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A Comparative Study on Air Quality Measurement and Spatial Distribution of Pollutants in Pars Special Economic Energy Zone (PSEEZ)
Get PDFPars special economic energy zone (PSEEZ) in Iran is the second largest energy zone in the world with more than 60,000 operational and non-operational personnel. Considering the nature of the activities being done in PSEEZ, it is rational to expect that a wide range of hazardous materials be present in the air composition of this area. It is shown in this research that Benzene-Toluene-Ethylbenzene-Xylene (BTEX) are the most challenging in PSEEZ and benzene concentration violates the standards in all sampling points. The study area is divided into three subzones of gas refineries, petrochemical complexes and non-operational areas. In the gas refineries, benzene concentration is recorded to be 480 times higher than the standard for exposure limit. The concentration of benzene in petrochemical complexes is also about 160 times higher than the standard limit. Considering the vicinity of the petrochemical complexes the cumulative impacts of BTEX will also worsen the situation regarding BTEX cancer risk. In non-operational areas, benzene concentration reaches 40 times higher than the standard limit which is a serious health challenge. Comparing the data of BTEX distribution with AQI proves that AQI solely is not an appropriate index for assessing the air quality in PSEEZ and defining local indices for air quality assessment with taking hazardous chemicals such as BTEX into account. Moreover, some other pollutants such as heavy metals and H2S are detected in the air quality in significant amounts which raise the need to a reconsideration in location of unprotected non-operational personnel
Anisakis spp, DNA detection in paraffin-embedded tissue biopsies recovered from patients with gastritis using real-time PCR in Bushehr, Persian Gulf, Iran
No full textAnisakiasis is a zoonotic fish-born parasitic disease caused by anisakid nematodes. Paraffin-embedded blocks containing biopsy samples taken from patients suffering gastritis with unknown causes were investigated by real-time PCR, in the Bushehr region, Iran; where human anisakiasis has not been reported, so far. A total of 50 paraffin-embedded blocks were randomly selected from 250 archived blocks of the patients with gastritis. A SYBER green-based real-time PCR targeting the ITS1 region was developed for the identification of Anisakis genus. An 86 bp partial fragment of the Anisakis spp. ITS1 gene was amplified successfully. A total of 3 out of 50 samples (6 %) had positive amplification in the samples and their pathology reports showed a significant finding of moderate chronic gastritis with or without ulcers. In conclusion, the developed qPCR could be used for detecting Anisakis spp. larval DNA in human biopsy blocks. This study showed the hidden human cases of anisakiasis in the Bushehr for the first time
Comparison of the effectiveness of the electronic portfolio and online discussion forum methods in teaching professional belonging and ethical behaviors to nursing students: a randomized controlled trial
Get PDFBackground
Nursing is a profession that has had many ethical aspects and understanding professional belonging and ethics as a deep and complex process is one of the basic concepts in this field. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of training professional belonging and ethical behaviors in two methods: electronic portfolio and online discussion forum in nursing students.
Methods
This study is a single-blinded randomized-controlled trial (RCT) with two parallel intervention groups and a third control group. The sample size was 90 selected by block randomization method. The educational contents of professional belonging and ethical behaviors were presented to the participants in two ways: electronic portfolio and online discussion forum. Demographic information form, professional belonging questionnaire, and ethical behaviors questionnaire were applied to collect data. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24 software. Respectively mean, standard deviation and repeated measured, analysis of variance tests was used in descriptive and analytic statistic. (P value < 0.05).
Results
Comparison of the mean score of professional belonging and ethical behavior in the three stages of pretest, immediately after the test and four weeks after the test in all three groups was significant (P < 0.001). The control group had a higher mean score of professional belonging immediately after the test (108.18 ± 48.9) compared to the other two groups. Also, the online discussion forum group had a higher mean score on ethical behavior in four weeks after the test (104.2 ± 0.8) compared to the other two groups.
Conclusion
Training based on two methods of the electronic portfolio and online discussion forum increases and enhances the level of ethical behaviors in students. Therefore, the implementation of such methods of training can be useful in improving, promoting, and learning ethical behaviors in nursing students. On the other hand, training based on the two methods had a negative impact on professional belonging. Therefore, it is suggested that future studies be conducted with a greater focus on areas of professional belonging.
Trial registration
This research has been registered in Iranian Clinical Trial Registration Center (IRCT) with registration number "IRCT20180612040063N1" and registration date "16/07/2018"
Generation of biodiesel from edible waste oil using ZIF-67-KOH modified Luffa cylindrica biomass catalyst
No full textTo produce biodiesel from edible waste oil, a new heterogeneous catalyst based on Luffa cylindrica biomass was used. For this purpose, first, Luffa cylindrica carbon was modified using zeolite imidazole metal-organic framework (ZIF-67) and KOH and used in the biodiesel production. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Raman, and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) techniques were used to investigate the properties of the synthesized catalyst. BET values for activated carbon of Luffa cylindrica (ACL), ZIF-67, ACL/ZIF-67, and ACL/ZIF-67/KOH samples were determined to be 99.714, 1695.7, 956.99, and 2.322 m2/g, respectively, indicating that modification of biomass using ZIF-67 improved its specific active surface, which can retain more KOH in the pores of catalyst. To evaluate the ability of the synthesized catalyst, the effect of various parameters such as reaction time, temperature, amount of catalyst, the molar ratio of oil to methanol, and mixing speed were investigated. The results showed good catalytic activity in converting edible waste oil to biodiesel and maximum efficiency of biodiesel production (98.31%) in laboratory conditions such as a temperature of 65 °C, a catalyst concentration of 3 wt%, a reaction time 3 h, a methanol: oil ratio of 15:1 and a mixing speed of 600 rpm. After determining the optimal laboratory conditions, the study of regeneration and reuse of the catalyst showed that the catalyst had a suitable catalytic activity and can use more than 4 steps in the biodiesel production process. The properties of biodiesel obtained under optimal conditions were evaluated according to the international standards (ASTM D6751 and EN-14214). The results showed that the produced biodiesel possess suitable properties and can replace fuels derived from fossil fuels
First record of plastiglomerates, pyroplastics, and plasticrusts in South America
No full textBeaches in the Anthropocene carry the heavy burden of human-derived pollution, like that induced by plastic litter. For decades, plastic debris has been classified based on its source or physical size. In recent years, studies described and documented new forms of plastic formations, including plastiglomerates, plasticrusts, and pyroplastics. However, reports of these newly described formations are substantially lacking. Therefore, in the present study, we reported the first evidence of plasticrusts (plastic encrusting rock surfaces), plastiglomerates (organic/inorganic composite materials in a plastic matrix), and pyroplastics (burned and weathered plastics) in Peru. The plastic pollutants were recovered from the field through marine litter surveys on four beaches where illegal litter burning and campfires take place. All the suspected plastic formations were analyzed and confirmed using Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and one of each type was analyzed by X-Ray fluorescence (EDX) spectrometry. Plastiglomerates consisted of a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene (PP) matrix with rock and sand inclusions. Pyroplastics were found in various stages of weathering and consisted of various polymers, including HDPE, PP, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyamide (PA). Interestingly, our field observations suggest a new plasticrust formation pathway based on plastic burning and filling of rock crevices with molten plastic. The latter was identified as either PP or HDPE. Elements typically found in the sand and seawater (e.g., Na, Cl, Ca, Si, Fe) were identified on the surface of the plastic formations, as well as others that could potentially be associated with the leaching of additives (e.g., Ti, Br). Although the present study contributed to the knowledge concerning the occurrence of the new types of plastic formations, as well as possible formation pathways, there are still many questions to answer. Hence, we encourage future studies to focus on the toxicity that new plastic formations may induce in contrast with conventional plastics, the release of secondary contaminants (e.g., microplastics, additives), and their degradation in the environment. Lastly, standardized sampling and data treatment protocols are required
The molecular biology and therapeutic potential of Nrf2 in leukemia
Get PDFNF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) transcription factor has contradictory roles in cancer, which can act as a tumor suppressor or a proto-oncogene in different cell conditions (depending on the cell type and the conditions of the cell environment). Nrf2 pathway regulates several cellular processes, including signaling, energy metabolism, autophagy, inflammation, redox homeostasis, and antioxidant regulation. As a result, it plays a crucial role in cell survival. Conversely, Nrf2 protects cancerous cells from apoptosis and increases proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. It promotes resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy in various solid tumors and hematological malignancies, so we want to elucidate the role of Nrf2 in cancer and the positive point of its targeting. Also, in the past few years, many studies have shown that Nrf2 protects cancer cells, especially leukemic cells, from the effects of chemotherapeutic drugs. The present paper summarizes these studies to scrutinize whether targeting Nrf2 combined with chemotherapy would be a therapeutic approach for leukemia treatment. Also, we discussed how Nrf2 and NF-κB work together to control the cellular redox pathway. The role of these two factors in inflammation (antagonistic) and leukemia (synergistic) is also summarized
Nickel ions abatement from aqueous solutions and shipbuilding industry wastewater using ZIF-8-chicken beak hydroxyapatite
No full textIn this work, a biocompatible material from chicken beak containing hydroxyapatite (HApB) was modified by the zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) compound and used in the Ni2+ abatement from aqueous solutions. Different experimental techniques were used to investigate the properties of adsorbents (HApB and HApB/ZIF-8). The active surface values of ZIF-8, HApB, and HApB/ZIF-8 were determined to be 1063.6, 12.2, and 267.2 m2.g−1, respectively. The synthesized adsorbents had a crystalline structure. Maximum Ni2+ adsorption using HApB (98.82%) and HApB/ZIF-8 (99.12%) was recorded at pH7, Ni2+ quantity of 10 mg.L-1, sorbent mass of 2 and 1 g.L-1, and treatment time of 80 and 40 min, respectively. The kinetic data followed a pseudo-first-order kinetic equation. The intra-particle diffusion equation revealed that penetration through water film and diffusion into particles are effective in Ni absorption. The solid-adsorbent equilibrium using HApB/ZIF-8 followed the Freundlich equation. The maximum decontamination capacity using HApB and HApB/ZIF-8 was determined 24.27 and 63.49 mg.g−1, respectively. Changes in thermodynamic factors showed that the Ni absorption is optimal, exothermic, and spontaneous. The adsorbents were recycled up to 5 cycles and the main adsorbent (HApB/ZIF-8) had a severe efficiency drop in cycles 4 and 5. Investigation of industrial wastewater treatment showed that the desired adsorbents have a nice potential to decontaminate metal ions from aqueous media and wastewater of shipbuilding industries
Evaluation of occurrence of organic, inorganic, and microbial contaminants in bottled drinking water and comparison with international guidelines: a worldwide review
No full textThe aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of inorganic and organic substances as well as microbial contaminants in bottled drinking water on a global scale. The findings were compared to WHO guidelines, EPA standards, European Union (EU) directive, and standards drafted by International Bottled Water Association (IBWA). Our review showed that 46% of studies focused on the organic contaminants, 25% on physicochemical parameters, 12% on trace elements, 7% on the microbial quality, and 10% on microplastics (MPs) and radionuclides elements. Overall, from the 54 studies focusing on organic contaminants (OCs) compounds, 11% of studies had higher OCs concentrations than the standard permissible limit. According to the obtained results from this review, several OCs, inorganic contaminants (IOCs), including CHCl3, CHBrCl2, DEHP, benzene, styrene, Ba, As, Hg, pb, Ag, F, NO3, and SO4 in bottled drinking water of some countries were higher than the international guidelines values that may cause risks for human health in a long period of time. Furthermore, some problematic contaminants with known or unknown health effects such as EDCs, DBP, AA, MPs, and some radionuclides (40K and 222Rn) lack maximum permissible values in bottled drinking water as stipulated by international guidelines. The risk index (HI) for OCs and IOCs (CHBrCl2, Ba, As, and Hg) was higher than 1 in adults and children, and the value of HI for CHCl3 in children was more than 1. Thus, further studies are required to have a better understanding of all contaminants levels in bottled drinking water
Treatment of traumatic brain injury from the viewpoint of Avicenna (Ibn Sina): A historical review
No full textSince the edifice of conventional medicine is built on the pillars of past achievements, review or re-investigate the old medical manuscripts may lead to significant achievements. Avicenna was a famous Persian medieval physician and one of the pioneers of neuroscience. The aim of this study is to evaluate Avicenna's approach to traumatic brain injury (TBI), based on his main book on medicine, “Canon of Medicine”. Avicenna divided the TBI treatments into three categories: topical therapies, oral therapies, such as diets and medications, and manipulation therapies including phlebotomy, enema, foot bath, cupping, and massage. Although some of these recommendations are supported by current knowledge, many of them are still unknown and need scientific investigation to expand our knowledge of TBI treatments in the medieval period
Obesity Accelerates Leukocyte Telomere Length Shortening in Apparently Healthy Adults: A Meta-Analysis
Get PDFBackground: Shorter telomere length is associated with numerous comorbidities. Several studies have investigated the role of obesity in telomere shortening. In the current systematic review and meta-analysis, we summarized the results of studies that evaluated the association between obesity and telomere length.
Methods: A systematic search from Scopus, PubMed, Embase, and ProQuest electronic databases up to 19 March 2021 without language restriction was performed and after data extraction and screening, 19 manuscripts were eligible to be included in the final meta-synthesis.
Results: The highest category of telomere length was associated with an approximate 0.75 kg/m2 reduction in body mass index (BMI; WMD = −0.75 kg/m2; CI = −1.19, −0.31; p < 0.001; I2 = 99.4%). Moreover, overweight/obese individuals had 0.036 kbp shorter telomere length compared with non-overweight/obese adults (WMD = −0.036; CI = −0.05, −0.02; p = 0.030; I2 = 100%). According to the results of subgroupings, continent, age, and sample size could be possible sources of heterogeneity.
Conclusion: From the results, it was clear that obesity was associated with shorter telomere length. Because of the observational design of included studies, the causality inference of results should be done with caution; thus, further longitudinal studies are warranted for better inference of causal association