[Investigating acetylcholinesterase inhibitory effects of some ferula species]

Nowadays, one of the methods for treatment of Alzheimer is using of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors [AChEIs]. Discovering the drugs with better effects and fewer side effects especially from natural sources is the aim of many researchers. In the present investigation, AChEI effects of six Ferula species have been studied. Total extracts of six species of Ferula including F. persica var. persica, F. hezarlalezarica, F. ovina, F. oopoda, F. hirtella and F. szowitsiana were obtained by using methanol 80% and different fractions of the species were prepared by using hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol, methanol 50% and water, respectively with maceration method. AChEI activity of each extract in concentration of 300 micro g/ml was determined by Ellman method in 96 - wells plates in 405 nm. The results revealed that among examined samples, only F. persica var. persica chloroform fraction showed reasonable AChEI activity [27.3%] while other extracts had trace activity or no effect. It seems that relatively non-polar components of F. persica var. persica had AChEI activity. Since, sesquiterpene coumarins are the major compounds in Ferula species, they may be considered as AChEI agents in Ferula persica var. persica, but more investigations are necessary to establish the idea

Physical spatial development: a GIS analysis with emphasis on environmental impacts-case study Nalos city, Iran

Unplanned urban developments have led to changes in uncontrollable urban spatial structure. For this reasons, informed guidance, principle organization and spatial planning are necessary for urban sprawl and development. In this research, different forms of urban development were considered and development basic barriers including rivers, topography, geology, ecological conditions, facilities and industries were determined and the role of each one was surveyed. Development trends that are based on effective parameters especially environmental impacts were modeled with Geographic Information Systems. The quality of urban planning and management can be upgraded when available and valid data are handled in an advanced manner with the aid of Geographic Information Systems. The innovative technology can support planning and decision making by offering relatively quick response on analytical questions and monitoring issues. Experienced expert determined the degree and primacy of urban sprawl and development parameters generally and for nalos case study, these parameters and criteria and their weights were marked, then were modeled with Geographic Information Systems for nalos developments. With using GIS and it capabilities in calculation of land size forecasting for Nalos development and its positioning we could take a step in planning directions such as sustainable development achievements