[Study of antibacterial effects of different fractions of leaves extract of Ajuga chamaecistus Ging. Subsp. Scoparia [Bioss] rech. f. and bioautography of effective fraction]

Today, the emergence of antimicrobial resistance against conventional antibiotics is increasing. Many researchers consider plants with antimicrobial properties as a good alternative. In this study, the antimicrobial activity of Ajuga chamaecistus Ging. Subsp. Scoparia [Bioss] Rech. f. on 8 bacterial strains was investigated. The leaf extract was prepared by methanolic maceration. The concentrated, dried extract was fractionated by different solvents including petroleum ether, dichloro methane, and ethyl acetate. Determination of minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] of crude extract was performed using agar dilution method. Disk diffusion method was used for antimicrobial assay of different fractions. Then, the chemical constituents of the most effective fraction were separated on thin-layer chromatography [TLC] plates. Then, the prepared chromatograms were analyzed using immersion bioautography. According to disk diffusion method, ethyl acetate fraction had stronger antibacterial activity against all tested bacteria. Bioautography of this fraction showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus in R[f] = 0.9. However, all tested bacteria had inhibition spots in the site of fraction loading. Antibacterial activity of ethyl acetate fraction will appear if all components are used together

[Comparison of honey dressing with hydrocolloid dressing effects on pressure ulcer healing of ICU hospitalized patients]

Bed sore is an important nursing diagnosis in patients in ICU which delay recovery and increase costs of patients and their family. The best method for bed sores is dressing. The aim of the study was to compare the effect of honey dressing with Hydrocolloid dressing on pressure ulcer healing in ICU patients. In this randomized clinical trial research, 29 patients with total of 40 pressure ulcers were participated. After selecting the patient based on inclusion criteria, hospitals were divided randomly in two control and intervention groups. Intervention group with total of 20 pressure ulcers were received bed sore care with honey dressing in Shohada hospital and control group with total of 20 pressure ulcers were received bed sore care with Hydrocolloid dressing in Farabi hospital. Ulcers state were measured with Pressure Ulcer Scale [PUSH] at the beginning of hospitalization and then weekly for 5 weeks. After intervention by comparing PUSH score in two groups, were measured. Data were analyzed by SPSS. The results showed that the two groups were statistically similar with regard to baseline and wound characteristics. After 5 weeks of treatment, patients who were treated by honey dressing had similar PUSH tool scores with patients that were treated with Hydrocolloid dressing. However, recovery in group with honey dressing was faster, but there was not any significant difference. Results showed that healing among patients that were treated with honey dressing were statistically similar with the comparison group. But easy accessibility, economical and neutrality makes honey dressing treatment as choice for pressure ulcers treatment

Effects of arsenic trioxide, all-trans-retinoic acid and dexamethasone on NB4 cell line

Experimental and preclinical observations have indicated that combination therapy with all-trans-retinoic acid [ATRA] and arsenic trioxide [ATO] may strongly enhance their therapeutic effects in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia [APL]. Whilst dexamethasone [Dex] is routinely used for the control of APL-differentiation syndrome, its effect on the pharmacodynamics of ATO is not clear. Therefore, in this study, effects of therapeutic concentrations of ATO, ATRA and Dex and their sequential usages on the proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis in t [15;17]-positive NB4 cells was investigated. Cells were treated with therapeutic concentrations of ATO, ATRA and Dex either as single or in combination and cell proliferation was assessed by XTT assay. Expression of CD lib as an indicator of cell differentiation and the percentage of 7-AAD positive cells as a marker of apoptosis were determined by flow cytometry. ATO, but not ATRA and Dex, decreased proliferation of the cells dose-dependently. Pre-treatment of the cells with any of the drugs did not alter the effects of other drugs on the proliferation. Pre-treatments with Dex blocked the apoptotic effect of ATO [1 micro M]. No improvement or antagonistic effects was observed with the pretreatment/ combination of the ATO and ATRA on the differentiation and apoptosis of the cells. It is possible that concomitant usage of Dex with apoptotic doses of ATO in APL patients counteract therapeutic effects of ATO

percent of extract and glycyrrhizin content of glycyrrhia glabra root grown in kerman province and some samples from fars province by HPLC method

Licorice [Glycyrrhia glabra L.] is an important herbal medicine that its root extract has long been used for the treatment of various diseases. The essential component of its root is glycyrrhizin. This study was performed to determine the percentage of the extract and glycyrrhizin content of the roots of Glycyrrhiz glabra grown in different areas of Kerman province and some samples in Fars province. Twenty six samples from the roots of Glycyrrhia glabra grown in various areas of Kerman province and 2 samples from Fars Province [a total of 28 samples from 8 regions] were collected and extracted by using ethanol and distilled water [for 5 samples]. The percentage of glycyrrhizin in the extracts was determined by High Performance Liquid Chromatography [HPLC] technique. Mean percent of extracts from the samples of Fasa and Shiraz in Fars province [18.25 +/- 1.06%], Sirjan [17.29 +/- 0.90%] and Bardsir [16.33 +/- 5.62%] were higher than other areas [P<0.05]. Glycyrrhizin contents of samples of Bardsir [5.09 +/- 0.02%], Sirjan [4.94 +/- 0.75%], Zarand [4.46 +/- 3.34%] were non significantly higher than Glycyrrhizin content of Fars samples [3.65 +/- 0.59%]. The percentage of the extract and glycyrrhizin were higher in ethanol extract compared to the aqueous extract [P<0.05]. Samples with yellow root color had higher percentage of glycyrrhizin than those with brown color and samples of relatively cold and high altitude areas had higher glycyrrhizin content [P<0.001, P<0.05 respectively]. Overall, it is concluded that the percent of extract and glycyrrhizin content of licorice root in the most areas of Kerman is relatively high. Appropriate measures for using this root in the country and for exporting purposes and also industrial growing in potential areas of the Province are recommended

[Antibacterial activities of essential oil and composition of stachys acerosa boiss]

Stachys acerosa Boiss [Lamiaecae] is an endemic plant of Iran. Because there is no report about this plant and according to medicinal uses of another species of Stachys, in this investigation, chemical composition and antimicrobial acivity of essential oils of flowering and non flowering tops of S. acerosa were studied and the component with antimicrobial activity was identified. Flowering and non flowering tops of the plant were collected from Lalehzar [Kerman provience] and after drying their essential oils were obtained by Clevenger apparatus. The oils were analyzed by GC-MS apparatus and retention indices. Antimicrobial activities of essential oils against Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, Eshrichia coli, Bacillus subtillis, Kelebsiella pneumonia and Pseudomonas aeroginosa were investigated by bioautography method on silica gel GF[254] TLC plates developed in toluene: ethyl acetate [93:7]. Flowering and non flowering plants yielded 0.09% and 0.11% [v/w] of clear yellowish essential oil and chrysanthenyl acetate and linalool as were major constituents respectively. Most anitimicrobial activities, detected by TLC, showed in R[f]=0.5-0.6 in essential oil of non flowering tops and after extraction of this fraction from preparative TLC and GC-MS analysis, it showed that Carvacrol was the major compound. There are reports about antimicrobial activities of other Stachys species, and chrysanthenyl acetate and linalool as major constituents of essential oils in other species of Stachyes

[Carotid wall thickness in patients with acute unilateral nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy]

To compare ipsilateral and contralateral carotid wall thickness in patients with acute unilateral non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy [NAION]. This prospective case series included 17 [10 male and 7 female] patients with unilateral NAION of less than 8 weeks' duration who underwent B-mode ultrasonography to measure intima-media thickness [IMT] in the common carotid and internal carotid arteries. IMT values of the affected side were compared with those on the contralateral side. Mean patient age was 59.6 +/- 10.8 [range 45-74] years. Mean interval between onset of NAION and measurements was 27.6 +/- 13.2 [range 10-45] days. Mean IMT of both common and internal carotid arteries on the affected side [1.19 +/- 0.14 and 1.41 +/- 0.29 mm, respectively] was significantly [P<0.001] higher than the noninvolved side [0.92 +/- 0.11 and 0.83 +/- 0.2, respectively]. NAION may be accompanied by increased carotid wall thickness. Carotid wall thickness measurement using ultrasound in patients with NAION may be useful to identify concomitant carotid artery disease

[Comparison of ophthalmic artery velocity in eyes with NAION and normal fellow eyes]

To compare ophthalmic artery velocity in eyes with nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy [NAION] with that of normal fellow eyes. In this case-control study, 20 patients with unilateral NAION and disease onset less than 8 weeks, were enrolled. Using color Doppler imaging, mean, maximum systolic and end diastolic ophthalmic artery velocities were evaluated. The results were compared between the fellow eyes. Twelve men and 8 women with a mean age of 54.6 +/- 11.8 years were included. Mean interval between disease onset and velocity measurements was 27.5 +/- 12.8 days. Mean [18.5 +/- 0.8 vs 19.9 +/- 2.8], maximum systolic [37.9 +/- 4.09 vs 39.7 +/- 3.1] and end diastolic [10.3 +/- 2.1 vs 12.3 +/- 2.5] ophthalmic artery velocities in NAION eyes were significantly less than that of the normal fellow eyes [P=0.01, P=0.001 and P<0.001, respectively]. No significant difference was found in subgroup analysis of patients with and without diabetes, and with and without systemic hypertension. NAION seems to be associated with changes in ophthalmic artery velocity

[Optimization of propylene removal in a complete mixed activated sludge bioreactor by Taguchi method]

Exposure to propylene glycol can lead to many health risks on blood, skin and kidney. Biodegradation of synthetic wastewater containing propylene glycol was studied in a continuous conventional activated sludge bench scale reactor. Optimum conditions of microorganisms growth for biodegradation of propylene glycol were determined by Taguchi method. Primary microorganisms for start up of the bioreactor were obtained from sludge return line of a municipal wastewater treatment plant and adapted to different concentrations of propylene glycol in a conventional activated sludge reactor. Optimum growth conditions of microorganisms and also operational conditions of the system including pH, influent COD, source of nitrogen and salinity were determined in three levels by Taguchi method. COD removal efficiency in conventional activated sludge reactor for influent concentrations of 400, 700, 900, 1100 and 1300 mg/L were 98%, 95%, 95%, 90% and 85% respectively. Optimization of the process by Taguchi method showed that source of nitrogen urea, pH = 8, salinity of 8% and influent COD of 1300 mg/L with importance priority of 41%, 25%, 17.11% and 16.142% were as optimum growth conditions of microorganisms and also, operational conditions of the system for propylene glycol biodegradation respectively. According to the results obtained from this work, it can be concluded that optimum conditions of biological processes and improvement the efficiency of bioreactors can simply be done by the use of such experimental designs

[Optimization of moving bed bioflim reactor using taguchi method]

In recent years, mobile bed biological reactors have been used progressively for municipal and industrial wastewaters treatment. Dissented experiment is a trial that significant changes will accrue for influent variables in the process, and generally used for identification of the effective factors and optimization of the process. The scope of this study was determination of the optimized conditions for the MBBR process by using of Taguchi method. Reactor start up was done by using of the recycled activated sludge from Ahwaz wastewater treatment plant. After that and passing the acclimation period, with hydraulic residence time equal to 9 hours matched for 1000, 2000 and 3000 mg/1 based on COD respectively, for optimization determination of the acclimated microbial growth, the variables change [p[H], nitrogen source, chemical oxygen demand and salinity] were determined in 9 steps, and all of the results were analyzed by Qualitek -4 [w32b]. In this study, organic load removal based on COD was 97% and best optimized condition for MBBR were [inf. COD 1000 mg/1, pH= 8, salinity = 5% and the Nitrogen source= NH4CL]. Based on our finding, we may conclude that Taguchi method is on of the appropriate procedure in determination the optimized condition for increasing removal efficiency of MBBR

[Plasma Homocysteine Concentration in Hemodialysis Patients of Kerman/Iran in 2005]

Homocysteine is an aminoacid yielded from methionin to cysteine metabolism. Normal plasma concentration of homocysteine in human is between 5-15 micro mol/l and an increase more than 5 micro mol/l can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, atherosclerosis and thrombosis. On the other hand in dialysis patients due to some reasons such as uremia, genetic factors, dialysis related factors and vitamin B group deficiency, the plasma level of homocysteine increases. This study was done to evaluate Plasma vitamin B12, Folic acid and homocysteine levels in kerman hemodialysis patients in comparison to healthy persons. In this cross-sectional study performed in two hemodialysis units of kerman-Iran, 25 hemodialysis patients and 25 healthy persons were studied. Blood samples were drawn prior to the dialysis session. The samples were centrifuged and the plasma was kept frozen at -20°C until analysis. Homocysteine level was determined by Gas-Chromatography and vitamin levels analysis were determined by radio assay method. Mean homocysteine level in hemodialysis patients [19.7 +/- 8.8 micro mol/l] showed significant difference [P=0.024] with healthy persons, homocysteine level [15.3 +/- 3 micro mol/l]. There were no relationship between the time passed since the first dialysis [p=0.188] and patients, age [p=0.419] with homocysteine levels. Plasma vitmin B12 and folic acid levels in hemodialysis patients were 4672 +/- 2379 pg/ml and 47 +/- 17 ng/ml respectively. These values were much more than those in healthy persons [959 +/- 409 Pmol/L and 14 +/- 12nmol/L respectively]. Although homocysteine level in our patients was more than healthy persons, but it was lower than that of hemodialysis patients in other countries. This difference may be related to some factors such as genetic factors and administration of daily oral folic acid and Intravenous injection of B12 and B Complex after each dialysis session. Therefore this procedure is recommended in hemodialysis patients

[Investigation of antibacterial effects of hibiscus sabdariffa L. dried calyx by agar diffusion and bioautographic methods]

In this study, the antibacterial activities of methanolic and ethyl acetate extracts of calyx of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. [Malvaceae] traditionally used as Chai-Makii, against Staphylococus aureus, Staphylococus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumonia and Pseudomonas aeroginosa were investigated by cylinder -plate and bioauthography methods separately. In cylinder - plate method methanolic extract of the calyces were prepared by maceration and after concentrating the extracts, they were dried. Then the concentrations of 50, 25, 12.5, 6.2 and 3.1mg/ml of the methanolic solutions were used for searching antibacterial effects. The standard bacteria with certain concentration [0.5 Mac Far land] were inoculated on to the Muller - Hinton agar medium. Prepared extracts were dropped in cylinders and 18-24 hours after incubation and penetration of extract into the culture medium the antibacterial effects and inhibitory zone were observed. In bioauthography method, the ethyl acetate extract was prepared by decantation of methanolic extract and evaporating to dryness. Then this extract was separated by ethyl acetate: Chloroform: Methanol [32:53:15] by thin layer chromatography method. After placing TLC papers in culture medium with certain concentration of bacteria and incubation, spot of inhibitory zone appeared by using tetrazolium salts and indicated as R[f]. Methanolic and ethyl acetate extracts in cylinder - plate method showed antibacterial effects on all six bacteria. The minimum and maximum applied concentrations were respectively 3.1 and 50mg/ml. In bioauthography method, ethyl acetate extract showed antibacterial effect on Staphylococus epidermidis, Klebsiella pneumonia, Bacillus subtilis and Echerichia coli in R[f] =0.15 and R[f]=0.75. According to ultra violet spectroscopy of these two components, they could be flavones

[Effects of Methanolic extract of Achillea Wilhelmsii C.koch on seizure induced by Picrotoxin in mice]

Some therapeutic effects of medicinal plants such as Achillea have been known for many years ago. In this investigation, the effects of methanolic extract of Achillea Wilhelmsii C. Koch on seizure induced by picrotoxin was studied in mice. This study was performed on animals pretreated with different experimental doses of percolated extract of Achillea Wilhelmsii via intraperitoneal injection and 20 minutes after extract injections, each animal received picrotoxin 10 mg/kg for induction of generalized tonic and clonic seizure. Latency of onset and duration of seizure, death time and percent of mortality were determined. The results showed that pretreatment of animals with different doses of extracts did not change the beginning time of seizure induced by picrotoxin. The duration of seizure increased [p<0.01], but the severity of seizures was milder than control group. In addition, all doses of extract lengthened the time of death [p<0.01]. The mortality rate was decreased with dose of 50 and 100 m a g [p<0.05, p<0.01, respectively]. The results showed that the dose of 100mg/kg is the most effective one. The extract of Achillea Wilhelmsii decreased the severity of generalized tonic and clonic seizure induced by picrotoxin and lengthened the death time; therefore it is a suitable for continuing investigation as anticonvulsant drug

Phytochemical studies of dracocephalum polychaetum bornm

Dracocephalum polychaetum Bornm. [Lamiaceae] is one of the endemic species of Dracocephalum genus in Iran. There is no report on chemical composition of this species. This plants in Kerman folk medicines is known as Mofaroo and used for its pleasant odor, and for the releif of stomach pain. In this investigation volatile oil components and flavonoids of D. polychaetum was studied. Dried and ground aerial part of D. polychaetum were subjected to hydro distillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus. The oil was analyzed by GC-MS. Identification of compounds was based on a comparison of their mass spectra with standards and using retention indices and co injection. Methanolic extracts was chromatographed on Silica gel PTLC and two fraction separated. The structures of them were determined by UV spectra and -NMR. The aerial part of D. polychaetum yielded 1.3% of pale yellowish oil, which contained perilla aldehyde [69.60%] and limonene [16.55%]. Two flavons apigenin and luteolin were isolated from this plant. : Chemical composition of other Dracocephalum species showed that essential oil and flavonoides are common in this genus and yields of oil of D. polychaetum is higher than other members of this genus. Apigenin and luteolin here been found in some Dracocephalum species

[Antibacterial activity studies of salvia mirzayanii and salvia atropatana against six standard gram positive and gram-negative bacteria]

In this study antimicrobial effects of Saliva mirzayanii and Saliva atropatana were evaluated against six gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria by immersion bioautography, cylinder plate and tube dilution methods separately. In bioautography method, essential oils of Salvia mirzayanii and Salvia atropatana were separated on silicagel TLC plates by toluene-ethyl acetate [93-7]. In cylander plate and tube dilution method, methanolic [80%] and aqua extracts were taken by maceration method. After concentrating the extracts, they were dried, and then the 50, 25, 12.5, 6.25, 3.125 and 1.562 mg/ml distilled water solution of the dried were used for searching antimicrobial effects. Essential oil and extract of Salvia mirzayanii against E.coli, S. aureus, K. pneumonia, B. subtilis and P. aeroginosa in deferent dilutions were effective and essential oil and extract of Salvia atropatana against E.coli, S. aureus, S. epidermidis and B. subtilis were effective too

[Resistance development of field isolated eimeria spp. against some anticoccidial drugs]

There is no doubt that coccidiosis is a common and an important disease in the domestic fowl. It has been shown that the disease has brought about great losses in the poultry industry of Iran. Medication current by anticoccidial drug in the chicken has been started about 80 years ago in Iran, in recent years reports of coccidial agents developing resistance to anticoccidial drugs have been increased. The aim of this study was to determine the sensitivity of field isolated Eimeria spp. The effect of amprolium - ethopabate and lasalocid was tested in experimentally infested chicks of 4 weeks of age. The results showed that the amprolium was unable to prevent oocyst shedding. However, lasalocid was efficient in reducing oocyst output to a very significantly low level [P<0.05]. Comparing the anticoccidial effect of sulphaquinoxaline - diaverdine against clinical condition of coccidiosis indicated that it could not inhibit Eimeria acervuling oocyst shedding but toltrazuril was highly effective against combined infection with E. acervulina, E. tenella E. maxima and E. necatrix