[Effect of multi-walled carbon nanotubes on physiological traits, phenolic contents and antioxidant capacity of salvia mirzayanii rech. f. and esfand. under drought stress]

Background: environmental stresses and biotic and abiotic elicitors induce secondary metabolites biosynthesis and hypersensitive response in plants through activation of defense mechanisms

Objective: this study was carried out with the aim of assessing the effects of different drought stress and multi-walled carbon nanotube [MWCNT] levels on physiological variations, flavonoid and phenolic contents, and antioxidant capacity of Salvia mirzayanii

Methods: this study was arranged in a factorial experiment based on randomized complete block design under research greenhouse of medicinal plants department at Arak University. The first factor was considered as drought stress in 4 levels [25, 50, 75 and 100% of field capacity], and the second factor was designated as foliar spray of MWCNT [functionalized and non- functionalized] at 4 different concentrations [0, 50 and 200 mg/L]

Results: results showed that drought stress and MWCNT and their interactions significantly affected some studied traits. Leaf relative water content [P<0.01] and chlorophyll index [P<0.05] was significantly changed under drought stress treatment, however, electrolyte leakage index significantly [P<0.01] affected under different levels of MWCNT. Furthermore, total phenolics was significantly [P<0.01] changed under interaction of experimental treatments. The highest and the lowest phenolics content were achieved in functionalized MWCNT exposed plants at 50 and 200 mg/L under 25% of FC, respectively

Conclusion: application of functionalized MWCNT at concentration of 50 mg/L along with moderate drought stress improved physiological traits and antioxidant activity of extract in S. mirzayanii plants

[Evaluation the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of peganum harmala seed on weight and blood biochemical parameters in male wistar rats]

Obesity is one of the major risk factors for many diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Although a few studies have been shown the pharmacological properties of Peganum harmala, there is no data on the anti-obesity effect of this plant. This study was designed to investigate the effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of Peganum harmala seed on the weight and blood biochemical parameters in male wistar rats. Fifty male Wistar rats were categorized into 5 groups: Negative control group [standard diet]; positive control group [high-fat diet with 4% of fat]; treatment groups [high-fat diet + hydroalcoholic extract of Peganum harmala at 200 and 400 mg/kg/day and high-fat diet + Orlistat at 200 mg/kg/day]. Extracts and orlistat were administrated by gavage for 8 weeks, and levels of serum glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, high density lipoprotein [HDL] and liver enzymes were measured by routine laboratory kits. Our findings demonstrate that this extract reduced weight in the group that received high-fat diet, at both doses [P<0.05]. This extract also significantly decreased the levels of serum glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol and increased HDL in the group that received high-fat diet [P<0.05]; however it had no effect on reduction of liver enzymes. Our data suggest that the hydroalcoholic extract of Peganum harmala has beneficial effects on controlling body weight in animals fed with a high-fat diet and it also significantly improves biochemical parameters in animals fed with a high-fat diet

[Vitamin d alterations in food regimens and synaptic transmission in neuronal circuit]

In nervous system, through specific channels and some ionotropic receptors, calcium ion involves in synaptic transmission vitamin D takes an important role in cellular regulation as well. Calcium ion plays an important role in synaptic transmission through specific channels and some receptors such as NMDA receptors in the nervous system. In the present study we asked if alterations in vitamin D content of food regimens influence electrophysiological phenomena in hippocampal neuronal circuits. Adult rats under normal food regimen [CON], vitamin-D-free regimen [CON-D] or with a supplement of calcitriol [CON+D] were used in this study. Stimulating Schaffer colateral excitatory post synaptic field potentials [EPSP] were recorded in CA1 area of hippocampus. For inducing of long term potentiation [LTP] high frequency stimulation [HFS] was used as a tetanic stimulation. Changes in the amplitude of EPSPs were considered for comparison of the 3 tested groups. Our findings indicated that there was no difference between EPSP amplitude of the CON, CON+D and CON-D rats. On the other hand, LTP was induced only in the CON and CON+D animals. According to the findings, it seems that vitamin D deficiency considerably affect potentiation of the synaptic transmission. The probable mechanism can be vitamin D regulation of intracellular calcium concentration

Comparison of ferrous ion chelating, free radical scavenging and anti tyrosinase properties of Thymus daenensis essential oil with commercial thyme oil and thymol

Utilization of plants as antioxidants in food processing has a potential for substitution of synthetic antioxidants. In the present work, some unexplored biological activities of Thymus daenensis, commercial thyme essential oils and thymol were comparatively studied. Ferrous ion chelating was assessed by spectrophotometry by mixing the essential oils with diluted FeSO[4] followed by addition of ferrozine. Antioxidative properties were assessed by beta carotene bleaching and 2,2-diphenyl-l-picrylhydrazyl [DPPH] free radical scavenging tests. Gallic acid equivalent of ferric reduction was carried out using FeCl[3]. Super oxide anion radical scavenging was determined using xanthine oxidase and anti tyrosinase inhibitory activity was determined by a spectrophotometry method using a modified dopachrome method with L-DOPA as the substrate. Chelating reaction of T. daenensis oil was dose dependent, and its super oxide anion radical scavenging property was higher than the commercial oil. Lipid peroxidation inhibition by T. daenensis oil was stronger and those of the commercial oil and thymol were approximately equal. DPPH free radical scavenging property of T. daenensis oil was higher than trolox, butylated hydroxytoluene and anisol [BHT and BHA]. Ferric-reducing antioxidant power [FRAP] of T. daenensis oil was greater. The total phenolics anti tyrosinase IC[50] were also determined. The results point to the nutritional value of these plants in preventing formation of toxic reactive oxygen species, and show that Thymus daenensis, as a good antioxidant, can directly scavenge free radicals. The results from biological properties of Thymus daenensis are indicative of its potentials for use in food and drug industries

[Epidemiology of human parechovirus type1 in clinical samples from children with gastroenteritis using RT-PCR]

Human parechovirus type-1 [HPeV-1] is a genus of picornaviridea with a single stranded positive sense RNA genome. In general it seems to be responsible for more gastrointestinal and respiratory syndromes and less responsible for central nervous system [CNS] symptoms. Since there is no accurate information about diagnosis and epidemiology of HPeV-1 in Iran and it is very important to distinguish between viral and bacterial diarrhea to decrease the unnecessary use of antibiotics, this study aimed at rapid detection and epidemiology of HPeV-1 in stool samples from children with gastroenteritis using specific RT-PCR. Viral RNA was isolated from 472 stool samples from children [under 4 years old] with diarrhea; CDNA was prepared and amplified using specific primers from 5?untranslated region [5' UTR] of HPeV-1 genome by nested RT-PCR. Amplified DNA product was electrophoresed on 1% agarose gel and a single band of 265 bp was obtained. Data were analyzed by SPSS software. We also performed a comparison between the cell culture [Vero] and RT-PCR method for HPeV1 detection. Out of 472 samples examined during two years, 112 samples were HpeV-1 positive [23.7%]. The results showed that the prevalence of this virus was in children under one year [6-12 months] old with diarrhea [p=0.036] in spring and autumn [p<0.001]. Boys had more positive cases than the girls [p<0.001]. Out of 20 samples which were found positive by HPeV1 RT-PCR only three of them showed CPE on Vero Cells after a week. The results revealed that RT-PCR is a more practical and sensitive technique for HPeV-1 detection directly from clinical samples, which is valuable for epidemiology. Also, the rapid detection of HPeV1 by RT-PCR can decrease both the unnecessary use of antibiotics and the costs in clinical practice

effect of aloe vera ointment on the intensity of perineal pain following episiotomy: a randomized blind clinical trial

Background and Purpose: Aloe vera has long been used as a medication of many diseases but the research approving its analgesic effects are not many. Since the effect of its ointment on episiotomy pain has been investigated, we intended to determine the effect of aloe vera ointment on the pain intensity of episiotomy among primiparous women

Methods and Materials: This blind randomized clinical trial was conducted on 74 primiparous women, having the inclusion criteria, admitted to Lolagar hospital in Tehran, Iran; the participants were continuously assigned into two groups by random allocation: experimental [using the aloe vera ointment] and control [routine medication]. The experimental group [37 women] consumed Aloe vera ointment 3cc / 60 mg every 8 hours; and the control group [37 women] consumed the hospital routine care [Povidone Iodine] for five days. Data collection instruments were a demographic questionnaire and VAS scale, for recording the pain intensity before application, 4 and 8 hours and 5 days after application in both groups. The obtained data were analyzed in SPSS 16 using independent t-test and chisquare

Results: Mean pain score of the experimental and control groups before application of aloe vera ointment were 6.24 +/- 1.57 and 6.02 +/- 1.77 respectively, which reduced to 1.86 +/- 1.45 and 3.97 +/- 2.19 respectively five days after intervention; the difference between the two groups was significant [p<0.01]; however, the pain score four hours after application was not significant

Conclusion: Aloe vera ointment can be used in episiotomy wound care to reduce the pain intensity and the need for pain killers

[Effect of vitamin D deficiency and calcitriol supplementation on adult rats' learning and memory in Morris water maze]

Background: Vitamin D receptors have been presented in the areas involved in learning and memory. This study was done to assess the effect of the vitamin D deficiency and calcitriol supplementation on spatial learning and memory

Materials and Methods: Twenty seven male rats were divided into three groups [n=9 for each]: receiving normal [Control], diminished vitamin D [C-D] and calcitriol supplement [C+D] regimens for 45 days. The animals were introduced to the Morris water maze [MWM] trials [4trials/day for 5 consecutive days]. The delay in finding and distance passed to reach the target platform were measured as spatial learning. The probe test was performed on the 5[th] day of experiment

Results: The C-D group needed a longer time to reach the platform than the control and C+D animals [P<0.0001], demonstrating that vitamin D deficiency negatively affected the maze learning. On the other hand, calcitriol supplementation did not significantly influence the spatial learning. The probe trial was not affected by either vitamin D deficiency or calcitriol supplementation

Conclusion: Although vitamin D deficiency deteriorates the maze learning it dose not affect the spatial memory consolidation. Also, calcitriol supplementation for 45 days is not effective in cognitive phenomena

[Molecular epidemiology of foot-and-mouth disease virus in ruminant during 2005-2006 in Iran]

Foot and mouth disease [FMD] is a highly contagious viral disease of ruminant which causes fever and postule on mouth, hoof and teat. The main purpose of this study was to determine and charachtrize isolated FMD virus from Iran between 2005-2006, and to compare it with vaccine virus strains. After preparation of samples, serological test for typing of virus was performed. In order to virus isolation. the samples were inoculated to IBRS2 cell, RT-PCR and PCR were used for sequencing. Two dimentional virus neutralization test was carried out for detecting of immunological relationship [r value] between the field isolate and virus presented in vaccine. Detected strains were as follows: 241 samples of type AO5IR, 125 of type A87IR, 79 of type 0.3 of type Asia and 714 negative out of 1162 samples. Average r-values of type A, 0, Asia field virus with vaccine strains were 50-92% and 97%, respectively. Phylogenic tree was designed according to the nucleic acid sequencing data. There is not strong relationship between field viruses of type A and vaccine viruses. However a strong relationship was shown for type 0 and Asia ones with vaccine virus strains

role of Rad51 protein in radioresistance of spheroid model of DU145 prostate carcinoma cell line

Rad51 is a protein with critical role in double strand break repair. Down-regulation of this protein has a significant effect in radiosensitivity of some cell lines like prostate carcinoma. Compared to monolayer cell culture model, the spheroids are more resistant to radiation. The aim of the current study was to determine the Rad51 protein level in DU145 spheroids, and monolayer cells before and after exposure to gamma irradiation. In the present study, western blot was used to determine the level of Rad51 protein in DU145 cell line grown as monolayer and spheroid. Western blot analysis showed that in the spheroid cells, Rad51 had an elevated level before and after radiation in comparison with monolayer cells. Higher doses of radiation induced elevated expression of Rad51 protein in both culture models. The level of at protein after exposure to gamma rays had been time dependent. Rad51 might act as a mediator of radiation resistance in tumor cells. Repression of Rad51 activity could be a prominent strategy to overcome radiation resistance of tumors

Cytotoxicity evaluation of two species from Caesalpinia genus

One of the important effects of medicinal plants is cytotoxic effect using to treat different tumors and neoplasms. A number of Caesalpinia species have previously been investigated for their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic, antitumor, lowering blood pressure, immunosuppressant and antioxidant effects. Cytotoxicity evaluation of Caesalpinia gilliesii [Hook.] D.Dietr. and Caesalpinia bonduc [L.] Roxb. The plants were collected from Sistan and Baluchestan region and then were identified. Brine shrimp lethality bioassay was carried out to investigate the Cytotoxicity of total extracts of plants. Extracts giving LC[50] values lower than 30 micro g/ml were considered to be cytotoxic. Chloroform fractions of methanol extract of cytotoxic plants were also subjected to brine shrimp lethality bioassay. The extracts of C. gilliesii showed moderate Cytotoxicity against brine shrimp [LC[50] between 30 and 50 mirco g/ml]. Different parts of C. bonduc showed different Cytotoxicity and the legume of this species had potent cytotoxic effect. Chloroform fraction of legume of C. bonduc showed lower Cytotoxicity than methanol extract of it. Legume of C bonduc showed potent cytotoxic effect and it could be potential sources for novel anticancer compounds. This study provides useful data for the elaborated cytotoxic bioassays with cancer cell lines

study of feasibility for water purification using vertical porous concrete filter

There is a need to find cheaper and simpler techniques for rural water filtration system in developing countries. Using a filter made of blocks for the water treatment enables one to make vertical filters. It is expected that the amount of land utilized would decrease by more than 70% if vertical filters were used. The operation and washing would be simpler than using horizontal sand filters as filters made of blocks would be used instead. The feasibility study focused on finding adequate materials, compositions and methods of making a block with enough resistance to water pressure, sufficient porosity for water transformation, and using inexpensive, readily available materials. A pilot study was used to determine an appropriate thickness. Testing the porous filter in another pilot study using the low overflow rate of river water showed biological growth in that media and an adequate efficiency of about 90-100% was obtained for decreasing the coliform bacteria. Washing in this filter is possible. The amount of water necessary for backwashing is 2.9% of total amount of water, which is passed

Chemical composition of the essential olis Stachys athorecalyx C. Koch. collected from Arasbaran prospected region

The genus Stachys [Lamiaceae] is distributed in mild regions of the Mediterranean and south-west Asia. About 270 Stachys species are reported; 34 of them are found in Iran of which 13 are endemic. Several Stachys species are used in Iranian folk medicine as medicinal plants. There is no report on Stachys athorecalyx essential oil analysis previously. Investigation on essential oil constituents of Stachys athorecalyx collected from Arasbaran protected area in this study, Stachys athorecalyx has been collected from the Arasbaran protected areas; shade dried and the essential oil extracted by means of steam distillation and analyzed with GC/MS. Thirty six compounds representing 98.1% of total oil were identified in the oil of Stachys athorecalyx. Spathulenol [22.1%] was the major compounds. Oxygenated compounds were predominant [71.2%]. Eighteen monoterpenes [47.9%], thirteen sesquiterpenes [42.9%] and two aromatic compounds [1.6%] were founded. according to our investigation's results and considering previously reports on other Stachys species' essential oil compounds, there is good similarity between essential oil compounds of this species and other reported species in this genus

Study of the ACE inhibitory effect of medicinal plants used in Iranian Folk-Medicine as antihypertensive remedy

Angiotensin converting enzyme [ACE] is an exopeptidase which converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II. Angiotensin II causes vasoconstriction and aldosteron secretion and inactivate bradykinin, so ACE has major role on blood pressure regulation. In this study 135 plants used in Persian traditional medicine have been investigated for their angiotensin converting enzyme [ACE] inhibitory activity potential. They were selected on the basis of their usage as antihypertensive, cardiotonics and diuretics. The dried powdered plant material, 1 g was extracted with 10 ml water and ethanol [%96] in ultrasonic bath. The extracts were filtered and concentrated in vacuum except for the water extracts, which were freeze-dried. Test solutions were made by dissolving extract in assay buffer, corresponding to a final concentration of 0.33 mg of crude plant extract in 1 ml test volume. Enzyme assay was performed by HPLC method. Plants exhibiting inhibition levels more then 50% were further tested for the presence of tannins in order to eliminate possible false positives. In total, 52 species out of the 135 [39%] screened, gave more than 50% ACE inhibition. 40 species were found to possess a high ACE inhibiting ability and were low in their tannin content

[Study of the effects of different kinds of honeys on the growth of standard strain of pseudomonas aeroginosa [in vitro]]

Pseudomonas aeroginosa is a gram negative bacterium which is found in the intestinal tract and skin as normal flora. It can cause opportunistic infections, contaminated wounds especially burn lesions, and is resistant to many antibiotics. Many studies support the use of honey for these infections. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible bactericidal effects of different kinds of honey, on P. aeroginosa, in Kashan. This was a labaratory study. Eight out of 15 honey samples were selected and their reducing sugars, saccharose were quantified, also Diastase enzyme activity was determined. The included specimens were then classified to natural [6 specimens], synthetic unnatural [2 specimens] and a sample prepared by sugar, and two by heat-inactivated natural honeys. Different concentration [V/V] containing 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 percent of honeys were added in the Muller Hinton agar and P. aeroginosa [ATCC=27853] were then cultured. The results showed that natural honeys at the concentration of 10%, had bactricidal effects on the growth of P.aeroginosa. The synthetic honeys did not show this effect. but heating process reduced bactricidal properties of the honeys. We concluded that natural honeys can be used for the treatment of infectious wounds especially in burns, and superficial lesion. In vivo studies are also warranted to confirm the bactericidal effects of honey

Quantitative determination of an effective component of fumaria parviflora Lam

7 species of the annual plants of genus Fumaria, grow in Iran. Fumaria officinalis is the medicinal species, which is used as a cholagogue. F. officinalis is not found in Iran but F. parviflora is used instead, in folk medicine. It is thought to be a expectorant, diuretic, diaphoretic, gastric tonic, blood purifier, bitter tonic, laxative, intoxicant, astringent, sedative and has favorable effects on skin complaints. The aim of this study was quantitative determination of the effective component [fumaric acid] of Fumaria parviflora Lam. Medicinal parts of F. parviflora are aerial parts. The aerial parts of F. parviflora in the flowering stage were collected in July 2003 from Halejerd. Powdered plant was extracted with petroleum ether, chloroform, acetone and methanol using a soxhlet extractor. Fumaric acid content was analyzed by HPLC. Fumaric acid content of the dried plant was determined to be about 0.93% w/w

Dosimetry of [188]Re and [186]Re sources based on Monte Carlo calculations for endovascular brachytherapy after balloon angioplasty

Background: Recent pre-clinical and clinical studies indicate that irradiation in the dose range of 15 to 30 Gy can reduce rate of restenosis in patients who have undergone an angioplasty. The use of filled balloon with radioactive solution was proposed as one of the possible intravascular irradiation techniques

Materials and Methods: The Monte Carlo N-particle Transport Code [MCNP4b] was used to calculate the dose rate distribution in the tissue equivalent material around the [188]Re and [186]Re liquid sources. Schematic of Medical Internal Radiation Dose [MIRD] for homogeneous distribution of radio-nuclide in a lesion was used for mean organ absorbed dose calculation due to the internal distribution

Results: Results indicate that [188]Re liquid with 100 mCi/ml and [186]Re liquid with 250 mCi/ml can deliver desired dose in the vessel wall to reduce restenosis. The dose ratio in depth of 0.5 mm to surface of vessel wall for [188]Re and [186]Re were 40% and 18%, respectively. Therefore in case of [186]Re, there is a little non-uniformity with respect to the [188]Re case. The delivery of form [186]Re dose to normal tissue around target tissue is less than [188]Re

Conclusion: Use of the Monte Carlo simulation with [188]Re-DTPA and [186]Re-DTPA for intra-vascular brachytherapy is a feasible method of delivering a desired dose to the vessel walls. Although [188]Re-DTPA delivers the desired dose to the target tissue with lower radioactive concentration [mCi/ml], but with the use of [186]Re-DTPA, the delivery dose to normal tissue around the target tissue is less

[Review of Centella asiatica [L.] Urban]

AB-Boshghabi [Centella asiatica] from Apiaceae family, has been used as a traditional herbal medicine in Asiatic countries for hundreds of years. This plant is indigenous to the warmer regions of both hemispheres, including southeast Africa, Asia, Srilanka, the Pacific Islands, Madagascar, Eastern South America, Venezuela, Columbia. It is especially abundant in the swampy areas of India, Iran [around the Anzali lagoon], and Pakistan, Upto an altitude of approximately 700m. This hygrophyte plant is considered as a "vulnerable species" in the Red data book of plant species of Iran. This valuable hygrophyte species has a definitely exclusive habitat around the Anzali lagoon. The major principles are the triterpenes asiatic acid and madecassic acid, and their derived triterpene ester glycosides, asiaticoside and madecassoside. The major clinical indications for the use of centella asiatica in human include the treatment of wounds, venous insufficiency of the limbs, Certain mycobacterial infections and cellulitus. In the present article, we review mainly medicinal aspect of Centella asiatica that hitherto has not received much attention

Correlation of semiquantitative Tc99m- pyrophosphate myocardial SPECT with the quantities of LVEF in determining the extent and intensity of acute MI

This study was performed to evaluate the Tc-pyp SPECT role in determination of AMI severity and extension. Pyp SPECT imaging was done for 54 patients with AMI, who met the WHO criteria. SPECT findings were correlated with LVEF measurements. The abnormal scan was graded according to the intensity and was compared with the activity of the sternum in the same image. In addition, a segmental myocardial model was used for location determination of abnormal tracer uptake. Resting LVEF was determined by 2D echocardiography in each patient 2 weeks after onset of pain. 79 patients had positive pyp SPECT scans. According to pyp uptake intensity, good correlation between severity and extension of pyp uptake and LVEF was seen. These factors can be considered suitable for prognosis estimation in early post AMI period