found in Iranian honey bee populations. The average haplotype diversity (h) within populations was 0.0405. Heterozygosity values, Shannon index and the number of alleles of Iranian honey bee populations were low that could be caused by low definite geographic structure of Iranian honey bee populations. Genetic distance (D) values were found to be low (0.0–0.0011) within Iranian honey bee populations. Cluster analysis based on UPGMA method revealed that all populations and samples groups be in one cluster. Also, the phylogenetic tree based on Neighbor-joining method divided 29 subspecies of honey bee to 5 distinct clusters. The Iranian subspecies honey bee composed of a shared clade with subspecies of Eastern Mediterranean, Near East and Eastern parts of Middle East (O branch). This result is very useful for the control of conservation of local honey bees, as the movement of colonies across the border line of these neighboring countries, may affect the genetic structure of honey bee populations.

Optimization of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid Production in Probiotics Extracted from Local Dairy Products in West Region of Iran using MRS broth and Whey Protein Media

Background and objective: Gamma-aminobutyric acid is a non-protein amino acid produced by lactic acid bacteria in fermented foods and includes unique functions in the human biological system. The aim of this study was optimization of culture media for gamma-aminobutyric acid production in probiotics extracted from local dairy products in west of Iran using two culture media of MRS broth and whey protein.Material and methods: The potential of gamma-aminobutyric acid production was assessed in Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus plantarum and Pediococos acidilactici, respectively extracted from doogh, yogurt and cheese using MRS broth and whey protein media and high performance liquid chromatography. To increase gamma-aminobutyric acid production, these media were optimized as pH (4-6), temperature (30-50°C), time (12-72 h) and glutamic acid concentration (25-250 mM).Results and conclusion: Results have shown that Lactobacillus plantarum extracted from doogh includes the highest potential of gamma-aminobutyric acid production (115.24 mg kg-1) under the following conditions of a culture temperature of 37°C, incubation time 60 h at pH 5 in MRS broth containing 50 mM of glutamic acid. After optimization of Lactobacillus plantarum media, gamma-aminobutyric acid production increased to 170.492 mg kg-1. The optimum conditions included a glutamic acid concentration of 250 mM, culture temperature at 37.27°C, pH=5.19 and an incubation time of 72 h. Based on the results, use of local isolated dairy products in west region of Iran and optimization of growth conditions increased the ability of gamma-aminobutyric acid production.Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest

The Effects of Triggers’ Modifying on Adolescent Self-Efficacy with Asthma: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Introduction: The management of asthma during adolescence has specific challenges and is likely influenced, to some extent, by the patient's belief in their ability to affect change, their self-efficacy. Bolstering self-efficacy could potentially improve an adolescent’s ability to self-manage their asthma. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a triggers’ educational-modifying intervention on self-efficacy among adolescents diagnosed with asthma living in Iran. Methods: Sixty adolescents, aged 12 to 18 years, diagnosed with asthma participated in this randomized clinical trial. Participants randomly assigned to the control group received standard care while those assigned to the experimental group participated in a 5 week, nurse led, triggers modifying educational intervention in specialized clinics of lung in Tabriz, Iran. The self-efficacy scale developed by Bursh et al., was used for data collection. Results: The level of self- efficacy in two groups before intervention was not statistically significant, while the post intervention measures were statistically significant. Intervention was effective in improving adolescents’ self-efficacy. Conclusion: Since this type of intervention has the potential to improve Self- efficacy in adolescents with asthma, it is suggested that adolescence directly education about asthma triggers along with modulating triggers will be of value and parent‐centered could be diminished. The need for such interventions emphasizes in clinic and outpatient clinics

Evaluation of L-carnitine in an animal model of cholesterol induced atherosclerosis

Purpose: To explore the effect of L-carnitine on atherosclerotic plaques in hyperlipidemic rabbits. Methods: Twenty five male white New Zealand rabbits were randomized into five groups (n = 5): In the normal control (NC) group, the animals were fed on a plain chow diet for 75 days. In atherosclerosis (AS) group, the animals were fed on a hypercholesterolemic diet for 75 days. In atorvastatin (ATOR) group, the animals were fed on a hypercholesterolemic diet for 75 days and received atorvastatin via oral gavage (20 mg/kg/day) from day 45 for 30 days. In L-carnitine (L) group, the animals were fed on a hypercholesterolemic diet for 75 days and received intraperitoneal L-carnitine (250 mg/kg/day) from day 45 for 30 days (end of the study). In ATOR/L group, the animals were fed on a hypercholesterolemic diet for 75 days, and received both atorvastatin and L-carnitine with the aforementioned dosage from day 45 for 30 days. Triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and lowdensity lipoprotein (LDL-C) in sera were determined. The aorta, including the ascending and descending parts, was excised to measure plague size (end of the study). The blood samples were taken from a marginal ear vein. Results: Rabbits in AS group showed highly significant increase in serum total cholesterol and LDL-C levels compared to NC group (p &lt; 0.05). Daily administration of L-carnitine significantly reduced serum levels of total cholesterol and LDL-C compared to AS (positive control) group (p &lt; 0.05). Additionally, no significant difference was found between serum levels of total cholesterol and LDL-C in groups that received either atorvastatin or L-carnitine (p &gt; 0.05). Combined administration of L-carnitine and atorvastatin produced no benefits over either of them alone (p &gt; 0.05). Conclusion: The results indicate that the administration of L-carnitine has anti-atherosclerotic effects by reducing oxidized LDL cholesterol levels but further investigations are recommended to ascertain these findings

Evaluation of Genetic Variation of Common Fig (Ficus carica L.) in West of Iran

This study describes morphological diversity and relationship of 14 cultivars and 133 wild fig accessions from central Zagros Mountains located in the west of Iran, based on 58 morphological characters. Among all characters, secondary drooping branches, number of bark tubers, shape of central lobe, length of central lobe/length of lamina, little lateral lobes, shape of leaf without lobed, fruit shape, fruit weight, fruit neck length, fruit skin over color and fruit pulp cavity showed higher coefficient of variation (CV) indicating a high level of variation. The existence of high CV in the evaluated characters indicates that there is a high diversity among the studied cultivars and accessions. One of the important wild figs that called 'Ghir-vahshi' was found in 'Baba-Heyran 2' location showing very diverse characters. Cluster analysis divided the 147 genotypes into five main clusters. The results of principal components analysis showed that the first three components explained 33.22% of total variation in data. According to the factor analysis, eighteen factors justified about 75.62% of the total variation found among genotypes. The factor analysis showed that the most of discriminator variables were depend on leaf, fruit size and growth form. The obtained results revealed that central Zagros Mountains in the west of Iran is a rich source of fig genetic diversity which could be used for fig breeding programs

The effect of arbuscular mycorrhiza, rice husk compost and biochar on Iranian borage Echium amoenum Fisch & C. A. Mey and post-harvesting soil properties

In einem Gewächshausversuch wurde der Einfluss von Bio-Düngern, wie vesikulär-arbuskulärer Mykorrhiza, Compost und Biochar aus Azolla-Algen auf Ertrag, Ertragsstruktur sowie die Aufnahme an Haupt- und Spurenelementen von iranischem Gurkenkraut geprüft. Gegenstand der Untersuchung war auch der Nährstoffgehalt der Böden nach der Ernte, sowie deren biologische Aktivität. Alle geprüften Behandlungen zeigten im Vergleich zu den Kontrollen signifikante Effekte auf Ertrag und Nährstoffaufnahme. Höhere Bodenatmung und eine höhere mikrobielle Biomasse indizieren eine Steigerung der Fruchtbarkeit der Böden durch die Behandlungen. DOI: 10.5073/JfK.2019.01.02, https://doi.org/10.5073/JfK.2019.01.02This study was conducted to investigate the effect of rice husk compost (RHC), rice husk biochar (RHB) and mycorrhization (MY) on some properties of Iranian Echium amoenum Fisch & C. A. Mey and also on some selected post-harvesting soil properties. A completely randomized design experiment was conducted with six treatments and six replications. Treatments comprised T1: control, T2: MY, T3: RHC, T4: RHB, T5: RHC + MY and T6: RHB + MY. Studied parameters included; shoot and root fresh weights, root and leaf length, shrub height, leaf number, shoot and root NPK content, shoot and root Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn concentration, root colonization percentage, soil NPK status, soil micronutrients concentrations, soil respiration and microbial biomass. Results revealed that application of RHC, RHB and MY individually or in combination with other treatments significantly affected studied parameters. In all cases except for root colonization, combined application (T5 and T6) had more satisfied impacts compared with a single application of treatments. DOI: 10.5073/JfK.2019.01.02, https://doi.org/10.5073/JfK.2019.01.0

Impacts of PGPR, compost and biochar of Azolla on dry matter yield, nutrient uptake, physiological parameters and essential oil of Rosmarinus officinalis L.

In einem Gewächshausversuch wurde der Einfluss von Bio-Düngern wie PGPR, Compost und Biochar aus Azolla-Algen auf Ertrag, Nährstoffaufnahme und diverse Inhaltstoffe der Gewürzpflanze Rosmarin geprüft. Alle Behandlungen zeigten im Vergleich zu den Kontrollen sig­nifikante Effekte auf Ertrag, Nährstoffaufnahme und Gehalte an Chlorophyll, Carotinoiden, Flavonoiden, Kohlenhydraten, Prolin und essentielle Ölen. DOI: 10.5073/JfK.2019.01.01, https://doi.org/10.5073/JfK.2019.01.01Rosemary is one of the most important medicinal plants. In order to study the effect of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), Azolla compost and Azolla biochar on dry matter, nutrient uptake, physiological parameters and essential oil of rosemary, a greenhouse experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with 6 replications. Treatments consisted of T1 (control), T2 (1% (1 g 100 g-1 dry soil) Azolla compost), T3 (1% Azolla biochar), T4 (PGPR (P. fluorescens)), T5 (1% compost + PGPR) and T6 (1% biochar + PGPR). Results indicated a significant enhancement of dry matter, nutrient uptake, photosynthetic pigments, carbohydrate, flavonoid and essential oil contents of rosemary influenced by organic fertilizers compared to control, particularly with co-appli­cation of PGPR + compost or biochar. Proline content decreased in all treatments in comparison with control. Results indicated positive impacts of PGPR, compost and boichar of Azolla on rosemary production by increasing nutrient uptake and protecting chlorophyll from degradation and enhancing its content in leaves. DOI: 10.5073/JfK.2019.01.01, https://doi.org/10.5073/JfK.2019.01.0