Composition and Anti-Toxicity Effects of Cichorium intybus Distillate on Serum Antioxidant Status in Carbon Tetrachloride-Treated Rats.

The role of oxidative stress in female fertility is a compelling area for research. According to traditional medicine, Cichorium intybus, known as Kasni, is believed to improve fertility. For this purpose, the effects of C. intybus distillate (CI) on blood antioxidant status were assessed in rats with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced toxicity. The rats were assigned to four experimental groups of Control, CI, CCl4, and CI+CCl410 (n=10 in each group). The level of antioxidant enzymes, such as glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), and catalase (CAT), as well as lipid peroxidation and reduced glutathione (GSH) level, were measured in serum samples. In the second part of the study, the antioxidant activity and phytochemical composition of the hydrodistillate of C. intybus aerial parts were determined by DPPH radical scavenging and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis, respectively. The administration of CCl4 decreased the enzyme activities of GPx, GR, and CAT which were significantly ameliorated after CI administration. The decreased level of serum GSH following CCl4 administration was not considerably elevated in the CI+CCl4 group. Furthermore, the level of malondialdehyde in the serum of CI+CCl4 rats was decreased, compared to the CCl4 group. The main compositions of the essential oil from the C. intybus distillate were the antioxidants of Pulegone (8.10%), Piperitenone (7.68%), dihydroactinidiolide (5.0%), and carvone (4.18%). The antioxidant activity of the distillate was obtained at 75µg/l using the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate) test. In general, the results of the present study demonstrated that C. intybus distillate, as a safe herbal remedy, can attenuate CCl4-induced oxidative damages via boosting the endogenous antioxidant defense system.

Anti-atherogenic properties of Kgengwe (Citrullus lanatus) seed powder in low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout mice are mediated through beneficial alterations in inflammatory pathways.

Kgengwe fruits are commonly consumed in sub-Saharan countries. Recent reports indicated low coronary artery disease rates in those regions. To investigate anti-atherogenic properties and potential mechanisms of action of Kgengwe seed powder (KSP), male low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout (LDL-r-KO) mice were fed with an atherogenic diet supplemented with (treated, n = 10) or without (controls, n = 10) 10% (w/w) KSP for 20 weeks. Proximate analysis revealed that KSP contained 38% fibre and 15% lipids. KSP supplementation was not associated with significant changes in body weight gain rate, food intake, and plasma lipid levels. However, the average atherosclerotic lesion size in the aortic roots in the KSP-treated group was 58% smaller than that in the control group (0.26 vs 0.11 mm2, p < 0.05). This strong anti-atherogenic effect was associated with significant increases in the average plasma levels of certain cytokines such as IL-10 (6 vs 13 pg/mL, p < 0.05), GM-CSF (0.1 vs 0.2 pg/mL, p < 0.05), and EPO (7 vs 16 pg/mL, p < 0.05) along with reductions in the average levels of plasma MCP-1 (19 vs 14 pg/mL, p < 0.05) and MIP-2 (28 vs 13 pg/mL, p < 0.05). Except for relatively high levels of saturated fatty acids, KSP possesses balanced nutrient compositions with strong anti-atherogenic properties, which may be mediated through alterations in inflammatory pathways. Additional studies warrant confirmation and mechanism(s) of action of such effects. Novelty: Kgengwe seeds prevent atherogenesis in LDL-r-KO mice. Kgengwe seeds increase circulating levels of IL-10 and EPO. No reduction in plasma total cholesterol levels.

Paromomycin-loaded mannosylated chitosan nanoparticles: Synthesis, characterization and targeted drug delivery against leishmaniasis.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is the most common form of leishmaniasis caused by different species of Leishmania parasites. The emergence of resistance, toxicity, long term treatment, high cost of the current drugs, and intracellular nature of the parasite are the major difficulties for the treatment of leishmaniasis. Although the therapeutic effect of paromomycin (PM) on leishmaniasis has been investigated in different studies, it has a low oral absorption and short half-life, leading to a decreased drug efficacy. Therefore, new and targeted carriers with no such problems are needed. In the present study, PM was loaded into chitosan (CS) nanoparticles accompanied by targeting to macrophages (as the host of Leishmania parasite). PM-loaded into mannosylated CS (MCS) nanoparticles using dextran (PM-MCS-dex-NPs) was prepared by ionic gelation and then characterized. The particle size and zeta potential of PM-MCS-dex-NPs were obtained as 246 nm and +31 mV, respectively. Mannosylation of CS was qualitatively evaluated by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and quantitatively measured by CHNO elemental analysis; also, a mannosylation level of 17% (w) was attained. Encapsulation efficiency (EE), drug release profile, and THP-1 cell uptake potential were determined. A value of 83.5% for EE and a higher release rate in acidic media were achieved. THP-1 cell uptake level of PM-MCS-dex-NPs after 6 h was ˜2.8 and ˜3.9 times of non-mannosylated CS nanoparticles (PM-CS-dex-NPs) and PM aqueous solution, respectively. In vitro cell cytotoxicity and promastigote and amastigote viabilities were evaluated by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Half-maximal inhibitory concentration values toward the THP-1 cells for PM aqueous solution, Glucantim, PM-CS-dex-NPs, and PM-MCS-dex-NPs after 48 h were obtained as 1846 ±â€¯158, 1234 ±â€¯93, 784 ±â€¯52 and 2714 ±â€¯126 µg mL-1, respectively. Half-maximal inhibitory concentration values toward the promastigotes for PM aqueous solution, Glucantim, PM-CS-dex-NPs, and PM-MCS-dex-NPs after 48 h were obtained as 105.0 ±â€¯14.0, 169.5 ±â€¯9.8, 65.8 ±â€¯7.3 and 17.8 ±â€¯1.0 µg mL-1, respectively. Selectivity (therapeutic) indices for PM aqueous solution, Glucantim, PM-CS-dex-NPs and PM-MCS-dex-NPs after 48 h were obtained as 24.6, 17.5, 3.7 and 214, respectively. The parasite burden in THP-1 cells after 48 h treatment with PM aqueous solution, Glucantim, PM-CS-dex-NPs, and PM-MCS-dex-NPs at a typical concentration of 20 µg mL-1 were 71.78, 69.94, 83.14 and 33.41%, respectively. While the effect of PM-CS-dex-NPs was more salient on amastigotes, PM-MCS-dex-NPs effectively affected both stages of the parasite, especially the amastigote one. This indicated that the mannosylated formulation acts as a targeted delivery system. The findings of this study revealed that this novel targeted formulation represented a strong anti-leishmanial activity.

Paromomycin-loaded mannosylated chitosan nanoparticles: Synthesis, characterization and targeted drug delivery against leishmaniasis.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is the most common form of leishmaniasis caused by different species of Leishmania parasites. The emergence of resistance, toxicity, long term treatment, high cost of the current drugs, and intracellular nature of the parasite are the major difficulties for the treatment of leishmaniasis. Although the therapeutic effect of paromomycin (PM) on leishmaniasisLeishmania parasite). PM-loaded into mannosylated CS (MCS) nanoparticles using dextran (PM-MCS-dex-NPs) was prepared by ionic gelation and then characterized. The particle size and Zeta potential of PM-MCS-dex-NPs were obtained as 246 nm and + 31 mV, respectively. Mannosylation of CS was qualitatively evaluated by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and quantitatively measured by CHNO elemental analysis; also, a mannosylation level of 17% (w) was attained. Encapsulation efficiency (EE), drug release profile, and THP-1 cell uptake potential were determined. A value of 83.5% for EE and a higher release rate in acidic media were achieved. THP-1 cell uptake level of PM-MCS-dex-NPs after 6 h was ˜2.8 and ˜3.9 times of non-mannosylated CS nanoparticles (PM-CS-dexIn vitroGlucantim, PM-CS-dex-NPs, and PM-MCS-dex-NPs after 48 h were obtained as 1846 ±â€¯158, 1234 ±â€¯93, 784 ±â€¯52 and 2714 ±â€¯126 µg mL-1Glucantim, PM-CS-dex-NPs, and PM-MCS-dex-NPs after 48 h were obtained as 105.0 ±â€¯14.0, 169.5 ±â€¯9.8, 65.8 ±â€¯7.3 and 17.8 ±â€¯1.0 µg mL-1Glucantim, PM-CS-dex-NPs and PM-MCS-dexGlucantim, PM-CS-dex-NPs, and PM-MCS-dex-NPs at a typical concentration of 20 µg mL-1 were 71.78, 69.94, 83.14 and 33.41%, respectively. While the effect of PM-CS-dex-NPs was more salient on amastigotes, PM-MCS-dex-NPs effectively affected both stages of the parasite, especially the amastigote one. This indicated that the mannosylated formulation acts as a targeted delivery system. The findings of this study revealed that this novel targeted formulation represented a strong anti-leishmanial activity.

A dynamical model for the number of infertile couples.

In this paper a dynamic model is suggested in order to predict treatment results for infertility of couples. For this purpose, five basic groups of couples are examined. These groups are: susceptible couples, patient couples, couples under treatment taking medicine only, those under treatment using surgery and cured ones. The main aim is to find an asymptotically stable free equilibrium point for this model. The method benefits from scrutinizing the dynamical model deeply. We show that there is another equilibrium point that is not signed stable. In addition, we solve this model numerically via Rung-Kutta method and sketch appropriate graphs for the solutions thus obtained.

Reviving near infra-red emission of Ag2 S nanoparticles using interfacial defects in the Ag2 S@CdS core-shell structure.

Ag2 S@CdS core-shell particles were synthesized with different Cd source content as a measure of shell thickness using a pulsed microwave irradiation method. The particles were verified structurally using X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray analysis and transmission electron microscopy. Optical spectroscopy revealed that core-shells show an absorption peak at 750 nm and an emission peak located around 800 nm after 6 min of microwave irradiation. With continued microwave treatment, the NIR luminescence first vanished but it was revived after 12 min of irradiation, which was 100 nm red shifted. This new type of NIR emission in Ag2 S with sizes greater than 5 nm is due to the proximity of a highly deficient CdS shell with strong red emission that was stable for more than 6 months in water. A mechanism has been suggested for this type of emission.

Experimental data on compressive strength and durability of sulfur concrete modified by styrene and bitumen.

In this data article experimental data on the compressive strength, and the durability of styrene and bitumen modified sulfur concrete against acidic water and ignition are presented. The percent of the sulfur cement and the gradation of the aggregates used are according to the ACI 548.2R-93 and ASTM 3515 respectively. For the styrene modified sulfur concrete different percentages of styrene are used. Also for the bitumen modified sulfur concrete, different percentages of bitumen and the emulsifying agent (triton X-100) are utilized. From each batch three 10×10×10 cm cubic samples were casted. One of the samples was used for the compressive strength on the second day of casting, and one on the twenty-eighth day. Then the two samples were put under the high pressure flame of the burning liquid gas for thirty seconds and their ignition resistances were observed. The third sample was put into the acidic water and after twenty eight days immersion in water was dried in the ambient temperature. After drying its compressive strength has been evaluated.

CdSe and CdSe/CdS core-shell QDs: New approach for synthesis, investigating optical properties and application in pollutant degradation.

In this work, CdSe quantum dots (QDs) were synthesized by a simple and rapid microwave activated approach using CdSO4 , Na2 SeO3 as precursors and thioglycolic acid (TGA) as capping agent molecule. A novel photochemical approach was introduced for the growth of CdS QDs and this approach was used to grow a CdS shell around CdSe cores for the formation of a CdSe/CdS core-shell structure. The core-shells were structurally verified using X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR)) spectroscopy. The optical properties of the samples were examined by means of UV-Vis and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. It was found that CdS QDs emit a broad band white luminescence between 400 to 700 nm with a peak located at about 510 nm. CdSe QDs emission contained a broad band resulting from trap states between 450 to 800 nm with a peak located at 600 nm. After CdS shell growth, trap states emission was considerably quenched and a near band edge emission was appeared about 480 nm. Optical studies revealed that the core-shell QDs possess strong ultraviolet (UV) - visible light photocatalytic activity. CdSe/CdS core-shell QDs, showed an enhancement in photodegradation of Methyl orange (MO) compared with CdSe QDs.

Synthesis of ZnSe and ZnSe:Cu quantum dots by a room temperature photochemical (UV-assisted) approach using Na2 SeO3 as Se source and investigating optical properties.

In this study, ZnSe and ZnSe:Cu quantum dots (QDs) were synthesized using Na2 SeO3 as the Se source by a rapid and room temperature photochemical (UV-assisted) approach. Thioglycolic acid (TGA) was employed as the capping agent and UV illumination activated the chemical reactions. Synthesized QDs were successfully characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), photoluminescence (PL) and UV-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). XRD analysis demonstrated the cubic zinc blend phase QDs. TEM images indicated that round-shaped particles were formed, most of which had a diameter of about 4 nm. The band gap of the ZnSe QDs was higher than that for ZnSe in bulk. PL spectra indicated an emission with three peaks related to the excitonic, surface trap states and deep level (DL) states. The band gap and QD emission were tunable only by UV illumination time during synthesis. ZnSe:Cu showed green emission due to transition of electrons from the Conduction band (CB) or surface trap states to the 2 T2 acceptor levels of Cu2+ . The emission was increased by increasing the Cu2+ ion concentration, such that the optimal value of PL intensity was obtained for the nominal mole ratio of Cu:Zn 1.5%.

Association of CagPAI integrity with severeness of Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with gastritis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The Helicobacter pylori cag pathogenicity island (cagPAI) is involved in delivery of CagA effector protein and peptidoglycan into host cells and also in IL-8 induction in the human gastric tissue. Diversity of cagPAI may affect disease status and clinical outcome of the infected patients. Our study was aimed to investigate diversity of this island and its intactness in Iranian patients to investigate possible associations between cagPAI integrity and pathological changes of the infected tissue. MATERIAL/PATIENTS AND METHODS: Out of the 75 patients, H. pylori strains were obtained from 30 patients with severe active gastritis (SAG) (n=11), moderate chronic gastritis (CG) (n=14) and intestinal metaplasia/dysplasia (IM) (n=5). Intactness of the cagPAI was determined using 12 sets of primer pairs specific for functionally important loci of cagPAI by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: The cagPAI positive strains were significantly observed in patients with SAG (52.4%) in comparison to those presenting CG (33.3%) and IM (14.3%). In addition, the presence of intact cagPAI was 87.5% in H. pylori strains isolated from patients with SAG, which was higher than those obtained from patients with CG (12.5%) or IM (0%). A significant increase in the frequency of cagα-cagY and cagW-cagT segments, as exterior proteins of the CagPAI, was illustrated in strains from SAG patients compared with those from patients with CG. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, these results strongly proposed an association between the severity of histopathological changes and intactness of cagPAI in the gastric tissue of patients infected with H. pylori.

Intestinal leishmaniasis in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

In endemic regions, visceral leishmaniasis is one of the most common opportunistic infections in HIV positive patients. Simultaneous infection with Leishmania and HIV has been reported in some countries but this is the first report of such a case in Iran. Our patient was a 27 years old man with intermittent night fever, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, vomiting, watery diarrhea and severe weight loss for 6 months. He had low socio-economic status with an imprisonment history. The patient was quite cachectic and had low grade fever. Physical exam and upper GI endoscopy revealed oropharyngeal candidiasis. Microscopic evaluation of duodenal biopsy material showed Leishmania amastigotes in macrophages of lamina propria. Leishman bodies were also observed in bone marrow aspiration specimen. Serologic tests were positive for Leishmania infantum. HIV antibody was also positive with a CD4+cell count of 80/µl. The diagnosis was acquired immunodeficiency syndrome with simultaneous visceral leishmaniasis involving intestinal mucosa.

Gentamicin-attenuated Leishmania infantum: cellular immunity production and protection of dogs against experimental canine leishmaniasis.

An attenuated line of Leishmania infantum (L. infantum H-line) has been established by culturing promastigotes in vitro under gentamicin pressure. Here, we show that L. infantum H-line induced significantly higher levels of IFN-γ and lower levels of IL-10 compared with those in dogs infected with L. infantum wild type (WT). Anti-Leishmania-specific total IgG, IgG1, and IgG2 antibodies were present in the serum of all infected dogs, with levels of IgG2 subclass highest in the sera of dogs inoculated with L. infantum H-line. Relatively high levels of IgG1 were found in the sera of dogs infected with L. infantum WT. Six of seven dogs immunized intradermally (i.d.) with the attenuated line later showed a positive skin test to leishmanin, whereas the dogs infected with L. infantum WT did not. No clinical abnormalities were observed, and no parasites found in the visceral organs of the dogs inoculated intravenously (i.v.) with L. infantum H-line over 24 months post-inoculation. Dogs which had been immunized with L. infantum H-line i.d. 12 months previously were protected against challenge with L. infantum WT. These data suggest that the L. infantum H-line was safe and induced a protection which is correlated with cellular immunity in dogs.

Celiac disease and Hp infection association in Iran

Background: we assessed the prevalence, the related symptoms, and the endoscopic and histologic gastric features of celiac disease (CD) in patients with Helicobacter pylori (Hp).Methods: 450 dyspeptic patients were studied. Biopsies of gastric antrum and duodenum, CD serology, and total IgA were obtained. Histological findings were scored with the Marsh-Rostami criteria. Results: 411 (91.3%) patients were Hp positive. Duodenal histology was normal in 385 (85.6%) patients, 124 (27.5%) had duodenitis and 28 (6.2%) showed duodenal abnormalities (Marsh I-IIIc). Twenty three/28 (82.1%) patients with malabsorption pattern were also Hp positive. Serological analysis: 12 of 31 (38.7%) positive patients had abnormal histology (Marsh I,-IIIc). Nine out 450 patients were IgA deficient; none of them was serologically positive for CD. Conclusion: although a high prevalence of Hp infection was found in this study, the relationship between Hp infection and C D was similar to that reported in other geographic areas(AU)

The efficacy of Helicobacter pylori eradication regimen with and without vitamin C supplementation.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin C in gastric juice and in vitro has been shown to inhibit the growth of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). AIMS: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of addition of vitamin C to eradication regimen on H. pylori eradication rate. PATIENTS: This randomised controlled clinical trial was conducted on 312 patients with H. pylori infection who had referred to the Taleghani Research Center of Gastroenterology and Liver Disease. METHODS: Patients were randomly divided into two groups. Group A patients (162 patients) received amoxicillin 1g and metronidazole 500 mg b.i.d., bismuth 240 mg b.i.d. and omeprazole 40 mg q.i.d. in two divided doses. Patients in group B (150 patients) received the same regimen plus 500 mg vitamin C per day. All patients received therapy for 2 weeks. Four weeks later all patients underwent urea breath test and results were compared. RESULTS: A total of 140 patients in group A and 141 in group B completed the study. On intention-to-treat analysis 48.8% of patients in group A in comparison to 78% in group B responded to eradication therapy and had negative urea breath test (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Addition of vitamin C to H. pylori treatment regimen of amoxicillin, metronidazole and bismuth can significantly increases H. pylori eradication rate.

Celiac disease and Hp infection association in Iran.

BACKGROUND: we assessed the prevalence, the related symptoms, and the endoscopic and histologic gastric features of celiac disease (CD) in patients with Helicobacter pylori (Hp). METHODS: 450 dyspeptic patients were studied. Biopsies of gastric antrum and duodenum, CD serology, and total IgA were obtained. Histological findings were scored with the Marsh-Rostami criteria. RESULTS: 411 (91.3%) patients were Hp positive. Duodenal histology was normal in 385 (85.6%) patients, 124 (27.5%) had duodenitis and 28 (6.2%) showed duodenal abnormalities (Marsh I-IIIc). Twenty three/28 (82.1%) patients with malabsorption pattern were also Hp positive. Serological analysis: 12 of 31 (38.7%) positive patients had abnormal histology (Marsh I,-IIIc). Nine out 450 patients were IgA deficient; none of them was serologically positive for CD. CONCLUSION: although a high prevalence of Hp infection was found in this study, the relationship between Hp infection and CD was similar to that reported in other geographic areas.

Assessment of lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase and aspartate aminotransferase activities in cow's milk as an indicator of subclinical mastitis.

This study examined the activities of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in the milk of lactating Holstein cows in association with subclinical mastitis (SCM). A total of 94 milk samples were collected from 58 lactating dairy cows representing stages of lactation from the second to the tenth week after calving. Those which were classified as positive by California mastitis test (CMT) were deemed to have subclinical mastitis. All the milk samples were skimmed by centrifugation at 10 000g at 0 degrees C and were used for enzyme activities estimations. The mean activities of LDH and ALP were higher in the milk from udders with SCM than in the milk from healthy udders (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in AST values. The maximum agreement rates between the CMT results and LDH and ALP values were seen at thresholds of > 180 IU/L and > 40 IU/L respectively (kappa values 0.65 and 0.79, respectively). However, the sensitivity of the tests for identifying SCM at these thresholds was higher for ALP (96.4%) than for LDH (68.5%). In this study, LDH and ALP tests were standardized for cow's milk and results showed that only the ALP test was reliable in the early diagnosis of subclinical mastitis.

Experimental reconstruction of teat mucosa by vestibular mucosal graft in cows. A histopathologic and radiographic study.

Injuries to the teat in dairy cows can result in partial or complete obstruction of the teat lumen. Different treatment techniques have been used to restore normal function in injured teats, one of which is autogenous mucosal grafts. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the vestibular mucosa as a replacement for teat mucosa in severe teat injuries. Sixteen teats of four healthy, mature, non-gravid Jersey cows were randomly divided into two equal groups. Under high epidural analgesia and after surgical preparation a 1 x 1.5 cm piece of teat mucosa was removed. In group 1, the defect was replaced by a 2 x 2.5 cm vestibular mucosa, whereas in group 2, the defect was left open. In both groups, a sterile disposable teat cannula was inserted into the teat cistern following surgery. To evaluate luminal diameter, double contrast radiography with constant air pressure was performed every 25 days till day 125, after which the animals were slaughtered and teats removed for histopathological study (H&E staining). On the basis of radiographic examination, luminal narrowing in group 2 was significantly more severe than in group 1. Histopathologically, the entire mucosal grafts of group 1 were taken and a good adhesion could be seen between the graft and the host epithelium. In group 2, severe submucosal fibrosis and mucosal papilloid hyperplasia resulted in severe narrowing of the teat cistern. According to the results of this study, it can be concluded that using vestibular mucosal grafts with temporary insertion of teat cannula can be considered as a method of treating teat mucosal injuries.