Investigation of Enzyme Immobilization Effects on its Characteristics | Author : Javad Mohammadi , Mehdi Mohammadi , Mohammad Reza Mehrasbi , Mazyar Peyda | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Background; Enzymes are well known as sensitive catalysts in the laboratory and industrial scale. To improve their properties and for using their significant potential in various reactions as a useful catalyst the stability of enzymes can often require improvement. Enzymes Immobilization on solid supports such as epoxy- functionalized ferric silica nanocomposite can be effective way to improve their characteristics.
Methods; In this study silica coated magnetite nanoparticles were Functionalized with GPTSM as a linker, then immobilization reaction performed by using various amounts of lipase B from Candida Antarctica (CALB), for the next step immobilization effects on thermal stability and optimum pH were investigated in comparison with free CALB.
Results; Results illustrated enzyme was successfully immobilized on nano particles and immobilized derivative retains 100% of its activity by 55°C while free CALB loss its activity at the same condition.
Conclusion; Immobilization of CALB on Fe3O4@SiO2 particles resulted in significant improvements in its characteristics such as thermal stability and methanol tolerance compared to the free CALB. |
| Parasitic Contamination of Raw Vegetables in Zanjan Markets, Iran | Author : Ali Haniloo , Sommayeh Taheri , Negin Torabi | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Background; Complex surface of vegetables facilitate attachment and transmission of several pathogens. No previous study has been conducted in survey of parasitic contamination of vegetables in Zanjan. This study aimed to detect the parasitic contamination in common raw vegetables in Zanjan markets.
Methods;A total of 352 raw vegetable samples, including leek, parsley, basil, mint, radish, cress and dill were collected from grocery stores using cluster sampling in different regions of the city during 2014. The edible parts of vegetables were separated and immersed in normal saline solution. Floating vegetables were removed and the solution was allowed to sediment at room temperature for 24 hours. The pellet was examined following sedimentation and floatation methods.
Results; Various Organisms were detected in 54% (190) of the 352 samples, but only 2.8% of samples had pathogenic parasites including; Trichostrongylus eggs (3), Hookworm eggs (2), Eimeria oocysts (2), Sarcocystis oocyst (1), Strongyloides larvae (1), and Fasciola eggs (1). The contamination rate of vegetables was highest (90.4%) in the fall (p?0.05).
Conclusion; Vegetable contamination with parasitic organisms in this area was low, maybe due to irrigation of vegetables with sources other than sewage water, but it is still necessary to improve sanitary conditions of vegetables. |
| Status of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder among Iranian College Students in Kermanshah, Iran | Author : Marzieh Assareh , Tayebeh Rakhshani , Mansour Kashfi Seyyed , Maryam Ayazi | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Background; There is scant evidence regarding the prevalence and main determinants of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in early adulthood, especially at university ages. This study aimed to determine the status of OCD among Iranian college students.
Methods; This cross-sectional study was conducted on 330 medical students at different academic grades studying at Kermanshah University of Medicalsciences. The final diagnosis of subclinical OCD was based on Maudsley Obsessive Compulsive Inventory (MOCI). The data were entered into the SPSS statistical software, version 19.0 and analyzed using independent T-test and chi-square test. P<0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.
Results; The students’ mean + SD score of MOCI was 8.1±6.9. Besides, 103 students (32.4%) obtained scores higher than 9 and, consequently, were diagnosed with subclinical OCD. Among the baseline characteristics, only family history of OCD showed a significant relationship with the frequency of subclinical OCD (p<0.05).
Conclusion; Since family history, as the only determinant of OCD in our study, cannot be modified, students and families have to be trained to control their disorder. |
| Investigation of the Rate of the Bacterial Contamination of the Ice Factories in Bandar Abbas, Iran | Author : Nahid Moradi , Sedighe Javadpour , Ahmad Zaheri | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Background; Pollution of drinking water and ice is one of the most serious ways of water borne diseases spread. The purpose of this study was to investigate the bacterial contamination of the ice produced by ice factories in Bandar Abbas.
Methods; In this descriptive ,cross-sectional study samples were collected from seven ice factories in Bandar Abbas. Sampling was done by standard method. Amount of the Contamination of ice and water to coliforms was investigated by the Multiple Tube method to determine the MPN, isolate bacteria and identify the microorganisms using conventional bacteriological techniques and counting the total count of bacteria by the Plate Count method on a nutrient agar medium. The data was analyzed by the SPSS software.
Results; In this study, a total of 84 samples were investigated. Gram-positive bacteria (65.5%) and gram-negative bacteria(34.5%) were separated from each other. The MPN rate in samples and total count of bacteria were 0->1100 and 2×101×104 CFU/mL, respectively.
Conclusion;The results suggest that necessary precautions be taken by environmental health specialists and other public health authorities in production, transportation and distribution of the ice blocks to reduce the rate of bacterial contamination. |
| The Effect of Paved Roads on Organic Carbon Content of Soil in Taham Dam Basin | Author : Mazyar Peyda , Mohammad Reza Mehrasbi , Masoud Naderi , Koorosh Kamali , Vahid Fallah Abadi | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Background; Contamination of water and soil through non-point sources such as road runoff causes environmental concern. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of Zanjan – Chavarzagh road on the total organic carbon (TOC) content of sediments in tributaries and the river that lead to Taham Lake.
Methods; In tributaries and the river 69 soil and sediment samples were taken and the Total organic carbon (TOC) was measured according to Walkely-Black method. Also, Taham Dam Basin area and its hydrologic properties were calculated by Global Information System (GIS) software.
Results; Results showed that, TOC concentration has a significant negative relationship with the distance from the lake. TOC in soil samples taken from hillside of the road had significantly lower mean and median concentration ( median= 3262 , mean = 4083 ± 3461 mg/kg) than the valley side ( median = 5324 , mean = 6178 ± 3980 mg/kg). The check dams across the tributaries and the river have not been effective in the reduction of TOC in sediments.
Conclusion; Roads in the Taham Dam Basin, increases TOC content of soil and sediments in Taham dam basin. TOC moves toward Taham dam lake. |
| Women Opiate Users Perception toward MMT: A Qualitative Study in Iran | Author : Maryam Khazaee-Pool , Fatemeh Zarei | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Background; Methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) is an evidence-based approach for opiate addiction treatment. While its effectiveness in reducing opiate use has been evidently verified, unanswered questions with respect to the cultural scenarios for MMT programs remain unanswered. This study was conducted to explore understanding address MMT initiation among a women-recruited sample of persons who use Opiate.
Methods; Qualitative in-depth interviews were used in purposeful and maximum variation sampling. All participants recruited for interview in 60-90 minutes were 17 women with opiate addiction experience from three MMT clinics in Sari capital city of Mazandaran, Iran. We applied a content analysis with a conventional approach for analyzing and finding addicted women perception towards MMT.
Results; To answer the main concern of the research team about how Iranian Opiate- addicted women perceived the MMT. The results were categorized into six main themes including Service Providers Support, Stigma in Society, Fear of Rejection, Long waiting time, Family Support, and Methadone’ Side Effects.
Conclusion; The results revealed that there are several perceived reasons beyond personal and psychological factors. The contextual experience acts as important cues that might encourage or deter drug users toward MMT. |
| Effect of Molybdenum Trioxide Nanoparticles (MoO3 NPs) on Thyroid Hormones in Female Rats | Author : Fardin Assadi , Hamidreza Amirmoghaddami , Mojghan Shamseddin , Keivan Nedaeei , Azam Heidari | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Background; In recent years, nanoparticles have been increasingly used in industries. However, there is a serious lack of information concerning their impact on human health and the environment. This study was investigated the effect of MoO3 NPs on thyroid hormones in female rats.
Methods; In this study, 21 female Wistar rats were selected and divided into three groups of untreated control, sham and treatment group with seven rats in each group. During 28 days the sham group received normal saline and treatment group received 5 mg/kg (MoO3 NPs) in normal saline. After the final injection, blood samples were collected and serum levels of total thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were measured and groups were compared together.
Results; The results showed that the serum levels of T4 decreased significantly in group of 5 mg (MoO3 NPs) in comparison with the control group (p < 0.05). However, there was insignificant difference observed in T3 levels when compared with the control group (p>0.05). The serum levels of TSH increased significantly in group of 5 mg/kg (MoO3 NPs) when compared with the both groups of sham and control (p<0.05).
Conclusion; The results showed that MoO3 NPs exposure induces the risk of thyroid dysfunction. |
| Patients’ Satisfaction in Zanjan Educational Hospitals and its Relationship with Responsiveness | Author : Ali Mohammadi , Hossein Masoumi Jahandizi , Koorosh Kamali | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Background; Measuring patients satisfaction shows the efficacy of care providers to meet patientschr(39) expectations and supplies the valuable data for health policy makers. This study was conducted to assess patients satisfaction from hospital services and its relationship with responsiveness.Methods; This cross-sectional study was carried out at Zanjan University of Medical Sciences in 2013 -2014. A total of 486 were selected and World Health Survey (WHS) questionnaire data was used.
Results; Most of the inpatients (76. 4 %) and more than half of outpatient (54.2 %) rated overall hospitals services at level of average and high satisfaction. The most favorable dimension in terms of patientschr(39) satisfaction was quality of care from both group patients point of view. There was statistically significant relationship between responsiveness domains and patientschr(39) satisfaction (p < 0.01). The findings of this study showed that the majority of inpatients and half of outpatients were overall satisfied with hospitals services.
Conclusion;Both inpatients and outpatients were satisfied with quality of delivered care, but there was low satisfaction from participation in decision- making for inpatients and access to services in outpatients. |
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