Feasibility of using vertical farming in northern Iran: A multiple necessity.

Agricultural production in vertical farms (VF) will play a prominent role in preventing environmental crises, its good governance and maintaining food security for everyone in the world. The ecological footprint in Guilan province significantly exceeds its biological capacity, indicating considerable pressure on its natural resources and ecosystems. This problem, which is mostly due to the use of traditional production methods in the agricultural sector, requires a change in lifestyle and production methods. The purpose of the current research is the feasibility of VF in Guilan province with the help of the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) model and Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM). After identifying internal factors (strengths and weaknesses) and external factors (opportunities and threats) affecting production in VF, the necessary strategies were determined and then prioritized using the QSPM matrix. Necessary information through written scientific sources and survey studies based on key questions between two groups of professors of geography and rural planning, water resources engineering, soil, architecture and experts from the plant production department and the head of the environment department, Jihad Agricultural Organization of Guilan province and the organization Food hygiene was achieved. The statistical population participating in the survey was 30 people. The results of the research showed that 7 strategies were formulated based on strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats and were prioritized based on the importance of four strategies in the QSPM table. The first priority for ensuring food security in Guilan province is to focus on increasing agricultural productivity per unit area. This strategy is crucial considering the challenges of low ownership and limited land availability in the region. Thus, enhancing productivity per unit area should be given utmost priority to meet the food demands of the population. The appropriate strategy for VF production in Guilan province is a competitive-aggressive strategy and being in this position requires attracting the necessary funds. This study fills research gaps by providing a comprehensive assessment of the feasibility of vertical farming in Guilan province. The emphasis on methodology, strategic planning, and addressing food security and environmental challenges contributes to the existing body of knowledge. By highlighting the transferability and adaptability of the research findings, other researchers can utilize the methods and adapt the strategies to their own regions, promoting further research and advancement in the field of sustainable agriculture.

Racial/Ethnic Differences in the Effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences on Substance Misuse among Justice-Involved Children.

Background: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are linked to substance use (SU) and substance use disorders (SUD). However, this relationship has yet to be tested among justice-involved children (JIC), and it is unclear if racial/ethnic differences exist. This study aimed to determine: (1) whether ACEs are associated with increased risk of SU and SUD among JIC; and (2) if the effects of ACEs on SU and SUD are moderated by race/ethnicity. Methods: Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed to examine a statewide dataset of 79,960 JIC from the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. Marginal odds were estimated to examine how race moderates the relationship between ACEs and SU and SUD. Results: Results showed higher ACEs scores were linked to SU and SUD. Black JIC were 2.46 times more likely, and Latinx JIC were 1.40 times more likely to report SU than white JIC. Specifically, Black and Latinx JIC with a higher average ACEs score were more likely to report SU but less likely to have ever been diagnosed with a SUD when compared to white JIC with equivalent ACEs. Conclusions: Study results highlight the need to develop trauma-informed and culturally appropriate interventions for SU and SUD among JIC.

Ocular Trauma in Children: An Epidemiological Study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the epidemiology of eye injuries in children and the influential factors involved. METHODS: Eighty cases of confirmed ocular trauma were included in this cross-sectional study. Data were obtained via a checklist containing demographic information, site of the insult, the interval between the injury and physician visit, trauma mechanism, and medical history, including previous history of ocular trauma. RESULTS: Among 80 children with ocular trauma, 72.5% (n = 58) were boys. A marked preponderance (46.2%) of injuries was seen in the age group younger than 6 years. The youngest patient was a 1-year-old, and the oldest was aged 17. Most (76.25%) of the incidents occurred indoors. A total of 67.5% of accidents were induced by sharp objects (knife and glass). Most accidents occurred in spring, whereas the least number of accidents occurred in winter. The corneoscleral laceration was the most common manifestation, followed by the laceration of the iris, uveal prolapse, hyphema, and cataracts. Furthermore, rare cases of retinal detachment, hypopyon, and corneal epithelial defects were seen. CONCLUSIONS: The highest incidents of ocular trauma occurred in boys, especially those younger than 6 years. The high number of sharp object injuries is also concerning. These findings provide us with evidence that further educational interventions and supervision are required in these groups to minimize the possible devastating injuries before the opportunity even arises.

Development of data-driven models for the optimal design of multilayer sand filters for on-site treatment of greywater.

Greywater, with limited content of pathogens, makes up more than half of the produced wastewater in urban areas. Given the high cost of wastewater management and treatment, it causes sense to collect greywater separately at the source and employ an on-site treatment system to increase opportunities for on-site water reuse. For this purpose, this paper aims to propose a multilayer granular filter as an inexpensive and simple on-site treatment method for greywater reuse. Furthermore, as determining the optimal structure of multilayer filters is a serious challenge, a simulation-optimization model is developed for determining the best filter configuration. An Artificial Neural Network (ANN) is trained based on experimental results to simulate the filter performance with different combinations of layers and the Genetic Algorithm (GA) is used to find the optimal thickness of different layers based on ANN simulation results. The proposed filter in this paper for greywater treatment consists of silica sand (in three different gradings) and activated carbon (with fixed grading) and treatment measures for evaluation of filter performance are considered as Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and Electrical Conductivity (EC). Due to difficulties in collecting, transferring, and storing the real greywater, synthetic greywater was used in this study. 49 experiments with different combinations of filter media thicknesses were performed and the performance of the filter was analyzed. Generally, three-layer filters perform better in COD and EC reduction, however, the average COD and EC elimination equals 36.3% and 15.1%, respectively, which indicates more efficiency of filter in COD reduction in comparison with EC. Based on the optimization-simulation model and experimental results, a filter consisting of 33 cm of fine sand, 20 cm of activated carbon, and 7 cm of medium sand results in the maximum efficiency and can reduce the COD and EC of greywater by 72% and 30%, simultaneously. According to the optimization outputs, the ideal filter can treat greywater up to having EC of 1000 µS/cm and COD of 321 mg/L, which is generally suitable for irrigation purposes.

Examining Gender Differences in the Relationship Between School Bonding and Opioid Misuse Among Justice-Involved Adolescents.

Justice-involved adolescents (JIAs) have an increased risk for opioid use disorder and overdose related to opioid misuse (OM). Consequences of untreated OM include recidivism and poor educational outcomes, which can be harsher for female JIA. Therefore, identifying relevant factors and settings that reduce the risk for OM is critical. Schools are a central institution in adolescent development. Drawing on social control theory, JIA with higher levels of school bonding was hypothesized to attenuate risk for OM. Cross-sectional data on 79,960 JIA from the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice were examined. Multivariate and stratified logistic regression analyses were employed. On average, for every one-unit increase in school bonding, JIA had 22%, female JIA had 23%, and male JIA had 22% lower odds of OM. Results suggest school bonding and the school context should be considered in treatment and how this setting may impact OM intervention outcomes among JIA.

Lasers for the treatment of erythema, dyspigmentation, and decreased elasticity in macular acne scars: a systematic review.

Scarring is one of the most esthetically challenging and psychologically burdening aspects following inflammatory acne. While "macular" disease is the scar subtype with the least complicated outcome, its phase can be regarded as the most defining in the ultimate scar appearance. Moreover, with lasers recently gaining much popularity in the scientific community for managing several dermatologic conditions, we aimed to evaluate whether they would lead to significant benefits. For this systematic review, four databases consisting of PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science were searched using a comprehensive string, with the data from the relevant yet eligible identified records qualitatively synthesized. After investigating the data obtained from the nine included studies, we found the utilized lasers, namely neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet, fractional carbon dioxide, pulsed dye, erbium:glass, pro-yellow, and high-power optically pumped semiconductor, to be highly effective in managing the erythematous or dyspigmented appearance with the reduced elasticity also significantly improving. Moreover, the adverse events were both bearable and minimal, and transient. However, the degree of improvement each type of scar demonstrated following laser therapy varied based on the laser used. Neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet, fractional carbon dioxide, and pulsed dye are the most commonly investigated lasers for managing macular acne scars, demonstrating eye-catching capabilities in managing either erythema or dyspigmentation. However, we still recommend that further comparative interventional studies be carried out, while the intended outcomes also assessed with objective measures for further clarification.

The therapeutic role of lasers in primary localized cutaneous amyloidosis: a systematic review.

With the investigation of the efficacy of laser therapy in primary localized amyloidosis(PLCA) only recently starting to materialize, we aimed to review the currently available studies of laser therapy in the management of the disease. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane, and ProQuest online databases with a specified search strategy, assessed the quality of each study, and then extracted the eligible data. Five RCTs(randomized controlled trials), one non-randomized controlled trial, three case series, and nine case reports(18 in total) were included. Overall, carbon dioxide (CO2), neodymium-doped:yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG), pulsed dye (PDL), Er (Erbium):YAG, and yttrium/erbium fiber were the studied lasers. One hundred fifty-five cases in total underwent laser therapy, with CO2 being the most frequent laser. Almost all studies demonstrated significantly desirable outcomes, while only mild and transient side effects were noted. Even though the studies' results were significant, we noticed that implementing a consistent methodology and a standardized objective assessment method was missing. Therefore, we recommend that future studies be conducted with less heterogeneous data for a more definite conclusion.

Retrobulbar Injection of Amphotericin B in Patients With COVID-19 Associated Orbital Mucormycosis: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: Following COVID-19 infection a rising count of rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis is observed, requiring orbital exenteration, a disabling lifetime affecting surgery. One of the potential interventions for globe salvage in these patients is retrobulbar injections of amphotericin B. This study was conducted to review protocols, outcomes, and side effects of retrobulbar injection of amphotericin B in patients with COVID-19 associated rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis (CAM). METHODS: The PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases were searched using a comprehensive string of relevant keywords. All English studies with the confirmed diagnosis of CAM infection were included. We excluded all studies in which retrobulbar injection of amphotericin B was not implemented in any of the patients or there was a lack of clarified and detailed data about this procedure among participants. RESULTS: A total of 647 cases had a history of retrobulbar injection(s) of amphotericin B in 13 reviewed studies with 3,132 subjects of CAM. The most common protocol was the retrobulbar injection of 1 ml of 3.5 mg/ml liposomal amphotericin B for 3 doses daily or on alternate days. We discerned that the globe salvage rate was 95.0% in eyes with a history of retrobulbar injection(s). The total rate of orbital exenteration was 14.9%, regardless of the history of retrobulbar injection of the drug. Other outcomes of this intervention were vision salvage and reduced major ophthalmic complaints, including pain, swelling, chemosis, ptosis, and ophthalmoplegia. The side effects of this intervention were not serious, and most of them were transient. They included swelling at the injection site, restriction of ocular motilities, exacerbation of orbital inflammation, and even intensification of visual impairment in a few cases. CONCLUSIONS: Retrobulbar injection of amphotericin B should be considered a nearly safe and protective intervention against orbital exenteration in patients with CAM. It may also be effective in saving vision. Since the effectiveness of orbital exenteration in the survival of patients is not ascertained, retrobulbar injections can be considered an alternative intervention.

On the Electroanalytical Detection of Zn Ions by a Novel Schiff Base Ligand-SPCE Sensor.

A novel bidentate Schiff base (L) is here proposed for the detection of Zn ions in water. The structure of the synthesized Schiff base L was characterized by FT-IR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR. Optical characteristics were addressed by UV-Visible spectroscopy and Photoluminescence (PL) measurements. PL demonstrated that L displays a "turn-off" type fluorescence quenching in the presence of Zn2+ ion in aqueous solution, indicating its ability to preferentially coordinate this ion. Based on these findings, an L-M (where M is a suitable membrane) modified screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) was developed to evaluate the electrochemical behavior of the Schiff base (L) with the final objective of undertaking the electroanalytical determination of Zn ions in water. Using various electrochemical techniques, the modified L-M/SPCE sensor demonstrates high sensitivity and selectivity to Zn ions over some common interferents ions, such as Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, Ni++ and Cd++. The potentiometric response of the L-M/SPCE sensor to Zn ions was found to be linear over a relatively wide concentration range from 1 µM to 100 mM.

Exploring perceptions of implementation practice capacity in community-based behavioral health organizations.

Community-based organizations (CBOs) must have the capacity to adopt, implement, and sustain evidence-based practices (EBPs). However, limited research exists examining CBOs' ability/capacity to implement EBPs. The purpose of this preliminary study was to investigate how staff of CBOs perceive implementation practice capacity, determine factors needed for adequate capacity for implementing EBPs, and examine which perspectives of capacity are shared across organizational levels. Ninety-seven administrators and practitioners of CBOs were surveyed using the Implementation Capacity Survey, which examines perceived importance, presence, and organizational capacity of the CBO in nine implementation practice areas (IPAs) (e.g., leadership). Results revealed participants rated IPAs on the importance scale higher than IPAs on the present scale. Presence and organizational capacity scales were strongly correlated, and results showed significant differences between administrators and practitioners on ratings of presence and organizational capacity. Implications for future research aimed at examining/building implementation practice capacity in community settings will be discussed.

Application of cinnarizine in migraine prevention: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate and analyze the available data on the prophylactic effectiveness of cinnarizine in migraine disorder. BACKGROUND: Cinnarizine has demonstrated encouraging potential in preventing the attacks of migraine. Therefore, we opted to evaluate whether its sole administration leads to positive outcomes. METHODS: The PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases were searched for English-only original interventional studies published until April 2022, then screened for relevancy and eligibility. The resulting data from the included studies, including the primary (ie, headache episode frequency, intensity, duration, monthly timing, and analgesic intake frequency) and secondary (ie, reported adverse events, quality of life, and activities of daily living) outcome changes compared to placebo and active controls (e.g., sodium valproate and propranolol) were then recorded by two independent assessors. Ultimately, these data were synthesized qualitatively and quantitatively (achieved by determining the mean difference via the random-effects model). RESULTS: A total of 10 studies comprising seven randomized controlled trials and three quasi-experimental studies were included. Compared to placebo, cinnarizine demonstrated significant improvements in migraine episode frequency (Mean difference = -3.10; Confidence interval = [-3.33, -2.88]; p-value < 0.001; I2  < 0.001%), and intensity (Mean difference = -1.54; Confidence interval = [-2.08, -0.99]; p-value < 0.001; I2  < 37.97%). Moreover, cinnarizine led to similar or better results when compared to active controls, including sodium valproate, topiramate, and propranolol. CONCLUSIONS: Cinnarizine can be considered a safe and effective medication for migraine prophylaxis. However, the relatively small sample size made reaching a definite conclusion impossible. Therefore, a higher number of randomized controlled trials are recommended to be taken place to clarify the situation further.

Investigating the performance of agricultural wastes and their ashes in removing phenol from leachate in a fixed-bed column.

One of the major pollutants in leachate is phenol. Due to safety and environmental problems, removal of phenol from leachate is essential. Most of the adsorption studies have been conducted in batch systems. Practically, large-scale adsorption is carried out in continuous systems. In this research, the adsorption method has been used for phenol removal from leachate by using walnut shell activated carbon (WSA) and coconut shell activated carbon (CSA) as adsorbents in a fixed-bed column. The effect of adsorbent bed depth, influent phenol concentration and type of adsorbent on adsorption was explored. By increasing the depth of the adsorbent bed in the column, phenol removal efficiency and saturation time increase significantly. Also, by increasing the influent concentration, saturation time of the column decreases. To predict the column performance and describe the breakthrough curve, three kinetic models of Yon-Nelson, Adams-Bohart and Thomas were applied. The results of the experiments indicate that there is a good match between the results of the experiment and the predicted results of the models.

The role of ghrelin and tumor necrosis factor alpha in diazinon-induced dyslipidemia: insights into energy balance regulation.

The evidence shows that organophosphate compounds (OPCs), as toxic agents that stimulate the cholinergic system, can increase the incidence of metabolic disorders such as dyslipidemia. In the present study, we focused on the role of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and serum leptin and ghrelin in Diazinon (DZN)-induced dyslipidemia. The rats were randomly divided into five groups comprising eight animals, and all were treated via oral gavage for 28 consecutive days as follows: group one received only corn oil daily, while groups two through five received different doses of DZN dissolved in corn oil equal to 1/40, 1/20, 1/10 and 1/5 of the LD50 daily, respectively. The alteration of the serum lipid profile, such as triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), was confirmed the occurrence of dyslipidemia in the range of doses 1/20-1/5 LD50 of DZN. Although no changes were found in the serum leptin levels, a significant increase was observed in the size of adipocytes, as well as in the TNF-α and ghrelin serum levels, and in the accumulation of epididymal fat, especially at a dose of 1/5 LD50 of DZN. It seems that interactions among the inflammatory reaction, cholinergic pathways and ghrelin secretion may be effective causes of DZN-induced dyslipidemia.

Blunt Blade Subcision: An Evolution in the Treatment of Atrophic Acne Scars.

BACKGROUND: Subcision is the mainstay of atrophic acne scar treatment but the efficacy and safety of the procedure is controversial. OBJECTIVE: To improve the efficacy of the subcision procedure, a blunt subcision blade was designed and evaluated. METHODS: Eighteen patients with bilateral atrophic acne scars considered eligible for subcision were enrolled. Before subcision, a tumescent solution was injected subdermally to anesthetize the treatment area and aid the dissection of the dermal-subcutaneous tissue. Patients underwent treatment using the blunt subcision blade, a long metal blade with gradually narrowing edges, and a rounded blunt tip. Early postoperative complications, overall aesthetic improvement and persistent discoloration, or lumpiness were assessed 7 days after subcision and at a 6-month follow-up visit. RESULTS: Moderate to marked improvement of atrophic scars was observed in 15 cases (83.3%). Mild to moderate tenderness, periorbital ecchymoses, and swelling were reported by some patients, but resolved completely within 1 week after the procedure. No cases of persistent discoloration or lumpiness were observed at the final visit. CONCLUSION: The blunt blade subcision procedure is suggested as an effective method for the treatment of atrophic acne scars.

Quality of life in patients with vitiligo: a cross-sectional study based on Vitiligo Quality of Life index (VitiQoL).

BACKGROUND: Vitiligo is a multi-factorial pigmentary skin disorder. Recently, the importance of emotional and psychological issues is proposed in incidence, progression, relapse and remission of vitiligo. There are limited studies conducted in developing countries, which assess life quality of patients with vitiligo. The aim of this study was the application and evaluation of a disease-specific quality of life index in Iranian patients, for the first time. METHODS: This cross-sectional biphasic study was conducted on 25 patients as a pilot and another 173 patients as the main study group, in Razi Hospital, Tehran, Iran, 2013-2014. Persian version of Vitiligo Quality of Life index (VitiQoL) was developed with backward-forward method. Based on the pilot study, the validity and reliability were assessed. The Vitiligo Area and Score Index (VASI), VitiQoL, and their relationship, demographic and clinical characteristic of patients were measured. RESULTS: The Mean and standard deviation of the VitiQoL score was 30.5 ± 14.5 (range 0-60 in Persian version). There was a significant relationship between VASI score and VitiQoL (p = 0.015, r = 0.187). Confirmatory factor analysis revealed three important factors within VitiQoL: participation limitation, stigma, and behavior. In subscale analysis based on behavior factor, female patients had poorer quality of life (p = 0.02). Concomitant psychiatric problems, e.g. anxiety and depression, were not associated with QOL; however, they were near to being meaningful (p = 0.06, r = 0.14). CONCLUSION: VitiQoL is a valid index in estimating life quality of vitiligo patients and has proper relation to disease severity. Focusing on patient's life quality is an important entity in the management of vitiligo patients; relevant supportive group-based consultations and therapies are also important arms when approaching vitiligo.

Treatment of erosive oral lichen planus with methotrexate.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Erosive oral lichen planus (EOLP) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the oral mucosa causing significant pain and impairment of the quality of life. No immediate and definitive cure is available, especially in its chronic and most recalcitrant forms. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of methotrexate treatment in EOLP. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective open trial of oral methotrexate 15 mg QWK in 18 patients with EOLP (clinically and histopathologically confirmed) unresponsive to at least one previous topical or systemic medication. DURATION: Twelve weeks followed by twelve weeks of follow-up. RESULTS: Partial response or better was achieved in 15 (83.3%) patients. A statistically significant reduction in Thongprasom scale score was observed (mean value 5 at baseline, 3.08 ± 1.11 at week 12, 2.94 ± 0.97 at week 24, P value < 0.001). A statistically significant reduction was noted in the pain visual analogue scale (mean value 6.55 ± 2.33 at baseline, 2.46 ± 2.18 at week 12, 2.29 ± 1.93 at week 24, P value < 0.001). Adverse events occurred in four (22.2%) patients, requiring discontinuation of treatment in one patient. CONCLUSION: Methotrexate is a valuable therapeutic option in longstanding recalcitrant EOLP, particularly with respect to the improvement of subjective symptoms. Randomized controlled trials are required.

The essential skills required by librarians to support medical virtual learning programs.

Background: With the recent spread of virtual learning programs in universities, especially in the field of medical sciences, libraries play a crucial role to support these programs. This study aimed at investigating the skills required by librarians to support virtual learning programs in Isfahan University and Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Methods: This was an applied survey study. The population of the study includes all librarians working in Isfahan University and Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. A sample of 89 librarians was selected by stratified random sampling. Data were collected by a researcher-made questionnaire, the validity of which was confirmed by specialists in the fields of librarianship and information sciences and virtual learning, and its reliability was determined to be 0.92, using Cronbach's Alpha. The questionnaire consisted of 51 items designed to evaluate the librarians' virtual learning skills using Likert scale. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the findings. Results: The findings of this study revealed that librarians had low level of skills with respect to the online reference services, and familiarity with virtual learning environment. They also showed low and average level of skills with respect to their general information technology, communication skills, ability to teach electronic information literacy and ability to create access to electronic resources. The results revealed no significant difference between the librarians of the two universities, or between male and female librarians. However, librarians with educational background in librarianship and information sciences were significantly more skillful and competent than their colleagues. Conclusion: Despite the crucial role of libraries in supporting virtual learning programs, the librarians in Isfahan University and Isfahan University of Medical Sciences had low-level skills to play such an important role. Therefore, it is essential to provide on-the-job virtual training courses for librarians to improve their job performance and the quality of library services.

Effect of Arnebia euchroma ointment on post-laser wound healing in rats.

INTRODUCTION: Arnebia euchroma ointment has been used in Iranian Traditional Medicine for burn wound healing. The aim of this study is to evaluate wound healing efficacy of A. euchroma ointment on wounds induced after fractional CO2 laser in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study, after anesthetizing two bilateral burn wounds were induced on dorsal skin of the rat using fractional ablative CO2 laser. After applying laser, A. euchroma ointment, petrolatum, and silver sulfadiazine cream were used topically on wounds twice daily for 10 days. Digital photographs were captured from the wound surfaces every day. At the end of the study, two blinded dermatologists observed the photograph of 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 9th days after laser injury and assessed erythema, crusting/scabbing, epithelial confluence, and general wound appearance to determine the efficacy of wound healing. These wound-healing parameters were assessed using the 5-point scales. RESULTS: This study showed significantly less erythema and crusting (P = 0.024 and P = 0.004, respectively) on 9th day and higher epithelial confluence and general wound appearance scores on 7th (P = 0.037 and p = 0.016, respectively) and 9th days (P = 0.008 and P = 0.016, respectively) in A. euchroma ointment compared with other groups. CONCLUSION: This study showed A. euchroma ointment has good healing effects on post-laser wounds in rats.

Chronic arsenic toxicity in sheep of Kurdistan province, western Iran.

After the detection of arsenic (As) toxicity in sheep from Ebrahim-abad and Babanazar villages in Kurdistan province, the concentration of this element in drinking water, cultivated soil, alfalfa hay, wool, and blood samples was evaluated. Total As concentrations ranged from 119 to 310 µg/L in drinking water, 46.70-819.20 mg/kg in soil 1.90-6.90 mg/kg in vegetation 1.56-10.79 mg/kg in sheep's wool, and 86.30-656 µg/L in blood samples. These very high As contents, in all parts of the biogeochemical cycle, exceed the recommended normal range for this element compared with a control area. Results indicate that As has moved through all compartments of the biogeochemical cycle by way of direct or indirect pathways. The present investigation illustrated decreased packed cell volume and hemoglobin in sheep from the As-contaminated zone. It was concluded that sheep from the contaminated areas suffer from anemia. Chronic As exposure of the liver was determined by liver function tests. For this purpose, blood aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) were measured. The results show that serum ALT and AST activities are increased significantly (p < 0.01) in the sheep population exposed to As in the contaminated zone. Moreover, chronic As exposure causes injury to hepatocytes and damages the liver.

Expression and response surface optimization of the recovery and purification of recombinant D-galactose dehydrogenase from Pseudomonas fluorescens.

The enzyme D-galactose dehydrogenase (GalDH) has been used in diagnostic kits to screen blood serum of neonates for galactosemia. It is also a significant tool for the measurement of ß-D-galactose, α-D-galactose and lactose as well. In this study, response surface methodology (RSM) was used to identify the suitable conditions for recovery of recombinant GalDH from Pseudomonas fluorescens in aqueous two-phase systems (ATPS). The identified GalDH gene was amplified by PCR and confirmed by further cloning and sequencing. E. coli BL-21 (DE3) containing the GalDH gene on a plasmid (pET28aGDH) was used to express and purify the recombinant enzyme. The polyethylene glycol (PEG) and ammonium sulfate concentrations and pH value were selected as variables to analyze purification of GalDH. To build mathematical models, RSM with a central composite design was applied based on the conditions for the highest separation. The recombinant GalDH enzyme was expressed after induction with IPTG. It showed NAD'-dependent dehydrogenase activity towards D-Galactose. According to the RSM modeling, an optimal ATPS was composed of PEG-2000 14.0% (w/w) and ammonium sulfate 12.0% (w/w) at pH 7.5. Under these conditions, GalDH preferentially concentrated in the top PEG-rich phase. The enzyme activity, purification factor (PF) and recovery (R) were 1400 U/ml, 60.0% and 270.0%, respectively. The PEG and salt concentrations were found to have significant effect on the recovery of enzyme. Briefly, our data showed that RSM could be an appropriate tool to define the best ATPS for recombinant P. fluorescens GalDH recovery.